filipino in malaysia | beyond toxicity

Posts Tagged ‘filipino in malaysia

Mar

MORE THAN A PLATEFUL OF CHAR KOAY TEOW

As life has been teaching me, inspiration and motivation usually spring not (only) from those famous and authoritative people but (even) from those ordinary individuals with outstanding or at least, remarkable characters. It also holds true when it comes to my perception about places. I try my best not to underestimate places that look modest and cheap as it may be rewarding than expected.

Case in point, this hawker stall in front of a common-looking-eatery in Penang called, Kafe Heng Huat located at Lorong Selamat, one of the laterals of Jalan Macalister in George Town, Penang. If you must know, every hawker stall in this part of Southeast Asia appears almost the same. Apparently, they differ in the goods they offer. It turned out that my initial sampling of my ultimate favorite Malaysian dish, Char Koay Teow from Kafe Heng Huat didn’t only sustain me and satisfied my craving for that noodle dish but taught me some essential that money certainly can’t buy.

PASSION. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I personally saw untiring love for what she does that ~~probably~~ clearly makes every plate of CKT she prepares arguably the BEST in the entire Pulau Pinang.

Meet Soon Chuan Choo that according to the broadsheet article posted on the wall of this restaurant, has been cooking CKT for 45 years (the feature in Bangkok newspaper written in English was dated 2012). For someone who continuously does the same routine on a daily basis over those decades without boredom and fatigue, it must because of pure passion and love for it.

Penang, you’re very luck to have Aunty Soon Chuan Choo! She must be a living Heritage for cooking this Malaysian noodle dish for more than 4 decades and counting!

Look at my lunch freshly cooked as per order. Take note of the size of those prawns! A plateful of CKT from Aunty Soon is definitely worth it at 10 ringgit!

Because every plate is only prepared upon order, it took around 10 minutes of waiting before I savored this version of CKT recommended to me by Malaysian-blogger and friend, Emily of www.millymin.com and incidentally, by our colleague and friend who’s now back in the Philippines with his family, Doc Noel. According to his previous observations that he shared on the comment-thread of my CKT-photo on fb, he remembers this lady to be somewhat in unpleasant mood while cooking; perhaps, because she doesn’t want to be disturbed of the long queue with many orders; she remains so focused on cooking Char Koay Teow then and now. Aunty Soon may not offer anyone a smile and obviously has an attitude towards work but that’s how she delivers a perfect plate. If people go to Kafe Heng Huat for her Char Koay Teow over the past 4 decades, I think it confirms that she’s doing it right.

The view from where I sat. Packed with hungry diners, mostly locals who know what’s best in their area.

Waiting wasn’t an issue to me as I saw this signage when I went to my table.

So I gave in and ordered one of Malaysian popular desserts.

At only around 3 ringgit, I managed to go against the scorching sunny weather with Ais Kacang (pronounced as ice ka-chang) which is made of finely shaved ice, milk, sweet corn, jelly strips, nata de coco and red beans topped with a scoop of ice cream. Sedap! Sarap! Reminds me of our very own smilar dessert in the Philippines, Halo-halo. So perfect for summer!

In my 3 years of working in Penang, I oftenly go to Gurney Drive when I crave for a tasteful Char Koay Teow. Here’s a capture of that CKT :

But suggestions from friends proved that there are other far better options. This Malaysian dish of fried flat noodles, mixed with chili sauce, tofu, egg, sprouts, cockles, Chinese chorizo or pork sausage and larger prawns can give that CKT from the hawker stall in Gurney Drive a tough competition on my list.

It was a pleasure eating Aunty Soon’s specialty :

Edited : Doc Noel added on his comment on fb that Aunty Soon was noted to be strict on schedule, as he saw a nice family with kids came 5 minutes past closing time, and Aunty did not give in. I understand her being strict but a little consideration and a smile would not hurt.

Somehow, I see myself in Aunty Soon’s character. People easily judged me to have an attitude, ridiculously an anti-social but that’s how they define not my character but theirs. Like her, I am also particular with schedules, I rarely come late on appointments as I value time and punctuality. I am strict and stick with rules particularly my own. I always try to give everything in what I do.

For as long as we’re here in Penang, I’ll surely return to Kafe Heng Huat for another serving of Aunty Soon’s Char Koay Teow. Each plate is inspiring!

>><<

*This post with all of its photos is my entry to Weekly Photo Challenge : Lunchtime

Feb

MY MINI GUIDE TO GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

By docgelo 23 Comments

While my family and I have been living and working in Penang for almost 3 years now, I have not written yet a blog post summarizing the reasons why Penang is a must-visit place in Malaysia. So I was inspired by a travel magazine from Singapore that circulates around Asia where one of my amateur travel photos was fortunately published. Below is my mini-guide for first-time travelers to Pulau Pinang. Enjoy!

WHY GO?

Experience diversities in this cultural melting pot in Southeast Asia where Malays, Indians and Chinese blend harmoniously. Heritage trails, gastronomic delights, resorts and beaches can easily lure the traveler in you to bring your feet in this Northwestern Malaysian State.

*Street Art in Armenian Street, George Town Penang

WHEN TO GO

George Town Festival 2013 runs from June 07 to July 07 and during this month-long celebration of the anniversary of inscription of Penang’s capital as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Penangites’ culture and traditions are echoed in dances, street and theatrical performances, art exhibits and many more. However, one must know that revelry of each ethnic community in Penang is almost whole-year-round. The island’s sunny-weather also dictates no biases on when to plan a trip to George Town.

HOW TO GO

George Town is so accessible via air, land and sea. Fly directly from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Penang with Air Asia or other airlines. Take a bus from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth or a train ride from Bangkok to Penang Sentral and hop on the ferry at the jetty in Butterworth to reach George Town in Pulau Pinang (Penang island) from Seberang Perai (mainland). The iconic ferry ride takes about 12-15 minute trip but waiting may be a little bit longer. Alternatively, one may take a taxi ride from either the Penang International Airport to George Town (or take the public commuter, Rapid Penang bus), or take a taxi cab from Penang Sentral Bus Station in Butterworth after alighting off the bus or train via the 13.5 kilometer-Penang Bridge, the longest in Southeast Asia.

*Ferry in George Town, Penang Jetty

SEE

BEST FOR VIEWS : Penang Hill located about 6 kilometers from George Town and 833 meters above sea level, it’s the perfect spot to get a glimpse of the island and the mainland of Penang. Best to go there : the very first trip of the day of the Swiss-made funicular train from the foot of Bukit Bendera at 6:30AM. Experience the Malaysian dusk while waiting for the glorious sunrise. Savor a Penangite breakfast at the foodcourt and appreciate nocturnal-feathered artsy crafts inside The Owl Museum. Penang Hill is almost a complete community with its Post Office, Bellevue Hotel, shrines of worship (Hindu and Muslim), gardens, playground and restaurants. The roundtrip fare for funicular train is US$ 9.42.

*Taken from Penang Hill

BEST FOR CULTURE : It’s a must for every heritage suckers to spend a couple of nights or more in this quaint Malaysian island. With a unique fusion of diversities from Malays, Indians and Chinese, their opulent and rich histories that are apparent in the city’s clan houses, museums and living heritage, can effortlessly fascinate even the most idle tourist. MUST VISITS are Pinang Peranakan Mansion located in 29 Lebuh Gereja or Church Street, George Town(Monday to Sunday including Public Holidays from 9:30 am to 5 pm, Admission rate: US$ 3.15). Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion also known as the Blue Mansion is both a heritage mansion and a hotel in Leith Street, George Town (Daily guided heritage tours of the house in English : 11am / 1.30pm / 3pm Admission fee US$ 3.77). Khoo Kongsi in Cannon Street, George Town (Open daily with US$ 3:15 Admission fee). Penang State Museum and Art Gallery located at Faruqar Street is also not to be missed (Admission fee of US$ 0.314).

*Khoo Kongsi

*Pinang Peranakan Mansion

BEST FOR WALKING : George Town, Penang’s Heritage Trail stretches from the parallels of Chulia Street include Kapitan Keling, Armenian, Cannon, Muntri , Church, Pitt, Leith Streets and many more. Clan Houses, street food stalls that are more popularly known as hawkers and restaurants to suit a wide range of budget offer Malay, Chinese, Indian and even Western cuisines, various Hindu temples, Muslim mosques, Taoist shrines and Catholic and other religious churches, art installations on walls of shophouses around George Town can be spotted randomly by foot. And when both feet and legs become sore, hopped in a traditional trishaw to upgrade the city’s sightseeing. If nature and some trekking interest you, head directly to Penang Botanic Garden, Penang Butterfly Farm or Tropical Spice Garden via taxi cab or Rapid Penang Bus where strolling under lush greens and blooms provides soothing atmosphere.

*Penang Butterfly Farm

*Little India at the heart of George Town

BEST FOR ESCAPE : For less than 10 minute Drive or 20-30 minute taxi cab or Rapid Penang Bus-ride from George Town to Batu Ferringhi , soak your feet on the sand and shoreline of Penang beaches. Hundreds of possibilities awaits you in Batu Ferringhi; there are water sports, night bazaars, hotels and spas , food, food and more food!

EAT & DRINK

HAWKER FOOD STALLS in the streets of George Town and Gurney Drive are the best in the island. It’s a must to savor Chicken Satay, Char Koay Teow, Dim Sums, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Penang Assam Laksa that ranked 7th on CNN’s list of Most Delicious Food in the World and the Malaysian staple food, Nasi Lemak (literally means, fatty rice made up of boiled rice from coconut milk, with hard boiled egg, roasted peanuts, anchovies, slices of cucumber, sambal or red and spicy sauce served with chicken or seafood wrapped in banana leaf and newspaper). While most food shops are Halal, there are also lots of hawkers and restaurants serving otherwise.

*Char Koay Teow : A personal favorite!

*Dim Sums from De Tai Tong

OLD TOWN RESTAURANT in Burma Road and inside malls in Penang serves a variety of Malaysian dishes and beverages from breakfast, lunch and dinner.

RESTORAN KAPITAN that’s open 24 jam (24 hours) located at the corner of Pitt Street and Chulia Street in Little India, George Town serves the best Indian food in the island. Must sample dishes are the Chicken Tandoori set with either Cheese or Garlic Naan, Butter Chicken Masala, Chicken Kebab, Briyani, Tosai, and their fruity infused yoghurt beverage, Lassi. Try Mango Lassi or Mango shake, or wash down everything with Milo-ais (iced Milo) or a glass of coffee or tea. Other Indian dishes can be tasted from Nasi Kandar restaurants.

