I just have to share this imediately...I must admit when i opened this e- mail this morning, i expected to smile or laugh thingking it must be something funny.But it is´nt so...
In fact the video touched my heart and made me cry as soon as she started singing. This talented singer´s name is Madonna, a single mom with two children in Philippines and has been in the UK for 18 months working as a club singer.
May i advise you to increase the volume of your of your pc to appreciate more her singing ability.
Enjoy and have a nice day to all!!
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Monday 28 April 2008
Thursday 24 April 2008
Spring Flowers
I´ve been missing the flowers this spring..I didnt see so much flowers in bloom in the park where i do my daily walk.Its been raining so much since the beginning of spring,i guess thst was the cause of the delay.
Anyway in my small terrace garden,i already have a few plants with flowers.I took these photos to show you.
The Poinsettia,known to be the christmas flower as they are always in bloom during christmas season. But mine flowered late,it started its flower in january and till now,i still have them.
The pink colored flowers is a plant that i have from long time ago. I just keep on transplanting them as they are easy to grow and usually flowers at the beginning of spring.We also have this plant in Philippines but i dont know the name. Does anybody knows the name of this plant?
The two flowers above seem to produce flowers all year round.The flowers showed here are still from winter season. They give less flower during winter and produce more i think in summer.
I could´nt resist buying more pots of flower when i went out shopping.
I only know that i´ve chosen two Gerberas in white and yellow color. And the other is someting i never had before called Calandiva. I had another one similar to it but the flowers are even smaller,pity i can no longer find the photo i took when the flower was still in bloom.
Anyway in my small terrace garden,i already have a few plants with flowers.I took these photos to show you.
The Poinsettia,known to be the christmas flower as they are always in bloom during christmas season. But mine flowered late,it started its flower in january and till now,i still have them.
The pink colored flowers is a plant that i have from long time ago. I just keep on transplanting them as they are easy to grow and usually flowers at the beginning of spring.We also have this plant in Philippines but i dont know the name. Does anybody knows the name of this plant?
The two flowers above seem to produce flowers all year round.The flowers showed here are still from winter season. They give less flower during winter and produce more i think in summer.
I could´nt resist buying more pots of flower when i went out shopping.
I only know that i´ve chosen two Gerberas in white and yellow color. And the other is someting i never had before called Calandiva. I had another one similar to it but the flowers are even smaller,pity i can no longer find the photo i took when the flower was still in bloom.
Monday 21 April 2008
Yesterday, Yesteryears Part 2
Hubby´s first visit to Manila was a memorable one..We were still living in Dubai then,we knew and dated each other for only a year.
I was due for my anual holiday and i was already planning my vacation when hubby surprised me of his intention that he would like to come with me to philippines.
We were both quiet clear with our relationship in those days,no commitments just plain platonic relationship.
Myself,because of my past experience with my ex that left me on my own to support our 3 kids and the reason why i have to look for a better horizon, leave my children at the care of my mom when after seven years on my own,i can no longer strecth my hard earned salary for their well being and education and as for hubby,its because he is divorced who also have 3 kids to suport.
Anyway,we planed our holidays stoping in Singapore for a few days then fly to Manila.While still enjoying our holiday in Singapore,I heard the news about a military coup that was going on in Manila to bring down the government. I got nervous especially when i heard that the airport was closed and a military curfew was imposed. I wanted our flight canceled afraid of hubbys well being. But he insisted that if flights are not canceled we will proceed as our flight schedule permits.And so we did...
My brother came to pick us up in the airport that was full of armed military men, and on our way home we saw more soldiers and military tanks in strategic positions at the hidhway. Old military planes flying low above us as we are coming near a miltary headquarters which is also near our apartment. I looked at hubby with worried face but i see only a smiling face that seem to be enjoying the scenario! So, i just hunch my shoulders after that and told myself " que sera,sera"!
I did´nt have photos of the scene as hubby recorded everything in his video camera at the time.After a few days, all went back to normal life..Got in touch with my friends,arranged an outing with our children and we went to a nice resort outside Manila called Vila Escudero.
Photos below from Vila Escudero in Laguna with my best friends Tessie and Mina ( with our children)and former coleagues in the company where i worked before Dubai.
