I just celebrating my birthday. It's this time when I feel grateful for another year added to life. The time when I take a pause and introspect about what my life has been and what kind of life lies ahead.
Since it's a long weekend, we planned to have a getaway and discover a provincial park about a two-and-a-half-hour travel from home. It's a 3-day fun in the sun for healing and rejuvenation.
We stayed at Coldspring Campground in Manning Park. It's a peaceful campsite that's near the river just a few steps from where we set up our tent and camping essentials.
Manning Park covers a little more than 83 thousand hectares with 5 Campgrounds and more than 400 campsites. It's one of the most popular all-season destinations in British Columbia, Canada.
We visited some of the wonderful tourist spots like the Cascade Lookout, with a higher elevation offering 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains between Canada and the US border.
The mountain views are breathtaking, with evergreen trees in its surroundings. You can see eagles soaring high, squirrels hopping, and birds chirping. It's worth the time on the summit and have fun in the sun.
The exhilarating 15-minute journey to reach the summit was awesome. That's why I always love the peak since it feels like being victorious. In there, we feel good and we develop a higher vision of what more we can accomplish in life.
Our Soulful Sunday moment was spent in Lightning Park near Manning Park Resort. It's a go-to spot for families to enjoy the vibrant ambiance and the gleaming waters of the lake.
Favorite water activities in summer include kayaking, stand-up paddling, fishing, and swimming. Adjacent is the Skyview and Lightning Lake campground which is a 5-minute drive away from where we stay in Coldspring Campground.
We set up a beach shade canopy and chairs and spent some time facing the lake while overseeing different water activities that people enjoy.
The summer heat was intense and it was a good way to get a refreshing breeze off the lake while breathing out all worries and aches and getting revitalized.
Back at our campsite, we enjoy grilling fish and sweet corn for dinner. This is something not to miss while camping.
To warm up on a cool evening, it feels good to be around a bonfire, watching the firewood get burned until the fire is out. We had some s'mores while sharing light stories.
Just before we ended the night and headed on to our sleeping tent, we had a great time stargazing and being awed by other celestial bodies. It's my first time here to see a flashing meteor timely for a birthday wish.
That was a memorable birthday celebration. I enjoyed being outdoors and in nature. I love the camping vibe and had the fun moments for making summer memories.
Life is good and we always enjoy it and celebrate it. We gaze for the stars, dream it, and live it.
As I celebrate the Lunar New Year of 2024, I have the desire to be fearless and feisty. I have to leave the energy of living in fear to unblock energies leading to success and prosperity.
This year's Lunar New Year is special as we celebrate the 50th Annual Lunar New Year Parade in Vancouver. Thousands of spectators participated and attended this colorful and festive event.
In Vancouver Chinatown, I can see and feel the cultural inclusion and integration. The event is celebrated by people coming from different cultures and diverse backgrounds. Everyone seems thrilled and excited whether it's their first Lunar New Year experience or a regular event spectator, everyone feels welcomed and blessed by a Deity or Supreme being.
It's the enthusiasm to feel connected to a culture that is unique and beautiful. It's the eagerness to learn and understand about a culture that's so strong and vibrant.
This year we welcome and celebrate the Wood Dragon. It's considered the luckiest of all the Chinese Animal signs. It brings the highest luck and prosperity in Chinese beliefs. This resonates with me as I believe in the power of a positive mindset to attract positive manifestations.
I've celebrated Lunar New Year through the years and I can attest to the power of manifestations to start the year right.
I've learned to integrate cultural beliefs that are not unknown to me. It gave me a sense of happiness to accept something new and believe in myself when they inspire positivity for those who believe.
My desire for this year is about the most valuable thing; to have the willpower to achieve my greatest desires and destiny. I believe that luck and prosperity happen when I fight what's unwanted and unleash the fire within to bring out the best in me.
The westernmost province of Canada, British Columbia is truly fascinating and I've seen some of its most breathtaking places worth visiting. I enjoyed the journey to places and being inspired by nature and the people.
The year 2023 wasn't all about travel. It's been a roller coaster of events and a swing of emotions. Things happen swiftly and suddenly. We had joy on cloud nine, but also had seasons in the sun.
Chinese New Year in Vancouver
We had a simple New Year's Eve celebration in Vancouver. A countdown and some selfies on our hotel room's balcony overlooking the Vancouver skyline. That was a cheerful way of welcoming the New Year with the greatest hopes and aspirations.
We also welcomed the Chinese New Year in Vancouver Chinatown in late January 2023. It was a surprise to have met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waving and greeting people on a parade.
