Cinematic Venice Italy!

Published July 12, 2013 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

I know I haven’t’ been posting about my travels for more than a year now and many has been questioning me already – but Yes! I’m still a Flight Attendant. I still do travel. I’ve been to Cairo-Egypt, Copenhagen-Denmark and Verona-Italy this year and a lot more. It would be the same reason why I haven’t posted anything lately. It’s either I’m busy with photo shoots, gym, too lazy or no time because I always go home to Manila during my long day offs to see the development of the renovation of my Condo unit.

For many, a desire to explore the world is hard to ignore, but for me I’ve always have a desire to see the place whenever I saw it in movies, series or even history book or travel channels. I love places with so much stories. It fascinates me. It makes me want to be in that place wherever it is. Thank God for this flying career that sends me to almost any destination I want.The canals and architecture of Venice make it especially cinematic that made it one of the favorite location for movies like The Tourist- stars Angelina and Johnny Depp in a romantic thriller that takes place almost entirely in Venice. It’s a beautiful look at the city of Venice so worth watching for the scenery and who can’t forget about Venice’s role in Indiana Jones third installment? Venice is one of several locations featured in the explorer’s quest for the Holy Grail.

Connecting the districts of San Polo and San Marco across the Grand Canal in the heart of the city, the Rialto Bridge has always been busy crossing in Venice.

The crowd there will convince you that you are at the most famous square of Venice. It is the largest square in Venice and you will see people sitting and enjoying their wine, artists drawing portraits, and notorious pigeons flocking around the tourists. The impressive St. Mark Basilica is a must-see.Get down at Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge to cross the Grand Canal. There are a variety of restaurants here. Have your Lunch and wander about lazily on the streets of Venice. Cross the tiny bridges and have a peek at the real Venice, You will feel that the city seems to exist for tourists alone and most of these houses are either hotels or empty.

*** Again please be aware of impostors and scammers who keep using my pictures! –https://starvillanueva.com/2011/04/30/beware-of-scammers/

Me and Manhattan

Published October 31, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

* 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: https://starvillanueva.com/2009/06/28/central-park-new-york-usa/

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.

Fun-Filled Tagaytay Zipline Adventure

Published July 19, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

“When you’re with your family, it’s always a precious moment that money can’t buy”

The Day Started by attending an early mass at Antipolo Church (around 4am) and a Coffee zip in Mcdonalds! Then my mom and I saw the Tagaytay Zipline on a Newspapers’ frontpage! Since we were blessed with bright rays of sunshine and no sign of rain that morning, we thought of going to Tagaytay! Tagaytay is one of the place my family and I always visit, it’s near, it’s cool, it’s refreshing.

This time, we tried Picnic Groves’ Zipline! I love the feeling I get when the adrenaline is pumping through my body! Whether that be from bungee jumping, roller coasters, Parajump, skydiving, or other activities, I cannot seem to get enough of it. Some might call me an adrenaline junky since I am always looking for the next adventure!

We all soared above a lush jungle on a zipline! Since we are in the Philippines and not America, the safety regulations are quite different this giving you the option to be strapped in however you wish. My choice was to fly face first while lying on my stomach, like Superman. (Since I already tried being strapped in Harness while sitted in Singapore’s Sentosa Zipline which I should blog next time.) You are secured by a few straps that are supposed to be one size fits all. My 10-year-old sister and I both had the same size of harness.

I felt extremely secure because the strap was invading my personal space. Besides flying higher than a football field above the ground, the view encompasses a reflection of the center part of the volcano off the crater lake that has formed from a previous explosion. Best part above all (in my opinion) is that they have their own photographer to click a photo of you while your up in the air! The Photo will be given after 10-15mins! Wow! I love souvenir photos especially rare moment ones!

After Picnic Grove had an early dinner at Josephine’s, Starbucks and Tierra de Maria. With its cool climate and close proximity to Manila, Tagaytay has evolved from a mere quaint, transient stopover to one of the country’s favorite holiday and weekend retreats. What’s so special about Tagaytay? The food, the place, the climate, the price – everything except that it will probably make you fat to go there often!

