May 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011

Batha Comes Undone

This topic is special to The Pink Tarha. However, it took us this long to write about Batha, the famous hang-out place of Filipinos in Riyadh. We've mentioned Batha a few times in entries yet we stall writing about Batha itself. But even though we've procrastinated for so long, we cannot not write about Batha. And this article, which detaches from our usual light, funny way of writing, will tell you why.


How do we capture the spirit of Batha? On its own, it emits a rhythm different from the rest of Riyadh. And the Filipinos know the tune by heart. Some say that you haven't been anywhere unless you've set foot, immersed in, and left Batha. For the other nationalities, Batha is just a place but we Filipinos give it an extraordinary meaning. This labyrinthine souk gives a sense of exhilaration; both jaded and hopeful. For us, Batha is a culture.

The place, the way of life.

Growing Roots

There has always been an inevitable pull, a need to go to Batha because most Filipinos go there and you need a place to grow roots in. It's a place where you find yourself hopelessly lost in the pockets of the familiar and the unfamiliar. You see it and you remember what it was like in the Philippines - busy, crazy, fascinating... nostalgic in a way.

On a Friday night, especially during the salary weekend, Batha is filled to the brim. You cannot go in because police cars are stationed in every entrance forcing vehicles to find other entrances to no avail. They close the place. Seriously, Batha is like a shop that they can close on hours they like because once Batha is packed, you'll wonder how on earth will you survive a stampede. Just in case there is one. Once the onslaught of vehicles containing Filipinos and other nationalities arrive, you cannot find a tiny spot in the huge parking lots that is empty. Not even for a half of your car. The sidewalk no longer caters to the masses but is an extension of the parking lot. You must be nuts to enter Batha at a time like this but Filipinos who know the drill, like die-hard fans, arrive as early as 4:00 in the afternoon (after the asr prayer) and never leave until the place empties out well into the night.


Goodies from the homeland.

What will you do in Batha? A lot, if you're up to it. For one, you'll find the familiar brands of grocery items in your list. The Pinoy Supermarket, one of the more familiar ones, offer a lot of products that are embedded into your soul, brands that you grew up with and settled in your taste buds like Oishi and Jack n' Jill. Or maybe choco mallows and krunchies. Lily's peanut butter and Star margarine perhaps? Or Philippine mangoes, saging na saba, and durian. You can even find these in the Arabic-named supermarkets like Al-Rajhi and Al-Swalim. They cost an arm and leg but what the hell. They're comfort food and comfort is scarce thus expensive in this side of the world. Freshly baked bread (oh heavenly pan de sal) and rice cakes are available too. Fresh meat and seafood can be found in small alleys and unpaved streets at the outskirts. This alley keeps a Quiapo. See, a Quiapo in Riyadh. How can this be? Quiapo is a restaurant though and just one of several restaurants that offer Filipino food in the area. All your food cravings are satisfied but of course, you will still feel incomplete: an ingredient missing, a sauce tasting different, if not far, from what you were used to, a gustatory experience losing its bite. Everything is from the Philippines but they're not just the same. You expected better but you take what is there. At least they're there.


Quiapo right here!

Everything seems to be cheaper in Batha, except the Philippine brands, that's why Filipinos go there for cellular phones, laptops, and appliances... you name it, they have it. Most salesmen are Filipinos too so you can discuss and ask for opinions and, more importantly, discounts. They will almost always give you presyong kabayan, even under the glare of their ibang lahi (other nationalities) counterpart. You can buy pasalubong for your vacation - from perfumes to slippers (er, flip-flops), sneakers, clothes, and chocolates. You buy them from your suki or from those perennial irritating but somewhat amusing ibang lahi shouting "Suki! Suki! Bili na, suki!" in their unique accent. They try hard and you try hard to stiffle the laughter because you've never bought anything from them yet they call you suki. Do they even know the meaning of the word? Nevertheless, it's really interesting so you go on your way with a smile.

But the most important thing why Filipinos go to Batha (and I'm appalled why I didn't bring this up there before talking about food), is of course, remittance. If you combine the lines (or what seems like lines) in remittance counters in Batha every salary day, you'll get a Wall of China. It's crazy seeing the lines and it's crazier lining up. The wait will test your patience but it is needed to be done first and foremost. Before you buy your groceries or make chismis with your friends over shawarmas from CFC, you line up at the remittance centers and you don't care how long, how time-consuming, and how boring this task is. Not to mention, back-breaking from the start. You do it because it is the number one priority. Of course you can also pay your SSS, Pag-Ibig and what-have-yous here.

The crowd will soon swallow you by the end of the day. Whether you’re alone catching up with friends or you came with your friends, you soon discover that Batha is a piece of the homeland. In the midst of other Filipinos, you’re somewhat home. It’s not it but it sure feels like it.

Peeling Off The Charm

You feel at home in Batha because you see a lot of Filipinos, people like you. You share a lot of things in common. You see yourself in them and you see Batha as Divisoria or Tutuban or Quiapo or Monumento. And then you see snippets of Saudi Arabia merge and interweave with what you know, shaking you to the core, and making you surrender within a call of the salah. You're home but not in your own house. It still retains the dry air of an Arabian city - different, suffocating, beguiling.

