Yearly Archives: 2012

Akbar International Marble Agra

By | Shopping, Travel | 2 Comments

We always set aside time for shopping!  Yet it seems its never enough!  🙂 We went to a marble store because we were feeling a high after visiting the Taj Mahal 🙂

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There are workers there exhibiting and showing how they make the inlaid of the marble

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The pieces are so tiny!!!

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This is the mark on the finger due to the heavy engraving being done to the marble

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the store!! 

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You can use these stones depending on how creative you are – table top is the usual but you can use them on walls, as cheese boards, as stands, etc etc

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They show you how transluscent the marble is by putting a flashlight or light bulb under

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Showing off their pieces

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James acting like he knows how to check the inlaid with a magnifying glass! 🙂  akbar-international-marble-019.jpgakbar-international-marble-020.jpgakbar-international-marble-021.jpgakbar-international-marble-022.jpgakbar-international-marble-023.jpg

Lucky elephant in marble!!!

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The mini version of the Taj but not in marble – it is in Alabasterakbar-international-marble-025.jpg

I actually bought a small version which I will put on top of a box ( I still have to buy a nice box )  and I am going to copy Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal – I want my ashes and my husband’s ashes to be under the Taj!! I am serious 🙂  My sister was laughing at me when i told her about this idea

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Solaire Changes the Game of the Philippine Entertainment Experience

By | Accomodations, Agua Vida Water Station, Entertainment | One Comment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – /PRNewswire/- – The much anticipated venture of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (PSE: BLOOM) unveils its flagship project, Solaire Resort & Casino, and announces opening date of March 2013.

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Solaire Resort & Casino (“Solaire”) has been master planned and conceptually designed by distinguished world-renowned architect and designer Paul Steelman of Steelman Partners, based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Solaire is set to become the Philippines’ premier integrated resort destination resort. In its first phase, scheduled to open by the first quarter of 2013 the resort includes, approximately 500 spacious and exquisitely appointed rooms, suites and bay side villas, a world-class casino encompassing of 18,500 square meters featuring the most popular games and slot machines, 15 impeccable dining options inclusive of 4 signature restaurants for discriminating palates.

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Each of the resort’s luxurious suites is designed with a spacious lounge area, a Jacuzzi tub and flat screen TV in the living room and bathroom. For the guests’ convenience, advance technologies have been introduced allowing guests to have easy control of lighting, curtains, TV and temperature.

Solaire’s full complement of suites include a number of spectacular bay side villas ranging in sizes from 600 square meters to 1,000 square meters each overlooking the picturesque Manila Bay. Staying at each of these bay side villas should be an unforgettable experience as all villas include 24-hour butler service, a dedicated chef for 24-hour meal preparation, in-suite spa facilities, home theatre, and even their own private pool and Jacuzzi, and putting green overlooking Manila Bay.

The exciting Solaire lifestyle is further enhanced by state-of-the-art amenities that include true resort- style pool facilities, pulsating bars and entertainment lounges, one of Manila’s largest ballrooms, an indulgent spa and fitness center, and world-class gaming facilities at par with casinos found in Las Vegas and Macau.

The resort’s Entertainment Lounge, named ’Eclipse’, with a capacity of 200 guests will showcase live music performances throughout the day. The spa facility will be offering unique wellness treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate all who wish to indulge. The Grand Ballroom will be elegantly designed to accommodate 1,000 guests for an amazing dinner experience.

No stone is left unturned in regards to service and experience for each and every resort patron. The resort’s multi-level parking garage has been meticulously designed to enhance every guests parking experience and is conveniently connected to the resort. The guest car park can accommodate and secure over 1,500 vehicles.

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Solaire’s taste for the good life is highlighted by a wide selection of dining options that include four signature restaurants headed by experienced and world-class chefs. With seating up to 240 persons, ‘Red Lantern’ is Solaire’s toast to traditional Cantonese Cuisine, featuring an array of authentic Cantonese cuisine with specialty Chinese teas and international wines. Authentic Japanese cuisine, on the other hand, takes center stage at ‘Yakumi’, a 150-seat fine-dining restaurant that takes sushi and teppanyaki to sublime heights. A nod to true-blue Western-Style Steak House is ‘Strip’, an innovative steakhouse that offers a variety of prime-cut meats from the United States, Europe, and Australia, complemented accordingly by inventive side-dish options, all set in an upbeat restaurant rhythm which is sure to make the ‘Strip’ the place to see and be seen . And lastly, ‘Finestra’ takes the flavors of Italy and presents it in a fine-blend of the traditional and the contemporary. For guests looking to impress or be impressed, ‘Finestra’ will be their venue.

