Pixel Bug

Weekends before a big exam are always spent at home, that is our rule. As a mom, I try not schedule any activity during these weekends so the kids can concentrate on reviewing their lessons. Although it is a long weekend, a road trip would have been fitting but I am not complaining. I also want this much needed rest to regain my strength and to prepare myself for a very busy month.

In the photo below, my son is doing a mock up exam I have prepared. LOL! The poor guy woke up very early last Saturday to finish his Kumon and do one of the mock up tests.

Weekend was not as dull as it seems, it was actually an exciting one for me. Hubs and I went out to buy his early Christmas gift for me…. my new TOY!

Now, I just finished transferring my files to my backup hard drive and enjoying my new toy. Super duper thanks to my Hubs! Mwah!

What about you? How did your weekend go? Share it with us …
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UPDATE :I just got an update from my friend Noemi that the organizers of WPO have decided to postpone the rest of the fireworks show to a later date early next year. Ticket holders are requested to contact WPO hotline 568-6908 / 384-0239 or log on to their website for more details.

This week was the start of the World Pyro Olympics 2009 held at the Fort Open Grounds, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. I always wanted to attend this spectacular display of fireworks, however the past years venue was at the Mall of Asia, which is quite far from where we reside. This year was no excuse for me, as soon I knew about the schedule, I immediately blocked it off my calendar and thanks to a blogger friend, Noemi, I was able to watch it for free. Thanks so much Noemi and also to the organizers of WPO for making the venue more accessible this year!

The kids enjoyed it as well. Even as the skies shed down its tears, it did not dampen their spirits. We enjoyed snacks prior to the show. For this Saturday, it was Germany and China’s schedule to dazzle us with their fireworks and musical scores.

Although the skies were filled with clouds, I was able to shoot some photos good enough for posting here. I guess I’m still lucky that there were still photos that turned out okay. Out of a more than hundred shutter clicks, only a handful was satisfactory.

If you’ll notice, clouds are covering most of the fireworks. When it was time for China’s show, the rains poured really hard but I was unfazed. With my daughter holding the umbrella, I continue to shoot… just like a pro! just wishing I was one with my kids as I enjoyed the greatest show on Earth.

If you still want to catch the magic of the World Pyro Olympics 2009. The schedule are as follows:

21 November – Germany, China
28 November – Canada, Australia
05 December – Japan, Italy
12 December – Korea, USA
19 December – Fellowship of Fire (Highlights from the participants) and Philippine Exhibition by the La Mancha Group International
General Viewing Area - P200 – TicketWorld
Special Viewing Area - P500 – at selected Folded & Hung Stores (Glorietta, Shangri-La, Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Unimart, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, The Block, and Gateway)
VIP Area (inclusive of dinner ) – P1,500 – Via Mare Head Office -7503 Bagtikan St., Makati City (Call 890 8090, Ella/Imelda/Glen); Italianni’s Greenbelt & Glorietta ; World Wide Womb – 4B Valdecon Building, Jupiter St., Makati City (Call 868 6908 or 384 0239, Jaja/Jobelle/Maryann)

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Coming home in the Philippines after having stayed in the State most of your life, you’d definitely want to see the country. And since my balikbayan cousin-in-law only had a few days to stay here we decided to bring her on a trip south of Manila.

The itinerary was a road trip to Laguna and Quezon. We visited a lot of wonderful places but for this week’s Pixelbug Weekend, I will feature the Sitio de Amor, the place we where we stayed. Sitio de Amor is part of the Viaje del Sol — featuring the tourist destinations of the south from San Pablo, Laguna to Quezon. It is a 4.5 hectare orchard between Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. If you are looking for a place to rest and just enthrall yourself to the beauty of nature, this place will surely entice you.

As you arrive, you are welcomed by their complimentary welcome drink — fresh coconut. Make sure to request that it be placed inside the fridge prior to your arrival.

One of the rooms we occupied had a refreshing view of the lagoon. The water from the lagoon comes from Balanga River. Waking up to such an amazing view will truly rejuvenate you — far from the hustle bustle of the city.

The main pavilion is perfect for  wedding receptions and other special occasions. As we were having breakfast, a young couple was there making sure the final arrangements for their upcoming reception are in place. Quite a romantic place, I might say especially during the night when all the lights are lit.

Aside from the room with a view of the lagoon, they also have a tree house which you can rent for PhP10,000/night. This could fit around 10 people. The other two rooms were beside each other, Duhat and Caimito which you can rent at PhP3,500 and PhP4,000 respectively.

For those who want to cool down, you can take a dip in their infinity pool. Just the thing for our summer climate.

Sitio de Amor Farm Resort
Km 88.8 Maharlika Highway
Barangay San Antonio 1
San Pablo City, Laguna

Prior reservations are required, you may call (02) 552-7340 and +63918- 9274346
Email: sitiodeamor@yahoo.com

Directions: Sitio de Amor is about 1 and a half hours from Manila. Take Maharlika Highway from South Superhiway heading towards Lucena. Take Maharlika Highway from South Superhiway heading towards Lucena — on your left side, and 3 kilometers before Villa Escudero. Turn left, it is about 600 meters in.

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Yes, Christmas will be here next month. We’re just counting days and everywhere you go, it’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Just like the song — toys are in every store, Christmas trees in the parks and the hotels. And of course, the malls are already dressed up for the season, just like the photo below.

Christmas trees, ornaments, decors and Santa’s are already on sale…

As for me, since I do not work anymore, I am trying to beat the holiday rush by buying Christmas gifts very early. I have started to wrap some of those gifts and placed it under my Christmas tree.

Christmas is truly my favorite time of the year, and for that I consider myself a Christmas girl!

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PHOTOHUNT : Military / Veterans

Here in the Philippines, people do not give so much emphasis in the Halloween trick or treating activities but more on remembering the dead during All Soul’s day. It falls on November 2, and it is usually declared as a Holiday to give people time to the cemetery to visit the grave of their friends and loved ones. It has been a tradition where families and relatives meet.

It also goes true for our family, we visit my Father-in-law at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Cemetery for the Heroes). This cemetery was established as a resting place for military personnel as well as heroes and martyrs who defended our country during the war. My FIL, was a retired captain of the Philippine Navy, the reason why this place is a fitting resting place for him.

Ever since my father in law died, my hub’s family will meet there during All Soul’s Day. After offering our prayers, we will gather at one place to have a meal together. It is actually a good excuse for my MIL and her siblings to gather together as one family.

***Libingan ng mga Bayani is located at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

This weekend was a breather from our usual mall or trips, we simply stayed home. Although it’s not really a break from the busy routine. I took this chance to perform a general cleaning at home which prepares the house to be adorned with Holiday decorations.

Personally, the most important piece of adornment for Christmas is the Nativity. It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas — depicting the simplicity of the Lord’s birth.

Last Saturday, Halloween celebrations in our village were toned down due to the recent calamities that hit the country. I just decided to bake Halloween cupcakes for the kids.

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