travelogue Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

Summer Beach Party at Ibiza Beach Club Cebu

March 6, 2014 by Janey

Summerrrrrrrrrrrrrr is here! And Ibiza Beach Club is making things a little hotter.

DJ Daiki Wakabayashi and his friends of celebrity DJ’s from Japan returns to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu to perform for a one-night beach party experience at the hotel’s ultimate party venue, The Ibiza Beach Club.

Organised by Cebu .20z, this luxurious event scheduled on March 8, 2014 is set to impress with exhilarating performances, creative cocktails and stunning ocean views. Think sand, surf, beautiful people and famous international DJs in one spectacular evening. Arrive early and take advantage of buy one, get one free cocktails and sunset beats from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Back to back DJ performances will begin from 7.00 pm onwards.

A Home in Paradise at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island Cebu

January 3, 2014 by Janey

I’m a Manila girl. I envy friends who go home to their provincial town and celebrate regional fiestas since I’ve only known the capital city for most of my life not having relatives to visit elsewhere in the Philippines. Evident of my countless short and long trips to this place, it is obvious that Cebu has become a hometown to me.

Bantayan Island, Cebu

More Memorable Bantayan Cebu

My Weekend Escape in European-Fresh Hotel Elizabeth

Malapascua Island, Cebu

Chibori, Cebu

URCC Cebu

I have had many returns enough to sing this song this way, “Cebu, Cebu, I keep coming back to Cebu. There’s no place like Cebu. Cebu, I’m coming home.” And home is exactly what it felt like checking in at Moevenpick Hotel in Mactan Island for four days. Well, my home in paradise that is.

I’ve been flying in and out the past two months but I was only able to find rest in the last leg of my 2013 travel chronicle. It was towards the final days of November and I was traveling with four gentle-but-not-so-gentle-men.

Our plane touched down in Cebu. Moevenpick Hotel Cebu offers airport to hotel to airport transfers in style, with a huge air-conditioned jeepney-looking mini-bus. Our chauffer assisted us with our luggage and 10 minutes after, we were welcomed by a beaming staff at Moevenpick Hotel.

Touchdown Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a five-star Mediterranean-inspired beachfront hotel located on the lush and tropical island of Mactan. Surrounded by culturally rich points of interests, the hotel boasts an exceptional location ideal for both business travelers and visitors set to explore the city or nearby islands.

Refreshments were offered and as fate would have it, we arrived during chocolate hour (3pm-4pm at the Lobby). A male staff with a tray of wonderful chocolate eclairs was going around offering these luscious treats in gratis.

My friend Richie of www.thepickiesteater.com teased the staff not to stray far away from him. We almost shadowed him but eventually headed to one of Moevenpick’s restaurants Sails for a late lunch.

Filling our tummy with an afternoon delight, we headed to our rooms to settle in and take a short siesta. Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu covers 245 contemporary guestrooms and suites.

I walked into my room and was glad to see where I’ll be camping in for the next few days. I love white as it feels clean and relaxing so I am happy to report that the guestroom’s interior is in white and shades of blue.

All the guestrooms come complete with LED television, wireless internet and a fully stocked mini-bar. Wireless internet is what makes it such a functional room. I could work, blog and keep in touch with my friends and get connected to my social networking sites in a jiffy at no cost.

I could receive Viber calls too. Moevenpick also offers high-speed internet at a nominal fee but I was pretty much content with their free Wi-Fi. It did remind me though of the exorbitant internet fee I paid for at the Four Seasons Hotel in Langkawi, Malaysia in late September so yeah, free-of-charge Internet is glee! Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible in all guestrooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel.

Cantina Sicilianita

October 16, 2012 by Janey

Sometime early in September, Bubba and I popped in a new restaurant for dinner. We’ve been passing by their signage along Shaw Boulevard every morning but wonder where exactly it is in the Babyland compound. We parked and asked the parking guard where it was since we couldn’t see a door bearing the Cantina Sicilianita name.

It was in the same location as Rex Bookstore. Now for those taking up law or have been buying books at Rex Shaw Blvd. since 15 years ago (raises hand), it wouldn’t be hard to find. I pass by their restaurant and now it’s easier to spot since there’s a sticker on the door and I’ve given you the clue, just look for the Rex signage.

It’s a small restaurant, very much like a cantina –which spikes the interest since I love quaint little places that are not in an overly commercial area. I love wandering off the beaten path… finding a secret hideaway.

We picked our spot and started filling each other with our day as well as my plans for an interior design, showing Bubba pegs, while perusing the menu in between. Cantina Sicilianita’s menu is straightforward and carries just a handful of choices. They have selection for antipasti or appetizers, pasta, dessert and drinks, including a few select wines. I appreciate the fact that prices are quite reasonable, which leaves little room for disappointment and extra bounce if I leave very happy.

On the Table

Arancini Php 135

Saffron risotto balls stuffed with delectable pancetta ragu. Fried to crispy golden brown perfection.

I was excited about this and rightfully so. It’s a big golden yellow crusty dome when sliced open reveals Italian rice with meat sauce. It has varying texture with zesty savory flavors.

Polpette al Sugo Php 140

Lip-smacking traditional Sicilian meatballs topped with thick tomato sauce and special spices

Who can go wrong with meatballs? I guess one restaurant that served me lamb meatballs that had little bones in it. Thankfully, Cantina Sicilianita meatballs didn’t have a morsel of bones in it but just well-seasoned minced meat smoothened by tangy thick tomato sauce that is bursting with flavors.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things About Bali

November 2, 2010 by Janey

I had reservations when I first set out in Bali. What could be more exciting to see in Indonesia that didn’t already excite me here in the Philippines or elsewhere? Our beaches in the country are definitely beautiful and almost non-par with what the rest of the world can offer but there’s something about the verve in Bali, both easy and vibrant, that melted memories of chasing deadlines and working hours… and created memories of delightful bliss.

This Indonesian Island noticeably caught my interest from Day 1. There is a good mixture of different things to do, eat and experience in Bali –each place has its own personality and it’s only within each other’s striking distance. Ubud is a place full of things to love. There’s a lot of splendor to be found in Ubud –from food to talent. Below is a list of things to do, spots or sites to visit, and reasons that made me have an affair with Bali.

Between Bites TOP 10 Best Things in Bali

10. Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Temple is located in the coastal side of the countryside which is about 1 hour and 15 minutes ride from Ubud. Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” while Pura means temple, this temple sits atop a large offshore rock being shaped continuously over the years by the ocean side. It’s located in Tabanan, about 20km from Denpasar.

Image Source: Wikipedia

For divers, Tanah Lot would resemble a coral reef near a coastal lip. Catch a spectacular view of the sunset behind a dry reef minus the swimming fishes. This is also considered as a “holy place” where some locals worship the Balinese sea gods. Check the corners around the Tanah Lot Temple and notice that holy tame snake in black and white color surrounding it as a seemingly guard of the temple.

9. Going Around

Going around Bali is as easy as 1-2-3. One has at least 3 choices of transport. If you decide to travel to Ubud and other parts of Bali, it is best to contract a hired vehicle with driver, which can approximately cost PHP 1,600 –a group of four friends can break this amount down to only PHP 400 per head. That’s 9 hours of touring around at your own disposal –without worry of getting lost, carrying your things/shopping bags around and flagging down cabs. That includes a trip to Tanah Lot Temple and Ubud which are at least an hour away from the central of Bali.

Other than taxi cabs, tourists can also flag down motorbikes for a cheaper ride (something similar to going around Boracay). Get the actual thrill of gusting wind on your face while speeding up when you rent a Vespa instead. If you can’t afford to own a Vespa in Manila (at least 300K for brand new) like me (I seriously want a vintage one with a basket in front), then renting it in Bali is the next best thing.

And of course, wandering aimlessly by foot gets you to see the heart of Bali.

8. Ubud, the Art Village

Take a short 1-hour drive to Ubud, the art village of Bali, and soak in the creativity and visions that unfold through dozens of art galleries in the area. Almost everyone seems to be an artist in Ubud and they rightfully have a knack at it.

