/**/ March 2013 - Travel + Decor + DIY
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Happy Easter everyone!!!

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Hope to see you all there!!! Another great bazaar for sure!

My Paris Fashion Emergency

As what I have mentioned in my previous travel blog (click here), my luggage was declared missing during my arrival in Paris. After waiting for 3 days, I decided that it was about time for me to move on and buy new clothes to wear ( I still have a lot of days left for my “back packing trip” and I don’t want to spend them wearing the same khaki shorts and souvenir shirts). 


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I walked along the street of Champs Elysees and found an H&M shop! PERFECT! I love H&M! I love how their clothes perfectly fit my asian built (not to mention very affordable), that is why it was a no brainer that this should be the first shop where I will get my new ensembles for this trip.


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The first thing I looked for was a blazer (and a scarf to follow), although it was summer, Paris weather was still very cold for me in the evening.I also grabbed a few colored skinny pants, a couple of T-shirts and checkered slim fit shirts, sets of underwear and lastly I bought a leather bag so I can use it as an alternative to the one I lost in the airport.


I love what I bought and from the looks of it, there was no need for me to look for another shop! I completed my whole outfit for the whole trip! Thanks to H&M! ….NOW I AM REALLY READY TO HIT PARIS!



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ART Dubai 2013

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After Design Days, I now received a VIP Ticket for Art Dubai! I love it! I always wanted to visit this event, sadly I was only able to visit last 2010, and i really loved all the artwork that was displayed.


This year, as the Art Community continues to grow in this region, I am very excited to see what are the amazing art pieces that will be exhibited. 


To know more about this event, you can visit their website : http://artdubai.ae


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Info from Art Dubai Website:


"Over the last six years, Art Dubai, the leading international art fair in the MENASA (Middle East/North Africa/South Asia), has become a cornerstone of the region’s booming contemporary art community. In 2012, Art Dubai welcomed 22,500 visitors – including 75 international museums groups – and hosted 75 galleries from 32 countries.
 
The seventh edition of Art Dubai takes place March 20-23, 2013, at Madinat Jumeirah. Besides the gallery halls, the fair’s extensive programme will include commissionedprojects and performances, artists’ and curators’residencieseducational workshops, the unveiling of works by the winners of the annual The Abraaj Group Art Prize and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum.
 
Art Dubai is part of Art Week, an umbrella initiative that highlights the plethora of exhibitions, projects and events that now coincide with the fair each March, the most dynamic time in the UAE’s cultural calendar. Special events include Design Days Dubai, the only fair in Asia dedicated to product and furniture design; Sikka, the fair run by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and dedicated to new work by UAE-based artists; and Galleries Nights, featuring 40 new exhibitions across Al Quoz and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC); plus other projects, museum shows and major events throughout the Emirates, Qatar and the Gulf.”


ART DUBAI FAIR SCHEDULE 


 
WEDNESDAY MARCH 20*


*(by invitation only besides Art Dubai Ladies’ Day and the Global Art Forum_7)


11.00 - 14.00Art Dubai Ladies’ Day  11.30 - 12.30Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10; women only)  14.00 - 17.30Global Art Forum_7  16.00 - 21.30


Art Dubai Opening Night


  17.00Tour: Art Dubai Projects  17.30


Book Launch: Slavs & Tatars, ‘Friendship of Nations: Polish Shi’ite Showbiz’


  18.00 - 18.30Tour: The Abraaj Group Art Prize, ‘extra | ordinary’  18.00 - 18.30Tour: Marker  18.30


Book Launch: ‘MinD - Body’


   Performance: Joe Namy, ‘Half Step’  19.00Tour: Sculpture on the Beach  20.00 - 01.00Absolut Art Nights, Mina A’Salam Beach  


THURSDAY MARCH 21


14.00 - 17.30Global Art Forum_7  16.00 - 21.30Art Dubai Public Day  16.00Book Launch: Yola Bahnassi, ‘On the Banks of Geniuses: The First Harbor – Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’  17.00 Tour: Art Dubai Projects  17.00 - 18.00


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  17.30 - 18.00Book Launch: ‘Youssef Nabil’  17.30 - 18.30Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program  Discovery Tour  18.00 - 18.30Tour: Marker  18.00 - 18.30Tour: The Abraaj Group Art Prize, ‘extra | ordinary’  18.30 - 19.30


