I took these photos during the heavy snow that blanketed the whole UK and the rest of Europe. I really love to see the white stuff falling from the sky. Photos below were taken at the Birmingham City University campus in Edgbaston.

Northfield High Street Birmingham City University my garden covered with snow ROH

Today is the feast of Senyor Santo Nino de Cebu. It turns 30 years today, meaning the Sinulog Festival had begun in 1980. HE is my number idol as I used to go to the Basilica when I was still studying in Cebu.

It has come down in history as the enduring native expression of prayer bridging the pagan years and Christian era today. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator came to Cebu on April 7,1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos.

Then Magellan came, introduced Christianity and converted 800 natives in the island along with its rulers. He gave the Santo Niño (image of the Child Jesus ) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon (Cebu’s chieftain), who was later named Queen Juana. Shortly after the conversion, Magellan fought the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapu-lapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter dating April 27, 1521.

The remnants of Magellan's men however were able to return to Spain to report the incident and the possibility of conquest. It took 44 years before a new group came and started the formal Christianization of the islands. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu on April 28, 1565. They bombarded the village and in one of the burning huts, one of his soldiers named Juan Camus found the image of the Santo Niño in a wooden box lying side by side with the native idols.Historians say that in between years of the coming of Magellan and Legaspi, the natives continued to dance the Sinulog.

Heavy overnight snow has caused widespread disruption across much of eastern England and the Midlands. Road and rail services have been badly affected, there has been disruption to flights and all schools are closed. But unluckily, not my placement duty. How I wish....

As many people considered the snow blizzard as a disaster, but for me, it is joy. I really love it and will never say sorry to it. Children were playing sledge and so many snowmen being erected everywhere.

It was the heaviest snowfall in 18 years and the coldest winter for 100 years. Weather forecast still predicting that more snow to come over the next few days until the end of this month.

Others are suffering long delays and cancellations too. Several docks to the west have become iced up. And thousands are without piped water in Wales due to the frozen pipes. Hundreds of schools have been closed across the country and children at least are enjoying conditions.

The British like to complain that other countries handle the snow better than they do which is true. And we started to get panic even for the mildest snow.

That the merest sugaring of snowflakes brings normal life to a standstill amidst transport chaos. So why does it happen? Well truly icy conditions here are rare indeed. So why make a massive investment to combat extreme weather conditions that may not be replayed for another 18 years?

At an individual level the costs of being prepared like some Alpine countries would be high too. The British, for instance, are not required to have winter tyres fitted to cars at the start of the season, nor do they routinely carry snow chains.

On the other hand the Brits do like to complain, and secretly they also like being told... sorry you can't get to work.

But I do like snow. I'm like a child if this happened. Playing all the time and building snowman.

Photos below:
taken in the Selly Oak centre, very slippery roads
Church of England in Edsbaston
very beautiful scenery
and i love this one as well

2009 will bid goodbye today and on this New Year's Eve, we are very much excited to receive the year of the tiger, 2010.

Since 2003, London has celebrated New Year's Eve along the banks of the Thames. Following the chimes of Big Ben at midnight, a spectacular ten-minute fireworks display is fired from the London Eye, organised by the Mayor of London and renowned pyrotechnician Christophe Berthonneau.

If you are planning to see the fireworks or celebrate New Year’s Eve in central London, remember it’s one of the busiest nights of the year, with large crowds in the centre of town.

The fireworks display viewing areas have a limited capacity of 180,000 people and many bars, restaurants and clubs will be ticketed and require advance booking so we recommend that you plan your night ahead. However, you can also view the fireworks live on BBC One and if fireworks are not your thing, there is something for everyone this New Year’s Eve, with more traditional festive activities. Visit London has a comprehensive list of other events on http://www.visitlondon.com/.

Related Links below:

Joro Livelihood
Joro, The New Beginning
Absolutely Joro
The World Of Joro
The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad
Baconchezjoro Multiply

Related Links below:
Joro Livelihood
Joro, The New Beginning
Absolutely Joro
The World Of Joro
The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad
Baconchezjoro Multiply

As I browsed the internet, I found this very intriguing and a sad story of a man called by villagers as treeman. Dede Koswara first shot to worldwide attention in late 2007, when pictures first circulated of him suffering from a mysterious condition that meant large areas of his body were covered with bark-like growths.
At the time, medical experts were unable to diagnose his condition. But eventually US medic Dr Anthony Gaspari solved the puzzle - a rare genetic problem affecting Dede's immune system means he has been unable to fight a Human Papilloma Virus infection, causing his body to produce the tree-like warts.
The diagnosis meant Dede was able to start treatment for the condition, meaning the growths have been significantly reduced, improving his quality of life and enabling him to better take care of himself.

This is a unique christmas tree which is erected underwater instead of the usual tradition. Christmas is not just for humans but for the marine habitat as well. And you know where is this from?

In the Philippines' Manila Ocean Park. The tree is decorated with starfishes, corals and seaweeds. What a creation. I really salute to this marvelous idea.

My birthday is over and finally, I found the time to publish my memorable day. How I wish that everyday is my birthday...heheheh. Not only my birthday but a joint birthday celebration for my kids like Bacon, Chez, Joro, Sweetie, Sikyu, Pinky, Bulilit, Panda and Booh.

I had so many guests all from our Filipino community together with their families. My house was rampaged with children screaming, running and playing. The food was courtesy of Orly's catering. It was my first time to have my party to be catered. The price is reasonable and no hassle anyway.

I confessed that my next party will be held in hall because my house is so small to accomodate all my guests and besides, I'm doing the preparation alone.