It's the Season to be Merry in LONDON!

Me and Manhattan

                    * Photo of myself with the view of Manhattan Sky Scrapers while inside a ferry tour

Manhattan is a picture-perfect city, with modern movie sceneries (yes, NYC is possibly the most filmed city ever). Who can ever forget classic movies such as Maid in Manhattan & Serendipity both filmed in Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Maid of Honor & Autumn in New York's Bethesdan Fountain in Central Park, SATC-Day After Tomorrow-Spider Man's New York Library, Kingkong's Empire Estate... among others...You can visit most of these must-see tourist sites for free.

                                                                         * Grand Central Station

You can spend the whole day if you explore Central Park, an oasis amidst busy New York streets. But it’s worth the time. And make sure you go inside the majestic Grand Central Terminal. Most likely, you’ll find yourself gawking in glitzy Times Square, which you have to experience during both day and night time. The great thing about Manhattan is that it’s truly a “walkable” city. It’s best experienced on foot but remember to avoid or shall I say DO NOT repeat the worst thing I ever than in my whole life! ....and that is to walk in Manhattan with my 4inch high-heels shoes! (See The Picture/ Evidence here)

                                                      * Grand Central & Chrysler Building  

Visit famous skyscrapers and churches such as Rockefeller Center, Chrysler Building, New York Public Library, New York Wall Street Journal, the United Nations headquarters, Radio City Music Hall, Stock Exchange, Yankee Stadium, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Museums, among others. And while it costs about $20, you might as well as go up the observation deck of the Empire State Building to get a bird’s eye view of the city. (haven’t tried going up there yet, still waiting for someone special to accompany me there! Haha!)

Once you’ve taken the bus tour, it’s time to try the two other popular modes of transportation – the subway and taxis. The MTA New York City Subway is certainly the fastest and cheapest way to go around New York City. One trip costs $3 Get the Fun Pass for unlimited rides for the day for only $8 Of course, a trip to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without taking one of the city’s 10,000 yellow cabs.

The other must-eat in New York is steak. There are plenty of high-end steak houses in NYC like TGI-Fridays, Hard Rock and Bubba Gump but if you just want really cheap but really good snack while walking, try Sabrett Hotdogs! It’s all over Manhattan and all kinds of people are buying those! Tourist or not, Ladies in all races, Gents on a necktie or Tshirt, young or old, named it. I even have the guts to encouraged the crew with me on a layover to try it too! And Guess What!? Sabrett is now available in Philippines!

New York is also the mecca for shoppers. For high-end and fashion-forward shops, simply walk the entire length of Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Soho. Visit “destination” stores just because their famous or are attractions by themselves such as huge department stores including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, World's Largest Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.For Youngsters, go to Nintendo World or M&M's World to see the Word's biggest Wall of Chocolates!

* You may Shop with your Trolley bag if you're tired of carrying loads of baggage or shop with your Freezing gear outfit, there's no excuse not to go for shopping in New York! None!

...and last but not the least, if you're too tired with the buzzing city why not try to hibernate in the Greeneries of Central Park, bring your iPod, favorite book or pair of sneakers and Viola time will just pass without you noticing it, did that already and it's truly relaxing! I blogged about Central Park Before: Read it at: http://starvillanueva.com/2009/06/28/central-park-new-york-usa/

Beware of Scammers and Impostors!

http://starvillanueva.com/2010/08/19/beware-of-scammers/
It has been bought to my attention that someone is using my identity in many circumstances like offering discounted tickets the swindlers are able to take cash & credit card numbers from victims. There are also numerous reports that a lot of people are impersonating me or using my pictures in some dating sites. Other version of this scam includes the use of chat portals such as yahoo messenger using my identity and when you are yet smart enough to know that these schemes are scams and have paid them the amount that they’re asking, you will just realize that when they would just vanish out of the blue.

Please be informed that I only uses yahoo messenger rarely just to speak with my family & friends and I’ve never had any dating site whatsoever. Please spread the news that this type of modus operandi exist to your friend and loved ones so no more individual will be victimized by this scam

AGAIN: I NEVER CHAT WITH SOMEONE I DON’T KNOW. PERIOD.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun & Adventure!

             

One Sunday morning, my family and I didn’t have any plan but it turned out to be my favorite day of the month! (August) Headed to Serendra & Market Market Mall in Global City during its SALE day so we we’re inside the mall from morning till evening without noticing it. Spent the whole day, fitting clothes & shoes! And satisfying our cravings in some food chains such as Zagu, New York Fries and New York Hotdogs! Then later on had dinner in Kamayan buffet restaurant! I think I totally forgot that there’s this word called “Diet!”