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  18.30 - 20.00


Book Launch and Panel Discussion:


The Abraaj Group Art Prize, ’extra | ordinary’ 


  19.00Tour: Sculpture on the Beach  20.00 - 01.00Absolut Art Nights, Mina A’Salam Beach


FRIDAY MARCH 22


12.00 - 19.30Art Dubai Public Day  14.00 - 15.00


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  14.00 - 17.00Global Art Forum_7  14.30 - 15.30Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program Discovery Tour (Ages 10 - 14)  15.30 - 16.30


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  16.00 - 17.00Discovery Tour (Ages 5 - 10)  16.00Tour: Art Dubai Projects  17.00 - 17.30Tour: Marker  17.00 - 18.00


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  17.30 - 18.30Discovery Tour (Ages 10 - 14)  17.30Tour: Sculpture on the Beach  17.30 - 18.00


Book Launch: Manal Al Dowayan, ‘If I Forget You, Don’t Forget Me’


  18.00 - 18.30Tour: The Abraaj Group Art Prize, ‘extra | ordinary’  18.30 - 19.30


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


 
 


SATURDAY MARCH 23


12.00 - 17.30Art Dubai Public Day  13.00 - 14.00


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  13.30 - 14.30Discovery Tour (Ages 10 - 14)  14.00 - 17.00Global Art Forum_7  14.30 - 15.30


Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  15.00 - 16.00 Discovery Tour (Ages 10 - 14)  16.00 - 17.00


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)


  16.00Tour: Sculpture on the Beach  16.30 - 17.30Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program Discovery Tour (Ages 10 - 14)  17.30 - 18.30


Shadow Puppet Workshop (Ages 5 - 10)



Food Blog:Then There was WAGYU

 At one point in our “lazy afternoon” days, with 2 of my friends, we thought of looking for the best burger in the country—-this brought us to Abu Dhabi!


A friend of ours told us about this “wagyu burger” that apparently creating a bit of a buzz not only in Abu Dhabi but also in Dubai. So we drove (about) a little less than 2 hours to reach Monte Carlo Beach Club in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.


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I ordered this one—-> the signature wagyu burger,  mix of french and sweet potato fries (this one i really love) and a truly refreshing glass of Iced Tea.


I love the tenderness (if you can say that for a burger) and how juicy it feels in very bite. If you haven’t tried a wagyu patty yet, I will suggest to get this one and combine it with this sweet and salty side dish.


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This photo I took from Monte Carlo Beach Club’s FB Page (see link at the end of this blog) —-this gives justice to what i ordered.


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Aside from the wagyu burger, I enjoyed the look of the beach club, complete with white sand. The breeze was lovely (well, good thing it was not the peak of summer when we had our cravings)


photo taken from Monte Carlo Beach Club’s FB Page


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photo from Monte Carlo Beach Club’s FB Page


To know more about this place you can visit the following websites:


http://www.montecarlobeachclub.ae/about-the-club/saadiyat-island/


http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/hospitality-and-leisure/monte-carlo-beach-club2.html


https://www.facebook.com/MonteCarloBeachClubSaadiyat?ref=ts&fref=ts



What is Wagyu? (check the wikilink below)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagyu



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Design Days 2013

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Got my invitation for Design Days! YEY! I can’t wait! Last year I was able to come and got really inspired with most of the featured exhibits, this year, we got an invite for the preview—-SWEET


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Here are some information from their website:


Design Days Dubai is the first fair in the Middle East and South Asia dedicated to collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects. Our goal is to present, both regional and internationally, the best of design to collectors and a wide audience of design enthusiasts.


Through strong cooperation with local partners and a diverse educational programme, we aim to strengthen greater appreciation and understanding for design as a form of applied arts. Design Days Dubai encourages the involvement of emerging talent from the region and acts as focal point for the global design and art community, while becoming a vibrant addition to the region’s cultural scene.


We aim to


  • become one of the world’s leading design fairs.

  • provide a platform to engage regional and international design initiatives.

  • promote emerging local talent.

  • encourage a wide audience through a diverse educational programme.

  • liaise with strong cultural partners like Art Dubai.

  • maintain excellence in organization and performance.

The second edition of Design Days Dubai takes place from 18 to 21 March 2013.



