2023 YEAR END REVIEW

It’s been a while since I penned something about my small/big milestone in life or even those simple emotions which is a by-product of my daily existence. I have a lot of stories to write but I don’t know where and how to get the ‘time’ to do it. As a mandatory self-assessment of my year, I don’t want to squander the chances of analyzing all those memories that I create this year and let me share my 20 lessons and 23 reasons of being in the state of gratefulness for 2023.

20 Lessons:

1. Don’t chat when mad. I usually end up writing words that I don’t intend to say and hurt someone who reads it because of the high emotion on that particular moment.
2. Spend time with my family back home in the Philippines. Despite of busy work schedule, finding time to be with them even for a short period is such a treasure to keep.
3. Owning a mistake and asking for forgiveness. I have to admit it no matter what other person will think of me. There’s always room for improvement in every incident that comes along.
4. Saying ‘NO’ to situation/person that not align with my schedule/values. I don’t need to please everyone at my own expense.
5. Listen to my body. Taking rest is essential. A healthy immune system is my great partner.
6. Show up and connect. No more question of being shy or introvert but let my true self fit in the same world where we all belong.
7. Help whenever, wherever possible. Whatever I have is also a gift from above so better to share it with others.
8. Be kind. There are people who will judge, say or do some things that are not easy to absorb but instead of getting angry, better to give them a profound understanding.
9. Power of installment basis. It helps me divide the obligation of payment that doesn’t compromise the budget.
10. Choose my own battle. No need to defend myself on every argument.
11. Patience when passive income is not same every month. Well, that’s part of business.
12. Consistency and discipline that whenever I need to do something this two aspect plays a major role to stay on track.
13. Don’t be discourage if you’re the only one who do the work. Let them be inspired by you.
14. Pray at all times. This is the best activities that will never run out of style.
15. Choose the right words when speaking or writing. Words are so compelling that it might break, distract or encourage others.
16. Have end goals in mind when accomplishing given task. Oftentimes, I plan the first stage but forgot the other details that could affect the result in the end.
17. Be generous to myself. If I have the capacity to give to others then I don’t need to think twice if the gift is for my personal use. I work hard and I don’t need to feel shy of claiming that I also deserve it.
18. Move forward. When things didn’t go as plan then the next action is to step ahead.
19. Other people may not have the same heart as mine so no need to expect others to fill the gap in between circumstances.
20. Practice the attitude of gratitude. Instead of thinking what is lacking in my life then better to remind myself of the things that is provided to me.

23 Reasons why I am GRATEFUL:

1. I belong to a community here in Dubai where we had a chance to gather 3x a week.
2. New laptop that I can used at home both for professional and personal purpose.
3. Opportunity to serve my chosen ministry.
4. Acceptance (hopefully forgiveness) from people whom I unintentionally hurt.
5. Surviving the days when our salary got delayed.
6. Meeting and getting to know new people.
7. Lessons shared during our weekly services.
8. Energy to stand up in the metro station in the morning enroute to office.
9. A huddle whom I can share all my ups and downs in life.
10. Vacation in my home country where I got the chance to bond with my family.
11. Good health that allow me to keep on doing and working.
12. My safety (along with my housemates) and all our belongings when there’s a fire on our building.
13. Time of my friends to meet me when I travelled back home.
14. Approved ETA from Canada.
15. Got a new flat where my cousins and I lived. No more sharing in CR and kitchen since the flat is all ours.
16. Paying bills on time despite of delayed in reimbursement.
17. Renewal of my residence visa again.
18. I can sleep well anytime that I need.
19. Prayer warrior friends who continue to plead the Heaven with our request.
20. All the memories I had for the whole 2023.

The list above is quite few compare to the total number of days we had this year. I can continuously write those lessons I learned and even add more reasons to have a grateful heart but what I mentioned above is something that generate a significant layer of impact to my year. Those list is a gear that equip me to remain strong, resilient and humble to pursue the positivity in life.

A big thank you to year 2023…

Excited to create, see, experience and share more stories on Year 2-0-2-4!!!!!

