Dec 31, 2009

Pahuway!

If lying in the sun, taking strolls around the island and feeding yourself well on regular
interwalls isn't relaxing enough try out the malapascuan speciality massage. The Malapascuan massage lady assosiation consists of 25 self-employed women who've trained in massage and practise on thebeach or come to your habitat. the full body swedish-style massage takes just a bit more than an hour and gets you relaxed from head to toe.

An added bonus is the sand -that on Malapascua beach is
so fine it gets everywhere- in between your skin and the lady's hands so you get a gentle all-body
scrub for the same price and if you prefer to smell delicious for the following day get the
coconut oil instead of unscented baby-oil (my boyfriend said i smelled of fresh waffles, not necessarily bad..) My prescription would be 2-3 times a week, at the sunset before dinner. Wash all the activities ofthe day away, get your sunburned skin soothed and wake up an hour later as a new you.
And if that isn't pampering enough, get one of the manicure ladies to join. She'll co-work with
your masseure and voila -manirure and pedicure done at the same time! Just remember to pick the color of the nailpolish before dozing off :)




At the moment the going rate for both services seemed to
linger around 300 pesos each. I got the massage and pedicure for 450p total, but i believe in the
heat of the high season the prices could be 50p or so more.
Anyway, a great massage, nails done, bodyscrub and a relaxed holiday mood for less than 10 euros is more than worth the money. The women are also a fun bunch to hang out with, they taught me to play cards and some words of cebuano. Talking about families and life in general, meeting the kidsand sometimes the husbands. I talked to some of the tourists also about how great this system is. To my surprise someseemed to feel embarrased to get a treatment and felt that they're demeaning the women by making them work.
People! these are professionals, trained in their skills and want to make money of it. They work for themselves,keep the money they make and are independent women with good jobs. The best you can do is consumethe services provided and enjoy while at it.
Pahuway-just relax!

Dec 14, 2009

Malapascuan style


Malapascua, the island of beautiful beaches and great diving. All that is true but having traveled quite extensively in asia, I must describe Malapascua as the island of warmth -both in temperature and in peoples' behavior.
I met a couple who said it hasn't changed a lot in 10 years, which is a true miracle during todays tourist industry that has turned places like Koh Samui, Phuket and Bali into something quite different from a decade ago.
that is not to say that the local teenagers don't entertain the quirks of todays fashion and global music scene but the feeling all around is still true Malapascuan.



One can find all the necessities in life on the island. There's a bakery, clothes shops, convenience stores, lodging for all budgets and good restaurants and diveshops all over. The only thing lacking is medical services alltogether so stock up on everything you might need in that area. I usually travel with at least some basic painkillers and antibiotics and already a pack of penisilin has saved us a day-long trip to Cebu.


It's also fun and interesting getting to know the people. Everyone is generally friendly and don't seem to mind sharing a few moments answering questions. The kids I spent some time with during a celebratory lunch among neighbours are eager to learn about everything and already know a good deal - the education system here is great and at least the 12-yr olds seem to know a lot more about life than I did at that age.


More info coming up soon about this lovely place, so start plannig your trip!

Nov 20, 2009

Yummy Mums..


New giveaway glossy-paper Mums was released in Finland yesterday night.
The swedish magazine continues a pathway laid by Vice putting a new exciting spin to it.



Launch party in Helsinki took place in the Diesel store in the heart of the city. The party crowd was entertained by a quirky musical act and bondage mermaids that were cruising the area tied up in various ways were a huge hit.



Chief editor Petter Mollenberg and fashion editor Martin Bergström seemed to enjoy the night meeting helsinki fashion-goers and sipping away at the launch and the afterparty held at Siltanen restaurant whose restaurant manager Richard McCormick was spinning the records at the party.

It's great to see new things being put together by enthusiastic people and although swedish isn't my mother tongue the articles are an easy read and it's never a bad thing to brush up :)


Nov 1, 2009

como te llamas?



Finally a new, exciting bar emerged in Helsinki city center. It has been long awaited since the Kallio area has admittedly taken over as the hippest place to be in town. Lots of great places there, but it's lovely to have somewhere in between home and work where the atmosphere folds you in the warmth again.




Llama Bar is a pleasant surprise. A cluster of of furniture and decor creates a bazaar feeling yet leaves space for activity around the small premises. They'll be serving lunch starting next week but already you can find sorts of little eatables.





A bar serving snails cooked in herbs as a snack can't have the wrong idea what this town needs. Only time will tell wether it's going to be the new favorite of everyone or claim its place in the row of punavuori's classics.

Oct 18, 2009

Sirkus Finlandia

Sirkus Finlandia has toured the country for decades already and are residing in Helsinki for another couple of weeks.
I went to see their show this year and was disappointed by the increase of animal acts. Though well kept, the animals showed clearly visible stress and anxiety surely caused by the touring.
Sea lions should definitely be living in the beautiful big blue instead of a portable tub on a sand field.
This defect also unnecessarily undermines the other brilliant and entertaining performances.



Antti Suniala being the only Finnish solo artist touring with the circus this year lives up to his reputation as being one of the most talented fire-jugglers in the world.





Also the acrobats and other performes are clear professionals and the house clowns best I've seen in a while. They worked hard in keeping the audience interacting and entertained in between acts.



So go and have a good laugh and get infatuated with the 'bending man' and if you agree with me about the unnecessity of animal acts please voice your opinion at least by not applauding during them. It's ok to have the fun family moment as an educational one too and the statement 'without animals there would be no circus' I extracted from the uneasy Master Of Ceremony has been triumphantly unvalidated by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque de Soleil.
I believe that Sirkus Finlandia has the potential and know-how to develop into a house of great performes without the need to showcase stressed wildlife as a crowd-pleaser.

Oct 4, 2009

Tigi Photo Awards Finland



Last night the long awaited show of Tigi creative team was finally again seen in Helsinki as part of the Tigi Photo Awards. Despite the worst weather we've seen this fall the event was a success and the party stretched well into the next day.




Led by Nick Irwin, Maria Kovacs and Akos Bodi did a demo presentation on the snazzy and beautiful of today's hair. I personally think I'm yet to see hair too big and enjoyed the show thoroughly.



Local make-up team did a great job as well in participating in creating the look for the show styled by Jiv. At least Tintti has some detailed material on the make-up in her blog.





two of my favorite photos featuring -surprise surprise, BIG hair!



I'd welcome more international teams to present their knowledge here so big hugs to
SKT-group for putting together a quality event!

Sep 20, 2009

...down memory lane

Must say it's been a great summer and what's even better -it seems to still be going strong. You can see people enjoying the rays of sun still warming the bicycle rides to work in the morning, spontaneous picnics in the park and strolls around town.
I couldn't find satisfactory words to describe the good times of past months so i decided to put together my all-star set of summer 09.











Sep 12, 2009

_Design Fashion_

Had a great time putting together a fashion show with professionals at the opening of helsinki design week. Seductive make-up and sleeked hair were the key frames for elaborate gowns and innovative new design. Make-up artist Mariela created the plastic lace masks out of a table cloth! Here's my favourite shots from a great looking show :)







Aug 30, 2009

Skate Sm 09

Skateboarding championships in Helsinki were on full throttle when I got there early afternoon and continued well into the night.
Crazy talent was to be found all around but what caught my attention were the under 12yr series and its contestants.
Determination was apparent on the faces of the boys showcasing their tricks and everyone had moments succeeding. Also, living the life of a beauty industry worker, the obvious team spirit and solidarity amongst the contestants is something that reminded me how everyone can grow and gain from cooperation.
Here's some of my favourite moments captured trying out the Canon 70-200 f2.8l.
Bummer i need to be somewhere but there today so all you who have a choice in how to spend your sunday, go and marvel, cos today it's the pros' day!




Open series winner Sami Miettinen


My favourite picture of the day :)

I didn't get the names of the guys in the pictures so feel free to shout my way if u are / know them.

Aug 25, 2009

Finnish Catwalk


Had a great couple of days working at the Finnish Catwalk fair.
Great people around, all very professional (even the 5yr-old models :) and despite early starts everyone had time to enjoy the sun in between shows.
Here's some of my favourite moments both on- and backstage.



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Aug 13, 2009

Wreck ahoy

Bali is, by many, considered one of the most beautiful places on this globe. I agree totally but was really disappointed in the southern tourist region of the island. Ubud, the artsy village located center of the island is definitely great fun but this time i'll pay my respects to the small eastcoast village of Tulamben.
It takes about 4 hours from kuta and 3 from ubud to reach the place by car. the traffic gets a bit crazy sometimes so a local driver with a sturdy jeep is not a bad call.
Unless you have confirmed lodging address where you'll be heading upon reaching Tulamben, one might get a bit overwhelmed by the fact that you're dropped off roadside to what seems exactly like the last 30 kilometers you just journeyed. But there's definitely more to this charming place than meets the eye. On the beachside you'll find a couple of resorts with scuba operators attached and on the other side of the road there's cheaper local accommodation and independent dive shops lined up.



