Category: Travel and Adventure

Rope Swing Over the Deep Emerald Sea

By livelifeandlove on October 9, 2025

The most unforgettable experience I had in Seven Commandos beach El Nido was climbing the rope and swinging above the breathtaking turquoise waters. My friend successfully took some fantastic pictures of me swinging and I’m truly grateful they captured my tree-swinging acrobatics.

Here are some pictures of me enjoying rope swinging. I feel really thankful to have the opportunity to engage in these fun activities. I have a deep love for unique experiences, particularly when it comes to island hopping adventures.

These pictures will forever remind me of the thrilling and unforgettable experience I had during my recent trip to Palawan.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Goodnight Fellas..

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The Secret Lagoon: El Nido, Palawan

By livelifeandlove on October 8, 2025

Everyone dreams of a stunning island escape, a chance to unwind and recharge. It could be a peaceful spot with breathtaking views or a gorgeous island where you can hop from one island to another. Either way, El Nido,Palawan is definitely worth a visit, it has everything you could want including the towering limestone cliffs, secluded lagoons, hidden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of white-sand beaches to pick from. When visiting El Nido, similar to Coron, the highlight of the day is undoubtedly island hopping. This exciting and well-loved activity in Palawan offers a full day of exploring various islands and lagoons. Join me as I recount my wonderful island hopping tour in El Nido, Palawan. Perhaps one day you will visit this destination or in the near future, you will gain a deeper understanding of this place.

An island hopping adventure provides a day-long maritime journey to discover several islands and lagoons, with popular activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying leisure time on the beaches usually with buffet lunch and water provided by the tour. You can anticipate sharing ferry boats with your tourmates with also a knowledgeable local guide and opportunities for nature hikes and cave explorations among other things to expect.

During our visit to El Nido two weeks ago, We joined a group tour for this exciting island-hopping adventure. Our itinerary comprised visits to 10-12 different beaches and lagoons over the course of two days. Throughout these two days, we explored approximately twelve lagoons and beaches. Among all the beaches we explored during our day of island hopping, the Secret lagoon and Hidden beach definitely captivated my attention, both have a unique charm that draws you in and their locations are simply breathtaking.

Secret Lagoon

The Secret lagoon in El Nido is a stunning hidden cove that can only be accessed by swimming or kayaking through a narrow gap in a rock wall frequently requiring the assistance of a guide.

Upon your arrival before reaching the secret lagoon, the first sight to welcome you is the white sandy beach encircled by towering limestone cliffs perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming as well.

You will be astonished to witness the stunning beach, and the first thing you will want to do is capture its beauty.

The beach image is incredibly beautiful, featuring limestone cliffs and plants that add to its stunning appearance; however, the concern is that it’s a rocky beach, so wearing beach shoes is essential to protect your feet.

This lagoon is really just a hidden spot. You might not even realize there’s an emerald lagoon when you first go through the entrance. There’s a small hole, a rounded opening that is too narrow for your body to pass through but once you make it inside, you’ll discover a breathtaking secret lagoon beautifully framed by cliffs.

This is the access point leading to the lagoon, it is a tube-shaped opening.

The hole you came through is the only way out. It’s unique because the limestone cliffs around have small openings curve in an intriguing manner, highlighting beauty of nature.

Inside the Secret lagoon, what makes it unique is the journey through a hidden entrance.

The lagoon’s breathtaking natural limestone formation is another feature. Additionally, there are unique rock formations featuring tube-like circular openings that serve as entrances to other areas.

While traveling by boat, we also passed a towering limestone cliff with a hole resembling a cave showcasing the splendor of natural world.

The photo above shows a small hole of limestone cliff where water passes through when the current is strong. I’m curious about how limestone formations can produce such remarkable features.

This beach is distinctive as the dramatic limestone cliff formations showcase a unique and remarkable wonder of nature. Visitors can snorkel in the nearby seas to see colorful fish and coral reefs, which is included on El Nido island-hopping adventure.