2022 YEAR END REVIEW

A few hours from now, everybody will bid goodbye to year 2022 but let me used this opportunity to reflect on those things that create an impact to my year:

January – a start of transition period for me when my cousin whom I shared accommodation for many years migrated to another country. I have to face every single day that we are living separately now but I am thankful that I don’t need to feel alone because of work busy-ness during weekdays, church-related activities and new business start-up meeting on weekend.

February – my friends and I started to dedicate our free time on conceptualizing and creative process of doing a social media marketing to one of our sample client.

March – this is the month-end celebration of EXPO 2020. I’ve got an opportunity to explore and learn about different country thru their exhibit in their own Pavilion. I also experience to watch the concerts of Filipino singers for free.

April – I have to handover my logistics job to newly hired staff and focus on my actual responsibilities.

May – I started to buy things for the ‘box of happiness’ and send it on the same month to my home country.

June – After I travelled back to my home country to be with my family.

July– I got and opportunity to explore the other parts of Philippines with my cousins.

August – I was assign to handle again the logistics work.

September – Weekend adventure at Ras Al Khaimah with my friends.

October – I officially part of a larger group chat of my chosen community.

November – First ever travel to another country with my officemates.

December – a chance to explore a snowy country and experience the snowfall during our visit.

There’s a lot of event that unfold this year. Some is good. Some is a learning experience. Some is unexpected twist. Some puts me in unfavorable situation. Despite of difference circumstances that I went through, I would like to remember this 2022 as a year of survival.

Thank you 2022 for all the wonderful experience.

See you in Year TWO ZERO TWO THREE!

DUBAI RUN 2022

A few months ago I saw the advertisement of this event on Facebook and I forward the screen shot to my friends. One of them had a past experience so she encourage us to try it. When the registration officially began, the 3 of us sign up for this year 5Km Dubai Run.

The sponsor for this event is so generous that two weeks before the event we are lining up for the free T-shirt and Bib. We got ours at City Center Deira

My Bib and T-shirt

On the day of the event which is Nov 20, I need to wake up at much earlier time to meet up with my friends at the metro station. Though it was bit early and gloomy but we saw a lot of people going on the same route like us. We headed to Emirates Tower Station near in Museum of the Future which is the starting point for 5km participants. From there, we join with different nationalities who wish to experience this once in a year event in Sheikh Zayed Road.

We are getting ready

Sheikh Zayed Road is prominent for being the longest and busiest road in the UAE. It is home of high-rise commercial and residential areas along with some of iconic tourist spot in Dubai. This road seems busy for transporting every individual to where they supposed to go but for a certain hours last weekend, it was closed for motorist to give way for the annual anticipated event. Every year this is the heart of Dubai Run where people gather together to opt for a fitness challenge. If every day I used to see the number of car enrouting in this road but for a rare opportunity I witness how this road help those fitness enthusiast to be united for common cause. I am not a runner but this event welcome each one of us from different walk of life whether experienced or a beginner like me.

The Sheikh Zayed Road on its normal operation

The Sheikh Zayed Road during the Dubai Run 2022

The sun is about to rise and we already started walking towards the starting line dedicated for 5km participants. As we follow the crowd, we are fascinated to see up close those well-known tourist spot like the newly built Museum of the Future along with other high rise building on both side of Sheikh Zayed Road.

Mandatory groupie before we blend with the crowd

Since this event is for everyone , we witness those group of people carrying their banner wearing their own custom made colored uniform, some family with stroller for their toddler who at a very young age has got the chance to experience the Dubai Run, a group of barkada’s who enjoy each other company and some individual who went there alone but prove that they can get along with the crowd.

Since we are not a runner we decided to just walk and enjoy the views on both side. This is a rare opportunity to walk in one of the busiest road. Aside from the Museum of the Future where we started, we also pass from different hotel and ultramodern building, along with Dubai Opera, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall as a finishing line.

Stunning Burj Khalifa

A big shout out to Mai Dubai for sponsoring the free water for all participants. We stay hydrated during the whole event.