Our typical native transportation pulled by a bufalo named as Macho that will take us inside the resort for a stopover at the reception area where we were welcomed by a Filipino group of singers
Here we changed partners for a while then back to each other arms after a brief failed romance with Juan and Maria
Group picture at the restaurant side where we have the tables at an artificial lagoon and waterfalls.Here,you can see me huging my chubby youngest son Jon-jon.Native food is served on a small "bilao" plate with banana leaves on top(lechon,adobo,laing,fried chicken,rice,tec.,etc.)where all your chosen food will be placed and eaten either using your fingers or spoon and fork,filipino way. Hubby had no problem eating and using his hands "kamayan" as we all did.
The other photo was taken on a lawn where a military tank was displayed and where the kids enjoyed playing and have their pictures taken
Hubby and Greg breaking their backs paddling the bamboo made raft on a man made lake. Later,they brought two more passengers with them Joy,and Jon.jon to give Pia company. You must be wondering where the ladies were? We were also on another raft trying to race the guys!
For a fee of two thousand pesos each person during that time,the price we paid was well worth it..Food,rest house for the day, museum visit,transportation inside,swimming pool, all inclusive..except for the transportation that brought us to get to the place.
Dont know how are the conditions these days and how much they charge now but you can check on it at the internet for further information.
A beautiful place to pass the day with family and friends not so far from Manila!!
I was due for my anual holiday and i was already planning my vacation when hubby surprised me of his intention that he would like to come with me to philippines.
We were both quiet clear with our relationship in those days,no commitments just plain platonic relationship.
Myself,because of my past experience with my ex that left me on my own to support our 3 kids and the reason why i have to look for a better horizon, leave my children at the care of my mom when after seven years on my own,i can no longer strecth my hard earned salary for their well being and education and as for hubby,its because he is divorced who also have 3 kids to suport.
Anyway,we planed our holidays stoping in Singapore for a few days then fly to Manila.While still enjoying our holiday in Singapore,I heard the news about a military coup that was going on in Manila to bring down the government. I got nervous especially when i heard that the airport was closed and a military curfew was imposed. I wanted our flight canceled afraid of hubbys well being. But he insisted that if flights are not canceled we will proceed as our flight schedule permits.And so we did...
My brother came to pick us up in the airport that was full of armed military men, and on our way home we saw more soldiers and military tanks in strategic positions at the hidhway. Old military planes flying low above us as we are coming near a miltary headquarters which is also near our apartment. I looked at hubby with worried face but i see only a smiling face that seem to be enjoying the scenario! So, i just hunch my shoulders after that and told myself " que sera,sera"!
I did´nt have photos of the scene as hubby recorded everything in his video camera at the time.After a few days, all went back to normal life..Got in touch with my friends,arranged an outing with our children and we went to a nice resort outside Manila called Vila Escudero.
Photos below from Vila Escudero in Laguna with my best friends Tessie and Mina ( with our children)and former coleagues in the company where i worked before Dubai.
Our typical native transportation pulled by a bufalo named as Macho that will take us inside the resort for a stopover at the reception area where we were welcomed by a Filipino group of singers
Here we changed partners for a while then back to each other arms after a brief failed romance with Juan and Maria
Group picture at the restaurant side where we have the tables at an artificial lagoon and waterfalls.Here,you can see me huging my chubby youngest son Jon-jon.Native food is served on a small "bilao" plate with banana leaves on top(lechon,adobo,laing,fried chicken,rice,tec.,etc.)where all your chosen food will be placed and eaten either using your fingers or spoon and fork,filipino way. Hubby had no problem eating and using his hands "kamayan" as we all did.
The other photo was taken on a lawn where a military tank was displayed and where the kids enjoyed playing and have their pictures taken
Hubby and Greg breaking their backs paddling the bamboo made raft on a man made lake. Later,they brought two more passengers with them Joy,and Jon.jon to give Pia company. You must be wondering where the ladies were? We were also on another raft trying to race the guys!
For a fee of two thousand pesos each person during that time,the price we paid was well worth it..Food,rest house for the day, museum visit,transportation inside,swimming pool, all inclusive..except for the transportation that brought us to get to the place.
Dont know how are the conditions these days and how much they charge now but you can check on it at the internet for further information.
A beautiful place to pass the day with family and friends not so far from Manila!!
Friday 18 April 2008
Yesterday.....Yesteryears
Remember i said in my previous post,i had a taste of that kind of crab long time ago(20 yrs ago) during my first visit to portugal?
Here i was undecided wether to use my fingers or the utensils provided to clean it.But as you can see hubby had no problem with how to handle it.Photo was taken in a restaurant in Nazare
Found the picture today while re arranging a place for our photo albums from yesteryears,Lol!!!How time goes by so quickly..
