My Valentine Wishlist

I guess it is not really bad to wish for some presents  this Valentine's Day.  It is normal for women to be happy when they receive some presents during this special occasion.  I  may  have a lot of Valentine wishlist but most of them are not material ones. How about you?

Praying for Good Health Always for the Whole  Family

Foe me, this is  the first thing in my wishlist. Health is wealth and we can never buy it. You might be able to  afford medicine and to pay for hospital bills but still  you can never buy health. This is the reason why I am always praying for good health always for my family, friends and relatives. Of course, we also need to take care of our body by not taking vices like drinking and smoking.

Love and Harmony in Our Home

I never  had a big discussion, misunderstanding  or quarrel with my DH. We always talk about things. We respect each other and  respect is  always the foundation of love. If there is respect, there is love and when there is love, harmony always prevails. We may not have all the luxuries in life but we have  the basic things a man needs to survive in this planet...Food, shelter and clothing are the most important ones.

Chances and Opportunities  to Travel  More

It has always been my dream to see the beauty of this world.  I am thankful that I had  already seen a part of it. Having been to over 30 countries, I still want  to experience more. This planet has simply a lot of  amazing places to explore. Even one life is not enough to see everything. This is the reason  why I want to travel when when finances, time and health are still present.

MOST OF ALL, I PRAY FOR PEACE TO ALL MANKIND.

Enjoy your Valentine's  Day but be safe! God bless everyone!

Not Really a Surprised Christmas Present

I should wake-up early this morning but since I was so tired for the recent trips I did the past days, I was not able to wake-up early. I also attended a Christmas party last night and I was totally knocked down when I got home. Travelling is not easy and I guess, it is not for everyone. I am glad that I have a passion for this hobby and when given the chance and money to do it again, I will surely grab the opportunity.

Let me go back to the main topic here. After taking our breakfast this morning, I immediately got myself ready to go grocery shopping. Before that, we went first to an electronic shop to buy something. Good Santa heard my prayers and wish this holiday season. He finally bought me a new laptop. If I am a musician, I would probably order an ultrasound amps at Musicians Friend. This site is perfect for those who want to buy musical instruments. I have a great love about music but sad to say, I cannot really play a musical gadget.

After visiting the electronic shop, we proceeded to a grocery store nearby to shop all the items we need for Christmas Eve celebration. This time  will be a simple but wonderful  celebration of Christmas.  I am thankful  for  all the  blessings big and small for this year 2013. 

Merry Christmas everyone!

Halloween Time is Party Time

How was your Halloween celebration! I believed I had a wonderful one. After taking my tea session that morning and getting ready to cook for lunch the telephone rang and I was surprised, it was an old good friend. She was inviting me to go with her to the next city to do some window shopping. That was a fun afternoon indeed.

When I arrived  home after our shopping escapade in an Asian store and in the mall, I immediately got ready for the Halloween night to party with the ladies. I was acting like the mad professor 1 that night singing the karaoke. My friends were also very good singers. There were chit-chatting, kidding, conversation and simply fun with the girls again.  Sumptuous dinner was also served.

It was indeed a wonderful Halloween celebration with friends. Quite a busy but fun day with friends  but I love it! I hope you had a great one as well!

Getting Ready for the Party

Hosting a party is sometimes not easy especially if you don't plan it ahead. This is the reason why I planned for any big event or celebration some weeks and even months in advance. I thankful that there are also good friends who are helping me out.

In every party that I host or attend with, there are always entertainment. For us, singing with the karaoke or videoke is always present. Depending on the song played, we also dance with it especially if it is a disco music and the like. I wish I order this good Allen &  Heath Pro Audio at musician's friend so that it will add fun to our party. Having good sound systems and music instruments also add fun and success to a celebration.

I will see what will happen to my birthday party this coming weekend. I am quite excited about it. And yes, sumptuous and yummy foods will surely be prepared! Good luck to us and cheers for my big day!

Fasching, Carnival Photos from Germany

Fasching, Karneval, carnival!  I believed you  know what these words mean. Other countries  celebrate the same festival almost the same way. I witnessed some of it in the towns of Bavaria, Germany.  I always love watching this festival and hope next time, I can already witness the big ones like in Cologne, Dusseldorf and Mainz.

Here are some of the carnival photos I took from last year's carnival parade.

