Hamleys opens in Manila

Opening tomorrow in the heart of Bonifacio city in Central Square, Bonifacio High Street is an institution in the world of specialty stores -Hamleys.  Welcome to the wonders of toys as it unfolds a kingdom of discovery filled with smiles and laughter. Stores Specialists Group Inc.(SSI) brings to the Philippines a global household name synonymous to toys that has more than 250 years of experience.  What was started by William Hamley in 1760 is now a legend in the hearts of millions of children all over the world. Showcasing a chic variety of offerings, there's definitely more than a handful reasons kids will surely love.

Visit and celebrate the festivities of the season and give your kids a reason to smile!

Holiday treats at Debenhams

Shop til you drop this season as Debenhams showcases a wide range of gift items for everyone. The choice is yours as the British brand offers chic pieces for him, her and the home.  Mix and matching ensembles and separates come in a variety of styles apt for the season.  With a variety of lines under the brand, there's practically something to suit any look.  From classic to romantic to preppy and street, you can't go wrong with any of their must-have staples for te holidays!  Shop til you drop and you don't have to worry because you'll never break the bank.

Discovering Taipei

Traveling to Taipei for the first is an adventure to an amazing world of contemporary lifestyle.  From the airport, it takes around an hour to get to the modern city.  The well planned skyway( a key to developing super cities) is like an easy drive through the countryside where one can see the optimistic future that lies ahead.  As one enters the city, you are welcomed with towering super structures and main roads surprisingly as wide as highways.  With bicycle and pedestrian lanes aplenty, the two wheel age old mode of transportation is seen everywhere and encouraged by the  government to be part of their growing culture amidst the fast-rising speed of modernity. At the center of it all is Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world - undoubtedly the main tourist attraction.  Walking around the city is a delight where art is alive as it welcomes your eyes with much amusement.  Modern buildings in amazing architecture display art on their frontage, and seemingly on the streets as well with performers.  At night, the city transforms into a shopping Mecca wherein one is treated to a whole new experience with an overload of night markets in key districts.  

One main attraction is the 24 hour library.  At its main entrance, the area becomes a major thrift shop with huge suitcases lined up at the sidewalk wherein one is surprised to a variety of finds from clothing to and even home decor. From

street to library shopping? As one enters the library, one discovers(aside of course from the countless bookshelves) at the basement a mini shopping area where you can find young up and coming designers and a wide range of kitschy and artsy pieces. 

From shopping to food, the super city is a gastronomic journey to the heart. Known for their street food of all sorts, Taipei surprisingly is a threshold of gourmet attractions.  From renowned international designer cafés to their very own fine dining specialties, the next "foodie" city is definitely at par with what their neighboring countries have to offer.

A must-try is their globally renowned mango ice shaving which was named by CNN as one of the top 10 desserts in the world.

Moving to the outskirts of the city, one can find the famous cable ride which brings you to the top of the mountains.  The 40 minute ride takes you crossing over several mountains where huge colossal temples can be seen. Upon reaching the summit, a breathtaking panoramic view of Taipei 101 unfolds.  Going back to the foot of the mountain is the famous zoo where countless tourists enjoy nature, its lush botanical gardens and a glimpse of the wild life.

Taipei presents a totally relaxed and adventurous setting for travelers who love food and bargain shopping. A unique experience for those who want a taste of a well-balanced lifestyle in a growing city just at the right time and pace.

Taipei 101.

Concrete wonder in the heart of Taipei 101.

District night market.

The view from Taipei 101.

A cable ride to remember over the mountains of Taipei.

Bird's eye view.

The art of grace found in the city zoo.

Keep the faith.

The upper lobby of the W Hotel in Taipei.

The famous party night attraction at the W hotel.

Poolside view.

Main lobby at the W Hotel Taipei.

Yummy all day breakfast menu.

Joel Robuchon in Taipei.

Interiors at Joel Robuchon.

Seeing red.

Forbidden fruit.

The must-try mango ice shaving was voted by CNN as one of the top 10 desserts in the world.  Be prepared for the long queue!

Lights on in the city of Taipei.

Modern art in the city.

Singing in the rain?

The art mob in one of Taipei's main city street.

Art is alive.

The Library.

The iconic Taipei 101 at night.

Architectural wonder at the airport.

A day in IKEA

Malaysia is truly one of the top shopping destinations in Asia.  This 2014, the country recently launched its fourth "Visit Malaysia Year"(VMY), a promotional year- long campaign celebrating that include countless special events and activities for tourists.  Hundreds of celebrations are lined up as Malaysia invites and welcomes the world in open arms to their cultural extravaganzas, parades, carnivals, sporting events and festivities. Aside from the amazing colossal structures located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where all the designer labels can be found, this author took a 30-45 trip out of the city to visit the biggest Home furnishing store in Asia-IKEA. 

Located at Mutiara Damansara, the store is linked by other renowned commercial centers like Ikano Power Center and The Curve which is one of this affluent and booming town's stellar attraction. The overwhelming sight of the place consists of 2 levels of car park below inclusive of 1,200 car park bays and 2 storeys of IKEA store above. One will be amazed with thousands and thousands of furnishing pieces you can think of and is literally a haven of everything you need for the home. You can get lost in this labyrinth of visual delight where one goes through the different areas of all things made simply beautiful. Countless ideas will run through your mind in this arresting showcase and display of furnishings. Modern designs unfold in a variety of wares practically made for the contemporary and practical households where living in style is made easy.  In between shopping overloads, you can lounge and take a break at the perfect dining setting-the IKEA restaurant. As a tourist, three hours isn't enough shopping time. To enjoy a leasurely treat in this shopping mecca, set a whole day to experience a different world that's simply IKEA.

 

No.2 Jalan PJU 7/2,Mutiara Damansara,
47800 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 

Store hours:

Mon - Thurs: 9.30am - 10pm
Fri - Sun, eve & on public holidays: 9.30am - 11pm 

Restaurant hours:

Mon - Thurs: 9am - 9.30pm
Fri - Sun, eve & on public holidays: 

9am - 10.30pm 
Breakfast is from 9 - 11am