Change of heart

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” – William James

True enough.

I was not a Christmas person. Christmas carols made me sad.

I thought Christmas was overrated – people are just forced to be happy, giddy and good – all for the sake of the holidays and the birth of Christ.

It’s hypocritical.

We can choose to be happy, generous and be good people all year round.

Why make Christmas an excuse to become better persons when we can make the effort sans the occasion?

The holiday blues was made worse by the fact that this year is the 2^nd Christmas that Nanay isn’t around. It’s breaking my heart.

So what’s Christmas to me?

It just made me feel more miserable.

And empty.

But not this year.

In early December, I made a resolution that no matter the pain that the break-up caused me, no matter the heartache I feel that Nanay is gone – I will make an effort to celebrate Christmas --- to be joyful and grateful for all the blessings.

I completed the Simbang Gabi.

I prayed.

I wrapped gifts.

I cooked Christmas dinner – my much-celebrated pasta and meat sauce.

I spent Christmas Eve with the family.

I went to Boracay for a short trip with him. Yes, with him.

Because Christmas…

Is not about me.

I’m glad I made the resolution.

I am happier. More peaceful. And more in love… with life and with all the special people in my life.

Because love is beyond conventional definitions.

And so is Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

I hope you have the same fortune that I have this season – to feel what it really is all about.

This email made me cry today

"we are works of art. we are not done yet.

we still have to undergo pains but when we're done, we will be priceless and fab.

da vinci did not finish the mona lisa in one day.

i believe we will have our time. you and i.

it would be a complete and utter disgust to the whole humankind kung hindi.
darating din yun.
darating din sya.
in the meantime,
we have beaches to conquer, wines to drink, boys to have fun with and uber fab friends who will pick us up or untog our ulo when we get lost."

Ask any of my best friends and they will all tell you the same thing: no matter how painful the heartache is, they never saw me cry.

But this email is one for the books.

As soon as I read it, I couldn't help but just break down.

To the bestie who sent this: Thank you.

The email moved me.

And my new baby is born

I've been collaborating with Andoy for several weeks now to launch a new project.

Janjararaaaaaan...

Talk Usability is now up!

Finally!

I hope you can link us, visit and read our musings on what puts food on our table, and of course - what we like to do and what we do best (or at least we think we do).

Thanks to the Inner Circle for the support!

Party over here, party over there

Yesterday night marked the beginning of yet another series of Christmas parties.

Our division in the office welcomed the first week of December with our White Christmas Party at Dasma, Makati.

Although I'm not a fan of white clothes - because I am admittedly dugyot and clumsy wearing white - I had to get into the spirit.

I was just praying the whole night that I don't spill red wine on it.

I actually did, but it was when the party was almost over and I was still sober enough to rush to the bathroom to take the stain off.

I was part of the alcohol committee who pooled all the wine, vodka, rum and beer together. As such, I also got first dibs of the finest - Reserve, Asti, Sparkling wine and Mondavi!

Pao and I hoarded the Mondavi that another officemate brought.

The party was a blast! I had so much fun and I'm loving, loving the new guys.

Check out my photo with Ian - taken before we got totally wasted.

Best girlfriend trip... ever!

My trip to Hong Kong was shelved - a week before I was supposed to get tickets for it.

I wanted to go back to HK in time for the hairy crab season. I wanted first dibs of hairy crab at Wu Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Some things, however, were inevitable.

I still don't want to talk about it.

Moving on...

You know, when I want something, I really will move mountains to get it. And I wanted a trip for the long weekend. So the girlfriends helped in looking for a beach resort we have not visited yet. I came across Punta de Uian.

It was probably Divine Providence - or the Universe just wanted to humor me - but Punta de Uian was the second link on the page when I googled resorts in Zambales.

The girlfriends didn't waste time and immediately booked for a 3 days 2 nights beach break.

FUN --- is an understatement.

The girlfriends are definitely going to do this again.

And this time - we even have a special project on what we want to do next.

I can't wait!

Postcript for StoicSuchi: It's not that I didn't want the man that I had. I did. You're the best person to say that I definitely did. The thing is, he didn't know that I meant it when I said it was really him.

Geek Christmas wish

Geek na kung geek!

