Category: Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Qingjing Farm-Green Green Grassland

By livelifeandlove on December 13, 2021

It is often said: It looks like Switzerland setting, it is the green land pasture to bond with flocks of sheep and your reward? Up close and personal to bond and feed the gentle animals.

A tourist attraction in Taiwan, the ‘’Green, Green Grassland’’ in Qingjing farm or Cingjing farm is a hill ranch through the heart of rolling grasslands, a beautiful pasture ground for livestock. It is situated at altitude 1,750 meters above sea level. There’s a large temperature difference between the day and night.

Green, Green Grassland in Qingjing farm or Cingjing farm

Green, Green Grassland in Qingjing farm

Postcard perfect scene

Aside from the picturesque scene of the pastureland, surprisingly full of life to see the spectacular beauty of the mountains and hills abounds here.

Gentle Corner

Human-Animal Bond

Sheep, one of the earliest animals to be domesticated and loved by humans. I even tried to touch them and didn’t resist, it seemed I gained their trust and so, I also feel safe.

Feeding the sheep with the feed provided by the park.

Outer part, sheep hair is a crimped wool and coarse but to my surprised, the wooly undercoat was soft and fluffy, much less than I thought.

Visiting Green green grassland in Taiwan is worth the effort, it was truly an unforgettable experience, my very first time to interact with the gentle animals. I feel comfortable to move and touch them, it was a zestful relationship between us.

When in Taiwan, whether you drive or hike, The sheep ranch, Qingjing farm os Cingjing farm is a must- visit attraction. Green, green grassland has an admission charge, and the ticket includes the following: Green green grassland, Guanshan pastoral area and Shoushan park.

Qingjing farm Green green grassland

Address: Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan

Visitors Information

No smoking

No camping

Foods not allowed

Pets are prohibited

Do not scare animals

Do not ride with sheep and horses

Use animal food provide by the park

No aircraft

Drones are strictly prohibited

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Sunbird/Hummingbird in the Philippines

By livelifeandlove on October 23, 2021

The stay at home orders due to pandemic gave me the opportunity to reconnect with nature and wildlife. I began seeing species of birds that I’ve never seen before. This month, I began to notice the presence of hummingbirds around, with rain on and off, sometimes, showers are much more scattered, I was surprised to see them eating blossoms and performed the backward upside down position and hovered overhead.

Just like other pollinators which is fairly the same way as the bees and butterflies, hummingbirds are also nectar lovers. I’m blessed that our backyard is a natural habitat for birds and other pollinators, full of all sorts.

Hummingbirds are incredibly cute! They are the only birds that can fly forward and backward that no other birds can fly like hummingbirds.

When circumstances calls for photography, I don’t want to miss this opportunity to get at least few good shots, the most natural look as possible. It’s a big effort to wait for the right timing and prefocus my camera on branch where I expect the hummingbird to land but by observing the birds, I can easily get a good idea on how and where to position myself and to wait for the birds to change position to get a natural look.

Hummingbirds moves so fast, fairly not approachable, can’t normally get close to capture. Any slightest movement may cause this bird to scurry away, a few times it flew from the branch a short distance away but it always returned even when I stood nearby. I meant no harm attempting to photograph, soon , the bird seemed to get used to my presence.

These flowers are reliable food source for the birds. I just hope these hummingbirds will come back for more beautiful pictures,

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

RAVE Pasig Rainforest Park

By livelifeandlove on September 8, 2021

There’s no shortage of things to do nowadays, one way to manage my pandemic stress is to keep myself busy. I was checking and digging through some old photos from my folder on my desktop, reminiscing special moments of RAVE memories from past adventures. To date, I can still remember my first visit at Rainforest Adventure Park and revisited a year after, remain as my most precious experience due to notable features and the ease of accessibility, it is within 20-minute drive from home.

Going back in time, traveling backward brings many returns of the day and those good old days still alive is what I always keep to preserve so they can be enjoyed in the future or last in generations to come. A story behind the picture, just like what I’m doing today that today’s moments are tomorrow’s memories to remember. Let’s get started!

Note: Just an old memories to share taken before pandemic.(All photos taken January of 2018) This theme park is relatively closed. I’m not here to encourage you to go out and visit this theme park, Covid-19 pandemic brought significant changes and far from over pls. stay home until it will restart.

