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.

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:

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’residencies, educational 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)

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.

Designing an event is somewhat a very daunting task, but by the end of it all, it is very rewarding. To see the success of the event is like seeing you 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.

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

Who doesn’t love a good T-shirt? If I have a choice, I will wear it everyday, even at work. People are always drawn to comfort and a T-shirt (cotton shirt) is indeed comfort at its basic form—oooh deep

Graphic tees have been around for quite some time now. I still remember, back in my college days,I always get fascinated seeing shirts with prints such as “Tummy illfigure” instead of Tommy Hilfiger and “GI Jose” as a Mexican/Filipino spoof of GI Joe.  They are brilliant—and funny.

Aside from the spoof graphic shirts, with the age of digital printing, having a very intricate art print on a shirt is not a problem anymore.  

Now, T-shirts are not only a piece of clothing, but also another form of canvass where we can express ourselves and where fashion can become an expression of one’s passion.

I was totally intrigued when a friend of mine linked me an article from Gulf News reporting that a new T-shirt brand will be launching here in Dubai, where artists can have their artworks printed (and get a percentage of the sales). Since I just started doing some fashion blogs, I was interested to know how this brand came into being.

 Ursom (which means draw in Arabic) – according to an article from art in the city, is the first e-commerce site that sells designer T-shirts by artist from across the Middle East. — bridging the gap between the worlds of art and fashion. Printed on high quality T-shirts with state of the art equipment, Ursom operates the entire production line out of Dubai

To read the full article clink on this link: http://www.artinthecity.com/en/articles/post/2013/02/12/ursom-celebrates-the-launch-of-its-website-with-regional-artists-and-designers/512/?cct=119&ccid=512

(Sample graphic tees. Showcased by hanging them around the venue on clothes line.)

(giveaways—YEY)

What I love about Ursom is that the idea is so simple but brilliant. T SHIRT + ARTIST = EXCELLENT GRAPHIC SHIRTS.  This is perfect with the emerging artist communities in Dubai.

(With my brother —there is a story behind this). What am i wearing: 21 Men cardigan, black skinny jeans from TopMan, scarf from Urban Behavior, leather bag from Ted Baker.

(With Ursom’s co-founder, Luma.)

(yey—food. What a treat!)

The event was simple. I was able to talk to one of the co-founders, Luma, who told me that they wanted the event to be as casual as possible—and it did turn out to be so. The place was full of artists and promising entrepreneurs eager to have a glimpse of the T-shirts being showcased during the event. –The venue was also awesome! (and I will do a separate blog about it)

I can’t wait to submit my design to Ursom and have someone wear it (and pay )

You can check out what they have in their online shop by checking their website at http://ursom.com/. As of the moment T-shirts are available AED 120 each.

Photos from Ursom Official FB page and Zheena Vergara Photography

It was my first time to watch Cirque du Soleil. I always wanted to watch one. The last time that they went to Dubai was I think 3 years ago, my friend asked me to come, but I was not that interested back then. When I watched a documentary of Varekai (one of their shows) I decided that watching Cirque du Soleil should be part of my bucket list.

I waited, and thought that the following year, the whole crew will return..but only after 3 years. Whew! It was indeed a long wait! I felt envious that in the Philippines, for the past couple of years they enjoyed 2 greats Cirque du Soleil acts. The moment that I heard that finally it will come again to Dubai, I told myself, I will not miss this!—perfect way to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

We caught the 10pm show and to my surprise, being on its 2^nd week (and considering that is was very late at night) there are still a lot of people getting in line. We actually thought that we will be located very far from the performance area. Good thing, it was not a huge hall. Eventhough we were not that close, we were not that far either. It’s just right for us to enjoy the show—though at parts I have a large truss column blocking my sight

The show started with 3 clowns being clowns, then forced a volunteer from the audience to introduce the show. They constantly bug this particular guy. At first I thought, whew, this guys is such a sport..then it seemed as if, he is too sport, that I started thinking that everything was part of the act (well it’s up for you to find out!)

A little background:

“Fusing the 3000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.

In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved.” -—taken from www.cirquedusoleil.com

The acts were amazing! My favorite was the trampoline act. It seemed as if they were flying and walking on walls—-my childhood dream

All in all it was a superb show, a few down sides though –I saw wire support on the medusa act (this made it less impressive). And there are a few acts that was not shown, if I base it in their official website, namely, hoop diving and single hand balancing.—correct me if I just missed this. 

