Category: Travel and Adventure

THE SKY RANCH

By livelifeandlove on May 7, 2014

The ”Sky Ranch’‘ is the newest amusement park in Tagaytay. One favorite ride of mine aside from Zip Line is the Sky Eye. Let me show you the display of night colours in the sky. Night ride on the sky is very relaxing, slowly as it evolves,once you’re up, you can see the colors of the starlight and the beautiful aerial view of Taal.

Viewing the Sky Eye and other rides

You’ll see how the light changes its color while rotating, and definitely, it’s a night photography.

(Click on images to view larger)

The Sky Eye

The sky fun Carousel

The Super Viking

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SUMMER VACATION, TAGAYTAY, 2014

By livelifeandlove on May 5, 2014

Me and my family visited Tagaytay last week. Tagaytay, one of the coolest place in the Philippines, well known for its beautiful scenery, quiet spots and all geographical wonders of nature. Everything interesting is here. It’s not our first time to visit Tagaytay, We had visited these place a countless times already.So far,the 4 days Holy week vacation gave me ample time to cover some places and people around.

I’ve made myself very busy and active touring around the green community of Taal. All things to feature such as; Beautiful landscape surrounding Taal lake, the Taal volcano, one of the world’s smallest volcano, the Puzzle Museum, the Tagaytay Highlands, the Culinary feast of mushrooms and salad vegetables, the beautiful garden flowers, the Sunflower farm, the Pineapple plantation, the Coconut plantation, the scene of the night in Sky Ranch as the newest Amusement Park, Fruit and Pasalubong stalls, Souvenir shops to name a few .

Exploring around gave me a better mood to relax, more time to do fitness routine. I love Tagaytay because it’s just an hour drive away from home and lots of activities you can do here; Cycling, jogging, walking, and hiking usually done early in the morning to reduce my stress or even by just watching the low clouds, sunrise and sunset while in the balcony. You can also enjoy Kayacking, horse riding and picnic areas is also good.

What could possibly cooler than to see the Puzzle Museum, a home for the World’s largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles listed in the Guinness book of records, and more so, to meet the present ”Guinness World Record Holder,Gina Gil-Lacuna. All interesting things I’d love to cover especially people and places, making it more exciting to have fun and bond with my family, that’s super excitement for me. To explore the nature side as well,you’ll realize how beautiful they are!

I have so much activities and more to say about it. I couldn’t possibly place in one article alone, so this is just my first version as my journey continues. With too many places to visit, people to meet and interview, 4 days is not really enough although, itineraries was readily planned in advanced, yet, so little time. I need to get back all those I’ve missed and compensated soon.

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Just sit down, relax and click, I will tour you around for awhile! The first day of adventure starts. See what happens when nature takes over…

Lake Taal, total picture of calm, peaceful and cool. All wildflowers around swinging gracefully in an open air.

Taal volcano, one of the world’s smallest volcano.

So far, this is the latest photo.

Farmers in Tagaytay have to adopt where farming are practiced on slopes, Others areas inhabited by trees has transformed into commercial establishments; big hotels, golf courses, amusement parks and restaurants. Other lands abandoned has turned wisely into coconut, jackfruit and pineapple plantation. To my surprised, it was a fast growth and development. Perhaps, people always in search of better ways to improve way of life. Pieces of thoughts, they want fast growth and good profit. Some lands converted to a new development. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice one in order to bring up a new one.

Biking around the community.

Me with the famous,Gina Gil Lacuna, the present ”Guinness book of record holder for the largest collection of Jigsaw puzzles.

Puzzle Museum

Some collections of Gina.

Lots of fruits around; Jackfruit is good if you can take the smell of it. More fruits like bananas,mangosteen, mangoes, avocado, pineappled and many more..

The Sunflower farm, one of the best garden feature to highlight here. Nature’s side, It was wild and lovely in full golden yellow color. The ”Sunflower farm has been the source of attraction just like the pineapple field.

Beautiful garden flowers. It is a mass full of blooms. All flowers burst into blooms.

Full bloom under the sun.

The intensity of summer heat was not even the problem here. I can take it as well.

Lovely Gumamela

Coconut Plantation

Pineapple Plantation

My night photography. Here’s sharing you the fun of riding the ”Sky Eye, the Zip Line definitely not available at night.

The Sky Ranch Amusement Park keeps me going. Possibly, I’ve forgotten my age, LOL! I think it was called,”Sky Ranch because the ranch is just beside the amusement park. Check the horses nearby.

The color wheel while rotating, the light color changes as it brings vivid colors to brighten the dark sky.

Night ride on the sky is very relaxing, slowly as it evolves,once you’re up, you can see the colors of the starlight and the beautiful aerial view of Taal.

The color wheel of the Sky Eye is amazing! It was glittering, sparkling that filled the night sky with vivid colors.

Other Rides

It was difficult to leave the park. It was an amusement park you need to see and experience before morning comes!

For foods, It’s Josephine’s Seafood Restaurant, the ambience so relaxing.

For lunch, It’s our favorite,Oyster Rockefeller, One of the best served in the restaurant.

