Category: Travel and Adventure

The Biggest Lights and Music Show

By livelifeandlove on August 9, 2021

The 9^th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

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

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

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

Seaside Blvd. SM Mall of Asia

March 24, 2018 – 7:30 PM

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

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

Thank you for reading my blog!

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

Stunning Close-Up Photos of Honeybees

By livelifeandlove on August 4, 2021

My Macro Photography

With macro, you can see how detailed the small portion of the honeybee appearance. These honeybees are my morning visitors, I was fortunate to take photos with ease all in the comfort of our own garden.

Honeybee constant movement and flight patterns is difficult to take, it really requires patience and observation. During photography time as my most quiet moments, I treat bees as my friends the same way as humans, it’s just a bond throughout photography hour. I just need them to keep still for a second for zoom setting.

Honeybees Extreme Close-Up Shots

As the morning sunshine illuminates the honeybees, it lends a golden glow to this scene.

You can clearly see their complete body parts; triangular head, pair of sensory antennae, thorax, abdomen, three pairs of legs, outer shell called exoskeleton.

Honeybees has 5 eyes: 2 compound eyes and 3 simple eyes.

Till next post… Take care and Keep Safe

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

Orange Man/Fruit Carving

By livelifeandlove on July 28, 2021

For my orange man fruit art, I’m using the best choice of my own Valencia oranges, it is the world’s most famous variety of orange and the best kind when it comes to juicing however juicing comes after my creative fruit art. I’m in the mood to show my personal touch, this is a hands on carving and cutting tricks. If you are happy, you can apply the same mood to your hands.

Oranges with bright orange skin with wonderful scent and sweet flesh is really good. Tangerine can also be used in the same way as oranges. It was fun making something different to attract the kids, these photos will tempt you to try one for your kids.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography

Fresh Fruit Slices with Yogurt

By livelifeandlove on July 16, 2021

Rainbow-bright fruit slices with a sweet and creamy yogurt dip, it’s totally refreshing and irresistible. Just about anything goes here, adding and mixing delightful assortment of different flavors and tastes, these fruits goes well and tastes as lovely as they look. You can even make your own style of arrangement according to your own mood.

Serves: 3 persons

Prep: 15 mins.

What you need: All fresh fruits such as; kiwi, pineapples, grapes, dragon fruit, oranges, apples, strawberries, mint leaves, cherries, almond extract, and yogurt.

Dressing: Combine honey with 3 drops of almond extract

For decoration: Cherries, Mint leaves

Directions:

Wash all fruits and cut in different shapes. Gently toss all fruits into honey and almond extract.

Using a picker, pick all fruit slices and arrange into a cocktail glass or on a plate. Chill for 30 minutes. Keep it covered inside the refrigerator.

Spoon your favorite yogurt over top, this is how I’ve arranged my own. A cocktail glass is placed at the center surrounded by other fruits on a white plate.

I’m using a mango flavor of Fruit Selection Yogurt which is 0% fat. It’s a healthier choice!

Decorate it with cherries and mint leaves. These fruits are the center of attraction on the table.

More Additions: Kraft shredded cheese and other soft fruits

Note: For individual serving use: glass bowl or cocktail glass, for group sharing use: deep bowl or platter.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Shakes, Smoothies, and Juices

By livelifeandlove on July 12, 2021

All fruits are infinitely mixable according to your own likes. It is the simplest thing to make and most refreshing after a hard work. Nowadays, almost all recipes are printed in cookbooks and magazines that serves as a kitchen reference, we all eat and serve the same kind but there’s changes every season, the process of making adding new flavors and variations. What do you think? When the next idea will come from? Unless you’ll try to make and remake to love it first before sharing with others. You don’t need to order shake in the restaurant if you know how to make it yourself and it’s economical, you’ll also feel the good mood knowing you are saving energy and money. With too many fruits around, you can do more for it.

I devoted a bit of my abundant free time in making different kinds of shakes, smoothies and juices using fresh fruits in season such as; mangoes, papayas, cantaloupes, strawberries, blueberries, pears, apples, bananas and many more. There are many ways to do it, like the mix together ways. I’ve combined blending the mild sweetness, sour, delightfully sweet and others which includes; a low calorie shake for diabetics, trendy summer delight for dieters and delightful drinks for weight gainers.

I never break the habit of bringing our favorite fruits on the table no matter if it is a juice, shake or smoothies as long as anything nutritious is made out of fruits.

Few creative props added like fruit slices and mini umbrellas for good presentation.

Some of our healthy drinks is an everyday fruit choice for the family. I will always welcome any family member to make the right choice and suggestion on what kind of fruit to blend for the day. This is how I value our health and handle their cravings.

My everyday habit to make fruit shake for the family. Literally, there are many ways to serve fruits, one favorite of mine is turning fruits into drinks too. It’s not only refreshing but also healthy and nutritious.

There’s no shortage of these fruits, It’s always available in the market and you can even use the leftover fruits in the refrigerator.

Shakes, Smoothies, and Juices that you’ll love

Try one of these and see!

Sweet Papaya Smoothie

Refreshing Watermelon Shake

Apple-Kiwi Berry Shake

Pear and Pineapple Shake

Peach-Mango Shake

Pineapple Juice

Avocado Shake

Guyabano or Soursop Smoothie

Kiwi Shake

Always remember the health benefits of fruit shakes, smoothies and juices. Way to ensure you’ll receive all these vital nutrients that we need to stay healthy, full of energy and fight off diseases. All the goodness on the inside will have a positive effect on the outside. Ok fellas! Stay safe and healthy. Fruit shake and Smoothie recipes coming up next. See you again next posts..

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Breathtaking Bangui Wind Farm

By livelifeandlove on June 21, 2021

Bangui, Ilocos Norte is a home of the first windmill in southeast Asia, It has become a popular tourist destination because it is widely regarded as one of the nicest places in the province. The huge turbines that dominate the Bangui skyline and beachfront are on full display here. Cluster of wind turbines capturing wind energy with their massive propeller-like blades to produce renewable energy for use in the electric power generation process. While traditional windmills were designed to pump water and grind grain, their modern counterparts are utilized to generate power. China, with its long coastline and huge bulk, has more windmills than any other country.

Photos taken a year ago during my visit to the province, my passion is just simple, to take photos for blogs and to document beautiful places I’ve been to. I continue adding more great photos each time we travel somewhere. Here are my photo collection of the iconic windmills by the sea. It was a great experience to see all the beautiful places of Ilocos especially Bangui Windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Culili Point Sand Dunes in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The Iconic Windmills of Bangui, Ilocos Norte

It is a must-see. Never mind the sizzling hot day and air pressure blowing very hot, it’s all worth to see natural resources providing electricity for the region.

A stunning panorama of windmills against a blue sky and sea.

Walking along the beach with windmill background.

While driving around Pagudpud, we made a bit stop and slow a bit to see the group or windmills from a far…

It was stunning in its beauty. It’s no surprise that this landmark is a favorite among both young and old vacationers.

The Beautiful Black Water Lagoon of Piat

By livelifeandlove on June 4, 2021

Catch the first glimpse of Black Water Lagoon on a beautiful clear day, just a short distance away, a little bit climb on the stairs to reach the top of the Iconic Piat hill (Itawis landmark) to see the panoramic views of the mountains from east to west, you’ll also witness your favorite time of day; the sunrise and sunset and grand view of the whole town. The Black Water Lagoon of Piat Cagayan is a family-friendly park and a part of People’s Integrated Agri Tourism Center, it’s just 10-min walk from Basilica Minore Nuestra Senora De Piat.

Photo taken during my recent visit to Piat, it reminds me of my beautiful hometown. Looking back is my own way to stay connected, I miss my hometown where we used to live, my birthplace Piat Cagayan. I miss not only the food but also the people I’ve known since childhood. Every chance had taken away by uncertainty brought by the pandemic. I’m longing to be home again soon when life return to normal.

Note: Stay safe! Protect yourself and follow safety and health protocols.

Thanks for reading my blog! Goodnight folks!

Callao Cave/Peñablanca, Cagayan

By livelifeandlove on May 21, 2021

It has a wide variety of interesting formations, typical of limestone caverns. The cave’s interior is largely made up of stalactites and stalagmites with beautiful shapes and colors. You’ll also witness the broken blocks of clusters, pointed shapes hanging overhead, and pointy pinnacles that have grown to enormous sizes. The most unusual thing I saw was a beautiful creation by Mother Nature that transcends normal geological phenomena.

