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All posts for the month May, 2009

16 Ways of Knowing You’re in the Desert

Published May 29, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

 

1.     You no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.

2.     You can stay 45 degrees without fainting.

3.     You eat hot chilies to cool your mouth off.

4.     You can make instant sun tea.

5.     You learn that a seat belt makes a pretty good branding iron.

6.     The temperature drops below 30, you feel a bit chilly.

7.     You discover that in July, it takes only 2 fingers to drive your car.

8.     You discover that you can get sunburn through your car window.

9.     You notice the best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance.

10. Hot water now comes out of both taps.

11. It’s noon in July, kids are on summer vacation, and not one person is out on the streets.

12. You actually burn your hand opening the car door.

13. You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7:30 a.m. before work.

14. No one would dream of putting vinyl upholstery in a car or not having air conditioning.

15. Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"

16. You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.

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Q’ ways Team

Published May 24, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

 

 

 

 Another interesting meeting has been held last 5th and 18th of May. Our roster indicates that the meeting should starts from 7am-2pm but because there’s tons of stuff to tackle, delegations, and brainstorming about what should be in or not, cover, features, articles, etc. The meeting always ends passed 3pm. It was fun though. It’s getting better and better as the team are becoming at ease to one another.  Present in the meeting are the editors Frances & Vhon, along with Hema, Maheleqa, Istana, Lim and I.

 

There are lots of exciting features to watch out for June Issue. Manila will be featured in Q’world section, different types of massage that we can avail on layovers all over the world, Hotels with free internet & wifi is also included, and a lot more of surprises!

 

 As early as now we are already preparing for the anniversary issue on September. We will featured an article entitled “StarStruck” it’s all about cabin crew who has encountered a celebrity on board. Fellow colleagues, if you happened to know someone or you have a picture with one of those Hollywood Celebrities that has been on our flight please send it to my email: Star.Villanueva@yahoo.com 

* Overtime at Cheska’s flat… =)

* Q’ways is the in-house magazine of Qatar Airways for the crew members. Published by the cabin crew department of Qatar Airways.

Related Topic:
What Keeps me busy,My new Career!

Happy Anniversary Q’ways!

 

COACH Bags Are Worth It!

Published May 24, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

I was never a fan of huge bags, I’m more of a collector of cute & stylish little bags even if they are not practical choice because only quite few stuff will fit inside. But lately, I was thinking of having a Coach Travel Tote that’s more of functional than stylish. I want to have a classic style, quite simple, roomy inside with multiple pockets (for a change) plus it will match any color of my outfit and the print of my wallet. This Khaki Coach Travel Tote was definitely a perfect choice. It can carry my umbrella & water bottle while walking around Manhattan NY…


The smooth texture of the leather somewhat makes it look kind of plain, but the contrasting trims with zigzag topstitching adds to its overall design. The pleated detailing on the front looks fastened by the two gold tone safety pins, giving this a rich yet edgy finish. Hybrid silhouette with alternate shoulder strap for convertible satchel to shoulder bag functions. This Coach bag weighs in for a hefty $395 and is available in pink, black, brown and gray color you can choose from.

Coach handbags is established in 1941, over a century after the birth of another luxury brand Hermès, but it takes the similar logo. One is the Bonnie Canvas tote, and the other is Jeweled Canvas large tote, both are combinations of soft cotton twill, contrasting leather trim and graphic print. Inside zip pocket, cell phone and multifunction pockets, ring to clip an accessory or key fob are available for your convenience. While the second has a framed clasp and magnetic snap closure, outside front pockets with turn lock closure, outside back framed pocket, removable leather threaded chain-link strap, but their capacity is definitely not the same. * I saw this at Macy’s at $298.
 

Choosing the Color: Color is an important factor to consider for a handbag. You may want a handbag that will match your outfit, shoes or accessories. If you want a handbag for everyday wear, identify the colors that you usually wear so that you can coordinate. If you wear a lot of neutrals, you may want a neutral Coach handbag for day wear such as beige, brown, white or grey. For a night out or event, you may want a black handbag. Or if you want to make a statement and bring some change to your fashion, you can go for bold colors. The latest trends have come out with bright and even pastel colors for the spring collection. In fact, looking at the season is a great way to figure out what colors to choose if you want to be trendier.

