"Me, Myself and a Star..."

Started the Year Right with Healthy Living and Photoshoot!

starvillanueva — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:08:00 +0000

As someone who avoids crowded gyms and treks on the treadmill and different hotels during layovers, I prefer to stretch my muscles and clear my mind in a peaceful and private environment. Yoga presents an opportunity for self-reflection, shedding light on any internal negativity and providing the means to expel such flawed thinking through its meditative properties.

I began my yoga journey back in high school days a decade ago. Yoga is not that popular those days, I can only see yoga studios whenever my family and I will travel in the states it’s also there where I got the video Cds!

I didn’t limit myself with yoga, I’ve also tried Pilates and Zumba classes in Sheraton hotel here in Doha, Zumba is a health boosting dance fitness program, a latin inspired calorie burning experience! I’ve used some muscles I haven’t been using in awhile! I’ve also wanted to try Pole dancing but it’s not offered anywhere here in Qatar, I’ll definitely try it soon after my resignation, It’s always good to try something new when it comes to fitness exercise so that you won’t get bored and will still be motivated.

But still I preferred Yoga classes in Al Sharq Hotel also here in Doha. Theyoffer Yoga classes twice a day for 50 Riyals each class. After my sessions, I felt less stressed, more flexible, and renewed physically, mentally, and spiritually plus a glowing complexion is the bonus of it!

Benefits of Yoga:.

Stretches muscles you never knew you had! And literally massages your internal organs, keeping the tissues stimulated, free from disease, improve posture and it slows down aging process!

Learning to love yourself – how often do we set aside an hour to actually spend time with ourselves? By allocating time to stretch, focus and simply be, we are affirming our own self worth, and increasing vitality.

Detoxification – by limbering up, poking and pinching those tissues which once lay dormant, you increase blood-flow throughout the entire body and assist in the removal of toxins and greater alkalinity – deep breathing increases alkalinity by removing excess CO2 from your system and learning to focus on and appreciate the flow of energy and bring peaceful calm to the mind.

Words to remember: For what good are your 2012 plans if you aren’t healthy enough? What good is working like a dog if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy the fruits of your labor? What good is luxuryon the sick bed? “Health is wealth” so better start the year right with a fitness program & healthy lifestyle!

Filed under: All About Me... My Life..., fashion, food, lifestyle, skin care

Busy Bee…

starvillanueva — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:15:32 +0000

I apologize for neglecting my blog lately… I’ve been very very busy… I haven’t promoted my November Magazine exposure in Mom’s Today, I haven’t blog about http://www.facebook.com/pages/Star-Villanueva/278733048850250?sk=wall: recent travels, vacation musings, yoga classes & my addicting hobby of baking cupcake! I do hope to find time one of these days to update this blog… but for now, you can catch up with me through my http://www.facebook.com/5tarvillanueva and with my recent purchase of iPad2 it so much easier for me to update my Twitter (Yey!) I also have Photoshoots once in awhile that’s makes me busier than ever. Some of the pictures are published in my Facebook. Ok then, Till next time my dear readers! Thanks for visiting my blog! God Bless

Please Like my Facebook Fanpage Too!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Philippine STAR Ngayon

starvillanueva — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:31:42 +0000

Whether we admit it or not, at one point in our lives, we’ve wondered what it would be like to be in the shoes of our favorite celebrities–where fame, fortune, and endless Twitter followers and Google hits come up at the click of their name.

After college, I had no grandiose dreams of being a Super Star! I just want to be employed as an flight attendant and to have my own business, I never have thought that God will blessed me endlessly with fame, career & fortune all at once! It’s like living the dream having my own spa and photography studio as my business, flying career, modeling, magazine writer, few endorsements, and investments. Thank you Lord! Nothing I could as for more.

Philippine Star Ngayon (I’ll publish the Hi-Res once I get the copy, I have 2 more pictures on page 2)

Still available Nationwide in Philippines, October 2011 issue of Health Today from bookstores or magazine stands near you, grab yourself a copy now.