Rainforest Adventure Park

It is the first adventure theme park constructed and managed by local govt. unit, it is the project of Mayor Bobby C. Eusebio and Pasic City Council. RAVE is equipped with different outdoor facilities, a leisure ground for the public located in village of Maybunga Pasig. It was opened in 1977 but relaunched as RAVE known as ‘’ Rainforest Adventure Park Experience’’ in 2013 after the completion of additional features such as the Zip line, Boating lagoon and Skatepark. It also features the following: Butterfly house, Boating Lagoon, Rapid rides, Park pavilion, Botanical Garden, Pool area, Aviary, Mammal sanctuary, Kiddy land, Train station, Amphitheatre, Flower fields, Chess pavilion, Reptile house, Mini Zoo, Maze Garden, Tree house as well as picnic and camping ground.

In the 2 hours that I was in RAVE, I had the chance to enjoy the wide variety of attractions rainforest has to offer especially the Butterfly house and the Flower fields, it was my favorite spot for photography. How can I forget my bonding with the zoo animals? In here, you can do a lot in just an hour at this 4.8-hectare park but to complete your viewing, an hour is not enough, it was large-scale theme park.

Bringing dinosaur back to life. Along the way, the pathways adorned with a life-sized statues of dinosaurs, as you walk around, it looks like you are entering a prehistoric land of Jurassic park. You are free to take pictures with the dinosaur models.

Rainforest Adventure Park Attractions

Most people visit Rainforest Park from early March for the best glimpses of blooming flowers, wildlife, and boating. Rainforest essential sights are conveniently close together, almost everything in one place, it’s a good place also to explore nature, to learn and have fun. If you enjoy the flowers, butterflies, animals and water forms, RAVE is for you.

Boating Lagoon

A man-made lagoon with paddle boats. A Paddle boat is a powerful watercraft, paddle it yourself style. Me and my sister enjoyed the 20-minute paddle ride, it’s a good way to burn extra calories.

Butterfly House

Up close and personal to snap the butterflies, I have spent more time here snapping all different varieties of butterflies. Considered as the most beautiful habitat, showcased different species of live butterflies in an enclosed garden.

My favorite spot to capture the most colorful insects. Butterflies are my favorite subject to photograph as well as my favorite agent of pollination. My endless photo shoot shows my great admiration for them. I have captured great photos and of course, I realized the power of pictures, it’s difficult to select which one fits the best.

Amaze Garden

An outdoor garden maze is a puzzle game, the dividers are made of plants formatted into a maze and it’s quite tough and confusing to solve the path route to the end.

Me with the green-skinned Incredible Hulk statue.

Flower Fields

Just one of the many attractive features of Rainforest Garden and the monster sunflowers are the mainstay and point of interest in the garden. Flower Fields landscape design is made up of variety of flowering plants that fits different elements together from flowering plants, popular perennials and annuals.

Wind beneath the eye-catching monster sunflowers are perfectly attractive and sun-kissed pointing skyward. Adventure photography is a must-do here.

Botanical Garden

A lovely walk around worth seeing situated next to the flower fields is the Botanical Garden.

Deep well is an open framework that serves as a garden accent.

Aviary

The Bird Sanctuary or the flight cages for birds provides a safe habitat and home for the endangered species and migratory birds. My day is not complete without a short visit to capture the birds. Around here, you’ll encounter beautiful birds.

Crowd pleasing ducks

Petting Zoo

It is a combination of wild and domesticated animals, you are free to touch but not allowed to feed them. This attraction is a family leisure activity.

There’s no point rushing here, there are nicely-spaced benches around if you want to take advantage of shade, it’s for you to rest and relax. Overall, you’ll experience all what Rainforest theme park has to offer.

What you need to know, RAVE Pasig Rainforest Adventure Park map.

3 hours after, the sun is up and about to reach the highest point. Me and my sister went home around midday very happy but exhausted.

Wanting for more? One post is not enough to reach the highlights of Rainforest park. I just hope the weather will cooperate for my next visit soon…

Thank you for reading my blog!

Goodnight Everyone!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Cat Watching The Lion King

By livelifeandlove on November 26, 2019

My cat loves to watch the American musical film,”The Lion King”. He even tried to touch and hug one of the main characters, ”Simba” Note: Don’t forget to watch my cat video displaying his emotional expression from the sad scene of the movie The Lion King on tv. Coming soon, see you next post..

