Category: Travel and Adventure

The Reclining Buddha- Phra Buddha Sai Yat

By livelifeandlove on October 29, 2024

During our Thailand trip, we visited several temples and witnessed Buddhas in various postures including the standing, sitting, walking and reclining Buddha. There is an enormous Reclining Buddha image at this temple which is regarded as one of the most significant in Buddhist history .

Reclining Buddha Sai Yat Phra Buddha in Ayutthaya, Thailand

The huge statue of Reclining Buddha is the representation of Buddha lying on his side with expression of calmness and contentment look shortly before he entered afterlife. In the latter stages of his sickness, it shows the historical Buddha on his way to of parinirvana.

Wat Lokaya Sutha’sreclining Buddha underwent significant restoration in 1954 resulting in its current stage. The Reclining Buddha image measures 42 meters from head to toe and 8 meters high oriented with its face facing west and head pointing to the north, Buddhas head is supported by lotus flowers. One foot of the buddha on top of the other perfectly straight angle to the other foot, all Buddhas toes are of similar length. There are evidence of 24 Octagon shaped brick pillars encircling the Buddha image showing it was once enclosed by a viharn. The Reclining Buddha image is usually wrapped in brightly colored orange cloth but wasn’t the case when we visited.There is a small altar beside where visitors can make offerings but there was no orange cloth.

Wat Lokaya Sutha is a reconstructed temple ruin located in the Pratu Chai Sub-district’s Ayutthaya Historical Park, west of Bueng Phra Ram. It is part of the park with three reconstructed ruins. It is situated straight west of the royal palace. The site can be easily accessed through the western side of Khlong Tho.

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is to hire a taxi or tuk tuk if you are in Ayutthaya or you can join a group tour or a guided day trip from Bangkok.

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The Best Places to Take Pictures of the Iconic Mt. Fuji

By livelifeandlove on September 18, 2024

During the booking process for our trip to Japan, we planned to visit the iconic Mt. Fuji as the first tourist attraction to be visited but since arriving in Osaka, we have preferred Nara Park and nearby attractrions in the area. When we moved to Tokyo five days later, we favored visiting Mt Fuji, which is only an hour drive away from Tokyo to Chureito Pagoda Arakura Sengen Park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, it was our primary objective anyway.

Although Japan has countless beautiful attractions, time is a prime factor that you may need to pick the best to be your first priority however, when we had our objectives met, the highlight of each day tour was the landmarks in and around Japan.

The tallest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji, is well-known for its volcanic cone. I have taken pictures of Mount Fuji in various locations throughout Japan. It never ceases to be breathtaking and amazing from any viewpoint, even in the winter. However, it is not always visible because the clouds can sometimes obscure the view, we were fortunate on the day we visited, it was clearly visible.

Are you looking for the best spot to photograph Mt. Fuji? I will give you the best recommendations on the best places to capture the beauty of Mt. Fuji. Let me show you some photos of the Iconic Mt. Fuji taken from various locations throughout Japan.

Remarkable Pictures of Mt. Fuji Captured in Various Locations

Note:The main purpose of this blog is to share the best locations for photographing the Iconic Mt. Fuji.

Chureito Pagoda

(Perched atop a hill in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Arakurayama Sengen Park stands the five-story Chureito Pagoda)

This is the first location when I first captured the view of Mt. Fuji when we visited this pagoda. To get to the observation deck, we had to ascend 398 steps, which may seem challenging, but it was quite easy because it is winter, and the cold motivates me to succeed.

It was increasingly enjoyable to capture photos up there and climbing is worthwhile. Efforts pay off as it gets progressively better.

Fujiten Snow Resort

(Fujisan, Narusawa-Mura, Minamitsuru-Gun, Yamanashi-Ken)

Located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, Fujiten Snow Resort is a small ski resort at the northern foot of Mount Fuji. Just right in front of Mt. Fuji.

On a clear winter, the views are jaw dropping. This is the full panoramic view of Mt. Fuji against a snowy landscape, a stunning wide postcard style of Mt. Fuji captured from the observation deck.

Lake Kamaguchiko

(Yamanashi Prefecture)

Lake Kawaguchiko is the main entry point to this well-known lake, the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes. Among the greatest locations for close-up photos of Mount Fuji, the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji amid a landscape of water.

