Night Out with Friends

 

Manila is a great place to stay either for pure leisure or even for employment. The busy streets and the busy people seem to never sleep. Last Thursday, I went their to visit some of my friends, whom I haven't seen for the past 3 years or more after I left to stay here for good in Iloilo City. I was very happy to see them, although we are missing a few people because of other commitments, but still the feeling is unexplainable. A week before my visit to Manila, I already informed my friends so that they could free their schedules on their rest days. Mitch, have set a dinner date on a Saturday night with me and my husband before we meet up with the others. We all meet at a bar in Eastwood called Kuwago's Grill Bar and Restaurant and ordered some beers and Bacardi 151 shots.

I literally cried after drinking Bacardi 151, it is a highly alcoholic rum made by Bacardi Limited of Hamilton Bermuda with an alcohol proof level of 151 and is 75.5 percent alcohol volume. Afterwards, I felt like my throat is burning because of the shot. I immediately ask the waiter for a glass of cold water, so to ease the burning sensation on our throats. We all have the same reaction after drinking Bacardi 151 and got a little dizzy and swore not to drink it again. We left the bar around 1am and went to McDonald to eat some blueberry sundae which is offered for a limited time only. We sat outside the store because some of my friends wanted to smoke. McDonald's place was surrounded by plants and some were planted directly to the ground while the others are put in a Urban Chic Premier Contemporary Planter which divides the area from the smoking and non-smoking zones. 

We all went home around 2 in the morning and were all tired and dizzy because alcohol. Mitch invited me to sleep at her place because by 1 in the afternoon that day we will watch a movie. With my husbands permission, I slept at Mitch's place. When we arrive at the condo unit that she is renting, I immediately dived into the bed and slept until 8 in the morning and showered to freshen up and went to sleep again. It was late in the afternoon when we left to watch a movie and meet up with our friends again.

My Favorite Stars

Watching my favorite Korean Superstars are one of the few things that I love to do to kill time. Today I watch again the We Got Married Episodes of Lee Teuk and Kang Sora, they are my favorite virtual couple because they're both funny and I can see that they are true to themselves. On one of their very first episodes they went to Namsan Tower to have their first date. Namsan Tower at night is such a beautiful sight, it is also the highest point in Seoul because it sits atop Namsan Mountain. Before eating at a restaurant they first went to the rooftop to see the panoramic view of Seoul and its surrounding areas. The view was so stunning that many actually considered Seoul Tower as the best tower in Asia. All the city lights are glittering and even the Namsan Tower had illuminated cubes as an additional design on their rooftop. Afterwards they went down to eat at a famous french restaurant called N. Grill, it is a rotating restaurant that serves full courses for their steak menus along with vintage wine. 

After finishing their main course, Teuk told Sora that he prepared something for her. So he stood up and assembled the organ and played a song made specially for Sora. Teuk felt so nervous at first that he made some mistakes on some notes but eventually learned to compose himself and was able to successfully play the song that he made for her. Sora was very happy and pleased by how she was pampered by Teuk. She really felt like a real princess that day and Teuk promise her that during their marriage period he will do everything to show her how much he love her and Sora promised the same thing to Teuk. But of course every date has to end and it is almost midnight so they have to say goodbye to each other but before leaving they took a picture of themselves as a souvenir for their first date at Namsan Tower. 

All of the episodes are automatically playing and I didn't realize that I already fell asleep. When I woke up after an hour their videos are still playing. So I decided to turn off my laptop to continue sleeping. I just hope that Teuk and Sora would end up together for real and not just for reel. Today Teuk is serving in military for two years while Sora is busy with many Tv shows and dramas. If she have a free time she sometmes visit Teuk at the military camp. As a fan, I really prayed and wished that they would be together forever, but who knows what their heart really felt right? All I could do is to be happy in whatever decision they would make and just support them, because that's what fans do.

