0 THAILAND: WAT ARUN, THE TEMPLE OF THE DAWN

The soaring temple of Wat Arun.

You will surely notice this soaring temple of Wat Arun if you are in Chao Phraya river en route to the temples of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. It is situated adjacent to WatPho temple, the oldest and largest temple in the Kingdom of Thailand. 

This temple is consists of five prangs; four on each corner and one in the middle, the center one is the tower which you will climb in almost upright 90 degrees, it’s very narrow and steep. There would be a significant reason why it’s steep; it is said to believe that the Buddhist has to face this challenge upon reaching Nirvana. As per Wikipedia, Nirvana literally means “blown out” or perhaps, it’s like a place of where you can find peace and happiness. Maybe in Christian alike, it is the heaven.

Wat Arun taken from the Chao Phraya River.

In order for you to enter at the main temple, one has to pay 50 THB. And likewise at the Reclining Buddha hall, they also require some dress code but not too strict. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are all covered. Anyway they have scarf for rent just in case.

When you reach inside the temple, don’t be surprised with the architecture. You will certainly be fascinated by the decoration and the design. The middle tower and four small prangs are covered with some colorful porcelain and seashells. While also stepping into the stairs, you will also witness different figures that serve as the guardians of the temple.

Now the question why it is being referred as the “Temple of the Dawn”, simply because by the height of about 219ft or like 20 storey building, the first light of the sun rising from the east shall reflects off the temple in vibrant pigments.

That's why whenever you have plans to visit Thailand, make sure to include this landmark on your itinerary. When you get to reach on top, you will surely feel the sense of fulfillment, the feeling of being cleansed it's like all the sufferings had gone. Furthermore you will also have the chance to see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok and the temples around Chao Phraya River.

It's fairly easy to get to Wat Arun temple. Take BTS Sky Train then alight at Saphan Taksin station, walk towards the Sathorn pier then ride either express boat (15 THB orange flag) tourist boat (40 THB). Disembark at Pier Tha Thien (N8) and then catch the ferry to cross the river going to the temple for 3 THB.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 BLOGAPALOOZA 2014: BLOGGER TO BLOGGERS EVENT

I got two thumbs up to all the organizers and bloggers for a successful Blogapalooza 2014.

I think I will have to start this post by thanking all the media, sponsors, organizers especially When In Manila and Our Awesome Planet. My title for this post says Blogger to Blogger which I certainly know it is Business to Blogger, the reason why I chose this header because of my first time to break and step out of my comfort zone. I usually travel solo or with friends that are not blogger, write and then click the orange button to publish my article. However today, I met other respective bloggers with so much fun and had a blast. And..let's talk about business later. Hehe

I arrived at SMX Convention in SM Aura Taguig around 11AM and there were already numbers of bloggers piling at the registration booth. That moment I already sensed of a positive vibe from the encouraging amusement inside the convention hall. If I’m not mistaken expected of about 700 invited bloggers for this event so I know I’m going to encounter some of the big ideas in the world of blogging.

After registration, there are already numbers of booth that are open for some games and boundless interactions between marketing officers and bloggers. These booths are offering different products and services, from beauty to photography, from fitness/wellness to diners/eats, and of course travel related services. Whatever category your blog is, there are so many booths that suits the nature of your website.

Here are some of the booths that I visited, though I am most preferred of travel like services but of course it is one time event in a year for bloggers so I want to make most out of the event:

HOUSE OF LASAGNA: It is an Italian inspired which first opened in the country in 2009. It is established by Chef Erick Congmon who is young and passionate chef. Want to thank all peeps for free taste of your tasty lasagna and a surprised photo. Catch them on their facebook page.

THE YELLOW CAB: I don’t think I’ll have to write more about this pizza company. They are already established and actually we always call them whenever there’s a party in the company. Thanks Yellow Cab for a free pepperoni pizza slice.

ZOMATO: They have this spin the roulette game but sadly I didn't won. But all the smiles are enough for me. We are all there to have fun.

HENRY'S PROFESSIONAL: Henry’s Camera adopted the digital world, selling digital electronic products for consumer and photography lovers. Thanks for an instant photo and print courtesy of Instax by FUJIFILM. Do visit their site at Henry's Camera Photo.

