The Top 5 Pink Tarha Experiences Of 2013

The year 2013 is coming to an end and here comes another dilemma: what to write for the all-important year-end entry? My brain is not properly functioning right now because of the booze and lechon (cholesterol mehhhn) I consumed during the holiday so I had to resort to Google for year-ender ideas. Of course there's always the new year resolutions but we Pink Tarhas are really not known for keeping up with ours so how can we advice you to do so? Then there's the best entries of the year but we've done that. Year-ender/opened messages? We've done that too! We even wrote individual entries. While we did that for the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, the messages are still applicable now so you may want to read them again here: Sampaguita Pride, Shoegarfreeruby, Eyecandy, and Sundrenched.

Anyway, I decided to pick the top 5 Pink Tarha experiences we've had for 2013. I was reading a magazine a while ago and I stumbled upon this phrase, "People who spend money on experience instead of new things are happier over all." I couldn't help but agree. The Pink Tarha ladies have a lot of experiences in 2013 that we will never exchange for any gadget or any amount of clothes and shoes (well, we might have to ask Shoegarfreeruby again about this, hehe). Here are the best of what we had in 2013: 

1. TRAVELING TO MALDIVES 

Hands down the best travel experience we've had this year is going to the Maldives. It's a dream travel come true. First, because it's the first time our group of friends went on a trip together all at the same time to the same place. Second, because it's Maldives!!! C'mon, if you have one country in your bucket list, it would have to be this paradise. There were countless friends who approached and asked us about our trip to Maldives and they can't help but be inspired to save up and go there too. The fact that the islands of Maldives is said to be sinking might also double your efforts to go… hurry! 

We miss you, Maldives!

Other must travel destinations: SRI LANKA and THAILAND 

2. THE PINK TARHA MORNINGS GOES TO JEDDAH 

When we staged the Pink Tarha Mornings in Jeddah, one thing became very apparent: Men Loves The Pink Tarha. Okay, let me explain that (for the fear of a tough conservative might be reading this and misinterpret it). Unlike the TPTM Riyadh, the one in Jeddah was co-ed because Jeddah is more relaxed on their gender mixing rules (we're not abusing it though) and most of our participants were men (thanks to the PEBA officers who have been supportive since the beginning) and we love how active and eager they were. It actually inspired me to write an entry on why men should read The Pink Tarha. Another experience we value during our Jeddah tour is the chance to go to the Tent City and meet wonderful people who, despite of their hard circumstances, were still hopeful. We feel grateful for the opportunity to reach out and help in our own little ways. 

A memorable Pink Tarha Morning!

Realization and Lesson: A City in Gridlock

3. ATTENDING EVENTS IN RIYADH 

When we started this blog, we hardly get invites from events. It wasn't only because the blog was just a newbie; it was because events are rare, almost non-existent. But 2013 saw the boom of these events in the city, be it in fashion, beauty, bazaars, newly-opened restaurants, and coffee mornings. And we love attending these events because we get to meet interesting people and get to know their products and services. In a way, we saw how the event landscape in Riyadh has opened up to more people and has changed throughout the months. In turn, these are shaping Riyadh to be a cosmopolitan city with its traditions and values intact. To be a part of this burgeoning trend is priceless. 

More Riyadh events please!

Events We Love: GAP Be Bright, New Look AW2013, Creative Japan Fashion Flair, Best Of Britain Fashion Show, Riyadh Fashion Days

4. EATING WELL 

The restaurant scene in Riyadh leaves more to be desired. There are many world cuisines that are not yet represented but we're willing to wait. After all, some of the most interesting restaurants are already here; they're just waiting to be discovered. Take for example the hamburger that is being lined up for hours, the bubble tea that I drank day after day after day (it's already embarrassing), the most-talked about bread store, the restaurant that serves mostly chicken dishes, the Japanese restaurant that takes the cuisine up a notch, the steak house that renovated itself, the psychedelic Chinese restaurant that owns a building, etc etc! Readers often ask if we eat in these restos for free. Why, wouldn't it be AWESOME?! But no, we pay for our food just like you do most of the time and that's quite awesome too because we enjoy the food and the companionship of the friends we're with without thinking of the consequences. Of course, we do get invited by restaurants once in a blue moon and that's a pretty awesome blogger perk too. 

