How Did You Find Your Ever After?

While sipping my first cup of green tea for the day, I am consciously contemplating whether to continue this post or not.  Ever since I opened up my topic to my husband I was endlessly teased to be too "cheesy."  Well, I am.  It's the first of February and what else can I think about but anything in red.  The happy kind of red.

I have finally decided.  So here it is fellow "cheezbols."  A few college semesters ago, my best friend and I made this study about real life love stories whether it was fated or just mere coincidence .  Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, we submitted it for our English subject as a pseudo feasibility study.  We did pretty good though.  Anyway, I digress.  We got our data from our classmates.  No, not their love lives, their parent's.  If they are luck to know their parent's stories.  You will be surprised some of those stories are just amazing, and you thought soap operas only exist in TV.

I would love to post two unforgettable stories we have included in our study unfortunately I don't have the permission to do so.  However, I think I am already in that age group where most people I know and acquainted with has already established their own love story.  And for this month, in celebration of heart's month, (I'm Filipino, I basically celebrate any occasion in long period like Christmas), I would like to post some stories of people who found their way to their own ever after.



So here goes my golden question,....(embarrassed and wincing) would you like to be my subject?



I'd love to hear your story.  Of course I would ask for your permission before sharing it to my precious readers.  Otherwise, I would just like to know your story.  Maybe one day, when your kids are all grown up and suddenly ask you how and when your story started its always nice to reminisce.

I would be selfish if I wouldn't share mine, right?  Without sounding too korny, we laid eyes on each other while at a ravine.  Yes, its the most romantic place I could ever imagine.  Kidding aside, I was at a point in my life where I just want to work my arse off as I was still licking some wounds from a very terrible heartache.  That was 2003 fresh from board exam and too eager to practice my profession.  As I try to enjoy a life of freedom and meager earning I found a friend along the way.  We stayed friends for over a year and before we bid 2004 goodbye we were officially an "us."   Majority of our "us" was spent over text messages and long phone calls as he lives in Luzon and he is always assigned very far from the city.  We are lucky to meet once or twice a year if our leaves are granted at the same time.  I think we were one of the pioneering prepaid subscribers of sun cellular unli- text and call.  Cell sites are hard to come by on mountainous areas that is why calls are preferred and is considered an indulgence for both of us.  He has to go near a school flag pole just to get a signal, imagine my "kilig" for the things he does.  I guess this is the perfect moment to thank Sun Cellular for their unli- services.   Like all normal relationships we had some slight bumps before walking down the aisle.  But all in all, everything worked out just fine.

So, how about you?  How did you find your ever after?  I found mine during a sunny day full of dust and boulders while trying not to trip over and roll down the ravine.  Who would have thought I'd find mine there.  To quote Toni Gonzaga (Filipino Celebrity whoc recently got engaged)---- You don't chase love and friends....true love and true friends will just come. 


NOTE: So I noticed that nobody actually posted or even commented that they'd like to be my subject.  Hey, if you want to be anonymous, send me an email thru maruya24@yahoo.com or send me a thumbs-up thru my facebook (if you are in my circle, sorry my profile is private)  please do let me know.. can't wait to hear your story! 

Celebrate Vday Like a Sheik

It has been two days since the big heart's day but still, it is never too late to extend it till the weekend. What with Valentine's falling on a workday, naturally you'd end up calling in sick the following day so you could celebrate this big day with a bang. But what if there are options where you don't have to lie to your boss about the headache-stomache-pain-all-over excuse? And yes, there are options. Luckily I found informations from Abu Dhabi Life where you can celebrate Valentine's over the weekend:

The Monarch, Dubai
Mandara Spa Valentine’s package includes couple traditional body polish, Balinese massage and refresher facial for two hours.
Price: AED 950 per couple
Contact: 04 501 8888 for more information and reservation.

Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman

 Activities includes a rejuvenating couple’s journey at the award-winning spa, a fun and engaging Arabic cooking class with Zighy’s chef. Dining experience atop the resort’s tower or Sense on the Edge, 293 metres above sea level.
Price: $ 875 per person per night.
Contact: +968 2673 5555

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Romantic dunes of the Liwa Desert with complimentatary Valentine’s chocolates on arrival. Unwind together and soothe your sense in the Anantara spa with a 90-minute Desert Romance Massage and toast to the occasion with a glass of bubbles post –massage. The decadent experience continues into the evening with a private three-course candlight dinner in the dunes, served by your own private chef and buter
Price: AED 4760
Contact 02 886 2088