A float during the Faschingszug or carnival parade in Hemau, Germany. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

The group of the Liberty statue in Hemau's Carnival parade. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

The vampire group of dracula. Are there really vampires?. © http://gemstarlightexpress.blogspot.com   

Goodbye 2012! Hello 2013!

I don't  have the power to stop the coming of the year 2013!  I have to let go and it is better for me to say goodbye to 2012. Three more hours and  new year is about  to  begin.

There are  a lot of things to be thankful for in 2012. I  am just giving you a quick overview of the many great things that happened this year. Here they are;

I  am thankful for the chances and opportunities to visit  many beautiful cities and countries this year. I was in USA for the second time and visited many states including California, Nevada, Oregon and Arizona.. The dream to visit Canada came into reality.  I also landed in the Baltic region and visited Lithuania and Latvia. I have been to the many towns and cities in Germany.  My adventure in Spain and its many historical places were truly amazing. I visited back Switzerland and France.

I am thankful to all the wonderful friends I have and had met along my journeys.

I am thankful for the many accomplishments I  had back home.  Home improvements are getting better and I hope that it will be continued next year.  Our home here in Europe is getting more improved. I am happy to live in a small but mortgage free home.

I am thankful for the many blessings that was given to me and my family.

I am thankful for my  cameras, computer and internet  which help me in sharing my personal experiences especially in my travels.

There are just a lot of things that I am thankful of..Most of all, I am thankful to God for the miracle of waking me up everyday and for the beauty of nature that I witness in my surroundings. Thank you Lord for the gift of life!

LASTLY,  I WOULD   LIKE TO EXTEND MY GREETINGS TO EVERYONE..

A BOUNTIFUL AND MORE PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL OF US!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!

Singing On Magic Mic During Parties

There were a lot of parties  hosted by friends  the past weeks.  One had a house warming, the other had her birthday party, a despedida or go away party, thanksgiving  or simply get-together gatherings with friends.  Everytime we have it, singing on magic mic or karaoke is always present. I am thinking of getting an extension microphone  named shure sm58. I believed it produces good sounds.
I just want to make it ready for my big day next year.

Not so good photo during the party from last Friday. This is good because I don't really post photos without the permission of the people included  in it.

 I guess it is time for me to pack-up. We will be attending a Christmas party tomorrow in Bamberg. Another party again and I am not so sure if there will be karaoke or magic mic singing tomorrow. Enjoy your day!

Thanksgiving 2012

 Thanksgiving  celebration is over  for our American friends. Do you only express thanksgiving during  this day or everyday  of your life?  If you have to ask me, I am always trying my best to give thanks  everyday for  many things and happenings that comes my way.

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest celebrations and holidays for  our American  friends.  It has been  an annual tradition since  1863. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", to be celebrated on Thursday. Now it is celebrated every fourth Thursday of the months of November.

I had a wonderful time celebrating  Thanksgiving day with friends yesterday. At lunch time, one of my friends invited me to go with them in the US  Base near our area.  In their Dining Facility or DiFac, a lot of foods were served to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

I also attended two parties of my friends last night. I am grateful for meeting wonderful people around. Thank you for your friendship and for letting me partake in your Thanksgiving banquet.

Deserts served at the Dining  Facility  at the US Base near our area.

Party Time Is Karaoke Time

I am quite busy now with a lot of things. Life offline and as well as online are always keeping me busy. One thing that keeps me busy will be the party this coming weekend. Some friends called it  a  birthday aftershock celebration. Yes, yes it's party time!

I can have the chance to get together with friends again. For sure singing with the karaoke is also present. I have some good friends who can sing so good. I even have some friends who can play guitars and keyboard as well. They are band member anyway, the reason why the can really play good music. I would like to recommend Alesis at musicians friend  if they are searching for musical gadgets and instruments.  I wish they are here in my birthday aftershock.

I can't wait this coming weekend. I will surely hear the voices or I would say the "song birds" again. Party time is karaoke time! Cheers!

A Memorable Party!

I was browsing some photos from my birthday celebration last year. It was truly a memorable day for me. Everyone had fun especially during the singing and karaoke part. Next time, I guess I need a recording studio furniture to make it more memorable. I would really love to have one since I also love singing.

