On Purple Wings

Gabriela Silang Museum of Fine Arts – Tayum, Abra

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Gabriela Silang Museum of Fine Arts

One of the things that I really treasured during my last travel to Abra is the chance I had to visit the Gabriela Carino-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts. I was really wanting to stay longer, however, said trip was with a group and so I had to follow the length of stay per itinerary.

Should there be a chance, I would really love to come back, though for now, let me share with you one of the most thought-provoking art collection, the most expansive array I’ve seen locally (I was thinking it is Pinto Art Museum), owned by former Ambassador Rosario V. Carino, the paternal uncle of the country’s Joan of Arc, Gabriela Silang. Said house had became her retreat, when she fled from Vigan to shun captive, during the revolt against the Spaniards. Well, the rest is history.

Due to the diplomats’ vast collection from most parts of the globe for more than thirty years, it eventually became a gallery of Fine Arts, the squire shared with us stories behind some of the collector’s items. The well-traveled diplomat ensured that he’s got something to bring home and the accumulation of well-kept art pieces created one of the most fascinating anthology I’ve seen.

When we came, there is an on-going renovation to display the items in a better way. There is a minimum entrance fee so as to aid said renovation and preserve them for the next generations to lay eyes on. Members of the Carino family were the ones who acted like a tour guide and didn’t leave all of us unassisted. I must agree with “Tupang Gala”. It is a beautiful mess. =)

Take a gander of the photos we’ve taken:

Upon entry, two rooms are situated on both sides, one is like a resting area and the other one is a library.

When you enter the “bulwagan” (hall), you can’t help but be amazed of how massive the art collections that has been gathered from generations after generations. I felt a certain kind of abundance.

A replica of the most famous painting in the world is behind me.

A writing table.
Tokador. (Dresser)
A collection of scarves.

Carpet during the old times.

Various chandeliers are up there for you to adore.

Musical instruments.
Sconce
Lampara (lamps).
A divider with abstracts.
Egyptian art.

Like a kid, I touched one of those lamps wishing a genie will come out! =p

Jewelry boxes.
Fans.
Masks.

Those vintage luggage put smile on my face… (–,)

Colored glasses.
Gizmos.
Cash register.

Still life paintings and some Victorian figurines.

Two legs in the air meant that the rider died in battle.
I almost snatched this! =)

This violet vase which caught my attention is also a gift to the Ambassador.

A Filipina Mestiza.
A European.
A Spanish?

Jade elephant which is a gift to the Ambassador.
Blings!
Painted plates.
Canes

I inquired if they have a reproduction of the “Holy Shroud”, there’s none, however, they showed me this one, an oil painting of Christ resurrected.

A different version of the “Last Supper”.

I was hoping the government will also assist in the preservation of said museum, I just heard about the restoration of Gabriela Silang’s father’s ancestral house in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

Jen spotted this outside, which I missed.

To be honest, this museum visit took my breath away. Estimating everything to be billion worth. Perhaps, this treasure trove is priceless.

The museum is located at Teodoro Balmaceda Street, Poblacion, 2803 Tayum, Abra. You can contact them at: 0927-640-6497 or click this link: https://www.facebook.com/gcsgfa.abra/

Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant

Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant #boozfoodfungames

There is virtue in work, there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. ~Alan Cohen~

If you’re the type looking for so much more than food and drinks and chilling down south? Upperdeck bar and restaurant has more. They have pool, billiard hall, tattoo sessions and they have live acoustic and open mic jam. There’s ladies night, pay per views, name it.

There’s no denying that Upperdeck is a place where I can bring my friends not because the Owners are my friends but because the place is literally noteworthy. =)

A sweet couple so busy, still made time to see me. =)

So, one night, Jen and I went to the place and these are what we truly enjoyed. Most of their “Best sellers”!

