food

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Started the Year Right with Healthy Living and Photoshoot!

Published February 7, 2012 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

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!

Philippine STAR Ngayon

Published October 26, 2011 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

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.

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun & Adventure!

Published September 8, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

             

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.

Related Post: All The Pictures from my Recent Leave

Flying High at 25!

Published February 5, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva
“The secret to happiness is to embrace and appreciate everything that happens in your life. Take life easy and count your blessing… “

Planning for a birthday party is never an easy task. There are many things to consider and prepare for and since I’ve been flying a lot and I’m not based in Manila I handed over all the obligations to my sister Alma, besides from being an HRM college professor, she’s also a well-experienced event planner in fact she’s one of the coordinator of my 18th birthday held at Coconut Palace it was the biggest & grandest celebration I ever had!
  

Some 25 year olds might be thinking that they want their party to be a little more grown-up but I want my party to be close to my personality. Jolly, lively & Happy.  So we’ve conceptualized to make my profession as my theme for the party. Flight Attendants, Boarding pass invitations, Airplanes, Check-in Counter, and Baggage Counter – An Airport aura!
 It was held in Shangri-la Restaurant at West Ave. QC. The party started around 7:30 pm. It started with a song number “Beautiful Girl” by Jose Mari Chan. (It was a nice classic love song. I really like songs that make me feel serenaded that’s why most of my favorite songs are sung by male artists.) Since I don’t have an escort/partner or whatever you wanna call it, hehe! My 16yrs old brother came to the stage to dance me! “Tawa tuloy ako ng tawa sa stage kasi sabi ko wag na ako isayaw magmumukang JS Prom ang party! Hahaha!”

 I actually have no idea what’s in the program so everything is a surprise for me! I felt like a guest to my own party! Hehe! My sister didn’t even bother to tell me at least the sequence of the things that’s going to happen! At one point I was busy table hopping then I’ll just hear the host calling my name and believe it or not I haven’t watch the AVP until it was played during my birthday itself! But credits to Ingrid Cabrido for the well edited video presentation.

 After the AVP, another song rendered by the singer/host  from Abs-Cbn’s Singing Bee – Christopher Cose, entitled “How did you Know” (I never get tired of listening to this song everyday!) from what I remember, the chinese cuisines main course are already being served at this time.

 There’s more… there’s also a game! Mechanics are very easy, You must be able to say “Would you like Chicken or Beef” after drinking a pure calamansi extract! Most of the participants are the 4 pretty attendants during my birthday! They are the one in-charge in the registration/check in counter and lead guests to their seats. (I forgot to thank them during my speech (my apologies) pero super thanks talaga sa efforts. I’ll tell Alma to give you all a hundred score sa exam! Hehe Joke!)

 It was all good. Very worth it… I won’t mention any names na to avoid tampuhan, but thanks sa lahat ng pumunta you made it more special than it already was…THANKS for flying with me…

 

* View All The Pics

Another Eternal Tour in Rome!

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

“Stepping into the St. Peter Square in Vatican is indescribable. I’ve only seen this place in televisions, movies and read about it in books…”
 
 
 My 2nd time in Rome for the month of October! (The last time was Oct 11-13 See the pics here) Only few days gap but the weather changes extremely shocks me! The last time I was wearing sleeveless on a 14-16 degrees Celsius but it was so sunny so it’s still tolerable, but this time I was wearing long-sleeved but I don’t have my jacket with me. I thought it will still be sunny but to my surprise the climate became 9-12 degrees! It was freezing!

 
 

 Ms. Bulgaria, Ms. Philippines, Ms. Nepal, Ms. Algeria and Ms. India (It’s official, I miss speaking in Tagalog! 
 
The last time I’ve flown with fellow Filipina was last September! In my 3 years flying experience, it’s very rare if there’s no pinay mafia on board! hehehe!)The Vatican is the world’s smallest country, independent state, it is an autonomous region despite its close proximity to Rome. It has its own communication network, postal office (stamps), guards and transport system.
 

I usually preffered to join  2-3 crew, but this time we were 5 in the group but I didn’t regret joining them, we’ve had so much fun & laughter! Our tour begins waiting each other in the lobby of the hotel around lunchtime then took a cab, (I love the idea of riding the public transportation and walking on the neighborhood of the hotel. It gives you the real atmosphere of the place) went to

 
 Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter’s Square, Every tourist in Rome comes to St. Peter’s Square and to the Vatican. The church is one of the world’s largest, covering 5.7 acres and able to hold 60,000 people.
 
