July 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

A Walk Down A Museum's Memory Lane

They say that museums are places where time is transformed into space... and I AGREE! 

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia
I revisited the National Museum of Saudi Arabia weeks ago... four years after Eyecandy and I first went there. I was curious to see the changes in the museum and I was quite surprised... because nothing has changed! It's still the same. No new features, no new effects, no new nothing. Unless I missed them but when it's just me and two of my friends in the museum (it's literally ours for the night), it's hard to miss anything that's out of the ordinary.

The lobby, bow!

The two-story National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a huuuge (like 17,000 sqm) part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre. One of the reasons I like it, despite of its somewhat not awe-inducing components, is because it's wide and so spacious! It has 8 major halls which are designed slightly different from one another. (Lonely Panet published in their site that the museum has eight floors! Whew! It has 8 halls! Not floors, haha!) If you can still remember, I didn't explain the halls on our first two entries. Allow me to do so now. ;)

The King Abdulaziz Historical Centre

Here are the highlights of my walk down memory lane...

The first thing to greet you is still this piece of a meteorite found in the Empty Quarter.

WELCOME!

This is our boss' favorite piece because he's been to the area of the Empty Quarter where this meteor landed (the Wabar Meteorite Impact Site) and he said that it turned sand into glass (black melted slag)! Wow! We should totally visit that area one day. This display is also the welcoming committee of the Man and Universe hall.

The Man and Universe Hall is all about the geological ages where the prehistoric man and the way of life during the very early days are featured. A favorite display is this model of a Mastodon, an extinct specie that is related to today's elephants.

The Mastodon
The side back view?!

They roamed the Arabian Peninsula 12-17 million years ago. Okay, seriously, this is probably the most photographed display in the museum. Some visitors even climb the rock and pose underneath it. Walang pinapalampas talaga basta camwhoring! ;)

My favorite would have to be this desert rose. A crystal cluster of gypsum or baryte which forms a rosette tinged with a pale pink color that's so lovely to look at.

Amazing art of nature

I spent minutes staring at this sand rose because four years after, it's unchanged.

Yep, they're waving at yah!

This rock, found in Najran with handprints carved into it, bids you farewell from the Man and Universe Hall and welcomes you into the next hall...

Please follow the yellow dots on the floor. This way please!

The Arab Kingdoms Hall is where the history of the Arab world spanning from the fourth millenium BC to the fourth century AD comes into light. It highlights the ancient civilizations in the Arabian peninsula.

A dwelling place
The Tayma Wall built with stones

How they wrote those days.

These slabs of rocks, which date back to the fourth millennium BC, were found at the Khobba site in the Tabuk region. The ancient scripts are also featured in this hall and being a fan of anything "handwriting", I took time in examining the slabs of rock where these scripts were displayed. Thank goodness the ink, pen, and paper were discovered and invented. Imagine reading a book during those times! Whew!

The Pre-Islamic (Jahiliyya) Era Hall shows the trade route before the advent of Islam.

Go on, have your photo here!

Another favorite photo op area is this archway. I hope they just painted a scenery, or something (any thing!), on the wall behind it. Unless there's a significant reason why it's just painted solid dark blue.

Located in the second floor (the first hall to greet you upstairs), the Prophet's Mission Hall is the most colorful. It depicts the lineage, family, marriage, and major events in the life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). There's the showcase of the artistically painted holy Quran and the road map of the prophet's journey to Madinah.

Read the walls
The story telling of the prophet's journey

Part of the prophet's hall

The Islam and Arabian Peninsula Hall has six sections that highlights the era of Islam. It begins with the Umayyad Caliphate to the Abbasid period to the Ottoman.

Ruins
Scale this?

You can't leave the museum without having a picture on this wall. Just because.

What lies behind the facade?

The old Riyadh appears in the Saudi First and Second State Hall. As you know, the old town of Riyadh still stands today... known as Diriyyah. The exhibit hall has a street from a the mud house neighborhood and a miniature version underneath a glass floor that people can walk in.

