| Lifestyle |
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| The
Zen home |
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In
the philosophical sense, a Zen teacher would probably
say there is no answer to the question: What is Zen? Zen
is an approach of life, a way of being, rather than a
philosophy or set doctrine. It is more a personal journey
of discovery, which aims to free the mind so that a greater
level of awareness - both of ourselves and the world around
us - can be achieved.
Commonly viewed as a Japanese concept, Zen philosophy
actually originated in China, where monks merged Indian
Buddhism and Chinese Taoism in a bid to find the true
path to spiritual enlightenment. In 1190, Zen Buddhism
was enthusiastically adopted by the Japanese, who developed
the idea that simplicity was synonymous with spirituality
and applied it to every aspect of their lives - including
their homes.
The sense of harmony found in Zen’s design style
transmit similar feelings of serenity to its occupants
- and has been reinterpreted by designers and architects
since the nineteenth century. Today, the Zen interior
has become a refuge from the outside world where busy
roads, new technology and the cult of consumerism leaves
us feeling anxious and unfulfilled. |
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| A
haven of peace |
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In
order to turn your home into a haven of peace and tranquility,
you must first look closely at the availability of space
and light. To do this, walk slowly through each room;
scrutinize the floors, walls and windows, and consider
the following options. Are there any walls you could knock
through or replace with load-bearing pillars? Is it possible
to insert more windows or to raise the height of existing
ones? Could you install a skylight? Does your carpet cover
space-enhancing boards or antique parquet? Next, look
at your furniture, fixtures and fittings and ask yourself
what you could do without. If you’re scrupulously
honest, you may well discover that many things you thought
were indispensable to domestic bliss are, in fact, easily
made redundant.
The Zen home combines the physical process of removing
unnecessary clutter with the aesthetic one of simplifying
your surroundings. When it comes to making decisions about
your home, it’s important to listen to your instincts.
This way you will reconnect with your spiritual self -
and create an environment that nurtures your heart and
soul. By stripping your home of the things that fail to
inspire you, you make space for the things that do. If
you love books, for instance, celebrate your literary
leanings by building a huge bookcase. Similarly, if music
soothes your soul, install a huge sofa and allow yourself
to listen in comfort and peace. |
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| Furniture
is simple and artlessly placed |
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Objects
used decoratively are chosen not for a display of wealth
or taste, but for their intrinsic characteristics - we
have to feel that they are interesting in themselves,
and not merely as aspects of our own esthetic sensibilities.
Zen does not shy away from irregularity, roughness, bareness.
To bring some natural thing - a piece of driftwood or
a ragged lump of quartz - into the home is to observe
reverence toward the world beyond ourselves. If instead
you choose to display an artifact - for example, an old
wooden Buddha picked up on travels in Asia, or from a
local flea market - what does it matter if time has warped
or cracked the artifact in places? Such imperfections
only add to the object’s uniqueness, to its relationship
with the rest of the world.
In essence, Zen style represents a modest approach to
home decorating. When the superfluous details are removed,
we are able to have a more intimate relationship with
what is left. While there is an emphasis on the application
and appreciation of natural materials in the Zen home,
which rekindle our connection with the natural world,
there is always room for excellent designs in man-made
materials. Whether we are able to completely rethink the
place in which we live, change one room or simply adopt
a shift in attitude, small or large steps, we can all
do something to bring a touch of Zen into our homes. |
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| Clutter
crushes the spirit |
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The
philosophy of clearing your space and hence your mind
is one that works for most people. According to Zen principles,
clutter is an accumulation of anything that impedes the
vital flow of ‘chi’ - or essential energy
- in the home. Without the presence of ‘chi’,
it is impossible to turn your living environment into
a place where your thoughts and actions are spirited and
spontaneous.
In order to attain a clutter-free space, you must first
prune your possessions with the religious zeal of one
determined to see the light. Anything you no longer use,
want or like should be thrown away or taken to the charity
shop. This includes shoes, clothes and kitchenware, as
well as CDs you no longer listen to, photographs that
will never make it into the album, and books you’re
unlikely to read. It is also important to rid your home
of negative energy, which is manifested through plants
that are dead or dying and anything that has been broken
for a long time or has parts missing. Arch.