Photos from our tour of Portugal in 1987
Lisbon Photos
Taken at the other facade of Jeronimos Monastery nest to the Museum "Museu de Marinha" and the next photo was at the Tower of Belem
At the Castelo São Jorge
North of Portugal
Stopover at Figueira De Foz for picture taking, At the righthand side photo was taken in Geres. Hubby asked me before this 3 day tour. Where do I prefer to go,South or the North? And I asked what´s the difference? He said at the south side will be the famous tourist destination Algarve because of its fine beaches and seafoods, whereas the North will be more nature and cultural visit. Even though i love the sea, i´ve chosen the North of Portugal tour
Note: The above picture at the lefthandside was not taken at Figeuire de Foz ( my apologies) hubby said it was taken somewhere in Minho and the other photo was not taken in Geres ( although i have some other photos in Geres) but instead it was alos taken in Braga.
The 4 days/3 mught tour includes the following places:
Fatima, Batalha, Figueira de Foz, Viseu,Geres, Viana de Castelo,Minho,Vila Nova de Guia,Porto,Braga,Guimarães & Coimbra.
The beautiful "stairway to heaven" at the Sanctuario de Braga and Igreja de Bom jesus( if im not mistaken,it was so long ago and we never went back again after that first trip.)
Lastly, wine tasting at the cellar of the famous Fereira Port wine and the other photo was at a monument and the Monastery in Batalha.
Sorry,I could´nt explain more about the places i visited as i dont remember much about the places and its story. I still have to research to refresh my memory and history :)
This will be all for now,Have a nice week end to all!!!
Here i was undecided wether to use my fingers or the utensils provided to clean it.But as you can see hubby had no problem with how to handle it.Photo was taken in a restaurant in Nazare
Found the picture today while re arranging a place for our photo albums from yesteryears,Lol!!!How time goes by so quickly..
Photos from our tour of Portugal in 1987
Lisbon Photos
Taken at the other facade of Jeronimos Monastery nest to the Museum "Museu de Marinha" and the next photo was at the Tower of Belem
At the Castelo São Jorge
North of Portugal
Stopover at Figueira De Foz for picture taking, At the righthand side photo was taken in Geres. Hubby asked me before this 3 day tour. Where do I prefer to go,South or the North? And I asked what´s the difference? He said at the south side will be the famous tourist destination Algarve because of its fine beaches and seafoods, whereas the North will be more nature and cultural visit. Even though i love the sea, i´ve chosen the North of Portugal tour
Note: The above picture at the lefthandside was not taken at Figeuire de Foz ( my apologies) hubby said it was taken somewhere in Minho and the other photo was not taken in Geres ( although i have some other photos in Geres) but instead it was alos taken in Braga.
The 4 days/3 mught tour includes the following places:
Fatima, Batalha, Figueira de Foz, Viseu,Geres, Viana de Castelo,Minho,Vila Nova de Guia,Porto,Braga,Guimarães & Coimbra.
The beautiful "stairway to heaven" at the Sanctuario de Braga and Igreja de Bom jesus( if im not mistaken,it was so long ago and we never went back again after that first trip.)
Lastly, wine tasting at the cellar of the famous Fereira Port wine and the other photo was at a monument and the Monastery in Batalha.
Sorry,I could´nt explain more about the places i visited as i dont remember much about the places and its story. I still have to research to refresh my memory and history :)
This will be all for now,Have a nice week end to all!!!
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Boca do Inferno,Cascais
When spring time comes, i always think of flowers in bloom,happy birds singing and preparing for their nest,beautiful blue sky, beach,sunshine,etc.,etc...But not this spring,someday we might experience 2 or 3 days of good weather then the rest of the week will be cloudy,rainy and windy.Our climate has become so unstable and unpredictable now a days.
We are experiencing bad weather conditions since yesterday that according to our weather forecaster this condition may last up to thursday.
Last week end,we planed to go to the beach as we can see the sun shining so bright so we thought it might be a good day for a swim and sun bath but before we even got out of the house,the sun disapeared.
So,instead we just drive by the marginal and at least be at the sea side,stop in one area and just have a walk.( Hubby was not on to walking as he´s having problem with his leg,he said.Excuse,excuse!!) He prefers to be seated driving the car than walking.
