20 memories of Bangkok!

2011-10-31T17:59:00.000+08:00

Bangkok Trip with...

(photos below courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

Mr. Tae Nam Kim "BF's hottest guy?" (Rico's pal)

Mr. Jeung Joo "Mr. Pogi" (Rico's pal)

Mr. Dong Jin Koh "the muscle man" (Rico's pal)

Mr. Sang Myeon Lee " the hunk Kobe" (my honey bunny pie)

me *-*

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1. Suvarnabhumi Airport

(photo courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

Once you get through all the immigration and luggage

clearance, you can opt for free airport shuttle to Bus

terminals going Bangkok or ride a Taxi.

If you choose Taxi, NEVER ask the airport crew where you

can ride one. They will only divert you to the lower ground

floor where supposedly "METERED TAXIs" become

FIXED RATE TAXIs.

A small taxi for 4 persons costs: 450B/P630

A bigger taxi (Toyota Innova) costs: 700B/P980

While, you can get a Taxi for only 300B (the most) at the

upper ground floor where Taxis drop their passengers from

Bangkok.

2. Windsor Suites

We checked-in at Windsor Suites located at Sukhumvit 20.

3500B/P4900 a night for a superior suite.

(buffet breakfast included but not satisfied)

3. Nana Station

We unintenionally reached Nana Station the first night we arrived in Bangkok
while we were in search for a restaurant to help our stressed bellies.

It's a street where you find clubs and bars with amazingly gorgeous transvestites (sexually transformed) and gays.

Beware if that lady you are eyeing at is a real lady or a ladyboy! haha! =)

4. malls, clubs, bars

Below are some that we visited:

The shopping centers are most likely just a walking distance apart from the other. =)

You may ride a cab, bus, train or tuktuk.

a local Thai FM station booth in Siam Center

Each center has unique structure and interior design like the Ayala Malls

but with really amazing local fashion boutiques.

Asia's largest aquarium world and a celebrity wax museum can be found at Siam Discovery!

a statue wax of Jackie Chan

(Malls @Sukhumvit road)

Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Parragon, Central World, Terminal 21

(Bar @Thonglo Soi 13 and)

Clouds - Cool and relaxing vibe to drink wine and cocktails. No beers offered.

(Clubs @Thonglo Soi 10)

Funky Villa - 400B/P560 entrance coupon with 2 complimentary drinks, all floors access
RNBPop

Muse

If you loved Encore and Republiq, you will definitely love Funky Villa and Muse
more than what you expect.
They have live RnB bands in a separate dance hall, another dance area for DJ's music, a cozy music lounge to have chit-chat with your friends and balconies where you can still enjoy the beat lounging on their hugging sofas! (sophisticated,modern, comfortable, exciting)

Btw, we got fed up seeing Porsche, Ferrari, BMW convertibles, Benz convertibles and Hummer trucks at the parking lots! Not to mention, there are also foreign tourists who come by taxis, like us.=)

Got a gf/bf? Find your partner here,

where prettiest city gals and hotties party!

(Don't forget to bring a valid I.D. for identification and age verification. NO ID STRICTLY NO ENTRY. My Philippine Driving License was approved btw.)

5. Fried Insects street foodcart and other Thai foods

STREETFOODS:

They have lots of streetfood carts at every sidewalk in Bangkok!

The most unusual was a cart selling FRIED INSECTS

(grasshoppers, worms, roaches, bees deep-fried as is).

I havent saved a photo of it because it was always evening when we encounter the "fried-insect vendors." FYI, we did not dare a bite.

fried innies (internal organs)

Looks like squidballs but it tastes like a chewy CHICHARON (10B/P18 for 10pcs.)

Thai stir-fried noodles

assorted items on sticks grilled ala Kebab (15B/P21 each)

mochi balls, buchi

traditional Thai noodles soup (40B/P56 a bowl enough for a hungry tummy)

THAI CUISINE:

Surprisingly, when we tried some of their traditional dish, I could say that I was eating KARE-KARE (but with a little taste of curry), PAKSIW (but with chilis and herbs), and BAGOONG RICE (but with added "sahog"). I thought that

ours were more plain on taste and with less spices and herbs.