Filed under: Accomplishments, All About Me... My Life..., fashion, fitness & nutrition, food, health & wellness, inspirational, internet, lifestyle, product review, Short Stories/ Thoughts, Special Feauture

It’s me, gracing the pages of a Magazine! 3rd time!

starvillanueva — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:59:32 +0000

I got featured again at Health Today Magazine October 2011 Edition, before my photo was just was just ¾ or ½ page of the magazine, but this time I’ve got the whole page! Yey! This is what I am waiting for! Thanks you Ms. Ingrid Cabrido for this opportunity and Mr. Leo Bautista for the photo!

For others maybe Photoshoot could be tiring, not for me because I’m used to wearing makeup and high heels, and of course, I love my pictures being taken by professionals! Modeling or posing in front of camera is one of my life’s joy… I don’t consider it as a career though – it’s just something I enjoyed doing. As what I’m saying since then, as long as I’m happy with what I’m doing I don’t care if there’s no fee involve. I’m just after the experience, exposure and addition to my picture collection and personal portfolio.

Here I am, gracing the pages of Health Today Magazine October 2011 Edition for the 3^rd time!

Available to all leading newstands, bookstore, and supermarket! Grab a copy now! God Bless you all, Thanks!

Filed under: Accomplishments, All About Me... My Life..., bath & body, fashion, fitness & nutrition, health & wellness, inspirational, internet, lifestyle, Magazine Exposure, manila, places & travels, Short Stories/ Thoughts, skin care, Special Feauture

Letters To Juliet’s -Verona, Italy

starvillanueva — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 21:14:00 +0000

Mention the name Verona and you immediately associate it with romance and the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet immortalized in Shakespeare’s works. Now with the release of the movie “Letters to Juliet” The movie,was intriguing recently because it dealt so closely with the romance and intrigue of one of Italy’s most beloved icons, Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare set in Verona.

The house is claimed to be that of the Capulets’ from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, which is now a big tourist attraction featuring the balcony, small courtyard and also a bronze statue of Juliet. Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, is located in the center of Verona at via Cappello 23,. Follow the directions to Piazza del Erbe and once you see the graffiti covered sign post and the plaque above the archway, you will recognise it by the number of people inside the courtyard.

Pass through the short dark tunnel, and you’ll find yourself in the intimate courtyard & Juliet’s Balcony vying for a photo opportunity with fellow awe-struck visitors.

The dark tunnel through which you entered houses a collection of love letter on its walls, left for the secretaries of Juliet to answer. For just €6, you can visit the interior of the house to see the bed from the 1936 Zeffirelli’s movie Romeo and Juliet.

Young ladies write letters to Juliet, often asking for advice in love, and tuck them into the wall. At night, the letters removed and the next day brings another collection of notes and letters. In the movie, it is a group of women who answer each one. In real life, it is a group of volunteers in Verona who make it a point to answer the 5,000 letters that arrive for Juliet each year.

Some of the letters are left in the wall each evening, and others are mailed to Juliet in care of Verona. The group that answers the letters call themselves the Club di Giulietta. These fifteen or so volunteers are divided by languages spoken and romantic expertise.

There is a bronze statue of Juliet located in the courtyard. Legend states that those who stroke the right breast of this statue will have good luck. Many people believe it, and travel long distances to visit.

Juliet’s Tomb - It’s inside the monastery which has been indicated as the place where the final events of the tragedy took place. Lovers from all over the world come to visit this romantic hideout and remember Shakespeare’s great masterpiece.

Filed under: europe, Italy, places & travels

“Me, Myself and a Star” recommended by Female Network!

starvillanueva — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:28:00 +0000

* I was pleasantly surprised to find my blog “Me, Myself and a Star…” listed in 35 blogs you should check out by femalenetwork.com! It’s Philippines number one Interactive Community and Guide for Filipino Women: forums, practical tips, photo and video sharing, opinions, and more! My fellow blogger-friend that featured me in her fab blog PinkMagaline is in the list as well! Congrats sis!

* Thanks for the wonderful message Krizia, always remember nothing is impossible! Especially now that most airlines are continues hiring, by the way, I already flew with Yzelle twice – she’s now in QR! I hope to see inflight soon too! All the Best! =)

Filed under: Leave A Message

Another Magazine Exposure & Endorsement! =)

starvillanueva — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 09:38:00 +0000

In Health Today’s August Edition – I’m endorsing the Art & photography workshops in the city. It is a fact that doing something enjoyable has been associated by positive stress, the healthy kind that motivates the person.