I would really like to get my hands on these uber nice and girly USB pendant and necklaces.

Everywhere I go, I need a USB. I have nearly 5 meetings a day --- most of the time. Normally, we share files in these meetings.

It's kaartehan and something that I need at the same time.













Okay, foyn, the last pendant is heart-shaped. If you're my friend, then you know that I have an aversion to anything with heart designs. I will, however, make an exception for this one. It's Swarovski-studded, even!

On a side note --- Gemma, Des and I are going to the beach very early tomorrow morning. Again, if you are my friend, you then know the MAIN reason why I go to the beach with girlfriends.

I don't want to talk about it yet.

But I am hanging in there.

If you're my friend - you already know what I'm talking about.

Wish me a good weekend, folks.

I badly need one. I think I've been a good, nay, great girl who deserves one fantastic weekend break.

I wish the same for everyone.

What you did not know...

Is that I'm only a normal girl,

wanting to live a normal life.

I'm sorry you missed that.

Something’s a-brewing

Cooking something up with a colleague.

It’s still a concept but we’d really like to take it seriously.

Will hold off on giving more details.

Kahit bagsak ako sa marshmallow test.

‘Hope you guys will support the project once it’s up and running.

Pwera Pirata

Speaking of the real Vuittons and replicas in Greenhills…

I was working on a presentation last Sunday evening (yes, working. On a Sunday!) when I came across a feature on TV about buying fakes or pirated items from China.

It’s really very tempting to just buy the pirated stuff --- especially when the difference in price points is enormous.

Consider this – the real Louis Vuitton monogram Speedy 35 will cost you a whopping P34k.

You can get a quadruple A replica in Greenhills at P1,000 – P1,500.

The same thing is true for Burberry and Gucci.

However, what we don’t see are the repercussions of buying the fakeys:

1. They use child labor.

2. The “sweat shops” and factories for these items are not laborer-friendly. The workers get paid below their minimum wage.

3. The real artisans who hand-make the original products lose their jobs to these sweat shops. Burberry factories in London have already closed down.

4. They use the money to further fund the manufacturing of fake medicines, fake health products and fake food – which are deadly. Heck, China can now even fake eggs. Yes, people. Eggs! I saw how it was done on TV.

The fourth effect of buying fake merchandise is the most alarming.

Fake eggs have been found in several restaurants in China. These fake eggs were contaminated with chemicals that can cause dementia and paralysis.

Anuveeeeeeeer.

I urge you to buy the real deal.

If we can’t afford the luxury brands, it’s better to buy other budget-friendly brands rather than resort to buying replicas.

My friends would always cajole and dare me to buy local brands. Honestly, I don’t see anything wrong with it. If the bag is of good quality, then why the hell not?

It’s better than buying a quadruple A from Greenhills.

The latest addition to the LV family

Janjararaaaaan...

Introducing the Louis Vuitton Sac d'epaule in black epi leather.

Released in the mid-1990s, this is already a collector's item since it has been discontinued.

This cannot be bought in the stores anymore.

The good thing about epi leather is that it's difficult to imitate. LV has made a good job in embossing and imprinting the LV emblems on the leather. When you check the epi replicas in Greenhills, the difference is striking.

Sobrang layo.

I got this from a fellow e-Bayer in super duper mint condition.

It was more than what I expected because it looked brand new!

Thanks, Tracy!

*picture of the bag also courtesy of Tracy

Monumental day: Obama becomes first black President of the United States

Today, Barack Obama was declared the 44th President of the United States.

May this change help revive the US economy.

And may he become the true agent of change - the way people believe him to be.

Thought bubble: I really wished Al Gore won the presidency before. Hats off to him for the Inconvenient Truth and his efforts to slow down climate change.

May the world be filled with more well-meaning, noble and morally upright people.

When it’s all worth it

Halloween in Manila was spent counting cars that passed by Paseo de Roxas – the street overlooking the Club Floor of Mandarin Oriental.

It’s been a while since I spent the Halloween break here. Normally, I’d be in Hong Kong or out of town with Boyfriend.

Since All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day were not declared holidays – us Manila peeps had to be content with the usual 2-day weekend.