The notorious religious police roams Batha like hawks out to catch their prey - men and women flirting, a woman without a tarha (veil), a man in need of a haircut, a woman with too much make-up on, a man to be converted. They see you; they see right through you. You hear all the urban legend and you heed the pieces of advice. Don't talk to the other gender. Don't look at them in the eye. Avoid using your cellphones (or else they might think you're in an eyeball of some sort). Don't wear red lipstick. Don't wear shorts. Stick with the group you came with. Don't pick up a stray piece of paper crumpled to make like innocent piece of garbage; scrawled inside is a set of numbers. You get the drift. Just don't, don't, don't. So many rules, most of them unwritten. Take everything with a grain of salt.

An infamous mosque in Batha sits in the corner, opposite the Pasalubong/Quiapo alley. Our Muslim friends thrive in the sacred ground and for the non-Muslims, it's a place to be slightly avoided. Feared, maybe, but certainly not ignored. For one, there's a huge television showing a sheikh, his Arabic speech resonating within a few meters of the area, preaching those who want to listen. You stare at it, listen for a minute and grasp what's being said. Maybe you were raised on a different religion in the homeland so you can't easily digest what you're hearing and you go on your way and resume your errands. When you pass by it a second time, you're enthralled with the whole set-up again; a realization on how really strong one faith is in this part of the world dawns.

Jam-packed!


And so you find telltale signs that no, you’re not in the Philippines. Not even close. The warm, dry air envelops your being and reminds you that you’re a mere visitor in this kingdom.

Wrapping It Up

A part of Batha is dedicated to the Indians, Pakistanis, and Bangladeshis but the area hugged by Manila Plaza, Electron building, Telemoney building, and the Pinoy Supermarket is where you’ll see many Filipinos, a domain of some sort. This is where fear, faith, aspirations, materialism, humility, and pride meet. This is where the Filipinos’ hopes and dreams converge; making the place worth a thousand volumes of stories that render you speechless and that never end. Here in this bustling side of the hot desert you'll find boundless hospitality and friendly faces. Your very own.


Where to next?

Sometimes, you go to Batha, look at it, immerse a little and find out the crowd suffocates you, the dust gets in your eyes, the trash reminds you of the slums... you don't like the place. But then you return because it already grew on you. And your roots have grown in the place. Either you come and leave, or don’t leave or return at all. There's nothing like Batha. It means a lot to Filipinos in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It means a lot to you. Even if you don't admit it that much.


So the Pink Tarha loves the malls but when it comes to newbie Filipinos in Riyadh asking where to go first in the city, we definitely put them to the test, the same way each Filipino in Riyadh has been initiated with... "Go to Batha!," we answer with a grin. We'll applaud once this place gets under your skin.

Friday, May 27, 2011

A Cup of Dainty Indulgence

When a wish come true, it comes true a hundred fold. Or in the case of our cupcake dream, twice. (We're sure there will be a lot more in the future.)

After the Golden Brown comes another cupcake store in town... A Cup of Cake.

I turn restless when I discover something, especially when it comes to food, so when I saw that A Cup of Cake has now opened in Al-Reka'a Plaza, I urged Eyecandy to go with me. I told her that we need to sample their cupcake asap... as if our lives depended on it. Lol. The thing is, where in the world is Al Reka'a Plaza?! If you've read our blog for over a year, you'll know that we do not visit the malls or shopping plazas that are not that familiar to expats, or those which carry brands that we haven't heard of (we should, right?!). It's the first time we've heard of the place. Turning to Google (as always), I found out it's in front of the main gate of the King Saudi University. So easy to spot right? I mean King Saud University is like the biggest university in Riyadh (until Princess Noura University opened). I told our driver to take the Takhassui Road and turn left in King Abdullah Road. From there, I was hoping the shopping plaza will be easy to see... Wrong!

I forgot that the whole length of King Abdullah Road is undergoing renovation so the road is closed. We did not see the "stop" sign immediately so we trudged further until the dead end. We were frustrated that we needed to turn around on this narrow road, so are the other vehicles in front and behind us that didn't see the sign. Lol, mga pasaway! Our very competent driver decided to use the ring road to circumvent further traffic and delays. Turns out I missed something very important about Al Reka'a Plaza. It has a Tamimi Market that is more famous than the name Al-Reka'a. If only I said Tamimi near KSU, it would have been easier for our driver to go there via a road he knows too well. Sigh... no worries though, we decided to put this in our folder of "the misadventures of the Pink Tarha!," which is overflowing with files by now.

So... about A Cup of Cake... was it worth the misadventure? Yes. In our lingo, "pwede!"

We spotted the cupcake sign beside The Body Shop near the entrance of Tamimi and we giddily got out of the car and entered a small world of cupcakes. This, my friends, is what a cupcake haven looks like:


So dainty... love the wall decor and the wallpaper!

Perfect for The Pink Tarha! :P

I'm drooling for these cupcakes drooling with drizzles!

A Cup of Cake focused on, what else, cupcakes! Trays of cupcakes in yummy, delightful flavors are displayed and I couldn't help but wonder if I can bring them all home. Can I? Pretty, pretty, please? I was suspended in some kind of a dream when reality bit me when I asked for the price. SR6 for a cupcake. Okay, I cannot take you all home! :P I chose six flavors. Naturally, I go for the banana (Floresta Banana), carrot (Bunny Love), and Red Velvet flavors. They're my go-to cupcake flavors. Also, I wanted to compare them with Golden Brown's. To complete the box of six, I bought the Rainbow, Cookies n' Cream, and Apple Pie. I also got a Smores to eat in the car (kasi atat akong tikman ang cupcake nila!).

