It’s Christmas (2010) at UPLB

With Christmas carols playing, colorful lanterns hanging, embellished Christmas trees shimmering, mall sales on-going, and most people in cheerful mood, the famous saying goes…Christmas is just around the corner!

At the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Christmas spirit has started to fill the hearts of town’s people because the lights are on!!! Lights are on the tall Christmas tree made of hundreds or even thousands of silver-painted dried coconut flower stalks. The tree which was constructed on the left side facing UPLB gate definitely looks magnificent!

 To the right of the gate you will see Santa in his sleigh pulled by his nine reindeers (led by Rudolph with his red nose). Behold, it looks so real…Santa’s sleigh is taking off to deliver gifts, so be good for goodness sake!

Of course, at the center is the manger…the reason for all these celebrations. The manger features wood-carved life-sized images of the holy family with the three wise men.

These three main features of what I call UPLB Christmas Park are being flocked by people of Los Baños and nearby municipalities making the ambiance even more festive.

Come visit UPLB Christmas Park to personally witness the talent and brilliance of people who made the decorations and to experience the meaning and merriment of the season together with the UPLB family.

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Aero dancing at the UPLB Freedom Park

The UPLB Freedom Park has always been an attraction and a reason why people choose to live and raise a family in Los Banos, Laguna. Aside from the many sports and recreational activities one can do in its wide open space, dance aerobics is also held every Saturday morning and our family have been taking advantage of the opportunity to exercise along with many others in the community.  Mama Sez and I prefer this over the dance exercise video we follow at home because of the healthy and relaxing outdoor settings.

During the rainy season, aero dancing, which is led and organized by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Department of Human Kinetics, is held inside the historic Baker Hall.  This is one of the oldest buildings in campus and is a prominent structure at the periphery of the UPLB Freedom Park.  Although many still participate when it's done indoors, aero dancing in the open space of the Freedom Park is still preferred by many more in the community, including us.

The historic Baker Hall hosts the aerodance sessions either outside or inside

Yesterday was the first time that the aerodance session was again conducted outdoors after many weeks inside the Baker Hall because of rain.  Below are more photos of yesterday's aerodance session to show you how diverse the community is.  Who knows, you might be inspired to join us every Saturday at 6 AM for an hour of easy to follow aero dancing for fun and fitness.

Watch a video we posted at Parenting Journey and feel the great vibes.

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It's Banamos Festival here in Los Banos

The 2010 Banamos Festival of Los Banos, Laguna is ongoing from today, 17th of September, until Sunday, the 19th.  It's a great time to visit and know more about Los Banos, the Special Nature and Science City in Laguna.

Main activities of the first day (September 17) are centered near the Los Banos Municipal Hall in the Paciano Rizal Park where there's Palarong Pinoy in the morning and Talent Search in the evening. Second day (September 18) main activities are centered at the UPLB Freedom Park where a civic parade would end.  The second night will be highlighted by the Search for Miss Los Banos back at Paciano Rizal Park.

Click here to learn more.

For those passing through Los Banos towards other towns in Laguna, expect heavier than usual traffic on these days.

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UPLB Freedom Park

The University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Freedom Park is always teeming with energy during late afternoons, weekends in particular. Today was no different. There were those who flew kites, played soccer, frisbee, badminton and volleyball, walked dogs, jogged the circumference, picnicked on the grounds, met friends, read quietly or chatted the afternoon away.

This open area where various formal and informal activities are held is something we sorely missed. It's difficult to find an equivalent in Davao City. So the family relished our two-hour stay in the park today.

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