Property boom increases demand for manufactured stones

With real estate development still expanding in an aggressive manner, demand for stones--natural and manufactured alike--continue to rise. However, the latter has several characteristics that have endeared it to homeowners, architects, and property developers.

Artificial stones, unlike natural ones, are 40 percent lighter which makes them easier to transport and install even in the most demanding locations. Manufactured stones also offer minimal wastage when it comes to cutting.

A novelty no more, specifiers want the artificial stones' more practical, flexible, and more affordable values.

"Artificial stones have the ability to replicate the looks of natural stones (composed of minerals, aggregates and sediments that harden over a long period of time) using the same materials. The difference is you get the exact color, profile and weight you want,” Kirdwin Cu, marketing manager for GT Stoneworks (a company that makes manufactured stones), told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

GT Stoneworks started producing artificial stones in 2004 and has since racked up more than 60 profiles in its stable of stone designs that makes them stand out from other companies who offer similar items.

"Artificial stones are practical solutions to homeowners because the products come in a box and ready to install," said Cu, who is an architect himself. He added that with GT Stoneworks and its manufactured stones, homeowners get to choose among a wide variety of choices that suit anyone's  preference.

Many of GT Stoneworks' customers prefer vibrant colors such as red, orange, and yellow for their accents but neutral shades like beige, cream and sand for the larger areas, according to Cu. The more linear patterns are becoming popular, as well as accent walls that carry a lot of lines and textures.

Another advantage of using artificial stones is that clients can choose from a variety of virtually unlimited color combinations. Chosen patterns can be delivered across the country in as fast as one week.

The stones that GT Stoneworks manufacture are made locally. While they make the popular profiles on a regular basis, the company gets lots of custom-made colors and profiles that architects and designers want for specific projects.

Cu said: "We focus on quality, product innovation and constant product improvements for our customers. We continue to push design boundaries, to continually make our brand and designs relevant in the current construction industry."

***

This article was first published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer's real estate supplement on March 15, 2013. It has been edited for TWIST.

RELATED BLOG POSTS:

- Megaworld offers free interior design options

- Dealing with "terror tenants"

5 things I love about the QT Sydney Hotel in Australia

The one thing I always remember most about QT Sydney Hotel is its unique elevators--they play a song based on how many people are inside the lift. If you happen to be alone, you'll here "All by myself" or "Are you lonesome tonight?"

If the sensors detect two people inside, the elevator would play "Just the two of us." On the other hand, a party tune comes on if there are three or people going up or down the newly opened hotel in Sydney, Australia.

Last January, I was fortunate enough to have stayed at the hotel for three days. I write about my fabulous experience there on SPACE Magazine's first ever annual issue, which is available in magazine stands for the rest of the year.

Here are five other things I loved about QT Sydney:

1. There are “Directors of Chaos”
          QT Sydney is an unconventional lot, doing away with the usual porters and instead putting to work what they call "Directors of Chaos" (who are an attractive bunch of people dressed in theatrical costumes) who direct guests to the foyer (located at the second floor) and assist them with their luggage. I commend them for being friendly and seeming genuine about it, too.

2.The eccentric and artsy interiors
          The hotel's lobby features a combination of eccentric and artsy pieces, including seamstress mannequins; an old rotary telephone; and digital LED installations that display posters of old movies. But what really got me is the assembly of vintage suitcases, clocks, television and turntables arranged on the wall, taking the place of a wallpaper or paint.

3. My fabulous room
          QT Sydney has done a fantastic job at transforming the place (which used to be a mall and office spaces) into 200 guest suites. Inside the room that I stayed at, the bed was ultra comfy; the tub and shower very inviting. But I've got to give kudos to the interesting pieces there such as hats that served as droplights; a coats hanger shaped like little birds; and a mirror-holding hand in the bathroom.

4. Exemplary food         
          During my stay there, I was treated to a dinner at the Gowings Bar & Grill, where I had such tender Angus steak. The meal was so sumptuous I was still thinking about it the next day. I was told that QT Sydney opened in September 2012, but judging by the crowd that was there, it seemed like they’ve been visiting the Gowings Bar & Grill for years.

5. Relaxing massage from able therapist
          When I'm in a new place, I do miles and miles of walking. And this takes a toll on my back. So a relaxing massage from the hotel's spaQ was most welcome. The masseuse was very friendly. And the oil they used on me was something else!

