Antonio's revisited.

Last year we were fortunate enough to take a day trip out of Manila to have lunch at the most wonderful rural restaurant in the Philippines, Antonio's.  And now 14 months later we found ourselves heading in that direction for an overnight stay in San Benito, so we took a little diversion so  that we might revisit this splendid establishment once again.  

We even took the same table and just swapped seats.

Another impeccable experience.  

We might just have to make this an annual pilgrimage. 

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Manila nic-naking to the max.

We were fortunate enough to be invited by a lovely new acquaintance to visit the home of her dear friend, Anton Mendoza, interior designer and art dealer.  She had assured us that we would really enjoy his collection and abode.  Well that was a bit of an understatement.  Behind the relatively modest facade on a quiet street we were greeted with floor to ceiling artworks and an opulent eclectic collection of furniture and furnishings that had us gobsmacked.  Needless to say we had jolly soiree, chatting art, politics and the need to collect.

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Swiss hang.

Recently Mr Brown had a visit at his studio from a lovely couple who have just completed their new home in Spreitenbach, Switzerland.  They chose two wonderful artworks from The Printed Painting series to take home with them and add to their existing collection. Thank you Janet & Christian Wertli and congratulation on your new home and new artworks.

Its always great to see works that have travelled far in their new homes.

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Boracay break.

After spending a lot of time in Manila, along with its grinding, gridlock traffic, it was about time for a break to see the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water of the famed Philippine island of Boracay.  Zipping off for a brief three night stay it was a total change of environment, well over due.  Our stay at Discovery Shores, at the quieter end of the amazing white sands beach, gave us the relaxing time, with wonderful service so needed.  Not ones to do resort vacations as a rule, it was great to see a slice of paradise with a stunning sunset on the beach and a cocktail in the hand.

The best time was spent on snorkelling safaris with our local guide Thierey and his crew.  The reefs and the fish were beyond belief and still so very pristine.

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