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rajasthantourplanner · 5 years ago

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Jaisalmer Tourism | Jaisalmer Attractions

Jaisalmer Tourism

Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This 'Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. History tells us of Rawal Jaisal, the eldest heir of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Lodurva and a younger half-brother was crowned king. Rawal Jaisal went looking for a new location to set up his capital when he came across sage Eesul. The sage told him about Krishna’s prophecy which said that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would found a new kingdom at this same spot. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.

Famous 19 Places To Visit In Jaisalmer :-

AMAR SAGAR LAKE :-

Amar Sagar Lake, located about 7 km towards the western outskirts of Jaisalmer, is a lake cum oasis lying adjacent to the Amar Singh Palace. The palace itself was built in the 17 th century. The complex that includes the palace and the lake is also home to several ponds and wells, along with an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Numerous figureheads of animals carved in stone surround the lake, and according to legends, these carved figureheads are supposed to be protectors of the royal family. At one end, there are pavilions with stairs that lead down to the lake; while at the other end is a beautiful, aesthetically carved Jain temple. A peaceful and tranquil place, the Amar Sagar Lake is yet another spot in Jaisalmer where you have an opportunity to watch a gorgeous sunset.

TANOT MATA TEMPLE :-

Some 120 kilometres away from Jaisalmer is the Tanot Mata Temple. Tanot Mata is considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Hinglaj. There are many stories of how during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Tanot was under heavy attack and shelling. However, none of the shells or bombs fired at the temple exploded. This reaffirmed people’s faith that Goddess the temple. Post the war, the Border Security Force (BSF) rebuilt the temple and today, the temple is managed by a BSF Trust.

BADA BAGH :-

About 6 kilometres to the north of Jaisalmer lies Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (literally Big Garden). This garden complex houses chhatris or royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh II. The location of the garden is such that it offers wonderful sunset vistas to tourists.

JAIN TEMPLES OF JAISALMER :-

The Jain Temples located inside the Jaisalmer Fort date back to the 12th and 15th centuries. The temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji, famous Jain hermits known as 'Tirthankars' (wise teachers who taught people how to attain nirvana). Like all other structures in Jaisalmer, the temples are carved out of yellow sandstone. They have been built in the famed Dilwara style which is known for its beautiful architecture.

GADISAR LAKE :-

Gadisar Lake was constructed in the 14th century by Maharawal Gadsi Singh to meet the water needs of his arid lands. Considering its importance, many small temples and shrines were constructed around it, transforming it into a pilgrimage centre and a tourist attraction.

PATWON KI HAVELI :-

Among the largest and the most elaborately carved havelis in Jaisalmer, this five-storey structure sits proudly in a narrow street. While the haveli has lost some of its early glory, a few paintings and mirror work art can still be seen on the inside walls.

MANDIR PALACE :-

The five-storeyed majesty of the Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) is further enhanced by its pagoda-like Tazia Tower. Each floor of the palace has an intricately carved balcony. The Badal Palace owes its beauty to the skills of Muslim craftsmen who moulded the tower in the shape of a Tazia (a float that’s part of the procession of Muharram).

NATHMAL JI KI HAVELI :-

Two architect brothers built Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli in the 19th century. They worked on the haveli from two sides and the outcome is a beautiful blend of the symmetrical construction. Miniature style paintings and mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone are used for decoration.

SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI :-

This haveli was built in the first half of the 18th century and a part of it is still occupied by descendants of the original residents. The high arched roof is supported by carved brackets designed in the shape of peacocks. Legend has it that there were two additional wooden storeys that made it match the Maharaja's palace in height, but he ordered for the upper level to be demolished.

JAISALMER GOVERNMENT MUSEUM :-

Established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, it is a prime attraction for tourists visiting Jaisalmer. The most striking display is the trophy of Rajasthan‘s state bird Godawan (the great Indian bustard). Traditional household items, rock-cut crockery, jewellery and statues from the 7th and 9th century AD displayed here are remnants of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

JAISALMER FORT :-

The Jaisalmer Fort also goes by the name Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) as it rises from the desert itself and seems to become one with the golden hues of the sand. The setting sun adds its own magic and shrouds the fort with mystique. The fort is constructed in the classic style of the royals by local craftsmen. This fort is a world heritage site and forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray’s famous Feluda stories and corresponding movie, Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).

DESERT NATIONAL PARK :-

The Desert National Park displays the best of the Thar desert’s ecosystem and its varied wildlife. The Park is formed of undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense salt lake bottoms and inter-medial areas. Various species of animals such as black buck, chinkara and desert fox inhabit the Park. The highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the world's heaviest flying birds, can also be seen here. In winter, the park hosts an incredible variety of migratory raptors such Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon Vultures, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Saker Falcon.

KULDHARA VILLAGE :-

The underlying history of Kuldhara has piqued the curiosity of one visitor too many, and makes it one of the most enigmatic destinations to visit in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The story has a beautiful daughter, an unscrupulous minister, scared villagers, an exodus in the middle of the night, and no idea where the villagers vanished. This is not the story of a movie, but the unfathomable legend that lies behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara. Located about 18 km from the city of Jaisalmer is this old town that was abandoned by its villagers in the 1800s. It was like the entire town vanished in the course of a single night. With about 85 villages full of people, it remains a mystery as to how no one saw them leave; in fact, even to this date, no one knows where all of them went either. The village remains uninhabited to the day, in the same state that the villagers had left it, hundreds of years ago. The location has become a major tourist destination as people from all over the world travel here to revel in the mysteries of the past. The desolate outline of Kuldhara etches a story in front of your eyes, if you are keen enough to read it!

