0 Philippines in FIBA World Cup 2014

In two days, the 17th edition of FIBA Basketball World cup will set to unfold in Spain. And whoever wins in the tournament will have a ticket for 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. Though the host nation will have a ticket already, but just in case Brazil won the FIBA Cup then the runner up will get the spot.

Like any other teams, Gilas Pilipinas currently ranked 34th in FIBA World Ranking is also vying to win the crown in the tournament. Although it’s really hard to imagine winning against the world powerhouse teams yet nobody knows what will happen. Though I feel a mutual feeling but this is pride. We have waited 36 years and it's about time. We have lost from buildup games numerous times but still it's never say die. The time has come to wave our colors, to tell the world that the Philippines is not just a Boxing capital we are Basketball nation.

Gilas opens its World Cup campaign on August 30 against Croatia. The Philippines is in Group B bracket and will be facing the 5 dominant teams. See schedule below.

August 30, 2014 - Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, Sevilla: Philippines x Crotia
August 31, 2014 -  Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, Sevilla: Philippines x Greece
September 1, 2014 - Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, Sevilla: Philippines x Argentina
September 3, 2014 - Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, Sevilla: Philippines x Puerto Rico
September 4, 2014 - Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, Sevilla: Philippines x Senegal

I’m not a Sports Analyst nor a Basketball geek. I just watch games with subjective perception towards the games so I can’t provide detailed assessment with our chances in FIBA World Cup. However all my prayer is a win-win game for Gilas Pilipinas. It's kinda tough for me to write this post but these men deserve a commendation. And I hope every Filipino will be positive supporting with their campaign. Enough with deleterious mind because having in the World Cup is already a Champion. It is truly an honor for The Philippines to represent Asia together with Iran and South Korea. #PUSO to the Max. Laban Pilipinas.


*Credits go to the owner of the photos.

2 MY SECOND HALF MARATHON FINISHED WITH SOFITEL MANILA

Where it all started and ended...
First let me start by saying Congratulations all finishers in all categories.  And my second half marathon concluded with Sofitel Manila Half Marathon happened on August 17th, 2014.


I have to file leave from work for this event. I slept early on Saturday afternoon after huge carbo loading before the race. We woke up about 2AM Sunday morning as we have to travel all the way to Mall of Asia. Though traffic is not a dilemma yet therefore we left house around 3:00AM. When we arrived near the MOA complex, glad that they opened their open parking spaces for this event so we got no problem looking for one like we usually encountered with the previous events. Sometimes, well most of the time illegal parking.

We prepared ourselves at the parking lot with singlet, pinning the bib number and most especially hooking the D-Tag to get runner’s accurate time result. After a quick warm up and stretching we went straight to starting line where runners assembled. About 15 minutes before the gun time, we still have time taking photos like other runners do. Tradisyon na yan eh.

Photo Op before the Race.
THE GUNSTART
I don’t have much training before this race. Though I ran a couple of times but not really intense to use for this half marathon. I was troubled with my previous and first half marathon and I don’t want to experience again the pain, all the struggles that I can barely walk and the challenges that I was facing. I never thought I can reach the finish line. The time was devastating at 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This time, I have to beat the obnoxious previous record. My office-mates who used to run full marathons, or even 100k challenges advised me that the first 10 kilometers would just be a regular pace, not so fast but not too slow. Don’t care about the others; you have your own record to beat. Never be intimidated with those fast runners. 

When the race commenced everyone was screaming, as I was. I have to stick with instructions. The first 3 kilometers from MOA to CCP was like a gentle, I know I got torrents of energy and I can run faster with my current pace. However I have to save it due to the challenge not to stop until I reached 10 kilometer mark. 

THE CHALLENGES
I never stop even running on flyovers, though in ascent was a little slower but the descent and flat spaces was back into the regular speed.  When I reached 9 kilometer, I can’t do it anymore. I have to stop. I was already distressed; I feel so much pain from nowhere. Starting from my legs, then somewhere inside my stomach, I think it was a gallbladder, and even numbness of my shoulders. I have to stop I really have to stop and walk to regain energy.

I walked for about 2 minutes then slow pacing again. At 10 kilometer, I’m so effing tired. I can walk with a faster pace but couldn’t run in a lower speed. I cannot maintain my run walk interval. The energy released so quickly, I strip-off my energy gel hoping that it’ll help. Marathon is fundamentally a metabolic challenge.

