Our Home : Dress Up your Household for the Holiday

     Christmas Season is once again in the air and have you been wanting to decorate your space for the Holidays? No worries! just drop by at any Our Home branches within the city of Manila or Provincial branches. Our Home is having a Design Inspiration "Homes for the Holidays"  from September 23- December 15, 2016.

 



    

 

     Set the mood up of your living room to Tis the Season to be Jolly atmosphere with vibrant colors, slick furniture, add some drama with unique artifacts and candle holders. Spread the aroma of their scented candles or Native scent diffusers. Artificial Poinsettias and ferns are also available for purchase.

 

Artsy Candle Holder

Are you a Minimalist? You know what to do....

this room is so what I say " Gourjes"

 

White and Gold motif ?? I think it's a YES

     Aside from Christmas Decors Our Home also have a wide variety of artificial flowers and foliage. If you want to design your space with Boho/rustic style these lovely pink blush of flowers would definitely spruce up your aesthetic.

 



Elegant terrarium glass containers

   

 

 

        Our Home Stores in the Metro

• SM Megamall
• SM Mall Of Asia
• SM Southmall
• SM City North Edsa
• Virra Mall Greenhills
• SM City Fairview
• SM City BF Parañque

       Our Home Stores in Provinces

• SM City Bacoor
• SM City Baguio
• SM City Marilao
• SM City Sta. Rosa
• SM City Pampanga
• SM City Clark
• SM City Dasmariñas
• SM City Lucena

        Store Hours: 10:00am to 09:00pm

 

        To check their other items visit their homepage http://www.ourhome.ph/about-us.php 

 

      H A P P Y      S H O P P I N G !!!!

 



Anilao Batangas ( Dive Solana / Sombrero Island trip)

       

The South's Coastal Area 

      It was my friend Debbie's Birthday so we kind of planned to celebrate it on the beach with our other friend Jenah and Oddie (Debbie's boyfriend) since we are so stressed out with our daily lives , closest beaches from us are at Anilao Batangas  since we are from Dasmariñas, Cavite. Anilao is a Barangay of the Municipality of Mabini, Batangas which is a very well known spot for Divers and snorkelers. The waters of Anilao is very rich with coral reefs and large scale diversity of marine life. 

     Due to unexplainable reasons most of the well known- resorts and hotels at Anilao were fully booked we are almost close to giving up until one of Debbie's office mate recommended Dive Solana. So hastily we called the resort and checked if they still have vacant rooms, luckily they have a lot and on the spot we booked a room for an overnight stay.  

Dive Solana's Sun Bathing Area

    Solana translates as '' A Place in the Sun" surely you will be welcomed by the Suns Rays, Sound of the Waves and the warmth of the ocean sea breeze.  Located at the hilly side Peninsula of Anilao Batangas . Solana Resort provides Accommodation, snorkeling and Scuba diving activities  and relaxations.

     They have a total of Sixteen Cottages (apologize I was so psyched that time to play in the water that I forgot to take photos of their rooms and cottages), each are air-conditioned and has their private showers, toilets and amenities, also have their own sea view balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee,  a good read or chit chat with friends and talk about how beautiful the place is  just to enjoy your time.

Step by Step Directions to Solana Resort ( details from Dive Solana Homepage)

1. Take the South Super Highway (also known as SLEX or South Luzon Expressway).
2. Pay SLEX toll P167.00 at the Calamba exit.
3. Continue along SLEX which will lead to the new STAR TOLLWAY (approx 6km/4mi).
4. You will pay two toll fees, the first is P22.00 then a second one for P60.00 at the end of STAR TOLLWAY.
(Star tollway is 40kms/24mi from start to end of toll)
5. The road will split into three in 200meters/.1mi. Take the one straight ahead that leads to the Batangas pier.
6. You will see a Toyota car dealership on the left.
7. Keep going straight until you see the flyover. Go under the flyover and turn right at the intersection.
8. Keep going straight on this road for about 4.5km/2.7mi until you see Jollibee (fast food restaurant). Turn right.
9. Follow the road until it curves to the left.
10. Keep going, you will see Metrobank on the left, then Petron gas station on the right.
11. Shortly after Petron gas station, you will cross a short bridge.
12. Right after crossing the bridge, turn left towards the shipyards. You will pass AG&P and Keppel Shipyards.
13. In about 8.8km/5.4mi, you will reach the circular Mabini shrine, turn right.
14. Stay on this road which heads out to the Anilao pier.
15. Turn left before the pier, you will start seeing resort signs along the way.
16. Continue on this road which will take you to the Anilao resorts. Solana is approximately 10 kms/6.21 mile from this point.
17. Solana is on your right.

note: before proceeding to the Resort make sure that you have all the things you need like Cash because the resort doesn't have Automated Machines most of the banks are at the town proper which is really far from the resort (it would take about 20minutes ride by a tricycle)

For Room Rates of the Resort you could visit their site

http://www.divesolana.com/SUITES.html#beachfront

They also have a lounge area which is also facing the sea ,where you can borrow magazines and books at the front desk  to read

 



bougainvillea  tree's are scattered everywhere at the resort

My Photography Buddy

Day 1: We arrived at Solana around 2pm we were so hungry so we immediately checked in, put our staffs in our room relaxed our tired body from that commuting and went to the dining area to grab a late lunch ( their foods are pretty decent which makes you feel at home). Then we took a 30 minute break in our room before heading out to the beach and just played at the shores of Solana in the afternoon until the sunsets.

note: most of Anilao shores is not a white sand beach it's full of stones and Coral Reefs so you have to be careful and have your feet protected the stones are quite sharp. Trust me I got lots of souvenir in my whole body.

