Even with no leaves...

These trees are inspiring.

 



My Earth Weekend Getaway

Hi.  How did you spend last Saturday's Earth Hour?

In previous years, I would spend Earth Hour in our driveway with eyes aimed on the moon while humming aimlessly  the tune of Dancing in the Moonlight. This year, I spent Earth Hour  a notch higher.  

Earth Weekend Getaway would more likely be an appropriate name for the bonding activities the family and I  did amidst  the greens  that  continually thrive in Villa Escudero. 

Being there  had revived my dream of  owning my little piece of land in a countryside someday.  Definitely not vast like Villa Escudero (the whole property covers 3 towns – San Pablo, Tiaong and Quezon), but rather quaint in size and easy to manage.  I did imagine and dream too much while on this getaway.  For one moment, I wished that by some chance I would be lucky enough to meet an Escudero so I could quickly ask a couple of questions.  I did (at the cultural show), but not a single question came through.  (Read: Shy).

I have long planned to pay Villa Escudero a visit. It was my top choice for the Pharmacy’s Teambuilding last year because of its countless coconut trees. I planned of mounting a race that involved climbing a coconut tree. I'm sure everyone would have turned their backs on me if this had pushed through.  So we landed here. 

Despite my frequent attempts and having in fact taken a one day Viaje Del Sol tour with friends a few years back (Villa Escudero is listed as part of this tour), I would often find myself elsewhere.  But this time, there is absolutely no way I would have skipped this chance.  It was J. Bond’s cousin who planned and organized our  weekend getaway from start to finish.

Villa Escudero houses a 2-level museum which displays quite an array of collected historical artifacts. I won’t get into details. I assume most of you have seen the place way before I did. But I was ecstatic with particularly two displays: the beads of centuries ago and original tambourine necklaces in various styles. How I wish museums would lift their strict rule on no picture taking. Though images of the antique beads and tambourine necklaces are pretty much still safe and saved in my head, I know one day I’ll forget. 

We had fun playing super heroes.  Why ride a plane if we could fly. I’m dreaming.

J. Bond played soldier.  I love how he dreams too .

While little girls played angels.

Hanging loose on a bus.

Then a jeepney ride.

Back to basic mode of transportation named Luningning, the carabao. 

Dining by the falls.

I thought of these colorful souvenirs more amazing than the falls.

Beautiful discoveries by the Church.

Fickle weather was by our side.  A cycle of rain and shine.

The cottage colors in and out were inspiring.

  

Lovely and peaceful view of the lake.

J. Bond, a cousin, and nieces paddling along the lake on bamboo rafts.

With no television, radio, nor wifi connection, we bonded over endless stories while listening to serenades.

Then, we turned our lights off in observance of  Earth Hour.

Perhaps, you and I should seriously consider celebrating Earth Hour this way.  No gadgets, No lights, With family, and Around NATURE...truly meaningful.

*To know more about Villa Escudero, click here.



By Beaded Story Showroom teaser

Recently, I listed and shared online a few wishes I have for this year. In case you have missed on this wish post, you may visit and read it here.   Like what I said, one of my wishes is to build my own little showroom that displays all my bead works (necklaces, scarves, bracelets, earrings), plus a few specialty stuff geared towards home. But more than that, I wish for a showroom that will keep my works safe and secured.

Last year was a blast with my bead works,  especially the Mother's Heart collection.  Yet, I could not ignore the fact that I've had my share of damages as well. On each time an unintended damage happened, a piece of me crushes since I put more than a 100% heart on each and every piece that I make. Aside from By Beaded Story's presence in Sonya's Garden and a few bazaars within the south, destinations like restaurants, public lounges, coffee shops and the like have been my place of meet ups.  It is in these places where I showcase my works, and where most damages (especially glass arrangements (TALA collection)) happen.  With that, I began to dream and slowly planned my showroom.

The interior is still a work in progress, but repainting is finally done. 

And as mentioned, specialty stuff geared towards home may be found in my showroom as well.  Such as this handpainted plate.

Once completed, I will surely share all details with you.  In the meantime, I patiently wait with an overload of excitement.



I'm sure MOTHER misses this

Mushroom rice.  But I had mine with shrimp salpicao.

And this fruit stand that sold sweet and huge Sagada Oranges.

These next three made me stop, look, (and buy).

Cloth purses by Yadu 621.

J. Bond was more fascinated than I was.  I guess he was brainwashed by frequently seeing Yadu 621 bags and purses for sale at the airport terminal.

This multi-functional fabric:  scarf-shawl-belt in one.

Drum beats by the tribal nook.  Really festive!

Swarmed by tourists who had multiple photos taken.

Of course, I had my photo taken too.  Couldn't resist.

I was at the Legazpi Sunday Market yesterday, and I'm sure Mother misses this.



My SATURDAY so far

I ain't suprised with the ongoing heavy rains right this moment.  Climate change remember.  But a breath of cool air is definitely a treat.  This morning was rather the opposite.  Horrible summer heat.  But I'm glad good weather was on our side while J. Bond and I did a quick trip to Tagaytay. 

New bead necklaces have been delivered to Sonya's Garden.  Here's J. Bond with the goods.

This year's Flora 3-pendant necklaces are currently available  only at  Sonya's Garden.  Though I have recently shared a photo of the flora collection, it may not be ordered online (yet) given the availability of each design. I have made  ONE black flora and ONE brown flora. The design involved too much knotting, which had expectedly resulted to a painful hand and arm. 

Click HERE to view a clearer photo of these Flora necklaces.

The same story goes for my stone clustered design.  Available only at Sonya's Garden and the knotting had resulted to limited availability.  One piece for each color:  Turquoise, Red, Green, Black and Brown.

The necklaces were delivered close to lunch, at a time when the store is conducive to inventory and displaying. I love having the store all to myself while the rest have their lunch at the dining area of Sonya's Garden. It gives me peaceful time to immerse then depart with my handmade necklaces (I seriously get attached to my work, especially my favorites), and of course browse around other crafts as well.  The stone necklace I wore while I did my Tagaytay rounds today speaks of attachment.  Never been posted nor displayed, though this was not the original intention.  I have learned from past experiences.  My favorites are usually the first to be sold.  So I play safe this time. 

Work at Sonya's Garden ended at two, and J. Bond requested for lunch at Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen.  We both adore Vietnamese cuisine, so off we went.

We arrived way past lunch.  Bawai's was ours to claim. 

My two favorite colors (Red and Yellow) hung from a vine at Bawai's garden.

Here's a closer look.

The view from our table.  To Bawai and her daughter (a friend), please send my thanks to your staff  for accomodating my late notice.  They were superb!

When it comes to sharing meals, J. Bonds consumes 3/4 while the remaining 1/4 is for my consumption.  But with fresh spring rolls, rules change. 50-50.

My forever order, Bun Bo Xiao (beef on noodles).

And when I thought we were homeward bound, my shopping radar came to life.  This quaint banig stall located near Ming's Garden resulted to quite a long stopover.  Guess what I bought? 

*A note to Ka - Look into this. I can share relevant info with you. A good option for the "market".

 How about you?  How is your Saturday so far?