The sumptuous foods prepared during that party were very delicious. Thanks to my dear friends who made that celebration successful. Thanks also to the visitors that despite of their busy schedule, they made it to my birthday party.I don't have much time to

My birthday cake last year. Thanks Nadette for this.

Due to some unavoidable circumstances and change of plan,  my  birthday party for this year will be held sometime in October.  It was rescheduled because  I don't have much time to prepare for it since I will be flying to the US soon. See you guys in  October!

Memorable Birthday Parties

I would like to make a last minute greeting  first. Happy Mother's Day to all lovely and wonderful mothers out there especially to my ever dearest Mama. Thank you so much for everything and God bless all mothers in this planet earth!

It is not only a memorable weekend because of the two parties I attended but also a celebration to  the greatest heroes of all times, that is a celebration  honoring  our beloved Mothers. Truly a wonderful weekend!

Last night, we attended a birthday party of a friend's daughter who just turned 7. The celebration was a blast and I believed everyone truly enjoyed it. Foods were great and delicious. Most  of the foods being served were Filipino dishes. Thanks to the hard work of  Pouyan's mother who did most of the preparations. You did a great job Elsa! Keep it up!

Foods during Pouyan's 7th birthday party last May 12, 2012.

Another birthday celebration was also held this afternoon. It was Dreanna's 4th birthday. It was normally a birthday party for children but since we were invited for a jewelry presentation, we also attended the banquet. The birthday celebrant together  with other children  had a wonderful time and lots of fun with all the games they had.  Sumptuous  dishes were also served. Most of the ladies did not only enjoy looking and shopping  the jewelry and accessories  but also  love the eating part.

Thanks Joanna for the invitation. I  had a great time and lots of fun with the other ladies.

Dreanna's 4th birthday dated May 13, 2012.

To Pouyan and Dreanna, I wish you both a bright future and may your mothers' good wishes for you will come true.  Wishing you also good  health, love and happiness! God bless you both and your family!

Have A Wonderful New Year 2012!

2011 has been a blessed and amazing year for me.
Everything was almost perfect...
my life, my family and all the people I met along the way...
the priceless and unforgettable experiences I've been through..
and all the wonderful things that happened this year.
Before 2012 comes
I would like to thank my family, friends, relatives
and anyone I met along the way..
and most of all, I would like to thank the Lord for everything
that He had given me this year.
Most especially thank you Lord for the gift of life,
the gift of nature, my faculties and abilities, all the opportunities...
There are just a lot of things to be thankful of.

I WISH EVERYONE
A HAPPY AND MORE PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR 2012!!
Good health always, love, peace and happiness
are all my wishes to all!
GOD BLESS US!

"It Depends on Us... Another year lies before us like an unwritten page, an unspent coin, an unwalked road. How the pages will read, what treasures will be gained in exchange for time, or what we find alone the way, will largely depend on us."

Esther Baldwin York

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thanksgiving is nothing
if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart
to God in honor and praise for His goodness."

Robert Casper Lintner.

Have a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving to everyone
especially to all my American friends around the world!

Halloween Celebration

Halloween or Hallowe’en (a contraction of All Hallows' Eve) is an annual holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night preceding All Hallows Day. Much like Day of the Dead celebrations, the holiday has ancient origins tied to seasonal change, harvest time, and festivals honoring the dead. Typical Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

Halloween images from Franskentein Castle.

the witches in Franskentein Castle...we had an enjoyable Halloween in this castle located in Darmstadt, Germany.

Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines

I was able to witness this festival twice. The second time I was there was last January 2010. Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright coloured costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

I hope to see this again in my next visit to the Philippines. Here are some snapshots I took last year.

one of the contingents during the Sinulog contest held in Cebu Sports Complex.

the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country.

The festival commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

Friend's Baby Shower

Hello folks! How's your Saturday? I hope you had a nice one. I had a wonderful time during a friend's baby shower today. It was my second time to attend such kind of celebration. Germans usually don't do that. Giving of presents only takes place when the baby is already born. Thanks to Filipino-American friends for inviting me. I truly enjoyed it. The baby shower for Ge was a success and I believed that she was very happy about it.

Everyone had fun during the said gathering especially the games that were played. A lot of food were also prepared by friends. The opening of the presents for the incoming baby was the highlight of the program. It was truly a wonderful and enjoyable celebration. Thanks to good friends for making it happened.