* View The Rest of The Pictures: July 2010

Hollywood – Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles

Published June 5, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Hollywood is known for a lot of things, like the set tours of different movies, thrill rides themed with timeless movies like Jurassic Park and Saw, and of course, the overall experience that you get an insider look at how movies are made, Universal Studios Style. I’ve been lucky enough to get to visit the Universal Studio Theme park in California several times in my life. Each time I’ve gone had been an amazing, fun experience that always leaves me looking forward to my next visit.

The new ride on my last visit was The Simpsons Ride, . The Ride was converted from the old Back To The Future ride; it’s a simulator ride that’s intense. It’s theme is adorable. Even though you’re technically not going anywhere, you are moving around in your ride car, and there’s even a part that simulates a rollercoaster ride, When you get to universal this is one of the first thing you should go because for sure you’ll want to ride it twice before the lines goes long!

Enjoy the ride then get straight back on and take a look around, you get a birds eye view of Springfield and its really detailed and impressive. Springfield is the fictional city in which the American animated television series The Simpsons is set.

It’s a simulator you sit it this car and watch this huge screen it has lots of effects so that it really doesn’t feel like a simulator with lots of thrills and the unexpected but everyone gets back to earth safely with a few laughs along the way. Water gets sprayed at you too and does it quite well. Very fun! It feels like a rollercoaster with out going upside down of course but still camera is not allowed inside the car. The surprise at the end is funny too. Dont forget to smile.

House of Horror – Universal Studios Hollywood turns into one big real-life horror flick. Using inspiration from popular Horror films. It’s better not to show your fear. Even if you are scared, don’t show it. If you run away screaming, Either Zombies, Freddy, Jason, Chuckie, Dracula or Frankenstein may follow you especially in the scare zone, because they have a lot of room and there are blinking lights in all the mazes which makes it harder to walk or run!

Lastly, hit a water ride! You will absolutely get wet on the Jurassic Park River Adventure water ride. Riders take a boat through waters where man-eating dinosaurs roam and be prepared for the long drop at the end.

A multi-level outdoor escalator, which give you some breathtaking views of the city. If you’re afraid of heights, If you’re afraid of heights or escalators, there are stairs (also outdoors) which run parallel to the escalator (good luck) — there are plenty of people who use them, God bless them! It will be a major journey!

Aside from the main Universal Studio Hollywood theme, there’s also the CityWalk entertainment strip, which does not have any entrance fee. At hopping City Walk there’s plenty of places to eat, including the Hard Rock Cafe. There’s also night clubs, bars, and a movie theater to see the latest movies. It’s really a more grown up experience in comparison with Disneyland.

***See The Rest of The Pictures***

Hollywood Truly Comes Alive with it’s STUDIO TOUR!

Published June 4, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Universal Studios Hollywood is the only movie and television-based theme park to offer guests the authenticity of a working movie studio. It will really make you feel like you’re part of the movies.

We Were actually in Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane…

* A scene from Desperate Housewives…

The tour of the park was really interesting. Trams go down to the Universal back lot, where they’ve filmed thousands of movies. You have to stay on the tram. But at night, you get off the tram and at literally five feet away from Bates Motel (from the movie Psycho) and the War of the Worlds set and JAWS (yup, the shark actually comes out to attack!).

Passing through one of the film’s most highly recognizable scene from a set left completely intact from Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, “War of the Worlds,” guests aboard the Studio Tour will observe a small town devastated by an elaborately 747 jetliner crash. Maintaining scenic authenticity, a series of special effects dramatically enhance the surrounding ruins with still-smoking wreckage and shattered debris.

*747 Aircraft from the scene “War of The Worlds“

* The Fast & The Furious

*The Fast & The Furious – Tokyo Drift Cars

Courthouse Square – A large town square named after the imposing Courthouse building most famously seen in the Back To the Future trilogy. The square has been seen in hundreds of Universal films (and those of other studios).It’s currently appearing in the CBS TV drama Ghost Whisperer.

For More Detailed Description Visit: http://media.universalstudioshollywood.com/attractions/about_the_attractions

See The Rest of The Studio Tour Picture: http://starvillanueva.multiply.com/photos/album/130/Hollywoods_Universal_Studio_Walk_of_Fame

Delta Airlines Experience MNL-NRT to LAX!