Unfortunately all but one of the local dive operators were run by foreign people. With their shiny exteriors and multilingual staff they're a better choice for someone who's just dipping their head under for the first time.
If you have any experience ( i did my first dives here after completing OWD) and want to support the true locals I'd definitely and with a warm smile recommend the blue water diving. Run by a couple of local guys, the atmosphere is efficient and friendly. If staying for more than a couple of days you'll usually be able to bargain a great deal and the divemaster who stayed with us for the whole 2 weeks was a true natural. Having dove the waters from the age of 10 he'd know all the best spots and seemed to actually hang out with the fish as he'd be one of them.
All the gear was in top condition and carried by porters, who are a great example of local people joining forces for a mutual good.
The divesites are diverse and the Liberty wreck one of the most fun wrecks to dive cos it's located so shallow and gets loads of light.



Also hanging out along the road that binds the village together you can't escape the true ardour for life and the genuine kindness of the people. I've never before or since experienced that kind of ambiance.
there'd be so much to gush about so i'll just say: go and see for yourself!


all pics by Timppa



Aug 1, 2009

Safe Eats

Now that another friend arrived from a trip abroad having suffered some sort of digestive dilemma and having encountered quite a few on my travels myself I decided it's time to list the 'safe eats' rules by me.

# tap water is generally not the best idea to consume at the start of the trip. The bacteria being usually so different from where you're from may cause your insides to act on it. However this doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the water. If need arises, desensitizing your tummy by brushing your teeth with it for a week or so first gives you a general idea how you'll react.

#Cooked food is good food. Proper heating gets rid of most of the bacteria and steering on the vegetarian side releases you from worrying about salmonella and the sorts. Then again the same knife might be used to cut raw animal products and vegetables.

#When eating fish, make sure it's fresh and get the whole fish. More that once i've witnessed big day old barracudas missing a couple of fillet steaks rinsed in the sink and placed back to display with the fresh catch.

#No animals (except on the plate) with your food. Scratching a scabby stray dog while using the same hand to eat pineapple cut with a dirty knife (STUPID!!!) most likely landed me with
IBS-like symptoms doctors say i'll be getting along with for the rest of my life.

#Wash your hands, use hand disinfectant if you feel like it but most of the time soap will do just fine. Don't pick your nose, scratch your head or scavenge your feet while eating.

#enjoy your food. Don't get paranoid just cos something doesn't look like at home. Explore and try new flavors, eat where the locals do and if your tummy is as sensitive as mine you'll be best friends with the bowl at some point anyways. Might as well get it over with sooner than later.



photo: Ross C

Jul 25, 2009

ragged fun

A very slow tuesday night in lower manhattan. Bar hopping, feeling really restless and can't stay put for more than a drink at a time. In the search of a conclusive way to end the night we staggered upon Mars and yes, it was a planet of it's own.
Dark narrow space loaded with boxes of beer along one wall and a bar along the other. Quite soon we figured why the end of the counter occupied by us had been empty till then. Barstools were held together by the holy spirit and the toilets where 'trapeze skills come quite handy' were right by.
All and all the place was fun and rowdy, exactly what one needs sometimes to take the edge off...




Jul 23, 2009

Nolita gem

Slouching my way through the streets of Nolita, trying to find something refreshing for lunch I suddenly spotted a view that instantly took me back to the streets of Newtown, Sydney. Passing by this cozy rugged inviting little lounge and a shining smile of the cute guy working ( I never got his name) made me go around the block and back there.
Excellent fresh food for a hot summer day, cool drinks and great atmosphere definitely makes this place worth a visit on your new york trip.
You'll also get a peak of local artist's painting and tips for other great places around.
For address and full menu check out their website and go get a piece of surf to your N.Y day.




Jul 14, 2009

New adventures

On my way to the airport again :) It's always exciting, no matter if you're away for a day or a month. There will be some great new photos and tips coming your way soon but here's something beautiful to look at while waiting for the rain to stop...


klong dao beach, koh lanta

Jun 27, 2009

Summer Hair

Summer in Helsinki is at its best. People are out everywhere, smiling and enjoying the sun. Here are my favorite summer looks, perfect around town and at the beach. Bouncy, shaggy and sexy  :)




Hair by Tigi academy, New York.