Holidays and Special Occasions | Technology/ Learning Tips | Travel and Adventure

Korea Winter Wonderland/ Climbing Mt. Halla

By on December 12, 2014

Climbing the highest mountain of North Korea

Mount Halla, Jeju Island North Korea The panoramic view of the mountains is spectacular.Plenty of snow and the ice is so thick, snowflakes piled up everywhere covering the entire landscape. 

Korea, a mountainous land of diverse geology. As you can see the full view, mountains are found throughout the peninsula. Southwestern coast is a maze of islands and peninsulas, it has a level plains and favored by winter and volcanic in origin but, Korea has no active volcano, this is good news for the people and rarely experience earthquake. Koreans has been marked by the influence of China and Japan maybe distantly related to Japanese as to some features they are alike. I remember my  Korean friend looks like Japanese as well.

In the past, mountains are worn away by wind and water until they become a beautiful rolling hills landscape. Other areas has level plains, there was a news about the high mountain appears to have occurred during the Jurassic Ohh! that was the age of dinosaurs. 

Korea has 4 seasons such as; spring from March- May, summer from June-August, autumn from September- November and winter from December to January. The coldest is January. During this time, Korea is in full snow, it is very cold,  it can drop up to -27 to 0 Celsius.

I have learned a lot from this legendary place. I feel inspired to write as applying what I have learned in the past. I’m a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service perhaps, most topics learned about history of places and people during my college days. Somehow,this is a good opportunity for me to familiarize myself with types of people sharing their journey and exchanging each others views on how the world has changed. Sometimes, even if we belong to the same species people living in different parts of the world has their own features and different views too. I’m now sharing not only the beautiful winter landscape photos but the good news and progress of the said place from the past to the present.

Revealing the Beauty of Korea

Climbing the top of Mt. Halla during winter, the highest mountain of North Korea. Is this your dream destination? It looks like a white world, everything is covered with ice and snow, the snow becomes gray in the background. (Photos below) Overlooking from afar is the peak of Halla mountain, this would be the best experience and memories to take back home…

 Snowman Korean style  

The beauty of snowy mountains with young and old, families and children around enjoying winter activities. It firmly shows a way on how to take a break during winter time. Certainly, it brought people around no matter if you are local or tourists, it is simply a bonding and gathering of togetherness regardless of wealth, race or class.

The cold refreshment for the children to play with snow.

To see the presence of kids around is a vital ingredient to make the winter mountain spectacular to view.

Cheju is the largest island in Korea. Mount Halla is a very popular place for hikers, climbers and mountaineers. You can see the climbers heading to the peak of Mount Halla. Walking on ice, you can see the clarity and purity, it’s clean. 

Mount Halla,Jeju Island,South Korea

All the way going up,it was covered with fine crushed ice.

Roads leading to snow mountain, among the best places to see and experience.

Winter Climbing, the adventure begins

All the way climbing and walking on ice.

Experience mountaineers carrying items of equipment required, they loved to climb Mount Halla during winter time.

If others can climb it during summer generally winter is more exciting! I’m sure they do it with the aid of guides too.

You can see the evergreen oak and Lauraceae trees fully covered with snowflakes.

 

Mountain horses grazing around, you can even see the snowflakes falling.

 

Ice Fishing You can see some ice fishermen out here, they all have their own chair. This is entirely different from the standard Lake fishing with switch rod.

This one is interesting isn’t it? the ice fishing in a small hole using a sled bracket with a bait. This is my first time to see ice fishing, the ice opening is too small? How can you catch a big fish here? Just curious.There are some fishing accessories and equipment  like; bait bucket, Auger bracket, Clam point, Runner kit,console and may more to mention a few but, this is the easiest using just a single bracket.

Other beautiful attractions in Seoul

 

Korean Temple

Winter leisure activities you will  enjoy in Korea like; folk games. ice fishing, sledding, kite flying, ice skating, ice boating, snow boarding  and  skiing. For me, the most interesting is ice fishing.

