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

Chinese New Year 2014

By on February 12, 2014

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Lavishly decorated Shang-rila Plaza Mall  shows the best.The glamorous  modern and traditional decorations and exhibits throughout the mall, you’ll be charmed by the looks of pretty horses all around.  (Click on images to view larger)

There’s no permanent date for Chinese new year.It starts on different date every year, this year, falls on Friday, January 31 ” The Year of the Wooden Horse”. Last year, it was Sunday, February 10, It’s the ”Year of the Snake”. Year 2013 was a snake, this Year 2014, represents the animal, horse. There’s a cycle to follow, 12 years cycle represents 12 animals in Zodiac form that’s why, each year represents different animals.

The horse  zodiac signs nature ; hardworking, commands, energetic, loyal, diplomatic, entertaining,popular,well-groomed, independent and many more. It seems, this year would be better than last year based on animal nature. I hope so.  For the first time, it was declared Non- working holiday in the Philippines.What a lucky holiday for the people, it was weekend and a good timing for pay-day. Big malls in the city cut down selected items into big discounts from 50% to 75%, it was a good offer to attract shoppers. It doubled people’s  mood to celebrate the New Year. However, other places like China and Taiwan, It is a special public holiday, the long week vacation gives them the opportunity to prepare for the Spring festival.

If you are born in the year of the horse, this year is favorable for you. According to the Lunar calendar, New year will begin on the 2nd new moon of winter solstice. The birthday of my sister falls under the month of February. Definitely, following the lunar calendar, She was born in the previous year.

Our New year celebration was even merrier than last year. We spend the day visiting relatives and friends.We also  manage to spend 3 hours in Shang-Rila Plaza Mall and a night out for a big family dinner in a restaurant. What a glorious mall to celebrate  Lunar new year. I was enjoying to take free photos around. Appreciative view was awesome! Feng Shui stalls all around displaying horses and lucky charms. Before I forget, Feng Shui objects to those who wants to improve luck, health, and to be safe always.

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This year’s Chinese new year, There are lots of activities and folk customs. Indeed, Chinatown is the best place to see all these wonderful festivities. It includes; the Dragon and Lion dance, Chinatown street parade, Chinese trick performers, as you know they are good in performing special tricks like the dish spinning,acrobatic show, puppet show, Chinese Opera show and Chinese musical show with their traditional musical instruments. You can even meet new Chinese friends and hang with them around.Whether you are a Chinese or not, you’ll learn something about their history.

Here’s some photos taken around the city during the Lunar celebration. I took some for you to see!

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Shang-rila Plaza Mall  was decorated with variety of horses . Other stalls display horses made of glass, porcelain, silver, mosaic, bronze and other wax figures.

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The hanging Chinese lanterns was a perfect view above.

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 Hanging lanterns from above.

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 The Prosperity  Tree

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 The lucky decorations from the Prosperity tree.

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The hanging ”ampaw or red envel0pe” hanging from the Prosperity tree.

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 It will not end up here because every year we celebrate Chinese New Year. I just hope this year,”We will all prosper! Happy Chinese New Year Everyone! 

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

MERALCO’S LIWANAG PARK 2013

By on January 16, 2014

Meralco compound shines again, Knowing what to expect for this year 2013, Meralco bringing the gift of light for everyone.The light as a symbol of hope for good upbringing and a brighter future to behold. Maliwanag ang Pasko is a project to light up city parks in the Philippines, a project that gives a scent of hope and happiness ahead.

The intention of the project shines through.You’ll witness the creation of the night just like in the  holy land, the refreshing sound of Christmas carols playing continuously, creating a romantic atmosphere to feel the scent of Christmas spirit.

Although, many concluded that this year 2013 was a bad year for us. Many people in the south were effected by Super typhoon” Yolanda” that hit the Philippines months ago. It was the world’s strongest storm on record, the deadliest ever putting the dead count at almost 6,000 according to reports and still counting because others still missing up to this time. It’s so sad to think that majority were children. You can just imagine, the  foul odor of dead bodies everywhere, the mass burial on the deep ground seen publicly on television and newspapers nationwide. Many groups have put up donation centers for Yolanda’s victims. Thank you very much for the kind donations.This year, mostly our gifts goes directly to the typhoon victims, sparing some gifts intended for personal friends. I just hope they will understand this cause, the spirit of Christmas works and blessings from above will shower for them. Many typhoon victims was relocated from the South to Manila. Some of them visited Meralco with the nuns, to see the brilliant lights will surely give them a brighter outlook in life. After the tragedy, as I have mentioned in the past posts that we continue to live and hope for a good life, we continue to do what is right and have faith in him, God will always direct the good way for us.  I just hope and pray that it will never happen again.

After giving help and support to the typhoon victims, it’s time to start all over again. Christmas time is a gift giving that everyone on this day are happy for the presents they had received especially the children, Christmas toys, food and money are given to the children of typhoon victims.

