triptayo

Adventure Borneo

2007-05-22T11:55:00.001+08:00

After a scenic two-hour bus ride to the south of KK, we are brought to the quiet town of rural Beaufort for the....

Proboscis Monkey River Cruise and Fireflies Tour

Prior to departure, we were able to grab a booking through Nasalis Larvatus Sdn Bhd, Riverbug and Traverse Tours via their Philippine contact Ms. Mhay Rondael (Mobile: +639172085317). I hate travel agencies simply because they have nothing better to do than capitalize on the dumb tourists. I am very satisfied to know that there are tour operators that can still be highly trusted. Mhay was a great contact, her replied email took less than a day and service was absolutely excellent. She even gave us some tips on our Kota Kinabalu trip.

The "Proboscis Monkey River Cruise and Fireflies Tour Itinerary"

1330 hrs: Depart From Kota Kinabalu for Beaufort, two hours overland to the Southern part of Sabah. (It was a scenic route of mountains, towns and rice fields.)

Garama Camp

1530 hrs: Arrive at Garama Base Camp some few kilometers away from the busy highway and are being transferred to the mangrove swamps forest filled with their own distinctive busyness and beauty. (There was some time to have some tea or coffee with a few Malaysian rice cakes and sweets.)

Boat ride

1600 hrs: On board a fiberglass boat for 1 hour river cruise in this red river (effect of tree’s tanine) surrounded by mangrove trees. Proboscis monkey can be spotted most of the time in the trees feeding on young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds. Among others, you will have the opportunity to observe Macaque, the rare Silver Languor, Water buffalo crossing the river and variety of birds. You may also witness sunset while cruising back to the river lodge. (Consider yourself lucky if you see the rest of the animals BUT spotting the Proboscis is more than enough).

Only in Borneo

Proboscis Monkey

Alpha-male & Harem

Monkeys at play

Water buffaloes and friends

1800 hrs: Upon arriving at the lodge, a sumptuous BBQ dinner served in buffet line to satisfy your hunger after the river cruising. (Actually it was a Malaysian buffet, which must have been better than a Western meal).

1830 hrs: After dinner, a short walk to the viewing deck to catch the glimpse of fireflies decorating the mangrove trees like a Christmas tree. After 10-15 minutes of firefly watching, it’s time to head back to Kota Kinabalu.

2100 hrs: Estimated time of arrival in Kota Kinabalu.

Jesselton Point is the main port to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR). Expect to pay for additional fees. Speed boat operators show 16 Ringgit for a ride to the island and back, but are kind enough to let you know that you must add 6 Ringgit for tax and another 10 Ringgit for admission fee before entering each island.

Pulau Sapi: is said to be the best island for snorkeling when in TAR. Although it does have a coral garden of some sort, the claim is only being said probably because it needs its marketing banner for tourists.

Manukan island: is one of the most developed islands around TAR with overnight lodging available. Dubbed as a 'must-see' in the tourist itinerary. We must always be reminded to keep our expectations low as snorkeling in this island is horrible with what dead sea corals and colorless marine life it offers. The island is over populated with day-trippers, to say the least, so choose another pulau if you prefer some solitude.

Four out of the five islands in TAR have piers and each one boasts its unique set of resident fishes who have developed communities and have found a sanctuary close to the wooden stilts. These spoiled cold-blooded animals gather in schools waiting for their next meal and scramble for tossed bread.

Fish Feeding

To make up for the lousy snorkeling sites and overabundance of other tourists, have yourself a good meal by the beach. Pulau Manukan has sumptuous offerings in two buffets and an a la carte menu you, your palate and your wallet can choose from. The Grill & BBQ buffet at the far end of the island puts up an intimidating if not exciting array of fresh seafoods, meats and vegetables all for grilling and BBQ-ing at a hefty, touristy price of 60RM for the hefty touristy diner.

The 28RM (+/-) buffet by the restaurant offers a more humble but competitively appealing layout of food playing on Malaysian-Southeast Asian-Indian cuisines while the a la carte menu, from which we chose from, allows you to customize your own meal with the variety of offerings while allowing you to still keep in mind your budget and appetite. Lunch had us some divine chicken satay served with savory rice cakes and refreshing zucchinis bites, a few tasty vegetable samosas and some squid and prawn fritters. A satisfying and filling lunch, which could only lead to the inevitable -- a nice short nap on the next island on our itinerary.

Pulau Mamutik: is probably the best island in TAR. Snorkeling is great even with exciting currents to make skin diving a great exercise. It is the least populated yet is developed enough, accommodating a food stall and scuba center. In addition camping is allowed in this Pulau. Trees along the stretch of fine sand provide shade for an intoxicating afternoon nap. After lunch, there is nothing but whispers from the wind, hypnotic buzzes from insects and a calm crash of waves on the distance. Spending an entire day is highly recommended.

There are many other eco-adventure activities to do in Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu alone takes 3-days off the itinerary. Other attractions include Orangutans over at Sepilok, dips in the Poring Hot Springs, a scenic old-school train ride, white water rafting, diving in Sipadan, and the list goes on.

Borneo surely is a haven for nature-lovers and nature freaks -- from newbies to hobbyists to extreme seasoned challengers. With all that Borneo offers, almost everyone can find any eco-activity suited to one's liking and fancies, and KK is definitely the city you'd want to jump off from and end with your Borneo Adventure.

triptayo Sabah-Borneo was done last April 27 - May 1, 2007
more photos here and here

KOTA KINABALiUw

2007-05-22T11:50:00.000+08:00

Lowcost airlines open gates to find new treasures.

Kota Kinabalu (KK) in Sabah, Malaysia is a short two-hour flight via budget airline Air Asia from the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark Airbase, Pampanga. Short flight, but not quite easy. Air Asia only flies out from Clark, so that in itself is kinda out of the way if you're from Manila. Second, the taxes from that airport amount to something around Php 2,500 per person. Ghastly. Third, the airline only allows for free-seating, which can only translate to a messy elbow-bumping, face-smacking scenario for us harried Filipinos. Also, meals or snacks don't come complimentary so either you stuff yourself silly prior the flight, or shell out bucks to buy what food is offered in the airline carts. Fifth, you can't really expect much from a budget airline's fly-in fly-out route, so there's hardly enough time to clean up the garbage and tidy up the seats from the previous flight, and this is evident in the not-so clean leather seats with remnants of candy wrappers tucked in the creases. So if you're that particular, bring out the wet wipes and smother on some much-needed cleanliness in that leather seat you elbow-bumped for.

Upon arrival, a nice, clean and modern airport welcomes travelers and tourists. A delightful change from that of Clark's. Cabs are easy to come by once you step out of the terminal, that's if you don't already have your hotel's pick-up service waiting on you, signboard in hand. KK Airport isn't too far away from the city center, give it 15 minutes and you're bound to be in your hotel already, given of course that your hotel of choice is just in the main city.

KK is an all too-familiar city for Southeast Asian dwellers, or at least for us Filipinos. The city is reminiscent of Malate, Manila, or even Davao (or so we've heard) with its old town charm and busy streets. The city center is small, so everything is in walking distance which makes the city even more lovable.

KK locals start their weekend habits with a morning visit to one or two (or three!) of the city’s string of street markets. Check-in in any hotel or tourist lodge and you’re bound to be just a stone’s throw away from any lively street market.