Boyfriend was also uber busy with the fluctuating stock market so I never even bothered making plans with him. It was a long shot anyway, but half of me was also wishfully thinking he could either come home or I could fly for a quick break in Hong Kong.

I just decided to stay in and continue my spring cleaning. It’s time for my LV bags to be cleaned and conditioned, too.

Friday night - I got to my apartment at almost 12am. I went online to check my mail and eBay account. Five minutes of watching One Tree Hill, I turned my DVD player off and decided to go to bed early.

Boyfriend texted that he had pasta for dinner, he was just watching TV and that he will go to bed soon.

I went to my room to continue surfing the Internet. I heard a faint knocking on the door and thought that it was my neighbor’s.

Who would come knocking on my door at past 12 anyway?

After several attempts, the knocking stopped.

My mobile phone rang. It was Boyfriend.

He was asking me if I was done with my dinner. I said I only ate a bowl of chocolate cereals because I was feeling lazy to prepare food.

He asked if I was still hungry and if I wanted to eat.

I said I can just go to bed and sleep it off.

He said I should eat… because there’s corned beef pan de sal waiting for me if I open my front door.

I hurriedly changed to more decent clothes and opened my door.

And there he was --- sitting on the flight of stairs – carrying a brown bag from Mandarin Deli.

He brought me corned beef pan de sal.

I cried in his arms that night.

I was deeply touched and moved by the gesture that I could not make sense of what was happening.

He said he never lied. He ate pasta – at the deli. He was watching TV – in our room at the Club Floor. And that he was just waiting for me to get to my apartment.

All this while I took my time to run errands that Friday night.

He said he didn’t want to disrupt my itinerary and that he didn’t want me to postpone going to Mom’s.

In moments like this, I am reminded how amazing he is and how both of us can be the great persons we would like to be – if we only try.

And in times like this, I feel justified that fighting for us – despite all the tears and the heart-wrenching pain that we both had to go through – was all worth it.

So whether it's just counting cars to pass time or getting drunk at Barcino's with my besties --- doesn't really matter to me.

I'm just really glad he came home.

Santa Beybeh...

...please make me smile this Christmas.

And give me my Louis Vuitton Sac Bosphore.

It's perfect for my laptop.

And my take-home work.

It would be a perfect school bag, too, should you and God perform an extra miracle of sending me to Hong Kong University for another Masters Degree that I've been dreaming of for the past 2 years.

This bag is so, so, so, soooo nice!

Yellow LV Noe - my mini reward for being smoke-free

Celebrating my smoke-free 3rd week came with a prize.

And a price tag to boot.

It's a mini reward, though, as I got it from a reputable Louis Vuitton seller in eBay, and not from the LV store.

eBay's got several authentic LV sellers - if the bag you're looking for is discontinued or is part of the so-called collectors' item.

I've been looking for Louis Vuitton epi leather bags in Noe, Saint Jacques and Sac d'epaule for months now, preferably in toledo blue or canary yellow.

Finally - I got me this candy.

Now my search for the ever-elusive Louis Vuitton messenger/laptop bag is on. I hope I can find something before Christmas.

Surviving Cav without the cigs

I did it.

Last night, I headed to Cav with Jay, Jem and Pao to have a taste of their Wine Flights.

Both Jem and Pao are smokers so they lighted up the entire evening.

I tempered myself.

3 weeks.

Sayang ang smokeless 3 weeks.

And I prevailed.

I need to reward myself.

And I just know the perfect way!

I will post it here soon. =)

Smoker no more

Two weeks before my birthday, in an ironic twist of fate and in a very paradoxical scenario, Celia and I talked about quitting smoking.

We did, while we were drinking wine at Cav and huffing and puffing our staple Marl lights.

Picture this conversation while we were both right in the middle of the smoke coming from our lighted sticks:

Celia: “You know, we really should quit smoking. It’s soooo not healthy.”

Me: “Yes. Smoking in your 20s is cool. In your 30s, totally not. It’s pathetic.”

Celia: “We should try to quit smoking before our birthdays. No smoking of cigarettes. Except the occasional cigar.”

I agreed.

Remembering this convo, though, makes me laugh. Such irony.

I actually DID quit smoking. I’m nearly in my fourth week.

It’s true what I said.

