0 THAILAND: A GLIMPSE TO THE KINGDOM OF "SIAM"

It was 2012 the last time I traveled out of the country. I had a great experience seeing the world outside the place I have grown up. While on the plane going to Hong Kong it seems like I’m not yet convinced that there are other places outside the Philippines. I know I'm just kidding but honestly those questions ran on my mind. Anyway after nearly two years I’ll have to experience again traveling out of the country. Thanks to Cebu Pacific with their piso-fare promos – now everyone has the chance to fly. This time we will be traveling to Thailand, a place that is somehow closer to the heart of Filipinos.

Since we are scheduled to depart by 9PM, we have to leave very early to avoid horrendous traffic. Expectedly we arrived four hours ahead of time, well better than never, been expecting to this trip so earlier the better. I don’t want to experience again about what happened during my HK trip, about an encounter with immigration officer. I had a crazy experience because of my sore eyes. Thankfully this time I'm sick free – they’re off limits. Also, no more erratic questions coming from the officer since my passport has stamps already. We only had quick and friendly conversation like how much did I pay for the ticket and how many days will be staying there. And before I forget, one is obliged to pay travel tax fee of P1600 and terminal fee of P600. Masakit sa bulsa noh?

Tigerair Philippines, another subsidiary of Cebu Pacific Airline taxying at NAIA Terminal 3.

When the bird started its engine, I have no choice but to sleep. I don’t have view outside. As the plane took off, everyone was looking for the best position to get sleep and so do I. Air conditioned freezing the cabin, lights switched off one by one, and my consciousness followed the stream in a cramped space. Half of our trip, I heard flight attendant chatting indistinctively, they were giving out the arrival cards to fill out. I checked outside the plexiglass window and I see nothing except a dark clouds catching the moonlight. I assumed we were above Vietnam or Cambodia.

Then I started filling out the necessary information on the arrival card. Please make sure that you have your pen and your passport with you if in case you don't know your passport number. Also the address of the hotel you will be staying.

Thailand Arrival Card

A couple of minutes later, I heard pilot’s cracking voice along with the ding dong, seatbelt sign lit up. It is a signal that everyone have to buckle up as we near the destination. We landed safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport, pronounced as Suwannaphum (IATA: BKK / ICAO:VTBS). As a person with extensive interest of mechanical birds, I can’t help taking photos on different planes parking around the gigantic airport. I was really enthralled especially when I get to see the largest passenger airliner. Darn it! A380 is the world’s biggest passenger plane and take note, airports have to upgrade facilities just to accommodate this double-deck-wide-body and four-engine jet liner.

As we stepped out the plane I wish to do the colloquial tradition that you have the kiss the ground especially when you are new to the place. Yikes, just kidding. Fresh and easy, Sawa dee Krap..welcome to Thailand! Whew new environment, new culture, fresh faces. This is my first glimpse of Siam, I can smell the land of the free, although despite the current political turmoil I appreciate their open presence as they presented us a wide smiles. I finally set foot to the land that I only read on history textbooks.

View outside the Airpot. (c) suvarnabhumiairport.com

To avoid the long queue at the immigration, we have to be very quick to line up and get stamped so we are free to explore the country. Incoming visitors from ASEAN countries have a designated line since citizens from these nations are visa-free as part of the signed agreement. Glad that the immigration officer didn't ask any questions, I just heard my passport got stamped and viola...welcome to Thailand!

Thailand it is!

Since we arrived past 12 midnight we have no choice but to take the cab going to City proper. Airport Link would be the best option but train operation is only from 6AM – 12MN. If you arrived before 12MN then I would recommend taking the train, it is located at the ground floor inside the airport. Airport Link is traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai station.  Phaya Thai is your starting point to explore the city with direct interchange.

In our case, cabs are available 24/7 so again we got no choice but to take the taxi. Fortunately they use their meter going to downtown Bangkok however it is required to pay additional 50Baht for the driver plus the meter. I don’t want to speak in general, however we encountered problem in communicating with the driver, I dunno maybe a tout but when we get at the Pratunam area he kept on saying “one-way” until the meter reaches 400Baht and at the same time he doesn't know the hotel. So we decided to just step out and walk looking for the hotel we reserved.

