tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144136432012-02-16T19:36:16.949+04:00scratch, scratch, scratch... went the pen as it glided over the paper, making lines one on top of the other. scratch, a hastily penned work. scratch, a quick sketch done. scratch: random thoughts, adventures and misadventures of ria mendoza.Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.comBlogger3441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-78358802737807682492011-11-24T15:41:00.000+04:002011-11-24T15:41:17.391+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-69036369742266567922011-11-20T09:26:00.002+04:002011-11-20T09:26:59.279+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-32350181925153634162011-11-19T09:42:00.000+04:002011-11-19T09:42:15.853+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-74989936257869710172011-11-18T11:09:00.002+04:002011-11-18T11:09:54.805+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-25597251771695183222011-11-17T11:59:00.002+04:002011-11-17T11:59:46.075+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-70950027584806321702011-11-16T11:02:00.002+04:002011-11-16T11:02:41.353+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-48127501767376971302011-11-15T16:34:00.002+04:002011-11-15T17:21:00.302+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-24499073980952531242011-07-15T12:12:00.000+04:002011-07-15T12:12:10.532+04:00

Have been keeping 2ams and 3ams as my regular sleeping time, and since it was a Thursday yesterday, we spent the night in the office, finishing the paper. Got home and sent off the files but I'm still awake. I've chatted, surfed, FBed, finished Shiver, cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs and rice, ate breakfast (and totally avoided my coffee drip), surfed again, watched Philippine Madz, watched a

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-87426437879254840552011-04-30T22:52:00.004+04:002011-05-19T07:08:41.932+04:00

what do words mean when the heart is racing the mind is blank the soul is dead. what do words mean when the joy fizzles when rapture is ruptured there's nothing more to say? i am prepared. what. who. why. when. i am prepared?

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-83879699568135830602011-04-09T20:50:00.000+04:002011-04-09T20:50:32.897+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-51005709063482208872011-03-27T14:35:00.002+04:002011-03-27T14:35:50.255+04:00

It's been a whole year since the first Women of Substance event by Illustrado. And they're back. Here's some news from them: Dubai, UAE – Following last year’s successful release of specially produced mini-documentary film “The Empowered Filipina”, the Dubai-based Filipino lifestyle publication, Illustrado Magazine, announces the full showing of the film’s follow-up “Filipina on Top” during its

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-27909734457035925032011-03-23T01:49:00.001+04:002011-03-23T01:55:47.514+04:00

Was trolling the halls of Intercon Dubai a couple of weekends ago for the Emirates Airlines International Festival of Literature - I got to see, hear and meet fantastic writers including the hilarious Eoin Colfer, author of the 'Artemis' series, the entertaining Richard Wiseman and his theories on the luck factor, and the charming Miguel Syjuco who won the Filipino Man Asian Literary Prize for

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-32554370188350083022011-03-19T13:03:00.000+04:002011-03-19T13:03:12.496+04:00

I forgot.  The absolute sign that I've been here too long. Every year, I celebrate the day I arrived in Dubai, the 14th of March (or the day I left Manila, the 13th). But this year, it took a randomly read FB shoutout on how many years that person has been here, for me to realize, that this too, is my month. Seven. Sam is four years old. I've left AW magazine, after finishing a four-year

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-65909659223639798812011-01-09T23:31:00.002+04:002011-01-23T00:34:42.126+04:00

This phrase often reminds me of that commercial - what was it now, a toothpaste or shampoo one - which features a woman with long straight hair who suddenly decides to go for a change and cuts her hair really, really short. Time for a new change. Something drastic. ;)

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-91186653118618584752010-12-20T03:07:00.001+04:002010-12-20T03:10:14.168+04:00

It's six days before Christmas and I still can't feel it. I'm not going home this year, so I'm missing the flurry of packing, shopping and meeting up with friends. More importantly, I'm missing Christmas with my family. But there is a relief in it too. For the first time, I'm not in the race to finish the long list of Christmas shopping (yes, since I'm not going home, i'm not doing the full gift

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-38550555601827843332010-10-22T22:16:00.006+04:002010-10-28T00:17:12.433+04:00

I've been following "Imortal" a Philippine TV series featuring an opposing family of - yes, Filipino wolves and vampires. Yesterday, the star of the show, Angel Locsin, was researching online what was happening to her counterpart, Mateo (played by John Lloyd Cruz) who had an unexplained medical condition. Online, she found the blog site of a certain Jethro in "Mga Pangitain ni Jethro" (Jethro's

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-21230920948649769322010-09-28T21:14:00.000+04:002010-09-28T21:14:01.666+04:00

