Sample Works

Sample Works as of December 2008 Source: SUMDAE LLC Project By: Maria Fatima “Jofti” A. Villena Position: Junior Writer 1: SAMPLE FEATURE WRITE-UP/OC ARTICLE

Beach of the Week: Bajacu Villa at Turks and Caico This breathtakingly gorgeous villa is located on a hilltop at the south shore of Providenciales, the most developed island of Turks and Caicos. Although the villa is the center of tourism on the island, it still remains one of the most excellent beach vacation destinations where one can just escape from all the stress of modern life. About the Island Turks and Caicos is not one of the most spectacular islands in the Caribbean for no reason. One, it is still an undiscovered beauty.Thanks to the shallow waters of Provo, short for Providenciales, the big cruise ships are unable to dock and introduce the pristine beauty of the island to hordes of tourists. Second, the island is enveloped in 230-miles of white sand beaches, turquoise sea and abundant coral formations making it one of the top 10 best diving sites in the world. The island of Turks and Caicos is a little archipelago with eight major islands, 575 miles from Southeast Miami and 90 miles north of the Dominican Republic. Provo, where Bajacu Villa is located, boasts of white sand beaches, restaurants, casinos, marina, bars and hotels. All these attractions and facilities are only minutes away the Villa by car. Bajacu, the Rising Sun The 13-acre estate was a creation of a world renowned Mexican architect by the name of Marco Aldaco. Situated on top of a hill with a 270 degree view of the sea makes it a real paradise on Earth. The Villa is surrounded by tropical plants with a variety of fruit trees, coconut, royal palm, bushes and flowers like jasmine, bougainvilleas,frangipani, and many more. Aside from the lush garden, there is a stone pathway towards the sea for the guest’s easy access. The Villa can house up to 10 guests. Amenities and facilities inside the Villa The inside of the Villa, with an area of 9,500 square feet, has five bedrooms. Three bedrooms have king-sized beds and two have double beds. It has seven bathrooms, two living rooms, an office, two dining areas – interior and exterior, kitchen, laundry area and a sunset terrace. Each of the bedrooms has an air conditioning unit, ceiling fan, flat screen TV with cables, DVD

players, telephone and internet (Wifi) access, walk-in-closet, a safe, bathroom with separate bath and shower, hairdryer and its own private terrace. For those who cannot resist doing work even on a holiday, the Villa has an office complete with amenities – computer unit, scanner and printer, internet access, answering machine and fax. For the music lovers, you can enjoy and listen to music using the CD music player located in each of the rooms. If guests opt to prepare their own snacks at one time, the kitchen is complete with equipment and utensils – two refrigerators, freezers, two dishwashers, two ovens, toasters, microwave, coffee makers, blenders and the ever necessary barbeque grill. The Villa also protects its guests and their belongings via a 24-hour alarm system and safe in each room. The estate is also gated. What adds to the exhilarating view seen from the Villa are the infinity pools where the guests can take a plunge, stay on water and scan the breathtaking view of the clear blue sea from the edge. The big infinity pool is 170 feet long, 24 feet wide, four to eight and a half feet deep. The smaller, wading pool is 24 feet long, 15 feet wide and four feet deep. The Villa is also proud of the service deluxe it gives to its guests through the warm and hospitable staff – a chef, two handymen, gardener, three maids with two staying on the site but in a separate staff house. So the guests need not worry about anything except to relax and enjoy their trip. For child care, this should be requested early on and is available with additional charge. Just note, the Villa has one very important policy for its guests – NO SMOKING! Attractions outside the Villa The island of Provo is complete with establishments for tourists. Its restaurants cater to various cultures with European, American, Mediterranean and Asian food offered. The specialties of most restaurants in the island are conch and lobster. The giving of a 15 percent tip is customary. Travel requirements requirements To go to Turks and Caicos, guests can ride any of the following airlines: American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Airlines, Air Canada and British Airways. All of which offer direct flights from New York, Boston, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Toronto and London. From within the region, airlines like Bahamas Air, Air Jamaica Express, SkyKing and Air Turks & Caicos from Montigo Bay, Nassau, Cap Haitian, Puerto Plata, or Cuba also offer transport to the locations. The island is about one hour and 20 minutes from Miami while two hours and 50 minutes from New York City. Guests need to apply a valid passport except those from Western countries and purchase a ticket to and from the beach. Take note that importation of firearms, pornography and drugs are forbidden. Visitors are allowed to bring a carton of cigars, liquor, and perfume.

