We had just entered Halong City when our designated guide received a call from their head office. The unexpected inclement weather cast a literal cloud on what was supposedly a three-day cruise. Apparently, this country is immune to weather forecasts. Not wanting to put our four-hour bus ride to waste, our travel group unanimously decided to at least push through with a day trip via Seasun Cruise Ship.
No amount of volatile meteorological developments could stop us from witnessing the hypnotic splendor of Halong Bay!
One thing we learned in our two days here thus far: you don’t just look left and right before crossing the street; you look in all directions while crossing. It’s an essential survival tool, I tell you. Unless, of course, you don’t mind being crushed by a motorbike stampede. It’s a lesson we took to heart yesterday as we ventured outside the Old Quarter on foot.
Later that afternoon, we availed of the Hanoi Cyclo City Tour we pre-arranged with Viator for $81/PHP3763.64. The package includes a cyclo ride around the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake and culminates with a viewing of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater show.
This is the Hoan Kiem District of Hanoi, more popularly known as the Old Quarter. Located near the Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s considered the commercial heart of Vietnam‘s capital, as well as its tourism hub.
Such was my friend Jaja’s anticipation for this trip, she came up with the hashtag #BETNam2016 (LOL).
I spent my last few hours in Baler exploring a fragment of film history. This was where portions of Francis Ford Coppola‘s Apocalypse Now (1979) were filmed. And while majority of the film’s sequences were shot in Pagsanjan, it was in this very townwhere they did this iconic scene with Robert Duvall:
Production was marred by several delays: The set was ravaged by a typhoon, Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack, and Marlon Brando‘s eccentric behavior drove Coppola nuts, just to cite a few unfortunate incidents. Fortunately, the film did go on racking up several accolades, including Oscars for Cinematography and Sound Editing. More importantly, it’s now considered as one of the quintessential Vietnam War movies. But for the then-untapped town of Baler, Apocalypse Now‘s legacy transcends the realm of cinema.
I stepped out of the hotel room that morning to find evidence of heavy downpour. Somehow, I forgot about Baler‘s susceptibility to bad weather – with its proximity to the Pacific and all that. Good thing the sun was kind enough to show up. We only had that day to sample Aurora‘s natural wonders.
Since it was everybody’s first time in the region, we hired a tour guide to show us around. Our first stop: the majestic Ditumabo Mother Falls
Prior to Holy Week this year, I never imagined myself getting this fixated with Baler. I mean, I’m no surfer. I don’t think I’ll develop the coordination and balance for that activity anytime soon (LOL). Luckily, it took an out-of-whim trip for me to realize that it’s more than a surfing Mecca.
Welcome lunch at Baan Glom Gig courtesy of Note (left) and her sister Nham (center)
Much as the midnight downpour is making me feel like I didn’t leave home, I’m glad to report that this trip did kick off on a positive Note. And yes, I intentionally capitalized the last word of the previous sentence because it happens to be the name of my gracious host. I first met Note three years ago, when she visited the Philippines and we took her to see Tagaytay. Fast forward to 2015 (specifically, earlier this morning), she wasted no time getting in touch with me just hours after my arrival. “I’m picking you up within an hour. Wear long pants and shoes”, she instructed via wonky Facebook call. Being a first-timer in the city, I promptly obliged.
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Note arrived about half an hour later. As I stepped out of the elevator, she greeted me with a warm-hearted chuckle. “OK, so maybe you took it a bit too seriously”, she said, alluding that I was a tad overdressed. “I just wanted to be sure”, I replied, returning the chuckle. I boarded her car and met her sister Nham, whom she spoke lavishly about back in 2012. Soon, we were off to brunch. “The place we’re taking you is very, very far from your hotel”, Note quipped as she turned at Soi Ruam Ruedi. It was a joke, as it turns out: Baan Glom Gigis only a quick stroll away from Chateau de Bangkok. Upon settling down, I further got acquainted with Nham over duck curry, omelette and rice cakes. Suffice to say, it was a hearty gastronomic welcome.
I accompanied the sisters over a quick errand. After which, Note whisked me off to Phra Nakhon (sans Nham) to see one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks: The Grand Palace.
“…and the city don’t know what the city is getting.” One Night in Bangkok by British actor Murray Head has been playing in my head since I arrived, except that it’s morning, and a rather gloomy one at that. Plus, I’ll be … Continue reading “Bangkok, Oriental Setting…”
I spent most of my last day on Bali‘s southern tip. Prior to that, I checked out of Bounty Hotel in the morning and met with my cousins in Seminyak. I was running late, so I nervously opted for the motorbike. With backpack hoisted on my shoulders, ill-fitting helmet on my head, and carry-on snugged under the rider’s feet, I breezed through the Monday traffic and started my day.
In hindsight, the fare was rather steep at Rp60,000 (NOTE TO SELF: Learn to bargain!) and the rider asked for an additional tip. Still, I must admit that the decision put me at a slight advantage: I made it to Made’s Warung 30 minutes early.
Compared to yesterday’s post-flight/hangover-fuelled frenzy, today was refreshingly chill. I woke up uncharacteristically early, with photo uploading time to spare. The hotel pool was still overtaken by partying Aussies. It’s either they typically start early or they forego sleep altogether. Then again, this is Kuta.
My transportation service arrived at 9:30am on the dot.
Today was devoted to the uplands of Central Bali – specifically, themystical forest town of Ubud.
Of course, I had no intention of wasting Day One in afternoon slumber. After a cocktail-induced power nap, I hurriedly booked a cab to Tanah Lot, West Bali – sleep deprivation and mild hangover be damned.
I can’t say I wasn’t warned about the sprawling Saturday traffic. And with sunset being less than two hours away, my odds of arriving at a leisurely pace were slim.
Fortunately, my assigned driver had keen sense of direction – in addition to being the second coming of Steve McQueen.
I stepped out of the Ngurah Rai International Airport in a groggy daze. It was past 8:00am and I only had an hour of shut-eye. I will not delve into the logistic nightmare that forced me to push through with this trip alone. After all, this is Bali – the destination-of-choice for many soul searchers and solitary wanderers, intentional or otherwise. I’m sure the sensory overload will provide the adequate distraction.
Growing up, summer usually meant an annual visit to Baguio. Considering that frequency, it’s almost hard to believe that this is my first visit in nine years. The Holy Week crowd extended our travel time by three hours, but thanks to TPLEX, we still managed to arrive before noon. The weather is relatively warm; the midday sun overpowered the characteristically cool climate – almost as if there’s no looming storm. Much has been said about the boom of commercialism taking its toll on the city’s indigenous charm. But, it’s still great to be back. Continue reading Holy Week Escapade: Return to Baguio City
Some people consider Macau as Asia’s bootleg Las Vegas with its multitude of casinos and its dizzying nightlife. But, in fact, it deserves much more credit. When I first set foot (for a 4-hour visit) back in February 2009, I was immediately intrigued by its contrasts – the juxtaposition of its colonial architecture with its seizure-inducing neon lights. The Catholic influences are evident, but so is the atmosphere of worldliness. How can devotion and debauchery co-exist in one tiny territory? I was hooked.
Those sentiments were revived after my second visit yesterday. As for Marga, it was an overwhelming case of first-timer’s wanderlust.
Pardon me, but I’d rather not elaborate on yesterday’s Shenzhen snafu. Let’s just say that obtaining a Mainland visa on the same day turned out to be not as easy breezy as portrayed in most travel blogs (Language barrier = 50, Us =0). I’ll stop there. At … Continue reading North by Ngongping
I never had the chance to try out Tim Ho Wan, the Dim Sum Specialists when it landed on Philippine shores last year. The queues scared me. But, I’m glad I finally managed to do so today – in its place of origin, no less!
This is my second visit in a span of six months, fourth in total. This time, I’m here to accompany my friend and fellow Southern B Marga. We are loving the weather. It’s the ideal balance between chilly and balmy that we’ve come to associate with this region during this time of year.
Hello again, Puerto Princesa! It’s very fitting that my eldest paternal first cousin Paolo chose to celebrate his 40th birthday here in our Lolo’s hometown. I never got to meet my paternal grandfather (he died before I was born; same as my maternal grandfather), but from the stories I heard, well, let’s just say he led quite a prominent life here – even if he wasn’t necessarily Palaweño in origin. Consequently, this is also where my father and his siblings spent some of their formative years. As for me, this marks my second visit to the island since 2003. I … Continue reading Whereabouts for the next couple of days (or so)
And so it ends. For now, at least. Today marks the conclusion of the two-week whirlwind of events celebrating TV5‘s U.S. launch. Some of the Kapatids already started flying back home, while some will be on extended vacation (including myself). To say that I’m grateful to be part of it would be a glaring understatement. But honestly, that’s the only adjective I can think of that will encapsulate the onslaught of positive emotions I’m feeling right now. I’m especially to come to know the folks at TV5 International, who chose to take me with them in this adventure and for putting their … Continue reading It’s a wrap.
Planet Chuckie 