Read the full article I wrote on SPACE Magazine's annual issue available in your fave mag stands! For now, check out some more of the photos I took while I was there. Enjoy! :)

RELATED BLOG ENTRY:
- PHOTOS: Australia's Museum of Contemporary Arts

Single Review: Mariah's new hashtagged song is sweet & sexy

Mariah Carey's ability to take us into a journey with her soulful, flawless voice is in full display with a new song called "#Beautiful." She is known for her trademark high notes (and those notes were in full display in this new joint) but she proves she doesn't even have to sing in her upper register to give us something.

Infused with fresh sound from rising star Miguel, "#Beautiful" is a throwback, mid-tempo love song that features sexy words that come alive with two of the most celebrated voices in the industry--one of a diva's that has become the most recognizable in the world and another of an emerging vocalist's hungry for due recognition.

In the track (which, in less than 24 hours has hit #1 in 14 iTunes stores in the world), Miguel takes the first verse and chorus while Mariah coos here and there in the background. But when it was Mariah's turn, a minute and half into it, the listener is reminded who is boss.

But it really isn't about showing the world she can still sing (we already know that). Mariah herself, in an interview, said the song is bigger than her or their collaboration. It's about exploring a new musical direction for her upcoming album (which drops sometime in June or July).

"#Beautiful" is one of those rare songs that pleases both critics and fans alike. When the song became available for streaming (around 7pm, Manila time), lambs the world over campaigned aggresively to spread the word. As a result, Mariah trended worldwide for hours.

Many critics have branded the track as the "Song of the Summer." Many fans are calling it a "return to form" for the beloved diva.

The best part of the song for us here at TWIST is when Mariah sings "Oh, it's beautiful / You make me feel undressable." Trust Mimi to coin her own words and put them to good use--grammatically correct or not! The line "I don't care / Take me anywhere", on the other hand, reminds us of "Dreamlover."

Admittedly, it isn't a song that gave Mariah the chance to show us her full capacity as a vocalist. But then again, she is more than being a singer. She actually writes, composes, and produces her own stuff. Now that's a diva!

With the restrain that Mariah showed in this song, "#Beautiful" became more relatable--people can actually sing to it. Then there's Miguel whose freshness and goodwill has clearly affected (in a good way) Mimi's image.

While we didn't hear Mariah for a good third of the song, we must say we're pleased to get a proper duet from the songstress,who has been juggling her time serving as judge on "American Idol", finishing the album, shutting down Disneyland to celebrate her 5th wedding anniversary with husband Nick Cannon, and taking care of her 2-year-old twins Roc & Roe.

Said producer Jeff Cifra of the song: "The harmonies are amazing. She does it spot on, in the proper places, without drowning the music and the arrangement. The contrast of her Soprano and Alto is mind-blowing--but is still relaxed. Nothing was forced."

For lambs obsessed with the technicality of Mariah's voice, here's a treat for you: Mariah sang in a perfect 4 Octave Range (B2-B6), according to Cifra.

Yes, we also think the song was too short. We could have used 10 more seconds. But the fact that we're left craving for more should be considered a good thing. After all, we only want more of the things we love, right?

Obviously, we want more Mimi. And that's what the upcoming album is for. "#Beautiful" is the delicious appetizer. The upcoming album is the full 5-course meal. Yum!

RELATED BLOG POST:
- Mariah Carey single review: "Almost Home"

PHOTOS: Australia's Museum of Contemporary Art

The first attraction I visited when I went to Sydney earlier this year was the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, fronting the city's famous Circular Quay. The museum has a cool and hip vibe to it, with a collection that ranges from a table made from recyclable materials to a weird image of Spider-man playing a staring game with a heavily bearded human head.


Enjoy the photos, my friends! :)

RELATED BLOG POST:
- PHOTOS: National Air and Space Museum

PHOTOS: Singapore's Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay

No, I'm not in Singapore at the moment (though I wish I was). Browsing my photo archive the other day, I realized how many pictures from my trips overseas--particularly in Singapore, Thailand, and Australia--late last year and early this year I have yet to upload.

So I'm sharing some of those photos with you. I'll start with the ones I took in one of Singapore's most beautiful attractions, the Gardens by the Bay.

The Gardens' Flower Dome is a glass-encased, climate-controlled environment which houses hundreds of different flowers, plants, and tree species from virtually every part of the world. The area is sectioned in a way that species from California are displayed in one corner and those from Europe in another.

It's a beautiful example of how man-made structures and natural beauty can come together harmoniously. Without further ado, enjoy the photos! :)