Then saw the wall climbing it’s kinda cool, but gravity is something that everybody should be scared of. This kind of activities are easy but even with the gears, there is still a chance for these gears to malfunction so, you just really have to be always careful every time you do this kind of stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was my brother who climbed first. Then I accompanied my sister. While looking at how steep the rock was, I fearlessly started to hit the rock and grab anything I can hold on to with my hand. Though I’m a first time climber, I wasn’t scared at all because I love heights! and it was actually safe because of the gears that they let us use. The wall also has certain stages of varying difficulty depending on your experience and capability. There is what they call the 90-degree wall, for beginners. The wall is just flat and doesn’t have many obstacles all you need is to power lift and push yourself up.

I wasn’t wearing the right clothes and shoes (just rented proper shoes) because it’s not planned at all. I really had so much fun! I wish I can’t go to different wall climbs as often as I want to!

As we walked around Serendra, I've been spotted to do a 10 seconds commercial and mini-photoshoot for Fox Channel! I'm glad my mom also have her camera with her the whole time because my Sony digicam kept on vibrating like a cellphone on a vibrate mode! It produces blurry pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The happenings didn’t end there! Also went to McKinley Hills to check the developments of my condo. I love the ambience in Venetian Mall though it’s a mimicked version it still reminds me of Venetian Mall in Las Vegas that I visited early this year and Venetian Mall in Macau.

There’s more! The night didn’t end there. Before they start calling me “Indianera” for not showing up every time they invite me, I’ve decided to meet my friends at Starbucks in Rockwell Makati. We spent more than 3hours of non-stop laughter! Abby – my colleague from the airline just arrived that time, I’m glad she didn’t forget to bring the Alviero Martini passport holder & wallet that I asked her to buy during her recent flight to Rome, Italy.

Related Post: All The Pictures from my Recent Leave

It's Been Awhile...

It’s been awhile since my last post. Lack of time and interest has been solely responsible for this but actually there are tons of things to write about and happenings to share.

Flights have been great. I’m so thankful that I do fly to Manila more than 4 times per month plus the additional other flights that they will give me. I don’t care about the new destinations and new routes we fly to anymore. Whether I already been there or not it doesn’t matter anymore. I just want to go home, period.

I’m not in the mood to post a really long post, so will just briefly list out some things that I have done in the last few weeks. Just last month I’ve had another vacation leave. It was supposed to be 6 days but luckily I was given additional days offs and a night departure flight (That makes it almost 11 days).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everyday I’m dropping by at Star Bliss Spa in Timog Ave. Corner Scout Torillo to get some pampering. Be it to start my day with a mani/ped or to finish my evening with a soothing massage or to accompanied the other FA’s on the flight. One time I was there at the spa, my staff saw Sen. Chiz Escudero on the nearby parking lot waiting for his car to be fixed. They called him and insisted to just wait inside the spa! Since he already went there before he agreed to have a back massage while waiting!  Mr. Jojo Alejar & Jay Manalo is also our regular customer but I’m not around every time they visits.

My college best friend Riva also visited me then the later on another friend (Emgie from Singapore) surprised me too! “Pag talaga hindi planado natutuloy!” Riva,Glacie & I we're having dinner at Off The Grill just accross Star Bliss when Emgie came, Then we started calling Ayi, Rina & Em if they can drop by din coz we were the ones na super close since day one of college! We enjoyed catching up and reminisce the good old days while Emgie's kids are having a kiddie massage treats in the 2nd floor...

The next few days my cousins Ate Arlene & Andrea came over. Now my spa also serves as a good place to chill & hangout while being pampered! Mainly for the convinience of the location with lots of Parking space and because of the establishments around the area. If you want the place to be rented (6-15 person) Just message us at http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa / 09205356633 / starbliss_spa@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Related Post: Pictures from my August Leave

Beware of Scammers!

Attention All:

It has been bought to my attention that someone is using my identity in many circumstances like offering discounted tickets the swindlers are able to take cash & credit card numbers from victims.  There are also numerous reports that a lot of people are impersonating me or using my pictures in some dating sites.  Other version of this scam includes the use of chat portals such as yahoo messenger using my identity and when you are yet smart enough to know that these schemes are scams and have paid them the amount that they’re asking, you will just realize that when they would just vanish out of the blue.

Please be informed that I only uses yahoo messenger rarely just to speak with my family & friends and I’ve never had any dating site whatsoever. Please spread the news that this type of modus operandi exist to your friend and loved ones so no more individual will be victimized by this scam.