One of the best iced teas I’ve ever tried! =)

To check on their complete menu, please click this link: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

It’s interiors by the way is not the soft type, and not too stiff at the same time. It has some quirky side and what’s eminent is its’ masculine side. Giving you hints that the prime movers of this cool place are actually four gentlemen. =)

Those are liquor bottles cut in half, so creative! =)

Over-all look and “feel” is just perfect for their offerings. =)

The whole idea just popped out during one of their usual time together and as determined as these four are, it came to life. Serving thousands who’d always leave pleased and are already planning as to when they’re going to go back. Just like Jen and I did. =)

So when you’re heading down south, wanting just to chill, unwind and enjoy the night, treat yourself by visiting Upperdeck!=)

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

By the way, this is one of my favorites. Surely, everyone will pass the requirements right? Easy! =)

Address: Block 15 A-1, Lot 2, Main Road , Rosario Drive, Rosario Complex (2nd & 3rd Floor of Spin Off Express Laundry)
San Pedro, Laguna 4024
Contact number: (02) 817 5262
Opening hours: 10:00am to 2:00am

February 17, 2019

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Sex Symbol! (–,)

Had so much fun doing this. =)

On Purple Wings

SEX SYMBOL

Respond to every call that excites your spirit. ~ Rumi

I sometimes explicitly wonder why I see things so differently. Like for my topic this time. It’s all about Sex Symbol. Nope, I’m not referring to those sexy sirens whose body have been the envy of so many. Something very common but goes unnoticed piqued my interest.

It is the effort of some establishment to creatively present these “significant symbols”.

I just took photos of unique symbols of the female gender. A clear sign of creative juices coming out from nowhere that were normally overlooked.

You could just imagine how much I am drawn with the uniqueness of each symbol and will strut my way out to take advantage of opportunities so id be able to take photos as if some would see me I am sure they would see me weird taking pictures of the comfort rooms’…

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February 14, 2019

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To visit the National Museum of Natural Arts is a must

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” – Soren Kierkegaard

I am that kind of soul who jerks when I hear the word “museum”, it meant beautiful things for me, it meant that I am allowed to take a peek of what was back in time, it meant travelling for me, it meant the feeling of a dancing soul.

If I have the opportunity to visit those I wanted and I can, I will. So when we get the chance to stay somewhere in Manila, our itinerary included the museums.

We visited the “National Museum of Natural Arts” one weekend. The six – leveled building recently opened officially to the public last May of 2018. It used to be the “Agriculture and Commerce building” before it became the seat of the “Department of Tourism”.

It boasts a Neo-classical facade including its’ over-all interiors, a type of architecture that focuses on simpler lines, huge columns and blank walls generating grandiose. A far cry of Rococo style which it preceded.

I found this artwork symbolizing classical facades of museums, and surprisingly it’s created by a kid.
Photo source: https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs

I just have this thing with doors. #thisthingwithdoors

The Designer of the building was a Filipino Architect: Antonio Toledo during the late 1930s. While the renovation was taken cared of Dominic Galicia Architects from the year 2015 to 2018.

It surprised us that upon arrival, there’s a long queue (people of all ages), and mostly are students. Another thing that was a surprise is that the entrance is free. I wondered where will they get the budget to maintain it, though it made me admire the government since this kind of perk enables more visitors to appreciate the museum and what it has to offer.

I noticed too that there are no leaflets or maps that were provided as a guide, so we were a bit lost as to where to go first. Like you can roam around the whole area as you please. There are usherettes stationed in some areas but not in all areas to guide you. We used the ramps to go the next level.

Enjoy the rich collection of the country’s flora and fauna, artifacts which some can only be found in the Philippines.
I specifically targeted the hundreds of butterfly species kept intact, there’s a room filled with different species of trees which we weren’t able to visit because it was almost 5pm when we reached that floor, different kinds of minerals were also showcased, there is also a replica of the world’s largest crocodile (in captivity) popularly known as “Lolong”. I think he is one of the major attractions of this museum.

All that is gold does not glitter. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

It’ll also bring you to the depths of the sea. =)

I’m in front of the submarine’s hull, though it isn’t yellow. =p

“Apat na sikat” (An old meme that means “The Famous Four” =)

There are too many corners that are “Instagrammable”. =)

Staircases – one of my most favorite subjects.