Antonio Blanco Museum is one of the more famous art museums in Ubud. Antonio Blanco was born by Spanish parents who settled in the Philippines in 1911. He moved to Bali penniless, befriended the King and became the confidant of many powerful folks in Indonesia. His museum displays most of his paintings and artwork that involved baroque pornography, mostly women with exposed breasts. It has a wonderful garden patio that also has a corner for petting bird station.

Image Source: Blanco Museum Website

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There are a lot of other galleries to go to in Ubud. It’s such a groovy artist village with numerous stores showcasing the Balinese creativity. Paintings/sculptures are not only a feast for the eyes –they also stimulate the mind and sometimes spark the heart.

7. Outlet Stores

Shop until you literally drop! There are dozens of outlet stores scattered all over Bali! A lot of those include surfing brands like Billabong, Surfer Girl, Rip Curl, etc. Head to the Billabong Factory Outlet to get the best discounts since the prices are cut by 30%, 50% and 75% depending on the items!!! What a steal!!!

6. Nightlife

The Night Life in Bali is pretty happening too. The energy varies where you choose to spend the evening. The Legian area has a much tamer crowd while Kuta, on the other hand, is the actual epicenter of night life in Bali. Eventful clubs and bars are lined up along its streets. Think of Boracay’s party center and that’s exactly what Kuta is. Sky Lounge is one of the popular bars in Kuta, Bali. They have several levels for different type of music and crowd. The party never stops here.

Since Kuta is party-bustling until midnight or past it, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and shops nearby also close late. Drop in a massage parlor for a Balinese massage that will kneed your tired muscles after a long night of dancing. Balinese massage is on the hard side that concentrates on pressure points on your feet.

5. Ubud Botanical Garden

Botanic Garden describes itself as a palace with the sky as roof and many different rooms, secret chambers, galleries and staircases. It is a lush and tranquil sanctuary just 1.2 kilometers from the heart of Ubud. The Garden serves as a unique tourism destination as well as a retreat for Ubud’s residents.

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Men like Bubba would probably find the need to snooze here but I appreciated the live paintings of beautiful flowers, greenery and flowing water that energized my chi that perfect cool morning.

Botanical Garden

Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (80571), Bali, Indonesia

Phone: +62 (361) 970951

Email: info@botanicgardenbali.com

4. Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner

Anthony Bourdain featured Bebek Bengil Dirty Duck Diner in his show No Reservations. Bebek Bengil opened in 1990 and has made the restaurant a popular spot for tourists to visit.

They are quite known for their Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck IRP 68,000 (PHP 340), which is half a duck steamed in Indonesian spices and then fried for a crispy finish with choice of sautéed potatoes and a side salad or steamed rice and Indonesian vegetables.

The brown fowl with glistening crispy skin and very lean duck meat was served with rice and vegetable side dishes. It has to be the crispiest duck Bubba and I ever tasted. Bubba almost didn’t want to share as he kept pulling at the meat, one bite after the next. Quite primitive with his bare hands but goes to show how much he enjoys the duck. Savor a decadently rich skin where taste is divine and almost melts in your mouth.

Bebek Bengil Restaurant

(Dirty Duck Diner)

Phone: 62-361-975-489

Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Anthony Bourdain’s Bali Special on No Reservations

3. Surfing

Bali is the best spot to learn surfing for beginners. Odysseys Surf School is a surfing school supported by the Academy of Surfing Instructors Australia, Hard Rock Cafe, Surftime-Surf Mag and has a reputation for its open, fun and friendly atmosphere. It offers surfing lessons for beginners and intermediate.

Look at the waves

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I didn’t think I could do it

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Gearing up for a second run

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I had reservations about surfing since I am not a strong swimmer (I’m not a swimmer period) but Odyssey’s surfing instructor was really attentive and I felt safe under his watch. Their school is conveniently located in front of Kuta Beach, a beach very famous for its white sandy bottom, breaking waves and waist deep water, making the school the perfect and suitable place to learn surfing. It pumped the adrenaline and is one of the best activities I did in Bali.

Odyssey’s Surf School

G/F Mercure Hotel Arcade, Kuta Beach, Bali

2. Naughty Nuri Ribs

Naughty Nuri is a hole-in-the-wall resto with the exterior looking like a small unassuming shack fronted by a smoking barbecue grill and an unmistakable queue. No matter how intimidating the ribs might look like at first or how full you are, a person will be able to finish a plate of full slab barbecued ribs in New York minute –that’s how fantastic their ribs are.

My Love Shack

Naughty Nuri’s Barbecue Ribs, priced at IRP 85,000 (PHP400), give you three choices, pork, beef or lamb ribs. The perfectly smoked barbecued ribs exude sweet, smoky and piquant flavors. I didn’t fight the urge to grab it with my hands (more primitive than Bubba actually) –staining my small fingers with the barbecue sauce and charred flakes.

The ribs were well-coated with their special barbecue sauce from meat to the bones. Fall-off-the-bones tender ribs… it seems like my barbaric hunger for it will never end.

Oh and you might also want to order that with a dry dirty martini. New York Times claim they have the best in the world… along with those ribs. I’m willing to go back to Bali in a heartbeat if only for those mouthwatering and dream-inducing ribs.

Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill

Jl. Raya Sanggingan (Across the road from Neka Museum), Ubud, Bali

Phone: (361) 977547

Open Daily: 8AM-10PM

http://www.naughty-nuris.com/

1. Jimbaran Sunset

Jimbaran is known for the seafood restaurants along the long stretch of stunning white sand. The sky is painted with red, pink, orange and blue hues. It was literally the BEST sunset I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a few… in the most beautiful places in the Philippines –Boracay, Anawangin, Calaguas, Bantayan, Malapascua, etc. I don’t think my photo serves it justice but the actual sight keeps me in awe.

In accord, the heavens seem to expose more of its beauty as its palette change from gray and blue tone… to gray and pink tone with a stroke of blue… to an orange pink and off-whitish hue… magnificently whipping fragments of mixed shades making me think an invisible painter is standing close by.

The crab and chicken dishes at Aroma restaurant are delicious and inclined service is adequate and friendly. Don’t miss out in trying out the corn that vendors sell on the beach. It’s grilled corn on the cob basted with an Indonesian gingery spice that’s delightful tasty.

This was the most relaxing part of the trip. We stayed in Jimbaran for almost 3 hours soaking in the evening’s quiet breeze and the sea’s lovely presence.

Are you ready for a Bali trip? 😉 Armed with these must-visit places, I think you definitely are. Take me with you? I can fit in a 30-lb luggage mebbe? 😀

READ MORE:

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’

Memoirs of the Affair

My Love Affair with Bali

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21 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: 2010, accommodation, account, address, ancient stone relics, Antonio Blanco, art gallery, artist village, Bali beach, Balinese paintings, Balinese spa, bathing pools, Beach, beach blog, beaches, Bebek Bengil, best food, best foodie blog, best grilled smoked barbecue ribs, best hotel rates, best Travel blog, best vodka martini in the world, Blog, blogger, Breakfast, bridge, Bridgette, Bubba, budget, cheapest, chicken kebab pepper rice, clean, cocktails, contact numbers, country, Crispy Duck, dining, Dirty Duck Diner, dirty hands, Dollars, duck skin, Elephant Cave, Elephant Temple, entrance fee, Experience, experiences, famous, Filipinos, food tour, Goa Gajah, Good Service, grill, grit, guests, history, Hotel, houses, how to get there, Indonesia, IRP, Jimbaran, Kuta, Kuta best bars, Kuta party scene, Kuta Town House, landmark, landmarks, list, location, Love, lover, Made's Warung, Madz Alsola, Manila, Map, Massage, menu, Monkey Forest, My Love Affair with Bali, Naughty Nuri Warung and Grill, Naughty Nuri's, Neka art museum, official, owners, painters, patrons, payment, Philippines, point pressure, price, private car, private driver and can, Pura Goa Gaja, rate, recipe, restaurants in Bali, review, Rexie Alsola, room rates, rooms, Rupiah, safe, safety, sex, sex appeal, Siem Reap, sights, Singapore, smoky flavor, stretch, surfing, Temple, temples, thai, theme song, Tips, Top 10 best sites, TOP 10 best things to do in Bali, Tour, tourist sites, tourist spots, tours, travel blog, travel review, travel tips, traveling, traveling on a budget, travelogue, Ubud, Ubud Botanical Garden, Ubud Street cocktail drink, Vilarisi Hotel, Warung Made, website, White Sand

Walk the World: Between Bites Asia Travel Omnibus

August 11, 2010 by Janey

Get a piece of my travel adventures from the compiled list of links below.