Asia City’s small open market starts your morning off with warm Malaysian smiles inviting curious on-lookers to try their local rice cakes and colorful pastries. Some stalls seem to be family-run as mother-daughter, father-son teams operate their small weekend morning businesses. Food is mostly offered in Asia City’s Market as the stalls are vibrantly alive with rainbow colored pastries, delicious smelling buns and tempting breads, fresh vegetables and fruits, and fresh fruit shake stands. A few booths sparkle with locally produced trinkets, accessories and straw hats.

Asia City delights

Gaya Street right near Jessleton Hotel holds the Gaya Sunday Street Market where the street is closed off to vehicular traffic and opens its welcoming arms to enthusiastic and raring pedestrian shoppers. Gaya is a loooooooong street where it holds all sorts of scents, sights and stimulants. From domestic pets like cats, gerbils and turtles to vibrant artworks of batik fabrics and hand painted masks, more trinkets and accessories, potted flora and fauna, more food and even more food, to the usual designer rip-offs like watches, wallets and sunglasses.

KK is a great place to go food tripping that it deserves a whole other blog post (naturally!). Although the city is not the type one would get lost in with the hopes of a great find, it still plays host to an array of dining choices. Easy to fall in love with, this bay city is a great place to relax over some tea or coffee in quaint little corners. Places and establishments like Warisam Square across the Waterfront Esplanade area is best for this afternoon or evening delight. However be warned that commercial capitalists like Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf have already taken over KK. Nonetheless an easy walk around the area will bring you to find those charming local cafes.

The City Mosque, which was built to give the impression that it was floating above the waters of Likas Bay, is a splendid sight to see in the evening. We hear that it's much more gorgeous during sunset as the vibrant shades of the sun reflect on the calm and sprawling man-made lagoon, giving the viewers a majestic and commanding display of colors which only glorifies the grandeur of the Mosque itself.

Hamin Lodge is the perfect place to stay for the budget traveler who seeks sanctuary in accommodations. Newly opened, this boutique lodge offers room options, like queen-size beds for couples, to bunk beds for friends to dormitory type rooms for backpackers. Some rooms have their own toilet and bath while a common T&B is located in each floor.

With a wonderful sense of style and close attention to detail, Hamin has turned itself into a welcoming oasis from the busy local life surrounding it. And just like its character, the people from Hamin Lodge are simply the best. They will accommodate questions, requests and even give favor to their guests. Prior to departure, exchange of emails and initial deposits went by like a breeze. One rule of thumb we have come to understand based from past travels is that, speedy and accommodating responses are a great sign of service. Hamin easily passed with flying colors.

Hamin's balcony

triptayo KK was done last April 27 - May 1, 2007
more photos here and here

Seeking Buddah in Ayutthaya

2007-04-19T12:11:00.000+08:00

First, visit the King's Grand Summer Palace.

cross the bridge (back in the day, men had to walk on the other side of the bridge, slipping letters and notes to women through the jalousy slits.)

Check out his gifts from other nations

Now relax, recline and head on to Buddah's enlightenment stages

Wat Yai Chaya Mongkol

Make sure to visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Two Buddahs + 3 spires

Visit Mr. Wat Phra Mahathat and marvel at the vast well preserved architecture around Him.

Finally, seek blessings over at Wat Panan Choeng

and allow Buddah to descend enlightenment.

*Ayutthaya is the best place to visit near Bangkok and only an hour's ride outside the city. We opted to rent a van for 3,000 Baht and pay an addition 1,000 Baht for a tour guide. Budget in numbers makes this the sweetest deal amongst all the options I had in my previous post. More information on the city can be found here and here.

*more photos here and here.

Balderdash-ing in Bangkok

2007-04-16T21:40:00.000+08:00

It's what lies beneath when entering the city of Bangkok.

Just like any emerging Asian city, the so-called "Venice of Asia" is one huge concrete jungle.

Traffic is a headache, pollution plagues the lungs and heat is a b*tch.

For a country whose second biggest economic resource is tourism, I was surprised to experience that most people lacked basic English communication skills. We stayed in Baiyoke Sky hotel, a hotel equates to tourists, but here all then can give you is one big jaw drop. "You are supposed to reply. Do you un-der-ssstand the wordssss co-ming ooo-ut of myyyy mou-th?" It's rude to stare, what more than to open your mouth. Am I supposed to deposit something inside?

We flew via Thai Airways. Marketing is one huge lie, what hospitality and service are they talking about? To and from Manila, not once did I see a fight attendant genuinely smile. In the city, restaurant service is not impressive, besides an obvious language barrier, servers fail to smile but make it a point to open their mouths once more and stare.

The Tuk Tuk is an icon associated with Thailand. Dude, wake up and smell your chili. Hotels put up signs warning tourists to stay away from Tuk Tuks and travel books publish against this form of transportation. Best way to get around the city is via taxi. Make sure the meter will be in use and if desperate haggle and agree on a fixed amount.

But for what it's worth, Bangkok is a great place to get lost in transportalation!

Bangkok is cheap and frolicking is the way to go.

Let the pictures be a testament to the sparkling finds in this city's amazon.

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Asia has the best religious and cultural art. Head on to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, one entrance, two great sites worth your 250 Baht. The details on the art can be over whelming with its intricate wonders of expression.

Temple Guards

The standing Buddah temple

The seated Buddah of Traimit

More works of art

Boutique dining
Head on to Th Khao San after you've had your temple Wat fill.

Soi is a small narrow street or what is also called a sub-street. Th Khao San is arguably the liveliest street in Bangkok, the so-called backpackers area. Lined with restaurants, bars, vendors and what have you, exploring away to its small streets and alleys will not fail. One Soi had this quaint resto and boutique shop owned by a local fashion designer. It's Happened to be a Closet. Superb interior, thumbs-up on the food, but consider this a bit pricey with dishes starting at 250Baht to 750Baht after you have been spoiled from scrumptious 100 - 150 Baht authentic Thai cuisine.

squid ink bread - pasta & scallops

Right beside the closet, there is an Internet Cafe with 60's, 70's interior that creates a lounge feel for its guests. A perfect place for low or high tea, which ever time you prefer. There are two other eclectic designed hole-in-the-wall restos that grab attention, which I have failed to try out.

I can spend the entire day in this location alone. It's hard to miss. Just look for the sub-street leading to a court yard looking area.

Although my Lonely Planet yellow bible was very helpful, experience taught me not to depend on the book when it comes to food establishments. Went to the exact address listed but there was no such eatery, the name was probably changed to Cafe Primo. The other had a contact number but to no avail and locals have never heard of the Pickle Factory. The vicinity map of Khao San helped me plot out some restos. But at 10PM, if your cab has a typical Bangkok-taxi- driver-ass who decides to drop you at the avenue next to Th Khao San, what seemed to be a plausible 500-800meter walk (according to the Asia in a Shoestring guide) to Hemlock, is a busted myth.

Luckily, just like finding an oasis on a dessert of ghetto mayhem, Mayompuri was the perfect find.

When you hit Th Khao San's dead end, make a left, walk for a minute or two, it's there! Now eat, dine, drink and relax. Dishes were between 100Baht - 250Baht. Yummy!

When done with comfortable dining and seating, head on to Khao San's artery for some street food such as insects, worms, Pat Thai and Ya Ki So BA. Some art works pop out as well but do not mind shopping for clothes and wait until the weekend for the mother father of Bangkok's shopping destination.