More beautiful attractions you can see if you visit Korea. All sceneries is beautiful in all seasonsVisit Korea and Experience the good things in life. Among the best places; Deoksugung, Heunginjimun, Gyeongbokgung, Namsan, Beomeosa, National Folk Museum of Korea and many more…

Photo courtesy of  Professional Photographer Michael Shin.Thank you very much! 

Note: Part 2 coming up next….

To be continued, it’s such a long blog so I have to cut it shortly. Follow me next post.To include some photos taken around such as; Traditional Korean Dance, Drum Dance, Buchaechum or Fan Dance, Swiver Plate Balancing Spinning performance and Events, Festivities, Religious belief , Practices and Traditional ceremonies. 

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Holidays and Special Occasions | Technology/ Learning Tips | Travel and Adventure

Puzzle Mansion Museum Tagaytay-World’s Largest Collection Of Jig-saw Puzzles

By on May 13, 2014

It was a formal setting, the Puzzle Museum appropriately surrounded by different Jigsaw puzzles, every corner and cubicles displaying all the wonderful, interesting, and educational jigsaw puzzles collected by Gina Gil Lacunathe present Guinness world record holder for the largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles.

It was 29 of November,2012 when She was recognized as the present world record holder listed in the Guinness book of Records. Originally, the museum was just a summer house for the Lacuna’s but when she got the tittle, it was dramatically converted into a Puzzle Museum.

The museum attracts residential, business people and tourists visiting Tagaytay. Only an hour drive from Manila, the way going to Puzzle Museum led up more curves and turns upward and downward. Overview, you can spot some farm animals, mountain ranges and pineapple field is a sight to behold.

It was a big mansion, the ground floor is a great Puzzle Museum housing all thousands of different kinds with assorted sizes and shapes. Every piece of puzzle is individually numbered with complete details. You can see the complete details on the left corner of the jigsaw puzzle itself. The second floor is a Puzzle store with other assorted items for sale.

During my 3 days vacation in Tagaytay, I’ve made myself busy hiking and touring around the area. Walking and biking around can helped me lose more pounds. How cool is that? But, it was my intention to visit the Puzzle Museum and to meet the Guinness world record holder itself. I’m lucky that we have met personally and with just a quick interview raising few questions, sharing views, experience and a pose for few shots.

Gina Gil Lacuna, shares the pride of being famous, making a good name bringing pride to our own country. Opening the museum for public viewing and for the world to see  was a great achievement and life’s work. History marked given to our country.

Gina’s good taste and effort collecting great number of appreciated puzzles with interesting and detailed facts.There are many kinds of Jigsaw puzzles; cardboard, wood and 3 D, three dimension, it was a picture puzzle that has a depth. Some jigsaw puzzles taken from her trip abroad.

Meeting Gina Gil Lacuna

The Puzzle Museum

Puzzle Mansion offers  a bed and breakfast place to enjoy and relax.

The entrance of the museum will welcome you the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle

 

Guinness world records certificate of Gina

 Seeing the Jigsaw Puzzles

All  puzzles displayed expresses unique images, some ancient and contemporary ones, religious articles, the universe, gorgeous landscape, vintage rides, geography, kid’s favorite, architectural digest, music, famous people, insects, water and land animals and wildlife. Every puzzle provides an interesting piece that history again seems alive. I realized that a Jigsaw puzzle pictures can make it as a good photo frame and portraits.

