(not-so) Jaunting Anywhere

How to Find Asia Airfare Deals to and within China

2010-03-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

A Mecca of historical and natural wonders with over 5,000 years of recorded history, China boasts a fascinating culture and is rich with awe-inspiring sights and scenery. From visiting the Imperial Palace in Beijing to admiring the view of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River, there are numerous activities for visitors to enjoy in China. Thanks to the abundance of Asia airfare deals, visiting China no longer has to be a strain on your budget.

Flying to China

Shanghai, the economic capital and most populous city in China, is the best place to look for deals when flying to China. Shanghai is China’s busiest port and is also home to a number of popular touristic attractions including the Shanghai Museum, the old town in Bund, and shopping venues on Nanjing Road. Flights into Shanghai are cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Business travelers typically fly on Monday and vacationers on weekends so avoid flying at these times if possible.

The peak travel times to Shanghai are during holidays such as New Year’s, so if possible, plan your trip during off seasons because flights will be far more affordable. National events and festivals can also cause flight costs to skyrocket so avoid travel during these times.

Beijing is another flight destination you may want to look into if you are searching for Asia airfare deals for China. Even if your final destination is Shanghai, you can fly into Beijing and take a bus or train to Shanghai in order to save money. You could also save money by flying through a gateway city such as Bangkok, Thailand or New Delhi, India rather than flying directly into China. Nonstop flights tend to be more expensive.

The national airlines in China are Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and China Northern Airlines. Air China often posts last minute flight deals on their website. Other carriers that fly to Shanghai include Alitalia, Korean Air, American Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

Flying within China

Booking discount flights within China has never been easier. In the past, it was necessary to book inter-China flights at a travel agency in your home country, but today, you can easily search for tickets online. In order to travel between cities in China, check out the cost of flights from Spring Airlines, China’s first low-cost carrier. Hainan Air offers a “travel keeper” service featuring fares with discounts of 65% to 80%, but you have to be willing to risk not getting the flight of your choice. Dragon Air is one of China’s most popular airlines and publishes discounted fares on their site.
So, here’s a recap of money saving tips when flying to or within China. Avoid traveling during peak seasons, weekends, and Mondays. You can also save money by traveling with airlines besides the national Chinese airlines or by traveling via a gateway city. When flying within China, search for last minute deals and opt for flights offered by China’s low-cost carrier.

What’s next, next, next!

2010-03-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

The next blog will be my travel stories in Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Hongkong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and India. I need to make a pause for the meantime and focus on my Centered Vision blog.

As a fresh start after exiting for awhile from Philippines and Thailand travels, I am featuring a blog about China from a travel company Best Travel Deals http://besttraveldeals.net/

I will be back for sure, there are so many things to explore more in Philippines and Thailand. Also, I thank all those who commented, sent emails and finds my blog enjoyable to read. I’m at your service.

Chiang Mai at its Best!

2010-02-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

Summer of 2009 and this time my feet hit the north. After another tiring Bangkok International Motorshow event, I made things set-up completely again …. bus and plane tickets purchased and hostel ready, Chiang Maaaai baby here I come! For a change though, got a bit bored hanging in the beaches down south all the time and of course Thailand is not all just south… it has north, east and west too. Before I forgot, its Songkran Festival again and if you’re still unaware of this event do check my Phuket & Me blog for more info. Please.

I stayed in a mini hotel-like place where a good friend stays as well and just a door apart from me, sweet! My first night was spent on dinner with some friends and later hanged-out in a sardine-like discotheque nearby. After being suffocated and got bored standing without moving we decided to unwind in an open-air situate for some tea and wine. The partying and chatting didn’t last that long as I requested to retire early for an adventure plan with my friend the next day and must be very early for the pick-up time.

The day of adventure has arrived and I’m the only one going due to my friend’s inability to come-up with her decision to go and preferred to sleep more and enjoy the presence of her family. After being picked-up from my place, we bore some tiring and rocky mountain trip. Upon reaching the place, we were welcomed by some coordinators who served us with early morning breakfast and freshly brewed coffee just before leaving for an awesome pursuit… The Flight of the Gibbon!

No monkeys flying and dangling here. Flight of the Gibbon is one of the most highlighted activities in Chiang Mai and gained lots of popularity and attention especially by foreigners visiting the city. Here you are equipped with belts tied around your body, a crash helmet and a Y-wooden stick you need to use to minimize the speed of your flight as you approach a stop and heard the warning yell “Break!!” This is where I almost got deaf with the loudness of my own scream like an excitement of riding a roller-coaster. From this experience I also chuckled several times hearing some Jews from Israel were I was teamed-up as they shouted “Buddha Bless, Buddha Bless!!” while on their flight and when it’s over they will utter “God bless Buddha!” Tsk tsk…. followers really they are. No kidding!

After claiming my free t-shirt for the adventure, lunch was served with another round of freshly brewed coffee and cold drinks after that huge excitement and later sent back to our places. The next day and yes it’s my birthday again, me and my amigas went to this famous Mae Sa waterfalls to refresh ourselves from the terrible heat during that season. The water from the mountain was cool enough that I shivered on my first splash, but later on got used to it when soaked for a long time. It’s a very comfortable place to hang-out in groups as you can rent a mat and a basket to put all the stuff you purchased (like food, snacks, beers etc) from the near entrance before going up to reach the waters.