We forgot how time flies while we’ll doing the walkathon. We keep on chatting, walking and enjoying each moment. The energy that we had from the time we began remain the same in between until we complete the 5km route. Yes, our feet is kinda tired but our spirit is really high for one of a kind experience that this event bring to us.

I am a first timer to this Dubai Run but the memories that I create along with my friends is something that I will treasure and will look forward to the next fun-run. Some of the reasons that I am grateful for this event: 1) I can walk continuously for 5km 2) nice to see the Sheikh Zayed Road painted with different color from each participant’s uniform 3) out of busy work schedule we have some hours to attend for this fitness challenge 4) while reading the social media news of concluded event that almost 193,000 attendees for Dubai Run 2022, I am proud to say that I am part of this event that makes Dubai as one of the active city last November 20, 2022.

REMINISCING EXPO 2020

It was the same month last year when Dubai Expo 2020 open its door to the world. Well, it was year 2021 but you may wonder why it was named Expo 2020. It was supposed to open on year 2020 but due to Covid outrage they postponed it for a while. After a months of waiting when some of the countries lifted their travel ban, when everything is set in the UAE, Covid 19 is under control, the expo site become the next sought destination among residents and tourists.

I had an opportunity to visit the site multiple times since I got a multiple entry ticket and the place is near to where we work which is a great advantage. There are times that my co-workers and I will pay a visit after our office hours, agreed to explore the place in 1 to 3 hours, or on weekend with my immediate family here in Dubai. Every time I set my feet in Dubai expo site, I always get excited and amazed in everything I saw from within. Those gigantic building that has an impressive design, those concept that is uniquely shown when you explore each pavilion and those lesson you will eventually learn on your way out is one-of-a-kind experience that captures a happy memories in my heart.

Al Wasl Dome during Day time.

The transformation of Al Wasl Dome at night

Thank you to Expo 2020, I got a chance to see a various architectural design of different building which is represented by each country.

Spain- the first ever pavilion that my officemates and I visited on our first day.

Hola, Espana!

This art hanging at the top entertain us while walking from the main entrance down to the basement.

Beautifully art-crafted in Spain Expo Pavilion.

I will never forget this forest of the future as part of their exhibit in Spain Pavilion.

New Zealand Expo Pavilion – our 2nd stop

I know New Zealand as a country with good natural resources. Its therapeutic to sit in a corner and just watch how the nature miraculously help to rest our tired feet.

The Netherlands- we thought that there’s only few people lining up in this pavilion but we’re totally wrong. As we continue to walking on the basement, we were surprised to wait for atleast 30 minutes before we each the main entrance.

The Netherlands Expo Pavilion

The staff gave each one of us a white umbrella. We never know that we will used it to watch the short film about The Netherlands

Inside the cone-shaped vertical farm at The Dutch Pavilion

We made a quick visit to Czech Republic Expo Pavilion

Sweden- Unlike other pavilion which is mostly covered, this pavilion stand out for being the ‘breath of fresh air’.

Sweden Expo Pavilion

Brazil is our next destination after we ate our dinner.

A man-made river, something like Amazon basin, that enticed each visitor to dip their feet onto it while listening to the hymn of nature.

Azerbaijan- This distinctive tree-shaped somehow catch our eyes from afar.

Azerbaijan Expo 2020 pavilion

A big thanks to the staff for taking a picture in one of the most photograph corner inside the Azerbaijan Pavilion.

Kuwait- We are forced to stop by in Kuwait Pavilion by just looking on a geometric design that display the image of camels during day time and transform into golden setting at night.

This giant funnel that greeted us upon entering in Kuwait Pavilion

Philippines- Even before the opening of expo, we already heard the news about Philippines pavilion circulated in the social media. We don’t want to miss this opportunity to see it by ourselves. Geographically speaking, our country is surrounded by water so they took the inspiration from it and called it as ‘Bangkota’ which means coral reef.

Magandang Buhay, Pilipinas!

One of the main attraction inside the Philippines pavilion is this art ‘Helix”- a towering spiral with some names etched on it.