I also managed to get different perspectives of the mountain set against different backdrops. Additionally, the famous viewpoint with the lake in the background is the best place to take photos of Mount Fuji. Observing the ducks and their ducklings swim on water is an additional wonderful experience as well as the stunning birds that circle and wade in the sky is another amazing sight.

Every location I’ve seen and experienced in Japan. It is among the greatest locations and a top pick because it is nice and clean, safe, cozy, and serenely quiet. It should come as no surprise that a lot of tourists travel to Japan, there are just too many things to do and places to explore.

Everyday will be a different story, you’ll find an exotic charm and unexpected surprises for the visitors. We made sure to visit every destination on our itinerary, and it was rewarding to see each one in all its glory. We had a fantastic time and came home with a ton of great memories from the trip.

Wintertime Tips> Before you explore outdoors, make sure you are scout ready to load up your winter essentials

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Goodnight Fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Magnificent Sunset in Japan

By livelifeandlove on June 10, 2024

In the midst of chasing the sunset, I could’t resist the desire to take a picture of this stunning sunset near Osaka Castle, a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. As part of our itinirary on our second day, we visited Osaka castle in the afternoon and stayed for an hour for family photo shoots, I was a delighted to see the sun setting and seized the opportunity to capture it.

Sunset occurs when the sun disappears below the western horizon creating a more vivid sky. Viewed from everywhere on earth, it is a phenomenon that occurs approximately once every 24 hours.

A reflection of red, blue, yellow, cool blues and purples create vibrant colors in the sky. It’s wintertime here and it prolongs the show of colors dispersing with an extended period of gorgeous hues in the sky, however, the sunset is not complete without the clouds above which is an important component of a sunset.

As you pass by and see the sunset, stop what you are doing for a moment to enjoy the sky show and take in the spectacle.

Initially, I was unsure of what the sunset I photographed was exactly, I’m uncertain as to what it turned out to be. My fingers were trembling from the cold, the temperature dropped so significantly during the extremely cold winter that I ended up having to wear handgloves which made it difficult to adjust my camera. Finally, It was a bit of a good result from my photography shots, a postcard worthy sunset and I hope you’ll like them..

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Goodnight fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Gorgeous Winter Sunset in Japan

By livelifeandlove on May 6, 2024

It was winter when we visited Japan. That day, it was on our itinerary to visit Fujiten Snow Resort, we stayed there for short hours, as we are about to depart, it was getting dusk, it was about sunset time and promptly caught my attention the moment i saw the sun descending on the horizon. I never thought I would get a chance to witness and capture such a beautiful winter sunset. Fortunately, it provides memorable recollections as a momento of Jujiten, a good souvenir to recall as Fujiten is one of the top destinations we visited throughout our Japan tour.

Stunning sunset blues over the snowland. Freezing but captivating. All that glitter glows, beautiful golden blues and ice colours of winter sunset resonate in the cold. Sunset photos taken at the foot just in front of Mt. Fuji located at the first station Narusawa Village on the northern foothills of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Thank you fellas for reading my blog! Goodnight!

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Peking Garden Serves the Best Peking Duck in the City

By livelifeandlove on December 13, 2023

At Peking Garden Greenbelt 5 Ayala Center Makati city, we celebrated the 90th birthday of my aunt Conchita with family, relatives and close friends. The fine dining hosted for more than 50 people, we all occupied 5 round tables leaving one table for food platform. The food was served at 7:30 as guests began to arrive as early as 7 in the evening allowing time for conversation and getting to know each other.

Prayers before meals was offered to thank God for our blessings.The birthday music (Chinese version) playing in the background to match the birthday celebration.The celebration brings family members, relatives and special friends closer together on the table, not only on this occasion but to every event. All the guests elegantly dressed in red and that includes me.This kind of gathering serves as a good bonding for us, helps us to strengthen relationship and connections especially to the business group.

For family celebrations, we normally had dinner in a closed-door room to ensure our own privacy. Scent of good food surrounds us, we are surrounded by the aroma of delicious cuisine throughout the evening. No significant Chinese occasion would be considered complete without an abundance of delectable cuisine involved. There was enough food served and mouthwatering. Awesome! It was an evening with a well balanced meal that contains all necessary nutrients. It not a fatty dishes, not even hot or spicy.