After several hours of chatting, eating and drinking we finally decided to dry ourselves and head back home. It’s getting late in the afternoon and people are starting to disappear one by one and it’s still an hour drive back to the city proper. So, after the adventure and the cool water escapades, next is another kinda big thing to take pleasure in, the last day Songkraning!

While on our way to the meeting place via tuktuk, me and my friend almost got drowned as people threw water on us from each and every streets we passed by. There was this incident that we felt like it was a bucket-full was splashed on our face and a 5-second silence emanated within before we caught our breath and laughed hard back again. The party place was graced with huge crowd, drenched and dancing to the music played by live-artists performing every block on the street. Water sprinklers and hoses are everywhere so there is no way you couldn’t get out of this place without getting wet. The music, the water and few beers while the sun was up was such a good party combo and this I can say the most terrific Songkran Festival I’ve ever celebrated. If there is one fantastic place in Thailand where Songkran is worth enjoying, it’s in Chiang Mai.

The same day when darkness set-in and after getting showered and dried, we grabbed some few drinks in this popular dining they call Monkey Bar. The live music was good and the place is spacious, packed with many locals and few foreigners. The day was called off and we all went back to our nests for a deserving rest after a tiring and drunken day of feasting.

As the plane started to rise from the runway (heading back to Bangkok), I felt like another part of somewhere else is injected again inside my veins circulating the same blood vessels that keeps me breathing and pleased with every jaunts I make. The experience, the people, the tradition and the adventure are things worth reminiscing, and the very reason why I penned my travels is to share how wonderful the feeling is and always. Life isn’t all about the stress of workload and dramas of relationship, let’s set a corner where we can scream and laugh out loud as if its our last day we have on earth.

Worth visitttttiiiiiiing!!!

http://www.treetopasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/chiang-mai-holiday-tours-long-zipline.jpg
http://www.popcarrentchiangmai.com/images/ts_waterfall.jpg
http://statics.atcloud.com/files/comments/93/932451/images/1_display.jpg

Hua Hin, Relaxin' & Jazzin'...

2010-02-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

Another great hideaway to unwind without going deep down south of the land of smile in just two and a half hours (the fastest) and of course there’s no point of taking that long train travel if you really can’t wait to feel the breeze of the sea and the sands on your feet.

Hua Hin, a thai word meaning Head (hua) and Stone (hin) is one idyll province near Bangkok and preferred by some local and foreigners to take the pleasure of fresh water instead of heading down Phuket or Krabi and mostly not settling down with the densely populated and polluted Pattaya. My first time to feel the place was dated two years ago and went there totally alone without anyone to visit, just me and some fiction books and few plans to horseback and sit-back and relax in the beach.

After stepping off the bus I called-up a motorbike for a less-than kilometer ride to my guesthouse. I can actually take a walk but felt a bit tired from the travel with an asthmatic-like vehicle as it keeps on stopping and exhaling bad smoke from its engine. My small hotel is nice, clean and the reception ladies are very warm as they anticipated my arrival and even invited me to hang-out with them in the bar at night. Past 3 pm in the afternoon after fixing my stuff in the room I went off to marvel the place and looked for some place to buy souvenirs and fed my half-empty stomach that craved for Burger King’s Whopper.

While hanging out in some market place nearby at night, I noticed the place isn’t that much populated with foreigners but mostly with locals, and shops closes earlier than 11 pm in the evening. Phuket is much busier than this, and very few bars and pubs are seen in the area. But what is very good and enjoyable in Hua Hin aside from the beach, its quick accessibility from Bangkok and more laid back than Pattaya?

Concertssss!!! I mean beside the beach concerts! Either local artists, company sponsored event or this popular Jazz Festival causes much heavy traffic along Petchkasem road going to the usual event place called Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill in English). Reading, relaxing and an hour horse-ride at the beach during daytime aren’t the only things I pleasure with no pressure in this place but music and entertainment as well. Big local and international concerts are mostly held here and visited by a huge crowd of party people mostly coming from Bangkok, from kids to adults and senior citizens; some even drag their dogs with them.

Seafood is one good thing about Hua Hin too. Either served in the restaurants or those you can order near the beach are affordable and not bad at all. For Bangkokians who are content with two days and one night relaxation, this place is a winner.

http://www.yourasianvacations.com/images/huahin.jpg
http://www.maipaimairoo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/jass2009.jpg

Phi Phi Island in Krabi... Plus Me!

2010-02-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

This is an insert from my previous blog “Phuket & Me”, after the dinner with friends and before the seafood galore, also with friends.

Leonardo DiCarprio’s “The Beach” made this paradise island so popular and is actually situated in the province of Krabi, definitely NOT in Phuket. You need to take a speedy boat to reach this secluded place from any southeast ports of Phuket island and the tour time isn’t that long and definitely not boring. While travelling there is sightseeing as well, plus snorkeling.