Will be in Manila from Aug 13-25, Can't wait to be pampered at Star Bliss Salon & Spa - http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa c u there! :D

http://starvillanueva.com

As my blog completes one successful year in blogosphere, I am happy to announce that http://starvillanueva.com domain is now officially mine…  

My 1st Year Anniversary BLOG post is dedicated to all of you - http://wp.me/pzaqo-9V

Star Bliss Salon & Spa List of Services

                                            "Be Pampered Like a Star..."

Star Bliss is a spa specializing in natural nail, hand and foot care using quality and imported products.  Star Bliss Spa believes that nothing can be more rewarding than being able to bring out the beauty of nails and natural way. 

Super Star Body Scrub Treatments:
Whitening Body Scrub with Glutathione - restores skin’s natural lightness and overall skin tone this whitening body scrub contains mineral-rich sea salt and Glutathione to remove dead skin cells, whiten skin blemish, darkspots, whiten your skin to a glowing perfection and dries out and prevent pimples.

Anti-Cellulite Scrub - Known to heal, soothe and revitalize skin cells, gentle yet stimulating exfoliant to improve circulation and break up fatty deposits. It is formulated from carefully chosen herbal extracts that flush away toxins. This treatment contains moisturizing properties to promote a firmer supple skin and embodies the most recent technology for anti-cellular complex.It delivers a number of positive effects to improve tone and skin appearance.

Sea Salt Scrub - Natural, refined sea salts and essential oils are blended together for the ultimate body exfoliation. This treatment with improve blood circulation, energy flow and release tension. Kiss all your rough spots good-bye! Applied in a circular motion that is sure to liven up your skin tone as well as your senses!

                             * Ms. Ehra Madrigal after her Manicure & Pedicure

Luxurious Massage Therapy:
Muscle Tension Stress Release – Using Swedish massage strokes, classic and stimulating, full body massage that helps soothe tired muscles, increase circulation and reduce body tension.

Jet Lag (Sleep Better Massage) - The massage starts from your feet. Your feet will be washed and dipped in salt water, followed by a massage of lavender and Eucalyptus oils that will give you a complete relaxation out of jet lag. The next step is to massage the head gently and this really helps you to get rid of the stress and mental fatigue. This is followed up by a mild massage of the eyes, which will help to remove the dark circles and the drowsiness. This massage will give you a good sleep for the night and you will adjust to the new time zone easily.

Volcanic Rock Massage - For the ultimate treatment of aching muscles, the warmth of basalt stones used in this massage helps achieve deeper relaxation.

Twin Massage - A tension-releasing, deeply relaxing and re-balancing massage with two therapists working in synchronized movements to achieve mental and spiritual bliss.

Shiatsu Massage - Based on the concept of acupuncture, this Japanese-style pressure point massage works on vital energy points resulting in balanced chi.

** All massage starts from your feet. Your feet will be washed and dipped in salt water - Salt helps tired, swollen feet. A solution containing salt and water is hypertonic. This means that it drains excess water out of your feet and soaks it up.
** Also followed by unlimited Tea & Coffee that complements the soothing effect of massage beautifully. 

                       * Newly wake up Mr. Jay Manalo after his body massage
Hair Treats:
Aroma Scalp Treatment & Shoulder Massage - Using essential oils, this soothing massage is designed to balance the body's and improve mental and physical health. Star Bliss Spa treatment will give your hair and scalp the best conditioning and massage you've always wanted.

Protein Treatment Hot oil- Give life to your hair from root to tip. Hot oil treatments can help with dry scalp conditions including dandruff & Hair Fall. Since oil and moisturizers are the key ingredient, they can condition the scalp and skin in addition to the hair. Relaxing Head & Shoulder massage follows.

Hair Mask (Protein & Keratin) Treatment – Specifically for dry & damaged hair. Recommended if you recently color, permed or straighten your hair.

Also offers: Hair  Color, Hair Rebond & Hair Cut - Men we do have our professionals to make sure you get the cut & color that you want. Ladies our licensed hair stylists are ready to give you the hair makeover that you deserved!

Nail Treatments:
Foot Spa with special Treatment - starts with a refreshing peppermint footbath and scrub, followed by a gentle massage promoting blood circulation and providing relief throughout the body.

Foot Reflexology - Targeting points on the feet linked to specific body parts and systems, it offers relief from pain and stress and brings balance to the body. Also known as zone therapy, reflexology operates on the theory that every part of the body corresponds to a point on the hands and feet. By applying pressure strokes on these points, healing is stimulated and balance restored in the body.