In the Chatuchak Weekend Market if you bring around 5,000Baht for clothes, you will have a large problem finishing it off. An open-air market, reeking of teen spirit and trash, packed with a frenzy of mindless pedestrians along with the sweltering scorch that creates a natural sauna will not stop one from a 6-hour shopping spree. I barely shop, but shirts that cost 100-250Baht maximum is just too hard to pass. You'll see. Be sure to have this map handy.

Ping Pong in Patpong is another tourist destination. Surprisingly, people and couples regardless of age, race or religion gather around some dimly lit room, Asian brothel style. Our tour guide brought us there to prove that the legend is true. For 500Baht, it turned into a bottle opener, shot darts, blew candles, puff puffed on more than 3 cigarettes at a time, drew on paper, strings and blades were pulled out from it and finally, drank clear water and then out came coke.

Bangkok is a city that can boast many spectacular finds. Spending 4 - 5 days following the itinerary I made, posted here, is more than enough. It can be a vacation but not really for the R & R type.

Walk, explore and GET LOST! Bangkok is a city where discoveries become a euphoric reward!

*more photos here, here and here.
April 5 - 9, 2007

5 day itinerary for Bangkok, Thailand

2007-04-03T09:46:00.000+08:00

Day 1 (Thursday)

Evening

Dinner

Banglamphu Area: central ghetto backpacker's area

Hemlock (dishes: 80 – 200 Bhat)

- eclectic menu: dishes not easily found elsewhere

- miang kham: tea leaves wrapped with ginger, shalots, peanuts, lime and coconut flakes

- phrik khaa: spicy dipping sauce served with vegetables and herbs

Aperitif

Baghdad Café

- Sheesha bar

Night out

Sunset street

- This is where the Thai crowd comes to party

Notes

Th Khao San (street): main travelers' center

Day 2 (Friday)

Day trip to:

Ayuthaya

- ruined ancient city

- Unesco World Heritage site

- Former Thai capital

- River surrounding the entire city creating a moat-like natural barrier

Transportation

- take tour package (approx. 1700 Bhat)

- take bus (approx. 64 Bhat, 2 hours)

- take mini bus (approx. 45 Bhat, 2 hours)

- take train (3^rd class approx. 15 Bhat, 1 and ½ hours)

- rent a van ($150 for 8 hours)

Tour package

- pick up from hotel 0730hrs – 0800hrs

- bus ride to Ayuthaya

- visit 2 ruined cities

- lunch included

- boat cruise back to Bangkok

Own DIY tour

- option for time of departure to and from the ancient city

- cheaper

- more sites to see

- guest houses in Ayuthaya offer boat tours

- choice of restaurant

- train ride maybe more scenic than bus ride

- can probably also opt for river cruise back to Bangkok

Ayuthaya sites:

- Wat Phra Si Sanphet (admission 30 Bhat): Claimed to be the most distinctive Ayuthaya architecture. This site served as the royal palace from the city's founding in 1350 until the mid-15^th century and then converted into a temple.

- Wihaan Phra Mongkhon Bophit (admission 30 Bhat): Largest seated Buddah in Thailand.

- Wat Phra Mahathat (admission 30 Bhat): houses the iconic image of Buddah's head being swallowed by tentacle-like tree roots

- There are 29 other sites in the area listed in Lonely Planet's yellow bible 'South East Asia on a Shoestring'

Eating:

- Baan Kun Phra: Also a guesthouse is a riverside terrace restaurant

- Phae Krung Kao: Floating restaurant

Head back to Bangkok

Evening

Dinner

Bangrak Area: Home to Muslim and Indian community

Naaz (dishes: 50 – 70 Bhat)

- dubbed to have the richest khao mok kai (chicken biryani)

- dessert: firni (Middle Eastern pudding spiced with coconut, almonds, cardamom and saffron)

Royal Bangkok Sports Club & Lumphini Park Area:

Le Lys (dishes: 80 – 200 Bhat)

- classic Thai dishes

- breezy colonial-style house

- kaeng phet muu yaan bai cha-om (roast pork curry with acacia leaves)

Night out

Victory Monument Area: Near hotel and Skytrain station

Saxophone Pub & Restaurant

- reggae, rock, blues and jazz

- German beer-cellar

AND/OR

Patpong Area:

- a go-go

- ping pong show

Day 3 (Saturday)

City tour

Bangkok sites:

- Wat Phra Kaew (admission 200 Bhat 8:30am – 3:30pm): Temple of the Emerald Buddah which is actually made from jasper. Orange and green roof tiles, mosaic-encrusted pillars and marble pediments.

- Wat Pho (admission 20 Bhat 8am – 5pm): Oldest and largest temple in Bangkok.

- Wat Arun (admission 20 Bhat 9am – 4pm): Temple of Dawn named after the Indian god of dawn.

- Vimanmek Teak Mansion (admission 100 Bhat 9:30am – 4pm): World's largest golden teak building

Eating:

Phahurat Area: Near popular Wat sites

China town

- go figure

ATM Food Center

- Indian food-court

Royal India Restaurant (dishes: under 80 Bhat)

- considered one of the best Northern Indian cuisine

Notes:

Th Chakraphet (street): lined with Indian shops and restaurants

Sampeng Lane (street): jam-packed with useful and useless

Afternoon

Shopping

Getting lost

More tours

Evening

Dinner

Victory Monument Area: Near hotel and Skytrain station

Pickle Factory (dishes: 150 – 200 Bhat)

- prefect place to chill out for an evening

- has creatively topped pizzas

- dinner-party mood

- indoor sofa seating

- outdoor tables around a swimming pool

Night out

Th Sukhumvit Area:

Little Arabia

- Soi 3 (street)

- Lively cafés and sheesha bars

Q Bar

- clubbing

- has absinthe and 40 varieties of vodka

Day 4 (Sunday)

Ancient City tour

Samut Prakan's Ancient City (admission 300 Bhat, www.ancientcity.com)

- world's largest outdoor museum park

- home to 109 scaled-down replicas

- bikes for rent (50 Bhat)

- rarely crowded

AND/OR

Shopping

Chatuchak (8am – 6pm Sat & Sun)

- mother of all shopping markets

- take Skytrain to Mo Chit station, which looks over the market

AND/OR

River cruise

Mae Nam Chao Phraya:

- Bangkok was called 'Venice of the East'

- Take Chao Phraya River Express

Evening

Cultural show

AND/OR

Dinner

Th Sukhumvit Area:

Maha Naga (dishes 300 – 700 Bhat)

- deep-fried prawn rolls served with plum sauce and crispy vermicelli

- scallops in Thai-style gravy

- pork chops topped with papaya salad

Dessert

Tamarind Café (dishes 100 – 250 Bhat)

- Tamarind for divine desserts

- Home to F-Stop Gallery of photographs

- Artistic space

- Innovate fruit shakes

Night out

Back to:

Th Sukhumvit Area:

Little Arabia

- Soi 3 (street)

- Lively cafés and sheesha bars

Banglamphu Area: central ghetto backpacker's area

- Th Khao San (street): main travelers' center

Patpong Area:

- a go-go

- ping pong show

Day 5 (Monday)

Wrap-up

*****

* So my family decided to jump on the pinoy family bandwagon and head to Bangkok for Holy Week. Hoping to discover something beyond the typical package, I made this itinerary based on my yellow bible Lonely Planet's: "Southeast Asia on a Shoestring" and used some information from the Internet. F*ck that travel agency and do things on your own. No more useless factory tours and the ever popular half-day city tour. Pack your bag tara let's triptayo to Thailand!