Identifying the purpose: The first thing that you would have to take into consideration is identifying the purpose that your handbag will fulfill. In other words, what is this handbag for? Do you want a Coach handbag that is more casual for everyday wear or do you want one that is a bit more elegant for a night out? Many career women love Coach handbags for their classy professional style. Do you want something that you can put your entire life into or do you want a handbag that has a specific function? Once you narrow down the purpose of this next handbag, you can move on to other factors.

Source:

Purse Page. andI love Coach Bags

This Coach Scarf Print bag that I was holding can be worn over the shoulder or as messenger style good to use while shopping or touring the city. The bag lies flat for the most part, making it incredibly safe when traveling and it’s very fashionable.

 

* http://www.coachhandbags101.com is dedicated for all of Coach handbag Lovers. Here you will find most interesting information about coach handbags like:



This Coach Penelope Art Travel is another of the brand’s colorful creations. This gives you another option in purchasing a bag that will fit the season’s multicolor trend, or perhaps another addition to your seasonal collection. This bag obviously made of very chic and feminine hues that make this bag all the more appealing. The metallic trim all throughout this bag adds style and richness to it, making this classier and elegant. Of course, other than just being a stylish bag, this also shows practicality, which would probably make this as your favorite everyday carryall for the season. (Available at Coach Outlets for $698)

Reminiscing Washington D.C

Published May 20, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

On our Flight going to Washington, I can’t believe there’s only 36 Passengers!!! Only 36 PAX for a 14hrs flight!? Great! and on the way back to Doha only 42 Pax in Economy! Still light load so galley isn’t that tiring after all. Since it’s 14hrs flight we are given 3hrs 15mins. to rest in the BCRC (Bulk Crew Rest Compartment) IIt’s my 1st time to use BCRC All I can say is It’s such a big help to sleep during a long haul flight!

The hotel is located in the middle of a town center, but we arrive passed 9pm so the shops are close already so we just ate late dinner at Bhusara Thai Restaurant Since we only have 25hrs layover I wasn’t able to walk around Reston Town Center =( Anyway, me our CS Bernie & Loubelle went out around 6am to wait for the bus on theway to the metro train station Smithsonian. I’ve been to Washington before (year 1994) but It was long time ago. I’m glad I’ll still be able to go to the U.S like the old times…There are still many places to see but here’s some of the;

Recommended places to visit:

WASHINGTON MONUMENT – The 555ft. Marble Obelisk since 1884 & it’s the world’s tallest freestanding mansonry structure built for George Washington. The

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL – honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home, from WWII memorial we can see & clearly take pictures of the Lincoln Memorial but we prefer to walk up close with LINCOLN MEMORIAL – The 19ft Marble statue sits in the classic Greel-style temple. WHITE HOUSE – Home of every U.S President and U.S CAPITOL – Seat of Congress since 1800. THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE – Completed in 1855, The Castle is the easiest landmark to find the National Mall.

We also visited some museums like MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY – The museum’s collections total over 125 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and human cultural artifacts. NATIONAL GEM and MINERAL COLLECTION – The collection includes some of the most famous pieces of gems and minerals such as the famous Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia Sapphire. There are over 375,000 individual mineral samples, and a research collection used by scientists around the world.

NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM -the most popular of the Smithsonian museums. It maintains the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and spaceflight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics.

Save What You Earn and Grow What You Save

Published May 19, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva
 

 I woke up this morning having the thought of buying another property, I’ve really wanted my savings to be put in a good investment where it will appreciate or earned more but I want it to scattered, If you ‘ve been following my blog, I hope you already know what I mean-Scattered. In my opinion, it’s better to have house & lot, Savings/Checks/ ATM Account, Time deposit, a job & owned business Star Bliss Salon & Spa – The more the merrier! =)

  

I believed each of those mentioned above are good to have and with different purpose. Because, if you own a house it’s not necessarily mean you have to live there. You may have it rented or sell it when the value increased then inherit it to your children.