A box of six cups of yummy indulgence!

Cute toppings!

The anatomy of a rainbow cupcake


I will not review each cupcake but in summary: I like the cake, not the icing. The first three flavors I picked have a moist and yummy cake base. The cake of the Smores is a little bit dry but I still like it. It's not nakakasuya (cloying). I also love how they decorated each cupcake's flavor. It's not the usual cake plus swirled icing on top look. The Floresta Banana has a dollop of German frosting and caramel with a drizzle of chocolate while the smores has a marshmallow on top! They also have unique flavors like Pistachio, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Coconut Craze. The icing used is okay. I wish they didn't mix too much sugar on the cream cheese though. I can only taste the tartness of the cream cheese halfway. A Cup of Cake also offers cookies but that's just about it. The limelight is on the cupcakes all the way! It puts the "specialty" in specialty shop in the right perspective. I've heard that A Cup of Cake is quite the popular cupcake store in Al-Khobar, having opened its first branch there in 2008. It's a good thing they opened a branch here in Riyadh. They now have 8 branches in Saudi Arabia. Amazing, right?

A Cup of Cake offers personalized cupcakes for your wedding or parties needs. They can also make custom designs for corporate events. I'm probably going back for seconds... especially now that I know where it is located. Lol.

For a different kind of indulgence, try A Cup of Cake!

A Cup of Cake
Al Reka'a Plaza Mall, King Abdullah St., Riyadh
+966 1 2814545
admin@acup-of-cake.com
info@acup-of-cake.com
orders@acup-of-cake.com

§undrenched

Thursday, May 26, 2011

D.I.Y. Brunette

I use to love my jet black hair but that was until I realized that black doesn't suit my natural skin tone. And when I'm stressed, my black hair looks very greasy. So I decided to dye it. Nothing fancy, no highlights, just regular chocolate brown for me. And it made all the difference. I'm a brunette from a bottle and loving it!

2011 (L) and 2007 (R) Ako na ang payat nung college. lol.

Let's admit it, salon services can be pricey. Unfortunately, our fave stylist- Tita Vicky, went back to the Philippines for good. So now, we don't have anyone to do our hair (who doesn't charge an arm and a leg). That's when I decided to dye my own hair. Lakas ng loob... haha.

Truth be told, I was scared to try it on my own. So when we went to Euromarche, I bought the same brand that our stylist used: Garnier Color Naturals by Nutrisse (#5.3 Light Golden Brown). My mom applied it to my hair and it came out as chocolate brown. After that I was hooked! All in all, I spent only 30 SR for a box and a tinting brush! Tipid!

Are you thinking of dyeing your hair too? Read on, Beautiful... ^_^ 

Selecting a Color
The thing about hair dye is that the packaging can be misleading. Don't base on the model's hair color! The one I bought (Nutrisse #5.3) looked light brown on the box but it was chocolate brown on my hair. Plus, different brands have different color bases so choosing the color can be very tricky. Frustrating, I know.

What do the numbers mean? 
The scale is 1 (Black) to 10 (Blonde). I usually use colors around the middle like #5... I highly suggest getting your color done professionally first then ask for the box or the color number and brand for "future reference".

What's inside the box?
You'll find the instruction leaflet, a pair of gloves, a tube and a bottle of the hair dye (you'll have to mix this to form the dye paste) and a conditioner to put on your hair after you rinse off the dye.

This particular brand costs 20 SR at Euromarche
This is a small box and is just enough for my short hair (chin length). So you might have to consider how long your hair is to determine how many boxes you'll need.

What you'll need:
These are the basics that you'll need to apply the dye evenly. These are relatively cheap and can be found in supermarkets.
Mixing cup, spoon, tinting brush (10 SR) and shower cap
1. Mixing cup - you'll probably need something bigger so that it will be easier to mix the paste properly. Any plastic container will do as long as it's big enough.

2. Spoon - use a spoon to mix the the paste together. Do not use this spoon for eating, even after you rinse it.

3. Tinting brush - this will help you apply an even coat of dye on your hair. This is 10 SR at Centrepoint.

4. Shower cap - to keep the dye from dripping while you're waiting for it work.

The Dyeing Process
It's important to follow the instructions on the leaflet. If you have sensitive skin, you might have to do a patch test first. If after 24 hours you don't experience any rashes or reactions to the dye, then proceed as planned.

Wear the gloves provided, mix the contents of the tube and bottle and apply the dye paste using the tinting brush. Do not let the mixture sit for too long, apply it immediately. Focus on the visible roots first and then apply it to the rest of the hair. (It's ideal to ask someone else to do this so they can apply it evenly.) Avoid the skin around your face and ears as it might stain. Just like facials, don't color your hair the day before a special event. Do it at least 3 days before.

Once you've dyed all of your hair, cover it with the shower cap and wait 30-40 minutes (depends if you have a lot of gray hair or if this is your first time to dye your hair). Then rinse off the dye. Make sure that you get it all out. Then apply the conditioner included in the package. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off too. Dry your hair and voila! 

