Amiya Raya's resort living in the new normal

With everything that is happening around us, your home is your sanctuary. It is where you feel most safe and relaxed. Having a haven where you feel free and can do many things, improves your overall quality of life, giving you space to spend time alone or with the people you love.

Owning land can be expensive, and there is a need for well-built and thoughtfully designed quality living spaces that people could enjoy. This is what the people behind Amiya Raya had in mind when they conceptualized the development east of Quezon City. In Hindu-Sanskrit, Amiya Raya means “a view that delights the senses, a description that captures the essence of the development.

 

“Having no choice but to stay home during the 2-month long community quarantine has made many recognize the importance of having ample spaces to move around,” Arlene Jacosalem, AVP - Marketing and Business Development shares.

“Another is that the current pandemic showed us the importance of having a safe retreat for our family: one with big open spaces to make physical distancing possible, a breathable environment to move around in, and scenic views that are ideal, both for working from home and for relaxation.”

Your Sanctuary In The East
The exclusive, an Asian-themed, residential enclave boasts of a stunning 270-degree view of the city, Laguna de Bay, and the Rizal mountain ranges. On February 2020, Amiya Raya launched Phase 4 of its development, which has a limited number of residential lots and cuts ranging from 250 to 755 square meters. With less than 50% remaining in inventory, this phase offers a much more exclusive neighborhood with lots having some of the highest peaks and best views in the said development.

The homes at Amiya Raya allow its residents to to live with nature, a delightful experience for the soul and the senses. Its designs are inspired by various Asian architectural concepts – modern, minimalist and Zen. It boasts of spit-level structures that enhances the use of ground space and opens interesting visual perspectives around the living area. Open your windows and take a view over Manila from the highlands of San Mateo, Rizal.

These structures are also known for their classic, cleanliness, simple yet luxurious appointments, generous open living areas, efficient use of space, and sense of natural tropical style. In the heart of the house design intent, is to blend in, and not obstruct nature.

 

A Balance of City and Resort Living
Amiya Raya is currently working on the completion of its 3,100-square meter clubhouse and sports facility, an 11-hectare nature park, a village center, and a retail area. Situated 240 meters above sea-level and enveloped by its natural environs, it offers resort-like living that is only a 15-minute drive from the city. It is located in San Mateo, Rizal, which makes it close to places of interests such as schools, churches, malls, and government offices. Visit @AmiyaRayaOfficialPage on Facebook for more information on this highland development.

The stability of the real estate industry makes owning property a sound and reasonable investment. Apart from that you will have your very own place where you can completely be yourself and just be. Check out the two units available:

Visit @AmiyaRayaOfficialPage on Facebook for more information on this highland development.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

"COCOON" - THE NEWEST FASHION GEAR BY JEROME SALAYA ANG

For our extra shot into safety, especially if we are already allowed to go out during this time of COVID 19, noted fashion designer JEROME SALAYA ANG has conceptualized, designed and executed his latest take on Covid fashion with "COCOON."

For this stylized design, Jerome defined "cocoon" as 'to envelop' or surround in a protective or comforting way. To wrap or cloak. This new normal in everyday get-up will help us protect ourselves from any airborne diseases and viruses. Getting closer is no longer a problem and social distancing will be lessened with added protection.

"We are now living at the edge of a new era. The design philosophy was aimed to be more sporty and flexible so that there is more movability factor when it is worn.
And, the sizing is meant to be 'free' and genderless. After all, this is what the future is --- it's all about mobility.
We also considered our weather here so we opted the usage of lightweight material which is of upmost importance."

Ang will be exploring with these types of fabrication that will best suit our weather including it's weight which has to be light. And most specially, it is washable for re-use. For me it would be a very important factor as the climate in the Philippines is very warm.

1. Screen mesh 180mm grade (Please see photos)
2. Crumpled laminated paper sheet
3. Silicon plastic
4. Micro fiber repellant silver back
5. 1 ply taffeta silk

The Cocoon.
A loving embrace.
The covid wardrobe.

Support and buy local.

For further inquiries, and online sales, please contact 09188199537
Facebook / IG:
jerome salaya ang

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Must see movie and theater productions this weekend

We've got a lot to watch this weekend. I've listed again new movie and theater productions that you shouldn't miss and to be able to support the actors and artists behind the camera and curtains during this pandemic caused by Covid 19.

Sunday Beauty Queen
2016's Best Picture in the Metro Manila Film Festival will be streaming on Youtube starting May 15. This depicts the life of Filipina domestic helpers in Hong Kong and how they have fun every weekend through a beauty pageant during their day-off. Laugh and cry to this wonderful masterpiece from Baby Ruth Villarama.

CATS
Andrew Lloyd Webber invites everyone to the Jellicle Ball from May 15-16 on Youtube. Watch the cats perform their numbers to be chosen to the Heaviside Layer. This is not the Rebel Wilson, Taylor Swift et al version in 2019.

Mula Sa Buwan

Find yourself in 1940s Manila, among young ROTC cadets and blushing colegialas. In a time of innocence and beauty on the cusp of change. Music, harana, kundiman, wit, passion, and hope abound – and then war strikes. Love and ideals are all tested, the young now forced to suddenly "grow up".

