Watching ASAP,live!

Jan. 24,2014

Dubai was said to be the melting pot of any nationalities,and I can proudly say that the majority of these people are the kabayans roaming around the metro,the streets of Satwa,Jumeirah,Karama...or anywhere at that.

So when the news exploded that ASAP will be brought here,I had nothing in mind but to check my schedule and be sure that I will have a good seat.And so as those Filipinos around the emirates,excited to watch the longest running musical variety show in the country.

The planning became erratic,being in a shifting schedule,we weren't sure yet of what time to go to and also who will be with me.I heard that there will be two shows,one in the afternoon,4PM,and one at night,9Pm.Luckily,boyfriend also wanna go but,is changing his mind because he has a lot of pending work at the office.True to that,tickets were both by him(for the two of us),2 days before the date of the performance.

When I was asked who would I really want to see,laughing,I only said 2 personalities,one was Sam Milby and the other one,though I have seen him twice in my life,I still wana see Piolo Pascual(haha!planning to shout,I love you Piolo).

So the event came to reality,me and my beau planned to just took a cab and head to the venue,Dubai Festival City,which is just a nearby mall from our house.In taking a cab,it will only take 10AED at most.Boyfriend parked his car just right beside our house and then we braced ourselves and got ready to see the show.

Since both of us came from work,we were both famished,starving...so we headed to a place where we can possibly have a little something to eat,like a light snack.All food stalls and restos were full packed with our kababayans eating,not allowing an empty tummy before the performace.We searched from the foodcourt,to Chili's...going up and down,until we finally settled to Hardee's which we both ended up eating a very bland tasting sandwich.But it's good coz I told boyfriend,we both better be ready,it's better to just come with a full tummy,than be there at the exact time,but hungry.

We arrived at the entrance around 8:30PM.The gate was full packed and we settled to follow the que which was very long,we ended up chatting while waiting for the gate to be open.

9PM when the gate opened,and everybody was pushing,I told bf it feels like watching a premiere night in Pinas with all those people trying their way to get near the entrance.I had that feeling of backing out,haha!I felt that It was a very faney moment and told bf,faney na faney!

We were suppose to meet up with my friends whom we planned to see each other and sit side by side during the show but everything became impossible when the massive crowd entered and everybody went to an amazing race moment.

We were finally seated at the grandstand,the show's starter was a singing contest with a title TFC-kat,which showcased the talents of our kababayans living in the Middle East and has a grand prize of 1500$.

All the seats were taken,and at around 10PM,shouts from the crowd went crazy as the sound started and the ASAP stars went on their intro number.

Of course from afar,we can see who is tall,who is small,who is fat,or thin...Thank goodness to the giant screen that were able to see the faces of the celebrities.

My favorite part was the singing of the ASAP sessionistas,wherein they sang beautiful love songs just in time for the upcoming Valentine's Day.

Overall,the show was good,but yeah,I agree,bf is so right,it is just right,very SUNDAY ASAP,nothing special,that we were all expecting.

And before I end this blog,let me just give you few tips on how to prepare in watching any live performances,whether be it here or any parts of the globe...

Here are some:

1.Prepare your tummy

Never go to a show hungry,or have just eaten a light snack coz you will curse the calling of your stomach once you see the long que and the madding crowd.Better eat full,and as much as possible,drink full,as there are also available restrooms just in case you need it when nature calls.

2.When it's cold,it is cold...listen to the temp meter

Well,we all know that Dubai's temp nowadays is cold,20degrees and windy,so watching a concert in an open field,in cardigan,I found myself chilling while watching the show,even with my neck all covered up,but the mistake here was I wore distressed jeans which the wind penetrated on my leg skin,funny! So lesson learned,next time,wear something thicker.

3.Bring your own Piolo,lol

What I meant by this is,it is cold,the show is about Valentine's Day,they are singing love songs,so might as well bring a human blanket.Nice to watch the show with my Piolo.

4.Take pictures

Never miss a day in your life.:-)Document it...

5.Do not go with the crowd

When the show finished,we did not go at the same time when all the people are panicking to go home,instead we hang out at a coffee shop,bf had coffee and carrot cake,while I had oreo cheesecake and green tea.We left the place around 2:30 AM,without anybody blocking our walkway.

