IT WASN’T ME. Alex Luidens tells me on the phone that my dissatisfaction with King Ribs in the Wema Goes Memphis event was unrelated to him, because he did not participate. It was an imposter, he says, who left the membrane on the ribs, and did not cook the chicken thoroughly. I stand corrected. Sabrina, Alex’s daughter also assures me it was not her dad’s grill. Worried about their bruised name, she invited me to give their excellent food a try, soon.
MARK, AS IN MARKETING, FEST. We enjoyed a great #earubaseminar with good speakers and relevant content. I did not learn much, but I was nicely entertained. For next year: Add a networking hour. There are many e-marketing specialists here and I would like an opportunity to meet some of them!
SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD AND PRIME RIB BUFFET. The Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino invited press members to sample Aruba’s largest buffet, at La Vista Restaurant, with over NINETY food items on it. The SEAFOOD SENSATION Dinner Buffet showcases the talents of three amazing chefs, a Peruvian, a Puerto Rican and an Argentinean, out to dazzle us with their culinary offerings. Everything was delicious, best of all the local price is ridiculously low, really exceptional value for money, so go, go, go! The evening also introduced new director of sales and marketing Carolina Voullieme, a lively, charismatic executive with a head of misbehaving red curls, easy to love, and easy on the eyes. Hosted by the ever-adorable Keirsin Tjon-Pian-Gi, and gracious Ivan Diaz, the press had a great time.
PASSIONATE ABOUT COFFEE. Shakira Arrindell gave her first coffee culture seminar recently, sharing her passion for coffee with a live audience. The energetic Maartje Dolfing just joined Starbucks, and now with all the coffee-she -can-drink she must be super-charged about the upcoming community projects planned for April. Maartje on coffee equals a cutie on speed!
KEEP IN MIND FOR THE EASTER VACATION. A new bus tour for kids has recently been launched. The trip takes kids and parents to Philip’s Animal Garden, to the Butterfly Farm and to the Donkey Sanctuary, with a stop at the Casibari Rock Formation. Sounds like great fun. Call to reserve the Kukoo Kunuku Animal Lover & Family Friendly Tour. Maracas? Yes, of course. Alcoholic drinks? Forgetaboutit.
CHANGES IN TOURIST STAY POLICIES. This is just to clear confusion: Visitors will be granted 30-day stays in Aruba upon clearing immigration at Reina Beatrix Airport. Home and condo owners, timeshare owners, and those carrying Dutch passports will be given up to 180 days in a calendar year. The changes announced in the island’s entry regulations do not concern individuals who own property here. Timeshare, condo and home owners will have to fill in the amount of days they require on their ED card, and having provided proof that they own here — carry a photocopy of your notary deed, or use your timeshare membership card – they will be given permission for extended stays. An extension of the tourist stay can also be obtained for additional days needed, if not given by immigration, at DIMAS, and we hope their famously newly establish efficiency holds up!
HANDY HONEYDEW. Natasha Felix who works for the Prime Minister’s office has incredible spunk, a party attitude, a spicy sauce — it won her the 1984 Youth Carnival Queen title. So what do you do in the PM’s organization, I asked. I am the handy honeydew, she answered. All I hear all day is: Honey do this, honey do that!
WEDDING BELLS. Jennifer Phillip is sporting a black-diamond engagement ring. The hip and stylish Jenn manages the hip and stylish Screaming Eagle Restaurant. She will be marrying her finance specialist sweetheart, whom she met ten years ago, while still working for Disney, having completed her Bachelors degree at NAU, Northern Arizona University. Jenn is also in charge of wedding arrangement at Screaming Eagle for Samantha Schmidt’s upcoming mega-event, as she says I do to Robert van de Kamp. Samantha and Robert experienced a chance meeting at Schiphol airport. Samantha was on her way to Aruba, while Robert was going to Germany. They lined up for magazines at the same store, the rest is history. It’s a nice romantic story, reminding us to always be open for possibilities.