The musical moves to a time after the war, to a field of ruble, of forgotten memories, of heroes lost in a country struggling to survive. At the center of it all, the timeless love story between Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian.

Streaming this May 16.

Continue to support the artists all over the world and be mindful of unofficial streaming links that scammers use for their own personal gains. If you can donate, please do.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Extended quarantine, extended indoor games from Toy Kingdom!

It has been announced that the ECQ is EXTENDED until May 31. We have been given more time and to keep safe by staying at home. While it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break, we can take a rest and spend some quality time with the whole family. Toy Kingdom brings the fun into our doorsteps with their wide variety of amazing toy finds now available for purchase at Lazada.

Little chefs will love the Kid’s Dough Cooking Set, Ice Cream Set and Motion Air Sand Deluxe Cookie Maker. Ryan’s World Treasure Chest, on the other hand, will surely thrill the little pirates.

 

Keep your kids’ minds creative and inspired with games from Cogo in city and farm themes. Board games like Uno, Monopoly, and Pictionary Air are great for family bonding and fun; while table games like Air Spring’s pinball shoot and air soccer will keep kids active and sporty.

 

Tech-savyy kids, on the other hand, can also enjoy an ultimate home entertainment experience with Toy Kingdom’s PS4 mega pack and various home video games.

Experience an enjoyable summer fun at home with these toys from Toy Kingdom. Check out these amazing finds and more available at https://www.lazada.com.ph/ and wait for your items to be delivered right into your doorsteps. Also, don’t forget to stay home to help in the fight against COVID-19.

For more updates visit www.toykingdom.ph and follow ToyKingdomPH at Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

SM builds seven emergency quarantine facilities in Metro Manila

SM, through SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), recently constructed seven (7) insulated emergency quarantine facilities (EQFs) in Pasay and Quezon City to house and treat patients affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Built by the SM Engineering Design and Development (SM EDD) team, and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, these include four facilities in Camp Crame and two facilities at the AFP Health Service Command – V. Luna in Quezon City; as well as one at the Air Force General Hospital – Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Completed within a span of six to ten days, these feature a total of 156 beds, air conditioning units, ceiling fans, exhaust fans, restrooms, shower areas, and nurse lounges. The EQFs are set to accommodate COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms.

 

In the Camp Crame EQFs, each bed has a built-in call system and patients will have an access to Wi-Fi connectivity. PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa thanked SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans ‘Chico’ Sy Jr. and WTA Architecture and Designs for their contributions to the facility.

Apart from contributing to the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, this social initiative also served as a platform for volunteeriSM for SM employees, especially those from SM EDD.

Through the EQF project, SM EDD employees were able to volunteer their time and expertise in constructing the insulated EQFs, an initiative that has received encouragement and strong support from the President of SM EDD, Hans ‘Chico’ Sy Jr.

SMFI’s Leadership Team expressed gratitude to SM EDD volunteers for carrying out its purpose and commitment to provide EQFs to its partners in the uniformed service.

“We have courageous employee volunteers from SM EDD, sharing their expertise and time amidst COVID-19. We’re proud to support their contribution during this time of incredible need,” the team added.

SM Foundation also thanked its partners, the Air Force General Hospital, AFP Health Service Command and the WTA Architecture and Design Studio, as “saving lives is critical during this pandemic.”

The building of insulated EQFs is one of SM’s initiatives in line with its commitment to be of service to the Filipino public, its hospitals, and government during the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier, SM, through SM Foundation donated over PHP170 million worth of personal protective equipment, testing kits, and intensive care unit (ICU-grade) ventilators to over 100 hospitals and medical institutions.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Saturday Online Concert: Upstart Productions' 10 for 10

Celebrating its 10th year anniversary in the theater community, Upstart Productions proudly presents UPSTART 10 FOR 10, an online mini-concert fundraiser on May 9 – 8 pm at Facebook page – Upstart Productions.

UPSTART 10 FOR 10 shall feature ten artists namely Topper Fabregas, Rony Fortich, Jenny Jamora, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Jill Pena, Felix Rivera, Ice Seguerra, and Reuben Uy.

The repertoire will include ten songs from Upstart Production’s first musical, BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS by Joel Trinidad and Rony Fortich.

The show aims to solicit donations for the benefit of the theater professionals behind the scenes — stage managers, prop masters, dressers, set builders, and the unsung heroes, who have lost their means of livelihood during this current pandemic.

Continue to support the arts during this pandemic.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Theater productions to watch while in quarantine

Since most we are all staying at home, it is also the best time to enrich our knowledge of the arts. As many artists are being displaced as there are no theater gatherings while we endure the pandemic. We also have to take care of the artists as they give stories that mirror life through fictional characters and they portray messages that we seem to forget.

We already started with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies a few weeks back, and there are numerous productions that you can check out on Youtube. This is also because not all of us have the luxury of Netflix and other premium streaming sites. Glad to have both Western and local productions, if you don't like binge watching on different Kdramas. But for me, I need to detox every now and then after each series. *wink*

As of this writing, you can watch Danny Boyle's Frankenstein featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature on a fundraiser in Youtube from National Theatre. There is also a version with Jonny Lee Miller in it.


