Experiencing Lantern Asia at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Since Lantern Asia has been sponsored by Norfolk Botanical Gardens for the year 2016 (spring), this was a great chance to visit as it was the first ever Chinese Lantern Exhibition in Virginia. The art exhibits become spectacular better at night, but it is still good to see the arts during the day.

Both walking and tram tours were available, and since it was raining when we visited, we opted to do the tram tour. It was true!; - "an art by day, magic by night."

There were 36 enormous, magical illuminating works of art, crafted with eco-friendly materials, silk and steel making the garden's landscape transforms into a colorful, magical work of art ;).

These works of art (lantern festivals) also highlight traditional Asian themes, which are rich in history dating back to the Han Dynasty considered to be the largest of its kind in the US. Judging by the photos I took, I must admit it's truly a magnificent lantern exhibition! 

Danelectro Effects Pedals

Here's one good site to search for effects pedals just to get the most out of your electric guitar. Check musiciansfriend.com danelectro to see a collection of a wide range of pedals which are of high quality and unbeatable value. 

 These pedals are alsp perfect for beginners and guitar instructors due to its easy usability, sleek and streamlined design.

Consider getting Danelectro effects pedal and you will soon have the tools to start creating fun and personalized riffs that are catchy giving you that higher levels of awesomeness for your music! 

A Visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corpse

The museum is located on a 135-acre site which is adjacent to the Marine Corpse Base in Quantico, Virginia. You can easily distinguish the museum through its soaring design evoking the image of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima. 

The museum fucntions as a lasting tribute to the US Marines; - from the past, present and for the future. It also features world-class interactive exhibits, artifacts and immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.

As you walk inside the front door, main entrance, some sets of exhibits are displayed at the main entrance. (Leatherneck Gallery)

There is an entrance to visit all the galleries on the first deck while walking along the legacy walk and you will end up exiting from all the galleries back to the leatherneck gallery close to the main entrance. The second deck are where the restaurants are located plus some traveling exhibits.

There are tons of displays to be seen including the trails in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park at the second deck.

The entire museum area has 120,000 square feet when they opened in 2006. In the future, they are adding another more than 80,000 square feet with a giant-screen theatre, more classrooms, exhibits and art galleries.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica is one of the most visited church in Washington DC area due to its renowned beautiful sacred art and unique architecture. It is considered to be the patronal church of US catholics and America's preeminent Marian Shrine. It is also the largest Roman Catholic church in the US and in North America, and one of the 10th largest churches in the world.

In 1913, the Catholic University of America suggested building a national shrine in honor of the Virgin Mary, wherein the archbishop of Baltimore laid the foundation stones on September 23, 1920 after the building designs were completed by the two architects, - Maginnis and Walsh of Boston who were then the chosen ones as the architects of the shrine. The construction stopped when the bishop died in 1932. It was during the year 1953-54 (Marian Year) that the American Catholic Bishops started to lead a fund raising effort. It was then dedicated on November 20, 1959 as a National Shrine and was elevated as a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II on October 12, 1990.

There are numerous chapels, statues, shrines etc.that are to be seen both at the Upper Church and at the Crypt level.

Guided tours are conducted daily including group tours as well. Audio tours are also available if you prefer it more convenient. All tours are free. :)

Drum Workshops For You!

Do you want to be a great drum player? Here is a drum workshop at guitarcenter.com by DW. You can check a video clip by clicking the link given on this post.

Drum Workshop, popularly known as DW started its roots as early as 1972 as a small drumming studio with a goal of further improving the performance of enthusiastic drummers through teaching and training.

Nowadays, it is already highly recognized worldwide in terms of an industry leader in drums and drum hardware.

Check it out!

The Grand Architecture & High Tea at the National Cathedral & Basilica-Washington DC Tour

Me 

A few years back, I remembered myself walking inside the Washington National Cathedral for a self-guided tour. It still continues to amaze me when I came back for the second time with a group tour. No major changes, except that part of the cathedral's architectural designs were destroyed by an earthquake that occurred in August 2011.

The National Cathedral is more than just a church. It always opens its doors to the public regardless of your religious background and faith.