I remember my own Jigsaw puzzle, I have a beautiful jigsaw puzzle that I’ve been keeping for a long time. It was a huge jigsaw puzzle with the beautiful landscape  of ”Spring flowers” in London.It was given to me by a former housemaid who’s presently working in the Middle East. I was told, She bought it during her annual vacation in Vienna. ( free travel expense by her employer)

 The St. Basil’s Cathedral, Architectural character is a beautiful piece. 176 pieces, Dimension: 42CM x35CMx60CM, Completion Time: 34 hours, Maker/Origin: Cubic Fun China.(Details attached)

Jigsaw Puzzle- Brain Train

You can find some educational puzzles in Gina’s museum that you can give to your child. A puzzle fit for a child? the basis depends on his/her age and the number of pieces with the completion to finish it. It’s good to give what would fit to her own age, young age has a little patience for a large puzzle.

For me, The jigsaw puzzle is just like a story solving problem and your ability to finish it as fast as you can. The trial and error while assembling will give you more patience if you are really determined to finish it. It helps your child to improve decision making skills. Somehow, as you get closer to solve it, the climax is the most exciting part. The best part is the communication to connect your memory directing your hand to work for it.

The Farm animals and wildlife

With too many jigsaw puzzles, I love these pieces. I can specify my favorite puzzles. For more than an hour viewing everything, I took time to appreciate  each puzzle.Expressing my fascination for insects, animals and wildlife. I’ve photographed some of them to document the place and for my own experience. I’m an animal lover. The way how it is photographed, the angles to emphasize my subjects, it expresses my own personality. My choices and my personal picks just shows my passion for the animals

The Sedona Gallop

The Overseer

The Cow Parade

Wake up Call

The Kittens Delight

The Wetland Wonders

Parrot in Paradise

The Fantasy and the Waterfall butterflies.

Simply, It’s the world of butterflies here. I took 3 photos of different kinds. I guess, they’re my favorites! Butterflies was back to life.

Fantasy Butterfly

Butterfly Waterfall

Not surprisingly, the best butterfly puzzles I’ve ever seen, the different vibrant colors are expressed in wonderful ways.

Wooden Dinosaur Jigsaw puzzle

Elegant piece

The Brilliance, simple but sophisticated.

 Run Aground

The museum is indeed a memorable one. Those puzzles are the unfogettable ones. All Jigsaw puzzles available in the museum for public viewing with an entrance fee of P100- only, It’s worth and good to experience by yourself.

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Holidays and Special Occasions | Technology/ Learning Tips

BUYING GIFTS AND TIPS

By on April 14, 2014

Continuation of  VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

 What to give?

 Gift is not important, your presence and personal greetings on that day is indeed a big gift. However, if you want to buy one, it must not be very expensive. Here are some suggestions on what to give.

1. Heart–shaped chocolates with red ribbons and card attached

2. A dozen of roses or just a piece is also good

3. A box of Jelly candies

4. Favorite book

6. D-I-Y cards

7. Basket full of strawberries, any fresh fruits is welcome

8. Stuff toy; Cute red bears and heart-shaped pillows

Gifts are just something to remember, It’s just a one day event. Just like shoes, bags, shirts or anything, it will surely end up in the closet. The roses particularly or any kinds of fresh flowers, 2 days after, it will end up in the trash can unless you know how to make potpourri out of it, or you can use it for book marking. The point is, you can’t keep it for a long time but, memories you can save. The warmth of giving will always be remembered.

You can just imagine how many occasions in a year, from baptism graduation, birthdays, Christmas day and a day to remember love is Valentine’s day. Giving gift is just a good deed of being a thoughtful you!

Buying Gifts

 Others, they keep the budget and get ready for this important occasion. If you are ready, shopping must be done earlier in order for you to hunt for a reasonable one, malls might be full and too crowded. You can also wait for a monthly midnight sale. Big malls offered selected items cutting down prices from 50% to 75% to attract buyers.

Always buy something that fits your budget to avoid spending more that can stretch your monthly allowance. Price is always an important factor to size things up particularly the branded items is a temptation. If I buy something expensive, I always compare it to other brands before making  decision to purchase it, I don’t want to regret it later. Others prefer a luxury gifts without checking the difference, on the other hand, some are cutting their expenses according to their budget.

