Manila Chronicles: 19th PTAA Travel and Tour Expo

PAL's section.  Long lines.

     I went to the expo with my friends during lunch break.  There were a lot of people; it was almost suffocating.  It was also chaotic.  Of course, the bulk of people were crowding PAL and Cebu Pacific's booths.  Travel agencies selling Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok tours are teeming with people, too.  

     There are exhibitors from different agencies and some of the booths were really great.  Take Malaysia's replica of Christ Church from Melaka and rickshaw from Penang.  And Japan with cuteness overload which came with ladies in kimono plus a makeover booth courtesy of Majolica Majorca.  I've seen booths from Taiwan but all they're handing out are maps and directories of leisure farms.  Thailand has one, too, but it was simple.  However, just before we left, about 10 lady boys arrived, perhaps to stage a show.

     A couple of airlines have a photo wall and provide flight attendants' uniform you could wear while having your photo taken.  Very cute.  

They're trying on the flight attendants' uniforms.

Tea ceremony at Japan's booth.

Free makeover by Majolica Majorca

     The most rewarding part of the expo?  For me, it's collecting travel brochures from country to country.  Turkey has some excellent travel brochures in book form, Euro tours, too, in magazine form.  Some booths give away reusable shopping bags with the name of the participating booth of course.  

     We didn't stay long and we weren't able to booth-hop as we only have a very limited time.  Hope I could return tomorrow and visit all the booths.

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Promod

     You may want to ask me how I know about store sales.  Let me be quite honest about it.  I work 5 minutes away on foot from a mall.  There.  And yes, the store clerks of the shops I frequent know me already because I am always present when there's a sale.

     Anyway, as with Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, Topman, and other foreign clothes stores, Promod has been on sale since mid-January 2012 or thereabout for its year-end sale.  And, what's great about Promod?  Their winter accessories.

     Yes, if you're looking for a scarf that does not look a dime-a-dozen, then Promod is your answer.  Their scarf collection is great, although a little on the higher price range.  But, don't fret, they're having a 70% off sale and their sale items will remain until stocks last.

     Also, Promod's faux fur winter stoles are to die for.  Perhaps, you're a fan of Downton Abbey and you've probably seen Lady Mary Crawley with a fur winter wrap.  And your best bet at coveting that winter stole: Promod.

   


      I've seen this one, too, at the store.  So cute!  It's quite heavy, though.

     This one, too, in different colors.  It looks better in person.

     Well, there's this cape, too, but I am not sure if it's on sale, too.  Probably.  Who'll wear it in spring?

 

     Oh, and I should not forget about this one.  This is simply divine, but a little heavy.  You have to put it on when you check-in at the airport.  Putting it on your luggage will just add a lot to your allowable weight limit.

     And, I've bought these pieces for my Hong Kong trip this February, where the weather's a bit cold this time of the year.  Around 14C to 20C.  I'll put on a cardigan over the sheer one, and perhaps, I'll slip the black one on top of a long-sleeved fitted shirt in white, beige or gray.  What do you think?

     Before I forget, I've seen two winter boots over at Promod.  The first one looks more like a rain boot because of its style, or perhaps, a shorter go-go boots (Promod's style last season was mod-like), and a riding boot of some sorts.

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Topshop

     Oh yes.  I know.  One of the most read articles on my blog is about winter clothes shopping.  So, I am trying my best to share where one could buy outfits for winter.

     Last week, I've blogged about the sale at the Terranova, and now, I have something even better.  Topshop, which has been on its year-end sale since mid-January 2012, has just offered BUY ONE, TAKE ONE promo on ALL their SALE ITEMS starting yesterday.  Yes, you read it right.  On top of the 50% price slash, Topshop makes further reduction with their Buy One, Take One scheme: you pay for the higher priced item and the lower priced one is free.  For example, those oh-so-cute over-sized winter knitwears and sweaters, which range about Php 1,600 to 1,900 per piece (already with a 50% discount) can  now be yours for half the price, that is, if you buy any sale item within the same price range.  Yes, you can combine any items on sale for the Buy One, Take One promo.  So, you can have a winter sweater and a winter jacket, too.  Or a winter scarf and a winter sweater. 

     Just some of the winter outfits I've been raving about from Topshop (although I couldn't find photos of their oversized sweaters with thick stripes):

     Me, on the other hand, got a little shopping-crazy for their cute shoulder bags, and shoes, too.  

     Happy winter clothes shopping!

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Terranova

N.B.
I do not own these photos.  I just screencapped them for reference.  Head to http://www.terranovastyle.com/ to see the originals.

     It's still winter in other parts of the world and you might be headed to Europe, Canada, the US, China, Japan or South Korea. So, you'd probably need winter clothes, right? Well, you're lucky since there are a lot of stores selling winter clothes at a discount, including Terranova this January. I've been to Terranova today and yet again, I bought a couple of light sweaters and some warmer cardigans. I am going to someplace cold, but not that cold; only Baguio cold, but usually, I love wearing light pullovers with skirts and jeans even in Manila. I mean, they're good for the office, too since it's usually cold because of air conditioning.

Manila Chronicles - 18th PTAA Travel and Tour Expo [18 Feb to 20 Feb 2011]

     The PTAA is currently holding its 18th Travel and Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia from 18 February 2011 to 20 February 2011.  Philippine Airlines is a sponsor (official carrier) for this event, and it is co-presented by the Department of Tourism.

     Here's a brief background of the event from the 18th Travel and Tour Expo website -

     The TravelTour Expo was conceptualized by PTAA in 1994 to showcase the products and services of its members. Since then, the show has evolved into a much awaited annual industry event covering practically all segments of the travel business, making it the biggest event for the travel and tourism industry. About 80,000 visitors were present in the 2010 edition which had 416 booths occupied by 230 firms.

     On its 18th year, TravelTour Expo is expanding to 4 halls, giving exhibitors more booths to choose from while offering visitors a wider variety of travel options. The 3-day event is scheduled on 18 to 20 February 2011 at Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

     With the theme “Around the World in 3 Days”, the show aims to feature various hotspots in the Philippines and all over the world. Visitors can expect a glimpse of what awaits them in their chosen destinations while enjoying cultural presentations, souvenir items and discounted travel packages from the exhibitors.

Why join TravelTour Expo 2011?

• TravelTour Expo is the biggest event for the travel and tourism industry
• TravelTour Expo offers you an expanded customer base
• TravelTour Expo is the ultimate destination for the best travel deals
• TravelTour Expo is the prime marketplace for your destinations
• TravelTour Expo is continuously doing its best to bring you a special show every year!

Date:
18 to 20 February 2011

Venue:
SMX Convention Center Halls 1, 2, 3 & 4,
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Opening Hours:
18 February - Friday
10 AM - 9 PM
19 February - Saturday
10 AM - 9 PM
20 February - Sunday
10 AM - 7 PM
Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours

Accompanying Events:
Daily Raffle Draws, Entertainment & Games and Exhibitors' Presentations & more surprises

     Exhibitors in the Expo include: Star Cruises; Dragon Air; Etihad; Hawaiian Airlines; South African Airways, Philippine Airlines, Continental and American Airlines, among others.  Big-name travel agencies, like Panda, Rakso, Rajah, and Sparkle, to name a few, are likewise participating.  The tourism arm of Taiwan, Macau, Sabah, Palau, Thailand, India, and many more, have booths at the Expo.

     According to the Philippine Airlines website, they are offering up to 70% off in their international flights at the Expo. So, see you at the Expo!

Manila Chronicles - Winter Clothes on Sale at the Malls

    

      Last week, I bought an autumn/winter shearling vest at Dorothy Perkins for half the price.  It was so pretty, and I only paid less than Php 1,500.00 for it.  It's so cute!  I know, I know, I'm not going to use it anytime soon, but since I'm planning for an autumn visit to Japan, and perhaps a new year's travel to Taiwan or Beijing, I'm stocking up.  It's not something that would be burrowed in obscurity.  BTW, this is the exact vest.  You can zip it 2/3 of the way if you want to have a normal lapel.  The aviator coat below is also on sale. at 50% off.

      

     Dorothy Perkins is only one among the many stores on sale right now.  Some stores have been on sale since the first week of January.  Top Shop, Mango, Marks and Spencer, Terranova and Promod, among others, have autumn and winter clothes on sale.

     So, hurry, grab those winter garb before it sells out!

N.B.


Scarves, gloves and bonnets are on sale from Php 595 at Promod.

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at HMR, Pioneer

For Winter Clothes Shopping in Cartimar, click HERE, and HERE for Jan 2011 Winter Clothes Sale at the Malls.


Update: 09 November 2011 - I went to HMR last weekend and they're having a sale.  However, the winter clothes left are few.  You can now find the clothing section on the 2nd floor.

     I have noticed that my post about winter clothes shopping is slowly rising to the top of the most popular entries.  Maybe because it's winter already in other parts of the world and Filipinos are flocking to those countries with snow; i.e., Korea, Japan, Canada, the US, etc.  

     When I went to Beijing, I only had minimal winter clothes.  I have a trench coat which I asked a dressmaker to create for me, a sleeveless beige jacket with hood with faux shearling lining (the trendy one),  and a fleece jacket which I bought from Winterhouse in Cartimar, Pasay, and a trench-like cardigan I bought from H&M in Hong Kong.  The rest are just normal summer clothes (the ones I use here in the Philippines, a country with almost a year-long summer).  So, I planned to buy some items in Beijing, but my luggage could not accommodate thick jackets anymore; it was filled to the brim.  Oh well, it was a pity since winter clothes are reasonably priced there.

    So, anyway, I went out around lunchtime today to go to HMR, just to pick up some items.  HMR is a surplus shop located in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City.  I was supposed to buy a L.A.M.B sneakers which just sells for Php 790.00 but I ended up buying a Jantzen bathing suit and some summer skorts (skirts with shorts inside).  While busy choosing some surplus summer outfits, my eyes strayed to a clothing rack at the far end, and by golly, HMR has some very good looking winter jackets!  Who knew?!  They have the slim type sleeveless puffer jacket with faux fur lining in glorious white and a velvety-type jacket with shearling-like lining (in choco brown or beige) which is so cute.  And it's only Php 790.00!  And there are some Kenneth Cole blazer-type short winter jackets in black, white, and navy.  It has puffer sort of lining inside, very warm, and it's very chic and trendy, and it sells for Php 1990.00.  And there are also some London Fog wind breaker in colorful varieties: yellow, purple, and green, which sells for the same price (it's sort of a short, fitted trench).  In fact, they even have a snow bib, whatever that may be (it's like a jumper, really).

     While the winter clothes aren't that plenty, they're more fashionable than those found at the Winterhouse.  The clothes look something like these:

      The snow bib I'm referring to is on the right side.  The picture came from HMR's website.  Apparently, it's insulated.  The photo on the left looks a little like the puffer jacket I saw, only, the stitching is made in diamond-like pattern, and the closure's not the same.  Also, the puffer jacket at HMR is a lot slimmer than the one in the picture.  It looks really hip and young.  The photo on the middle is similar to the shearling-like short jacket at HMR, although if I remember correctly, it has a standing collar and the zipper has small fur balls and it looks so kawaii.  The Winterhouse in Cartimar also has a similar jacket; a short one and a long one but it sells for around Php 1500.00 to Php 3000.00 depending on the length and on your haggling skills. The sizes of the shearling-like jackets from HMR, however, are from size 7-10 (medium), and the biggest is 14 (large).  There's a pink one for a child, but it's damaged.  The puffer-jacket has only one size, or rather, they only carry a single size; I think it fits a smaller to medium frame.  As for the Kenneth Cole women's blazer/short belted jacket, it comes in bigger sizes like XL.  The London Fog jackets look a like they're all in large sizes.

     HMR Philippines is located at Pioneer corner Reliance Street, Mandaluyong City.  For directions, check their website HERE.

     In case you're wondering how the trench dress I had custom-made for me looks like, this is the pattern used, from Rakuten, a very popular Japanese on-line store:

     Happy winter clothes shopping!

[TIP: You can also find winter wear at Greenhills; branded overruns as well as snug-fitting thermals (top & leggings). The bottoms sold at Winterhouse are more like fitted jammies or jogging pants with those 2 or 3 inch elastic ends of some sort.]

Manila Chronicles: Greenhills Shopping Center's Christmas Display

 
     Last Sunday, my relatives and I went to the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City, NCR, to see their Christmas Display.  It was set-up on top of the roof of the walkway going to the center of the mall, and it was made possible in cooperation with COD.  During the olden times, when I was a kid, COD, a department store in Cubao, had an annual Christmas moving and lighted display on their building and people flock to the mall to watch the display come to life.  Now, they showcase their display at the Greenhills Shopping Center.

     When we went to Greenhills, there were already a lot of people to see the display, especially since it just opened the other day on Friday, and it was its first weekend.  Also, the slew of people was concentrated  at the tiangge area (open-market stalls) in front of the display.  It was hot and humid but the little child in me wanted to see the display so a little patience was in order.

     The display was simple; it runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 pm until closing time, around 11 pm if I recall correctly.  There's a Santa's factory, a house with a chimney, a Christmas village, Frosty the Snowman, and of course, Santa and his reindeers.  While the life-sized mannequins were doing their dancing and prancing, their walking in the winter wonderland, or dancing on the snow, or heralding the birth of Jesus, appropriate Christmas songs to the scenes portrayed by the mannequins were being played.  It's a treat for the kids, and a lovely moment to reminisce those golden days when the show was still played at COD.

     Before I forget, I had been to Makati for a drive to see their Christmas display and lights two weeks ago but it wasn't fully finished yet.  I'll go back to Makati this weekend to view it again, particularly at the Ayala Triangle Park where there's a symphony of lights show from 6 pm to 8 pm, Mondays to Fridays.  I'll post it on Sunday or on Monday.

Manila Chronicles: Driving to and From Tagaytay at Night

 

      Tagaytay is a city some 1 to 1 1/2 hours away from Manila.  It is on an elevation so it's cold in Tagaytay.  There are always mists and fogs,  and it's really beautiful as it overlooks the famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.  The volcano, an active one, as you may know, is reputedly the world's smallest volcano: a volcano on a lake within volcano with a lake.  Or, the Taal Lake as the largest lake within an island in a lake on an island.  Phew!  Did I get that right?

     Anyway, a week ago, my cousins with my nieces and nephews went for a drive going to Tagaytay.  We took my cousin's old Isuzu pick-up because my 7 yr old nephew wanted to ride at the back of the truck; he was accompanied by her mother and my other nephew while and I stayed inside the pick-up with my sister and nieces.

     Considering that my relatives just decided on a whim to go to Tagaytay, I rushed dressing up, and I used some of my autumn clothes I bought for travel to Beijing.  Well, it wasn't so cold, just in the 20s C, I suppose, but we were there at midnight. It was not chilly, though.

     So, what did we do there?  We just bought coffee from Starbucks and ate a local rice porridge.  That was all.  Of course, we saw no view.  It was so dark, although a saw pantomime in front of Starbucks in Tagaytay.  He was a hoot!

     After consuming our coffees in like, less ten minutes for a grande cup (it was cold outside and the hot coffee got cold way too fast), I climbed up at the back of the truck with everybody else, except for my cousin who was driving, and had a thrill riding in the city.  My cousin would make the pick-up swerve every now and then to scare my nephews and nieces, including his own kids. Well, the older ones in their 20s were freaking out.  They're such a wuss.  They were specially scared when we went up to the Palace in the Sky, apparently, the highest point in Tagaytay.  The fog was so damn thick in there; zero visibility.  But my cousin stopped the car roadside, on a place where there were no lamp posts, turned off the engines and cue in screams by my younger relatives.  Hahaha!  Anyway, the place was just so damn eerily beautiful; haunting but romantic at 2 in the morning.  You could only barely see the road because of the fog but the yellow cast from the lamp post was just so pretty.  Or, maybe because I left my eyeglasses at home and I could barely see (I can only see lights from cars and lamp posts far ahead, but they all look like christmas lanters/lights to me).

     We went back because of the thick fog; I think, we weren't able to reach the peak.  Going down, we drove by a row of flower shops along the road.  I bought a large sunflower, which wasn't cheap at Php 100.00 a piece.  My little nephew wanted a gerbera, so bought him an orange one.  Oh, yes, the flower stalls are open in the wee hours of the night.  We were there around 2:30 a.m.    

     Finally, we drove down back to Manila.  We remained at the back of the truck, with the little kids safety stowed inside, until we reached home.

      I learned one thing about myself while I was riding at the back.  When we got to the flower shop, my little niece told me that my skin looked so pretty; apparently, my face was so white.  Perhaps, due to the cold.  However, I was not even cold, only that cold air was blasting directly on my face (my cousin was driving really fast).  Whenever I'm outdoors, even if it's cloudy, but if it's humid, I'll definitely have rosy cheeks.  That is the reason why I barely use blush-ons.  So now, I know that whenever the cold air blasts, I'll have a paler and whiter skin. 

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Winterhouse, Cartimar

For Winter Clothes Shopping at HMR, Pioneer, click HERE, and HERE for Jan 2011 Winter Clothes Sale at the Malls.


Click here for winter clothes shopping 2012 at Terranova, Promod and Topshop.

     I have been carefully planning for my first autumn/winter experience.  I have been collecting autumn clothes but then I learned that temperature in Beijing in late November drops to single digits, and even lower (in Celsius).  So, in a hurry, I shopped for some winter accessories and outerwear at Winterhouse in Cartimar, Pasay.

     Cartimar is a small shopping district more popularly known for selling footwear and pet animals.  Certainly, it did not cross my mind that I'd find a winter clothes shop there, and a fairly large establishment at that.  When I saw the shop, it looked so sleepy outside; there were not a lot of people buying even in the other shops.  Inside the shop, I was the only customer.  While winter clothes abound, the shop looks like a more organized ukay-ukay.  Although of course, the clothes Winterhouse sells have never been used.

     There are good items in there, and some thermals, but the pretty ones are few far and between.  Well, if truth be told, there is almost nothing fashionable in that store, but if you just want to be comfortably warm, with no fuss, no frills, then Winterhouse would fit your needs.  Older or more conservative people would probably approve of their selection.  However, if you are more fashion conscious, you could ask the shop to custom-made winter clothing for you.  It'll take about a week or two for them to finish your desired design.     

     Don't get me wrong; the items sold at Winterhouse do not come cheap. Of course, you'll find a bargain or two, but their products are just a little cheaper than those sold at Terranova, Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins or Top Shop; about 20% to 30% cheaper.  However, you could haggle with the shop's keeper for you purchases.

     I was able to buy a fleece sweater for Php 700, which I find too pricey, a hooded vest for the same price, and a set of winter gloves.  They're fairly cute, especially the vest.  My total purchase cost me Php 1700.00.  Well, I was looking for winter clothes patterned after Japanese fashion, but I had no luck.  The shop does  not even sell legwarmers, something which I see in almost every foreign clothes brand at the mall carrying autumn/winter clothes.  And I was hoping to buy some legwarmers since they're just too cute, and they're perfect for wearing leggings and skirts.

     Nonetheless, you'd probably find something for you at Winterhouse; you just have to dig deeper and be patient browsing their racks.  Or you can just ask the shop keeper for suggestions.  If you're buying for your mom and pop, or perhaps for your mee-maw (borrowed term from Dr. Sheldon Cooper), or granddad, well, you'll find the store adequate.  And before I forget, Winterhouse also sells winter clothes for kids.

 

Winterhouse Garments

18 A Cartimar Ave.,

Shopping Arcade, Pasay City

1300 Philippines 

Tel. Nos. 831-2277; 823-0504

 

Manila Chronicles: Dangwa Flower Market

        

     I can't always be traveling around Asia, so to keep this blog going, I decided to have a series of posts entitled, The Manila Chronicles.  I'll be blogging about interesting places in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and its neighboring cities which make up the National Capital Region.  From bargain-hunting in wholesale-haven Divisoria to shopping in posh Greenbelt and visiting churches, I'll try to entice anyone to set foot onto these places.

     For my first post, I'll take you to Manila's premiere flower market, Dangwa. 

     Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, Manila, derived its name from the bus station beside it.  It is located somewhere between the University of Santo Tomas (UST), my alma mater, and SM City San Lazaro.  To be precise, it's between Dimasalang and Dapitan Sts.; if I'm not mistaken, from Dos Castillas up to Don Quixote.

   You could round up the market in ten minutes, if you only pass by the streets.  More if you visit the new Manila Flower Center.  It's new, at least for me, because it wasn't there yet when I finished studying at UST three years ago.  However, if you really take a good look at the flowers, stall hop and haggle, it could take an hour or two.  Don't worry, walking in Dangwa is not intimidating; after all, people from all walks of life buy their flowers there.  First, it's cheaper, way cheaper than at the malls or flower shops; second, you could buy wholesale flowers here, and third, there are so many to choose from.

     This midnight, we headed off to Dangwa to  buy flowers for November 1, or All Saints Day, to put in the graves of our departed loved ones.  I was with my mother and extended family, and of course, it was so late and yet, Dangwa was bustling with activities.  There were a lot of people buying flowers like us; after all, Dangwa's super peak days include not only Valentine's but also November 1.

     Parking was not a problem.  There were a lot of guys with placards offering parking in the nearby streets for Php 20.00 (USD .50 cents); some unscrupulous ones offer Php 35.00.  But in fact, there shouldn't be a price for parking because they'll just make you park along the public road.  Oh well, it's a quick buck for some.

     While my relatives were buying flowers, I was snapping pictures left and right.  There were a lot of mums, baby's breath, orchids, roses, and then, there are a lot of flowers and plants which I don't even know how to call.  The place was really busy and people were all scurrying, and I was blocking people's path because I would just suddenly stop from walking and take a photo or two.  So, as not to annoy anyone, I took pictures while walking.  Hence, the crappy pictures.  And oh, I saw a jack o' lantern in one of the stalls, and they also sell decorative gourds, I took some pictures and the jack o' lantern's eyes were uneven. I had to laugh because of that.  Heehee.

     We didn't stay long in Dangwa; just around 30 minutes, or so.  My mother bought an arranged flower piece for my father's grave.  It's like tropical inspired.  She got it for Php 350.00, around USD 8.00.  See, I told you, it's cheap, and to think, we bought it during the peak season, so it's actually slightly higher than when you buy it on regular days.

     Dangwa flower market is accessible via public transportation.  If you're coming from Quiapo, hail a jeepney going to Blumentritt and it'll pass by Dangwa via Dimasalang Street.