I've been celebrating the Chinese New Year for years and it never fails to give me and my family some luck and prosperity. In 2023, I feel abundance coming in and it ignites optimism for greater hopes.
A Spirited Spring
I love Spring. It's the most loved season when everyone seems smiling and happy being outdoors after a long winter.
We traveled about two hours from home to spend our first Spring holiday in Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley. It's a healing place and highly revered by the local indigenous people. I felt the healing power of nature on its hot springs and probably the famous "Sasquatch" urban legend which is a spiritual creature that made several sightings documented.
Spring isn't complete without experiencing the Cherry Blossom Festival. This year, we celebrated it in Garry Point Park in Richmond and walked on a canopy of cherry trees.
It's nice to see couples, children, and families enjoying the colors and smell of the Cherry blossoms. It's one of the most beautiful gifts the Asian people gave to North America. And in Garry Point Park hundreds of Cherry trees blossom magically.
There are more in Spring other than the Cherry blossoms. On May 22, 2023, in celebration of Victoria Day, I had my first Rodeo experience at the Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.
The best and award-winning Cowboys and cowgirls in North America showcased their Rodeo skills to the thousands of spectators from British Columbia and places in North America.
The Rodeo event teaches us about the livelihood and lifestyle of the great Cowboys and Ranchers. What we see in the game is what happens in the real world of Cattle and any livestock industry. Rodeo is not only fun, but it teaches us about patience, endurance, and perseverance.
When the Summer Comes
Summer is full of fun under the sun. It's a great time for outdoor activities anywhere. The first event we attended was the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby at the beginning of summer on June 25, 2023.
Pinoy Festival was the first ever and the biggest Filipino cultural event in British Columbia and we had the opportunity to meet and greet fellow Filipinos and watch their cultural performances.
That was also memorable to meet and hear the message of British Columbia Premier, David Eby who recognized the Filipino communities' great contribution to the Province and the country.
Summer is best enjoyed when we travel a little bit far from home. On July 2, 2023, we had an hour's drive to Chilliwack to visit Minter Country Garden. It's where we found the largest selection and display of trees, flowers, and ornamental plants. We had lunch in their café and bought the finest tea in their shop.
The garden has a relaxing ambiance and it's worth the visit. I hope to come back in the future to buy some plants and bring a piece of nature at home.
In the middle of Summer, on August 6, 2023, we discovered a lake in Coquitlam after we failed to secure a parking spot on the beach that we wished to visit. After almost 2 hours of searching for an alternative spot, we had finally settled and had a pleasant picnic day on Como Lake.
The place was surprisingly cooler than the rest of the metro and the early fall foliage was evident. I like the healthy lifestyle of the residents where they do fitness walks, fishing, and outdoor games.
The best of Summer happened on my birthday when we had a trip to Bowen Island which is a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. It's a romantic Island getaway that anyone can enjoy even on a day trip.
We had a great time on a rocky shore in a marina just below the mountain and overlooking an Islet where small boats, jet skis, and ferries pass through.
It's a great feeling to unwind once in a while and our Bowen Island trip was one of the most memorable birthday celebrations I had. It's the best moment of contemplation and a heartfelt expression of gratitude for another year.
Fall in Love
The colors of the fall season are truly magical. It gives a lovely vibe when you see the plants and trees change their colors and fall to the ground.
At the beginning of the fall on September 30, 2023, we traveled to Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver to simply have some time in nature.
The sound of the waterfalls was soothing to the senses as we crossed a suspension bridge leading to the trails. That was the clearest water I've seen up close on the stream. Several teens enjoy jumping off the cliff and splashing in an emerald pool of water. We simply enjoy the moment to take a deep breath and appreciate the breeze of nature.
A Sparkling Winter
British Columbia is known for its mild winter. But this year's season is warmer and we're not having snowfall in the metro for the holidays and before the year ends.
Although we're not having a mountain resort adventure this holiday, we have enjoyed the sparkling lights of Christmas in the city.
Our Christmas shopping in Richmond was special as we took a picture with a massive Christmas tree while hearing a festive melody.
Our trip to the Vancouver Christmas Market was a wonderful experience. It feels like a real Christmas to be with happy and jolly people.
The most meaningful moment is Christmas day and we celebrate it with joyful hope. We celebrated the mass and shared some fun and laughter at a family gathering.
Back in my home country, the Philippines, my family had the Merriest Christmas celebrations. I may not be present, but they're always in my heart every Christmas.
The year 2023 has been a great year against all odds. We continue to hope and dream about beautiful things and meaningful life. And we continue to be grateful for all the blessings and graces we received. We end the year with love shared with our loved ones. We end the year with peace and joy in our hearts.
