Amazing Bangkok

Having been well-traveled domestically did not prepare me for a four days vacation tour in one of South East Asia’s emerging tourism destinations to date: Bangkok, Thailand.

The trip has been planned for the whole year as funds were still generated and schedules have been considered along with officemates.

I am no neophyte when it comes to traveling but internationally I am; and Bangkok was my first ever trip abroad though I’m determined to go somewhere else in the future (nature bid me).

We had around three hours of air travel direct from Cebu’s Mactan International Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

We left Cebu in the evening and we were expected to arrive in Bangkok around midnight.

It was a bit rough going down because of tremors since it rained in the city but still lights flooded my vision when I peeped on the airplane’s window.

I was stunned to see such wide landscape of glaring lights spreading like wildfire. From the plane, Bangkok appeared to me like a vast speck of light as from windows left and right I could not fathom where the its length and depth ended.

Despite fatigue from work I had with me back home, excitement instantly shoot up my veins and I wanted to get my camera from my bag, if only it was allowed on board.

The arrival

When we got down, I could not help but compare my city to this foreign land, but I kept my observations to myself as I wanted to write it on paper.

They had a huge airport, more like a shopping mall for a small creature like me.
I once again stopped myself from taking out my camera inside my bag to get some snapshots because we were rushing along with other foreigners to get out of what seemed to me was an endless aisle.

After we got our passports checked and verified by Thai immigration, we immediately got out of the airport and since we were not familiar with the place, we had a hard time deciding what to take. We did our research before the trip and mind you we studied it for a year but nothing from that research prepared me for the real thing.

I was surprised to note that some Thai could not speak fluent English so we had a hard time negotiating our way to our hotel.

We were almost tried by a man who offered to take us to Shangri-La for a certain thousand baht but since we felt he was suspicious, we tried asking around couple of times for directions and miraculously an airport staff told us the right way.

We head off with an airport hired taxi to the Shangri-La Bangkok which offered us a good deal. It was almost midnight so there were only a few people out on the streets. When we reached Shangri-La, I was too tired and sleepy to check out the room but this time we did not let time slip without taking some photographs.

We were billeted in the main hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River so the next day as we opened our window, we were welcomed by Bangkok’s metropolitan landscape.

Although it rained that early morning nothing stopped us from hitting the road and we collectively agreed to go to the Grand Palace as our first stop.

Going to the Grand Palace was not easy for us who opted to go on our own without tour guides or translators but only a map in tow.

We were equipped with our common sense, guts and will power. Before we found a taxi, we tried walking along the sidewalk which smelled of foreign herby odor.

We wanted to take a bus but to our surprise, the buses did not have English translations and looking at the map we were not convince on which direction to take so we tried looking out for a taxi instead.

And luckily after some minutes of walking and looking around like lost souls in Siam’s new civilization, we hailed a neon pink cab (most cabs in Bangkok were neon colored) and told the non-English speaking driver where we wanted to go which took us around some minutes more to get the right destination across his confused face.

Going to the Grand Palace, we passed along Bangkok’s China Town which is considered as the largest in the world (what happened to China’s China town??).

Along the way, I enthusiastically took in the tidbits of information I’ve gotten from the mere sight of each street we passed by.

From the wide array of restaurants, hotels, offices and commercial establishments we’ve passed along, I noted that Bangkok already adopted a mixture of different styles, from modern, ethnic, cultural to even Western but the Asian culture was very much dominant.

---in Wat Pho---

The Grand Palace

After some minutes, we arrived at the gates of the Grand Palace. Yes it was so grand because the infrastructure was no like other places I’ve seen along the way.
Immediately we took some pictures.

One by one, me and my four other companions scurried like little kids smiling from different angles.

After getting our ticket to the Grand Palace, we lined in together with a multitude of Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, and Westerners. Inside, I was enthralled to behold such a rich reserve of culture and civilization.There were giant stone guards made with colorful bits of intricately molded and chiseled stone.

