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Posts Tagged ‘lifestyle blogger

Jun

JUNE 15, 2013 : ONE OF OUR HAPPIEST SATURDAYS

Malacca Strait & George Town, Penang viewed from our little balcony last June 13, ’13, Thursday.

Two days before the Father’s Day weekend, Tina and I arrived home from our office, Gabby from school at late afternoon. We were all greeted by gusty winds and big waves from the Malacca Strait via our little balcony at our 11th floor apartment. Little did we know that scenes in Pulau Pinang were even worse as telecom tower, electric poles and numerous trees already fell to the streets in George Town, Penang. We sat and prayed together and tried to calm down Gabby who was too anxious of the sight and sound of seemingly impending storm. But for three 3 years of stay in this side of Malaysia, I know they don’t issue typhoon signals unlike in our country, The Philippines. And true enough what appeared to last as unfavorable weather for whole night, thankfully ended an hour or so. We were relieved.

The next day, we went to work again, and Gabby to school as usual with a sunshiny climate. The weather was confirmed to be Bipolar, perhaps, even Schizoid. Tina didn’t rely on her instincts but googled the weather forecast online. No threat or warning to spoil our plans for the weekend. We were again relieved.

Saturday came and we hopped on the bus at around 9AM, boarded the ferry at jetty in Penang Sentral and reached the island safely.

All smiles aboard the ferry from Butterworth to George Town.

It was almost 10AM and (thankfully) the sun was shining its brightest. We strolled from jetty in Weld Quay to Gat Lebuh Armenian simply to see two of the 11 (soon to be established) new sets of murals with cats as theme.

Cat mural #2 located at Gat Lebuh Armenian. How do you like it?

Finally, we met Skippy, the meow meow of the 11 cat murals in George Town. Have you seen a bigger cat mural than Skippy?

Skippy the cat and the black rodent mural located at Gat Lebuh Armenian.

After few touristy things, we strolled our way to catch the bus at Lebuh Chulia or Chulia Street. We passed by one of the remarkable heritage sites in George Town, the clan house or kongsi of Cheah family with its newly installed gates. It looks grand as ever!

Cheah Kongsi. Gates are open to welcome tourists at month-long George Town Festival 2013.

Rode the bus, got off Komtar and went up the 8th level of First Avenue Mall in George Town to buy movie tickets for afternoon screening. After which, we hurriedly went down and took the cab, despite the fact that our next destination can be reached by foot, we didn’t want to be late to our 11AM reservation to an eat-all-you-want-Asian restaurant in a mall that we’ve never been to.

Penang Times Square

With only lunch buffet at our initial game plan, we managed to make our weekend memorable again.

My love. My life.

Haven Delights, Penang Times Square

It’s our first time at Penang Times Square and apparently, first time to dine at Haven Delights. Before someone makes a conclusion that everything here’s far from reasonable, let me be defensive in stating that it was Tina’s idea to buy discount-vouchers from groupon.my when she saw online that Asian Buffet in Haven Delights was on promosi. We only paid RM 56 (USD 17.96) for the buffet meals good for 2, and didn’t pay anything for Gabby as per text message of the manager of Haven Delights when he apologized to something I chose not to write about. After all, the misunderstanding was already settled and our eat-all-you-want-lunch turned out better than expected.

Similar to its adjacent buffet restaurant, TAO that we already sampled from another branch, Haven Delights offers a spread that includes free flow of fruit juices and iced green tea. Other than that, the rest is served upon order from their buffet menu. Surprisingly, we noticed Haven Delight’s buffet menu has wide variety to choose from. The interiors and overall ambiance aren’t cheap, although I suggest for them to have a better choice of house music that must go with the buffet theme. Nonetheless, those red lanterns, and cozy lights aptly set the mood for Asian gastronomic experience. To be honest, it wasn’t the best buffet we’ve sampled but for its price, it was an absoulte steal for the three of us! Happy Father’s Day to me! Happy me!

It was also our very first time to purchase voucher at groupon.my and it was indeed a good buy! At least, our first impressions were all nice. Now, on to business. If you’ve been following this blog for quite some time now, you know that I have been keeping a love affair with Japanese. I like how creative their dishes are; I appreciate how Japanese cuisine provides both art and sustenance. So when Tina told me that the restaurant she chose via groupon.my in Penang features Japanese food among other Asian delights, I gave it a nod in no time!

This is the rundown of what we tried from the buffet menu… Drum roll, please!

Miso soup from the spread. Warm and nice.

Mussels No. 1 as they called it but to us, they’re Baked Mussels. Cheesy. We liked!

Szechuan Beef. Surprisingly tender, tasteful, everything’s right. Recommended!