My Advice
Don't go overboard and dye your hair blonde if your hair is black! Your roots will be obvious within a week! Try going 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural shade. Because my hair color isn't that drastic, I usually recolor my roots after 3-4 months.

To maintain colored hair, use shampoos specifically for color treated hair and deep condition your hair at least once a week. This will protect your hair and keep it healthy.

Disclaimer:
I am NOT a professional stylist. This post is based on my personal experience and the tips might not apply to everyone. Choosing your color is very personal and can be very tricky. You have to consider if the color you will choose is compatible to your natural skin tone. 

If you wish to do this on your own, please consult a professional stylist first. As I've said earlier, I highly suggest getting your color done professionally first then ask for the box or the color number and brand for future reference


Best of Luck!
Sampaguita Pride



Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Cupcakes and More at Golden Brown

Writing for the Pink Tarha has taught me a lot of things. One of them is to wish to my heart's content. Wishes, after all, are granted.

There's really no in-depth explanation to that. It's the simple act of wishing and dreaming. It's free and more often than not, wishes and dreams do come true. Especially when we're talking about food. Yes, food. (Ayan hindi masyadong deep diba?! :)

In the early days of 2010, fresh from my vacation in the Philippines, I was dreaming of frozen yogurt, a healthier alternative to ice cream. During that time, froyo (as it's fondly called) was already a craze in Manila. I was not surprised to not find it here in Riyadh yet. So yeah, I was just wishing for it to land in the desert soon. A few months later, Eyecandy saw Fresh Berry in Granada Center! Wow, wish granted. And then the ladies and I all wished for macarons. Shoegarfreeruby has fond dreams of the Laduree her father brought her from his work trip in France a long time ago. Last year, Laduree opened in Centria Mall. Wow, wish granted. And then I thought of cupcakes... the easy-to-buy, more commercial ones. I wished for a cupcake store near our place. And the wish was granted by... GOLDEN BROWN.

One of the pioneers of baked goodness in the city, Golden Brown Bakery offers more than cupcakes. But it's the cupcakes that I'm concentrating on now because they had me at first sight.

Eyecandy and I were walking in Thalateen street one night when we decided to finally check out Golden Brown. The place has always caught our attention whenever we passed by the street and it was time to satisfy our curiosity. The Golden Brown Bakery beckons with its warm interiors. It has two counters where cupcakes, cheesecakes, tarts, croissants and other pastries are proudly displayed. They are oh-so inviting! We couldn't make up our minds with what to get at first. I zeroed in on the cupcakes because that was what I was looking for in the first place. Even choosing among the cupcakes proved to be a challenge! What flavors should I get?!

Finally, I decided to get mini cupcakes so I can sample a lot of flavors. (I've been back a couple of times to sample other stuff.)


What to eat first? They're too cute!


For SR3 each, I thought the cupcakes were a little bit overpriced. Seriously, that small for SR3 each?! I can gobble that one up in a heartbeat. They're too cute to be just gobbled up like that but I can't help it. :) What I love the most about Golden Brown's cupcakes is the icing. Yes, the luscious cream cheese icing. I loooove it. I also like the banana, red velvet, blue velvet, and carrot cakes... topped with the cream cheese icing of course. :) They're moist and soft and delightful! I have always ordered these four flavors ever since my visit... yes, drool-worthy much!


Rose, chili, and banana (as if they're not obvious enough, hehe)

The spicy chocolate cupcake adds a nice kick to the usual. I tasted the spice from the powdered chili on the topping. The lavender and jasmine cupcake are also unique but I can't seem to taste the flowers (not that I wanted too, lol). I can, however smell the faint lavender and jasmine essence in them. The chocolate and vanilla cupcakes are a little bit dry and there's nothing exceptional. Just okay. I like the way they personally decorate the cupcakes according to their flavors. 


Rose cupcake. How friggin' pretty is that?! :)

The bigger cupcakes go for SR6 a piece while there's an even smaller cupcake for SR2. If I were you, get the big ones early in the morning because they're freshly-baked and perfect for breakfast. You can also drop by after a day's work for some sweet indulgence. GB always give a nice discount, mostly 10% off. Nice! There's also a small area where guests are welcome to enjoy the pastries. Nibble, bite, nibble... nomnomnom!

Golden Brown's mini cheesecakes and tarts are also very good! The quality and taste of their cheesecakes are the ones I've been looking for in Riyadh. Glad that I found them in Golden Brown. I also like their almond croissant. The tarts are E's and P's favorite. We haven't tried their mini sandwiches, which some patrons are raving about. We'll buy some when we go there next time. They have cute mini burgers called Darling Burgers. We've tried three flavors and we weren't that impressed. Maybe we should really try the mini sandwiches. :) Golden Brown offers their pastries and sandwiches in platters and trays... excellent for parties!

Thank you, Golden Brown for granting my wish of cupcakes and other heavenly baked goodies!


Golden Brown
Corner of Thalateen and Dabab Sts.
(parking can be a pain)
+966 56 9337314
golden.brown.riyadh@gmail.com
7:00am - 11:00pm

§undrenched

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Toastmaster in Me (and in YOU!)