  

MY SHOPPING BOX: Shop from any online merchant in the comfort of your home. Have your items delivered to your exclusive US address. And since this is forwarding services, they have prepared games, shoot the ball in the hole. You got four chances, shoot three and you'll get powerbank and I did it. Do check their site here.

VIEW PARK HOTEL: Have a picture with them with your most wackiest picture, the ugliest the best and you'll get to win one night stay. Who won? Explore Tagaytay and be Aweeeesome. Do visit their site here.

ACE WATER SPA: Have a health through water. Water has been a vital element in cleansing, relaxing and healing because its curative properties. And I won a tumbler from the game. Visit them here.

Here are some of the photos during the Blogapalooza 2014. You just can’t get smiles out of our faces, so much positive atmosphere, vibrant music, fun in exciting games, especially the Kwelavan courtesy of Chooks to Go, it is a Kinect Advergame, an adventure and interactive game with five mini-games either played by one or two persons, and we won an umbrella. Thanks.

With Bogart, the Explorer himself. 

Thanks also for the opportunity to meet these most influential people in social media. And to you idol Bogart, the Explorer you are a cheerful person. You have provided so much laughter  and remarkable fun from your posts across social media sites. Thanks also to Vince Golangco of When in Manila, Francis Simisim of Tech Filipino and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet for this occasion, by giving the chance to showcase the talents of small time bloggers and guide how to make money in blogging.

With Vince Golangco of When in Manila

Now I can tell that I really am a blogger. I’ve been sitting in the internet for more than two years but never in my life going in social activities like this, not even joining invites especially for travel tours that going into different places. I hope after today, meeting with other bloggers now became my friends, it would trigger to give more and do more of my blogging life. A big big thanks again to all the organizers, business owners, non-profit organization, marketing executives, media and bloggers. I’m looking forward for more fun and exciting Blogapalooza in the coming years.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 THAILAND: WAT PHO, HOUSES THE MAJESTIC RECLINING BUDDHA

Inside What Pho temple. You will see numbers of small and huge Stupas, an icon of Kingdom of Thailand.

I honestly feel sorry for not learning its history prior to our visit. I’m sure there’s a good story of symbolism behind its design, structure and position. Regardless, it’s a sight to behold. It is indeed obligatory for oneself to know the history each time we visit a certain place. Thus, first day of our  trip to Thailand is visiting this majestic image of reclining Buddha.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Simply hop on the nearest BTS Station and make your way to the Saphan Taksin station. Use Exit 2 and walk along the pathway leading to the Central Pier. 

At the Chao Phraya Boat Terminal, Chao Phraya River.

At the Central Pier, you have two (2) options to get to Wat Pho. First is to take the Chao Phraya Tourist (Blue) boat with tickets priced at 40 THB per head. Second is to take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9); fare is at 15 THB per head. If you seek comfort during your trip, I suggest that you select the first option as the Chao Phraya Tourist boat is not as crowded as the ordinary ones.

We alighted at the Tha Chang Station (Pier N9). Truth is, we do not know exactly which way to go. But my instinct tells me to follow other tourists (usually Caucasians). So we did and true enough, we ended at the door of the Wat Pho. It is not really hard to spot given that tourists would flock this area. It is only a few meters (to the right) away from the ferry station.

One of the boat service in Chao Phraya river.

When we alight at the pier station, we just followed the crowd since most of them are going to the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Standing outside the beautiful temple, I was already enthralled, the architecture and style will surely tell you how beautiful and rich the Thai culture is. The roof has this golden sharp ends that brought its unique elegance. 

In order for you to get in, entrance fee would be 100 THB.

This is what the Temple of Wat Pho looks like from the outside.

INSIDE WAT PHO TEMPLE

Having said that Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple, but the mainstream of your visit is to witness this majestic reclining Buddha. I know it’s just huge but I didn’t really expect how gigantic it is. This reclining Buddha measures 15m high and 43m long so I can’t really describe how massive it is. The interior of the house are all covered with different Buddhist and Thai symbols and arts. And note that every small detail of these symbols were all painted by hands.

And by the way before you can get inside, you will have to take off your shoes or you can ask for a foot sacks. They also have this silky bathrobe to cover your body especially girls wearing tiny shorts and hanging shirts.

A close look of the head of Buddha. 

