On Purple Wings

190 Artists Gallery

190 Artists Gallery

“An Artist cannot fail. It is a success just to be one.” ~Charles Horton Cooley~

I just have this immeasurable admiration for people who invest in the Arts and culture. And this is where 190 Artists Gallery (formerly Artists Haven) true passion and genius lies.

As I spotted this place, my imagination immediately came back from how it all began and how they were able to throw in together and generate such vast collection on top of a very well thought of and awe-inspiring interiors. Not to forget mentioning the foolproof blending of colors that only a true artist can achieve. Plus the great line-up of food to top it all.

I have been dreaming too big to witness up-close places that’s synonymous to Arts, as this niche grows dynamically each day. I might not be not fortunate enough as most of them are located in other countries, and I do not have that capacity yet. However, during discoveries like this, and 190 Artists Gallery’s location is doable for me, It didn’t take me a week to decide and visit.

Their Social Media Account Manager is so accommodating to guide me upon my inquiry.

And when I get there, everything spelled happy.

For all the Art Enthusiasts out there, you would want to visit this place and truly enjoy every minute of it. Let alone those Instagrammable photos amuse your viewers and yourself as well as it did to me.

They have been giving workshops too. I intend to go back and hopefully there will be an ongoing activity by then. There’s more to see on the second floor. And try the other special treats from their menu list. =)

At home, I’ve always dreamt that my bathroom is the prettiest spot in the house. And so this one inspired me big time.

That feeling of “I can’t get enough” applies, I’ll just let my photos speak for themselves. =)

I learned that most of them are by renowned visual artist and a master printmaker – Fil Dela Cruz among other well-known artists.

I wondered why I discovered them just now. The Gallery have been there for more than 30 years now. Probably during the 80s, these books are proofs.

It just didn’t stimulate all of my senses, I felt my soul is so delighted too. =)

190 Artists Gallery is located at:

190 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque, Metro Manila. Should you wish to contact them and request for a reservation, here’s their number: 02-825 8810. They are on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/190ArtistsGallery/

and Instagram too: https://www.instagram.com/190artistsgallery/

And so I pray…

Dear God,

I hope and pray someday, you will finally bring me home, when I can already shout to the world, I’m home! I’m home! I’m home at last!

Please make it simple and small. You know, how ardently I took care of my lair. I just do not want to get too tired so I can still take care of the love of my life when he comes home from work. Let me be energetic to untie his shoelace when he arrives, laid out carefully his clothes in our bed, with his slippers neatly placed below on the floor of that loft I’ve always dreamt of.

Let me be full of passion in preparing his favorite food and may we be smiling the whole time in the dining table and not to forget the colorful plates that I’ve always loved by Majorelle Blue.

Let the whole place be surrounded with our beautiful pictures together, all the happy memories of the years gone by, so as to remind us of the love we shared and keep the desire to keep it alive and burning.

Let us keep a wall for our old letters too.

Let him do the interiors, all the vintage stuff that he wants, and allow me a tiny place of my own in one corner, and that I will call it “My sacred place.” He promised it to me anyway.

Let my quilts and my colorful lanterns be visible, and let there be dream catchers on our windows which can be softly kissed by the visiting southern wind.

Oh let there be beautiful vases to hold fresh flowers all the time that will give us scents we always loved, with a sweet cat careful enough not to break it.

Let a huge dog run freely in our lawn, and let all the greens welcome us each morning.

Allow us some trees, so that the sun can peep and create a beautiful sight each time.

May we not forget a corner for your grandeur, where we can bow our heads to express gratefulness of granting us a life with each other.

Please give us a vestibule so pretty anyone who will enter would feel happy and welcome.

These and more, I pray in blind faith.

Lastly, you know that always, my real home, can only be inside his loving arms. And that there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

So I bow my head now, and say thank you for all these dreams.

Amen.