WHEN I WAS told by our EIC that I had to write my long overdue entry about my Toastmasters club, I was still in the midst of procrastinating and am now scrambling to file in my article. The thing is, I didn't know how to start talking about such a huge part of my life. You would think that it should be easy  to talk about it given that train of thought; but it's how to begin the story that had me fumbling. 

See my Toastmasters experience so far, is something I hold dearly to my heart. It is something that has permeated my life's work over the past year and I can truly and honestly say that I am passionate about my work in this field -- and perhaps that is why I struggle to create a moment wherein I shall share this with you.


But as all things go, we must all start at the beginning. 


The Toastmasters International Logo


What is "Toastmasters"?
The name "Toastmasters" refers to a group/club/individual who is under the program of Toastmasters International - a global, non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop public speaking and leadership skills in a positive and constructive learning environment.

At present, there are more than 12,500 clubs worldwide and Saudi Arabia is one of the 92 countries who is actively pursuing the goals of Toastmasters International since its inception in 1924. Toastmaster programs have no instructors - each club member serves a role in the weekly/bi-weekly meetings and all of the efforts of every member is based on commitment and done on a self-paced manner. The program is a time-tested method that has helped improve people's personal and working life by primarily strengthening their confidence and self-assertion through speech deliveries and leadership projects.


Why is it relevant to you, as an individual?
If you've ever been in a situation wherein "a cat got your tongue;" or if you have trouble saying what you mean, especially in English; or you're simply too shy to talk in front of others -- and you envision yourself rising above these situations -- then it is relevant to you! 

The art of communication is often taken for granted for being too commonplace in everyday life. Hardly anybody cares about handwriting, or grammar, or spelling, and even proper pronunciation anymore. A lot of people say that as long as the thought is there, then that should be enough. (especially in Saudi Arabia where English conversations walk a very thin line between "straight" and "broken"). Meanwhile, other people like to talk and talk and talk - but they lack in message, they lack in relevance. Don't you think it's such a shame that despite us humans being gifted with the power to communicate with words, that we don't use them for something that matters? 

Don't get me wrong, Toastmasters isn't about being the perfect speaker (with a halo beaming over your head). In fact, we always say that it's the perfect place for people to speak and make mistakes along the way. Club meetings include evaluators and meeting leaders who take the time to listen, observe and document each member's participation and in turn, provides supportive feedback so that they can learn what their strengths and weaknesses are as a speaker. 

Public speaking is a cause of worry for a lot of people. There is a high level of anxiety and hesitation involved in public speaking because of the fear of embarrassment, lack of confidence and the possibility of not delivering a clear message across. As professionals though, we need to keep this skill in check should the need for it arise in our respective line of work. Nurses need to communicate efficiently and effectively with their colleagues and patients while Managers must be well-versed in the art of addressing their staff and customers. Since we are all working in a multinational setting, proper and effective use of the English language is vital for everyone to understand and work with each other. Trust me, being able to express yourself and be understood by another person is a significant validation to your existence.


My personal experience
It was love at first sight, but the passion for it came along the way. -- I was looking for an activity here in Riyadh that would allow me to put my Speech Communication degree into good use. A good friend of mine, whose parents were pioneer Toastmasters here in Riyadh, invited me to one of the club meetings as a guest back in September 2009. It was then that I first witnessed the Toastmasters program and fell smitten with the discovery of such an organization here in Riyadh. Eager to sign up, I became a member three weeks later.


When I won Champion in the Club Level Table Topics Contest.


When I competed at the Division Level of the Table Topics Contest.


Fast forward to present day, I have been participating in numerous club speech competitions in debate, humorous speaking, table topics (impromptu speaking), speech evaluation and international speech contests. I have served as a leader in our club activities and events and have also been elected as the VP for Public Relations followed by becoming the VP for Education (now on my 2nd consecutive term). But what began as an extension of my academic endeavor slowly evolved to a passion to serve others by helping and encouraging them in their communication and leadership track, by making sure that their goal in joining Toastmasters is not put in vain. 


My inspirations
I may make it sound so "heroic" but wait til you see a 50-something-year-old man, who is an accomplished professional in his own right but with a difficulty grasping the English language and yet he perseveres and enthusiastically delivers one speech project after another - seeing this man's determination and commitment to improve his communication skills, despite his age and status, is a sight to behold. Or when you see a new member, reluctantly participating in our impromptu speaking session (aka Table Topics), his hands shaking and his knees trembling, and yet the focus in his eyes to merely answer a question with the best of his wits is so strong that he pushes through and exits the stage with the crowd in loud applause - that person had just conquered his fear...and I was there to witness it. And of course, there are the great and seasoned speakers, who at their first utter will put you under a spell of silence and devotion to hear what they have to say - they are the speakers who we all aspire to be, and as a part of the audience, you will be in awe and admiration of their great talent and wish that someday you could be as great as them


The "Best" Club in Town
I belong to the one of the oldest and the best Toastmasters Clubs in Riyadh called the PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club (PRTC). I can say that with conviction because the records for this term in Toastmasters International, District 79 speak for themselves. PRTC was initially organized to cater to CPAs here in Riyadh more than 15 years ago but nowadays, the club hardly has any accountant members and is made up of mostly mixed professions. PRTC is an all-Filipino, family club, meeting weekly. Now of course, we are not the only club in Riyadh, there are several others who cater to a particular group: the all-male clubs, the company sponsored clubs, the strictly ladies club (english/arabic), the family clubs, the nationality-specific ones and the non-specific ones -- They all meet at varied days and time and one is free to choose which club best fits for him/her in general. For me, PRTC will always be the best choice. :)


Our club was featured in the local newspaper, Arab News, Pinoy Xtra Section


Toastmasters in the Community
Part of being a Toastmaster allows one to enhance leadership skills as well, and apart from the weekly meeting roles that members perform, we also have community work in the form of workshops and seminars that we offer to help others in the field of communication. PRTC, in particular, is a regular trainer for the contestants of Bb. at Ginoong Pilipinas Saudi Arabia by SE Productions. We also provide Speechcraft seminars to mainstream companies here in Riyadh as well as conducting the Youth Leadership Program (YLP) to several of the Filipino international schools at least once a year.