Anyway, with my insistence he finally stoped the car in one place called "Boca do Inferno" which means "Mouth of Hell" is a chasm located on a cliffy seashore close to Cascais town.The sea has acess to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously srikes its rocky walls.This area is also a tourist attraction.
Here,we followed a diver when we saw what he had in his fish net and requested him if we can have a picture of him and his catch. He was kind enough to oblidge us and here he showed us what i thought to be a king crab.He said ,the "santola" must weight about 2 kgs. and hubby jokingly said it will be a big banquet for him and his friends.And he agreed that the crab will be prepared for his family & friends for the next day.
In portuguese they call it "Santola" and the crab is called "Caranguejo" so i guess santola is just a crab family that it might be called "spider crab" in english.I had a taste of this santola in a fishing village in the north during my first visit to portugal.It was very good!
Boca do Inferno is a very dangerous place to be especially during bad weather condition as you will see from the battered rock formations in the photos. The authorities had barricaded some dangerous areas for the people not to cross or trespass but as i can see there are still several men around the cliff with their fishing rods.And i already heard many times in the news that during bad weather conditions,these men or even tourist that are not careful and just fascinated to come near the cliff and watch the strong and big waves coming to batters the cliff were already taken to the sea and often times their bodies are never found.
Near the roadside,there were also stalls of local products such as embroidered table cloths,towels,handicraft and my favorite are the beautiful colorful potteries in the shape of pumpkin,carrot and cabbage pitcher or bowls as shown below.
We are experiencing bad weather conditions since yesterday that according to our weather forecaster this condition may last up to thursday.
Last week end,we planed to go to the beach as we can see the sun shining so bright so we thought it might be a good day for a swim and sun bath but before we even got out of the house,the sun disapeared.
So,instead we just drive by the marginal and at least be at the sea side,stop in one area and just have a walk.( Hubby was not on to walking as he´s having problem with his leg,he said.Excuse,excuse!!) He prefers to be seated driving the car than walking.
Anyway, with my insistence he finally stoped the car in one place called "Boca do Inferno" which means "Mouth of Hell" is a chasm located on a cliffy seashore close to Cascais town.The sea has acess to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously srikes its rocky walls.This area is also a tourist attraction.
Here,we followed a diver when we saw what he had in his fish net and requested him if we can have a picture of him and his catch. He was kind enough to oblidge us and here he showed us what i thought to be a king crab.He said ,the "santola" must weight about 2 kgs. and hubby jokingly said it will be a big banquet for him and his friends.And he agreed that the crab will be prepared for his family & friends for the next day.
In portuguese they call it "Santola" and the crab is called "Caranguejo" so i guess santola is just a crab family that it might be called "spider crab" in english.I had a taste of this santola in a fishing village in the north during my first visit to portugal.It was very good!
Boca do Inferno is a very dangerous place to be especially during bad weather condition as you will see from the battered rock formations in the photos. The authorities had barricaded some dangerous areas for the people not to cross or trespass but as i can see there are still several men around the cliff with their fishing rods.And i already heard many times in the news that during bad weather conditions,these men or even tourist that are not careful and just fascinated to come near the cliff and watch the strong and big waves coming to batters the cliff were already taken to the sea and often times their bodies are never found.
Near the roadside,there were also stalls of local products such as embroidered table cloths,towels,handicraft and my favorite are the beautiful colorful potteries in the shape of pumpkin,carrot and cabbage pitcher or bowls as shown below.
Wednesday 2 April 2008
Unforgetable One day Cruise
I´ve been busy sorting out many things at home lately that i have´nt got time enough to post or even visit my fellow blogger´s.
And now, I have no idea what topic to write about...
Looking thru my travel photos,i remebered i have´nt written anything about our "One Day Island Cruise" in Greece.After two days of cultural and historical sightseing tour in Athens,hubby and i needed a changed so we went to an agency and booked a one day island cruise for the next day.
The Aegina ( Aegean) the last island we visited and the only island picture i can show that was taken on board our ship while docking at the port.
We were picked up at our hotel at about 8:00 AM to take us to Piraeus where we have to board our ship that will take us to the islands.
Below were the buses that awaits the passengers who are interested to on an hour tour of aegean island.We also took that tour.
Our first stop was the island of Poros.The town rest in a narrow strait between the Poros island and the Peloponese(where they had that tragic fire last summer that killed hundred or so people from the island.It was a beautiful small town that i realized only now that i lost all my photos from this island during the time that i had a computer problem.( i was so confident that i had copied them all in a cd but that was´nt so.)We were told that we have 45 minutes to browse around,as the town is small we had enough time to see almost everything,shops,market,and we climb thru a narrow white steps between the charming small white painted houses to see the towns magnificent bell tower that offers a beautiful view.