Temaki. Soft Shelled Crab & California Hand Roll. Gabby and I shared these two; thumbs up!

Santen Sashimi. Sashimi, for as long as fresh, remains my favorite so I’m biased with this bowl.

Motoyaki Scallops. Another must-try, another personal favorite but size of scallops was a bit disappointing.

Salted Pepper Mantis. Go order this too at Haven Delights. Bite-sized goodness!

Orange Pork Chop. We frequently order the Crispy Lemon Chicken from a Chinese restaurant back home; this one reminded us of that.

My world revolves and rotates for Gabby & Tina.

Ebi Sushi, Salmon Sushi. Need I say more?

Mixed Tempura. There was no Ebi Tempura alone, so Gabby opted for the next best thing.

Haven Special Maki, Smoked Eel Roll. Improvement on the maki-making would make it better.

Eat, Pray, Love.

Lamb Teriyaki over Japanese Rice from the spread. Tina’s plate -she said this combo was fine.

Motoyaki Scallops, round two : 5 orders. Yum! Yummier if only they’re bigger.

Ebi Mango Sushi and other delightful things on our table.

Haven delights customers particularly during dinner could eat al fresco with the view of George Town’s streets and diversity. Case in point, the Catholic Church stands almost behind the Hindu Temple with no conflicts, whatsoever.

Penang, we’ll surely miss you one day! Thank you for everything!

One more shot, with the mighty, Komatar this time. It’s the tallest building in the island. Iconic, isn’t it?

Lunch buffet starts at 11:30PM with taking of the last orders from diners at 2PM. We finished past 1PM. Burp! Just when I thought we’re heading back to First Avenue Mall to watch the 2:45PM screening of the newest remake of Superman movie, Man of Steel, we saw another restaurant that was featured on groupon.my called, Full House.

Gabby wanted dessert while Tina and I were craving for our caffeine doses. We gave in. We tried Full House too, for the very first time.

FullHouse Restaurant, Penang Times Square

It’s not difficult to be charmed with the space, interiors and menu of FullHouse. It’s a lifestyle store that also sells T-shirts and some novelty items to match the incredibly dainty epicurean experience. We only had coffee and for Gabby, a serving of creme brulee but dining at Full House felt like so fresh and pleasant. I predict that we’ll drop again to sample entrees and other offerings soon.

Best thing that we do while waiting for orders : freeze the moments via photographs. And when the orders are served, take pictures again! It’s a habit hard to break. Can you blame Tina and I if the cups of our caffeine came with art?

Latte for me. RM8.90++ (USD 2.85++). The cute coffee art made me smile, the taste made me satisfied.

Cappuccino for Tina. RM 8.90++ (USD 2.85++). The blend passed Tina’s meticulous taste!

Creme Brulee RM 10.90++ (USD 3.50++) and Choco Blended RM 9.90++ (USD 3.17++) for Gabby.

We left Full House in Penang Times Square with wider smiles and happier tummies. We crossed the road and took a taxi cab again, in order not to be late at the 2:45PM screening of Man of Steel.

Man of Steel at First Avenue Mall

It has been several months since the three of us last watched a movie together, popcorn (and upcoming movie, Monster University’s) tumbler of Coke are a must!

Before and after the Man of Steel movie, Gabby made a statement to us by saying,

“Ben 10 is better than Superman; he got more powers!”

Oh well, he grew up with his breed of animated characters and fictional heroes on screen but seriously, we all enjoyed this action-packed Superman movie. The treatment to the story and twist was made contemporary different from the previous ones. I didn’t browse anything about it prior watching, so I was stunned to see Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Amy Adams casted as support to Henry Cavill’s iconic role. I was in awe in every second of the movie. We literally finished our caramel popcorn which unusually happens in other movies. It was that entertaining!

What else can I say but I was happiest with my family that Saturday! I may not have everything but they’re my greatest blessings!

Till our next family bonding! Enjoy your celebrations, everyone!

*Haven Delights | No. 77-L1-34, Penang Times Square, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150, Penang, My.

*FullHouse |No. 77-G-20-21,61-65, Penang Times Square, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150, Penang, My.

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

Jun

GEORGE TOWN FESTIVAL 2013 : TAKING OFF

By docgelo 6 Comments

Kite flying, like George Town Festival is for everyone to enjoy!

08 June 2013, Saturday, George Town, Penang. There could never be more appropriate way to make a grand celebration soar to the heaven but to take it literally to the skies! The idea of having drums and kite making and kite flying in an incredibly massive open field, in front of Penang’s Town Hall and City Hall called, Esplanade or Padang Kota Lama, was too perfect to call people across the lifespan to gather and celebrate the official opening ceremony of George Town Festival 2013. After all, everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity and economic status surely enjoys kites and kite flying!

