Kenneth Surat

sweet goodness in a box thanks @ChoCoaDubai Check their website...

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:34:52 -0400

sweet goodness in a box thanks @ChoCoaDubai

Check their website here

“Travel makes you modest. You see what a tiny place you...

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:10:22 -0400

“Travel makes you modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world” -Gustave Flaubert

Event Blog: Design Days --> My Eye Candy

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:51:00 -0400

Last March I had a privilege to be invited to the opening night of Design Days Dubai (see link here). This really kicked my inspiration+ creative bone to a high.

With all the furniture (and art pieces) exhibited it feels like I am in what one part of my heaven map.

Compared to last year’s exhibition, this year focused on a more contemporary approach, which is not a bad thing (I just missed seeing some very expensive vintage pieces).

This is a very interesting design for a clock..this is called “clock clock” designed by Humans Since 1982 and currated by Victor Hunt. This unique approach for time management really got my attention. These are actually series of clocks placed together to create a bigger clock. I still cant grasp how this is working.

Another interesting piece is “Jari” by Jihoon Ha. This is a modular, repetitive sculptural piece that works brilliantly as a seat. Perfect I must say!

I also love this stringed art display. This are actual scaled furniture outlines stringed from the ceiling. Although you cannot really seat on them but they are brilliantly installed to create a real 3d sketch.

I cant help to watch how they are producing pearl (a bit brutal I must say—-poor oyster)

After seeing their work, I instantly became their number 1 fan. I want to ruin their partnership and turn it into trio! Studio Swine made my vision possible. What they are actually doing is what was planning to do after working here in Dubai and manage my own design studio. To know more about them visit their website here.

All in all my eyes were satisfied with the buffet of creativity displayed—and of course, I do have some favorite pieces..cant wait for next year’s event!

A mother’s love is always the best!!!

Tue, 14 May 2013 02:04:24 -0400

A mother’s love is always the best!!!

Design Blog: Eileen Gray's Bibendum Chair

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:32:00 -0400

As a designer, I’ve been seeing a lot of designer furniture in the web and up close (I have even tried and sourced some of them for projects).

What I love about designer furniture is the story behind every piece. And also the story behind their designer/s. I am dreaming (still in present tense) to be one of those great designers and have my own collection which people will see the value of craftsmanship and the story behind every detail.

With this said, I thought of posting every now and then furniture pieces which I find very interesting aside from being beautiful of course.

My first feature will be Eileen Gray’s Bibendum Chair.

Eileen Gray’s Bibendum Chair was one of the 20th century’s most recognized furniture design. It was designed for Madame Mathieu Levy, a boutique owner. This was part of her work when she was commissioned to re-design Mademe Mathieu Levy’s apartment in Paris.

Although seems over-sized, the two semi-circular padded tubes in leather makes this chair ideal for lounging and socializing.(I love it)

With its bold size and shape, this furniture became an instant masterpiece and was widely accepted in the market. Today, this chair can sell for an approximate of 2300 pounds.

Sources:

www.artimeless.com

www.wikipedia.org

www.bbc.co.uk

Event Blog: Turning it Orange! Banyan Tree Cafe Phuket Thailand

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:07:00 -0400

One of my “neophyte days” events that I did was a grand wedding by an Indian couple in Phuket. It was a very festive event, with 5 days of parties and celebrations and parties…and more parties, surely the guests really had fun (we had fun also).

One of the night party that was tasked to me was to create a cozy, warm (not that all out rave party) venue. A place where guests can really talk and chill-out with one another. I think the key word there was “chill-out”.

Our venue was the Banyan Cafe in the Banyan Tree Hotel. We played and got inspired with the orange and brown combination like an “Hermes” box. We painted the existing columns in tangerine and wrapped around a rich brown ribbon (wrapping those ribbons were a bit of a headache). We also played around with fabrics of the same motif and created a festive look from a plain resort type cafe.

This is the schematic sketch that I did for the main entrance area. We framed the existing buddha statue with fabrics and ribbons to create a vertical reference. For carpets, instead of red, we thought of using a bolder shade ——yes it is orange!

Here is a schematic sketch for the whole venue. We installed a dance floor and a DJ table. Also we created pocket areas for seating (lounge type)

The set-up was a bit nerve wracking, I started coordinating everything early in the morning with painting started a couple of days before, except for the dance floor. The weather was not participating also because it was cloudy with a bit of a drizzle. All in all we did it (Thank God)! It was awesome because we stayed true on what we have designed and it turned out pretty chic and classy.

It was a blessing to have worked with these lovely folks. I learned a lot for my first big event gig. After this, I did a lot of events but I must say, this team has a big place in my heart.