It happened once when I bought a pair of jeans and colorful blouse, I really thought it was a cute one but, when I arrived home to refit it, It came up to be different. It fits well but, I noticed there’s an itchy thing inside my blouse that makes me so uncomfortable. I regret buying all those things then, it was a lesson learned previously.

If you don’t have the time to go out, go online shopping. You can choose almost everything from shoes to bags, shirts, jeans, accessories to name a few.

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Fashion/ Health/ Beauty | Holidays and Special Occasions | Technology/ Learning Tips

VALENTINE’S DAY: WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO GIVE?

By on March 24, 2014

People buy gifts to any occasion like; Birthdays,Mother’s day,Father’s day, Christmas day and Valentine’s day was no exception although, it will only lasts for a day, it’s the time for boys especially the teenagers would choose a girl to pair up with. Following the hearty day with gift-giving of flowers, cute red bears, chocolates, exchanging love notes, sweet text messages, phone calls, and romantic dating. The day before, may be a whole day session of thinking and planning on where to go,Perhaps, you no longer needed to be coach, but, there are some suggestions you need to know just to ensure a wholesome Valentine’s day. It’s good to plan ahead of time.There might not be enough hours on that day that you’ll find yourself confused and rushing on where to go and what to give and what to wear. Whether you are single, loveless or married, whatever,t’s great to show your love on this day. Always remember that Love is…what you make it. Here are some tips on what to do before the occasion. This is applicable to any occasion not just Valentine’s day. Before anything else, Let me begin with few don’t’s.

What to avoid:

1.Set aside any problems first. Don’t discuss any problems from the past and present. Remember that this day is a special interests to both of you.

2. Avoid any embarrassing moments.

3. Skip tough conversation. However, if conflict arises, your partner might respond differently that may hurt your feelings. Stay cool and lower your tone to handle it safely. Learn to hug and make up a few words and tell him/her how you love him so much. Save the trouble, that’s a good sign of relief to make up before the day ends.

Where to go?

 For the Lovers: What thrill and excitement do you have in mind? If you are going with a special date that you may want something romantic? Treat your partner to a candle dinner for two, or a dinner in a restaurant with a romantic view of the sunset. This is the right setting wherein you may want to propose or you may want to bring out the feelings you’ve been keeping for a long time. Any place with beautiful scenery while eating is perfectly good. The location would simply make your day romantic and memorable.

Family Celebration: A restaurant with large serving wherein you can enjoy different kinds of foods. A buffet or eat –all- you- can restaurant is a good choice. It would be a good treat to surprise all family members.

For the Internet Explorers: Make it heard, first hour greetings is great. Give free electronic greeting cards, stickers and photos taken a day ahead. You can make personalized greetings in Photoshop editing, using your own photos, add meaningful captions and humble words. You can attach your emails and send it through application. You can also inbox beautiful messages with love songs attached, get it U-Tube. Revive your play lists and do the Facebook tags.

For Single and the Loveless:

 This is what you call a humble sacrifice if you don’t have a pair during Valentine’s day. Of course, it’s gonna be lonely without your love but, don’t waste your time inside your bedroom. Always remember that, your family is your true love. The good thing about being single; you are in the best situation to have a freedom to do everything, a complete full time for yourself. However, you can invite your bestfriend or group of friends to take a stroll on this day, it might be a night out to grove, that’s the best time to wear your dancing shoes or, you may want to sing, bringing our your golden voice that wasn’t heard for a long time. Karaoke bar with group of friends is fun! Choose a group more likely who have the same interests as you. A wholesome dinner with your family is surely appreciated too.

Note: To be continued…it was such a long blog! See you next post

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Gardening and Garden Insects | Technology/ Learning Tips

THE STORY OF FLOWERS

By on March 6, 2014

Too many stories associated with flowers that can relate to any situation. My story is just like a collection of old stories in entirely different ways.  I remember the story of  3rd century old martyr, St. Valentine. When Valentine was still inside his cell, young,old and parishioners came to visit,throwing flowers through his cell window. How about the Garden of Eden? The beautiful garden was full of lovely roses around. The figure skating competition during”Winter Olympics” after the performance,  fans tossing gifts of stuff toys and roses inside skating rink.