Crispy Pata was crispy and delicious.

As the result, it was a wonderful vacation for all of us. It was a a broad hide-away to escape the city traffic and home worries. My journey continues next post…

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

Filipino Figure Skater, Michael Christian Martinez

By livelifeandlove on April 28, 2014

After meeting the Guinness Book of Record Holder, Gina Gil Lacuna, Here’s another famous, Michael Christian Martinez, a young figure skater and the first Filipino to qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympics. The pride of the Philippines is only 17 and the youngest skater who competed during that time.

Following the event lately, the Philippines hosted ISU WORLD DEVELOPMENT TROPHY 2014 at SM Megamall Skating Rink last April 21-26 participated by 11 countries. I was there during the last day of the event. I even met some skaters from other countries during the Junior skating free style. I really thought, it was already late when I arrived. I’m glad, was able to catch up 30 minutes before Michael will skate. The last day was the awarding of winners and the highlight of the event, a night exhibition of Michael.

It was my first time to see Michael skating live at SM Skating rink. Wearing a full black outfit, looks handsome and in perfect form. It was very entertaining to see all his graceful movements on ice with the loud music of,’’A Time for us.’’ I did video while photographing at the same time. (Video footage to be published soon) Only 17 of age, tall and slim, he was the most admired skater that night. He won the hearts of the crowd especially the teenagers around.

Holding my camera at one corner of the rink, I did horizontal and vertical shots, it’s really hard to catch the center of interest in order to get a good view. The corner was not an easy spot, the thick glass of the skating rink is blocking my view. However, catching Michael’s fast movement on ice is the center of my interests.

Michael Christian Martinez (Filipino athlete in the Winter Olympics) performing live at MEGAMALL Skating Rink. Here are some of Michael’s skating movement, exciting moves on display. It’s hard to catch up the Axel speed.

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

SUNFLOWER FARM

By livelifeandlove on April 23, 2014

After my 3 days vacation in Tagaytay, one of the best features that I will highlight here is the Sunflower field. It’s not that hard to find this common kind because it is wild form. As you know, sunflowers can withstand the dry conditions of the soil. I’ve noticed that sunflower grow and spread faster especially if the space is not limited.

With the rich soil and temperate climate of Tagaytay, all the subdivision vacant plots was loaded with these flowers and some growing salad vegetables. Exploring the farm under full bright sun makes me feel exhausted, the heat of the sun was so intense that makes my skin bit darker. However, the sky clouds seemingly low and blue in color, thought it would make a beautiful background to produce lovely shots.

Gardening was much improved over the years, the presence of different species of flowering plants and wild forms have flourished. If you follow the routes going to the tropical forest, you’ll discover unique varieties with wide range and colors.

Sunflower produces wide golden-yellow blooms which is abundant throughout summer. From the name itself, of course, sunflower is a summer flower that loves the sun. Attractive as it looks, big lovely splash of golden-yellow petals makes the best decorative background in the farm. For me, every garden must have the wild side, the attendance of wild sunflowers must be present for the garden to look brilliantly natural.

Would love to take home some, I want a sunflower garden of my own. I’ve collected some dried sunflowers so I can get seeds from it. Sunflowers can be raised from seeds. I’ll bring it home and scatter those seeds in the garden.

Here are some of the photos I took during the first day of my vacation there. Lets get started!

(Click on images to view larger)

Nature’s view, it was wild and lovely in full golden yellow.

Wild blooms, rows of yellow wild and free.

You can see here, the clear view, beside the field is a summer house.

Sky viewing with the sunflowers. I feel like cutting these flowers, it would probably looks lovely over my left ear.

Here’s catching higher view, the sunflower plant is taller than me.

I’ve seen sunflowers around so many instances but, closer distance makes the difference.

I have to raise my camera in order to include the sky background.

Wide spread, my individual photo of sunflower.

How I wish to pick up some for my vases but, I didn’t bring any gardening tools, the stem was so hard.

I’ve seen giant sunflowers so many other instances but closer distance makes a big difference, you can touch it and see closer to the pollinating insects nearby.

I’m glad ,all shots came up to be beautiful, the clear blue sky make candid shots to bring out the beauty of the sunflowers.I hope you’ll like it. More garden flowers of Tagaytay next, my journey continues next posts.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Feeling of Love in Romantic Setting

By livelifeandlove on April 11, 2014

Love feeling that takes place in romantic setting

Low clouds and afternoon mist provides dramatic effect before the sunset. A young man sitting alone serves to highlight the colorful shadow before sundown. What is the young man doing in this area? No one bothered him except me for a few moment chat with him. What brought you here? And he replied,”Just to see the sunset’’ What is so special about the sunset? He answered, It gives refreshing mood away from hectic school schedules and assignments.

For few questions, I’d like to get a possibility from him to open a love story but,I refrain myself from asking too many questions because it might be awkward to answer such things. There was no early arrangement made to interview since it was only a chance meeting. He was busy texting while talking. I guess, curiosity made me so, he’s here to release all his worries. After having him talked as he wished, he left holding his mobile on hand. With just a few steps away, He turned his back and said, I think, I’m already in love! Ohhh! that’s the point I’ve been waiting for…

How could you forget something just as for me to repeat his name as he walk away.. I can recall other details with the facts that came in the corner of just a short conversation.It seems to be a typical love story revolving around teenagers of today.