Published April 3, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes”

Early Morning of March 26, My family and I drove off to NAIA to catch Delta Airlines Flight from Manila to Los Angeles with a stop over in Narita-Tokyo, Although they were using B747 that can accommodate 400+ passengers it was still full load! As a standby/chance passenger -I didn’t make it. Only my family went through because they paid full fare thus prioritized.

I was left alone in the airport with so much hope that I can still make it through the flight then I’ve just decided to “bother” a friend of mine who live just near the airport then tried to search other possible transit connections in the internet. Irene’s family welcomes me so much that made me somehow forget the disappointments I’ve had that morning. They cooked for me and entertains me until I get well! =)

Next day, March 27, Delta Airlines is Full flight again! My vacation is really short kaya dapat sulitin! But then, I have no choice but to buy a full fare ticket! Shocks! My eyes are literally close while signing my credit card receipt! I can’t believe it cost $466 USD for a one-way-ticket to Narita! (Less than 4hrs away!) Grrr!

In Narita, there are 2 airlines that accept Zed Tickets (Airline staff discounted/reduced fare ticket), which is Korean Air & Delta. Korean Airlines is full and Delta is 2hrs-delayed departure but the passenger load is quite ok. It was 9 ½ hrs more before I reached LAX Airport, the Flight Attendants were friendly even managed to have pictures with them.

In Los Angeles, I immediately received a text message! That I should just take a shuttle bus to the hotel from where they are staying! I’ve been to L.A a lot of times but it’s my 1^st time to land in that airport without anyone to pick me up!

Though once again alone and independent, I just think on the positive side that my family trusted me so much to let me search for them! Hahaha! But anyway, they are staying in Katella Ave. in Anaheim which can easily be found coz it’s just 5mins. walk from Disneyland.

After more than 14hrs of travel time, there I was asking around… and find a good deal in primetime shuttle, it was a door-to-door shuttle from the airport that cost $18 USD.

Guess what!? After the long waits, tiring delays, no sleep long haul flights, I still managed to walk around and enjoyed the rides in Disneyland! Like what I’ve said: My vacation is really short kaya dapat sulitin!

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 2^nd 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.

See The Rest of the Tour Pics Here:

1. Rome, Italy (October 11-13)

2. Rome, Italy (October 16-18)

Walking in ROME… ITALY….

Published October 15, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history.

After 3 years of being a Flight Attendant who would believe that it’s my first time to be in Rome! As mentioned on my previous blog post, I was given 3 days Rome flight before but I swapped it for 24hours Manila because it’s Christmas Season. It was actually my fifth month of bidding this flight, at last they gave it to me! 2 Rome Flight in a row – back to back!

Arrived in our hotel (Sheraton Roma) past 8 in the evening. While in the lobby we all agreed to get ready in 15mins. To have a late dinner in the mall, at first I was hesitant to agree because I don’t have jacket and it’s freezing 9 degrees that night. Then while waiting for the Taxi the concierge told us that the mall is just open till 9pm only, so we’ve just decided to have a snack in the hotel. We ordered for Margherita Pizza, they ordered for their wines and since I don’t drink any alcohol beverage I just tried the Italian Cappuccino but it seems like Machiatto because it has more espresso shot and less froth milk. We all had a great chat that night about funny rants & gossip among our flights…hehe! Just Kidding!

Next day, it’s 14-16 degrees Celcius but it’s very sunny. We left the hotel around 11am, walk around, walk, and then walk again! Rome is best to explore by walking. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. All other tourists are geared up with their boots, jacket or on a double clothing so they were all looking at me wondering why I’m the only one there without sleeves! Eh anong magagawa ko hindi naman ako nilalamig, so why be bothered to blend with them? But finally had the feeling that I’m cold after few hours and after eating lots of gelatto plus as a defense against the sun so nag long-sleeves na ’ko…

I can still recall the imitations of the Roman Colosseum I saw before in my previous travels such as Macau (See the pic here it looks the same but definitely smaller) The Colosseum is a tremendous amphitheater, the embodiment of both the grandeur and cruelty of the great Roman Empire. Construction of the Colosseum began about 72 AD and ended in 80 AD and has a capable of seating 50,000 spectators.

The Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most loved landmark in Rome after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and due to its enduring appeal this baroque fountain is probably the most photographed monument in Rome.

There’s a saying that when one visits the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, one should throw a coin in the fountain to ensure that one will get to visit again. Luckily, I have other countries coin or else I’ll throw away another 2 Euros! But what’s 2 Euro if you will experience your wishes can come true!

Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill In this post we started by walking though the Capitonline Hill. Many of the current structures on the Hill are from the Medieval period or designed by Michelangelo during the Renaissance. Along the way, you’ll see people in costumes that will let you have a souvenir photo for an amount of 2 Euro…

After several pictures, we get to enjoy dinner at a very nice restaurant near the Fountain di Trevi. It was along the side of the street, with umbrellas and they were preparing candlelight dinner for evenings. When in Rome, we surely did as the Romans do. We had gelato, as there are shops in every other corner of every piazza. I could not get over the number of delicious flavors of this creamy Italian ice cream.

We Reach through taxi the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps. They said a trip to Rome would also not be complete without a visit to the – Spanish Steps, the most famous square in the city then Climb its 138 steps!

Ways To Enjoy Singapore

Published October 5, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Singapore is simply amazing! Our 2 ½ stay in Singapore is not enough. There is much more to see and do. From the famed Chili Crab and Hainanese Chicken Rice to Sentosa Island and the Singapore Zoological Gardens. Experience for yourself the towering skyscrapers in the business district, the hustle and bustle of the Orchard Road shopping belt or the friendly chatter of Singaporeans going about their daily tasks in the heartlands. The number of activities that can be packed into this pulsating island, day and night will astound you. And the best part is that you can visit Singapore at all times of the year as its tropical climate means sunshine all year round.

After 8hrs 20mins travel time from Doha to Singapore, Finally arrived at the Hotel (Holiday Inn Atrium) around 3pm of Sept 28. Jero was then waiting for me in the lobby since 12 noon, he arrived on the same day, from Manila via Philippine Airlines and he just booked his ticket online on the last minute because he just knew that I have a flight to Singapore.

From the hotel we made arrangements for our tour in the Night Safari. Minutes later, a shuttle service came at the hotel to fetch us and all the other tourists from other hotels in downtown, it was $58 Singapore Dollars per person. But next time I rather go to Sentosa, it’s more enjoyable and picture friendly unlike Night Safari where it’s not allowed to take pictures to the animals because they said camera flash may cause blindness to the Nocturnal animals, etc.

The Night Safari (they call it Singapore Zoo during the day), where it has been much acclaimed for its open landscape and spaciousness wherein the animals live in enclosures simulating that of their natural habitat. The zoo is filled with exotic animals like white tigers, polar bears, and Asian elephants etc. It is the world’s first such attraction. We experienced wildlife on a 45-minute tram ride, we refused the Walking Trails to get a feel of the park in eight geographical zones covering forty hectares of forested park. The sight of watching over one hundred different species of nocturnal animals (including leopards, lions and tigers) is simply amazing and something you will always remember.

At Underwater World in Sentosa Island, the hidden life of the sea unfolded before our captivated eyes as we plumbed the depths of the underground living museum that houses some 2,500 marine and freshwater animals of 250 species from various parts of the world.

Inside the oceanarium, a travelator moved us along a submerged glass-encased tunnel from which we watched at close range a plethora of underwater creatures including stringrays, eels, turtles, jellyfish, sharks, sea cow (also known as dugong) and other fishes.

Also tried Singapore’s tallest observatory tower, still located in Sentosa offering guests panoramic views high above sea level across Singapore even up to neighboring Malaysia and the Indonesian islands. The Tiger Sky Tower has a capacity of 72 in its enclosed, air-conditioned cabin.

No trip in Singapore is complete without Shopping. Singapore is a Shopping haven for fashionistas around the world. It has the best brands, the best shopping malls, at fantastic bargains and if Saks Avenue or Beverly Hills needs a little competition, Orchard Road it is! There is just way too many great shopping malls not to be missed and our friend can spend hours shop, window shop or just walk around the Orchard Road area to soak in the city’s atmosphere.

