Wednesday, August 03, 2005

BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

PAINTED LADIES
I'd like to give my props out to the management of both BEL-AIR APARTMENTS (left) and MIRAMAR HOTEL (right) for the fabulous new paint jobs they gave their respective buildings. The Bel-Air - a stunning streamline moderne structure by National Artist for Architecture Pablo Antonio - has been given new life and a cool new color combination of light grey and cream. While the Miramar Hotel, managed by Cordon Bleu Alumni Michelle Pe, touched up it's tried and tested naples yellow and brick facade with another coat of fresh paint. Both of these art deco structures are easy to spot. They figure prominently at the southern corner of Luneta Park fronting the United States Embassy. These buildings are also historically significant because they both survived the bombs and shells of World War II. By the way, for those of you out there seeking a new place to live or to open a business, the ground floor of Miramar is available for rent and commercial/residential units are available on the upper floors of Bel-Air.

Note: For a budget weekend retreat, check into the 3-star Miramar
Hotel (ph:5234484) and try out their chic art deco themed rooms. Their local residents rates are extremely reasonable and their menu is also French inspired. All rooms are air conditioned with cable. The atrium is gorgeous. I highly recommend it with a walking tour for a total Manila weekend package. Wink wink.