JAISALMER WAR MUSEUM :-

“If you ate today, thank a farmer, and if you ate in peace, thank a soldier!” Our military and defense forces spend their days facing perils and hardships, so the citizens of India can sleep peacefully. While we all appreciate and hold respect for all they do for us, the Indian Army has commemorated the sacrifices of their soldiers in a beautiful display at this war museum, situated at the Jaisalmer military base. This exhibit is primarily to pay respect to all the soldiers who took part and lost their lives in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Longewala battle. A visit to this museum lets you see a number of captured tanks and other memorabilia from the battle, instilling a sense of immense pride in your country and its soldiers. The museum also features an audio-visual room where they screen movies about the battle. You can also see an interview with Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri who was a crucial part of the Longewala battle. In the video, he gives a detailed description of how the soldiers fought the Longewala battle.

The museum also has a war memorial replete with many war trophies and vintage equipment, along with tanks, guns, and military vehicles, murals of soldiers who lost their lives in the war, and weapons which were used during the same. Even the Air Force has given a Hunter aircraft, which was used during the Battle of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, as a present to the museum. Located on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway, the museum has free entry, and holds a very important part of our country’s history. It is truly one of the places that you cannot afford to miss.

RAMDEVRA TEMPLE :-

Located 12 kilometres from Pokhran on the Jodhpur – Jaisalmer route lies Ramdevra Temple. While most people assume it is a temple dedicated Lord Ram, it is in fact, dedicated to renowned saint Baba Ramdevji. The temple marks the eternal resting place of Baba Ramdevji and is visited by people of all faiths. Between August and September, a large fair known as Ramdevra Fair is held here, and it attracts large numbers of devotees who sing devotional songs all night long.

LONGEWALA WAR MEMORIAL :-

One of the first major engagements in the Western sector during the Indo Pakistani War of 1971, the Battle of Laungewala is an inspiring tale of courage in the face of unconquerable odds. A shining example of the courage, bravery, and valor of the Indian soldiers, the Battle of Laungewala created history on 4 December, 1971, when about a hundred Indian defenders halted the advancing troops of about 2000 Pakistani soldiers and 60 tanks. To celebrate the grit and steely resolve of the Indian soldiers who stalled Pakistani forces from their aim of cutting deep into the Indian Territory, the Desert Corps at Laungewala have constructed the Laungewala Was Memorial. An inspiring destination, this war memorial commemorates the valor and the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers, instilling in you a sense of pride when you visit this site

AKAL WOOD FOSSIL PARK :-

Rajasthan is a treasure trove of history and historical artifacts, but one place in particular takes you beyond the ‘timeline of present’, right into the prehistoric Jurassic era. The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area that lies about 17 km from Jaisalmer, towards Barmer.180 million years ago, a forest used to stand where the park is today. The area was then submersed into the sea and the tree trunks were preserved in the form of fossils. With remnants of fallen and broken logs that date back to the pre-historic times, the park is an absolute must-visit attraction. Here, you can see large fossilized trunks from trees of different sizes that have been placed in corrugated iron shelters. There are about 25 numb trees, along with centuries-old fossils, and right at the entrance, you can also stroke a fossil of an ancient red-wood tree trunk. In the geological area that had only non-flowering trees, an entire forest comprising of huge trees was fossilized. The presence of these gigantic trees suggests that in the lower Jurassic age, the area had hot and humid climate that was able to support a luxuriant forest, as compared to the stark dry climate of today.

VYAS CHHATRI :-

Vyas Chhatri is one of the most beautiful examples of Rajasthani architecture. This old Brahmin cemetery, full of local versions of cenotaphs, is dedicated to Ved Vyaas, the sage who wrote the epic, Mahabharata. Filled with cenotaphs all throughout, this place is more popularly referred to as the sunset point of Jaisalmer. Every evening, hordes of people visit the Vyas Chhatri to get a glimpse of the beautiful desert sunset. Everywhere around here you can see beautiful golden sandstone chhatris that are covered in intricate and delicate carvings. A popular destination among tourists, Vyas Chhatri offers a bird’s eye view of Jaisalmer, the fort, and even the adjoining areas. Visitors can also witness a number of locals at Vyas Chhatri, playing Rajasthani tunes on the algoza, a double fluted instrument, making it an experience that astounds the senses.

SAM SAND DUNES :-

Sam Sand dunes Desert Village in Jaisalmer Rajasthan. It is 40 Kms from Jaisalmer City (known as sand dunes of Thar Desert). Our Sam Sand Dunes Group of Resort's & Camp is one of the best camping sight of Thar Desert Jaisalmer.

The tents are exclusively designed to provide visitors experience of lifetime. Experience the soul of this enchanting land on a camel safari’s and Desert Jeep Safari in Sam Sand Dunes. We provides village safari for our guest through jeep & camel in desert and to feel local village lifestyle and atmosphere, an also seen Desert National Park to know about Desert wildlife and clean dunes made by nature.