Listed according to my favorites! 😉

Singapore – Bali, Indonesia Series

Oh Hello Again Singapore (1^st of 3 Parts)

Sentosa in Singapore (2^nd of 3 Parts)

Singapore Sistah Lah

My Love Affair with Bali (1st of 3 Parts)

Memoirs of the Affair (2^nd of 3 Parts)

A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (3^rd of 3 Parts)

Sneak Peek:

Wow.

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Zipline over the forest then over the beach is MEGA-adventure!!!

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Songs of the Sea

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Cambodia

Watering grounds at the Temple

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Art Museum in Ubud art village

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Stretched! My first time surfing!

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Get swept away!

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Ribs that didn’t make me sleep. DROOL!!!! I want to go back for this!

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Best sunset ever! Sweet, romantic meal I will never forget.

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—o—

Vietnam – Cambodia Series

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

Returning Home to Vietnam. Coming Home to Manila

Day 4: Living La Vida Local

Sneak Peek:

Great Steak at 3rd World Price! 😉

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A Kiss at the Ta Phrom

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I think I like you.

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Unleashing energy by the ruins 😉

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—o—

Macau Series

Peanut to Acorn (Teaser)

The Sun Shines Bright in Macau (1st of 3 Parts)

The Sparkle of Macau (2nd of 3 Parts)

After the Jump in Macau (3rd of 3 Parts)

Sneak Peek:

Venetian Macau at Night

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Guess what we are doing? Haha

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Getting crazy randomly in the streets of Macau

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Where we stayed, Venetian Macao Hotel

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Highest SKY Jump ever! 🙂

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I love you.

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—o—

Singapore Series

Singapore and the Nuffnang Blog Awards

Day 2- Tour de Singapore Lah

Singapore in Lights

Singapore Day 3- IKEA and Connection

Indulge in Uniquely Singapore Experience

Sneak Peek:

Makasuntra Glutton Bay is the best hawker center at night!!! 😉

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Singapore Flyer

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At Chinatown Chinese Museum

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At Nuffnang Blog Awards Asia Pacific (thanks to Nuffnang for flying me here!)

Image Source: Sexy Nomad

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Singapore at Night

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—o—

Thailand Series

Bangkok Day 1

Thailand Day 2- Reclining Buddha, Siam Niramit and the Ping Pong Show

Sneak Peek:

Temples and seeing a Monk’s passage

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Muay Thai dance ritual

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After Muay Thai Competition at Lumpini Stadium

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Foot Massage before the best Thai massage ever

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—o—

Malaysia

Malaysia Truly Asia

Sneak Peek:

First dinner in Malaysia. Indian resto, super yum!

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Clubbing in Malaysia

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Tandem Parasailing at Kota Kinabalu

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Hong Kong Series

Hong Kong Day 2- Ocean Park

Hong Kong Day 1

Sneak Peek:

Cute Panda

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I still can’t believe I rode this at Ocean Park

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Streets of HK

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Japan

Japan and Jane- The Kooka Boora Tales Begin

Reminiscent- Icy Cold Japan

Reminiscent- Kagawa Perfecture Japan

Reminiscent- NTT Docomo Japan

Genky Umby Contest of Anton Diaz

Sneak Peek:

At Universal Studios, Japan

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With Nino at Universal Studios

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with Ronald making some Udon

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Narita Airport with other exchange studes

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Mount Fuji at the background supposedly. Gangsta style!

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Biggest Koi Pond I’ve seen

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Having fun with the kids of my “adopting” family

—o—

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More Memorable Bantayan Island, Cebu

April 23, 2010 by Janey

April 17-19, 2010 –Our flight was scheduled at 430AM. It was such a déjà vu of our flight to Cebu in 2008.

That Friday night, Bubba had a long meeting at work that ended late. 11pm, we were headed to their place since I was sleeping over. Bubba started to pack for the trip around 1130pm at the same he finalized and printed out the items to do in Bantayan. He finished almost 1am. I think even beyond that but I was already a goner.

The 1-hour sleep didn’t help at all. It took me 5 minutes to force myself off the bed, carry my stuff, and board the cab. I was still so groggy. I groaned upon seeing the big crowd at the airport. I thought at that early in the morning, I wouldn’t see long long lines of people trying to check in. Wrong.

Good thing Cute Bam Bam (a.k.a) as Ethan is with us. Every time you look at his face, our stress seems to melt away. After paying the terminal fee of P200 per head and security check, we all had quick bites at Ya Kun Kaya. What a surprise that Bubba had to insist on getting a Yin-Yang before getting served one.

My energy seemed to surge when Bubba whispered, “it’s Billy.” I looked at the last security check area and said, “No, that’s not him.” Bubba said, “It’s him.” I perked right up. “Are you sure?” Another glance and I was convinced.

I’m not really much of a fan girl. There’s nothing really wrong with being one but I’m not seriously that stirred with the local actors/actresses. Other than Derek Ramsay, Jay-R and Billy Crawford, I wouldn’t even bother to care. Derek Ramsay has the most amazing bod in the local scene now and I’ve always liked him even when he was still barely known as a model (I had the chance to meet him briefly once but I seriously doubt he remembers at all). I generally like dark men (excuse me Bubba) and a sun-kissed man with great smile and eyes like Derek’s, surefire head turner. Jay-R and Billy are not dark but they swoon me away with their albums and dancing prowess.

Back to the airport, Bubba said he’d ask Billy for a posterity photo with us. I was soooo shy and really hesitant to do it. Survivor Africa’s Ethan Zohn was in Manila in 2004. I am his biggest fan in PI. I attended the meet and greet event at Capones but couldn’t even look him in the eye or be anywhere within a few feet from him. I think it was both SE and my college soul sistah King who got the autograph and photos. Even at the worst El Niño, I’d really freeze right where I’m standing.

Good thing Jayme was up for it. Even at 5 am with barely any sleep, he was kind enough to give us a smile. I loved his NY shirt and Yankees cap.

Boarded the plane and in less than 2 hours, Cebu’s fresh air welcomed us. The private service we hired brought us to the port, where we rode a ferry to Bantayan Island. 2 or 3 hours land travel and 1-hour ferry ride.

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There are resort services waiting at the port to bring you to the respective resorts. We stayed at Kota Beach Resort.

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After settling in, we rode the “padyak” (PHP 40/head/roundtrip) to get to the Santa Fe Beach Resort where we had lunch. The restaurant’s menu is mostly Chinese cuisine. We had our fill and headed back to our resort.

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A bit after lunch, Jayme, Rosette, Oliver, Bam Bam and the parentals spent the afternoon at the beach. Bubba and I were knocked out since we were only running on a 1-hour sleep for 2 days.

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Evening came and we walked towards the street where most of the bar-restaurants are. Choice of the night was at the Portuguese restaurant Bubba picked. That Saturday night, they had a buffet spread for PHP250 per head.

The Portuguese owner is actually the one who was manning the grill. Included in the buffet is unlimited fresh seafood and meat for grilling.

After our hefty dinner, we dropped by the restaurant across where we ate and saw their scrumptious spread as well. Their Saturday buffet goes for PHP290 per head but they seem to have more dishes available. We planned to eat there the next day but were told by the owner that they only have the buffet special every Saturday.

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Dinner done and Jayme, Bubba and I watched Big Bang Theory until we called it a night.

April 18, Sunday –Next day, we all had breakfast at our resort’s restaurant before heading to Virgin Island. Virgin Island was supposed to be part of our trip last time we were in Cebu but Travel Factor decided to go straight to Malapascua Island, where Bubba was itching to go diving to see some Tresher sharks –good thing they don’t allow unless you’re a licensed diver.

It was a short 20-30 minute boat ride to Virgin Island from Bantayan.