*now let's see how things will turn out based on this...

Englishman in Manila: thoughts on Pinoy culture

2007-03-28T13:06:00.000+08:00

This article is a hilarious read! We got this via email from a friend and couldn't wait to share the laughs here. Enjoy!

The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines.

Matter of Taste
by Matthew Sutherland

I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road to full assimilation, which I have yet to take, and that's to eat BALUT. The day any of you see me eating BALUT, please call immigration and ask them to issue me a Filipino passport. Because at that point, there will be no turning back. BALUT, for that still blissfully ignorant non-Pinoy out there, is a fertilized duck egg. It is commonly sold with salt in a piece of newspaper, much like English fish and chips, by street vendors usually after dark, presumably so you can't see how gross it is. It's meant to be an aphrodisiac, although I can't imagine anything more likely to dispel sexual desire than crunching on a partially formed baby duck swimming in noxious fluid. The embryo in the egg comes in varying stages of development, but basically it is not considered macho to eat one without fully discernible feathers, beak, and claws. Some say these crunchy bits are the best. Others prefer just to drink the so-called 'soup', the vile, pungent liquid that surrounds the aforementioned feathery fetus…excuse me; I have to go and throw up now.I'll be back in a minute.

Food dominates the life of the Filipino. People here just love to eat. They eat at least eight times a day. These eight official meals are called, in order: breakfast, snacks, lunch, merienda, pica-pica, pulutan, dinner, and no-one-saw-me-take-that-cookie-from-the-fridge-so-it-doesn't-count. The short gaps in between these mealtimes are spent eating Sky Flakes from the open packet that sits on every desktop. You're never far from food in the Philippines. If you doubt this, next time you're driving home from work, try this game. See how long you can drive without seeing food and I don't mean a distant restaurant, or a picture of food. I mean a man on the sidewalk frying fish balls, or a man walking through the traffic selling nuts or candy. I bet it's less than one minute.

Here are some other things I've noticed about food in the Philippines. Firstly, a meal is not a meal without rice - even breakfast. In the UK, I could go a whole year without eating rice. Second, it's impossible to drink without eating. A bottle of San Miguel just isn't the same without gambas or beef tapa. Third, no one ventures more than two paces from their house without baon and a container of something cold to drink. You might as well ask a Filipino to leave home without his pants on. And lastly, where I come from, you eat with a knife and fork. Here, you eat with a spoon and fork. You try eating rice swimming in fish sauce with a knife.

One really nice thing about Filipino food culture is that people always ask you to SHARE their food. In my office, if you catch anyone attacking their baon, they will always go, "Sir! KAIN TAYO!" ("Let's eat!"). This confused me, until I realized that they didn't actually expect me to sit down and start munching on their boneless bangus. In fact, the polite response is something like, "No thanks, I just ate." But the principle is sound - if you have food on our plate, you are expected to share it, however hungry you are, with those who may be even hungrier. I think that's great. In fact, this is frequently even taken one step further. Many Filipinos use "Have you eaten yet?" ("KUMAIN KA NA?") as a general greeting, irrespective of time of day or location.

Some foreigners think Filipino food is fairly dull compared to other Asian cuisines. Actually lots of it is very good: Spicy dishes like Bicol Express (strange, a dish named after a train); anything cooked with coconut milk; anything KINILAW; and anything ADOBO. And it's hard to beat the sheer wanton, cholesterolic frenzy of a good old-fashioned LECHON de leche feast. Dig a pit, light a fire, add 50 pounds of animal fat on a stick, and cook until crisp. Mmm, mmm… you can actually feel your arteries constricting with each successive mouthful. I also share one key Pinoy trait —a sweet tooth. I am thus the only foreigner I know who does not complain about sweet bread, sweet burgers, sweet spaghetti, sweet banana ketchup, and so on. I am a man who likes to put jam on his pizza. Try it! It's the weird food you want to avoid.

In addition to duck fetus in the half-shell, items to avoid in the Philippines include pig's blood soup (DINUGUAN); bull's testicle soup, the strangely-named "SOUP NUMBER FIVE" (I dread to think what numbers one through four are); and the ubiquitous, stinky shrimp paste, BAGOONG, and it's equally stinky sister, PATIS. Filipinos are so addicted to these latter items that they will even risk arrest or deportation trying to smuggle them into countries like Australia and the USA, which wisely ban the importation of items you can smell from more than 100 paces. Then there's the small matter of the blue ice cream. I have never been able to get my brain around eating blue food; the ubiquitous UBE leaves me cold. And lastly on the subject of weird food, beware: that KALDERETANG KAMBING (goat) could well be KALDERETANG ASO (dog)…

The Filipino, of course, has a well-developed sense of food. Here's a typical Pinoy food joke:
"I'm on a seafood diet.
"What's a seafood diet?"
"When I see food, I eat it!"

Filipinos also eat strange bits of animals — the feet, the head, the guts, etc., usually barbecued on a stick. These have been given witty names, like "ADIDAS" (chicken's feet); "KURBATA" (either just chicken's neck, or "neck and thigh" as in "neck-tie"); "WALKMAN" (pigs ears); "PAL" (chicken wings); "HELMET" (chicken head); "IUD" (chicken intestines), and BETAMAX" (video-cassette- like blocks of animal blood). Yum, yum. Bon appetit.

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" – (Proverbs 22:1)

WHEN I arrived in the Philippines from the UK six years ago, one of the first cultural differences to strike me was names. The subject has provided a continuing source of amazement and amusement ever since. The first unusual thing, from an English perspective, is that everyone here has a nickname. In the staid and boring United Kingdom, we have nicknames in kindergarten, but when we move into adulthood we tend, I am glad to say, to lose them.

The second thing that struck me is that Philippine names for both girls and boys tend to be what we in the UK would regard as overbearingly cutesy for anyone over about five. Fifty-five-year- olds colleague put it. Where I come from, a boy with a nickname like Boy Blue or Honey Boy would be beaten to death at school by pre-adolescent bullies, and never make it to adulthood. So, probably, would girls with names like Babes, Lovely, Precious, Peachy or Apples. Here, however, no one bats an eyelid.

Then I noticed how many people have what I have come to call "door-bell names". These are nicknames that sound like - well, doorbells. There are millions of them. Bing, Bong, Ding, and Dong are some of the more common. They can be, and frequently are, used in even more door-bell-like combinations such as Bing-Bong, Ding-Dong, Ting-Ting, and so on. Even one of our senators has a doorbell named Ping. None of these doorbell names exist where I come from, and hence sound unusually amusing to my untutored foreign ear. Someone once told me that one of the Bings, when asked why he was called Bing, replied, "because my brother is called Bong". Faultless logic. Dong, of course, is a particularly funny one for me, as where I come from "dong" is a slang word for well; perhaps "talong" is the best Tagalog equivalent.

Repeating names was another novelty to me, having never before encountered people with names like Len-Len, Let-Let, Mai-Mai, or Ning-Ning. The secretary I inherited on my arrival had an unusual one: Leck-Leck. Such names are then frequently further refined by using the "squared" symbol, as in Len2 or Mai2. This had me very confused for a while. Then there is the trend for parents to stick to a theme when naming their children. This can be as simple as making them all begins with the same letter, as in Jun, Jimmy, Janice, and Joy. More imaginative parents shoot for more sophisticated forms of assonance or rhyme, as in Biboy, Boboy, Buboy, Baboy (notice the names get worse the more kids there are-best to be born early or you could end up being a Baboy).