Every year, thousands of visitors and worshippers come here to experience not only to find inspiration and peace and strengthening their faith but to witness and experience witnessing the cathedral's extraordinary art and architectural designs.

Washington National Cathedral is considered to be the 6th largest cathedral in the world uniquely designed and built with Inidiana limestone. The building has a cross-shape design with a long nave - a 10th of a mile, and characterized with 2 shorter transepts.

The architectural style is considered to be Gothic due to its pointed arches, boss stones, large windows, ribbed vaulting and flying buttresses.

Its decors such as stained glass large windows, wood and fabric art are captivating and considered to be more than just beautiful decorations. Behind them are symbols and images purposely designed to teach Christian beliefs as well as they pay tribute to the country's values and history.

There are two levels that are worth visiting inside the cathedral; - the Main level (the Nave) where you can see the "must-see" highlights of your tour and the Lower level (the Crypt).

Other areas are outdoors such as the Cathedral Close, the Bishop Garden and Olmsted Woods.

The Philadelphia Flower Show - 2016

The Philadelphia Flower Show is one grand event which is being held once a year. This year's theme is "Explore America: 100 Years of the National Park Service" - in connection to celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the National Park Service.

The main features of its floral and garden displays are centered on America's natural landscapes of waterfalls, wildflowers and woodlands from Redwood to Yellowstone parks. Visitors are to witness the witty and creative designs of the world's leading floral and landscape designers which include exhibitions by at least 408 national parks and historic sites as the show has partnered with the Park Service.

The show is run by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and gets revenues which supports various charities of PHS.

The Philly Flower Show offers more than just floral and landscape exhibits as well. Visitors can shop to at least more than 100 vendors, and can sample wine and spirits from products coming from around the world. Visitors can also enjoy culinary and horticultural demonstartions, and the "Butterfly Experience", - a miniature train garden is another one additional feature added this year.

There is always more to look forward to every year for this type of flower show, as they have different themes yearly!

Burnham Park - "The Mother of All Parks"

When you're in Baguio, Burnham Park is not difficult to find, and in fact the most popular park in the area. The fact that the park is located at the center of the city of Baguio, the accessibility is fast and easy, making it known to be "the mother of all parks" in Baguio City.

The park stretching more than 32 hectares was named after Daniel Hudson Burnham, an architect and urban planner from New York, USA and also helped laid the plans for Baguio City.

Burnham Park is also popular because of its man-made lake located at the center of the park with rowboats for hire which many call up to this day Burnham Lagoon.

In the past years, the park was originally created as a greenery park with clusters of different botanical gardens with colorful floral blooms. Nowadays, Burnham Park expanded its clusters to additional spaces for amusement parks such as bicycle and skating areas and other sports activity areas, plus some food/restaurants shops around.

Inspite of the additional commercial establishments growing in the park, it is still an ideal place for taking good photos, as well as relaxation area for families during weekends and holidays.

Baguio City's Wright Park

Wright Park is just one of the most scenic parks you will witness while in Baguio City, - the city of Pines! The park is just next to the main gate of The Mansion fronting it straight through a long reflecting pool, with a shallow elongated body of water commonly known as the "Pool of Pines".

This area is considered to be the most photographed (post-card type) scene usually taken at the end of the reflecting pool, fronting the main gate of The Mansion.

The reflecting pool - "Pool of Pines"

Both sides of the pool are pathwalks lined with pine trees on the sides and some  street lights are also installed along the paths. Colorful lowering shrubs are also lined on both sides surrounding the pool, making it one reason why Wright Park is famous for perfect picture taking.

Further down from the reflecting pool is a wide stone-made stairway leading down to the park circle where there are stables for horses, and where horseback riding can be done for hourly rates.

The park is obviously mostly enjoyed by kids for pony-riding and horseback riding for adults as well. Take note that the area gets too crowded mostly during weekends and long holidays.

And expect a strong distinctive smell when you are in the area for horses' pees and poops! So, if you want to avoid sniffing the smell particularly for a longer period of time, you might as well skip getting in the park.

