Category: Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions

The Biggest Lights and Music Show

By livelifeandlove on August 9, 2021

The 9^th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

An annual competition among fireworks manufacturers from different countries, it is the most spectacular and prestigious fireworks competition completely choreographed with lights and sound features. The first World Pyro Olympic took place in 2005, keeping the same venue year after year for 8 years and lasted 2018, their final fireworks show at Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia. A sudden change of location the following year, venue was moved to Clark, Pampanga in support of Manila Bay Rehabilitation program.

The host country, Philippines didn’t participate in the competition but performs fireworks vibrant display on the last night. The competition started at 7:30 PM when spectacular explosion of colors and figures shot off from the floating barge and light up the night sky over Manila Bay.

Some pictures captured from different viewing spots, its hard to do proper shoot, it was crowded around my area. Polaris fireworks of China was truly good. So far, it was a night favorite, the best fireworks that I’ve ever watched live.

Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia

March 24, 2018 – 7:30 PM

Note: I really thought I had lost these pictures which I had taken 3 years ago, I found it on my desktop folders hence, my late publishing…

Ok Folks see you next posts.. Stay Safe and Healthy

Thank you for reading my blog!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Sweet Love and Good Luck 2021

By livelifeandlove on February 14, 2021

This year 2021 is a double festive event the ”Chinese New Year” (February 12) and ”Valentine’s day” (February 14), merging altogether sweet love and good fortune to start the year right although this year is a different one because of the existing economic crisis brought by the pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. The opening to normal life is very slow and uncertain, we don’t celebrate it the way we used to do in the past but It’s safe to celebrate at home with sweet and delicious simplicity.

If you prefer indoors at least you can move and enjoy more, you can serve at-home delicious dinner or just order out, you can also arrange DIY Valentine craft decors. Safety and health our prime responsibility. When you won’t be able to get-together in all ways, it would be better to send best greetings online and meaningful chat on screen, this would be more meaningful for both parties to be safe.

Wishing you all Happiness and Prosperity, Give Love and be Loved, ”Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Chinese New Year”

February 12, 2021 is Chinese New Year, the ‘’Year of the Ox’’ it signifies the hardworking trait, this is a good symbol that will help us through the pandemic season, it is also a symbol of spring and agriculture in Chinese art. Ox is compatible with people of rat, snake and rooster zodiac signs.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Stay Safe and Healthy!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Happy Halloween 2020

By livelifeandlove on October 30, 2020

Halloween may not look quiet the same this year for the kids, it would be a different one. It’s a NO NO to a party, NO spooky costume and NO pumpkin carols but still we can celebrate it at home with some spooky ideas.

This year’s theme goes well with a greater sense of purpose in connection with nature, I love gardening, my most pleasurable activity, the most relaxing during quarantine. For my Halloween accent, not so creepy as you think, it’s miniature garden props.

It’s about time to take a look into my spooky and creepy skull pots, a Halloween indoor planter.

My skull pots are cute decorative pots that can become plants new home, it is good for cactus, succulents and other mini plants.

I don’t like the creepy outdoor decorations like the white ghost, skeletons, zombies and witches that keeps me up at night, it scares me!

How about you? How do you celebrate the spookiest time of the year?

Anyway, Enjoy the fright night!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas

Mid-Autumn Festival / Mooncake Festival 2020

By livelifeandlove on October 1, 2020

My greetings to all Chinese worldwide

”Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”

It’s time again to celebrate the brightest full moon of the year, the ”Mooncake Festival also known as Mid-Autumn Festival” it falls on this day Thursday October 1, 2020. In Hongkong and Singapore it is also referred to as a celebration of harvest and ”Lantern festival” Every year on the 15th day of the 8th month of Lunar calendar Chinese countries such as China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and all countries throughout East and Southeast Asia celebrated this important event.

Today, fellow Chinese families will gather to celebrate the moon fest with good luck food, family reunion, moon gazing and it is already a tradition to go out in the evening to admire the brightest full moon of the year while partaking their favorite mooncake and it is usually accompanied by a tea. This is also a romantic time for lovers, they usually stay up late to view the dramatic full moon outdoors.

This year 2020 would be a different celebration because of travel restrictions and to practice social distancing, not to gather in groups but still celebration will go on as long as you ‘ll legally take safety measures.

Wishing you all good health and safety!

Mooncake is a sweet Chinese delicacy usually rounded in form contains a thin or thick pastry including the yolk of salted duck eggs to symbolize the moon. The sweet filling is made from red bean paste, mung bean paste, lotus paste to name a few..

Versions of Mooncakes

Mooncake with sesame

Other versions depends on the Chinese country you’re in.

Thanks for reading my latest blog!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Hoping for a COVID-Free Christmas

By livelifeandlove on September 2, 2020

It’s now the 2^nd day of ‘’Ber Months’’ it is running from September-December, it reminds us of the coming of holiday season and countdown to Christmas. What to expect? Is it a spirit to get us even more? We’ll come to that later. At least we now experience a bit cooler weather, we hear Christmas songs on the radio, we usually see Christmas trees and delightful decorations in shopping malls and the fun preparation and excitement to decorate starts but what is Christmas in the year of COVID-19? It is hard to imagine that we will celebrate Christmas differently this year 2020.

Given the concern and restrictions about the Coronavirus pandemic, the reduction of air travelers, it is impossible to think restrictions would be lifted by Christmas. What Christmas Year 2020 would look like? I think, there’s no more holiday shopping, no lucky find in the department store, no more New Year Countdown. At the present time, people are scared to go out into crowds and closed spaces. It is also weird to think that Santa will also wear mask and face shield (personal protective equipment) Can you guess what’s inside Santa’s bag? Is it hand sanitizers, alcohol, liquid gel to destroy the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19? Will Santa have to social distance too? it might be a COVID Christmas and I’m super worried Santa’s ‘’Ho Ho Ho’’ would be Hu Hu Hu…

Expectations from people like me, as an optimist, I’m naturally delighted to what people believe in, it’s a COVID-free Christmas but when you look at your life, something different we look through, the greatest happiness this holiday season is for Santa to deliver vaccine in advance. I think that’s pretty special! Things might not be completely good until there is vaccine.

I’m reviewing my memory list, I’m a memory keeper, I have had a list of old notes from past years, the names of my close friends, colleagues and cousins to share simple pleasures with. I never forget wonderful friends no matter if its COVID or not…

It’s too early to think about Christmas, forget first the frosty decors and the festive tree trimmings, no more planning ahead, no more advance booking to travel, no more Christmas holidays abroad for the family. Other friends, they have to spend Christmas apart because of the coronavirus. Anyway, planning is underway to ensure a safe yuletide season to all. Our presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque said’’ it is still possible to enjoy holiday season in the Philippines. We’ll see, lets pray and hope for the best to come.

Goodnight everyone. Take care. Stay safe and healthy.

Thanks for reading my blog!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Kaibigan Movie Holds Successful Premiere

By livelifeandlove on December 6, 2019

Jesse and Christian Perkins also known as the Perkins twins received support from celebrity friends, family and fans at the Red Carpet Premiere of their movie, Kaibigan. Hosted by by Rico Robles, the Red Carpet Premiere was held at SM Megamall cinema December 3, 2019, Tuesday. Weather may not have been good but despite the bad weather, the Red Carpet Premiere was a huge success.

Some of the cast were on red carpet for the screening and premiere night of the Perkinspiredflix original film. Stephen Andrew Baldwin, an American actor, producer, director, author. He is the father of model Hailey Baldwin, wife of singer Justin Bieber) plays a significant role in this movie, ‘’Kaibigan’’ Jean Garcia cast as the role of Beth Anderson, Mocha Uson as a reporter in this movie, Victor Basa and many more….

Kaibigan is an inspirational movie starring Filipino-American Jesse and Christian Perkins (flaternal twins) were born in the Philippines to an American father Tarny Perkins from California and a Filipina mother Tess Pazziuagan, is a former flight stewardess from Tuguegarao, Cagayan. Tess is also a former classmate of mine. I’m a big fan of the Perkins Twins, I was amazed to see how their acting talent and nice vocals shines through . I’m excited to see your next movie again. Congratulations Jesse and Christian Perkins and to the proud parents, Tarny and Tess.

Kaibigan Movie

NOW SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

I recommend that you watch this movie

A must- see movie the “Kaibigan” There are exciting and impressive sequences in Kaibigan but in the end is the most memorable touching scene, you’ll also find facts that will surprise you, it’s an inspiring movie with meaningful life lessons to learn and to satisfy every film enthusiast.

Tarny Perkins, father of the Perkins twins thanking everyone who watched the film, Kaibigan.

Red Carpet Premiere of the movie KAIBIGAN

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Arts/ Home Ideas | Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Grand Opening of Mario de Rivera~Palace of Memory

By livelifeandlove on September 20, 2019

Time and date: 6 PM, Tuesday, September 10, 2019 At the Art Lounge Manila, a new location for Mario de Rivera, a Filipino Asian modern and contemporary painter, to exhibit his work, he just held the Grand Opening of his One-Man Show. Many came to take in the creative display, as it provides viewers with a wealth of visual stimulation.

Nearly a hundred friends, art collectors, and family members attended, including other well-known figures from the art world.

Highlights of the exhibition include hand-drawn Champagne toasts, a discussion by artist Mario de Rivera about his inspirations, a live performance by a ballet couple, and a slide display of his son Lorenzo’s breathtaking paintings. Creativity appears to be inherited. It was hoped that Lorenzo’s artistic prowess would one day be on par with that of his famous father.

