My Movie Review of Les Miserables

After two years of not going to a commercial movie house with a big screen, my wife and I finally decided to see a movie today. My son gave us free tickets as his Christmas gift to see the most publicized movie of 2012 -Les Miserables. I have read the book, saw the Broadway musical and a black and white version of this Victor Hugo's novel set during the French Revolution. The songs in this movie are well known all over the world, popularized by popular singers such as Susan Boyle and of course my favorite Filipina singer and actress, Lea Salonga. There is a new song, Suddenly, composed specifically for this movie sang by Jackman.

Les Misérables is a 2012 British musical drama film produced by Working Title Films and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film is based on the musical of the same name by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg which is in turn based on Les Misérables, the 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo.

The film is directed by Tom Hooper, scripted by William Nicholson, Boublil, Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer, and stars an ensemble cast led by Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Amanda Seyfried. The film tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who becomes mayor of a town in France. Valjean agrees to take care of Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of Fantine, and must avoid being captured again by Javert, a police inspector.

Development of Les Misérables began in the late 1980s. After the musical's 25th Anniversary concert in October 2010, producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the film resumed development. Hooper and Nicholson were approached in March 2011 and the main characters were cast in 2011. The movie was released Christmas Day here in US.

The film has received initially positive reviews, with many critics praising the acting of Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, and has also been nominated for numerous awards. Before the film's release, it was nominated for four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Film (Musical or Comedy), Best Actor (Musical or Comedy) for Hugh Jackman and Best Supporting Actress for Anne Hathaway.

I enjoyed the movie very much. The live singing instead of being pre-recorded makes you feel the story and really identify with what the actors and actresses are trying to convey. It gives the viewers a live and even visceral feeling. I cried all through out the movie. Acting and singing were fantastic and if Jackman and Hathaway wins the Golden Globe Awards, they really deserved it. The other supporting actors and actresses were also excellent and brilliant. The price of $7.00 per ticket was a good bargain, indeed. I highly recommend this movie, if you love musicals.

My Favorite Quotes on Aging

I was watching the 60 Minutes TV show that featured Martin Cooper, the inventor of the cell phone, the other day. According to his biography he was born in November 1928, thus making him an 84 year old man. In the TV show he was shown to be still playing tennis with his wife. He is not only physically fit but also mentally fit. Reading his life story, makes me envious of his physical prowess in spite of his age.

So, why am I envious of Mr Cooper? Well today, my mind is still clear and active, but my body is getting weak and bothered with aches and pains. In my younger days, I took care of my body, by not smoking or drinking alcohol. But I guess good health in old age are in your genes. I used to play tennis in my late 60's and only stopped after I had ruptured my Achilles tendon. I was in a cast for six weeks and that was not fun at all.

There are also several famous octogenarian in the news recently who are still active physically and to them my congratulations. Speaking of aging the following five quotes are my favorites. Do you have one? Can you share?

1. “As you get older; you've probably noticed that you tend to forget things. You'll be talking with somebody at a party, and you'll know that you know this person, but no matter how hard you try, you can't remember his or her name. This can be very embarrassing, especially if he or she turns out to be your spouse.”
― Dave Barry

2, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
― Sophia Loren

3. “You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
― George Bernard Shaw

4. “It’s very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you’d always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, it’s also the positive that you understand you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

5. “Prayer of an Anonymous Abbess:

Lord, thou knowest better than myself that I am growing older and will soon be old. Keep me from becoming too talkative, and especially from the unfortunate habit of thinking that I must say something on every subject and at every opportunity.

Release me from the idea that I must straighten out other peoples' affairs. With my immense treasure of experience and wisdom, it seems a pity not to let everybody partake of it. But thou knowest, Lord, that in the end I will need a few friends.

Keep me from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point.

Grant me the patience to listen to the complaints of others; help me to endure them with charity. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains -- they increase with the increasing years and my inclination to recount them is also increasing.

I will not ask thee for improved memory, only for a little more humility and less self-assurance when my own memory doesn't agree with that of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.