* View All The Picture of Singapore Tour

CENTRAL PARK (New York, USA)

Published June 28, 2009 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

Central Park is one of those places that make New York such a great place to live. The huge park is located in the center of Manhattan. Its design is an example for city parks around the world.

Literally dozens of well known movie and TV scenes have been shot here including: Ransom, One Fine Day, Bullets over Broadway, Home Alone II, Serendipity, Made of Honor, Angels in America, Cruel Intention, 27 Dresses, Superman Returns, I am Legend, Autumn in New York, The Happenings, You’ve Got Mail, Maid in Manhattan, Sex and the City, Gossip Girl and more. For more info go to IMDB Central Park Filming Location.

Bow Bridge completed in 1862, is one of the most photographed and filmed locations in Central Park and it deserves every bit of its star reputation. The bridge also provides the perfect view from to watch the slowly moving row boats as they glide across the lake, or to photograph the skyline over Fifth Ave. as it rises from the leafy skirt of trees that edge it. It is one of the most popular, and best known, spots to meet and has hosted numberless romantic moments, both on and off the big screen.

The Mall The 40foot wide Mall, flanked by its majestic rows of American Elms, provides the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in any season. One can easily imagine the scene a century ago, women with parasols and men in top hats perambulating towards the Concert Ground that stood adjacent to its northern end. Now you are more likely to find skateboards than waistcoats, but the effect is still the same and even the visitors on wheels are apt to slow down just a bit and admire the cathedral-like ambience.

The Loeb Boathouse, one of the most famous icons of Central Park is located at the northeastern tip of the Lake and houses the Boathouse Restaurant. It is a romantic setting for dinner on a mid-summer 19s evening, watching the sun sink behind the trees and maybe catching a venetian gondola.

Bethesda Fountain rises high above Bethesda Terrace looking over the hundreds of visitors that come every day to enjoy the view of the Lake and relax at the “heart” of the Central Park. Besides being a favorite destination of park visitors in search of a cool place to spend a summer afternoon. Bethesda Fountain is also a celebrity in its own right. It has probably appeared in more movies than any other monument in the park, exuding a timeless romantic charm that makes it a perfect backdrop for cinematographers.

North Meadow Recreation Center is, at 23 acres, one of Central Park’s largest open areas. Ball fields first appeared there in the 1870s and it has been extensively refitted with carefully managed baseball diamonds which are in use throughout the spring and summer. Located just to the north of the reservoir the gently rolling landscape around it creates a slightly more secluded ambience. It also houses a state of the art fitness center, which includes basketball courts, handball courts and two climbing walls.

Strawberry Fields, On December 8^th, 1980 John Lennon was shot dead at 72^nd St. and Central Park West. Mr. Lennon had taken many walks with his wife and young son through the friendly confines of Central Park. On March 26, 1981 His widow, the artist and performer, later donated $1 million to the Central Park Conservancy to re-landscape and to maintain the 2.5-acre tear-drop-shaped parcel of park landscape. Strawberry Fields opened on October 9, 1985. Every October 9^th since then has seen an all day vigil of people of all ages from around the world; fans of his music and believers in his vision.

Source: http://www.centralpark.com/

LOUVRE MUSEUM (Paris, France)

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

“Pictures are archives of our lives”

The Louvre Museum in Paris is the biggest and most visited art museum in the world. Its collection of approximately 35,000 pieces is exhibited over 60,000-square-meter floor area. Among the many famous collections in the museum are Venus de Milo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Louvre Museum, well-known museum from the movie The Vinci Code. Displays the famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and many other first class paintings from across Europe. Leonardo da Vinci used his finger to eraseoutlines and create an impression of fuzziness.

The Louvre is bathed in natural light that reduces the use of energy while providing a dramatic view of the sky and the outline.

Instead of a conventional building constructed above ground that might draw attention away from the original museum, the new underground complex remains low key while providing the necessary additional space required by the project. By building underground the land is also efficiently used by maintaining the open space above.

Leonardo da Vinci painted there the Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1506. The subtle smile of the Mona Lisa is world famous. Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 in Amboise, one of the favorite towns of the king.

This huge canvas once adorned the refectory of the monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Here, Veronese, acclaimed as a colorist and for painting vast, multifigured scenes, chose to depict Christ 19s first miracle, performed during the Marriage at Cana.