One historical story during the ”People power revolution in the Philippines to overthrow the late dictator. One reconciliation moment, the nuns, priest and some students offered flowers to the  soldiers on top of the tank. It was a wonderful gift of peace to unite us all.  Hundreds of people waved their rosaries, yellow caps and flowers. It was a memorable story that inspires everyone to look upon. The memory still lives on up to the present and forever, the material presented time period range from the past to the present, It was all about flowers.

IMG_4024 copy    Floribunda Roses

However, it took some time to convince everyone that roses are indeed safe for cooking. Others are in doubt but, safety is the main concern of the chef who are using it. Finally, it was proven to be safe and good for the health. The nature side and amount of influence, these flowers are indeed for all seasons.

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Technology/ Learning Tips

Grrrr! Chain Letter

By on November 29, 2013

Is this a bad joke? Is it real? I’m scared and confused to read my morning text messages. It was such a long message I’ve received first hour in the morning.It was a chain letter. If you get out of bed just to receive such mess, you’ll want to wake me up with such stupid foolishness? What a bad morning breakfast! While resting, it will affect your mood that may cause irritation.

The chain text messages came from a friend,I asked her who made that message,according to her,”It was passed on from a relative and from there,it was passed to another and from an unknown abnormal source. It was spread through all mobile users to scare everyone. They really believed that bad luck will happen and a bad scare of accidents and health related warnings if you will not follow instructions and all the rules, something good luck comes to you.

However,I never believe to such foolishness,I”ll  never reply to this so, chain would stop.  If you receive something like this? Just let it go and delete it! That letter can even makes you paranoid. Whoever made this chain letter are quiet abnormal people. If a texter from unknown source can give the best of words,that would be better. I don’t know why people instead of sending the best they can,they are doing foolish things they can. Please stop your stupid foolishness!!! Excuse me for being so unkind. I want to set my writing to a silent mode now.

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Technology/ Learning Tips

Learning and Technology

By on November 11, 2013

New system of education makes life easier now. Before, it’s quite hard and complicated when it comes to studying.We write longer and consume more time doing research work in school  and National library.The travelling time going to some places to research, long traffic congestion makes you bored to just sit down for hours. Certainly, you’ll consume more time in travelling that makes life a burden.

During my time, academic teachers take  more time on writing to the board than explaining the main subject. Certainly, that will lessen the class participation and interaction. You can just imagine, So little time, so many writings. Now, there’s a TV in the classroom with a big screen.The teacher will just click to showcase while explaining. The students can even enjoy more reading it because of informative features that you see on the wide screen.Today, teachers don’t have to spend much to get hands on the long board. The PC and the internet,WI-FI is always available for easy access to the internet.The modern technology contributes to the speed of learning. It’s practically saving more time and effort that will work both ways.

How fast time flies ! The flow of transformation from hard to easy system.You can now research online and instruct your PC to do all the work for you. How about the electronic notebook designed for learners? What do you think?  If you compare the system of education today from yesterday,it’s  easier  now. For the teachers and students? Less worries and stress. Absolutely, the old ways would be a primitive one.

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Arts/ Home Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips

Man Carrying an Orange

By on July 29, 2013

”Man carrying an orange”  is a creative craft using a whole piece of an orange including the skin designed for the man carrying the fruit.