In your 20s – you think you’re invincible and you can conquer the world. Smoking – what’s a little death? Live a little. Smoke. Drink.

But in your 30s – cigarettes only give you premature wrinkles, not to mention increase women’s risk of cancer.

Normally, we shrug it off when 20-something-somethings smoke, but when you see a 40-something woman huff and puff in bars – it ain’t a pleasant sight. We secretly frown and judge – “What the hell is she doing still smoking?”

And I don’t want to be that forty-something woman.

I don’t want premature wrinkles and cancer either.

Carrie Bradshaw quit in her 30s.

And I’d like to claim I did, too.

Avoiding the road to smoking perdition is not easy. Most of my friends I party with smoke. Boyfriend smokes.

Smoking is nice while drinking cocktails.

Cigarettes are great friends during stressful moments.

You won’t, however, miss them when they give you emphysema.

I don’t miss lighting up. So far.

And I realized – wine tastes better without the taste of cigarettes in your mouth.

Let’s see how far I can go in my No Smoking cause this time around.

Birthday postscript

31.

I officially turned 31 last Friday – October 17.

A week after my birthday, I am compelled to renew my gym membership, what with all the birthday cakes, foie gras and wine that I indulged in.

Contrary to last year’s celebratory theme of embracing thirtyness with a bang (thus the big Mini Mad Mod 60s costume party at Jack’s Loft, Libis), this year’s merriment was more subdued.

‘Quite a stark contrast, actually.

Instead of a huge party, I decided to break down the groups and have long brunches and dinners with them.

May mature-maturan factor!

My exact birthday was celebrated with the family and Boyfriend during lunch time. We ate at Sentro (Boyfriend uber loved the boneless crispy pata and corned beef sinigang) and capped it with gelato at Gelatino.

Saturday was spent with the besties – Celia, Gemma, Ariel and Dennis – at Apartment 1B. The supposed brunch started at 11:30am and lasted until 4pm!

Antipasto was great with 2 kinds of sauvignon blanc and 4 kinds of appetizers. After the main course, we ordered another bottle of chardonnay and 1 whole white Toblerone cheesecake. The cheesecake was to die for!

I probably downed 2,500 calories worth of food and wine in one sitting!

The girls, not content with the time spent during the over-extended lunch, headed to our room in Mandarin Oriental. Des joined us, too. Boyfriend ordered 2 more bottles of sauvignon blanc.

Everyone was buzzed by 6pm.

What a Romanian celebration!

This week, Cathy, Joseph, Yoj and I had a joint birthday dinner celebration for the Globe peeps. The posse’ headed to Dampa, Eastwood for crabs and prawns.

All that being said, I dare not hop on my weighing scale.

So for that, I started to hop back on the treadmill and rotex to burn all the excess calories in time for another gorging this coming Christmas season.

My birthday this year was quieter. But it is happy, ecstatic and sublime all at the same time.

I’m glad all the people I love and care about were there to be with me.

Boyfriend, thanks for coming home.

And thank God for the besties.

Glue-me day

Raining cats and dogs outside. Cliche'.

But I like this cliche'.

Rainy days make my imagination wander --- back to my apartment in my blue bunny jammies, with my hot fat-free Swiss Miss and a good book.

'Makes me want to be eternally glued onto my bed - just sleeping, reading, daydreaming, sleeping.

Unfortunately, I am glued on my desk right now - relentlessly firing away emails to my India and Boston partners.

Oh well... a few more hours and I can finally live the dream... before I pack for my upcoming trip.

Necessary TV junk

I have not revisited my One Tree Hill DVDs for a long time now. After feeling sucky last Friday night, I just had to scour through what's left on my DVD pile.

I wanted something juvenile. I wanted to look at the beautiful faces of Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer while suspending judgment on how trite and trivial their high school issues are.

I still have OTH's seasons 4 and 5.

It was a hell of a good fix after a tiring week.

Oh well, add to that a good Italian wine from Galileo Enoteca, my favorite antipasto consisting of emmental and gorgonzola cheese, parma ham and spicy peppered salami.

Did I mention red lingerie and red slippers?

Bliss.

Thanks, Irene. For your words of comfort. For your sincerity. And for understanding where the angst is coming from. Aylavyah!

