Tag: Live Life and Love

Rainforest Butterfly House

By livelifeandlove on July 26, 2019

Butterflies are one of the most visually stunning and scientifically fascinating insect that can be found on earth, they receive the widespread admiration they deserve. Today, I’m confident that I’ll be able to capture something interesting and I’d be delighted to share the narrative on how I managed to do in here the wonderful world of butterflies.

Considered by many as the most beautiful habitat, Rainforest Butterfly House displayed several species of living butterflies from a garden enclosure. You are free to wander around in this area to admire and engage with different kinds of butterflies. You will also see here all the nectar flowers which is a butterfly favorite but the most interesting part is that you will witness the release of the newly hatched butterfly on their first flight. Butterfly house offers an educational tour with a guide to supply adequate information about butterflies.

This is not my first time to visit this location in fact my last visit here was in October of 2018, a month in which the temperatures are mild and the amount of sunshine and cloud cover in the sky is definitely good in comparison to this year. I’m enjoying a half-day of shooting here.

Rainforest Butterfly House

Butterfly garden is an enclosed butterfly habitat, it is a place that caters to the feeding and housing needs of butterflies at every stage of their lives. It is also a place for guests to watch the insects and engage in educational activities with them.

Butterflies are winged insects that have antennae that are knobbed and wings that are rainbow-colored. When at rest, butterflies hold their wings in an upright position. The most effective pollinators are butterflies, dragonflies and bees.

Components that make up a butterfly

A graphic depicting the anatomy of a butterfly including important parts presented here. Students and researchers alike will view this as of basic importance. I just snapped these photos, you may have noticed that it is a picture that captures the natural clarity of a butterfly as it pollinates a flower.

My sister snapped this photo as I strolled around the beautiful behind-the-scenes moments.

Taking in every little bit of time I get to spend with my most beloved pollinator. My spirit is alive by the process of documenting my interactions with the various pollinators that flit around the numerous flowers. I couldn’t wait to get some pictures of them.

**Caterpillar Habitat**
**Monarch and Paper Kite Caterpillars**

Raising eggs, caterpillars and butterflies. You can clearly see the life cycle of a butterfly here. (Butterfly photos below)

As the butterflies emerge from their cocoons, I get to witness butterflies maiden flight outside.

What sort of food do butterflies consume? In addition to the nectar of the flowers which is more nutritious for them however, kite butterflies have a preference for sweet fruits such as ripe mangoes, bananas, watermelons to name a few. You’ll find all of the butterflies favorite fruits right here.

At home, we also have our own backyard garden which is frequented in the morning by honeybees, dragonflies, and butterflies but when it rains, we do not have a weatherproof enclosure for the butterflies, it is just a free and natural habitat.

These dazzling insects have a certain endearing quality perhaps, it’s their rainbow of colors or the fact that they serve a useful purpose by pollinating flowers either way, I can’t take my eyes off of them.

Feeding time

Complex and drawn-out process of courtship.

Butterfly mating

Wonderful World of Butterflies

During my recent visit, I was able to capture these beautiful photographs of butterflies. Only three distinct species of butterflies were able to be photographed at this location: a lime butterfly, a golden birdwing butterfly, and a paper kite butterfly. Other species were not present during the time of my visit.

I hope my readers will enjoy viewing these photos and it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. When I set-up to write about these lovely pollinators to feature here, I just wanted to share a few things. I have already received praises from students and fellow bloggers who love butterflies. Photographing butterflies is a very satisfying hobby and I’m having fun with it. Let’s get started. Happy viewing!

Lime Butterfly

Paper Kite Butterfly

Golden Birdwing Butterfly

Lime Butterfly Gallery

Note: To view images in a larger size, click on them.

The monarch butterfly prefers to feed on sweet fruits such as mangoes, watermelons etc. However, in my garden, in addition to nectar from flowers, monarch butterflies hang from lime trees which bear citrus fruits.

Paper Kite Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

Golden Birdwing Butterfly Gallery

Note: Click on images to view larger

If you are an insect lover like me, you should invite butterflies and bees to your own garden, make your own garden an educational ground and a lovely place to enjoy all the agents of pollination.

The Rainforest Butterfly House is an ideal location for conducting research on butterflies and taking photographs of them. Let us work together to ensure the survival of butterflies by preserving and protecting their habitats.

Thank you for reading my blog!

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Hualien Chinese Lanterns

By livelifeandlove on June 18, 2019

A good scene to start with, the most common Chinese street decorations that symbolizes vitality. The red oval-shaped Chinese lanterns on the city street of Hualien Country, Taiwan The lanterns hanging above adoring the street can be seen elsewhere during festivals in Taiwan. Here in Hualien, you’ll enjoy a lot of beautiful attractions includes everything from Taroko National Park, Qingshui Cliff, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Changchun Temple Trail and the irresistible and appealing shopping centers and Shilin night market.

Street photos taken just a few meters around Guangfu Street and Zhongzhen Hualien Country, Taiwan

Beautiful Sunrise Over the Clouds

By livelifeandlove on November 30, 2018

With every sunset, there is also sunrise, top 5 among the world’s most photographed subjects of photography. Up close and personal, I have managed to capture the sunrise over the clouds from an airplane window while heading to Bali, Indonesia. Early morning flight schedule gave me the opportunity to capture the beautiful sunrise. At such a fast rate of speed, so quickly to rush, only just a moment to enjoy the sunrise.

My first experience to capture the early morning light that signals the beginning of the day. Up high looking down from an airplane window, it seems the trees and mountains looks so very small but I’m enjoying the stunning valley floor most splendid when the fog fills the meadows and drapes the surrounding cliffs and sentinel peaks.

The incoming sunrise

Blanket of clouds at sunrise, it’s a worthy wonders of nature.

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

Beautiful Monarch Butterfly Landed On Flower

By livelifeandlove on November 27, 2018

I adore being able to go outside and enjoy the perfect weather. This morning has started off very kind! Both the presence of beautiful garden delights and the value of this feature as a visual element contribute to the overall aesthetic value of the garden and the beauty of flowers with the surprising variety of butterflies. A burst of color can be provided by your garden’s ornamental components if it has been thoughtfully designed. This month, there has been an abundance of butterflies of many different species; they provide a pleasant source of joy in the morning.

Lantanas possesses an inherent beauty all its own, with cascading colors that open to the most exquisite flowers in pink, yellow, and fuschia.

A monarch butterfly alighting on a flower for a moment before taking flight…

A monarch butterfly feeds on the nectar of lantana flowers in a cluster. They perform the same function of pollination as bees.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Nipple Hill of Piat

By livelifeandlove on November 22, 2018

Nature trails as starting locations for investigating new territories. The abundance of roadside sites allows for independent sightseeing. I can get to Nipple hill, which is near the road, by following a nice track. These gracefully shaped hills were given the moniker “Nipple hill” by yours truly.

Feather White Pampass Grass Farm / Piat Cagayan

By livelifeandlove on November 19, 2018

We passed by Feather White Pampass Grass Farm on our way back to Piat from Tuguegarao. I was amazed to see the feathery grasses, I can’t pass without taking a few shots, it’s just so great not to miss these gorgeous shots for a simple souvenir.

From the attractive edge on a bright sunny day, what a dramatic backdrop by the view of the orange-purple glow of the sun above, I’m enjoying hiking trails into the areas set amidst a roadside under laid with beds of ornamental grasses.
Gorgeous photos taken on a bright sunny day, it’s particularly unique and full of life. I don’t see the same kind of ornamental grasses everyday.

The Piat Hill-Itawes Landmark

By livelifeandlove on November 9, 2018

It was once covered with vast dense of forest, Challenges abound steep and slope hikes, it was so remote that wildlife often strolls through. The people of Piat before consider this hill to be a mountain because of range does consider to be a combination of both.

Growing up in Piat, the hills, mountains and nature have always been a part of my life. In my childhood, I spent great time playing outdoors, climbing mountains accessible nearby, our house itself sits on top of the mountain and from our house window overlooking from a distance with a great level of clarity, the hilltop looks like within reach.

Looking back into the past, this hill is not new to me, it was year 1972 when we first explored it, it was the beginning of my childhood adventure and first climb. Despite its beautiful view, this hill has earned its reputation as typical threat because of the presence of monkeys and snakes around and strong winds can literally blow climbers away but just like any other kids our age, we were carefree and innocent to ignore the danger side. Me with fellow classmates climbed this rugged hill before. Our group is composed of grade school classmates; Maritess, May, Librada, myself, Stella and Divina. From an early age of 11, we were the youngest mountain explorers in Piat, we went there to gather, ”Bat Ayong”(monkey fruit) I don’t know, it was curiosity that drives us there. way up was so tiring that involves hiking and trekking through. It took us 45 minutes to reach the summit and while there, we stayed for an hour to enjoy mountain fruits. There’s one thing we learned here aside from breaking parent rules, we all learned how to conquer our fears as we all had fun. Climbing the hills and mountains before was even worth it, you’ll be rewarded by the sweetness of wild fruits full of nutrients. Believe it or not, the ”Bat Ayong” tastes is heavenly. I don’t know the scientific name of this fruit, it is oval in form, soft and red in color. Bat Ayong is just an edible fruit for wild monkeys and birds. After my childhood adventure, that’s exactly why I started to love hills and mountains.

Happy days happened during childhood. We only get to be young once. Reminiscing the past, it feels I’m mentally 10 years old in energy and suddenly…. it brings tears to my eyes.

It had been nearly a year since my last visit in Piat, that was October of 2018. I was amazed at how Piat progressed. With the arrival of new developments, you’ll be energized by its variety of offerings and new attractions. Today, the dangerous hill has transformed into a beautiful landmark in the sky, ”The Piat Hill” It is now a prominent Itawes landmark that offers a scenic view of the town. The awe-inspiring scenery above the hill attracts many visitors, the view on top is truly spectacular!

