LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: SPANISH WEDDING

Finding out that Dean and Nat were relocating in Barcelona, Spain and getting married there - the whole family planned their massive European Trip!

Come September 2013, the location of Dean & Nat's Wedding in Spain was kept under wraps. No one knew the details, all we knew was the meeting place of where the coach was picking everyone up. It was a 40 minute ride out of Barcelona, weaving through hilltops, then the venue was finally revealed. A castle overlooking a panoramic view of La Baronia. It was stunning!

It was a beautiful venue catering various locations for the wedding ceremony, cocktails, reception to the partying and dancing. It was rich in elegance of the old world style. Well done Dean & Nat!!

We all had an amazing time!

WORD TO YOUR MOTHER!

Wishing all our Mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day! 

I Love you Mummy!

x

The Cruz Collective

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: LONDON STREET

Our London accommodation was in Victoria. Walking along the street and looking at the classic beauty of the facades of houses, apartments, hotels and business headquarters. So rich in history, so elegant, so London.

HAPPY EASTER!

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Grand Budapest Hotel

In love with Wes Anderson's work and can't wait to watch his latest film, 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'!

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: SAMAL ISLAND WEDDING

26-02-2014. Samal Island, Davao. Philippines

The day Denise Navarro became Mr & Mrs Rodeny Robles.

Watching our friends at the wedding ceremony professing their love for one another was truly special. We've know the couple for over 8 years and it was an honour that they asked us to be their secondary sponsors. *Tear*

With all the formalities covered, everyone knew that we were all in for a big night at the reception - located on a private beach! The MC had it all planned out, hitting the night off with introductions, fireworks, entertaining games, prizes, buffets, patron shots and partying on the dance floor.

It was truly an epic build up the week of the wedding in paradise! Activities planned, social events, buffet feeds, drinks at the Parola Bar to chilling in the infinity pool. It was hard to say goodbye to Pearl Farm Resort!

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: MAKATI, PHILIPPINES

Exploring Makati - Philippines:

1. Coronas and Frangelico on the rocks at the airport

2. Makati sunsets

3. The grand lobby of 'Ascott Makati'  

4. Strong latte at 'Yardstick'

5. Finally checking out the home and lifestyle store 'Heima' 

6. 'My Apartment' by Heima next door  

7. Visiting the 'Art Fair Philippines 2014'

8. Inspired by Filipino talent at the 'Art Fair Philippines 2014'

9. Delicious feed at Kai Neo Jappanese Restaurant in Grenbelt Makati

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL: BACK YOUR ROOTS

The announcement was made by our close mates that they were planning to get married in the Philippines. I hadn't been back to The Motherland since 2009! A destination wedding was booked! Locking in accommodation and flights for Coron in Palawan and Samal Island in Davao, Mindanao. Next up was accommodation for Makati and planning family catch ups.

Besides the luxurious side of things, visiting where my Dad's from Suluk, Meycauayan is always a slap in the face to show you how lucky we really are! We were driven by my Uncle and Auntie in the early morning to avoid traffic. Sitting at the window seat, I watched school kids walking, the various shopfronts with handwritten signage, bright coloured products displayed, piles of rubbish everywhere, squatters, beggars, to electricity lines criss-crossing through the streets.

After a one hour drive, we finally arrived at my Grandparent's place. I walked in through the shanty gate to see for the first time in 5 years, my Lolo (Grandfather)! I yelled out 'LOLO' in excitement and gave him a big bear hug. It brought the two of us to tears still hugging each other. For my Lolo, it was weeping tears. The loss of my Lola (Grandmother) recently had taken its toll on him missing his companion. It was so sad to see. 

Looking up at the living room wall, I saw photos - of our family tree. From wedding photos, BBQs at the park, family vacations, to the typical family group shots. Our family history was up on that wall, the place were each of our family members had once lived, played in the front yard, had family feasts and had been adored by my Grandparents.

Rest In Peace Petrona San Juan Cruz. 
We will always love you and miss you dearly.

x

Mara

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: THAILAND

SEASONS GREETINGS

PROFILE #1: RACHELLE CRUZ

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

Home Is Where The Heart Is...

Love the look of these interiors!