I was Asst. Coordinator for the YLP at Palm Crest International School in 2010.


My Toastmasters journey has allowed me to meet ordinary people with amazing qualities. They may appear to be regular joe's or a run of the mill OFWs, but for every person who have decided to become a Toastmaster -- they all shared the same spirit and desire to improve themselves; and they've taken the first step to learn and achieve. And for me to be a part of that process -- to help someone to discover that he has a voice, and that he will use it to speak his mind and that he will become confident and motivated to unleash his potential in all the facets of his life -- that means a great deal to me that words can hardly encompass.

From these ordinary people, they have become my friends and we treat each other like family. Spending time, telling our stories and sharing the same vision for others has brought us together in a very tight knit. To be very honest and very cheesy, I love them all very much.

And now, my passion for this organization is taking me to new heights once again as I leave for Amman, Jordan tomorrow for the District Toastmasters Annual Conference (DTAC) 2011. I am not a contestant in any of the contests and I am also not running for any position in the organizational structure at the District or Division Level. I decided to be a part of the Conference to simply experience it and be amidst the bigger sphere of people who share the same burning passion for this as I do. I have longed to travel for the past three years, and who would've known that my Toastmasters journey will be the answer to my prayers?

Our motto in Toastmasters read: "For better listening, for better thinking, for better speaking, we learn by doing." If you possess the desire and the spirit to be a better communicator and a better leader, then there is a Toastmaster in YOU! 

Don't miss the opportunity to be a better version of who you are. Toastmasters is here to help.


Eyecandy


To read more about the specifics of the Toastmasters Program and Toastmasters International, please view their website at: http://www.toastmasters.org/

For more information on PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club, search us on Facebook with the keywords: "PICPA Riyadh Toastmasters Club" - it's an open group. You can also email me at thepinktarha@gmail.com if you are interested to join or be simply a guest. 

{This is the first entry in our People+Features category where we write about groups in Riyadh that you might be interested in joining in. - EIC}

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Konichiwa, Daiso Japan!

Once in a while my dad can be sweet-talked into driving to far off malls and shops like Rimal and IKEA... so we decided to check out Al Othaim Mall which was near the area (Exit 16). Don't be put off by it's name. It's not one big Othaim grocery... it's actually a very nice mall with a roller coaster, skating rink and rides on the top floor. The shops are not bad either, as you'll find most brands like H&M and Centrepoint there. It's kind of a mix of European brands and Shola-esque boutiques. So you'll find Evans on one side and then an Oud stall on the other.

But what excites me about Othaim Mall is not the brand boutiques but a specialty shop called Daiso Japan. The shop sells quirky Japan-made products from toys to household items like drawer partitions and portable fans. It's like the "88 Shops" in Manila... but in Riyadh. :P


Daiso Japan is on the lower ground floor. It's near F&F and Kipling.
I was so excited I was literally jumping around stalls and saying "ohhhh, ahhhh...." like a kid in a candy store.


At first glance, it looks like a dowdy shop for household items,
but look closely and you'll find....
It's a nice place to shop for things for your house or accommodation. You'll find matching dinner sets and decors at reasonable prices.   


 
Stuff to help you wash, press and store clothes.
(Pardon the blurry photo, I was really jumping excitedly hehe)
I am really a fan of Japanese products because of their ingenuity. Can you imagine, they even designed things like rubber balls to get rid of static in your dryer and a mat that helps you fold clothes like an SM sales clerk!


Toys for pranks!
So far this is one of the best gag stores I've seen! There are some at riyalin shops but you're always wary if they actually work because of the packaging... 


Kawaii! Doll's Kimono!
What can I say, I love dolls! I was sorely tempted to buy this mini kimono for my Pullip doll and I had to remind myself that I was saving my moolah for my bakasyon grande...

Here are some more neat-O stuff that I probably should stay away from.... ahahah... 

Glow-in-the-dark bracelets (L) and drawer partitions (R)
Battery operated fans! You pull off the top lid, switch it on
and the soft "blades" twirl enough to give you a slight breeze.

If that's not enough, you can get this bigger CLIP ON version
and clip it to you desktop monitor. LOL. hindi ko kineri...  :))
 
The price range is around 5 - 30 SR... depending on how big the item is... a lot like the riyalin price range. I'm not sure for the really big items because I got distracted and didn't really check. Hehehe...