Even better, parents can create whole families of, say, desserts (Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Honey Pie) or flowers (Rose, Daffodil, Tulip). The main advantage of such combinations is that they look great painted across your trunk if you're a cab driver. That's another thing I'd never seen before coming to Manila — taxis with the driver's kids' names on the trunk. Another whole eye-opening field for the foreign visitor is the phenomenon of the "composite" name. This includes names like Jejomar (for Jesus, Joseph and Mary), and the remarkable Luzviminda (for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, believe it or not). That's a bit like me being called something like "Engscowani" (for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland ). Between you and me, I'm glad I'm not.

And how could I forget to mention the fabulous concept of the randomly inserted letter 'h'. Quite what this device is supposed to achieve, I have not yet figured out, but I think it is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only averagely weird name. It results in creations like Jhun, Lhenn, Ghemma, and Jhimmy. Or how about Jhun-Jhun (Jhun2)? How boring to come from a country like the UK full of people with names like John Smith.

How wonderful to come from a country where imagination and exoticism rule the world of names. Even the towns here have weird names; my favorite is the unbelievably named town of Sexmoan (ironically close to Olongapo and Angeles). Where else in the world could that really be true? Where else in the world could the head of the Church really be called Cardinal Sin? Where else but the Philippines!

Note: The Philippines have a senator named Joker, and it is his legal name.

Stranded in Siargao

2007-03-22T10:23:00.000+08:00

Hu-Waw Philippines

Riding the no-frills travel tide is probably the best way to experience Siargao.

First, I suggest you take the cheapest available flight to anywhere in Mindanao. Promo rates from PAL or Cebu Pac or SEAir or Asian Spirit or Air Philippines are ALWAYS available, if you book on the right time or hit the right season.

Once in Mindanao, take any bus that brings you to the Surigao pier. As long as you are in Mindanao, I believe there will be a bus in any town that would pass by and take or connect you to the Surigao pier. Ask around town, I'm pretty sure the locals would know and be more than happy to help you get there. Your bus ride alone is a eye candy in itself. The scenic view is simply amazing. From little barrios to to rural areas to fishing villages to rice paddies to bustling towns to emerging cities.

Take the local 3-hour boat ride from the Surigao pier and you will pass mangroves and islands. There are probably other ports but the one I took was probably one of the "fastest" ways to get there. The boat was not anything like the quintessential tourist ride, instead it was a life line connecting commerce with locals transporting goods.

Upon arrival, take the route to where the cement road ends and see the island present itself with one of its most blinding characteristics, sun-drenched powder white roads. I have been to places that have such prestigious claims of white sand, but only a few have the right. Siargao and its little towns uniquely have the best white roads I have ever seen.

got milk?

Let the roads be a testament to life in the island. At time of travel, which was back in August 2005, I saw nothing but white sand roads. No asphalt, but instead nature created its natural road which was probably caused by the tropical climate of intense sunshine after a short rain shower. In the course of time, wet to dry to wet to dry, it turned itself to one huge ass white brick. There were probably only a handful of cars in the town, I just saw two in my entire four-day escape. No I am not stupid enough to make such a judgment without backing it up. I was located in one of Siargao's main towns. 'Nicer' houses were starting to be built but still the most dominant and easiest mode of transportation was the motorcycle/scooter/bicycle. It was a two-wheel barrio.

Although the island of Siargao may have its share of luxury resorts such as this and this. It is still best experienced as a Philippine backpacker's sanctuary.

I stayed in J-spot. A simple abode that has a bar on the ground floor and a sleeping area above. Nothing fancy but the host was great! Just like most of the locals.

You really can't expect much from the town to have fancy places to eat when you see omelets having some 'unions'. Nonetheless do not get me wrong, just head on to the wet market and grab the freshest catch of the day. Continue the no-frills vacation by grilling your own meal. Then prepare a pitcher and pour the San Miguel Pale Pilsen, gather around and let two half-full/half-empty glasses circle the shots of beer so that everyones gets the same amount at the same drinking pace. Remember this is the Philippines' surfing capital, everyone here is a surfer who enjoys singing, strumming their guitars and pounding the local Kahon to Jack Johnson. This is what I have come to experience as the so-called surfer's lifestyle. Simple and down with nature.

Head on to Pirate Pete's bar and find out why it has such a name. A local resident of the island who everyone probably knows.

Cloud 9

Wet or Dry

point A to point B

Siargao maybe best known for its surfing spots, but let it be known that it has more to offer. a bounty of pristine islands a few minutes away while steady bathing waters on the other side of the tide. I was not able to go, but Siargao also offers a jellyfish lake, similar to the one in Palau.

I suggest you experience the island by stripping yourself from vacation luxury.

KISSS! Keep Siargo Simple Stooooopid!

Kain, Bianca's!

2007-03-01T14:40:00.000+08:00

Bianca's Cafe and Vinotek is one of the gems that is surreptitiously hidden in the enclave that is Yakal St. in Makati. One of those quiet and charming little places with unassuming facades but takes you to a whole other world because their food is that good. Seriously.

For appetizers, we shared a St. Galler veal Bratwurst served with french fries and onion sauce. Now this is how a bratwurst should taste like, one bite of it and I'm whipped off to Köln circa 2003 where I chomp my teeth onto one of the finest bratwursts I've ever had. And this was right off a street vendor, friends. Bianca's made me relieve that glorious moment. Bratwurst with that superb onion sauce was so good, so tasty, so delicious you wanted the taste to stay forever in your mouth. Ok, maybe not forever but for a long time indeed. I believe I repeatedly said "Sh*t ang sarap nito" or "Ungh, this is so good" with every bite I took.

Ruccola Salad Carissa

Old Fashioned Caesar Salad

Cream of Tomato Soup

Cream of Barley Soup

I really didn't know what to expect when we ordered the Barley Soup over the Roman-style Rice Balls Suppli ala Romana. When I think about Barley, images of fairy tales or fermenting beer come to mind, so we were pleasantly surprised when our soup turned out to be quite a delectable brew. The tender barley grains rest on the bottom of the bowl while they happily absorb the creamy and savory liquid that they're bathed in.

Bianca's has Menu du Jours with a darling price. Shell out Php 520 and you've got yourself an appetizer and an entree, and they're all delicious. Well worth your money. Generous servings too as Carlo and I shared one set and couldn't even finish the entire thing. So with the soup as an appetizer, our chosen entree was the succulent Slow Roasted Hanging Beef served with a Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta and some green beans. The beef, ah, the beef... divine. Juicy, tender and rare in the middle, this is enough to keep my mouth watering for days.

Vercascana

Blue Marlin Steak, Sauteed Young Vegetables and Buttered Rice

Mango Crepe

Do make sure to ask about the desserts as these aren't written down on the menu.

This is how meals ought to end, with a killer dessert that is surely to die for. All hail to Bianca's Chocolate Mousse! All hail! Seriously, I don't think I've ever had this good a chocolate mousse, one that melts, no, disintegrates in your tongue into to tiny morsels of luxurious, chocolate goodness. Life is indeed good.

Bianca's Cafe and Vinotek
7431-B Yakal Street
San Antonio Village
Makati City
+632 815 1359

Kain, Guava!

2007-03-01T14:29:00.000+08:00

Kain!

"Mmmmm... Interesting..."

