A Very Bright Christmas at Meralco Liwanag Park

We're very fortunate that the Philippines has the longest Christmas season.  That's right!  Christmas isn't over until the "The Three Kings" on January 7, 2012.  So last night, we took the opportunity to brighten our Christmas by visiting Christmas attractions.  Our family first intended to visit the Symphony of the Lights at the Ayala Triangle (see separate entry).  But due to the road closures in the area and the long car lane, we decided to just watch the Symphony of the Lights from afar and head on over to Meralco Liwanag Park.

Despite the long car lane upon our arrival at around 7 p.m., there was a lot of parking at Meralco Liwanag park.  You just have to show a valid ID at the gate and you can easily enter for FREE.  There were litted nipa houses, church and more!

There were a lot of families taking their photos and kids playing around though so it was difficult to get a picture.  It takes patience to wait for your turn.

Long Train Line

There was a very long line for the train ride so we didn't bother lining up to try.  The lighted train goes on around the beautiful Christmas tree.

Surrounding the train are colored houses made of wood.  The house are lighted by a few lights.

There was also a lighted shuttle that will take you to the gigantic lighted robot but the line was so long and we were already eager for dinner so we decided to skip it.

Symphony of Lights at Ayala Triangle

After passing by Tsoko Nut Batirol at RCBC Plaza for some coffee and take home pastries, we decided to walk to the Ayala Triangle to witness the Symphony of Lights we've been hearing about.

When we reached Ayala Triangle at around 8:00 p.m., we saw a big crowd of all ages from groups of employees to families have gathered to watch the Symphony of Lights.  At first everything was dark and soon, music began to play as the trees lit up with different colors.  The colors changed as each note of the symphony was played.

The Symphony of the lights was very creative and entertaining.   It was so crowded though that it was difficult to find a good spot to have a good photo.  The Symphony of the lights shows every 30 minutes or so and last for around 10 minutes.  We noticed that the crowd doesn't disperse until the end of the last show.

 

There was also a large belen which was simple and nice.

Makati City is so bright during Christmas with its beautiful decors.  It's nice to just take a stroll to see these and feel the Christmas spirit.

How about you?  Have you been there yet?  Later, there will be a parade.

Planners for Year 2012

Every year, I always had to decide on which planner to use.  Here are some of the planners that I had my hands on.

1. Moments Day Planner 2012 by Paulo Coelho

The Moment Planner 2012 is very simple.  There is not much features in it other than being a planner.  It is very suitable for Paulo Coehlo fans such as myself because  there is a quote on every other page.  The pages are also very smooth like an expensive book.

2.  Starbucks Planner 2012

The Starbucks Planner 2012 is better than last year.  It is smaller and lighter.  The pouch looks vintage yet stylish too.  The best part of it is that its 75% recycled.

3. The Last Planner You'll Ever Have 2012

The Last Planner You'll Ever Have 2012 is a unique custom made planner sold online.  Unlike other planners, this has pages of humor adapting its theme.

After much consideration, I decided to stick with my Jorte Calendar Android Application in my Galaxy Tab instead.  It's doesn't require a pen and it alerts me of my day-to-day tasks.

How about you?  What's your planner?

A Night of Fun and Amazement at Uncle Sam's Flying Circus

Last night, my sister and I were fortunate enough to watch Uncle Sam's Flying Circus at SMX Convention Center (Halls 1 and 2) compliments of a co-blogger and friend, Ms. Iris Mejia of PinayAds.com.

Our show was supposed to start at 7:00 p.m. but luckily, when we arrived, the show hasn't started.  We quickly searched for snacks.  There were a lot of stalls around but the popcorn had the longest line.  I was the last one to purchase a medium cheese popcorn (80 php) before the lights went off and the show went on.

 

Musical performance tribute to Britney Spears with Aerial Silk Dancers

The show opened with a loud and lively Britney Spears performance with awesome aerial silk dancers.  We were amazed at how dancing in fabric could be so beautiful, graceful and stunning.

The drummer from Hawaii was pretty good with his beats.  The show wouldn't have been that lively without his percussion.

Jugglers

Jugglers with glow in the dark rings

What's a circus without amazing jugglers.  These daring duo were able to display balance and skills by forming different stunts while juggling at the same time.  What I liked about the juggling performance is that they added a twist by juggling with rings and pins with fire in the dark too.

Acrodancers

Acrodancers with chair balancing

My favorite act for the night was with the Acrodancers.  The pair was so graceful while attaining gravity-defying balance.  They surprised the crowd with their almost humanly impossible formations such as lifting his partner on a hand stand while hanging on a chair.

Contortionist

Contortionist

The contortionist or the human pretzel had astounding flexibility in grace as he whirled and balanced around a stick.  This was followed by another great acrobat and a hooping act.   We enjoy the group of acrobats where the boy was being whirled in the air using only legs as well.  One of the greatest act of the night was when the boy was able to climb atop a barrel.

Double Russian Swing Act

Double Russian Swing Act

During the short intermission, we watched as kids scrambled to buy the glowing light sabers (500 php) as we bought more drinks and frosty from Wendy's.  The show resumed with the Double Russian Swing Act.    The crowd watch in excitement as a group of men swinged higher and higher.  Soon, they flew high in the air and dived through the round orange hoops.

There was another Aerial Silk performance but this time, it was with in-air tumbles.  There was a hilarious clown who played with both kids and adult audiences.  As expected, there was a tumbling performance.  We also met the strongest man in the world. =D

Pole Climbing Acrobats

Pole Climbing Acrobats

The show became even more thrilling as pole climbing acrobats showcased their talent.  They were able to flawlessly perform they stunts in synchronization and balance.

Lady Gaga performance with Corde Lisse Performers

Corde Lisse

The show ended with a bang as a tribute to Lady Gaga was performed with Corde Lisse stunts.  The kids waved their glowing light sabers into the air to cheer.

Our Seat Location E11 and E12

Overall, the show was awesome!  This is a must watch for kids and kids-at-heart.  This is a good opportunity to spend a night of fun and amazement with  the entire family.  But, if ever you'd watch a show as great as Uncle Sam's Flying Circus, I'd advise you get a better seating than we did.  We were located at the almost left most part of the audience and the view was not so good there.  Get your tickets and choose the best seats (in the middle) at http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/ before its too late.