I admit, I'm a sucker for these things and I'm so glad that there's a shop like this in Riyadh! I love novelty items. Here, my imagination runs wild! (like Sundrenched when she's at Jarir! Hehe...) Babalik ako! Promise!  ^_~


xoxo,
Sampaguita Pride

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Friend of Your Body, A Friend of Your Family

YOU HAVE PROBABLY tried out most, if not all, the steak joints in town haven't you? I would go out on a limb here and say that probably, just probably, you must have gotten tired of eating steak all the time whenever you are out with friends and family. Well, what can we do? Steak is scattered all over Riyadh and with a city of bustling and hungry men, steak is always an optimal choice for a hearty meal.

But if you're like a lot of other people out there who wants to watch their diet and make sure that they're eating healthily too, then fret no more when someone invites you to another steak place for dinner. Steak House has recently launched their NEW menu which incorporates healthier food preparations, with a special version for the much younger guests (Kid's Menu). The ladies and I have taken a liking to ordering a couple of these options and let me tell you, our nutrition-hungry bodies were left VERY satisfied! 

Greek Shrimp Salad. Can you spell fresh and lite? This salad can!
Blanched, king-size shrimps with sliced cucumber, fresh bell pepper and tomatoes laid over a on a bed of lettuce and topped with feta cheese (mm-MM-mmm! plus a slap on a thigh) - this my friends, is my kind of salad. It can already be a meal! The textures of this in your mouth is simply stellar. If you like it garden fresh people, it can't get any fresher than this. Trivia: Did you know that the calcium in feta cheeses helps build stronger bones? Don't overdo it though, because it's also high on sodium.


A sight to behold. Our eyes just love green! (After PINK of course!)
Green vegetables tossed over the grill. Ahh, this one is a beaut as well! The crisp and crunch of every bite is commemorated by the smoked flavor it exudes. You'll find the sweet juice of zucchini and tomatoes tantalizing to the tongue and if you let it, the grain of broccoli will stay in the middle of your teeth if you're not careful! An order of this is good enough for three to four average-eating persons and will be a very wise choice to add if everyone else is having meat, meat, meat.


Grilled Salmon with Mashed Potatoes.
This is what I had for dinner when I was with the ladies and I particularly ordered it because I wanted to NOT feel too stuffed after dinner (knowingly that there will still be dessert after :P). If you're an experienced eater like me, you have to know how to pace yourself and schedule/pick your meal coz otherwise, you can run the risk of not enjoying the rest of the night if you're too full to laugh/talk during the post-dinner conversations (or you might feel too lethargic after and that's not good especially if you're the designated driver).  As for the taste, it was an impeccably cooked fish matched with an epic mashed potato side dish. Yes, I've said it, that mashed potato of theirs is EPIC -- EPIC I tell you! I don't know what they put in it to make it taste sooo good. 


Are you a Black Rocker?
Now I can't talk about Steak House and NOT talk about their steak, that would be insane wouldn't it? But let's talk about the health benefits of a Black Rock-grilled steak - which is primarily that it does not use any fat or oil for it to be cooked, a plus if you are watching your cholesterol. If you go back to our much primitive beginnings, this is probably how our ancestors ate their meat (and let's admit it, they were healthier and lived longer than humans now). This Black Rock grill is a Steak house exclusive and there's actually a Black Rocker Club for all their guests who frequently order this particular meal. I've seen them wear special "bibs" given by the restaurant before they enjoy their meat. :)


Of course, don't forget to drink (juice or iced tea, that is).
Apart from all of these healthy options, it may also pinch your fancy to know that Steak House implements a strict No-Smoking policy in their Family Section. That way, no member of your family, especially the young ones, can sniff the smell of cigarette smoke. So see, Steak House is jumping in on the health bus and we, like them, are hoping you'd jump in too. We all know it's one thing to feast on fast food, but it is waaay more of a thing to watch out with what we eat. And what better way to encourage that but with our families?

Oh, and before I darn forget -- allow me to congratulate Steak House for bagging the much-coveted award in the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards 2011 under the Best Mid-Market Restaurant category! I posted the link to the voting page on our Facebook page a couple of months back, and to all of our readers who voted for them, I'm sure the people from Steak House would want me to say Thank You! in their behalf. 

Try out Steak House's new and healthy menu at their branches over at Olaya Thalateen, North Ring Road and Oruba Road. 


Happy (and healthy) Eating!

Eyecandy

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Honeysuckle and Inferi

Remember our series of Collage Week? Yeah, we neither. It's been such a long time since we published a Collage Week entry that we'd like to make bawi today.

Two months ago, the Pink Tarha ladies (still with M as the fourth tarha) decided to hold a photo shoot just because we couldn't find a recent photo where all Pink Tarha ladies were present.  Every complete photo we had was outdated. M canceled at the last minute to attend to more important matters that's why Shoegarfreeruby, Eyecandy and I were the only ones who made it to the photo shoot day. The three of us became super multi-taskers. We took the roles of stylist, make-up artist, set designer, and photographer. OMG, the chaos! Lol. But we did pull it off to produce some unexpected results. We chose three themes: black, pink, and red. We've already featured the red photos as a Valentine's greeting entry. Here are the photos from the pink and black sets.

The HONEYSUCKLE
Naturally, we picked a pink theme because we're the PINK tarha! Ingenious, right? Hahaha. Are you familiar with pegs? These are photos from fashion websites or magazines that serve as inspiration in a photo shoot. We researched for styles and looks and came up with the following description for what we should look like in the pink set which we named, "Honeysuckle," in honor of the color of the year and our planned color for the blog (which is now in effect).


