Under the Manila Sky

My Favorite Art Works at Art Fair Philippines 2025

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Almost every year, my friends and I like to visit Art Fair Philippines held every February. We like looking at all the art exhibited and appreciate them. This year, I was able to get in for free because I'm a BPI client and I had my credit card with me that day.

The venue this year changed from The Link Building to Ayala Triangle Garden. I think the change of venue made it a bigger exhibit than it was before. I can't say for sure but I do know that the move was to make it even more accessible to the public.

As always, there were plenty of art on display from various exhibitors, even international ones from Japan, Austria, and Hongkong, to mention a few. But here are the pieces that stood out the most for me:

It's pancit canton but with hugot.

These are works of art of Carlo Tanseco. It's an homage to the popular snacks from my childhood, more specifically Universal Robina Corporation's snacks. At first glance, you'd think these are just life sized version of the snacks. But when you look closer, instead of its brand names, what you'll read are messages like 100% Tanging Ikaw Ang Pinakamahalaga, Pinakamamahalin or Closer to Your Dreams. I love the creative take of the artist on these. In fact, Lance Gokongwei bought one of these art pieces.

According to what I read, it was the artist thinking of his childhood days that inspired him to make the 20-piece collection, This was definitely one of the most popular booths at Art Fair Philippines 2025 and I can see why. Nostalgia and cheeky panache are always a hit with Filipinos.

From time to time, I like to check out art exhibits happening in the Metro. Last year, I visited Banksy Universe Manila at MET Museum. It's a nice experience checking out art pieces and appreciating them.

A Visit to MET Museum for Banksy Universe Manila 2024

Last year, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig, with my friends to check out Banksy Universe Manila 2024. Of course, I had heard of Banksy, but I wasn't familiar with his artwork. All I knew was the Girl with the Balloon, as this is one of his best-known pieces.

While I'm not an art connoisseur, I do like to appreciate art, and what better way to get to know an artist than to check out his or her exhibit? And yes, I know this wasn't Banksy himself that chose to showcase his works of art. I heard the artist doesn't like to hold exhibits. The Banksy Universe Manila 2024 was pooled from authenticated art pieces from personal collections of collectors of Banksy's works. I also learned that there's an irony in having a Banksy exhibit at an upscale area such as BGC. They say he's a critic of capitalism.

Anyway, here are the interesting pieces I saw at the exhibit.

Banksy was a street artist known for his graffiti works. Some critics say his works are art while some call it vandalism.

This piece's message is pretty sad. It seems to say sorry you can't follow your dreams. You don't have that luxury anymore.

This piece, Nola, was done after the destruction caused by Typhoon Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Banksy also made artworks about people with authority such as the police. His artwork, Flying Cooper 2003 is a reminder to people not to be too trusting of people with too much power or authority. It reminded me of the time here in the Philippines when extra judicial killings were happening every so often, and it was the cops involved. Those were scary times.

I think Banksy is talking about consumerism in this piece. In this day and age, we're conditioned to want to live a life where we constantly compare what we have with others and want to have what they have or what they're doing, which can be a bad thing, especially when you really can't afford to do so. Keeping up with the Joneses as the saying goes.

As I mentioned, The Girl in the Balloon is one of Banksy's most popular works. In a Sotheby art auction, after this painting was sold for over £1 million, the artwork self-destroyed through a shredder hidden beneath the frame. Though it's not completely shredded. It became even more valuable as an art piece after that.

It was an interesting visit I had at the MET museum, learning all about Banksy. I'm glad I got to check out the art pieces. After all, learning to appreciate art is one way to become cultured.

My Go-to Home Service Massage: VIP Wellness

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

I've enjoyed getting a massage since a friend took me to a spa. It's been one of the ways I would destress healthily. It's also a good way for my body to recover after weeks of grueling workouts at the gym. And it's just been a way for me to pamper myself.

But then the COVID-19 pandemic happened and all non-essential businesses which included spas were forced to close. And even when it finally opened, I was scared to go. It's a good thing I found out about VIP Wellness.

What is VIP Wellness?

VIP Wellness is a home-service massage that services clients in select Metro Manila areas such as Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Taguig, Pasig, and Manila. Their claim? Book VIP Wellness if you want a home service massage like no other. It's luxurious, complete, and safe.

photo grabbed from VIP Wellness Facebook

In terms of service offerings, they have classic massages like Swedish, Specialized such as Deep Tissue Massage, Pre/Post Natal, and even a kiddie massage. They also have combo packages if you can't decide on just one or if you're like me who feels that one type of massage isn't enough especially when I'm trying to treat my body to a pampering session when it's aching all over.