A street in Diriyyah

There's also a diorama. Riyadh has truly progressed.

You won't see the Kingdom Tower there just yet.

The most interesting hall would have to the Unification of the Kingdom Hall which has a mini theater. Since my friends and I were the only ones in the museum that night (or okay, in that section because who knows? Maybe other followed after we went in...), we thought they wouldn't be playing the movie but the custodian said we can watch it and so we did. It was a nice experience seeing an educational and entertaining "movie" in Riyadh, complete with canons hissing smoke on the side. Hehe.

The theater and the movie

You'll also see the displays of old houses in this section.

Remember this Vigan-esque houses?

Up to the discovery of oil...

The truck's still here!

The last hall, the Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques Hall, is the most beautiful. As you go down the stairs, huge portraits hanging in the ceiling welcomes visitors. Below it is a map that shows the aerial view of Makkah. Everything related to the holy pilgrimage of Muslims are on display like a sample of the Kaaba curtain and the Kaaba door.

The last hall

You shouldn't miss the miniature version of the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque (Masjid-al-Haram). The details are gorgeous!

Part of the grand mosque in Makkah

And also the miniature version of the Al Masjid-an-Nabawi, often called the Prophet's Mosque, in Madinah. I like the overall design of this mosque better. For non-Muslims like us, this is probably the closest thing we'd ever come to seeing the two holiest sites in Islam up close. It's an awesome feeling... to be able to connect to what we usually view as something so different from us. It usually turns out the other way isn't it? We're so alike in so many ways. :)

More displays

The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is simple as compared to the other museums in other countries but it speaks loudly about Saudi Arabia and its history as the strongest, biggest Kingdom in the Arab peninsula. Museums are generally boring but not for me, a history nut. So if you're like me and just want to do something new, discover something new... then visit the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. A stone's throw away is a modern exhibition hall featuring a car collection and a Memorial Hall. A few steps further is the Al Watan Park and the Riyadh Water Tower.

The hallway leading to the entrance

It's best to visit at night time. Ticket price is SR 10 per adult; children and students are free. Check the schedule here. To those who can't visit for various reasons (like maybe you live far far away from Riyadh), then check out this virtual tour.

A night in the museum

We received requests for The Pink Tarha to create a tour of the museum (and other interesting sites) for ladies in Riyadh. It's quite funny because we're not even locals to do a kind of trip that shows Saudi Arabia's history and discusses their culture but we're extremely flattered that people trust us to be able to share this information to them. What do you think? Should we or shouldn't we? ;)

Well, who knows? Maybe a plan of a "Riyadh tour" is in the works. You know us Pink Tarha ladies... we're full of surprises! ;) ~ Sundrenched


National Museum of Saudi Arabia
King Abdulaziz Historical Centre
Murabba, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
T: +966-11-4029500

Yellow marks the spot.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Suhor With Mont Blanc


SO I AM BACK. Not necessarily from outer space. But from an adventurous three-week "vacation" in the Philippines and Hong Kong. Suffice to say, my trip was more exhausting than it was relaxing  considering all the activities I had in stored. Thus, my eagerness to say 'Yes!' when Sundrenched told me that we've been invited to an exclusive Suhor dinner sponsored by Montblanc at The Globe was a result of my missing the fine and relaxed life of Riyadh living. 





Montblanc is a luxury brand primarily known for their fountain pen called the "Meisterstuck" (German term for the word: Masterpiece), an item of opulence. In our day and age of ergonomic keyboards and touchscreen typing, a writing instrument as detailed and historical as the Meisterstuck is both symbolic and reminiscent of the grand days of yore when knowledge and histories were scribed in ink. Their brand later on extended to timepieces, leather goods and jewelry. 