Personally, what initially lured me is the white canopy with geometric designs that connects to the tube-like elevator that I later learned they called the “Tree of life”.

Find time to visit, it is literally a learning and rewarding experience. It is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm from Tuesday to Sunday and closes during Mondays.

The National Museum of Natural Arts along with the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Planetarium which is known as the National Museum Complex located in Rizal Park, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila.

A special corner is dedicated to our National Hero: Dr. Jose Rizal.

Jen’s tenacious to see the rest, she’s wanting to see the Spoliarium by Juan Luna. It is somewhere in the National Museum of Fine Arts. While I, itching to have a photo on the collections of Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo mounted on pink walls. =) Maybe one of these days. =)

PS: The restrooms are immaculate too. =)

February 12, 2019February 12, 2019

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My Favorite Malls <3

My Favorite Malls ❤

Sometimes, being a home buddy take its’ toll. You wanted to breath some different air and you need things that aren’t available nearby. Normally, we get them from malls, where varying stores of things we need (and want) are with open doors welcoming everyone on the look-out for something.

Personally, I am not a mall rat, I lose my breath seeing too many people (Is it a disease? Am I claustrophobic?). I used to work at a themed park and when it was my first time to witness more than 10,000 guests inside the park. I was catching my breath. I had trouble going out since I need to fulfill my duties catering to these thousands of guests. Though as a disclaimer, I have nothing against those whose fond of malls.

And it’s also good to know that there are malls that aren’t “peopley”! =)

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=people
y

I can name a few: Alabang alone houses those on my list. Like Commerce Center, Molito and Westgate. The more “peopley” are: Festival Mall and Alabang Town Center which I sometimes visit too with friends and family.

In Ortigas, I find Podium not too “peopley” and there’s Estancia too. Evia which they termed a Lifetime Center is my favorite too. The newly opened Southwoods mall is one. In Makati, even I grew up in Quad (which is Glorietta now), I prefer Rockwell Center and Greenbelt. On your way to Tagaytay, there’s Nuvali and Paseo de Sta. Rosa which we frequented when I used to work nearby. Serin in Tagaytay is “peopley” for me.

Recently, looking for something, Jen and I ended up at Madison Galleries. A Lifestyle Mall. And it’s not too “peopley”.

It’s even in front of a church which we first visited and uttered some prayers and took some pictures (as it’s built very beautifully) before we proceed to this 5 level mall offering all that you’ll ever need. Apparently shadowing the principle of self-sustained places or township. With residential, commercial, retail, recreational, educational establishments allowing its’ neighboring residents to not go as far because it has everything they would need (and want) too.

And there we found a very dainty place to dine: Relish cafe. We surveyed first for other delightful places to eat. There’s actually a lot. Normally, Jen and I filtered our choices by these basis: cravings, type of cuisine, ambience, traffic, and if there’s dessert ahaha!

At Madison Galleries, we spotted 5 and we ended with two: Derive Cafe and Relish Cafe then we agreed to choose the latter. It’s interiors looked so immaculate. I found out from Jen too that it is included in Phonebooky’s top list of best Restaurants in Alabang. Hmmmn I didn’t know she’s ticking off items on her list or I didn’t expect that she got her own list too. =)

Relish Cafe offers cross-continental food and it’s a habit that we asked them their best sellers.

I got their lengua and Jen chose barbecued pork belly (which has too much fats on it) and both came with three choices of sidings: a cup of rice, veggies and mashed potato. I guess you know what we’ve chosen. =)

We also got a slice of sansrival and a chocolate cake with caramel fillings in it. =) They have coffee concoctions too though we opted to just have water.

Because of their attentive and friendly attendants, great taste of their food, personalized cakes and ambience, we enjoyed our dining experience and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it here too! =)

How about you, where is favorite mall? =)

Madison Galleries is located at 398 Don Jesus Blvd., Cupang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila