Afternoon and Evening Walks in Penang

It's time for that yearly business trip to Penang. As usual the travel was long because it was overnight by mini bus and tiring because we had to attend to the official business before sleeping. The moment I was able to regain some strength, I met with a friend who was also having a holiday in Penang. The air was so humid and I felt it the moment I stepped out of the hotel. Our hotel was in another part of Penang this time and it was a great opportunity to discover the other side of town. Most photos on this post are taken by my good friend P. Jose. 

First, we reached a part of Penang with this view. Honestly, I did not know what part this is but the view of the cruise ship somewhat hiding beyond is interesting. 

We walked through a park and reached Fort Cornwallis. It was so hot I was literally drenched with sweat on my back. We were not interested in paying quite a big amount to see what is inside so we just took some photos of the facade. 

We headed to a mall to cool ourselves and when it was nearly sun down, we went back to my hotel to get our other friend to join us for dinner. On the way, we passed by this street art on a wall beside a parking lot. I wrote about Penang's street art and steel art before and you can read it here.

Rax, PJ and I then went to Red Garden Food Paradise to fill ourselves with a delicious dinner. I chose to be adventurous and tried the nutmeg shake. Much to my dismay, it felt like I was drinking an ointment. I didn't like it so I ordered another drink, this time a watermelon shake. 

The night was still young but still humid so we chose to walk around. We found a lovely place near the park showcasing mini air balloons made from paper with drawings on them. It was a cute sight to behold. 

Their air balloon event is also coming up, thus this sight. I didn't expect that a few weeks later, huge and real air balloons were present during the Thailand Balloon Music Festival and I did get to see them for real.

The following day, we just lazily stayed in the hotel and left back for Phuket in the afternoon. That was again a short and sweet trip to Penang. The place never ceased to surprise me. Thank you and 'til my next blog!

Philippine Presidential Debate 2016

Last Sunday 24 April 2016, I bet most and if not all Filipinos were glued on their television screens to watch for the final Philippine Presidential Debate. 5 candidates vying for the country's highest position were in one stage to discuss their platforms and answer critical and current issues in the Philippines. Although I am currently abroad, local news media as well as Facebook and You tube has been a great instrument for me as well as my colleagues to know and watch it live. I was able to witness it as if I am in my country.

Never have I seen the Filipino people clamor for a better change and good governance. Maybe I am just on Facebook too much. I'm sad to note that almost half of the country is still not connected to the internet. Those on the far flung mountains will still hear news on the radio or the television and the medias biases on a certain candidate. I'm disappointed to see such a well known television broadcasting company side with another candidate and erroneously quoted another candidate of his responses during the debate.

This election will be a tough one. I just hope it's not a bloody one. Every Filipino has the right to vote, I just wish they be true to their hearts and not be swayed by the black propaganda nor the bribery that traditional politicians have been doing over the years. It's really time for the Philippines to rise up from the grips of these corrupt politicians. I'm continuously praying and looking forward that #changeiscoming. 

Thank you and 'til next blog!

Can travel dreams really come true?

Last April 3, I blogged about my travel goals and you can read it here. Oh, how sweet it would be if I can do all of them. I know that would be dreaming a lot but anyways, its always free to dream.

I received an email from KLM Philippines inviting me to share my dream and possibly to win a dream trip. It was a very busy time at the office and so now that I am on a rest day, I chose to put some time and attention to the email. Their promotion entails for travelers or adventurers like you and me to share our top 3 favorite travel destinations and who knows, they might take us there someday! I have joined in some contests like these before and did not win but my fighting spirit pushes me to still try my luck.

So I've chosen 3 ultimate destinations that I want and picked the top priority. I also sent a few invites to my friends to join. I want to try and ride this airline of which I've heard there is good and wonderful service. I certainly wish for my travel experience delivered by no less than a pleasant crew.

Let's see if lady luck will shine her smile to me this time. Come and join, too and get a chance to make your dream trip come true. Thank you and 'til my next blog! :)

Splash Jungle Phuket

April 13, 2016 -- Songkran day (New Year's day) in Thailand. For the past 2 years, me and my friends went to Patong, Phuket to celebrate it and join the massive and fun water fights. I even blogged about it here. This year, since our office is closed for the event and it is one of the rare times that me and my friends can go out together, we chose to celebrate it in a different location. This time, we went to Splash Jungle Water Park Phuket.

We drove towards the place at about 12nn after having lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant. Splash Jungle Water Park is situated near the airport which is about 30-40 minutes away from Phuket town or about an hour from the location of the famous beaches. This is the first time for all of us to be at a water park so we we're excited.

Entrance at the Park cost about 1,295THB per adult and children from 5-12 years old are charged for 650THB. After paying, the staff gave us one wristband with a locker key attached. The sun was shining high because it was just after noontime that we came. The place was packed for the day. We then changed to our swimming attires and got our own towels to save costs from towel rentals. We then sought to find some sun chairs to leave our towels. 

Then, we headed to the Lazy River. Tubes were free and we grabbed one while floating along a river that circles the place. This allowed us to see the other features of the Water Park and to plan where we would go next.

Moving on, we headed to the Body and Tube Slides. One look for me and it was scary but once I tried it, it was so enjoyable. These slides can be enjoyed either by a single tube or a double one. We had to keep our camera so as to avoid getting wet so we didn't have a photo here.

Next stop was the Bomerango. First we have to climb to the 4th floor of the Slide Tower. This is the view from the top.

Then we had to slide through a dark tube and come out into a giant super bowl. Our double tube did several turns before we were finally taken down to a splash down pool. Crazy fun!!

The giant super bowl at our back.

Another thing we tried was Bomerango. Again, we climbed towards the 4th floor of the Slide Tower and slid thru a dark tube which was followed by a rush high on a vertical wall. This pretty much mimics the feeling of riding a roller coaster. This too ends in the splashdown pool.

They also had a wave pool, which was cute and fun. People had to wear life jackets because it was pretty deep and the artificial current is quite strong. Also, there was an aqua play and kids pool for the kids who did not meet the required height of the Body and Slide Tubes.

This water park is part of the Centara Grand West Sand Resort and Villas. So it would be nice for families who would love the nearby beach and an alternative. Also, I am impressed by their service because of the hundreds of lockers available for guests, beach chairs around the pools, choice of food and beverage (although quite expensive as expected, a number of lifeguards around the place, and staff that regulate the guests before sliding down the tubes.

In summary, we enjoyed our few hours of great fun at Splash Jungle. Though it was very hot because of the unforgiving sun, we almost didn't feel it (except afterwards when we became 2 tones darker). Yes, Phuket is known for its beaches but hey, having a water park is still a good idea!

It was still a fun and wet Songkran for us. Thank you for reading and 'til my next blog! :)

The government chopper rider - Kris Aquino

I just have to let this out before I get to my breakfast and morning rituals. It has been all over the news in the Philippines regarding Kris Aquino, the younger sister of Philippine President Benigno Aquino, using a presidential helicopter during a campaign in Cebu last Tuesday, May 19.

photo taken from Facebook

According to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines,  it prohibits the use of government- owned and other government - resources for election campaigns. In other words, promoting a candidacy of one person in an election offense which was obviously done by Kris and the LP camp.

Netizens were quick to criticize Kris on this and as usual (and of course), her brother defended her. He said and I quote: "Nagkamalay siya kung kailan dapang-dapa kami bilang isang pamilya. Gusto ko naman ipakita sa kanya, tignan mo ang resulta na talagang nagiging makabuluhan, may saysay itong demokrasya na ipinaglaban ng mga magulang natin,". 

I DO NOT GET THE POINT. Does the President mean that only now he has shown his sister of the result of the democracy that their parents have fought for? And that is by using a helicopter? Kris is a very rich actress, surely she has ridden in more comfortable airplanes during her travel abroad!  She is 45 years old, I'm sure she has already experienced more comfort than what the Aquino family went through during the Martial Law. The Filipino people has already given her family a lot starting from her mother and her brother's Presidency. 

Malacanang is also quick to defend that saying that "Members of the President's immediate family are allowed to ride with him in official government vehicles." However, witnesses say the President was not in the area nor in the helicopters when Kris alighted from them. 

In another campaign sortie, Kris appealed to their supporters to defend her for the bashers in social media. Which leads me to ask, defend her from the people who saw that she was not following an election code? Defend her for her being ignorant in using government vehicles? I used to like her but this time, I say where did her brains go? Where are her advisers? If the new term for the people who like to correct people from doing unlawful or wrong acts are bashers, then are my parents and teachers my bashers? 

Well, rules should be rules especially during election when people are vigilant. Nothing can justify and change the fact that she broke the law. Anyway, I do not believe in our own country's Justice System anymore. It's no DAANG MATUWID (Straight Path). Only the rich and influential people benefit from it no matter how these politicians say that the poor is what they are fighting for. In the end, connections and money will have its own way. It's an irony that the other presidentiables are saying they can do this or that but they have been in the office for a long time and WHY WAS IT STILL NOT DONE?