The Suhor dinner that they have sponsored at The Globe was for the press people of Riyadh as part of the Montblanc brand promotion. Their PR manager, Ms. Mashael Al Dakheel welcomed us as we entered the The Globe's restaurant, which has the most scenic view of Riyadh's city center. The crowd was intimate and yet there was a lavish amount of food. We settled in for some drinks and starters and I began to relay the nitty gritty details of my trips to my girls, S and R. 

I look so happy to be back, don't I? :D From L-R, Shoegarfreeruby, Sundrenched and me.
We enjoyed the appetizers so much (lobster, scallops and smoked salmon, anyone?) that come main course time, we were quite stuffed already. The buffet featured mostly Arabic food of course, such as Beef and Chicken Tajin and the usual garland of tabouleh, babaganoosh and humus. We did enjoy the chocolate soufle later on, which was cooked on the buffet area itself for all to see. 

R and S by that beautiful ice sculpture I really, really liked.
By the way, this event happened close to midnight, on a work day no less! Thus we were adjusting our bodies quite a bit considering that we had to report for work in a couple of hours' time. Nevertheless, it was great to be invited as one of the "press people" - a term we are still getting comfortable with. :D 

Montblanc will be having more events and promotions in the future so stay tuned. For now, you may visit their boutique in the first floor of Kingdom Mall. As for inquiries regarding the Iftar and Suhor dinner buffet of The Globe, it would be best to call and inquire with them as the venue might be booked for several company events this Ramadan Season. 

Anyway, I'm very happy to be back in Riyadh folks! Cheers! 

Eyecandy


Montblanc
1st Floor, Kingdom Mall
T: 011-211-1080
Follow them on:


For inquiries/reservations at The Globe:
T: 011-273-2222 

Family Affairs



Another round of winners were announced in Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans. And we were not surprised that most of them feature their loved ones and family members in their photos. After all, going home to the Philippines is really all about our families.

Take for example Ernesto Enumerables' entry which says that he wants to propose to his girlfriend on her birthday. Awww, sweet! (I hope publishing this wouldn't ruin the surprise! hehe!) He also wants to see and hug his baby, Joeliane.


Jewel Catungal wants to go home to the Philippines because she wants to see her daughter and tour her around the many islands of the beautiful home land! Truly, it's more fun in the Philippines!



I really like this photo of Melita Matabang featuring her mom and her mom's siblings. I like seeing siblings who really go along together. Reminds me of my brothers, sisters, and I. ;)


Congratulations to the Week 5 winners of 100 Lucky Juans

For those who still want to join, there's still enough time! Visit the 100 Lucky Juans app in Cebu Pac's Facebook app and submit your entries. This is open to OFWs in the United Arab Emirates only.

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Big Juan Soars



Cebu Pacific has really making some huge updates in their fleet lately. Apart from The Big Juan, their biggest plane to date, Cebu Pacific has just recently received its 45th aircraft, a brand new Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320 from Toulouse, France. This is Cebu Pac's third delivery of this kind of aircraft for 2013. The Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320 allows airlines to save up to 4% on fuel burn.

Soaring high!

And that's not all! Cebu Pac is expecting delivery of 16 more Airbus A320 aircraft with Sharklets, 30 Airbus A321neo and 3 Airbus A330 aircraft from this year to 2012. Now, that is one soaring airline!

Speaking of soar, the Big Juan also made its inaugural flight from Manila to Seoul (Incheon) . Flight 5J 188 was sent off with lots of fanfare and freebies. Wish we were Rizziane Tolentino, the first passenger to check-in to the flight who received a free roundtrip ticket to Seoul! 