Helix, nakakamangha ang gumawa. Ang Husay!

There’s also some exhibit where we watch a short clip from the 3-dimensional filigree boat as well as large screen on what is the Philippines primitive story.

Some of the exhibit shown inside the Philippines Pavilion

Korea- Lots of visitors lined up in this pavilion. We are so lucky to arrive at much earlier time after our office hours that gave us an advantage to have a shorter waiting period. While waiting for our turn, there’s a Korean group who perform in the side that entertain us for a while.

Korea Expo Pavilion 2020

It’s really amazing how they used the technology to stand uniquely among other pavilion. In the ground floor, the staff gave each one of us a free mobile phone where we register our name with our photo, used it to guide us on our exploration in their pavilion, used it for selfie whenever we want and before we head out, we will return it to them so that others can used it to. Their show is also different since we have to lie down to watch it which is good as it make us rest after a long duration of standing and walking.

We heart you, Korea!

Saudi- No wonder why this pavilion has a jampack of people always because they are one of the most extravagant building design in Expo. This inclined-mirrored screen garners a lot of attention among passerby as it showcase that Saudi is opening its window to the world.

Saudi Arabia Expo Pavilion during day time

The Saudi Pavilion is more colorful during night time

You may think that Saudi is a a pure desert but look at this part where greenery is in full bloom.

Aside from showing the past, present and future of Saudi in their exhibition, we’re hooked on this “Vision” show in a 30 meter sphere.

Looks like a moon but we definitely enjoy this show!

Zimbabwe – One of the country I only know by books. Here we are trying to have a peek on its rich culture.

My officemate and I at Zimbabwe Pavilion

we’re enjoying our seat in Zimbabwe Pavilion.

Pakistan- Along with my DXB family, we had visited this pavilion to know more of Pakistan history. The colorful facade is a site-stopping area for many visitors as it serves a good backdrop to any photos.

Pakistan Expo Pavilion

with my DXB family in Pakistan Pavilion

Some of the display in Pakistan Expo Pavilion

Monaco – There’s a short line of people flocking to this polygonal pavilion so we try to maximize our time by watching the ‘Kaleidoscope’ world.

One of the highlight in Ukraine Expo Pavilion.

Beautiful art exhibit in the ground level of Ukraine Pavilion

If you were in Opportunity District, I’m sure you we’re glued you eyes in distinctive architectural design of UK pavilion.

UK Expo Pavilion

Hungary Pavilion

Peru- Looks like a box covered with carpet but what you see inside this pavilion is the rich cultural diversity of this country.

Peru Expo Pavilion

Uzbekistan- I never knew this country till I have visited this pavilion twice- one with my co-worker during weekdays and the other one with my cousin on weekend.

Uzbekistan Expo Pavilion

The ‘light in the dark’ is one of the reason why many people fall in line in this pavilion.

Oh la..lights in Uzbekistan Pavilion

to be continued…

2020 YEAR END REVIEW

This will be my first and last entry for the year 2020. You might ask what happen to me as my interest to write an article atleast once a month remain in my to-do-list until today that I really decided to spend some time just to recall those events that I consider as ‘something‘ that I never forget this 2020.

January:

I was in my home country for my annual vacation. I’m supervising the renovation of our kitchen when I found out that Taal volcano erupted last Jan. 12. Though it was far from our house but I can see the gigantic dark clouds blanketing the sky. I even saw a massive ashes on our rooftop the following day. The weeks after the explosion was a bit alarming because some of our kababayan’s was in dire need to relocate as advice by the local government. Since some of the barangay in our town is not included in the danger zone we have the capacity to extend our help by being a volunteer in relocation center near in our place.

We also had a schedule highschool reunion on the 3rd week of January but due to aforementioned circumstances we decided to shelve it temporarily.

February:

I need to return in Dubai. It was this month that Covid-19 awareness is starting to circulate in the Philippines. I used to board on the plane without being anxious but this time I have to wear a mask the whole flight.

March:

Dubai and Sharjah set a curfew for its residents to give way to the National Sterilisation Programme to combat the spreading of Covid-19. Every night before the curfew kickoff, I’m receiving an alert message informing me to stay home.