Topman Savers Alert: 50% off!!!

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:40:50 -0400

One of my favorite clothing brand just announced their “Savers 50% off” sale. This will run until the 4th of May in all their stores in the UAE.

I am excited to visit their store in Dubai Mall tonight! hooothooot

Images courtesy of Topman Middle East FB page.

Follow the in Instagram at TopmanME

Fashion Blog: H&M Summer "Ready to Go" Inspiration

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:54:00 -0400

I am getting excited that I will be spending my summer in the US and will walk around the streets of New York and LA. To prepare for my up coming escape, I thought of getting my summer travel inspirations outfits as early as now.

What I am actually looking at are casual and comfortable-ready for anything outfits. I was browsing H&M’s FB photos and saw these simple yet trendy ensembles. This are really perfect for those easy summer travels where you just need to pack and go.

Photos by H&M

You can find their stores around UAE by clicking this Link

For latest offers and trends check their website by clicking this Link

The Icing on the Top of Paris - The Eiffel Tower

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:07:00 -0400

A trip to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower is like not visiting Paris at all. With all the museums that I visited and macarons that I ate, the Eiffel Tower I must say was the highlight of my trip. The Eiffel Tower is symbol of this magnificent city and one of the most recognizable man made structures in the world.

Just a few minutes walk from my house, the view of the tower became the highlight of my everyday adventure. I know, I know, people may say that this huge steel structure towering along the River Seine is overrated but seeing it in person, I then understand why this became a symbol of France’s queen city.

The tower stands 320 meters tall, overlooking the whole city. It is the tallest structure in Paris. The moment I saw it, my heart was enveloped in an overwhelming feeling of joy. Maybe because I have been dreaming of traveling this part of the world since I was a kid.

During my short backpacking trip, every time I feel tired and needed to clear my head, a quick gazed at the tower will just remind me to not complain and be thankful to God that He brought me in this place.

It was a surprise that my friend Wilma (who is a cabin crew) was also in Paris. We met at the foot of the tower and of course did some pictorials.

I spent my last day in Paris climbing the Tower. The observatory platform (Third level) was open for the public, it costs 13Euros to go there including lift charges. I met a lot of tourists (like me), some came from Spain, China, US and Germany.

The view of the city from the top of the tower was magnificent. (sometimes you just want to sing and belt out a song). It was summer, but it was very cold at the observation deck, so as a tip, you should bring a jacket or a scarf.

In the evening, the tower sparkles like a diamond in the city (and literally if you wait long enough, you will really see the lights sparkle).

With three of my Dubai friends passing by in Paris at the time I was there, we planned a dinner in one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants. We booked a table in 58 Tour Eiffel and had a 3 course meal where I tasted my first Foie Gras.

With a glass of champagne and with stories from traveling friends in one of the most iconic places in the world, it was indeed a perfect way to finish a long and tiring day.

My Dream Travel Companion ^^

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:07:28 -0400

I’ve been dreaming and hoping that I will have one of these to accompany me with in one of my travels very very soon.

Splash Fashion League: A Splash of Fashion.

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:31:00 -0400

I posted a poster before about Splash’s fashion show with a running title “Splash Fashion League (see this link). It was indeed a very fashionable event full of a very edgy and sporty spring/ summer collection.

Me and my photographer friend Zheena were invited to gazed this event and have a look at their new collections.

The good thing about Splash is that their stuff are not expensive (will fit everyone’s budget), all you have to do is to be creative and and have a bit of imagination, which is what this fashion show is all about——CREATIVE FASHION.

Me and my friend Zheena along the red carpet.

The show begins…..

With Splash’s CEO, Raza Beig proud to close this momentous event.

To know more about Splash and locate their stores here in Dubai, you can click on this link. ——> SPLASH

Burj Khalifa 24042013. Early morning site visit and this beauty...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:20:48 -0400

Burj Khalifa 24042013.

Early morning site visit and this beauty has already been standing tall over us.

I remember doing this in our Arch 3 (color rendering) class....

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 06:45:04 -0400

I remember doing this in our Arch 3 (color rendering) class. Love to get grades from something that I love to do in the first place.

A not so Techie Blog - Blackberry 10

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:50:00 -0400

I just received an SMS from Etisalat (my mobile/network provider) that I can now pre-order the latest BlackBerry Q10. It is amazing how BlackBerry is catching up with the other smartphone competitors, which geared up during the release of the Z10.

Being a “not so techie” guy, I want a phone that will just to the job. I dont need 1000000000000000 apps on my phone, at least I can manage my social media, do my business and of course call and SMS.