In the past, parents disallow their children to climb the hilltop because it is not safe. Nowadays, it is a must-visit, a must-climb and trekking. The Piat hill is now a beautiful climbing site.

Stairs and trails leading to the hilltop. Series of spectacular scenery above far more awe-inspiring.

Taken October of 2018 during my first visit. My trip wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to this beautiful landmark. I’m happy to be back, I feel the same admiration as before.

The viewing deck at the top of Piat hill. I’m here reminiscing the past, the event that took place before to connect with the present. The old part of me is back! How fast time flies! From where I’m standing, my memories of childhood so different from the way it is now. My hometown has changed a lot over the years.

The aerial view of the Black Water Lagoon from the hilltop.

For a dramatic setting, go during twilight hours, the skyline is quiet colorful and vibrant overlooking the Basilica Minore Nuestra Senora De Piat belfry, Chico river and the towering mountains down to the beautiful Black water Lagoon.

The scenic splendor of surrounding landscape, the nearby mountains and farms on one side. This is the current picturesque view of the town.

I would like to extend my thanks to my grade school classmates who invited me to climb with them before. I wish to reconnect with former classmates I haven’t seen in many years.

Transforming vision into reality. Thank you mayor for your consistent efforts and hard work. Municipal Mayor of Piat Atty. Carmelo Villacete.

Note: Itawes or Itawis, Itawit, Tawit is a northern language spoken by Itawes people. (Take note of the endonym or autonym)

Thank you for reading my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Harbor View Restaurant

By livelifeandlove on October 5, 2018

Me and my brother decided to have an early dinner, he just arrived from the province and this is the only time for us to bond together. Absolutely, it is a wonderful place to feel the warm and welcome at Harbour View Restaurant. The floating restaurant has a rooftop terrace, it is such a perfect setting to view the sunset, the twinkling night view of the city lights and Manila bay. Be with my brother is a great bonding and very relaxing, our conversation, ambience and the delicious medley of flavors that food contributes equally to enjoy.
What we ordered here will highlight our old favorites since childhood. On the menu, some are completely a reminder of my own home-cooking specialty. Our courses are a mouthful of sea flavors garnished with shredded carrots and garlic but I didn’t see any parsley or lemon slices or wedges around.The taste that we want is something that exceeds our expectation.

Harbour View Restaurant offers Filipino, Asian, International, Fresh seafood, Grill and many more.

Refreshing Mango Shake and Sweet Iced tea

The Seafood Fried Rice is pleasingly just right.

Steamed crab, the simple presentation is just as good as it taste.
Of course, I ordered my favorite crabs that comes in 2 orders to make it just enough for the four of us, I know it would come out to be a bit costly but it’s worth the price to have at least a special food that will satisfy our cravings.

One crab is barely enough for two.and we are four. Crab prices depends on the size and gender. Female is more expensive than the male. Price of crabs in a restaurant is much higher than the average price in the market, they will weighed the crabs in front of you and it’s up to you if you agree with it.

The Garlic Prawns is quiet good and crunchy.

The Prawn Tempura is light golden brown on all sides.It is very tasty.

Baby Squid in Olive Oil is so yummy.

Sizzling Tanigue Steak is just right but soft but my brother loves the taste.

We had a wonderful dinner experience and happy night together. This is a great place if you are a seafood lover. Cheers to the good food and more delicious ideas to come! Goodnight Everyone!

Harbor View Restaurant
Address: South Dr, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Hours:
Open 10 AM Closes 1AM
Phone: (02) 710 0060

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Arts/ Home Ideas

My First Cross Stitch Creation “Ice Boating”

By livelifeandlove on October 3, 2018

It’s just a simple pleasure to share something that includes time and talent that’s sure to be cherished. I’ve been keeping this precious item for such a long long time, I’m happy to show my first cross stitch creation 15 years ago, it’s fun and exciting to feature it here.

I always had a love for stitching but this one, It took some time to finish it. Way back years ago, from tens and thousands cross stitch photos and illustration showing sample design, I’ve chosen,’’Ice Boating’’as my first creative hand-sewn project. My pattern is simple but to work for it? It is a complicated complex.

Ice Boating, a scene of winter delights come to life, it looks frosty and delightful.
Striking design techniques used to show beautiful blocks of winter colors using a pattern of different cross stitch variations that covered the background completely. What a tough journey to finish this item and dealing with time restraints, I almost gave up.

Cross Stitch is a form of embroidery and absolutely, a satisfying pastime. The best way to display your finished cross stitch is to put them in a frame. Finally, my hand-sewn works of art is here, you can see my creation in the living room perhaps, you’ll see more if time permits…

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Sunset Beach Nasugbu Batangas

By livelifeandlove on September 28, 2018

A very beautiful beach with both combinations of rocky and sandy, this place is my favorite spot to capture the sunset. The peaceful moment, you can even watch the sun as it sinks completely below the horizon while swimming, that would be quiet memorable.

Previously, I have favored Marina beach to be the best however, sunset beach graceful formation of rocks with the stunning sunset background and waves washing ashore commands a spectacular site, it’s a compelling attraction to take panoramic scenes.

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