Yummy Riyadh!

Foodies Liked: Burger Boutique, Saison Du Pain, Garden Barbecue at the AlKhozama

5. MEETING YOU 

The experience of meeting readers all over Riyadh is priceless! Sometimes, we don't even meet you personally. Most of you just comment and message and we're still very much grateful. Sometimes, friends of friends bring up The Pink Tarha in conversations and meet ups. It's funny and awesome how we're all connected in more ways than one. I remember when I got back from Maldives and it was the first time my brother saw me, his first words weren't "How was your Maldives trip?" His first question was "Can I have one of your Pink Tarha mugs?" I asked him why and he said that his friend's wife reads the blog and he plans on giving the mug as a birthday gift. Haha! Or how the doctor of Shoegarfreruby's aunt actually asked her, "Do you know The Pink Tarha? They're Filipinos and they blog." Or how we just recently received an appreciation email from a reader just before the new year ushers in! Here's an excerpt of her email to us:

Hi there girls! I just want to let you know that I am an avid reader of your blog. Since I first set foot on Saudi, I searched for an informative blog and found The Pink Tarha. I just want to commend everyone of you because you have helped a lot of people especially fellow Filipinos who are trying to adopt to the Saudi lifestyle. I first came across your blog in 2011 and have been following everything until now. I also recommend your blog to visitors and first-timers, and to almost everyone that I know of. I know how appreciation works a long way. And in this simple way, I hope I have extended it to all of you. Well, gusto ko lang malaman nyo na marami kayong natutulungan at napapasaya. Keep up the good work! God bless you all.  

Lovelots, Joyce Ann

Thank you, Joyce Ann! This is a nice gift for the new year. What a morale booster! What an inspiring message. :)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU DEAR READERS FOR EVERY THING! You don't know how much you make us go 'awwww' every time you send us your comments and feedback. We will continue writing to the best of our abilities. We will continue to help, guide, and inspire! YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Cheers to a more fabulous 2014, Riyadhizens!!! - Sundrenched

Breathtaking Maldives: Male 4/4

Promise, this is the last entry on Maldives, unless we go back and create another fantastic summer escapade. But nah, it might take quite a while for us to go back because we want an adventure in a new country/place! But I digress, we're still in Maldives as far as this entry is concerned. 

Thank you, Medhufushi!

The four days and three nights that we spent in Medhufushi Island Resort were filled with awesome experiences. We couldn't forget the amazing details up to now and if we can only teleport to see any thing blue and green in our surroundings, you know where we want to go pronto. On our last day in Medhufushi, we were surprised by the staff with a gumamela-decorated table. Perfect for breakfast!

Our last day table

We opted for the latest check-out they can give us. Our seaplane flight arrived around three in the afternoon. And we were off amidst the smiles and waves of the Medhufushi staff. Thank you, everyone! It was an EPIC vacation!

Our ride! Bye, Medhufushi!

Upon landing in the Hulhule Airport, we were greeted by Mohammad of Skorpion Travels and he directed us to a smaller port where ferries plying the Airport-Male route are. We went with the Express ferry for $2. We were booked in a simple hotel in the city, just a few steps away from the ferry station... Hotel Relax Inn. ($100 per room for two persons with free breakfast.)

After resting a bit, he toured us around the small island. Malé is the capital of Maldives. And it's quite interesting to note that the country name (Maldives) came from the name of the city (Male). Medyo baligtad.  Maldives literally means "islands (dives) of Male".

Our "taxi" to Male.