General Information


Exhibition dates


18 - 21 March

4pm - 10pm


Preview - 17 March (by invitation only)


Location


The Venue - Downtown Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
(former Emaar Boulevard, next to Burj Khalifa)


Tickets


Tickets can be purchased at the fair.


By purchasing a ticket, you donate AED 25 to the World Food Programme.


General admission: AED 50,-
Children & students (<18 years): free
University or college groups: free


Guided tours are available. Please register your group here.


Fair catalogue


AED 50,-



To know more, visit their website here: http://www.designdaysdubai.ae


See you there!


The Best Way To Go Around Paris!

You already landed in Paris, found your hotel, unpacked your luggage and ready to hit the road ——> so where to begin? There are several ways to roaming around the City of Love. Here are (just) a few of the one’s I tried.


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The Bus Tour (Les Cars Rouges). This is a must (try) for every first timer! It will give you a clearer picture of where to spend most of your time. At the same time, you will be able to tour around Paris in no time ^^


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The Seine River Cruise —the same as the Bus Tour, this will allow you to tour Paris in a jippy but with the view from the historical Seine River. You will surely love the view from this point.


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Because the subway is really a huge thing in Paris with 14 stations, I thought of posting several photos of it! This is the most convenient way to go around Paris! I love observing the people inside the stations and the inside the train.


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Aside from the Metro, there are other trains around Paris—and going outside the city (I rode this going to Disney, Versailles and the South of France)


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If you’re tired —- standing on a walkalator will do the trick!


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Basically, people on a budget are staying away from taxis because they are very expensive. I got the same tip also, but, I thought of trying it  when I was rushing to catch our dinner booking. From Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower it costs me 10 Euros


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If you’re a tourist (and not tired), walking is still the best way to enjoy the city. Paris is so rich, that everywhere to look you will surely see something wonderful and historical.


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Lastly—if you wanna go around in class, you can always grab a carriage like most of the Disney Princesses do…. ^^


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I Left My Heart In Paris (BackPacking Blog)

“You can’t escape the past in Paris, and yet what’s so wonderful about it is that the past and present intermingle so intangibly that it doesn’t seem to burden”. -Allen Ginsberg


Paris is indeed one of “the” traveler’s dream destinations. I’ve been waiting for this day ever since I saw a clip of the Eiffel Tower lit proudly in one of the city’s New Year’s Celebrations (I think I was in grade school back then).


I took a Gulf Air flight connecting from Dubai to Kuwait to Paris (Charles De Gaulle Airport). The flight was smooth and I was already dreaming of doing some outfit photographs in the most fashionable city in the world. Paris made packing my clothes very challenging. I was thinking of having an outfit for the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles and an outfit just to roam around.

——and SURPRISE SURPRISE—my baggage was declared lost upon our arrival in Paris CDG.

I love God’s sense of humor.  Initially I got worried, but at some point, I actually didn’t mind. I just wanted to get out of the airport and see PARIS! ! – reporting about my lost baggage caused me more or less an hour from my intended arrival to meet the owner of the house where I will be staying (good thing he’s a pastor ^^) . So I left the airport hoping that my bag will turn out in the afternoon or maximum the next day —-I got my bag after 5 days (oops)

So here are some of the things that I learned from my short and sweet backpacking adventure in Paris—and some side stories. ^^

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Always start your tour by getting as much resources a possible. A handy dandy map (look for an English one of course) and some Ctiy Guide brochures  to know what the city is currently offering.

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Learning how to commute is really helpful. Paris is really commuter friendly, with a metro station (Metropolitain) in every corner, you can really find your way around. The tricky part is, there are 14 (i think) metro lines in Paris, so  you better get the hang of it before you can be a pro (I was able to—so you can also).

To know more about their subway system check out this helpful guide:http://www.paris.com/tourism/getting_around/metro

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The first landmark that I saw was the Arc de Triomphe. It was indeed “wow”. My house was near this place—in fact, it was just a 10 min. walk.

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With the help of Ate Annie (she’s the Aunt of my friend back in Dubai) I realized that the Eiffel Tower was just a few walks away from where I was staying (just walk opposite from the Arc).

When I first saw the Eiffel Tower, I forgot that I lost my baggage in the airport. I can stare at it for hours and hours!