Discovering a new talent can be rewarding, especially when it can lift your spirits & open your eyes to a new opportunities. While finding your inherent strength you may meet your inner artist – and develop a deeper appreciation of beauty from between – HT

When Health Today’s July issue was released I wasn’t in the Philippines. I was really eager to have a copy the soonest so I just asked one of my colleagues who happened to have Manila flight to grab a copy for me, since she’s Korean I instructed her where she can find it… National Bookstore, FullyBooked, Booksale, even in grocery’s magazine rack or 7-11, but unfortunately, she forget about it… but anyway, I had a Manila flight a week after so it’s ok! As soon as I landed, I immediately, went to bookstore! Wow! Nothing beats the feeling of buying a magazine to see your face in it! The feeling is surreal!

I’m looking forward to have more endorsements, and photoshoots too… Modeling and practicing my make up skills are really an enjoyable moment for me! I started building up my portfolio in my FB but it’s not yet formal because I don’t have much time to update it from time to time.

Right now, I’m a flight attendant, businesswoman, entrepreneur, real estate investor, model, magazine writer, Star Bliss Salon & Spa owner of 2 Branches and soon to be a professional make up artist, Jeweler & Hotelier!

“When you dream, dream BIG, and never give up. There’s no law that says you have to dream small. Your dream is just yours. Never let anyone tell you that your dream can’t happen, it can! Nurture your dream. Keep seeing yourself do what’s never been done before. Believe me, it has no other choice but to come true!”

* I have a new business, but I’ll keep it private for now as instructed by my mom, Shhhhh! Don’t tell anybody! =)

* Again please BEWARE of Scammers & Posers who loves to use my pictures!

Filed under: Accomplishments, health & wellness, lifestyle, Magazine Exposure, product review, Special Feauture

Nearly 5 Years of Flying in Synopsis

starvillanueva — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:14:10 +0000

“Despite of sleepless nights, turning day into night & having abnormal sleeping patterns, I honestly feel so lucky & privilege having all these things so I might as well share it with you…” Blah Blah! It’s an excerpt from my article that I published 5 years ago. I can still say those lines till now but Life as we all know is full of ups and downs. We have summer & winter, day & night and there’s always a sad part in someone’s happy life.

Whenever I told someone, I’m resigning soon. They’re always giving me a shocking look with the big question WHY!? (Maybe because It’s a given fact that I have a very positive job description) and whenever, they asked WHEN? I kept saying anytime! I’m definite with my answer. Yes, you’ve read it right, ANYTIME. Don’t nod your head left & right while saying NO, till you read my recap, this is not just about “Missing Home“

Being an International Flight Attendant for almost 5 years now. I still believe that everyday is a new learning experience. Flying from one continent to another is still something I considered new to me! Yes, I’m still not used to it! How will I used to a lifestyle that is not considered normal? Yesterday, I’m in New York, Today I’m in Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow, I’ll be in Zurich for the nth time. If I were to elaborate the stories in between, believe me it will fill a hundred page book or more. I’m not complaining and don’t accuse me of bragging here, I’m just innocently telling you my daily not-so-typical lifestyle.

So, here I am came back from a 14hrs flight. My feet are swollen from prolong standing, I feel bloated, my muscles hurts, I’m tired and very sleepy but hey, that doesn’t end there! I still have to unpack then pack again my suitcase for my flight tomorrow. Okay I’ll call it a night! I took shower and ready to sleep, and now guess what!? I’ve been semi-dependent of melatonin sleeping pills for more than 2 years now, Thanks to Jetlag! Iterax, Advil PM, Panadol night even cough syrups named it – I tried it all! Now, Tell me, is that sounds normal to you?

(Every flight usual scenario): visiting a destination I’ve never seen before with lots to do and see. I absorb every minute of the tour take lots of pictures, bought some souvenirs. The next day comes need to wake up early and get ready. It’s time to return to the aircraft!