Male is just a 10-minute ferry ride away from the Hulhule island where the Maldives International Airport is. The whole island is only 2.239 square miles. Kuya RJ of Medhufushi Resort said that he used to jog around Male in under one hour. That goes to show how small this island is but it's also the most populous. Most citizens and a few expat workers are based here. Every thing is "walkable" or can be reached using motorcycles, which is the most popular mode of transportation. There are cars and taxis but they seem to be a smaller version of the regular ones. 

Even our hotel is quite small. We had to squeeze ourselves in the hallways which is about a meter in width... and you've seen our photos right? We're not exactly the free size which you can just stuck in a dim hallway somewhere and will fit perfectly. Not after this super luxurious, super wide water villa. That doesn't even seem to make sense. What happened?! Well, mafi fulos happened. Haha!

The view from our hotel room

Anyway, I have to tell you that upon arriving in our hotel in Male, we were tired. We were also hungry because we haven't had lunch and we were not supposed to eat until the dinner our friend Janeth prepared. We were also hurting from the sunburn we've acquired in Medhufushi. Our shoulders hurt from carrying our bags! So much for being island girls! And so, going on the city tour with Mohammed was pretty much like the worst idea ever. But then... we couldn't pass up the chance. Because who knows when will we ever pass by this way again, right?

Here are the points/buildings of interests:

The Hukuru Miskiyy (Friday Mosque) built in the 1656 is made up of coral block walls. 

Again, we are not allowed inside.

Built across the Friday Mosque is the Mulee Aage (Presidential Palace). Yes, that's the official residence of the president. If that doesn't explain how small Male is, I don't know what will. Nah kidding. The building is painted with cool colors! The president must be a fun man. But then again, there was no president when we were in Maldives. Politicians were still campaigning. (The elections is coming to a close.)

The Presidential Palace 

Beside the mosque is a cemetery, which is probably weirding you out right now because I'm not supposed to put a cemetery picture in this sunny, happy feature! But please hear me out read me! It's actually interesting to see their tombs because they were not of equal height. The tombs erected depends on the age and gender of the deceased. It also takes power and influence into consideration. Some of their heroes, sultans, and nobles have more intricate tombs.

Where the nobles lie

We also visited the garden compound where the Sultan Park and National Museum are. 

Waaah! Santan! A flower from my childhood!

A tree that has many stories to tell.

The museum grounds; it was already closed when we visited.

We passed by the Islamic Centre that has a geometric stretch of white steps leading up to the grand mosque. It also has a tall minaret that has a full moon at the top instead of the usual half moon. And I was hoping I can climb it because I assume the view from above will be great... haha! But alas! Non-Muslims cannot enter this place.

The grand mosque

Like the chevron pattern!

In the middle of Male is the administration building with a huge flag pole carrying the Maldives flag. The flag of Maldives feature a red rectangle (bravery of their heroes), a green rectangle (peace and prosperity), and a white crescent moon (Islamic faith). This overlooks a simple park where families spend their time. 

The center of Male

Next to the Male square is the port. It is quite obvious that most Maldivians live on fishing. Their TUNA IS AMAZING!!! Sorry, sorry I just remembered that. :P Anyway, we happen to see the men load their supplies for several weeks of stay in the sea. The Maldivian sunset is also lovely. And their TUNA IS AMAZING!!!

Where VIPs arrive

Where the boats come and go.

The Maldivian port-scape

Love the sunset and the colors of the boats

After this quick city tour (thank you Mohammad for putting up with us), we had to go back to the hotel. Yes, we were just walking the whole time! I don't think that was even walking. It's probably more apt to say dragging our tired feet across Male! Hehe. Good thing, Janeth saved us from hunger! I swear I can already hear my insides trying to eat each other. We had a delicious dinner and a good laugh of our (mis)adventures. We also went out to get pasalubongs (treats) for our families and friends in Riyadh. Thank you very, very much, Janeth! 

Male is a Muslim city so we didn't miss Riyadh much when it comes to the absence of alcohol and pork. A Male night life can be found in Hulhule Hotel located in the international airport island. Being the old ladies that we are, we didn't have the energy for this night life anymore so we decided to pass (wooooow!). 

