Bucket List Check: Sky Diving

Published June 28, 2014 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

If you’re going to jump out of a plane you might as well pick somewhere beautiful… like Hawaii!

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I’ve made a reservation through online a week before going there. I even booked a shuttle service since the location is on the North Shore of Oahu quite far from where I am staying and nobody can drop me off there because of the fact that nobody knows I was going there till they saw the photos! Haha!

I barely slept that night thinking I was going to jump out of a perfectly nice aircraft at 14,000 feet!

Precisely at that moment I realized there is no backing out! It was an indescribable feeling!

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Falling at approximately 130mph towards the aqua marine blue sea, and the wind is rushing through your ears quite loudly as you try to grasp the magnitude of everything around you, it was surreal. I was trying to keep my eyes open the entire time because the view was beyond the word amazing.

The whole thing lasted about 12-15 wonderful minutes. It was absolutely spectacular. So spectacular, that makes me wanted to do it again!

The things you’ve always wanted to do? go ahead do them! It will be an unforgettable experience for you too.

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Proud of My Weekly Column at Philippine Star Today and The New Image Model-Endorser of BNY!

Published September 24, 2012 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Maiden Issue of my weekly Star Bliss Column at Pilipino Star Ngayon – September 23′ 2012

I have been postponing for ages to write the good news. Maybe because until now, I’m ecstatic and overwhelm with all the blessings that keep coming. I’m now an image model/endorser of Bunny Jeans or better known as BNY. I’ll be modeling their clothes in Philippines and in Middle East. My first photoshoot using BNY clothes was held in Doha, Qatar. I love all the clothes, it’s so comfortable & classy. I’ve already attended one of their events and then they introduce me in the stage as one of their endorsers. The feeling was so surreal, I’m so glad. Thanks to “Doha Trensetters” – The Company that imports brands such as Hammerhead, Dickies & BNY in Doha. They have a showroom in Montazah st. in front of Montazah Health Center. So readers from Doha, please visit their shop! They have variety of wardrobe collections from jackets to pants, shirts, polo and dresses.

I’m so excited to see myself on another magazine, but this time I’m in the cover. Honestly, I haven’t seen the layout yet but they said it’s now for printing and might be published next week. It is really something!

Ok, too much of being in the modeling side, here comes the other side of me. I’m so proud to announced that I now have a regular weekly column at Philippine Star Today (Pilipino Star Ngayon) my articles will be about beauty, fitness & health and yet another feature at Health Today Magazine is also coming out. I really consider it a milestone in my life that I will treasure and forever will be proud of.

I grew up reading health, beauty and fitness magazines and newspapers and here I am now. Having my own column in a real and well-circulated newspaper. God is so good. He will always give more than I asked for. I’ll be forever thankful.

So anyway, I shall finally post the pictures I got off the net for the BNY Catalogue and from my Intagram account at #StarVillanueva

I had shot this more than a week ago during the peak of summer season, Yes! still having photo shoot under the heat! So imagine the humid and I was wearing BNY checkered collection polo shirt but still looking so comfy! Good thing I shot some of it in a covered area, at least there wasn’t any direct sunlight all the time so no need to retouch my makeup often, since I’m doing my own makeup, it’s not that I don’t trust makeup artists but I just personally preferred to apply it on my own. I personally think that I did a job well done! Cheers!

*Once again beware of my posers (see details here)
* Please like my Facebook page

Fitness First!

Published August 30, 2012 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

I recently became a Fitness First Gym member. I took advantage of the 14 months membership because of its huge discounts. It’s just that when I exercised at home or hotel gyms, I already get used to do with what I am doing and experienced a plateau, a condition when the person exercising finds his fitness, strength or endurance staying at a constant level. Fitness First is perhaps the most popular gym in the worldwide. Reason? They have so many branches, mostly in malls, making them the most accessible gym anywhere.

The benefits and what I like about Fitness First gyms:

Free gym introduction session for new members
You can also use more than 500 Fitness First gym worldwide.
Secured gym access by swiping member card at the gym entrance gates.
Free fitness assessment and they recommend programs to lose weight, get fit for sport, build cardio fitness, strengthen muscles.
Many fitness instructors where you can ask help for gym equipment usage at any time in the gym.
Cardio exercise machines (treadmill, cycling, etc) have TV’s with satellite TV channels. You get a free headphone when you join so that you can choose TV channels and listen to it privately while doing exercises so that you won’t get bored.
Many Group Exercise classes! Fitness First has world renowned programs such as BODYJAM, BODYBALANCE, BELLYDANCE, BODYCOMBAT, BODYATTACK, RPM, BODYSTEP, BODYPUMP and other popular dance classes like YOGA, ZUMBA and SALSA and more!
You can participate in as many classes as you want and you don’t have to pay extra. Cool!
Members lounge and cafe bar (unlimited free drinks)
Steam room and sauna, it feels so good to sweat out!
Safety lockers to keep your stuffs and hot/normal hair dryers are provided.
Free DVD rental. You can borrow any of the 500+ movies and watch it at home.
Free use of computers and internet wifi. • Many fun member events and theme based fun classes during celebrations
Now you know why I joined to Fitness First gym. Joining Fitness First is really worth the money spent.

