When in Hong Kong

I was so blessed to have experienced my first international trip to Hong Kong. Actually, it never occurred in my mind that I'll be having this opportunity (thanks to my hubby). It was supposed to be a surprise gift for our wedding anniversary but it happened earlier. One day, he told me to pack my things for a long trip to Bicol. He suggested to bring winter clothes or something to keep me warm because it was raining there and very cold that time and that we're taking a plane going there.

In my surprise as I saw my boarding pass, it says that we were heading to Hong Kong. I looked at my husband and smile at him saying "Thank you", I was surprised! That was not the first time he surprised me but that was the most memorable and expensive one (so far ^_^). Maybe for other people, this is just Hong Kong (Yeah! I know right!). But for me, this is special and I will be experiencing my first international trip with my hubby.

It was a 3 Days and 2 Nights trip so our itinerary was a bit tight and hectic. We arrived at Hong Kong International Airport late at night. The weather was so cold and reported that it was the lowest temperature in the history of Hong Kong. And because this was a surprise trip for me, my husband did the itinerary and everything else which I enjoyed a lot. Our guest house was so nice and comfy. The host was very accommodating and responsive to our needs.

We were staying at Tsim Sha Tsui area were everything was accessible. Our place was near the Bus and Train station just across the street only. There were 24/7 Stores for some necessities and food. My husband was well prepared for the trip and everything was going smoothly and perfect. We went to a lot of places, transferring from one to another. Good thing that we never get lost.

First, we went to The Victoria Peak, a mountain in the western half of Hong Kong Island. It is also known as Mount Austin, and locally as The Peak. With an elevation of 552 m (1,811 ft), it is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island. We arrived their earlier and thankfully we were allowed to roam around even it was not yet open. We rode the Peak Tram were you can see the city on the right side. The Peak is a major tourist attraction of Hong Kong.

It offers spectacular views of the city and its waterfront. The viewing deck also has coin-operated telescopes that the visitors can use to enjoy the cityscape. The number of visitors led to the construction of two major leisure and shopping centres, the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, situated adjacent to each other. If you are a fan of some famous celebrities either Hollywood or Korean Oppas, you can visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Wax Museum which is located also at The Peak.

We left The Peak at around 11:30am and went to our next itinerary which was my favorite, the Hong Kong Disneyland. We rode a train from Victoria Peak to Disneyland. My experience in a train was awesome. It was fast and it only took us 30-45 minutes to go there with underground and some part of the city view. Disneyland Hong Kong has its own Train waiting at the Station. I have some photos of it.

As I got there, my eyes grew big and I had a big WOW. I got teary eyed. My husband did not notice it. But I was so happy and overwhelmed. My dream came to reality. Before I started to roam around, we ate at their restaurant.

We had a free meal that comes with our Disney ticket. Even in their food I found Mickey and got a picture of it. After our lunch, we started our adventures with Mickey. We had a map with us found at the entrance. It helped us a lot not to get lost at the Park. I never let the chance to slip to have a photo with Mickey. We rode some of their rides but my favorite was their The Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. It was so amazing. At first I got scared at how it looks but at the end I enjoyed the ride. A roller coaster with a lot of tricks. It was super fun.

After the Disneyland Adventure, we went to Mong Kok for the shopping. It is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District, on the western part of Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong. Mong Kok is one of the major shopping areas in Hong Kong. The area is characterized by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, with shops and restaurants at street level, and commercial or residential units above. Major industries in Mong Kok are retail, restaurants (including fast food) and entertainment. It has been described and portrayed in films as an area in which triads run bars, nightclubs, and massage parlors. Mong Kok was described as the busiest district in the world by the Guinness. We spent couple of hours there roaming around and buying stuffs. It was fun, really fun.

We went home at around 1am already and grabbed our dinner before going back to our Guest House. We had a good night sleep and woke up at 8am. Ooppppssss.. Our flight was at 10:55am and it was super late already. We race up packing up our things, took a bus, and luckily, able to arrive at the Airport just about 10mins before the plane leaves. Weeeewwwww...

Till our next trip! :) Better watch out for those Cheap Promo Fares of the Airline Companies.

1 John 3:20

Every time I feel lonely and discouraged, I always look up to this Bible Verse. It gives me strength to start a new day and it always reminds me that I am God's daughter and his unique, beautiful creation.

No one knows what is in our heart even our love ones, but Jesus does. Sometimes, we, His people depend on ourselves too much that we tend to forget that we cannot have everything we desire. That we cannot do everything without Him in our lives. We also chase this World too much and all the material things it offers to be satisfied. Longing alone for what this World can give us.

There are times we even forget how to give thanks to the simplest things God provides us. Like, thanking him for the air we breathe, food we eat, clothes we wear, a job that sustains our daily needs and even for the Life we have here on earth. We always think first about what may satisfies us but forget to praise God for His glory. Me, myself was guilty in that sense.

If at times we feel this way, just put your right hand on your left chest. Feel the beat of your heart and thank God for everything. Let us cross check ourselves if we are still doing the right thing.

Jesus is everywhere, waiting for us to Seek him, give him Praise and to Thank Him. Praise be to God.

The Church in Magdalena, Laguna Philippines

When I was invited to attend my cousin's wedding at Magdalena Laguna, this beautiful church caught my attention. It was so old but strongly built. I did not let the chance to capture a shot with it slide away. Magdalena Laguna is approximately 80 km from Metro Manila which resides at the Southern part of the island. You can go there by driving a Car or riding a public bus for about 2 - 3 hours depending on the Traffic (Much better to leave Metro Manila early in the morning to avoid the rush).

The Santa Maria Magdalena Parish Church (also Saint Mary Magdalene Parish Church) is a Roman Catholic church in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines under the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo. The current parish priest is Father Andres P. Olaso, Jr.[1]

History

Magdalena was formerly known as Ambling, a barrio of Majayjay until it was elevated as a towin in 1821.[2][3] The first church, made of cogon and wood was constructed in 1820 and was dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Father Antonio Moreno, OFM was appointed at its first parish priest in 1821.[3] A permission to build a stone church was ordered by Captain Pablo de la Concepción in 1829.[2] To obtain funds for the church, the people were forced to pay taxes and quarry sand and stones from the river. The construction of the church building was halted in 1839, continued in 1849 and finished in 1855 under the direction of Father Maximo Rico, Father Jose Cuesta, Father Joaquin de Coria and Father Francisco de Paula Gonzalez.[2][4] Construction of the belltower was finished in 1861.[2]

In its convent, Filipino revolutionary leader General Emilio Jacinto sought refuge and his blood stains could be found.[5][6]

Architecture 

The Baroque church is elevated by a flight of steps facing a plaza.[2] It is mainly made out of sandstone.[7] To its left is a four story octagonal belltower with a square base.[2]

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