Transportation It is best to rent a car while in the island. Most of the island’s roads are still dirt roads. The Villa can arrange a car rental for its guests during their stay. However, the guest should be a driver license holder. Weather on the island Turks and Caicos have a tropical climate averaging 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius during summer and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 degrees Celsius during winter. But what makes the heat bareable for those unused to it are the constant easterly island breezes. The hottest months of the year are September and October. Since it is a tropical island, it enjoys a great deal of sunshine with low humidity and minimal rains. The water temperature either on winter or summer is always perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Medical assistance in the island In case of medical needs, the house staff is always there to assist its guests. Private clinics are just around the corner in case there is a need for them. The services of UK trained doctors are offered in the clinics. Common problems from visitors include sunburn, insect bites, and dehydration. It is wise to apply sunscreen protection while out in the sun, drink more than your ordinary intake of water, close the windows and use insect repellants when necessary. If there is an emergency, clinics around Provo can stabilize most conditions, but if the need arises, the island can access an air-ambulance jet to bring a guest to a hospital in Florida. It would be best if guests can check in advance if their insurance covers the costs in case an accident happens. General information Most tourists will not have a hard time communicating with the people on the island since the main language used is English. The currency used on the island is U.S. dollars and almost all establishments accept credit card payments. For booking at the Villa Book at an earlier date. The Villa has higher rates during peak seasons, namely, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the pricelist below: Season

Bedrooms

price in US$ (per night)

2

US$ 3,300.00

3

US$ 3,500.00

11/14/07 to 04/30/08

05/01/08 to 11/14/08

4

US$ 3,900.00

5

US$ 4,200.00

2

US$ 2,750.00

3

US$ 2,900.00

4

US$ 3,150.00

5

US$ 3,500.00

Remember to add 10 percent for the Turks and Caicos government tax and another 10 percent for the service charge to all the prices listed when budgeting for the trip. Important notes: For bookings, Bajacu Villa is closed for renovation due to damage from hurricane Ike until December 2008. However bookings for December should already be made as early as this month of September since slots for reservation is almost filled up. By Jofti V. Sources: Bajacu.com Villas of Distinction

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Beach Weddings: Quick and Easy Scared about what to have and expect on your wedding day? Want something intimate, unique, and private all at the same time but afraid that you won't have enough time to set it up? Then a beach wedding is the perfect choice! You may be asking yourself, is a beach wedding really for me? How does one go about preparing for it? No worries, this article will serve as a beach wedding guide so you will be sure to have a memorable and enjoyable night of love, laughter, and romance. First off, let's establish why a beach wedding is exactly what you are looking for: •

Weddings are all about romance and love. It is the time when you will say your marriage vows to that person you intend to be with for the rest of your life. A beach wedding is a

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genuinely romantic choice as it provides a beautiful sunset, cool breezes, gentle sea waves, and that white sand everyone seems to love. “Weddingmoons” this is the term used by people as both a wedding and honeymoon destination rolled-into-one. This promises easy management and handling of both occasions, perfect for the modern-day busy couples who cannot afford to leave their offices for long periods of time but still want to have a honeymoon. From the first two points, you can clearly see the practicality of holding your wedding on a beach. It is economical because you can hold both your wedding and honeymoon in one place, even your bridal shower and reception all in one venue at fixed rates. With this, you can easily bargain and request for a reasonable, if not cheap, wedding package. Moreover, the beach scenery provides a free wedding backdrop for the event. You do not have to prepare lavish decorations since you will have the services of an experienced beach resort hotel caterer who can handle this. All they will really need to provide are simple adorned tables and chairs or maybe even pillows for guests. A necessity of a beach wedding is a small guest list. This adds to the intimate feel and doesn't take away from the beauty of the surroundings. This smaller guest list will also be cheaper. Lastly, the bride will not need a couture wedding gown. Beach weddings call for simple, casual wedding attire.