 - Co Writer, Mariecon Alvarez

Saudi's Best

Most Filipinos work abroad to earn a living for their family and to support as well their needs and wants. The most go to destination is in Middle East, specifically in Saudi Arabia because it is easier to get a job there with less documents to be processed once you were hired. They are officially known as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and they also have the largest oil reserves in the world. Almost 70 percent of the government revenue came from the oil accounts and 95 percent of which is from export of oil to other countries or worldwide. This has facilitated the transformation of an underdeveloped desert kingdom into one of the world's wealthiest nations and because of these vast oil revenues it has permitted modernization into their country.

Did you know that today's largest hotel in the world is located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? According to whichcountry.co, Mecca Clock Royal Tower is number in their list. They are named as world largest hotel because of the 8000 rooms when all the rooms in 3 towers where added up. Every towers consist of different floors, they have 52, 37 and 14 floor. Used for both residential and hosteling purposes, the construction started in 2004 and it was opened for public in 2012. the number of floors all in all is 120 floors above ground and is one of the highest figure all over the world. In addition to these overwhelming facts about the Mecca Clock Royal Tower, they also have opulent and elegant comfort of the rooms and suites offered specially to guests of these five star hotel. They also have a total numbers of 76 state-of-the-art elevators allowing easy access to the Holy Masjid al Haram for prayers.

They also have nine exceptional venues that will be available to accommodate intimate or expensive gatherings. You will only see class, poise and elegance upon entering the hotel, with green indoor plants all planted in large fiberglass planters and some are planted on a Tuscany Round Bowl Planters for a different style and look. If you want to know more about the Mecca Clock Royal Tower you could visit their website for details about their rooms and rates as well as on going promos and special offers.

Stay At Qualia

 

Traveling alone or with a company of a family member or your loved ones is always a happy experience and the most memorable ones. Along the way you get to meet different people that sometimes can create great impact or touch your life. When we visit a place that is not familiar to us, we tend to look for a place where we could stay. A temporary home where we could rest our tired bodies and sleep the night off to be prepared for the next days activities. There are many residential establishments that we could rent like hotels, motels, lodging houses, inns, condos and apartments depending on how many days we are gonna stay on that place or location. Usually when people travel for vacation the longest they could stay at a location is a week or if their work permits they could stay for two weeks. 

One of the best hotel and resort in the world that I will be featuring today is the Qualia, they have been awarded last year 2012 for being the Best Resort in the World by Traveler Reader's Choice Award. They are situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island surrounded by all the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef. The place is best for individuals or newly weds or family that wants to experience privacy and absolute relaxation and unique vacation experience because of the private pavilions that perfectly captured the Whitsundays beauty of a blue horizon edged with islands and surrounded with the beauty of nature Trees that naturally grows and flowers and plants that some were cultivated and grown on a pot or a custom planter shapes.There are a lot of signature experiences that you could enjoy like the Spa, Island golf club, beach drop offs, cruises, Epicurean food experience and many more. 

For more details about the Qualia you could check or visit their website for additional information and rates and packages or on-going promos that they offer. There is a saying that we only live once, so we need to make the most out of everything while we are still alive and kicking. Never miss the chance to experience this wonderful resort and get ready for a adventure of a lifetime.

The Dreams Experience

 

Pampering ourselves is a means of recharging our tired bodies and mind form all the hard work and stress that you got from working. And it feels good to finally buy the things that you want as a fruit of your labor. Getting a way on a vacation with your family or friends or loved ones is another way to enjoy life while bonding out with these special people. I have recently discovered about Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa. It is located on the magnificent east coast of Dominican Republic. The natural beauty of the island and nearby coral reef nurtures an incredible number of flora and fauna- and it will nourish one's spirit as well. Every detail has been selected for your complete relaxation and perfect get away that is uncrowded, unrushed and unequaled. 

 

 

From the moment you arrived at Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa you will definitely be delighted with the surroundings and the service as well. The majority of their amenity-filed luxury rooms and suites offer stunning ocean views plus a tropical jungle views that are equally mesmerizing. They also offer a spectacular array of day and evening activities and adventures foe every age and interest plus you are assured that you kids and teens have their own place and space to enjoy but of course with a supervision of friendly crews. Enormous free-form pool that winds it's way from the resorts lobby and stretches all the way down to the beach. Nearby excursion sites for golf, shopping adventure, history and six international restaurants serving gourmet fare and 10 wonderful lounges pouring unlimited premium brand beverages. 