A few important points to remember:

Important items to pack include sunscreen, a hat, water-friendly shoes, sunglasses, a towel, and a waterproof bag, with safety precautions like life jackets offered by the guide. Of course cellphone or camera is important. Do keep in mind that the planned schedule may vary due to weather conditions, which is part of the overall experience. Expect to share ferry boats with your fellow travelers.

Make sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, beach shoes, sunglasses, a towel and a waterproof bag. The guide will provide safety gear like life jackets. Don’t forget to protect your cellphone since water splashes from the boat can get it wet. And of course, having a cellphone or camera is key. Just remember that the schedule might change depending on the weather, which is all part of the adventure!

El Nido is a protected environmental area and local regulations forbid the collection of shells, corals, plants, and other items. This prohibition, which may lead to fines or legal consequences, aims to preserve marine life and protect the ecosystem. Tourists are encouraged to take photographs as souvenirs instead of taking any natural items from the beach.

Everything I have shared here is a valuable experience that you will soon come to enjoy as well. I highly recommend visiting El Nido, Palawan, it offers an unforgettable dream destination.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

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

Euro Xtreme Circus Arcovia

By livelifeandlove on September 22, 2025

The arrival of the Euro Xtreme circus in Arcovia excites me. This circus show in Manila has been something I have been looking forward to. Euro Xtreme Circus is a traveling circus that showcases its talents across various locations worldwide. Lauren and I promptly purchased two tickets as we believed it would be an extraordinary experience of a lifetime. It was a rainy Sunday evening when we went there, we arrived early to allow sufficient time for dinner prior to the performance. We dined at Popeye’s, which the nearest establishment to the circus venue and after dinner, we made our way to the circus tent where the show would take place.

The show kicked off right at 8:00 with a comedy clown act followed by a variety of acrobatic performances such as high-flying trapeze, ground hula hoop, energetic dancers along with the wheel of death and globe of terror. Notable performers include Chupetin the clown along with artists from countries like Colombia, Ukraine, and Romania. Absolutely. There will be something for children, teenagers, and adults to enjoy. No animals involved, just pure human-driven excitement.

They arrived in the Philippines last year, 2024, but kicked off their show in the southern region of the country, moving from various cities. The Philippine tour made stops in Gensan, Tagum, CDO, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and more. Just imagine how long we waited for this circus to finally perform in Manila. It was nearly a year.

The performance lasts approximately 2 hours, featuring a brief 15-minute intermission for relaxation and refreshments. You will be entertained by an exciting blend of top-notch performers. All human-powered stunts.

The renowned travel circus has arrived in Arcovia to perform from July 9 to August 30, 2025. Just a heads up, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in the venue. But no need to stress, you can buy snacks inside, along with soft drinks and bottled water once you’re in.

Euro Xtreme Circus Stunts ~World Class Talent

Globe of Terror

Performed by daredevils; Diana, Daniel and Alejandro. This dangerous act takes place inside a steel sphere.The performance showcases several motorcycles speeding up to 60 km/h as they race within the globe relying on precise timing and mutual trust.

A dangerous motorcycle stunts.Thrill-seekers operate motorcycles within a metal sphere, frequently with several riders competing just inches away from one another.

High-flying Aerial and Trapeze Acts

Three performers swinging on the air.

Aerial acts of flying trapeze artists

Gracefully glide through the sky and various stunts that challenge the laws of gravity.

Intense Wheel of Suspense

Albert and Alejandro executed the most perilous stunts I have ever witnessed.

A daring performance that features movements that defy gravity. I felt a surge of fear, worried that something might go wrong. This is the scariest act I was ever afraid to watch up close.

It was absolutely amazing to see, though it was a bit scary!

These performers were truly thrilling especially those who took on the Wheel and Globe of Death. It was a loud spectacle.

Performers stand or run on the inside or outside of these hoops while the apparatus rotates. They even blindfold themselves while they jump as the wheel keeps on rotating.