Closet clean-up sale aka “Send April to Chinese School Foundation”

Since I am still restless after several weeks, nay – months – of sleepless nights writing my thesis, I try to find other good things to do. Good, in a sense that these are items in my must-do list this year that were bumped off because I had to prioritize school.

One of those is my bi-annual closet clean-up sale. Actually, this year, I’m only going to do it once.

So last night, I started with my bags. 25 unused bags in the past 2 years. Some of them, it really hurts to let them go because we had history traveling and shopping together. I had to longingly and lovingly stare at 3 or 4 of them for a looooooong while – just to bid my final adieu.

This lunch time, I emailed the girlfriends a very neatly organized Powerpoint file of 20 of my never-used, rarely used and mint condition bags.

In 10 minutes – everything was wiped out.

Next to go will be my never-used-still-with-tags, once used and in mint condition clothes and accessories.

Proceeds will go to my tuition fee as I will go back to studying Mandarin.

And…

Speaking of bags…

I recently posted something about my beloved Vuitton.

After kong tigbakin sa blog, look at what I got in my mail the day after I wrote it:

Tadah! An invite to view the Women Spring Collection.

*Smirk plastered on my face.*

Why, Vuitton, why?

Given the stress that I was into, what with my thesis and my international outsource partners being here for 2 weeks, there's no better way to relax and unwind (without going the distance at that!) but to type in the URL of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton recently had its Women Spring Summer 2009 Show. Apparently, Marc Jacobs designed the latest Vuitton Spring collection of handbags.

No disrespect to my most favorite label in the whole wide world, but the bags...

Que horrendous!

Such travesty.

Check some of the frou-frou glamour bags and you will know what I mean:

First photo:
Animal prints are all over the place already. Animal prints again for Spring? C'mon!

Second photo:
I call this the LV punching bag. It's like carrying your red boxing gloves to the gym.

First evening bag looks like something you'd find in a Baclaran stall.

Second one looks like a Benetton bag with animal prints. What the?










I call this the kinuyumos version. No form, none of the usual LV structure and lines.












(Photos from Louis Vuitton)

It's just quite disappointing. I always look forward to LV's new collection.

Normally, LV makes me flash a wide smile. The Spring collection made me shake my head in disbelief.

Are you going to make me go back to Gucci, my first love?

Tinker day

Today is officially tinker day for me.

After I submitted my (hopefully) final school requirements, I have some extra time in my hands to fix my files and all my gadgets.

Ten months after Boyfriend gave me Kohji, I have not maximized my UMPC's use. So now I'm downloading all the patches, software and drivers Kohji needs to work efficiently. I have not even set up its wi-fi and Internet access.

So now, I'm doing just that.

On a Sunday afternoon, I am right in front of 3 computers - my Kohji, the newly-issued notebook in the office and the Jurassic one.

Also looking for a lunch and dinner place for friends next week.

Now that school is over, I can't stand not doing anything - I gotta fix something!

Random blah

Zara love

I got my car back last night. My reliable Honda guy made sure I got her immediately since it's been raining everyday!

I will not take my car for granted again. Ever.


And more paperwork...

One more chapter that I need to re-write.

My back is killing me.

I'm way ahead of my timeline - yey!

Now one of the heavier parts is to re-write my conclusion.

To be continued... tomorrow.

Desperately seeking taxi:

The travails of car-less days…among many other things

By just reading the title, you already know that this is a rant entry.

Yes, once again, Zara is with Honda Cars Pasig. I left her in the parking lot one day and when I got back, she already had an injury on the left door. As I cannot stand scratches and dents, I just had to get her immediately fixed.

I’ve been driving my own car for almost 5 years now and it doesn’t help that although my area is near the office, it is also difficult to just hail a cab from there.

So now I have to call cab companies to pick me up in the morning. In the next 2 weeks, I will have very early morning meetings. Crossing fingers Honda will give her back to me by Thursday.

As for the many other things…

The long and winding road to thesis-dom

I submitted my draft last Friday (refer to last blog entry). Actually, we weren’t really required to turn in a draft. I could’ve just gone the easier path of just printing out the final copy.

But noooooo.

The nerdoc side of me insisted that I submit a draft first so I have the chance to revise and improve my final requirement.