Jazzed with my dark shades on flip flops waiting in front of McDonald, I half-felt like emoting and thinking the tour agent might have forgotten me already as I went so impatiently waiting and excited. I was told to be very early that’s why and realizing its past 15 minutes already, the site of the van to pick me up is nowhere yet. It left me no option but to save my mood better with the usual valid excuse of “it’s Thailand time” or known as D.E.L.A.Y. It’s pretty much same habit in my home country I guess, same same and not different. While contemplating about the meat fondue I had the previous dinner, my mobile rang and it was the van driver on the line asking me where he can possibly pick me up. I felt like my eyebrows did meet each other as I saw him standing across the street where I was sitting, just beside the van with some loads of people in it. Waiting for more than 15 minutes without calling me and me daydreaming, it was a total wasted time for both indeed…grrrr.

At the Pier. While payments are being settled before loading into the speedy cute vessel, I uttered my own “Ouch! *with modesty” as one lady almost bury her fingernail onto my chest when she put a tour sticker on my shirt. I almost thought it’s intentional just to wake me up because I was yawning that time feeling sleepy after our travel from the city to the port, but then she apologized knowing she almost stabbed me with that long red thingy on her finger. After each and everyone grinned and said “Cheese” for an individual photo shooting, we departed the port and were briefed about the tour itinerary. Our first stop was in Phi Phi Don, and some passengers were unloaded there and we spent like 10 minutes before heading on the next island. I did really have my own shots in this trip but unfortunately lost them all when I accidentally reformatted my hard drive. Well images from the web always look better than what I got in my digital camera anyway.

Awww...wesome islets and rock formation sights on our way to Phi Phi Leh, breathtaking! After some few minutes we went straight ahead to Maya bay, another startling place to focus and adjust your camera lenses and take your best shot. We also marveled other places like caves and other small islands before enjoying the swim and the woo-hoo “Splash” of our snorkeling in the monkey bay… the bay highlighted in the movie and yes it is really really alive and kicking down there. Not simply but outstandingly amazing place to bring your esposa or amigas or novio or even your madre y padre to unwind and enjoy the view to forget everything you left behind the city… your work, your pets, your friends and even your unpaid bills.

After an hour and a half given to enjoy the water, the corals and the monkeys, we were all advised to leap back to the ferry on our way back to our first stop in Phi Phi Don to have our lunch. After the satisfying meal we were allowed again to sit back and relax in the place, swim again if we want for another couple of hours. Most of us walked around and took some photos and shopped for some souvenirs like shirts, displays and shell crafts made by the locals in the island. After getting what I want I settled myself in a small internet café, made myself online in MSN chat and envy almost everyone in my list as I turned the webcam on and waved “I’m in Phi Phi in Krabi!!!”. I have no idea if they all felt happy for me but what matter is I was indeed that time. Well I think they did, I only brag to my close friends anyway.

Back to the Phuket port and after claiming my image on a plate after that “say cheese” thing, I felt so wonderful. I couldn’t believe that I made it in a place where I used to think and dreamed of upon seeing it in a movie. It was real, and I did it all alone with me, my camera and my guts.

Going down south Thailand is something everyone must anticipate costly. Being in the Phuket proper is expensive enough for the rides, but the stay is more worthwhile if you go down further in Krabi to feel the nature that speaks and leaves a sprint on your heart, refreshing your life for a better restart.

Please do visit!

Images Sources:
http://www.tucantravel.com/listing_images/Koh_Phi_Phi_Island_-_Thailand.jpg
http://reservation.passionasia.com/activities_images/activity_151_1.jpg
http://www.woodlandsphuket.com/snorkeller-shallow-phi-phi-island.jpg

The Phuket & Me

2010-02-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

Summer of 2006 and it’s another precious time to celebrate a long vacation here in Thailand. Well of course I’m talking about the Songkran Festival or Thai New Year which falls on the 13th till 15th of April. This remarkable 3-day celebration is very much enjoyed every year by the locals and foreigners who find fun throwing and playing water and getting wet, it is indeed! But of course one thing I love about this event is that I have the very good reason to threat myself for a break after a tiring motor show event that comes ahead and yes, my happy birthday falls on the 13th of the month too.

So, I asked a very good friend to buy me a bus ticket to Phuket five days earlier so I can get a VIP seat on a night travel. On the way to the bus terminal I felt so excited, all things are set, my guesthouse reservation, confirmed my friends of my coming and also yes, the lovely plans to eat tons of seafood were bulleted in my to-do list. As I reached the station, I loaded my ass and my bag…grabbed a nice and warm thick cloth… leaned back and fell into not-so-deep sleep (not so deep because of the few moist drippings coming from the aircon near my seat and I felt like I should have asked for an umbrella ella ella instead of a blanket).

The city finally! Then I’m dumbfounded to reach my guesthouse…how? I have no idea which means of transpo should I pick, the usual tuktuk, a taxi or a motorbike. After some empty-stomach bargaining with those un-bathe drivers I ended-up a ride on a motorbike, cheaper than the rest and I’m just carrying a single bag anyway. I’m not really comfortable on a 2-wheel bike ride but it left me no option as the others are pegging for an extremely high and unfair price to reach some few kilometers and yeah, it’s always like that in Phuket as my friends said.

