Stars @ BHS/Watery World-Wednesday

 Dazzling stars installed around Bonifacio High Street and in the fountain area.  

These brilliant lights add to the festive mood at this al fresco-styled mall.

 Christmas songs filled the air---although the wind was warm and humidity high.

We lingered at the fountain area to catch some cool night breezes and was captivated by these glittering stars like they were real heavenly bodies.

Linking to Watery World-Wednesday

Wet, Wet, Wet/OWT and WW

Summer has officially arrived and it's been sizzling hot in Metro Manila.  Last week, the hottest day in 2012 was recorded at 34.4 degrees Celsius.  And expect hotter days [and nights] in the coming months, according to the weather bureau.  

On Sunday afternoon, Fritz and I drove to High Street to cool down and look what we found!

Kids frolicking at the fountain.  They were absolutely having a great time.
Some parents screamed and ran after their children but kids just wanted to get wet.  I heard a dad telling his two boys that the car seat would get wet and the younger boy reasoned that he would sit on the floor. *LOL*

A mom was trying to convince her daughter that the water was dirty, "It's from the toilet," she said.  "But it doesn't smell, Mom!" rolled her eyes and ran to join other kids at the fountain.  Parents looked on helplessly as their kids get soaked, they didn't expect that a Sunday stroll at the mall would end up in a shower party.

Children were fun to watch, they danced in the water with total abandon.  I'm sure the adults watching wished they could join in, too.  I nudged Fritz towards the fountain but he hates to get his paws wet.:p

"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained on water." ~ Loran Eisely

@ Bonifacio High Street, Global City

Linking to Our World - Tuesday and Watery Wednesday

Happy New Year!

I woke up this morning with a bad cold and dry cough.  The smog from last night's revelry is the culprit.  At least, everybody has calmed down. It seems that the excitement of the New Year is almost over in my neighborhood.  Today was peaceful except for a random sound of a distant firecracker and a videoke party two apartments down the street.  But Fritz was still fidgety so I decided to take him out to his favorite place for a relaxing stroll.  Traffic to Bonifacio High Street was a breeze---I wish it was New Year's day everyday.:p

Fritz and I were glad to see this new extension of High Street---a new playground!  The new mall has not been opened yet but the gardens and fountains are open for people to enjoy.  Here are some snapshots I took this evening.  I apologize for the blurry photos---I forgot to set my point & shoot.

There have been a lot of changes in my life in 2011.  And I believe they were all for the better..."perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."  Everyday, I consciously focus on the positive, see the brighter side of things.  Time and again, I have proven that enthusiasm and optimism have a ripple effect.  With a "can do" attitude, anything is possible.

This year, I resolve to resist the urge to spend on unnecessary things; take stock of what's really important, and let go of  things [and people] that don't inspire me or give me joy.

I look at this New Year with renewed hope and a prayer for strength to weather whatever storm that may come my way.  Life is fragile, everyday counts.  Let's be kind to one another.  

To my family and friends (virtual and in real time), I wish you an excellent health, someone to love [and who loves you back], achievement of your goals, strength of spirit and boundless energy to enjoy life.  Continue to dream!  

Wishing you a rockin' New Year!

Linking to Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Grilled Chicken and Cobb Salad

@ mirandablue
Cobb Salad

Rain and flood always bring Metro Manila traffic to a crawl.  U and I were stuck in a late afternoon traffic during a heavy downpour last week.  Good thing we managed to take the service road to Market! Market! and drove straight to Bonifacio High Street.  I missed dining at Texas Roadhouse Grill in High Street---it's been months since I've been here. U and I shared the Cobb Salad, and I got the Grilled Chicken with mushrooms, with grilled shrimps as an extra topping.  I love the mushroomy, lemony, buttery flavors of this dish.  The sweet, scrumptious shrimps added excitement to the palate.

