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TESTIMONIALS
“It’s cool and light. Not too loud. Comfortable color (especially if you want people who come into your office to feel “chill”... shoutout to raging parents or intimidated students).”
“I will definitely recommend you to my friends. I’m also excited to see their reactions when they see the dining room.”
The Art of Quezon: GSIS Exhibit
When we think of Quezon Province we usually think of Mount Banahaw, Villa Escudero, Beaches and Pahiyas. But the beauty of Quezon is also about its art and artists. I was lucky enough to be invited by Quezon Artists Guild to the opening of their art exhibit “Quezon 7” at the GSIS Building.
When we think of Quezon Province we usually think of Mount Banahaw, Villa Escudero, Beaches and Pahiyas. But the beauty of Quezon is also about its art and artists. I was lucky enough to be invited by Quezon Artists Guild to the opening of their art exhibit “Quezon 7” at the GSIS Building.
The exhibit features the works of 25 QAG members—Noel P. Bueza, Frank Cana, Avie Lafuente, Frank Hari, Roma Valdez, Ayelah Deveza, Farah Ontiveros, Melo Valencia, Rez Cada, Apolinario Folloso, Pauline Racelis, Pablo Marasigan, Cheryl Canning, Jezz Go, Mark Lagdameo, Raffa Dala, Ann Reynaldes, August Tazon, Jerson Ajus, Louinel Babia, Camille Ruiz, Eric Masangkay, Mario Madridejos, Reynaldo Lopez and Gundelina Ruiz.
At present, there are 50 registered QAG members.
Boodle Fight by Farah Ontiveros
The exhibit features great work featuring consistently rural themes such as “sabong” or cockfights, landscapes and coconut themed sculptures.
A cockfight painting .
Sculpture by Noel P. Bueza
There are also many art renditions in the exhibit that uses modern methods and techniques but still use classic subjects.
“The exhibition will attempt to present a view of ‘art from the regions’ with displays that explore the techniques, styles and methodologies of art,” Noel Bueza, president of the QAG, said.
The GSIS Museo ng Sining is located at the 2nd level of the GSIS Building in Financial Center, Pasay City. Entrance to the museum is free. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Interested parties may contact the museum through telephone number (02) 479-3588. Quezon Art 7 will run until March 23
How To Organize A Pantry That Works For You
A pantry is one of the most important areas in the kitchen you should definitely plan for. One of the things that wastes a lot of time is when all of your ingredients are in disarray and it takes you forever to start cooking.
1. Make a List.
The very first thing you should do is take a list of what items you need to stock in your pantry. From this, you will know how much space to allot for each category and how to store it. You can use mason jars, baskets, bins, under cabinet shelves, stackable bins, lazy susans.
2. Designate each shelf and group according to category.
Location of each category should be based on frequency of use. That means, your most used items should be in the middle, the least at the very top, bottom can contain bottles, paper goods, dog food. Store spices alphabetically and label all containers.
3. Use the same container for similar items.
To maintain a clean, organized look, use the same containers. If you have extra space on the top portion of the shelf, use a wire shelf that you can slide into the top part, just like the photo seen below. That way, all space is maximized. It's best to use clear containers so you can easily see what's inside.
4. Label all items.
via Creativity Exchange
Yes, it’s a tedious task but somebody has to do it. Why? This is food we’re talking about. Especially for those items that you choose to remove from its original packaging, you should place the expiration date too. If you have fancy writing skills, go ahead and write on a blackboard type sticker. Another option is to buy sticker paper and print out the labels on the computer. I've found these free printable labels for you to use.
There's one thing that you need to remember: Personalize your pantry according to your needs.
Every person is different. Some may need a space for baking materials, others might need a whole area for coffee. The key here is planning for each area and allowing for the right amount of space.
If you need more help, e-mail me and we can design your own kitchen made especially for you!
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What They Don't Tell You When Building Your Space
Building your space is not always all it’s racked up to be. It can be a nightmare or it can be a daydream.