Gumila is a partner of Group 3 Design Studio, an architectural
and interior design firm based in Mandaluyong City.
She is also a corporate member of the United Architects
of the Philippines.
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SUOT
EN ABUBOT
Rene’s
holiday collection |
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The
onset of the ‘ber’ months has always been
associated with the holiday season. It’s the time
to party. It’s the time to dress. It’s the
time for evening gowns.
For this issue, renowned Filipino couturier Rene Salud
gives Balikbayan readers a sample of his head-turning
formal evening gowns right for the party.
A chanteuse maxi skirt crafted with dupioni silk from
India with matching haltered top with embroidery, traced
with beads and sequins.
A fusion of dark and bright colors. Fuschia skirt from
chantung silk from China goes well with a black blouse
accented with Aztec design with cummer band and bib collar.
A powder blue sheath gown with asymmetrical necklines
inspired by manta de manila made from dupioni silk embellished
with embroideries and fringes.
A fully-sequined baby pink A-line skirt with halter V-neck
with ruffle laced-top. |
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| SHEER
presents Fabia lingeries |
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Avant-garde
designer Armando Fabia presents his spring/summer 2003
lingerie collections in the “SHEER” fashion
show at the Music Museum on October 23, 2002 at 9:00 p.m.
SHEER will have three segments showing around 70 haute
couture. The first part, PLAY DATE, consists of undergarments:
bikinis, pajamas, bra and panty sets. The second part,
HAPPY HOURS, include the fun clothes for day and bedroom
wear such as cocktail dresses outrightly inspired by,
leotards, and camisoles. The last part, ALL NIGHT LONG,
features Hollywood glamour-inspired long gowns, bridal
ensemble and honeymoon gears made of nice-to-touch, sheer,
almost transparent fabrics.
Running throughout the parade are the equally stunning
counterpart of women’s wear: shorts, some thongs
and pouches, brief vests, see-through shirts, molded tanks,
pyjamas and tailored-to-hug clothes.
Special guest is the ever-glamorous Celia Rodriguez. Radio’s
sweetheart Jo San Diego’s cool dreamy voice fills
the hall as the evening’s host. Raoul Valero directs.
Produced by Primeworks Intermedia, Inc., “SHEER:
2003 Male & Female Lingerie Collection by Armando
Fabia” is for the benefit of the Special Children’s
Productivity Center, Inc., a non-stock non-profit organization
supporting the livelihood development for mentally handicapped,
learning-impaired but work-capable children. |
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PASALUBONG
Talk, snap and send pictures with Nokia
6650 |
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Nokia
now has its first 3G phone with photo, video, multi-media
messaging and multi-tasking capabilities. The Nokia 6650
phone works both in GSM 900/1800 networks and in the new
WCDMA networks. In the WCDMA network you can talk, snap
and send pictures at the same time.
The Nokia 6650 also can shoot a video clip, which can
be sent to a compatible mobile phone or an e-mail address.
You can load your video clips wirelessly to a compatible
PC and store them there.
The Nokia 6650 comes lightly at 141 grams in a handy size
of 132 x 25 mm. It has a talk time of 2 hours and 20 minutes
for WCDMA and 2 hours and 40 minutes for GSM networks.
It could capture images with a resolution of 640x480/128x96,
more than 10 frames/second. Its HDW-2 Wireless Headset
has a range of 10 meters. |
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| Desknote:
The best desktop
alternative |
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Who
says desktop needs so much space or a notebook is so expensive?
Elitegroup Computer Systems has come up with a desktop
and notebook-in one computer called Desknote.
Desknote is a full-feature portable computer with the
computing power of a desktop. It could be easily upgraded
to be at par with any desktop system. Its, CPU, Memory,
Hard Disk Drive and CD-Rom are all replaceable and |
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user-friendly that any regular user could easily assemble
it. It has also provisions for a TV-tuner or a second
HDD and CD writer.
With its battery-outside option, Desknote is just as easy
to carry as a conventional notebook.