Convinced about the advantages of a beach wedding? Then let's proceed to the next step. Just a heads up for busy couples, it is much better to prepare for your wedding in advance to minimize the stress involved when coordinating such events. After all, who wants their wedding day to be stressful? Wedding Beach Destination To get you started, list at least three possible beach destinations with ambiance, accessibility, and cost in mind. After all, beach weddings are meant to heighten the romantic atmosphere and move away from the traditional necessities that people are used to. •

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For the best beach destination try searching for that almost secluded, untouched, and private beach. This secures you the beautiful beach front all to yourself with the gentle sound of waves as your music while the ceremonies go on. While thinking about having the wedding in a deserted beach, do not forget about accessibility. There are beaches, though they are out of the tourist's lists, that provide guests chartered/connecting flights. Also, it is important to get information from the travel agent or the beach and hotel staff about the weather forecasts to avoid having the rains spoil your Wedding ceremony.

All of these may seem hard to coordinate but since you have ample time to prepare and fewer guests, it shouldn't be too difficult.

Wedding Motif Isn't it obvious, the beach is all the theme you need.

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Color. Various shades of blue like turquoise or aquamarine work well to highlight the color of the ocean and really stand out against the white sand. If you want to be a bit more exotic, try splashing some orange throughout by using tropical fruits and flowers as part of the decor. Invitations. Message in a bottle type invitations or those inside a clam-like invitation envelope. Flowers. For others, this is a necessity even with a beach wedding set-up. What most don't realize is that beach as backdrop allows for the use of plants as centerpieces or even as ornaments for the ceremonies. Menu. Beach foods and cocktails, see article entitled Beach foods: our favorites for ideas. But this is actually easy, think of foods that tourists love to eat while on the beach. Beach foods should be something light, easy to eat since tables and chairs are just an option in this set-up. For the cocktails, you can choose from among the most popular – Sex on the Beach, Blue Hawaiian Cocktail, Tropical Itch, Green Dragon, or Pina Coladas. Cakes. To stick to the “beach” motif, you could have your cake sprinkled with crushed Graham Crackers to have that “sandy” feel to it. Use seashell shaped decor or wild flowers to top it off. Make-up. Go light on this one. Subtle make-up is all that is needed for a beach wedding. Favors. Shells, plants and sand in a bottle (colored if desired) are good choices for favors to provide guests with a reminder of the fabulous beach wedding they attended.

Wedding Gowns This deserves special attention because wedding gowns can either make or break a wedding. It is no surprise that weddings are first and foremost the bride's day. For beach weddings, choosing a gown is easier. More traditional long bridal gowns are a no, no. The bride should opt for more casual attire. She may choose from a variety of: • • • • •

summer dresses floral, above-the-knee or slightly below-the-knee kinds of dresses spaghetti strap dresses tropical or Hawaiian two-piece dresses black/white-mini dress

Whatever you choose from these varieties is acceptable as long as you are comfortable. Beach weddings should be as relaxed as possible. So there you go, an easy-to-follow beach wedding guide. You are now set to go on your dream beach wedding. So what are you waiting for? Start planning and good luck.