Callao cave– one of several hundred limestone caverns, this one including seven chambers and found 24 kilometers northeast of Tuguegarao city in the municipality of Penablanca. Callao was named after a local settlement. It is both a cultural and natural gem of the nation. The coordinates for the entrance of Callao Cave are 17° 42′ North and 121° 49′ East, at an elevation of 85 meters. Reef carbonates dating back to the late Miocene and early Pliocene make up the limestone formation’s 540 meters. In 1979–1981, a National Museum team directed by Maharlika Cuevas investigated the site for the first time.

The discovery of Callao man in 2007

Excavated by a team of local and international archaeologist led by Dr. Armand Salvador B. Mijares at a site in Callao cave, human metatarsal confirmed the bone is 67,000 years old which is much older than the ”Tabon man” at 47,000 years old. The bones referred to as Callao man or ”Homo-Luzonensis” predates homosapien bones discovered earlier in history. In addition, similar skeletons and ancient tools and other kinds dating back 10,000 years ago. All discoveries are a reminder of early settlers, this cave serves as ancient dwelling and it is also a reminder that early people lives here 70,000 years ago.

Dr. Armand Salvador B. Mijares – a Filipino archaeologist , a professor of Archaeology at the University of the Philippines and the main author of ”Journal of Human Evolution.”

Note: Complete photos of Callao Cave from first to the fifth chamber. Only the entrance of sixth chamber shown. Chambers 6-7 have been sealed off to the public, access is restricted due to landslide and erosion.

Upon arrival , purchase your tickets here. For your safety and convenience, avail their services, student cave guides are available.

Operating hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 PM

Admission ticket prices

Adult— P20

Student with ID— P10

Senior Citizen— P15

Children below 12— P10

Wedding Pictorial— P500

Operating hours 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Cave Rules

Always remember the Caver’s Creed > Take nothing but pictures, Leave nothing but footprints, Kill nothing but time.

Be a responsible caver > No food allowed inside the cave. Littering / Throwing garbage and vandalism inside the cave is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.

Taking time off to marvel at Callao Cave is well deserved. My trip, like that of most tourists, will begin here. The hardest part of my journey so far has been the ascent of the 184 steps leading to Callao cave, but I am eager to finally reach the top. Water is an absolute necessity, and carrying all of my gear in a backpack allows me to feel more at ease and in control while climbing. That was one sweaty day! This is a challenging exercise that has me gasping for air; you need stamina, and you have to work harder before you can appreciate nature’s splendor.

Not a first timer to visit Callao cave, I’ve been here a couple of times never had a problem. I was born in Piat Cagayan, my small hometown is just 40 mins away from Tuguegarao. Piat, my birthplace where I spent most of my life surrounded by people I grew up with. When I moved to Manila leaving behind my roots, It was difficult for me to leave the friends and family I had grown up with and the city of my birth for the bustle and excitement of Manila.

I never fail to visit my hometown, the place where I’ve started from. Every chance I have, I travel back to the place where it all began. The good news is that I was granted the opportunity to return to my hometown. If you go away for a long time and then come back for a little visit, I feel like a stranger in my own home. Here I am once more! After having so much fun and not wanting to go home, it’s hard to believe that.

The aerial view of Peñablanca Cagayan taken from an elevated point of Callao cave.

A good view comes after the hardest climb. You can just imagine the amount of effort put forth , I was so relieved it was over! I must be honest to you > Climbing 184 steps was truly exhausting, my fitness level is good but my strength is nowhere near the strength that i had back in my heyday..

The entrance of Callao cave

The First Chamber of Callao Cave

The first chamber converted into a chapel where masses are held during scheduled Sundays and Holy Fridays.

Callao cave, the best known limestone cave in Cagayan.

The first chamber is the welcome area, large and spacious. It is considered as the best chamber.

The 2nd Chamber of Callao Cave

Hiking around passing through the chambers. Memories come flooding back my past visit to the same old cave. I was trying to recall and compare current changes however, I didn’t see any except for the excavation site at the side entrance. My mind thoughts, as you get older, you’ll face connectivity issues out here.

I’m adopting myself to life in the dark for a while . I’m experiencing a strange feeling to see multiple bats hanging, the atmosphere was dark and cold. It creeps me, life inside this cave is totally different from the life outside world.