Keep me reasonably gentle. I do not have the ambition to become a saint -- it is so hard to live with some of them -- but a harsh old person is one of the devil's masterpieces.

Make me sympathetic without being sentimental, helpful but not bossy. Let me discover merits where I had not expected them, and talents in people whom I had not thought to possess any. And, Lord, give me the grace to tell them so.

Amen”
― Margot Benary-Isbert

I hope if you are a senior citizen that you are aging gracefully.

Ohoy Alibangbang( Butterfly)- Folk Song

The butterfly is a common subject in many Philippine folk dances where the beautiful spread wings is a metaphor of many equally beautiful things like good looks, a delicate kandungga (big triangular scarf) decoration, a blossoming flower, a colorful woman's shawl or a dressed-to-kill woman going to church.

The "Ohoy! Alibangbang" from Negros and "Ining Alibangbang" from Sorsogon are song dances similar to the "Ay, ay Alibangbang!" and "Alibangbang Pula" both from Eastern Samar .

Handsome butterflies may also go courting from flower to flower as in the "Mariposa" of Pangasinan or the "Kuykuyappo" among the Isinay people of Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya.

Among the Christianized Gaddang and the Yogad people of Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya, the "Balamban" either mimics butterflies or a flying fish.

Tagalog Translation of "Ohoy Alibangbang"
Contributed by Youtuber Ezrach:

OH! PARU-PARO
Trala-lala-lala lala-lala-lala. . .
Oh! Paru-paru kung ikaw ay lumipad
Iyong alalahanin ang lahat ng mga bulaklak
Baka sa huli'y ikaw ay makalimot
Kawawang Gumamela, sa lupa Ahay! mahulog.

Oh! Paru-paru kung ikaw sumipsip ng bulaklak
Iyong alalahanin ang daan na dadaanan mo
Baka sa bandang huli, matinik itong paa mo
Kaawa-awang katawan, masayang lang ang dugo mo.
Trala-lala-lala lala-lala-lala. . .

Here's my rough English Translation

Oh Butterfly, trala-lala-lala-lala-lala
Oh Butterfly When your are flying
Just remember all the flowers
Perhaps later you may forget
Poor Hibiscus(Gumamela) will drop on the ground.

Oh Butterfly sucking the nectar of the flowers
Remember the path of the roads you have pass by
Perhaps later, you feet will get pinch by thorns
I pity your body since you just wasted your blood.
Trala-lala-lala lala-lala-lala..

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
The Cultural Center of the Philippines Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts.

My Blog Stats from 9/7/12 to 1/7/13

The following is my 4 months statistics based on the number of page views from my top 5 blogs. The first column was taken on 9/7/12, second column on 1/07/13, the 3rd column the net gain and the last column is the percent increase. Visitors to my blogs came from 166 countries.

Blog Name 9/07/12 1/07/13 Net Gain % Increased

1. Life in US 128,261 157,427 29,166 18.5

2. MRQ Awaits You 132,147 163,199 31,082 19.0

3. Chateau Du Mer 105,593 119,327 13,734 11.5

4. Marinduque,Island 130,838 155,198 24,369 15.7

5. The Intellectual 78,880 100,639 21,759 21.6

Conclusion: I have no reason to quit blogging. The number of page views is increasing( averaging about 17%)in 4 months. Hopefully this will translate into more Adsense dollars. I am very delighted with my stats.

To all my readers from 166 countries, thank you for visiting my sites, especially to those of you who took your time in making comments and clicking on my ads. Have a good 2013. I hope you continue supporting my blogs and tell your friends and relatives about my blog sites.

My Favorite Quotes on Beauty

The following are my favorite 15 quotes on beauty and what makes a person beautiful. Do you have a favorite in the list?