April:

Covid-19 was a hot news all over UAE. Dubai declared a weeks of lockdown as a remedial action for the safety of all residents. In our hope to continue our business operation, we are all working from home.

May:

Business activity resume again but the number of people who will work in the site is reduced to only 50%. I am one of those employee who should come in the office. It was an official month wherein I handle a different job responsibilities while co-supervising my previous work.

June:

After spending 7 years in our old rental accommodation, me and my cousin moved to a different house. The pandemic season limit our chances to check for various option but we are actually happy to found a new abode. It was not totally new to me as the building where our room is located is the same building (different floor) where I lived when I first arrived in Dubai.

It was this month also that we started a gratitude habit with my closest friends. Each day we are sharing of 5 things we are thankful for.

July:

First ever meet up with my DXB family for this year. We never had the chance to visit them on their house or them to ours which is very uncommon to us if there’s no threat of covid exposure. Even there are some holiday in the past months we decided to stay at home and keeping in touch with them via phone and social media. Our safety is our priority. So grateful that this particular month we got the opportunity to physically bond and spend a day creating a happy memories amidst unfavorable health issue in the country.

August:

Some business operation was affected because of slow-down in the market or due to weeks of lockdown. Although most of the stores/company reopen again but still the income is not sufficient to cover the expenses. The change in business cycle also affect its employee. Our company is one of them. Believe it or not, for more than a decade I work in our company, this is the first time I received an AED 250 as my compensation.

September:

There’s an agricultural land belongs to our super great grandmother that the elders clinch to sell. Before we come up with deeds of sale, it has to be inherited first and has a lot of discussion regarding the paper documentation that each 8 families need to prepare. The elders created a Viber group so that we can share all our ideas along with others representative from each 8 families. Me and my other cousin who also lives in other country represent our families from our Lola’s side.

October:

We used to go with my colleague to/from the office every working day but the announcement from the RTA that only 3 person is allowed per car makes me (and my other office mate) sacrifice by using the public transportation instead. We officially become a Metro user.

November:

My Emirates Id was renewed.

December:

Trying to live in a new normal we planned an out of town trip to Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm Al Quwain. We make sure to practice the social distancing with other park goers while having fun on different slides. Even on Christmas day, we choose to stay at home and just attend the mass online.

This 2020 is totally different from the past years. There are times that I raised a question of ‘what ifs’ or ‘what will happen next’ but more than that I choose to embrace each day with gratefulness. Thankful for my life, for family and friends and for all the positive/negative situation I experience this year.

We consider this year as pandemic season. We are always reminded to stop the spread of Covid-19 and at the same time, spread love, peace and kindness to one another.

Cheers to Year 2021!

A DECADE AFTER

A day before a decade ends and a new decade start in 2020, let me reminisce those memorable events happen in my life for the last 10 years:

1. Start blogging.
2. Went to school again and finished short term course.
3. Attend our first ever family reunion (Father side).
4. Reaching 10 years in the same company.
5. Spending Christmas and New Year again in the Philippines after so many years living abroad.
6. Apply for a tourist visa from a well-known country and receive a multiple entry visa.
7. My father went to Heaven.
8. Temporarily got lay off from my job and requested to return again a few days before the suppose to be last day of work.
9. Built an apartment using my own saving.
10. A chance to visit some local and international tourist destinations.

I know what I mentioned above is too less compare to the number of days/months within 10 years. Actually, there’s too many to mention but I just highlighted those moments as it teach me a valuable lesson about life. Whether an event is positive or negative, it help me shaped where I am right now and will guide me to move forward in 2020.

May the coming decade be more fruitful as the last one. HAPPY 2020!

DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN v2019

One of the most amazing tourist spot here in UAE that you shouldn’t miss is Dubai Miracle Garden. Despite of being known as desert country, UAE has its own way of surprising their residents, expats and other tourists of reserving an area for a flower park which will give a jaw-dropping ‘wow‘ reaction once you explore the whole place.

