It's Raining Stars at Kannawidan

Local stars who took part in the Kannawidan Festival 2011 celebration last January 31 to February 6:

Kim Idol, Rufa Mi, Bobita

Divine Lee

Kim Idol

Rufa Mi

Derek Ramsey

Gladys Guevarra

Black Jack

Victor Basa

John Prats

Yael Yuson

Kannawidan: Yloco Festival

I was sorting my photo albums when I stumbled on the Kannawidan album containing pictures I took during the Kannawidan Festival held early this year in Vigan City. I then checked my blogspot account if I already blogged about it but found out I haven't, so I immediately grabbed my laptop and began hitting the keyboard. This is something I shouldn't miss sharing, not because I want to brag about my awesome shots, but rather, I want to take part into spreading how awesome this Ilocano celebration is.

Kannawidan Festival is an annual event by the people of Ilocos Sur which started in 2008. This year we celebrated the 4th Kannawidan Festival held on January 31 to February 6, to coincide with the 193rd Anniversary of Ilocos Sur when it became an independent province by virtue of the Spanish Royal Decree of February 2, 1818, separating it from Ilocos Norte.

The weeklong celebration featured the rich culture, custom, and tradition of the Ilocandia. It was filled with string of activities that include tribal performances, showcasing of Ilocano products, production number from local stars, talent competitions, battle of the bands, and the highlight of the festival - Saniata ti Ilocos, a beauty pageant.

I was lucky enough to have VIP pass in each and every event, a perk for working for the Province. It was an unforgettable experience and my camera and I can't wait for the next celebration.

Street Dancing Competition - Junior Division

The neon color costumes plus the chest-level angle make this shot a thumbs up

Right on time

Group 1 in action

Magtanim ay di biro

I fixed the contrast and boosted the colors

The champions

Shake shake body dancer

Igorots?

Bagnet eating contest 

Basi drinking contest

Bayanihan Dance Company

Saniati ti Ilocos contestant

Showcasing Abel Iloco

Talent Portion

Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

Nan Lian Garden, a Tang-style landscaped Chinese garden in Diamond Hill Hong Kong, is said to be based on the blueprint of the famous Jiangshouju Garden in Shanxi Province. It was opened on 15th November 2006.

The garden is characterized by the four main elements of Tang-style gardens with: 

1. artificial hillocks and ornamental rocks, 

2. water features, 

3. timber structures, and 

4. old trees. 

What will strike everyone who visits here are the unusual trees that blanket the entire garden. Precious old trees throughout the garden include Buddhist Pine, Japanese Black Pine, Cypress, Pagoda, Silver-back Artocarpus and Common Crape Myrte. 

For the people who want to escape the busy metropolis that Hong Kong is, Nan Lian Garden is their ticket. Although the garden is at the heart of urban Kowloon, it provides visitors with a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Right in front of the garden entrance

Mija is attracted to pink color

the empress

Nothing quite like this garden

Seeking shelter from the scorching heat

Mija loves these trees

The golden temple

Infinite beauty

Welcome to her abode

Someday I'll build a beautiful garden like this for you

Artificial waterfall

The Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist Temple attached to the Nan Lian Garden. It is a public park built in the ancient style of the Tang dynasty . The temple complex includes a nunnery , temple halls, Chinese gardens, visitor's hostels and a vegetarian restaurant. A distinctive feature of the temple structure is that in involves intricately interlocking sections of wood joined without a single nail! Truly a must see!

Path separating Nan Lian Garden from the Chi Lin Nunnery

The temple housing the Buddha statue

the Lotus pond

Bougainvillea Bonsai

Hong Kong & Macau

I lost track how many times Mija and I have been to Hong Kong and Macau, but just the same, every time we go there it feels like it's our first time. The two main reasons why we always go there - non-stop shopping for Mija and endless sightseeing for me.

Here are our 2011 Summer Vacation in Hong Kong pictures:

Oppps, Switie, you're covering me! 

No, this is not a pre-nup shot

Let's visit the original in Venice, Italy

One of the finest hotels

Nice idea, Switie

Let's go inside

Grrrr! We couldn't stand the cold

I've been to 2 Eiffel Towers, while 3 for Mija including the one in Vegas

That statue was not there during our last visit

At last, a nice shot at the harbour

Our favorite spot in Hong Kong

This was what I wrote in the letter I hung here:
"Mahal na mahal kita. Ipagsisigawan ko ito saan mang sulok ng mundo!"