At 12th kilometer, a friend who used to be my running buddy at Ayala Triangle was on the same distance. We decided to just run together to at least help burn the lonesome.

During the race. Thanks to Red Knight.
We are on our way back to Kilometer 0 along Roxas Boulevard stretch from Baclaran with run-walk interval. When we reached the CCP area and Macapagal Boulevard we decided to do a quite faster pace than the usual as we near the finish line. When we saw the FINISH LINE marker the energy was recuperated, adrenaline maybe. 

However..

We thought that was the end. I didn’t know that we still need to go round the Mall of Asia Complex going to MOA Arena and then back to the seaside. What the heck. I thought we will finish the whole half marathon in 2 hours and 30 minutes. But then again, the 30 minutes left to reach the target time has been taken off by the last 2 kilometers. So bad! 2 kilometers can be achieved by 10 minutes. Oh well I was really tired that time that I can’t even move my legs. Nevertheless we finished the run injury-free. Thanks God. I dunno how many times I called His name. Keep the faith.

Rihanna's version of Half of Me. Still thanks to Pinoy Fitness
My second half marathon finished in 3 hours and 3 minutes. I'm 12 minutes faster then my previous 21k run. Pede na rin. Great race to Sofitel and Runrio. I love the Finisher Shirt and the Big Medal.

SOFITEL MANILA RUNNING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Thanks also to our friends on the road that gives us a huge smile and unique pose with their lenses. Sa kabila ng hirap sa pagtakbo, nakukuha pa rin nateng ngumiti, pabidang pose, at pagalingan sa pag-akting. Please refer to the sites below that you can visit after the race for your photos.

EMSoquena  http://on.fb.me/1l12BqW
• Team aRUNkada ▬ http://on.fb.me/1q4Wgda
• Pinoy Fitness ▬ http://bit.ly/1ohVZj9
• Red Knight ▬ http://on.fb.me/VHWigl
• RUN Lipa ▬ http://on.fb.me/1ohWkCt
• FREELANCER ▬ http://on.fb.me/1pmaB6j

After the Race. Never lose a smile you got a big medal.
SOFITEL MANILA RACE RESULTS
For those who haven’t checked their race result yet, please click below links: 

• Overall 5k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1qx9Of6
• Overall 10k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1v5R3Gs
• Overall 21k Results ▬ http://bit.ly/1ohWQjJ

Finishers at the Finish Line.
Finishers at the Finish Line.

5 THAILAND: GUIDE TO PATTAYA AND THE LIFE AFTER DARK


One of the highlights of our backpacking experience in Siam is visiting the beach. Phuket is our goal however it’s quite distant from the capital that’s why we ended up visiting Pattaya (พัทยา). This beach city is about sixty miles away from Bangkok. It is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Pattaya has four-kilometer stretch of beach; it is full of fun activities during the day and all out party at night. Likewise in Boracay it is also divided into three main areas. North Pattaya features several kinds of beachfront accommodations, shopping complexes and restaurant. This is also the most peaceful part of the area. Central Pattaya is where a shopping complex, department stores, and restaurants located. Here where we stayed at Soi 8. South Pattaya is the walking street, it is crowded with numerous shops and here where the famous of nightlife activities.

Pattaya has now a reputation of tourist destination because of the widely accepted sex industry. Though technically illegal yet it is being tolerated. In fact, it has been voted as world's No. 1 Sin City because there where you can see different nightspots with some wicked deeds especially when the time that neon lights started to lit up one by one along the beach road. Now the City earned a hoarse reputation because of naughty nightlife. But hey, I have nothing against Pattaya. In fact, this could be the reason why I'm here. Haha.

HOW TO GET THERE?
By Van/Minibus
Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Victory Monument Station. Fashion Mall is your landmark, there’s connecting stair from BTS Station to the Mall. Right in front of mall entrance is Van/Minibus terminal. You’ll see these vans parking diagonally waiting for passengers. Let them know that you're bound to Pattaya. Fare: 100Baht.

By Bus
Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Ekkamai Station. Bus terminal is only few meters walk from the station. This terminal houses trips to different provinces going in and out of the City. Make sure to reserve your ticket and wait for your departure time. Fare: 124Baht.