The Big Juan ready to go!
The Big Juan's inaugural commercial flight to Seoul
Welcome aboard!
It's more fun with the A330!
The Big Juan was also used last July 8 for flight 5J 813 from Manila to Singapore. We can't wait for its grand Manila-Dubai flight on October 7, 2013! Which reminds us, have you joined the 100 Lucky Juans contest? Not yet?! Well, better hurry and check out how to join in this page and head to the Cebu Pac Facebook app to submit your photo/video/article. A seat in The Big Juan is worth it! ~ Sundrenched

This entry is sponsored by Cebu Pacific. All opinions are the writer's own.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Ramadan Tents and Iftar Buffets {Riyadh Hotels // Part 2}


Continuing from our list of hotels that are offering Iftar and Suhor buffets (come to think of it, they're all offering it! hehe!), here are more hotels for you to choose from. Don't forget to leave a feedback of your Iftar experience with them okay? The truth is, we need comments from you guys because we cannot decide where to go! Ahhh, choices! (Prices below are per person basis.)

Al Mashreq Boutique Hotel
Al Mashreq Boutique in Oruba Street corner Prince Turki Road is a new addition to the growing hotel industry in the Kingdom. Even before it was completed, we were already wondering what the beautiful building is for. Now we know! Their buffet spread is in their Ewaan Restraurant which serves International and Moroccan cuisine.
Iftar Buffet: SR 185 (6:00pm-9:00pm)
Suhor Buffet: SR 175 (12:00am-3:00am)
Contact: +966-11-283-4777

Golden Tulip Andalusia is conveniently located in Olaya Street near the computer souk. Its Andalusia Restaurant offers international and some Lebanese food.
Iftar Buffet: SR 110 (6:00pm-9:00pm)
Contact: +966-11-461-1000

The Oasis Grill of Hilton In Riyadh
Further in Olaya Road, after you cross the Khurais Road intersection is Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh. It's quite popular with its affordable buffet all year round. They decorated their Oasis Grill Restaurant in time for Ramadan. Get their SR 99 buffet voucher from Cobone.
Iftar Buffet: SR 99 (buy via Cobone)
Iftar buffet without voucher is SR 125.
Contact: +966-11-2935533 ext 400

The Business Hotel
Speaking of Cobone deals, you might also want to check out the Iftar buffet feast in The Business Hotel along Olaya Road near Faisaliah Mall. 
Iftar Buffet: SR 82 (buy via Cobone
Suhor Buffet: SR 49 (buy via Cobone)
If you don't avail of the Cobone coupons, original prices are SR 165 for Iftar and SR 95 for Suhor.
Contact: +966-11-217-3777

In King Fahd Road, you'll find Novotel Alanoud in the building that looked like a fish. Actually, a Saudi friend said it was modeled after a yacht. Uhm, right. Maybe the sail? Anyway, Novotel looks like  an elegant place to have a staycation here in Riyadh. But first, enjoy their Ramadan offers
Iftar Buffet: SR 175 (6:30pm-8:30pm)
Suhor Buffet: SR 110 (12:30am-3:30am)
Contact: +966-11-2882323

Riyadh Palace Hotel
Riyadh Palace Hotelthe building that looks like an open book, in Al Amir Abdul Bahman Ibn Abdul Street, has an interesting mix of international dishes. We've tried their buffet a few times during Toastmasters events.
Iftar Buffet: SR 150 (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Suhor Buffet: SR 100 (1:30am-3:00am)
Contact: +966-11-405-4444

In the Airport Road lies the Madareem Crown Hotel. If you want to venture out that way then feel free! It's away from the hustle and bustle of the city center life.
Iftar Buffet: SR 180 (6:30pm-8:00pm)
Suhor Buffet: SR 130 (11:00pm-3:00am)
Contact: +966-11-275-8888

Makarim Hotel
Don't confuse Madareem with the Makarim Riyadh Hotel near the King Khaled International Airport. This hotel is a 5-star hotel run by the Makarim Hospitality Group. 
Iftar Buffet: SR 170 (maghreb to 9:00pm)
Suhor Buffet: SR 120 (12:00am-3:00am)
Contact: +966-11-2204500

So, have we given you enough choices? NOT YET! Up next is the list of restaurants and their Iftar treats. ;) ~ Sundrenched
*** We are not connected with any of the establishments above. Details and information were gathered through phone calls to hotels and research. All photos were via Google.
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