I'm just an ordinary citizen and this is just one of the many opinions out there. I just hope this will be investigated and further end with a product outcome. The Aquinos are powerful. The Lord has already blessed them much for their hardships but until when will they take advantage of us? Until when will they tell to our face how their mother and father suffered from politics and left them children scarred? I say, it is good to look at the past but not to continuously dwell in it. 

GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Weekend at Phi Phi Island

So, I really missed going on a solo backpack and decided I can do it by going to another island. This time, I chose Phi Phi Islands.

This group of Islands is between Phuket and the west strait of Malacca. I booked for a return ferry ride to Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and most populated of this group of islands. It cost me around 600THB for the return trip which also included land transfers to pick me up and drop me off from where I reside in Phuket. 

Upon arrival at the Rassada pier in Phuket, the van driver gave me a sticker to put on my shirt. This will signal to what boat or group I will belong to.

The ferry was full with most passengers bringing their luggage to the island. These bags were piled up outside while the guests can choose to be either in the air-conditioned area or outside and under the direct heat of the sun.

The journey to the island was about 2 hours. We docked at Ton Sai Bay, which was a very busy port. Right after I stepped out of the boat, I saw my friend, Jackie, who is working as a tour guide. Unfortunately, I can't be with her during her sleep aboard tour because I booked for a dorm room to stay in the island for a night. Maybe the next time I come, I will  try her tour.

Upon entering the island, guests were asked to pay 20THB. The ticket receipt says it is a fee for the parking or cleaning.

My dorm room was just a few steps from the pier and was not difficult to find. After settling my things and freshening up, I went to have a walk around. I went to the other part of the island which was Loh Dalum Bay. It is a quiet place with lesser number of boats. Stretches of white sands can be seen with only a few bars or restaurants. It was low tide when I went there, so it was not that nice.

At night, the area transforms into a lively place. There were fire dancers showing their moves. Drinks can be purchased either from the bars or at the nearest 7-11 stores.These can then be enjoyed while sitting on the sand. Here's a short clip.

The next morning, I woke up early and did some trekking towards the viewpoint. I decided to see the second viewpoint first. It was so hot and it took me about 40 minutes towards the top. But the view was rewarding indeed!

On the way down to the first viewpoint, I relaxed and took the cemented pathway. 

When I went back to town, there was no electricity and water at the dorm. It was so humid. I decided to eat brunch at one of the few restaurants that had a generator. These power outages are commonly scheduled and well disseminated throughout the island.

Before I went back to Phuket, I had time to chill and enjoy the sun at Long Beach.

I know I could have done more activities while in Phi Phi Don. I saw a lot of booths offering afternoon tours to Maya Bay and other small islets. Maybe I will be back soon. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog. 

Trying Out A Capsule Hotel

Going to Patong from Phuket Town is quite expensive as there is a limited number of bus going to and from the places. These buses run from 6am until 4pm only and it takes a long time for them to come because there are only a few buses. Most of the time, taxis are hired for faster transport and cost would range from 300-600THB. Yesterday, I decided to meet 2 colleagues from my previous workplace as they were having their holiday in Patong, Phuket. Since I wanted to take my time in being with them and I do not want to spend a huge amount of transport cost from Patong back to where I reside in Phuket town, I decided to stay in a cheap hotel for a night. 

As I was looking at Agoda the day before I was to meet my friends, I stumbled upon Capsule Hotel and Sauna, Patong. They were advertising their Korean style mixed dormitory bed which was basically a mattress laid out in the huge lounge. I am not fond of dormitory beds anymore due to the terrifying experience I previously had but I am curious with their offered deluxe single capsule. Reading the reviews made me feel more confident that this option won't be that bad. I booked one single capsule bed and paid 350THB via my credit card.

photo of a Korean Style dormitory bed. Photo taken from www.spanish.hostelworld.com

When I checked in on the next day, the staff was very courteous and speaks good English. Check in was a breeze and they gave me a towel and a comforter for my bed and a locker key. I was asked for a 500THB deposit for the locker key. I have observed that hotel staffs in Thailand really do take time to accompany and instruct guests about their hotels. The lady who checked me in, led me to the lockers, to where I can leave my slippers, pointed the shower area, toilet area and to my single capsule.

I just surveyed the place and went out to meet my friends for dinner. I went back to the hotel at around 10pm. This place was situated in Bangla Road where all the party's at. Surprisingly, when I came in and on my capsule, I cannot hear the blaring noise of the street music. Though the wooden walls are thin and I can hear the people in the other capsule or in the lounge, it didn't bother me anyway because they were not that loud.  