Bus Terminal at Ekkamai Station bound to Thailand provinces including Pattaya.
Minibuses bound to Pattaya at Victory Monument Station
OFF TO PATTAYA
In our case we chose taking Minibus from Victory Monument because it’s pretty close from where we stayed. We have no idea how far it is, just enjoying the countryside of Thailand. We don’t have any itinerary nor hotel to stay. After 2 hours of cramped ride in Minibus we arrived at the beach city.

We have to walk all the way to the beach road as we are searching for budget hotel. We have checked numerous inns and we found one near the seaside along the beach road.

WELCOME TO PATTAYA!
After minutes of rambling, Flipper Lodge Hotel was the top choice as it is near the beach. For 600Baht per head for an overnight stay it’s already a fair deal. What I don’t like is one has to pay extra 150Baht for a WIFI connection. Though not necessary but still it’s important for us to get connected. We purchased one, but cannot be used by multiple users therefore one has to log out so the other one can connect.

When it comes to transportation, taxi drivers do not use their meter for commuting foreign tourists. Better ride Tuktuk, it’s like modified pickup trucks or best comparison to the Philippine jeepneys. They pick-up and drop off people randomly.

After we checked in we immediately went out looking for some lunch. We arrived before noon so we got plenty of time looking for an authentic resto but we ended up taking out food from Family Mart. 

And then rest in hotel room waiting for a meaty night!

An emblem of Pattaya.
PATTAYA'S BEACH ROAD AND THE SEASIDE
About 5PM we decided to go out and checked the beach and the happenings along the beach road. The beach is not as crystal clear and the finest sand but you can feel an upbeat energy along the beachfront. There are water activities, para-sailing, jetski, even the most common banana boat and many more. It's nice to explore and experience beach-bumming in a different country. No plans on swimming  though.

After taking photos in front of stunning Pattaya’s sunsets, we decided to stroll along the beach road near the seaside. There are numbers of street vendors selling authentic cookery. Like in Manila Bay, street foods are most common that assembling the whole stretch.


Chasing the Sunset in Pattaya Beach.
The soaring and stylish Hilton Hotel in Pattaya.
Skyscrapers at Pattaya Seaside.
The Gulf of Thailand.
THEKIDWANDERER himself at the beach front.
THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER IN PATTAYA
The night arrived and the busiest seaside resort still in silence. I’m not sure what is happening, it’s not what I am expecting. Could be the night still young? But hey, we are in Pattaya. We went to convenience store and they don’t sell alcoholic drinks either. The fridge was locked with a poster that says Holiday. When I checked the internet about Holidays in Thailand, it mentioned about Asahna Bucha Day and they’re forbidden to sell liquor. Well at least they do observe such holiday but not those naughty activities. Lol.

We just stay at the hotel lobby to drink. They do sell alcohol but not outside the red-light district. When we strolled around 10PM there are still numerous go-go bars open but the music is not that loud. Neon lights are illuminated the entire street however the whole place still in calmness.

Middle of the night arrived and we decided to walk the seaside area. Prostitution is very active. There were groups of ladies and lady-boys stick around the street waiting for their prospects. And mind you, you can easily get one if the price is right. Just be careful though, if you want a real girl you should be very cautious. Lady-boys are much prettier and sexier than the real one.

The rest of the night was history..

Along the seaside..and an endless shopping complex. Asia's largest only in Pattaya.
MORNING IN PATTAYA
The next day we woke up early. We decided to go swim on the beach early in the morning unfortunately it was low tide. Glad that the hotel has swimming pool at the rooftop so we just stayed there chilling and relaxing. They also have a free buffet breakfast; it was a real heavy breakfast before heading back to Bangkok.

GOING BACK TO BANGKOK
You can ride Tuktuk, a modified pickup truck or a smaller version of Philippine jeepney or just ride a cab going to AIR-CON. BUS TERMINAL TO BANGKOK. It is located in North Pattaya Road. We took Pattaya-Ekkamai route, fare is 124Baht.

Bus Terminal in Pattaya bound to Mochit and Ekkamai.

WHERE PATTAYA IN THE WORLD?


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38 MT. ROMELO: MUDDY AND TRAGEDY


Mt. Romelo is the best practice ground for newbie hikers. It is situated in Siniloan, Laguna standing 300 MASL. The elevation may not be as high as other mountains around the province yet it is famous with multiple falls like Buruwisan Falls, Lansones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, and Batya-Batya Falls. It’s a series of mountains lies in Sierra Madre mountain range. The reason why it is popular for newbie mountaineers because of a 2/9 difficulty rate per Pinoy Mountaineer. This mountain is considered as minor climb yet the difficulty come to be higher due to its muddy trail especially during rainy season. I would recommend hiking this mountain during summer time because trail is less muddy however rainy season would be the ideal if you want to see waterfalls on full blast. 