Far from Jaisalmer city at Sam sand dunes, Where we offer you Perfect Desert Packages which includes Overnight stay in Swiss Cottage tent or Luxury Cottage, Camel safari, Refreshments, Warm welcome, Cultural evenings with Rajasthani performances around Roaring Camp fire, Delicious and hygienic Rajasthani Dinner with Rajasthani Breakfast.

#Jaisalmer Tourism

#Jaisalmer Tour Packages

#Jaisalmer Attractions

#Jaisalmer Car Rental Packages

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wildname · 7 years ago

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In the quiet hours of the night, Thalin sat. His desk had been cleared away save for a few books and a single troll tusk. A candle lit the room and showed unique etchings across the surface of the tusk. In that dim light, Thalin matched runes from it to runes in a nearby book, and if not there, then another book would have them.

He had spent hours on end in his room, reading over these bothersome runes. “Dammit,” Thalin sighed, leaning back in his chair while running his hands through his hair. “Zal, you never made anything easy.” He looked down at what he was able to ‘translate’. What was given was a sort of story, from what Thalin could guess, a sort of family history of the troll. He leaned forward and scrolled to the newest rune he could find, Blood will show the path.

“Lovely,” he mused, pondering what this new riddle meant. Thalin thought back to his dealings with the witch doctor this tusk came from, Zaladrin. The old bastard was cunning, constantly sending Thalin, Ave, and others on wild hunts across the jungles of Stranglethorn. Thalin’s face dropped to a frown as he remembered the last ‘job’ they were given.

The heat of the jungle wore down on Thalin as they lay crouched on a ridge overlooking old Gurubashi ruins. Ave lay close beside him, scouting the area as best she could from this vantage. Further down the hill, three others readied themselves.

A human male of Thalin’s age read through an old looking scroll, smiling as he did so. He wore silk garments that allowed ease of movement while maintaining some flair, something the man claimed was always necessary. His long, blazing red hair was tied back into a tight tail, framing his sharp features. This was Aden Castelle, a mage of lower birth yet great skill.

Close by was a long bearded dwarf with a scowl pointed at Aden. His grim features showed many scars of past battles, some of which Thalin was a part of and knew, while others were kept from him. The greying dwarf wore rugged leathers overlying mail links, and sported a large rifle. Thalin knew the man simply as Grimm, whether that was his given name or not, he didn’t care to ask.

Finally, near the back, was a hunched figure in strange hide robes. Bones dangled up and down the male’s frame, mixed with feathers, beads, and more grisly trophies. A large wooden mask hid the most discernible features of the troll, which was impossible to hide from his stature, tusks and ears, and recognizable accent. Zaladrin, a name Thalin knew he’d remember.

Aden hummed quietly as he read, seeming to know he was pissing the dwarf off. “You seem angry, Grimmy,” the young man toyed.

Grimm grunted, “Shut it, prissy little git,” The dwarf scowled, pointing a fat finger at the mage.

“Both’a ya stow it, I dunna want da how jungle ta know we here. I wasn’t lying ta ya when I say des ruins be special. Da spirits be awake here, remember dat.” Zaladrin warned, making sure that both Thalin and Ave could also hear him. The pair quickly quieted down, Zaladrin chuckled, “Now, let me see what we be dealing wit.” The troll crouched down, drawing strange shapes into the dirt beneath him. A chilling breeze swept through as the witch doctor brought a flint dagger from his side, holding it against his hand. “Blood will show da path,” he said.

Thalin looked down at the tusk with a grim sigh. He brought his hand to the dagger Ave had given him. “Maybe not...” he winced, still not wishing to use the small blade. He reached over and grabbed hold of Windhowl, his greatsword. Running his bare hand across the blade’s edge, he remained silent as blood dripped onto the tusk, small drops would do. Thalin murmured to himself, “Blood will show the path,” as he watch. A second passed. Then two. “Damn, cut myself for nothing.” he sighed, setting Windhowl back to it’s place, he’d need to clean it again. As he looked back, he watched the runes upon the tusk glow a bright crimson. “Uther’s balls...” The tusk twitched on the table, spinning before stopping, point facing the wall.

Thalin looked at the tusk with confusion, thinking he should ask Blair, Aisleen, or Zina, hell, even Daveon if he were still around. He watched the tusk for a moment longer, then looked to the wall it was pointing at. Thalin blinked as the cogs began to turn in his head. He pulled out his compass and map. “Blood will show the path, eh? Didn’t think you were literal in that.”

#thalin wildname #dragons and flagons inc #wyrmrest accord #world of warcraft #i did a thing #mystery

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allforateneoblog-blog · 8 years ago

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16 Things for the Volleyball Phenom’s 2016

I don’t think a year will be complete without Alyssa Valdez receiving bunches of trophies and medals. Heck, a year will never end without her having blasting news and shocking surprises for everyone.

But of course, Alyssa Valdez is just human. A human being who is capable of experiencing losses, defeats and heartaches.

Indeed, a fan can say that 2016 has been a “trophy-deprived” year for the Face of Philippine Volleyball. Nevertheless, Alyssa just faced it with smiles. With her wide, bright and radiant smiles. Surely, with the Phenom mentality she possesses, Alyssa would just be thankful, amidst all the negativities, at the end of the day. Because even without the championships, she still bagged the trophies she always has every single year, the numerous distinctions she’s got for the excellence inside her.