CONGRATULATIONS. Ian Christian Frank is the first grandson to attorney Johan Sjiem Fat, and a very cute baby boy!
THE PRIME MINISTER ON PARADE. The Prime Minister enjoyed much media coverage lately, giving speeches and presentations, accepting awards from institutions I have never heard of. Good for Aruba, it’s all very nice. Hoorah, we have a leader with a true vision. Loved the part about his childhood and the touching sneakers story. That said I must add: Please don’t spend so much money, and please let’s keep in mind that all green projects are still under construction, they are not proven successes, yet, so save the applause for later. I would really appreciate Mr. Premier if you change the wasteful license plate system for 2015, and start simple home glass/paper/aluminum recycling. That will sustain my happiness with you, and you will continue to receive my vote of confidence. Otherwise, I have an innate dislike for public figures drinking their own pee and declaring it fine wine!
LUNCH AT BLOSSOMS. Yes, it is open and you should go because just one bite of the Crispy Crab Roll will restore your faith in humanity. It is delicious. The hotel is a ghost town, but Clifton Wong and his staff deserve our support, they have been in that location for 12 years, and you never had a bad meal there, so off to Blossoms you go!
BRILLIANCE, NEW WHEELS FROM CHINA. Brand Manager Nick Verberne reports Brilliance was met with great enthusiasm on the island and a number of the vehicles were already sold. I liked the V5, a small, stylish SUV, best of all very fuel efficient with a Mitsubishi engine. The H530 is an elegant sedan, that even comes with leather interiors. Brilliance is state owned, and also runs a partnership with BMW — they make all the BMW driven in China. To date, Brilliance doesn’t sell any vehicles in the USA, however it is targeting markets in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Sweet Nick is Marcilla Yrausquin’s son, and as expected he inherited the family’s charm and good looks! April 1st, was the company’s first day as the official Mercedes Bens dealership here. Pabien.
DISTURBING SHOP LIFTING VIDEO. The Shop Lifting episode we all saw on FaceBook was disturbing. The shop-keeper handled the teen with great patience, and compassion. However main street by-standers were extremely rude, jeering and sneering. MAMBO this is your opportunity to shine. Start a shoplifting prevention committee and develop an educational program, it is available on line, so that all teens caught shoplifting will have to complete the program. Whatever the reason they give for stealing, shoplifting is a symptom that some things in their lives are causing excessive stress, fear or emotional pain, and that discomfort lead them to the impulsive or sometimes premeditated act of stealing. MAMBO, it’s a much-needed, so do it.
TESTING, TESTING. Sabine v/d Berg up until recently a retail queen of Oranjestad, when she worked for Ralph Lauren for many years made a career move, and she is now self-employed. She partnered with a well establish Dutch firm offering local aptitude tests. Many young people know at an early age that they would like to be a fireman or doctor, but for those who shrug their shoulders and says I Don’t Know, when asked about their future career choices, Sabine can offer reliable career aptitude tests, that can be beneficial in helping them figure out what they’re good at, and how to jump start their career . . .
BABY SITTER, ANYONE? Sitters Aruba is a new company established by Rachel v/d Kamp. I remember her from her days as Executive Housekeeper at Divi Resorts, and Front Office Supervisor at Renaissance. I am telling you all that, so that you know that this girl paid her dues in the corporate world, and we’re proud to announce that she recently spread her wings and is now the managing director of her own company providing baby-sitting services.
TRIP ADVISOR’S 25 TOP BEACHES FOR 2014. Congratulations Aruba. Among the popular web site’s 25 Top Beaches: Eagle Beach #5, Arashi Beach # 12 and Baby Beach #22.
AWARD WINNING EYEBROWS. Knap & Zo, by Jeanine Meijer, a Skincare specialist, is located up the winding staircase from Knipoog Hair Studio. Once you risk your life getting there, you are in good hands, for a long list on beauty treatments including subtle and tasteful permanent make up. I now have an award winning pair of new eyebrows courtesy of Jeanine! [email protected]