Good night, Male!

We had an early flight in the morning so we checked out around 6 in the morning and traveled to the airport by ferry again. 

Male City!

The check in was smooth and fast and we were in the plane in no time at all. Sigh, so this is finally goodbye to Maldives.

Goodbye, Maldives! See you soon? :)

Riyadhizens, go to Maldives! Please go to Maldives!!! That's all we can say.

And oh, their tuna is amazing.

And oh... Shukuriyaa Maldives. Dhanee Maldives!  ~ Sundrenched

*Dhivehi (Maldives' official language) for Thank you and Goodbye respectively.

Breathtaking Maldives: Medhufushi 3/4

I had to change the three-part series on Maldives into four because, well, I still have a lot of things to say and photos to share. I mean, it can't hurt right? You're not yet overly saturated with our Maldives trip right?!? Haha! Actually, I had to add another entry for Male City, the capital of Maldives. But before that, here are the activities the friends and I enjoyed in Medhufushi Island Resort… These activities are not included in our package. We signed up for them separately and paid for them in the resort already. 

Medhufushi has a sheet of paper given to us on our arrival where the activities, cost, and schedules were provided. 

1. Dolphin Watching (around $30 each person)… without the dolphins. My friend Jamila and I decided to see some dolphins and we signed up for the 2pm trip. Well, the dolphins were either too busy playing in other parts of the ocean or we're too unlucky to spot them. There were no dolphins that afternoon but we enjoyed the boat ride! We had a fun time acting like we owned Maldives (or the boat) and captured our moments on camera. It was also a good time to see the early sunset too.

Our sweet ride!

Leaving Medhufushi for awhile!

Sunset viewing instead of dolphin watching. :P

The lovely sunset

Breathtaking sunset

2. Kayaking (around $30). I'm not into water sports so I left the water sports to Eyecandy and some of our friends who signed up for kayaking. I stayed in our villa and took photos of them werkkking their muscles to row, row, row thy kayaks. They were given an hour to roam around the waters freely. 

Eyecandy and the friends to the horizon!

3. Jet skiing and Banana Boating. Medhufushi has only 2 jet skis and visitors are only allowed to use one because the other one will be for the guide who will be with you on the duration of your time in the water. The girls enjoyed the banana boat ride.

Do you wanna 'banana boat'?! (Sorry, an inside joke with the friends.)

4. Snorkeling. It was quite funny that this activity is the only free activity in the sheet and we ignored it. Snorkeling is one of the must-dos in Maldives so if you go there, please do it! Simply put, we didn't see any underwater action (reefs, fishes, corals) in Maldives because we didn't go snorkeling (totally unacceptable, haha!). 

5. Island Hopping. My idea of an island hopping is that we go to uninhabited islands, soak in the sun, and swim in the beach for a while. At least that's what most people refer to as island hopping in Palawan, Philippines. In Medhufushi, island hopping is going to the inhabited islands of the Meemu Atoll and seeing the locals. The community islands in the Meemu Atoll are so small. You can walk from one side to the other side in minutes! Being a culture and history nut, this is the part I enjoyed the most, even if the sun is glaring at us most of the time.

On our way to the islands!

Our island hopping buddies.

We hopped on the boat again and went to Muli first. If you remember, I explained in the first few Maldives entries that Medhufushi is located in the Meemu Atoll, one of the administrative divisions of Maldives. It is also known as Mulaku Atoll (or Mulakatolhu). It has 33 islands with only 9 inhabited islands. Muli is the capital of these islands.

A rural scene from the Philippines Muli

I miss seeing gumamela!

The dock in Muli

Have you heard of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami? The epicenter of that huge and strong earthquake was in Indonesia but it was so strong (9.0 in the Richter scale) it created a tsunami that devastated parts of Maldives. Muli was one of those islands that was hit by the tsunami and many of its residents perished and lots of infrastructure were destroyed. Muli has long since stood up after that disaster. 