  

It’s also good to have lot property because someday you may use the space to/ build apartments. Yes, That is one of my future plans to have my own building of studio type apartments it doesn’t have to be luxurious or high-rise but just a decent place to rented out.  I know someone who earns 80,000 pesos a month for just 12 doors of small but studious apartment in QC and they have family business as well. Wow! “Money be gets in money”. huh!

 

Time Deposit is also essential for emergency fund and for business purposes ATM, everybody knows where it’s for. Credit cards, I used it for online purchase and for international shopping so that Idon’t have to buy different currencies again and again.

 

While, Checking account! Is a must! I have Checking account since I was 12 and I can say it’s really useful for transactions! Plus you don’t need to withdraw and bring big amount. When I was a kid, I used to sign my mom’s checks and play with them! Up to this day, I can still forge her signature and she knew that! Hahaha!

Is a Condominium a Good Investment?

Published May 16, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

                         
Browsing some articles because I have this question on my mind if Condominiums are really worth investing for? I 19ve read this article that Mr. Colayco a financial advisor has wrote and I find it useful as it answers my question.

Two Similar Emails on Condominiums:

Question #1: 1csir, thanks for all your financial guides…i just want to ask questions about investing in condo…a lot of condo projects are coming up, their selling point is "good investment". may i ask, is buying or "investing" in this type of project is really an investment? what are promises or good possibilities of having this kind of investment? at the current situation in phils, is it really wise to invest in pre-selling condos? 1d

Question #2: 1cMoving towards financial stability that I learned from your books, I’m thinking of purchasing a condominium unit, because not only it’s much cheaper compared to a regular house and lot (here in Metro Manila), it also allows you to choose one that’s near your work.

However, I have these questions that make me skeptical. Is it a good investment? I mean, will the unit value appreciate over time? Will it be the same with the other unit of the same size or will it differ base on the location. Is it the higher the floor the better, or vice versa?

I know that you have a title and all, but is it also true that it will be demolished after 50 years? If so, what happens to your property?

My impression is like this; the floor you’re stepping is the roof of another people. Just like the wall you have, you’re sharing it with someone else. It’s like the ownership is really not established. What happens in case of fire and the building (God forbid) turns to dust? Do you still own anything? I’ve asked these questions to real estate agents but they can’t give me any straight answers. 1d

REPLY:

If you are buying real estate to establish your home, your parameters should be more focused on what is most convenient for yourself and your family. As a home, it should not be looked at as a financial investment. Rather, it should be considered as a life goal. However, if you just want to invest, please make sure that you have carefully analyzed a real estate investment versus other investment options based on your personal financial plan.

If you definitely want to just invest in real estate, choosing between a condominium and a house and lot would use the same parameters in analyzing its financial viability. Here are some of them.

1. location which includes convenience and attractiveness of neighborhood and security.

2. reputation for quality of development of the builder (this is particularly true for condominiums which are high-rise)

3. rules of the association governing the neighborhood and costs in relation to this association

4. your ability to maintain all amortization and maintenance (association, repair, taxes) payments.

If you intend to rent out your condominium, you need to project your income and costs and assume that there will be times when the unit will be vacant and will need repair. Rental rates normally over around 5% of the market value of the condo unit provided rental income is constant throughout the 12 months in a year. Vacancy rates therefore have a very strong impact on the effective return on the rental property. In considering buying a condo unit for rental purposes, you must assume at least a 20% vacancy rate over the life of the property.

The condominium requires you to live in closer proximity to others and that could be difficult. Atthe same time, it gives you better security because you can leave your unit and it will be more secure (if it is a good condominium, of course). It is all a matter of personal preference. There will always be a group that will prefer an individual house and a group that will prefer a condominium.