Here are 16 things for Alyssa Valdez’s journey for 2016:

1. Two MVP Awards in a year? Phenomenal.

Being the mighty Phenom she is, Alyssa Valdez almost had all the MVP plums right inside her closet as she only missed one – take note, one – MVP Award to not be written across her name with all the leagues she was able to join this year. And if any Alyssa Valdez die-hard would still want a consolation, this would probably do: she missed being the SVL Open Conference MVP because she was all over the world – literally. (No offense with Gretcel, though. She deserved it.)

For three consecutive years, Alyssa was once again applauded as the Season’s MVP of the most prestigious collegiate volleyball league in the country. Moreover, because she’s that “hakot-award” volleybelle in almost every season of her UAAP career, one award won’t give the Phenom any justice. That’s why she was crowned once again as the Best Server and Best Scorer of the season. The former for three consecutive years, the latter for four successive years.

Come her first ever appearance to not be lined-up with her beshies and co-Ateneans in the BaliPure Purest Water Defenders team, she once again made her way to the zenith. Even though she’s not in her comfort zone as she was drafted with co-volleybelles who were once on the other side of the net, that did not stop her to perform her very best. In fact, that opportunity even gave her another career-high and another history acquainted with her name. And of course, as what everyone has expected, she got the MVP accolade right inside her hand once more.

Who can only do that? Insane, right?

2. Sharing the trophy with the boyfriend.

What could be sweeter than sharing an award with your “babe”?

For her last and final season in the UAAP, at last, Alyssa was able to bag the UAAP Co-Athlete of the year with Olympian Ian Larriba, and her counterpart in the male specie, who happened to be her boyfriend, Kiefer Ravena.

Of course, receiving the award was a great privilege for Aly. For us, her fans, we are beyond proud of her achievement. She truly deserved it. Definitely. With all the effort she has for the growth of volleyball in the country, with all the awards she has received since her rookie year, with all the glory she has given UAAP (not to mention the fame she has brought to the league and the thousands of spectators she has brought to the arena in her every game), it’s high time that the board will give her such prestigious award.

You think, that’s the only award they’ve shared? Nah-uh.

As if destiny was proving everyone that they are exceptionally meant for each other, Alyssa and Kiefer, tagged as KiefLy by their fans, made history together as they were the first recipients of the Xavier Award, the highest award the Ateneo community gives to the most commendable Atenean athlete. More precisely, according to Ms. Erika Dy, it is “the highest honor an Atenean athlete can receive for his or her achievements in the course of their representation of the school. These athletes are recognized for their athletic excellence and for their serving as an ambassador for their respective sports that creates an impact not only for the Ateneo community but on the nation as well.”

Guess, destiny’s making her way for the both of them. Agree?

3. Volleyball Queen

Ms. Volleyball for three consecutive years? That must be something, right?

This year, Alyssa Valdez once again found herself in front of familiar people, the Philippine Sportswriters Association, receiving the very familiar distinction she’s been constantly receiving for the past three years, the Ms. Volleyball award.

What does it say about our very own Volleyball Phenom? What does being trusted by this kind of prestigious award-giving body for three years tell about that down-to-earth, Batangas native, Alyssa Valdez?

Simple. It tells about her supremacy and excellence in her own field, by which she’s oblivious till now.

4. Invading the Mainstreams

Beating up the renowned PBA player Terrence Romeo, the outstanding Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire, co-volleybelle Mika Reyes and even her beloved boyfriend Kiefer Ravena, that’s something to add to our pride for this simply gorgeous girl.

She was now lined up with the likes of Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Nadine Lustre, James Reid, and Bailey May. See how popular she is right now? See how eminent her name is in the mainstream media?

Alyssa Valdez made another history (for the nth time *roll eyes*) as she gets the first ever award as the Push Awards Popular Sports Personality, proving for the hundredth time that her glory was not just caged inside the premises of the court but also in the mainstream media. Considering that she was not that visible as she already graduated from UAAP before even the voting lines are opened, topping the list honors her so much. But when asked about it? Her sentiments just go around volleyball and Philippine sports. Without even mentioning her superb talent and skills and her prominent name in the industry but a simple thank you and a gratifying smile that surely melted our hearts.

Who wouldn’t love this star?

5. A Different Path She Has Trod

From being on the limelight, she settled to sit on the side bench. From being the star, she contained herself to be their “waterbearer” and cheerleader. From the one who receives the coaching, she now does otherwise, slowly but surely. Instead of donning the jersey she has loved over the years, she settled on polo shirts and skinny jeans.

Initially, seeing her on that state made me teary eyed. And yeah, made me cry eventually. It was like a warm-up for us to see her just around those benches, goofing with the girls during time-outs and cheering for them during the scorching battle. It was like a step-ladder for us before we would face the approaching season without her suited up with her usual uniform.

However, that’s her fate. Everything has an end. And a beginning. She’s done playing with the crazy girls in Blue and White in the collegiate level. But that fateful day was her birth as a newborn Alyssa Valdez journeying in an alien position, the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ assistant coach. It was unfamiliar for her feeling and for our sight. Yet, she has done it excellently and without sweat. And we have survived the torment of not seeing her enter the court just to support her chosen path.