The trees that grew up well into the new Muli

Walking in the streets of Muli, I am reminded of the small baranggays we have in the Philippine provinces. The houses are small and commercial establishments are scarce but the air is fresh, the folks are friendly and simple, and the environment is conducive to live in. (I am such a probinsyana by heart!) 

After Muli, we visited the island of Kolhufushi. This one is nearer the Medhufushi Island Resort. 

Fluffy clouds, weee!

Everywhere you look, it's picturesque!

The island's mosque

Can you guess what this is? A bench. You know, where they sit and chitchat.

Maldivians are big fans of football.

Walking through the streets of these little islands are so nostalgic. They have this unique charm to them that even if in my head I don't want to stay there forever, it's not a bad possibility.

After visiting these two islands, the boat took us to a lagoon (basically in the middle of the sea) where the other visitors can swim and snorkel. Having no swimming clothes with us, we stayed put in the boat and drank our sodas. After a few minutes, we went back to Medhufushi.

Medhufushi Island Resort also has interesting mini events for its guests. They have a DJ Night where ladies and gents can party like there's no tomorrow (or okay, until midnight). There's also a manager's night where we got to meet the big bosses of the resort from the resort manager to the recreation manager to the spa manager. It's fun meeting other nationalities! They're all so friendly and warm. The resort also staged a night for the presentation of Maldives' folk dance, Bodu Bero.

Bodu Bero is one of the most popular folk music and dance in Maldives, where one leader and a band of 10-15 people sing in chorus. The rhythm will eventually pick up and a few men will come out of the huddle to dance. E and the friends enjoyed dancing with the folks.

A community dance.

The "fight dance" is fun to watch. It's different.

The Filipino staff of the resort encouraged us to watch the Bodu Bero. We'd like to thank the Filipinos who we met in the resort especially Ma'am Cherry, an English teacher in the resort, and Sir RJ, the resort's head security. We're so happy to meet you po! Hope we get to see each other again.

Maldives truly gave me the shivers. It's so beautiful and serene that it makes me feel that I've just experienced one of the best (really BEST) things that the world has to offer. It ignited a whole new passion for traveling in me. The turquoise waters and the glorious sun, they're both screaming "Stop dreaming and get going!" I hope our travel entries in the blog inspire you to do the same.

Leaving our mark.

Okay, so we're not yet done with Maldives because after our wonderful stay in Medhufushi Island Resort, we also visited Male City, the capital of Maldives. We had to include it in our itinerary because our Fly Dubai flight schedule doesn't coincide with our 4 days and 3 nights stay in Medhufushi. Of course we could've stayed 5 days in the resort but our bank accounts are busted as is. What we saw in Male and our final Eid vacation 2013 hurrah on the next entry!

Don't forget our tips in planning for Maldives!

Breathtaking Maldives: Medhufushi 2/4

Writing this entry on the Maldives is proving to be difficult. Every time I see the pictures, I wanted to teleport there pronto! A part of me is asking, "Is there someone who can tell me where those days in paradise went?" Because it feels like it was over in an instant! How is that even possible?! Anyway, the duty of a Pink Tarha comes first. Hehe. I must look at our photos again and again just so I can write and publish this entry. Hahaha!

Medhufushi Island Resort, bird's eye view

And so... we arrived in our resort via seaplane. Our resort is located in the Meemu Atoll. Here's a map of the Maldives complete with our path from the airport to our resort. Fuchsia marks the spot!

I'm quite sure the flight path is not that straight. Hehe.

The friends are usually the talkative ones. We're kind of funny and rowdy (slight lang) like that. But upon landing, the sun worshippers in us have no words to say: bright blue endless skies, waters in various shades of azure, and the warm hearty welcome... hay, this is the life! Seriously, if there's a place where simplicity and luxury mold into one, it's this place. This vacation is not cheap but it's super worth it.