-Jofti V. Sources: Beach Wedding Planning Guide Beach Bride Wedding Guide 3: SAMPLE WRITE-UP / SHORT ARTICLE

Celebrity owned beach islands Think private! Think celebrity! Who else can own a private beach island of their own but none other than big celebrities? Featured here are some of the most luxurious beach islands in possessions of popular stars. Mel Gibson falling in love with Mago Island in Fiji Fiji island has long been a favored beach destination spot of beach lovers. Australian native, Mel Gibson, joined the rest of his multi-billionaire neighbors like Marlon Brando and the owner of Red Bull Energy drinks, when he bought Mago Island. This 5,400-acre island, priced at US$ 15 million, is around the size of a small country and is one of the largest islands in the South Pacific region. Uninhabited and almost untouched except for a few Fijian caretakers, Gibson vowed to preserve the island in its original state except for a modest house which he planned to build on the property. Leonardo de Caprio, star turned environmentalist at his own Blackadore Cay, Belize Heartthrob turned environmentalist, Leonard di Caprio, intends to make his very own island an example of sustainable development with the creation of a small resort and some hosted eco-tours. The 104-acre island situated at the middle of mainland Belize and Ambergris Cay, near the Barrier reef was reported to have been bought at US$ 1.7 million back in 2005. Celine Dion, rustic but elegant isle in Quebec Singer Celine Dion's rustic, private isle “Ile Ganon,” may not be as expensive as the tropical islands that most celebs favor but this little island of the pop-diva is far from simple. At the middle of the island is a heavily-fenced mega-mansion, French-style chateau. Located at the sleepy Mille Iles River, the island becomes an attraction to tourists though local boat tours is the closest tourists can ever get.

Johnny Depp's a.k.a. Capt. Jack's Sparrow owns Little Hall's Pond Cay The Bahamas naturally attracts celebrities. Johnny Depp is no exception as he was enamored by the area after playing Captain Jack Sparrow in the trilogy Pirates of the Caribbean. The island was reportedly sold to Depp for US$ 3.6 million. According to the character actor, he bought the island to be his family's intimate vacation spot, so NO paparazzi allowed. He even invited Lindsay Lohan, a young actress, to find some quiet time in the island, out of the public's eye. David Copperfield's own magical island at the Bahamas Musha Cay resort owner David Copperfield has been a host to some of the top celebs in the biz. Stars such as Oprah Winfrey and John Travolta visited the location spending US$ 325,000 per week.

Perhaps the biggest draw this 150-acre island has to beachgoers is due to the fact that the island is said to have the mythical Fountain of Youth and a resurrecting island stream. By Jofti V. Source: Privateislandsmag.com

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The planets best best dives One may not fully understand the marvels of the world. Such is the planet's best diving sites, a jawdropping amazement of the wonders of marine life down under. After several attempts to rate the world's top dives, 10 sites made it into the list of divers' favorites: 1. The Red Sea, Egypt Generally speaking, the Egyptian Red Sea offers great forms of diving for eager divers - bay, reef, shark, and wreck diving - not to mention the rich cultural heritage and history attached to Egypt which gives divers a different high and a more enriched diving experience. There are three diving spots in Egypt that made it to the top 10 diving sites list of diving magazines, namely Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammad National Park, and Eliphinstone, 2. Bali, Indonesia Bali is known to be a complete island destination. It offers excellent spas and various nature activities as well as a number of secret diving spots worth exploring. This spot holds some of the greatest marine biodiversity in the world. It also offers the services of first class diving instructors, free of charge, for those who want to venture into diving. 3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia A scuba diver's list of places to dive is not complete without the wonder of the world known as the Great Barrier Reef. Divers will be amazed at the various aquatic life which can be closely observed in between coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef's pride is its pristine coral reef system and the vast, multitude of marine and aquatic life forms found underwater. It offers several superb diving spots - Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Ribboon Reefs, Beer Gardens and Hog's Beach. 4. Palau, Micronesia Palau is a paradise above water, miles away from civilization. It is a 100-mile long archipelago found southeast of the Philippines.