Bliss Manicure & Pedicure - Experience manicure & Pedicure the way it should be - great service using a very good brand. Cuticles are conditioned; nails groomed and polished, the Star Bliss Spa way!

Special Foot Spa- Give your feet the pampering it deserves. Try our Foot spa service and enjoy a soothing foot soak & foot scrub, capped off with a luxurious application of moisturizers that will leave your feet feeling soft, smooth and sensational.
Give your feet a treat with our warm and relaxing foot spa and feel the difference!

Star Bliss Nails & Body Spa is backed by trained and experienced people . The spa service business has the fastest growing niche market in the industry today.

Kiddie Spa Services & Prices:  “ Even Your Little one Deserves Pampering Too!”

Kiddie Manicure – P100

Kiddie Pedicure – P120

Kiddie Body Whitening Scrub – P 500

Kiddie  Hair Spa/ Hotoil – 250

Kiddie Body Massage – 250

Kiddie Foot Spa – 200

·         For Home / Hotel Service booking you may call: 5461764 / 3329272

·          Star Bliss Salon & Spa is a Sole Proprietorship, For Franchise Inquiry: Send an email to Star Villanueva at Starbliss_spa@yahoo.com / http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa

·         Addresss:  #67 Timog Avenue Corner Scout Torillio QC.

Fun-Filled Tagaytay Zipline Adventure

“When you’re with your family, it’s always a precious moment that money can’t buy”

The Day Started by attending  an early mass at Antipolo Church (around 4am) and a Coffee zip in Mcdonalds! Then my mom and I saw the Tagaytay Zipline on a Newspapers’ frontpage!  Since we were blessed with bright rays of sunshine and no sign of rain that morning, we thought of going to Tagaytay! Tagaytay is one of the place my family and I always visit, it's near, it's cool, it's refreshing.

This time, we tried Picnic Groves’ Zipline! I love the feeling I get when the adrenaline is pumping through my body! Whether that be from bungee jumping, roller coasters, Parajump, skydiving, or other activities, I cannot seem to get enough of it. Some might call me an adrenaline junky since I am always looking for the next adventure!

 

 

We all soared above a lush jungle on a zipline! Since we are in the Philippines and not America, the safety regulations are quite different this giving you the option to be strapped in however you wish. My choice was to fly face first while lying on my stomach, like Superman. (Since I already tried being strapped in Harness while sitted in Singapore’s Sentosa Zipline which I should blog next time.) You are secured by a few straps that are supposed to be one size fits all. My 10-year-old sister and I both had the same size of harness. I felt extremely secure because the strap was invading my personal space. Besides flying higher than a football field above the ground, the view encompasses a reflection of the center part of the volcano off the crater lake that has formed from a previous explosion. Best part above all (in my opinion) is that they have their own photographer to click a photo of you while your up in the air! The Photo will be given after 10-15mins! Wow! I love souvenir photos especially rare moment ones!

After Picnic Grove had an early dinner at Josephine’s, Starbucks and Tierra de Maria. With its cool climate and close proximity to Manila, Tagaytay has evolved from a mere quaint, transient stopover to one of the country's favorite holiday and weekend retreats. What's so special about Tagaytay? The food, the place, the climate, the price - everything except that it will probably make you fat to go there often!

* View The Rest of The Pictures: July 2010

* Related Post : Colorful Sept Leave

Will be in Manila from July 5-15,Hope to See y'all at Star Bliss Nails Spa,Let me know when ur coming! http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa

My Love Affair with Coffee

Sharing one of my many published articles in Qatar Airways Q'ways magazine but this is the shorter version because I intentionally removed the research part such as benefits & side-effects of coffee to avoid some references issues. After being absent for 2 consecutive issues due to my hectic flying schedule, Star Bliss Nails Spa marketing, client meetings, (lists goes on) now I'm back again to writing. Sometimes, I wish we have more than 24 hours each day to accomodate all my multi-tasking habit! But as mentioned to my previous post, I like it when I'm tired, let me now share my love affair with coffee...

If there was one thing my friends & family would be jealous about, it would most likely be coffee. I drink it everyday, I think about it all the time and to say the least, my life has somehow revolved around it. The influence that coffee has brought into so many aspects of my life is astounding. One would probably find it hard to believe that coffee has influenced my work, lifestyle and health, among so many other things.