Our meal starts off with their Prichon (a house specialty). The cholesterol-loaded deep fried suckling pig served with three small wraps and six various dips / sauces -- sour cream and chives, black bean sauce, peanut sauce, chili garlic and garlic sour cream. Nothing really spectacular there, and I thought I was being cheated because there were only 3 miniscule wraps to satisfy two adult people, but on the second thought, this is just for starters.

The Pandan Wrapped Ubod in Watercress Salad is delectable and indeed interesting. The pandan-hinted wrap played extremely well with the fresh yummy ubod and the complimenting sweet glaze of a Wansuey sauce plus watercress leaves was a delight to my tastebuds. Something different, something new. Delicious. This pleasant veggie dish was great accompaniment to the Baby Back Ribs and Chicken Thighs in GUAVA (!!!) glaze.

I would've gladly given up the baby back ribs portion for some more of the chicken thighs as meat wasn't all that well. I like my ribs tender... as in almost-falling-off-the-bone tender. This cut wasn't at all near that for we actually had to saw the meat off from the bones with a knife. In contrast, the chicken was cooked very well -- deliciously juicy and very tasty. And of course, the Guava glaze was the perfect touch to the saltiness of both the meats. Yum!

Aaaand to wrap things up --- The Cassava Cake with Gruyere Cheese on which we both had set eyes on even before ordering the main course. But gee, cassava cake indeed with what, 4 tiny strips of the gruyere? There was hardly enough to call "hints" of the cheese. Nevertheless, the cassava cake was MASARAP --- soft and nice which almost melted in the mouth.

Overall, the resto still needs a bit of improvement. The service staff is nice and accommodating but it takes forever for a customer to get noticed. Price-wise, good I guess but still quite steep for some of their dishes considering the serving size. Snaps though for the ingenious use of the fruit in different dishes -- from beverages to appetizers to main course.

Down with Dumaguete in Alluring Antulang

2007-02-28T13:18:00.000+08:00

Hu-waw Philippines!!!

Fresh from the mysticism of Siquijor, we hied ourselves off to Dumaguete and trekked southwards to the paradise resort that is Antulang.

Nestled on a cliff with the beach just a couple of steps down, Antulang is a glorious ten hectare space that spells rest and recreation. This spectacular expanse puts every inch into good use. Wild and brilliant boungavillas in full bloom bedecks the entire place and makes Antulang come alive.

The views from different points of the resort are all extremely splendid and majestic. The sunset view from the cliff is a sight to behold as every shade from hues of rose to cobalt blue to champagne gold of the color wheel comes to play and gives off a spectacular sight.

Travelers are in for a real treat if they're lucky to chance upon the time of the year in Antulang when in the same horizon, the sun sets as the moon rises.

The famed marine sanctuary Apo Island sparkles from a distance and its' haziness only gives off hints of the splendor that the island possesses.

Antulang is one of those swimming pool-rich resorts but have done away with of those gaudily designed ones. Their saltwater infinity pool is in itself a spanking sight as it gives off a view where the pool seems to flow continuously to the shining sea beyond it. Just next to this swanky pool is the super deep Dive Pool where the gracious and fun Jonathan the Diving Instructor teaches his willing, water-loving students.

Our Antulang visit was over 3 years ago and pity that whilst the duration of our stay there, the bigger pool was still under construction. But from the looks of it, the pool was constructed to go around a huge part of the resort a la moat type. So many pools! There are even villas you can stay at with your own private dazzling swimming pool! Oh and their rooms are just lovely with really sweet views of sea, should you choose that option. Private cabanas offer guests the isolation and seclusion they need with their own marvelous backdrop of the stunning sea, plus a private jacuzzi or a pool to boot.

While Antulang's very own house reef is bustling with an amazing display of rich marine life where divers can spot and name a variety of sea creatures from A to Z, the waters by the shore are really no place for little kids to wade and play around in as the waves can get pretty big and the current strong. So just be sure to keep a keen and careful eye on them.

*photo by Carlo Dionisio

Kain, Rice Table!

2007-02-28T11:47:00.000+08:00

Kain!

Located along the first level of the south wing of Mall of Asia (facing the bay), this resto can be tempting to try as the interiors spell tastefully done. Despite the clean and white facade plus a rather good selection of furnishings, do not let your eyes be deceived. Presentation has its purposes.

The emptiness of the place should've given away the fact that their food sucked. Yes, the photos might look alluring and delicious but it all stops there. Schnapps to The Rice Table though for presentation efforts and for the concept of the Rice Table Set where a pair (or plus one) can easily sample 12 different dishes in super small servings at a fair price.

We really wouldn't have minded the miniscule servings in each plate since altogether they can make your belly burst, but the food isn't really anything more special than your typical cafeteria meals. Yeah the food is palatable but nowhere near cuisine, Asian or whatever. So it's totally not all its sparked up to be.

For starters though, the complimentary prawn crackers were a delight. Served with a hot chili dip Southeast Asian-style, these fritters were enjoyable to munch on. But aside from that, everything else was Bah with a capital B.

The Rice Table starts you off with 2 of the 12 meals, a brothy and gingery soup concoction that isn't really anything to rave about, save for that amusing slice of corn that one can easily nibble on.

As you slurp your soup down, the waiters bring in the medley of dishes that's supposed to impress the hungry diner. But ah, the expectant palate awaits, only to be disappointed.

On this side of the table holds the chicken satay, pork in some sauce, and a tofu omelet. I'd hardly even call that chicken satay -- skewered chicken popcorn plated with a lousy excuse for a satay sauce, nothing more than what tastes like poor watered-down peanut butter. There are about 5-6 small pieces of pork in that other plate, but the meat is only about 30% of one piece, with pig fat composing the rest of the 70%. The sauce, well, it's forgettable. The tofu omelet could've passed as yummy and tasty if it wasn't swimming in the glorious cooking oil it was fried in.

This foursome here includes a cucumber salad, an eggplant dish, beef curry and vegetable curry. A cucumber salad isn't really hard to do, it's a simple mixture of vinegar, a bit of water and some sugar to sweeten it. So I really can't understand why their dish failed, it was as bland as bland can be and the cucumber slices were wilted and mushy to the touch. The eggplant dish can be labeled as tasty, but nothing out of the ordinary. I was annoyed by the curry dishes! I looooove curry, I love how it can be a melting pot of flavors and spices, I love the colors, the scent, the taste, I love curry! So in that regard, Rice Table's curry dishes are not curry. We were robbed of the powerful intensity of flavors that a curry dish can bring. These were weak and watery. We were more annoyed because the "beef curry" seemed to be just the same curry base as that of the vegetables', only they put in two chunks of dry flavorless beef, which weren't even coated with the sauce. They just stood there all dry and bored. Annoying!

Finally, this side here holds a plateful of cold and chewy dilis which we were expecting to be at least crispy, some Pandan Chicken that we thought could've saved the meal because of one small juicy piece, and the Vietnamese spring rolls which weren't anything more than a layers of fried wrapper with hardly any filling in it. The Nasi Goreng was not Nasi Goreng as I've come to know it. The Rice Table's version of this flavorful rice dish is just soy-sauced long-grain rice. Booooring!

So yes, that's quite a mouthful of what I have to rant about. Their saving grace? The gracious and attentive service staff... and maybe their interiors as well.

World Light Expo! Part 3

2007-02-21T18:15:00.000+08:00

LightTrip!

Look up! Towers and lanterns.