Lo and behold, my prof-thesis adviser emailed me his comments and revisions. ‘Commended me for the hard work and effort very apparently exerted to write that 100-pages long synthesis work.

Since the academe is THE academe, I already half-expected that I will need to revise it. The revisions are major since he wanted me to expand on 2 major points that comprise nearly 40% of the whole thing.

I wouldn’t normally complain since I was the intrimitida slash atribida who volunteered a draft. However, I’m only given barely a week to not just edit – but re-write major chapters! This involves reading 3 more reports from scientific journals.

Ergo, every waking hour not spent working in the office will have to be devoted to writing and ONLY writing my thesis.

Kase… sana nag-final paper na lang, eh.

Of friends and lying

They say, people lie – unintentionally or otherwise – to avoid hurting the one they love or they care about.

I’m not saying I subscribe to it.

Pero iba if the one who lies to you is a friend --- or one you considered to be a friend --- a part of the inner circle.

I don’t know what your motivations are – why, how much – you needed to withhold some pertinent truth that doesn’t really concern me, anyway.

But if you lie to me about something, don’t go running to me to save you when things fall apart on your end.

Sasaluhin naman kita, under normal circumstances, but I don’t appreciate you lying to my face --- especially WHEN I ASKED YOU ABOUT IT.

I’m not mad at you. Just don’t expect me to be the one to cover for you when you lied to your first line of defense.

Moving on…

Although things are tough this week, I just have to get on with it. Write the paper so I can submit by Monday – Panda bear eyes or otherwise.

When life gives you lemons… squeeze the damn things and make vinaigrette for salad, nampucha.

Another day marked in my calendar

Today, I finally submitted my thesis draft.

After 7 months of hard work and sleepless nights.

Crossing fingers it pays off.

The DevCom department is already asking me to apply for graduation next year.

Totoo na ba ito?

I will only fill the form up once I hear that my prof's satisfied with the draft.

Let's see.

Today...

Marks the first day that I heard a Christmas carol on the radio.

I was walking along the Al Fresco area of Robinsons Pioneer when I heard Winter Wonderland playing.

3 months to go before Christmas...

the first Christmas since 1993 that Marc and Ryan won't be here.

Sherry said it's finally sinking in.

As for me, I've been thinking, grappling about it since first quarter of this year.

The people who have my stories, who share my history --- they're leaving.

First Christmas.

I wonder how we will do it this time.

'Probly via Skype and Webcam, connecting us in Manila to Honolulu and Paris.

Sawadeeka!

Amazing Thailand.

It really earned its name.

Thailand is an enjoyable amalgam of good food, great buys at bargain prices and respectful, fun-loving people.

Thai food is on top of the list of my favorite cuisines.

Pratunam and the Chatuchak weekend markets are my favorite bargain jaunts. Add to this list my newly-discovered Suan Lum night market.

It’s just too bad that Thailand is once again arrested with political issues. Now tourists are discouraged from booking tours going to Bangkok because of the civil unrest and street protests.

Luckily, Boyfriend and I had the chance to take a 4-day extended weekend trip before the protests erupted!

Protests and civil strife notwithstanding, I don’t mind going back again late this year. This is especially true now that Boyfriend and I found a new friend in our tour guide, Ole Intasri, who happens to have the same birthday as mine and who is equally fab!

Here are some of the places we went to in our Bangkok “revisit”:

1. Four Seasons Bangkok - The hotel’s look and feel remains to be Thai. Our room had a humongous flat screen TV and an iPod dock. I’m also very particular with bathrooms. Rico, on the other hand, is peeved by small showerheads. Thebathroom is just perfect. How can we complain? It’s Four Seasons!

The hotel’s concierge was also very efficient. We came to Bangkok without any tour reservations. I just gave the printout of my desired itinerary and voila! The hotel took care of all our reservations.

155 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok 10330

Tel. 66 (0) 2 250-1000

2. Spice Market – uber yummy Thai restaurant inside Four Seasons. We were lucky to get a free 4-course meal as part of our package!

Normally, hotel version of Thai food is already tempered to cater to foreign taste. But I don’t want my Thai food tempered! Thai food and tempered – they don’t match! I want the burst of Thai flavor in my mouth and the Spice Market captured this.