The water villas from the reception area

The Medhufushi Island Resort in Maldives has white sandy beaches surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon. It has 112 villas to choose from. Sixty-six beach villas are located in the island itself, with direct access to the sea shore. Eight of them are suites boasting of the finest amenities. The resort also has 44 water villas, or those rooms standing on water (aka our dream villas!) which has direct access to the lagoon water (or as my friend say, her very own "pool" in the Indian Ocean).

The lagoon suites, reachable by a dhoni only.

Their two lagoon suites are perfect for honeymooners. You'll have the complete privacy and "isolation" because a private dhoni (small boat) is needed to go here.

Hello, water villas!!!

Our palm-thatched water villa is how we imagined it to be like. It looks simple from the outside but luxe awaits inside. We were given the best location among the 44 water villas in the resort... since it's two persons per villa and we're 6 in the group, we were given 3 villas standing side-by-side. They're the nearest one to the main island and are facing the side where the sun sets.

Wohoooo! Here we go!

The colors of paradise

Walking to our rooms

The calming waters in between our villas

Our room! I stayed in 114 while E stayed in 113

Opening the door felt like stepping into our dream. Sima, the guest relations officer, toured us in one of the villas and we were squealing like little school girls when we saw what was in store for us. So for this entry, I'll be the one giving you a "tour"of our home for four days:

Welcome to our room!

The bed is so inviting, and attention to detail is perfect! 

Coffee and tea area

Of course, we tried the espresso machine immediately!

Behind the wall is a restroom made for two!

Woot, E immediately had a bubble bath in her tub!

So nice that every thing is divided into smaller rooms.

The room is equipped with AC, a flat screen television (that my roomie and I weren't able to open... not once!), DVD player, telephone, hair dryer, a stocked mini bar, and an in-room safe. I also like that their cabinets for our clothes are huuuge!

One of our favorite places in this villa is the wooden veranda which has the chairs, swing, and sun loungers that made us want to just stay put all day long. (Only if no other activities were available.) We can just stare into the ocean, read a book, sunbathe, enjoy our drinks, etc. in this place and we won't get bored. Ever.

I love this swing!

Now I'm confused where to sit down. Hehe.

Hello neighbors!!!

Complimentary champagne to celebrate this vacation!

The stairs leading to the water is so convenient. During low tide, the water reaches the first and second steps only while during high tide (usually in the afternoon and night), the water becomes waist deep and reaches half the stairs. 

It's low tide.

E is on the left, I am on the right.

Every dawn of our stay, it was raining. Thankfully, the rain stops at around 7 o'clock in the morning and the sun shines brightly mid-day. This is one of those cloudy mornings that we experienced in the resort:

Amazing view from the water at 7 in the morning.

Now that we've toured you in our villa, here's a quick tour of the resort (quick meaning 10++ photos, hehe!). The restaurants and activity centers are a 5-minute walk away from the water villas. 

Catching the sunrise

Relaxing beach side

Too many spots to lounge around

The small opening which goes to the beach villa from the beach

One of the beach villas

The pathway from the water villas to the center of the island

The Medhufushi Spa is located in a hut facing the sunrise side of the resort. All the staff are Indonesians who specialize in very relaxing massages. The resort has a gym and a souvenir shop too.

One of my favorite places in the resort!

The Vilu Bar and the reception huts

You can order snacks of nachos and sushi/sashimi platter at the bar

Four cheese pizza and chicken satay (<3 the peanut sauce)

Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner happens here at the Malafaiy Restaurant

The swimming pool area

Catching the sunset 

Gusto lang namin maiyak sa ganda ng place! As innn. Haha! We felt so blessed because we were given the chance to visit this gorgeous place. And so, the resort tour stops here. On the next entry, we're bringing you the activities we did in the resort. Weeee! ~ Sundrenched 

Medhufushi Island Resort

Meemu Atoll, Republic of Maldives

T: +960-672-0026

F: +960-672-0027

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Medhufushi

Website

Read other entries on Maldives:

Planning for Maldives

Breathtaking Maldives 1/3