 

 

 
Aside from being the heart of the Catholicism, it is also equally attractive to other tourists since Vatican is home to one of the world’s most spectacular art collections. St. Peter’s Square is the one of the main destination in Vatican City. Situated right in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, it is the central nerve of the Vatican. Every day, hundreds of Christians, Catholic pilgrims and tourists of all stripes came here to visit this popular tourist attraction. I felt holy being here!

 
 
The exterior of the Roman Colosseum is made entirely of travertine, stretching 527 m around and four stories high. The arches of the second and third stories were originally filled with statues. There were 80 entrances, with the two principal ones reserved for the emperor and his entourage.
 We’re craving for authentic Italian food, fortunately the 2 restaurants that we’ve been for lunch and dinner fulfilled our expectation. The pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce is compliments the pasta delightfully then had a gellato and cappuccino afterwards.
  

 

 

A Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant on Vacation Leave

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

I was invited as a guest speaker at NCBA (National College of Business and Arts) for their 3rd-4th year HRM (Hotel & Restaurant Management) student with Tourism subject. The discussion firmly focuses on my travels to different countries, International Tourism, customer related information and life as a flight attendant.


 

 

My seminar only last 40-50 minutes but the question and answer portion made my stay longer. At first they were hesitant to ask, Later on they started calling Ma ‘am Star! Ma’am Star!  Ma’am Star from each corner of mini theater room even some professors asked few questions too. It turns out to be a conference!


 

I actually had fun speaking in front of a crowd while sharing my stories and of course with pictures along with my stories because I’m not the type of person who keep telling things what they have but no evidence or proof at all (but words). I’m just laughing in my mind while listening every time I’m hearing stories such as I have this-that, Bought this at and there. haha! But I rather be quiet. I’m used to those kinds of personalities already. Oh come on, words are not even considered hard proof evidence in court hearings. The Judge may just condemn you right away. What I mean is, if you have it SHOW it. End of story. Not just by words. As the saying goes, puro kwento-walang kwenta! Again, I rather be quiet and let you boast your exaggerations and that’ll make me a good listener. Hehe!


 

 

After the Seminar, The College Dean personally thank me and told me that I should come back, etc. Then we proceed to HRM room to have lunch because they prepared lunch for us. After that went to Gateway Mall, then had a soothing massage at Blue Water Day Spa in Capitol Hills. The spa has a great ambiance and greenery view of a golf course, it’s like being away from the busy life of Metro Manila but it’s just actually in Quezon City near Celebrity Sports Club. (See Their Website)

 

I won’t summarize my speech anymore because it’s so long, but here’s my final message to them “Never get afraid of things which are achievable by you. Nothing is Impossible in this world. Many individual who’ve had a dream in their

childhood and succeeded in achieving those dreams has proved it. So I suggest we should aim and dream for a goal and try to succeed them without any laziness & losing control of ourselves. Let’s make every time worthwhile because Time is Gold!”


 

 

 

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My Long-Term easy to follow diet

Published July 23, 2008 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

 

Not knowing the healthy benefits of it, I always like whole grain products such as bread, cereal, oatmeals & wheat bread eversince I remember. (Since I was in grade-school to be specific) I’m literally patronizing the high fiber diet  without me knowing it! I don’t even wanna call it a diet because it’s more of a routine for me. My grocery cart & suitcase on the way back to Doha (as shown in the picture) is usually filled up with oatmeal & granola bars – It’s my favorite anytime snack besides from chocolate. I ate a lot! I never deprive myself to eat whatever I want. If you deprive yourself you’ll just end up eating more. Another secret is that Eat-sleep-pattern is a big no-NO!!!

High fiber diet is "less strict" than many other diet plans. Just increase fiber consumption! Just focus on foods high in fiber so you should eat more whole grain foods such as cereals and bread. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber, as well as being an excellent source of important vitamins and minerals. Fiber is important for the health of the digestive system and for lowering cholesterol. Foods containing fiber often are good sources of other essential nutrients. This diet +  some  yoga  stretchings = Flat  Abs!

 

 


Phyto Fiber diet drink

Published July 22, 2008 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva


I ate a lot so I have to search for a helpful product that will help me maintain my weight.Well according to their ads it is a fast & effective way to eliminate congested waste matter, also helps lower bad cholesterol, cleansing function and anti-oxidant properties that promotes better complexion and has an anti-aging effect.  Out of curiosity  I was able to finished 1 box which contains  20 sachet.  (it cost  85 riyals here in Doha)  I’m not sure whether  it’s effective or not  but one thing I’m sure of is you’re not supposed to drink  it if you have other plans rather than staying at home!  because you’ll  definitely  end up going to the toilet after or 5-6 hrs!!!  =)