To start the flight right, I would drink coffee, then I'll drink again during the course of the flight until the end to boost my energy. The dosage of which is enough for me to go malling or sight-seeing. Being in the airline industry for quite sometime, coffee running through my bloodstream is an understatement. The kind of lifestyle I have intensely requires tons and tons of coffee. It has become a way of life, a part of my system. I should have included coffee in my "All Time Skin & Beauty Secret Post".

Nothing is quite as sweet as that first sip. Nothing is quite as warm as that mug against my hands. Though many, many more cups will follow this one each day, that first sip, that very first cup, is special. And so are the other dozen I'll have for the day. I honestly don't know how many cups of coffee I slug down each day. I don't count -- I drink. Hence, I'm so hopped up on caffeine that my body twitches with a speed of an Oryx!

This is my love affair with coffee and I intend to make it last. Coffee & Me, Me & Coffee. We make sweet music together and it is this perfect harmony that makes me fall for it madly and deeply each time.

Avail the Rainy Days Promo & Be Pampered Like a Star -- Check it out -- http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa

Star Bliss Nails & Body Spa - Rainy Days Promo!!!

Start:	Jun 21, '10
End:	Jul 31, '10

Avail our Rainy Days Promo & Be Pampered Like a Star --

Full Body Massage (1 hour) - 270
Foot Spa with Manicure/Pedicure – 350
Foot Spa with Massage – 199
Manicure – 120
Pedicure – 130
Body Scrub – 550
Scalp Treatment – 280 up
Hot oil – 280 up

#67 Timog Ave. Corner Scout Torillo QC Call us @ 3329172 / 5461764 or 09205356633

http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa

Star Bliss Salon & Spa (Facebook)

http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa
#67 Timog Ave. Cor. Scout Torillo

Rainy Days Promo:
Full Body Massage (1 hour) - 270
Foot Spa with Manicure/Pedicure – 350
Foot Spa with Massage – 199
Manicure – 120
Pedicure – 130
Body Scrub – 550
Scalp Treatment – 280 up
Hot oil – 280 up

Call us at 3329172 / 5461764 or 09205356633

Hollywood - Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles

 Hollywood is known for a lot of things, like the set tours of different movies, thrill rides themed with timeless movies like Jurassic Park and Saw, and of course, the overall experience that you get an insider look at how movies are made, Universal Studios Style. I’ve been lucky enough to get to visit the Universal Studio Theme park in California several times in my life. Each time I’ve gone had been an amazing, fun experience that always leaves me looking forward to my next visit.

 

The new ride on my last visit was The Simpsons Ride, . The Ride was converted from the old Back To The Future ride; it’s a simulator ride that’s intense. It’s theme is adorable. Even though you’re technically not going anywhere, you are moving around in your ride car, and there’s even a part that simulates a rollercoaster ride, When you get to universal this is one of the first thing you should go because for sure you’ll want to ride it twice before the lines goes long!

Enjoy the ride then get straight back on and take a look around, you get a birds eye view of Springfield and its really detailed and impressive. Springfield is the fictional city in which the American animated television series The Simpsons is set.

It’s a simulator you sit it this car and watch this huge screen it has lots of effects so that it really doesn’t feel like a simulator with lots of thrills and the unexpected but everyone gets back to earth safely with a few laughs along the way. Water gets sprayed at you too and does it quite well. Very fun! It feels like a rollercoaster with out going upside down of course but still camera is not allowed inside the car. The surprise at the end is funny too. Dont forget to smile.

 

House of Horror - Universal Studios Hollywood turns into one big real-life horror flick. Using inspiration from popular Horror films. It’s better not to show your fear. Even if you are scared, don’t show it. If you run away screaming, Either Zombies, Freddy, Jason, Chuckie, Dracula or Frankenstein may follow you especially in the scare zone, because they have a lot of room and there are blinking lights in all the mazes which makes it harder to walk or run!

Lastly, hit a water ride! You will absolutely get wet on the Jurassic Park River Adventure water ride. Riders take a boat through waters where man-eating dinosaurs roam and be prepared for the long drop at the end.

A multi-level outdoor escalator, which give you some breathtaking views of the city. If you’re afraid of heights, If you’re afraid of heights or escalators, there are stairs (also outdoors) which run parallel to the escalator (good luck) — there are plenty of people who use them, God bless them! It will be a major journey!

Aside from the main Universal Studio Hollywood theme, there’s also the CityWalk entertainment strip, which does not have any entrance fee. At hopping City Walk there’s plenty of places to eat, including the Hard Rock Cafe. There’s also night clubs, bars, and a movie theater to see the latest movies. It’s really a more grown up experience in comparison with Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

***See The Rest of The Pictures***