Final word for this is,we all have our let's say jologs moment,I for example can stay true to that.With my likes on reading James Patterson,Mitch Albom,Nicholas Sparks,Paolo Coelho,Sidney Sheldon and John Grisham books.I once,during my gradeshool years,became a fan on Tagalog pocketbooks like Gillian Marcelino and Gilda Olvidado,that I can proudly say and shout,this is where I learned to speak Tagalog fluently.As the saying goes,if you are a good English-speaking person,you also have to be fluent in Tagalog,which,I can say!ehem,I have both.

  

While i enjoyed watching Grey's anatomy,Sex and the City,The OC and other tv series from America,it is also a staple at home to watch kapamilya shows,which brought me to the showbiz side of me.

Til our next blog.miu,miu...xoxo

Finally taking our way at the grandstand seat,165AED ticket,this was taken before the show starts.

I posted this pic on facebook with the tagline "with my piolo"...haha!of course,I don't want any other PIOLO than you.:-)

The venue: Dubai Festival City

They are all here.:-)

Toni and Piolo promoting their latest movie,"Starting over again".

Grandstand seat,taken by bf.:-)

Bring your own PIOLO,haha!:-)

Before going home,I asked bf,"hon,kunan mo ko sa big ben,talking about the tower with the ferris wheel on the side,and he said,baka small ben,"and we both laughed...

See my cardigan,which made me chill the whole night.lol!

ASAP live in Dubai :-)

Running necessities,One day at Jumeirah Beach...

I was blessed to have a house located near the beach.This site is one of my favorite sites here in Dubai.Jumeirah Beach is a place wherein people of all ages hang-out,feel free,relax and find their own places.Some people just sit here to talk,eat,have picnics...while others like me,find this place as a place for fitness.This is the perfect place for me to run.

The beach side has its rubberized track,with calibrated distance perfect if you want to measure how far you've been when you are running.

When I first got here in Dubai,I was so excited to run that almost everyday,I spend my time running around the beach side.Now that I am working,I see to it that I still sweat out,but honestly cannot do it everyday(coz I would always joke around that at work,I also run,hehe)...

I just love the breeze of the sea,the sound...the sands...

Let me share with you my running,fitness necessities first...I predict that these are also your pegs...

This is my 5 year old ipod,this has shut down,recovered,reformatted,and still...alive and kicking,and I still love this...I had this from the Philippines,and because I love music,and songs...and dance songs,this is always completely geared woth beat-up songs that I can dance to or run to.

I purchased a new fitness buddy,the go run fitness line of skechers which I find so comfy,so soft that even if you walk long hours...your feet does not feel painful...The best advice that I can give is always,I mean always,find the perfect running,walking,or jogging shoes and you will never regret it.

A knee supporter from the phiten shop,I got this from the Philippines.It claims to give you good blood flow support and even tightens your skin when you jog or run.It also has this titanium technology infused on the cloth,and titanium,also claims to have health benefits similar to giving you better energy.

I bought this gear around P1800, in the Phiten Shop,Shangri La Plaza

My health titanium bangle that I purchased from a friend also back home.The benefits claims that this gives you better energy when worn,also wards off negative energy because of the stone infused at the back of the bangle.I already forgot the exact brand name,they also have pendants and health mugs and thermos.Bought from a friend who sells this at a discounted priceP3800, original price is 8k.

A selfie shot before going to the beach.

A sweaty me,temperature is 40 something degrees tonight...even if you're just walking...it feels like you are in a sauna,with hot steam...lol!

This is Jumeirah beach at night...Even lots of kabayans running...

The rubberized track of the beach side.

I came across this cute boy named yash,while resting...he was just walking and he smiled at me...can't help but to take a picture of him.

With my running buddy,ate lai.:-)

It is adviseable to run at night nowadays,because if you will run at noontime,you will feel so dehydrated,I don't think one would even tolerate it...

Just to wrap this blog up,I would like to say that I don't want to pretend as a beauty guru or healthy buff queen...All I want,is to be healthy as possible as I can,because the sickness genes in the family is ineveitable,it is there...and nobody can change it.So for me,it is better to choose what you eat and create a good lifestyle...Well,hope to give up sweets soon too...coz I think,that will be a difficult task for me.Everything,I can give up...And I know with that,sweets are my rewards...

I "mac" you :-)

What is a perfect RED lipstick?

I have been scouting for a perfect red lipstick since the time that I became hooked on make-up.I have tried several brands,from local names like Ever Bilena,Nichido...Natasha...from the Kate Moss collection of Rimmel,name it,as long as it is the lipstick,I think somehow tried or even swatched it.