You finally have the savings/loan to build your own home. You get your interior designer, your architect to make your dreams come alive. Your designer and architects are a dream to work with, and you finally have all the working drawings and designs needed to have a contractor build it. Since you're money-savvy, you get several contractors to bid. Now comes the hard part. Who will you choose? Shall it be the lowest price? After all, you do want to get your designer chairs! Or maybe that might not be a good idea.
The ugly truth is the most difficult part in building a space, whether it's your home or a commercial space, is the construction itself. Yes, there are lots of horror stories from contractors who use materials that aren't up to the specifications indicated, to those who actually don't finish the project and just leave you hanging with an unfinished space! I've had my own share of nightmares. It's part of the job most unfortunately. However, they don't really talk about this until you experience it yourself or maybe a friend/relative has told you. So what do you do?
Here are some guidelines in choosing your contractor/supplier (they apply to suppliers too-from building to furniture suppliers):
1. Reputation is king.
The most important thing is to find out their reputation. Google! Yes, most suppliers are already on the web. Although admittedly, plenty of contractors here in the Philippines aren't. So what do you do? Ask for referrals from your friends. Find out their experience. For contractors, check out their work. Ask them if you can visit a place they built. From there, you can see the quality of their work. If you're not sure, bring your designer with you.
2. Trust your designer.
Chances are your designer has had his/her experience with suppliers and contractors. I, for one, actually experiment on my home when using new suppliers. At the very least, if they screw up, it's on my turf. While I admit, not all passed my standards though. And yes, that is the very reason why your designer has only a limited pool of suppliers!
3. Price isn't everything.
Yes, I know. It's not how cheap it is nor how expensive. As I said previously, the best is always to go for reputation and referrals. While this may not be a foolproof solution, it's a better one and may save you a lot of headaches.
4. Trust your gut.
Truth. I screen my clients. I don't just jump at every opportunity when there is a possible project. Why is that? Because normally, I work a minimum of 2 months and longer to build a space (from design all the way to construction), having a good working relationship with my client is important. In the same way, trust your gut. Meet your prospective contractor/supplier in person. You'll find out if you can work with him/her even with your first interaction. Of course, this isn't always a guarantee especially if you're not that good in reading people. However, it will avoid any unwanted suppliers/contractors, yes, and even interior designers/architects.
While I urge your to be cautious, I do hope you enjoy the process as well! While there are nightmarish stories, there are successful ones too.
For interior design services, contact me.
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I Have This Thing With Floors
There’s a reason why this hashtag is popular. Floors can make or break a room. How do you decide which floor type to use?
Are you familiar with the hashtag, I have this thing with floors? There is a reason why this is so popular.
While using regular white tiles or simply all wood flooring can be attractive, why not experiment with floor patterns?
From classic to modern, here are some inspirational photos perfect for your space:
Cement tiles
Patterned cement tiles are available too in ceramic. The original trend came from cement tiles but there are now beautiful options with ceramic. The beauty of ceramic is that it isn’t porous unlike cement. This means ease of maintenance and more sanitary since there are less openings. Of course, I still cannot discount the beauty of having original cement tiles. Who doesn’t love our local Machuca tiles?
Hexagonal tiles
Geometrics are so in right now. I guess people got bored with the usual shape and decided for something more bold!
Combining materials
Why not combine ceramic with wood? Or natural stone with wood? There are multiple options but just remember that each material has a different thickness. That means the final result should be that your flooring is even. Who wants to trip over uneven floors? Find out first if it is possible by consulting your interior designer.
Natural stone
When it comes to luxury, nothing beats natural stone. There are so many choices too. Although there are alternatives, that is, ceramic tile that looks like the original stone, the original hands down adds more value to your home.
Wood
Just like stone, real solid wood is ages apart from faux wood which may come in vinyl tile, ceramic tile, laminated wood or engineered wood. What’s the difference among each? Real wood is more beautiful, more luxurious and adds more value to your home.
If you can’t afford real wood, engineered wood is next in line. Just know that with engineered wood, you get a thin sliver of wood on top, then other layers below which together comprise the whole plank. You can resand this once or maybe even twice, but after that, you need to replace it. If you buy this, make sure to get an extra box for repairs. Suppliers change stocks and you may not get the same wood species if you need to repair your floor.
