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.

Quiet Mountain Retreat

Published March 2, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

“Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.”

A short 45-minute drive from the City’s major commercial areas will bring you to the property. We keep coming back to this resort not because of their casino but because of their ambiance, it’s a nice place to relax and unwind. It was located on top of the hill with an open pool overlooking a golf course, Laguna de Bay during daytime and the Metro Manila skyline at nighttime.

Around the facility can be enjoyed various recreation and leisure amenities, such as a charming infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi that overlooks serene Laguna de Bay and surrounding mountain ranges, meditation nooks, jogging paths, and kiddie playground for the young ones.

* Photo Taken Last Nov 2009 & May 2007

For the adult crowd, the resort offers the world-class Fiesta Casino, open for leisure and gaming needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hotel guests can feel right at home in the comfort of the gaming facilities, which are inspired by a fusion of classical Spanish and modern Filipino architecture reminiscent of a remote tropical island paradise.

For a relaxing weekend escape – Thunderbird & Goldland Spring Resort – is the perfect destination. As the name implies, these hotel chains is raring to soar high!

* Related Post:

May 2007 – Photo Album
Nov 2009 – Photo Album

Christmas & New Year Scenes

Published January 7, 2010 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

When I was a kid I used to dream of a white Christmas and as flight attendant, I guess I’ve experienced it all. Be it, green, blue or white christmas but no matter how far the distance I have travelled. I will still returned to a place called Home…

I flew to Manila on the 24^th of December through a Boeing 777 aircraft as expected we landed earlier than scheduled arrival around 2:30pm but due to the traffic because of the Filmfest Parade that afternoon we’ve reach Diamond Hotel in Roxas Blvd. very late, passed 5pm already.

* These pictures are not yet uploaded in my website because it’s not yet high quality pictures (I just grabbed it from my Mom’s friendster account) I left my memory card back home, but will soon upload it…

I really enjoyed every moment, spent the whole time eating delicious home-cooked meals and sinful desserts! Then we gather around the tree to open our presents, Alma was the one hosting the gift giving while we were simply waiting for our names to be called. Our house is filled with laughter. Then later on made myself busy singing over the course of the evening while my cousins are enjoying their wine in the pool area.

The following day, I flew back to Doha with such a nice crew and supervisor. While my family and cousins flew to Hongkong via Philippine Airline to spent my mom’s birthday and New Year there. I guess that’s the main thing my family and I have in common, we all love to travel!

The capacity of the aircraft that we’ve used has 42 seats in Business Class and 293 seats in Economy but we only have less that a hundred passengers in economy + 5 person in Business class. Very light load! Who wants to travel during Christmas day anyway? Except for business travelers maybe like Ms. Pinky Aquino (Kris Aquino’s sister) is one of our passenger that time, she even gave a greeting card to all the crew and were very nice. After 9hrs travel time I’ve landed in Doha around 12:05 am of December 26, slept then same day pick to Manila again!

Even if my whole family is in Hongkong (Dec27) my friends didn’t make me feel alone. They pick me up in the hotel as soon as I arrived then went to Mall of Asia, ate in Don Henricos, had an ice cream dessert in White Hat, watch a movie then Starbucks afterwards. Really had a great time! Indeed a Happy day prelude to a New Year!

* view the rest of the picture…

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

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

I’ll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the lovelight gleams
I’ll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

November Roster gave me 4 Manila flights – This month of December I have 3! Yehey! Such a Good News!

I really cried when I saw my December Roster because it’s what I’ve been praying for (Tears of Joy!) – to spend Christmas with my family and fortunately, I have flight to Manila on 24-25th! Just in time for Noche Buena. Further more, I’ll also be in Manila on my Mom’s Birthday on 27-28th! God is so good! I’m so thankful for all the blessings!

* Taken last Nov 16′ 2009 in our house in North Olympus QC

*Taken Last Nov 30′ 2009 in our 2nd House in Casa Milan QC

For the past 3 years I’ve been spending Christmas in-flight.. Finally, God answered my prayers, I’ll be home for Christmas…

November-December Manila Mania

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

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 3^rd-4^th 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!”

All The pictures of my NCBA Seminar – Click Here
House Blessing & Christian’s Birthday
Everyday is a Holiday!

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.

My Condo Unit…

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

I finally found the condominium with a perfect location. It’s in posh area of McKinley Hill in The Fort Global City. It’s very accessible from all vital roads in Metropolis. It’s direct access to the Makati business district through McKinley road by passing through Forbes Park. Direct access to The Fort, Ortigas and Airport through C5 road and Edsa.

When people think of buying pamper gifts for themselves, they usually go to the mall to check out cellphones, clothes, gadgets or Make-ups. But not me, I went out and bought myself a condo unit. Not bad for 24 years old lass. It’s just that I view home ownership as a part of being a responsible adulthood.