One of the best diving spots in the world because of its coral lagoon, sheer drop-offs, caves and over 1,000 types of fish from the little jellies, to barracuda ,and even the occassional shark. 5. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador Islands of Galapagos is located 970 km west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. It is advised that divers wear a 5-7 mm wetsuit with gloves and hoods or a drysuit because the water is freezing. The island is one of the best sites for shark diving. Whale sharks are known to prowl the area between May to November while Hammerbacks may be seen all year round. Diving packages normally include diving at Darwin island where multiple species of fish can be spotted, including the aforementioned whale sharks of course. Darwin Arch which has a prolific fish population, Wolf Island, Landslide, Golden's Rock, Mosquera point and Stark Bay share the very rich marine life of Galapagos. 6. Cayman Islands Caribbean's pride, Cayman Islands, is a source of revenue for the islands and is included in the list of top dives. Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac are the best spots to dive with their spectacular geography. Cayman is the best in wall diving in the Caribbean Sea with sufficient marine life to be proud of as well. The islands also house some very professional and experienced diving instructors. 7. Papua New Guinea This dive site at the Pacific is known for wreck diving. There are more than 10 ship wrecks from World War II that can be found in one area. Beginner and professional divers will enjoy this pristine diving site since it provides both deep drops as well as vast tracts of shallow reefs, private lagoons, and more. 8. Costa Rica Costa Rica is the newest addition to the list of best diving spots because of the rapid development of ecotourism in the country. As expected, scuba diving is being promoted as one of the major attractions of Costa Rica waters. Beginner divers can start exploring eagle rays at Punta Gorda then move on to Murcielagos Island and the Catalinas to see the abudance of its marine life - gorgeous coral reefs, angelfish, mantas, 9. Cozumel, Mexico Famous for drift diving, Cozumel is a diver's gentle paradise. Just drop-off and the current will whisk you away to marvel at the exotic marine life. It has unique coral reef systems and limestone formations. The caves in the area are also worth some explorations. Another attraction is the Splendid Toadfish which can be found nowhere on Earth except in the waters of Mexico.

10. Belize Belize's pride is the 412-foot trough known as Blue Hole which features covered walls of healthy corals and sponges. Belize is also a home to the giant fishes of the Caribbean plus other forms of marine life. There you have it, a list of the planet's best dives from divers themselves. Choose and begin exploring the world underwater. by Jofti V. Source: On the Go Scuba Travel

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Best Cruise Suites at Sea One of the most important decisions you have to make while planning your cruise trip is the accomodations. Choosing the best suite is quite a challenge since most cruise liners are now offering a variety of accomodations which suits every passengers need, taste, and budget. They offer suites, mini-suites, and junior suites at prices that are only slightly higher than the charge for the economy cabins. Cruise trips has been a big hit for years now as a family vacation option. Families who would like to experience it without spending a fortune can actually book a suite for less than the price of two cabins. In booking an accomodation, there are trends to keep in mind so that you do not spend more than what you expect. Remember that most ships catering to economy cruises also have suites with elaborate features that you can book for your family. Another important thing to understand is that accomodations are more than just luxuriously-styled rooms - you also pay for the quality of service provided. Ask your travel agent or the cruise liner if the accomodation comes with concierge services including priority upon embarkation until you get off the cruise. If you really want deluxe service, the most luxurious your cruise travel can give you is a butler who will provide you with everything and anything you could need. Basic service for these higher end packages include laundry, course-by-course dining room meals served in your suite, catered cocktail parties, priority embarkation, reservations at restaurants and even shore excursions complete with flowers and fresh fruits. Here are the 10 best suites at sea: 1. Garden Villas of the Norwegian Cruise Liner Series For US$1,857/person/day, you will experience a stunning view from the window walls of your suite.