Thailand Airport Link booth located at the ground floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport.

0 THAILAND: BUMPED WITH STUDENTS SURVEY ABOUT MARTIAL LAW SELFIE

One day is not enough; Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Thailand so I don’t think a single day is enough to cover the whole place. We decided to end the tour after an hour or two and commenced whatever on the itinerary. Grand Palace is the next stop that is seated right across the temple.

But before we check out the Grand Palace we decided to eat some street foods. There were numbers of vendors outside the temple and has plenty of choices. There were meatballs, hotdogs, dried squid, and even grilled corn, and a lot more.

While tasting those foods, there were group of students approached and asked me if I’m willing to answer some questions. It was a school project; a survey where audience should be foreign tourist.  I’m kind of hesitant at first but when I read the questionnaires, it’ about the martial law selfies which now hip in Thailand that draws attention to the world. Well I read about it before I came to Thailand, so I was interested to participate.

(c) (Piti A Sahakorn/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The questions were answerable by five categories, strongly (agree/disagree), agree/disagree and neutral. First question was about the visibility of military personnel. When I arrived at the Phra Nakhon District, where Wat Pho and Grand Palace situated, I see none. However there were numbers of soldiers standing right outside the Palace. They also asked me as a foreign tourist if we feel safe or at peace when soldiers are visible in the streets. And lastly, I know they will ask me about taking pictures with them. Well given a chance, I'd love to. It would be a rare opportunity as a traveler to have pictures as such. Though in respect, if those soldiers do not tolerate such actions then I will not. 

Below are the pictures I got from the internet with foreign tourists doing a selfie.

(c) (Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

(c) (Rufus Cox/Getty Images

Though coup has an enormous effect in the government and the people, especially the visibility of the soldiers, but the government made sure that they relax martial law on visiting foreign tourists. I don’t think either they do have this curfew. We arrived very early in the morning around 1AM and I see people drinking alcohol right on the side of the streets both local and foreign. And with this ‘selfie’ I don’t think it has a wide effect on the integrity both the government and the soldiers. It’s a coup without a coup after all. They’re just friendly enough with the foreign people visiting their country. So if they would ask me again if there’s an issue having this ‘selfie’ with Thai soldiers, then I don’t think there will be, but then if they don’t allow with this activity then everyone should follow.

After quick interview with questions, they gave me this gift. :). Thank you for this beautiful treasure, I promise to keep this and I shall come back. :)

0 BITUON BEACH RESORT OF MASBATE

This is one of the nicest beach resorts not just in the province but in the Bicol region. Though more beaches arising in the province, this is one of the pioneer resorts serving our foreign and local tourists alike. Masbate has some of the best kept secrets white sand beaches and clear blue water. 

When I set foot again in Masbate after so many years, I have decided to pay visit to this resort. Since going to my town will take 2 – 3 hours ride, I’ve decided to stay in the City for few hours and asked my cousin to take me here which is about few kilometers away.

Truly is a Star of Masbate, “Bituon” is a Visayan term which means “Star”, located in Bagacay, Mobo, Masbate and about 13 kilometers away from Masbate City. It is positioned in 90 hectares filled with coconut trees, and bamboos, and 1 kilometers beach line, seating in front of the beach sand, you have the view of nearby islands like Ticao and Burias, including neighboring provinces of Samar and Bicol region.

See also: Masbate your Ordinary Guide.

This resort is your next beach destination if you want to dismiss all the stress in the metro city.  The lush green beach land and the crystal clear water will be your friends while on vacation. Majestic mountains around the area will also provide a refreshing experience that is also open for some outdoor adventure.

This resort has more hotel rooms to offer. The Garden Villa room cost about Php 1,800 per night and Standard are Php 1,000. Garden Villa and Standard room are all equipped with Air Condition, clean relaxing bed, restroom, and TV with cable. However Garden Villa is perfect for family, it has refrigerator and sink.