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My Mckinley Hills studio unit interior decorated by my mom..

Although, I still have my 2 existing bedrooms in my mom’s 2 houses in QC. I still want to pursue my dream of owning one. “iba kasi yung sense of fulfillment pag naisip kong sakin yun or pundar ko talaga yun” and I want to start buying home stuff in different countries then I’ll put it there.

I’m planning to stay at my condo whenever I feel like having my “Me Moments/ independence” or Every time may tantrums ako and I just want to be alone! Hehehe! Kidding aside, I just couldn’t resist the thought of wanting it, because it offers location of advantage, ease and convenience. The unit that I purchased is in front of Venetian Mall with Gondola ride in the impressive man-made Grand Canal. Parking will not be a problem.

It’s supposed to be zero down payment but I preferred to pay P500,000 downpayment to make the monthly mortgage low and the turnover lump sum on December 2012 will be less. I was about to get the unit on the 6th floor but then I’ve realized there isn’t much view on 6th floor so I chose 15th floor.

After 9 hours flight, when we reached our hotel yesterday (June 18′ 2009) where Qatar Airways crew stays. I began to write the details in my personal checks, but because I’m tired and sleepy. Some of the checks are just wasted because of date/year mistakes or my signature becomes Estretita instead of Estrellita! Hehe!

* Mckinley Hill Website

* Megaworld Corporation

* My First Real Estate Investment in Tagaytay

Merry Month of May

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

“Life is about getting the things you want the way you want it to be”

3 Manila Flight: I swapped my 4 days roster Munich-Germany and 2 days roster Milan-Italy while the 3^rd one is pulled out from Standby! It’s my 1^st time to be pulled out to operate Manila so I 19m so happy when they called unexpectedly! I had a nice time during the flight because of Filipina Mafia, around 9 hrs flying time is not that tiring – but for sure I gained weight because I can’t stop myself from habitual eating even if I’m not hungry! And everyone has food to share, from Najji 19s Pichi-Pichi & Puto, Tanj- Adobo, Michelle, Chicken Tocino, Giony- Ensaymada, Clarissa – Cheddar Popcorn and my Cinabbon Roll we just ate, munch and laugh whenever time permits!

While in Manila, I just do my usual errands, church visit, grocery, massage, facial, manicure, bought another shith zu with Jero in Tiendesitas, dinner in Burgoo-Timog. And because he knows I felt bad for not being able to attend Levi’s Sale in Greenbelt, he just surprise me with one. The next day, ate in Aristocrat-Roxas Blvd.

Then I went home, my family didn’t know I was coming. We celebrated my little sister’s pre-birthday at 10 in the evening, Gave my post Mother’s day gift and my belated birthday gift for my sister all at the same time. What a Cabin Crew life!

After trying my portable steam bath went to our new house in Casa Milan but the renovations are still going on and my mom are still busy enhancing the house’s security, completing the appliances, furniture and repainting the exterior and interior of the house so there’s no much pictures yet but a sneak peak!

Few Blocks away, I saw the house being used for the taping of Maruja (See Pics here). Also saw the location shoot of another show from ABS-CBN ‘Your Song’ in the clubhouse on the same day.

Then on my 3^rd Manila flight, I went to Global City – The Fort to see the model unit of Megaworld 19s Mckinley Hills I’ve been eyeing that project since December 2007. Now I’m torn between McKinley Hill, The Fort and Century City in Makati. Anyway, I’ll just blog about it some other time when everything is finalized already. My Journey to buying a perfect condo! Hehe!

* View The rest of the Pics Here

Osaka – Japan

Published July 5, 2008 by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2020 - Star Villanueva

July 4-5 2008

**More Osaka Pictures in my multiply Photo Gallery

* I love Osaka Flight!!! I don’t know this kind of flight exist! at 11 hrs flight it’s so unbelievable that no one press the call bell at all! Japanese passengers are so quiet,behave & shy – they don’t need anything! Some even have their own food with them while some of them are simply asleep!

* Sobrang nakakatuwa talaga yung flight! Ako na nga nag initiate mag offer ng anytime snacks sakanila (Which I don’t normally do) hehe! ayaw parin.. sabi ko nga "Just take it,take it!" Natutuwa talaga ko sakanila kasi Kabaliktaran ng Washington flight na puro P.G ang passenger at nagiging christmas lights ang cabin sa dami ng Call Bell!!!

* Just one thing I don’t like is that hotel is 1 1/2 hr away from the airport! but it’s in a nice & convenient location walking distance from subway, malls, restaurants and the hotel has free WiFi.. =)

* Didn’t get lost this time because I was with Mira (From Korea) she’s good in directions! haha! I love this girl! she’s so funny & we have something in common- Our child-like gestures! I wish to have Osaka layover again to buy more Shiseido cosmetics & skin care – it’s cheaper there compare to other countries!