1. “Outer beauty attracts, but inner beauty captivates.”
― Kate Angell, Squeeze Play

2. “Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It's about knowing and accepting who you are.”
― Ellen DeGeneres, Seriously...I'm Kidding

3. “If eyes were made for seeing, then beauty is its own excuse for being.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

4. “The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.”
― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

4. “Just because something is beautiful doesn´t mean it´s good.”
― Alex Flinn, Beastly

5. “Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you?”
― Richard Rodgers, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

6. “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”
― John Keats

7. “Beauty is power the same way money is power the same way a gun is power.”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

8. “The human body is the best work of art.”
― Jess C. Scott

9. “Beauty is whatever gives joy.”
― Edna St. Vincent Millay

10. “I think the biggest lie the devil ever told was that beauty and goodness are the same.”
― Daniel Nayeri, Another Faust

11. “There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.”
― Steve Maraboli

12. “People are more than just the way they look.”
― Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time

13. “She was breathtaking in her beauty and her human spirit, he thought, unable to speak as he gazed upon her. Hers was the sort that would not fade or grow jaded with time and years, but flourish, grow more radiant with life and its experience. Hers was a beauty that no other possessed. A beauty he longed to keep, to hide away, to bask in, himself alone. She had become his.
― Charlotte Featherstone, Sinful

14.

Reference: www.goodreads.com

New Year Resolutions, Predictions and Wishes

The Crystal
Ball for New Year Resolutions, Predictions and Wishes

This is the time of the year when a lot of us makes our new year resolutions, predictions and wishes for the coming year. Among the most vcommon and popular new year resolutions are losing weight, quit smoking and other bad habits and possibly exercise more and work harder. The above items are not in my list, since luckily I do not have a weight problem, do not smoke or have any bad habits and is too lazy to exercise. How about you my readers, do you have a New Year resolution you want to share?

With regards to predictions, there are several articles in the web listing economic, political and religious predictions. Some of the predictions, I felt were very possible. However, one prediction, that I believe was way off, but if it will come true will be certainly welcome by me and the rest of the Philippines. The prediction is that the new Filipino Cardinal Tagle will become Pope this year.

One reason why I feel this will not happen is the fact that Pope Benedict still appears very healthy. The other reason is that Tagle is not a 70 year old cardinal or older. The chance that a cardinal younger than 70 will be elected Pope is nil, I believe.

Of course predictions about the economy dominates the web. The prediction that the Philippines economy will increase by more than 5% in 2013 appear very possible. In addition, the prediction about the US economy of remaining the same is also very probable. Another prediction about the weather, typhoons, earthquakes, hurricanes and other calamities appeared that the worst is not over. Luckily to my delight I have not read any predictions of the end of the world in 2013.

Lastly, what are my wishes for 2013? . I wish for continuous good health, wisdom to continue writing and the patience and grace of getting old. My other wish is that the Philippines will have a peaceful, and orderly elections this coming May. My last wish is to see The SF 49'niners win the Super Bowl with Kaepernick as the quarterback.

Do you have a wish for 2013 you want to share?

Ten Types of Love

The Triangular Theory of Love

Do you know that there are ten types of love? Some of you have probably experienced all of the ten types. Most of you, I am quite sure had experience at least a few. My educated guess is that 90% of you, my readers, have at least experienced three or more types love. Personally, I have experience five types of love that is included in the listing below: The list is not arranged in order of importance.

1. Platonic love-this is the simplest of all the types. It is pure and no physical or sexual intentions attached. I have experienced this type of love during my teenagers years to an older man and a teacher.

2. Limerence and crushes – A crush during your younger days is very common, Almost all of us, have crushes to either sex, mostly the opposite sex if you are straight or to the same sex if you are gay or lesbian or to both sexes if you are bisexual. A limerence is similar to a crush but more intense and considered weird. Perhaps your crush to a teacher, to an actor or actress is so intense, you are madly in love. This may be also called an intense infatuation. I have a few crushes with my female teachers during my high school years.

3. Fleeting love- This love last for a few seconds but sometimes a lot longer. It is love at first sight and it does not have to be person. It could be an animal, a sports car or a gorgeous orchid. I have experienced this type of love many, many times in my life. I have a fleeting love for a Mercedes convertible just recently.

4. Obsessive love- Love to a partner that borders to addiction. May be experience during first love experiences. Obsessive lovers are usually insecure and are scared.