Wishing Ge a safe and sound delivery soon. God bless you!

some of the foods during the party.

the very beautiful diaper cake made by Joy.

presents for Ge's incoming baby.

Congratulations to All Mothers Out There!

At work, you think of the children you have left at home.
At home, you think of the work you've left unfinished.
Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself.
Your heart is rent.

by: Golda Meir

Happy Mother's Day!

these are the tulips from our garden in spring 2011.

Today is your special day!
And you are always honored and remembered.
Not only today,
but all days of my life.
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers out there
especially to my dearest Mother.
I love you Mamang!
Wishing you more days and years in your life.
God bless you always!

my beloved Mother and Father!

Perfect As Mother's Day Present

If there is this so-called Father's day celebration, there is also one for all Mothers out there. Mother's day is a day to simply honor mothers and motherhood. Sad to say, I am still not a mother. I am still hoping to be one when given a chance. I am thinking to give a home spa gift basket for my mother. I guess, it is a perfect present for her. I wish I am home to personally greet my mother on the celebration of mother's day. Don't forget on the second Sunday of May, a lot of countries including Philippines, Germany, Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Australia, Denmark, etc. will be celebrating mother's day. Don't forget to give a special threat or present to your wife, mother, aunt or maybe your friend on this year's celebration of mother's day.

Incoming Event

After I went a bit grocery shopping this afternoon, I stopped-by in a friend's house and had a dinner. The foods she prepared on the table were all delicious. I indeed up eating a lot again. We also had a good conversation. Before I went home, she handed a flyer about an incoming event this April. The event will be having a lot of activities. It include singing in karaoke machines and who will be the winners will receive prizes. It means that there will be a karaoke contest. I am thinking of joining..lol!

Actually, the event is called Pinoy Dance Night. Of course dancing all night will take place. There will also be a raffle draw and the first winner will receive a free plane ticket to the Philippines. The best part I think, will be the dinner wherein lechon and other Filipino dishes will be served. Don't forget to bring 20.00 Euros for your entrance fee. I guess this is not too bad for your pocket. More infos to come soon!

Sinulog Festival in Cebu

The Sinulog festival in Cebu is a famous celebration in this city. It is an annual festival held every third Sunday of January. It has become a tourists magnet which attracts visitors from all parts of the Philippines and even from the whole world. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs.

Here are some images taken during our visit last January 2010.

The Sinulog contest is always held in Cebu City Sports Complex

SINULOG TODAY:

Since 1521, devotion to the Santo Niño has grown and has taken root in Philippine popular piety, particularly in the Visayas; pilgrims from different parts of Cebu and the rest of the Philippines make their yearly journey to the church to take part in the procession and festival. Starting in 1980, the Cebu City government organized the Sinulog Mardi Gras and eventually gave incentives to tribal dance groups. The first Sinulog parade was held in 1980, organized by Dávid Odilao, then Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports, and Youth Development. The parade was composed of students dressed in Moro costumes, dancing the Sinulog to the beating of drums.

The idea caught and thus, under the direction of the Cebu City Mayor Florentino Solon with the help of several influential Cebuanos, Odilao turned over the Sinulog project to the Cebu City Historical Committee under Kagawad Jesus Garcia. It was the task of the Committee to conceptualize the Sinulog festival and make it into a yearly event from then on.

In 1981 the following year, the concept of the Sinulog Parade was actualized, involving practically every sector in the Cebuano community. Marking its difference from another popular festival, the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, the Sinulog focuses not on the ritual itself but on the historical aspects of the dance, which, as it has been said, represents the link the country's embrace of Christian faith.

The Sinulog dance steps were believed to originate from Rajah Humabon's adviser, Baladhay. It was during Humabon's grief when Baladhay was driven sick. He then ordered his native tribe to bring Baladhay into a chapel where the Santo Niño was enthroned. Moments later, surprisingly, Baldhay was heard shouting and was found dancing with outmost alertness. Baladhay was questioned as to whether why was he awake and was shouting. Baladhay explained that he found a small child, pointing to the image of the Santo Niño, on top of him and trying to wake him up. He, at great astonishment, scared the child away by shouting but couldn't explain why he was dancing the movements of the river. Up to this day, the two-steps forward, and the one-step backward movement dance is still used by the Santo Niño devotees believing that it was the Santo Niño's choice to have Baladhay dance. more Sinulog infos here