The best day tour companions, from the left; Elvie, Baby Lanz, Dr. John, me and Kuya Tom Marvie. My unforgettable memories: taking photos and to bond sweet moments.

As I go deeper to the higher chambers, you’ll see unique rock formations.

The Third Chamber of Callao Cave

Sun rays through the cave, pretty enough to illuminate the third chamber.

Hanging stalagmites grows upward of the cave, column formed under many process of wind-born sediments and water dripping from the cave.

Pausing for a break before entering the next chamber. That Girl in yellow shirt named ” Mary Ann is our cave guide for 2 hours.

Cave formations carved by mother nature.

The Fourth Chamber of Callao Cave

This is how mother earth was made. Incredibly beautiful!

Inside the cave is a combination of light and darkness.

A hard climb going to the fifth chamber, the floor is too slippery.

Moving deeper and darker..

Following the hiking trails

Pretty light rays glows in the dark, the big hole up there was carved by mother nature.

The Fifth Chamber of Callao Cave

Callao cave interior looks like another world, it’s a hidden world of light and darkness, peace and tranquillity.

Hiking and trekking can be a pretty thing for a while, I can still manage to smile after an hour climb.

Entrance of fifth chamber of the cave.

The Sixth chamber of Callao Cave entrance. My three hours cave adventure twists through all sorts of wondrous rock formations.

From my last visit, I stayed for more than a week but no matter how long I visit for, it was never enough, time wasn’t sufficient enough to explore the whole of Cagayan. Hoping next year life will return to normal, will get the chance to visit Cagayan again. Thanks God for meeting old friends, relatives, town mates and all people I’ve known longest time. Sadly, we weren’t able to make our way to Sta. Ana but soon..

Note: Callao Cave featured, fully illustrated throughout with informative texts. 22 Photos all in all. Callao Cave photos copyright protected.

@Copyright All rights reserved All articles fully illustrated throughout with photographs and informative texts. No part of my work may be reproduced, photocopying, and recording any photos and information storage without any written permission from the author.

Thank you for reading my blog!

Coming up next>>” Iguig Calvary” and ”Poor Claire”

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Beauty of Callao Cave/Cagayanos Pride

By livelifeandlove on May 13, 2021

A day in Tuguegarao gives you time to explore places that most day-trippers miss, an irresistible urge to go with just half an hour away about 24 Km. northwest of Tuguegarao, located in the Barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in the municipality of Peñablanca, is Callao Cave, a limestone seven-chamber cave and a cultural natural treasure.

Pleasantly cool inside the cave. The most alluring attraction is the dramatic rock formation, a landscape of extraordinary beauty.

A grand overview when panoramic views will make you forget the effort it took to get up there. Climbing the cave might be tough and challenging but it’s worth the climb.

Note: You may also like an evening hike where bats are active after sundown, you can stop to spot and snap the bats flying out of the cave. You’ll come to know more about Callao Cave next blog…

More Callao Cave blogs, ‘’Cagayan Vallley Tourist Spots’’ coming soon….

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas | Technology/ Learning Tips

Attractive Serving Dish for Fresh Fruit Medley

By livelifeandlove on May 7, 2021

There are times when you want to do something a little special that you may also want to produce an eye catching and attractive serving dish for fresh fruit medley. You can try this! After all, it is accompanied by a helpful photography to give you an idea on how to be creative and it is also easy when someone shows you how. This is very simple, it is a quick entertaining idea, half an hour is sufficient to prepare everything.

Instead of using a glass platter or bowl, you can also make use of fruit boats and cups as serving dishes for fruits itself such as; melon bowl, pineapple boat, dragon fruit boat, avocado boat, orange cup, watermelon bowl or winter melon bowl to name a few.. you can also use vegetable salad shells as well.

Different serving dishes for fresh fruit salad

Fresh fruit medley usually beautiful containing variety of nutritious fruits with contrasting colors and flavors.

Pineapple boat

Melon bowl

Dragon fruit boat

Watermelon Bowl

Avocado boat

Orange cup

Ripe fruits are best eaten in its natural state, it usually brings a nutritious flavor on its own. Can be served as a healthy snack or a perfect dessert in any meal.

Note: To follow> Attractive vegetable serving dishes next blog…

Stay healthy and always remember the benefits of eating fruit everyday

Thank you for reading my blog!

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