They also accept guests on day tour, you can rent cottages. If you are on small group, you can rent Open Nipa for only Php 100 and for huge group you can get the Open Concrete for Php 200. These cottages are all equipped with power outlet and barbecue grill.

As far as the activities, there are a lot of things to do while on beach vacation. They have the bowling center with 6 bowling lanes, basketball and tennis court, and 3 billiard tables, perfect to play with your kids and friends. You can also request for some horseback riding and ATV. And for beach activities, experience to swim in turquoise-color seawater, you can also request the breath taking scuba diving, and experience whaleshark adventure – “Butanding”, just like in Donsol.

So please come and discover why this beach is perfect to relax and see if this pleases your dream beach vacation. Experience the hidden paradise where you can find the greatest adventure of your life.

Getting here is very easy, starting from Masbate City, you can ride tricycle or ride public jeepney, it will only take about 20 minutes trip. 

For reservation, please contact Ms. Divina Salvacion, see contact information below.

Mobile:

+63 917 6288996

+63 915 3048288

+63 915 3058888

Landline:

056 333 2197

Email:

bituonbeachmasbate@facebook.com

bituonbeachmasbate@yahoo.com.ph

bituonbeachmasbate@gmail.com

Website:

www.bituonbeach.com

0 BRIEF HISTORY ABOUT THAILAND

“Land of the Free”, words I remember about Thailand. Some may think of the United States because of the Star-Spangled Banner, the American national anthem which we normally heard in the Philippines because of their influence – Americanization per se. But then since I always love the world history, I am always profound on remembering descriptive names of Asian countries.

Nearly 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist. Buddha is the enlighten one, is a very nature of Buddhism.

Being the only country in South East Asian region who have escaped with the colonial rule, Thailand has the right to claim as the only land that have the freedom. Now after months of waiting I finally got to see it myself and the chance to intersperse their rich culture, religion, society, and eventually politics.

Formerly known as Siam – Thailand is at the heart of Indochina-peninsula in Southeast Asia. Myanmar in the West and North part, Lao P.D.R in the North – Northeast part, Cambodia in the Southeast, and Malaysia in the South. The total area of 198,000 sq mi and make it as the 51st largest country. Wondering if it's a landlocked? Maybe because it is bordered by countries in four directions but nope, in fact Gulf of Thailand houses the coral reefs that are suitable for diving locations and the warmth water that attracts many foreign tourists and locals alike.

This is Wat Pho, Buddhist Temple in Phra Nakhon district, adjacent to the Grande Temple.

Climate is like in the Philippines, the wet and the dry, so it is best describe as tropical and humid in majority all over the year.

The country is a constitutional monarchy led by the present king – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of Chakri Dynasty and the longest ruling Thai monarch that reigned for more than half a century. That's why when you get there don’t be surprise with the King’s image hanged everywhere and their flag with a yellow banner wobble on the streets. Such an unparalleled character for the love of the country and perhaps their King. Please don’t get me wrong, but when I was there, I kept on thinking why everyone honored him like the God. In fact, I saw women with the King’s image hooked on their necklace. I was comparing, honestly, do they praise him like how I admire the Pope as Catholic? If would assume yes. If so, then they really have this so much admiration and respect.

Busy street in downtown Bangkok.

The image of  their King and Queen that is visible to anywhere in Thailand.

Thai is the official language, in writing and speaking. English is widely understood in downtown Bangkok most specially in hotels, restaurant, and other major tourist destinations. Don't worry with the Thai alphabet, they have translations in Thai-English on some of the road and street signs. Their currency is called "baht", as of this writing the current conversion of 1 THB is 1.36 PHP.

The ever-famous Thailand ubiquitous Tuk-Tuk. An icon. 

Thai Basic Words:

Hello - Sawa dee

Thank You (if you're a male) - Kob Khun Krap / (if you're a female) - Kob Khun Ka.

--basically, women say "ka" at the end of the sentence, while men "krap".

How are you? - Khun sabai di mai?

