Valentine's Day came and went. I'm a chocoholic so I kinda made my wishlist of chocolate shops I'd travel to. Special thanks to forbestravel.com for the tips.

Went to my friend's daughter's first birthday celebration, that was fun. Time really flew. Seems to me that just a few months ago Angeline was this cute baby and now's she's 1. Jeanne and Bob's son Dawson is turning 2 in March. Adorable kids. My niece Inno is turning four months, too. Time seems to pass by so quickly.

Of the many countries around the world Filipinos flock to in search of greener pastures, Dubai was a glittering oasis. Apparently the oasis is turning into a mirage. The woes of Dubai's foreign workers here.

A touching story about a brave firefighter and a baby he saved
forty years after.

David and I were at WenXin Park February 1st. Taichung's Lantern Festival for the Year of the Ox feature Ling Ling and Niu Niu, mascots of the Sinon Bulls baseball team. The park wasn't that crowded yet but already families with young children and adults alike wait their turn to take photos of lanterns shaped like animals, flowers and trees. Even musical instruments.






The Lantern Festival officially started February 2nd. There are gourmet food booths, activity areas for families and street performances. 10,000 Year of the Ox mini lanterns will be given out to visitors, too.

Children will love this. Even the not so young ones will find it interesting as well.




A prosperous and happy new year to all from this side of the world.