Thai cuisine uses lots of natural spices and dried and fresh herbs! Their

noodles, soups, sauces, meats are likely to have "LABUYO", a field of labuyo (red small chili)!! The taste of CURRY is also a prominent flavour in Thailand.

Steamed fish tastes like Paksiw

Chicken and Crab Curry that tastes like Kare-Kare

6. Hot Pot Buffet

We are hot pot addicts so we really splurged on Hot Pot Buffet Restaurants!

Stella Palace (Baiyoke Sky Tower 79th flr)

Price: 780B/P1092 per head

(Chinese Cuisine and Hot Pot Buffet Restaurant, no drinks included)

Coca (Siam Center)

Price: 229B/P320 per head

(drinks not included)

Shabu Shi (Siam Center)
Price: 298B/P417
(w/ unlimited drinks, ice cream, sushi, tempura, appetizers included)

(We love most Shabu Shi!)

Suki Shi (Siam Center)

Price: 288B/P404

(w/ unlimited drinks, ice cream, sushi, tempura, appetizers and grilled mackerel)

Baiyoke Sky Tower is the tallest building in Thailand.

They have an obsevation deck at 77th flr and revolving 360 tour view of the city at 82nd flr!

There are 4 buffet restaurants to choose from.

(But you need to buy a coupon to have an access.

If you availed any restaurant buffet, access is free.)

7. Authentic Thai Massage

I have gone to a number of Spas offering Thai massage in Metro Manila but since we were already in Thailand we tried having the Thai body massage there.

Araya Massage

Sukhumvit 20

200B/P280 per hour

For a first timer, you might not tolerate the back and shoulder massage but you can tell the masseuse to be gentle on you. It's amazing how they know the muscle points, stretching and reflexing them.

ready to have Thai body massage!

After some little pain from the intense Thai massage, we felt so de-stressed and rejuvenated! It was not the same feeling we get after a Thai massage here in Manila. Theirs was really authentic and reviving! I felt so re-energized, there was no "lazy-bruised body feeling" later on.

WHoaa...now I'm crazy to have a real Thai massage again! =)

8. Meaningful massage print ads

You know what I mean. Quite bulgar huh?

Taken from a bundle of tourist magazines we had.

an ad in a tourist guide magazine

why need to include that staff are healthy and
medically checked? (safe)

business men's choices right?

and a lot lot more ads!

9. Mc Donald's statue

It's how they greet welcome and thank you.

Ronald McDonald in Thailand

10. Taxi stickers

"No Durian" in Taxi

"No Sex" in Taxi

"Bawal UMUTOT" (No Farting?)

11. different Pie flavours @McDonald's and Burger King

(Mcdo) Spinach Pie

(Burger King) Cherry Pie, Pomegranate Pie, Blueberry Pie

a cherry pie

12. The Grand Palace

So many tour places to choose from. And sadly, we did not ride elephants.

The flood risks are to blame. We wanted to be cautious for our kiddos waiting

for us to come back home. =)

400B/P560 per head

Touring the whole Grand Palace needs an hour at least.

Tours are only until 4:30PM.

(photo courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

a pose in front of the Royal's group of army in the Grand Palace
(photo courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

**When we came, the security was heavier than normal because the King arrived for a Royal Ceremony.

entrance gate security

Maps are provided available in Korean, Mandarin and English.

entrance pathway

DRESS CODE: Short pants NOT allowed.

(photo courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

Loose pants like what Dong Jin's and Rico's wearing

and sarong skirts are available

for rent (30B/P42) / sale (100B/P180) outside the entrance gate.

Rico poses in front of some of the temples in Grand Palace.

The temples have very intricate and elaborate solid designs.

13. symbols of Buddhism at establishments' facades

facade of a hotel

Siam Paragon facade
(photo courtesy of Dong Jin Koh)

14. Khaosan Road

Khaosan Road is a popular street that a lot of foreigners visit for budget-friendly hotels, bargain shopping and memorabilias.

pirates CDs, DVDs

cute ladies' sleeveless tops (100B/P140)

a sports bar with many blonde customers

a view of Khaosan Road from its end point or vice versa

a souvenir shop
*Notice a street Siamese cat*

variety of wigs and hair extensions for bargain
* Dreadlocks also available*

a mobile ATM machine and currency exchange
at Khaosan Road for the convenience of the foreigners

a local temple

incense and flowers are sold near the gate entry

Thai Buddhists offering candles, flowers and incense.

main worship area

15. Tuktuk

TUKTUK is their traditional taxi, for 150 Thai Bhat (P 210).