For those who desire to dine in a more relaxed setting, ‘Fresh’, a casual dining establishment that celebrates vibrant life and fresh flavors in an international buffet environment featuring various ethnic cuisines as well as indulging pastry and sweets. ‘Lucky Noodles’, on the other hand, serves Asian delights and favorites, including hand-made noodle dishes 24/7. And if those choices are still not enough, Solaire will also feature an impressively designed, 220-seat Food Court for those on the go. And for those looking to take in Manila Bay’s spectacular sunsets by the poolside, the ‘Breeze Bar & Grill’ will be their choice.

Those yearning for unparalleled gaming/entertainment experience need not look further as Solaire has gaming tables featuring Baccarat, Blackjack, Casino War, Craps, Money Wheel, Pontoon and Roulette, as well as 1,200 most popular slot machines. As for the VIP treatment, Solaire proves not one to skimp, as there are no less than 6,000 square meters of premium VIP gaming salons. As the first integrated resort to open in the Entertainment City along the picturesque Manila Bay, Solaire Resort & Casino combines lavish accommodations in a resort setting along with a great selection of restaurants and premium gaming facilities that sets a new benchmark for lifestyle and leisure experience.

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Michael French, Solaire’s Chief Operating Officer, summarizes it, “Our goal put simply is to raise the bar for entertainment offerings in Manila, as it is our ambitious vision to be the ultimate gaming resort in the country. Both construction and hiring are progressing, in fact, as of today, the resort has hired or made offers to approximately 2,400 employees, 88% of our anticipated team members are locals with an addition of 8% of which are returning Filipinos who have worked overseas in places like Macau and Singapore. The resort, upon opening of its first phase, will provide a total of 4,600 new jobs to all aspiring Filipinos.

Management service for Solaire is provided by Global Gaming Asset Management (“GGAM”), composed of industry veterans with over three decades experience in global gaming development and operations. The three principles of GGAM, Bill Weidner, Brad Stone and Garry Saunders prior to forming GGAM, held senior positions with Las Vegas Sands Corp (NYSE: LVS). While with Las Vegas Sands Corp. they were directly responsible for the development of such resorts as the Venetian Las Vegas, Palazzo Las Vegas, Sands Macau, the Venetian Macau and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. GGAM is also an equity partner in Solaire’s parent company Bloomberry Resorts Corporation.

Bloomberry (PSE: BLOOM), meanwhile, is a publicly-traded company listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange and is majority owned by its Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon, Jr. one of the country’s most prominent industry leaders, and the driving force behind port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc,(“ICTSI”) (PSE: ICT), one of the biggest companies in the Philippines.

For more information on Solaire Resort & Casino, visit www.solairemanila.com

About: Bloomberry Resorts Corporation & Solarie Resort & Casino

Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (PSE: BLOOM) is a public company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange that develops destination resorts featuring premium accommodations, gaming and entertainment, and world-class restaurants and other amenities.

The company’s flagship property, Solaire Resort & Casino, is a USD $1.0 Billion integrated destination resort currently under construction on an 8.3-hectare site in Manila, Philippines and scheduled to open in March 2013. Solaire, a luxury hotel and destination casino resort, will be the first integrated resort to open in the government sponsored (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) economic development zone known as Entertainment City.

Upon completion, Solaire’s Phase 1 will feature 500 luxurious rooms, suites and bay side villas, 18,500 square meters of gaming space, a host of signature restaurants, bars & lounges, and a multilevel car park.

SOURCE: Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (www.bloomberry.ph)

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Agra Fort

By | Travel | No Comments

There was a lot on the agenda for Day 5 in Agra, but we only visited the Fort and went shopping in the afternoon.  

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This was the palace of Shah Jahan, the Emperor who built the Taj Mahal.  Aside from it being his residence, his army also lived here

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Barun was our tour guide in Agra

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Monkeys spotted!! Finally!!  🙂  Friends warned us about monkeys in India- this was the first time we saw some and they were not that many- 

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In every palace- a Hall of Audience

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It’s a pity that many of the artworks and details on the walls have disappeared, some stolen and some that just faded through time

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This hallways was once covered with carpet – imagine how beautiful that must be

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And finally the Palace of Shah Jahan

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Beautiful Garden surrounded by the living quarters of his 300 concubines.  In the harem there is competition among the concubines, the favored ones have better living conditions of course 🙂  But all are taken cared of including the kids.  It is an honor and a privelege for Indian women to be part of the harem 

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Again lots of marble

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Heart2Heart just loves the colors, the intricate details in Indian artistry

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Shah Jahan was put in house arrest by his own son in this part of his palace where he eventually died

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Click below for more info

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Tadashi Shoji Fall Winter 2012 Collection

By | Fashion, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

 Beautiful beautiful collection by Tadashi Shoji!  I made sure I attended this private affair so I could see him in person 🙂

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Mr. Tadashi donated 3 beautiful gowns which were auctioned that evening.  All proceeds would go to the Red Cross

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Handing over the donation to the Red Cross.  Thank you Tadashi Shoji