I have been a fan of BlackBerry phones because it does the job, and very simple I must say. My first blackberry was a very humble Curve 8250 and now I am using a Torch 9860. I love that I can easily take photos and use it for my journal business (along with some of my travels and blog posts) and also easily communicate with my family and friends in the Philippines using BBM.

I am still thinking of switching to the new 10 series..very tempting indeed.

My Torch 9860 and my Surat Journal.

BlackBerry Z10. Hoping to get my hands on one.

The new BlackBerry Q10.

You can now pre-order the brand new BlackBerry Q10 from Axiom UAE and Etisalat UAE!

To know more, you can visit their website by clicking this link —> BlackBerry

I saw this video from MAKE Business Hub Fb page showing the lovely
Simone Heng unboxing her new BB10. Find out why she loves her Blackberry Z10.

Photos c/o Blackberry Fb page

Video c/o Make Business Hub Fb page and Blackberry Middle East

Juggling The Dubai Marina Street Festival

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:18:00 -0400

Looking for some interesting and dynamically infused crowd for a friend’s photography project, our feet was drawn towards the Promenade at the Marina Mall last 21st of March. We saw an advert of the street festival and we thought of checking it out.

It was the 3rd installment of the said event, and I missed the first 2, so I tagged along with my friend when she invited me to come.

I think, because it was the first night, the whole marina neighborhood went and marveled with the different acts of the night. I caught 2 acts a funny juggler and another juggler with a death defying act of juggling knives and a running chainsaw (crazy).

The extreme juggler. He was a bit all over the place, but we enjoyed anyway. He asked me to volunteer to help him on his tall unicycle.

It was a fun night, felt like we are in one of the streets in London. There were a lot of kids and family (with kids). Who says Dubai is all work and we are not having fun?

Here is a video promo of the Dubai Marina Street Fair c/o Dolphine Creative:

Dubai Global Village

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:49:00 -0400

Before Dubai’s Global Village came to a close, we thought of celebrating a friend’s birthday and try “what they say” as the best and authentic tom yum soup in town. Our street food adventure became a bargain spree adventure, and also a chance of doing an outfit blog.

Because it was just an impromptu invitation, I just grabbed what I can from my closet. Global village is located just a bit outside the metro so it was expected that it will be colder compared to city.

Forget about the floral plastic bag, but it complimented what I was wearing.^^

We spent most of the time in the Thailand Court. We got a lot of stuff there and ate a lot as well. We bought some bamboo magic towel also in the Austrian Court (we love it).

What am I wearing: Striped round neck shirt and long sleeves shirt both from TOPMAN, Pants from H&M and Shoes from ALDO.

Photo

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:59:02 -0400

Desert Farmer

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:51:00 -0400

If you told me months back that I will be having brunch in the middle of the desert with a very tropical environment, I will tell you right away “ARE YOU KIDDING?”.

But as we all know, everything is possible in Dubai.We drove around (somewhere along) Emirates Road and found this amazing “brunch haven”.

The Farm makes you feel as if you are dining in one of the posh tropical restaurants (with a modern and western touch) in the world. Coupled with a perfect weather and breeze this place is a perfect place to relax, dine and have a good chat with friends (i miss this kind of place).

As a designer, the ambiance of the place always add up to the “i like it” factor. The Farm so far is up there in my Top List.

When we arrived, they have handed us an Ipad which I was hoping to be a souvenir, but sadly it was their menu (genius). The food was amazing also, which includes a nice vegetable chip to munch on while waiting for our orders.

The food was just fine, a bit on the pricey scale, but all in all it was a great experience. During the time the we have visited, the service was a bit of a downgrade (hoping that it was just that time—let’s give them the benefit of the doubt this time).

Would I recommend this place? YES!—-and i think I will go back there before the nice weather will leave us.

Check out the link to know more about The Farm

My dear friend Joan gave this rubber stamp as a gift from her...

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:25:13 -0400

My dear friend Joan gave this rubber stamp as a gift from her trip in Guangzhou China. I used it immediately in today’s bazaar. ^^

The Kid Inside

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:16:00 -0400

I’ve been teaching kids for quite some time now, so i thought to do some fashion blogging for what I wore during our latest class.

As winter was leaving us already and summer is still on its way—please go slow, I thought of wearing a layered outfit (and still show my kiddie side).

While struggling from my lost luggage when i was in Paris, I bought an anniversary Disney Paris shirt. This is perfect as an undershirt with a brown and orange checkered (open button) shirt I got from a flee market (Ukay-Ukay) in the Philippines.

For pants, I wore my favorite washed light brown denim from H&M.

Pants from H&M, Aldo sneakers

Undershirt from Disney Apparel, flee market treasure open buttoned shirt , Ray Ban aviator eyewear

Some of my students with their Disney Cars bag ^^