I stayed in a very popular area called Patong, 15 kms away from the town proper where everything you see and enjoy in Bangkok are there too. Well not counting some nice mountain views and few steps to the beach, what I mean is the commercial establishments, the shops and the tourists…tons of them (well of course). After arriving in my room and booked myself for an island tour the next day, I hanged out around the place and content myself for some fast served burgers while waiting for the nighttime to meet-up with my friends after work. Fast forward >>>

Dinner time! We ordered fondue, some roast pork and salad to stuff ourselves while listening to some awesome Filipino band that plays there, and I forgot how they call the place. We really couldn’t find a compromising topic to unite our chats except for designing a website, but a chilling and near the beach meal with a gynecologist, a property lawyer and a web designer (yours truly) is not bad at all. After the dinner we grabbed some coffee in the nearest Starbucks and after reaching the end of web consultation, they sent me back to my place and they headed back home. The next day is my island trip to Krabi, and that I saved in my other blog. Let’s focus on what’s in Phuket. Skipped >>

After a day of satisfying island trip, I and my friends finally decided to dive-in to the much awaited plan…seafood galore! Ok, I really can’t remember the place (again) but it’s located near the international airport and the freshest of fresh seafood are there, breed in-house. Crabs, squid, fish and few sea shells ordered and later served on the table and the feast went on very well.

Phuket is an island city. You need to drive yourself to its edges so you can possibly explore the beautiful beaches surrounding it. A very friendly advise, come in groups so you can share the cost of renting a car to marvel the place, all kinds of transportation are taking advantage the city’s popularity with high demand on mobility and with that they charge unfairly per few kilometers of trip. Motorbikes are also available for rent, good for folks coming in pairs or just single. If not for my friend’s generosity to tour me around with his car I’m pretty sure I’ll get broke here by just renting any kinds of medium to reach any place I want, and definitely not spent much on food, tour travels or partying.

In fairness to myself after travelling that far down south, I enjoyed my stay in Phuket by just relaxing and eating…and getting wet by ice-cold water. Well aside from the fun of playing water in the daytime during the entire festival, I also enjoyed loitering at night around the streets and bars located in Bang-la area or their own version of the walking street. Some few chats while having beers with the guesthouse owner and some of his lovely guests were funny, gassed with stomach ache with their toilet and sexy jokes. Gays are indeed wonderful companion in almost everything I think… them and my good friends made my stay in Phuket worth remembering!

Image sources:
http://www.tourismzone.com/photos/asia/thailand/phuket/patong-bangla-road-phuket.jpg

http://www.tropicalisland.de/HKT_Phuket_Patong_Beach_Road.jpg

Pattaya, A Place for Old Western Dudes

2009-06-02T03:38:00.000-07:00

If you are a Thai dark-skinned girl and desperate for a foreign husband good enough to be like your father, come hunt here and you could be lucky. Am I so mean about this place? Yes I am. A city province 100 kilometers away from Bangkok with a bitch-infested beach especially at night, troublesome european gang men bullying the local men, also those hot gorgeous eastern european women who caters sex… still to the local men, are some of the irking highlights of this crowded city that I’m very, very incompatible with.

Retired white men with bloating stomach are the most irritating unwanted features you will encounter in this place, be it in the shopping mall, restaurants, or even at the public transportation they called songtaew. One golden rule: don’t look at these old dudes or else they might probably assume you’re interested to spend your life to serve and be with them in their forthcoming diaper years and inutility.

For several times I visited pattaya to see friends or just hang-out at night if we’re holding a race event, it really never came to my mind to familiarize this place’ streets and landmarks (except for walking street) and still not confident enough to marvel around alone as I see brothels anywhere reminding me of one of the saddest fate of women, prostitution.

In fairness…it’s popular for most tourists who want to have a taste of sea water very near to Bangkok without traveling that far down south. And while hanging out in the morning or early afternoon, you can sit back, relax and order some not-so-fresh seafood while watching the polluted water with people enjoying the banana boat ride and those show-offs speeding the jet skis. Am I fair in this paragraph? Oh it’s really hard for me to pretend or sugarcoat my words on things I truly detest. My insincere apology for mocking this place is ok if not accepted.

If you still want to enjoy at least a small fraction of your trip to Thailand, come and visit. But then there are still far better place to go to smell the breeze of the beach and definitely not a crowded one. And by the way, you can check the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum here.

Pattaya Image Link: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/369146486_f853b3e290.jpg

Kanchanaburi, There’s a Bridge from the Past…and the Reptile Experience

2009-06-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is the largest province located in the central west side of Thailand. There are so many good places to see but me and my colleagues visited only few familiar and popular landmarks, the Erawan Waterfalls and the Bridge over the River Kwai. This is the first travel I have had with the people I work with in my current employer and it was very historic, adventurous and thrifty as well.

Hanging out with the locals in Thailand is indeed benefiting and enjoyable as I can learn and practice my Thai language, explore more food and places and mostly, know more about their cultures and history. I’m a person who really takes pleasure in knowing the origins and records of the past on any particular subject I get interested in, be it political, religion, science, or anything that shaped a situation or a place.

