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I attended my first ever Winnipeg Folk Festival since I moved in this city 12 years ago and I can't believe I waited that long to experience it. The entire weekend was filled with wonderful music, great weather, friendly people and happy vibes all over. I specifically wanted to go to see Dallas Green of City and Colour live and he did not disappoint. Aside from that I also got to discover various bands/groups that created music from all over the world -- Rura from Scotland, DakhaBrakha from Ukraine, Esme Patterson from the USA and local favourites, Begonia & Bruce Cockburn from Manitoba. The entire festival was not just about music but also about the people. There is a lot to be said with the general vibe of the crowd. Everybody was in such a relaxed positive mood - from babies chasing bubbles, to the young ones dancing bare feet and the elderly eagerly moving from one stage to another. This one is definitely a highlight of the summer and I can't wait to be back next year!

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It's been busy at work so editing pictures and videos from the weekend took some time. Nevertheless, I'm excited to share the following things I've been up to. 

* Picasso at the Winnipeg Art Gallery - Selected Picasso pieces can be viewed currently here in the city. I took the opportunity to attend Feast@Wag, which consisted of a 3-course Mediterranean dinner followed by a special tour of the Picasso exhibit. The exhibition itself runs until August 13.

* Up Dharma Down concert - I saw this Filipino band perform at the Pyramid Cabaret downtown and it was just nostalgic to listen to their songs. I used to listen to their music when I was still in university back in the Philippines and they sounded incredible live! 

* Sprucewoods Provincial Park - I spent almost the entire Sunday hiking with my friends through both the Spirit Sands and Devils Punch Bowl trails. Amidst my sore body, the views in this hike were amazingly worth it. There were sand dunes, grasslands, prairie fields, streams and a river lookout. I can't believe we had those kinds of views in the province. I totally recommend the entire experience.