In connection to rainy season, it was Saturday night when horrendous weather terribly clatter entire Luzon. Storm "Jose" has just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and it will continue to shower the entire region with isolated thunderstorms. I was troubled if I will push through the scheduled hike. Safety is top priority but my trail buddies were definite pushing the climb rain or shine. In result, from thirteen confirmed people now down to seven. I wasn't surprised and I can't blame them either, weather was extremely bad.


I have no problem whether few or huge company, I can do solo. However we already contacted hired jeep so how in the world we carry the expenses? We decided to talk to driver about what happened, and it’s up to him if he could reduce the cost or otherwise we will just pay him as “panconsuelo” then take public transpo. We're all glad he accepted our favor.


HOW TO GE THERE:
Speaking of public transpo. What would be the options getting to Mt. Romelo?

The best option is by taking Raymond Bus Lines bound to Infanta, Quezon. It is located in Sampaloc, Manila. You can ride LRT Line 2, and then alight at Legarda Station. It will just a few minutes walk getting to bus terminal. Raymond Bus Lines is the only bus company that passes thru the jump-off to Mt. Romelo. It is wise to say that you will be going to Buruwisan Falls and they already know where to drop you off. Your landmark would be the KIA3 Restaurant on your left side and Buruwisan Multi Falls signage on the right. Travel time is about 2 – 3 hours, fare is Php110 for non-air-conditioned and Php130 for air-conditioned.

Another option is from Crossing in Shaw Boulevard, take jeepney going to Tanay, Rizal then take another jeepney going to Famy in Siniloan. From Famy, you can ride trike to Brgy. Macatad or let them know that you’ll be hiking to Buruwisan Falls and driver will bring you right at the jump-off.

But if you want more convenient then you may contact jeeps or vans for hire. You can call our contact, Joel at 0922-321-4698. Your meet up will be at McDonalds in Starmall (Shaw Boulevard) then they will bring you right in front of the registration hall in Brgy. Macatad.  Travel time is about 2 hours.

KIA3 Restaurant. This will be your landmark on your left side.
BURUWISAN Signage. This will be the jump-off to Mt. Romelo.
Registration Hall of Mt. Romelo (Buruwisan Falls).
We arrived around 8AM right in front of the registration hall. If you’re bringing private cars then you can also park there. Everyone has to register and required to pay Php50 per head. Before commencing on the trail we decided to take breakfast first. Glad that they have freshly cooked Sinampalokang Santol with Alamang. The taste is good, authentic Siniloan cooking; just make sure to mix it with rice because it’s really sour.


TIPS ON HIRING GUIDE:
Arriving at the jump-off before heading to registration hall expect that there would be group of locals waiting for you that offer guide services. Their rate is Php300 going up and another Php300 going down for dayhike only. I would recommend to call these numbers, Divina at 0908-982-2183 and 0946-130-8769 so they will arrange you guide on Php500 package rate. This number is come from the officer who facilitates the registration. I forgot his name. You also have an option not to hire guide especially if you’re with colleague that already know the trail or been there once. After all the trail is not confusing nor misleading, you won’t get lost.

Sinampalokang Santol with Alamang! Delicioso.
When everything all set, our adventure started to conquer Mt. Romelo and the multi-falls of Siniloan. I was guessing of slippery and embellishing muddy trail due to continuous rains the previous days. That’s why I was geared with trek shoes and groundzero saddle shorts. The trail started with river crossing, so expect that you will get wet at the beginning.

Mt. Romelo | River Crossing
Let the trail begin.
Evidence! The mud-covered trail.
After that river crossing you will start an ascent trail, a good start to wake up your veins and blood streams. No worries it’ll just quick but enough for your skin pores to produce body fluids. As expected, it was mud-covered trail and so much slippery. You also have an option to ride horse for Php500 if you don’t feel like walking and just experience the beauty of the falls. Or otherwise you can ask to carry your luggage back and forth for Php300 so everything would be easy without the hefty weight on your back.

