Family Portraits with Great Image

They say family portraits are important because of three main reasons. Growth. Milestone. Memories

We grow each year and having family photo captures how we look at that particular year. Doing it every year or once in two or three years will show how we have changed over the years.

Throughout our lives, we will pass quite a lot of milestones and wouldn't it be nice to remember them all through photographs. When our kids are newborn or when they enter kindergarten or graduate college. Kids grow up too fast while on the other hand, the parents grow old. Life happens and even we may not want to admit it, the make-up of the family can change without warnings.

Photos also bring us back in time. It is a great way to reminisce. Wouldn't it be nice if you have family photos to show your children or great-grandchildren?

My sister has been doing this practice for many years for her own family, I did it twice and I will continue doing it every now and then. Remember the photoshoot we had before.

Last year was our family reunion and we took advantage of it capturing beautiful images we can look back after a few years.

Emam Concepcion with Benjo, Erin, Claire, Faith, Lanna, and Prince. We missed Dinoh here but we hope he can join us next time.

Don't wait for the right time because there is no such thing. A moment gone is lost forever. If you have the chance, grab the camera, put on some coordinated clothes and shoot away. You can also have it done professionally with many studios providing such service. Thank me late. You're welcome!

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Hot Spring Resorts in Pansol Calamba Laguna

Same time last year, I was already counting down the days to my vacation.

But now, all I can do is wait and be patient. At least for a few more months. Not that I'm complaining. I am actually thrilled that we will be spending Christmas and New Year in the Philippines again with our family. I just can't wait to go as if my body clock has set this time as a vacation time after two consecutive years of going in the same month. If only I can drag the days faster, I would.

My kids (well we) are missing everyone and we can't wait to see all of them again.

This was taken in a private resort we rented for a day in Pansol, Calamba Laguna, (where hot spring resorts are famous), while we were having lunch-boodle fight style at the rooftop (3rd floor) of the resort.

We had the whole resort to ourselves. It was like a vacation house with five or six air-conditioned rooms with ensuite toilet and shower. It has a swimming pool, kitchen with stove and fridge, shower room, videoke machine, billiards table and a grill. All you have to bring is food, refreshments and loads of fun.

There are many private resorts in this area but to be honest, I couldn't remember the name of the resort we rented, it was my sister-in-law who did the booking for us.

What I do remember is that we paid half the price because it was off-peak.  And yet we enjoyed the same amenities and the same incredible views.

Not all of the private resorts in Pansol have hot springs, most of them have private pools. If you are after dipping in a real hot spring pool, make sure to check with the resort if it is available.

If you are looking for a place to take your family around Calamba Laguna, this is still a very good option for a day of bonding.

We had a good time here, I'm sure you will too. Sharing with you some more of our photos in the resort with my husband side of the family.

We really miss everyone. We hope to see you all very soon.

If you are wondering, we got the crabs from here.

We spotted the stall on our way to buy some fresh fruits.

and the fresh fruits were from here.

*This is not a sponsored post

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Ramadan 2018 Iftar Guide

Ramadan is a beautiful time of the year here in the UAE. It is when the whole country and its people including us expatriates embrace the spirit of the season. 

During this period, our Muslim brothers abstain from eating or drinking from dusk till dawn. They wait until sunset to break their fast. Traditionally, fast is broken by eating 3 dates and some water. Followed by a prayer called Maghrib. Only then iftar commenced. Iftar is the meal shared with family and friends after a long day of fasting. It is a meal either prepared at home or savored at many restaurants around town offering Ramadan buffet. 

Local families prepare a big meal for Iftar to share with the relatives and friends they invited over. One of the best ways to truly feel Ramadan is to join and have an Iftar meal whether it is in the comfort of a friends home or go out. But before you go, you may want to check first where to go.

Just make sure to book ahead of time.

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Dinner Date at Serendipity 3, Dubai Festival City

I've always wanted to dine at Serendipity 3 but never had the chance, because you know, we have gazillion dining options in Dubai. Until finally, hubby and I decided to try a new restaurant at Dubai Festival City hence a visit to Serendipity 3 to celebrate 15 years of togetherness.

15 years and 4 months to be exact last April 19.

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Famous Filipino Restaurant Gerry's Grill, Now in Dubai

Gerry's Grill's first branch in the UAE opened in Karama, Dubai just recently. Gerry's Grill serves delicious authentic Filipino food with an emphasis on char-grilled dishes. It is a famous restaurant and bar in the Philippines with branches all over the country. They also have international branches in the US, Singapore and UAE's neighboring country.

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Friday Brunch at Waves, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa

We were back at the beautiful Emirate of Fujairah at the beginning of April for an Easter Brunch invitation by Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, together with some of our blogger friends from Dubai.

The Friday brunch was at Waves Restaurant, ideally located in between the hotel's swimming pool, spacious garden, and white sandy beach. It's a perfect setting, and the weather was fantastic.

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Luigia, Rixos Premium JBR

LUIGIA, the newest Italian restaurant in Dubai tucked inside the stylish Rixos Premium JBR has a new brunch concept dedicated to kids. Moms and dads, if you're listening, this one is for you.

Bambini Kids Brunch is every Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The kids to can eat unlimited pizza and pasta for free and can also have an unlimited fun inside a dedicated playroom full of books, toys and gaming console and a cinema that plays children's favorite movies. There's a playroom attendant so you can sit, relax, and enjoy your meal without worrying about the little ones. We were invited to try it and we only have praises for the Bambini Kids Brunch concept.

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