One of the area in the resort that really caught my attention is the Preferred Club which is an exclusive area providing exceptional services, private lounge and Preferred Suites offering impressive views with outdoor Jacuzzis all in premium locations covered with tropical trees and plants on raised panel composite planters. Another reason to go to Dreams Resort is the unequaled exclusivity of Pevonia Spa services and products which offers a vast array of rejuvenating therapies. Hoping that my family and I could go there next summer for an experience of a lifetime.

For the Love of Cars

A friend of mine who is a biggest fan for cars wanted to visit Chicago, Illinois since they have the biggest show and oldest auto show in North America. He said that they have about 1000 different vehicles, from passenger cars, trucks, SUV, to concept, antique and collector cars. And all of these vehicles make and model are from around the world and is showcased only in Chicago, examples are Cadillac, Toyota, Lamborghini, Land Rover, BMW, Bentley, Lotus, Porsche, Maserati, Nissan, Honda and a lot more. The Chrysler Group has a test track of it's own to let guests ride and dive the cars that they are showcasing which is good because it is very interactive. Numerous athletes and movie/television stars made appearances on the auto show. because of what he heard, my friend's excitement grew bigger

We searched online for hotels that offers the best deals and would be very convenient location to the auto show. He actually has a hotel in mind which was also refer to him by one of his colleagues, it is the Radisson Hotel. Upon checking Radisson Hotel is actually a good place to stay in, so he decided to book in advance so that he would have a place to stay in directly after arriving from the airport, it would actually save his time because he won't look for other hotels that have available rooms. He is planning to go there this weekend during his day off. We are looking at the pictures of Radisson hotels lobby, rooms, business and fitness center and events hall and we are pretty amazed by how clean and though they have very simple designs and decors but they receive a 4.2 percent rating out of 5 and they have very good reviews coming from travelers and guests that they have accommodated.

You will be welcomed by beautiful plants and flowers on different pots and designer planters with wood accents on the entrance of the hotel. They have an outdoor pool that I know he would love because he also was a swimmer way back in our college days. He will be staying at a King bed guestroom, how I wish I could go with him but my duty as a mom never ends so I have to stay to take care of my family instead. The only time that I could have a vacation is if we all go together as a family. But I do not regret it after all, because my true happiness is with my son and husband and I'm not really interested with car or auto shows anyways.

- Co Author, Mariecon Alvarez

Planters For Every Occasion

 

Every occasion that we celebrate at home or at any hotel or events place there should always be a design that would fit or suit the theme of the celebration. Usually there should be one centerpiece that would stand out from all of the other decorations.The design goes with the season as well, for example if it is winter you could decorate outdoors with nothing but warmth and green space. You could decorate the chairs with gorgeous florals or have your aisle strewn with petals prior to the arrival of your guests. And an outdoor ceremony will not be complete without any focal point at the end of the aisle, it is either an arch, a canopy or a beautiful tree surrounded with flowers on a contemporary luna low bowl fiberglass planters. Adding a long strands of white laces could also add beauty to the tree. 

Since the theme is outdoor, more likely the reception would also be outdoors. You could set-up or construct a fabulous dance floor area and have lights all over it. Or long tables and chairs or round tables under giant umbrellas would work as well. It is not only during weddings that we celebrate outdoors but also on a simple day when your family and friends would come over to pay you a visit, or maybe you just wanna show off your new collection of flowers in your garden. You could set up a long table where you and your family and friends could gather around and share stories while eating or drinking a cup of coffee or grill some pork barbecues on the side for a mini barbecue party. 

But for me the most important thing is not the occasion or the celebration but the people whom you shared the celebration with. People that you love the most who came to celebrate with you also means they are there to support you and they were very proud of you and what you have become.