The Wheel of Death is an expansive, rotating metallic apparatus featuring wheels at both ends where acrobats execute perilous feats balancing and tumbling both within and outside the revolving wheels.

FMX High-energy Motocross-style Stunts

Stunts that feature motocross motorcycles and various high-energy motorcycle tricks soaring above the crowd.

A free style huge jump. It’s an exciting sport recognized for its exhilarating acrobatic performances on motorcycles.

Visually striking tricks and once again, I felt scared to watch because they might land in the wrong place.

Ground Hula Hoop

A significant performance art entails performers skillfully manipulating multiple hoops at once. Featuring acts that challenge the limits of conventional hula hooping techniques.

The performance also includes acrobatic displays and spontaneous, lively comedic acts.

Thank you Max!

Albert and Alejandro, Thank you very much!

Thank you ladies!

The EuroXtreme circus has been extended twice due to the increasing number of spectators attending. They host shows every day except Mondays, with weekday shows starting at 8:00 PM and weekend shows at 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

Lastly, to all Euro Xtreme Circus performers! Thanks for visiting the Philippines! You really brought joy to everyone especially the kids, with your hilarious clowns, thrilling stunts, and exciting performances featuring lively dancers. I really hope you’ll come back to the Philippines again.

Thanks for reading my blog! Goodnight

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

By livelifeandlove on September 19, 2025

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, recognized as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature,’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a river that meanders through an expansive limestone cave. This underground river is among the most popular attractions in Palawan and it is the world’s longest navigable underground river.

Cave Entrance

The cave was dimly lit, yet our boat was equipped with a powerful light that illuminated the cave as we navigated through. The cave’s formations were breathtaking, each one unique from the ceiling down to the depths below. There were various rock formations including ones resembling a church, a mushroom, and an umbrella, just to name a few…

Everything you need to know about the Underground River

The underground river can be found within a cave network typically in a limestone or karst environment where the riverbed remains concealed and the water navigates through chambers and tunnels in the rock.

The water was not the clear turquoise it used to be due to the rain that persisted throughout the day, the river’s color appeared somewhat muddy but this was only the case for that particular day.

As we explored the cave, it was peaceful and calm and the thrilling experience came from certain spots where the cave walls were dripping with cold water leaving us a bit wet.

There is a section within the cave that serves as a habitat for bats where they can be observed hanging.The only sound you’ll hear inside the cave is the water dripping from the ceiling.

Underground River tour includes boat excursions to the cave followed by a guided 45-minute exploration of the 8.2 km navigable river that flows through a stunning limestone cave system.

Visitors are observed here wearing life vests and hard hats, which are mandatory before embarking on a cave tour with a paddled boat. A boatman is present to paddle the boat during the tour while visitors take pleasure in listening to the audio that provides information about the cave.

Audio Guide

A portable device that offers recorded information for visitors exploring a cave, it provides information about the cave’s formations and wildlife, all while emphasizing the importance of environmental protection.

The river is bordered by mangroves and palm trees.

As the river exits the cave, it flows into a coastal lagoon, which is separated from the sea by a sandy beach where the water eventually drains into the sea.

Underground River in Puerto Princesa is a famous example showcasing a river that winds through a stunning limestone scenery and flows straight into the sea.

How to get there – Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

In our situation, since it was a tour, the driver picked us up from our hotel at 8 am and took us directly to Sabang port. At Sabang, a boat was ready to take us to the National Park followed by a short trek through the jungle to reach the entrance of the Underground River cave. Upon our arrival at the entrance, we were given some advice and rules to follow. We then boarded a small paddle boat for the main tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes as we navigate through breathtaking limestone formations. After exploring, we took the same route back.