The birthday menu checklist, best selection of favorites are rare treats, variety of Chinese dishes contains low in calories and fats. Obviously, an expensive choices. The soothing effect of all seafood is irresistible so with the signature dish, the ”Peking Duck” How else to explain the sight of good food that gives such a burst of appetite.The presence of more favorites gives more excitement to eat. It’a an oriental feast!

Elegant and beautiful setting

Peking Garden Restaurant

The 90th birthday of my aunt is a significant milestone in one’s life, it is frequently marked by a grand celebration. In general, the older the person the larger the celebration.

The beautiful celebrant, Aunt Conchita cutting her birthday cake.

Birthday cheers and singing the birthday song. While the guests were enjoying, the menu goes a long way creating a good mood. The assortment of food becomes the focal point here. The 12 courses meal, a selection of Chinese specialties. You can see from the menu itself. Yum! I love this food, some are my favorites…

Lively look on the table,sparkling and superb! Everything was arranged oriental style. It’s a 12 courses meal for the celebration. Lets get started,this is such a long list of courses up to 12 and one vegetable salad not on list, that makes it 13-course meal all in all!

Vegetable salad complimented the meal. The best starter going to the main course.

Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom

In Chinese culture, the custom of eating noodles are thought to bring luck and long life so, everybody must eat noodles served for longer life. My appreciation for all courses, I was trying to get a picture perfect for the first course. The first course, it’s a Birthday Misua with Shrimp and Mushroom.

The 2nd course is a Doubled-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood. It is clear and tasty. Why clear? well, you don’t see any tiny floating particles, totally clean and clear! Winter melon was considered to be healthy, nourishing and cleansing to the body.

For me, a delicious soup is when you bring up the total hotness of natural flavor of seafood and vegetables.

Each round table is good for 12 guests and to every table, one Broiled-Winter Melon Soup bowl each. What a huge and heavy shell. It’s just perfect enough for 12 people. You can see the assorted seafood individual bowl down there, nourishing and full of flavor. The 4 empty wintermelon shell which serves as a serving dish for the soup.

In a small bowl, it is hot and delicious.It gives specific taste as it is appealing.

The 3rd course is Peking Duck, the restaurant signature dish. Peking duck can be prepared in a number of ways. In spite of the variety of specialties, the Peking duck still remains the favorite dish of the night.

In here, it is served two-ways, you can see below as details shown on photos and the other one is Minced duck with Fresh Lettuce.

The crispy skin of Peking Duck with a stalk of spring onion. How to wrap a Peking Duck? Click this link

Cutting the Peking duck breast in thin slices

The clever way of dividing into pieces. Thin flesh of Peking duck carefully arranged in a circular shape following the edge of the plate.

The duck flesh at the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the plate or vice versa.

Strips of Peking duck served with tortilla, stalks of spring onions and Hoisin sauce.

The whole Peking Duck is a special treat for all of us, full of flavor and deliciously fragrant. It’s addicting, once you start eating it, you just can’t stop, you want more and soon craving to eat again.

The 4th course is Deep Fried Almond Prawns.

Prawns breaded with thin almonds.The perfect match.

The 5th course is Braised Sliced Abalone with Vegetables

Pretty Oh so good! The sparkling abalone is tender and tasty. The fresh green color of the vegetables was completely preserved maintaining vegetables green color and nutritive value.

The 6th course is Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White

Whole Lapu-lapu with Scramble Egg White served on a big oval platter, looks deliciously elegant.

The 7th course is Sauteed French Bean with Minced Garlic. The only vegetable being served aside from the salad, preserving the fresh green color, it is sweet and crisp.

The 8th course is Golden Crabs with Salted Egg

The 9th course is Minced Duck with Fresh Lettuce

The Minced duck serves with iceberg lettuce cup and Hoisin sauce. It’s an iceberg lettuce wrap.

The 10th course is Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling.

Steamed Supreme Soup and Pork Dumpling, something that will suit your taste.

Champagne Moët & Chandon, French champagne appropriate for the event. The world’s most loved French champagne.

Cheers! Happiness and good health for everyone! Long life for aunt Conchita!

The 11th and 12th courses are desserts; Birthday Bun and Chilled Mango Shake with Sago. I’ve missed to photographed the last one.

Sweet dessert, the Birthday Bun, What’s inside the Birthday Bun? A sweet bean paste.

This is my plate. How good is that? Always on the go for my favorite choice! My appetite grows stronger for food, after the first bite and another bite leads to another bite, there seem to be more…

Bravo ! Highlight of the evening’s entertainment was a special number,violin solo rendition by Jason Gan.( one of Aunt Conchita’s grandchildren) The audience were all quiet as excited to hear the musical piece. Jason’s twin sister a lovely girl, Daniela, check photo above beside Aunt Conchita.

Other photos taken during the celebration. You will see here all the guests who flocked to the elegant and fabulous evening gathering; family members, relatives and special friends. It was a celebration full of laughter and excitement. The birthday treat is a blessing and sign of thoughtfulness. Thank you so much aunt Conchita!

Peking Garden Restaurant specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine. When we have celebrations, we usually host them here, we are frequent customers at this restaurant, whatever dish was ordered, it was always excellent and the ambiance made you feel comfortable while dining.

I’d like to give a round of applause to all foods served on the list item. I would like to thank the chefs for all the dishes that are offered. Congratulations and Best wishes!

Peking Garden offers package rates for private functions and special events

For updates and more information

Peking Garden 4/L Greenbelt 5 Phase 2, Ayala Center, Makati City

Contact Numbers: (02) 729-0567, (02) 729-0719

Thank you Fellas for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Mali, the Saddest Elephant Dies after Decades of Solitary Confinement

By livelifeandlove on December 5, 2023

The only elephant in the Phils and one of my favorite photographic subjects has passed away. Mali, aged 43- 49 sometimes referred to as Vishwa Ma’ali, a popular attraction at the Manila Zoo passed away November 28, 2023, at 3:45 PM at the Manila Zoo. She was the first captive elephant in the Philippines to have lived in solitary confinement for more than 40 years. Mali, a Sri Lankan elephant was given to the Manila City Government in 1981 but later became a zoo attraction, you can only imagine how difficult life would be inside the cage in solitary confinement. I was sorry to hear of her loss.

I was one of the activists who advocated for her release so that she may go to safety living a free life. My dream for Mali is to have a free life connecting with other elephants. It was really a lonely existence living inside the cage, the elephant sanctuary ought to have been the ideal place for her to call her home. My hopes have been shattered that she’ s no longer with us now, she’s gone…

Mali and I had a particular bond and I frequently visited her at the Manila Zoo. She was also one of my favorite photography subjects and featured on my blogs a couple of times. I remember from my previous blog post featuring Mali, I took a picture of her against the setting sun. It was a dramatic photograph of an elephant with a sunset backdrop, it was a relatively rare shot.

I went to look over our old images and tears rolled down my cheeks. I lost a dear friend who always gave me her beautiul glance. My dearest Mali, thank you for the lovely photographs. I will always remember you. My final farewell, and may you rest in peace…

Note: Now that the elephant cage is empty and prepared to host the next generation, what about housing humans there? Simply choose the appropriate person to experience what Mali has gone through in captivity.

My apologies! I’m only exercising my right to free speech in the Philippines, which is a democratic country.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Small Dog Halloween Costume Ideas

By livelifeandlove on November 10, 2023

Like the vast majority of pet owners, I like to dress up my four-year-old Coton de tulear, whom I call Frosty. I always have a number of outfits on hand, one for every occasion, and I’m currently trying on rehearsal outfits in order to determine which one he likes most in terms of comfort. The best part about dressing my fur baby is that it makes it super easy for me to dress him up because he already exhibits naturally friendly behavior and will approach me quickly when he is disturbed. I’m here to showcase the benefit of having an outfit rehearsal prior to the event. You can simply reject and select the best option for him.

Others say that dressing up dogs is a form of animal cruelty but we now live in a modern world where people treat animals like their own children. As long as you know your limitations when dressing your pet, they should not be too tight that they restrict movements. Online shopping becomes challenging at times. While I prefer that Frosty wear light clothing on our daily walks in the park but when we visit a pet-friendly mall, I usually dress him in a little bit more clothing to keep him warm.