Next comes laminated wood. Laminated wood is a synthetic flooring with multiple layers that can simulate real wood but with a more affordable price. The disadvantage of this is once scratched/damaged, you need to replace as it cannot be refinished. Also, do NOT mop this and make sure it doesn’t get wet, otherwise it will warp and planks will pop out!
Vinyl
Vinyl is resilient flooring and is cost efficient in comparison to real wood or ceramic tiles. It can mimic natural wood and comes in the form of tiles or sheets. It is easy to install and maintain. However it can be damaged by sharp objects and colors can fade with too much sunlight exposure, thereby making it more ideal for indoor use.
Famous Paintings & Where To Find Them
Have you ever wanted to see these famous paintings in person? Read on for my museum guide.
Europe and the arts are virtually synonymous. So yes, most of the famous painters come from Europe and they’re mostly Rennaissance artists. Here’s where we can find them segregated by country, and by museum. All information is accurate from date of post. Pls. refer to museum's website for more information. Photos can be taken without flash, and without a tripod. Do watch out as I will update this post once in a while.
FRANCE
Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci
Raft of The Medusa by Theodore Gericault
TIPS: One of the most popular painting is the Mona Lisa, make sure to book this early!
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily (except Tuesdays): 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday: 9 a.m.–9:45 p.m.
Rooms begin closing 30 minutes before museum closing time.
- Closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25
- Please note that on December 24 and 31 the museum will close at 5 p.m.
- Admission on Sunday:
From October to March: access to the permanent collections is free for all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
TICKETS
- € 17 (Full price)
- Free admission for under 18 years
- Free for disabled and the person accompanying them
Whistler's Mother by James Abbott McNeil Whistler
Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre Auguste-Renoir
Olympia by Edouard Manet
Van Gogh Self Portrait
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- open from 9.30am to 6pm
daily, except Mondays
late night on Thursdays until 9.45pm
last tickets sold at 5pm (9pm Thursdays)
museum cleared at 5.15pm (9.15pm Thursdays)
group visits, pre-booked only, Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm (Thursdays until 8pm) - closed on Mondays, on 1 May and 25 December
TICKETS
- € 12 (Full price)
- € 9 (concessions)
ITALY
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
TIPS: Book months online. Tickets sell out quickly.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday 08.15 am - 07.00 pm.
- open from 9.30am to 6pm
Last admission 6:30 pm
Max. 25 admitted every 15 minutes.
Closed Monday, New Year's Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.
TICKETS
- € 36 (Full price)
- € 28 (concessions)
- € 16 (1-17 yrs. old)
IV. Vatican
The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo- Sistine Chapel Ceiling
School of Athens by Raphael
TIPS:Being one of the most visited sites in Rome, this one should be book months before your trip.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Monday to Saturday
9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. (final entry 4.00 p.m.) - Every last Sunday of the month (provided this does not coincide with Easter Sunday, 29 June Sts. Peter and Paul, 25 December Christmas Day, and 26 December Feast of St. Stephen)
9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. (final entry 12.30 p.m.)
Free entry - Visitors are required to leave the halls 30 minutes before museum closing time
- 2018 closure
Sunday (except the last Sunday of each month), 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 2 April, 1 May, 29 June, 14 and 15 August, 1 November, 8, 25 and 26 December
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Birth of Venus by Botticelli
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday
8.15 a.m. – 6.50 p.m. Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 25 December
Closure starts from 6.35 pm
The ticket office closes at 6:05 pm
TICKETS:
- March 1 to October 31
Regular €20, reduced €10 November 1 to February 28
Regular €12, Reduced €6Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
GERMANY
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Sistine Madonna
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- From Tuesday to Sunday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays
TICKETS:
- Normal €12, reduced €9, Under 17 free
Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
The Kiss is located in the Upper Belvedere. TIPS: You can’t take photos with the original. They actually have another room setup with a copy of this.