(pre-vacation Leave usual scenario): bought a 90% discount airfare tickets, day has come, excited to have a holiday! Voila! Flight is FULL Better luck next time! bye bye! (Excerpt from what I wrote 2 years ago: The Truth About Flight Attendant on Travel Benefits.

(During Vacation): Time Flies When You’re having Fun & Adventure! Do I need to say more? I wrote about it last year – same title. Woooh! Pamper galore in my very own Star Bliss Salon & Spa - Time to turn on my Spoiled but not a Brat Mode! Setting aside all of that, anxious already whether there will be a seat available for me! (I twice paid on the spot - full fare business class ticket already! Just to have a seat!)

(Post Vacation) Reminiscing a day in the life of an FA on vacation leave, looking forward for next Manila flight <— That’s one of the things I also considered on my resignation. I stopped bidding other destinations, I only request Manila flights, and whenever they gave me only 1-2 Manila flight it’s still not enough, I still make an effort to swap my nice layover destinations. “There’s no Place Like Home!”

Life has so many turning points. Each turning point involves a choice, a decision to be made . My decision to resign anytime soon is never easy as I still enjoy the perks of travelling and inevitable 6 digits salary! I’m aware that it will cause me to have a major turning point in my life. But I think I’ve had enough, it’s time to welcome a new transition! I agree that the only thing in life that is constant is change! I know that my lifestyle will never be the same, but change will give me more opportunities to grow & develop more!

* Again Beware of Scammers, There are lots of people out there who loves using my pictures.

Filed under: All about flight attendant, All About Me... My Life..., life as a cabin crew

A Smile that made it to Philippines’ Health Today Magazine!

starvillanueva — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Available Nationwide! Grab a Copy now!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/HEALTH-TODAY-MAGAZINE

Filed under: fitness & nutrition, health & wellness, Magazine Exposure

Beware of Scammers and Impostors!

starvillanueva — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 15:07:00 +0000

Attention All:

It has been bought to my attention that someone is using my identity in many circumstances like offering discounted tickets the swindlers are able to take cash & credit card numbers from victims. There are also numerous reports that a lot of people are impersonating me or using my pictures in some dating sites. Other version of this scam includes the use of chat portals such as yahoo messenger using my identity and when you are yet smart enough to know that these schemes are scams and have paid them the amount that they’re asking, you will just realize that when they would just vanish out of the blue.

Please be informed that I only uses yahoo messenger rarely just to speak with my family & friends and I’ve never had any dating site whatsoever. Please spread the news that this type of modus operandi exist to your friend and loved ones so no more individual will be victimized by this scam.

AGAIN: I NEVER CHAT WITH SOMEONE I DON’T KNOW. PERIOD

Filed under: All About Me... My Life...

My Eye LASIK Surgery was a success! Now I’m Free!

starvillanueva — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 08:57:00 +0000

My LASIK surgery was a success. For anyone who has been considering it, I definitely think it is the best money I’ve ever spent on myself this 2011.

It’s actually not plan at all, I was just roaming around Trinoma Mall, all of a sudden I went for an eye check up. I want to have LASIK that day but they said that I should rest my eyes for 3 days without wearing contact lens. For 3 days, I was excited for the possibility of not having to wear glasses or contact lens ever again!

Operation day: After a series of tests, that took approximately 20mins. I’m all set! The nurse put an anesthesia eye drops to both of my eyes and let me wait for an hour before I was ushered into the operating room.

During the surgery, I was asked to keep my eyes fully opened. It was a bit of a challenge because I can see the entire procedure of the doctor & nurses… (That makes me want to close my eyes!) It wasn’t painful but very uncomfortable. Then, I was instructed to wear a protective goggles and prescribed 3 kinds of eye drops that includes antibiotic.

Two hours later, the pain is setting in. I couldn’t open my eyes, a major sensitivity to light also set in, my family whom with me the entire time even have to accompany me inside the mall after having dinner. I wasn’t sure if that was normal that it was stinging terribly but I took a painkiller!