After last week's fiasco which resulted in my brother's travel plans being pushed almost two weeks back, my excitement over his arrival kind of fizzled. He'll be here tomorrow and I still haven't bought some stuff to make his stay comfy. Gotta go out now and do some last minute shopping. I've also been scouting for the last two weekends, for a nice sofa/chair set that will look good in the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-28369999849709304982010-09-28T14:29:00.006+04:002010-09-28T22:20:36.825+04:00

Here's a standard desert safari with a twist, it's called "Gabi ng Lagim" (Night of Terror or Horror) hosted by the Filipino Community (FilCom). It's actually the first FilCom fundraising project  and the benefit is - tan-ta-da-dan! - an electronic queue system for the Phil Consulate! Double YEY! Fun is slated for Oct 28 (Thursday evening). Costume prizes are: 1st - 32-inch TV, 2nd - one-way

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-32980131321903352172010-09-25T22:16:00.001+04:002010-09-27T22:43:21.004+04:00

Roomie received great news today, she's getting an incentive reward from the office, so to celebrate, she treated me and her mom to Thai dinner. Veering away from our usual Thai stops, we tried Mango Tree at Souk Al Bahar. The place was nice and quiet, and even though we did not have reservations, they were able to accommodate us. We ordered Tom Yang soup, grilled squid, seafood salad, fried

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-11090019135806331692010-09-21T13:45:00.064+04:002010-10-03T15:33:13.870+04:00

Saturday, Sept 18: My brother told me he saw a news report about a new regulation for Filipinos going to Dubai. A quick online search produced an ABS-CBN article posted that same day: OFWs in Dubai irked by new BI requirement. To travel abroad, all you need is a visa to the country you're going to and return tickets (unless it's for employment then you'd have different documents). But now, in

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-82090925736819699432010-09-16T11:32:00.000+04:002010-09-16T11:32:16.631+04:00

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-48924964420050879662010-08-29T14:38:00.000+04:002010-08-29T14:38:12.693+04:00

Hi there, I would just like to introduce you all to a new movie guide in the UAE -- KitschMovies.com. The site will update you on all the current movie showing in the UAE, by using its search function on the left side, you can find out which cinemas is nearest you and what time the movie is showing. Kitsch Movies will give also update you on what's coming soon, because let's face it, movie

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-24676062678005767052010-07-27T23:39:00.000+04:002010-07-27T23:39:33.899+04:00

do not let the winds sing a lullaby of tomorrow. the song will fade soon as the sun rises. it will leave no trace, only sorrow... you are neither the past, nor the future. you are here, you are now. a new memory that will soon be forgotten. and just as fleeting, the sun will set. no need to look back, everything is black. written august 5, 2006, edited and posted july 27, 2010

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-57567282308701281322010-06-24T23:21:00.004+04:002010-09-28T20:35:07.325+04:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark TwainJust this  month, I wrote a short feature on Ibn Battuta, the great Arab traveler, whose exploits are heralded by others as greater than that of Marco

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-5870510537931434362010-05-20T16:53:00.004+04:002010-09-28T22:20:36.826+04:00

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association's (UPAA-UAE) Special Projects Committee is running a 'Lapis at Papel' (pencil and paper) project to send to poor kids in the Philippines. The project is headed by a dear friend, Galo Calizo, and the story was published in The National through the diligence and skill of fellow UPian Monette Ruiz. The story resulted in a call from

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-22141350271552857402010-05-20T16:39:00.001+04:002010-09-28T22:20:36.828+04:00

By Ramona Ruiz, published The National.ae Last Updated: May 19. 2010 10:06PM UAE / May 19. 2010 6:06PM GMT DUBAI // Three Indian expatriates who were moved by the plight of children in the Philippines have banded together to buy 400 pairs of flip-flops for them. After reading about a project started  by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in the UAE (UPAA-UAE) to collect

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-42198087628302848752010-04-12T12:47:00.012+04:002010-09-28T22:20:36.829+04:00

There's a video circulating in Fb these past few days which is supposedly about 'Filipinas gang-raped in Abu Dhabi'. If I'm not mistaken, the video in question is the one linked here. Stills - The starting frame of the video Stills - the video pans showing the face and hands cutting off the victim's top  The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi released a statement (scroll below), that their

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-18976849964478161622010-04-06T23:37:00.009+04:002010-04-09T03:55:26.649+04:00

I have passed by Pars Kitchen almost every day for the last six years and have never tried it till now. We usually only comment in passing that we have to try it, like we do when we see interesting places or in the mood to try different cuisines. There are good reviews about it, and when I was checking them out to see if it's the perfect place for my bday dinner, the Time Out and New York

