Castle Rumble

There’s a unique castle seemingly hidden somewhere in Brisbane, Australia and it appears to be a mini facade of the castle in Beauty and the Beast. Castle Rumble is constructed with a medieval theme by Mr. Brian Rumble. This castle is located in 54 Gardiner Road, Waterford, Queensland… you may need to keep a lookout of the signage though.

And you know the things you usually see in the movies set in the medieval times? Well, it’s more or less complete, from different kinds of swords, chalices, and shields to gargoyles guarding the property and a number of eerie things which may spook you a little bit. It’s actually quite nice and eerie at the same time to have experienced this kind of attraction. So, if you’re near the area, you just got to visit the castle. They (Mr. Rumble’s son, Daniel, his partner, and daughter, who live there) accommodate visitors during Sundays, 2pm – 5pm to give a quick tour of the house. Visitors only has access to the first floor though. Entry is free but donations are appreciated.

And, oh yeah, by the way, this castle’s up for sale, just in case someone’s interested and keep it as a tourist attraction as that would be The Rumble’s wish for the would-be owners.

The Store of Requirement

Hey, hey, hey, Harry Potter fanatics! Ever wish that Hogwarts would come alive and you could meet all the characters? Well, there’s a week-old Store of Requirement located in Samford Village, Queensland, Australia where you could do just that… sort of. =) This Harry Potter Shop provides an assortment of collectibles from key chains to house robes.

 

It’s a sort of Diagon Alley, The Room of Requirement, Potions and Defense against the Dark Arts classes, sleeping quarters, and Quidditch field all rolled into one. HP fans will certainly go gaga over this shop.

 

And, oh yeah, don’t forget to look up to see the floating candles, Harry’s Firebolt, and a floating wizard’s hat…

…look down to see the invitation letters for Hogwarts…

 

…and try on the Sorting Hat.

 

I think even though you’re not really an HP fan, you still could enjoy your time here. Surprises await you in every corner. Within the area, you could also see several other stores, a museum and a park where you could also enjoy a bit of nature. I hope you get to enjoy your visit there as much as I did.

The International Doll House

This doll house is located in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. When I heard that there’s a doll house located in the area, I was a bit hesitant to check it since I’m afraid of them… well, porcelain dolls to be specific; they seem to creep me out. But curiosity got me and well we travelled this far, so whatever. I was already planning my escape route in case they come alive (big laugh there, HAHA!) and reasoned to myself that they probably won’t in broad daylight.

We arrived there a bit too early but the owners were kind enough to let us in and give an early tour. We had to climb 275 steps (a great place for exercise) to reach the little pink house.

We arrived there around 9am but they allowed us to go in already to have an early tour

Go, Mama! =)

Well, yah. That’s how we all felt upon reaching the top of the stairs =D

And indeed, it’s almost full of all sorts of dolls. The owner’s brother, Sir Arnold, said that they were all auctioned dolls that his sister, Mrs. Ruelaine William, got from abroad. There were a lot of cute dolls (they still had dolls in their storage room which were still waiting to be displayed since the place couldn’t accommodate them anymore), teddy bears, clowns, barbies, a small number of cars and silverware collection. The fees (P20 for adults; P15 for youth; kids are for free!) are donated to around 20 orphanages and special kids in Bislig.

Here are a few photos of the place:

I love this!

Disney Princesses

Babushka

Look at those chubby cheeks!

Ms. Barbie Universe

Hello Philippines, Mabuhay!

 

The Ocean View Park Restaurant

This is located just beside the doll house. Their resident chef and also the husband of Mrs. Ruelaine William, Mr. Werner, prepares delicious meals. It’s also quite affordable, too, and good for sharing.

 

 

I hope you will enjoy your visit there! Ta ta!

Happy Graduation!

I’m actually going to miss the times where I frantically get my camera, phone or look through my past online albums to make my photography assignments. I had a blog in the past that I always failed to update and entirely forgot all about it entirely. Now, thanks to the encouragement of a couple of friends, Julie and Aki, I was able to create a new one. I really had fun in this class and I would definitely look out for classes similar to these to help me update my online write-ups.

So for now, ta-ta everyone!

-Culmination photography-

Two, too

Two of everything. I like how the colors of the guitars are in contrast with the 2 shades of blue at the background. Making up a story for these two, it might be that they are waiting for  two people to strum their strings or have been resting from a whole night’s concert.

Two is cool. Here are the others:

-day 19 photography-

Lights, camera, action!

The cheerdance competition was a fun event during our sports fest culmination night. It was full of excitement, the dancers were in full swing, and everybody was anticipating the routines of the participants.

I especially love those moments when the cheerdancers were doing somersaults and I caught some of them mid-jump.

 

-day 13 photography-

#lightandsweet

I love having membership cards because I’m always excited of the freebies I can avail with the points I accumulate. And I am always surprised of the “free somethings” they give me.

Being a Swirl Rewards Card holder in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for about half a year now entitled me of their 2016 planner (which comes in 4 color: tan, mustard, purple, sky blue), tumbler and mug (which I actually didn’t expect to get last Christmas), and a free drink (yey!).

CBTL’s latest concoction, Vanilla Almond Ice Blended, was given to me free, as mentioned as one of the perks having that rewards card, since today, January 17, 2016, is their open house to promote it. So for this Swirl Card holders out there, hurry!It’s only for today until 11:30am (you only have a couple more minutes to avail it). Its one of their sweetest blend ever.

-Vanilla Almond Ice Blended-
Creamy vanilla and almond blended
with premium espresso and
topped  with whipped cream and
decadent almond sauce.

Mmmm… Yum!
Thank you CBTL, SM Lanang! 🙂

#lightandsweet
#cbtlph
#giveflavorfully

Begin anew

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s been, well, a really, really long time since I started a blog. I was either too busy or too lazy to continue writing from when I was in college (or I was both, actually. Haha).

Well, on a much more serious note, let us rejoice for the successes and happiness, including the struggles and frustrations we have experienced the past year. Our Lord Jesus Christ have been so faithful to us and have continued to graciously pour out His blessings upon us.

I pray, that for this year, I would have more quiet time to read the Bible and put my trust in the Lord more. May we have more meaningful life this year.

2016 coming our way!
(Credits to The Tim Tebow Foundation for the photo).