5. Selfish love- This is a form of narcissistic love. You love yourself and do not care about your partner or their happiness.

6. Unrequited love- This is the opposite of reciprocal love. Your love to someone have not been answered, sometimes called one sided love. I have also experienced this type of love during my college years.

7. Lusty love- This occurs when you are extremely sexually attracted to a person. It could occur in straight, gay or lesbian partnerships. Your relationship for the moment is centered around the bed and in no other places. You know it if you are lusting for someone, because all you think is sex, sex and more sex with that person.

8. Same sex love- You could be both straight so you do not want to cuddle or have physical sex with this person, similar to platonic love. You can have this emotion toward a friend, and perhaps a celebrity. It is not sexual attraction but more of admiration, awe and respect. My man crush was Ford Harrison during his movie, Indiana Jones. I am pretty sure I have readers who have experience a girl to girl crush although they are not Lesbians or Bisexuals. This could be a love for your role model in life.

9. Romantic love- A beautiful feeling, such as the flutter of butterflies in your stomach. The world looks more beautiful especially when you are watching a sunset, or a waterfalls with your love one. You want to be with your sweetheart all the time and all you think is your partner and romance.

Last but not least is:

10. Unconditional love- You love the person more than yourself. You care more about your lover than anything else in this world. You are willing to die for this person. You will love this person in sickness and in health and all the days of your life. This type of love is an experience that dreams are made of and everyone hope to attain this type of love with a partner.

Again, I have experienced at least five of the above types of Love. How about You? How many types of love have you experienced so far? I will glad to hear from you.

Are You Attending the 2013 Presidential Inauguration?

The 2009 Inaugural Ball

My wife and I will not be able to attend this year but my daughter and grand daughter will be attending the Presidential inauguration this coming 3rd week of January. They will be able to attend the Parade, the swearing in and two of the many inaugural Balls scheduled for this historic event.

The Presidential Inauguration will be held in Washington DC on Monday, January 21, 2013. A week of festivities will include the Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Address, Inaugural Parade and numerous inaugural balls and galas honoring the elected President of the United States.

The official theme for the 2013 inauguration is “Faith in America’s Future,” commemorating the United States’ perseverance and unity, marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome in 1863.

Here's an overview of the 2013 Inauguration Schedule from dc. whereabouts.com

Saturday, January 19 - National Day of Service. President Obama will ask Americans across the country to organize and participate in service projects in their communities to honor our shared values and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The President, Vice President and their families will participate in service projects in the Washington, DC area.

Sunday, January 20 - The President will participate in a small private swearing-in ceremony.

Monday, January 21 – Inauguration Day. Swearing-in Ceremony, Inaugural Parade, and official Inaugural Balls.

Tuesday, January 22 - Inaugural National Prayer Service, 10:30 a.m. Washington National Cathedral. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with dignitaries and Americans of diverse faiths will attend the service which will include prayer, readings and musical performances. The event is by invitation only and will be webcast live at www.nationalcathedral.org.

Inauguration Swearing-in Ceremony
January 21, 2013 - The oath of office will be administered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Following the oath of office, the President will give his inaugural address, setting out his vision for America and goals for the nation. BROADCAST LIVE (time to be announced)

TICKETS: Each Senator and Representative receives a limited quantity of free tickets that they may distribute to the public at their discretion. The public should be aware that no website or other ticket outlet actually has inaugural swearing-in tickets to sell, regardless of what they may claim.

Time and Attending Information to Be Announced. Tickets are not required to watch the swearing-in ceremony on large screens that will be set up along the National Mall. .

Presidential Inauguration Parade
January 21, 2013, 2:30 p.m. Tickets are not required.

Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC. Viewing stands and bleachers will extend from 3rd to 17th Streets.

The presidential inaugural parade includes members from all branches of the armed forces of the United States. Since 1789, the U.S. armed forces have participated in this important American tradition honoring our commander in chief. During the 10-day inaugural period from January 15 to January 24, 2013, armed forces personnel will provide ceremonial support with musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons.

