Showing posts with label United Arab Emirates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United Arab Emirates. Show all posts

Friday, January 30, 2015

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden

It was a huge flower garden, located in Dubailand, Dubai, UAE.
Valentines day February 14 in 2013 when it was first opened.  It is only open for admission in October to April during winter season.  
The admission fee is AED40 for adults, AED30 for kids and Free for disabled. 













I am saving these photos and memories as collection of my life events.
My online diary.

Thanks for reading.

Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubailand, Dubai
United Arab Emirates

With

Mary Ann Hinto
Marylyn Dela Cruz


January 30, 2015

Friday, August 29, 2014

Ken and Tracy's Big Day

One day I will turn these pages and read this story again.
This is today's story... on one fine day... on my friend's big day

It was in August 18, when I received a call from Tracy about Ken and her plan of the civil wedding this August 28, Thursday.  She called to inform about the event but not inviting us to come over.  It is going to be a civil wedding and not many people can come to the embassy to witness the ceremony.  And since they are still settling financial matter, I understand that there will be no reception to be held.   To me, to be just one of the people who get informed about their big day made me feel so honored enough to add credit to the friendship.

A voice inside of me yelling that it ain’t enough just to hear it and sit and not be able to do something or share time on that special moment with them. 

I have the key!
I mean. I literally have key of their building and room.  Thought of surprising them.  Maybe not a good time since they are busy and I know they have a lot of friends too.  Maybe I can do it...some other day.

Thanks to Dax and Lou for the plan of going to Abu Dhabi.  We activated the plan. We will leave at 08:00 or 08:30 so we can come back early.  I left Sharjah around 07:50am thinking that I might reach Sahara before 08:30 counting the traffic.  I reached pass 08:00 though, informed Lou and Dax that I already reached Sahara bus stop, in Sharjah - Dubai boundary.  I was told to order 2 Pancit Lomi in Pan de Manila, Filipino restaurant located behind the Blue Tag building.  So I went there, the place was already busy that so early.  Majority are male kabayan (blushed going in).  I can tell they’re from cycling and basketball game.  I ordered 2 pancit lomi for dining, requested the server to just keep it the kitchen coz my friends hasn't arrived yet.  Dax and Lou showed up around 09:00 am, enough for the food to get cold since it was ready half hour ago.  Dax requested to pack the pancit to-go as soon as she got in, will eat it while on the road. 

Since it was going to be a long drive, we watched a Filipino movie “Maybe This Time” by Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo while Dax was driving.  Less cars on the road, it was Friday.  We reached Electra, Abu Dhabi and remained inside the car for another 20mins to finish the movie, it was a good movie though.

We went directly into the building where Tracy and Ken lived,  entered the flat but they were not in their room.  I called Tracy but didn't tell her that we are in their pad. Tracy said their friends prepared a surprised reception party at the Vision Hotel the last night and they stayed overnight there.  I have the spare keys, so we just get inside the room.

Tracy and Ken doesn’t have a slight idea that we are already in Abu Dhabi.  We told Tracy that we are still in Dubai and waiting for her.  Dax was so good in acting angry insisting that they spoke days ago and Tracy was scheduled come to Dax's place on Friday (which was that day) and that was already at Dax flat, waiting for Tracy.  When we're told about Tracy's where about and that she could not make it that day to Dubai, Dax said we are going to Abu Dhabi instead and requested Tracy to cook pinakbet dish for us.  
  
We went to Spinney’s and vegetable retail shop just down the building.  Dax surprised about the price of vegetables. Tomato at .500/kg.  Dax messing with the vendor :-) said in Dubai its only .450/kg., and the vendor told her to buy in Dubai instead :-).   I wanted to go buy balloons for decorations but most shops are closed that time of the day.   I saw Tracy's bouquet of flowers in the room and re-used them for our decorations:-). 

When were almost done cooking, I replied to Tracy's earlier message.

 
Tracy:  Sis, send me message when you're in  Abu Dhabi.  
I can't really cook so I will just buy food.  
Please don't tell Dax, coz she'll argue with me over this.  
I am finishing up here then I'll go home.  
See yah.

Me:  Go home now sis, we're very near

Tracy:  I am already near the house.  
What food shall I order?  Kowloon? 
I am rattled.



Now it is set.

Our simple preparation, not bongga but heartily done





Ooooops…oh em gee, the door, there was someone trying to open the door!  We are surprise, we’re caught unguard!  Hahahaha! Now she knew that they have intruder  inside the room.  
We were surprised!  Oh she was surprised!  That look on her face like a child twist and bit her lower lip, those watery eyes.  Oh, I feel that too.  But to digress, not the time for tears…it’s your Big Day.  But where was Ken?  She left Ken in the hotel with friends who booked and prepared surprised reception for them in Vision Hotel.

 






We had late lunch with Tracy within 24 hours of being married time frame. 
Tracy had to leave us in the room while watching to pick-up Ken.  Tracy has the car. 
They were back sooner with their cakes.

We had a movie marathon.
Is an “Invitation for Divorce” an appropriate movie to watch that day?  Well it's the couples' idea :-),  It's crazy title but the ending was not really a divorce matter but strengthening more of a relationship,  so I think still a fine movie.  Oh, one thing a slight stupidity there ;-).  

Followed by World War Z which was a to good to heart and laryngital workout for screaming and suspense-thrilling scenes.
It’s almost 22:00 and played  another good movie “Captain Philips”.  I warned them they can’t leave without finishing the movie, which what really happened.  A must watch movie till the end.
Since we can’t leave without finishing the movie, we just ordered food from Kowloon.