June 3, 2018June 3, 2018

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Great finds at LANDERS Superstore (Alabang West)

Great finds at LANDERS Superstore (Alabang West)

“What once loved in childhood, stays in the heart forever”. ~Mary Jo Putney~

I have been hearing a lot about Landers from my kids. My son in particular have been so excited each time he will mention to me that like S&R, Landers has a pizza parlor too. And we all know, that for him, pizza is synonymous to the word “happy”.

I can’t blame him, I remember myself as a child, I almost can’t sleep if my father announced that we will be going to the supermarket the next day, I recall the cart being pushed by my papa and mama’s the one scrutinizing items displayed on every shelf, and it literally put a smile on my face to remember times like this as a child. The same excitement I was able to inject to my son as well. As he used to go with me as a child, during visits to the supermarket. Maybe just like my parents, I must be ready (or my wallet) if my son is with me during each visit. =)

So one weekend, My son and I decided to finally check this newly opened branch in Alabang with his girlfriend – Gela.

Photo grabbed from: http://landers.ph/about-us

I was thinking of only a few things that I’m hoping to find at Landers which I didn’t find from the other (S&R). Echo eyed just one or two, his barbecue sauce.

I got the 2 kids one bottle for each. #skewerjunkies

And of course not to miss the New York style pizza from Landers Central.

Left photo grabbed from: http://landers.ph/about-us

My son said the dough are hand-tossed. While I like their pizza better, since it isn’t too oily. =)

Similar brands are at hand, there’s also a corner for pastries via Dough & Co. For non-food, I also spotted super soft bed coverings and towels, the usual corners I visit and of course: toiletries.

My favorite brand for pistachios.

The brands for popcorn such as Garretts, Act II, Butterkist, Werthers I didn’t find, but I found this. So I’m happy too. =)

Some staple brands like Bragg ACV, Combos cheese, I found them cheaper from local supermarkets.

This hard to find mayonnaise is available too. =)

Basically, whenever you already prepared a long list of what to cook for a week, everything you need is there. From condiments to flavored meats, delis, veggies, name it.

They also have our own Carmen’s Best, lined up along Double rainbow ice cream, Baileys, Cadbury, even wine flavored ice cream to mention a few. And the sausage I need for gumbos.

What made Landers interesting to me is that they put special attention to their interiors. They didn’t look like an air-conditioned warehouse of grocery items, they took care of the ambience that it felt good doing your groceries. Definitely blissful. =)

And, this part I find amusing, there is a Barber shop inside. What I thought of instantly is that since some men aren’t that patient to accompany their wives, girlfriends or daughters while shopping. They dedicated a special place for “The Boys” to stay or do something while waiting for their ladies. Isn’t it a cool idea? =)

Check them out, one might just be near your place. Here are their locations (more branches to open they say):

-Balintawak, Quezon City
-Otis, Paco, Manila
-Cebu City
-Alabang, Muntinlupa City
-Arcovia, Pasig City

You can also check them out here: http://landers.ph/

It was great to know that the membership fee (P800.00 for non-business) is half the original price when we visited. =) Apply online, and you’ll get the same perk too. Hurry!

May 19, 2018May 30, 2018

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Sweet Wanderings at “The Dessert Museum”

Sweet Wanderings at “The Dessert Museum”

“Dessert is like a feel-good song and the best ones make you dance.” ~Chef Edward Lee~

My being enthralled with Broadway hits is something I always look forward to every year, this time, we booked earlier to watch “Lion King Manila” in celebration of their 50th show, which is set here in my country, at Solaire Hotel just a few blocks away from Conrad Hotel where “The Dessert Museum” is located.

Jen as always, supports me with my fascination, she secured us 2 seats months ago and I am thankful for her to do such things for me, however, there is a tweak that I sometimes need to give support to her whims too. And while waiting for our slots for that night’s show, she brought me first to “The Dessert Museum”.

Left photo grabbed from: https://www.thedessertmuseum.com/

Obviously, said place is meant for the young ones like her, not that I’m admitting to the fact that I am no longer that young, but even with what I’m wearing, I could have gone there in a more comfortable clothes or could have worn flat shoes or even rubber shoes. Well, that is what friends are for.