Artistically, Mario de Rivera is well-established at this point. Since then, he has participated in both solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. Many auctions have featured his creations. In 2003, de Rivera beat over over a thousand international competitors to take home the Excellence Award at the Beppu Contemporary Art Exhibit in Japan, and in 2000, she was named one of three finalists for the Phillip Morris Award in Manila.

Art Lounge Manila Ground Level Podium ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines

A catalog richly detailed that shows all exhibition pieces of de Rivera.

The variety of de Rivera’s paintings on display here exemplifies the appeal of modern visual arts.

The patronage of art enthusiasts and private collectors, in addition to the notoriety of numerous exhibitions in the mainstream media, social media, and blogs, has expanded in recent years, contributing to the paintings’ robust structural quality.

To your achievement, we raise our glasses! Mario (second from right) and his wife Luz are the toastmasters. To keep up with the growing demand, I wish you the best of luck. Cheers!

Thanks to Mario de Rivera’s keen eye, we are able to perceive the hidden reality of objects side by side, thanks to the contrast created by the whirling colors and the dazzling accents on the pure color. Style and form, rather than subject matter, are what make a photograph beautiful.

Me with the Filipino Asian modern and contemporary painter Mario de Rivera and Ninica del Rosario (Mario’s cousin).

Taken during the Grand Opening of Mario de Rivera’s Palace of Memory at Art Lounge Manila. (right ) Mario de Rivera, Ninica del Rosario, Me and Edgar Pazziuagan.

Added entertainment that evening, a Ballet duet live performance.

Stunning Paintings of Mario de Rivera

The scope of the whole collection, de Rivera produces the kind of art that suits the purposes of its particular time.

”The Black Dragon River”

”The Dry Season Afternoon”

”Between Sumba and Shanghai”

”Between Diu & Makassar”

”Anapolas Indias”

Atty. Baniqued, (left) Ninica del Rosario, Dr. and Dra Lim also graced the Gala opening of Mario de Rivera Palace of Memory.

Impressive Table Setting full of fantastic party appetizers and tasty finger foods.

Champagne and sparkling wine on the table

Having a solo show of artworks marks the achievement of huge success! The power of art inspired the viewers. I was enjoying the evening with friends around; Ninica (Mario’s cousin) and Edgar P., we all enjoyed the accomplishment of seeing Mario de Rivera’s work on display.

Thank you so much Ninica del Rosario for your kind invitation.

Congratulations to Mario de Rivera on his solo exhibition at Art Lounge Manila!

Art Lounge Manila proudly Presents Mario de Rivera’s Palace of Memory Grand Opening: September 10, 2019/ 6 PM / Exhibit runs until September 24, 2019/ The Podium Ground Level, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

30th Sambali Festival 2019

By livelifeandlove on July 8, 2019

Every town or city has its annual event, either a religious, cultural, thanksgiving or a celebration of bountiful harvests. Whatever the reason, it serves the purpose of bringing town’s identity to honor our patron saint, heritage of culture and traditions. It is also a reason to get out of our daily and stressful routines to spend some time with friends and family and a hospitable practice to welcome, bond and to unite with relatives and townmates living in a foreign country.

Just like any other festival, Sambali celebrates with a series of performances and beauty pageant. Every year, our town conducts its own beauty pageant as popular inclusions.

Sambali Festival is a religious and cultural revival to commemorate Christianity of the Itawis region. It is a weeklong festival that reflects the daily life, culture, religion and history of Piat. This festival plays a prominent role in Piat’s culture and tourism.

During the festival, Piat has many fun-filled activities to engage with, including the Entrance of our Lady of Piat, Floral offering, Dance number, Little Miss Piat and Miss Piat Sambali competition, Farmer’s day, Colorful street dancing, Street parade and Marian procession to name a few….

My townmates especially those living and working overseas, I know, it could be very lonely sometimes if you missed to attend this special day but this blog of mine will feature some of the joyful moods of the people and cheerful Sambali activities during the fiesta. You can catch up and I will reach out to you hoping you’ll experience the same mood while reading my blog.

Municipal mayor of Piat, Atty. Carmelo Villacete with his wife, Beatriz and daughter, Bianca during the opening of the ”30th Sambali Festival” July 23, 2019 Piat Cagayan

Thousands of people attended the festival although, not yet known how many attendees in total. The good news, there’s no traffic congestion prevailed, there’s a smooth flow of traffic for this year 2019. Thanks to the construction of the new bypass route! The bypass is a priority project completed before the town fiesta, it’s an alternate route to divert traffic. My special thanks to Eng. James Garcia.

The mayor who vows to continue more development projects, Atty. Carmelo Villacete and wife Beatriz poses for a photograph in front of bypass, a newly developed project. The two, combining their efforts and inspiring everyone to work together for a better Piat.

