Paris on my mind

November 2015
"We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." - William Gladstone

I took this picture of the Eiffel Tower exactly a year ago in November. It was beautiful time of the year to be in Paris. I am thinking of our dear friends there now and praying for all of you...

October

Flying over Samoëns, France

Faith

When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen: There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or, you will be taught how to fly.

-Patrick Overton

My empty nest

The greatest gift you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.

-Nishan Panwar

We decided to choose a hike along the Lands End Trail. It was only a couple of weeks before Fall semester started and I thought some quiet time together would be nice before he left. We talked about everything and nothing... Then I let him walk ahead of me and captured this shot. I could feel the lump in my throat as I watched him trudge along the path. I believe no parent is ever quite ready when their children go. For there is nothing more precious to a mother than her children. 

Your easy spectator's guide to The Open Championship

It's September! Where did the time go?  It's been months since my last post.  I have been traveling quite a bit and enjoying every minute of it. So no complaints here.

Sharing with you my article on the 2015 British Open.  Find in the September issue of Impact Golf & Lifestyle magazine.  Available in your favorite newstand and bookstores in Metro Manila.

Kuuuuuuuuuch.....

It's day two of the The Open Championship. I sat on the grandstand of the 17th hole today at St. Andrews.  Matt Kuchar (-3), Phil Mickelson (-3) and Henrik Stenson (-2) were approaching.  Matt ended in the bunker and blasted it out near the grandstand to end up with triple bogey.  It was too painful to watch.  Even Tom Watson said that in all the years he had played St. Andrews, it was the first time he played with the pin placement on hole 17th being where it was. Matt Kuchar is one of the nicest tour players and I have been rooting for him.  He ended the round with even par.  The projected cut is +1 and I am hoping Matt is in and able to bounce back this weekend.

Tom Watson our Hats Off to you!

After 40 years and five victories at The Open we take our hats off to Tom Watson who will play his last open Championship this year.  We were fortunate and blessed to be in an exclusive gathering to honor Tom Watson at The 2015 Open Championship in St. Andrews (Thank you very much to Ogie Alcasid​ and Master card).  The last time I watched the Open Championship was at the Royal St George's where I saw Tom Watson make a hole in one in 2010. It was such a treat to hear Tom share his most memorable experiences at The Open.  When asked what would be his dream 4-some - he said that it actually would be a 5-some.  Tom would have wanted to play with his father, his brother and son and his mentor Stan Thirsk who passed away last month.  With his eyes teary he bid all of us a farewell.  It may be your last appearance at The Open Tom, but you will always be remembered. Our Hats off to you!

Getting Tom Watson's autograph at The Open Championship 2015

Watch Mastercard's tribute to Tom Watson here:

http://www.priceless.com/golf/

"I'm not done yet" - Tiger Woods

"I'm not 40 yet. I know some of you guys think I'm buried. But I'm still here in front of you. I'm not done yet." Tiger Woods - at the Press Conference in The Open Championship144th.

We watched tiger at the range practice his long game and then at the pitch and putt area to hone his short game. Then we followed him as he began his round with Matt Kuchar. Some say it's over for Tiger Woods, others say he can still win another major. One thing for sure is when you watch him up close you know that he still has that passion, that desire, that competitive drive to win.

The 144th Open Championship & Jordan Spieth

You have to hand it to Jordan Spieth. After winning the John Deere Classic in Illinois late Sunday night he immediately flies off to St Andrews to do a practice round for The Open Championship. Now that's dedication. We were lucky to watch him tee off after lunch today. The sun doesn't set until around 10:30 here in Scotland which gave him more than enough time to practice and finish his round.

I am back at the Open Championship!

The last time I saw Darren Clarke was when he won the Open Championship at the Royal St Georges in Sandwich Kent, England. Here he is at the 144th Open Championship in St. Andrews after his practice round. He looks much more fit and lost so much weight.

July

What is so marvelous about living today is that it is possible to extend, like a flower, spreading petals in all directions. 

Carolyn Kizer

This is for you mom. You would have been 85 years old this month. You are God's gardener in heaven and we miss you so.

When women golf...

When over a hundred women gather and golf, well they don't just golf. They dance the night away! It was an awesome fun filled week in Davao for women golfers from all over the country that participated in the 2015 Luzvimin golf invitational held at Palos Verdes golf & country club.

Golfers dancing the night away

Forest Hills ladies Team

Villamor ladies in best costume

With the Borja family of Davao

Ladies showing of their Beads from Davao

Fore! 

June

And just like that it's June.  Half the year has gone by.  Where did it go so fast?
A friend reminded me the other day that "Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever be."  If that's the case, then I want to make sure that I make each day count and live each day with gratitude....


"What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that his grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God."

Rick Warren

Carmona flysite, Philippines

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat any time.
Herman Hesse

Yesterday, just as the sun went down, the sky turned into a lovely orange. Soft rather than fiery. The winds calmed down enough for one last flight of the day. I am always fascinated by this gradual changing of colors in the sky and how the surrounding mountains seem to glow.

April 2015

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, France

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. — Ralph H. Blum

More wine please...

Beaune in France is a walled city on a plain by the hills of the Cote d'Or. It is the wine capital of Burgundy. I have always wanted to visit this region because it has quite an offering of gourmet food .... and of course the wine!

What are you grateful for today?

Every morning I wake up with an overwhelming gratitude of being alive and well. I never want to take that for granted. 

My favorite time of the day to shoot is right after sunset. There is this magical light that happens. A golden glow in the sky. In whatever part of the world I have ever been it is always the same. This marvelous light. I saw it again tonight. My son Christian and I trekked Land's ends trail and then stopped at the Sutro Baths near the Cliff House where i set up for this photograph. He puts up with me when I take my time and shoot. Patiently waiting while I take forever putting my filters together and taking picture after picture hoping to have that one photograph that would capture “that” moment.
And I am grateful that he is there with me. That I am able to imortalize this moment in a photograph. With him by my side.

 

February

February 2015

“Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:

- I shall not fear anyone on Earth. 
- I shall fear only God. 
- I shall not bear ill will toward anyone.
- I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.
- I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”
- Mahatma Gandhi
Canon 5d Mark III, Canon 70-300mm f4

Candaba Bird watching

I have always wanted to visit the wetlands of Candaba in Pampanga which is famous for migratory birds from the months of November to February. So when my bestie asked if I wanted to tag along with her to take pictures while she covered a feature story on migratory birds I immediately jumped at the opportunity.  We met up at 4:30 am at the North Luzon expressway and from there it took us about an hour or so to reach this delightful bird sanctuary. The sun was just beginning to rise and the majestic Mt. Arayat from afar made a wonderful backdrop to the Candaba swamplands. There were Herons and countless Philippine mallard or wild ducks everywhere. There were many other sightings of rare and beautiful birds. One had to be careful not to disturb their habitat and we were advised not to wear bright colored clothing. The birding enthusiasts in our group brought “mega” lenses that I would only see at the Olympic coverages. My 300mm camera lens was not enough to get up close and personal with the birds. But I managed to capture a few shots. These migratory birds stay until February so If you want to visit Candaba you still have a few weeks to do so. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!