Ultimately funny, it was embarrassing… after dinner at the Congo Grill in Araneta, we were to go back to Gateway, as Espineli was to meet someone, a business contact… on the way there, I thought I would want a picture on the giant Christmas tree, which Tweety was so into... Tweety is all about having her pictures taken anywhere… I would be camera shy compared to her… so the three of us went… and we took turns on who would take the picture but then we want to have a picture of the three of us with the Christmas tree as the backdrop… but then, how… we don’t have a tripod… what we have are cars… we were at the parking lot, ingenious Tweety 
thought of placing the camera on top of one of the cars and set it on timer… I must say, it was a good idea… and would have probably worked… if the owner of the car, with his perfect timing, didn't come…
thought of placing the camera on top of one of the cars and set it on timer… I must say, it was a good idea… and would have probably worked… if the owner of the car, with his perfect timing, didn't come…It was so funny and embarrassing… the guy was just there, standing, watching us… I thought he was just a considerate passerby, not wanting to be caught on the shot… until I noticed he have a car key on his hand… and Espineli gasped, realizing that that guy was the owner of the car in which Tweety was concentrating on setting the camera on, so concentrated she was, she had not realize what was going on… until the guy spoke to say it is okay…
In the end, Tweety asked the guy to take our pictures instead, which he was nice enough to do… so nice, “you should have asked for his name and give your number,” Espineli told Tweety… and I must agree, the guy was cute too…
Tweety and I went to Starbucks as Espineli went to talk business with his client at Gateway… Tweety was hoping on Matt, our barista friend, for the three stickers she lacks for the planner, but I already have mine and so she must have one, too, already, she bought us coffee and claimed her planner…
No pen…? It’s bulky too… but it is tradition, I guess…
We drank our coffee as we walk to Cubao X… I have never been to and Espineli thought I should see it, “it’s inspiring…” she pronounced… I hoped…
Cubao X or Coubao Expo is located at General Romulo Ave. Araneta Center, Cubao… it is in the far east side of Araneta Center and unless you have your own ride, I recommend not to bring any expensive gadgetry… it was pass 9 already so most of the shops were close, but to what I understand, it have been a new artist village… or a hippie place… therefore cool… or should be…
As I mentioned above, we came in late and there were just about 5 shops open… and Espineli have this thing about retro stuff… I don’t like ukay-ukay… I have nothing against it, I’m sure there are great finds and it is fun… but not for me… I’m sorry… it is the same reason why I don’t go to department store… or big super markets like Shopwise, I can’t stand it, I tend to feel overwhelm… plus there is the smell, which I am sure you can get rid off by washing… And this ukay cost alot, we are talking thousands of pesos for a second hand accessory or article of clothing… if I have a 1500 pesos for a pair of shoes or shades, hey, Ali Mall is just there…
“You can’t find those things anywhere anymore,” Kuya argued. Sure… point taken…
Then, Espineli bought us to Heima (I think pronounced as Hey Ma, it’s Icelandic for home)… A quaint lifestyle and home design shop… still a little pricey but nice… as per their website: http://www.heimastore.com:
“Heima, which means ”at home ” in Icelandic is a lifestyle and home design store which feature items created by Heim Kreativ Designs as well as other lifestyle products. Formed by partners Bong Rojales and Rossy Anne Yabut, Heima is located at the quaint little area in Quezon City known as Cubao Expo (or Cubao X as it is more popularly known) a haven for artist and art lovers alike.Visit the store and their website… surely you can find something for you and your home… and while at it, may you please get me those 3 pack notebook, it’s for 300 pesos…
Rossy Anne Yabut, an upcoming Interior Design who leads the design team for Heim Kreativ Designs and Heima, which showcases their furniture designs and restored or “upcycled” pieces. Rossy believes in sustainability and is blessed with the eye and vision in being able to creatively transform old furniture into beautiful pieces. Rossy loves trendy colors & patterns fusing it with classical and proven design concepts. Rossy graduated with a degree in Interior Design at the University of Sto. Tomas and placed Top 8 in the 2007 Board Exams. She has worked for several prestigious Interior Design firms the past several years before establishing her own practice.
Bong Rojales acts as the marketing head. An experienced marketing and sales professional with several global companies, Bong seeks to create a pleasing retail experience while continuously being able to offer interesting items in the store that fits today’s lifestyle and trends. Bong believes in fusing lifestyle and home designs, and seeks to make Heima world class but still having that “indie” feel. Bong is also known as a leader in a community of photographers know as Lomomanila and also spearheads an innovative group called Kolektib. The Kolektib Shared Space which resides on the 2nd floor is a venue for innovative classes and workshops.
Well travelled and an eye for beautiful things, the tandem developed the innovative retail approach for Heima seeking to please the five senses. Small, quaint and interesting shops in Europe and the United States have a major influence along with design blogs and books. Rossy and Bong have created a warm, cozy and homey ambiance in the store. Working together in the selection of music, scents and visual components, the two feels “at home” working in Heima.
Collaborative designs on artworks and furniture pieces will be a major highlight. Collaboration with upcoming designers across mediums are being pursued as we speak. These are of course geared towards Interior Design. Being situated in Cubao X is a major advantage as it is an art community. From musicians to graphic artists and painters, to fashion designers and film makers, Cubao X is a unique part of the Philippines and offers a breeding ground for innovative design ideas."
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