Many who have cash to invest like to buy condominiums that they will have their children inherit eventually. In the meantime, they believe that the condominium will bring them some income in the meantime plus even increase in value. However, as children grow older, more and newer condominiums will be built. Your choice may not be your children 19s choice.

As a financial investment, condominiums do not generally perform well over the long term compared to stock mutual funds or even balanced mutual funds and other types of securities. Except for a few notable offerings, the costs of owning condominium units drag down the resale value. Physical depreciation of units, monthly membership and maintenance dues plus real estate taxes imposed on condominium owners can be quite substantial over the economic life of the unit. There is also the issue of capital gains tax and the VAT applicable when the unit is sold. All these taxes have to be paid before you can transfer the ownership registration of the condominium unit to the buyer. If you include all these ownership costs and the reduced rental earnings due to the 20% vacancy rate, the percentage net return per year when you sell the unit (assuming you can find a buyer) can be very disappointing. Simply put, the cost of acquiring a condo unit is not your only cost. The cost of ownership and the cost of selling are real costs to the owner. And these generally make condo units marginal investments.

* Source

Levi’s Greenbelt Sale

Published May 16, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

I received an invitation from Levi 19s Greenbelt last week that they will have 3 hours private SALE this day, MAY16 19 09 exclusively for members. I 19ve tried so hard to swap my Shanghai China flight but unfortunately, no one accepted it or the flight is not legal to swap. It took 10,000 pesos just to be a member of Levi 19s Loop club and here I am in Doha, just came back from Shanghai and I cannot use the privileges! Grrrr!

 

                                              

What Matters Most

Published May 12, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

 

                                       
The worldwide economy might be recessing for now but no one can stop people from investing their money in the stock market or in other similar fields of

investment. Another way of investing your money is by buying jewelry. One of the reasons why this is so popular is because it’s not a fad, meaning Gold Diamonds are always in. It’s also in our way of life. Wearing jewelry has been a part of some cultures already. Another reason is it’s a low-risk investment because you won’t have to pay a large amount to own a pair of earrings. Should you ever need money, you can always pawn your jewelry to the nearest pawnshop, which is really convenient! =)

 

 

 

But still don’t forget to stay fit and healthy- because, health is wealth. Be conscious and keep track of your condition and do frequent exercises. Keep an eye on what goes into your stomach and make sure to take in only nutritious food such as fruits & vegetables, of course no one wants to get sick!

 

 

Lastly, save money. Save as much as you can. It’s one of the most essential Armour we must all keep in. Put this on top of your list and all else will follow. I’m not saying deprive yourself, of course it’s ok to spend and give some reward to yourself after a job well done but too much is not practical. Be smart to look on the cost of the goods you purchase and as much as possible, avoid spending too much on luxuries.


 

* Do you want to work away from your family or just stay home with your future children while waiting for your income? It’s your choice.
 

The Personality Test at 35,000 Feet

Published May 11, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva
Your Personality at 35,000 Feet Is Friendly and Gregarious
Deep down, you vastly prefer being with others to being alone. You love to engage people in conversation.

You are good with your place in the world. You are confident and comfortable with who you are.

Your gift is relating to other people. You don’t hide from your own emotions, and you are good at drawing other people out.

You are inspired by what is possible. Real life is often too ordinary for you.

It’s very easy for you to feel happy. You can find peace with any situation.
The Personality Test at 35,000 Feet

MUNICH, GERMANY (Travel Review)

Published May 4, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

The Flight from Doha to Munich was only 6hrs, the flight departs around 02:00am by the time we arrived in our hotel – Hilton Munich, it’s only 09:00am local time.

 

I told my colleagues that it’s my 1st time to do the flight because I keep on swapping it for Manila! But since I already swapped my 2 days Milan for a 24hrs Manila, I guess it’s time for me to explore Munich!

 

The signage was pretty good and I had no trouble finding my way around even though German names (double ss’s and double ff’s) were a bitof a challenge! Because I was with Sandy & Jennifer (my tour guides) they always have Germany Flights (Berlin, Munich & Frankfurt). Through a €9.00 tram. We went to Marienplatz Central Square. The ride was about 20 mins.