Desert islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Unwind with a 90-minute massage at the Anantara spa. As you head into the evening, meander down to the idyllic beach for your private three-course candlelight dinner and devour gastronomic delights accompanied by a bottle of bubbly.
Price: AED 3620
Contact: 02 801 5400

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the comfort of your own room as the Ritz-Carlton Dubai transforms your balcony into a private dining haven. Enjoy a customized four-course menu and a bottle of exclusive bubbles served by your personal butler. A bouquet of roses is included Price:
AED 2000 per couple
Contact: 04 318 6150

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

Flowers and chocolates are a good start , but what could be a better way to impress that special someone on Valentine’s Day than with an unforgettable meal in a romantic restaurant? Experience a special six-course Venetian menu while listening to a live violinist. AED 675 per couple, inclusive of a glass of Italian bubbly or welcome mocktail or AED 975 per couple, inclusive of a glass of Italian bubbly and beverage pairing from Veneto region.
Contact: 04 448 4860

Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah

Only an hour’s drive from Dubai, this hidden getaway is nestled between the Hajaar Mountains and the Indian Ocean, making for some breath taking views. For your special romantic getaway enjoy a two night stay complete with breakfast, a therapeutic massage and plently of chocolates, flowers and bubbly to keep you refreshed. On Valentine’s Day enjoy a sumptuous three-course meal, complete with bubbles, to truly treat your partner.
Price: AEd 3300
Contact: 09 244 9700

Atlantis, The Palm

If you are planning a little rest and relaxation with your loved one this Valentine’s Day, ShuiQi Spa & Fitness at Atlantis is offering The Couples Indulgence Signature Treatment comprising of three hours of pure luxury in the Royal Spa Suite. A gift to the senses, which incorporates a cleansing ceremony, a combination of different massage techniques and the healing of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is sure to suit your needs.
Price: AED 3360
Contact: 04 426 1000

Al Hamra Fort and Beach Resort

 Located on the stunning white beaches of Ras al Khaimah, head over to this resort to escape from the big city stresses and reconnect with your partner. To truly make your Valentine’s Day experience sparkle, how about dining under the stars? Celebrate your love with a deluxe four-course set menu, complete with caviar and bubbles. Sitting in the secluded garden gazebo at the Le Chalet Garden area for a private way to enjoy the inky black sky as you linger over your meal.
Price: AED 1499
Contact: 07 244 6666

Banyan Tree Al Wadi Banyan Tree

Al Wadi offers city dwellers a unique retreat this Valentine’s, imagine; whisking your loved one to a sanctuary for the senses, a luxurious villa with all the amenities and more. With the dramatic allure of Al Wadi nature reserve as a backdrop, dine beneath a starlit sky with a private butler on hand serving your chosen BBQ. Or for the most intimate of tete-a-tetes, ascend to the dramatic Saffron Tower where a personal butler will orchestrate your dinners amidst soft sand dunes and the resort’s Bedouin tented villas Price: AED 1499
Contact: 07 206 7604

Oh, if the price is too stiff on your wallet, why not watch a Philippine Azkals kick balls at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on 16 February 2012 (shameless plugging - I'm not even watching but an officemate is!) Have a good weekend.

Red Letter Day

The countdown for the V day has already began.  By the time the calendar hits February every malls will be putting down the christmas garlands while putting up Cupid.  *Sigh* Love.  What can I say?  It can make you cry, laugh and completely gaga. So for those who are into the big hoolah over the red letter day, plans should be finalized by now.  And if your are stuck in a new city like Abu Dhabi I have some list I got from Abu Dhabi Life where you can spend your moolah and have a little lovin' at some of the city's restaurants on Valentine's Day

Gourmet Abu Dhabi Promotion at Beach Rotana

Chef Claire Clark of the three (3) Michelin starred The French Laundry will be preparing desserts and pastries on V-day from February 14-17, 2012 at Rodeo Grill and Café Columbia.

Contact: 02 697 9000 for more information and reservation

Café Arabia

A three-source set menu on the open air rooftop overlooking the Mushrif Park for AED 150 per perso with complimentary tea or coffee.

Contact: 02 643 9699 for more information and reservation

Marakesh Restaurant, Millenium Hotel

Moroccan inspired meal with a bottle of grape beverage, belly dancers and singers for AED 750 per couple.  The party starts at 8 pm.

Contact: 02 614 6000 for more information and reservation

Flavours, Sheraton Hotel

Indian cuisine buffet with live music for AED 185 including bottomless red and white wine and AED 150 with beverage. 

Contact: 02 677 333 for more information and reservation.

Bravo, Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Serves tapas dinner for a group of people with free flow of Spanish beverage for AED 155 per person.