So Aly? Signing up for the void left by Coach Parley? After Thailand, yeah?

6. A Runner-Up’s Glory

It may have been clouded with controversies but the Philippine volleyball community surely wore big smiles after Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the Lady Eagles bagged the bronze medal in the 2016 ASEAN University Games.

Yes, they weren’t hailed as the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Champions. Yes, they were just the runner-ups in the 78th Season of the UAAP.

But hey! Bronze medal all the way from Singapore, together with the countless “facials” that surely rocked her opponents’ world, and the thousands of decibels her fandom’s screams have echoed inside the SNU Gymnasium, that’s something beyond awesome! Surely, she made her name and the Philippines etched in her opponents’ heads for years.

(Speaking of fan’s cheers, I can’t help but to commend the Alyfinity who seemed to have a chapter in every part of the world and those who travelled all the way to Singapore just to support the Phenom and the Lady Eagles. It must have been a fun experience for the opponents’ fans to have heard the Alyfinity’s cheers inside the gymnasium. And it must have been a crazy scene to watch this group change seats to where the Lady Eagles’ side was.

Crazy, but that’s the kind of fandom you should treasure.)

That’s Alyssa Valdez, ladies and gentlemen, for her last AUG appearance.

7. #PhenomOut

Who could ever forget this hashtag?

This was just a mere hashtag which rocked the Twitter world.

This was just barely a hashtag which sent mist to everyone’s eyes.

This was just a mere hashtag which signaled an end of era. An excruciating end of an era.

Even without admitting it, each and every single Alyssa Valdez fan feared to meet the year of 2016. Each of us wished to stop the year at 2015.

Who wouldn’t?

But reality stroke us, and poof! Alyssa played her last UAAP game.

Their loss in the UAAP Finals was not a big deal at all because she may not have exited the league with a shining golden trophy as her pride but Alyssa exited UAAP with grace.

Her Phenom walk exudes greatness and at the same time, humility.

Her Phenom walk says a lot of her attitude and heart which grew fond of the people who once became her family and the Arena who she once referred as her ‘home.’

Her Phenom walk tells about her exceeding joy and the same time, pain of leaving the court and atmosphere which cherished and cradled her for five years.

As she walks around the Arena, she’s full of joy to thank her fans and the whole crowd.

Because she’s not after her own supporters, she’s not after her own glory but the glory of UAAP Volleyball as a whole.

That’s the Phenom mentality only an Alyssa Valdez has.

Truly, she’s a woman for others.

8. MIA yet an Awardee

She’s out there conquering the world. And so, she missed half of the conference.

Alyssa Valdez, despite being able to play just a few games for her team, was awarded the 1st Outside Hitter of the Conference.

The other side wonders, “How the heck did she do that? The board must have gone insane!”

Well, sorry to say, the board didn’t. Her prowess did.

Alyssa, who missed her first four games and hasn’t seen action in their battle for third in the SVL Open Conference because she’s busy with her commitments and fLYing around the globe, made crazy things happen. Being reinforced with her beshies and ates must have helped a lot in terms of familiarity that resulted to her successful and deadly attacks, we still can’t deny the exuding talent she has.

But at the end of the conference, non-fans would have noticed the trend of Aly’s year not winning a championship, we thought otherwise.

It’s just a lesson and a reminder that Alyssa Valdez is no superwoman, thus, she’s capable of losing, but the way she handles defeat makes us salute her as a human.

9. On the Other Side of the Net

Crazy.

Yes, it’s hell’a crazy to see Alyssa on the other side of the Blue and White Squad.

It is funny to see Alyssa being blocked by Amy.

It is exciting to see how Denden receives a fiery ball approaching from an Alyssa Valdez attack.

It’s a silly scene to behold Coach Tai instructing the girls while scratching her head to defend Aly’s hits.

And it is enjoyable to watch how the hopes of her ates and beshies sank beneath as she robbed the Finals seat out of them.

Those were just some of the thrilling thoughts on Alyssa’s first ever appearance outside her comfort zone in the 13th SVL Reinforced Conference.

It wasn’t a piece of cake and we’ve seen it.

We’ve seen how she struggled to attack because of missets and unsynchronized timing.

We’ve seen how she goes ahead of the ball because of miscommunications.

We’ve seen how she misreceives the ball that was not supposed to be hers because of the slightest doubts with her teammates.

But we’ve also witnessed how she exploded with 39 points in a hard-fought win.

We’ve witnessed how she tried to lift herself up when everyone was down.

We’ve witnessed how she encouraged everyone to continue fighting and not to lose hope.

We’ve seen it, her off-games where she tried to show a smile, clap her hands to boost everyone to keep playing, and jump around to reload herself with energy that seems to have abandoned the team.

But beyond it all, we vividly witnessed how her underdog team emerged to the Finals of the Reinforced Conference with the stepping-up of her teammates and her usual phenomenal plays.

We definitely saw how she lifted her MVP trophy with glistening eyes of gratitude and humility.

Sure, the championship she’s been hoping for her team was robbed out of her hand. Sure, she walked out of the court with slumped shoulders and eyes welled up with tears. But we are beyond proud of her.

She’s absent from her comfort zone, yet she was present in the championships. Superb, indeed.

10. Conquering the World

She was first bound to Doha, then eventually, she made it to Europe.