Wright Park got its name from Gov. Luke E. Wright who was the architect of the long reflecting pool and who served as Governor-General of the Philippines from 1904-1906 and also served as a Secretary of War from 1908-1909.

Roc-N-Soc Drum Thrones

To all great musicians out there, here are another good deals from roc n soc in MF selection while playing with your drums or any of your favorite musical instruments These items are quite functional and easy to use besides the fact that they are made of good quality and durability.

They have their own unique features that give you comfort during your performance without having to sacrifice any discomfort. The more comfort you have the better the performance, agree? Prices are very budget-friendly so check them out! 

The Mansion House (Baguio)

The Mansion is one of the most popularly visited and photographed tourist attraction in Baguio. It is located right across from Wright Park, with a main gate that can be prominently seen which is made of ornate iron works. It is at the front of this gate that is still considered to be one of the most photographed place of the property.

Getting inside the gate is allowed for visitors and can take photos infront, but visiting inside the building is not allowed. I don't have any idea why, but perhaps due to security reasons.

The Mansion is the official summer residence of the current Philippine president and used whenever they visit Baguio city for engagements and/or official visits.

This building was built as early as 1908, being used as summer residences for U.S. Governor-generals who were the American administrators for the Philippines and was formerly called "The Mansion House".

But during WWII, the house was badly damaged, and rebuilt in 1947. It was also used for several essential events like the ECAFE in 1947, the session of Food & Agriculture in 1948 and the Baguio Conference of 1950.

Recently, it has been used as a place of some international conferences as well.

15cm Cordoba For Guitar Enthusiasts!

Hey guys, may you have all a great new year ahead! Let's celebrate it with a good ole' music. I love this kind of 15 cm at Guitar Center by Cordoba. It's kinda petite but still a powerful performer in concerts...beat that! ;) It's entirely made of mahogany and yet maintains its usual elegant appearance. By the way, this is more on a ukulele and is hand made too.

I still remember when I was a child, my dad would always play some classical songs and would always let me swing and dance...lol!

You might want to watch this instrument for a sample down below:

Good Shepherd Convent Visit - Baguio, Philippines

Preserved purple yams (ube), strawberry jams, peanut brittles, and more are just one of those that are considered popular food preserves you can buy when in Baguio. They can be seen mostly all around shopping stalls in Baguio, but the locals would always highly recommend to buy them at Good Shepherd Convent, to ensure freshness quality of the products.

At the center of the compound is a building called "The Mountain Maid Training Center" (MMTC), - a store which is considered to be the only authorized distributor of Good Shepherd products in Baguio City.

The place is just a walking distance from the stall shops of Mines View Park, so mostly, the visitors coming from Mines View Park would always flock here as their next stop to buy food gift items.

Those who have vehicles pass into the driveway to enter the gate that leads to the parking lot into the compound which is very close to the store.

On one end of the parking lot is also an observation deck where you can see the spectacular view of the distant Cordillera mountains and valleys.

There are some plants and garden areas visible within the compound with colorful flowering plants as well.

Mines View Park - Baguio, Philippines

Courtesy photo of fabulousphilippines.com

Being one of the featured and famous tourist attraction in Baguio, Mines View Park is situated 4 kilometers from the city of Baguio.

Its observation deck stands below a winding stone-covered stairway which overlooks the place of Itogon, Benguet, used to be a mining town in the early 20th century started by the Americans. The town was widely known as a mining spot for gold and copper mines.

It also gives you a spectacular view of the Amburayan Valley of the Cordillera mountains.

Crowded observation deck area! ;(

Because this park always gets crowded during the day and peak visiting seasons, many would highly recommend visiting the park very early in the morning if you want to take excellent photos without anyone blocking the view.

Prior to going down the observation deck, you will surely meet a St. Bernard dog (sometimes there are two of them), and can take a photo of them with you for a fee, as well as you can sit on a pink  hair-colored (real horse) for a photo with a fee as well!

Today, there are lots of stalls and mini stores around the park selling various gift items and more...clothings, native bags and delicacies, native accessories and other souvenirs. So, if you really want to shop, Mines View Park offers a lot of shopping items you can take back home with you.