Fast forward to the next week, I can see & function during my flights, I can drive in daytime using a very dark eyeglass. Everything looks great! I’m so thankful to God because I’ve made the right decision for my eyes. Now, I felt so blessed to have a new vision free of eyeglasses & contact lens! I’m completely utterly happy!

Filed under: All About Me... My Life..., bath & body, fashion, gadgets, health & wellness

The Star is Back!

starvillanueva — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 15:52:00 +0000

“Too many things to blog too little time….”

It has been a couple of months since I have last written in this blog. It’s just that I somehow change my lifestyle (a little) and that caused me to lessen my time being online. I’m very much occupied with lots of things lately (Photoshoots, Travels, Business, Work, etc). Instead of just resting in my accomodation in Doha during my long days off. Now, I’m usually spending it by going home in Manila or New York (I Love NY!) Even during my vacation leave last Nov-Dec 2010. I divided my 15 days vacation in MNL & NY. Very tiring because of the travel time but it’s worth it! There are lot’s of Sale in U.S during those holiday seasons (Everybody is crazy for shopping mode!) Then last Feb, my mom & sis went to NY luckily I have 5 days off that time so I was able to joined them too! We strolled along Manhattan & Went Ice Tubing/ Skiing for the 1st time in Poconos, Pensylvania. (If time permits, I’ll blog about it!)

Another thing that makes me busy lately is reading books! I don’t know what’s with the year 2011 that made me hooked in books! of course, I do read books from time to time but not as much as this year! To the point of finishing one hard bound book that I just bought in the airport before my 14 hours straight flight! and whenever I’m in the mall by myself, I’ll be most likely be found in the bookstore! I’m now currently reading. “Straight Talk, No Chaser” by Steve Harvey – It’s the follow up version of “Think Like a Man, Act Like a Woman!” by the same author.

As for my layover flights, I still do enjoy going out to explore the city! Which I hope one of these days I’ll have the courage to spend my whole day to upload the pics & blog about it (If time permits!). It’s also a good thing that even though I’m not bidding for asian destination (besides Manila). I always have it. I love asian sector than European sector for the reason of “Pampering”. It’s pretty common that Spa are way cheaper in Asia than anywhere else in the world and yet very satisfying. I spent New Year in Kuala Lumpur, my collegues & I went to salon to tried their hair treatments. After a week, I flew to Singapore to have my Acrylic Nails Done. Then Ventosa & Body Massage in Shanghai China while the most recent is in Saigon, Vietnam where I tried 2 hours hotstone massage. Now you know why I love Asia! All the things that I can’t do in Manila due to lack of time, I can all do it somewhere else in Asia! (How I wish I have time to blog about all these things soon! I’ll be more than willing to share my spa reviews! if time permits!) Ohhhh I’m so addicted on going to spas to pamper myself. It’s my way of distressing after a hard work above the sky! That explains why I have my own Star Bliss Salon & Spa! =)

And lastly, Photo shoots! I loveeeeeet! Modelling & Posing infront of camera is amazingly fun! I love all the pictures! Although it’s consume lots of time during my day off, it’s still worth it! They’re all professional photographers and for that, I’ll be featuring the photos in this blog soon! Promise I’ll find time despite of my busy sched! haha! but anyway, here’s some of it!

Filed under: All About Me... My Life..., fashion, lifestyle, new york, u.s.a

2010 in review

starvillanueva — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:53:11 +0000

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Crunchy numbers

A helper monkey made this abstract painting, inspired by your stats.

About 3 million people visit the Taj Mahal every year. This blog was viewed about 40,000 times in 2010. If it were the Taj Mahal, it would take about 5 days for that many people to see it.

In 2010, there were 23 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 126 posts. There was 1 picture uploaded, taking a total of 2kb.