Ten Things that Annoys me about the Philippines

City Traffic and Pollution

In my previous posting, I listed the ten items that I love about the Philippines. Since there is no perfect place in the world, the following are the ten things that annoys me of my second home-The Philippines

The ten items that annoys me about the Philippines are listed below and in no particular order of annoyance.

1.Traffic and Pollution ( in big cities) There is always traffic congestion almost 24 hours a day, especially in big cities. The only time of the day when there is no traffic congestion in Manila and suburbs is between 2 to 4 AM. This is a good time to go to the airport to be in time for your 6AM flight.

2.Jeepney and Bus drivers: They drive like maniacs. They pick up and drop passengers in the middle of the road. Most provincial drivers drive like maniacs. They will overtake private cars on the wrong side of the highway and even on dangerous curves.

3.The long lines in the banks and ATM machines and people cutting-in the lines

4.The noise of crowing cocks and the barking dogs at 4AM or even earlier and loud karaoke music and out-of -tuned and horrible singing of the neighbors

5.When you invite one in your party, he or she brings one or two others, without advising you ahead

6.Filipinos seldom RSVP an invitation or answers their e-mails in a timely manner. Some have Face Books accounts , but seldom or never opens it. ( why open an account if you do not open it at all ?)

7.The heat and humidity during the summer months especially the months of March, April and May

8.The smell of fish and Durian-(probably only in Davao) in the wet markets

9.Litering on the streets and on the beaches, parks and urination in public places

10.Frequent brown outs/ black outs, typhoons and torrential rains in the provinces.

You could probably add more items, but the good things outnumbered the annoying things. Do you have any items to add to the list above. Please share!

Again as snowbirds, my wife and I are happy whether we are in the Philippines or United States. We believe that “HOME IS NOT A PLACE, BUT IN THE HEART!”.

Ten Things that I Love about the Philippines

Photo from anton.blogs.com

If you are one of my blog readers from 165 countries, you probably know that my wife and I are snowbirds. You also probably know what the word snowbirds meant.
Just to refresh your memory, we call ourselves snow birds, because when it gets cold here in US ( winter) we fly to tropical Philippines where it is warm and no snow. So why did we choose the Philippines and not some other tropical countries? Here are my ten reasons:

These ten items are not in order of importance.

1.The cheap standard of living:The cost of food and services with the exception of electricity is cheap in the Philippines specially services. For example haircuts, massages , pedicures and manicures is much cheaper in Philippines than in US. A specific example are Mens’ haircut. I pay between 60 to 100 pesos in Marinduque, but here in Northern California, I pay between $12 to $14 for a haircut. For $1500-$2000 plus or minus 10% a month, my wife and I live like a Queen and King here in Marinduque. The current exchange rate is about 41 pesos for one dollar as of this writing date. For fast conversion from pesos to dollars or vice versa, use “40” as the factor.

2.The simplicity and peaceful life in the provinces. The locals are easy going and do not hurry for their appointments. There is not much traffic in the provinces and in small towns. (http://marinduqueonmy mind.blogspot.com).

3.The abundance of fresh meat and seafood, vegetables and fresh fruits ( papayas, mangoes and bananas) at a reasonable prices as well as the Filipino delicacies ( lechon, lumpia and pancit) and desserts ( bibingka , leche flan and Halo-Halo).

4.Accessibility to the beaches, mountains, caves , rivers , islets for picnicking, bathing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just relaxing ( I am talking about Marinduque, not the big cities).

5.The social support system is fantastic. The presence of friends and relatives specially during Christmas and Easter seasons is an experience one can not forget. The Philippines celebrates Christmas five months every year starting from September 1 to January 31. (http:/planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com)

6.Availability of all modern amenities, good restaurants, international food , modern health services in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and other big cities and five stars vacation resorts all over the islands.

7.The dry and cool weather, ocean sea breezes ( at Chateau Du Mer )during the months of November to February. (http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com)

8.The numerous Fiestas and Festivals the whole year round, specially during the months of January and May. (http://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com).

9.The hospitality of the people and their attitudes toward foreigners and visitors.