Because of Alyssa’s love for her sport, that made way for her to go all over the world – literally. That even without an international competition she was to participate, she was still able to play out of her homeland. She was still able to showcase her prowess to every people of every race just because of her love for volleyball and her dedication for the community.

And as she conquers the world, she was also enjoying life at the same time. Of course, with Prince Charming.

It was the perfect time for her to relax and share the joy to everyone she gets to meet along her journey after finishing an overwhelming chapter of her life as a collegiate athlete. It was high time for her to play her passion without the worries of defeat but a game full of pure bliss. It was a tiresome yet a worthwhile experience for her to spend time with her family, friend, fans, and of course, her special someone.

That break, she truly deserved. That break, is indeed, for her.

11. Giving Back. #ThisIsHowShePlays

The closer I get to touchin’ you…the closer I get to lovin’ you…

AV Skills Camp participants would have sang this song with overwhelming joy and overflowing love for Alyssa.

Last 2015, with her desire to help the typhoon victims, she had the FASTBR3AK. This year, she wanted to level-up. And so, she did.

Alyssa Valdez’s heart is surely full of love for her fans and for the volleyball community, and this year, she just wanted to give back for them. And so, the AV Skills Camp was born.

She got to teach those lucky kids to play the sport she undeniably excels in, one-one-one. She got to hold their arms and hands for the proper position, mend their bruised hands because of the drills, and laugh and joke around with them.

Through her Skills Camp, Alyssa was able to comfort a discouraged heart to just keep on playing. She was able to talk to frustrated minds and share to them lessons about the hardships in the sport but the joy it brought her life.

She was able to give back for them, for their support, for their undying love for her. She was able to reach them because of her love for the sport and simply because she loves them though she doesn’t know every single one of them.

Because she badly wanted to give back after all the love she has received from them in her entire UAAP journey.

And by that, she is loved even more.

12. One Heck of an Endorser

Her tweets go around these three things:

1. Friends, teammates and family

2. Kiefer Ravena – her babe

3. Endorsements

Sometimes, when I stalk her, I would always end up being fed with tons of endorsements in her Twitter account. From watches, to phones, to energy drinks, to shoes, to shampoos, beauty products, fastfood, sodas and… Ugh! Everything! And she even promoted a movie through Twitter!

Through the years, this year not an exception, Alyssa has been slowly conquering the endorsements’ world. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets to be the next Kris Aquino someday.

Just wondering, is she currently shooting for another TVC there at Thailand? Haha

13. Conquering the Limelight of Showbiz

From TWBA, to The Score, to Family Feud, to Magandang Buhay…and the list goes on and on.

Her face seemed to be a familiar view in talkshows and even in game shows. Who would have thought that she’s a volleyball player and not your typical actress crying and acting in front of the camera? Who would have thought that she just occasionally appears in National TV yet she’s in demand for interviews because she deeply hooks people with her charming smile and breathtaking skills? Who would have thought that she was not even linked with the hottest matinee idols in the country yet she intrigues us with her love life?

With all of Aly’s guestings, she surely would have qualified as a hot and trending actress. Nah-uh. She sure is hot and trending but no, she’s not your “Angel Locsin” or “Marian Rivera” who appear in teleserye and movies and such. Because Alyssa is just a celebrity appearing on your TV screens for a short season, mostly for a couple of months.

But what’s to admire about this girl is her popularity amidst the limited territory that she has and her wide influence to variety of people of all ages despite the limited scope she’s got to be seen by them. And she’s even more admired on how she conducts herself every single time she appears in front of these people, even on cam. She projects herself true and honest, without reservations, and just pure her. She remained humble and elegant, bubbly and classy, some of the things we loved about her.

14. The Loved Host

We’ve seen a lot of firsts from Alyssa this year. Shocking surprises she had brought us that made us excited, thrilled, or scared.

This year, one of those was her first appearance holding the microphone not to be interviewed but the one to do the honor. In such a huge crowd. In such a prestigious event.

Who would’ve imagined that Alyssa’s first ever formal hosting stint would be in the spectacular UAAP Cheerdance Competition wherein for the past two years, co-hosts with the likes of Jessy Mendiola and Sofia Andres were openly bashed in the social media?

I remembered I was comfortly sitting while watching the CDC Opening when the “three-time UAAP MVP” rung in my ears. I already knew who will it be. And I was immediately stunned...and scared. For her.

I knew thousands of her bashers are already waiting for her to commit a mistake. They were already eyeing her outfit and scrutinizing her make-up. They were already keenly observing her mannerisms, quietly listening to every word she says, and slowly trying to criticize her hosting capabilities. While we, her fans, are silently praying that her best would be enough to please them. Even in the slightest possible way.

But she showed us not to be worried and anxious for her.

Because when she came out, her natural glow and vibe radiated every corner of the Arena. She was her usual bubbly and happy self, unafraid of judgments and criticisms as long as she puts her best on everything she does.

And she survived!

Without the Twitter flooded with hate tweets instead, tweets full of love, admiration, and praise for a job well done. And I can’t help but to say this one more, Congratulations Alyssa Valdez! A splendid hosting you got there!

15. Year of Hearts

Love is in the air this 2016 for Kiefer and Aly.

The ship “KiefLy” fans has been wishing to sail had finally become a reality.