When we visited this popular bridge over the river Kwai, I moseyed the place and browsed those few posted surviving photos of the prisoners of war who erected the bridge during the World War II. There were many of them, mixed people from different race and they all look starved, tired and worn-out. History said that many people got ill and died while constructing this bridge, well I guess those photos says it all, and I felt a bid sad thinking about it.

We didn’t stay that long and after some picture-taking on the bridge we went to this popular Erawan Waterfalls. We took a long trail going up and after reaching some tiring meters of hike and feeling the pain in our backs and legs, my peoples decided to go down again and enjoy the water…they said the water is more cooler there. I didn’t see the point... or maybe because the waters from the taller height is warmer as it's near the sun!

I actually didn’t take a dive, just soaked my legs in the water and washed my face to freshen my consciousness. While still tasting the salty product of my sweat I noticed a meter-long iguana-like reptile swam across me and I leaped out of the water while uttering lots of the F words. The people around me including my friends sighted my unbecoming behavior and the cursing on air, they all laughed at me and the others were surprised. It’s too casual for them to see any scaly animal around, they said it’s harmless and they all live along the falls and the forest nearby. Ok, its nature preservation, but I’m wondering if something like anaconda or that character in lake placid would appear, is that going to be extreme fun too? Ok I won’t resent on that anymore. I have to admit that my impromptu reaction seeing that reptile was priceless as my colleagues were laughing helplessly and lasted kilometers more until we reached Bangkok that same day.

The history, the falls, and the reptile are the memories planted in my head every time I hear the word Kanchanaburi. The second time we went there I just insisted to visit a smaller waterfall. We also strolled into some caves seeing cute doraemon-looking bats while grossing more scars on my legs as I got bruised several times climbing and falling on those rocks inside. Simply wonderful!

Kanchanaburi images:
Erawan: http://z.hubpages.com/u/444595_f520.jpg
River Kwai: http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/1c/01/68/bridge-on-the-river-kwai.jpg

Koh Samui, The Island and the Mountain Life

2009-06-01T21:50:00.001-07:00

I am really, really a blessed person. Not only because I know that I rock in my own simple and special ways but also gifted with generous and caring friends who pampered me for almost a month and stayed with them in this very beautiful island in Thailand. Ah well of course I created a website for them, but then I believe the service I gave wasn’t that enough compared to the kindness they showed me as I was unemployed that time and let me say, in very minimal living. I experienced luxury with them.

They own and develop luxury sea view villas located in the northern part of the island (Bang-po), settled on the mountain and I can say that life is a complete serene if you stay there, only the sound of the crickets and geckos will wake you up sometimes. If you hate the urban life, this place is exactly for you. The place is great, houses are well designed and architectured with pools, lavish gardens, sea view, well-fed dogs and nice northeast people that work and live in the estate and considered like family as well.

“Aren’t you done yet? We need those post lights on and you’ve been there for ages already!” This is the usual line my friend utters when I’m taking a shower at night. She’s not impatient, but while I’m using the hot water in the bathroom, some post lights in the estate will shut off as the phases of electricity wasn’t enough yet during that time. Of course she’s just kidding and annoying me while I’m scrubbing myself privately and extensively. If I reasoned her that I’m doing my shaving, she will say I’m not a gorilla to be like removing all the hairs from my body to be that long. And when I’m done and rush out, she always bet that I ran-out of flavor already for that lengthy shower.

Lunch beside the beach, swimming and browsing topless middle-aged-not-really interesting western women are the daily stuff me and my friends do in daytime. At night we visited and dined in restaurants,resorts and hotels along the eastern side of the island (Chaweng) and sometimes enjoyed drinking cocktails beside the beach with candle lights together with few local friends. That was the first time I had my first glass of Kamikaze. One funny place to visit in this island is this Hin Ta / Hin Yai or simply called “Grandfather / Grandmother’s rock. Cut my brainless head but believe me this is not a nature’s product. It was specially sculpted to look like a male and female genital organs and the history it explained is not believable enough to shape coarsely like that. Just enjoy the white sand beach, the waterfalls, full moon parties and snorkeling.

Koh Samui is a paradise, believe me. Though I'm no longer the one who recently designed my friends' website, I still guarantee everyone for a vacation in this island, and the villas as well.

Visit: Santisook Luxury Seaview Villas http://www.santisookvillas.com

Koh Samui: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Hin_Ta_Hin_Yai.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/6/75272892_ad290f08e9.jpg

Bangkok, the City of Angels...and Strangers

2009-06-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

My first trip to Bangkok dated way back almost a decade ago wasn’t really that exciting, not even planned and yet surprising to the person who was expecting someone else and not me to fly and see him. A trip that was immediately scheduled right after a long training from work and of family matters…and this I say was my first successful travel abroad after those numerous attempts to Taiwan, Korea and that office sponsored Australian training cancelled by Ex-president Joseph Estrada due to his J.Walker’s blue label drunkenness.