You're welcome - Yin dee krap / ka

I love you - prm/chan rak khun

Thai Numbers:

1 - neung

2 - song

3 - sam

4 - si

5 - ha

6 - hok

7 - chet

8 - pet

9 - kao

10 - sip

I'll be posting soon about my trip to Thailand - Where to go, what to do, and itineraries.

0 MANILA STREET HERITAGE FESTIVAL, SELFIE AT #SELFIESCOLTA

It is indeed the Manila’s Queen of Streets. Calle de la Escolta back then was the posh district for business biz before the affluent Makati’s towering skyline. The eminence had past but the memories shall live forever. The Manila Street Heritage Festival or #selfiEscolta initially scheduled on June 28 but due to unpredictable weather, it has been moved to July 5, 2014. The intention of this movement is to promote the conservation and appreciation of old buildings in Manila. Also to remember that this is once Manila’s premiere business and shopping district, a historical footnote, and has a huge part in the development of Philippine economy.

Last Saturday I had the chance to be part of the said event; though it was only quick but enough to witness the wealth of the street. Escolta is geographically part of Binondo – one of the old downtown districts in Manila. That’s why it’s not really hard to get there. Accessible via LRT line near Carriedo Station, public utility jeeps are also passing by right at the corner of Escolta Street near Don Roman Santos Building (BPI signage).

Why #selfiEScolta? Nowadays, thru social media, everyone can create and share content into website which make everybody part of social networking. Applications like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest are now the least part of daily lives, that’s why the hashtag aims to create an online buzz encouraging all the participants to post their best selfie shot.

Through the effort of Escolta Revival Movement; there are free guided tours starting from the ferry at the Pasig River Station and tranvia ride tours that will tour around the prominent spots of Escolta. Participants are cheered to take the self-taken photographs with the fostered building at the background or any symptomatic image of the street. Unfortunately the registration was closed when I learned about this festival so I only stayed at the entryway.

At the entryway where the street fair was assembled filled with food bazaar, shops of different arts and crafts, pieces and paintings from the memories of the past. There were also different organization occupied the street with just music. Another group that brought my attention is the use of Philippine Musical Instruments, this group used an instrument made of bamboo, a chordophone that you wouldn’t imagine it will create music.

Here are my photographs of the old buildings along Escolta. My apologies, since I wasn’t able to join with the tour I don’t know the names. Nevertheless, it just feels so much proud that we have these buildings that we usually see in parts of European countries.  I can’t imagine how beautiful the place was bursting with old cars, a vibrant street stuffed with non-neon lights yet the spirit seems lift into an endless-like entertainment.

  

0 SOCIALICIOUS TEA, THE ART OF MILK TEA LOVERS

Is it really important to have an inspiration when writing a blog post? I would say inspiration is good but not as necessary. However when writing I think I need a quiet place or somewhere that I can make up a description which linked to my story. That’s why on the weekend I want to go outside where there are movements. That way I can produce a story behind those whatever activities. Now I found a new place, a place to share, to spend time working on my posts. I think I’m going to love here since they have consistent connection. Now call me a ‘net sucker’. Lol.

Socialicious Tea is just blocks away from where I lived. So it would be a perfect place to measure up. Located at the ground floor of Mavenue Building alongside the vibrant streets of Makati Avenue. It’s right across the towering skyscrapers of the Century City, and in front of A.Venue Mall that is so buzzing during the night since it is covered with different drinking bars and diners.

I've been into different tea houses that offer the same service yet I considered this place on top so far. Open until 2AM on a regular days and 12MN during Sundays. The place is cozy, relaxed with variety of music courtesy of Spotify. Walls painted in dark green and covered with fine woods and artificial grass. And that made this place tranquil, a background of nature. The lighting is another thing to consider, a plus I would say. Not too bright, its golden/yellowish color added the inspiration that somehow make my brain pickup so quickly when I’m writing. 

The place inside looks like hampered but I guess enough for the small group of people wish to unwind. They have four sets of small table with in-style dining chairs; they also have stylish and colorful high chairs and lounge chairs. They also have hammock filled with soft cushions and a tea table.