Paris Tour

Paris is the capital of France and the most populous city. A lot of tourist visit the place everyday and every year. As a capital of France, Paris is the seat of of France's national government My husband and I were lucky to have celebrated our honeymoon on the City of Love. Before we made the city tour that day the tourist guide gave us some information and a little history about Paris. It is said that Paris Region is not the only wealthiest area of France yet receives one of the most highest GDP's in the world after Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and London. For centuries Paris had been the labyrinth of narrow streets and half-timber houses, but, beginning with Haussman's advent, entire quarters were leveled to make way for wide avenues alined with neo-classical stone building with bourgeoisie standing. She also added that the Churches are the oldest intact buildings in the city, and shows high Gothic architecture at its best. The Notre dame cathedral and the church of Sainte-Chapelle are the two most striking building in the city. 

From the hotel, a bus picked us up and started the tour. Our tourist guide was very friendly and approachable. She also is a good speaker, because every time she opens her mouth everybody would stop on what they are doing and listens to her attentively. Many Paris's important institution are located outside the city limits. The financial business district, the main food wholesale market, schools, research laboratories, the largest stadium and the government offices are located in the suburb of the city. We never miss the chance to visit the great Eiffel tower, which is one of the most famous landmark in Paris. Eiffel tower was just a "temporary" construction by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exposition, but the tower was never dismantled and is now an enduring symbol of Paris.

Aside from it's name City of love, Paris was also known as the City of Art because of its great painting and sculptures. For centuries, Paris has attracted artists from around the world, arriving in the city to educate themselves and to seek inspiration from its vast pool of artistic resources and galleries. We had a long and tiring day but it's all worth it. Our last stop before we go back to the hotel was at the Notre-Dame De Paris, a Catholic church that is famous for its Gothic structure. There are a lot of plants and trees surrounding the church. Flowers are planted on a movable planters or a planters on caster. Inside of the church was pretty amazing, the paintings and sculptures looked so perfect. I asked the tourist guide if we could wait a little while so that we could hear the mass, unfortunately we need to go back to the hotel because some of the tourists were not Catholic, but she added that we could just go back there and gave us some schedule of the mass. We were very pleased with the tour that day, we were able to meet different types and races of people as well as learn to love Paris more.

Bonding Moments With My Loving Family

There are many reason why people have to work, when I was young I could not understand or should I say I do not want to understand why both my mother and father have to work five days a week and sometimes six because they have to do overtime during Saturdays. Now that I have a family of my own, I was able to realize what sacrifices our parents had to deal with to support the needs and wants of our family. I had exactly the same reason as to why I am working now. I wanted to give my son the same thing or should I say exceed what my parents gave me.I thank God that Saturdays and Sundays were created because those days were the only time that our family could bond even while doing the household chores because we work together to finish cleaning the house or doing the laundry. 

Last weeks day off, we decided to watch a movie after eating lunch. The title of the movie was Kung Fu Hustle, it is a 2004 Hong Kong comedy action film directed, co-produced by, and starring, Stephen Chow. We all love watching comedy action films and Kung Fu Hustle was just one of our favorites. We could not help ourselves but to laugh out loud especially me, there was a scene that keeps replaying in my mind and it would really make me smile. It is the scene where the landlady got mad at his husband, the landlord, because she caught him flirting with one of the tenants. She kicked him out of the window literally after beating him up and threw a flower pot right through his head. I was thinking if during there time fiberglass planter and fiberglass spheres were already made for decoration and planting flowers and plants, I don't think the Landlord would be able to live again. But that is not the case, the Landlord is a Tai Chi Master and only the strongest of the strongest could kill him.

When the movie ended, we all had a smile plastered on our faces. I was really touched by how great Stephen Chow turned out to be. From a nobody, who is desperate to join the Axe gang to a hero who stood up against the brutal villain. I just love day offs or rest days or weekends or whatever you may call it because it is also the time that we could finally relax our tired bodies and minds as well as recharge to gain strength for us to be able to face another weeks busy days.

- Co Author, Mariecon A.