It’s a bright future for the people of Piat and I’m here to share your vision. Congratulations for reaching this far! With all the changes and thriving achievements, may you continue your traditions of dedicated leadership and cultural enrichment.

Photos taken during the ”30^th Sambali Festival 2019”

Note: (This is not the full coverage of the Sambali Festival, it’s just a half of it )

Part of the festival is the ‘‘Farmer’s Day” it’s a farm bountiful harvests show featuring exhibits and parading of local agricultural crops.

Our beloved Mayor, Atty. Carmelo Villacete carrying an oversized jackfruit, the mayor of Piat who introduced modern technical in farming and fruit planting. With the help of our mayor, agriculture will surely rise and crop yields will soon increase.

What a festive feeling!

This is a unique kind of float, ”The Kuliglig Float” ( improvised vehicle) featuring Piat’s farm agricultural products.

Presentation of Little Miss Piat and Miss Piat Sambali candidates

Coronation Night Little Miss Piat 2019

Little Miss Piat 2019 Pia Joy Sagalon

Back to Little Miss Piat 2018

Little Miss Piat 2018 Sara Sammoury

My gorgeous niece, Sara Sammoury bags the title ”Little Miss Piat” last year.

Another niece of mine, Miss Piat Sambali 2019 Daphne Louise Aquino

2019 Miss Piat Pagayaya Piatrice Marie Dela Cruz

Miss Piat Sambali Candidates brought out best designs on a variety of formal evening gowns.

Sambali Street Dancing

One fun activity to be enjoyed with is the highly anticipated ” Sambali Street Dancing” this is for the students and other participants to showcase their talents. Students dressed in colorful and spectacular costumes performing choreographed tribal dance.

Dancing takes part on the street as an exhibition space for the performers to illustrate the Sambali war dance.

A traditional style entertainment scene. The street of Piat crammed with people followed by big crowds in colorful costumes beaming with so much Itawis spirit.

The most blessed part is the Marian procession, the feast day of ”Our Lady of Piat” it was an evening procession and despite the rain, many devotees flocked to the streets of Piat. Experiencing weather disturbance, rain didn’t stop but it was a peaceful walk with prayers.

Marian procession is a religious expression of Christian faith handed down by generations. Here in Piat, crowd gathered each time it is paraded through the streets of Piat during Sambali festival held annually on June 23-July 2.

Organizers of this event, devotees, the people of Piat and commuters earlier feared weather disturbance, the approaching brunt of moonsoon season might trigger and disrupt the week long activities especially the fluvial procession but it was just a fair and slight one prevailed. Rain or shine, the festival will go on.

The welcoming and entertaining Sambali festival is a huge success, Bravo! Once again, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to our beloved mayor, Atty. Carmelo Villacete and wife, Beatriz Villacete, Vice-Mayor Leonel Guzman and to everyone who participated in this year’s 30th Sambali Festival. Congratulations! My best wishes to a more successful activities in the future. Special thanks Eng. James Garcia and Mr. Benedict Sto. Tomas Big thank you for all your hard work and perseverance. Well-done!

Note: Want to be featured on my blog? Don’t hesitate. Submit your photos, I will consider any pictures related to this event 30th Sambali Festival 2019. I will add your pics here. Pls. pm me messenger or pm Elvie Baculi (FB) for more details.

Thanks for reading my blog!

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

30th Sambali Festival 2019 Join us for the big day

By livelifeandlove on June 29, 2019

Many people are heading to the northern part of the Philippines, to Piat, a place where you’re really going to feel the warm welcome of the people. Come and be with ‘’Our Lady of Piat’’ Feel the warm of the festival, the people, the good food and our culture.

Join in, Enjoy the Fun and Share the Good News !

30th Sambali Festival 2019

June 23 – July 2

Piat Cagayan

Bamboo Pavilion of Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site

By livelifeandlove on February 1, 2019

Heralding the arrival of bamboo modernity, among the best loved architecture I’ve seen during my recent visit toTaichung. The magnificent Bamboo Pavilion of Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site considered as an absolute masterpiece illustrating Taiwanese interest in bamboo architecture.

The architectural trends using bamboo as the main material, the strength to weight ratio succeeds that of bricks and steel remarkably sustainable alternative for such projects. Bamboo Pavilion’s creative and structural element, refined and unique interior and exterior effect represents another turning point of a tropical country, the artistic talent accomplished by Taiwanese artists and bamboo architects.

**Bamboo Pavilion**
**Fengyuan Huludun Park Expo Site**
**Taichung, Taiwan**

Viewing directly from the front, the best way to fully appreciate the beautiful landscape is during sunset, warm lights you’ll enjoy the yellow-orange dramatic sky that gives substance offering a delightful welcome to those arriving tourists visiting Expo site.

Some photos taken during my Fengyuan Huludun visit

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