Loss is one of the most painful human experiences and we all go through the grieving process from denial to acceptance. That's life, we have to move on and continue to live our greatest life.
Life is precious and it can be fragile. It's a God-given gift that we treasure. We had joyful memories, but we also had sorrowful moments. Despite what we've been through, we lift them to God who gives us life.
It's my second Christmas celebration in Canada and it's not a white Christmas like last year. It's warmer than usual and a bit tolerably cold that doesn't need a layer of clothes. Different experience than last year, with a whole new scenery and vibe.
However, we had the season's first snowfall in early December, though it melted so fast the next day. That may be the first and last snowfall before the year ends and so we enjoyed it before it's gone.
Christmas season in Canada may not be as jolly as in my home country, the Philippines. But our simple celebration here is meaningful and leaves a lasting memory to cherish.
Our trip to Vancouver Christmas Market was my first-ever experience of seeing and meeting people in a festive holiday ambiance and mood. It's a cool Christmas-themed village with surrounding skyscrapers, a scenic mountain backdrop, and coastal waters.
As Canada's most livable city, Vancouver never fails to amaze me with its natural beauty and wonders. And the Christmas Market with the Vancouver skyline is a wonderful and festive experience this holiday season.
Christmas will always be in our hearts. It's the most significant moment in our lives to celebrate with gratitude and remain joyful in hope.
There will always be light that glows in our hearts and we radiate it to people who are dear to us and the people we meet this holiday season. We are blessed and hopeful that things will be brighter and stronger than ever.
Family is forever, and yes, they are in the Philippines. I feel sad on my first Christmas in Canada. It's not something I expect. It's not something I wanted.
There's no "Noche Buena" culture here, a tradition in the Philippines. It's quiet, and people prefer to be at home for some reason.
Is Christ present during our darkest times? The times when we feel down and not feeling good about ourselves?
There's more love in the Philippines during Christmas. The reason we dwell on the most meaningful and memorable moments in our home country.
Whenever we reminisce about the good Christmas moments, it gives us a good feeling and brightens the darkness.
A family is there who understands and comforts us. It's the most special day of the year when we remember and talk to them. To share the good and not-so-good things we see, think, and feel.
All I want this Christmas is to feel the presence of Christ. His love and the Holy Spirit to guide and lift me. Others may have forgotten and been blinded by their priorities, but we can't follow their path. They always have the choice to make beyond our control.
I still want to feel the bright side of Christmas. The ups and downs will always be there, but Christ will be in our hearts.
In this year's message, the Pope said, "Even in dark times, never lose hope in God's love," and that there is light even in our darkest hour.
Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year. We sang Christmas carols, received gifts from our loved ones, and anticipated gifts from Santa Claus.
Back then, on Christmas Eve in my home country, the Philippines, we celebrated mass together as a family and shared a meal for "Noche Buena." Family is forever. We had a joyous celebration together.
As a grown-up adult, I still find meaning and joy in celebrating Christmas. This year, however, will be a different experience. It will be my first time celebrating Christmas away from my family in the Philippines. It's my first Christmas in Canada.
Here at Lumagica in Surrey, Canada, it brings back wonderful memories of when I was a kid. There's a fascination with Christmas trees and lights, the joyful spirit of hearing Christmas carols, and the excitement of seeing Santa Claus.
Lumagica is a magical light festival with a North Pole winter wonderland theme. It's about attracting families to get together and experience a spectacular white Christmas.
Christmas is fun for the whole family, the
adults, and the little ones. But for the grown-ups, there's always that kid in us. We shout for joy; we genuinely enjoy!
Let this Christmas season bring back that glow in our faces and sparkle in our eyes like a child. Find the magical experience that Christmas brings. Find happiness and joy in our hearts.
This outdoor destination is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia. The breathtaking sea view from the sky and on top of the mountain is worth the experience. It's exhilarating and truly spectacular.
Let's explore this stunningly beautiful destination in Squamish, an hour's drive from North Vancouver, passing through the scenic sea-to-sky highway.
From the base station, The Sea to Sky Gondola is a 10-minute/ 2 km ride to the summit. You'll see the forested mountain and the beautiful turquoise waters of the sea (Howe Sound) as you ascend to a higher elevation until reaching the summit lodge, which offers the most spectacular view of the surrounding mountain, the valley, and the sea.
On the summit lodge, there are restaurants and cafes for refreshments extended to the outdoor patio and viewing deck offering a view of the magnificent snow-capped mountains.
