Dream Come True

Two Princesses, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

For most, meeting a favorite star is a dream come true. I'm sure it was for the little princess when she met Cinderella.

Taken May 2008 in Hong Kong Disneyland.

This week's Lens Day theme: Portrait

An Enchanted Ceiling

Festivita Food Court, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, JK Rowling introduced us to the concept of the enchanted ceiling at Hogwarts. Well, Muggles do not have to cross to the magical world to see one. The photo above was taken at Festivita Food Court in The Venetian Macao, just one of the areas in the integrated resort with a fake sky. I read somewhere that this was done to lull shoppers into thinking that it's not yet time to go and that there's still more time to shop.

Taken May 2008 at The Venetian, Macau

Ang Tao at ang Kalikasan

Bangui Windmills - Scale, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Ang hangin ay isang bahagi ng kalikasan. Maari itong pakinabangan ng tao. Katulad na lamang ng Bangui windmills ng Ilocos Norte. Ang wind farm ay nakakapagdulot ng kuryente. Tignang mabuti ang litrato at pansinin kung gaano kaliit ang tao kumpara sa windmills na kayang patakbuhin ng hangin. Ang larawang ito ay magandang halimbawa ng dalawang klaseng scale, isang konsepto sa pagkuha ng litrato at ang lugar ng tao sa kalawakan.

The wind is one of the forces of nature. Man can harness wind to his advantage. Take for instance, the Bangui windmills in Ilocos Norte. This wind farm produces electricity. Look closely at the picture and see how small the people are compared to the windmills which are moved by the power of the wind. This photo is a good example of 2 kinds of scale, a concept in photography and man's place in the world.

Taken April 2008 in Ilocos Norte.

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Tema sa linggong ito ng Litratong Pinoy: Ihip ng Hangin
This week's Litratong Pinoy theme: Wind Blows

The Happiest Place on Earth

The Happiest Place on Earth, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken May 2008 at Hong Kong Disneyland

Main Street, USA

Main Street, USA, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

They call this Main Street, USA but it's not exactly a street and not necessarily in the USA. This reproduction of an American street is a common feature of Disney parks all over the world. The facade reflects the architecture of yesterday. Inside, however, one will find souvenir shops, food treats, photo claiming booths, etc.

Taken May 2008 in Hong Kong Disneyland

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This week's Lens Day theme: Street

Shoot

Shoot, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

While at the Macau Fisherman's Wharf, we chanced upon a photo shoot. Truth be told, I got excited to take photos.

How was your weekend?

Taken May 2008 at Macau Fisherman's Wharf

View from the Top

View from the Top, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken May 2008 from the Macau Tower

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

Macau Fisherman's Wharf, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken May 2008 at Macau Fisherman's Wharf

Ruins of St. Paul's

Ruins of St. Paul, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

This is the image most iconic of Macau. The ruins of St. Paul's is but one of the many world heritage sites in the area.

Taken May 2008 in Macau.

Bawal Kumurap!

Halona Blowhole, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Ang litratong ito ay kuha sa Halona Blowhole habang bumubuga ito ng tubig. Ito ay gawa sa mga natunaw na lava mula sa pagsabog ng bulkan nung nakalipas na panahon. Bumubuga lamang ito kasabay ng pagtama ng alon. Ang laki ng buga ay sumusunod sa laki ng alon. Upang makita ang pagbuga, bawal kumurap!

This is a photograph taken of the Halona Blowhole as it spouts water. Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions in the past are responsible for the formation of this natural phenomenon. The blowhole is but a rock formation in between waves but when the waves strike it, it shoots water up in the air. The size of the spray correlates with the size of the wave. To see the water surge, don't blink.

Taken May 2006 in Oahu, Hawaii

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Tema sa linggong ito ng Litratong Pinoy: Tubig
This week's Litratong Pinoy theme: Water

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken April 2008 at the grounds of St. Augustine Church in Bantay, Ilocos Sur

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This week's Thursday Challenge theme: Pink

Kuala Selangor Sunset

Kuala Selangor Sunset, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken May 2007 in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

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This week's Photo Sharks' theme: Sun

A Touch of Green

Sitio Remedios Flower, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken April 2008 at Sitio Remedios, Currimao

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This week's Lens Day theme: Green

The Name Doesn't Matter

Escargot, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

The French call it escargot. Filipinos call it kuhol.