I’d like to share a couple photos of my furry pet dressed up for Halloween. It appears that I’m more excited than him since I’m a fur parent. Some dogs enjoy wearing costumes, while others do not. Based on his appearance in these photos, you’ll know, or you can tell, which one is comfortable based purely on what he looks like in the picture. So, let’s get started!

Vampire Costume is a dramatic black cape with a red lining. Frosty also looks like a great magician.

Frosty with a rabbit headband, it seems like she’s going for a winter walk but it looks quite lovely.

Frosty wearing a baseball hat with an ear holes sunscreen.

This is an Anime dog costume, a cosplay spotlight.

Dinosaur outfit for Frosty. This type of outfit is a major no-no for Frosty, he will get heatstroke in this kind of outfit.

In this outfit, my dog looks like a dwarf. Turning a cute dog into a dwarf is not okay! Lol!

Pretty lovely with his orange cone and headband.

Frosty appears more relaxed in this headband without the body wrap.

The orange cone shape is just as pretty cool.

Frosty with an antlers skull cap.

So, what are your thoughts on dressing up pets? What are your opinions on pets wearing costumes? Dressing up your fur baby expresses affection and a pleasurable experience comes along adoring your baby in clothing is a joyful and affectionate gesture. I won’t stop here, more to come next time.

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Goodnight Fellas

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure | Uncategorized

Before and After Renovation – Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat

By livelifeandlove on October 15, 2023

Initially, this is the old picture of Our Lady of Piat Basilica taken 6 years ago.

The new facade of Our Lady of Piat Basilica

Heralding the modernity and passage of art, many view this impressive architectural design. The new face of Our Lady of Piat Basilica has transformed into a modern revival of a classical Romanesque architecture.

The overall view before and after the renovation Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat

The entry door of Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat

Note: I took these photos when I returned home to attend the town festival.

The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat is one of the twenty-one Basilicas in the Philippines. Northern Luzon’s most visited church and a pilgrimage site located in Piat, Cagayan (Philippines) It is best known for housing the 16^th century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary along being known as the “Black Virgin Mary” due to its dark- brownish skin.

This Marian image is the Patroness of the province and the Mother of Cagayan. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees flocked to the Basilica, believing in its miracles and many impossible wishes were fulfilled.

Note:

I’m from Piat. I mentioned this in my previous blog, “My hometown, my birthplace Piat Cagayan.” My hometown Piat is a small but peaceful town that combines natural beauty, culture, and tradition. This small town is an ideal place for people to live in harmony with the beauty of nature…

Writing about my hometown is part of my dedication and these are the moments I remember most while I was there. For me, it is the most authentic way to bring back a piece of homeland, I mean the most beautiful way to recall memories.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Over the Rainbow

By livelifeandlove on October 11, 2023

A rainbow crosses a section of a lovely farm in Solana Cagayan. On the way from Tuguegarao back to Piat I took this photo. This hand-held photo captures the splendor of nature from a greater distance. Rare spectacles like this do not happen every day.

After the rain, a rainbow appears. It is a multicolored arc generated by sunlight striking over waterdroplets in the atmosphere. Simply breathtaking natural phenomena with a beautiful spectrum of diverse colors that offers optimism and vibrancy to nature.

According to the legend, a pot of gold can be found at the end of the rainbow, this appears to be extremely unthinkable. To check, you must visit the spot where the end of the rainbow touches the ground to verify the truth, although doing this seems like an impossible and difficult task. You’ve most likely been there before without even noticing it.

When I was younger, I was in my prime. I believed in this mythology that appeared to be true, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it’s simply a fairytale, a captivating story for the kids to enjoy. When you see a rainbow,given the opportunity to capture it, you should do so…

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Magnificent Sunset of Piat

By livelifeandlove on June 7, 2023

With the coming of summer comes the best time of year for taking images of sunsets, I had never given Piat much thought in terms of sunsets, but I was mistaken that my hometown is likewise capable of producing stunning sunsets.

Here are photos of my hometown’s breathtaking sunset as seen from the quarry site of Maguilling, Piat Cagayan. The hues of the sunset reflect on the water, adding beauty and a sense of tranquility. It’s a lovely way to end the day.

When I return to my hometown, I make it a point to capture the sunset since it is the moment that reminds me most of being there. This is the most authentic way for me to take a piece of home with me, I mean, the finest way to bring back memories.

Photo credit: Thanks Mik

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