There was no rule after 19:00 that night, it’s my cheat day! Thanks for the food.  Full tummy. 
Happy tummy :-).
-   
We left at exactly 23:30 from Abu Dhabi, another movie played…well that’s to keep us all awake.  I bet the driver (Dax) doesn’t want to be the only one awake, you know…shared time!  No sleeping while she's driving hahaha!

Thanks Ken and Tracy for sharing your bed, I know that you really want to overtake it from us but sorry whose idea to play nice movie by the way?  

Convoy:
Ah Tracy...what was that movie again?...with one cast, stuck in the middle of the sea, tried to survive?  
Dax: What movie? You are making your own story...
Me:  Aah yeah...i remember watching that!!!  Drifting Away?!!! 
All:  Laughed.  Maybe, that is till in the making :)
Ken: "All Is Lost",
Me: Yep, that was it! LOL
Thanks guys for the good laugh, good times.
Love you all.
xoxo

It's one in a lifetime.  
YOLO!

So, who is going to be next? ;-) 

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

CLP Christian Life Program

What is CLP?    It stands for Christian Life Program, a short course to refresh, renew and strengthen Christianity.  There are series of Talks and inspirational life sharing during the course.    It is often says that experience is the best teacher, so true.   We can learn not only from our personal experiences but also from the life experiences of our fellow.  

CLP  is a gateway into a life changing path.  I may not fully understand God’s way but one thing I am certain,  He is there to guide us.  Always there.   Many times we just ignored it.  He is within us, in our family,  with friends, strangers and even in life trials.  He is just waiting for us to recognize Him and to call on His name.  ASK, SEEK , KNOCK.
           Matthew 7:7-8 
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

I often pray for my unending demands and complains.  I forgot to look and be thankful of the many little things the Father is providing even I did not asked.

The Talks,
  1.  God’s Love
  2. Who is Jesus Christ 
  3. What It Means to be Christian
  4. Repentance and Faith
  5. Loving God 
  6. Loving Your Neighbor
  7. Christian Family
  8. Life In the Holy Spirit
  9. Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit
  10. Growing in the Spirit
  11. The Life and Mission of Singles for Christ
     I am blessed in so many ways.


 After our practice in Corniche, Sharjah
( Myself, Lynette, Meljie, John, Nesty & Art)











June 27,2014 Completed CLP, We are now a part of family CFC-Singles For Christ 
(SFC Batch 28 Chapter II, Sharjah, UAE)


 Our group, on our graduation day :-)
(Myself, Meljie, Jon Brix, Edzile, Kaitchi, Art, John, Nesty & Lynette)


What we did ... lol




 Get together for an early dinner after CLP at Megamall


Door to door delivery from Megamall :-)


 My take home kit, thanks to SFC


Our CLP course started on March 27 and completed it on June 27, 2014 at the St. Michael's Church, Sharjah.   Our group was handled by Sis Nesty Baco(Lynette Canete, Meljie Apas and myself) and Bro. Kaitchi Villarin  (John Vincent Talidanao, Jon Brix, Art Antonio & Edzile Reyes).

It was not the end of the CLP but rather a beginning of new challenge on how we are going to live CLP in our daily lives.

God Bless us all.



Saturday, May 17, 2014

SFC 21 Journey Beyond


Journey Beyond
The 21st Years of Singles For Christ (SFC)
National Conference May16,2014

I attended again the CLP (Christian Life Program) in Sharjah, UAE which I initially took in Bahrain and also am a inactive SFC member.

The SFC UAE National Conference.
The conference was in Friday, day off, it was a whole day activity.  Our meeting place was behind Mega Mall, Sharjah at 5:00 am.  Again the time was always not being followed.

Each one of us received this kit.
A sling cloth bag, booklet program and a wooden cross.
Guest ID and food/snacks stub

I was so happy to witness and be a part of the SFC National Conference, held in St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, also my first time be in Ras Al Khaima, United Arab Emirates.
Thank you Lord.

Our team leader in our CLP was Sis Nesty Baco and my colleagues were sissies Lynette, Meljie and Joy, all of them are Visaya :-), that sometimes they forgot that I do not speak the same dialect.  It's ok, kabalo nako a little :-). (I know a little, Bisaya).


There are 4 main topics:
The Journey of A Lifetime -  Revelation of Hope amidst despair, Generosity amidst poverty,  Truth amidst deception,  Life amidst  death.)

The One who Remained - Mother Mary who witness Jesus sufferings and John.  

To Jesus, Through Mary - Mary His own mother.

Journey Beyond - where there is a call.  Recognize the Relationship with the Lord,  Our decision to change and Action for renewal.  

This was an entirely family program to know and serve the Lord.  The Kids for Christ,  Youth for Christ,  Singles for Christ and Couples for Christ.
The church proper

The conference
Speakers / Sharers

The conference is a call for all the SFC to become a future CFC.  There is a program that I ever wanted to do, the MV...Mission Volunteer.

A fulfilled day. 

          










Monday, October 28, 2013

Ras Al Khaima Beach Camping


It was during Eid, the long holiday for Muslims and so thus my friends who work in the office.   Here, decided for an outing.   It was my first camping ever.  Our tents were stood  next to the shore which adds to the excitement.  Not only that!  Swimming the next day!
Wohoooo!
It was really a great experience, a night of get away just simply "away".   

Lou and Kuya Rogel preparing our  food "baon"


Dax and Kuya Bong preparing the our "Sulo" lights

Meal was served :-)

Let's eat

Beautiful moon

Play time



Good morning Ras Al Khaima Beach, taken at 05:30am

Our neighbors


Good sleep by the beach

Our tents

It was calm




Thanks for the good time shared.
 





Ras Al Khaima, UAE
October 15, 2013