It is a 5,750 square feet suite which includes three bedrooms, two private steam rooms, a sixperson hot tub and a private stunning deck. For the services, you will have an entire concierge team to watch over all your needs. 2. Penthouse Suites of the Holland America's VistaVista-class ships (Zuiderdam, Oosterdam,Noordam, and Westerdam) The 1,300 square feet cabin has a contemporary but colorful design with elegant features and most of all original artworks of artists. The modern-looking balcony has its own hot tub and inset banquette for an alfresco style dining and lounging. It has a butler's pantry with fridge, microwave, and a dining set good for eight people. The best feature of this suite is the full-sized whirlpool tub inside a marble-clad bathroom. Rented for US$ 680/person/day. 3. Penthouse Suites of P&O Aurora This British line's ship is an epitome of traditional elegance. The suite is a duplex-type area - 865 square feet, designed with traditional decor. Both are accessible through two separarte decks. With an open, curved staircase, sleeping loft with full bath, you will experience from both an exhilirating amount of luxury. They both have two balconies, a dining area for six and guest powder rooms. The main feature of the first suite is a grand piano while the other is a library. In booking this, specify which one you prefer over the two. Rented at US$ 680/person/day. 4. Lady Marjorie's and Sir Edwards Suites of Sea Cloud These two suites are relatively smaller than the other featured cabins at 410 square feet and 366 square feet respectively. Designed during the 1930s by Marjorie Meriwether Post, the style of the suites except for the additional modern conveniences remain unchanged. The Marjorie suite is more feminine in style and design with white walls and gold gilt wainscoting, a very large bath and a canopy bed while Sir Edward's is more masculine with knotty pine paneled walls and dark painted furnitures. Rented at US$1,220/person/day. 5. The Grand Grand Suite of Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager For US$ 1,100/person/day, this 753 square feet elegance has a solarium in the bedroom area, floor-to-ceiling walls, a soaking tub facing the sea and an additional 123 square feet for a large balcony. The suite is filled with luxurious contemporary decor, namely, dark cabinets, light-colored walls and furnishings. 6. The Owner's Suite of Silver Cruises' Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow Elegant with first class service, the Silversea Cruise Line offers this location at quite a bargain. You pay for your accomodation but you get the services for free at no extra cost. At 1,208 square feet, this two bedroom suite is priced range at US$ 1,440. Some of the suites fine facilities include plasma screen televisions, warm wood furnitures, marble and granite baths with whirlpool tubs and a separate toilet and bidet. The bedroom also includes a 200 square feet balcony.

7. The Balmoral and Sandringham suites of Queen Mary 2 The most expensive suite to rate, at US$ 4,100/day/person. The suites are grandiose, with two stories, sweepingly elegant staircases, two marble baths with whirlpool tub and a separate shower, full bath and private exercise equipment. The 2,249 area has a terrace which is visible from public decks below. Accomodation at these suites comes with the use of exclusive amenities at the liner - dining room, special lounge and sunning deck. 8. Deck 10 category AC Suites of NCL's Norwegian Spirit These little gems of the Norwegian liner dis special with two side-by-side balcony staterooms. On one side is the living room with a bar and nicely decorated balcony, on the other side, is the bedroom and bathroom with a floor-to-ceiling sized one-way window. Inside you can find the whirlpool tub which has a gorgeous view of the sea. Adorned with colorful mosaic tiles, this side of the room has a shower that opens to the luxurious bedroom. Though this may come affordable at US$ 337, the accomodation is a perfect catch with the elegantly designed suite and a superb butler and concierge service. 9. Penthouse Suites of the Celebrity's MillenniumMillennium-class ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellation) What makes this suite tick is the modern conveniences found inside such as private fax, VCR and DVD players,32-inch televisions, motorized drapes, and exercise equipment. The location is equally superb because they are tucked into the stern and they have large balconies with hot tubs. The huge bathroom also has a whirlpool tub facing the sea. Price at US$ 900. 10. Grand Princess Cruises' Sapphire, Diamond and Caribbean Princess These suites take pride in the elegantly-styled combination of modern world and old-world luxury. The 1,329 square feet one-bedroom cabin contains lush brocades, a whirlpool tub, a multi-jet shower, an indoor dining table good for six and an outdoor one good for four, two televisions, one personal computer, and a wet bar. Priced at US$ 572,000. By Jofti V. Source: Cruise Critic