An outdoor experience. A good setting where you can get more hours to refresh and think about what the next move.

Beautiful scenery, Manila Bay along Roxas Blvd.

I agree, this is the perfect place to relax but, if you ask me to relate the atmosphere here, I can just describe it as a lonely daybreak. I mean, at least, you must have a meaningful smile even if hectic school assignment arises! It’s just a part of education and for you to learn and grow up!

Looks like a solitaire but I don’t see any grim expression on his face.No matter what we go through life, to love and to be loved, it’s meant to make life worth living.

Far from the buzz of the university crowd. Sometimes, It’s more calm and peaceful to be with yourself for awhile.

Among my favorite places to go, I really believed this place is the best refreshing area that’s why I was also here at that time.

How wonderful to view the same area at this time of the day. It’s makes a big difference if you stay home and enclosed yourself to a room with only 4 wall corners to view every time. That would be very boring, isn’t it?

Taken 30 minutes before the sunset.

This refreshing sight is a wonder of nature. If you see these scenic views you’ll forget all your worries and what lies beyond… It would be a meaningful experience to view the sunset. It will help you appreciate and understand Mother Nature. And you? How do you refresh yourself? and where?

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

HIBISCUS VARIETIES

By livelifeandlove on April 10, 2014

We call it ”Gumamela”, a common kind of flowers grown in the Philippines. The most popular one is the Chinese Hibiscus which is red in color and generally the ”Rose of China”.Today, there are many varieties of hibiscus to choose from, all different in colors sizes and texture. We also have the single type and the doubled flower of every size and shape. Some hibiscus was discovered growing wild in tropical regions. These are sun loving flowers, they can tolerate high levels of light and the kind of flowers found throughout the year in any garden or in native habitat. Always seen around because it’s extremely easy to grow in any types of soil. Here are some photos of hibiscus flowers taken during my free time.

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

FLOWER OF THE WEEDS

By livelifeandlove on March 13, 2014

Would you believe? The miniature flowers shown here are regular weeds in the garden. Some grown in our own backyard, It was scattered everywhere. Weeds can really tolerate the kind of poor and dry soil that we had here. I didn’t pull it out because the garden looks natural with the weeds around. Small butterflies loved the flowers of these weeds too.

One factor to consider here, it might be unusual but, I would like to try it for my new subject for today. I was thinking that, it would be a useless subject since its just a weed and it’s common weeds to be seen around. However, when I saw the result of my photography, I was impressed how these native flowers makes it attractive just like the regular flowers too. Let me give a try.I have arranged the weed flowers accordingly and placed it in a small vase. Check the result.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Roses in a Vase

By livelifeandlove on February 24, 2014

Floribunda and Hybrid Tea Roses (Click on image to view larger)

Fragrant roses in a vase makes a lovely centerpiece on the table.Extra large blooms makes a lovely blend that provides fine shades of interesting color combinations. Among the good varieties of Floribunda Roses and Hybrid Tea Roses; Persian Yellow, Adolf Horstmann, Sutter’s Gold, Derek Nimmo, Friendship, and Elizabeth Tailor to name a few. When I bought these roses, it was partially opened until the day after comes to full bloom. I transferred it immediately to a trumpet vase which good enough to hold the stems and flowers firmly,reducing the water just enough for the vase. I have arranged them accordingly mixing all the varieties so colors will stand out. Arranging long-stemmed roses is easy because all varieties are suitable for any floral arrangement.The beauty, colour and fragrance looks appropriate to any style.

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

Only for the Flowers

By livelifeandlove on February 17, 2014

On my way home, I saw a queen bee pollinating the flowers, I immediately grabbed my camera to take a snapshot. As I was about to press the shutter,it flew backwards. I followed it again for the 2nd time, it flew straight to my camera encircling my head. How aggressive! I just stand-by firmly, I didn’t make any movement in order to be safe. For the 2rd try, I pressed the shutter and it’s done! That time, it was about to rain and I hurriedly packed everything before it gets wet.

To my surprised when I saw this photo. Where is the bee? The queen bee is nowhere to be found. Whew! I’ve missed to check my camera earlier. So the result,what is left are the flowers minus the queen bee. I really thought it was successful, How tough and aggressive to photographed such one. Previously, I have photographed the honeybees and the city bees. I can even touch these bees unlike the queen bee,it was quite bigger and aggressive, I can’t even come closer, so scared that its just like breaking my brain cells into pieces. It just happened that I’m also an aggressive photographer and I’m sure, I will get her back soon!

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

Chinese New Year 2014

By livelifeandlove on February 12, 2014

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.

The Dragon

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!

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.

The hanging Chinese lanterns was a perfect view above.

Hanging lanterns from above.

The Prosperity Tree

The lucky decorations from the Prosperity tree.

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

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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