The adventure never stops as you get to experience the surrounding trail network passing through the 100-meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. We walked through the most accessible trail (Spirit) and the best trail (Panorama), leading to the Chief Overlook Viewing Platform, where you can capture the best shots of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop.
Other trails take longer to explore, but you'll always be aware since all trails lead and end at the summit lodge viewing deck. The courses are for beginners and intermediates, so it's a family-friendly hiking experience with viewing areas and platforms for picture-taking to capture memorable moments.
Sea to Sky Gondola is an all-year-round adventure. It's best in any season, whether on a hot, dry summer or a snowy and chilly winter. The nature trail and the viewing platforms are alluring and worth revisiting in a different season.
The land of the Squamish First Nation is home to the Sea to Sky Gondola. They protect and preserve the beauty of their heritage and share it with everyone. It's not just about fun and adventure but learning about indigenous people's culture, their early beginnings, and evolution as a First Nation.
Sea to Sky Gondola is one of the most incredible adventures of a lifetime in British Columbia. It's a place to go and chill, an adventure by nature with a thrill.
We offer that certain glow to the world, the people around us, and everyone we share our life.
But we may stumble and fall when we're at the darkest moment. That happens when the light moves away from us. We kneel, we crawl, and we can hardly stand tall.
In Richmond, British Columbia,
we've found the brightest place to remind us
to unleash our inner glow and become someone's dose of sunshine no matter what we can show. Before the summer ends, we travel to Richmond Country Farms, where the sunflower grows and truly glows.
You can find different varieties of Sunflowers on a 20-acre property of this family-owned country farm that's genuinely a must-see summer attraction. They have a maze where you'll easily find a way out and a U-pic to take home freshly handpicked Sunflowers.
It's the fourth year of the Richmond Sunflower festival since it started just before the pandemic hit in 2019. The annual event didn't stop notable visitors; it put a smile on their faces when the world seemed dark, and people were down.
Summer is fun, and we must enjoy the outdoors under the sun. Like the sunflowers on the farm, we can rise and shine again, grow and glow up again, smile and be lovable again.
This regional district is part of mainland British Columbia and accessible only by ferry and seaplane. It has an island vibe with several small towns that offers many activities to enjoy and hidden gems to explore.
After a 40-minute BC ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver, the road trip starts from the southern coast of Gibsons until we reach the heart of the Sunshine Coast— the district municipality of Sechelt.
It's lovely weather to start the three-day birthday holiday. A warm sunny day that brightens up everyone's day. And our first stop is the sandy shore of Davis bay in Sechelt. Its coastline offers a respite from a warm and dry summer. The sea breeze, the horizon, and the island views are perfect for a day of unwinding. We're beachin' and watching people surfin'.
As I reach another milestone, the beach is an ideal place to rejuvenate and plan for another year of discovery and adventure. The previous year may have been full of challenges, but I was able to surpass the trials along the way. And for this birthday celebration, all I want is a fresh start, to breathe in and out in front of the sea and release the obstacles behind.
If the sea is a powerful extractor of what's pulling us from getting what we want, I must release all the unwanted and feel a more revitalized and renewed being. It feels good! And if that heals, then I must make it a birthday tradition to go to the sea, walk on the sand and bathe in the sun.
The Sunshine Coast may be a laid-back culture, but it's a vibrant community and a paradise to many, especially among outdoor enthusiasts. There are many things to do, from water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, fishing, scuba diving, and kite surfing: to inland activities like hiking, camping, golfing, and mountain climbing. It's an endless adventure.
There needs to be more than the three-day birthday holiday in Sunshine Coast to try the exciting activities the place has to offer, but I hope to come back to explore and discover more kept secrets of a paradise worth revisiting.
A road trip on a coastal highway, hiking on a forested trail, camping on a creekside, and a scenic walk on a waterfront park. These activities made my day. The best birthday on holiday. Sunshine Coast adventure all the way.
What makes me appreciate life most is finding time to travel long distances and create beautiful memories. It's when I learn new things, gain new perspectives about a place, and ponder on things that add value to living.
It was my first long travel to British Columbia, Canada, at the beginning of summer. It's a new season full of fun under the sun. It's the season of discovery and adventure as we transition from excellent to warm.
It took us 3 hours from Vancouver to reach the charming town of Logan Lake in the heart of the Highland Valley in the Thompson Okanagan region.
It was once a quiet town reserved for the miners and their families but now houses thousands of residents who enjoy the serenity of nature and for the visitors to spend time away from the hustle of their busy city life.
Logan lake offers many activities during the summer season. Visitors may enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking. It's an ideal time to unwind, take a deep breath, and appreciate the lake's natural beauty and nature.