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-39427726108615385312010-04-04T23:55:00.002+04:002010-04-05T00:07:40.641+04:00

It's my birthday week once again, and when I started thinking of things I wanted to do that I haven't done yet, paintball immediately came to mind. A quick call to Paintball Dubai got us a reservation for the first game on Friday afternoon. I haven't been feeling well for the past week - attack of the unforgiving allergies, so I was just a bit worried about sniffing and sneezing through the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-82498059927779273632010-03-28T01:22:00.000+04:002010-08-28T13:02:43.585+04:00

I just came back from the day's event, Illustrado magazine's Women of Substance, held at the Emirates Towers. Illustrado is a Filipino magazine based in Dubai, and the event celebrates exemplary Filipinas for their achievements - whether it's for their success with their careers, charity work or strength of character.So first things first: Congratulations to this year's Women of Substance and to

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-45455010554084395232010-03-28T01:19:00.004+04:002010-03-29T20:58:25.041+04:00

I just came back from the day's event, Illustrado magazine's Women of Substance, held at the Emirates Towers. Illustrado is a Filipino magazine based in Dubai, and the event celebrates exemplary Filipinas for their achievements - whether it's for their success with their careers, charity work or strength of character. So first things first: Congratulations to this year's Women of Substance and

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-67448871581066379462010-03-14T15:09:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.413+04:00

Life is a dice. Sometimes we get a bad deal, sometimes a good deal.Today, I celebrate the anniversary of my sixth year in Dubai.Life is taking a different turn. These are definitely exciting times! These changes have created a temporary hiatus in my blogging life. As you may have noticed, this is my first blog for 2010. That means for the first time in five years since Dubai Yuki was created, I

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-89507574173454722362010-02-23T11:50:00.002+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.054+04:00

Illustrado’s Women of Substance Aims to Widen Horizons for Filipinas in the RegionDubai, UAE – Illustrado’s Women of Substance is an advocacy that aims to widen horizons for Filipinas in the region by celebrating female empowerment. It is an annual gathering spearheaded by the Dubai-based Filipino lifestyle publication Illustrado Magazine, which is devoted to inspiring members of the community to

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-25637258798322768402009-12-04T21:56:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.056+04:00

What does a lonely Overseas Filipino do when she's homesick? Glue herself to the computer and chat her head off. Mirzi did a spot for ABS-CBN's Kwentong Disyerto that aired today. The feature tackled tech savvy kababayans who use technology and the internet to communicate with family and friends. Guess who she interviewed for it? :)Thanks Mirzi! It was fun!

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-85117520399638631772009-12-04T00:27:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.417+04:00

I've never tried skiing - well, to begin with, I've never seen real snow aside from the artificial snow inside Ski Dubai (and I was just at the snow park the few times I've been there). When I went to countries that have the real thing, it wasn't winter... Plus, I have two left feet so I knew this would be interesting. On the agreed day, Ena and I went to SkiDubai -- it took us nearly two hours

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-47078747476209743042009-11-28T16:51:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.419+04:00

Marco passed his Taekwondo promotion today, he is officially a blue belter. Way to go Marco! I love you!

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-80200375913368989582009-11-27T15:40:00.001+04:002010-08-28T13:03:11.406+04:00

26 November 2009 We, the members of the Filipino Press Club–UAE, condemn in the strongest terms possible the brutal massacre on November 23, 2009 of 57 civilians, including women, lawyers and journalists, in Ampatuan town of Maguindanao province in the Philippines. We join with the victims’ families in their time of mourning and hope the authorities will act without delay to give them justice.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-20893631737308841382009-11-27T14:52:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.422+04:00

Today I put myself on house arrest. I've been told over and over again that I have to rest, so I decided not to go out. Not that it would help much, as when I'm home I tend to do more - have just done the laundry, a sketch, updated all my FB games and now catching up with friends (I know Gals, I should just turn off the computer!). And I'm hungry.Breakfast was my default buttered toast. And for a

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-56912989454035583432009-11-24T23:20:00.000+04:002010-09-29T01:04:36.461+04:00

I’ve been sick for the last week. Colds, sore throat – the usual, except it seems to be hanging on to me tightly this time. My body usually gets rids of these viruses within a day or two but this time round, it’s longer, it’s officially one week now and I still feel (and look) worse off. While swimming in this fuzzy haze, the only good thing I was looking forward to was next week’s planned

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-84137360047829015742009-11-17T19:49:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.426+04:00

One of the things I love about my work is that there are a few days that I can get off work early, like when I came from a press conference yesterday. And one of the things I love about Dubai is that you're almost always five minutes away from the beach all the time. So, after Bang & Olufsen revealed their new HDTV that hangs on your wall just like a painting (more about that later), I scooted

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-39301192330881556172009-11-14T02:16:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.428+04:00

Loy Krathong is a traditional Thai festival that usually falls in November (the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar.Through the enthusiastic efforts of the Dusit Hotel Dubai, the festival was also celebrated here last October 29 (Oh yea, what a late post - I really have a lot of catching up to do!). It was an entertaining night with traditional music and food. But what made the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-520639678037363472009-11-09T23:00:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.431+04:00

Thinking of home means thinking of my vacation, thinking of the people I will meet, the shopping I need to do, the activities with my pampangkins, the food I want to eat. I am always ticking off an imaginary list whenever I'm driving. It's mostly the time when my mind is free to wander.Activities I want to do with my pampangkins:1. Learn ice skating2. Learn rollerblading3. CampingWhat I want to

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-2526303841689875102009-11-09T22:31:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.432+04:00

It's that time of the year again, when I can forget for a few moments that I am in Dubai as I cruise along, windows down, the cool air touching my cheeks and hair blowing around my head.The sun is shining straight down, blinding me. For a few seconds I am transported at the peak of the mountain. Cool air. Welcome sun. A freshness in the air. I inhale deeply and miss home. I drive on and the bowed

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-12577679582477034502009-11-04T14:00:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.057+04:00

Just got a call from Albert Alba (UPAA-UAE), evidently, people are still calling his number to coordinate typhoon donations. The UPAA-UAE efforts to collect donations is now over. So, I'm going to take the mobile numbers down in earlier posts. I am not aware of any more activities to collect donations. But you can still donate directly to organizations in the Philippines who will disseminate

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-86500848933118944862009-10-09T23:20:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.059+04:00

It's really heart-warming to see the efforts of kababayans here in the UAE arrive at 7 in the morning and earlier, to rally support for the victims of Ondoy back home. Many feel that this is the least they can do to help. Many people from other nationalities also came to participate - great going everyone!The Hakbang Buhay walkathon was organized by the Philippine Business Council with the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-49280106167501368662009-09-30T19:26:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.060+04:00

The drive to collection donations both monetary and in kind continues. The victim of Typhoon Ondoy still needs help. Two new storms are approaching the Philippines, hopefully, they will not be as devastating as Ondoy. Regardless, the Philippines cannot take another hit. Here's a list of where you can send donations, sent by the FilCom here in Dubai:CASH DONATIONS1. All cash donations whether

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-44415137609541506652009-09-28T10:24:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.062+04:00

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association-UAE (UPAA-UAE) has started a collection of goods and monetary pledges to send to the victims. Please go to www.upaauae.org for more information. Also posted below are the contact info of the UPAA-UAE members you can contact, they accept both cash and in kind donations:Dubai, contact Abet Alba, 050-XXXXAbu Dhabi, contact Earl Palacios 050-

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-29693715306872857982009-09-26T23:21:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:23:34.064+04:00

Pinoy media are hopping with the news of Typhoon Ondoy and its devastating effects. Filipino families, handicapped children, pregnant women are being reported trapped, waiting for rescue. It's heartbreaking. A friend here in Dubai is so worried that his parents and sisters are also trapped in the second floor of their house, unable to sleep or rest for fear the water will reach up to them.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-27356479212227085002009-09-20T00:44:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.443+04:00

It's a long weekend! And after the last three weeks' tiring events, I decided (at the last minute) to just stay home and have some quiet 'me' time while my friends went off to Oman for a 3-day break.I wanted to go too, but there was just something that I've already put off for too long: I wanted to paint again. So last night, I went out to buy the final materials I need - turpentine, canvas and a

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-72734020032018483322009-09-17T18:00:00.003+04:002010-12-20T10:53:19.858+04:00

View from the hotel We figured, Ens needed to spend time in Germany since she got her visa there so our last stop was Dusseldorf. It was an easy train ride with only one connection. The station was also about 10 minutes by cab to the hotel. The receptionist at the Marriott hotel was so welcoming, friendly and helpful, it was really refreshing. At the bus stop I was also leaving the next

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-9149625820439847632009-09-16T19:33:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:37:58.260+04:00

When Paris was still a dream, I said that the first thing I'll do when I get there is sit in a cafe and watch people as I drink coffee. And eat a croissant. I've done the croissant so it was time to do the cafe.It wasn't exactly the first thing I did but I'm not complaining.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-15736895316289485682009-09-15T21:53:00.002+04:002010-12-20T10:57:05.338+04:00

Sitting inside Cafe Madeleine When Paris was still a dream, I said that the first thing I'll do when I get there is sit in a cafe and watch people as I drink coffee. And eat a croissant. I've done the croissant so it was time to do the cafe. It wasn't exactly the first thing I did but I'm not complaining. So the next day was the perfect opportunity. My editor has been in Paris for the past

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-73515128531852608072009-09-15T19:40:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.452+04:00

The first thing we did the next day was to find out where the mythical bus 174 stops. As it turns out, it is only a few meters from the hotel, but on a different, almost parallel street we took the night before.Eureka! We finally found the stop for Bus 174! That made the walk to and from the hotel quicker and easier from then on.That day was for the Louvre and Louvre alone.Unfortunately, we were

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-15928892992767444572009-09-14T21:05:00.001+04:002010-12-20T10:52:40.559+04:00

We arrived really late at the hotel. We had directions and all to the hotel which was good, we got on the metro all fine and from the last stop, it was a mere 5-minute walk. On the last stop, the escalator - a pretty long one, was not working. So we had to haul our bags up. By that time, the weight was really getting to me. My backpack was pretty heavy - and I probably shouldn't have picked up

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-30454365395494998492009-09-13T01:03:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.114+04:00

Day 3 was very ambitious as my title up there indicates.We planned on leaving Amsterdam early - yeah right. After all that walking the day before, we were very tired. So as soon as we found out that our train ticket has flexible timings we opted for the relaxed, ultra vacation mode of going when we're ready which was an hour later than the original 7am check out. We made it out two hours later.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-10144838332784428182009-09-12T16:16:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.120+04:00

Good morning Amsterdam!I have tons of photos and selecting which ones to edit and post is really hard. Anyway, we started the next day with a huge pancake breakfast - and I mean huge! Ena and I were both surprised when the dishes arrived, I could not help but tell the waitress that it's a big serving and she said 'the Dutch people eat a lot'. If that's the case then it's all the walking keeping

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-14766264600298197422009-09-11T16:50:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.464+04:00

Whoa. Am finally back in good old Dubai. Vacations can really be tiring. Luckily, it's weekend, so I'll have these two days to recuperate. For the last 10 days, I've been in Europe - Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. Though the travel began with work, a press trip with Bang & Olufsen in their headquarters at the lovely town of Struer, I'll begin this post with Amsterdam. The

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-63566980946834158532009-09-02T09:27:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.467+04:00

Hi there! My sis is looking for Manila-based telemarketing staff. If you are interested, please send an email to homebasedstaff@gmail.com.Please spread the word. Thanks!

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-52976107148154453632009-08-23T00:06:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.468+04:00

It's a strange feeling coming back. It entails a cocktail of emotions; not just happiness, not just excitement, not just apprehension.I got reminded of this last night. After a long time, I attended a UPAA-UAE event, the mid-year getogether. There were plenty of old faces but almost half I think were new to me. It felt pretty strange, to think that it was practically my life before - organizing

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-3526447604435405082009-07-30T09:49:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.470+04:00

I watched 'Pirates of Silicon Valley', a movie that traced the beginnings of Steve Jobs' and Bill Gates' empire from Steve Wozniak's view, last night and it made me think back on the early days of the computer as I knew it:At School: We had our first computer class in high school where we were taught Cold Booting. We saved files in Floppy Disks and had to memorize how programs go from one end to

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-2550668512054421872009-07-24T13:48:00.000+04:002010-08-28T13:04:08.934+04:00

The night Michael Jackson died, I was sleeping over Abet & Malen's house (we all attended a couple of friends' celebration). It was about 3 am, Galo and I have just finally decided to give in to sleep after doing a marathon of 'Heroes', Lucy and Ernie who were also with us were already fast asleep, when Galo's phone musically alerted him to the great King of Pop's death.Of course, so many things

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-47073379614060541282009-07-17T00:52:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.474+04:00

Just got back from the movie house - love the film! But I'm afraid, I've forgotten so many juicy details about the books I absolutely must read them all again.I love the scene where the weakened Dumbledore was fighting off the Golllum-like creatures in a fiery blaze.So there we were, eight friends who decided to see it today, the first day of screening in Dubai. I booked the tickets a couple of

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-79363001737025118712009-07-16T01:29:00.000+04:002010-08-28T13:05:09.922+04:00

So many things happening, so many things happening.No time to blog or even twitter.But this caught my attention - Etisalat, the government-owned telecom, issued an upgrade for Blackberry users who later reported that the upgrade slowed down their systems and limited their battery life to just one hour. Bummer. Good thing I didn't switch.Then on the radio this morning, they were discussing the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-28026840900580507502009-06-28T21:24:00.000+04:002010-08-28T13:03:48.186+04:00

Originally posted in FB for Father's Day.1. My father's name is Oscar but he is called Bobby by family and friends.2. He can fix anything - from small electronics, printing press machines, cars, etc.3. The most "violent" act he ever did against me when I was young, was to act like he's going to 'flick' my hand (that flick with the pointing finger and the thumb) when I was doing something wrong.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-77557006259151329982009-06-27T16:53:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.480+04:00

Sometimes, you just have to trust that...*Image from a forwarded email.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-21616147773175930072009-06-03T20:02:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.482+04:00

I love animation and I will watch almost anything I can get my hands on. Once I saw one episode of 'Avatar' I was hooked - I had to finish it (luckily, I share this fascination with Ang and his ragtag team with my nephew, so I have somebody to talk to about it hehe). Of course there were my favourite animes - my beloved Kenshin and other series I used to watch as a child - 'Candy, Candy', Daimos

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-12310677829161283742009-05-24T22:35:00.000+04:002010-08-28T13:04:34.878+04:00

Hanging out a friend's house after dinner, another friend kept wailing on the fact that he's never had any adventures. Then the conversation got started. How we all went on adventures before.Made me smile.We've all been in adventures, one way or another.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-61062584174820700552009-05-03T20:18:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.486+04:00

I don't change my bags often - there's always that fear that I might forget something. So more often than not, instead of leaving my 'heavy load' behind even for something as simple as grocery shopping, I'd bring the whole thing. You know what they say, you never know you need something till its gone.But honestly, this simple little thing has been heaven-sent - a BAG ORGANIZER.So now, I have my

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-22332806662722042982009-05-01T12:10:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.121+04:00

Another belated post. This weekend fun was actually held on March 21.Guided by Mountain High's Julie and Calin, we trekked across a mostly dry wadi in Baraini, Oman and then went over to Jebel Hafeet to explore one of its caves.So there we are, walking across a dry desert plain, in wet suits, carrying bright orange lifesavers until we came to the wadis, and proved that there was indeed use for

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-9546203794785131922009-04-18T14:57:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.490+04:00

Just a few more bday photos that I was not able to post last time.This first one here was taken on April 5th itself, when a few friends joined me for dinner at Nando's, Sheikh Zayed branch, for absolutely yummy Portuguese chicken.In the pictures: Annie, Chat, Romar, Tin-tin, Kit-kit, Tetel, Raquel, Ye and JoelThis second collage was on the Thursday of my bday week - my colleagues held a merienda

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-7860644107767797492009-04-13T21:15:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.492+04:00

My grandmother, Lola Helen, passed away last Saturday morning. She was 96 years old.She was a Spanish teacher, a businesswoman, a mother, a wife, a sister, a grandmother and a great grandmother to Marco and Wig.The last time I saw her was three years ago when I went to Toronto. As I entered her room, she exclaimed that I looked like Ria and a few seconds later she realized that it indeed was me.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-32216976245312913852009-04-07T23:07:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.494+04:00

Wow. It's been another year. But unlike other years where I usually plan several getogethers and activities with friends to mark another year of my life, I just kind of waited to see what will happen.Luckily enough, the Gulf Traveller feature on Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, a section in Arabian Man magazine that explores great areas in the Gulf region, was scheduled on the weekend just before

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-16814948415666272232009-04-01T23:19:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.497+04:00

This seemed fun, so when I read from Frances Amper's Topaz Horizon that she tagged me, I decided to do it. I've also seen this from my good friend Tenshi, but I never really had time before.Just beware: my bag is a huge mess!Here's how to do it:1. Post a picture of whatever bag you are carrying as of late. No, you can't go into your closet and pull out your favorite purse! We want to know what

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-70952837961060098582009-03-30T21:15:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.499+04:00

It was fun checking out the fabulously displayed Zufi Alexander bags at the Dubai Ladies Club this afternoon. The items, which were for sale (it's a one-day event), came off cheaper than those at Harvey Nichols with prices ranging from AED500 (diaries, wallets and organizers) to AED2,500 and up (handbags). Ten percent of the sales will go to Red Crescent Society - a charity that Zufi supports

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-60821761427794974382009-03-29T23:09:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.501+04:00

Enough of this doom and gloom. I'm tired of it. I have a job I love and even if the pay is late, it still comes. I am F-O-R-T-U-N-A-T-E. And thank you God for that!Dubai though, has been in a literal gloomy mood - it's been raining for four days now and I heard on the radio it's going to be the same tomorrow. Oh, did I tell you that it hailed last Thursday evening? Yeap, after four years, the sky

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-12136525912284794812009-03-23T23:43:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.503+04:00

I've always said, to reassure myself, that our team is too small to be trimmed. But today proved me wrong, we just saw our core team reduced by two, a writer and an artist. A third person was also served her final notice, making it three in total, if I count for the whole group. But I guess, when the situation demands it, a lean machine can definitely be made leaner. Bigger establishments are

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-70863512049323882062009-03-16T00:36:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.123+04:00

Last December, I blogged about missing my flight. Missing your flight can easily be one of the most frustrating and maddening experiences ever. It throws a whole wrench into your plans, not only for the flight itself but everything that follows.So on Dec 27, I went to the airport to go back to Dubai. As usual, it was an emotional affair. With my nephews growing up and becoming more conscious of

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-74461921446134956192009-03-15T20:30:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.507+04:00

I was about to post four - but I went back to last year's post, it already said four. Four? Where did the year go? I went back to every year before that, and true enough, it is five. Where did the time go?

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-34396698530295546762009-02-01T16:47:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.510+04:00

Today is the last day of the Dubai Desert Classic, a prime golfing event and I've just been to the VIP Lounge of Omega, one of the sponsors where I interviewed the VP regarding the brand's romance with sports.I was wearing flip-flops. I had to ditch my fabulous heels when I saw the sandy parking lot and the length I had to walk from the car to the entrance and from the entrance to the lounge (

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-18975591187741687242009-01-25T22:49:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.511+04:00

Dubai doesn't have drainage systems, so when it rains so much, the water has nowhere to go... at least, until the suckers come and suck 'em off.On a separate climate report - Ras Al Khaimah is snowing! It would be interesting to go up there and see, but I'm afraid it's going to be all slush by the time we get there.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-50894486183731654002009-01-21T00:21:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.513+04:00

Tiffany & Co. celebrated the opening of their flagship store today at the Dubai Mall; present were Tiffany head honcho Mr. James Quinn, Chief Gemologist Peter Schneirla and the famous Tiffany Yellow.The first thing I blurted out to Peter, during our interview session, was - how could they cut the Tiffany Yellow to almost half the size? (From 287.42 carats, the stone was reduced to its current

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-10838376126109421682009-01-21T00:18:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.515+04:00

Bobbi Brown is promoting a new tinted moisturiser for release in March. They held a one-on-one demonstration, conducted by the charming Eliano Bou Assi, Bobbi Brown's Official Middle East Trainor and Events Manager.My colours - warm and natural for the tinted moisturiser, black gel eyeliner, Black Glamour Lengthening mascara and Putty for the lips (which I just love!).

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-38430100673202020512009-01-15T20:49:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.516+04:00

It's been raining for the last few days... last night, lightning like I've never seen here before! Cool! I miss rain. I even miss thunderstorms. Here are a few pics from the last two days:

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-15905705161981597012009-01-14T08:38:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.518+04:00

My friend posted this in our egroup, just a few hours before she was to leave the Philippines to go back to Dubai. Like many Upians who read it, it touched not only a chord in my heart, but it resonated so deeply:In a couple of hours, I will be leaving. Leaving my heart in this room, this house.The rain dances frantically on the tin roof. The wind is howling against the window. I am grateful

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-40466524308223741122009-01-04T21:01:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.519+04:00

This came in the mail today. Heart-shaped chocolates in red foil wrappers.Awwww...Shucks. And I thought it was the real deal.Kidding. Of course, I knew it's from a PR. Sigh.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-54265503416242511522008-12-31T06:31:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.124+04:00

After that airport fiasco (okay, minor setback) last Saturday, I was fearful that something else might crop up and hold me back again. People always say that 'things happen for a reason'. Aside from forgetting a vaccine that I was supposed to bring back with me, I did not see any good reason for me to go through this hassle. But then, I settled down again. I did not unpack my bags, since the

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-12437348009319472372008-12-28T21:22:00.000+04:002010-09-28T22:22:03.125+04:00

Somebody is praying real hard for me not to go. And the first candidate would be my nephew who kept praying that we get stuck in traffic so that I don't make it to the plane. Well, long story told short (won't elaborate right now since I need to mention names), red tape got me stranded in Manila. So I'm still here when I should be back in Dubai. We are getting back on our production schedule so

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-87558016691398790242008-12-16T20:45:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.524+04:00

I haven't been watching the news nor reading newspapers. But when this shoe dropped, boy, did it echo all throughout the world!Bush visits Iraq and gets the ultimate Iraqi insult, two pairs of shoes were thrown at him by Al Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist, while he was delivering a speech:"This is a gift from the Iraqis, this is the farewell kiss, you dog!" Al Zaidi shouted just before he chucked his

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-63648640645648255562008-12-12T20:37:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.526+04:00

Back in Dubai, we often talk about living in a bubble: we feel like time and even life is suspended. Yes we get our ups and downs, usually with jobs, but it doesn't feel 'real'. This feeling was all the more pronounced during my Manila vacation two years ago. In the short time I was here, two very close friends got married, my cousin's grandmother passed away and my sister was hospitalized. This

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-85603645443688362212008-11-25T19:35:00.001+04:002010-06-16T23:19:27.574+04:00

So I'm back home. I still have some work to do because I wasn't able to finish everything on time, so I've just been alternating between catching up on much-needed sleep, working and contacting friends.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-88683407297906148172008-11-25T19:35:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.529+04:00

So I'm back home, in good old Manila for a much-needed break. I still have some work to do, so I've just been alternating between catching up on much-needed sleep, working and contacting friends. I took the Emirates Air direct flight to Manila and the flight was, thank God, uneventful (except for my snoring seatmate) so I just stayed up and watched all the movies I can cram in the 8-hour flight.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-41974775962779249232008-11-20T01:58:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.531+04:00

I passed my 7th Kyu exam today. It's the first in a long line of grading exams for Aikido and as my classmate said last Monday, to a very apprehensive me, "Don't worry, after you pass your 7th kyu that's when you start learning what being a Kyu really means."Very nervous me bungled up the last move even though I had very good ukes to work with (who were already coaching me what to do!

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-54217771274167144402008-10-30T00:30:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:30:26.029+04:00

Hi! My name is Ria and I am a Pupe addict. It all started when my friend popped me one day, telling me about Pupe... she wanted me to try it. I said I might but I probably will not, because I'm just too plain busy. But I did. And now, I'm an addict. It's 12:33 pm and I'm still trying to change my clothes. Pupe (www.http://pupe.ameba.jp) is an edoll which allows you to live in an alternative life

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-64706064950323140182008-10-25T02:33:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.534+04:00

Had no plans of going, but when you're given a free ticket, even on the day itself - Fate really wants you to go, ayt? Ena, my friend texted early in the morning saying they still had one free tix (actually, it was Galo's) so I rearranged my schedule and headed to Abu Dhabi with them. But before going to Emirates Palace where the concert was being held, we first stopped at Oriental Korner (a

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-81722122892088777452008-10-17T00:23:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.536+04:00

Adidas is currently promoting Play Yoga so they brought in celebrity yoga instructor Rainbeau Mars to Dubai. The media event started after the yoga session with Fitness First instructors. With the length of time it took for the PR people to confirm my colleague's attendance (who, at the last minute couldn't make it because of transportation problems), I assumed there would be plenty of members of

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-15889105521911663832008-10-08T23:21:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.538+04:00

The PBC-UP article came out in Inquirer Blogs. Check it out!

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-23651731761587193782008-10-01T08:25:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.539+04:00

At Ibn Batuta Mall, women shoppers with one of the mall's mascotsOnly a few years ago, Dubai was still relatively unknown. Now, it's name not only resounds all over the world but is often related to fast development, bountiful opportunities and the world's something-something. Sounds funny, eh? Well, Dubai wants to trump every other country in almost everything - be it the most luxurious hotel (

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-79079541272730813592008-09-27T21:57:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.541+04:00

The Philippine Business Council in association with the University of the Philippines holds its sixth 'Managing for Business Success' seminar (Photo inset left: Professor Art Ilano; Photo inset right: Professor Jo Florendo) Learning business smartsFor many Filipinos in the UAE, the underlying dream is to save up, go back home, start a business and eventually attain financial independence. But

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-48586325303820942482008-09-06T23:21:00.000+04:002010-06-16T23:19:18.543+04:00

Some photos I took with my phone cam.Left to right, top to bottom: Eye of the Emirates, Sharjah; Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah; Emirates Road, near DIP; Dubai Festival City.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14413643.post-26026823179954736432008-09-04T23:55:00.000+04:002010-08-28T12:30:26.034+04:00

This movie has got to be one of the best films I've seen lately: it scared me, it surprised me, it made me laugh and at other times teary-eyed or frustrated (for them) -- all within it's highly engaging length. Everything worked! Watch it.

Ria Mendozahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17018796997082267451noreply@blogger.com2