Contact: 02 677 333 for information and reservation

Benihana, Beach Rotana

Features four-course menu for AED 249 per person with a glass of bubbly.

Contact: 02 697 9000 for more information and reservation

Boccassio, Intercontinental Hotel

Features a four(4) course set menu with a bottle of bubbly for AED 650 per couple.

Contact: 02 666 6888 for more information and reservation

Hoi An, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

Features a special four-course menu with welcome drinks and flowers for the ladies for AED 500 per couple.

Contact: 02 509 8555 for more information and reservation.

Afya, Traders Hotel Qaryat al Beri

Dinner for AED 125 person with a welcome rose and chocolate for the ladies.  It includes bottomless beverages.

Contact: 02 510 8818 for more information and reservation

Allure

Free chocolate-covered strawberries and bubbly at the terrace of Allure during sunset for couples.

Contact: 02 657 5400 for more information and reservation

La Veranda Restaurant, Sheraton Khalidiya

Valentine buffet for AED 400 per couple.

Contact: 02 666 6220 for more information and reservation

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Dinner buffet for AED 150 with bubbles and roses for the ladies.

Contact: 02 445 9600 for more information and reservation

The Park Bar & Grill, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Offers  four-course set menu for AED 1500 per couple with a bottle of bubbly.

Jones The Grocer

Three-course dinner for AED 299 per head.  The meal includes matched beverage for every course.

Now, the list will continue to grow, but for now, this is quite a selection of options depending on your budget, your time and your  zeal in celebrating Valentine's Day.

HostGator promos

Valentine's in Abu Dhabi Under AED 50

A few days before the V day, every flower shop is buzzing with so much redness. I don't think I could get used to seeing red in basically everything. Red stuff toy, red pillows, red balloons, red slippers, red robe - and I'm pretty sure there's more red stuff inside the shop. It could get too overwhelming. And so I was thinking, all the best restaurants here in Abu Dhabi are probably teeming with starry-eyed couples and credit cards are already too hot to be swiped. But that's the thing about this whole red letter day people often lose their mind spending everything they have for one day of bonding with a love one. (Please excuse my being a sore, I don't mean to be the Grinch of Valetine's Day. Anyhoo, there are still ways to celebrate the day without spending too much hard earned Dirhams in the city of Abu Dhabi.

1. Take out dinner. When I say take out, it doesn't have to be from the restaurant and in your flat. Pick the restaurant you really want to try, order some take out and set up a romantic dinner at your terrace, or the top of your building (if its clean). Scented candles are a hit here you can buy scented candles at the old Abu Dhabi Coop near Electra St. for AED 2. Exotic little shops where most food costs only from AED 15 - to AED 25.

2. Share a Sundae. Despite the cold temperature here especially at night, still it would be interesting to share a Sundae. Baskin-Robbins shops are everywhere. Make your own Sundae for as low as AED 30. So bundle up and heap those ice cream sundae of your choice.


3. Stroll along the Corniche. From Hamdan to Corniche you just take Bus No. 5 and you are on your way to romantic spot of the city and it only costs AED 1. Although its still cold in that area, sharing a seat with your lovey-dovey eases up the temp and hopefully warm you up. Enjoy the night lights while it reflects on the water.

4. Share a Grande. If you can share a sundae why not a grande right? Coffee shops are scattered here everywhere. Starbucks coffee will not cost you more than your day's allowance. Pick any coffee and share it with your loved one. Top it of with a big dollop of cream to make it extra special. Or you can also try Turkish coffee if you are a heavy caffeine taker.


5. Shisha Trip. Most coffee shops and small shops everywhere in Abu Dhabi have shisha or hookah. With just AED 10, you can inhale away the night. Shisha and a little chitchat makes a good Valentine date already. :)


6. Home Spa. After a day's work, anyone would welcome a foot rub or shoulder massage with jazz music in the background. Turn down the lights, spice up the mood with music and candles, buy those massage lotions at any supermarket. I found a packet that only costs AED 5.50. This one is for foot massages with cooling effect. Let him or her sit down ask them about their day then rub away!

7. Movie marathon. I know you'd say movies are expensive, you don't really have to go to a cinema to watch movies right? Try renting. Or try buying DVD's. Most DVD's cost AED 35 in Carrefour and Virgin Records. There are some which is on sale which only costs around AED 25 or less. Cook your own movie goodies like nuts, popcorns and a bag og M&M's and a liter of soda and you're good to go.  Nachos and dips are even available on the groceries.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate the love day. You just need to be creative and make the most out of the place where you are currently located. Or you can just forget all about it and work till you drop. Valentine's day is not even a holiday so why make a fuss right? Well, fine, I'll shut up killjoy!