I came to Bangkok to discuss an unfortunate episode in my father’s life, as being cheated and fooled by a woman he loved aside from my mother, I can say that time I saw a broken man in a city full of strangers. But then I also met few Filipinos who’s been living in this city for several years and somehow I felt like, there is a family to be considered here. But looking at my father’s fate, I can say that he doesn’t have any good friends in his life that time as he was even provoked and tolerated to create a scene that really, really went dramatic.

The first place I wondered by myself in Bangkok is this shopping area they called Pratunam. I bought some few clothes and Thai decors as presents for my family and friends in Manila. It’s a very crowded place and vendors are allowed to sell anything on the side streets without being caught and I can say the costs are cheap if you buy more than a piece. I really don’t have any good reason to buy such things as we also have those in my country, but the idea of buying just to make some people happy is somehow fulfilling.

Bangkok has a lot to offer, the food, the people, and its culture. Now that I’ve been here for almost nine (9) years, I say that living in a different place is a real tough challenge to anyone and bears unending drama and frustration if you are not so careful with your decisions, and mostly, choosing the people to be with. But I can say we don’t need too much friends to make us busy and occupied for not feeling the homesickness. There are far better things to do like, working hard, traveling, a little bit partying and still remembering and connecting those people back home?

Bangkok: http://www.photos-bangkok.com/pratunam.htm

Coming soon

2009-02-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

My life and travels in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, Buriram, Tak ... Thailand

Legazpi City (Bicol Region), Philippines

2009-02-08T03:27:00.000-08:00

December 1998, christmas carols, seeing beautiful lights everywhere in the street and busy shoppers preparing for the holiday. As I’m about to calculate what sort of gifts should I buy to my godchildren, a friend suddenly tapped me on my shoulder telling me to put those bags in the compartment area of the bus as we’re about to take an overnight trip to her hometown…Legazpi City! Ok fine so what is this city and what’s in it anyway? Legazpi City is the capital of the province of Albay in Bicol region located in the southern Luzon of Philippines. In this place you will see the country’s perfect cone volcano, the Mount Mayon.

Awakened by my friend’s loud talk with her sister on her mobile using their local dialect, I realized the travel time wasn’t really that long or maybe because I was so tired from all the Christmas parties I attended before taking that trip and fell completely unconscious in the bus on our way. My friend is always bragging about this place and telling me that this popular Mt. Mayon volcano is just planted on her sister’s backyard. Ok let’s see if she’s telling the truth and I might check the roots as well to validate her claim.

As we arrived in the bus terminal, we took a Jeepney ride going to her house and there I met her mom and her youngest sister. My friend has a lot of married siblings in their family and it was only her mom and sister stays in that family house, and of course my friend is in Manila most of the time working. Before I forgot, this Bicol region is the “Thailand” of Philippines, I mean hot and spicy food anywhere! The popular delicacy in this province is what they call the “Bicol Express”, a spicy dish of meat or chicken simmered in coconut milk, yummy! That time my tolerance to chilies wasn’t that strong yet so I only enjoy the mildly prepared. The next day, we visited her sister’s house and there I really saw the perfect view of Mt. Mayon…around 4 to 4.30 pm I think. The distance between the house and the Mount could still be measured to around 30-40 kilometers. In the morning and early afternoon, the volcano is still covered with clouds … you really have to wait late in the afternoon to see its complete beauty. But I wasn’t that easy to please! I asked my friend to visit the place instead. So we went.

While my eyes are enjoying the closer view of the sleepy volcano, my friend whispered saying I was standing on a ground of a buried church with many people died several hundred years ago. Egad! Oh there it is … the bell tower is just few meters away from me, the only thing survived and visible from that buried church they called “Cagsawa”. A story was told to me that during that time, this volcano angrily erupted and the town people went to the church and prayed so hard to calm this violent nature activity. Unfortunately, the volcano spewed tons and tons of lava and covered the entire town including the church. Their prayers weren’t answered, and they were delivered earlier in the next world. I guess they should have packed their things off and squatted on any nearby town like a picnic and watch the beauty of eruption just like what the present people are doing nowadays. Ok I won’t go further. I spent 3 days and 2 nights in Legazpi, but I also enjoyed the shopping malls they have and of course the food. I went back to Manila 2 days before Christmas by a train to spend the holiday with my family. I can say I really enjoyed this very short trip learning and knowing wonderful people in my country, aside from the Manila populace like me.

(image link: http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/Pnong_pino/5.jpg)

Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro Philippines

2009-02-08T03:22:00.000-08:00

It wasn’t really a leisure trip, but a plant visit to consider as part of the work I’m involved in the office. We were invited by a steel industry client to check their facilities to help them defend their position on a case they filed against imported products particularly from Russia, Korea and … wait, I’m done with all these research and investigation stuff, ok we just checked if we can help them win or lose the case that’s all.

We traveled by plane because the province is located in the northern part of Mindanao. You take bus or you’ll suffer almost 3 days traveling and no way to that. Mindanao is one of the 3 main islands of Philippines situated in the south and I can say most people here are Muslims. I really have nothing against these people but the moment we left the company mansion and visit the plant, we were already body guarded by 3 armed men. Our client said that they usually protect their visitors as there are no guarantee of security, knowing all the abductions happening in that place, most people suddenly went missing. That was very sweet of them actually! But I’m not comfortable though, I was just trying to buy roasted nuts as a present and these tall men are all behind me!