 

Marienplatz was full of nice boutiques, shoe shops and eating places.  The Rathaus-Glockenspiel is also there it plays to visitors from all over the world. There are figures mechanically danced around the clock tower. (usually around 5 past the designated hour).

 

Also had a very huge snack of grilled veal sausages in Old Town then went to Galeria Supermarket to buy some food while on the hotel and my favorite comfort snack –CHOCOLATES!!! As I munched my way around the supermarket I realized it’s no wonder the German’s call Munich Munchin’… I mean "Munchen" Then later on had gluttonous pork dinner on Weisses Brauhaus Restaurant  in front of Old City hall.

***More Pictures in my Photoblog-Click Here***

Leave A Message

Published May 3, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Hi everyone! I’ve been answering numerous inquiries about how to be a flight attendant & beauty tips, etc. Through a personal message everyday. If you have questions, inquiries or If you like me to feature any topic, you may suggest it here,  so that others can read it as well. (You don’t have to be a member to leave a comment.)

 

Don’t forget to include your:

 

Name:
Email:
URL/ web address:

 

Thank you…

Why You Are Not Rich?

Published May 1, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva


Many people assume they aren’t rich because they don’t earn enough money. If I only earned a little more, I could save and invest better, they say.

The problem with that theory is they were probably making exactly the same argument before their last several raises. Becoming a millionaire has less to do with how much you make, it’s how you treat money in your daily life.
The list of reasons you may not be rich doesn’t end at 10. Caring what your neighbors think, not being patient, having bad habits, not having goals, not being prepared, trying to make a quick buck, relying on others to handle your money, investing in things you don’t understand, being financially afraid and ignoring your finances.

Here are 10 more possible reasons you aren’t rich:

You care what your car lookslike: A car is a means of transportation to get from one place to another, but many people don’t view it that way. Instead, they consider it a reflection of themselves and spend money every two years or so to impress others instead of driving the car for its entire useful life and investing the money saved.

You feel entitlement: If you believe you deserve to live a certain lifestyle, have certain things and spend a certain amount before you have earned to live that way, you will have to borrow money. That large chunk of debt will keep you from building wealth.

You lack diversification: There is a reason one of the oldest pieces of financial advice is to not keep all your eggs in a single basket. Having a diversified investment portfolio makes it much less likely that wealth will suddenly disappear.

You started too late: The magic of compound interest works best over long periods of time. If you find you’re always saying there will be time to save and invest in a couple more years, you’ll wake up one day to find retirement is just around the corner and there is still nothing in your retirement account.

You don’t do what you enjoy: While your job doesn’t necessarily need to be your dream job, you need to enjoy it. If you choose a job you don’t like just for the money, you’ll likely spend all that extra cash trying to relieve the stress of doing work you hate.

You don’t like to learn: You may have assumed that once you graduated from college, there was no need to study or learn. That attitude might be enough to get you your first job or keep you employed, but it will never make you rich. A willingness to learn to improve your career and finances are essential if you want to eventually become wealthy.

You buy things you don’t use: Take a look around your house, in the closets, basement, attic and garage and see if there are a lot of things you haven’t used in the past year. If there are, chances are that all those things you purchased were wasted money that could have been used to increase your net worth.

You don’t understand value: You buy things for any number of reasons besides the value that the purchase brings to you. This is not limited to those who feel the need to buy the most expensive items, but can also apply to those who always purchase the cheapest goods. Rarely are either the best value, and it’s only when you learn to purchase good value that you have money left over to invest for your future


Your house is too big: When you buy a house that is bigger than you can afford or need, you end up spending extra money on longer debt payments, increased taxes, higher upkeep and more things to fill it. Some people will try to argue that the increased value of the house makes it a good investment, but the truth is that unless you are willing to downgrade your living standards, which most people are not, it will never be a liquid asset or money that you can ever use and enjoy.

* Just a Repost