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Stunning Sunset Photos with Animal Elements

By livelifeandlove on April 13, 2019

On a hunt for a breathtaking photo spot in the hopes of finding a dramatic landscape, a lucky change brought my way outdoors. The perfect location is now a pristine place, the new Manila Bay along the historic Roxas Boulevard where the environment is clean compared to what it was beforehand. After the clean-up drive, the new look is just as beautiful and many people wants to get a glimpse of its natural beauty to behold once again. I was here the same spot years earlier but this time would be a good line of photography experience, it gave me the initial idea to consider the presence of animals along with the sunset background to achieve a more dramatic scene.

This is a summer make-over given the chance to deal with obedience trials of animals, I was excited and curious to get my furry friends involved but I don’t really know how to keep them still in the course of each shot. The sweet thing, they were all behaved and a good follower. Most of those who have taken their pets around Manila bay are welcome to join photo-shoots, it just happens the presence of animals being in the right place when I was there. Among my excitement when pet owners were able to join an hour shoot for their own pets. Aside from horses, there were birds, dogs, cats and an elephant is another location done the same day.

Pet owners has done a good job for allowing me to have a quick snapshot with their pets and I was even welcomed to cuddle and huddle their pets. This kind of activity soothes and relaxes both of us while developing close bond together even for just 15 minutes, excitement comes keeping a list of every shots.

I cannot predict a beautiful sunset, it depends upon the weather and level of clouds. So far, the air is clean, calm and the cloud is high, I’ll take more advantage that when it’s summer, it’s a wonderful sunset time. Here are my stunning sunset photos. Let’s get started.

Animal Photos with Sunset Background

The smallest creature comes first so the birds will take the lead followed by the cat, dog, horse and lastly, the elephant. This would be an unforgettable once in a lifetime photography experience, not a safari thing but the presence of more animals during sundown is a great thing. Let me show you first how sunset looks like beforehand, without the animals.

Magnificent Sunset Over Manila Bay

Birds in Flight at Sunset Background

Marveled by the beautiful colors of the sky, it’s evident and dramatic. The hue scattering colors or orange-red, yellow- blue, purple and red makes a magnificent picture.

My excitement to see the migratory bird, the Great White Egret is a long distance migrant. ( 2nd photo ) you can see complete details of birds displaying aerial acrobatics wading, gliding and diving just in front of the sunset.

Great White Egret flying through the skies of Bayview, this bird has mastered the power of flight, it has a powerful wingbeat with long legs trail behind the body in flight.

A bird is an appealing subject in front of the sunset, it adds beauty to form a perfect sunset landscape. This is what I’m dreaming about… to aim for imaginative images and finally got it.

This serves to be my postcard shot. To create a postcard scene is a time waiting, I hate people in the foreground.

This is a graceful shot with the bird graceful glide and diving up into the clouds down to the water and even crosses the beautiful sunset. Definitely, it adds life and beauty.

Cat on Sunset Background

Sometimes…unexpected surprises came when least expected. Something out of the ordinary and less likely to be seen here. The sightings of a cat during sundown is rare considering the busy location perhaps, this is one way of enjoying animal freedom and must include his presence.

More stolen moments… taken at considerable distance during sunset time.

Perhaps this is a peaceful moment for the cat.

Solitary scene, I can even feel the peacefulness of the surroundings. Cat can be noticed as a loner, you really can’t hide it even in pictures…

Dog on Sunset Background

A dog is totally different from a cat, you can see that this dog is happy smiling and I’m more inspired to take the next step.

My newfound friend is a friendly one, got 2 dogs (Labrador breed) to include in here, the other dog is the featured one.

Beautiful Dog Portrait at Sunset.

You can just imagine the incredible bond between the dog and the photographer.

This is how to prepare dog for the shoot, exceptionally smart and affectionate, a well-behaved and sociable dog is excellent.

Horse on Sunset Background

A gorgeous working horse

Elephant on Sunset Background

As my finishing moment.. a different photography location just nearby Roxas Boulevard.

Mali, the captured elephant.

To capture an elephant on sunset is rare, a hard to get considering Philippines is a tropical country. It’s a lucky shot!

Got 2 more weeks for my photo shoots around the city area and out of the city this coming holy week. I’m in a hurry to finish before the rain comes, rainy season shooting is a tricky one, just as have to know my limits beforehand. Rainy season is a full indoor photography time therefore would be focusing more on other categories like foods, science and technology and restaurant reviews soon.

One thing I have learned from this activity, photographing animals is a pleasurable interaction, communicating at every interaction, it was a busy but a very fulfilling day for me. I have to make photo-shoots short but enjoyable. I had quality time interacting with them and that makes it hard for me to end photo session. I will surely miss my furry friends.