As we finally checked the plantation, we were taken to glimpse one of the highlights of the province … the famous Maria Cristina Falls. I was pretty surprised when I saw it, where is the water falling?! I only witnessed some few drips and they explained that there are some mechanical devices assembled on top of the falls to control the flow of the water as they use it as an additional power source in the region. We were asked if we want to see the real flow of the falls and of course we said yes. After granting our wish we did see nothing but mist. The water gushed down with too much current and created a mist surrounding the nearby area. Splendid it was. After that we were also brought to another waterfall they called “Tinago”. Tinago is a tagalog word meaning “Hidden”, and you really have to trail down a mountain just to see it, literally it was hidden! It’s just a small waterfall, some people are enjoying and bathing and the journey back to the top was a hell trail I believe.

Cagayan de Oro that time was just starting to become highly industrialized as investors came in and set-up their plants particularly cement and iron and steel. Another clean and disciplined place I’ve experienced but I have no idea if the issue of abductions is still rampant nowadays, maybe not anymore.

I will never EVER, EVER trade the wonders my country has to offer!

(image link: http://www.issavalles.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/maria-christina-falls-sm.jpg)

Cebu, Philippines

2009-02-08T03:20:00.001-08:00

Whoa! Summer of 1997 and we went off to this beautiful place located in the Visayas region and guess what? We cruised via Super Ferry 12 (inter-island ship) and this I can say one of the best trips I’ve ever had in my life…really! It’s a company planning session actually, spiced with leisure and a travel-time of 16 hours isn’t enough. There are so many things to enjoy in the ship while battling the motion sickness; the swimming pool, karaoke bar, discotheque, arcade games and mostly, the Jacuzzi.

This was the time I realized I was so blessed of many things in life when I saw those passengers in the lower deck of the ship. The big difference is like heaven and earth to compare…and I can say I was one of those lucky in heaven. We left the city at 8 pm and arrived Cebu at 4 in the afternoon the next day. We were transported to our hotel and then we prepared ourselves for the usual stuff we do as we visit places … bar hopping! We went to a discotheque named Balls and most of us got drunk. The next day people were separated to explore places. The others went to the beach and the other group decided to visit historical places like shrines, churches and food shops. I went with the latter one.

Chicken barbeque! They perfectly marinated these fowls after being slaughtered I think, and it goes well with rice wrapped in banana leaves as they call it “puso”. We marveled the street foods and then later we went to the shrine called Magellan’s Cross. As the history tells itself, this Portuguese guy discovered the Philippines as he landed in Cebu year 1521, erected a cross as I imagined him uttering “Eureka! We found ignorant dudes who will perfectly believe we are heaven sent!” We also visited some famous church and places and bought some souvenirs as present to our friends and families in Manila. Here you can enjoy products like dried mangoes, dried squid, dried fish, guitars and good singers as well. Sorry but the last one isn’t for sale, they’re for hire.

We also visited some newly developed shopping malls and there was this time we found ourselves standing in awe watching and observing the locals…damn they’re all beautiful! Since we all believed that this is where the Spaniards settled first during their occupation, we also concluded that they made a good blood distribution to the people that made this quite an ugly-free city. Ok I maybe exaggerating or missed the odd-looking citizens but to be honest, even the barbecue girls and boys are gorgeous to consider! (trust me on this). Cebu is a very clean and friendly city in the Philippines and worth visiting. They have fantastic beaches and so as the angelic-looking people!

(image link: http://www.geocities.com/eclorenzo1/images/cebu_magellans_cross.jpg)
(image link: http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/542492265_8a5832bf21.jpg?v=0)

Baguio City, Philippines

2009-02-08T03:17:00.000-08:00

The summer capital of the Philippines, this is how we call this mountain province. There are many possible ways to get here; by plane or bus. That time we took the cheaper one and it was company sponsored. The summer of 1996.

Going up in a mountainous zigzag road is nauseating, and reading a book on the way is definitely not recommended. When we arrived at the hotel, it was late evening already so most of us decided to sleep but the others still went off to hang-out in some bars and this popular ghost-infested Spirit discotheque. The next morning we were served by a typical Filipino but cold breakfast. This place is kinda freezing even in summer, and the time gap between cooking and serving any dish should not exceed 2 minutes or else it is not enjoyable anymore to eat. Well of course I’m pertaining to breakfast meals.

After the meal and company meeting, me and my 4 girl friends relaxed a bit in our rooms as we prepare ourselves to go out in the evening because we’re all getting jiggy already. As we walked along the small street going to the disco, we passed into a small liquor store and caught a glimpse of Jack Daniels whisky…our eyes sparkled that very same moment and we all decided to buy it and went back in our hotel room. The next day we visited some historical places like the Mines View Park (on the picture), Teacher’s Camp, Burnham Park, strawberry plantation and Camp John Hay. We all decided not to visit this very popular Sagada caves as we still feel the “Jack” in us, deadening each and every thinnest vein in our body from the last night drinking galore. We emptied that bottle with no mixers or sodas…believe me.