The busiest day of the year was July 28th with 253 views. The most popular post that day was 1st Year Anniversary Blog Post.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were starvillanueva.multiply.com, facebook.com, femalenetwork.com, twitter.com, and en.wordpress.com.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1st Year Anniversary Blog Post July 2010
15 comments

My Curls Are Back! December 2009
11 comments

My Very Own Star Bliss Salon & Spa April 2010
18 comments

My Condo Unit… June 2009
18 comments

Filed under: Uncategorized

Me and Manhattan

starvillanueva — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 09:25:00 +0000

* Photo of myself with the view of Manhattan Sky Scrapers while inside a ferry tour

Manhattan is a picture-perfect city, with modern movie sceneries (yes, NYC is possibly the most filmed city ever). Who can ever forget classic movies such as Maid in Manhattan & Serendipity both filmed in Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Maid of Honor & Autumn in New York’s Bethesdan Fountain in Central Park, SATC-Day After Tomorrow-Spider Man’s New York Library, Kingkong’s Empire Estate… among others…You can visit most of these must-see tourist sites for free.

* Grand Central Station

You can spend the whole day if you explore Central Park, an oasis amidst busy New York streets. But it’s worth the time. And make sure you go inside the majestic Grand Central Terminal. Most likely, you’ll find yourself gawking in glitzy Times Square, which you have to experience during both day and night time. The great thing about Manhattan is that it’s truly a “walkable” city. It’s best experienced on foot but remember to avoid or shall I say DO NOT repeat the worst thing I ever than in my whole life! ….and that is to walk in Manhattan with my 4inch high-heels shoes! (See The Picture/ Evidence here)

* Grand Central & Chrysler Building

Visit famous skyscrapers and churches such as Rockefeller Center, Chrysler Building, New York Public Library, New York Wall Street Journal, the United Nations headquarters, Radio City Music Hall, Stock Exchange, Yankee Stadium, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Museums, among others. And while it costs about $20, you might as well as go up the observation deck of the Empire State Building to get a bird’s eye view of the city. (haven’t tried going up there yet, still waiting for someone special to accompany me there! Haha!)

Once you’ve taken the bus tour, it’s time to try the two other popular modes of transportation – the subway and taxis. The MTA New York City Subway is certainly the fastest and cheapest way to go around New York City. One trip costs $3 Get the Fun Pass for unlimited rides for the day for only $8 Of course, a trip to the Big Apple wouldn’t be complete without taking one of the city’s 10,000 yellow cabs.

The other must-eat in New York is steak. There are plenty of high-end steak houses in NYC like TGI-Fridays, Hard Rock and Bubba Gump but if you just want really cheap but really good snack while walking, try Sabrett Hotdogs! It’s all over Manhattan and all kinds of people are buying those! Tourist or not, Ladies in all races, Gents on a necktie or Tshirt, young or old, named it. I even have the guts to encouraged the crew with me on a layover to try it too! And Guess What!? Sabrett is now available in Philippines!

New York is also the mecca for shoppers. For high-end and fashion-forward shops, simply walk the entire length of Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Soho. Visit “destination” stores just because their famous or are attractions by themselves such as huge department stores including Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, World’s Largest Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.For Youngsters, go to Nintendo World or M&M’s World to see the Word’s biggest Wall of Chocolates!

* You may Shop with your Trolley bag if you’re tired of carrying loads of baggage or shop with your Freezing gear outfit, there’s no excuse not to go for shopping in New York! None!

…and last but not the least, if you’re too tired with the buzzing city why not try to hibernate in the Greeneries of Central Park, bring your iPod, favorite book or pair of sneakers and Viola time will just pass without you noticing it, did that already and it’s truly relaxing! I blogged aboutCentral Park Before: Read it at: http://starvillanueva.com/2009/06/28/central-park-new-york-usa/

Filed under: Layover Flight, life as a cabin crew, lifestyle, museums, new york, places & travels

QR Pilot died during the flight from Manila!

starvillanueva — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 11:49:00 +0000

A colleague on his early 40′s just past away after a massive heart attack and later on died. The co-pilot flew the plane and diverted to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A new crew boarded the plane and left Malaysia 2 hours later.

I could have been in that flight. Luckily, I operated New York Flight instead… Indeed, Life is so short, better live life as it was your last day in this world…

More details @ The Peninsula News

Filed under: aviation news, life as a cabin crew

Flight Attendants are Well Paid – Philippine Airlines

starvillanueva — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:56:00 +0000

By EMMIE V. ABADILLA Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Answering claims of its cabin crew union, Philippine Airlines (PAL) said its flight attendants are well paid and receive some of the best benefits that are the envy of other Filipino workers. The actual gross monthly pay of a PAL cabin crew ranges from P33,000 to P75,000, inclusive of productivity pay and other allowances.“Officers of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) have not been forthright in informing the public of the real salaries and benefits that the PAL cabin crew receives,” PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna underscored. "FASAP claims their basic pay is below the government set minimum wage, but this is just a portion of their salary.”