World Light Expo 2007 promises to wow your eyes with a fantastic spectacle of multi-colored lights showcased through structures of all shapes and sizes. Find yourself in a vicarious trip around the world,

as you enter through Tiananmen Square

and pass through temples and Chinese towers.

You can choose your favorite lantern,

circle around,

and then make a wish.

Go to a neighboring South East Asian country,

and then check out Japan.

*details and information on the expo can be found here

World Light Expo! Part 2

2007-02-21T17:32:00.000+08:00

LightTrip!

The World Light Expo artist made sure that the minutest of details were well taken care of. Not an inch was spared from the fine craftsmanship.

This carp moves!

Pisces

This turkey is made from little glass bottles holding colored liquid inside.

Phoenix frolicking with a Peony

Sarimanok

Another very detailed work of art. This 100-meter dragon is made of plates, tea cups and bowls. The light glazes the white and blue ceramic to give the masterpiece its elemental glow.

*details and information on the expo can be found here

World Light Expo! Part 1

2007-02-21T16:47:00.000+08:00

LightTrip!

Pack your shades, bring your map, pocket a flashlight, we're in the Philippines and it's time to hunt for the world's light expo!

Grandiose walkways

Make sure you have your camera on bulb setting.

Even the food court is fully lit up!

The second set of neon arches.

The fountain acts as a mist screen for a theatrical water show.

Global trekking, anyone? Lets hop on over to......

Paris's Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame

No need to take the ferry to the UK as the London Bridge is just a couple of steps away

Hard Rock Cafe can't be more than hours away.

New York for Christmas at Rockefeller Center

The World Light Expo is hard to miss. Just head down (or up depends where you are coming from) Diosdado Macapagal Avenue and you're bound to be greeted with a magical display of lights around the corner. Its towards the intersection of Roxas Blvd. and Airport Rd. around the corner right across Uniwide Coastal Mall. Cough up Php300 (200 for kids) and be ready to enter a world of bioluminescent jelly beans.

Note: In the admission guide flyer it states: "-- adult - over 4 feet Php 300" (we are in Asia, there are adults below 4-feet, just take a look at the President.)

Expect more attractions when the park formally opens (we got first dibs, haha) on the 23rd of February. The too-cold-for-our-own-good negative-18 degrees Centigrade Ice World (!!!) holds ambient-lit ice sculptures big and small. Another thing to hold your breath for is the showcasing of one of the World's mysteries --- the Chinese Terracotta Army --- specially kept and protected in a huge tent. But, prepare to pay an additional fee to get in.

Careful as your jaw drops as the Chinese-certified Circus performs wild stunts on the center stage. Catch them Korean B-Boys over at the Dance Plaza as they give you a dose break dancing and eastern style serving. Any light expo in the world wouldn't be complete without a fireworks display so be sure to catch this part of the program. One corner of the park holds a huge and wide fountain where there is an hourly water show. So head on over to that side and be amazed as the mist screen comes alive with dancing fountains and lights.

Kain, Siquijor!

2007-02-16T17:09:00.000+08:00

Kain!

I'm all raves about the food in Siquijor's Coral Cay Resort. Now this is one in-house resto you can definitely trust. From breakfast to after-dinner munchies, their wide and varied menu selection will make you want to eat nonstop.

The first meal of the day always tops my priority list and Coral Cay's breakfast items are a delight to the morning person. From different Filipino breakfasts to usual Continental dishes, the servings are always plentiful and mouthwatering. Ooooh, and the banana pancakes. Love love love their version of banane-pfannkuchen. You can't be beat with a place that serves yummy banana pancakes, I always say! Thick and fluffy with obscene amounts bananas and a generous sprinkle of sugar (I'll make do without the maple syrup for this one, thank you very much).

Lunch and dinner items are something to look forward as their menu is creatively jotted down on a blackboard which changes daily in accordance to whatever the FRESH catch of the day is. Parrot fish anyone? A huge fat lapu-lapu to satiate your hunger? All these meals come in big generous servings plus heaps of any side dishes to suit your fancy.

For a steady late afternoon delight, head on over to their bar and order yourself a fruity cocktail drink to keep you sane as the sun sets and gives you a wild and crazy display of colors.

Coral Cay keeps a well stocked bar, I must say, as this resort is run by an American (David, a Vietnam veteran!) who knows his alcohol mixes all too well and has handed down this delightful deftness to his lady bartender.

Another admirable trait that David has passed on to his staff is the American cheerful way of service which goes oh so well with the engaging Filipina charm. The food might might take a darn long time (the only drawback) to get to your table, but the female-composed staff is just so nice that you wouldn't mind the wait as they happily share their Siquijorian tales and myths.

* photo by Michael Sieberath - Von Bremen

MiStIQUIJOR

2007-02-15T20:08:00.000+08:00

Hu-waw Philippines!

No! That queasy feeling is not because of the one-hour ferry boat ride to the island. And let's just say you are not drunk either. It's simply that one of a kind feeling - of goosebumps, butterflies in the stomach and that tingling sensation you get when you are trying to hold your crap and then a cold draft passes by, - all rolled into one.

Yes now, thhhat feeling.

It's YOURS to explore

Upon arrival on Siquijor, one notices that the place is not a usual tourist destination. Although there might be no transportation junction in this country void from Madam Gloria's Wow Philippines campaign banners, blinding commercial advertisements seen in famous destinations cease to exist. Instead, rust and chipped paint color the the pier and the sound of distant silence lurks. Siquijor gives me that one of a kind feeling where, time stops, spirits roam and Animism becomes a forced religion as earth's manna will come knocking down your door.

Nothing. Nil. Zip. Shall I say more?

Thanks to the logic behind economics, prices at Coral Cay Resort are very much reasonable. For 800Php you get a fan room, queen-sized bed (the real size definition and not those malnourished bed size claims often said by provincial over-night 2star hotels), dark wooden interiors, pure and clean whites from tiles to beddings. Instead of dragging your lazy ass 50m further, you can opt to take a dip at the resort's pool or if you feel like taking an exercise, why not borrow their kayak free of charge!. Then paddle to Coral Cay's floating dock where you get to have the best view of the island on one side and the ocean horizon alongside with Apo Is. on the other.

*There are barely any resorts along the strip.

Apo island on the distance

The mighty Green Flash from Coral Cay Resort will be waiting for you at the pier ready for transfers.

Jonas

Besides the friendliest staff, there are additional shiny-happy-people residents from the resort.

Bingo and Mr. Crabs

Cantabon cave

Silence and tranquility may be a killer for some. R&R is very much available in Siquijor as recreation can be done via spelunking in Cantabon cave and taking a dip at the pastel blue waters of Cambugahay falls.

*Cambugahay Falls

I have been to almost every region in the country. From North all the way down South. Siquijor is by far the best island I have been to and comes second to none.

It's the type of place where time standing still meant that when the sun hit half-way down the horizon, dinner was to be served in an hour's time. The sun is about to rise when engine warm-up of tricycles and jeepneys start to buzz. Its quarter to seven when you see the young lady walking down the dust road with her basket of fresh vegetables bought from the market and 3pm strikes when the old man wakes from his afternoon siesta and sits by his rocking chair sipping his coffee. The island had its own biological clock and calendar. Monday meant seeing hugs and well-wishes at the pier as individuals head off to the city as they start the work week once more. Escalating Witching Festivities of enchantment signaled Black Saturday. Siquijor is a living being. It's alive.