I sought to prepare my bed by laying out my comforter. There were 2 personal reading lights, a mirror and place to hang my towel. The roller blind helps to give me privacy inside as well as a way for some light to enter my capsule if I turn off my reading lights. An outlet is also beside the light switch making it convenient to charge my phone. They turned off the Hallway Lights at around 11pm but left a night light which all the more made my area conducive to sleeping. 

I was able to sleep well with the privacy and dimness of the place. When I woke up, it surprised me that it was already 9am. My booking included breakfast which consisted of juice and bread. 

When it was time for me to shower, I headed to the locker to safely place my valuables and straight to the shower area which is just adjacent to it. I was the only person to use the women's shower room as maybe the other guests are still sleeping. I find it very spacious and with about 7 shower cubicles. Some guests were hanging their wet clothes but I didn't mind. Toiletries such as shampoo, body soap and hand soap were provided as well as a  hair dryer.

image taken from tripadvisor.com

Upon check out, I gave back the locker key and dropped my towel and comforter to their laundry hamper.  The lady staff made sure to remind me to check that I haven't left anything. I just smiled and said I did. I got my deposit back and bade goodbye to my comfortable 1 night stay. 

For those solo backpackers planning to come to Patong and wanting to stay in a good and clean location, you can try Capsule Hotel and Sauna. I believe they are changing their name to WHY-NOT?! Backpackers. It's cheap, convenient, clean and a place to socialize with other travelers. The capsule is really not that claustrophobia inducing as it offered me ample space. I am not paid by the hotel to write this but I am just sharing my wonderful experience. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Thailand Balloon Music Festival 2016

I've always dreamed of physically seeing big balloons. It is my wish to ride one of them maybe possibly in Bagan, as I've read there is a company aptly named as Balloons over Bagan. It was just my luck that Thailand Balloon Music Festival came to Phuket. Although I cannot ride it, its already enough to gaze and see how beautiful and gigantic these balloons are.

The Thailand Balloon Music Festival started last 14 April and will run until 17 April. It is held at Paradise Park which is near British International School, Phuket. The tickets ranged from 250THB for General Patronage and 2,500THB for VIPs. 

With this information, me and my friends trooped to Paradise Park after work. We were not able to secure tickets ahead so we purchased some at the entrance gate.

There were tents, tables and chairs for public usage. 

We came from work and we were famished. There were numerous stores selling food and beverages. We had to exchange our cash to coupons and use this to buy food. 

The program started at around 7pm but since we could not understand most Thai language, we just enjoyed our meal and took selfies. 

The table we chose was in a perfect place to see the balloons being prepared for the night glow part of the program. We were very excited to see real big balloons. A lot of people also started to flock towards them .

While seeing these balloons being prepared, the venue was filled with relaxing music from the artists on stage. I was very far from the stage so I just focused on looking at the balloons.

(photo by MJ Mutia) 

Before we headed home, we saw some fireworks. Here's a short clip. 

I'm sure there will be a lot of people flocking the venue during the festival days. I think they chose to hold the program at night so that some people from the office can come after work. It was nice to experience seeing balloons although it was only for a short time. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Travel Goals

There are a lot more places that I dream of visiting. It will take a lot of savings, planning and time for me to achieve and travel to these places but who knows, maybe in the future I might just can! Here are my travel goals for the years ahead in no particular order :)

1. Japan

image taken from http://www.chehobo.com/en-us/japan

There's just something about Japan and it's culture that most people find interesting. I get excited every time I read blogs and articles on how they traveled Japan on a budget, the amazing things they did and picturesque views they watched. I just love love love Japan. Someday, I will go there. But first, let me try and understand their train system.

2. South Korea

image taken from http://www.korea-hotels.net/

My room mate is a big fan of K Pop and so naturally wishes to go to Korea. Though I am not a big fan of Kpop, Korea is one on my bucket list because of it's city and famous theme parks. I also want to go and see how it feels to be in the DMZ.


3. China

image taken from http://science-all.com/china.html

I'd like to walk on the Great Wall of China, see the crowd and how big Tiananmen Square is, see how the Terracotta Army looks like and walk on their Glass Bridge.

4. Europe

image taken from http://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/destinations/bergen/

It is my wish to travel by train and see beautiful and picturesque countries which are in close proximity. How nice it would be to wear some warm clothes and having your photos taken on cold temperatures.

5. United States of America

image taken from www.lightage.com

The home of my favorite singers and actors. I'd like to see the vastness of The Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, make a snow man, carve a pumpkin and do trick or treatin' and eat Turkey on Thanksgiving.

There goes my wish list! I'll make sure to write a blog when I go to any one of these places. And of course, to inspire and help people for their trips. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!