“The truth is they receive much, much more," she added. "A domestic crew earns between P34,619 to P37,619 per month, including productivity pay, transportation allowance and rice allocation. An international cabin attendant receives P50,741 to P60,136, while a flight purser gets P67,880 to P73,570," according to Villaluna. While this salary range may be modest compared to the pay scale of giant carriers abroad, this is no small amount by Philippine standards. Hence, claims that PAL cabin crew are overworked and underpaid are not true.Their total pay is composed of the basic salary plus per diem allowances. When staying overnight at an international destination, they get $45-$70.

When on a technical stop, they get $100. In addition, they get $20 for every regional turnaround flight and P185 for every domestic flight. They receive additional pay for every hour in excess of their tour of duty, ranging from $50 + $20 for international flights to P1,250 per hour for domestic. They are likewise given first-class hotel accommodation at domestic and international stations. They also receive transportation allowance, or free pick-up from/to their residences, free meals in flight and on ground. They are entitled to crew shuttle to/from airport and have a thermal clothing allowance twice a year; shoe allowance of P1,200 for males, P800 for females, twice a year; uniform allowance from P11,022 to P16,376 every 18 months and are each given a suitcase costing from P1,563 to P3,647 which is replaced every 2 years. They have complete medical and dental coverage for cabin crew and their qualified dependents, plus 13th & 14th month pay.

Their unused days off as well as unused sick leave are converted to cash. On top of that, they have a perfect attendance award equivalent to one month pay + per diem and retirement benefits of 1.5 month for every year of service. "“All this time FASAP has been presenting to the public and the government a picture that is totally opposite reality. FASAP is free to show proof if the wages and benefits we have just revealed are not true," Villaluna said. PAL also urged FASAP to be truthful in presenting to the public the significant highlights of the four conciliation meetings brokered by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).

"Instead of alarming our passengers with threats of strike, FASAP should at least disclose the exchange of proposals and counter-offers to show who was taking a hardline position during the conciliation meetings," she said. PAL’s offer of P80-million in additional salary plus P25 million in rice allowance (a total of P105 million), change in retirement age to 45 (from 40) and increase in the cabin crew’s maternity benefits were rejected by FASAP who insisted on their original positions before unilaterally declaring a deadlock in the negotiation.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun & Adventure!

starvillanueva — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:31:00 +0000

One Sunday morning, my family and I didn’t have any plan but it turned out to be my favorite day of the month! (August) Headed to Serendra & Market Market Mall in Global City during its SALE day so we we’re inside the mall from morning till evening without noticing it. Spent the whole day, fitting clothes & shoes! And satisfying our cravings in some food chains such as Zagu, New York Fries and New York Hotdogs! Then later on had dinner in Kamayan buffet restaurant! I think I totally forgot that there’s this word called “Diet!”

Then saw the wall climbing it’s kinda cool, but gravity is something that everybody should be scared of. This kind of activity is easy but even with the gears, there’s still a chance for these gears to malfunction so, you just have to be careful everytime you do this kind of stuff.

It was my brother who climbed first. Then I accompanied my sister. While looking at how steep the rock was, I fearlessly started to hit the rock and grab anything I can hold on to with my hand. Though I’m a first time climber, I wasn’t scared at all because I love heights! and it was actually safe because of the gears that they let us use. The wall also has certain stages of varying difficulty depending on your experience and capability. There is what they call the 90-degree wall, for beginners. The wall is just flat and doesn’t have many obstacles all you need is to power lift and push yourself up.

I wasn’t wearing the right clothes and shoes (just rented proper shoes) because it’s not planned at all. I really had so much fun! I wish I can’t go to different wall climbs as often as I want to!