But the biggest catch here is its price. Desknote’s
price tag is similar to the sum of a desktop computer
and an LCD monitor, about half of the cost of the cheapest
notebook. So, better grab one now! |
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| WAY
TO GO |
| AnoB’Ang4Halloween?
at the Zillion Bar |
If
you haven’t decided yet what to do on the eve of
All Saints Day, just drop by the Zillion Bar and catch
Pinky Marquez, Dyords Javier, Isay Alvarez and Bimbo Cerrudo,
collectively known as the Ang4gettables, in their two-hour,
comic-filled performance entitled AnoB’Ang4Halloween?
AnoB’Ang4Halloween? gives a fun-filled & entertaining
alternative to the gloomy and tiring trip to the memorial
parks and cemeteries, braving endless traffic and long
lines to public restrooms in an attempt to visit our dearly
departed (which we could very well postpone for the less
crowded weekend ahead).
All seasoned performers, Ang4 once more takes center stage
as they perform a repertoire highlighted by the creative
fusion of musical genres in 4-part harmony, on a two-night
show on Oct. 30-31, 2002. Show starts promptly at 9:00p.m.
The Zillion Bar is located at the 4th Level, Robinson’s
Galleria, EDSA cor. Ortigas Ave., Quezon City. |
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1954, 1966,
1978, 1990, 2002
The Moon is shining above! You will be in the right place
at the right time. |
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1949,
1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
This is a rewarding month! You can achieve your goals
easily. Beware of robbery and break-ins.
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1955,1967,1979,1991
Career and money prospects are rewarding. But relationships
with people are showing signs of disharmony.
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1950,
1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Things will come out well! You are steadily and smoothly
going forward. Don't be overly confident. Do not become
temperamental when facing small difficulties.
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1956,1968,1980,1992
Avoid fighting. Family, career and love will be fine.
Only small things will be frustrating.
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1951,
1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
Good in all aspects. Big gains and small losses. You will
periodically have some arguments in your family. |
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1957,1969,1981,1993
Things you do will become knotted like the joints of a
bamboo. Be patient.
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1952,
1964, 1976, 1988
Your luck is mixed. Be patient and avoid becoming too
emotional. Be satisfied with small gains -- don't expect
too much. |
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1958,1970,1982,1994
Gossip will tangle up things. This problem will be easy
to solve for the female Dog, not for the male Dog. Regarding
love, the male Dog must avoid falling into a sex trap! |
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1953,
1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
Things are very frustrating and rough even though you
work hard. Dealing humbly with others will soften the
situation.
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1959,1971,1983,1995
It will be easy to have disharmony with friends and family.
In career, things will come out as you wish.
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1958,1970,1982,1994
Gossip will tangle up things. This problem will be easy
to solve for the female Dog, not for the male Dog. Regarding
love, the male Dog must avoid falling into a sex trap!
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Focus:
Horse
1954,1966,1978,1990, 2002
Persons born in the year of the horse are said to be reliable,
attractive, industrious, friendly, cheerful. Polarity:
Yang
Main Element: Fire
Hidden Elements: yin fire, yin earth
Hour Governed: (11:00-13:00)
Month: June
Season: Summer
Direction: South
Clash with: Rat, Rabbit, Rooster
Compatible with: Tiger, Dog, Goat
Suitable Careers: movie star, arts, technician, restaurant
business
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How
To Activate Romance Corner:
Put fresh flowers in a vase in East corner. Please note
that this technique is only for SINGLE/UNMARRIED person.
Married persons are not encouraged to do this as it may
cause extra-marital affairs. If flowers are dying, replace
with new fresh flowers. Prof.
Gomez is an astrologist and graphologist of the Ming
Li Ong located at the 2nd floor of Payawal Bldg. in
Quezon Blvd., Quiapo, Manila. For consultation, you
may call him at 736-3704.
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SEX
BOMB GIRLS. Fourteen boob-tube babes would like
to help fight lawlessness and evil in our crime-infested
communities. How are they going to do it if they have
superpowers? |
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GET
YOUR COPY NOW |
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