They have massages that can last from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. And all massage services come with a timer that has a spa music, an aromatherapy lamp warmer, 24k gold collagen-infused facial mask, premium massage oils an epsom salt foot bath, and fresh towels.

My Experience with VIP Wellness

I've been an avid customer of their sister company, VIP Nails before they started offering VIP Wellness service. They do an impeccable job and safety has been highlighted as a priority for them which is so important, especially during pandemic times. Their employees were vaccinated against COVID-19 and were tested often to prevent them from spreading the virus when they do client servicing at home. That's what convinced me to give home service massage a try.

Setting an Appointment

Booking their service is so easy. I often get in touch with them on Instagram. I simply provide my details such as name, address and contact number, the date and time I'm looking at booking and the type of service I'd like to avail. When my therapist is available on that day, my booking is confirmed.

Payment Methods

To finalize my massage appointment, full payment is required before the service. This is also an easy experience because there are several ways payment can be sent: BDO, BPI bank transfers, or Gcash. Before paying, they send you an invoice detailing your service request plus a transportation fee so you can double-check to ensure you're getting the right service.

The Massage Service

Every massage experience I have had with them has been a wonderful one. Their therapists are very good! They're able to give a massage that's with the right pressure to ease the tension of my muscles. I always feel well-recovered and pampered.

I also love the added touch of the mood light and spa music. It gives that spa ambiance even though I'm just home. The facial collagen mask is a plus. Actually, it used to be that they even offered ginger tea after every massage and I loved that. It's too bad that it's no longer part of their service. Still, I get them because I love that they have combo offers. My favorite is the Ultimate Reset, a combination of hot stone + deep tissue massage. It's the ultimate pamper-me experience - a perfect way to recover from a work week!

The best part about VIP Wellness is that they are affordable! A fraction of the cost if I go to a premium spa place.

If you want to treat yourself to a great massage experience, I highly recommend checking out VIP Wellness.

My Somerset Millennium Makati Experience

Monday, February 3, 2025

My friends and I have started an annual tradition wherein we have a staycation every December. It serves as our Christmas get-together. Last year, we booked an overnight stay at Somerset Millenium Makati.

About Somerset Millennium Makati

Somerset Millenium Makati is a serviced residence hotel located in Aguirre street, Legaspi Village, Makati City. It has several spacious and contemporary apartment types with room amenities such as a kitchenette, separate living and dining areas and en-suite bathrooms. It also has a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and even a barbershop in the residence, open daily.

The hotel has a convenient location near Greenbelt Mall, a posh and premium shopping mall, a convenience store, banks, and coffee shops.

First Impressions on Somerset Millennium Makati

Somerset Millennium Makati has been around for a while now. My first job was at Aguirre Street so I often see the hotel on my way to the office. The street has seen many establishment changes but Somerset Millennium Makati remains strong.

Even though it's been around for years, the hotel's facade still looks nice and inviting. When I entered the hotel, I was also impressed to find an inviting lobby with good lighting that brightened the room. There are a few seats where guests can stay if they are waiting, whether coming or going.

In the lobby, you'll also find some of the causes that Somerset Millennium Makati supports from a green environment, animal welfare to a community of disabled artists.

Drop your plastic water bottles in the bin for recycling or donate items to support the animals of Pawssion Project.

These handpainted bags make for a great pasalubong or for your own fashion statement. Every purchase of these upcycled eco-bags will directly benefit talented artists with disabilities allowing them to continue their artistic journeys and feeding children in Gawad Kalinga.

Kudos to Somerset for supporting all these causes.

The staff at the hotel were accommodating and friendly. The hotel recep made small talk with me while she assisted me with the check-in. She asked how my Christmas holiday was going to which I answered "What Christmas?" Ha! Ha! I honestly didn't feel the holiday as I had a lot of work to do. That elicited a laugh from her.

The doorman gave me directions to go to Greenbelt as I told him I was going to run a few errands. HE probably thought I didn't know the area. I appreciated that of course.

The Stay Experience

I got to the hotel earlier than the check-in time of 2PM. I still had errands to do at the mall e.g. last minute gift shopping, bank errands etc.. I hoped I could check in the room early to leave my stuff. But it was Christmas season so the hotel had a lot of guests. The room wasn't ready but the hotel reception already assisted me in registering our rooms so that come check-in time, we could just pay and get our room keys.

The room I stayed in was a deluxe 2-bedroom with a living room, dining area, and kitchenette.

Our room was big and cozy. Doesn't look at all like the place was a years-old hotel. The room had Wi-Fi, the bathrooms had a shower and bathtub, and the beds were comfortable. I had a good stay at Somerset Millennium Makati.