But never did I tried Mac,well,understandably,Mac is a high-end brand that not anyone can get the chance to afford when you are residing on the Philippines.Each lippie will cost you a thousand bucks,plus the fact that the store locations are not so "masa"(with mass appeal),which caters to classes B and C,so to speak,they only cater to those having a class A lifestyle.

So since I can afford it right now,I rewarded myself,after a very tiring duty,with a perfect red lippie from MAC.Oh,and did I mention that mac stores or studios here in Dubai are very easy to find,just like a seven eleven store in Manila...

The mall is called Burjuman Mall,it is a mall connected to the Metro Station,but is also a luxurious mall having brands like Chanel and Prada...The Mac studio is situated at the ground floor,with a very inviting studio design and light perfect for a make-up try out.

I tried to swatch 2 differect shades of red,the first one was named as Ruby Woo,and the second one,as recommended by the staff,was Russian RedI was very particular to her about my option,a red lipstick just like a tint of a blood.So when I tried the two lippies,ruby woo won my heart.

The experience does not end there.I even had a small chat with its Senior make-up artist,whom I have told that I am interested to have a one-on-one make-up tutorial from her.Although what we have discussed was a little bit pricey,the talk and exchange of conversation with her was an experience.She was even so amazed when I told her that I am a Medical Technologist,A Scientist..."And how come you are so interested with make up?"...and I told her,"I just love looking good and now I want to apply it to others who also wanted to look good...that's why I wanted to learn professionally..."She gladly talked to me and even gave me basic make-up pointers that I may use in choosing the right kind of make-up.The minutes that she spent with me was really appreciated,that I even vowed to have my next Mac purchases only from her store,not anywhere else.

Overall,the 98AED lippie was worth it,the quality of the RED lippie that I was aiming for a long time was surpassed by this Mac lipstick.

I am now aiming to come back and try a new shade,anyway,what are we all working for???wink!

The Ruby Woo lipstick...

It is my long-time dream to have all of all these shades...haha!

With the very accomodating Senior Make-up Artist of Mac Studio Burjuman...

With another Mac Studio staff,whom have let me tried the Russian Red and Ruby Woo lippies,but Ruby Woo won my heart.

Like what I have posted on my facebook account,when you are tired,buy a RED MAC lipstick...

Xoxo

Living in a "Down to Earth" world

Living in a busy world,I am quite sure that we are all bound to just make easy stuff out of everything.Although I am trying my best to make it in a conventional mode and cook the old way as much as possible,live healthily as I can,I am also guilty like everyone else that there are times of our lives,we all want everything to be fast.

Since that time I gave up eating red meat,I also am a fan of Healthy Options,a store in the Philippines wherein you can find organic foods and products.Though,I am not religiously going to this store due to economical reasons,there are some food which kept me coming back as a patronizer.These foods include chocolate chip cookies,facial creams and beauty tablets to name some.

 

Now what are organic products?

Based on my research,and knowledge,when you say organic,it does not contain pesticides,not grown on fertilizers,does not contain artificial additives nor has undergone irradiation.Thus,it is also known as home farming.

The benefits of having organic food in our system is undebatable,that is why it has been being practiced by several people throughout the years.

Take it from this one patient that I have encountered a week back,he said that he was fighting for prostate cancer for the past 10 years of his life,and has physically improved since he converted himself  into being a vegan,plus having organic foods.Since then,his PSA (prostatic specific antigen,a tumor marker,blood test for prostate cancer)result has remarkeably lowered down and he believed it was because of eating organic foods.

Well,we are not perfect,but we can at least try,little by little,to be an advocate of converting ourselves into eating healthy,like what this patient have told me..."you can see the benefits later on..."

So being based here in the UAE,I am trying my best to visit an organic store every once in a while.The very first store that I have visited during my first week here was the Organic Market located in Dubai Mall.Unfortunately,last month,I tried to make a visit at the store again having to find out that the store was not operational anymore.

Then,a former colleague suggested another store located just near our place.Which I eventually found out again that this store will just be opening soon.Comedic as it was,the last choice was the one suggested by my friend and housemate ate Lai,whom she told was named Down to Earth,located just near our place also,at Sheik Hamdan Complex.

Since I had my busy moments too,I wasn't able to visit the third prospect for my organic store experience.So it took me two weeks still to set,and finally went to...Down to Earth...

The store is literally named Down to Earth,it is located at the Hamdan Complex,just near my location.I planned to just jog and then visit the store by means of walking.

