to Baguio Oncemore...

There is this one place in the Philippines that I never get tired of visiting. Well, it happens to be just an hour and a half drive from our home...the city of Baguio considered as the "summer capital" of the country because of its subtropical highland climate.
It is a city located at the Northern part of the country, some 1,500 meters above sea level and could be reached either by land or air. It is around six hours drive from Manila.

The last time I took a trip to the city of Pines was six months ago with my two kids and the hubby. I also happily shared our summer Baguio memories here.

One could get a bit dizzy with the winding road but the view of mountains, trees, sunflowers and clouds may easily wipe away one's wobbly sensations.

Pine trees with their evergreen characteristic, found almost everywhere in the city are such a soothing spectacle anytime of the day.

Join me as I walk and relish in the splendor of  some of the flowers found at the Botanical Garden.

I'm poor at naming flowers but I'm sure the first one is a Dahlia and the last one is an orchid...Would you be so kind as to name the other four? There is one more thing I am sure of..."that nothing in all the world could compare to the beauty of God's creation".

My one fervent wish is for all of these not to cease to flourish.

Now here is one pony that looked so pretty. I didn't ride one this time but simply admired its garb and colored mane.

The metropolis is replete with works of art to marvel at. It is a place where most artists would find inspiration. This one makes me think of liberty and peace...two things that make this life beautiful.

and then there's Burnham Park where boating is the main attraction...simply watching the decorated vessels floating and the flowers on the alley calms one's spirit..

People, from all walks of life love hanging out in this park. I see myself one day sitting on a bench there under the shade of a tree perusing one of your published books by then my dear blogging friends...I hope though it won't take that long a wait...

Now who wouldn't fall in love in such a romantic cold place? I myself once upon a time spent hours on practically the same bench talking to someone I now call the hubby. Funny how places could spell the future.

Meet my mom, my travel companion for the day standing on the patio of the biggest shopping mall in the city overlooking the rest of the place and the cathedral which I failed to explore then. Mom taught me humility and kindness, things that money can never buy.I personally think that moments spent with one's mom as an adult are so precious because not everyone gets that chance in this busy life. And I thank God everyday for keeping her healthy and as cheerful as she is and each night the kids and I pray for all the mothers in the world.

Now..souvenirs in all shapes and color abound such that if you are willing to spend just a little bit, you most certainly will go home not only with Baguio memories but SHARED HAPPINESS....when you give them away...

Friendly Yellow

I was busy doing chores at home yesterday when my son screamed with delight having seen a yellow friendly butterfly in our yard...

plates, glasses and cups I left them all to again play with wings and clouds...

I was tempted to keep my friend inside the house but then again who would want to spoil nature's plan of the sweetest sight...

of flowers and wings dancing merrily under bright sunlight....

One Fine Day at Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of the places I frequent whenever I spend my "me-alone-" time! Aside from Torrey Pines, this is the other place where I go to whenever I wanted to relax and feel rejuvenated by the beauty of nature around us. Unlike Torrey Pines though, which is more of a natural park, Balboa Park is the nation's largest cultural park. It is home to 15 major museums, my favorite being the San Diego Natural History Museum where I love to learn more about the history of our natural world. Aside from museums, it is home to major art, music and theater venues, and the world famous San Diego Zoo. It is also home to several beautiful gardens, my favorite being the Desert Garden. Perhaps, my love for the desert all started here in Balboa Park. Whenever I wanted to photograph butterflies, hummingbirds, and other birds that are not often seen along the coast, I would go to Balboa Park. Here are some pictures one fine day I spent at Balboa Park just relaxing.

The very last flower intrigued me so much because it is one stem, one plant, yet two colors! It's yellow when it is young, then gets dots of red as it gets older, and becomes beautiful red. For more information about Balboa Park, you can visit the park's site here. 

Rendezvous with Blue Wings and White Petals

There's this tiny white wild flower I always pass by on my way home that has fascinated me since day one but try as I may, I was never satisfied with every photo I took of it until one afternoon when the sky was dark and it was drizzling that I chanced upon these light blue winged friend of ours kissing those petals unmindful of my intrusion...

I think, the butterfly, the flower and I..we all had a great time :-)

Life is Happy with Pink

A collection of shades of Pink dedicated to our friend Betchai who showed me the Joys of Simple Life.

Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of photography, the art of sharing through blogging and keeping this site alive with a mission that goes beyond caring...

Lily of the Nile @ Today's Flowers

Lily of the Nile at our front yard

I'd like to thank the gracious hosts of Today's Flowers, Luiz, Denise, Pupo and Sandy

To see more wonderful blooms, click on the badge below.

Impatiens @ Today's Flowers

Impatiens from our front yard

I'd like to thank the gracious hosts of Today's Flowers, Luiz, Denise, Pupo and Sandy

To see more wonderful blooms, click on the badge below.