Part of my motivation to stay fit is to wear to exercise clothes and accessories! My friends are telling me that its just my excuse to go shopping! haha! I love my Pink boxing gloves, It’s still so girly despite of throwing heavy punches! Pink is all that matters! (Photos are from my Instagram account, Follow me @ #StarVillanueva )

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

Published April 30, 2011 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

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!

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.

Fire Fighting Drill II

Published October 26, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of the traveling public. Drill scenarios will provide crewmember with the opportunity to merge procedural knowledge with practical skills. Ability to successfully react to different fire situations will enhance level of confidence and to deal with fires in flight.

* While fighting a fire inside the lavatory mock-up. We have extra equipments to wear such as mask, Gloves, Glasses, have to carry a fire extinguisher and be calm as possible. Imagine if this is real situation!?! Probably, I’ll be the first one panicking! hehe!

* Next week, we’ll be going to Emirates Aviation Center in Dubai for another recurrent training about ditching and Slide/Raft inflation.

* Taken during our AB-Initio days when we joined the company 3 years ago. October 2006 (See all the photos here) 5 of my batch mates in this picture left already…

Travel Companion Gadgets

Published August 11, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Technology has made life easier and comfortable. Not so long ago, we had to check the hotel front desk for faxes or use Internet in business centers. Those days are over because today’s electronic gadgets definitely make business travel more efficient. There are different models of mobile phones available with lots of features for the people to make use of it. Gadgets are indispensable part of traveling whether you are traveling for business, pleasure or both. Some of them are necessary to help you get out of trouble and some are for entertainment. Here’s a list of my travel gadgets which you musn’t miss when you’re heading to a layover:

Iphones serve as a best travel companion for me primarily because of built in WIFI but it wasn’t just useful in a mobile context, Back in the hotel I received an e-mail which required me to write a reasonably lengthy letter in this case laptop are better. Also have little iPod Nano and I find it better to bring on the gym rather than iPhone. . Another best travel companion would be a mini laptop or netbook because they are convenient and lightweight to bring and they are very useful for frequent fliers of the world. With the help of laptops and the Internet facilities life has become so easy.

Whenever I travel, I try to pack as lightly as possible so that I will have more free space for my shopped items. Despite this, there’s key items that cannot be left behind like power adapters, to get all of my items charged and because different countries have different voltage ratings. Another gadgets that is included in my list are another mobile phone from where my local sim (From Philippines) are inserted. Next is Tungsten T5 Palm (My handheld financial organizer) since 4^th year High school! I’m used to its features and applications that’s why I can’t let go of it .

Legal Possesion of Firearms!

Published August 2, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

We live in increasingly uncertain times, in fact whenever we turn on the news channel or open a newspaper, there’s always unpleasant news about home invasion, kidnapping, rape or holdup around us. I strongly believe that women should have and be able to effectively use, a firearm for self-defense, and defense of others (children, in particular).

Besides from alarm systems and electric powered window grills, and the newest motion activated lights. I remember growing up with several guns in our home (For Safety) but a gun inside the house without training is like a dog in the park without a leash. It will only get you in to trouble. So it’s better to get some training before you get your own.

I may look innocent with my colorful girly outfits but I’m equipped with pepper spray and firearm! Being a businesswoman & investor gives me the license or permit to carry a handgun for (self-defense). The one I’m holding is Glock 17 9mm. I’m confident that it will give me a decent chance to do what is needed in time of crisis and a chance at surviving an attack. Better safe than sorry!

From Expert Advice: Gunlocks and unloaded are bad idea-they will keep you from using the gun in an emergency. A quick-access safe is the best choice-it keeps the gun out of sight, away from kids, but accessible quickly.

So the Story Goes… (July Vacation Summary)

Published July 31, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Living in my mom’s mansion is like living in a holiday resort. It’s a real comfort zone, every corner of the house are elegantly furnished and well decorated. It made me realized what I’m missing. I’m missing the life that I used to have. Few more flights & Travels and I might resign next year! I will resign NOT because I’m getting married, I will resign because I miss my life and I want to focus on managing my business, list goes on…

My leave started dining out in Pepper Lunch at Rockwell, shop 2 Carts of Groceries in Duty Free, Ate in Aristocrat Roxas Blvd. Then Went home in our previous house to get some stuff & check my mails then slept in our new home for the 1^st time.