It was a wonderful experience, and I feel a great sense of pride that one of the attractions in my country has been recognized as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature.’ The Philippines is indeed home to many beautiful attractions that you can also explore!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Goodnight Fellas…

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Technology/ Learning Tips | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Emotion Egg Artwork

By livelifeandlove on September 11, 2025

While I’m waiting for my beef to get tender, I like to pass the time by doing something wonderful. It’s a fun and simple egg art piece that showcases facial expression. The great part is that kids will enjoy these amusing egg arts. You can also teach your kids how to make this kind of artwork which will boost their creativity and help them grasp different facial expressions, an art appropriate for various age groups and skill levels.

It is referred to as emotion eggs, a mom and child artwork. I’ve also added my collectible plastic hen and chicks. Making this kind of artwork brings back fond memories from my childhood. I used plastic eggs, a black paint and a small brush for the facial features, a small hen with chicks, a real egg, and a sprinkle of imagination to bring all the facial expressions to life. That’s it!

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

Hongkong Master Cook: Seafood Paluto Restaurant

By livelifeandlove on July 26, 2025

I’m celebrating my birthday in advance, and I’ve chosen this fantastic Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant for my special day. My family alongside my siblings and intimate friends are in attendance at my forthcoming celebratory event, bringing the total to 13 attendees, it’s the perfect size for a large round table providing plenty of space for everyone to dine and interact comfortably. I made an advance reservation of private room at this restaurant two weeks prior, as it is often fully booked. Many patrons are coming to this paluto restaurant.

The gathering was scheduled for dinner time and as the host, I arrived earlier than the others to allow sufficient time to buy seafood before the guests’ arrival. I went to the Dampa seaside market located adjacent to the Hongkong Master Cook restaurant to buy fresh seafoods and handed them over to the Hongkong master chef for preparation. They weighed at the counter and informed them of my preferred cooking style. ( Cooking charges based on seafood weight per kilogram ) The restaurant then prepares the dishes which are frequently offered alongside other menu items..

Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant

Address: Seaside Market LOT 5-A MACAPAGAL BLVD. Brgy. 76 Pasay City. Metro Manila.

The Hongkong Master Cook is an excellent “Paluto” restaurant located within this area, where the seafood you buy from Dampa is prepared. The chefs, hailing from Hongkong and accompanied by Asian culinary experts, skillfully cook the seafood. They prepare dishes that are incredibly flavorful, showcasing their expertise in various cooking styles, and the chefs here truly create culinary wonders.

Dampa Seaside Market

Dampa is a well-maintained seaside market that is clean, where one can buy fresh seafood of all varieties. Situated in the Seaside Market on Macapagal Boulevard. On the other hand, Hongkong Master Cook presents a delightful “paluto” experience. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience where you can choose your seafood and have it expertly prepared by the chef.

Lobsters and Giant Crabs

The selection is super fresh, seafood that’s in season and freshness is essential. You can find all sorts of seafoods like Lapu-lapu, lobsters, prawns, eel, and crabs, usually kept in aquariums to guarantee freshness and that the crabs are alive.

Dampa Seaside Market Seafoods

It has a range of fresh seafood choices, I have observed that the prices tend to be high but worth it. It is important to note that the charges for cooking styles are based on the weight of the seafood, calculated per kilogram. The cost associated with the cooking style varies depending on the specific method you choose, and you will be charged accordingly per kilo.

Hongkong Master Cook Menu

The evening’s highlight is an impressive and stunning seafood feast. To start with, we enjoyed an overwhelming 14 courses to take pleasure in. It was an exciting seafood night. Now, Let’s get started!

Note: I failed to take pictures of the dim sum.

A combination of clams, fish, crabs, mussels, scallops, cuttlefish, oysters and prawns, along with our order of grilled pork ribs, the only soup served piping hot that evening was Sinigang na tanigue and a selection of dipping sauces. All cooking style are designed to accommodate various preferences.

Sinigang na Tanigue

We began our celebration with a steaming bowl of Sinigang na Tanigue soup. It smelled really fresh, and it was a delicious way to start our meals.

Crab with Salty Egg Yolk

Tonight’s favorite is this dish, Personally, I was eager to photograph this attractive dish and I was the first to grab the big claws when the platter arrived on the table.