This is a funny fruit art that makes you laugh. This is my own illustration of a worrisome sign of a man depicting a situation living in a highly stressful situation, Is it a pandemic world? This small boy carrying something which is too heavy for his own weight is an example on how man can tolerate the hardship of a slow growth, more dependent on themselves in order to get a good juice, we are still working on how to live with it. Probably, it’s a difficult world to live in so we need to get stronger, safer and smarter to get in there.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

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Technology/ Learning Tips

Homework Tips for the Students

By on July 23, 2013

Hearing it only once is not enough,you might forget the important ideas that’s why,It is always important to take-down notes while your teacher is explaining.Why it matters? In order for you to get a passing grade,helps you to answer quickly in class recitation and most of all,to understand more about the subject matterHere are some tips and homework guide.

1. While waiting for the teacher to arrive,open your subject notebook and write the date on the right side.

2. Be attentive and don’t let others distract your attention.Take-down notes while the teacher is explaining.Avoid errors in writing, write it clearly,do not write everything what the teacher says.Write only the important ones.

3. Use abbreviations and symbols.Your teacher might be explaining very fast.Don’t make it difficult for you, Practice to write quickly as fast as you can.Do the short-cut way of writing remember that each subject is only good for 45 minutes to an hour.Teacher might be running out of time, this is the reason why, she will repeat it only once.However,some teachers have very soft and gentle words in explaining,be sure to stay in the front row if have the difficulty in understanding it.

4. Sometimes,you’ll find unusual and unfamiliar words which is very hard to understand. Refer to the dictionary or you may ask help from your parents.If don’t have a dictionary,for easy access,you  can download free dictionary to your mobile.

5. Go through,Correct mispelled words and use highlighter to mark the important ones only.This is the best time for you to apply your reading skills.

6. Be responsible and independent. Set time schedule for you to study and answer your homework at home.Plan how much time you’ll need for each subject,decide which is the most important and urgent, leave the less important and move it to tomorrow.Whenever you find the time,open your notes and study.However, the best time to study is early morning when your memory is still fresh.Time adjustment is very important, It’s really hard to wake up in the morning especially if you didn’t establish a routine for you.Start to develop it now,limit your time online,cut all unnecessary activities and sleep on time.

7. Find a comfortable and quiet place for you to study.A place where no one will disturb and distract you.

9. Memory Booster.While studying,have a small bowl of peanuts and pistachios beside you.It will brighten your mood and gives a better memory.

10. Don’t study with an empty stomach to avoid interruptions while reviewing your lessons.However, don’t make your tummy full because it makes you feel tired and sleepy.

Sometimes, academic pressure is a problem that you might  not have time to do everything and miss some that will keep on bothering you that’s why,you must develop a good study habit and apply your scheduling skills.Remember all these reminders.Soon undoubtedly, will influence your decision in the future. Make a study your everyday habit.Experience the enjoyment and importance of studying.

 

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Technology/ Learning Tips

Funny Thoughts

By on July 16, 2013

IMG_2173 copy

Sunday is the best time to shop. It’s my Sunday habit to do all buying of foods and grocery items good enough for the whole week. I want to have enough food in the house to get dinner on the table ready. Last Sunday,I was in the Supermarket, while busy selecting foods, a girl in the fruit section invited me to sample some of their fruits for the day.They were giving out fruit choice to be sampled, got everyone to get free samples of Kiwis, grapes, oranges and yellow/red watermelon.I prefer the red watermelon,got my attention because it looks so fresh and inviting.

I remember when I was 10 years old, my mama is always telling me to refrain from any seeds of the fruit. She keeps on telling me that ”if i eat the seeds,then, the seeds will grow in my stomach”. I wasn’t even scared at that time but bit confused. Night time comes, I was thinking and imagining if in case, I will eat the seeds and will surely grow inside, and as it grows, the leaves might comes out of my mouth. I was so terrified thinking about that,What if I accidentally ate one without even knowing it?

I was only a kid at that time and so premature to think about everything.As the result? I bought a whole piece of red watermelon and it was so refreshing !It seems, during those times, I was the only kid bothered by that. Today, I simply smile to remember all those funny things in life. It was just a funny stuff to remember till this day. LOL!

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