by witsandnuts on August 23, 2009
Since I wanted to be an important part of the history (heehee) of my friend’s son’s childhood, I attempted to create something which would qualify as one of his firsts.
After drafting patterns, cutting, stitching, stuffing and so, here comes his first ever personalized toy.
(I didn’t make the pair of shoes. But I had it included when I did the packaging. I used the notecard which Glenda gifted me, the one with dog illustration.)
Don’t we just love anything stitched/handled with warmth and care? 
Popularity: 38%
by witsandnuts on August 17, 2009
by witsandnuts on July 9, 2009
Last weekend we checked the Talking Art Louvre exhibit in Emirates Palace. Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the cultural development projects of the government. The first universal museum in Middle East is set in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Under a two-year-old agreement, Abu Dhabi will pay France $555 million for the use of the Louvre’s name, as well as for art loans, special exhibitions and management advice. The 260,000-square-foot museum is expected to open in 2013.
Like in last year’s Picasso exhibit, photo taking was not allowed. Louvre exhibit started with a film which showed the setting up of the universal museum, followed by the guided tour to 19 works of art (which include standing bodhisattva from the second to third century A.D., a Chinese white marble head of Buddha from the Northern Qi Dynasty, A.D. 550-577, a 16th-century polychrome painted copper ewer from Venice, works on Christian religious themes, including a Bellini “Madonna and Child” from the 1480s and a 16th-century sculpture of Jesus from Bavaria or Austria) bought over the last 20 months for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as loans from the French national museums.
If you have a chance, don’t miss this one. The guided tour is free of charge, but reservation is required. You may send an email to artsabudhabi@tdic.ae or call +9712 690 8230. The exhibit will run until August 29, 2009 (11am and 630pm sessions daily) at Gallery One in Emirates Palace.
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Since I was with visitors-friends from Dubai that night, we checked some unrestricted areas in the hotel before the exhibit begun. These portraits of the sheiks will welcome you at the main entrance.
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Popularity: 34%
by witsandnuts on May 7, 2009
When I visited Lights and Sounds Museum in Intramuros, Manila in September 2006, I was wowed by very interesting pieces inside it including the colorful murals showing a lively run through of Philippine History.
My most favorite is this image of Filipino natives. This is included in the murals in memory of the the families of and those who actually joined the Bataan’s Death March in 1942 during World War II.
This is my entry for this week’s Photo Hunt.
Popularity: 68%
by witsandnuts on February 12, 2009
The vote enlistment for OFWs for the 2010 election started last February 1. This will run until end of August. There are reported complaints though (as expected) about the requirements, especially the necessity of personal appearance. Those who live and work far from Philippine embassies and consulates will find this unappealing. Although I live within reasonable proximity to Philippine Embassy (and in case not, if there’s a will, there must be a way), I don’t feel going for the enlistment.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Philippines. Not that I’m being lazy either. But there’s this initial not so optimist feel of what for? The governance that I’ve witnessed after each election is vicious. I remember one discussion with the locals here. They’re giving praises as to how educated the Filipinos they meet are, and they wonder why the househelpers and cashiers (in the malls) they meet are seemingly educated. “Most of them are college graduates. But maybe they find it necessary to leave Philippines for a while for a number of reasons. Not always the major reason, but for the better pay.” I said. “But what is your government doing? Philippines has a very good education system, you produce world class professionals, what’s wrong with your government?,” they asked. OMG, Prez GMA help! Kidding.
Our discussion went on and on and I found myself re-awakened with what’s happening and that I love my country despite all these. They say I sounded hopeful. At least. Here they source out expats to assist them technically. They are aware of their flaws for the time being. But they take pride in having a government run by honesty (besides the oil, I said) . And that is true.
The afternoon before my flight back to UAE, I chanced to check Welbart (coined form of Joel Bartolome) exhibit in Art Center, SM Megamall. This is a one man exhibit with SONA theme showcasing the works of Camille Dela Rosa. In my shallow understanding of arts, I did look at the nudity-based illustrations as naked truths and reflections of Philippine government.
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Popularity: 10%
Petronas Towers
On 24th of August, this is how the UAE reporters put it.
We CAN always rebuild
Pasalubong from Malaysia
Bukit Bintang