Dubai Miracle Garden normally open during winter season. Before it closes next week, I got an opportunity to visit this place with my family. There’s actually a big difference on the flower display today compare years ago.

This giant tortoise really captured our eyes when we walk towards the entrance gate.

You will always look up to see these beautiful cat topiary.

With 72,000 sqm allotted area and more than millions of flower arrange in different style and pattern, all of us are so dazed to feel how close we are to nature by re-visiting this popular gem in Dubailand.

This is one attraction that I never seen before. Cartoon character in life-size forms.

Say hi to Mickey and friends that we mostly seen on TV but here they are bigger than the audience.

Another topiary that caught our attention is this elephant surrounded by fresh flowers in different colors.

I used to visit this themed-garden before but this is the first time I saw this elevated area that serve as viewing deck to see how well-groom the garden from above.

I’ve seen a photo before that this is just an umbrella passage but since those plants were planted many months ago, it grow in full bloom and became an additional shade for visitors.

 

Even the artistic design of a pot is something that left unnoticed.

My cousins from our home country who visited here for a months enjoying their moment on one of the most photograph spot in the garden.

Under this tiny bucket of plants is some table and chairs where a visitors can take a rest while munching some snack from different food kiosks.

A long line of gazebo where you can dine in under a flowery theme.

I love the idea of using some type of transportation as an additional display of creativity. A rustic car parked outside the garden.

A bus with the head of a dog beautifully dressed with colorful flowers.

Look at this boat plotted with flowers in circular shape.

One of the highlights in  Dubai Miracle Garden that anyone wish to see is this gigantic replica of A380 Emirates Airplane crafted with varieties of flowers.

As they said, woman’s hair is a crowning glory and this layer of flowers on her head is something that  you can easily recognize from afar.

 

It’s nice to see a couple being in love even in a simple metal structure. Agree?

This heart passage is another most-photograph spot in the garden. A ninja-move in me takes place just to capture this solo picture of my nephew.

Good to see a castle inside the garden.

Even the stair are aligned with the garden theme.

Walking for some hours will make our feet tired. Good to spot a swing on the side where we can rest for a while. I tried to sit here also and I must say, I want to do it again and again.

A tree with a branch of flowers…cool!

This is a flower garden so let me take some close up photo of those flowers.

A sea of sunflower that makes our day bright.

Another signature collection inside Dubai Miracle Garden is this enormous clock.

My DXB family from all age group.

Just before sunset and after our 3 hours of exploration, we decided to leave the garden with happy heart.

Even Dubai Miracle Garden will be temporarily close, we can hope that on the next season, new structure, new attraction and new set of flowers will blossom again.

Till next time…

LOST AND FOUND IN TSIM SHA TSUI

As part of my planned itinerary, I know that after our Nan Lian Garden and Wong Tai Sin Temple escapade we have to find a place where we can eat a super late lunch. We were actually looking for authentic Hongkong street food hub but unfortunately we don’t know where is the exact location. For a safer side, we decided to go to Langham Place since it is linked to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit C3).

Langham Place is a commercial shopping centre in Mongkok with more than 200 shops to choose from but our intention here is purely to find something to eat. As we step inside, we were impress to see the creative design that could attract lots of mall-goers/tourist. This mall is known for its 83m long indoor escalator where we never hesitate to give a try. Then, we proceed to food court for our much-awaited mid-lunch break.

Langham Place

While we were in Langham Place, we are discussing if we will proceed directly to airport or take an MTR to Central Station as per listed in our itinerary or pulled off some time to explore the area around Tsim Sha Tsui Station. Of course, we choose the latter. This is something that I never research so I’m bit afraid of the possible outcome. Without any plan on mind, we get out of the mall and casually walk to the next street.

We thought we were lost in Hongkong but we are assuring each other that as long as we remember the way going back to station then we are still okay. We actually don’t know where we are going and to be honest we’re just following the crowd who’s also walking on the same road.

After a numerous step, we found an egg-shape dome on the other side. Out of curiosity we decided to cross the street and check if we can pay a visit. Well, this is Hongkong Space Museum which is popular to any students/locals/tourists enamored of astronomy and space science.