*Mango Lassi from Restoran Kapitan

KEDAI KOPI or coffee shops in the island offer Kopi with condensed milk or simply black, either in hot or cold mugs. Also popular drinks are Teh Tarik (literally means, pulled tea because the tea is pulled and poured in a height from the mug to make it frothy), Milo-ais (or iced Milo), Minuman Laicee or Lycee drink, Teh-o-ais or iced tea without milk and yes, a lot of milk tea craze in Penang too! Try buying a drink from a hawker stall and you’ll sip it from straw in a plastic bag of the drink tied with a loop. If you feel like indulging and splurging a bit, troop to either Chinahouse, Edelweiss Cafe or Amelie Cafe located at the heart of George Town.

*Chinahouse : Their Tiramisu is a must-try!!!

*Edelweiss Cafe

ROTI BOY in most malls in Pulau Pinang sells the best buttery buns on Earth! Definitely, a must-try!!!

SLEEP

Head to Lebuh Chulia or Chulia Street for most foreigners’ favorite backpackers’ hotels and inns where mostly offer ranging from bed space to bed and breakfast, with internet café or coffee shop or restaurant at the ground level and sleeping spaces at its next.

If you dig accommodation with heritage appeal, try reserving a room at either Yeng Keng Hotel, also in Chulia Street or Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Leith Street.

When money isn’t an issue to you, premiere hotels in Penang includes Hard Rock Hotel Penang, Eastern and Oriental, Shangri la’s Rasa Sayang Spa and Resort, G Hotel, Traders Hotel and so much more.

*HardRock Hotel Penang in Batu Ferringhi

ESSENTIALS

GETTING AROUND : Tour around George Town in a day or two or immerse yourself in travel with Penangites’ lifestyle in a week or so via Rapid Penang Buses, taxi cabs, trishaws or by foot. Bus fares start at US$ 0.44 and up.

CLIMATE : Sunny all year long with few episodes of rainfall.

TYPICAL COST :

Nasi Lemak : US$ 0.314
Cendol or Ais Kacang : US$ 0.94
Decent B&B : starts from US$ 15
High end hotel : starts from US$ 219
Visit to Cheah Kongsi : FREE!
Penang WIFI : FREE!

MORE RECOMMEDATIONS

AFFORDABLE EAT-ALL-YOU-WANT : Along Macalister Road at the heart of George Town Penang lies Towne Steamboat and Buffet that opens from 5PM onwards, where one can try his hands on cooking dim sum, cold cuts, seafoods and veggies on sour or spicy broth via steamboat, and also eat and enjoy cooked dim sums, fried goodies, chicken satay, steamed crabs, noodle dishes and desserts including bottomless ice cream bar and drinks for an affordable cost. US$9.40

BEST HAWKER STALLS : Bring your feet at the back of Plaza Gurney, and by the bay, your nose will be led by the aroma of gastronomic dishes from rows of the best hawker stalls in town. There you can find the best Char Koay Teow in Penang for my tastebuds.

MALL RATTING : Visit Pulau Pinang’s shopping malls that usually have 70-80% discounts on almost all items from clothes, luggages, kitchen and bedroom stuff to gadgets during great Malaysian season sale (July-December)

JALAN PENANG : A visit to George Town, Penang isn’t complete without strolling along Jalan Penang or Penang Road from Komtar –the tallest building in Pulau Pinang. Jalan Penang has Chowrasta Market, souvenir stalls and a ton of shop houses that sells almost everything you could imagine.

PLACES OF WORSHIPS : Do not miss to visit Kapitan Keling Mosque along Buckingham street, Standing Buddha in Burmese Temple, Reclining Buddha in Thai Temple (both located in Burma Road), St. George Church in Farquhar Street, it’s the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia and the other shrines located at the outskirts of Penang island -the picturesque Kek Lok Si Temple and the Floating Mosque.

CLAN JETTIES : Drop by Chew Jetty along Pengkalan Weld (a stone’s throw away from Jetty and Rapid Bus Station in George Town); Chew Jetty is one of the many clan jetties or water settlements by locals whose houses are built on stilts and are required to be preserved by UNESCO World Heritage Site authorities. Catch the sunrise, while away time by staring at the beauty of Penang Bridge or wait and watch for the sunset, take a cruise by boat from poles of the island via Chew Jetty.

PENANGITE DESSERTS : Cendol and Ais Kacang, an icy, fruity and nutty desserts available in hawker food stalls and restaurants around the island.

Hungry for more information about George Town, Penang?

Here’s a partial rundown of links to my previous blog posts about this beautiful island we called

our second home.

George Town Festival 2011
George Town Festival 2012
George Town in Less Than A Day
Kek Lok Si Temple
Penang Hill
Armenian Street
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Pinang Peranakan Mansion Part 2
Cheong Fatt Tze
Khoo Kongsi
Chew Jetty
Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Spice Market Cafe at Shangri La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Yeng Keng Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Food Porn at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
G Cafe at G Hotel Penang
G Cafe at G Hotel Part 2
Penang Toy Museum
Penang Assam Laksa
Penang State Museum
Tropical Spice Garden
Penang Butterfly Farm
Penang Spice Trail
Steamboat Buffet
Chinahouse
Chinahouse Part 2
Chinahouse Part 3
Edelweiss Cafe
De Tai Tong : Chinese Food | Mid Autumn Festival
Amelie Cafe
Cendol : Must Try!!!
Charlie Brown Cafe at Straits Quay

*Incidentally, this blog is nominated again under the Best Expat Blog category of Ministry of Tourism Malaysia’s MITBCA. If you think this site deserves YOUR VOTE, kindly go to this site : http://www.mitbca.com/category.php?id=9

then click the log in fb button,
once logged in to fb, click the list of category on the left sidebar and select EXPAT, then hit the VOTE button for docgelo.com. Thank you!

>><<

Nov

WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE : THANKFUL

By docgelo 16 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and MALAYSIA
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, expatriate, family, filipino in malaysia, nando's, photos, postaday, thanksgiving

Despite everything, we have so much to be thankful for! Above all, I’m grateful to the Lord for giving me a happy, healthy and beautiful family. Thank you too to my family for making my life complete. Happy Thanksgiving!

This is my entry to Weekly Photo Challenge : Thankful

PS : Happy Birthday to my loving wife, my best friend, Tina! Gabby & I love you, honey!

*GOOD NEWS : To those who read & follow my blog, I’ll appreciate if you could drop a line or two about my blogging via ths link :http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/1157/beyond-toxicity; this is in line with the BEST EXPAT BLOG AWARDS run by ExpatsBlog.com. Maraming salamat po!

Nov

SEE YOU SOON AGAIN

By docgelo 20 Comments

Despite I’ve seen them for a few times already, getting an opportunity to leave my current work place here in Penang temporarily to revisit these iconic towers in Kuala Lumpur still gives me the thrill. I’ll go to Malaysia’s capital again on mid November to run an errand and to attend to an exclusive invitation that’s blog-worthy. I cannot wait.

Oct

INSPIRED BY THE WALKING DEAD

By docgelo 14 Comments

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ve definitely seen these photos taken from years of Gabby’s trick or treating in his school and malls in Manila and a mall here in Penang.

Several weeks back, Tina and I asked our 8-year-old kiddo if he still digs being in costume to celebrate Halloween. Gabby replied positively but he professed he doesn’t want to join any contest in the mall like what he did before. He only wanted to have fun and enjoy the occasion. OK. Fine.

Luckily, few malls here in Penang partake in this Western tradition of celebrating Halloween; we had choices where to go to. Last year, we had it at Queensbay Mall while this year, we spent half of our Sunday at 1st Avenue Mall.

And because Gabby’s a bit older already, his choices in all things also mature gradually. This Halloween, he opted to dress as a zombie, perhaps so inspired by one of our favorite TV series, The Walking Dead. After having an idea of what to wear, Tina began to be more imaginative this time on how to zombie-fied our cute little Gabby.

She started with what we have in the kitchen. Egg white, artificial food coloring and tissue paper worked well with my wife’s creativity.

She used these to make fake blood; the egg white served as binder or glue the tissue paper on Gabby’s school-boy-complexion making him look more like someone from the grave. Clever eh? I say pure talent! LOL!

At home, they had rehearsal. The two were in character!!!

Call it weird but at least it’s clean FUN and most importantly, we’re HAPPY!

28 OCTOBER 2012. Sunday. 1st Avenue Mall. We found a seat inside Starbucks Coffee after engaging on a hearty brunch meal at Dome. Of course, I needed to take the “BEFORE” photo of the two.

Beautiful, aren’t they?
Then my wife brought out all her stuffs -food colors, hypoallergenic face makeup, sheets of tissue paper, and yes, an egg that she had to crack on the table of Starbucks to get its white.

Gabby wanted it, so he was so submissive. Take note, there’s no coercion nor force here!

Just so you know, my wife is a professional Operating Room Nurse and a former Clinical Instructor and she has no formal schooling on makeup more so on prosthetics but isn’t her work amazing? And apparently, Gabby’s the cutest “Walking Dead” ever!!!

Must be in character!

Despite there were no candies, no loot bags that’s so unlikely the Philippines (we certainly miss going to Greenbelt, Landmark, TriNoma, and Gateway!), we all had fun taking photos of those Malaysians who were in costumes too!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

______________

Oct

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

By docgelo 2 Comments

No, this isn’t about History but something about Science. Nothing too heavy; just about Gabby and me and a wonderful repetition of what’s done in the past.

Ages ago when I was in 4th (or was it 3rd?) grade in Marikina Catholic School, I was assigned to a Science project called, “Soil Erosion”. With only two rectagular wooden boxes at hand –one with soil, the other one with soil and plant and a small water dipper, I presented my experiement at the school’s Science Fair. For one whole day, my classmates and I were provided individual tables inside a classroom to set up our experiments for demonstration. When guests, teachers and other students started to pour in, I remember I had to repeat the explanation to my “experiment” several times over. Then came the nuns, teachers and a priest who all held pens and papers, dropped by each table to asked queries about each presentation. I didn’t know it’s a contest, much more I didn’t expect to win as somewhat like, the Best Science Project or so. It’s a pleasant surprise after a long and tiring day at school.

Looking back, I think it gave me the first exposure in public speaking that serendipitously led me to what I do now for a living.

Fast forward to October 15, 2012, Monday, it was time for our son, Gabby to present a Science project in school here in Penang. Nothing specific was assigned to him, only something to do with Science. The 8-year-old boy had so many things in mind. Initially, he wanted to create and bring a model of a head that when lifted, will expose a model of a brain, then he also thought of making a volcano that would errupt and a few more of ideas that he got from watching Science-and-craft-oriented shows on TV and from reading encyclopedia in school. I casually told my family about my “Soil Erosion” project back in my days. Probably because of its simplicity, environmental and social relevance, they agreed on the suggestion. Together, Gabby and I recereated what I demonstrated in our Science Fair back in the mid 80s.

We didn’t have rectangular wooden boxes so we used two plastic pots –one with soil, the other one with a plant.

Although, everything was made in a rush, I had fun helping out Gabby with his project. I prepared a written report about his Soil Erosion; Tina helped me out to simplify the words that kids of Gabby’s age and younger could easily understand. Say, for example instead of using the word, “objectives”, we used “goals” or rather than using the word, “applied”, we used “added” and for ”methodology”, ”procedures”.

Apparently, it’s difficult to explain and demonstrate something that’s new to you and things you don’t comprehend so we made sure Gabby understood what his project is all about before he brought everything in school.

The boy easily grasped everything after I showed him photos of flood and landslides from the web. Gabby saw images from the Philippines that captured effects of having less or no trees in the mountains that supposed to absorb water from rainfall. His reaction was the same as mine.

I instructed him to use plastic and old newspapers as the base of his set up and told him that the roots of the plant in his experiment represent the roots of trees, and the soil in the pots depicts the Earth. Obviously, when he pours water in each pots, the one with no plant would wash down soil particles in an instant.

After his day in school, Tina and I asked Gabby how his experiment demonstration was and our wonder boy only replied smilingly, “It’s OK!”

Jun

KAPANAPANABIK!

By docgelo 16 Comments

Can I just shout out that this email made me so thrilled to look forward to the next issue of Lonely Planet ASIA magazine July/August issue? (click screen capture to enlarge)

I am one of the avid readers of Lonely Planet Asia magazine; in fact, I was just reading their May/June issue that features London, NYC and other best spots in the globe yesterday when I received this email and it certainly put an ear-to-ear smile on my face! And to have one of my non-professional photos to be published soon and to be invited to contribute something to this esteemed travel magazine is such overwhelming!

*My photo that I called, The Floating Duo taken from Hat Yai, Southern Thailand was first posted in this blog entry : http://docgelo.com/2011/08/04/discovering-hat-yai-thailand-crossing-borders-floating-market-more/

May

SOMETHING ABOUT BARONG TAGALOG

By docgelo 21 Comments

Categories: HEADLINES and PHILIPPINES
Tags: barong tagalog, beyond toxicity, doc gelo, docgelo, expatriate, ferdinand e marcos, ferdinand marcos, filipiniana, Filipino, filipino expat, filipino in malaysia, filipino in penang, marcos, philippine costumes, pinoy abroad, pinoy expat, the philippines

It took me few days to bring my Barong Tagalog for its much needed dry cleaning to the laundry shop located just in front of the building of our appartment. I wore it proudly when I and my family graced the 2012 Malaysia International Tourism Blog Awards in Saloma Theater, Kuala Lumpur last May 8th. You all know by now what happened in the awards night; now here’s what happened inside the laundry shop :

Me : Hello! Good afternoon! Do you do dry clean here, Sir?
Old Malaysian man about age of 60s, perhaps : “Yes! What do you call that? ….Philippine!”
Me : “It’s called Barong. Our national costume in The Philippines.”
Old Malaysian man : “Ahhhhh…. Barong!”
Me : “How much do you charge for dry cleaning a Barong, Sir? And when can I collect it?”
Old Malaysian man : “Today is Saturday, so tomorrow Sunday -store is closed. You can collect it on Tuesday. You pay 6 ringgit.”
Me : “OK, Sir, I’ll pay now and I shall collect it around 6:30PM, Tuesday.”
Old Malaysian man putting my Barong closer to his chest : “Can you wear Barong without a shirt inside?”
Me : “Oh no, Sir. We wear it with plain white undershirt underneath. Barong is worn in formal occasions.”
Old Malaysian man : “Ohhhhhh… Can you wear it with jogging pants, like this?” –pointing to what he was wearing.”
Me : “No, Sir. We wear it with slacks or formal dark pants.”
Old Malaysian man : “So if I want Barong, I go Philippine and buy. Where can I buy and how much?”
Me : “You can buy Barong Tagalog from Department stores or even in huge public markets.”
Old Malaysian man : “Ohhhhh… I see. How much?”
Me : “The price usually varies with the material or the cloth that was used. This Barong, I only got cheap for around hundred ringgit (FYI, I bought that particular Barong in Tutuban Mall in Divisoria, where else?) But as I have said, prices go up depending on the material. It can go as high as one thousand ringgit (Php 14,000) or even more expensive specially if it’s a designer’s label and/or the cloth is made of pineapple fiber.”
Old Malaysian man : “Ohhhh….the one worn by Marcos.“

May

BUKIT BINTANG, KUALA LUMPUR

By docgelo 10 Comments

If I have to narrow down my list of preferred places in Kuala Lumpur, other than the very iconic Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC-Suria Shopping Complex , I would definitely include Bukit Bintang in my personal must-visit-places-in KL-list. The first time we went there was during the Chinese New Year holiday this year and with so much fascination, my family and I promised to go back again. And every visit has been rewarding with tons of fun memories to cherish.

This upscale shopping and business district in Malaysia’s capital city is comparable to few favorites that I have been to. In so many ways, Bukit Bintang reminds me of Rodeo Drive in LA, Downtown Auckland in New Zealand, Shibuya and Ginza in Tokyo, Canton Road in Hong Kong, Orchard Road in Singapore and our very own Makati City back home. It may be on a smaller and simpler scale compared to those cosmopolitan places but overall, it’s such a vibrant and exciting venue to stroll, shop, dine around or simply while away time during a stay in Kuala Lumpur.

For someone who’s been living and working in a rather more laid back but utterly rich in heritage sites like Penang, a visit to Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur is and will always be refreshing!

***Photos were taken in the streets of Bukit Bintang and Pepper Lunch in Pavilion Mall where we savored our lunch last May 8th before heading to the 2012 Malaysia International Tourism Blog Awards. We wolf down Beef Pepper Rice (for Tina, Gabby and me-a plate each!) and Salmon Pepper Rice for my mom. Obviously, it’s not only Tina and I who love Pepper Lunch but it’s one of Gabby’s favorites -not only here in Malaysia (Can someone bring PL to Penang, please! The Pavilion Mall branch in Bukit Bintang is the only one in Malaysia as of the moment) but in Hong Kong and Manila of course! While the small slice of sublime chocolate cake from Lavander (which we opted prior seeing a branch of Bread Talk) was my celebratory dessert I had as takeaway in the hotel to rejoice this blog’s 5th anniversary.

Apr

MASJID KAPITAN KELING

By docgelo 15 Comments

I have mentioned it before and I would state it again, that for almost two years of living and working in Penang, I have been fortunate to experience diversities in race, tradition, religion and so much more this cultural melting pot in Southeast Asia has to offer. What I admire the most from the people of Penang, which must be true throughout Malaysia is their devotion to their faith. They may have been varied in being Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian, and predominantly Muslim but everyone’s expression of religion is beyond inspiring! Despite differences in religious beliefs which are almost always tantamount to their ethnicities, respect and harmony reign supreme which unfortunately, remain a luxury to other parts of the world, including to where I came from (read : Certain conflicts between Chistrians and Muslims still exist in isolated areas in the Philippines. It’s otherwise in Penang or at least I have not heard of. Thus, I have developed a deeper respect to Islamic faith). Being witnesses to an eclectic practices of Malaysian faithfuls is a beautiful opportunity for me and my family. I have considered the exposure of my 7-year-old son to these diversities at his early age a priceless blessing that I know, he’ll gradually take in and appreciate too, in the near future.

*Photos were taken randomly from the oldest mosque and probably the most visited by tourists in George Town, Penang. A stone’s throw away from Masjid Kapitan Keling is a myriad of shrines of worship, a tangible proof that there’s indeed harmony in the blend of various religions in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mar

OUR HONG KONG DISNEYLAND TRIP 2012 : TIMELESS MAGIC

By docgelo 34 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, TRAVEL, ILOVEPHOTOS and HONG KONG
Tags: TRAVEL, food, hong kong, family, traveling, foodie, lifestyle, doc gelo, docgelo, food blog, Hong Kong Disneyland, family blog, amusement park, disneyland, travelling, filipino abroad, surf and turf, toy story, woody, pinoy expat, buzz light year, filipino in malaysia, southeast asia, theme park, angelo nino santos, grand vacation, disneyland hotel, angelo nino m. santos, must-visit in hong kong, must see in hong kong, must visit in disneyland, maliit ang mundo, it's a small world after all, it's a small world, jungle, jungle safari, toy story land, the golden mickeys, mulan, disney in the stars, fireworks, corner cafe, lobster, family and living blog, clam chowder, seafood chowder, beauty and the beast, elephants, zebras, zoo animals, artificial animals, adventureland, fantasyland, main street usa

The fambam goes to Adventureland! Celebrating at Hong Kong Disneyland the best way we know how!

A young elephant at Hong Kong Disneyland, seriously?

We never thought that we’d see Baby elephant with Mama and Papa elephants other than Dumbo in a theme park reigned by our favorite, Mickey Mouse. Or perhaps, we got overwhelmed being there again and forgot that almost anything’s possible because MAGIC and FANTASY come alive in a perfect fusion in the Happiest Place on Earth! ;)

Even Tina, Gabby and I have been to HONG KONG DISNEYLAND a few times already, and thankfully I’ve experienced the theme park in Tokyo and California too, it was our very first time to ride a tour-guided-boat in the waters of ADVENTURELAND last 17 February 2012, and definitely enjoyed every moment to bits.

Our gang at Hong Kong Disneyland with our uber friendly and warm exclusive tour guides, Janice (on red uniform) and Danny (with tie).

How cool it was to bypass the long queues legally without a feeling of guilt because of

DISNEY’S PRESTIGE TOUR (HK$ 3,888 for 3 consecutive hours up to group of six) .

Our Jungle River Cruise in Adventureland was led by an intrepid skipper. Our group was amazed as he passionately described and elaborately narrated what to expect and see along the mysterious waters.

But wait.

Why’s Gabby so afraid?

First he was afraid; he was petrified!!! ....hehe!

Was it because of the Baby elephant?

Or was it because of Papa elephant and his striped African friends?

Can it be due to those rhino and hyenas chasing these men?

Climb for your lives!!! ;P

Oh, I remember! Gabby was frightened about those fire-and-explosions-on-waters effects during one part of the cruise!

Okay.

Fine.

I admit…

Those mother and baby elephants, zebras, hyneas and rhinos, gorillas and cobras (not in photos) are mechanically operated; they’re unreal! You thought so too? But they’re the next best things to see after watching the lovable Disney characters on parade and I think even better than seeing their natural counterparts in a zoo. Exposing kids like Gabby to such artificial animals that appear like real would give them appreciation of the wild and the environment as a whole without the risk. Safety’s always a priority whenever you travel with kids and Hong Kong Disneyland knows how to implement fun with so much care!

That Jungle River Cruise was really something! It felt like we’re instantly ushered into an African Safari and left Asia for a while to experience some animal and jungle encounter.

Adventureland also features Tarzan’s Treehouse, Liki Tiki and the fabulously produced musical, “Festival of the Lion King” which we watched the following day (to be featured on my next post!).

Moments after we hopped off the boat, our HK Disneyland Tour Hosts, Janice and Danny brought us to FANTASYLAND to experience another engaging attraction, tagged as the happiest cruise that ever sailed, as the children of the world sing and dance to the song, “it’s a small world!”

My favorite part of this Fantasyland attraction : The Jungle Safari! We're having a safari-overload! Amazing!

A ride on the lift took us down to another exciting boat ride! This time, our senses feasted on colorful tableaux made of dolls representing children of each countries around the globe sing and dance to the song of “it’s a small world” in their own respective tongues. And just like that Jungle River Cruise in Adventureland, It’s A Small World journey via boat was another first for Tina, Gabby and me because we always passed the chance to experience it on our previous visits due to its long queue (a proof that it’s a MUST-SEE!). But now that we’re on Disney’s Prestige Tour, it was really a hassle-free!

it’s a small world…

Name Game! What country does this dolls represent? The frustrated violinist in me was in awe!

This FANTASYLAND attraction may be so appealing to kids and kids-at-hearts but it definitely shows a serious issue of unity amidst diversities. We may have come from various cultures and nations but in music and harmony, we could be one!

Indubitably, I am biased with tableaux from Asia!

Outstanding play of colors and costumes! …More Asian flavors!

Then at one lowly lit corner, two dolls dressed in Philippines’ national costume were singing “maliit ang mundo” (Tagalog version of “it’s a small world”).

Tina told me that she only wished that the Philippines’ corner would have a larger and brighter area or perhaps she meant, more dolls, more features like that of the other countries. Nonetheless, at least our very own’s represented! Yay!

As for our current work place, I think our eyes missed to spot Malaysia.

I’m not sure what comes first but certainly, our boat sailed onto the Golden Bridge! At this part, I suddenly missed the actual thing!

Tulips and windmills? Must be Holland.

Venetian Gondola? Must be Italy.

It’s so magical how we toured the world on a boat without the fuss of going through terminals and applying for visas! hehe

Cabaret? ...Moulin Rouge?

“it’s a small world” greeted us with “Hello” in different languages and bid us “Paalam”, “Adieu!”

Next, we headed to another Must-See in FANTASYLAND -A musical celebration of Disney’s movies and characters. If in “It’s A Small World” we took a journey around the globe on a whim, “The Golden Mickeys” presented our favorite Disney films live on stage! It’s a favorite and we never miss seeing this show whenever we visit Hong Kong Disneyland. Again, this trip was extremely special -I am with my family, we met new friends and we got PRIORITY PASS and EXCLUSIVE RESERVED SEATING!

VIP TREATMENT at its BEST!

Thank you so much, Hong Kong Disneyland!

THE GOLDEN MICKEYS

Wonderful!

Hearing Mickey and Minnie speak Cantonese never fails to amuse me. It only happens in Hong Kong Disneyland!

I may not be an expert critic in theater but I know my eyes and ears. I have watched a few musicals during my wonder years and this one’s short but excellently staged! We’ve seen other actors performed “The Golden Mickeys” the previous years and I may state that it has been consistent. What an AWESOME PRODUCTION! Gabby’s eyes were glued on the entire show! The three of us barely blinked! haha!

Live performances of songs, dances and stunts really reminded us of our favorite Disney movies!

The 30-minute show ended with a blast! We were soon guided to the newest and exclusive attraction in Hong Kong Disneyland :

TOY STORY LAND

“It’s playtime at Toy Story Land!

Exclusive in Asia, Toy Story Land brings the cherished stories of the Toy Story movie trilogy to reality, providing an immersive and memorable experience for all Guests. Toy Story Land’s opening on November 18, 2011 as the first themed area of the Park’s expansion project marked a key milestone for the Resort.

Entering the themed area, Guests will feel like they’ve been shrunk to the size of a toy as they are transported to the oversized world of Andy’s backyard. Toy Story Land houses three main attractions – RC Racer, Slinky Dog Spin and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop – offering Guests interactive and playful adventures. Through the themed area, Guests will also be able to play with their favorite Toy Story friends.” -HKDL.

Follow the Arrow to TOY STORY LAND!

Everything is oversized at TOY STORY LAND! Never imagined that we’d experience being in a backyard and feel like shrunken toys of Andy, the boy who owns the toys that come alive in the Disney movies, Toy Story. But it happened magically in TOY STORY LAND!

RC RACER

Soaring in a U-shaped bright orange track, you can ride a race car and have the thrill of fun!

I wish I had the will to try these thrilling rides; I passed up for the fear that I might throw up. I didn’t want to spoil our weekend fun feeling nauseous and tachycardic (having increase heart rate). It’s just me and my family (Tina has Vertigo and Gabby’s too young to get the scare out of him). But for those who seek such gravity defying race ride, RC Racer is made for you!

Since we opted not to try the RC Racer, we thought the next best thing was to pose for posterity!

TOY SOLDIER PARACHUTE DROP

TOY SOLDIER PARACHUTE DROP -another ride that gives you adrenaline rush! If you’re into Skydiving or you dig such extreme drill, this one’s tailor made for you! You’ll get a view of the entirety of Andy’s backyard set in Hong Kong Disneyland in the poetic Lantau Island!

Dig this : “Drop from the sky with the Toy Soldiers in a parachute training drill that thrills!”

SLINKY DOG SPIN

This one’s Gabby’s favorite! He asked me to accompany him not once but twice! We experienced how Slinky Dog run around and chase his tail around and ’round! Fun, fun, fun!

We love Toy Story Land!

You’ll never get to sit on pastel-colored popsicle stick-benches on a daily basis! Made me want to bring them home! haha!

Wonderful, isn’t it? “And there’s more to come! Toy Story Land is the first of three themed areas planned at Hong Kong Disneyland. The second themed area at Hong Kong Disneyland will be called Grizzly Gulch and it’s scheduled to be completed and opened to the public in 2012. And the Mystic Point themed area is expected to open in 2013.” -HKDL.

And because Magic is so timeless,

and the fun never ceases,

we didn’t notice the hands of the clock inside Hong Kong Disneyland!

Dusk fell beautifully in this theme park.

Time for dinner at CORNER CAFE!

One of the newly established restaurant inside the park is Main Street Corner Cafe. This table serviced restaurant offers premium American menu; everything spells D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

Gabby’s kiddie set included Fish fingers and fries, veggie side dish, cream puffs that he so loved! (read : as I write this, he uttered, “Iyan ang pinakamasarap!” –”That’s the most delicious!”), watermelon sliced into Mickey Mouse head and watermelon juice to match.

We were served with fibrous bread and butter. Yes to carbo! hehe!

I sampled their Seafood Chowder and it’s rich and tasteful, just what I like!

Satisfying one’s craving inside a kiddie theme park is almost always close to rarity. The usual meals in most amusement parks are fastfood delights and at times, far from your palate’s want. But CORNER CAFE inside Hong Kong Disneyland is amazingly different! Surprisingly, we found the irresistible, SURF AND TURF on their menu! The adequate portion of tender beef which Tina and I had medium-well, and a perfectly seasoned lobster on a bed of creamy whipped potato, all in one heavenly plate was simply divine!

For dessert, Tina, Gabby and I ordered a trio of cheesecake (not in photo); too bad my shots on that plate were so blurry I decided not to post.

Thanks to the Hong Kong people we’ve met -Nicole, Catherine and Purple (you guys are the best!), they left us with beautiful souvenir pins inspired by Toy Story Land! Everyone in our group had a piece; Gabby even got to keep and bring home the handsome box, sweet!

We needed to postpone savoring our desserts because the fireworks outside was about to start. We’re told that it’s best to view such magnificent lighting of the Hong Kong skies in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle but because we’re still halfway on our dinner (it’s really sumptious, you feel half-hearted to eat fast!), most of us just walk outside Corner Cafe and marveled at “Disney in the Stars!”

DISNEY IN THE STARS

Because I didn’t bring a tripod and I was not in the most strategic spot (lame excuses for not having expertise on firework photography!), my shots were disappointing. Good thing though, Tina brought her ipod and took a 43-sec video of the finale of the Disney in the Stars!

Short Video Captured by Tina : View HERE!!!

Our photo and video may not be compelling but trust in Hong Kong Disneyland should be more than enough to convince you that the Disney in the Stars fireworks is such a beautiful and perfect one to end the day at the park.

Thank you, Hong Kong Disneyland!

This post concludes our DAY ONE in Hong Kong Disneyland.

We smilingly hit the sack inside our room in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel

and woke up extremely excited for another MAGICAL DAY!

OUR DAY TWO in HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

and A LOT MORE on this blog’s succeeding posts!

Stay tuned!

———————————

This Blog Series Includes :

Jan

OUR FUN HOMAGE TO MALAYSIA’S MAGNIFICENCE

By docgelo 28 Comments

It was actually love at first sight. She’s so iconic; mesmerized me effortlessly and blew me away the first time I saw her from the foreground back in 2010. She has an identical twin who’s equally gorgeous; they’re both breathtaking!

21 January 2012, Saturday : The view at EIGHTY SIXTH LEVEL is incredibly STUNNING!

I can’t help but fall in love with Petronas Twin Towers every time I see her. It’s my 4th time to be in Kuala Lumpur, Tina and Gabby’s second and my mom’s first (except she passed by the city with my dad en route to the airport last year). We grabbed the chance to revisit Malaysia’s capital city again to celebrate this year’s long Chinese New Year weekend (we’re on holiday until Tuesday, 24 January 2012) and to accompany my mom (who’s visiting us from UAE) in (re)exploring KL.

Believe it or not, Gabby’s Lola did our itinerary for this trip. My mom surfed the net for top 10 must-visit sites in KL, personally called contact persons of each destinations including our budget hotel concierge to inquire about the whereabouts, transportation and whatnot; after which, she spoke to me of what’s best to do to maximize our 3D2N break et voila! After casual deliberation, our priority’s to experience the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge Visit.

It was around past 6 in the morning of Saturday, 21 January 2012 when our 5-hour-bus-ride from Butterworth, Penang reached Pudu Sentral (formerly Puduraya) at the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Thank God we slept comfortably on the midnight trip so we headed directly to our budget hotel in Chinatown. Since regular schedule for check in is at 2PM and we arrived early at dawn (sunrise in Malaysia’s later than you expect), we just dropped off our luggage and bags and hurriedly trooped via taxi cab to KLCC-Petronas Twin Towers.

My mom was right. Tickets to the Skybridge Visit should be paid and claimed the earliest possible time, ideally in the morning of the day of your tour. We already saw groups of tourists heading to the basement of KLCC to queue for tickets; we followed suit. I went on queue and asked my family to freshen up at the tandas and grab something for breakfast from the nearby convenience store; we took turns in doing so.

Tandas or toilet at the basement of KLCC : simple and clean. I wish to see the same in NAIA 1 and all terminals in Manila.

The zigzag lines of people grew so fast!!! Look, at half hour past 6AM…

and just before the office opened at 8:30AM…

Despite the many tourists, there was no stampede, no loud noises, discipline was observed. Very good!

When the gate of the office opened and the line moved at a nice pace, photo-ops are limitless…

Team Docgelo

Finally, after almost 2 hours of waiting, we got our tickets for the 9:15AM visit! I believe they’re making a census out of the number of citizens per country who came to appreciate Malaysia’s iconic towers. I smiled with pride when I saw the name of our country on our tickets!

As of present, the schedules for the Skybridge Visit are as follows : 9AM, 9:15AM (the one we availed), 10AM, 10:15AM, 11AM, 11:15AM, 12PM, 12:15PM, 1PM, 1:15PM, 2PM, 2:15PM, 3PM, 3:15PM, 4PM, 4:15PM, 5PM, 5:15PM, 6PM and 6:15PM. So the visiting hours stretch from 9AM to 7PM every Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. *Phone and advance bookings are not be entertained.

Entrance fees for Malaysian adults and kids are cheaper at RM 25 per pax (PhP 350) than for foreign tourists, RM 50 per adult (PhP 700) and 25 ringgit for kids like Gabby (7-12 y/o, ages younger are free!).

Before 9AM, we noticed the monitors displayed, "All tickets for today are SOLD OUT" a few minutes after we're done with the cashier. The people on queue probably will get tickets for the next day but I doubt, as per brochure, "advance and phone bookings are not allowed."

Soon after we got the tickets, we brought our feet to the Check In area where like any terminals and highly restricted places, all our bags and things were scanned on an X-ray machine; all visitors were subjected to body-check; everyone was provided a color-coded ID, stickers for kids, and those with bags were advised to leave them at the package counter except for valuables.

Adult vistors s are provided with color-coded IDs, kids with stickers.

Then still few steps at the Check In area, the tour commenced with a brief hologram presentation of the history of the Petronas Twin Towers and some few reminders of what to expect and how to move during the entire visit.

A guide led us to the lift en route to 41st floor where the Skybridge is located. It’s actually a double decked Skybridge–41st and 42nd levels connecting the two towers.

Taken at 7PM of the same day from the front foreground of Petronas Twin Towers

My heart silently pounded for extreme excitement. Like a kid of Gabby’s age or probably younger, I was quietly jumping for joy as we took steps to the Skybridge.

Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge 41st level : 170 meteres above street level

But upon hearing from the staffs that they ONLY allow 15 MINUTE-STAY per 20 visitors, PANIC ran through my veins, became too ANXIOUS in a heart beat; worried of how to capture the moments, the SPECTACULAR VIEW from the Skybridge on such limited time. Do you know how? Like my mom, who more often than not is tensed with tons of things, I really had no “grace under pressure”, LOL!

I am no engineer nor architect, but my jaw dropped in amazement with such magnificent structure.

Can you spot the fountain at the park in front of the Twin Towers?

I just snapped my cam without a concrete plan in mind how to properly stretch the 15-minute Skybridge visit. I was caught by circumstance and drowned by awe but nonetheless, the moment was so surreal! Definitely one for the books!

The view and everything in sight was definitely spectacular! My photos cannot give justice to the exact beauty that we marvelled about.

The view of the garden at the back of Suria-KLCC Shopping Complex at 170 meters above street level…

While I was so excited taking photos, Tina’s busy capturing almost everything in video via her little gadget (from her dad). Then we meet at the moment to pause and smile for photo-ops, haha!

I love this shot!

One more shot before leaving Level 41 and take the lift to 86th floor…

The floor to the lift has photo-sticker of the image of the fountain and park in front of the towers.

Level 86th is the 2nd observation floor aside from the Skybridge. We were given 20 minutes to savor the amazing view.

“The design of each tower’s floor plan is based on simple Islamic geometric forms of two interlocking squares creating a shape of eight-pointed stars. Architecturally, these forms reflect important Islamic principles of Unity within unity, Harmony, Stability and Rationality.” -–Sourced via “Petronas Twin Towers A Vision Realised” visitors’ brochure.

"Pinnacles : House the aircraft warning lights and external building maintenance equipment. Features: each of the 2 pinnacles is made up of a spire ring ball, a 23 segmented mast and ring ball (14 rings of varying diameters)."-Sourced via "Petronas Twin Towers A Vision Realised" brochure.

A Masterpiece of Architectural Design : "The exteriors is made of multi-faceted walls, 33,000 pieces of stainless steel and 55,000 pieces of glass panels form the towers' wall cladding. The vision glass panels are laminated light green. To shade the interiors against strong sunlight, stainless steel sun visors shaped like teardrops line the vision glass." -Sourced via "Petronas Twin Towers A Vision Realised" visitors' brochure.

*Quick Facts :

Number of storeys -88,

Height of each tower -452 meters above street level

Length of Skybridge : 58.4 meters

Height of Skybridge (Level 41 from street level) : 170 meters

Lifts : 29 double-decker high speed passenger lifts in each tower

Escalators : 10 in each tower

Stairs : 765 flights

Car park : 5,400 parking bays on 5 levels of basement parking

Steel used : 36,910 tons

Weight per tower : 300,000 tons

Usable space : 213,750 sq meters per tower

Two annexes : 186,000 sq meters of space *-Sourced via “Petronas Twin Towers A Vision Realised” visitors’ brochure.

*Milestones of the construction of Petronas Twin Towers :

June 1992 ………………..start of project planning

Mar 1993………………….start of foundation works

Apr 1994………………….construction of the superstructure

Jul 1995…………………..lifting of skybridge

Jan 1996………………….fitting out of the interiors complete with furniture

Mar 1996…………………jacking of the spires of Tower 1 and Tower 2

Jan 1997…………………moving in of the first batch of Petronas’ personnel

Aug 31, 1999……………official opening by YAB Dato Seri Dr Mahatir Mohamad, the 4th Prime Minister of Malaysia -*-Sourced via “Petronas Twin Towers A Vision Realised” visitors’ brochure.

The 86th level observation area is kid-friendly. See how Gabby played his ticket lifting the hologram structure of the twin towers. Aliw ang bata! The other foreigner-visitors waited for Gabby to finish for them to use the monitor to play too!

Our almost half an hour spent at the 86th level of Petronas Twin Towers was definitely unforgettable! It gave us uniquely beautiful kind of high!

High na high!

I would not mind paying the two towers a visit again in the future. And again. and again. Because I love them so.

———————————-

*This is a part of a blog series on our 3-day-Chinese New Year holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As of this posting, the family & docgelo have returned to Penang.

Nov

ITLOG NA PULA, ATBP

By docgelo 27 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
Tags: cream dory, dining at home, expat, expat living, family, family and living, filipino expats, filipino in malaysia, food, foodie, fruits, lumpia, papaya, penang malaysia, prawns, salted eggs, vegetables

Whenever clock hits few minutes after 5PM on a Monday-to-Friday-basis, Tina and I head to the bus stop just in front of our work place to hurriedly go home. And while on our 30-40 minute ride, we wait for Gabby’s call to inform us that he’s on his way home too via his service-van from school. During this time, I usually ask Tina what’s on her mind for dinner. Her answer of course, depends on the contents of our fridge and pantry.

Recently, I’ve been craving for some salted eggs on a bed of chopped fresh tomatoes seasoned with either salt or fish sauce (yes, to make it more salty!) so I made sure I bought some. I grew up liking this Filipino favorite combo and was so familiar with ready-to-eat-red-coated-salted eggs back home. Imagine our fancy when I brought home these from the public market here in Penang…

Those black and monstrous looking eggs are raw salted eggs and they're edible by the way, LOL!

Apparently, salted eggs here in Penang are traditionally Chinese. Unlike the ones sold in the Philippines that are dyed in red to easily distinguished them from fresh duck eggs, salted eggs here are covered in black sand and soil (in some parts of Asia, I read, in salted charcoal paste).

I paid 8 ringgit (PhP 112 or USD 2.54) for 10 pieces of raw salted eggs from the Chinese-Malay vendor at the public market here in Butterworth; cheaper than my recall to its price from Landmark Supermarket in TriNoma about 2 years ago (How much are they now in Pinas?).

After throughly washing them one by one under running water, these salted eggs were boiled before peeled to perfection to look like these…

Craving satisfied! The orange-red yolks are rich in cholesterol, I know. We only eat it once in a blue moon! *defensive* LOL! Meanwhile, Tina was up for something more…

Salted eggs + freshly chopped tomatoes coupled with fried fillet of cream dory and mangoes were part of our meal at home.

Another day, another feast.

Tina's fresh lumpia with sweet peanut sauce + chopped roasted peanuts & minced garlic toppings, steamed prawns, slices of papaya and some bananas.

Regardless of the dishes on our table, wherever we eat, we consider being together the most appetizing part of our dining!

Nov

GABBY’S CHRISTMAS TREE

By docgelo 21 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and MALAYSIA
Tags: catholics, celebration, christmas, christmas decors, christmas tree, decorations, decors, expat life, family and living, family life, filipino expat, filipino in malaysia, life of an expat, pasko, penang malaysia, pinoy abroad

With no imposed obligations from them, I’m trying my best to give back to my parents by doing things to Gabby what they did to me and my brothers. It’s one of the simple ways I know to show gratitude to the people who raised us well.

Before I got married and raised a family of my own, I used to put up a Christmas tree with my mom, siblings and cousins on either the last day of October or after Undas (All Saints and All Souls’ Day). Like ordinary Filipino family, it has been a tradition for us to welcome and usher the yuletide season in our home by gathering around our living room to assemble one of the most famous holiday symbols, the Christmas tree!

From malls to shops in Divisoria, we usually update our decors almost every 2 to 3 years back then. Once, our mom even brought us to a specific distributor of Christmas decors and novelty items somewhere in San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City (a company called ‘Unique’ that supplies National Bookstores and some department stores in Pinas). We used to have 6 feet Christmas tree with decors that are older than my nephew and nieces.

While on Tina’s end, my in-laws are also fond of sprucing up the house with holiday cheers. Last year, Tina, Gabby and I unboxed my in-laws’ collection of Christmas village that they have purchased over the years from US. (View them HERE!)