Thumbs up. Look how big it is. It is shimmering in golden shades.

The toe of reclining Buddha and the marks.

A close look on the details sculptured on the foot of Buddha and the wallpapers.

An old and small image of Buddha where you can pray and offer.

While walking around this glossy statue, you will hear sounds of zen-like jingle being dropped into copper bowls. I thought it was like recorded music that being played inside the hall. And I was right; people are piling into these 108 bronze bowls lined up on the wall behind the statue. These bowls are indicating 108 auspicious character of Buddha. It is said to believe that these will bring good fortune. The donations will be used help the monks for maintenance of the temple. You will just have to exchange your 20 THB and they will give you a bowl full of coins.

These are the 108 bronze bowls that will bring fortune.

After visiting this hall, it’s about time to go around this huge temple of Bangkok. It’s actually a temple within a temples. And each section has the largest collections of Buddha images in the whole country. It’s over thousands of images. The entire temple is so quaint, deserved to be posted across social networking sites especially Instagram. There is no specific direction to follow; it’s up to you where to go depending on your interests but every nook and corner of this temple are all stunning. I’m sure that one day is not enough to conquer the whole temple.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 THAILAND: BARGAIN SHOPPING AT THE PLATINUM MALL

The Platinum Fashion Mall.

We are near to end our five-day vacation in Thailand so the fourth and last day would be allotted in buying souvenir items and of course something for yourself. I heard that Platinum Fashion Mall offers cheap prices of clothes and other accessories. Therefore after our Terminal 21 tour, we jumped out back in Petchaburi area where we actually staying.

Instead of taking the Sky Train we decided to ride cab which is much faster and convenient for us. We passed by the Central World Mall which is another place to consider buying souvenir items but prices are higher than in Platinum. After nearly 15 minutes ride, we arrived in the area. I forgot how much we paid for the taxi but I’m telling you using meter here is not common especially for foreign commuters so make sure that both of you and cab driver should settled the charge.

And here's the Central World Mall.

HOW TO GET HERE:

Again for budget travelers I don’t recommend taking cab but instead used the BTS Sky Train because it will take you around BKK. If you are already familiar with this transpo, you can get off at Chidlom or Ratchathewi Station. Unfortunately there is no train station near the Platinum Mall so you’ll have to walk for about 15 – 20 minutes.  If you are coming from Chidlom station you will pass by the Central World Mall and if Ratchathewi you will pass by the the Pantip Plaza. I think better to alight at Ratchathewi because from there, you will already see the Platinum fall from afar and you won’t get lost.

THE FOOD CENTER:

We arrived around past noon and before going into shopping spree we decided to have lunch first. Their big food court center is located at the 6th floor. Please take note that food outlets do not accept cash, but no worries they don’t require you to bring credit card. First you will have to line up at the coupon window to get the card. This card is you will be using when buying your foods, you will just load it depend on how much you want. Afterwards you can go to the food stalls and just hand them the card they will swipe it and done. Just in case you have more balance left on your card, then don’t worry you can line up at the refund both and they will give you back how much money you left from the card. Isn’t a good idea? 

  

The Coupon Window.

Here's your card to be used buying food at the stalls.

The refund booth.

The Food Court Center.

So here’s what I got. I deserved huge meal, plus Thailand cuisine really soothes my type of taste. I grew up in Southern Luzon so expect that I preferred spicy foods.  I’m really glad that Thai offers these flavors. I dunno what you call it but likewise in Manila they also serve meal package. I ordered two types of viand plus side dish. I also ordered this soup with crispy chips. And again by the looks of it, these are all spicy all mixed with powdered pepper. XD

Now let’s start to look what is inside the Platinum Fashion Mall. If you are looking for clothes, shoes, accessories and backpacks, this place is really for you. In fact prices in Chatuchak are somehow the same as here and advantage would be the comfort. Worry no more with the heat and the sweat. It is an indoor full air-conditioned wholesale and retail shopping mall. There are thousands of shopping boutiques to choose. 

Although you would noticed from the directory below, all floors are dominated by the ladies wear yet menswear got only one floor at the fourth level. Well you would really and just assumed that girls do perish for shopping. It’s their hobby and pastime. They would die without it so this mall is really catered for our lovely ladies. But don’t worry I heard that more stalls sells male fashion.  

