ARRIANES 7TH BIRTHDAY(June 30, 2015)

 It was a well day spent Arriane had on her birthday.  In the morning the family went to Santa Monica beach and enjoyed the kiddie rides in their amusement park. We joined them in the afternoon over a dinner at Rainforest Cafe in downtown Disney, Anaheim.  There was a band playing old favorite  songs  outside the cafe, so we stayed for a while and get entertained by their music. Arriane and Bibo dig in and even dance to some of the Elvis Presley songs.

Dinner was good.  The kids had their usual favorite kiddie meals, nuggets for Ian and Arriane and mac and cheese for Bibo.  For us adults, we had pasta, salmon, barbecues and more.  The thrilling part for the celebrant was when her cake was brought to the table.  The cake was molded like a volcano. They used long and thin chocolate chips to get the triangular shape. Inside  was the vanilla ice cream and some icing on it.  We joined the servers in singing the birthday song before Arriane blew  the candles on her cake. 
The rides in the amusement park and the stroll in downtown Disney made the celebrants happy. She only wishes for more presents to make her day.

Rainforest Cafe is a themed restaurant chain owned by Landry's, Inc. of Houston, Texas. It was founded by entrepreneur Steven Schussler. The first location opened in the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota on February 3, 1994.
 Each Rainforest Cafe restaurant is designed to depict some features of a tropical rainforest, including plant growth; mist; waterfalls; and figures of rainforest animals, including elephants, frogs, gorillas, jaguars, tigers, and tropical birds. To enhance this theme, some of the figures are animatronic, manufactured by Russells Creative, LLC of Apopka, Florida.^[7] The star ceilings are designed and manufactured by Fiber Optic Systems Inc, located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.^[8] 
 The Rainforest Cafe in Anaheim has the appearance of ancient jungle ruins. It has waterfalls and simulated plant growth outside of them.

 

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the unincorporated Universal City community of the San Fernando Valley region of the city of Los Angeles, California, United States.




 Universal Studios Inc. (also known as Universal Pictures), is an American film studio, owned by Comcast through its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal,^[1] and is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" film studios. Its production studios are at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California. Distribution and other corporate offices are in New York City. Universal Studios is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Universal was founded in 1912 by the German Carl Laemmle, Mark Dintenfass, Charles O. Baumann, Adam Kessel, Pat Powers, William Swanson, David Horsley, Robert H. Cochrane, and Jules Brulatour. It is the world's fourth oldest major film studio, after the renowned French studios Gaumont Film Company and Pathé, and the Danish Nordisk Film company. Six of Universal Studios' films; Jaws (1975), E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Furious 7 (2015) and Jurassic World (2015) achieved box office records, with the first three (which were directed by Steven Spielberg) all becoming the highest-grossing film at the time of its initial release.

PECHANGA RESORT AND CASINO(TEMECULA)

Pechanga Resort and Casino, nestled in the picturesque Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. Pechanga has received the AAA Four Diamond Award every year since 2002. Stay in first class luxury in one of our beautifully appointed and spacious guest rooms or suites.
The world-class casino is the largest in California and features state-of-the-art slot and video machines, table games, non-smoking poker room and a modern 700 seat bingo facility. The Par 72, 18 hole Journey at Pechanga golf course is one of the state’s top 20 public courses. Spa Pechanga offers a tranquil paradise of exquisite pampering. Pechanga has 10 restaurants and a 24-hour food court, offering a variety of international cuisines, from exceptional fine dining to quick and tasty selections. The Pechanga Theater has become one of Southern California’s premier entertainment venues. On the top floor of the hotel you can enjoy the Eagle’s Nest nightclub. The Comedy Club at Pechanga introduces you to the hottest comedians on the circuit.

BALBOA ISLAND

Balboa Island is an area of Newport Beach, California, actually comprising three modified or artificial islands in Newport Harbor: Balboa Island (33°36′23″N 117°53′40″W), the largest; the smaller Little Balboa Island (33°36′23″N 117°53′16″W) to the east of Balboa Island, joined by a two-lane bridge; and the smallest Collins Isle (33°36′31″N 117°54′1″W) to the northwest of Balboa Island, joined by a one-lane bridge. The Balboa Island community is joined to the mainland by a short two-lane bridge on the northeast of Balboa Island, and a privately operated fleet of three, three-car ferryboats (Balboa Island Ferry) which provide access across the harbor to the Balboa Peninsula which lies to the south.