Room for Improvement

While overall, Somerset Millennium Makati is still a good service residence to stay at, it is an old hotel, Some details should be looked into to improve a guest's overall experience.

Air conditioning - My friend and I both have a less tolerance for cold. Whenever we have a staycation, we always adjust the air conditioning in the room to make it less cold. The one in our room couldn't be adjusted no matter how much we pressed the remote control or the manual buttons.

Wi-Fi - As I mentioned, we got a two-bedroom. Even though there is Wi-Fi in the room, its signal doesn't cover the entirety of the area. At certain parts of the bedroom, the Wi-Fi goes weak which is a bummer.

However, I also encountered a weak Wi-Fi signal when we stayed at Somerset Central Salcedo two years ago. Maybe Somerset should look into having wifi mesh for their hotels to boost the signal. Almost everyone these days scrolls online on their phone while in bed.

Toiletries - It's standard for hotels to provide guests with toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. While we had those in our room, the shampoo and lotion were almost empty especially the lotion so we couldn't use much of it. This may have been overlooked since the shampoo and lotion were hung on the wall. You can only know it's empty when you pump the bottle.

Shower - We didn't get around to trying the shower 'til the morning when we were getting ready to check out so we found out too late that our shower wasn't working. To make do, we used the faucet in the bathtub. Somerset Millennium Makati ought to check on their room amenities from time to time to ensure things are working properly.

Breakfast - In a hotel, I always look forward to having a delicious breakfast buffet. While it's not a big deal that breakfast at Somerset Millennium Makati was plated, it wasn't the best breakfast. Almost forgettable. Honestly, I would recommend skipping breakfast there until the cooking improves and they have more breakfast offerings.

My Rating of Somerset Millennium Makati

Given all that I shared about my impressions and experience staying in Somerset Millennium Makati, if I were to rate it, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5. I would still recommend a stay in this hotel. I just hope they look into checking the rooms thoroughly to ensure everything is not only spic and span but also working properly.

Where's Wina: A Boho Paradise in Metro Manila

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Marikina City is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and history. It's most known to be the shoe capital of the Philippines and more recent times, it has established itself as a place for food tripping and neighborhood coffee shops. But there's something else this city has to offer - a break from the hustle of the Metro life.

Where is Wina is a charming and quaint hideaway Airbnb located in Marikina City which offers more than just a place to stay. According to its Instagram profile, it's perfect for intimate gatherings, content, or prenup shoots, and yes, staycation. It has been featured by several media for being such an Instagrammable accommodation. My friends and I, have wanted to gather and bond as a group for the longest time, but we needed a place that's feasible to go for all of us. And so we booked an overnight stay at Where is Wina.

A Stylish Home in Marikina

Where is Wina is tucked away in a tranquil neighborhood so you're sure to have a serene atmosphere while also being just a stone's throw away from the city's vibrant offerings. When you step inside, you'll find the attention to detail and warm ambiance enveloping you, instantly making you feel like you've found your home away from home.

This two-story Airbnb can accommodate up to 8 people as it is comprised of three rooms: the white room, the blue room, and the brown room. And whether you choose to rent the entire house or rent one or two rooms only, you'll still get the entire place to yourselves. The interiors of this place are full of personality and very snap-worthy.

The couch filled with our presents for each other

Brought some coffee table books as decor. Made use of the place for a few content shoots for Reader's Den MNL too.

We had a phone like this at our house before I broke it. LOL!

Our Bedroom Accommodations

The white room has two beds and over by that curtain, are sliding doors that lead to the pool area. So you know, if you feel like going for a swim, you can just easily do so through this room.

The blue room has a double bed, its own bathroom, and an outdoor bathtub.

The Outdoors

Where is Wina outdoors is just as charming as it is on the inside. It's surrounded by plants and has a small manmade fish pond.

There's also a large outdoor dining area. That's where we spent most of our time, eating, chatting, and drinking. Where is Wina has a kitchen area where you can cook but we didn't bother. We had Grabfood delivery instead.

Welcome drinks. Tasty home-brewed iced tea!

There are also a couple of activities you can do at Where is Wina such as painting though I'm not sure if they'll provide the paint for you or you'll bring your own and table tennis, which we played for only a little while.

This boho paradise won't be complete without a sparkling swimming pool with really cold water.

We had an overall great stay at Where is Wina. This Airbnb is as beautiful as it is in photos and I would recommend the place to anyone looking for a quick getaway without leaving Metro Manila.

To more bonding time and lasting friendship with these ladies