To all pet lovers, I’m sure you’ll love this! Thank you all readers for reading my blog.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Cat Climbing Down a Tree

By livelifeandlove on April 8, 2019

Can’t figure out why our family cat Uniqlo loves to climb this type of tree, I’m just wondering why our cat climb trees in the first place. Just a few ideas from my personal friends: firstly, they climb up for safety, that’s one I’ve been thinking about. Secondly, it’s just a fun thing to test their skills and thirdly, it’s a good spot to watch for a good prey. Great answers from you guys, Thank you!

I’m already used to it, I think, it’s just a normal behavior for Uniqlo unlike other cats that they climb everything in their path and once they are up, they can’t come down, it’s hard for them to maneuver downward. One good thing, it’s easier for Uniqlo to come down because it’s a good climbing route, it’s just a med-sized sugar-apple tree or sweetsop, a widely grown native tree and we call it ‘’atis’’ in the Philippines.

Ascending and descending climbing from start to finish. Here are some photos of Uniqlo climbing a Sugar-Apple or Sweetsop tree upward and going downward.

Up there, it looks like it’s a place for relaxing. Just like humans, Uniqlo wants to connect and interact with nature…..

Thank you for reading my blog, just a simple note down there makes me happy. See you next posts!

Cat and Dog Lavish Hugs and kisses

By livelifeandlove on April 2, 2019

I’m enjoying to see the wonderful moments of our family pets. A dog and cat unique closeness and strong bond is a rare chance you don’t see often. Dogs are prone to chase cats and cats are prone to run all the time. Definitely, Frosty is not a cat chaser.

Frosty and Uniqlo, both male pets in union together. By nature, cats don’t always show affection with each other but contrary to popular belief, these photos will surprise you and will change your perception about the way you think about cats and dogs.

Desirable Traits

Frosty and Unoqlo hugging and kissing each other, their unique closeness is stronger than what can be in pictures and fully hoping the bond will last beyond lifetimes.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Save Water, Save Life

By livelifeandlove on March 26, 2019

Get ready for a hot and dry summer, How to beat the summer heat?

Cat’s and dog’s water bowl must be filled with fresh water every day, Clean water means good health.

Very thirsty! Spade (our family cat) is drinking a lot of water. Cats love cool water. Essential for life as we know it, the worth of water… source of life. No water, No Life

Save Water

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

Qingjing Farm Green Green Grassland

By livelifeandlove on February 22, 2019

It’s a dreamy land where hills are alive! Qingling farm best known as the”Paradise above the Mist” the sublime view of the natural landscape under the blazing sun formed by a vast open pasture. The beautiful mountains and foothills around with a cotton-like clouds above blue skies and the background scene of adorable sheep leisurely grazing on the green green grassland is simply breathtaking.

However, others often referred to as a ”Little Switzerland” is perched in the Central mountains of Taiwan. Qingjing farm is situated at altitude 1,750 above sea level with unpredictable temperature between day and night and scenery changes with the season. The farm produces alpine vegetables, fruits, teas and flowers. It also offers leisurely outdoor activities; Spring flower viewing, maple leaf watching in the autumn, snow flakes watching during winter, wide tea plantation, it has so much to offer.

Before entering the farm, you must purchase your tickets at the entrance counter ( Just a reasonable admission fees) that includes 4 areas; Green Green Grassland, Guanshan Pastoral Area, South Business Circle, Shoushan Park ( Nature theatre) It is strictly forbidden to feed the animals ( sheep, horses) with left-overs. You can only feed the animals using animal feed provided by the park. Be sure to read all the guidelines regarding on-farm visitors.

Shearing show is also a special attraction. Sheep ranching nowadays can lure tourists, it’s a special attraction unlike before it’s just a livestock, raising some is much rewarding. I remember the stories of my grandma back to primitive. According to my grandma, ” wealth before is being judged by a number of cattle a person owned. Lol ! Nowadays is totally different….

Green Green Grassland stretches far and wide, it is an undeniable peaceful pasture and the sweetest I’ve ever experienced to bond with the flocks.

Splendid scenery fascinate all those who have experienced them.

The uphill climb stretches into a distance..

Beautiful lamb house and wall design. I love it!

The Sheep Shearing Machine Station , a place to shear-off the sheep coat. Without this machine, the sheep can cause to become overheated and die. It is also for their health and hygiene.