You can easily find the store,it is actually accessible that even if you're from afar,you  can  see the green lighted store name right away.

The store size is not so big,just an average-size store.But what I like mostly about it is,it is not intimidating to come inside and search for anything that you want to see,or even read(because I am fond of reading labels).It is a homey place,warm,and let's just say,zen.

When i came inside the store,there were few customers inside just about to finish their transactions.While I roamed around and looked for some familiar stuff that I would want to have,like milk,soy milk,or even powdered juice,I alternately asked the crew about the price of the dairy.

I met and had a chat with two people inside,one was a lady from Nepal,who is in the cashier and also assisted me with the prices,and the other one was the store owner himself,whom have gladly assisted me with my queries about everything.

Mr.Lokesh,the owner of the store is from India,a Hindu,whom when I asked why he got into this line of business,he shyly answered...because he also is into organic foods.He is a very nice guy,actually down to earth :-),because when I asked if he is the owner of the store,he shyly answered yes.

The store caters not only to food,but also to several household necessities like fabric conditioner,shampoo,facial wash,soaps.What i love about the store is the set-up of a barn or a farm house which will make you feel that you are at home.They have fresh-produced fruits like bananas,watermelon,oranges,apples.Fresh organic milk and juices,detox tea,and even organic soup wherein they allowed me to taste one of its variety,the french lentils soup...which i loved and included on my purchase.

The store,like what i have said,is not grand or even extravagant when it comes to interiors like that from Healthy Options,but I love the simplicity of the place which will make you think of coming back all over again,because you feel that it is a house,you have friends...and you feel that everything was made out of passion for healthy living.

By the way,I asked first the permission of Mr. Lokesh if I can feature his store on my blog and he gladly said yes.He even asked what my blog name is so that he can read it.I also asked permission if I can take photos of the store,and he again said yes...So basically,everything has their permission.My being talkative,at times pays off...And lastly,applause to customer relations,or maybe they just liked me because I asked too much,that I think I could pass as a reporter,hehe...tadan!Mr. Lokesh gave me a freebie,a pack of organic dates...That is the best way to make your cutomers feel at home,so that they will keep on coming back.I totally salute the owner of this store,more power...

This is the freebie that Mr. Lokesh gave me,organic dates...Haven't opened this one yet,but will surely try this out tomorrow.

With Mr. Lokesh,the owner and Operational Manager of the store.I told him,of course sir,you wouldn't allow me to take a photo of you,and he told me..."It's ok..."...Meaning,this,I have my photo with him,what a bonus...

This side of the store is more of the kitchen-style area wherein there are canned organic soups which they themselves will prepare if they want the customers to have taste of the soup.They made me taste the french lentil soup,which I loved,and included in my purchase.

This side is the area of freshly produced fruits and vegetables.I have purchased bananas,an orange,and spinach.

The area of the legumes,or seeds...These are different kinds of seeds like the one famous now,the chai seeds,believed to have benefits for the skin because of its antioxidant properties.

This area is for milk,sugar and spices.

The front side of the store,the store name was not clear,but it has the title of the store,but was blurry due to light reflection.

Fresh from the farm organic fruits and vegetables.I am popeye right now,I guess,because I am becoming a fan of spinach.

The canned organic soups.

The organic chips.

I love this board,which reminds me of the old days...It sez,think green,eat green...

The interior,like what I have mentioned is minimalist,they have this framed principles hanging from the wall...It sez...Principle of Health and Principle of Ecology...

The other frame sez,Principle of Fairness and Priniciple of Care...

The brown bag...

My purchases.

She is the Nepali crew,whom i forgot what her name was,sorry,peace.I will ask you again when I come back,because I will definitely come back.She speaks well,very friendly and also is good in assisting me.She is well-trained and cheerful.

I bought one of the different milks that they have,this one is a soy milk,have just tasted it,and i like it...you can really taste the difference of the milk without sugar.

The french lentil soup.

The hot french lentil soup which I ate with gusto the moment I arrived home.

My fresh-produce purchases...

If you have the time,and want to start living the healthy way...You can vist their store and be friends with them also.

STORE LOCATION :

G-11Sheikh Hamadan Awards Complex

Opposite Union Flag,Jumeirah 1

Tel nos: 04-3863390

Fax no:04-3863389

Website:www.downtoearthorganic.ae

Contact person: Mr. Lokesh Aswani,Managing Director