10.Historical and Cultural heritage we have as a nation from Spain , such as our old churches, folk dances, Kundiman music, Putong, Kalutang and respect for our elders and freedom of the press and speech and educational opportunities we had from the United States.(http://theintellectualmigrant.blogspot.com).

Watch out for my next posting listing the ten items I dislike about the Philippines

Dandansoy-My Favorite Ilonggo Folk Song

I was a small boy when this folksong was the hit in my province of Iloilo in the 1940's. If you are from Iloilo, this song will make you nostalgic, I hope. Here are two versions of this folk song that makes me homesick of the land of my birth.





A song of affection, Dandansoy is sung in the Hiligaynon language. In the song, the singer bids farewell to a boy named Dandansoy. The song is alleged to have been written by Augorio Abeto who hails from Binalbagan. Augorio was a famous Ilonggo poet during the 1930′s. Another claimant to the song is Fortunata Magsipoc Ledesma from Culasi, Antique. Supporters of this claim said "Dandansoy" is from the phrase "ang daan nga dalan gin usoy." Others from Leyte also claims that the song was originally theirs.

Literal Translation in English:

Dandansoy, I will leave you I'm going home to Payao (the hut)
If in case you will miss (me)
Just look at the Payao (hut's) direction.

Dandansoy, if you will come after (me) don't bring anything,
Even water should you get thirsty dig a small well on the road

Convent, where is the priest? City hall, where is justice?
Here is Dansoy, jailed. Jailed for love.
My handkerchief and your handkerchief
Bring it here, I'll knot it together.
If it ties together
You are my husband,
I am your wife.

Memories of Our Trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

Bryce Canyon National Park

Macrine and I experienced one of the best vacation we had since my retirement in the summer of 2009. For one week we stayed in Las Vegas, NV at the Polo Towers -under our time exchange program with International Interval, Inc. One day, we took a mini bus tour which lasted for 14 hours. The bus picked us up at Polo Towers about 6:30AM. Our first rest stop was at an Indian Reservation along I-15 N, where Macrine purchased two cartoons of cigarettes tax free and we had a chance to have coffee. We also had a packed breakfast, orange juice, muffins and energy bars provided by the tour company, Sweet Tours.

Macrine at the Visitor Center, Zion National Park
By the time we reached Zion National Park it was about 10:30AM. Along the way, our guide and driver relates to us ( eleven passengers), the history of Las Vegas, the fauna and flora of the area, the desert and rock formations that made this area so majestic and stunning. After our arrival, our tour driver parked at the Visitor Center. We took the park's bus( private cars not allowed) inside the canyon, stopping at several scenic point stops to take pictures. We did not have time to walk, since we still have to go to Bryce Canyon. The bus tour took about 60 minutes. Zion is indeed spectacular.

We saw colorful canyons, forested mesas, and sandstone cliffs so high and indeed stunning and spectacular views. After the tour, we went back to the Visitor Center where our packed lunch of roast beef sandwiches was waiting for us. During lunch we exited the Park via the East Entrance- the Zion Mt Carmel Highway. We passed one of the longest tunnel in the US. By the time we reached the vicinity of Bryce Canyon ( with a photo stop at Red Canyon) it was about 2:00PM. We stopped at Ruby' Gift Shop, just outside the entrance of the Park for souvenirs and mandatory bath room break.

Then we started our two hours tour of the Park. First we stopped at Bryce Point, took some pictures, walked near the rim of the canyon and stayed there for about 15 minutes. If you have vertigo, this is not the place for you.
Macrine at Bryce Point
Our driver took us to Inspiration Point( second stop) and more picture taking and views to feast your eyes with the stunning scenery. We have an option to walk for 45 minutes from Inspiration to Sunset Point(last stop) or ride in the bus with our driver. If you hiked you will have a closer look at the Hoodoo's. Macrine and I decided not to hike as both of us have already aching feet from our walk at the Fashion Mall in Las Vegas and along the Strip Casinos the day before. We waited for the hikers until 4:00PM at Sunset Point Lookout. Macrine and I took more pictures at this lookout and again the view was fantastic, and spectacular.
The Hoodoos
We were able to take pictures of the Hoodoos. Hoodoos are just pillar of rocks shaped like human beings. The fantastic shape is a result of erosion, millions of years ago. Legends say that the Hoodoo's cast a spell on all visitors to the park. After two hours at Bryce, we were on our way back to Las Vegas. On the way home, we stopped for picture taking along Navajo Lake.