@ mirandablue
Grilled Chicken with mushroom and shrimp toppings

Join foodies at Food Trip Friday

Public art @ BGC [MWT]

@ mirandablue

Spotted this sculptural installation during my afternoon walk at Bonifacio High Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).  BGC has been showcasing big art pieces around strategic locations in this fast-rising, highly-urbanized residential and commercial district.  One weekend, I'll drive around BCG for an art tour to share with you a number of exciting public art pieces that create a vibrant environment for people who work, live and play here.
I couldn't find any info on this sculpture...it reminds me of ET and Paul, the alien.:p

@ mirandablue

Bonifacio Global City is located at the former military base (Fort Bonifacio) in Taguig City, and between the business hubs of Makati and Ortigas Center.  It is linked to Manila's major thoroughfares and seven access points, and a few minutes to both domestic and international airports.

My contribution to My World-Tuesday

Spider rock [Watery and Outdoor Wednesday]

@ mirandablue

I don't know that this unique water feature is called---people call it Spider Rock because the silhouette does look like a giant spider.  Water leaks from the "rock" suspended about 20 feet high and falls into the drain below.  The "rock" is supported by three steel legs.  This water feature is located at an open-air activity park in Bonifacio High Street.

@ mirandablue

Posted for Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Fountain at BHS [Watery & Outdoor Wednesday]

@ mirandablue

While at the fountain area in Bonifacio High Street on Sunday evening, I was captivated by the colorful reflection of lights on water.   Isn't it magical?  

@ mirandablue

When Fritz noticed I was preoccupied with taking photos of the water and fountain, he wanted to climb on the ledge of the eternity pool.  Ivar carried him to the ledge but the tip of his tail got into the water and we ended up with sprays of water while he's drying up.  Afraid he might fall into the water, I eventually got him down.

@ mirandablue

People-watching from the grass.

And here's the fountain at Bonifacio High Street.

@ mirandablue

Join us at Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Stars in High Street [My World & Ruby Tuesday]

@ mirandablue

I did a little shopping at Bonifacio High Street on Saturday and was delighted at the Christmas installations. The stars in red and gold caught my attention---they're made from abaca rope and rattan poles, homegrown and simple yet they add a festive air to the al fresco shopping experience.  With synchronized music and lighting, these Christmas installations dominate the garden area, an added interest to shoppers.  Christmas is definitely in the air albeit the warm breezes.  

@ mirandablue

This mall is popular to people with dogs and kids---there's a stretch of garden in the middle with water features and contemporary art installations where dogs [and their humans] can socialize and compare notes.    There are restaurants and coffee shops, fashion specialty stores and global brands, sports and electronic stores, hobby and lifestyle shops, a book and music store, a spa, health and beauty shops.  A shopping playground where nothing feels cramped or hurried.  And anyone can find his/her quiet spot.

@ mirandablue

Exercise buffs also found a haven here.  And these stars would visually entertain the joggers while they huff and puff on the sidewalks.

@ mirandablue

Posted for Ruby Tuesday and My World-Tuesday

Wet Christmas [Watery/Outdoor Wednesday]

I am not wishing for more rain, certainly not on Christmas weekend! But we have been having cloudy skies and light rains so I am not discounting the possibility of a cold, wet Christmas. A real bummer especially when I will be driving out of town on Christmas eve.

"Northeast monsoon associated with moderate to strong northeasterly windflow affecting Luzon and Visayas. Diffused tail-end of a cold front affecting Mindanao," this is according to PAG-ASA. Thankfully, there is no tropical cyclone detected coming our way.

These watery photos were taken in early December at Bonifacio High Street while waiting for the rain to let up.

Posted for Watery Wednesday and Outdoor Wednesday

Fireworks [Sky-Watch Friday]

These are my feeble attempts at the World Pyro Olympics two weekends ago. China and Germany showcased their dazzling fireworks synchronized with musical scores. Fireworks excited the spectators at The Fort open grounds despite the rain---we were watching from the parking lot with an umbrella.

Canada and Australia were supposed to compete last weekend but after waiting for about an hour, we learned that the organizers decided to postpone the pyro-musical competition because of unpredictable weather and safety considerations. Show dates were moved to January 2010.

More beautiful skies from around the world at Sky-Watch Friday