One observation i made was that there are so many cats on one side of the road and i wondered why?
Taken near the crafts and jewelry shops.Notice that mostly women window shoppers or buyers.I was so hungry at the time that i did,nt even enter the shops. Hubby just took this other photo below from the show window
Example of their jewelry craftmanship.Simple but elegant,is´nt it?
Next stop was the island opf Hydra,it was said that the island was a favorite of the International Jet-set.
Hydra is the beloved muse of the painters,craftsmen and photographers.It has a unique architecture,crystal clear and blue waters,several craft and jewel shops,folk art and the traditional means of transport? The donkey,there are several of them waiting to take any tourist for a ride. ( As i said before,lost also those photos except for some that is shown above.
The Ecclesiastical Museum where the relics of the monastery are kept. The Holy Cathedral was next to it and although taking pictures and proper decent clothing are requested,we managed to enter the church and take some photos. Orthodox church are very strict on this matter.
Our last island stop is the Aegina, known for its rich history,pistachio grove landscape.Aegina Port has a picturesque seaside village like all the other islands we visited. And its the biggest among the others.Here we visted the impressive byzantine architecture church of St. Nectarios and the siver-carved tomb of the saint as shown below
The hill where it was said the towns people built 365 churches as a gratitude to God for saving the town from an invasion( sorry,i forgot the whole story as told by our guide)
My first glimpse of a Pistachio tree
Here,we were having a taste of the local drink with a plate of seafood snacks with the company of a friendly australian couple from this trip
It was a very pleasant trip and we enjoyed it so much.
And now, I have no idea what topic to write about...
Looking thru my travel photos,i remebered i have´nt written anything about our "One Day Island Cruise" in Greece.After two days of cultural and historical sightseing tour in Athens,hubby and i needed a changed so we went to an agency and booked a one day island cruise for the next day.
The Aegina ( Aegean) the last island we visited and the only island picture i can show that was taken on board our ship while docking at the port.We were picked up at our hotel at about 8:00 AM to take us to Piraeus where we have to board our ship that will take us to the islands.
Below were the buses that awaits the passengers who are interested to on an hour tour of aegean island.We also took that tour.Our first stop was the island of Poros.The town rest in a narrow strait between the Poros island and the Peloponese(where they had that tragic fire last summer that killed hundred or so people from the island.It was a beautiful small town that i realized only now that i lost all my photos from this island during the time that i had a computer problem.( i was so confident that i had copied them all in a cd but that was´nt so.)We were told that we have 45 minutes to browse around,as the town is small we had enough time to see almost everything,shops,market,and we climb thru a narrow white steps between the charming small white painted houses to see the towns magnificent bell tower that offers a beautiful view.
One observation i made was that there are so many cats on one side of the road and i wondered why?
Taken near the crafts and jewelry shops.Notice that mostly women window shoppers or buyers.I was so hungry at the time that i did,nt even enter the shops. Hubby just took this other photo below from the show window
Example of their jewelry craftmanship.Simple but elegant,is´nt it?Next stop was the island opf Hydra,it was said that the island was a favorite of the International Jet-set.
Hydra is the beloved muse of the painters,craftsmen and photographers.It has a unique architecture,crystal clear and blue waters,several craft and jewel shops,folk art and the traditional means of transport? The donkey,there are several of them waiting to take any tourist for a ride. ( As i said before,lost also those photos except for some that is shown above.
The Ecclesiastical Museum where the relics of the monastery are kept. The Holy Cathedral was next to it and although taking pictures and proper decent clothing are requested,we managed to enter the church and take some photos. Orthodox church are very strict on this matter.Our last island stop is the Aegina, known for its rich history,pistachio grove landscape.Aegina Port has a picturesque seaside village like all the other islands we visited. And its the biggest among the others.Here we visted the impressive byzantine architecture church of St. Nectarios and the siver-carved tomb of the saint as shown below
The hill where it was said the towns people built 365 churches as a gratitude to God for saving the town from an invasion( sorry,i forgot the whole story as told by our guide)
My first glimpse of a Pistachio tree
Here,we were having a taste of the local drink with a plate of seafood snacks with the company of a friendly australian couple from this trip It was a very pleasant trip and we enjoyed it so much.
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