My family & visitors can have an option to have breakfast by the poolside in our backyard, have lunch casually by the Zen type dining table in the kitchen or dine in the contemporary dining table at the other corner of the house with the view of the pool area or in one of the spacious balcony around the house, in façade or better yet eat while standing on the nook located in bar area. If your choice is none of the above then you can be humble to dine with the maid or driver in the mini-kitchen like my mom!

One gloomy day, my little sister Kristine and I decided to swim but it was very cold. Since it’s not sunny, I invited Christian to jog with me around the subdivision but to my surprise in the middle of our jog it became sunny! Thank God I have my umbrella with me! The 2 of us just ended up walking around. The neighborhood is very peaceful, the only public transport inside the village is 1 shuttle bus available 24hrs, security guards are patrolling from time to time, other homeowners are just busy gardening during that morning while some are cleaning their cars and polite enough to say Good Morning with a smile!

Few blocks away from our place was Maruja’s house (featured in my previous blog), I really like that house, it was so big and nicely landscaped, their swimming pool even have a bridge and no need to mention it was PINK! Loveeet!

Also saw Director Wenn Deramas’ corner house, they said Gabby Concepcion & Lorna Tolentino started filming new teleserye entitled “Dahil May Isang Ikaw” in that house. Ok enough of those Teleserye stories back to my vacation leave topic! Haha! The following evening was our house blessing & Christian’s sweet 16^th birthday celebration but it’s like a debut celebration! He has 16 gifts, 16 wish, etc. It was raining the whole day so the LCD projector was installed late but the party went well, and the menu from the caterer is nice.

Blue Water Day Spa

Next day, went to Baguio with Jero, walk around Burnham Park and SM, stayed in Veniz Hotel in front of Burnham Park then Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto the following day. I want to see lots of places such as mines view, etc but still have business to do for the day so we went back to their Goldland Resort, pick up some documents in pawnshops and visit their Drive-in-Hotel (Also owned by them) to pick up some stuff and to try our Guns in the mini-firing range!

July 21 – Is a long day, I was invited as a guest speaker at NCBA (National College of Business and Arts) for their 3^rd-4^th year HRM 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 speech 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! After the speech went to HRM room to have lunch courtesy of the School’s Dean. Then went to Gateway Mall simply because of craving Dairy Queen Ice Cream! Then went Blue Water day spa to have a soothing massage. Later that evening, we’re all in family hall having fun with videoke! (Will upload the pictures later)

July 22 – Jero’s family went over because they want to buy the 750sq. meters Mansion beside our house. It was initially offered to us by then P16Million! But months after my mom bought our house, the P16Million mansion decrease it’s price for only P10Million! Sayang sana yun nalang nabili ni Mama! Same price but much bigger! 6 Cars will fit in the garage! The owner said the reason why the value decreases was because nobody affords it and naremata na lang sa bank! (Foreclosed property) Sayang talaga! But anyway, Jero’s mom are interested to buy it but to my dismay it’s already SOLD the day before Jero’s mom went there to inquire!!! Sayang! Sayang talaga! Kung sila nakabili edi sana neighbor ko lang ang family ko in the future when I got married!

Burnham

We’re eyeing on the other house on sale but it’s not finalized yet dahil busy na ang sched ni Tita no time na to see the interior setting of the house and nagdadalawang isip pa because the garage can only fit 2 cars! Yes, it is a problem! & parang hindi ko masyado gusto ’cause the design was too simple (see here) then color beige pa parang ang dull, gusto ko bright colors! (Like this one) pero bakit ba ako nakikielam hindi naman ako ang bibili! Hehehe!

Before I left, we headed to Antipolo Church, it has always been my ritual to visit Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage on all my vacation leave. Later on, went to SoleMare Parksuites near Mall of Asia to see the developments. They said they will turnover the unit on December 2010, While my condo in McKinley Hill-The Fort will be on June 2012. Maybe by that time I should still have my nightstop kit or suitcase with me so that I can sleep over wherever I preferred!

***See Related Pics:

* Everyday is a Holiday

* Baguio & Pangasinan Tour

* House Blessing & Christian’s Birthday

Asus Eee PC (Mini-Laptop) for layover

Published September 20, 2008 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Just got Asus pc a tiny laptop that I can carry whenever, wherever. It’s True! It measures 8.9" 30 gb hard drive, Windows XP, wifi ready, built in & 1.3 megapixel webcam.

At first, I prefer iPhone since I already have a laptop and I just need a wifi but I realized I already have 3 phones! (for Smart,Globe,QTel) iPod and Tungsten. So I ended up buying mini-laptop that I can bring during my layovers since most of the hotels now offers free wifi connection. (It means I don’t have to go to QR crew lounge! hehe!) but I still want iPhone =( No – not now, I have to prioritize paying my credit card bills first because I just came back from vacation leave… hehe!