Now that I have Tina and Gabby, it’s more apparent that a simple activity as raising a Christmas tree can foster family bonding.

With only 150-cm- Christmas tree and its decors, he did not contain his happiness! The moment was priceless!

Except for the Christmas lights, Gabby decorated the tree himself, piece by piece…

S & J, a novelty shop in Queensbay Mall, Penang issued their free quarterly ”Bento magazine” to promote their items on sale. For the 3 of us, the most interesting items on the pages are the Christmas tree packages with mostly European themes.

There were a lot to choose from; themes were inspired by the key cities in Europe and few from other parts of the globe. There’s Barcelona, New York, Paris, Moscow, Helsinki, Rome, Edinburgh, and the one we brought that the three of us selected in its medium size (4 feet+) -Black forest (in Germany). The ‘Black forest’ tree was described in the Bento magazine with phrase, “Mesmerize with fairytale toys of wonderland Germany.”

Not only with their themes, but sizes of these Christmas trees vary from small (120 cm), medium (the one we got at 150 cm) and large (180 cm).

Here are detail shots of our tiny Christmas tree….

We love Christmas balls in any color, in any size!

The Black forest Christmas tree package from S & J was lacking of stocks of two types of Christmas balls so the sales ladies asked us to choose from their shelves. Tina singled out little mirror-balls for our tree.

From Mr. Snowman to Santa Clause and reindeers, the decors are a delight to our eyes! Gabby enjoyed putting them on the tree that’s only a bit taller than him.

Got to believe in.... Santa Clause!

Putting the star on top of the tree is somewhat symbolic. We also wanted Gabby to do it however he told me that he’s already tired so I did the job for him. The boy’s energy was exhausted in our first Christmas activity, hehe!

Et voila….Gabby’s masterpiece!

With no explanations needed, Christmas goes beyond those glittery and sparkling decors. We anticipate more our celebrations of the reason for the season as we do this earthly preparations.

Our Christmas tree heightens our excitement to come home to the Philippines on the 3rd week of December. We cannot wait to see how Manila and our relatives’ places have been decorated for this season!

Jul

WELCOME TO OUR OWN SPACE!

By docgelo 45 Comments

It’s our third day in our new humble abode since we moved in last Friday, 1st July and Tina, Gabby and I are so thankful for having our own space finally! It’s almost indescribable living with just your family; with no other people who have less concern, consideration and sensitivity. The feeling is tantamount to independence, liberation, freedom. Simply surreal!

The priceless seaview from our 10th floor unit (11th actually since they have ground floor prior to first). Gabby and I will add more pin wheels to gauge the wind and sea breeze with vivid colors.

You don’t have any idea how I appreciate and value my readers’ comments. When I posted that We’re Itching To Move In to our chosen appartment to rent here in Butterwoth, Penang, I got helpful words from my blog buddies and one of them came from Marga aka Midge, the passionate blogger behind Sybaritic Diversions, whom Tina, Gabby and I met in one of her informative and fun sessions of Chocolate Appreciation 101 in Heavenly Chocolates, she generously shared the essentials to bring before one occupies a new home.

In the same words our late grandparents told us, fellow blogger, Marga reminded me to bring : "Salt to keep evil at bay, rice so that the kitchen/pantry never runs out for food, matches to protect the family from harm, and coins for prosperity."

Superstitious or not, I heeded to Marga’s words for I knew there’s no harm if those little items will be the first to be hauled.

I was truly overwhelmed with suggestions and pieces of advice to make our personal space as homey as possible. Online friends who mostly I haven’t met are always unselfish to share their ideas. Even on tweeter, fellow blogger-educator and an architect at that replied to my request when I asked her expert advice for free! Thank you, Architect Reena of Reena’s Thoughts . I really appreciate it.

Here’s a peek to our home in Butterworth…

Dad & son attempt to urban gardening : After I bought some potted plants in the island, I put them in our doorstep and Gabby arranged those pebbles around them. It was our very first father & son bonding in our new home.

Limited space requires you to be creative in maximizing everything. Without being boring but minimalist, our unit is still a work in progress.

the couch where we'll spend lazy hours; it's strategically located facing the porch that offers the view of the bay

Huggables : we bought some uncoordinated pillows to put life and colors in our living room.

The curtains were bought on sale. From RM 114 (PhP 1596) each, we only paid RM 28 (PhP 392) each.

Gabby’s choice : Because we love our almost 7-year-old kid, we gave him a chance to put on some decors that he likes. At the console table, there are framed photos, indoor potted plants and our boy’s little things.

While shadow puppets of Rama and Sita made from cow hide and artline inks that we bought from Kota Bharu, Kelantan which we haven’t framed yet stand side by side with our wedding photo, on the other corner of the living room lies another Gabby’s favorite : Plants vz Zombies!

Tina’s favorite area of the unit…

We’re fortunate that in Penang, discounts can get as low as 70-80% off. Tina bought these electric kettle for only RM 29 (PhP 406) from RM 99 (PhP 1386) and the mini oven for another affordable price.

Old but still at its best : Sharp fridge that came with the unit decorated with our ref magnets

Our fully furnished 3-bedroom-2 toilet & bath-appartment (or condo in Manila; flat in other parts of the globe) owned by a Christian Chinese came with a TV set, 3-piece sofa, 3 airconditioning units, ceiling fans for each rooms, queen size beds and a single bed, a dining table, a simple but charming kitchen, a refrigerator; our landlord was so nice to provide us a brand new washing machine. So when Tina is busy cooking, I do the laundry, hehe…

With A Mind of Its Own : We love this brand new washing machine provided by our landlord; it calculates first the exact volume of water per load of laundry before it starts spinning. Excuse our amazement; walang ganito sa probinsya namin, hehehe!

The very first meals were memorable! Despite we truly miss having pandesal in the morning, breakfast with Spam Lite, rice and coffee tasted great as we ate as one family.

The lunch with paksiw na bisugo was superb! Do you eat bisugo?

Paksiw na Bisugo : best eaten with fish sauce + siling labuyo. Try it! hehehe...

While I only went to the public market which is a bus-ride away and mini groceries downstairs to purchase some more stuffs, I have to give credits and much love to my wife because she exerted extra efforts to prepare our first dinner.

garlic buttered shrimps, beautifully deveined by Tina : one of our favorites!

Udang (the Bahasa Melayu term for shrimps or prawns) is cheaper in Penang than in Metro Manila. The cost here ranges from RM 16 – 25 per kilo (PhP 224 -350) thus enabling us to enjoy it every now and then.

We only invited one of our senior colleagues who also lives in the same building. For almost a year now, she stands as my/our genuine friend, comforter and a nanay-nanayan. She came with her sister and together, we shared our very first dinner. We could have invited another senior-fellow who have inspired me so much about family life, life in general and whatnot but I thought he’s busy enjoying the weekend with his own family. (read : We’d rather keep one or two friends only here in Penang rather than have an entire community who backstabs us; our world will peacefully revolve without them!).

Best Home Cooked Dishes : Kare-kare with Bagoong, Camaron Rebosado and Garlic Buttered Shrimps

At anytime of the day, our porch offers a relaxing view; now we know how it feels like to dwell in those hotels and serviced appartments along side Roxas Blvd back home; the only difference is, it’s a lot affordable here in Penang for the purchasing power of Ringgit is higher than Philippine Pesos.

The coming days will be brighter. As we begin to enjoy our new home, my parents from Manila and UAE will be coming over to share the love and fun with us. Gabby will continue schooling here in August and the rest, I know will be epic.

A new chapter of our expat lives unfolds.

—————————————-

May

KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN SERIES : BUDDHIST TEMPLES

By docgelo 20 Comments

Categories: churches, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: arts, belief, buddha, buddhism, buddhist temples, culture, doc gelo, docgelo, dragons, filipino in malaysia, hell, images, kelantan, kelantan malaysia, kota bharu, kota bharu kelantan, paintings, pinoy abroad, pinoy in malaysia, religion, shrines, sufferings, temples

Being one of the towns bordering Malaysia and Thailand, Kelantan is obviously rich in culture and religion. It’s considered to be the cradle of Malay civilization and is predominantly a Muslim state but inevitably Buddhist temples sprung like mushrooms.

More than being tourist spots, these temples are apparently sacred sanctuaries. However, one could not help but admire its architecture, interiors and ambience.

On our second day in Kelantan, we had temple visit overload. We went to see the Temple of the Sitting Buddha…

The Shrine of the Standing Buddha…

And a Reclining Buddha that’s bigger than the one in Penang… *yes! position matters!*

This Reclining Buddha is enshrined in a bigger than life gymnasium-like-temple. At the lateral and the back areas of the enormous image are even more images!

Few kilometers away, we found ourselves appreciating the facade and interiors of the Sitting Buddha Temple which are truly spectacular!

Awesome looking dragons guard its entrance…

And there’s spontaneity in its interiors…

Tina and Gabby went inside the temple of the Sitting Buddha first, as I was still in awe outside. Then as I walked in, my wife hurriedly called my attention to see these art works…

A few we found to be disturbing…

Every detail gave us goosebumps, or we’re only clueless of this religion, sorry!

Can anyone share anything on this? *~~so busy~~ lazy to research and google!*

I wonder if people from other religions also get curious and fascinated with our very own. Either way, I am definite that whenever we go to a new place, my family and I will always include temples and mosques and other houses of prayer to visit.

Do we think the same?

————————————————————–

——-This blog series includes :

RENAISSANCE HOTEL, KOTA BHARU
WAYANG KULIT or SHADOW PUPPET PLAY
W AU BULAN or MOON KITES
RENAISSANCE HOTEL KOTA BHARU
KELANTANESE BATIK MAKING
SITI KHADIJAH MARKET / KOTA BHARU CENTRAL MARKET
BACK FROM KOTA BHARU, KELANTAN

Apr

AMIDST LUSH GREENS, GOOD FOOD & MOSQUITO BITES

By docgelo 38 Comments

If there’s one thing I love about weekend, it’s the opportunity to escape from my daily routine. The freedom of having time to relax, sleep all day or be in another place -inside the church where I find my weekly dose of peace of mind while attending anticipated Holy Mass, or being in my favorite coffee shop or in bookstore browsing and sniffing books, inside the cinema watching movies, dining and giving in to cravings of delicious bites, being a mall rat for a day, or simply doing anything and being anywhere far from my work desk; I always look forward to enjoying the weekend; it’s simply awesome and refreshing!

For 2 weeks now since my wife and kid arrived from Manila, my days in Penang have been happier. I always take efforts in planning and thinking of how to maximize and enjoy our weekends to the fullest; after all, it’s the only chance in a week that we can be together the whole day.