Floor Directory of the Platinum Fashion Mall.

More and More and More Options to Choose!

You gonna love the designs here.

This mall is divided into two wings. Wing 1 is the largest and the older building; it is divided into two zones while Wing 2 is the new building yet the smallest. And again all of the shopping stalls are dominated by the girls. However for our lovely gentlemen, fourth level is enough for us. Though limited choices yet I think it is enough for us. 

REMINDERS:

The more you buy the cheaper it gets. This mall does not really comply with standard price, it depends on how you haggle. Although there are stalls that don’t really give out discounted prices but keep in mind,  there are other stalls offer the same quality or yet the same design at a cheaper price. Here are some of the reminder:

● Please bring cash! Almost or I should say stalls do not accept credit card swipe.

● There are ATM machines all over the place so don't worry if you are running out of money.

● They don't have the fitting rooms. And they don't allow you to try wearing it.

● Most clothes are free size or standard size.

● Again purchase 2 or more items, you'll get discounted price.

● Don't be shy to haggle, the more you talk the more they give you the discounted price.

● There are more stalls to check out. Never stay in one place unless the price is right.

Have a picture ops in front of the Platinum Mall.

Half day is enough for me, I bought enough shirts for me and souvenirs for family back home. Since Platinum Mall is just along Petchaburi where we staying we decided to ride Tuktuk back in hotel. Again this mall worth to visit.  

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

0 FIRST TIME IN MINDANAO. SOON THE ENCHANTED RIVER AND TINUY-AN FALLS

At last I’m excited that I will finally set foot to the promising land of Mindanao. Though not this year, but in a couple of months’ time there will be crossing out in the bucket list. Thanks to Cebu Pacific for another “PISO-FARE” salvo last night. I think this is one of the perks for the people working graveyard shift. Although if I understanding correctly these kind of promos happened only during Holiday season.

Anyway I know that whenever I heard about Mindanao, first thing comes on my mind is Mt. Apo. But not this time, if I only have the patience to browse my Facebook post about years ago I posted a promise that I’ll go see the ever-majestic Enchanted River. That’s why Butuan would be the first stop.

ENCHANTED RIVER: 

Before Drew Arellano featured about this river on his TV show I already promised that one day I’ll go to Mindanao just to witness the stunning beauty of Enchanted River. I haven’t started blogging yet that time but I used to read blogs from respected travel bloggers. And when they featured about the pristine beauty that only exists in Mindanao I know I have the utmost reason to go here beside Mt. Apo.

I heard that this river has immeasurable depth and there have been numbers of diving expeditions just to know how deep it is but no one succeeded. Huh! This is such a mystery and I just can’t wait to go here. 

The Enchanted River of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur | Photo: www.philippinetouristattractions.com

TINUY-AN FALLS:

This falls is dubbed as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines” and considered the widest in the country. I think my mentor back in college that if I will visit Mindanao to come see the Enchanted River, I shouldn’t forget to include on my list to check this falls. It means that I’ve been dreaming of Enchanted since college? Huh. I just can’t get over about the river though. Anyway she told me that Tinuy-an Falls would also give you a different kind of excitement measuring about 95 meters wide and 55 meters in height. Wow so basically do I need to go to the border of Canada and the US just to see the Niagara when we already have here in the Philippines?

Tinuy-an Falls of Bislig, Surigao del Sur | Photo: www.pinoyadventurer.com 

BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS:

I haven’t gone to Hundred Islands in Pangasinan yet so don’t expect me that I know this Britania Group of Islands. Honestly never heard about it until today. Thanks to my friend who lend me her card and told me about this one that it should be included on my itinerary. I googled it and jizz, I must be dumb, Britania has something to say, this place has 24 scattered islets around Lianga Bay with pristine and powdery sands. So it’s like Boracay + Hundred Islands. Creep I should go here. 

Britania Group of Islands of Surigao del Sur | Photo: www.lakwatserangparuparo.blogspot.com

So these are the tourist spots that surely on my list. I’m not sure if I have enough time to visit all these, haven’t research yet or if in case two days is enough then please suggest other things to do while in Surigao del Sur. I shall update my itinerary soon. As of the moment I’m really excited to set foot in Mindanao.   

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.