HOURS & ADMISSION (Upper Belvedere only):
- Daily
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday
9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
TICKETS (Upper Belvedere):
- Adults €15, reduced €12.50, 18 years old and below are free
UNITED KINGDOM
VIII. National Gallery, London
Image via WikiMedia Commons
The Arnolfini Portrait
The National Gallery in London is the only museum here that is actually free!
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. - Friday
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Closing commences at 5.55pm and 8.55pm
Closed 1 January and 24–26 December
TICKETS:
- Free admission
AMSTERDAM
IX. Rijksmuseum
The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali
Nightwatch by Rembrandt
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Daily
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open all days of the year.
Ticket desks close at 4:30 p.m.
TICKETS:
- Adults €17.50, 18 years old and below are free
SPAIN
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Las Meninas by Diego Velasquez
- From Monday to Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. - Sundays and Holidays
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closing commences at 5.55pm and 8.55pm
Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 DecemberLast admission 30 minutes before closing
Reduced opening hours
January 6, December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Collection, free access:
From Monday to Saturday, 6 pm - 8 pm, December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sundays and holidays, 5 pm - 7 pm
via Wikipedia
Guernica by Pablo Picasso
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday, Wednesday- Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday Closed
- Sunday Check the opening times*
*On Sunday the sale of tickets at the ticket office will finish at 1:30 p.m., apart from advanced bookings
**Closing days: January 1 and 6, May 1, May 15, November 9, and December 24, 25 and 31
TICKETS:
- Adults €8, 18 years old and below are free, 65 years old and above are free
NORWAY
Image via Wikimedia Commons
The Scream by Edvard Munch
TIPS: Entrance is free with an Oslo Pass.
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday:10–18
- Thursday:10–19
- Saturday and Sunday:11–17
TICKETS:
- Adults NOK 120
- Students/pensioners/concessions: NOK 60
- Free from 18 years old and below
NETHERLANDS
XIII. Mauritshuis
Image via WikiMedia Commons
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Jan Vermeer
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Monday 1 pm - 6 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
- Thursday 10 am - 8 pm
TICKETS:
- Adults €15.50
- Students €12.50
- Free from 18 years old and below
UNITED STATES
Starry, Starry Night by Van Gogh
Water Lilies by Monet
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Picasso
HOURS & ADMISSION:
- Open daily, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays
TICKETS:
- Adults $25
- Seniors, 65 and over with ID $18
- Students, Full-time with ID $14
- Children, 16 and under are free
- Admission to The Museum of Modern Art is free for all visitors every
Friday evening, 4:00–8:00 p.m., during UNIQLO Free Friday Nights.
Links will take you to the official website of the museums. Since these are famous paintings, it is best to always buy the ticket early to avoid the long lines.
PORTFOLIO
5 Easy Ways to Create a Character-Filled Home
One of the most basic human needs is shelter. You spend practically your whole life living in a house. Whether you rent or own, a house should always be a home you'd enjoy going to. Find out how to give your home more personality!
A house can be lived in by anyone but a home is personal and unique to the homeowner. It shows your taste, your likes, where you’ve been, your loved ones and prized possessions. Wouldn’t it be better to live in a place that shows you who you are? Not one that is simply generic or looking like a showroom. Make it your own!
via Personal Creations
1. Personalize.
Everything personalized is so now. From guest towels, to coasters, to trays. Personalization will always be timeless.
2. Add photos.
Display family photos! Nothing beats personal more than that. Hire a good photographer and have some professional photos taken. Blow it up and make it an accent.
3. Add your favorite art.
If you’re just starting, why not add your own artwork? If you have kids, frame their art pieces! If you’re an art collector, that’s even better! Place your favorite piece in the area where you spend time the most- it may be the living area, or maybe your bedroom.
4. Display your travel souvenirs.
Are you a traveller? Do you collect items from your travels? Why not place them in your living room to show your collection?
Pro tip: Have one space to display your mementos. It will look better all together than scattered throughout your room. Make it look more professional by adding lights to enhance the look.
5. Got heirlooms or antiques?
Display heirlooms from your grandma. If you’ve inherited any furniture, accessories, vintage appliances and the like, combine these with a few modern ones to create an eclectic look, one filled with character.
PORTFOLIO