Someone gave up the trail and decided to ride horse. No. His sandals gave up.
The pink sneakers won. :D
Minus the thick-mud, the trail is beginners-friendly. There were resting areas scattered along the trail with makeshift chairs made of bamboo. Also they have plenty of santol trees planted everywhere that’s why you’ll notice santol fruits just scattered on the trail. You can ask your guide also if he could get some. Vendors also do sell fresh buko juice and cold sodas with waiting sheds that you can take rest.

On the way to the Summit.
After an hour of hiking we finally reached Mt. Romelo’s summit. At 300 meters above sea level, it is not that high compared to other mountains but enough to give you a panoramic view of the neighboring towns, Laguna de Bay and some rolling hills. We stopped by for a couple of minutes to rest and of course take “selfie” “groupie” or “wefie or whatever. We are Filipinos afterall, if not the microphones on videoke, then the lenses of the camera.

Thank God because that day, there was no rain. The sun was brilliant all day. Prayer  works.

After a quick rest we went back again on trekking so we have plenty of time to explore all the falls if time permits. Part of the itinerary is to arrive at the campsite after two and half hours. 

Mt. Romelo | Groupie at the Summit.
Quick rest at the Nipa Hut...and of course, perfect for another photo op. (c) pala-lagaw.com
We finally reached the campsite, it is huge that can accommodate several groups of hikers, it’s just perfect site especially for overnight campers. It is under the rainforest so it’s kinda wet and you’ll hear the wildlife sound of waterfalls. Since we do not have tents we decided to take our lunch right in front of waterfalls. However before heading down, we had some photo op again on top of Buruwisan Falls. The view is so amazing looking down, wondering how high is it. I dunno if I can do rappelling like what I saw on the internet, although I’m not afraid of heights.

Mt. Romelo | The Campsite.

View from above of Buruwisan Falls.

His place. Millipede showed up when I took photos of the waterfall. Thank you dear friend.
Then we resumed our hike down to the falls. And the moment I saw the enormous waterfalls from below I was really amazed. God’s creation is really amazing, no doubt! I can’t control myself taking photos both the camera and my phone. The place is deserved to be posted across social media to showcase its beauty. Buruwisan Falls is the biggest and the tallest waterfall in Romelo. It is approximately 180 ft. tall, and like what I said rappelling is one of the activities you can do here. 

The majestic Buruwisan Falls
And again everyone was busy taking photos with Buruwisan on the background. After a couple of minutes, some were decided to swim into the clear and wide catch-basin. There were another group arrived and likewise, they were all busy taking photos.

I can’t help also but to dip my body in the cold freshwater coming from the mountains of Sierra Madre. We even swim near the waterfalls and climb on the rock at the back of the waterfall until the tragedy happened, a near-heartbreak loss from one of our group.


THE TRAGEDY:
The four of us went at the back of the waterfall. The force was so massive; you can even hear the distinctive plunge of water. After staying there for a couple of minutes, I asked them to go back offshore to take lunch. One by one left the area until this guy, the last person who left the area suffered cramps on his legs. He was running out of breath, so we hurriedly swayed to save him. Swimming in fresh water is tougher, no buoyancy and you can’t swim that fast. Me and two other guides quickly jump and swim towards him. When we near him, he was already drowned in the water, the guide grabbed his neck as I was holding his body. His lips were so dark and I can't see the pupil of his eyes, it was all white. He’s no longer breathing while trying to revive him. Mouth-to-Mouth resuscitation as part of CPR, his girlfriend kept on doing it a couple of times but no answer. She even pumped his heart. After a couple of minutes I dunno how long it was he was coughing and released a lot of water. Thank God! He is alive. Thanks to the guides and the other group who helped us.
PLEASE OBSERVE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN SWIMMING AND I DO NOT RECOMMEND SWIMMING ALONE.

Our group in front of majestic Buruwisan Falls.
After our lunch, he decided not join and his girlfriend going to Lansones Falls. We will just meet at the campsite.

Lansones Falls is about seven minutes away from Buruwisan. We just took pictures there and decided not to swim maybe because of what happened, no one dares to swim. We only stayed for a couple of minutes and then go back to the campsite. Our initial plan is to include Batya-Batya Falls but since our guide told us that it requires crossing breast deep water and we were armed with camera and cellphones so we just decided to just go back to the campsite to check our friend who still suffering from headache and cramped legs.

River trekking towards Lansones Falls.

This is Lansones Falls.
Since this is only dayhike and have limited time. About 3PM we decided to go back to the jump-off. Though it only took us about more than hour to reach the registration site but I slipped many times. I conclude that whenever slippery, trailing down is way harder. Thanks to my TOSOC FAMILY, CONCUR FAMILY, especially to Pala-Lagaw himself Sir Francis Balgos. Though something happened, yet it was fun and successful climb. First time to hike in a muddy trail. 


SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR DAYHIKE
5:00 AM Meet Up Starmall
6:00 AM ETD Starmall
8:00 AM ETA Registration Hall (Register, Breakfast, Prepare)
9:00 AM Start Trek
11:30 AM ETA Campsite, Visit Buruwisan for Lunch.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Explore all the Falls
3:30 PM - Start Descent
5:00 PM - Back at the Jump-off, Tidy up at the Registration
5:30 PM - Head back to Manila



WHERE IS MT. ROMELO IN THE MAP?


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0 THAILAND: GUIDE TO ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT

Welcome to Asiatique the Riverfront.
If you are looking for an alternative shopping spree when visiting Thailand, then I would recommend Asiatique. The Riverfront is the newest development hub in Chao Phraya waterfront; it has shopping bazaar, dining, entertainment, and sight-seeing at the river view place.  Asiatique used to be a gateway for export of Thai Teak to Denmark, built during the 1900s as one of the original portal of the Kingdom of Thailand. And now this place houses over 1,500 shopping boutiques that sell variety of clothes, souvenir items, toys, bags, and many more. It has also numerous food stalls that offer an authentic Thai cuisine, cafe and restaurant. There’s also the Mekhong Ferris Wheel that will give you a breathtaking view of the water city.

HOW TO GET HERE:
There’s a lot of ways getting to the Riverfront and the easiest route is via the BTS Skytrain. Take BTS then alight at Saphan Taksin Station, walk towards the river going to Sathorn Pier, the pier has three platforms just turn left so you will see the Asiatique logo in pink. From there just follow the way to Asiatique boat service where you can ride the shuttle for free. I would recommend to visit this place before 4PM to avoid long queue. Asiatique Riverfront opens from 4PM – 11:30PM. Boat shuttle service runs every 15 minutes and the last departure time from Sathorn pier is 11:15PM.

This will lead you to Asiatique boat service.
Asiatique Boat Service, you can ride here for free.
After 10 minutes boat ride, we finally arrived at the Mekhong Asiatique pier. The place is more of converted pier with a good fascination of modern accent. This makes the Asiatique diverse to other tourist destinations, mixed of modern eon in one of the region’s oldest place. An abandoned export hub converted into restaurant and shopping arcades.

Upon stepping off the boat, Asiatique welcome us with an ambiance from the 1900s. The architecture feels like nostalgia back in the days. Perfect opportunity for photographers - there were tram car, anchor and push cart that is being used back in time. It is a spacious, clean, and well planned. Though there are parts of under construction but already enough to cap off the entire day.


Welcome to Asiatique, the Riverfront!
Antique ship part being displayed at the center of the arcade.
Photo opportunity upon arrival.
Yours truly, I deserve the photo in front of the newest shopping hub.
The place is divided in different sections and warehouses. Warehouse 1 – 4 (orange section) is where the main shopping located. Warehouse 5 – 6 (green section) is combination of food stalls and retail outlets. And warehouse 7 – 10 (orange section) is where the food and beverage situated near the riverside.

Always check these signs so you won't get lost.
I think we were the first batch to arrive on that day so there were only few people walking around. So I have the best time to take photos, I got no hindrance taking beautiful shots. We walked around and the arcade leads us to this little park right in the middle of Asiatique.

JULIET LOVE GARDEN IN ASIATIQUE
This is familiar to me since I already watched “Letters to Juliet” but I didn’t expect that Asiatique has its version of the love garden. I was wondering who the woman was, a bronze statue till I came closer. The moment I saw the locks I think I knew it already, replica of Juliet. Verona’s Juliet is now at Asiatique. This famous bronze statue is iconic because it is believe that when you rub her right breast then you will be bestowing luck-in-love.

Now for the couple who visited the place, you can write your names to lock your everlasting love and become part of the legend. Lock it on the fence with your names and throw the keys on the fountain. It will always be there whenever you revisit the place just make sure where you locked it.