Last Saturday, 02 April, 2011 wasn’t ordinary. I was excited after my wife agreed that we bring Gabby to Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, a roughly 2-hour bus and ferry rides from where we stay in Butterworth. It’s a breather from going-to-the-mall, grocery shopping and other things we usually do to while away the weekend.

When was the last time you communed with Mother Nature?

How often do you appreciate her wonders ?

How well do you know those spices in everything we take in?

Would you like to see those spices in bushes before they end up in your kitchen jars?

We arrived at that piece of paradise few minutes before 10AM. At the reception, I paid RM 35 (PhP 490 or USD 12) for the 3 of us, as we availed of their family package. Citronella oil was provided to ward off mosquitoes before we entered the tropical lush greens. Unfortunately, because I forgot to wear sleeves, and wished I have those nylon slip-on fabrics commonly worn by bikers and trekkers and the fact that I easily perspire, mosquitoes feasted on my left forearm. Tina was so alarmed I might catch malaria or dengue but I guess, it wasn’t meant to happen; and the wheal and pruritus (read : itchiness) subsided few hours after. Good thing that Gabby was wearing a jacket and Tina had no mosquito bites. Nonetheless, I and my family had incredibly fun moments at Tropical Spice Garden.

The entrance to that seemingly oasis of tranquility…

Few steps from the facade, we were immediately drawn into a tropical forest with walk steps in between varieties of foliage and few blooms…

Do you play Plants vs Zombies ? Do you recognize those lily pods ?

Admittedly, we saw more of huge trees and plants and less of those spices.

We had several laugh-trip and kulitan-moments…

Believe it or not, drizzling stopped before we hopped off the bus and entered this garden. The climate became so perfect for a stroll amidst that tropical forest…

We met some foreigners who were learning how to cook Malaysian dishes using fruits, veggies and what else but tropical spices, hehe…

Ms. Pearly Kee (on the far left), teaches Penang Home Cooking that includes Nyonya dishes.

Apart from being lush garden of spices, century-old-trees and exotic flora, Tropical Spices Garden houses its very own Tree Monkey Restaurant where we had our delicious light brunch.

Of course, food would not be absent in our family’s adventure….

When was the last time you ate comfortably lounging on crossed legs?

I loved the fact that great attention was given to little details of this Thai restaurant…

From the ceiling, table tops, and whatnot, not a single detail was overlooked…

Would you like to eat your meal on a tree house?

Needless to say, the ambiance of Tree Monkey restaurant is far from being intimidating; it’s so inviting and fascinating; so does their menu…

As if one soup isn’t enough –we had Mushroom soup which has surprising texture beyond being thick and creamy and that usual thin and salty soup…

Tina gave a nod to my choice : Thai Seafood Paella…

It’s not spicy as expected; just deliciously flavorful!

Sure, we definitely miss some things about the Philippines, and so I ordered what’s close to our taste buds (mangga at suman) – Mango Sticky Rice…

Were able to washed down everything by these thirst quenchers…

Daddy Gelo had freshly squeezed OJ…

Mommy Tina enjoyed iced cold Caffe Latte

Adorable Gabby sipped iced cold Chocolate drink…

What’s even more worth remembering about our dining experience at Tree Monkey was the fact that we met 2 friendly Filipinas and an Indonesian (standing at the back) and Thailander (not in photo) wait staffs…

After our hearty light brunch, we stepped inside the little spice museum right across the restaurant.

Betel Nut, Cumin, Turmeric, Star Anise, Fennel, Clove, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Coriander seeds, Nutmeg, Chilli. These and more are the spices of this garden…

Apparently, we enjoyed our Saturday morning…FUNtastic!

If you’re like us who, sometimes want something unconventional over the weekend, make your own adventure as simple as communing with yourself and with Mother Nature; it’s gratifying!

Look at my mag-ina, parang ayaw umalis at iwan ang lugar, hehehe!

Tropical Spice Garden is such a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of daily activities. Fresh air, lush surroundings, informative trek, great food, family bonding – what more can you ask for?

For details about Tropical Spice Garden, visit their website [HERE].

Until our next family adventure!

PS : After leaving the gates of TSG, we rode Rapid Penang Bus again and went to one of the malls in the island called, Midland Plaza and took the chance of 90% discount offered in Popular Bookstore. Then, we headed to another nearby mall, Plaza Gurney where Gabby and I had our haircuts done and ate our late lunch. We capped our Saturday after we attended the English anticipated Holy Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

Mar

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD

By docgelo 17 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, HEADLINES and MALAYSIA
Tags: doc gelo, docgelo, expat, family, family and living, family life, filipino abroad, filipino in malaysia, life abroad, life in penang, ocw, ofw, penang, penang malaysia, pinoy abroad, pinoy expat, rob, sensory replays

Another chapter in our family life will unfold today.

My life in Penang will be happier for this late afternoon, my wife, Tina and our kid, Gabby will arrive from Manila via Kuala Lumpur. They’ll be staying here with me on dependent visa until (my work visa expires) God wants us to be here.

I certainly know how difficult it is for my wife to leave Manila for she will be missing two valuables in her life -

-her Ate who’s a doctor and a medical educator too (happens to be my classmate-friend back in Med school) and is the only immediate family she got in Pinas; the rest of my in-laws are based in the US and

-her job as a clinical instructor and a skills laboratory lecturer for Nursing college students in which Tina have been passionate about for some years (I think she didn’t resigned but only filed an indefinite leave of absence).

My wife shall begin to work here in Penang as an Operating Room Nurse once her license from MNC is issued. While waiting, she’ll continue to be the best personal and private teacher to Gabby as we prepare him for schooling here (read : we need to save first for Gabby’s private foreign school because its cost is so steep although the cost of living isn’t).

I know that with my family’s presence, I’ll be more inspired to wake up every 5 o’clock in the morning to hit the roads to work.

Another reason of my excitement is the fact that someone close to my family will pay a visit next week.

I already filed a replacement leave in our HR office because by mid next week, one of my best buddies of 18 years and counting, Rob of Sensory Replays will have his lone backbacking trip for a week in Malaysia. He’ll start his leisure tour in Kota Kinabalu on Monday, then we’ll fetch him at the airport on Wednesday and will serve as his tour guide here in Penang until the next day before he leaves for Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Rob is one of Gabby’s dutiful godparents so we expect pasalubong from him of course. haha!

It’s a whole new world for my family; a new life to begin. I am certain that there are reasons why the good Lord made all this possible. We cannot thank Him enough.

Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I’ll have to prepare to go to the island, kill few hours in the mall before fetching my family at the airport. yeehaa!

Dec

REUNITED

By docgelo 17 Comments

Categories: EVENTS and FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO
Tags: being abroad, doc gelo, docgelo, filipino abroad, filipino in malaysia, homesickness, life of an OFW, loneliness, malaysia, ocw, ofw, penang, pinoy abroad, pinoy in penang

and it feels so good!

Once upon a time, I and my wife thought of working abroad for obvious reasons. But despite the fact that we’re both kids of OFW-parents, it never crossed our minds how difficult it is to be away from each other. Or perhaps, either we less know what to actually expect or we’re in denial that we’re not that tough to withstand distance.

As they say, “everything has its sweet ending.”

Those days of homesickness and loneliness for almost 5 months (read : not even half a year yet!) came to a close as Tina and Gabby arrived from Pinas to Penang (via KL) last Saturday morning, 11th December.

Breakfast treat by a colleague at McDonald's, Penang Airport. Sweet!

It was good for my family that they boarded the flight via Cebu Pacific with a fellow Filipino who’s a cousin of my colleague here. They only met at NAIA 3 and accompanied each other all throughout their waiting period at Kuala Lumpur-LCCT to Penang Airport via another budget-friendly carrier, Air Asia..

Teksi (bahasa melayu’s term for taxi) rides here in Penang can cost you a fortune (read : kuripot me), so we’re used to riding the wifi-ready Rapid Penang buses…

Gabby's first Rapid Penang Bus ride.

We went home directly to our appartment and they’ve finally met 2 of my 4 housemates/friends/colleagues. We took shower and freshen up and never wasted time by starting to explore what Penang has to offer…

Pulau Pinang Bound : Gabby on the ferry from jetty in Butterworth to Georgetown

From our place in Butterworth, we rode a bus again, reached the jetty where ferries that take passenger to and from Penang Island are waiting. Good thing that Tina tolerated the ferry ride despite the fact that she lacked sleep, worse has occasional vertigo.

Doc Anna with Tina and Gabby on board the ferry from Jetty in Butterworth to jetty in Georgetown

Apparently happy…

We’re hitting the roads the sea and even the clouds in this part of Malaysia on the following days.
Till then…

Oct

RECESS LESS ORDINARY

By docgelo 14 Comments

Categories: EVENTS, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and FOOD & MORE FOOD!
Tags: birthday, birthday cake, birthday gift, doc gelo, docgelo, family, fatherhood, filipino in malaysia, filipino in penang, goldilocks, ocw, ofw, pasta, pinoy expat, pinoy in penang, preschool, recess, school

It’s a running joke for most of my age that whenever ask about favorite subject in school, one would easily consider recess and not any other academic. I can’t blame them; most of us during our younger years really anticipated for food breaks, didn’t you?

In my son’s preschool, it has been a mutual decision between parents and teachers for kids to celebrate their birthdays with their classmates during their 30-minute recess. It makes their birthdays memorable when fun is shared within the classroom. So when there’s a school party, there’s always more to look forward to recess!

When Gabby started schooling more than 3 years ago, I have been religiously involved in preparation of his birthday but this year’s different. Because I am presently here in Penang, the responsibility was left only to Tina. Despite the fact I have sent my remittance a week before his birthday, I felt so guilty being physically absent on one of my son’s happy moments.

My homesickness heightened when I received the photos from Tina. Oh well, the agony of an ordinary expat…

Here’s the birthday boy with his dutiful Preparatory teacher, Ms. Janet…

I asked Tina to buy him a shirt at TriNoma Mall; I was expecting Gabby will pick something bright yellow for it’s his favorite color but he has other preference now…sign of a growth and development?

Goldilocks doesn’t disappoint…

Weeks before this occasion, I asked Tina to compare kiddie birthday packages of common fast foods but she opted to go with our usual tradition every Gabby’s big day –home cooked yummies. So there were the usual macaroni cooked ala spaghetti in tomato sauce + lotsa cheese, breaded chicken fingers+cheese powder and juices in tetra packs, solb!

Thanks to my budget-conscious, ever efficient and loving wife, our son’s teacher and his classmates, the birthday party in school last October 5th brought another widest smile to our dearest, Gabby.

Make good in school not only in recess, anak, OK?

I love you, Gabby!