Of course , I feel the warmth to do this kind of activity to share, not only my thoughts, hopes and dreams but also to capture vivid shots for you. It’s my way of sharing , just a sort of close interaction for my readers.I just hope you’ll enjoy reading my experience as well as my night photography too.

Let’s get started! Here’s some shots taken before the holiday season.

The main entrance,visitors greeted with splendid lights lined along the way. Both sides,sparkling with different colors of light. The whole place was brilliant.

(Click on images to view larger)

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Meralco building adorned with big lanterns hanging overhead.

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The Meralco logo can be seen at the center.

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The bold Christmas greetings,”Maligayang Pasko” means Merry Christmas.

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The giant Christmas tree that changes colors of light continuously.

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The ”Holy family” Mary,Joseph and Baby Jesus.

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A huge space for the ”Holy family.”

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The chapel.

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In the bible,  The 3 kings holding gifts; Gaspar, Melchor and Baldazar brought gold, myrrh and Frankincense to the newborn Jesus.

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The first view, looks like a real one. It’s a life sized replica.

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The King pointing the direction of the star.

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Christmas lights brighten the whole area.

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The Tsu Tsu train is a treat for the children.It’s a free ride for the kids.

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All corners was decorated with Christmas lights, it was full of bulb that glitters.

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The Christmas houses, its just like a Toyland.

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I’ve captured this from a distance.

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To avoid the crowd,Plenty of options. I keep on moving from far distance to get a good view. But still, It is tough to wait for the people to empty the place. They all took time to appreciate everything. Meralco compound is huge with a beautiful landscape, it was all adorned with Christmas decorations and lights. The night ended after an hour and I was exhausted. I’ll be back to visit Meralco again soon.

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

MOON WITH LUNAR RAINBOW

By on

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Moon with lunar rainbow (Click on image to view larger)

The beautiful moon tonight. I’ve captured it 10 minutes ago. It was a quick shot! I was really waiting for this time to come! Rainbows usually appeared during day time and how about rainbow at night?  You can just imagine a rainbow appeared to surround the moon. Amazing! It was a beautiful scene from a far distance.

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

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

By on January 12, 2014

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Santa Claus

Lots of beautiful places to enjoy during December. All places filled with Christmas spirits, few fanciful figures, Nativity scenes are set up beautifully throughout the city. It was a feeling of excitement for the children to see the basketful of presents, Nativity scene, Christmas bells, whistles, firecrackers, frosty decorations, sparkling Christmas lights, hearty foods, family walked together going to midnight mass, school parties as it was typically for the youngsters to enjoy. For the youngsters and the youngsters at heart, Make a wish and Santa will come! Here’s a closed-up picture of dear Santa. I took this picture for you! Definitely, Santa Claus never get absent to give gifts for the children. He is coming to town again and again…

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

CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS

By on January 10, 2014

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Meralco’s Liwanag Park

One way to celebrate the yuletide season is to document the holiday cheers and Christmas glow before the year ends. My own way to remember special memories of the past Holiday events; Christmas and New year celebrations that someday, I will look back to visit and feel the festive feeling once again. I will highlight every year, this way,I will always recall our happy memories and special reminiscences that will hold on for many years and, as much as fun and exciting as they are meant to share.

Note: (Click on image to view larger)

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

NEW YEAR 2014

By on January 8, 2014

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New year countdown to 2014, Eastwood Mall Open Park

December 31, 2013, Thousands of spectators waiting for the fireworks show, waving white and purple balloons to celebrate the New Year 2014. Of course, I was one of the crowd to witness how the year ends. We are again facing new challenges and if we know how to handle it the right way,it would be without difficulties. I just hope 2014 is a good year for all of us. ”Happy New Year Everyone!

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

New Year Countdown to 2014 – Eastwood City

By on January 5, 2014

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December 31, 2013, New Year Countdown to 2014 at Eastwood City  

People in the Philippines set-off fireworks to mark the end of the year and to welcome the new start. The noisier, the merrier it is. Night sky was alive with the crackling noises of whistles, honking of car horns, ringing of bells, flashing of cellphone lights is done traditionally every year to drive away evil spirits.

Crowd gathered at Eastwood to witness the 2014 countdown. It was a midnight noise to wake up everyone and be merry for the New year 2014. Tourists from all over the world came to celebrate and witness how the year ends. American Idol Jessica Sanchez is back in the city to perform and lead the New year countdown to 2014 with other local performers; Bamboo, Mitoy to name a few.  Fireworks display draws thousands of people from different nationalities; Koreans,Indians, Turkish and many more. I was there to document the whole event. With the loud sounds and noises, I’m sure no bad spirit will stay alive, only good would be left around.

 Here’s some shots taken during the countdown to 2014

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Lots of people taking pictures of the delightful and sparkling fireworks display that filled the night sky.

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Beautiful hands upward! Full of people taking pictures.

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Flying balloons! Clusters of white balloons set off above the sky.

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Fireworks showering to brighten the night sky.

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It’s year 2015 now and again, looking forward to another loud noises soon to end the existing year. ”Happy New Year Everyone! 

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