Shakespeare said A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Well, I guess, you could say the same for edible snails. It matters not what they're called; they would still be snails.

I had some of these yesterday at Kamayan, where I also first came face to face with these creatures. At first, I thought I wouldn't be able to stomach these but when I tried them, I found them to be very good.

How was your weekend? Did you experience anything exotic?

Taken May 2008 at Kamayan, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Philippines

Don't Leave Home Without It

In-flight Meals, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

The only time I experienced a flight delay enough to make me miss my connecting flight home was during my flight from Brisbane to Singapore in August 2006 because of some catering problems. We weren't allowed to board our flight but instead were asked to wait because of some issues with the in-flight meals. The whole time, Singapore Airlines took care of us; gave us meal coupons for use in the terminal restaurants, provided hotel and transportation for those of us who missed our connecting flights, booked us on the next flights home and handed us SIA souvenirs.

Taken August 2006 at Brisbane Airport.

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This week's See It Sunday theme: Travel

For Dumbledore

Jelly Beans, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

For muggles, these are just jelly beans. But for wizards, these are Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. And I mean every flavor. There's the usual stuff, vomit flavored one, etc. Dumbledore had the misfortune of getting one of earwax.

In 2003, I bought Dad a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. He had a fun time getting the kids to try the candies.

What about you? Are you a muggle or a wizard?

Taken May 2008 at Nuts About Candy.

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This week's Photo Hunt theme: Candy

Keeping Warm

Fireplace, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

I was in Brisbane during the winter month of August. Coming from a tropical country, I kept close to the fire during cool nights and learned to drink tea to keep me warm.

Taken August 2006 at Cedar Creek Lodges in Tamborine Mountain.

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This week's Photo Friday heme: Fire

Calm Before the Storm

Calm Before the Storm, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

I took this photo at lunch today. The sky should have been at its whitest, the sun at its brightest. But that was not the case because of tropical storm COSME. Shortly after this photo was taken, it started to rain.

And later during the night, power went out.

Taken May 2008

A Lot of Rounds

Rounds, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken April 2008 at one of the stalls selling decor in Greenhills Shopping Center

Here Comes the Rain Again

Umbrella, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Taken May 2004 in Dublin, Ireland

For the Lowly

Santan, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Take 5 and Up

Sicilian Salad, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

This is Italianni's bestselling salad which we had at yesterday's Mother's Day lunch. Looking at it, I was reminded of the initiative to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to improve health. This salad more than fulfills the earlier requirement of 5 servings a day. Now, the recommendation is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily.

Did you have fruit or vegetable last weekend? How was it?

Taken May 2008 at Italianni's Eastwood in Quezon City, Philippines

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

This is also known as the Burgos Lighthouse, taking the name of the town where it is erected. It is considered a heritage structure as it dates back to more than a hundred years. It carries the distinction of being the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines. Like other lighthouses, its bright light has guided the way of many at sea.

Taken April 2008 in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

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This week's See It Sunday theme: Bright

Out for Lunch

Sitio Remedios - Alfresco, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Literally.

This photo was taken while on holiday at Sitio Remedios in Ilocos. One of the attractions of the place is its restaurant Abrao where guests experience dining alfresco, underneath the tree while the wind makes the chimes sing magically. The views are that of the pool, the South China Sea or the plaza surrounded by restored old houses. The meals are usually anchored around traditional Ilocano cuisine; bagnet, pinakbet and longganisa come to mind.

Taken April 2008 at Sitio Remedios in Ilocos.

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This week's Shutterday theme: Eating Out

Wow Philippines

Mactan, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Blue skies. White sand. Clear water. Go visit the Philippines!

Taken February 2007 at Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Philippines

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This week's Photo Hunt theme: Share ANY photo

Animal Instinct

Animal Trainer, originally uploaded by Em Dy.

Ever wonder how those animals learn those tricks (riding a bike, shooting hoops, even recycling)? From a professional animal trainer, of course!

Taken May 2006 at the Sunway Wildlife Interactive Zoo, Malaysia

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This week's Photo Friday theme: Professional