Like any other tea houses, they have usual flavors. They have Socialicious Traditional, Rock Salt and Cheese Milk Tea. You can also have the Creative Special and All-Time Favorite Milk Teas. And of course the most requested Coffee Beverages. My favorite is Cheesy Wintermelon Milk Tea, however if you’re not familiar with the flavors you can refer to their best seller and most favorite coded with two green logos. Prices start from P80 - P165 depends on your choice and size. You also have the option to add for toppings, I love the Pearl Jelly for only P15. 

That's why it is the art of milk tea lovers because you have all the options.

They also have Waffles - Half Moon Plain Waffle is only P65 and P115 for Full Moon. You can also add with one scoop Ice Cream for only P125 (half) and P175 (full).

As of this writing, they do have 20% discount on all milk teas from 3-6PM.

I guess I found the place to stay especially on the weekend where I’m totally out from nerve-wracking office work. It is indeed a perfect place to browse, reading, and blogging. They just started this year so I would say it still in dry-run, not so crowded, but I want them grow. Hopefully they will continue to endure with high speed internet as this is now a need and not just a simple want. Currently they have second branch in PBCom Towers.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/SocialiciousTea

www.twitter.com/SocialiciousTea

Makati Avenue Branch: 7844 Mavenue Building, Makati Avenue, Makati PH

RCBC Plaza Branch: PBCom Towers, 7th Floor, Ayala Avenue, Makati PH

0 Philippine Festivals for the Month of July

In line with my latest about our simple yet joyful barrio fiesta, I’ll be listing down the date to celebrate for the month of July. The world might be celebrating as the most powerful country commemorating their freedom, but this post is not about the 4th of July. Below are the lists of festivals in the Philippines.. This would be the special month so I’d like to start with a cheerful celebration around the country.

Sandugo Festival

It is an annual historical celebration took place in Tagbilaran, the Capital City of Bohol. This festival commemorates the Treaty of Friendship, a blood-sealed treaty between the Philippines and Spain. The biggest activities that you shouldn’t miss are the Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant and Sandugo Street Dancing Competition that usually held on the 3rd and 4th day of July. It is a month long celebration form July 1 -31.

Last year, before the disaster happened, I had the just to witness the beauty of Bohol. On our back is the Blood Compact Shrine. This shrine is always included in countryside tour when visiting Bohol.

Pagoda sa Wawa

Held every first Sunday of July in Bocaue, Bulacan. This festival is also known as the Bocaue River Festival or Bocaue Pagoda Festival started about 200 years ago when a Holy Cross pulled out from the Wawa River. This year, the festival will have to resume with much bigger and stronger Pagoda after 21 years of break due to the incident happened in 1993. The City of Pasig also commemorates the festivity.

Kahumayan Festival

The festival held every 5th of July at the Kapatagan Cultural Center, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte. The root word ‘humay’, a Visayan word which means rice is the festival all about. It is a tribute to the hardworking farmers who contributed to the development of their municipality and the country. As they say Rice is Life, the festival encourages promoting and producing good rice products.

T'nalak Festival

This festival is one of the grandest annual events in the country highlighting the famous t’nalak fabric that signifies the rich culture of South Cotabato in Mindanao. The festival held from July 13 – 18 in line to the founding anniversary of South Cotabato. The main highlight of the festival is the Street Dancing Competition offering colorful traditional costumes that is joined by students coming from different region in SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City). The competition is about highlighting the t’nalak tapestry a significant masterpiece and badge of the T’bolis tribe.

Source: yahoo.com.ph

Source: yahoo.com.ph

Please click this link for the T’nalak Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities. July 18 would be T’nalak Parade and the grandest Street Dance Competition held in the city of Koronadal. The competition is divided into three categories and each team hailed as Champion in each category will take home a cash prize of P150,00 and P40,000 for non-winners.

2 How We Celebrate Barrio Fiesta!

The Philippines is one of the countries in the South East Asian region that celebrates the most number of festivals. Festival is normally refers to a religious holiday, and the word festival in the Philippines being one of the Spanish colonies is fiesta. It is the most common term to denote a religious feast to honor a patron saint. Fiesta is already part of the lives of Filipino and the endowment of Philippine culture.