Give your mom a long embrace and sweetest kisses for me…

——————————————0

Sep

OUR SUPERSTAR PISCES EXPERIENCE

By docgelo 32 Comments

15 September 2010, Wednesday–Exactly 101 days before Christmas and 3 days prior to my big day, I had an experience of a lifetime!

Four of my colleagues who are now my new found travel and shopping friends (read: GASTOS ito! ….note to self: SAVE more Ringgit!) and I went on an overnight cruise within Malaysian waters via Superstar Pisces. I was sort of the mind behind the plans of how to spend our eleven-day-vacation that began lunch time of 09 September, Thursday and will end on 19 September Sunday, within our limited budget of course.

I’ve been longing to experience a cruise with my family since the day my youngest brother traveled 30 European countries when he worked with Costa Atlantica few months after he finished his Tourism course in CEU, Manila. I know for a fact that it would cost me a fortune before I can experience such but not until I had a chance to be in Penang.

It was the early days of August when I first spotted that one of those remarkable Star Cruise liners is harbored in Penang bay. Soon after, I became intuitive with the travel agencies located in Prangin Mall, George Town. My itchy feet can’t wait since I’ve learned that Superstar Pisces is so affordable at RM 110/pax all in (PhP 1540 without room, almost RM 300 or PhP 4200 for twin sharing of a tiny cabin with toilet, at present rate) inclusive of buffet dinner and breakfast!. Who would not give it a green light?

We were officially informed of our long-paid holiday about few days before we did the reservation. Needless to say, our preferred date of the cruise was already fully booked and the only available rates were that of standing pax only. I thought, come what may, we have to push through with the game plan.

And so on the afternoon of 15 September, Wednesday, we trooped to the pier where Superstar Pisces is harbored. Check in started at 5:30PM until 7PM.

Swettenham Pier, George Town, Penang

Don’t you just like the name of this harbor? Sounds like sweet ham to me.

Upon entry, we presented at the counter our booking confirmation which we just claimed from the travel agency half an hour before boarding. *wrong move! we could have claimed it days before* Then, the Chinese lady at the counter asked for our passports and handed us a cruise pass; somewhat like a credit card with your complete name on it and it’s the only thing you need when you purchase something on board.

Meet my travel buddies …

from left to right : Drs. Roy, Anna, Ronnie and Alvin.

We hopped on the lift and went directly to the 11th floor then headed straight to the viewing deck.

Here are some of the things and amenities you can enjoy with this wonderful cruise ship…

a mini pool and a jacuzzi

mirrored ceiling of the entertainment center where meeting rooms, an auditorium are housed

Seemed like we’re looking for our cabin here…oops, they’re all fully booked, remember?

On where we slept the night, I’ll just leave it to your imagination. As for me, I had an hour and a half of restful sleep.

cabin hallway : follow the stars!

Do you know how to play mahjong? …I don’t.

Souvenir shop, Japanese restaurant, Children’s Day Care Center, an arcade for kids and kids at hearts, karaoke bar, Galaxy of the stars where the singers and wait staffs are all Pinoys, casino and more…

Blame it on my shirt, we were easily recognized by a volume of Pinoy crew on board. Seriously, we’re all proud to know that almost half of the 600 crew members of Star Cruise Pisces from 20 nations were from the Philippines. Most of them just boarded few weeks back; some even joined the cruise ship for work on that very same day.

It’s so comforting to see kababayans who work hard for families back home. We stood tall amidst various colors!

Below are some of the warm Filipino cruise ship crew we met inside Superstar Pisces : Lovely, Josephine & Erica

Inclusive of the cruise rates were the buffet dinner and breakfast served at Mariners resto at 6PM-9PM and 6AM-9AM respectively. Chow time made me miss more my wife, Tina and of course our bundle of joy, Gabby. I so hope that I can bring them over someday to experience this as well.

Our buffet dinner at Mariners…

Since Star Cruise Pisces sails within predominantly Muslim waters, they serve Halal-food. We’re informed that the spread vary everyday but for our cruise, in the absence of pork dishes, we pig-out Ostrich with broccoli, Prawns with Garlic, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chicken dimsum noodle and so much more delicious foods!

As usual, my shameless display of my pig-out plate : Ostrich with broccoli, Sweet and sour Chicken, Seafood something and a load of my favorite Udang or Prawns in garlic! Yum!

Spaghetti Marinara, fruits and assorted desserts…

When I was scanning the spread, I met one of the chefs who happens to be Pinoy too.

After dinner, one can try their luck at the casino, play bingo and might hit the jackpot, relax in the spa with indoor jacuzzi and sauna, or just unwind and listen to the music by a Filipino band…

"Careless whisper" : care to sing along with the Pinoy band? =)

Breakfast time…

With my every bite, I miss my wifey and son, particularly when I saw the free flowing coffee and tea counter and yes, those cereals. Tina and Gabby love those for breakfast!

tina and gabby will certainly love this!

On my plates :

Eat like a king for breakfast!

Other than meeting Pinoy crew on board and experiencing how it feels like to be in one of the Star Cruises, the best part of our trip for me was welcoming the break of the new dawn at the deck of Superstar Pisces…

This was absolutely priceless!

Thank You, Lord for the new day!

Waking up in the middle of the sea on a cruise ship never happens on a daily basis...

Komtar, the tallest building in Penang Island is apparently stunning in the middle of the sea

We went down and settled our bills (I purchased a Star Cruise canvass pillow as souvenir) then claimed our passports before disembarking at past 8 in the morning.

I’m just glad we did the cruise; so grateful for all the blessings–big and small!

Star Cruise Pisces, it wasn’t good bye, but see you again soon, with my family.

————————-<@

PS : Salamat po sa mga Pinoy crew na nakilala namin sa Star Cruise Pisces : Aime, Rhodalyn, Mike, Tirso, Erica, Lovely, Josephine, Gino, Joey, Mark, Godfrey, Chef Antonio at iyong ilang hindi namin nakuha ang mga pangalan.

Sep

OUR SENTIMENTS EXACTLY

By docgelo 17 Comments

“Clarisse, kausap ko si Paul noong isang gabi. Sinabi niya sa akin na, malungkot siyang uuwi ng Pilipinas, hindi dahil sa magkakahiwalay kayo. Malungkot siyang uuwi ng Pilipinas dahil wala man lamang daw siyang dalang appliances.”

“Pero sabi ko hindi, mali…mayroon kang iuuwi, Paul, mayroon….Iyon iyong SENSE of PRIDE mo para sa mga kababayan natin dito na nagtatrabaho. At sila ang tunay na KAPURI-PURI sa lahat, di ba?.”

“Minsan, madalas nakakagawa tayo ng pagkakamali…parang nakakalimutan na natin ang mga pinangarap natin sa buhay, iyong mga pinangako nating gawin. Tapos kadalasan pa, nasasaktan mo pa kung sino pa iyong mahal mo.”

“Pero kailanman, tayong mga Pilipino HINDI NATIN NAKALIMUTAN KUNG BAKIT TAYO NASA IBANG BANSA. NANDITO TAYO PARA SA MGA MAHAL NATIN SA BUHAY.”

“Kahit gaano kahirap ang buhay dito, kahit gaano kalungkot, titiisin natin iyon, para lang mapaligaya natin ang mga mahal natin sa buhay.”

“Sa bawat patak ng pawis natin, ng luha natin; alam niyo kung ano ang kapalit lang noon? Iyon lang simpleng ngiti na galing sa kanila.”

“So, kahit magkawatak-watak tayong mga Pilipino; hindi tayo magkita-kita, iisa lang naman ang hangad natin–Iyon ay MAGING BUO ANG PAMILYA NATIN.”

“At syempre, para matupad iyon, kailangan nating tumayo pagkatapos nating madapa para matupad iyong mga pangarap nila.”

“May kasabihan nga e, Ang PILIPINO kahit saan lugar mo dalin sa buong mundo, THE BEST IYAN!, THE BEST TALAGA.”

-Raffy’s monologue in a wedding scene from the 2005 Star Cinema’s movie Dubai.

13 September 2010, Monday. One of my colleagues and housemates here in Penang who’s on a short break in Manila posted this scene on a video on his facebook wall. I wanted to post the said video on my blog and even sent request from the person who uploaded it but I’m itchy to share it.

Because we still have 7 more days off before we resume to duty next Monday and I’m having a lazy day, I painstakingly transcribed Aga Muhlach’s monologue in one of the Tagalog films that in my opinion, best reflects most expats and OFWs’ sentiments and insights. Ricardo Lee who wrote the story and the screenplay brilliantly expressed my present thoughts exactly.

I have seen the movie several times back home but it didn’t cut through me until I became what I am today.

————

* Thanks to Mr. Romel Rivera for sharing the link to the video. If you want to watch it, click here.

Sep

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IN PENANG

By docgelo 26 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO and TRAVEL
Tags: bay view, butterworth, butterworth penang, doc gelo, docgelo, filipino in malaysia, houses, huge mansions, neighborhood, ofw, penang, pinoy in malaysia, taman robina

Almost a month ago, 4 of my colleagues and I moved in to our 5-room-2-storey-penthouse on a condominium in Butterworth that we’re renting for a reasonable price. We fairly share in most expenses, household chores and whatnot.

Believe me, nightly Skype with Tina and Gabby, being in the company of my new found friends and our comfortable accomodation melt my homesickness away. I feel blessed with all these things coming in our way.

There has been no single morning that I wasn’t grateful for everything. I always thank God for constantly providing health and safety to my family and myself. Thus, being an expat has been a so far, so good experience for me.

Who would have thought that from an ordinary but peaceful places in Pasig and Quezon Cities, I’ll be walking everyday to and fro our condo in a neighborhood that boasts of beautiful mansions.

The building on the right side of the photo below is our condo; the master’s bedroom that I occupy is before where the uppermost veranda is.

Come with me as I take you for a ‘stroll’ in our neighborhood in Butterworth…

Several steps more and a right turn at the corner, the quiet street will lead you to a more priceless area in our new community…

A walking+jogging path with playground, clubhouse and an eatery, all overlooking the bay area and George Town, Penang Island.

The waves at the bay were calm when I took a walk last Sunday morning.

This can be a perfect spot for our family picnic…

If plans will push through, I’ll bring Gabby and Tina here for an early morning jog and a hearty picnic hopefully soon…

While Chinese neighbors go here for some relaxing reflexes…

Here’s a rear view of our condo from this beautiful spot…

Coping with minor and huge adjustments in a foreign land isn’t easy. But whenever I feel God’s presence in my surroundings and as I frequently see His creations, I am reminded to strive hard and thrive throughout our new lives with all hopes and optimism.

I simply found my new place inspiring.

SEARCH & YOU SHALL FIND!

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*BORACAY'S A PARADISE

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