(L-R) Jenah, Debbie (Birthday Gurl, Oddie (Guy behind Debbie also labeled as her BF), and there's me (w/ my bedhead)



Loving all that Bamboo shoots, it gives of a  very tropical ambiance (our balcony for the day)

She asked me to take her photo with the flowers (she has a very deep connection with bougainvillea)

Do I smell a Pre-nuptial shoot coming? Watch out!!



Golden hour of the day



Enchanting Sunset view by the shore of Dive Solana



Last Day:

     Not far from the Shores of Dive Solana, you will be able to see an islet which as per the Resort  staffs is called "Sombrero Island'' which the shape of the island is clearly looks like a Hat from afar. So we got really curious  and wanted to explore the Island. You can ask assistance from the Resort front desk staff to arrange with the local a medium size boat for you and your friends. It would mostly cost about Php2,000.00 which you can also haggle the price if you are a good speaker. It took about 35minutes boat ride from Dive Solana to Sombrero Island.



Look at those waves

On our way to Sombrero Island

         Sombrero is just a very small island and what's good about it is there's not much people visiting the Island. Guests are only allowed to stay at the Island for a maximum of 5hours. You will surely enjoy your stay in the Island there's white sands everywhere and crystal clear water. Do not forget to put sunscreen or bring your umbrella there's not much  shade in the vicinity except for the very small Nipa hut.  You can also have your lunch here or bring some snacks just make sure to remember to CLAYGO we have to protect our very few remaining treasures.

Some of the photos I took in the Island   

     Overall this was a very short trip but really worth it. I have surely experienced tranquility and it feels like my Humanity is being restored. Rating this place a 5star will surely comeback with family again have a good time. 

   

   

Landscape, Structures,Paintings and Art Installations (Pinto Art Museum)

The Instagramable  Museum 

     I have been craving for a taste of Nature lately since having a job nowadays could get really gnarly. It wouldn't hurt if you will save the day for yourself and loosen that competitive side of yours and just chill. So one day I have just decided to visit  this very Instagram famous Museum which is the "Pinto Art Museum" situated at 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Rd. Antipolo Rizal. Since Antipolo is still part of the CALABARZON Region IV- A  but on the Northern Part and I'm living at the Southern Part of the region, it means that I really have to leave home early , I left my crib at around 0400am and reached PAM at around 1120am (Imagine how long the travel time is). It was a weekday when I visited the Museum so to be expected there's a lot traffic to go through.

 

                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

     Due to it's signature Mediterranean structures and Lush green plants and trees it has sky rocketed it's fame to the top. It was established by Silangan Foundation for Arts, Culture and Ecology, one of the non-profit organization which give assistance in promoting Philippine arts and culture, headed by Neurologist Dr. Joven Cuanang who is profoundly entrenched towards his fondness with the Filipino's artistic prowess. Dr. Cuanang acquired a house and a lot area of 1.3 hectare to shelter 300 modern paintings, sculptures and art installations by various local artists.

 

Stereotype




Untitled




Sit at your own risk (made of papers)

 

 

 



    

     The Museum has a lot of Ventilations so you won't see any air-conditioning outlets, you will just feel cool breezes and it's very well lit with natural lights.

 

 

    Also do keep in mind "Bring a lot of water" PAM is very spacious and has a lot of stairs. If you get tired they also have cafeterias where you can grab a bite. Foods are quite pricey though but the taste gives justice to it.

 

 

 

 

 

more pictures from Pinto Art Museum (it was so hard to choose which photos to go in here coz they are all so lovely,if you want to see more photographs you could visit my Instagram account: itchyfeetofanomad )

 

 

 

 

 

How to go there ( this is Based on my personal experience commuting to PAM) 

 

note : if you are from Dasmariñas, Cavite (where I'm Residing)

• You can take the Buses passing by Aguinaldo Highway which have signboards going to CUBAO ( it would cost around Php45.00 - Php65.00)
• alight at the Farmer's Market - Araneta
• Walk towards the Telus Building (in front of Farmer's Market)
• Look for Jeepneys (Php38.00)  or Vans (Php55.00)  going to Antipolo Church
• Once in Antipolo Church you can get Tricycles just tell the Driver Grand Heights or Pinto art Museum.

 Admission Fee

•  Adult - Php200.00
• Senior Citizen / PWD - Php180.00   
• Student w/ valid School ID - Php100.00
• 3years old below - FREE 

If you are planning to do some lifestyle shoot or pre-nuptial shoots they are also open for bookings

• Php7,500.00 (consisting of Upper garden, lower garden and Indigenous Art Museum)
• Php 15,000 (Upper garden, lower garden, Indigenous Art Museum and the new museum wing door)

NOTE: Photo shoot rates are inclusive of:

• 5 hours shoot (Php 750 per hour in excess)
• 5 pax (Php 300 per head in excess)
• Non-airconditioned room for preps (Additional Php 500 for 5 hours for air-conditioned rooms, plus Php 100 per hour in excess)

 

for further queries you could E-mail them at : pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com

 

 Rules and Regulations

• All Bags are subject to Security Inspection
• Touching and Leaning on the artworks are prohibited
• No Flash Photography is allowed inside the museum
• Food and Drinks cannot be brought inside the galleries
• Cigarettes/ E- Cigarettes are not permitted anywhere in the Museum premises

Museum Schedule

 

     PAM is open Tuesday to Sunday from 0900am - 0600pm  and closed during Monday for their weekly Housekeeping and structure revamping.