--At Bangkok's the floating market--

Inside were golden temples and intricately designed roofs. It was amazing to see so many structures with so many designs and I could not measure how much time and effort were spent to complete these artistic infrastructures. It was marvelous and it mirrored the rich culture and history of Thailand.

With so many towering figures around us, my camera did not stop from clicking from one image to the next and my plastered smile stayed in my lips despite such a hot day and I was able to manage my angles fairly well with practice of course.

We also entered the Jade Buddha but unfortunately, taking pictures inside was prohibited.
The deep religiosity of Thais also marveled me because ancient Thai were very much devoted to their gods and goddesses that they were able to construct such a beauty.

---Victory Monument in Bangkok near the Grand Palace---

It took us more than an hour to take in the beauty inside the Grand Palace because of so many interesting figures and sights to behold and capture in digital print.

We wanted to stay longer but our hungry stomachs refused the thought so we went out to get something to eat.On our way out, we passed by their Grand Mansion which had a vast well manicured lawn and yard.

We had some last minute picture taking until we decided to go out and looked around for restaurants to eat nearby.

We dined in one of the restaurants along the other side of the Grand Palace and I had a tasty meal that noon, my first ever meal in Bangkok (aside from my breakfast at the hotel early).

And boy it was good; I like the flavor as well as the spicy kick inside my mouth.
Full and sated now, we started again to walk (most of our tours inside Bangkok is all about walking)… to be continued

Escaping into another side of heaven

Like a little kid treated out for her first taste of ice cream, I was thrilled with the pronouncement from the Editor in Chief that I was to join a familiarization tour that frenzied prospects of at last being able to tour the southern side of my second home registered in my restless mind.

Along with travel agents, tour guides and Madam Cecil Saa of the Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. Cebu Branch who headed the group, I ranked that one cool Saturday morning as one of the most memorable city life escape I’ve ever done as I was able to witness the awe-inspiring splendor of Moalboal, an island I’ve heard a many times but seen only on magazines and some source links in the net.

Discovering a Paradise

As one of the most popular diving spots in the country and home to white sand beaches and magnificent coral reefs, the almost entirely water-surrounded
municipality of Moalboal extends as a peninsula in the Southern tip of Cebu. It is nestled between the towns of Alcantara and Badian bordered to the west by Tañon Strait and where the island of Negros afar the western shoreline was reached by my eyes.

Its pristine blue seashore was entrancing that even an inexperienced swimmer like myself was tempted to explore.

But since the island hosts only a handful resorts, my group got lucky for a pre-arranged accommodation at the Kasai Village Beach Resort, a distinctive class of its own right near Moalboal’s fishermen village at Tuble, in front of the island’s stunning shoreline.

We were welcomed by Kasai’s Swedish owner Michael Petterson and his Filipina wife Lydia who are hands-on with the operation of the business. As a foreigner, Michael admitted to have fallen for the place and shared that he thinks the Philippines could very well be at par with other tourism destination abroad because of our incomparable and rich natural resources, the reason why he decided to do business in the island in the first place.

The Kasai Village Beach Resort was named after the Visayan vernacular “Kasay” that meant “crab” which is one among the array of fresh seafood that can be found in the island. As a destination for international divers and nature enthusiasts searching for first class dive spots away from overcrowded areas and commercialization, the resort’s PADI 5 Star Dive Center Oxygène Philippines provides full range of scuba diving courses, snorkeling programs, high quality equipment rentals and of course sensational fun diving.

Perfectly suited for diving and other outdoor activities; exciting excursions with jungle trips, cave exploring, motorcycle riding right at the mountains, horse back riding on the shore, and hill walking to the waterfalls and hot springs situated in neighboring towns are only a few to what is in stored for Kasai’s village guests.

All of the resort’s areas were constructed out of natural materials blending with its perfect tropical environment ambiance; so, aside for daring and adventuresome folks, the resort is equally suited for relaxation as it also provides romantics a private rendezvous and even loners like myself a place of escape with its luxurious atmosphere.

New Experiences, New Friends

Given a sea view room located directly on the beachfront with our own terrace overlooking the island of Negros , me and my new found friends enjoyed long hours of chit chat taking advantage of the brief stay in such a serene and magnificent island.

Before I got tempted to doze off after a day’s exhausting travel, I decided to explore and savor the whole new experience and welcomed the company of strangers that offered me their sincere friendship. Amazing how such an island bonded souls and different characters so easily.
When they daybreak came, we weren’t able to resist putting in our bikinis and dropped into the resort’s splendid blue pool despite a chilly weather.

For someone who is still on the process of treating a wounded heart, that solitary moment flushed back bittersweet memories of yesterday that I was glad Fergie was not there to sing me her “Big Girls Don’t Cry” hit as the setting was perfect for melodrama. But that particular moment was not meant for cheesy thoughts that I snapped back from reality to join in the group’s merrymaking.

Before that night ended, we did not let the moment pass without enjoying a toast or two of the finest wines offered in the resort’s bar overlooking the dark but calm sea with its waves echoing the rhythm on the bar’s stereo as we jammed like crazy to the beat of popular dance hits of the retro age.
Kasai Village had become quite known for its BBQ cookouts but during that breezy evening, we opted to content ourselves with the unique flavor of “kusahos,” a horse meat delicacy we bought from Barili on our day tour.

Handful Memories

The sunset on that part of Moalboal had appeared awesome with the sky’s bold stroke of colors, but the sunrise on the next day painted quite a brilliant picture with the bright sun, blue skies, and fluffy white clouds mirrored by the clear waters of the island on its canvass.
Beach views from the restaurant as we ate our hearty breakfast were absolutely stunning as the sea shone gloriously signifying another bright day ahead. But heaviness clouded my heart as we had only a few hours left to savor that brief but enchanting experience.
Pictures speak a thousand words; and on that instance, I could only hold on to them as frozen memories of my experiences in the island so we took a couple of last shots.

As we packed to leave, I realized that there really is indeed a paradise on earth, another side of heaven where I could put my thoughts into its proper places and eliminate the ugly marks of living with loneliness and emptiness that has long clouded my disposition.
When our bus left, I sighed with sadness but was content by the thought of keeping a handful of fun memories inside my heart.

As I looked forward to facing the challenges that awaits my return in the city, I murmured a silent prayer for the air to hear. I wished that hopefully I’d find myself back in the island again, walking on its sandy white beach or dipping my toes on its majestic waters.
During those moments, I knew then that I have also fallen for the place and particularly sure that the experience will always linger in my thoughts even until I reach home.

To know more about the resort, log on to: kasaivillage.com or visit Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. at G/F, Zeraus Building, Gorordo Avenue Cebu City (Beside Equitable PCI Bank) or contact them at telephone number: (032) 232-8886.

Malapascua La Isla Bonita

A traveler at heart, I always fancied myself setting foot on Earth’s most beautiful places and usually they’ve been pictured out to be located abroad; but after a sojourn in Malapascua, I’ve proved it as a misconception.
Even by afar, the island was already stunning in view with its spread of white sand floating on the sparkling blue shore.
Mesmerized, even stupefied I guess, I held my breath for a long while to admire its glorious wonder.

When me and my buddy Darren arrived, I even thought of kissing the ground to pay homage not that we arrived safe and unharmed from several misfortunate events along but because of its pristine beauty.

For crying out loud, it was indeed one of the most beautiful places I have been to. Its well-flourished vegetation was a proof that the island indeed was a paradise unspoiled by human hands or by urban developments. It has maintained a kind of ecosystem wherein you can feel from the touch of the breeze in your skin that your one with the forces of nature.
But before I fast track, let me tell you how to get there easy. From Cebu City, you can ride an air-conditioned or a regular non-aircon Ceres bus at the North Bus Terminal located near SM City Cebu.

Take the bus going to Maya in Daan Bantayan and from there Maya; take a motorboat going to Malapscua Island and in about 30 minutes or so of seaworthy travel you’ll be in Malapascua!!!
However, getting there was not actually that easy for us since we did not follow that route; we just figured that one out afterwards.

Thinking that we can cross two islands: Bantayan and Malapascua without detours, we head for Bantayan and took off with the bus that would have supposedly taken us to Hagnaya Warf where we can cross to Santa Fe.
But since we were both strangers in the North of Cebu, but were both determined to travel without a map, we went on our way to where our feet can take us.

And so, not able to catch the last motorboat for Sta. Fe, we decided to head back to Bogo and decided to wait until dawn and took the bus to Maya this time.
And so, by lunchtime, we found ourselves on one of the most awe-inspiring island there is on Earth--- Malapascua.

My friend who is a mountaineer and had been to Boracay and other parts of the country described the island as one of the most serene locations and definitely one of the most undisturbed by the advancement of technology within its neighboring towns. But there is an internet connection mind you in the island, but it would actually take you a ride back to download a site.
In Malapascua, cottages of all sorts can be easily gotten especially on off-peak seasons.

Me and my buddy DarrenAnd because that time, tourists were few, we had a grand cottage in the beachfront area for only P1, 500 with two beds.
Not letting any chances slip us by, we rented a motorbike for a wild ride across the island paradise to discover every bit of mystery in stored. We took off after a hearty lunch courtesy of the Spanish-styled sardines we bought in our grocery shopping in town.

There where actually several things to behold inside the island, more than meets the eye when you get there. Its wilderness is still intact and inside, there lies a fishing town that seemed unmindful of the hustles and bustles of the world outside.

It was pretty amazing really, more like seeing your own country in a different perspective.
After that exhausting yet sating joyride, we played table tennis until dusk.
But I decided to wander in the shore to watch the setting sun. I sat a while in the course white sand mulling over the vast horizon of reddish sky ready to turn gray for the night. It was a sight to behold, the light eaten out by a darker force yet still beautiful to behold.
That breezy night, I got a whole body massage from a local masseur for P350.
While letting the time pass and nothing left to do, we talked to them like new friends and found out more about the simple life that each local live by everyday.

Men in Malapascua are usually fishermen, boatmen, or a resort crew while women are usually manicuristas, masseurs, and resort attendants. And everyone knows everybody and things usually are a family affair.

That solitary moment was just perfect for melodrama yet that time I was filled with so much excitement and my mind was bursting with so much calmness. The island reverberated a different kind of energy that sunk deep inside my restless thoughts and my scarred heart which rejuvenated my well-being. The feeling was so light like the clouds and so free like the wind.
But like normal city folks, without television and my portable DVD in hand, Darren and I contented ourselves chatting over a bottle of mineral water and munching on some goodies and chips to avoid boredom for that night, all you hear is the splashing of waves, whisper of the wind and the bustle of insects.


With so much time in our hands, we placed our sundecks near the seashore below that night’s starless and cloudless sky to chat some more. It was a peaceful retreat and a good chance to reminisce about our lives, our experiences and discuss about mundane things good friends especially young breeds usually do.
After that almost endless chitchat, we doze off to sleep only to be awakened by the gentle swaying of the coconut leaves around our cottage and the splash of waves in the shore. Even if I’m more accustomed to hearing noisy clatter on our home and bustling traffic in the city, the sound echoed like music to my ears.

It signaled a long day ahead before we head back to our own worlds and our daily routine.
That morning, we commissioned the masseur’s boatman husband to take us on an island hopping trip. Determined to taste every bit of the island, we were both excited to look around and witness its splendid beauty.

Unfortunate that I cannot swim, I was contented to take a peek of the life below the sea while my friend swam happily and snorkeled like crazy. The corals mirrored by the clear waters seemed to dance in front of me. So disappointed that I cannot prolong my breath under water, I contented myself on picking a handful of colorful shells instead and taking a couple of signature poses with my camera.
The view finder always blows me away, as angle by angle I see beauty positioned in the right spot.