16. right-driving

in a cab

17. WALL'S Ice cream

Which came first originally? Philippine's SELECTA or Thailand's WALL'S?

Are they under the same company?

Philippines

Thailand

those are Cornetto(s) in the background

ice cream freezer in a convenience store

18. Super High-Heels Boutique

I wonder if Lady Gaga's heels were bought here?

This boutique is located at Siam Center.

Heels are 5~7 inches high!

19. fab people and glamour RTW designer boutiques

Glamorous unique designs that won't let you

bump with anyone wearing the same thing.

(like that of a runway fashion show)

From tees, cocktail dresses, maxi-skirts, night gowns and so on all

Ready-To-Wear.

You will have reasons not to buy from Zara, Mango, M&S, Forever21,

Aldo, etc.

The dress boutiques are heavily equipped with

"it" fashioner's must-haves

with better prices (no need to spend P15,000 for a Rajo Laurel's bootleg chiffon or mullet maxi-dress)!

20. bargain shopping and night markets

----

My summary...

monks 6" mini-figurines for sale at a sidewalk

Thai healthy drink with Glutathione and Collagen!
(18B/P25.00)

Baiyoke Sky Tower from a far

post office

PEOPLE:

Thais are also very polite people. Bangkok is indeed a tourist-friendly place to visit! You can go out late night without worrying about snatchers, hold-ups along dark sidewalks.

(based on our experience)

But of course like anywhere else in this world, there are these kinds but what I'm trying to say is that "there's no feeling of danger when we went out even at 11:00PM all the way to 5:00AM."

We walked thru narrow alleys and dark sidewalks but I, personally did not feel a doubt like that of when I'm catching for a bus ride in Baclaran-Manila at 10:00PM. haha =)

DISCIPLINE: They are ahead of us in terms of proper waste disposal, road traffic and passenger loading-unloading system.

RELIGION: Buddhism (that from India)

TRANSPORTATION:

Filipinos are blessed with so many transport type of vehicles available! For short distance, we can opt for a tricycle, pedicab or a multi-cab. For farther places, we can

ride taxi, bus, train and also jeepneys with very affordable fares! In Bangkok, we can only choose a taxi, bus or train and a TUKTUK for a short distance ride.

During our Bangkok trip, we only rode taxis to save time. Taxi fee is slightly higher than ours. Their initial plug down rate is 35B or P 49 (compared to P40 here in Manila).

We encountered traffic jams but not as severe though compared here. Bus drivers are males accompanied by female "konduktor" (whatever you call it in English).

traffic jam

FYI, we never heard cars or public vehicles buzz horns! No NOISE POLLUTION.

COMMUNICATION:

We, Filipinos, speak better and understand English better than the Thai people.

BUT it was not that hard to tour around the city, about 20 out 40 Thai people we asked, understood simple English.

FASHION:

Bow to Thai people! Theyre really fashionable like the Japanese and Koreans. They have a really hot weather like in the Philippines, but they dress better.

In Manila, fashionistas are found in Ayala Malls, clubs, night parties but in Bangkok, they're everywhere!

(I might be thinking that they are fab because

9 out 10 PINOY wear JEANS or any DENIM paired with a COTTON Tee or a BLOUSE/POLO-SHIRTin a daily habit.)
**Nothing wrong with wearing jeans,pardon.

For currency exchange:

Never bring Philippine Peso

and do not buy Thailand currency via money changers in Metro Manila.

If you want to buy Baht prior to your departure, visit your local Bank

(check if they sell Baht), you must order at least a week before.

OR better Have US $ exchanged to Thai Baht once you get in Thailand.

Exchange rates at the airport are just the same with the rates anywhere in Bangkok.

Nose Pore Strips that really work! Tried it! :)

2011-10-08T16:47:00.000+08:00

Blackheads and whiteheads are always problem not only to us girls, but also to men! It always occur and reccur even after a facial. Same with you, it's too hard to get rid of these heads forever! Unless, of course you have your facials and some derma treatments on a religiously regular basis. But for people like me, who can't tolerate the pain from all the prick and peel methods plus the cost of these services, I strongly recommend the GLAM WORKS Nose Pore Strips! It's exclusively distributed by Watsons and it comes in other variants that are packed in green and pink boxes (which I tried as well). I bought my first pack of 12s four months ago. And I got really excited when I saw how the yuckie heads were pulled off! No sweat! No teary eyes! :)

For a price of P80*, you'll surely like the results. It's a lot cheaper and convenient to use. But of course, do not expect that your nose will be COMPLETELY clear from these tiny dirts. Even on a facial, the derma can't prick them all because the newly formed ones are too deep and too attached. It will take time before it becomes ready for pricking. That's the same case with pore strips.

NOT TO MENTION, I have also tried other pore strip brands such as BENCH and ETUDE. These 2 brands did not work at all. As I have said I have also used other variants of GLAM Works, the results were not really satisfying and comfy because there's a sticky feeling after pulling off the strip and somehow disappointing to see that it did not eliminate that much of my pore problems! The yellow variant works the best for me and I make sure that I always have a stock.

Although, for better results, I still visit a beauty center for my monthly facials. I just do it once a month or once in 2 months..

I believe I don't need it that much anymore since I discovered this product. And I always make time for my skin to be free from make-up and cosmetics. These products leave residues clogging the pores and form the blackheads and whiteheads.

For opposing reactions, comments and suggestions, please feel free to post! :)

First time in Korea!

2011-10-03T23:24:00.000+08:00

Last July, we visited Rico's mother. She used to stay in the Philippines but for some health reasons, she needed to go back there.

It's my first time to see Korea after 5 years of marriage with Rico (my 100% Korean hubby). Finally, I and my daughters (Ji Hyang and Ji Eun) got the chance to somehow experience how's it like in their daddy's hometown. *-*

It was our second family trip. Again, we did not bring a nanny with us. And of course, it was hell so difficult! My youngest even had "baby measles" during our stay. So, we really did not have too much time to explore tourist spots there but we definitely pampered our tummies with Korean foods and delicacies.

Day 1

(@Incheon International Airport)

It was just 6:00am (time in Korea) when we arrived so we had our breakfast first at "On Air" self-service fastfood restaurant.

- Clean as you Go.-

(@Dongdaemun)

-Seoul street-

(@Lotte World)

After checking in a hotel to leave our baggage. We rushed to Lotte World for our next stop. Lotte World has a mall and an amusement park.

Of course,we did not miss the chance to eat at Lotte Foodcourt!

Above is a dokbokkie food stall. "Dokbokkie" is populary sold as streetfoods. Find them along public market streets and sidewalks.

It's their version of "Fishballs."

--I love the fish cakes (kikiam) in sweet spicy sauce plus the tempura!--

Dumplings are "Mandu" in Korean.

In Korea, "pang" for breads.

Rice cakes are like "Kalamay or Kakanin" in the Philippines (but with less sugar).

The amusement park was Ji Hyang's top like!

While riding the train, I captured the outer part of Lotte World.

After Lotte World, we ate dinner with Jeunsuk, Rico's bestfriend.

Day 2

(@Subway)

His mum lives in Busan, so we took a subway train from Seoul to Busan the next morning!

It only took us 2 hours to reach Busan. (Busan from Seoul is like the distance from Manila- Bicol)

We went to a famous fountain show in Busan where in people can play and take pictures at the fountain area after the musical show.

Day 3-4

Baby measles attacked Ji Eun, that we spent Days 3 and 4 at a hospital and just rest at his aunt's place until the night before our morning flight going back to Manila.

(@Bus station in Busan,waiting area)

I really felt sad for my husband. I know how much he misses his mum. But, we really had to go back to Philippines. I can see his teary eyes as we wave our hands goodbye to them.

Also, thank you so much to Rico's aunt and uncle for accomodating us.

A very lovely family indeed.

Certainly, we're gonna visit Korea again! I love the foods! I love the weather and the people! See you next time, "Korea!"

mynameisamal