Featured Artist: Sir Shadow

First of all, isn't "Sir Shadow" a cool name? He sounds like a magician or someone mysterious, but he's not.    He's actually an artist and I came across his artwork as a feature from a cable news channel. I even forgot the channel I was supposed to watch when I saw his interview =P Sir Shadow is a famous one-line artist from New York. I was so amazed on how he was able to create wonderful drawings with just one continuous line. He sets the pen on the paper and releases it once the image is complete. 

Watch the video to get what I mean:

Photo credits: sirshadow.com

Isn't he awesome? I just admire people with great talent in drawing or creating any form of art. With just one stroke he already knows the direction of the pen to create an image. Oh, this made me want to go to New York, watch him draw and hopefully have one of his artworks. Check out more of his works at his website: sirshadow.com and be amazed =) Happy Sunday & Enjoy!

Starbucks 2013 Planner Sneak Peek

 Just for the record I have never EVER completed the sticker collection. Only my buddy Patrick Patino has been able to fulfill my dream of having one and for 5 years it's been a tradition.

  [THANKS SOOO MUCH BUD!]

So what's up with this year's planner?

• covered with leather (with design on cover)
  
• it has a magnetic lock on the side to keep it closed
• starbucks cup magnetic bookmark
• it now has lines (yey!)
  
• free postcard
• random goals for the day
• notes section at the back (more yey!)
• regular free coupons
• spaces where you can attach pics =)
  

 Sadly no free pen this year but it's ok. It also comes in white and green. 

Hope you also got your planners =)

Walkway Surprise

A lot of people pass by the Dela Rosa walkway (near the parking lot) going to Landmark/ Greenbelt area. But have you noticed the artworks on the walkway's ceiling? It's quite unnoticeable given that a lot of people are in a rush going home. So if in case you're one of the busy people who haven't noticed it yet, here it is!

[Note: Sorry for the poor angle, I almost had a stiff neck taking these pics] 

The artist/s did a great job giving life to the blank spaces. Art truly changes anything. I'm sure a lot of you are wondering how come you haven't seen these before. Yes it's just up there (look up!) The next time you go out, don't forget to take some time to look around, breathe some air, enjoy your walk and you will discover little surprises =) 

Coffee - More fun in the Philippines?

After having lunch, I was so full that I was craving coffee to melt everything that I ate. On my way to SBC, I passed by the trade fair happening at the carousel court at festival mall hoping to buy Tantamco's Ube. Unfortunately, there was no ube for me but instead, there was coffee! Who would have thought I'll find coffee there? I have to admit seeing the price convinced me to try it (P10.00/ cup). The sales lady even opened the dispenser to show that it was really brewed. It was Kalinga Brew ground coffee which is a combination of different coffee beans: arabica, robusta and excelsa and is proudly from the Cordillera region.

I have to say Pinoy coffee can match those imported coffee shops. If I'm not mistaken you can buy it for P200.00 (500g pack). In other places that amount would only bring you 2 cups. As for the taste, it had the right mix - not too strong and not too mild. Next on my list will be to try the famous Alamid or "Civet" coffee.  

Eventhough I already have my coffee, I decided to push through with my SBC plan (hehe I sneaked my coffee in) to buy something that would go well with my hot drink (probably a pastry or a cake). I ended up buying cinnamon which I did not really enjoy so I didn't include it in the pic.=P What caught my attention is the beautiful photo wall gallery in the dining area. I really wish I could create something like that for my room. I enjoyed my quiet time sipping my favorite drink, browsing magazines and admiring the view. What a way to cap off my Saturday afternoon!

Asian Unity in Diversity Exhibit

A photo contest was organized by Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. together with Shangri-La Plaza, AirAsia, Inc., Metrobank and Smart Infinity Business group. I dropped by Edsa Shangri-la last November 3 to check it out. There were selected judges who will have the final say but viewers can vote for their favorite entry to win the People's Choice Award. So I grabbed the pen got a ballot and voted. The photos were all beautiful and inspiring but I could only vote for one so I chose the photo entitled "Unity in Anonymity" by Michael Steven Ibarra.

I'm not an artist nor an expert or anything but I liked the against-the-light effect which shadowed the faces of the children. In unity, there's really no selection nor judgment. It happens when the people are all overpowered by the will to be as one. You don't look at one's race, gender, religion or background. In the picture you will just see the silhouette of the children hand-in-hand but not knowing their identity. For me this perfectly matched the theme.

[Note: Dear Mr Ibarra, I hope I'm not violating anything by sharing this.] 

I would also like to congratulate all those who joined as they were all deserving to win. =)