We were also passing the outskirts of Cedar Brake National Monument. We stopped at Cedar City for a quick fast food dinner. By the time we arrived in Las Vegas at our condo-hotel,it was 8:30PM. We were tired but happy to visit the two most beautiful national parks in the US.
The above is our route encompassing three states, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. I am glad I did not drive!
Total round trip mileage of the 14 hour trip was about 490 miles.
Getting There from Las Vegas: I-15N then route 9E to 89N then 12E
Going Back to Las Vegas: Route 12W then 89S, then 14W then I-15S

The Tournament of the Roses Parade

One of the many floats of the Parade-Photo by Ditas. Was Jesus in the Parade?

My daughter and grand daughter spent their New Years weekend in Southern California this year. They were able to see the Rose Parade. For us, we are happy to watch it in TV. If you are not familiar with this event on New Years day, here's a short information from Wikipedia.

The Rose Parade, officially the Tournament of Roses Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration" held in Pasadena, California, a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and the Rose Bowl college football game on New Year's Day (but moved to Monday if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday), produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.

Another photo taken
by Ditas.

Originally started on January 1, 1890, the Rose Parade is watched in person by hundreds of thousands of spectators on the parade route, and is broadcast on multiple television networks in the United States. It is seen by millions more on television worldwide in more than 200 international territories and countries. The parade is held in the same day as The Rose Bowl college football game. The football game was added in 1902 to help fund the cost of staging the parade. Here's a short video of last year parade.



The Rose Parade reminds me of the Philippines Flower Festival held in Baguio City, summer capital of the Philippines for the whole month of February also known as the
Panagbenga Festival The term Panagbenga is of Malayo-Polynesian origin, meaning "season of blooming". The festival, was created as a tribute to the city's flowers and as a way to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake. The festival includes floats that are decorated with flowers unlike those used in Pasadena's Rose Parade. The festival also includes street dancing, presented by dancers clad in flower-inspired costumes, that is inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi dance of celebration that came from the Cordillera region.

Filipino Traditions/Superstitions on New Year

Twelve kinds of round fruits should be in your table by midnight to bring good luck and prosperity to the Household

When I was growing up in the Philippines, my parents will tell us kids that on New Years Eve, we should do the following for good luck. Doing these things will help insure that the coming year will be a happy and prosperous one. Many of these traditions/superstition are of Chinese influence, I believe.

1. Turn on all lights so that the coming year will be bright.

2. Make as much noise as you can to scare away evil spirits.

3. Debts must be paid off. Fill you wallet with fresh peso bills.

4. Open all doors, windows, cabinets and drawers to let good fortune in.

5. Scatter coins around the house, on tabletops.... inside drawers...

6. Clean everything including your body by taking a long bath, the closets and the whole house.

7. Wear polka-dots, preferably black and white. Anything round signifies prosperity.

8. Jump twelve times at midnight to increase your height. (Observed by Filipino children.)

There are five things related to food that we must do for good luck as follows:

1. Prepare 12 round fruits, one for each month of the coming new year ( see photo above).

2. Have a very round grape in your mouth at the stroke of midnight.

3. Eat a native delicacy made from sticky rice to make good fortune stick in the new year.

4. Eat long noodles (pancit) for long life ( definitely of Chinese origin). We should eat pancit also during our birthday.

5. Don't eat any chicken or fish. They are associated with the scarcity of food.

Then on New Years Day we should not clean anything, otherwise we might sweep away the good fortune. In addition we should not spend money at all. Our being thrifty that day will help us manage our money very well for the whole year. Do you have any New Years Eve tradition in your family? Please share!

Happy 2013 to All of You, my dear readers and FaceBook Friends!