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As an artist, the Louvre was at the top of my priority list. They do offer a Museum Pass where you can go to every museum in Paris w/o lining up and no limit (w/in a period of days). I was about to avail this, but because I was visiting during the first Sunday of the month, they advised me not to buy because —most public Museums are free every first Sunday, then Mondays they are closed. (I will do a separate post on the Louvre soon)

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The Seine River Paris

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This was my first Disney Land Visit ever! So I was a happy traveler! The happiest place to be! I only wish I was with my nieces.

What I wore: 21 Men maroon long sleeved shirt, Topman peach striped  round neck t-shirt, Topman khaki shorts (I wore this pants for 3 days while waiting for my bag—then decided to buy new pants for my trip, for shirts,I started buying souvenir shirts and used them while I waited)

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Notre Dame Cathedral

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The Moulin Rouge. Makes me wanna sing—hey sister go…sister..image

The marvelous Chateau de Versailles. My experience here was magnificent and surely deserves a separate blog! One of my most memorable Paris destination.

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My trip became really awesome because of the people I met. They said that people in Paris are all snob and arrogant but I must say they were the opposite based on my experience.

I met a number of kakabayans who really stretched their Filipino hospitality to me. Ate Annie helped me a lot to know the basics, specially commuting. Also, she and her sister gave me basic toiletries that needed to survive while waiting for my bag to be found.

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Pastor Vir (wearing the vest). I didn’t get a chance to have a photo taken with him because both of our schedules were not really working together, so I asked Ate Aimee (who made a way for us to meet) to send me a photo of him. He was very generous to offer his studio for me to stay in. (free house! yey)

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The Beranger family! I met them in Versailles. They were touring also and they adopted me for the day! I love this family and now I became good friends with the youngsters!

Paris is really a great city. The culture, the art and the people are just oozing with color. There are still  a lot of places that I haven’t visited and things I haven’t done—that is why I will be back very very soon!

merci beaucoup

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My Dubai Event & Fashion Blog : A Breeze of Glamour and Luxury

Designing an event is somewhat a very daunting task. While tracking down a few exhibition stands in Dubai is fairly simple, implementing them effectively takes a trained eye. Then you have lighting, music, entertainment. It can all become quite overwhelming, but the end result is nothing short of pure bliss. To see the success of the event is like seeing your baby’s first walk+graduation and wedding in one package (well, I don’t have a baby yet, so I am just assuming).

Last month, we were privileged to work with Cartier Middle East in designing their Polo event. It was interesting because first and foremost, I don’t have any idea how this sport works and obviously, you will not see me fashioning a Cartier piece (but I am claiming that I will be soon).

It was indeed a day of glamour and gathering of some top socialistas and fashionistas in the part of the world.


I will just be posting personal photos because we still don’t have the approval from Cartier to post the “event photos”..will share some soon once we get the approval.


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What I am wearing: H&M knitted blazer, Aeropostale black shirt, H&M khaki skinny pants, RL highcut sneakers and Ray-ban Aviator. 


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The Filipino Expat Magazine - Proud Kababayan

Last month, a local (expat) magazine here in Dubai interviewed me. They said that they want to feature me their “



" column. I was chosen because of my Surat Journal business and they thought that it will be (at least) an inspiration to our kababayans here in Dubai who are aspiring to start a small business.


I finally got a copy yesterday and thought of sharing it here.


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We will be in the UAE Corporate 7s Rugby Street Fair this coming 16th of March in the Centre of Excellence, Jebel Ali Resort and Spa. Gates will open at 11:30am. We hope to see you all there! (We will post the map location soon)

You can also visit their FB page and website to know more about this exciting event. www.facebook.com/uaecorporaterugby7s
http://www.uaecorporaterugby7s.com/

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Summer is almost here!!….and here’s a photo of my cutie li’l cousin on the cover of “kids Domain” magazine summer issue. Fashionista in the making.



(photos c/o kids domain magazine australia)


check out their website:


http://www.kidsdomainmagazine.com.au

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Attempting to do our first Travel Journal Series..well, it is still in the drawing board and back..but soon soon soon it will be available. All I need now is a galaxy dark chocolate bar..i need sugar!

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Didn’t know that I will be as invested in this sport as I am now. Can’t wait for the next wave! Who knew Dubai can be a surfing city?!