Relaxed and charming, Balboa Island in Orange County, California has a history rooted in land speculation, transportation and dance halls. In 1899, W.S. Collins, who had made his fortune in Southern California land speculation and transportation, was convinced to purchase 1000 acres of the land around the Newport Bay for development. At that time, Orange County was mostly orange groves and there were no rail lines leading into the area and H.E. Huntington wasn’t interested in building any. Collins bought that land for $50,000, dredged the harbor to create the man-made Balboa Island, connected it to Los Angeles via the Pacific Electric Railroad and within 15 years, property on Balboa Island was worth $5,000,000.
In 1905, the Balboa Pavilion was built and became the focal point of the Balboa Peninsula. It was originally built as a Victorian bath house and terminal for the Pacific Electric Red Car line, but soon was converted into a dance hall and became a destination throughout the southland for dancing and revelry. It was joined in the 20’s by the Rendezvous Ballroom, Southern California’s premier dance hall. All the “big bands” – Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Dorsey Brothers, Harry James, Glenn Miller – played at the Rendezvous throughout the 30’s and 40’s.
The Balboa Pier was built in 1906 as a companion to the Balboa Pavilion. Land speculators wanted to attract lot buyers to undeveloped land on Balboa Island and the Balboa Peninsula, and when the Pacific Electric Railway opened up service to the Island, the pier and Pavilion were built as destinations for visitors. The plan worked and people came from all around Southern California to enjoy the beaches and many purchased lots and built vacation homes.
The pier has become a popular place to fish, and the Harbor is known to be a good spot to catch flounder and mackerel. Also, starfish grow on the pier, feeding on mussels attached to the pilings and can often been seen when the tide is out.
In 1913, the “Illuminated Boat Parade” was started and eventually morphed into the “Christmas Boat Parade”, which continues to this day. Hundreds of crafts bedecked with lights and ornaments participate in the annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade through the Harbor to the delight of thousands of viewers, culminating in a fireworks display over the Balboa Pavilion.
In 1916, Balboa Island was incorporated into the City of Newport Beach, giving the island access to city services.
In 1919, Joe Beek, still a college student at the time, saw the possibilities for Balboa Island. He was granted permission to begin a ferry service between the Balboa Peninsula and the Island. Starting with one ferry – basically a large rowboat with a small motor – Joe began offering crossings for a nickel per person. He didn’t have a regular ferry schedule; instead folks who needed to cross the harbor made an appointment over the telephone. Today, the Beeks family still runs the Balboa Island Ferry. They now have multiple ferries, in continuous service, that carry up to 3 cars, as well as passengers.
In 1936, the Balboa Fun Zone was created on the boardwalk and the ferris wheel, with its views of the Newport Harbor, has become one of the premier landmarks of Balboa Island. In 1986, the Fun Zone was completely re-vamped and today, the carousel, bumper cars, delicious food and great shopping make it a favored destination.
In the 1950s, as local legend has it, the famous Balboa Bar was first created and served on Balboa Island. The Balboa Bar, a delicious vanilla ice cream square covered in chocolate, and sometimes nuts or sprinkles, is enjoyed by thousands of locals and tourists to this day.
These days, Balboa Island is known as a charming destination for locals and visitors alike. Strolling the waterfront boardwalk, enjoying the games and rides at the Balboa Pavilion, relaxing on sun-filled beaches or fishing from the Balboa Pier, there is plenty to do and enjoy on Balboa Island.

fashion island in newport beach

FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

  
 It was Annas birthday.  It was Kates birthday. It was the night of the Pacquiao and Mayweathers fight and it was billed as the fight of the Century in the boxing sports world. As planned the party was held in Placentia, Kuya Byans and Annas residence.  House was full packed. Some relatives even brought their friends to the party. Party food was overwhelming too.   The party started with the blowing of the candles by the celebrants.  Then buffet dinner took place. When the fight was about to start guests find their own place on where they can find a better view of the tv.  Mostly the younger ones on one side of the house and the rest stayed in the entertainment area.  Not sure on this but I assumed that all the people in the room were rooting for Pacquiao. As expected loud cheers whenever Pacquio scores. Until that part when we thought we are losing.  the Post analysis after the fight of course.  Everyone had something to share of how the fight went. Of course the guys had longer conversation over bottles of  beer.                               

 It was a not  so awesome night because Pacquiao lost the fight but more to that was a great celebration of another year for Anna and Kate and celebrating it with the whole family.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Results: Floyd Mayweather outpaces Manny Pacquiao to seize decision win

By Shaun Al-Shatti

@shaunalshatti on May 3, 2015, 1:37a

The fight of the century came and went, and in the end, nothing changed. Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Manny Pacquiao to stay unbeaten on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV, seizing control of the latter stages of the fight to claim a unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.