I opted to go barefoot but I can’t stand it. =(

The museum is for kids at heart, curated for this popular and very influential generation: The Millennials who would immediately post their experiences via photos or videos on their social media accounts. Most of them would refer to it as “Instagrammable” or Instagram worthy shots. =)

In less than an hour, we were able to wander inside this candy-like museum and honestly, I enjoyed it too. Specifically loving the pastel colors all around me, it felt sweet. =)

To set expectations, you will wander on eight (8) themed rooms which are as follows:

– Donuts

– Marshmallows

– Candy canes

– Ice cream

– Bubble gum

I remember I have a video inside a huge bubble, I just can’t find it. But I’ll post it as soon as I did. Sorry. =( It was so much fun!

– Cotton candy (The sweetest room and my favorite!)

– Gummy bears

– Cakes

Feeling kid… I think she really enjoyed being here.

Six of the 8 rooms come with a free dessert and my favorite is the marshmallow in two different flavors which you will get a chance to dip it yourself either from their purple yam (ube flavor) and strawberry fountain. Oh, I think it is what I like best and the cotton candy too and the macarons.

There are attendants to brief you before the adventure begins. It felt exciting at that time. Out of excitement, I was in between listening attentively to the guide and saying “Come on let’s go!” Since it is literally something new. Each of the themed rooms are manned by attendants who will sweetly offer you your choice of a free dessert before they lead you to the next room. They are there to assist you from the first to the last of all the 8 rooms. It wasn’t just fun but educational as well. That free dessert? That was my most favorite part. =) The sweet tooth that I’ve always been.

Your last stop will be shopping. There are good finds in their Souvenir shop (food and Non-food). But we wouldn’t want to be late on our next stop right? So maybe next time. =)

The Dessert Museum is located at unit 124, 126, 127a, Coral way, S Maison Mall, Conrad Hotel, Manila, MOA, Pasay City

Find time to visit this one of a kind museum and surely, you will find it very entertaining and of course sweet. =) There is also a system that they implemented where each guest(s) or group(s) will truly enjoy said museum by making it not that crowded, allowing you to maximize your time taking photos and enjoying the activity itself. I find it very organized. You can actually book online, via this link: https://www.thedessertmuseum.com/howtobook/

April 24, 2018May 30, 2018

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Blogopolis 2018

Blogopolis 2018

“Millennials expect to create a better future, using the collaborative power of digital technology.” ~Mal Fletcher~

I went here to submerge myself in the company of Millennials. By heart. Fortunately, I discovered that there are also guests belonging to my age. Oh, and why am I so concern with my age? It’s just that I’m worried I’m so engrossed in my own world and is no longer aware of what’s currently going on in the outside world, and since I found in my heart a deep love for blogging, going out of my way, won’t hurt a bit. And so I guess, this visit will show me ropes somehow.

Honestly, I felt like a mom socializing with my son’s friends. I was right, this niche belongs to them. Or populated by like 80% of them. So I belong to the remaining 20%. Mystery solved.

It was a bit awkward and the feeling of being in the wrong place. But what scares me is if there’d be one (or two) who will address me as mommy! or mudra! or mamshie! Though, luck is on my side, no one did.

I just enjoyed my time there watching from afar, these young ones being in the limelight. I envy (the good envy), their enthusiasm and focus at what they want to happen in their lives, not minding bashers or those who will eventually become their follower, they just do their thing because they feel like it and that’s what makes them happy. And I guess happier because out of sharing, they were able to influence others in a very positive way. Just like it did on me. Just listening to them made me smile already the whole time. I felt I belong here, regardless of my age.

Photo grabbed from: http://blog.nuffnang.com.ph/category/blogopolis/

On an equal footing, I truly enjoyed the buffet Dusti Thani served that came with this event. Obviously, I took more photos of them than the activity itself.