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Taj Mahal

By | Travel | 2 Comments

Arrived in hotel, had lunch, checked in the room and then headed for the Taj before Sunset

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From the hotel a golf car took us to the Taj which is very very near – just turn left from the gate and a few meters –

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  then you have to walk a little to the entrance

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  It’s 750 rupees for tourists and only 20 rupees for Indians.  They say a good time to come so it is not crowded would be early in the morning

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 Strict inspection before entering

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 Entry before the Taj

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 In India, it’s always about intricate details

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 You can have a dramatic entrance to the Taj by standing on this square

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 Walking slowly as you see the Taj and its surrounding getting wider and wider 🙂  DRAMATIC 🙂

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 WOW!  I feel so blessed just standing and seeing this!  20,000 workers built this for 22 years!  They used elephants to bring the marble.  The base is made of Teakwood Bamboo posts so it is earthquake resistant 🙂  The posts on the sides in the four corners are leaning outwards so in case there is an earthquake it won’t fall on the Taj.  It is 81 meters tall or around 20 stories  

Mumtaz Mahal was the second wife of the Emperor and she was his Love marriage.  The first was arranged and the third was Political.  Mumtaz died while giving birth to her 14th child and she asked the Emperor to build her the Taj and he granted her wish!

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View from the opposite side

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 Still foggy.  Every 8 years, they clean the Taj Mahal with just soap and water.  We were lucky they just cleaned it 2 years ago and that we didnt catch them cleaning it or else there would be scaffoldings around the structure

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The Taj Mahal faces south so that the sunlight is on the Taj Mahal all the time

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Good thing you don’t have to remove your shoes, but they give you these to cover your shoes

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There are two building on each side – on the left is a mosque and on the right is just an empty building – just to balance the mosque structure 🙂

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Beautiful garden view from the top

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Everything is in marble and everytime someone walks here, they are cleaning the marble 🙂

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Since no photos were allowed, I could only take the entrance to the mausoleum.  There is a line but not so long at the time we were there.  And when you enter it is not as crowded as I expected so it was okay.  We were warned about smell again upon entering, but maybe because it was not crowded and since it is Winter time, then it is okay.  

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I got this photo from the internet from cityphotos.us ( http://www.cityphotos.us/taj-mahal-pictures)

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These are my photos again outside the Taj by the entrance

Indian marble is not porous unlike other kinds of marble

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Beautiful inlaid marble – the more precious stones are inside the Taj but we were not allowed to take photos

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Room at The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra

By | Accomodations, Travel | No Comments

It’s a bit of a hassle packing and unpacking suitcases while moving from city to city, but it’s all worth it!  It’s so nice to explore and visit new cities and staying in a new room 🙂  Love the printed blinds in the hallways

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How cozy and how romantic!! This is a perfect honeymoon destination 🙂  I love it that when you go to the hotels in India – most of the things they have are all native.  It’s not imported and it is so beautiful – their linens, their toiletries, their furniture – almost everything is all local

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Button to call your butler

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Beautiful marble table made in Agra – inspired by the Taj Mahal 

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Excited to walk out and see what’s outside that door!!!

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Going out the balcony!  

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Breathtaking!!! I could not believe it!

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Oops our happy neighbors beside us on the right…

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And on the left – all casing the joint and enjoying the balcony!

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Overlooking that beautiful pool which we did not even have time to swim in!! But what a beautiful view to look down

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Plenty complimentary bottled water 🙂

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I noticed that all their toilet seats in the hotels are wood

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Blocked print cotton robes – a specialty from India- his and hers – makes it easier to tell which is which rather than trying to figure out which is which

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Marble kleenex box

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Incense in the room given at night

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I took advantage of every pillow menu in the hotels 🙂

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Christmas Gift Items at H2Hs Favorite Things

By | Hearty Deals, Shopping | 10 Comments

Heart2Heart has new things that arrived for Christmas.  

Trader Joe’s Cookie butter has just been replenished after we ran out immediately and now with a cute Christmas packaging which you can buy with the bottle

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And new items from Trader Joe’s

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More new items

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I am into all these vitamins and medicine – so there are a few new medicines that arrived

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Love this!!

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Perfect gift for a chef or someone who loves to cook!

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Argan Oil shampoo! Set of 3 for only P 1,125.00

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My favorite pillow in the bed 🙂  There is also a microfiber pillow cover which is so so soft and comfortable!! Nice gift too for someone who has everything

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Love love these signs 🙂  Nice gifts as well 

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Spray for bed bugs 🙂

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Ikea Shopping bags which are gigantic!  Love them because they can fit plenty things!

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Cute picture frame

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Many kinds of notepads

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Cute ceramic measuring cups and spoons- similar to the ones being sold at Anthroplogie

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New Charm Bracelets from Sister May and now with new turquoise design

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And Pop Candy for kids 🙂

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Come visit and check out what else is new 🙂

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