Indeed, #May4ever for the most loved Phenoms.

It was the fourth of May and everyone was anticipating a grand day for the both of them. Fans had been given a hint that they will tell the world what’s the real score between them. Because as promised, they will tell us their romance once they graduate. And they already did. So, on that fourth of May, we were shivering with utmost excitement and kilig.

Until Kiefer posted it.

“Finally.”

It was simple. It was a single word caption. But it burst millions of hearts and made millions jump in exceeding joy and punch the air with the victorious feeling as of a championship victory.

Finally, they found themselves securely wrapped in each other’s arms. Finally, forever was taking its way to them. Finally, they were on their journey to forever.

And before the year ended, they celebrated their eight months being together, filling each KiefLy shipper’s heart kilig and kilig and kilig. “I Eight You,” eh?

28th of April, you are marked.

16. International Superstar in the Making

We all thought that she’s bound to spread her wings abroad. With her excellent talent and skills, she shouldn’t be locked in her cage. She should be out there across the world, flapping her wings mightily as she banners her homeland.

We’ve all wished for Alyssa to play internationally. Some even created pseudo articles about her playing in Brazil. But now, came the time. The heavens must have heard our prayers. God must have listened to our plea.

She ended her 2016 with a big loud bang. Truly, a One Big Bang!

Being part of a young but a stalwart volleyball club in Thailand, Alyssa will surely do her best to make us proud. Because, really, that’s who Alyssa Valdez is. She will do anything for the good of the people who surrounds her. And by that, we can’t wait for her to shine above all. To fly above all. To be the international superstar (which she hates to admit) that we’ve all been wishing for her.

As a new year blossoms for Aly, we can’t wait to express our pride for her as she amazes the world with her exceptional talent and her personality worth admiring.

God bless you Phenom! May you prosper in your chosen path. May God above give you a fruitful year ahead.

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jonathanbelloblog · 7 years ago

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America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Crowned At 2018 Grand National Roadster Show

POMONA, California — When Al Slonaker organized an Oakland-based car show in 1949, he just wanted to showcase all the new car models for returning WWII soldiers. Local car clubs took up some of the extra space, but then he saw all those young folks walk right past the new machines and straight to the hopped-up and chopped down hot rods and customs. The following year, Slonaker ditched the dealers and the Grand National Roadster Show was born.

Like all babies, it’s grown and moved away to a new home, but it continues to host one of the most coveted awards in custom car building—America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR). Fans of American car culture come from all over the world to show and to see the show.

John Buck brought the Roadster Show to the Pomona Fairplex in 2003. Under his care it has expanded from three buildings to nine, plus outside displays. “The show is kid and family friendly. We get pinstripers, cackle cars, bands, bikes, trucks, lowriders; all the representatives of American car culture are here.”

In the “Suede Palace,” you can pick up rockabilly accessories while admiring high-nosed “Gasser” race cars and paintjobs so ornate they’d make Michelangelo wish he’d had metalflake and a spraygun for the Sistine ceiling. In a building across the way, rare musclecars represent the highlights of the horsepower wars, with multiple carburetors hiding under flashy hood graphics, ready for a run down Woodward Ave. Other buildings house dry-lakes racers, etched and pinstriped cruisers, and a charming collection of micro-cars, three of which could fit in a lowrider Impala’s trunk.

The stars of the show are in Building 4, where the 15 hopeful AMBR winners hover around their roadsters, polishing and dusting until a brain surgeon would say, “Dude, it’s clean enough.” This is a big deal. People spend years and hundreds of thousands of dollars—sometimes millions—to bring a car up to the level of AMBR competition. Judging takes days and can be controversial.

“This isn’t a question of restoration or historical accuracy,” former HOT ROD staffer—and former AMBR judge, Thom Taylor told us. “This is the Most Beautiful. It’s very subjective. Just being technically impressive isn’t enough.”

A stroll through the entrants is both technically and aesthetically impressive. Most of the cars are ’32 Fords—the quintessential roadster—but any pre-1937 American car with a removable roof, no sideglass, and a removable windshield is eligible. This year a lone 1936 Cadillac stands out amongst the Fords. It’s the color of the last gasp of light before nightfall, a gloaming blue with fenders like a distant mountain range. You expect to see the moon rise above them. “It’s easiest to win with a ’32,” Taylor told us. “It’s established. Judges know what to look for.”

Rick Dore has taken a risk bringing the Cad, but it isn’t unheard of for an unusual model to take top prize. In 2017, a Troy Ladd-built Packard packed up the trophy.

The engine bays are as much of a show as the car exteriors, with rare performance modifications like the Ardun OHV hemi-head conversion.

Near the stage, owner/builder Brian Cruz out of Texas dusts off the small block Chevy in an Easter-pastel blue ’32 Ford. Next to him is Scott Helliesen’s lipstick-red ’32, one side panel lifted like a bird’s wing offering a glimpse at the Ford flathead inside. Engines in the roadsters run the gamut from early flathead Fords to a modern 4.6-liter Northstar.

There are no rules governing the powerplants aside from one: the car must drive past the judges on the way into the show. Proof of functionality can be spotted in the heat discoloration on chromed headers, a light gold at the bends that won’t polish away. It’s a point of pride.