Aylavet!

Did I mention that I love my food spicy? Spicy to the tagaktak-pawis point (Note to self: buy Thai chili powder next time).

3. Aqua Bar – also inside Four Seasons, just right in front of the Spice Market. It’s very cozy at night and the crowd is a mix of expats and nouveau riche Thais. Try their caipirinha and mojito cocktails. Wonderful!

4. Manohra Cruise at the Chao Phraya River

Owned and managed by the Marriott Hotel, the Manohra Cruise is the best river cruise along the Chao Phraya River. There are several river cruises plying Chao Phraya, but I find the other ones (except for the Loy Nava) too commercialized – with loud music, too many people in a “love boat” pa-effect liner.

Manohra, on the other hand, plays traditional Thai music in the background and the boat can only seat 40 people. It’s more romantic and relaxing with a very Thai ambience.

We rode the old rice barge made of dark, gleaming hard wood. It’s like cruising through Bangkok in its ancient times.

En route the Chao Phraya River, there was an introduction of the temples (Wat) that we see along the way along with the Grand Palace and the Royal Barge boat-house.

Boyfriend and I were served 3 kinds of appetizer, tom yum soup, 3 main courses and 3 kinds of dessert. Gluttony ito!

The best cruise, of course, comes with a price as it cost almost 6,000 baht for 2.

5. Pratunam shopping

Near the Baiyoke Hotel, the Pratunam area is populated by garment stalls. They do both retail and wholesale. If you’re the maarte cum claustrophobic shopper like me, you can ply the air-conditioned sections. If you’re a serious bargain-hunter, check out the side streets. Fashionable tops can be had at 90 baht, saan ka pa!

I go for hard-to-find and unique accessories and clothes. For fashion-forward apparels, I got some of them for 300-400 baht. Still not bad.

6. Chatuchak weekend market

Aaah, eto talaga ang shopping haven ng mga bargains. Warning: it’s hot and humid in Bangkok (as if it’s not in Manila, noh) so prepare to sweat it out. I mean, really sweat it out. Kung gusto ng bargain, pagtiyagaan ang crowded stalls. It is uber worth it, obs kors. I bought incense sticks, lavender sprays, 100 baht colorful shirts, hand-made copper and silver accessories and cocktail rings.

Honestly, my shopping was bitin. I was impatient and I didn’t have THAT drive to scour for stuff. As in dig. Next time I go, I shall come prepared!

7. Calypso Cabaret

The Patpong go-go bars are soooo out.

In fact, tourists are discouraged to watch these acrobatic, circus-type go-go shows where the girls and some katoeys smoke cigarettes, throw darts or what have you with their vajay-jays. Maraming manloloko and pickpockets in the area. So beware.

Instead of the usual Patpong visit, I scheduled us to watch the Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret show where the performers literally gender-straddle. In fairnezz, ang gaganda ng mga katoeys. Flawless. And they really look like women. Prettier than most women, even.

It’s a wholesome cabaret show. Plus, the spiels are really funny. I was LMAO.

8. Temple tour

Boyfriend and I booked a private tour (dahil sosyal si Boyfriend. Yes, Boyfriend – it’s you. Not me. Pwede ako magtiyaga sa 3-star hotel at sa siksikang tour. *wink*). We asked the concierge to do this and we were booked through East Meets West Tours and Travel.

We visited four temples:

- The Grand Palace

- Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo)

- Wat Po

- Wat Arun

The tour was very efficient and organized. Ole, the tour guide assigned to us, was very accommodating. At dahil

ka-federacion siya, his personality was very bright and sunshiny.

The travel agency also books tours in Bhutan, Cambodia and Vietnam. Check out their website: http://www.eastmeetswesttravel.com.

I never get tired of going back to Bangkok. Amazing place, fantastic food. It’s one of my breathing spaces. I can’t wait to go back! When I do, I will make sure I’m emo-prepared for shopping.

For my next wanderlust, I wish I can go to Siem Reap in Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat with Boyfriend before the year ends.

Wish ng wish. Baka matuloy. =)

Photos from:

http://www.bangkok.com/

http://www.fourseasons.com/bangkok/