Camping at Mile High Resort in Logan Lake was an incredible experience to escape from reality away from the city. Lush forests with breathtaking views of the lake surround it.
The deluxe log cabin offers a comfortable and relaxing vibe while hearing the sound of nature and watching the galaxies and the bright stars. Stargazing is just mesmerizing. It's an incredible experience to look up into the night sky and wishes upon a star.
What makes this summer season memorable are the stories, smiles, and laughter shared in a pristine setting. A romantic destination perfect for a weekend getaway where imagination sparks and ideas are born.
This summer getaway is genuinely unforgettable. Logan lake is a great camping destination, and the Mile High Resort experience is worth reminiscing about on holiday vacation.
The largest and most diverse festival in Western Canada returns in its 15th year. We celebrated and enjoyed a weekend of multicultural understanding and experiencing diversity in food, culture, live music, and entertainment.
British Columbians and the residents of Surrey once again gathered at Holland park after two years after the pandemic. It's the largest crowd since it started in 2008, perhaps due to the desire of the people to reunite and bring back a more lively scene where everyone can enjoy a wide variety of cultural offerings from different countries in the world.
This year's Surrey Fusion Festival theme is CommUNITY. A single word that describes how the world must be in difficult times where global health threats have affected us to live, interact and socialize.
From the Latin countries of Bolivia, Argentina, and Columbia. Asian countries like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. African countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. European countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Southwestern Pacific like Tonga and Fiji. And the Caribbean countries like Barbados and the Cayman Islands. These are some of the 40 pavilions that showcased their food, culture, arts, music, and dance.
The pandemic seems over as the crowd cheers for fun and a manic vibe. The delicious authentic food, arts, dance, and music draw people to taste and experience world cultures in one venue.
Other features include a wellness garden where people can learn and experience yoga and meditation in Indigenous Village to learn about their culture through traditional cultural sharing, Global beer and wine tasting to sip some cold beverages from around the world and A cultural cooking arena for a showdown in a cooking competition. Also, there are stages where world-class performers share their talents with the crowd.
It was a great experience to have celebrated the Surrey Fusion Festival for the first time, and I would be glad to make it a yearly event to celebrate and have fun. Community is about the spirit of camaraderie that builds bridges for multicultural understanding and inclusivity. We unite to bring peace, love, and compassion to make our world a better place to live in and for the next generations to preserve and enrich their own culture for the world to see and embrace.
To appreciate art is about understanding the most profound emotion, its meaningful realization, and validation of purpose and intention.
That's the uplifting lesson I learned from a visit to an art gallery in White Rock, British Columbia. It's a city by the sea where arts, history, and culture thrive amidst the test of time.
An art gallery may be different from the usual place to visit in the present times. It may not be welcoming but intimidating to others interested in or appreciate fine arts.
Back in my home country, the Philippines, I've learned to admire and appreciate works of art and masterpieces in the Cultural Center since 2012. Since then, I've carried the same passion and admiration whenever I visit another country or place with high regard for culture and the arts.
In Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, every city has a public art gallery open to everyone, and White Rock Gallery is one of the most beautiful places to be. It was my first ever Art Gallery experience in Canada and a meaningful experience.
Nowadays, people choose modern forms of entertainment and have yet to discover and learn about the joys of visiting an art gallery or exhibit. However, fine artists and art enthusiasts have devoted their time, resources, and money to making art more relevant in today's generation.
What makes art galleries intimidating to others is that we need to appreciate and decode their meaning from the artists' perspective or point of view. We couldn't interpret abstract paintings or even find meaning in realistic images.
With our smartphones, we can take a raw picture of a place, edit it, and call it art. It's the most accessible form of art we can do. However, fine art demands time, energy, emotion, and soul to create a more valuable masterpiece, so paintings and sculptures are expensive.
We tend to ignore or snub expensive things because we can't afford them. Like fine arts, some wouldn't appreciate its value because they can't relate to and find meaning in a painting. But to afford it isn't just about owning it. It's also about enriching our life experience and worth as human beings just by visiting an art gallery, even once in a lifetime.
Art is part of our culture, and a deep appreciation and admiration give us a particular connection with our community. Art evokes various emotions depending on what the artists want us to feel. It makes us joyful, sorrowful, awed, and puzzled. It moves us, touches our souls, and makes us love at first sight.
As I viewed the gallery, some paintings attracted my attention, drew me closer to scrutinizing, and finally gave meaning to them. It gave me happiness and a sense of belonging to a community of artistic people who have the desire for understanding, passion, and motivation for self-expression.