As we walked around Serendra, I’ve been spotted to do a 10 seconds commercial and mini-photoshoot for Fox Channel! I’m glad my mom also have her camera with her the whole time because my Sony digicam kept on vibrating like a cellphone on a vibrate mode! It produces blurry pictures!

The happenings didn’t end there! Also went to McKinley Hills to check the developments of my condo. I love the ambience in Venetian Mall though it’s a mimicked version it still reminds me of Venetian Mall in Las Vegas that I visited early this year and Venetian Mall in Macau.

There’s more! The night didn’t end there. Before they start calling me “Indianera” for not showing up every time they invite me, I’ve decided to meet my friends at Starbucks in Rockwell Makati. We spent more than 3hours of non-stop laughter! Abby – my colleague from the airline just arrived that time, I’m glad she didn’t forget to bring the Alviero Martini passport holder & wallet that I asked her to buy during her recent flight to Rome, Italy.

Filed under: Asia, family, food, gadgets, life as a cabin crew, lifestyle, manila, museums, Short Stories/ Thoughts

It’s Been Awhile…

starvillanueva — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:55:00 +0000

It’s been awhile since my last post. Lack of time and interest has been solely responsible for this but actually there are tons of things to write about and happenings to share.

Flights have been great. I’m so thankful that I do fly to Manila more than 4 times per month plus the additional other flights that they will give me. I don’t care about the new destinations and new routes we fly to anymore. Whether I already been there or not it doesn’t matter anymore. I just want to go home, period.

I’m not in the mood to post a really long post, so will just briefly list out some things that I have done in the last few weeks. Just last month I’ve had another vacation leave. It was supposed to be 6 days but luckily I was given additional days offs and a night departure flight (That makes it almost 11 days).

Everyday I’m dropping by at Star Bliss Spa in Timog Ave. Corner Scout Torillo to get some pampering. Be it to start my day with a mani/ped or to finish my evening with a soothing massage or to accompanied the other FA’s on the flight. One time I was there at the spa, my staff saw Sen. Chiz Escudero on the nearby parking lot waiting for his car to be fixed. They called him and insisted to just wait inside the spa! Since he already went there before he agreed to have a back massage while waiting! Mr. Jojo Alejar & Jay Manalo is also our regular customer but I’m not around every time they visits.

My college best friend Riva also visited me then the later on another friend (Emgie from Singapore) surprised me too! “Pag talaga hindi planado natutuloy!” Riva,Glacie & I we’re having dinner at Off The Grill just accross Star Bliss when Emgie came, Then we started calling Ayi, Rina & Em if they can drop by din coz we were the ones na super close since day one of college! We enjoyed catching up and reminisce the good old days while Emgie’s kids are having a kiddie massage treats in the 2nd floor…

The next few days my cousins Ate Arlene & Andrea came over. Now my spa also serves as a good place to chill & hangout while being pampered! Mainly for the convinience of the location with lots of Parking space and because of the establishments around the area. If you want the place to be rented (6-15 person) Just message us at http://www.facebook.com/starbliss.spa / 09205356633 / starbliss_spa@yahoo.com

* Related Post: Pictures From my August Leave

Filed under: Asia, fashion, life as a cabin crew, My Spa

http://starvillanueva.com

starvillanueva — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:21:00 +0000

As my blog completes one successful year in blogosphere, I am happy to announce that http://starvillanueva.com domain is now officially mine…

Filed under: Accomplishments, internet, Short Stories/ Thoughts

1st Year Anniversary Blog Post

starvillanueva — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:29:00 +0000

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be.”

My daily journal started 11 years ago! I’ve always wanted to remember wonderful blessings in my life then I formally started this blog a year ago to share it to you through technology along with my hopes, dreams, accomplishments, joys, travels and who I am.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people for all the inspiring messages/comments. I may not be able to reply on it one by one reading it made me happy. Knowing that I somehow became an inspiration to someone else’s life is remarkable.

My blog reaches 45,700+ such a great number of visitors for a 1 year old blog! A million thanks to all the blogs that featured me. Let me return the favor by publishing your link too… and if my blog is included to yours and not on the list just let me know. Thanks!

BLOGS that featured me: