It's that Old Devil Called Love!

Here we go again...   way into the LOVE MONTH ....  actually in just one more day (Taiwan Time) it will be Valentine's Day once more....  A day of Flowers, Chocolates and other Love Gifts - Big or Small - all to profess Love to our significant others, or those we wish would be our significant others.  As Christmas and Thanksgiving is a time for all loved ones - family and friends, Valentine's Day gets a bit more exclusive and personal - mainly meant for partners, lovers, significant others!

 

I for one, just like any other Holiday, get excited over this....  not so much anymore about flowers or chocolates I used to expect - but more now, about that something in the air that makes most people smile a bit more....  be loving a bit more....  and we all know, we could always use a bit more loving in this world!  So enjoy the Special Day Lovers....   it matters not what you do, what you get, what words are uttered or not uttered....  what matters is that you are with someone you love.... and God willing , someone that Loves you, too!!! 

 

And if so happen that you find yourself single on this day - go and enjoy the day still....  share it with a good friend, with family, or even just by yourself doing something you absolutely Love!!!

 

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY ALL!!!

 

1st of the many, I Hope!

So we are off to a hood start in the Travel department, as I was Blessed enough to have been able to Travel this past January...  For over two weeks!!!

It matters not that it was just in the Philippines - Again!!! - as this time around I got to:

-Visit 2 new Destinations: Baler and La Union..  

-Wander about and see some old historical and marvelous churches....  

-And got to visit the island of Puerto Galera once more!!!

 

Yep, Yep... you read that right....  we hit a total of  3 BEACHES!!!   Just in time too as it was the perfect getaway from the cold and dreary winter of Taipei.....   First stop was Baler....  a looong drive from Manila but soooooo worth it....  they call themselves the Surfing Capital of the Philippines and judging by the folks surfing - locals and tourists alike - it surely looks like it!

The second beach town was La Union... used to be surfing Haven before it all moved to Baler...  I requested this place as I really wanted to stay at Thunderbird Resorts....  The Greek decor inspired resort that I first got to see in the movie, "The Other Woman", a few years back... and have been admiring posts by other on Facebook and Instagram....  It was A OK....  not as IMPRESSIVE as it looks in photos....  pricey for what it had to offer... but it helped that there were not many people staying at the time we were there... got to enjoy the pool very much...  especially since no one can really swim on their private beach...

a few days break back in Manila and we headed back to Puerto Galera in Mindoro....  it has been many years since we were there last, about 2008, and it was great to be back... has changed... has grown... and just have so much more to offer - young and adults alike...  the waters were so calm... not too cold....   even Juju did not scared and swam every chance she got....   The nightlife is soooo much fun - even if you do not drink....   lively entertainment right along the beach... one after another....  our last nite, we even went from venue to venue to venue... not wanting to miss out on anything...

I truly had a WONDERFUL TIME this trip....  it was a promising start to a brand new year of travels - and I hope that it will be just like that - full of firsts, fun times, unforgettable memories....  Here's Hoping and Praying!!!  

 

You can see more photos of the trip by CLICKING HERE!

 

 

 

 

Travels 2014

Travels 2014

So Thankful for all the opportunities to travel last year... Besides the numerous trips to see family in the Philippines , was able to fit in Nagoya, Okinawa. Thailand , Myanmar & Hong Kong.

Loved seeing the snow - in the Nagoya region of Japan - again, having not seen it for a long time; spending Holy Week in the Philippines for the first time - such an emotional experience; Disneyland through Juju's eyes; and being able to add another country, Myanmar/Burma, to the list of countries visited.  Revisiting Okinawa was a lot of Fun, and this time around, a tastier treat as we ate sooooo much!!!   And seeing the awesome Holiday displays in Manila and Bangkok are always a FAVE of mine.  So many first time experiences in 2014 - and I love them all!

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After all these years, I finally got to see Mayon Volcano in my Mom's Province Region of Bicol!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Nagoya, Japan

Hong Kong Disneyland with Juju n GioGio!

Foodies in Okinawa, Japan!!!

Goofing about at Terminal 21

Bangkok, Thailand

Travel Anyway You Can!!!

Rockwell XMas

Manila, Philippines

Awesome fishermen of Myanmar!

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Thanks to my families (The Palmas, The Teruels, The Wus),

and friends along the way, for making it all much more FUN!😚😚😚

Here's hoping 2015 will be just as Good to me!!!😃😃😃

#FlasbackFridays  #Happiness #Travels

16 Years!!!!

16 years ago yesterday, January 9th,  I arrived in Taipei, Taiwan to make a go of a new life...  And what a life it has been...  Would not change any part of it. Okay maybe one or two - but truly, for the most part it has been filled with adventures & happiness...  Got to spend more time with my family in The Philippines....  Got to spend tine with Mom and Dad before their passing.., see my nephews and nieces grow into adulthood...  and have been Blessed to be a part of another family, The Wus!!! 

To You, Thanks for being my Best Friend, Biz Partner, and my Family all these years...  Through the Ups and Downs we have managed to stick it out...  Here's to more years of adventures, more countries to explore, and more of everything to come...

Happy New Year!!!

And so another year begins again...  

Here's to a bright, healthy, prosperous, and Issue Free 2015!

Sunday in the Park

Had a lovely time at Flora Expo Park yesterday, Sunday the 2nd!  Nice cool temperature with soothing breezes...  Live music...  And even the Annual Flora International Award Expo is in full swing...  Juju and i was having a lot of fun, we must have spent almost 6 hrs there...  A really nice way to end the week!

Enjoying the lively Blooms.

Me and a friend!

Monster High Doll, Jinafire Long, was Juju's tag along doll for the day.

So much beauty!  Some of the prettiest and most amazing arrangements on display

at the annual Flora International Award Exposition.

And of course, we stopped by St Christopher's Church to pay respects and light candles.

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We were even treated to our first XMas tree sighting...
this giant tree is on display now at the Flora Expo Park.

Halloween, Taipei Style!

Halloween is really not that big here in Taiwan - mostly relegated to the International Schools and PUBs frequented by expats...  Even the Department Stores are not much into it... A few decors here and there, mostly in the candies and chocs section...  Makes me miss the Halloweens spent growing up In the Bay Area...

Still, Juju and I managed to find something and make the most of the Holiday..  Celebrating best we could...  This year it was spent at Maji Square.

Jimmy Liao character figure sighting... of course, we had to stop for a photo!!!

 

Juju as a Bat Girl was truly happy....   not sure why some Chinese parents do not want to let their kids celebrate Halloween - nevermind that it is not a Traditional Chinese Holiday, it is a FUN one for kids...

Happy Halloween!!!

Wishing you all a Safe N Fun Celebration!!!

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JEALOUSY - is not a part of my vocabulary...   for me,  it is a wasted emotion...  

Instead of looking at others and being jealous, try looking within you...  Inside you... Past and present...   See all that you have been blessed with..  And are being Blessed with. 🙏🙏🙏

Be at Peace. See how light, simple, easy and happy life could be.

✌️✌️✌️

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"OPM"

Woking Friday while listening to a few OPM Faves...  

Now, am not well versed on Pinoy music , really..  I actually own more Spanish CDs than OPM but I do have my faves!!!

Gary V - i have admired and idolized growing up in the Bay  Area to present...  Others I discovered during trips in Manila - some i hear on the TAXI ( Ogie Alcasid, Wency, Nina, Yeng) or bought for the first time just because the CD cover caught my eyes (Mark Bautista, Ariel Rivera, Jericho Rosales)...

Then there's Piolo Pascual - totally different level of admiration😜😜😜.   Besides Gary V and Mark Bautista, his CDs are the only ones I buy without fail!

OKINAWA Revisited!

With next week just around the corner, am getting more and more excited to the upocoming week long OKINAWA trip with the whole Wu Clan....  it made me look back at photos from my first time there....  Can't believe 3 years have passed already!!!  

Am sure so much has changed....  and with us renting cars to get around, am pretty sure we will get to cover more land and see more of the outskirts....  just hope it will not be as rainy as the first time.

MOVIES X 3!!!

This week, I got to see not one... not two... but three - yes three movies!!!!   Not sure how I managed but in between work and taking care of Juju, I did - and I could not be Happier!!!

 

First film I saw, thanks to the FREE PASS, is the Taiwanese made film "Black and White".  Was reluctant at first as I was not too sure if there will be English subtitles but since it is an action film, I said to myself: "What the heck...  plot will be simple enough to follow>"  Though it really was, am still happy there was English subtitle after all.  And was quite surprised with the film - could totally rival those made in Hollywood in the Special Effects and Actions scenes.  Acting from the cast was good enough...   considering they did not have much to say.   Was overall Happy and Satisfied with the film, just cannot stand the addition of the "trying so hard to be funny" side kick / partner of Mark Chao...  could totally do without him....   he was not even funny... guess the writer was gunning for the same sidekicks seen in Hollywood Action flicks - but failed. 

 

Then on the 9th of this month I set out to see the premiere of DRACULA - my most anticipated film this year.  Weeks ago, I already decided that by hook or by crook - I will get to see it on the first day.  And with babysitting chores later in the afternoon - it worked out well that I went to the first showing.  Got up earlier than usual... did all my work... shipping and all.... making sure I make it in time for the film.  Lots of high speed maneuvering but totally worth it!!!

Not expecting much about the storyline, as most reboots does not live up to expectations nowadays - I was still amazed, enthralled and thrilled by the film.   I do not know anyone in the cast except for Charles Dance and Luke Evans... and that was just fine by me....  I was really there for the legend that is Dracula, the costumes, the cinematography and Luke Evans....   and those all got two thumbs up from me!!!   I left the theatre happy and with a hope that a follow up will be in the works! 

 

Third film is "Gone Girl".  This one I knew nothing about....   I agreed to go with the girls as I like most everyone in the cast plus I know if it's a David Fincher film, one is in for a ride.  And it sure was one helluva ride!!!    So many unexpected twists and turns....  and the Cast, every single one of them, delivered!!!!  Especially Rosamund Pike....   I was a Fan then - am a bigger Fan now!!!   It is one of those movies that is sooooo good, you would not mind seeing it again, and again, and again....   and not for the much talked about Private Parts of both Ben Affleck and Neil Patrick Harris - besides, in Taiwan, those scenes always end up on the cutting floor. 

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So over all, this week, I have nothing to complain for - and much to be happy about!

Hope everyone else's week is going well.

Oh such simple pleasures that packs loads of delights!

Yesterday, Oct 5th, our little girl turned 4....   it boggles the mind how this could have happened... seems like she is just a little baby and BOOM... she is 4!!!  

Time really flies when one is having fun - and since she arrived on the scene, we have had a lot more fun...  Her personality is just so that she has always kept us entertained.... and if you are following me on Facebook, am sure you know that the two of us has become quite a pair when it comes to goofiness and having fun....  We make the most of each day we are together... and we always seem to manage and find something to do, rain or shine, and create our own fun!!!!  We share the same love for colors, toys, and music....   and this makes taking care of her a lot easier.... Thank God!!!

Amazing how I have seen this girl grow....  from being born...  to her first step, first smile, first word, and a bunch of other firsts!!!   And each day, she does or say something that amazes me....  even her comprehension and command of English still surprises me....  so many words am pretty sure a lot of others I know cannot even say - much more know the meaning of - but this girl picks up fast....  unbeknown to us until she utters them....  and she now speaks complete sentences in ENGLISH!!!  I for one am HAPPY that am able to help on this part - ut if you ask her - she will say: "I taught myself English!" - LOL!!!

I had a few things planned for her SPECIAL DAY - since Mami N Papi are both working, and GioGio is working in Italy,  I made sure I get her on her BDay - so as it will not pass without marking the day with any kind of memorable event....  so I planned.... at first I thought it was not to be so as she had a little bit of accident at her home before coming to me....   but after an hour's rest... she woke up with a smile and asked: "When can I wear my Sofia dress?"  Her birthday present from me.... Put it on her, much to her delight and she said:  "let's go out!  I want to show everyone my Princess Gown!"   Not sure if she is really OK already, I decided to just walk over to Dajia Riverside Park... get some fresh air and take a few shots....  She was in Heaven... acting as if she is really Sofia....

This was not enough...  she remembered my promise...  Hello Kitty Cafe for her 4th BDay....   since this was already on my schedule, and she seems to be doing fine...  off we went....   take the bus and walked a couple of blocks over to the Hello Kitty Heaven....  the whole time she is in full Sofia costume, high heels even!!!  Such a delight to see her happily stroll the streets in her costume....   savoring every minute of it....  Made the whole trek worth it for me...  it mattered not that the food was not really that great....   and a bit overpriced....  every minute spent, as I can see in Juju's eyes, was like being in her idea of Heaven!!!

The night did not end there... she is still energetic, raring to go... and wanted to still be walking the streets in her Princess costume....  so we walked a bit more....  stopped by a Temple to give thanks....  and walked to Breeze Center to window shop and take a few more photos....  Juju was in heaven, remembering I have taken her here before....  loved the Castle looking buildings in the backdrop so she wanted to take loads of photos.... and she even chatted up with a few passers by - in Chinese and in English - proudly explaing why she is dressed as Sofia, The First! 

Oh such simple pleasures that packs loads of delights!

 

Mission Accomplished! The day turned out to be as memorable to me, as it is for Juju....

  and for her 5th BDay - I already promised The Barbie Cafe... LOL!!!