While nobody will spill the winner before the awards, everyone has a favorite. Before we even see it, we’ve already heard about Dana and Marge Elrod’s 1936 Ford.

How you display is as important as what you display at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California.

“It looks so mean,” said Steve Strope, owner of Pure Vision Design, an LA-based custom shop. “It’s hard to make a car look intimidating when it’s up in the air on a plinth, but they did it.”

“We really wanted this car to scream ‘hot rod’,” Dana Elrod told us when we approached him. We’d say it doesn’t scream so much as growl with Clint Eastwood-worthy menace. Strope was right—the Elrod car, built by Nebraska customizer Dale Boesch, is downright mobster. The rear has been shortened, the front reworked, it’s lowered and leaned out and black as an eclipse. If you could see all the seams in the metalwork it would look like Frankenstein’s monster, but you can’t see them. Nary a ripple mars its glossy clearcoat. A 392 Hemi with intake stacks and cloth wires offers a pop of chrome and color. Boesch and the Elrods worked on the car for 11 years.

Rare muscle cars filled an entire hall, including the 1963 split-window Corvette originally built by Mickey Thompson and Smokey Yunick and restored by collector Tom McIntyre.

“I started with a decklid and two doors,” said Elrod. “Somewhere along the way we started thinking about this show.”

Displays around the cars are as varied as the engine choices. A billet-and-black ’32 Ford built by Alan Johnson sits on a simple grey carpet with a reflective Lexan sign pronouncing its key specs. Next to it, surrounded by stanchions made of exotic overhead cam heads is the dark blue ’34 Ford of Pete Aardema.

“If the piston matches the head you can use the head,” Aardema told us as if just anyone should have thought of topping a stroked Donovan big block Chevrolet with a Porsche 928 DOHC head. Aardema has made a living out of customized engine combos and his roadster didn’t have any problem meeting the run requirement. “It’s got 10,000 miles on it. Won four different slalom events. Easily.”

The Martin Special, a 1931 Ford built by Scott Kanoski at Hot Rods and Hobbies for David Martin took home the 2018 AMBR award. The car features a lot of contemporary touches, like an emphasis on handling and a minimum of chrome.

Competition for Aardema’s mileage can be found across the way, in the Martin Special display. Another dark blue Ford, David Martin’s 1931 highboy has bragging rights too. Built to drive, the roadster was entered by Martin in the Nevada Silver State Classic Challenge, running for an average of more than 100 mph over the course. That’s a lot of bugs in the teeth. Like the Elrod car, the Martin Special was a buzz in the crowd long before the judging.

One of the reasons that the AMBR contestants can have such active backstories is that unlike the Detroit-based Ridler award, which requires that the entrants be never before seen brand-new builds, AMBR rules only specify that the car has not been in a judged competition. This means that entrants can be old builds, restored builds, and rescued historically important cars.

LA car collector Bruce Meyer brought out the nickel-trimmed and appropriately named “Nickel Roadster,” which was originally built in 1993 but never formally judged. Dan Hostetter built his copper 1927 Ford based off drawings from 1955. The fiberglass and paint show the handwork more than the highly worked steel cars around it, but its creativity and joy-of-machine might sum up the original spirit of car customizing better than any of its less-wavy brethren.

Custom builder Steve Strope told us that he comes to the Grand National show to catch up with his friends and fellow customizers. “It’s not about promoting the shop, it’s about camaraderie, about getting right under a car with someone like Troy (Trepanier) just to admire what he did with the rear suspension.”

If the AMBR trophy was given for pure spirit, though, no car would be more deserving than James Bobowski’s 1929 track-nosed “Eddie Dye Roadster.” Built nearly 70 years ago, the roadster was sold, disassembled, and nearly forgotten. Through hard work and persistence, the original rounded front clip was found and reunited, and all the missing details were replaced or recreated. It’s a great example of design and community.

We didn’t envy the judges the task of choosing a winner. Every one of the 15 contestants offered an interesting engine choice, a great nod to history, or an astounding example of metalwork and design, and man, those paintjobs. Cosmetics companies should come here to scout nail polish ideas.

“This is the highest quality across the board that you’ll see at any show,” said Illinois-based builder Troy Trepanier. He should know, his shop, Rad Rides By Troy, worked on the AMBR-winning car in 2014. “It’s California. It’s in the culture here to understand this stuff. They get it.” He smiles and leans back against the car he brought, not to enter, just to show. “We come to show ‘em we can build cars in the Midwest too.”

In the end, the Martin Special was named America’s Best Roadster for 2018. There may have been a few disappointed builders, but it was a solid choice, one that represents an ongoing change in contemporary hot rodding away from “trailer queens” built just for show and towards cars that really hit the road, just like the early hot-rodders would have wanted.

Displays in the Roadster show weren’t all big American machines. A corral of microcars featured such cuties as this Goggomobil Dart from Australia.

Along with the vehicles, the most famous names in hot-rodding strolled the halls. We barely entered the first building before we were face-to-face with Gene Winfield, an LA-car customizer so influential there is a paint technique named the “Winfield Fade.”

The coveted America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy stands more than 9-feet tall. In the early days of the show, winners would drive away with it sticking out of their roadsters and return it the next year. Today winners get a smaller version to keep.

The post America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Crowned At 2018 Grand National Roadster Show appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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jesusvasser · 7 years ago