Judges Burt Clements and Glenn Feldman scored the contest 116-112, while judge Dave Moretti scored it 118-110, all in favor of Mayweather. MMAFighting.com scored the bout 117-111 for Mayweather.

"He's a hell of a fighter," Mayweather said afterward of the rival he struggled to come to terms with for over half a decade. "I take my hat off to Manny Pacquiao. Now I see why he's one of the guys who is at the pinnacle of the sport of boxing."

In a fight that will likely go down as the most lucrative combat sports event ever, Mayweather battled through an unusually shaky start to seize momentum and gain control of the scorecards from round seven onwards. Pacquiao wanted to make it the contest a dogfight, and he did so early with some success, stalking Mayweather into the ropes and unloading his trademark punching flurries while cutting off the ring to great effect. The punching totals for both fighters were virtually identical by the start of the eighth round, but then Mayweather took over.

Led behind his jab, "Money" proved once again why he's the greatest defensive fighter of our era, lulling Pacquiao's offense into a standstill and outlanding the legendarily aggressive Filipino by a mark of 148 to 81 by the fight's end.

"I knew he was going to push me," Mayweather said. "I knew he was going to win some rounds. He had moments in the fight, but I kept him on the outside. I was the smarter fighter. I outboxed him."

Pacquiao (57-6-2), for his part, believed he won the fight, claiming that Mayweather "did nothing" and was largely running away throughout the contest. The judges disagreed though, and according to official fight statistics, Pacquiao landed double-digit punch totals just three times over the course of 12 rounds, with Mayweather's movement and defense proving too stifling for Pacquiao to overcome.

EASTER SUNDAY CELEBRATION 2015

 
My first Easter Sunday celebration here in California.  It coincides with auntie Thelmas birthday so the family decided to celebrate it in her residence in Yorbalinda. As always, it was a potluck party so the family came over bringing their specialties. Barbecues were being grilled in the backyard.  The kids enjoyed their egg hunting  more so the prices they got for found eggs. They look more adorable because of their bunny ears made by Anna. It was a fun Easter celebration after all.

Background of Easter Sunday

Many Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which is written in the New Testament of the Christian bible. According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty. An angel told her that Jesus had risen. Christians worldwide have celebrated Easter for centuries.
However, the roots of the Easter holiday’s traditions and activities can be traced back to pagan celebrations. The name Easter is believed to come from Eostara, the goddess of rebirth. In early times the Feast of Eostara celebrated earth’s resurrection and rebirth. Strict Puritans would have nothing to do with Easter – it was merely a human institution – in the past. Charles I, king of England, declared the day as scriptural as Sunday in 1647 but Parliament contradicted him in print and abolished it with other church festivals.
The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox. In 325CE the Council of Nicaea decided that the Easter date would be the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the March equinox. Easter is therefore delayed one week if the full moon is on Sunday, which lessens the likelihood of it falling on the same day as the Jewish Passover. Eastern Orthodox churches in many countries such as Greece still figure the Easter Date base on Julian calendar.

 

Symbols of Easter Sunday

Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny are both fertility symbols, holdovers from the feast of Eostara. Other symbolic parallels include the pagan joy in the rising sun of spring, which coincides with Christians’ joy in the rising Son of God, and the lighting of candles in churches, which corresponds to the pagan bonfires. The symbol of the cross and images of Jesus Christ, through paintings or statues, are remembered on Easter Day.

GRAND CANYON

Crossing this out in my bucket list.  The 4 hour drive from vegas was all worth it.

One of earth's most powerful, inspiring landscapes-overwhelms our senses, Its story tells of geological processes played out over unimaginable time spans as a unique combination of size, color and dazzling erosional forms: 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep.  Its rugged landscape hosts a fascinating variety of plant and animal communities, from the desert next to the Colorado River deep in the canyon to montane forests atop its north Rim.




DEEP TIME, CHANGING LANDSCAPES
grand Canyon reveals a beautiful sequence of rock layers that serves as windows into time.  The carving of the canyon is only the most recent chapter, a geological blink of an eye, in along story.  That long story includes rock nearly two billion years old in the bottom of the canyon, land masses colliding and drifting apart, mountains forming and eroding away, sea levels rising and falling, and relentless forces of moving water   Several factors make Grand Canyon's geology remarkable.  Many canyons form as rivers cascade among mountains peaks, but Grand Canyon sits incised into an elevated plateau. The desert landscape exposes the geology to views.  It is not hidden under a cloak of vegetation.  the strata revealed preserve a lengthy, although incomplete, records of Earth's history.