In the local scene, you can catch Full House Theater Company's Ang Huling El Bimbo, a musical featuring the songs of 90s band, Eraserheads. As filmed in the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. It will only be available from May 8-9, (48 hours only) so make sure that you'll be able to watch it this weekend at ABS-CBN's Facebook and Youtube pages.

Also streaming right now is from CCP's Virgin Labfest, one is Juan Miguel Severo's one-act play, Hintayan ng Langit. A movie version is available on Netflix about Lisang (Gina Pareno) and Manolo (Eddie Garcia). I personally loved the movie version, and the play version is something to check out.


Carlo Vergara's one-play Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady will also be streaming starting May 7 at the Cultural Center of the Philippine's Youtube page. I am really looking forward to see this as I've been quite a fan of the full musical by Dalanghita Productions.

These are just some productions, watch and also donate if you can. It will be a great help for the artists and for our culture to survive during this crisis, and for your knowledge to be enriched as well.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

Home safety tips during quarantine

Writing this on the 50th day of enhanced community quarantine here in the Philippines. And during that 50 days, there have been constant efforts in making the household clean and free from virus that causes COVID-19. Aside from staying at home, keeping distance and eating healthy to boost the immune system, we've developed a "new normal" lifestyle that we all hope to save us all from this pandemic.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization shares some tips to keep our daily sustenance safe for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. SM Home, the one-stop shop of essentials is our partner for these to do so:

1. Prepare a Weekly Meal Plan and make a shopping list of items you need before you go to the store for your routine shopping. Create the list from the meal plan and include back up ingredients on your list in case your first choice is out of stock. Limit the list on buying the
essentials.

2. Stock up on nutrition-packed food such as whole grains, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables; and staples like sauces, milk, eggs, spices and condiments. Fresh products should be consumed first. Frozen fruits and vegetables as well as canned vegetables and fruits are good
alternatives as these have a longer shelf life.

3. Build up a stock of healthy snacks for your children - yogurt, nuts, cheese, chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs and more. Stock them up in a stackable glass container to seal freshness and label them.

4. Continue to practice Food Hygiene and Safety. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and dry it with vegetable spinner; use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood as you prepare the meal; and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing your meal.

5. Drink water regularly and stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses a day to boost your immune system.

6. Make cooking and eating together a family habit. Kids can help wash and sort the ingredients and set the table before the meal. This creates a healthy routine and fun bonding with the whole family. Also practice mindful eating and stay away from processed food.

Enjoy healthy home-works and memorable meals together with home essentials from SM Home. These are available at the smhome.com.ph and shoppers can now place their order online through the thesmstore.com and ShopSM app. For more info and updates, follow them at SM Home at the SM Store in Instagram or visit thesmstore.com website.

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

EVERY BRILLIANT THING review

In an intimate theater, the audience enumerated a number of things that made us all happy. Duncan Macmillan's Every Brilliant Thing lists a million items whether it brings joy to us or not and makes us realize how such things deserves to be on that list.

Watching it last March 5 for The Sandbox Creative's opening for the #SandboxFest2020, I was taken on a journey of mental health, given a deeper understanding and empathy to those suffering from it. An immersive, interactive and fun one-man play as you get in the shoes of the actor (Teresa Herrera) as a child with the condition. It is a balance of laughter and loss where we can actually relate and be a catalyst of reaching out to them. Unsuspecting audience members are pulled for impromptu roles and awakens the rest. You'll never know what will happen and you'll be attentive to the whole play.

Beautiful and clever, you have to see it. Sadly, the Sandbox Fest is forced to stopped to the current COVID19 situation but I hope that when everything is better, you'll be able to see it too.

If you need a professional help or know someone who needs it, call the National Center for Mental Health hotlines: 0917-899-USAP (8727) or 989-USAP (8727).

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More

BLOODSHOT movie review

What would you do if you can heal yourself if you're crushed to your cells and molecules but you unknowingly know that you're being controlled? Columbia Pictures, in association with Valiant Comics, presents Bloodshot, based on the comic book starring Vin Diesel that is now showing in cinemas.

Bloodshot is about a soldier who was resurrected with superpowers, and reintegrates when damaged due to his hi-tech bloodstream. Sent by his creator for mission after mission, he then discovers that his mind has been altered.

The amazing CGI and unsuspecting turn of events is what I really liked about this movie. Can't refrain to compare references based on comic competitors on this. Vin Diesel is ok but I also cannot connect on the actors, except for Eiza Gonzalez or KT. Even the IT experts Wigans (Lamorne Morris) and Eric (Siddharth Dhananjay) are more interesting because of their ingenuity in technology. Guy Pearce made a good villain out of Dr. Emil Harting who was a "good guy and savior" in the beginning.
 
 
You can watch Bloodshot in IMAX, but for now, you have to wait until the quarantine is over. Keep safe everyone. :)

Subscribe to my updates:

Read More