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More Virgin Island Photos

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Bubba, Jayme, Oliver and Rosette all went snorkeling. I stayed behind to play with Bam Bam. Auntie took Bam Bam to the water with some shade and taught him his first swimming lesson. He was utterly cute! That got me in the water and I kept snapping away photo after photo.

Not long after, we had our lunch cooked by the beach by our guide. The guerilla lunch on the table included grilled liempo, shrimps, squid and fish.

After lunch, the foursome continued to swim but I opted to stay behind again to read my book. But I fell asleep in the hammock.

Around 4pm, we bid Virgin Island adieu and headed back to Bantayan Island.

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That afternoon until sunset, the whole family plus Rosette and I all lounged by the beach, enjoying the serene beach and relaxing water. We all liked the sand bar of our resort! \m/

Takes and Outtakes

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I like this shot of father and son.

(just don’t mind the kids on the background)

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Bubba playing with Jem’s Hat

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Bam Bam grabbing my face 🙂

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“The Flower Shot” by Jayme

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Time is well spent with family 🙂

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It was fun taking photos of the beach and of everyone. Keepsake photos!

April 19, 2010 –Monday, Bubba and I strolled along the beach soaking in the morning sun and our weekend away from the city. Last year at Sorsogon was fun, but I really enjoyed this year’s trip to Bantayan much more.

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Water is soooo clear.

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Funny, Bubba and I were in Bantayan in August 2008 but we both don’t have any recollection of the trip. We barely remembered Bantayan that year… only bits of Malapascua and Cebu City with Norman. But Bantayan was zero.

That’s changed this year.

Most definitely.

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Zubuchon on the next post!!! 😉

Bantayan Island Album (Jem’s Camera)

Bantayan Island Album (My Cam)

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Bantayan Island Teaser

April 22, 2010 by Janey

I know I haven’t even blogged about our Cebu trip in August 2008 but I will definitely have last weekend’s Bantayan entry posted this week. *crossing my fingers*

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5 Comments Filed Under: Walk the World: A BITE of Travel Tagged With: bantayan island, Cebu, review, travel blog, travelogue

Oh Hello Again Singapore (1st of 3 Parts)

April 7, 2010 by Janey

5 months since the last visit, I’m back again in Singapore. It came at a weird time because it was the annual Cable Convention week in Manila the same week –think ‘Ad Congress’ but instead of the advertising industry, it’s the cable industry so channel partners and content providers from Singapore/HK/Middle East/Germany/etc were in town. I’ve been a delegate for the Cable Convention for 3 straight years and this was the only time I actually missed it. Scratch that, we don’t usually get to attend the actual “convention” because that week is usually covered with channel presentations and meetings.

Our flight was on Wednesday, which is day 1 of my vacation leave. I thought I have eluded meetings but I thought wrong. Monday started with a few. Tuesday was round-the-clock!!! Every hour, starting at 9AM, I had a meeting. Most channels asked if they’d bump into me at the Convention but I said I’d be out of town until the following Tuesday. Since Singapore was my destination, affiliates offered a Disney, CNBC and AETN office tour but I graciously declined and considered it for the next trip. I already set my itinerary and with my obsessive-compulsive nature, it’d be hard for me to rearrange it again on short notice.

Despite the crazy schedule, Tuesday ended on a great note. I really enjoyed the vibrant dinner with AETN’s Richard Woo and Geraldine at Florabel’s. Between “friendship” salads, light banter (Gel referring to Richard, who’s not that old as “Uncle” made us roar in laughter) and good wine, it was a fantastic dinner to cap the day.

Mucho Gracias

First of all, BIG THANKS to Kate who helped me out with my Singapore questions! Singapore-based for work for 1-year, she was first in mind when I needed some answers on my travel queries. We also took Kate’s suggestion in staying at Fragrance Hotel in Balestier Road. Fragrance Hotel is super basic hotel –where rooms are very small but it’s quite okay if you just plan to sleep in it and store stuff. It’s about USD42 per night. For best deals, Kate suggested booking through www.agoda.com.

Fragrance Hotel:

Many thanks to King Reyno, Alex G, Richard Woo for all the Singapore suggestions!!! I wish I had time to try them all. There’s always a next time 😉

King’s suggestions:

Boon Tong Kee for best Hainanese chicken rice. It’s cheap and right on Balestier road! Other musts are Din Tai Fung in Paragon or Raffles City for Shao Long Bao dumplings, and No Signboard Resto in Esplanade for Chili Crab.

Alex’s suggestions:

For local food: Newton Food Center or Wisma Atria Food Republic. Try Hokkien Prawn Mi, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken Rice and Satay. There’s a branch of Din Tai Fung at Wisma Atria.

For best chili crab with fried mantou and cereal prawns: No Signboard or Jumbo Seafood Restaurant.

For award winning dish –crab beehoon: Sin Huat Eating House at Lorong 35 Geylang. Anthony Bourdain loved it. You can check it out at www.makasuntra.com/makanzine/mar00/geylang_quickie.html.

Richard’s suggestions:

1. Non-food:

Night Safari

Universal Studios on Sentosa Island just opened

Nighttime walk around Singapore River and take a bum boat ride? Asian Civilizations Museum, Fullerton Hotel, Merlion, Esplanade Theatre…

2. Food:

Hawker Centre at East Coast Lagoon Food Village, East Coast Park, Exit 7 from ECP. (Make sure taxi doesn’t take you to East Coast Seafood centre, different)

Try satay, laksa, popiah, bbq stingray etc…

East Coast Seafood Centre (chilli crab, pepper crab etc)

Bak Kuh Teh (pork ribs in peppery soup) – Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Cha

Address:7 Keppel Road

#01-05/07 Tanjong Pagar Complex

Tel: +65 6222 9610

We didn’t get to try them all because we only had 2 and half significant days in Singapore but I won’t miss the chance to tick off all those on Richard’s list. Richard is also a foodie at heart.

Fly By Night

Bubba and I met Madz at the airport around 530PM. After checking in and paying the terminal fee, Madz, Bubba and I bonded at the boarding area. We can’t help but wonder how much more fun it would be if Francis were with us.

It was midnight when we finally settled in our own rooms. Madz dropped by our room to chat for a bit about the next day’s plans.

Madz, Bubba and I set out for Chinese Garden around 9AM. There was a bit of a scramble trying to understand the bus and MRT routes but we did find our way without any hitches.

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Crossing the street

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Public transpo is fun!

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Now what?

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She grabs the chair and Bubba and I laugh

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Chinese Garden

Chinese Garden is a park in Jurong East built in 1975, patterned after the northern Chinese imperial architecture and landscaping. It is connected to the Japanese Garden by a bridge but we didn’t visit the Japanese Garden anymore.

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The Main Building

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Two of My Three Favorite People in the World

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The Bridge and Laughing Madz

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Bubba and Madeline

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Maddie and Me

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He looks at home 😀

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Bubba’s favorite “I’ll carry you” shot

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Pretty in Green

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2 Birds and One Stone

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Pagoda

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The Little Morning Picnic

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It was a slow and relaxing morning at the Chinese Garden. We took photos of the bridge, early spring courtyard, garden courtyard, stone boat, teahouse and fish paradise. Chris bumped into a colleague who was also on vacation.

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After the daylight stroll at the Chinese Garden, we decided to grab lunch at Din Tai Fung in Wisma Atria. The trio hopped again in the MRT. I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Din Tai Fung

It was a breeze locating Din Tai Fung. It was almost at the exit of the train station connected to the entrance of Wisma Atria.

I think we were lucky to get seated. Soon after, we saw a line outside waiting to be seated. Even after we finished lunch, there was still a group waiting outside.

Din Tai Fung is originally from Taiwan, a restaurant made world famous by its Xiao Long Bao. Xiao Long Bao is soup dumpling served steamed in small bamboo baskets. What makes Din Tai Fung’s soup dumpling special? It has the most translucent fine skin that has at least 18 exquisite folds. Theirs are plump and juicy –made fresh by the hand every time.

On the Table

Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao is best taken with a bit of light soy sauce and ginger. I LOVE IT. It’s gotta be the best I’ve tried. I know I can finish 5 baskets of the XLBs in one sitting if I can afford it! 😉

Pork Chop Noodle

Beef in Soy

Pork Chop Rice

Since Din Tai Fung was my bright idea, I had to take some responsibility for this lunch so I treated Bubba and Madz. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Din Tai Fung

435 Orchard Road #02-48/53

Wisma Atria Singapore 238877

Tel: 65-6732-1383

Mon ~ Fri 11:00~22:00 Sat & Public holiday 10:00~22:00

After lunch, we walked around the mall along Orchard Road.

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We decided to check out Fullerton Hotel and Esplanade that afternoon. We reached Fullerton Hotel and looked around. The idea was to walk to the Merlion park but it started to drizzle right after Bubba enjoyed his street ice cream. It started raining so we finally decided to head back to the hotel and rest before setting out on our evening plans.

Boon Tong Kee

Hainanese Chicken Rice originated from Hainan province in China, but it’s in Singapore that has the biggest debate on where to get the best.

Last time I was in Singapore, the famous Kitchen Cow raved about the chicken rice of Tian Tian Chicken Rice in Maxwell Center. The pretty long line agrees with Chrissy’s verdict.

Bubba didn’t appreciate food as much as he does now compared to when he was in Singapore in 2006. For dinner, we opted to try King’s recommendation on Boon Tong Kee. It was a short walk from our hotel.

We shared the large order. I didn’t have much of an appetite that night (yes, that happens, it’s not the end of the world) but Boon Tong Kee’s Hainanese Chicken Rice clearly satisfied. What I like about Boon Tong Kee’s version is how soft and juicy the white chicken is, while the rice was oh-so-gingerly-fragrant –really appetizing! 🙂 (The next day, we tried Loy Kee Best Hainanese Chicken, which was also on the same road. On the 2nd post!)

Boon Tong Kee

401 Balestier Road

Singapore 329803

Telephone 62543937

Night Safari

We were running late and I almost opted to forego visiting the Night Safari. Bubba has already seen the nighttime zoo before so I didn’t mind not catching it. For his love of animals, he wanted to visit again and convinced me that it’s worth a shot even if we reached the zoo at 10PM. They close at 12 midnight.

At Night Safari, we bumped into Madz, her cousins, her cousin’s friends, her sister Odette and Greg.

Caught

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This is so funny!!! 😀 I couldn’t stop laughing.

Madz teased Bubba, “Ba’t ako walang buhat?”

Finally, I’m not the only person Bubba picks up just like that.

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Same height? Haha.

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Day 2 Sentosa to be continued…

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Tahanan ni Aling Meding and Outdoor Lunch at Lake Pandin

April 6, 2010 by Janey

We were out of the country only a week ago and I didn’t expect that we’d have plans for the Holy Week. I was really thinking of staying in but was pleasantly surprised that Bubba had something up his sleeve for me.

Although it’s been on my Things to Do/Visit list for quite some time, it was Bubba who managed to pull off the Ugu Bigyan-Tahanan ni Aling Meding-Lake Pandin trip. It was probably the best local trip he ever planned!

Casa San Pablo was Bubba’s first choice to reminisce our first trip together to San Pablo Laguna in early 2008. However, I opened the idea of trying a new place –my choice in mind, Tahanan ni Aling Meding.

Wake up to the soothing view of Sampaloc Lake from the balcony of your room and relish the feeling of living at a mansion. This house was built initially to be the rest/vacation house of the Borja family, whose whole family (11 siblings) is already based in the States. The hotel serves as their own mansion for relaxation and family reunions and other events when they fly to the Philippines.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding opens up their big gates for folks who are visiting San Pablo City, it’s your secret hide-away residence in Laguna.

Type of Rooms:

1 Family Room PHP 5,500

(5 beds for 6 persons)

1 Honeymoon Room PHP 3,500

(1 queen-size bed)

This is the room Bubba got.

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Closet

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There’s computer desk for your laptops.

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2 Superior Rooms PHP 3,500

(2 beds)

4 Executive Rooms PHP 3,000

(2 beds)

2 De Luxe Rooms PHP 2,500

(2 beds)

Amenities:

*Wi-fi Zone

*Aircon

*Cable TV

*Swimming Pool (7am-10pm only)

*Hot and Cold shower

*Refrigerator

*Telephone

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At breakfast the next day, we noticed a table of foreign guests and a lot of families staying in Tahanan ni Aling Meding. Two families enjoyed swimming at Tahanan’s pool. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Wilson Borja and sharing a breakfast conversation with him –reminiscing how the whole Mansion started.

Tahanan ni Aling Meding

Dagatan Blvd., Sampaloc Lake,

San Pablo City, Laguna

Manila Line: (632) 520 6089

Laguna Line: (049) 562 5951/ (049) 562 5855

Email: admin@tahanan.info

How to Get There:

(From Tahanan ni Aling Meding Brochure)

Coming from Manila, after San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. You will see a Caltex station to the left, immediately before a fork in the highway. The right side of the fork leads straight to Lucena, the left leads to San Pablo City Proper. Take the left road. At the junction to Calauan, take the main avenue to your right. This is Rizal Ave. Turn left at the corner of San Pablo Central School. Follow the road beyond the City Hall. As soon as you see the lake, turn left on the perimeter road (actually more of a sharp U-turn). Tahanan will be to your left.

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Reminiscent: Jay’s Kinabuhayan. Elusive: Kusina Salud. Revisit: Palmera’s.

During this trip, we fought the urge to drop by at Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café to just say hello. We remembered our fantastic time at Jay’s eating that delicious spiced chicken and greens/flower salad of his. After that lunch in 2008, we also had some bonding time with Jay and his trustee aide and friend and some of his pet animals over some smooth lambanog –yes we were drinking at 3 in the afternoon! After which, we had a short trip at Kubli Springs and took an energizing dip while playing some guitar music. Good times, yeah.

We missed to try Kusina Salud last time we were in town. Bubba has been trying to contact Kusina Salud since Tuesday that week to no avail. Nobody seems to answer the phone or maybe we have the wrong or an old number. It was included in the plans to have dinner there that evening. Unfortunately, since we weren’t able to place our reservations, we hesitated to walk-in.

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Palmera’s restaurant was again recommended to us. When it was being described, I felt that I knew the place. And I was right. We dined there in 2008. We were supposed to go to Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café for dinner that day but ended up going to Palmera’s instead because of fear of getting lost and rebel attack (?).

Bubba couldn’t remember that we ate there until we walked inside the place. Palmeras’ has its own appeal as a grill-resto-bar that offers live music on certain nights. Bubba ordered Crispy Tilapia slightly recalling that he liked it the first time we were there. My order was grilled liempo and hot calamansi juice.

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Before Shot

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He massacred the tilapia

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A sweet smug smile.

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Whatta really large snake!!!

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He in fact did like it and finished the three tilapias. We drove back to Tahanan ni Aling Meding to retire for the night. Bubba’s plan didn’t end there. The next day after checking out, we headed straight to this “secret” place Bubba has been keeping under wraps.

I was very much in the know about the Ugu Bigyan and Tahanan ni Aling Meding plans but he cooked up something special for me –a simple outdoor lunch at Lake Pandin.

Lake Pandin

Lake Pandin is one of the seven lakes, called Pitong Lawa, in San Pablo, Laguna. We reached the gateway point and parked our car. Aling Siona, the wife of Mang Tano, who Bubba corresponded with regarding our reservation that day, welcomed us and guided us in the trail.

It was a 10-15 minute trail walk to Lake Pandin. Bubba asked me if the trek feels like the Kabigan Falls trek we did in Ilocos Norte. I said it was a bit the same but there were more scenery in the previous trek I think. He knows I have my qualms on trekking but I like it better than hiking. I’ve never hiked in my entire life.

Mang Tano and wife are part of the group (“samahan” in Filipino) who escorts the visitors –they are the same group that live nearby the lake and make a living out of fishing and the Pandin Lake tours. Nowadays, it’s all ladies who paddle the raft because the “men” felt a bit awkward in the past when foreign guests wear only their skimpiest.

The idea is they serve your lunch on the bamboo raft and the lady paddlers will take you across the lake at a quiet corner with shade. Enjoy nature’s breeze in Pandin Lake while eating your lunch made by the locals.

I was taken by the calming beauty of Pandin Lake. The sun was out but we didn’t feel the heat –just the cool wind whispering softly in our ears. We had the view of the lush greens at every corner.

Lunch was simple but tastes good. We loved the little shrimps in coconut milk (gata). And despite having tilapia the night before, Bubba was able to finish the 3 tilapias on the table again -this time grilled instead of deep fried. 🙂

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After lunch, Bubba and I relished the calmness of the scenery and stillness of time. We look out at the “docking port” where we came from and felt so on our own. Our minds were very relaxed… while my body was such in a tranquil moment.

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Our Fun Rapid Shots (Neoprint style photo sesh haha)

*WARNING*

Might be too cheesy for those with strong gag reflexes.

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Our “Pose Ode” to Madz *salute*

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More Photos:

In his own time.

Bubba with the pink paddle.

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Thought-bubble: “This is just so nice.”

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Yea, I have a tummy.

I tried to exercise but with my eating habits…

there will always be a happy bump there in the mid-section.

Sexy ain’t in my dictionary.

Never mind, I’m happy.

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The lady paddlers resting as we were resting.

A coconut suddenly fell, almost on the head of Marlyn. We all laughed.

Out of relief.

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Bubba and Boozie-la

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At peace with nature.

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Back to the roots.

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“Initiation?”

“Baptism of Fire?”

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Oh no!

I wasn’t trained for this. 😀

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After a couple of hours in this peaceful setting, we decided to head back. If only I didn’t promise “Moms” that I’d be in Manila for dinner-out, we’d be staying until past 5PM. Bubba helped in paddling back to shore.

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The Baranggay Tanod who makes us feel safe.

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It was a short 20-minute paddle, where we bonded with our raft paddlers, Marlyn, Malou and Nik.

Ate Marlyn, Ate Malou and Nik

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The Other Lady Paddlers

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The Baranggay Tanod who protectively watched us from afar and helped us trek back to the parking lot.

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You can opt to take the ride at PHP 180 and with lunch, an additional PHP 180. We enjoyed the afternoon so much that Bubba gave PHP 500 as extra. If you plan to visit and you enjoy it tremendously, please feel free to leave an extra for the community locals. They earn here through integrity and hard work that it’s so easy to give from the heart.

The Afternoon at Lake Pandin

It’s one of those afternoons I will long remember. Tranquil. Serene. Rural. This was the part where we most felt recluse from the world.

Bubba and I shared varying moments here. There were moments we talked. Moments we took photos. Moments we look out to the world… …even moments where we each had our own thoughts, devoid of the other’s presence.

Being enclosed in the rural surroundings is a humble reminder that life started out simple. And in simplicity, we are in touch more with our inner selves.

Lake Pandin

Baranggay Santo Angel

San Pablo, Laguna

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A Potter’s Paradise at Ugu Bigyan

April 5, 2010 by Janey

Our recent Bali trip introduced us to an area there called Ubud, an artist village that is a foodie haven as well. This Holy Week, I didn’t have to travel that far to get both hunger for artistry and gastronomic finds filled. At the heart of Tiaong, Quezon, Ugu Bigyan sends me to another memorable journey.

It’s Maundy Thursday. We set out for San Pablo, Laguna at 8AM. It’s been a while since we traveled South on a holiday. I’m not really big on traveling southbound since they started that road construction that’s been ongoing for years. It’s good to know that all lanes are now passable in SLEX. Nevertheless, we didn’t escape the heavy holiday traffic.

I was quite excited to finally visit Ugu Bigyan. I remember in 2007, I called and inquired about getting a reservation for four because I was planning a weekend trip with Chai and her Mr. Big then. That didn’t push through but never did Ugu Bigyan leave my mind as one of the places I want to go to. I read somewhere about their delicious Filipino dishes –like Kulawo, Lato Salad, Sinigang na Baboy, Adobong Chicken and Pork, Grilled Tilapia and mussels with vegetables. I’d imagine that Sinagang na Baboy to be really sour, a bit creamy/milky (from the gabi or taro) and oily from the pork fats –just how I would make it if I knew how to cook it myself.

It took us 4 hours and 30 minutes to get to Tiaong, Quezon. The plan was to drop by Tahanan ni Aling Meding first and check in, but decided to go straight to Ugu Bigyan. It is 12:30pm after all, time for lunch. That long drive is not the best way to start anybody’s morning. It made us feel so tired and prickly.

The car entered the red clay house one won’t fail to spot on the left side of the street. As soon as the car got parked, limbs stretched out to the open sky. Walking inside, our fatigue seems to have abandoned us and stayed with the car.

Augusto “Ugo” Bigyan, is a celebrated pottery artist who opens the door of his house-cum-workshop to the rest of us looking for a relaxed getaway with a bit of ceramic artistry.

My Photo with Ugu

Stepping into the world of Ugu is like stepping into an old world. Earthy. Unpretentious. Al-fresco. Makes you feel that Metro Manila is hundred hours away… and your mind also leaves behind whatever occupies it in bustling Manila.

We meet Ugu’s sister(?), Haidee and her son Kim at Ugu’s clay-crafts gallery. There was another group ahead of us, scouring the area where Ugu’s hands have shaped some fine pottery arts and crafts. The shop displays his original dinnerware sets, furniture and house décor.

We look around and bathe ourselves in fresh air. The unpolluted air revives our tired spirits making us feel like we only woke up a few minutes ago, ready for the rest of the day.

Ugu’s pottery garden composes of different dining areas, each bedecked with its own artistic slash native charm.

While waiting for the food to be served, Bubba and I relaxed on our seats. We see more people coming in. A familiar face entered my view and I waved hello. It was Anton of Our Awesome Planet and he shared some of his discoveries in Quezon, particularly Cagbalete Island (which I’ve been meaning to visit as well after reading it on Jen’s site). Anton has a big project coming up (amidst a lot of his other ongoing projects) but this is a first of OAP and it’s pretty exciting! 😉 You gotta watch out for that!

I also saw Liza, formerly from the Star group with some of her friends. They are staying at Casa San Pablo, Bubba’s first picked when he planned this trip but I suggested trying a new place so we opted to go for Tahanan ni Aling Meding near Sampaloc Lake.

The wait staff, all in white shirt and board shorts (very summery), arrived and placed the starters on the table. One apologized that the dishes will come in one at a time because it’s being cooked personally by Ugu fresh in the kitchen. We didn’t mind at all since time seems to be irrelevant when you are in an exceptionally comfortable and relaxed setting.

On the Table

Halaan Soup

The warm broth with big clams (Pacific clams?) was very soothing, and ideal calmer for my sore throat.

Ensaladang Pako (Fern Salad)

The fern salad tasted fresh with a faint hint of citrus –the bits of green apple slices add a natural and easy sweetness to the dish.

Both starters were good openers. Quite simple in taste, cleansing the palate for a story of flavors to come.

Tortang Tahong

“Torta” is the Philippine version of omelette. This particular torta was made with mussels and onions. It’s not an immediate leap from the taste of the earlier starters but a first for me to try.

Kulawo (Puso ng Saging or Banana Palm Heart)

One taste of Kulawo and Bubba and I were both impressed. The smoky flavor emerges on top of the flaky dish. The grilled (tad bit tangy) taste is very delish and we couldn’t quite get enough of it.

Calamares

Big squid rings very lightly battered with sweet and sour sauce on the side

Sauteed Shrimps

Lapu Lapu with Mango Relish

Clean and light fish meat accompanied by sweet and slightly tangy mango relish

Barbecued Spareribs

Interestingly, each dish builds a different layer of flavor and ultimately, the smoky barbecue ribs reconnect the taste of the Kulawo, linking the overall taste. There’s a thick sheet of fat accompanying the chunk of meat and it melts in the mouth almost surreptitiously. The barbecue sauce coating is lip smacking that you’d want to scrape off the charred BBQ sauce and nick the bones with your teeth. Or maybe that’s just me *shrugs*

Cold Coconut Juice

Refreshing with shards of coconut meat

Ginumis

With a smorgasbord of food in front of us, Bubba asked me what my favorite was.

Bubba was surprised that I rated the ribs my #1 because he would suppose that Naughty Nuri’s has raised the bar high in terms of ribs experience. It’s hard not to really like Ugu’s version of smoked spareribs, with its rich, barbecue flavor… and the sinful fat!

I told him, “You already know by now, me and fat… are this close (crossing my index and middle finger).”

Bubba’s favorite was surprisingly the sautéed garlic shrimp, which he would not normally touch in an ordinary day.

We both agree on our second favorite –the smoky and quite tasty banana palm heart.

Service was great –efficient and very affable. Ugu is a multi-faceted artist that can whip up the most delicate pottery inside his workshop and the most delectable dishes from his kitchen.

There’s so much to remember on this wonderful lunch at Ugu’s 🙂

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Escape into this beautiful countryside home that showcases pottery artwork and clayware that contains scrumptious food… Leave with a satisfied tummy and relaxed mind. It reminded me of Bali, but it is definitely a class of its own.

Ugu Bigyan

Brgy. Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon

(042) 545 9144

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How to get there:

(Directions from http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ugu)

To Tiaong Quezon:

From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, after the toll plaza, take the exit that points to Lucena and simply drive along this national road until you reach the Sto. Tomas junction. Sto. Tomas has two junctions, and one of which (the second) does not have any road sign when we passed by. Anyway, on both juctions, take the road to the left (southeastward) toward Lucena. This will take you through Alaminos then San Pablo Laguna. At San Pablo junction, just follow the highway, veering to the right and bypassing the city. Do not enter San Pablo proper. Next town after San Pablo would be Tiaong.

From Tiaong: From the Tiaong market, continue further southwest along the national road. After about 240m, the road will turn sharply to the left. Continue down the road southeast. About 480m from the turn you will see the Tiaong Municipio on your right. Continue travelling for another 2.4km from the municipio until you see the Tiaong Rural Bank on the left side. If you prefer looking at kilometer posts, this rural bank is a few meters after KM98. Turn left at the small street just before the rural bank. 600m into the street, after crossing a rail road halfway, you will see a sign ‘Alvarez Village’. Turn left, and barely 90m from the corner, you will see a distinctly different house constructed from bricks on the left side. This is Ugu’s workshop-residence.

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A Whole Lotta Bali Lovin’ (Bali Series: 3rd of 3 Parts)

March 30, 2010 by Janey

Secret revealed… my new lover, Bali, has taken a space in my heart. The hush-hush connection continues…

The Sun Disappears So Beautifully in Jimbaran

The plan was to catch the sunset in Kudeta. However, the cab driver we talked to earlier that day suggested Jimbaran instead of Kudeta. Looking at the clouds, he said it would be cloudy in Kudeta that afternoon, besides Kudeta was pretty expensive. We didn’t mind spending more in Kudeta since it was the last night anyway but I had a feeling Jimbaran would be a better choice that day.

Our Usual Postcard Shot 😉

The cab reached Jimbaran around 6PM. Jimbaran is known for the seafood restaurants along the long stretch of stunning white sand. The cab driver suggested Aroma restaurant, saying it was cheap. It was not THAT cheap actually, but I would have paid double for the food, service and view we had. Orders were placed. The sun started to set…

The Left Side

The Right Side

The Center

The sky is painted with red, pink, orange and blue hues. It was literally the BEST sunset I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a few… in the most beautiful places in the Philippines –Boracay, Anawangin, Calaguas, Bantayan, Malapascua, etc. I don’t think my photo serves it justice but the actual sight keeps me in awe.

I keep gushing about her. There’s something about her that’s so appealing. Or maybe I’m just easy to please… but like any lover, Bali is also eager to please. Bali keeps on enthralling me.

On the Table

Crab Szechuan

Deep fried crab appetizingly browned and loaded with garlic sautéed in partly sweet partly spicy brown Szechuan sauce.

The Vegetable Siding, Basket of Rice and Sauces

Grilled Corn Cob Rp10,000

I bought this from the corn stall nearby. There are quite a few selling –probably 10 meters apart from each other.

Garlic Fried Chicken

This was Bubba’s order and frankly I don’t remember getting a taste because he finished the whole quarter of a chicken.

More Photos:

This was the most relaxing part of the trip. We stayed in Jimbaran for almost 3 hours soaking in the evening’s quiet breeze and the sea’s lovely presence.

The Allure of Bali

Bali noticeably caught my interest from Day 1. There is a good mixture of different things to do, eat and experience in Bali –each place has its own personality and it’s only within each other’s striking distance. Ubud is a place full of things to love. There’s a lot of splendor to be found in Ubud –from food to talent.

—

There are a lot of galleries to go to. It’s such a groovy artist village with numerous stores showcasing the Balinese creativity. Paintings/sculptures are not only a feast for the eyes –they also stimulate the mind and sometimes spark the heart.

How can I forget the very first time I touched tongue with Bali… the crispy duck skin that crackles as one breaks it from the meat… and dissolves deliciously inside the mouth? That first hello was still pretty timid. Things get down and dirty at the sight of Naughty Nuri’s ribs and smooth martini. The charred barbecued ribs emit a distinct flvor that leaves more to be desired. Several hours later we still can’t get it off our mind –like how one can still taste a lover’s lips even after a dozen kisses.

Ibu Oka Babi Guling, running out of roasted suckling pig 5 minutes after we arrived, teased and left me hurting a bit –a reality check that a lover is not here to stay. It’s very elusive and always teases “catch me if you can.” My desire for the tasty pork continues to yearn, almost begging me for another secret rendezvous someday.

Tanah Lot, shopping, surfing and Jimbaran –the list of reason to like her goes on. Bali is a food haven so irresistible that one can’t help but give in to sin.

There is always something about Bali that leaves you with… a lingering effect. I can actually still feel her on my skin. I cling to every warm memory of Bali that has opened my heart anew.

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Thailand Day 2: Reclining Buddha, Temples, Siam Niramit and the Ping Pong Show

May 10, 2009 by Janey

It is really a treat that most accommodations come with free breakfast. No more need to worry where to eat at the start of the day. Get a power breakfast even if the taste is so so from the hotel buffet. Good thing that the Baiyoke Boutique restaurant’s food was actually manageable in terms of taste.

As the elevators of the Baiyoke Boutique opens, we see a small beautiful girl smile tentatively at us. She calls my name and I nod my head in recognition. The tour guide introduces herself and directs us to the car.

Blech, this photo is sooo tourist-a

Our first stop for the day was the temples. The temples are open daily from 8am to 5pm. The location of the first temple we visited was along Maharat Road, which is quite close to the river and about a half mile south of the Grand palace.

We are also lucky enough to view the passage of a monk.

Wat Pho or more popularly known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is located behind the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee per one person is 20 baht. It is the largest temple in Bangkok and famous for its huge and majestic reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long. The reclining Buddha is covered in gold leaf. The Buddha’s feet are 3 meters long.

If one looks closely, the feet are exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious characteristics of the Buddha.

One can also receive a blessing from a monk for a small donation that helps to maintain the temple.

We went to several temples but it now skips me the names of these temples. The Reclining Buddha made a mark because prior to the trip, my colleague and good friend Karen already mentioned this particular Buddha to me as she was astonished by the size of it.

Bubba paid also a certain fee to be able to put coins in a long stretch of bowls. This was supposed to represent something but again backlog entries make one forget.

At the entrance gate of one of the smaller temples, vendors flock us with the animals that they were selling. There were fishes and turtles being sold. The guide bought a plastic of fishes while Bubba as I predicted opted to buy the turtle. This was a buy and release. You pay for these and release them in the water by the bridge. It’s supposed to bring luck and protection.

Bubba didn’t want to let go of the turtle and wanted to bring it back to Manila to nurse it and keep it as a pet. The turtle reminded him of Pags, our Indian Star turtle.

The part I didn’t enjoy about the tour was the fact that they brought us (which is the usual, Hong Kong, China or whatever tours) to expensive jewelry and custom-made suit stores. We didn’t buy a single item.

The last part of the half-day tour was the spa. Again, this was one expensive spa. Massages in Thailand is pretty cheap but this one cost as much as PHP 1,000 per person. The usual costs around PHP 250, cheaper in Thailand than Manila actually.

The session starts off with a foot spa. The water treatment is a refreshing start for the massage. After getting our feet scrubbed and bathed, we proceed to the 2^nd floor where their massage rooms are.

The Thai massage was GRRRREAT! Best one I’ve had in my entire life. The kneading and stretching were quite different from past experiences, even in the authentic Thai spa parlors in Manila. My body felt so unbelievably relaxed when I woke up. My body underwent revitalization –calmed but bursting with energy. All the muscle tension was eased. It was worth the buck. The Suriya spa massage experience comes in close second.

In the evening, the plan was to see the world-class theater performance of Thailand’s arts and cultural heritage. Siam Niramit is the must-see spectacular and jaw-dropping performance with a colossal stage to boot. It is supposedly listed in the Guinness World Records as the biggest stage show there is, featuring over 150 performers that have as many as 500 costume-changes. I wish I brought my mom with me because I’m sure she would tremendously enjoy this.

While waiting for the play, we wandered around the grounds. Elephants, we played with the elephants for a bit, Bubba fed one. The elephant lifted me up using his snout. The elephant was also able to lift Bubba. Outside the Siam Niramit theater is a small cultural display community.

The show was about to start. We headed to the theater. The play begins and we are just enthralled by how colorful, alive and vibrant everything was. State of the art special effects with the world’s most advanced technology are used to produce an engaging, very realistic and inspiring experience. I cannot believe my own eyes seeing how the stage transforms from one setting to another. It makes me wonder how on earth were they able to pull certain stunts off.

Image Source: Siam Niramit Website

Siam Niramit is a Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Thailand that no one should ever miss while in Bangkok.

Right after the play, we headed to the red light district of Bangkok, Soi Cowboy. One of the main (unique) attractions of BKK is the famed Ping Pong show.

Wikipedia describes the Ping Pong show as the show that consists of women using their pelvic muscles to either hold, eject, or blow objects from their vaginal cavity. Such objects include: long string, whistles, pens, cigarettes, candles, darts, chopsticks and, of course, ping pong balls. A male member of the audience may be brought onto the dance platform to hold a balloon while a dart is shot at it, or the girl may do a shoot around the table at balloons tied to each customer’s chair. Another activity is the shooting of goldfish into a bowl, or stuffing a rather large frog inside to see how long she can keep it in.

The shows generally take place in a strip club with scantily clad girls dancing during the breaks between shows. Tourists are brought in by employees working the streets asking passersby if they want to see a show and frequently having pictures of said shows in a booklet.

We heard that certain Ping Pong/live show clubs coerced the customers into giving tips or extra payment. We were quite apprehensive about the whole thing but thank goodness that we were able to watch the show without experiencing any setback. Our jaws were still on the floor while we exited the place.

This is definitely “only in Bangkok!”

Album

Bangkok Day 1 Album

Bangkok Day 1 & 2 in a Nutshell Album

Related Post

Siam Niramit Website

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Bangkok Day 1

April 2, 2009 by Janey

For a change, it was Bubba who planned everything about the Bangkok trip –which is actually his birthday gift for me this year. Our flight was scheduled at 1030am. It was a 2-hour and half flight and we arrived in Bangkok as scheduled around 1pm. Bangkok is an hour behind Manila time.

I cannot believe that a sea of people was traveling that same weekend to Bangkok. The immigration line was pretty long and it moved slower than a turtle on a race! It took us 45 minutes to an hour to get out of the Bangkok airport. Before leaving the airport, we booked a tour by the group tours booth near the exit area. The tour for us both with private car and an English-speaking tour guide for half-day was only PHP500, which to us was pretty cheap.

We hailed an airport cab to bring us to our hotel. We stayed at the Baiyoke Boutique Hotel, which is Baiyoke Sky’s boutique hotel. I’ve heard of boutique hotels (small hotels with themes/concepts) but this is actually the first time I am staying in one. After checking in and settling down, we explored the Pratunam Area, which is the heart of a lot of street markets and shopping malls.

After a few hours of going around and familiarizing ourselves with the neighborhood, we decided to rest and get refreshments. We spotted Black Canyon Coffee and decided to take a break there.

On the Table

Chicken Green Curry (Gaeng Kiew Whaan Gai) BHT 85

Pasta in Spicy Prawn “Tom Yum Goong” Soup BHT 85

Chicken with Vietnamese Sausage Meal BHT 85

Tamarind Juice BHT

Orange Juice BHT

By 4pm, we flagged a cab and asked to be taken to Lumpini Stadium to catch some Muay Thai action, which supposedly starts at 5pm. To our disappointment, the cab driver said there was no Muay Thai that day. We continued our shopping instead. Bubba couldn’t believe that the online schedule for Muay Thai was wrong. I suggested asking another cab driver since the one we’ve asked might have misunderstood us. Whatever the case is, the Suan Lum Night Market was right next to the stadium. We can just check out the night market if the first cab driver was right. The second driver brought us to the Lumpini Station, where ushers steered us to the paying booth. The first cab driver did misunderstand and now it cost us the time. There are two show times, one at 5pm and the other is at 9pm. It was almost 7pm at this time. There are only 3 sections at BHT 2,000, BHT 1,500 and BHT 1,000 per head. The farthest one is where the betters stay, so we scratched that off our list. We couldn’t decide whether or not to take the current show or wait for the next one. If we pick the current show, we are down to just 3 matches. If we pick the next show, we won’t have time to check out Suam Lum Night Market because the show ends at 11pm and the market closes at same time. We were supposed to get the second section but was told that we are not allowed to take photos in that section. The only area allowed for photography is the prime section at BHT 2,000. I tried to haggle the price but we were only given BHT 1,800 for the BHT 2,000 ticket. Grr… how retardedly expensive!

After 10 minutes of mulling it over, Bubba decided to watch the current show at BHT 1,800. When we got inside, we found out there are only 2 matches left and everything finished at 730pm. We quite enjoyed the show but felt that we paid too much to see a 20-minute show. Nevertheless, Bubba had fulfilled his goal of watching an “authentic” Muay Thai fight in the very same country where it started and was popularized.

At 8pm, we were amidst the Suan Lum Night Market. Yes, shopping again, Bubba’s favorite pastime. Thank goodness that items in Suan Lum are more interesting than those we found in the Pratunam area. There is a portion in Suan Lum that has an alley of artist stores that display their creativity in fashion, accessories, display items and paintings.

We had dinner at the Suan Lum pavilion, which reminded me immensely of Tiendesitas.

We were supposed to check out Bed Superclub but we were all so tired when we got back to the hotel that we decided to can it.

To be continued… (Bangkok Day 2)

Bangkok Day 1 Album

Bangkok Day 1 & 2 in a Nutshell Album

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Vietnam and Cambodia Bound

March 31, 2009 by Janey

It’s been YEARS since I wanted to go to Cambodia. Angkor Wat is one destination I’ve been dreaming of going. Finally, that dream is within reach next week. Flying to Vietnam via PAL on April 6 to touch down in Ho Chi Minh City. Tuesday starts the trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We’ve just been to Bangkok 3 weeks ago and I haven’t even posted an entry about that trip or even our trip to Macau, which was in August of 2008. Too many travel backlogs on my back. And I told myself that I would finish those entries first before planning another one.

It’s been 2 years that I’ve spent Holy Week in Manila. One of my goals this year is to spend Holy Week anywhere BUT Manila. I’ve seen Manila at its peace long enough without the usual traffic and crowd ruckus. It’s about time to miss Manila during Holy Week. After all the emails, asking friends, forums, and research, I finally finished the itinerary last week (Thanks so much to Garry Garcia for all the info! Sorry I was such a bug-a-boo with all the email exchanges 🙂 ). It was supposed to be only until Friday but we had to rebook our return flight to Saturday to be able to enjoy Cambodia for an extra day.

I’m really uber excited!!! Let’s walk the world.

How are you spending Holy Week?

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Malaysia Truly Asia

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Reminiscent: Sisters in Hong Kong 2005