I will totally recommend everyone to watch this! At around 15min before midnight, my eyes told me to sleep, but a spectacular act after one spectacular act made forcing my eyes not to shut down all worth it.

Dralion is still running in Dubai till the 17^th of Feb 2013 in Dubai World Trade Center. To get tickets and to know more about it you can check http://www.cirquedusoleil.com or go directly to http://platinumlist.net

-Photos from google images.  

Last Saturday was my birthday, and reaching this milestone age (cough cough** I am, and will always be 26 in my press release) was the reason why I started to really be active in blogging—in short, pagtumatanda nagiging papansin.

I decided today, that instead of receiving gifts I will be the one giving it away. I love how my business can bless people, even as simple as giving a Surat Mini Blank Book away. I made a Q&A promotion in my facebook page and I got a good number of entries. In the end a girl from India won (she was the only one who gave the answer—worthy winner).

Saturday is church time — I love that I will be leading worship in our church the day of my birthday, what a great way to spend my birthday morning, serving God and be with my spiritual family.

For lunch, we headed straight to a meeting with some of our church leaders, to my surprise they prepared a cake for me and aside from that, we had a very tasty Indian meal. Tandoori chicken and filipinized biryani (mixed with minced beef). Thanks to Auntie Candice, she really made the food Filipino friendly—I think I got 4 servings of biryani

Filipino friendly biryani and chicken tandoori ala Candice 

My first birthday cake. I love the flavor—Honey Cake- I can’t believe that this just came from Spinneys, so it means, it is very affordable. I recommend this for those with picky sweet tooth like me. –thanks to Marlon, Uncle Bernard, Reagan and Auntie Candice——aaawwww.

After the meeting, I went home to prepare for my birthday dinner. I booked a Korean restaurant along Oud Metha Road, which I will make a review in a separate blog. Before heading to the restaurant, I finished and took an appointment for my US Visa application first. Please pray for me. Will update everyone once I’ll get the result (hopefully good news).

I invited my closest friends to join me for my birthday dinner. Because it was in a Korean restaurant, it was only appropriate to get the “Korean room” where everyone will sit on the floor. The only problem was, it can only hold a maximum of 20 people, good thing people arrived in batches so the size of the room didn’t become an issue.

 We enjoyed the meal. The service was superb—> I love that in this restaurant, eventhough serving was very demanding they are still smiling (a lot of hands-on stuff for the waitress—like preparing for the bulgogi and bibimbap). All my guests loved the place and said that will go back there.

The very helpful and cheerful waitress (cho) preparing our bulgogi.

Spicy seafood casserole and honey chicken (this is like bonchon chicken but better)

My dinner bday cake—the rice cake version. They surprised me with this, complete with closed lights pa.

The room was filled with laughter and kaaswangan (our term for teasing people, but with good intention). Being away from home, this is the closest set of people that I can call family, so I couldn’t ask for more.

God truly have blessed me for the past year. There’s nothing compared to His love. and with that,I am truly thankful. I am excited what instore for me this year. I am sure it will be great! 

Have a blessed day everyone!

The first time I heard Wicked was when they perform Defying Gravity during the Tony Awards (yes it was a replay). It was indeed very WICKED! Since then, I dreamt of watching it live on stage. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth really owned the characters—- Well I am bias because I really love Kristin because of Pushing Daisies 

ok back to WICKED

When I visited Singapore last July and watched The Lion King, the moment I saw the advertisement that Marina Bay Sands will feature Wicked on their next show (Dec-Feb), I told myself that I have to watch it…and I did…Last January 9, 2012, I was able to catch the play along with my college friends who are working in SG.

Amazing is an understatement, the whole time I was watching it I really felt “kilig” (goosies all over my body). Glinda was played by Suzie Mathers and Elphaba by Zoe Jarrett. Both casts didn’t hold back in portraying their roles, it was like watching a tennis match and you are rooting for both characters.

I was able to get hold of the soundtrack before I even watched the play (imagine how I monologued seating down in the theater) and from the songs, I really was a Glinda fan, and never imagined that I will like Elphaba, maybe because my reference was how she was portrayed in the Wizard of Oz. But while the play progressed, you will really like her character. She’s like a superhero but became a villain by chance.

I love how Wicked twists and reconstructs what we knew about Oz, it’s a fresh take and total redemption for the most unloved character (of all time).

To sum up, we really enjoyed it, I saw my friends cried during the song “For Good” and cheered during “Defying Gravity”. I’ve been praying in faith that I will watch it, I claimed already as early as September –and I thank God for granting my praying. It was indeed a VERY WICKED moment!….