The Banderitas, a colorful trimming used for Fiesta Banners 

As a Christian nation, we have different patron saints. Each will surely have an honoring date to celebrate. And that fiesta should push through whether in good or bad times. If you could only check the Department of Tourism's calendar of events you can say that we have it every month, and a couple of these festivities each month anywhere in the Philippines.

However with all these fiestas, expectations like street dancing with colorful costumes and sparkling dances, vivacious music and the gigantic props. This will only happen to some big cities in the country like in Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Pintados, Masskara, and the mother of all fiesta - Aliwan Fiesta in Metro Manila. Ours is different, we’re living in a small Barrio so we don’t embrace the kind of activities. Instead, a simple celebration that each family has to prepare food and will have something to offer whenever visitors comes in. And when the night comes, Sayawan sa Plaza would be the next program.

What is that you cooking Kuyas? :)

Let's cook in a Big Kawa, two is better than one.

And this is one of the reasons why I love coming back home. Aside from haven’t seeing my parents for quite some time, I missed the place especially the people. When you get there you can’t seem to escape the moment of reminiscing, the places to which have been part of your life, and the people to which you can’t seem to recall their names but you fully remember their faces. Everything changed! I think the only thing in this world that will not change is change.

Our fiesta held annually of the 24th and 25th of May. It is a two-day celebration to give thanks to our patron saint – Nuestra Señora dela Salvacion. However I was surprised that the local officials considered the 23rd as “Balik-Barangay” night. This is for the homegrown people who decided to join the feast that have gone for time. Like me, I spent my years here in Manila so I am considered as the balik-barangay..somewhat like balik-bayan for OFW’s.

This is Puso, a rice wrapped in a palm leaves which resembles to a diamond shape.

When my parents learned that I’ll be coming home this fiesta, they have prepared so much. And ya’ll know when you say fiesta – it’s all about slap-up meal. I don’t think I will need to explain more how the preparation was, just let the pictures tell it all. However I told my parents that I missed so much the seafood. Well I think I don't need to mention it from them, they know that when someone comes back home they're tend to look for fresh seafood. As expected, they have prepared Crabs, Tuna, and Ginamos just for me, all fresh! They just love me so much. Hahaha. Maybe because they haven't see me for more than four years; we only talked over the phone and internet does not exist there.

I would say that they are prepared for my homecoming so I was thinking what to bring from them. Early days, one should bring cans of biscuits and chocolates if you’re coming from Manila but since I would only have 3 days, just a quick visit and purely backpacking. I only brought summer cool shirts for my father and brothers, very light to bring and I saved so much space, at the same time perfect wear for scorching summer heat. On the other hand I want the young adult in line with clothing trends in the City so I dressed with pocket shorts and stylish sneakers.

I know you want me, I know you want mehhh.

I'm ready for yah, are you ready for me too?

This would be the normal view when you go around the barrio, look up and if you see smokes hovering the skies, there is only thing that is happening, fiesta lechon has just started. And take note everyone is invited whoever you are. This is what I missed about our fiesta, I never felt like this here in Metropolis. In fact I've been here for more than a decade and sometimes I won’t even know that fiesta is currently happening. Hehehe hilarious.

They're busy!

I dunno what is this, but these taste good.

Hey cuz, I know your cute, but your daughter is cutie-patootie just like the red head in front of you. :)

One of the highlights during fiesta is the parade of the beauty queens; yes we have those – starting from the Baby Queen to Lady Queen and to Mother Queen. The parade is led by the band and bugle followed by different organization and the Barangay officials.

One of the Lady Queens. 

And of course our dearest Mother Queens, they can't just accept that they're already mothers. :)

The outside view of our humble Chapel.

Inside the Chapel. Hope to raise more funds.

After all the celebration and activities, thou shall not forget that the main reason why fiesta is to honor the patron saint. I was surprised that the church was packed of people thanking our patron saint for a fruitful year that passed and looking forward for a productive one. I should have come every year for the annual fiesta celebration. Thank you Barangay Salvacion for letting me experience again all the happiness. Still Happy Fiesta!