Baked Scallops with Cheese

The classic seafood platter Baked Scallops with Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser and a genuine favourite among diners.This meal is absolutely delightful, it certainly merits a higher rating due to its flavour and visual appeal. It serves as a highlight for my celebration.

Steamed Suahe

This dish features mild and sweet natural flavors, and it is at its best when the shrimp are fresh, giving it an appealing and clean appearance. I can even detect the aroma of freshness. It’s super tasty when you dip it in Chinese black vinegar. I often make this dish at home too.

Steamed Shells with Garlic

Without a doubt, the freshness of clams is essential for an incredibly delicious flavour. Very good!

Sweet and Sour Lapu-lapu

The flavor is amazing; you can taste the freshness, which is the benefit of using a live fish for cooking. The only issue here > is that the plate used is too small for the Lapu-lapu, which is fairly large. The plate size is insufficient for the dish; a larger plate would have been required. Perhaps they must know that you need to used the appropriate dish for larger quantities.

Birthday Noodles

Birthday Noodles is the most significant dish of all. Whether you are Chinese or not, everyone wishes to live a long life. Eating noodles during important events, like birthdays, is believed to help people live longer. In some Asian cultures especially in Chinese and Filipino traditions. This practice is based on the belief that longer noodles represent a longer life.The common desire is to live a long lasting life…

Here is another concern: the noodles appeared overly crowded, similar to the Lapu-lapu dish. A larger plate should be utilized. The head cook ought to be aware of the suitable plate size for larger portions.

Tofu with Century Eggs

Delicious dish, a perfect combination with a slightly spicy flavor. Adds an excellent combo flavor to other foods.

Stir-fried Shells with Tausi Sauce

Two varieties of shellfish, each prepared differently, were offered. Clams make up the first one, and the dish above is known as bagongon or bagungon, a pointed shell.

Stir Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper

The tasty squid is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Just the proper way to cook, as meant to.

Inihaw na Liempo

Not too good for me; it’s just okay, I can prepare this type of food better.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Eating takes more time because of the seafood being served. It takes longer since you need to crack open crabs and shellfish and peel prawns and other seafood shells using a picker, cracker, and our hands.

The “Paluto” concept is the core of the experience, where customers purchase fresh seafood from the Dampa seaside market and then choose a restaurant to prepare the cuisine for them. The restaurant I’ve selected, Hongkong Master Cook, is situated just next to the well-known Seaside Market, which is renowned for its extensive menu and delicious seafoods.

In addition to the paluto options, they also provide items from their normal menu. The restaurant can get very busy, especially on peak days, and service can be slow at times. If you’re planning to dine here, it’s best to come in a group. Going to Dampa seaside with friends makes it more enjoyable, as they can assist you in recommending and selecting the best dishes to try.

Following dinner, we wanted to keep our gathering going, to prolong our get-together so, we all headed to the next place for coffee at Starbucks on Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. It was a delightful early birthday celebration. We all returned home with happy tummy! Thank you Aay!

Note: Another issue to consider is that this restaurant is excessively busy, experiences a high volume of customers,The restaurant staff appears to be hurrying, which negatively impacts the quality of food presentation. Additional problems include the use of inappropriate plate sizes, as the food is overcrowded on small plates. Furthermore, the way the pork is sliced is inconsistent, and the toppings, such as the sliced boiled eggs on the noodles, are arranged in various directions, contributing to the overcrowded and crumpled appearance. On the other hand, some foods are beautifully presented, such as crabs and tofu with century eggs. I’m really hoping that the next time I visit the same restaurant, there will be some improvements. They definitely need to step it up a bit. It’s for their own benefit in business.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Goodnight Fellas!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Peking Garden: Classic and Imperial Northern Chinese Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 24, 2025

One of Manila’s best restaurants is Peking Garden. This establishment presents a delectable selection of traditional and imperial Northern Chinese cuisine, skillfully crafted by experienced master chefs hailing from Hong Kong. In a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere, guests can savor the finest dishes from the northern provinces of China. The restaurant’s signature dish is Peking duck, which is the star and centerpiece of the table, but other popular dishes have become patrons favorites, such as the scrambled egg white with grouper fillet, double-boiled winter melon soup with assorted seafood, and fresh crabs. Peking Garden offers much more than its renowned duck.

Peking Garden 4th level Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati city

The complete full meal of 9 courses. Among the 9 courses presented here, all consist of healthy options, particularly a combination of seafood and vegetables. The private room was previously booked with a selection of the best courses.

For family gatherings, we typically enjoyed dinner in a private room to maintain our privacy. The delightful scent of good food envelops us, and we are surrounded by the enticing aroma of delicious dishes all evening long. No major Chinese celebration would be deemed complete without a generous spread of tasty cuisine; it was absolutely mouthwatering.

The evening’s nine course menu. Now, let’s get started!

A cultural practice to drink tea before and after meals, It supports digestion for various reasons, assists in breaking down oily foods, and revitalizes our taste buds.

B’Day E-Fu Noodles with Fresh Scallops in Cheese and Butter Sauce

We began our meal with an appetizer that significantly influenced the overall dining experience. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the quail eggs were soft and fresh, creating a delightful mix.

Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

An excellent vegetable shell for serving soup is the winter melon bowl. The shell has the benefit of being rather thick and able to hold onto the heat from the soup.

Using a long-handled cup-shaped spoon, the server gently scraped the flesh of the winter melon and ladled in various shellfish inside the shell before filling each dish with the transparent soup. Picking a piece of shrimp from the winter melon bowl’s edge was our final activity.

It is perfectly suited for 12 individuals. You can observe the variety of seafood in individual bowls, rich in nourishment and flavor. Additionally, you can see how the server fills a small bowl with winter melon soup.

Peking Duck

Peking duck is the “star of the table” when it is served in excellent condition, well-cooked, and smelling delicious. It was pretty tasty, and the skin was crunchy. It is certain to dominate the table. The ceremonial carving and serving are what made it renowned.

The thin meat was carefully placed in a circle on a huge white plate, following the edge of the plate with the crispy skin in the center although, it could go either way. The images demonstrate the distinction between the plate’s edge and center. The duck meat in the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the platter or vice versa.

Following preparation and carving, the entire Peking duck platter was brought to our table with the delicious hoisin sauce, tortilla, and spring onion stalks.

How to wrap strips of Peking duck

Place the spring onion stalk and a thin strip of Peking duck meat on a tortilla wrapper. Place another strip of Peking duck on top and drizzle with sweet Hoisin sauce.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel to the breastbone and repeating on the opposite side. It appears to be very easy to carve because the knife is sharp; this is the secret to ideal carving.

I found the cutting technique useful, and I’m now using it when I cook at home.

The Peking duck was prepared in two ways once the skin and some of the meat were removed. This is another cooking transformation method that was used to prepare the leftover meat in a different meal.

Golden Suajes with Salted Egg

Nowadays, prawns with salted egg are a popular and delicious dish. You can taste the salted egg, which is crispy, not salty, and pleasantly awakens your appetite.

Scramble Egg White with Garoupa Fillet

Since garoupa and lapu-lapu are the same fish, the grouper fish is referred to as “lapu-lapu” when it appears on menus or at fish markets in the Philippines.

Garoupa fillet is cooked just right, the egg white is just as perfectly a good combination as healthy dish that everyone adore especially the seniors. a wonderful match.

“Shang Pei” Fish Head with Bean Curd

One of my favorites! I like the flavor. The combination of fish head and bean curd makes for a tasty and nourishing meal especially when it comes to this kind of cuisine. I even tried cooking the same thing in the hopes of achieving the same delicious flavor.

It was served in a claypot like this.

Steamed Crabs with Minced Garlic

This is amazing! A refined presentation and taste. Red crabs have large claws and firm, fresh meat. It was perfectly cooked, and I love crabs’ large claws.

The second photo was taken that same evening.

Before I took my first bite of the first portion, I managed to take a picture of my own plate. This dish consists of a little part of Garoupa fillet, few Peking duck flesh and skin, and two pieces of steamed asparagus.

Sweet Treats at the end of the meal

These two desserts provide a delightful conclusion to our meals.

Birthday Bun

It is a lotus seed-filled steamed bun. It is a wish for many more blessings in the future to serve this type of dessert.

Hot Sweetened Almond Puree

The serving of steaming, sweetened almond puree was still piping hot. It had the true flavor of an authentic almond purée and was sweet.

We all enjoyed our dinner party that showcased fantastic cuisine, the presence of dear ones, and a sophisticated setting. The caliber of food, dedicated service, and the atmosphere of the restaurant can greatly affect the entire dining experience. When marking a significant event, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or a weekly family reunion, think about booking a private room, which provides impressive features, including exclusive spaces. Peking Garden is a well-known restaurant that accommodates a variety of celebrations in a spacious and refined environment. It should be acknowledged that events at unique venues necessitate prior planning.

Peking Garden | Greenbelt 5

Located in: Greenbelt 5 Phase 2 Mkt.

Open daily from 11:00am/5:30-9:30pm

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

A Mano BGC: The Finest Handcrafted Italian Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 21, 2025

A Mano is an Italian dining establishment owned by Amado Fores. The restaurant’s concept is inspired by its name A mano which translates to “by hand”. It specializes in crafting authentic Italian dishes with a commitment to Fresh and Faithful Italian cuisine. We visited their branch in BGC to celebrate Luyene’s birthday as it was her personal choice of venue. She has a fondness for pizza and pasta. She chose this A Mano restaurant because she wanted us to experience all her favorite dishes that she typically orders here. We were all very eager to try her recommendations, all we needed to do was enjoy the offerings since we all love Italian food.

Margherita Con Bufala (red) and Tartufatta (white)

At A Mano, there are two types of pizza available: the red pizza and the white pizza. Both options are included in the menu, and it is your choice which one to order. Therefore, we decided to sample both varieties, selecting these two along with another option, which I will discuss later as I continue.

Sangria

If you look closely at the cocktails, you’ll notice that each drink has a name ‘A Mano’ printed on the orange skin, making it super easy to spot. This is a cool way for the cocktails to showcase the restaurant’s unique signature.

Amaretto Sour

Before I proceed further, as we are celebrating a birthday here, I would like to invite you to join my family for a toast.

Cheers!

Here’s to the birthday celebrant, Buon Compleanno “Luyene”!

Now that we’ve had our toast, let’s return to the main topic.

In the Menu, A Mano restaurant presents a Brunch featuring Toast, Eggs, Savory dishes, and a Full Italian breakfast for two. Additionally, it offers Homemade fresh pasta, Artisanal dry pasta, and Risotto. The menu also includes Raspadura and a selection of Drinks. The main menu comprises Seconfi, Contorni, Grande, and Riso. For pizza, patrons can choose between two varieties: Red and White pizza. The wine selection is also available, along with sparkling beverages and desserts.

Caesar Salad

We began with a chilled appetizer, the Caesar salad, followed by a pizza entrée leading to the main course and then drinks and desserts. Let’s get started!

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy. There’s a popular tale that on June 11, 1889, to pay tribute to the queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito crafted the “pizza Margherita,” which has become the most beloved pizza globally. Today, it is the most popular pizza in the world.

Margherita Con Bufala

Margherita Con BufalaI is a straightforward yet flavorful blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella di Bufala, and basil. Mouthwatering even just to look at the photos and soon you’ll be tempted to give it a try too.

Tartufatta

Tartufatta, a rich blend of Truffle cream, Fortina, and Mozzarella Di Bufala.

4 Formaggi

4 Formaggi or Quattro Formaggi pizza is prepared using four types of cheese: Mozzarella Di Bufala, Gorgonzola, Emmental, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Honestly, this flavor is something I’ve never experienced before. Italian pizza is definitely the best.

A Mano Handmade Style Pasta That Everyone will Love

For the pasta, we chose two types based on the preferences of our family members.

Garganelli Bianco

Garganelli Bianco pasta features a delicious blend of truffle butter, cream, peas, and prosciutto di Parma.

Tagliatelle Al Ragu

Tagliatelle Al Ragu pasta is a delicious mix of ragu bolognese and parmigiano reggiano. It was really great, I personally love pizza and pasta. Next time I come back to this restaurant, I’m definitely going to try the Primi Pasta: Pomodoro e Basilico, Tortellini Alla Panna all fresh handmade pasta.

Tuscan Buttered Chicken

Chicken Parm” with Burrata

Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta is genuinely outstanding, the delicate sweet gelatin is creamy and showcases a perfect presentation, molded neatly and encircled by a delightful sugar crunch.

Burrata Gelato Soft

Burrata Gelato Soft is an exquisite cold dessert that truly satisfies after a delightful meal.

Mango Shake

We all truly enjoyed the food we tasted and we can’t wait to come back for more. Thanks, Luyene!

The beverages are made with the same care as their dishes, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques. The service is commendable however, the restaurant is somewhat limited in size, making it difficult to accommodate a large number of patrons. We waited patiently for our turn to be called to take our place at the table after others had vacated.

This review is just our personal take, but if you check out this restaurant, you’ll get to form your own opinion about the taste and service too. Highly Recommended, Give it a shot!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Ornamental Kale: Stunning Japanese Cabbage

By livelifeandlove on July 16, 2025

A stunning blend of Japanese decorative cabbage which is also called Flowering kale, showcases vibrant hues of pink, cream, purple, white and green. This plant is visually captivating with its colorful leaves, making it a popular choice for decoration. Although, they are edible, they tend to be more bitter and have a tougher texture. They are often used as a garnish because of their appealing colors and shapes. These plants belong to the Brassicaceae family and are known to have their colors become more intense in cooler temperatures, changes its color when exposed to cold.

The Cherry blossom is often considered the most famous flower in Japan, however, there are numerous other stunning flowers that bloom even in winter, such as the Flowering Kale. I was enchanted by this cabbage which displays a variety of colors that caught my attention during photography. It was my first encounter with this vibrant cabbage which is not found in my home country.

2 Different Varieties of Ornamental Cabbages

Varieties that have smooth leaf edges and wide flat leaves are typically called Flowering cabbages whereas those with jagged or fringed leaf edges are known as Flowering kales especially the ones that have ruffled or curled edges on their leaves, which are sometimes referred to as coral.

Flowering kales or Coral Kales

In the Philippines, we grow our common green cabbage for its tasty leaves, which are featured in many dishes and salads. On the other hand, ornamental kale is primarily grown for its beautiful and vibrant leaves.

I snapped these gorgeous ornamental cabbage photos while visiting Tokyo and Osaka. I managed to get a few shots at Tokyo DisneySea, Garden near Mirokuin Temple in Kyoto and around the gardens near Japan’s Mt. Fuji but these aren’t the only flowers I photographed, I also captured various types of winter flowers and plants especially the famous Cherry Blossoms.

Stay tuned for more updates coming your way soon…

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Whispers of Serenity

By livelifeandlove on July 15, 2025

Nature’s beauty in a grassland landscape provides a serene natural setting, featuring a gentle breeze, soft light, and the sounds of nature that create a sense of peace and tranquility. The expansive open fields offer a calming and restorative experience, fostering a connection to nature that quiets the mind and promotes feelings of inner peace.

These photos were taken during my visit to Nara Park, the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, a scenic destination. Here, you can interact with and pet over a thousand free-roaming sika deer.

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