Hongkong Space Museum

There’s a lot of activities and exhibits inside the Hongkong Space Museum for a minimal fee.

We decided to keep on walking till we notice another possible tourist destination. Lo and behold, it was HongKong Cultural Centre that serves as a major platform for any cultural activities, conventions, theater production, etc. This place is also near to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (exit E) or East TsimSha Tsui Station (Exit L6 or J). What caught our attention is the painting on this cement ladder that invites us to check the other side.

Behind this ladder is the amazing Victoria Harbour that connect the Hongkong Island to Hongkong mainland. The breeze of air coming from the waterfront help us to relax our distressed feet.

Like other travelers, we sat down on cemented floor while overlooking the high-rise building on the other side.

Victoria Harbour

This giant Ferris Wheel is actually located in Central Waterfront Promenade but it looks so small here in Tsim Sha Tsui viewing deck.

Some activities that you can enjoy here is riding a Star Ferry navigating the harbour vicinity. This is also where you can find the Kowloon public pier.

 

Adjacent to observation deck in the promenade is the magnificent design of piazza which I think is also part of Hongkong Cultural Centre.

Not too far from where we stand is the Hongkong iconic clock tower.

I’m sure there’s still a lot of things we could discover if we have more free time on this area but we need to travel back to airport for our schedule departure. This is us on the busy road in Tsim Sha Tsui—our feet is aching but our heart is smiling.

Our unplanned stopover to Tsim Sha Tsui teaches us to be flexible on our schedule, be courageous enough to get lost and found again the right path and intrepid to look for a new awesome discovery.

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

My cousin suggested to visit a temple during our short layover in Hongkong. Since I’m the one who’s making an itinerary, I have to find a temple which is nearest to metro train. To my surprise, Wong Tai Sin Temple is walking distance from Wong Tai Sin Station and even one station close to Nan Lian Garden which is on top of our must-visit place in our Hongkong stopover.

Unlike Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin temple is more crowded maybe because 1. its a place of worship for locals 2. accessibility to tourists by using public transportation. I’m not sure if there’s an important event during our visit as people flooded in/out of the temple. Whatever it is, we’re happy to explore and able to personally see the Wong Tai Sin Temple amidst it’s busyness.

Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Master Wong Cho Ping. Though it was primarily a Taoist temple, it also has a Buddhist and Confucian worshipping halls. Based on the history found online, the architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is based on Five elements-metal, wood, water, fire and earth. These elements are much recognized through its structured hall, shrines and other important in-house features surrounding the temple.

The enormous Supreme Paradise Pai-Fong (Maingate) welcome our arrival.

 

The 2.6m tall Wang Ling-guan Shrine glorify the Taoist God of gate-keeping is the first of many interesting features found inside.

Wang Ling-guan Shrine

A bit of trek for more sightseeing.

It has been said that the main purpose of Bell and Drum Tower in Jinhua Heritage Pai-fong is to protect the worshiping platforms and Main Altar.

Jinhua Heritage Pai-fong

Wong Tai Sin Temple’s popularity rise up because of numerous worshipper’s answered prayers after they offer their petition. It is so obvious on how people lined up to worship and pray at the Main Altar.

 

We were amazed to see a gigantic bronze statues of Twelve Animals of the Year. They are dressed in various ethnic costumes to demonstrates the different characters of the animals.

 

 

The Archives Hall represents the wood element. This is the place where the administrative work of those officials are done on daily basis.

Archives Hall

The Yue Heung Shrine are painted in red that represent ‘fire’ in Five elements and it worships the Buddha of Lighting the Lamp.

 

Yue Heung Shrine

The Yuk Yik Fountain represents ‘water’ element comprised of seven lotuses.

Yuk Yik Fountain

This the moon gate entrance to Good Wish Garden. It is a chinese-inspired garden mirroring a miniature replica of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Right after the entrance is the Statue of sheep which is made from white jade.

 

The bridge that linked from main entrance leading to different pagoda and pavilion.