The Romantic Garden of Juliet. A garden filled with love.
The garden is covered with heart-shape locks, very romantic and now many couples have been part of the legend.
This is Juliet. A woman that will surely give you the luck of love.
After photo ops, we decided to eat first before going around the place. We just came from Wat Pho temple located on the other end so we were really hungry. There were plenty of choices and we don’t know where to dine. There were varieties of Asian and Italian cuisine but all we want is an authentic Thai cuisine. I ordered chicken noodle, it has a different taste that is not forge from the common chicken noodles, it’s spicy and it’s really their flavor. I also ordered siomai, I dunno how they call it in Thai, I didn’t like the taste but when mix it with condiments then it savor my tongue.

We also ordered Chang, Thai’s very own beer so I can square how the taste compared to our San Miguel. The taste is good like ours, for as long as it’s very cold because sometimes it taste like bitter so I asked some ice.

Thailand's Chang beer.
Hot chicken noodle! It's spiciness makes me satisfied. 
We stayed for like almost an hour; we were really worn-out walking around the temple earlier in Wat Pho. Glad that they have wifi, perfect opportunity to update photos on facebook. Unfortunately we cannot use our internet phone to avoid high rocketing phone bills by using high volume of bandwidth so we all rely on wireless connection.  Good thing Thailand has it, wireless connectivity elsewhere.

After comfy rest, it’s about time to explore the whole place. I’m not sure if my travel buddies have plans to buy something like clothes or souvenir items but me; no all I want is to take picture of this place. Not interested of buying anything. This place is one stop shop, multiples services are offered, all visitors can get all they need. When we arrived at the clothing section, there was a stall offered a very good price, but you need to buy three. Since we are three, I got no choice but to take money out on my pocket. Well I like the texture, I like the designs but then again the price is not affordable compared to Chatuchak.

Two thumbs up for Asiatique.
Introducing the frustrated singers, the newest band in town. Yikes!
One of the highlights when visiting Asiatique is the Mekhong Ferris Wheel standing 60 meters with 42 gondolas. It’s fun for the whole family with an amazing view on top of Bangkok’s skyline. It is now considered as Thailand’s landmark.

Ticket Prices:
Adult - 250Baht
Child - under 120cm is 150Baht
Senior Ticket - 60 years old and up is 150Baht
Disabled - 100Baht
Private Gondola - for 2 persons is 1,000Baht, for 2-3 persons is 1,500Baht, and 4-5 persons is 2,000Baht

Whatever I say here, we never tried riding the wheels. Ahm, maybe because we are on budget traveling and 250Baht is already enough to buy us new shirt or perhaps up to three shirts. But if you have the luxury then I recommend riding it, you’ll surely have a picturesque view of Chao Phraya River and the towering skyscrapers.

Mekhong Ferris Wheel, now called as Asiatique Eye.
Asiatique Eye on the other side.
Asiatique eye in full vertical view.
After the walking, sightseeing all the display at fashion warehouse, we sensed of starve again so we drop by at this Love Milk. There were numbers of customers eating on this stall so out of curiosity we decided to have some. The taste is really good. Simple tasty bread was grilled and then coated with their secret milk and chocolate for only 40Baht. Their cold drink as well for 40Baht has a different taste, like Yakult and I love it.

Grilled bread before coated with milk and chocolate.
They're all busy serving the order.
We were waiting for the sunset so we can check and witness how the place looks like in the evening. And it never failed me. It's panoramic especially the riverside area. Here are some photos of Asiatique The Riverfront. 

There's a huge space at the riverside for bikers, joggers, and for your kids to play.
Don't forget as well to have the photo opportunity. Even locals enjoy the place.
Of course. So I have the picture to reminisce that I was once here.
Bronze Statue showing how this place started. 
First time doing this, and it is a rare opportunity. Everyone on the background is all doing the same.
Asiatique The Riverfront by night.
The Mekhong Ferris Wheel, now called the Asiatique Eye by night.
Asiatique would be a perfect escapade and I would recommend adding it on your itinerary when visiting Thailand. After spending almost three hours, the place has a quaint view of Chao Phraya at the riverside. If you are into shopping, its one stop shop, though the price is a little higher but haggle is always present. Just learn how to bargain. The selection of shops is interesting, there are unusual brands, local brands that shows the creativity, its locally made and even puppets, it just show the creativity of Thai people. This destination is different from any other shopping and dining experience in the region. It’s very unique and away from cityscape. Asiatique is worth dedicating your time when visiting the country.


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