ART: LONDON

The Tate Modern - London United Kingdom

There is so much to pay respect to at the Tate Modern along the River Thames. Artist and their artworks took me back to when I was studying during high school. From the legends, Picasso, de Chirico, Monet to Russian Revolutionary Posters. I am always in awe and could have spent the rest of my trip in the four levelled gallery looking at every piece of work and visiting the gift store of course.

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: LONDON

Southbank, the typical tourist route you need to do in London. Starting from the Underground; walking up to see Big Ben; strolling along the River Thames; past the Vintage Book Markets; having a pint of beer at the various pubs; checking out the galleries along the way; watching a play at Shakespeare's Globe through to a delicious feed at the Borough Markets. I heart London!

x

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: LONDON

Top 9 Things to do in London-town, United Kingdom:
1. Visit the Tate Modern
2. Go snap happy in front of The Big Ben
3. Wander through the streets viewing the British facades
4. Watch a Musical Production
5. Go shopping crazy on Regent / Oxford / Carnaby Street
6. Visit more galleries
7. Eat at 'Spices' on Chapel Market, Angel Islington
8. Pay respect to the great Artists
9. Capture landmarks

FASHION WANTS: NIKE X LIBERTY

Wishing we were in London for the new launch!

For Spring/Summer 2014, Nike and Liberty have once again collaborated to create an on-trend collection for summer.

The new collection sees some of Nike’s most celebrated footwear and apparel styles transformed with an array of timeless Liberty London floral prints.

Anoosha, a 1930’s print featuring blossom and bell flowers; Lora a print based on a 1970s version of William Morris’ ‘Willow’ pattern; and Crown a design based on various paisley block prints from Liberty’s Merton print works from the late 19th to early 20thCentury adorn the Air Max 1, Air Max 90, Roshe Run. For the first time, vintage running favourite the Internationalist receives a Liberty makeover as do basketball classics, the Blazer and the Dunk Sky Hi.

Check them out here.

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!

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: PEARL FARM RESORT

Pearl Farm Resort - Samal Island. Davao. Philippines

This is the Mother-load of Destination Weddings! Stepping off the 45 minute boat ride, our mouths dropped at the sight of the place! Absolutely disgusting! How could our close mates, Rodney and Denise pick the most filthiest resort to get married in! HAHA.

The place was stunning! White sand, blue water, private island 3 levelled villas, private beach, 24-7 service, fresh coconut shakes and friends to party with! What more could we ask for?!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: SAMAL ISLAND

Top 9 Things to do in Pearl Farm Resort - Davao, Philippines:
1. Enjoy the company of past travel mates on the boat ride to 'Paradise'
2. Go walkabout the private island
3. Drink cocktails on your private beach
4. Swim in the infinity pool of the main resort
5. Wonder in awe of the size of the private 3 level Villa
6. Don't forget to Slip-Slop-Slap
7. Visit the other Villas
8. Get a mani-pedi while sipping on Pina Coladas
9. Brag about Pearl Farms paradise lifestyle living

TRAVEL PHOTO DIARY: CORON

Coron is an island in Palawan, and unfortunately that part of the Philippines was effected by Typhoon Haiyan and you could see the result of it during the drive to the marina. The locals and volunteers had and still continue to work at cleaning up the damages.

It took a 1 hour plane ride, 1 hour drive on rocky surfaces and a 45 minute boat ride - but we finally go there, Club Paradise. The resort isn't the type where you lock yourself in an elaborate air conditioned room watching cable TV all day - it's quite the opposite. It's a type of resort where you spend your days outside, snorkelling, island hoping, mingling with fellow travellers at the bar, playing ping pong at the Club House and feasting on buffet meals.

You really feel spoilt, not just by the service provided by Club Paradise but the colourful beauty of Coron.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVE: CORON

Top 9 Things to do in Coron - Palawan Philippines:
1. Soak in the sun setting while riding the boat to Club Paradise
2. Read a book looking while glancing out at the turquoise water and white sand
3. Sip on cocktails at The Dugong Bar
4. Check out the local city town
5. Wonder at the beauty of Kayangan Lake
6. Go snorkelling with the marine fish
7. Watch the magic colours of the set setting
8. Take advantage of the seafood buffet
9. Timeout on the boat looking out into the crystal clear water

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