Vibrant, fresh, and fun!

When you're wearing light-colored pieces, go for outerwear like cardigans, shawls, and jackets to hide whatever you want to hide. If you're feeling fearless like E here, go bare and bear it!

Eyecandy and Sundrenched: Solid and prints!
Eyecandy and Shoegarfreeruby: Solid states!

On Eyecandy: Pink satin dress COAST (on sale for 199SR from 499SR) | Nude pumps MILANO | Floral necklace ACCESSORIZE | Leopard scarf ALDO
On Sundrenched: Patterned silk handkerchief dress STRADIVARIUS (only SR29!) | Purple pointed shoes NEW LOOK | Shawl PARFOIS | Necklace NEW LOOK
On Shoegarfreeruby: Dress TOPSHOP | Coat H&M | Shoes MINNA PARIKKA | Stockings, belt, necklace NEW LOOK | Headband FOREVER 21 | Earrings SM |

The INFERI
The black ensemble is a peg we named "Inferi" just to bring out the other side of the Pink Tarha.  It's an "all-black, harsh winter." (Echos lang, haha!) During the shoot, it was still cold in Saudi Arabia so "winter" came to mind.

Mga kabowgera! :P

The number one tip for plus-size ladies? Go black! It's a fail-proof way to dress up or down. It's classic, elegant, and timeless. Sometimes it gets boring (especially for us who wear the black abaya everyday!) but what are your accessories for? Pile on the bling!

Black is back!
Layered dresses and sky-high shoes

On Shoegarfreeruby: Black dress MISS SELFRIDGE | Shoes JEFFREY CAMPBELL | Socks H&M | Headband FOREVER 21 | Cameo earrings SOUVENIR SHOP (Dumaguete) | Bracelet MISS SELFRIDGE
On Eyecandy: Black tulle-tiered dress MOONSOON (on sale for SR180 from SR520) | Gold stud gladiator heels NEW LOOK | Gray cheetah blazer RED HERRING | Feather headband UK (gift) | Chunky charm necklace NEW LOOK
On Sundrenched: Black dress NEW LOOK | Black cardigan H&M | Navy lacey wedge NEW LOOK | Necklace PARFOIS | Headband FOREVER 21

Remember ladies, have one beloved LBD in your closet!

As you can see, we come in big sizes (ranging from UK 12-18). Well, project na lang ng project! Haha. Confidence lang yan! Lol. When it comes to body issues and insecurities, we have a lot. (Sino ba ang wala?!) But you will not see us obsessing about these insecurities. Of course, we try our best (operative word: try!) to reduce weight for health reasons but for now, we work on what we have and hopefully, we show you ladies that outer beauty can only do so much. You don't really read us because we're sexy or we fit the mainstream idea of "beauty", right? So there you go. Love your bodies and work it! Go, go, go!

It also helped that we were so hands-on in this little shoot of ours. We know each other's style and because we're friends, wala na kaming hiya sa isa't isa! Haha. Sa sobrang hands-on namin, kami na lahat ang gumawa! :P If you want to stage your own photo shoot with your friends, make the Pink Tarha ladies your consultant. We can help you with your themes, wardrobe, make-up, and well, a little bit of photography. LOL. Jk.

Up next is the collage with our newest member, Sampaguita Pride!

Yes, we did a repeat performance of the chaos that is a Pink Tarha shoot! Lol.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

The Truth About Me and Jeffrey Campbell

There’s no denying that shoes come first on my list. It has been a while since I’ve been smitten by shoes. Ok, I get smitten by shoes all the time, LOL but not this in this intensity. Not until Jeffrey Campbell came…and this is where our love story begins.

Jeffrey Campbell is an American Designer based in Los Angeles who mixes vintage and runway concepts producing lovely works of art for the feet that you can wear everyday. His designs set you off above the rest. I had to control myself from buying. Unfortunately, it did not work. Solestruck, an online shop stocks a wide array of styles (see our Marketplace). It is one site I frequent. Their ‘alert-me-when-you-stock-my-size’ is a very helpful feature which I assure would urge you to buy. It’s just exciting that way, LOL. See for yourself here and let me know which one’s your favorite.

I fell in love with the Lita’s and Foxy’s in vintage fabric and glitter. These 5-inch heels with 2-inch platforms are comfortable enough to last me half a day. Believe me, as one who can only last on flat shoes all day, these will give you the height you need without the pain. Ako na ang matangkad!

My Jeffrey Campbell Foxy shoes in Black/Tan Fabric and Multiglitter

Must-have platforms

My Jeffrey Campbell Lita shoes in Brown Distressed Leather and Blue/Red Fabric

Pure Love

Just recently, JC has launched some bag styles as well. That’s another thing to watch out for. Hayst, my credit card is crying, so is my habibi.

My supermini collection of JC is no match to Asami of Japan. Her home is filled with walls and shelves of JC shoes. To date, she has about 206 pairs lang naman.


Photos from Pink Kitten

Sana akin na lang ang lahat ng ito!

Jeffrey Campbell just keeps creating beautiful pairs every time. He has captured my heart in a very special way. Another reason why I just keep falling in love with shoes.

Shoegarfreeruby
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