*photo by Michael Sieberath - Von bremen
** triptayo Siquijor was done in Jan. 2005

Soundtrip, Pilipinas

2007-02-13T22:20:00.000+08:00

Soundtrip!

Last Friday brought us to the cozy, acoustically sound interiors of Sensation Bar, a non-descript joint tucked away in the recesses of underrated and overlooked (a treasure cove of odds and ends) Pasay road.

Kadangyan - video powered by Metacafe

Musicians and makatas (poets) convened in this tavern to amuse wide-eyed spectators with their craft. The difference with any other gig? Filipino pride, man. This was a night of lively celebration of ethnic indigenous music cast together with young, bright and zealous makatas all raring for their words and rhythms to reach the brainwashed westernized minds of our countrymen. No no, none of that activist overly patriotic and radical mood. This was a place for open hearts and open minds.

Kadangyan

the group is composed of artists from various provinces

Music flowed freely and beautifully and brought us back to our roots, an appreciation for our heritage and who we are as a Filipino people.

The instruments that were showcased were as much conversation pieces as the rhythms they produced. Taking these tribal instruments from around the globe side by side with the ingeniousness of Pinoy musical creations makes for a melange of worldly beats that makes you want to rise out of your body. Among instruments the bands used, the myriad included a hand-painted Kubing, pseudo-hegalong, Djembes, goblet drums and the devil's water chimes.

etchings

devil's water chimes

Good Leaf

With Good Leaf, there was no need for much vocals. Just feel the music. But then again, their version of Shaider's 'Shigishigi' song is a trip! (Complete with Shaider's laser gun sound!)

Makatas

One free-flowed, the other used humor while another was accompanied with ethnic instruments. Yet all had their own subtle way of expressing the rage and reading between the lines, idealism was burning on each poet’s piece.

Unitiima - video powered by Metacafe

Unitiima along with their hodgepodge of beats bring Pinoy pride!

Be sure to catch events like this. There is always a hidden treasure in the most unexpected places and events. Ditch mainstream and find that hole-in-the-wall.

Tara na!

Let's TripTayo

Kain, Panglao!

2007-02-09T19:55:00.000+08:00

Kain!

Traveling is one half (or more, in my case) a gustatory endeavor and Panglao definitely hits the yummy spot. Being a tropical seaside resort town, one word comes to mind -- FRESH. Fresh fish best eaten grilled with splashes of calamansi, freshsquid for the most succulent calamari, fresh crustaceans of all shapes, colors and sizes, from tasty little shrimps to the fattest, meatiest crabs, to bright and juicy prawns and to the bluest and yummiest lobsters. Clams and mussels also abound, Oysters so fresh just a splash of our local lemon and vinegar with a dash of salt plus one big slurp – ay yay yay! -- enough to send you to a delicious mind-numbing experience. The fresh taste of the seabed that goes down with the oyster lingers in one’s palate and leaves one wanting more.

sugbahan Panglao*

For non-seafood fans (shame on you!) beef and pork are easily available. Kabobs of all sorts are grilled almost everywhere so savory scents envelope the alona beach strip especially come dinner time. No worries too, as the meats are sourced from neighboring communities so one is assured of the freshness. Grilled to perfection, the meats are tender and juicy to the bite.

Chug it all down with the liquid love of a nice ice-cold San Miguel Pilsen (also perfect for nice little sips all throughout the day for that pleasant buzz), or with fresh coconut juice from coconuts picked right in front of you, or choose from a bevy of fresh and thick yummy fruit shakes, from the freshest fruits, no less, yummy enough to slurp it all off from the table if you’re unfortunate enough to accidentally knock your tumbler down.

Food from the resorts’ restaurants isn’t really something to boast about as they’re nothing apart from the ordinary, and I daresay that it’s not worth your peso. Unless of course if the resort really has a famed resto of which you must naturally try. So we encourage you, traveler, to get up and walk around the Alona beach strip as it offers a multitude of choices of gastronomic colors, scents and sizes. International culinary delights also welcome the willing palate. Foreign blood has found home and haven here, and Panglao locals and trekkers are fortunate enough to have some of their good ol' home cooking with the food joints that these local-ed foreigners have so lovingly opened. One memorable joint that deserves a two-thumbs up is an Italian place right down the beach strip nearing the border of Bohol Beach Club, the name escapes me but you can’t miss it, especially with the savory scent drawing you closer and closer. Pizza-riffic perfection with its delicious crunchy and tasty thin crust, the perfect marinara sauce and a handful of abundant fresh toppings all baked in a stone grill right under their hut. Beach-side Pizza was never this good.

Food tripping in Panglao is definitely one for the books. Just walk down that strip, choose your spot, and scarf all the yumminess down.

*photo by Carlo Dionisio

BOHOLidays

2007-02-08T19:00:00.000+08:00

Hu-waw Philippines!

Alona beach*

Located in Panglao island, Bohol, Alona beach is its main strip of white sand. Alona Kew provides one of the budget friendly places to stay.

*

**

The loboc river cruise is a complete feast for the senses. As the stream tugs you down the river, let's hope you're not color blind since different shades of green paint the facade. From the river to the coconut trees to the passing boat man's banana-leaf hat, there is no need for that so-called 'certain shade of green'. The tropical weather takes part in setting the mood. After mother nature sprinkles the river with scattered five-minute rain showers, sunshine comes into play as it seeps through the coconut tree canopy and the scent of wet-earth tingles the nose. The water twinkles like stars. Birds whisper songs, voiding the need for mp3 players. Although there is beer served on the boat, let yourself feel the natural enchantment reek from your pores thus completing the fiesta on all five senses.

*

*

Although it may be part of the tourist itinerary, it is possible to hire your own boat for around 4,000-6,000Php and it even comes with a lunch buffet meal. In addition, in exchange for additional cash, there are other platform-boats that include a group of serenaders. Always remember that the bigger the group, the cheaper the rates fly.

*

rockstar Wanda

Tarsier

The postcard shot of the chocolate hills is just the tip of the iceberg

On the road leading to the tourist-shot spot, already, a smorgasboard of chocolate sizes and shapes. All the way to the horizon, until where your eyes can see. So why waste time and try to get your I'm-so-vain-solo-picture in the same viewing deck as everyone else, when you can just head down the road and see the other less popular hill spots. Just ring that bell, head down the steps and spread out; there is plenty for everyone.

*

*

The tour around Bohol can be done in one single day. It's now up to you how long you want to stare at the acid-laced sunsets along the beach strips of Panglao island.

*photo by Michael Sieberath - Von bremen
**photo by Annie Lastrilla
*** triptayo Bohol was done in Jan. 2005

Balicasag Island

2007-02-07T12:55:00.000+08:00

Hu-waw Philippines!

Balicasag island

Another one amongst the thousands of diver's-paradise islands. Balicasag island is about an hour away from Panglao island in Bohol.

The island has just one operating resort.

Now chose your vice.

If you conveniently find yourself drunk by noon, it would be nice to rest and take a walk around the island. After a leisurely 20-minute stroll and 3 spliffs later. . .

you hear nothing but the sea breeze lulling you to the nearest beach cot

or you can always decide to take a dip

power up on a four-legged blue star

and then you will find Nemo

triptayo

2007-02-06T12:14:00.000+08:00

so we're jumping in on the bandwagon and catching up on lost time.
time to document the past and update hereafter.
more trips to infinity and beyond.
tara na!
let's triptayo!