Baguio city is a mountain province with so many things to try and shop. From silver products, peanut snacks, warm sweaters and coco jams being sold by a the witch-looking old woman from the central market’s corner (near the broccoli kiosk), this place is always recommended for all tourists who hates the heat of the city and passions mountain views and caves.

(image link: http://www.pbase.com/uteh/image/35318932)

Ilocos Sur, Santa (Philippines)

2009-02-02T11:05:00.001-08:00

That was late 1994 when I was invited by a close friend to see her place in the northern part of the Philippines (again) and believe me…they live in an island, just a small island indeed. It took 8 hours of bus trip from Manila to the province, and I can say this is my first island trip. Once you arrived in the bus station, you have to walk few meters to the pier-like shore to transport you to this place. The boats are actually fishing boats, not ferry-like (I have no idea if they upgraded it now). So if the weather is not ok, windy and the water is kinda surf-like, you have to wait until it calms again so you can be delivered to your destination safe and sound, and of course, breathing.

When we arrived at the place, there were two dogs waiting for us at the shore. They are my friend’s pets actually, and these dogs walked with us until we reached the house and there I was introduced to my friend’s grandma, her aunts, uncles and few more dogs at the backyard. What a doggy family! Dinner … and I can’t believe what my friend showed me in a casserole, a squirming 1.5 cm squid! And then later a kind neighbor came and gave us fresh fish, yes they’re fresh because they’re still moving. In few minutes the power went-off. Ok it was called electric shutdown in that island but I was fortunate enough my friend’s house is supported by a generator and we are the only glowing house that night. We sliced the squid, sautéed it, fried the fish and the dinner went well. Cup of tea afterwards and then off to sleep. The next morning, it’s beach time!

I was carrying stuffs and the dogs were walking ahead of us. Then suddenly we reached and saw them standing still and not moving. Why? Ok, there is this bigger dog blocking our way and it seems like our two dogs are too scared to dare pass through. There ain’t no commotion between them, but I can see even my friend is not moving at all. So, I picked a stick and shoo the bigger dog so we can pass unharmed and peacefully …but then this bigger dog showed me his teeth. Suddenly I found myself alone already. Ah no, my friend and her 2 dogs are behind me.

There was an old stupid myth that was told to me by a drunken neighbor before saying that if you’ve been approached by an angry dog, you should do the same thing, gnarl and show him your teeth as well. I took the risk. Though I looked stupid but it did work, the dog sped off! Really! After that incident my friend’s pets became so close to me during my stay. They swam and played with me on the beach like I’m their new owner. A myth that worked when tried, with no scientific proof but I won’t dare to risk again next time.

Until now If I’m walking with my friends and passing thru some houses, and there are these dogs barking at us and yet they’re inside the gate, I still do the same thing. I growl back to them that made them annoy and angry and scares my friends even more. Just for fun!

(image link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eugedaman/3103882229/)

Ilocos Norte, Laoag (Philippines)

2009-02-02T10:47:00.000-08:00

My first long trip with my mother late 1991 I guess… ah yes, and it was blessed. We just got our yearly bonus! We took the early bus trip going to my grandma’s hometown, the northern part of the Philippines, and we’re too excited. It’s my first time and my mom hasn’t visited her relatives there for more than 10 years. When we arrived at the central city, oh man that was the cleanest and most disciplined place I’ve ever seen in my life (during that time). I grew-up in a loud and disorganized town in Manila, where people believed that a river is a garbage dump area, playing on the flood on rainy season and talking to people face-to-face with a 4.29 decibel loudness rate is so ordinary and common. So when I first stepped into this place, paradise-like!

Laoag Ilocos Norte is a very ideal place to live in. Aside from seeing those old preserved houses and churches during the Spanish era, taking a ride with those calezas (wagon pulled by a horse) on the street, you will enjoy seeing kind people talking in different dialect (not tagalog), and soon you’ll find yourself lost in translation and might settle on speaking Spanish better. Ok, my mom is good on both, the local dialect and Spanish, but still we found ourselves lost locating the best rice cake store in town. This city has been occupied primarily by Spaniards during that what-the-f*** of 300+ years colonization. Filipinos always believe that if you’re from this part of the country, you are too smart to spend your money and very meticulous in the house or I can say, immaculately clean. There are many (seriously) exciting places to visit in the Philippines and I highly recommend this one.

This is where I bought a fresh tobacco as a present to my friend but then I curiously smoked one stick and encouraged my cousins ages 14 and 15 to try as well. My mom got really mad at me. We went to a resort near the airport and it was my first horse ride. I also met a lot of Taiwanese who visited the resort and along with them are water jugs, 3-4 each person. They bought a lot of this coconut water before boarding the plane and they left the meat untouched. I can’t believe this coconut water is not so valued by us locals but these foreigners consider them so precious, they believe it’s a medicine. It is actually.

You can’t see much in Manila, but here you will find Museum and Mausoleum of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos … and much more. And oh I forgot … the fantastic beaches!

(image link: http://www.worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag11.jpg)