I appreciate how they connect the temple to a sanctuary. In this way, devotee/tourist has another platform for self-evaluation while being close to nature.

We stayed here for some minutes to take rest and planned for our next route.

 

 

To be honest, Wong Tai Sin Temple is such a great discovery for me. I never thought that a simple suggestion from my cousin would lead me to explore more temple in the future. Way back to my old travel history local/abroad, I was hoping to visit a new church but this time, I can also include temple on  my list especially if I know the country/place I will visit has a number of temples as part of their historical landmark.

How to get there: Head to Wong Tai Sin Station (Exit B2)

Admission: Free

NAN LIAN GARDEN AND CHI LIN NUNNERY

Even before planning our short Hongkong trip, I already have Nan Lian Garden on my list after I saw an instagram post from a Philippine actress when she visited the place with her family. I told myself that if ever I have an opportunity to be in Hongkong I will pay a visit to the same place because I’m a nature-lover too. Whenever I make plan for short layover, I’ll make sure that every place we visited is 1. near to MTR and 2. no admission fee/or only minimal fee. Luckily, this place aligns within our desired purpose.

Coming from the airport, we travel directly to Nan Lian Garden as this is the farthest on our list. Exiting from Diamond Hill Station (C2), you will pass by Plaza Hollywood first before you reach the road leading to Nan Lian Garden. It’s a short walking distance only and lots of sign on the street so no need to worry of getting lost.

Nan Lian Garden is a free public park built in modern times with a classical touch of Tang Dynasty to promote Chinese culture in today’s era. When we saw the good landscaped inside all our exhaustion from long hours of flight suddenly vanish in an instant. The place is picturesque of perfect serenity and peacefulness in the middle of the city.

 

The heat of the sun is at its peak when we start our stroll in the park. Thanks to its greenery lush trees that help us to feel at ease despite of uncontrollable sweat of excitement.

One of the main attraction inside the garden is the Pavillion of Absolute Perfection connected by two Zi Wu bridges. The mini-gate serves as barrier because they are not allowing any tourist to walk inside the pagoda.

 

A closer look on its perfection.

There is a Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery that houses some of important mini-wooden archetype related to chinese regime.

 

The copious trees surrounding the garden gives any visitors an intimate session of relaxation.

As you can see on my captured photo below, there is always a better way of introducing a green park amidst metropolitan neighborhood.

While following a one-way route, we ambled on Xiang Hai Xuan means a house embracing a sea of fragrance hedge with a courtyard of lawn grass.

Our simple way of taking rest under a Tang architectural-inspired roof.

Continuing our journey with Lunar Reflection Terrace and Pagoda Tree Pavillion where we lounge a bit of fresh air overlooking the ponds with Koi and scenic view.

Another interesting feature of Nan Lian Garden is the gigantic rocks and artificial clouds formation that will left you in awe by merely staring on it.

Adjacent to Nan Lian Garden is another tourist spot in Hongkong- Chi Lin Nunnery. It is also inspired by Tang Dynasty and known for being large Buddhist monastic complex.

This is the Shanmen (first door) welcoming us in the first courtyard.

The Main Hall homes for 5 gilded Buddhas.

The Lotus Pond inside Chi Lin Nunnery.

One thing that I admired about this place is how they squeeze a historical tourist spot with a high-rise building as backdrop.

Another splendid Temple Hall where you may notice a meticulous wooden decoration visible on its facade. Would you believe that all buildings constructed inside the Chi Lin Nunnery didn’t use any nails. So impressive yet it’s true.

This is the Hall of Celestial Kings where you can find the statues of Buddha on every corner. We’re so grateful to visit this place without too many people around. We have all the time to observe the stillness of this religious shrine.

On our way back to Diamond Hill Station, we take a short stop to Plaza Hollywood to check what’s inside and a simple photo-op.

In case you will visit Hongkong soon, all this place are situated in single destination. It’s like hitting three birds in one stone. If you want to escape from the normal busyness of the city, then Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery and Plaza Hollywood is a perfect place to find tranquility.