Equally fun and enjoyable to bond with my new friends down there…

Human-Animal Bond

Up- close and personal social relationship with the sheep. It was my first time to touch these animals perhaps, this would be my most unforgettable memories to bring home…

What you can see here is something I don’t usually get to do back home, feeding a sheep is fun.

At first, I was having a hard time to get their attention, they can’t keep still.

With too many sheep around, I’m uncertain if I can domesticate one in just a minute. What I need is a friendly one.

Wooo! to my surprise! It works! He’s so sweet and gentle but I can’t take the smell. The woolen fleece so thick and fluffy but it was too dry, rough and brittle.

This one I think, has a long overdue haircut !

How beautiful! It’s really a peaceful pasture.

How do you lure a sheep? Perhaps, Graham knows more than me…

Holding an animal feed to attract them.That’s it!

Using preferred food. He’s enjoying …

Being called-off bringing in one group . I was waiting for the guard dog to drive the sheep.

Green Green Grassland beautiful sunset

Looking for the shepherd boy to watch the flock of sheep and his master…. It’s a goodnight time for the herd.

Fruit section at the entrance available here. A great place to buy fresh fruits and quality is good.

Fresh local fruits of Taiwan

Luscious fruits, I did purchase some for only 100 NT any 3 kinds of your choice.

Qingjing farm Green Green Grassland is a must visit attraction. As in Taiwan, people are looking forward to continued growth and progress.

Visit Taiwan’s Qingjing Farm

Address: Renhe Road, Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan

More Taiwan attractions coming up next post….

Frosty, a Male Shih Tzu~Newest Member of the Family

By livelifeandlove on September 14, 2018

Owning a puppy requires a big commitment to love and care for the next 15-20 years of life. Aside from commitment, the number two prerequisite for adoptive families, you will remain committed to treat him as your own but in the end, you’ll be rewarded by unconditional love and eternal grateful to your love and kindness.

Before Frosty arrived, we made sure our house is safe and hospitable for him, we removed everything that will harm him like bottles of pesticides or anything toxic to dogs. We want to give him a safe environment as possible. Because he is still a puppy, it requires more time for basic training and to learn proper command.

The First Night

We were all very excited to welcome the newest member in the family. The first night was memorable. it was so difficult for a 3 month old puppy to be away from his family for the very first time and I’m sure, not accustomed to sleep alone. I can’t take heart-wrenching cries and I was tempted to comfort him putting him on my bed to minimize night stress.

The Eww Factor

One most difficult to handle, picking up a poop, wiping stringy pee. For sure, it’s my responsibility but there’s the other one most difficult to handle is during teething stage, when he misbehaves, I will correct it firmly with gentle words.

Note: ( Using an Eww factor just as an expression of disgust, it also means”yuck”)

Teething Behavior

This is just normal for a puppy, we all experienced bad behavior during this time. He once rolled the whole toilet paper pulling from the toilet down to the kitchen, dining room ended in the living room, that was merely 8 meters away. The destructive chewing is the problem here, he likes to chew everything, he chewed more that 8 shoes and 10 slippers, books, ear headphones and furniture. So much and we gave Frosty an appropriate toy to chew to soothe his itchy gums. Puppies go through teething stage just like babies.

Frosty is a 9-month-old male Shih Tzu with a typical colors of crystal white with 3 light brown spots and black on both ears. The good impression of overall appearance is a ‘’handsome figure’’ He is friendly, loving and sociable but naughty playful which is just normal for puppies. We have 3 dogs; 2 Labrador breed and Shih Tzu as the latest one, we give them quality time; spending good time walking as a regular scheduled activities, giving them proper diet, daily grooming and a regular veterinary check-up of eye, ear, coat and dental care too.

Frosty First Bath

Giving everything needed, Frosty just completed all his vaccinations. I have a complete grooming supplies; metal pin brush, nail trimmers, dog shampoos and many more.

Aside from jumping, we also play lively game of squeaky toys but soon he will learn the basic obedience training and commands like; heel, sit, stay and many more..

Just like me, Frosty loves to smell the flowers in the garden.

Frosty loves to bond with fellow housemate, the Labrador Moo Cow

Moo Cow is a big Labrador breed and Frosty is just a toy dog but they get well together.

2-Month-Old Frosty He is so cute!.

3-Month-Old Frosty

Another stunning shots for my baby!

I will always think of the health benefits being a dog owner and they are my best friends relieving my stress. They will change my life forever. And you? Are you ready to be a pet master?

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