Right after spending almost half day from lunch at Queensbay Mall, my family and I trooped to Esplanade to witness the GTF 2013 official opening, aptly called, Taking Off!

Town Hall, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Photo taken July 7, 2013, Friday prior to I Musici Concert.

The night before the event, I was invited to watch I Musici Di Roma (Blog post HERE!) and before I went to the musical concert held at Diwan Sri Penang, I saw, for the first time, the larger than life art installation called, Theatre of Ships made for Penang by Indonesian artist, Joko Avianto. I was happy to bring Tina and Gabby there the following day.

Theatre of Ships. Larger than life installation. Inspiring!

Must have touristy shot!

Detail shot of Theatre of Ships. I heard more than 3500 bamboos were used to create this masterpiece!

The use of bamboos, in my opinion is a genius! This tallest of the grass species is known for being resilient at any weather, it can sway even with strongest winds and typhoons; bamboos are actually that symbolic! And to create a giant masterpiece out of it made everything even better!

I also liked the idea of involving kites as I think kites are symbolic too! Kites represent flights of many things! My family and I love kites and kite flying! My son and I flew a 5-ringgit-plastic-kite that we bought from Tesco supermarket in Penang and brought and flew it in Cenang Beach, Langkawi (Blog post HERE!). We even spent a Labor Day holiday back in 2011 in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, just to witness how moon kites, or Malaysia’s Wau Bulan are intricately made (Blog post HERE!)

We appreciated how Wau Bulan or Moon Kites are intricately made in no less than Kota Bahru, Kelantan in 2011.

It goes without saying we loved how GTF2013 opening ceremony was done.

Surprisingly, we saw a kite being flown from our country, the Philippines! Despite its simplicity and lack of striking and vibrant colors, it was one of the kites that soared highest against the wind that Saturday. ASEAN nations were invited to particpate in GTF 2013 opening ceremony

Best of all, families of various races and ages came together one afternoon under the sun and blue sky! It was a sight to behold!

There were many tents around Padang Kota Lama that were put up for hawker food stalls that offer affordable local and Western food. From Penang’s famous Assam Laksa, to other noodle dishes like my favorite, Char Koay Teow and Hokien Mee and others, Indian-Malaysian sweet barquillo-like Apom Manis, to Japanese sushi, Thailand’s coconut jelly inside coconut shells and Western’s pizza and ice cream. We sampled apom manis for the very first time and liked it (not on photos). While Gabby enjoyed a small pizza we bought for him, Tina and I savored bowls of warm and satisfyingly thick and rish Shark’s Fin Soup at 3 ringgit each. Delicious!

Shark fin’s soup from a hawker stall in Padang Kota Lama during the Taking Off event for GTF2013.

We went home with smiles on our faces and happy tummies!

>><<

For schedules of events in this month-long celebration of GTF2013 : www.georgetownfestival.com

*This is NOT a sponsored or commissioned post. Special thanks to Ms. Wanida of GTF2013. Stay tuned for features about GTF2013 on this blog!

Previous GTF on this blog includes :

Jun

I MUSICI DI ROMA AT THE OPENING OF GEORGE TOWN FESTIVAL 2013

By docgelo 1 Comment

Antonio Anselmi, violin, I Musici Di Roma, being interviewed by a Penangite journalist at the backstage of Dewan Sri Pinang.

“Penang is the cultural capital of Malaysia…” these words were proudly spoken by the honorable Chief Minister of the State of Penang, Lim Guan Eng on stage of Dewan Sri Pinang, prior to the spectacular performances of Italy’s legendary string ensemble, I Musici Di Roma, that graced the opening night of George Town Festival 2013. I cannot agree more. Although I have only been working as a Medical Lecturer in Penang for 3 years and have only set foot to a few states of Malaysia, I and my family have witnessed how diversities in cultures, arts, music and tradition, not to forget, food have been constantly celebrated and promoted in this island.

The people of Penang are fortunate to have their own uniquely beautiful heritage and even more blessed to being exposed to the best of the world. Hats off to the efforts exerted by the men and women behind George Town Festival 2013, particularly Joe Sidek who has been religious in bringing culture and the arts accessible to Penangites and to the rest of the people of Penang, including us, expatriates and foreign workers.

Genius! The hands and violin of I Musici Di Roma leader, Antonio Anselmi, backstage Dewan Sri Pinang

07 June 2013, Friday, George Town, Penang. The annual and month-long celebration of the inscription of George Town, Penang as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites officially kicked off with a grand opening night! Before the incredibly memorable musical concert of I Musici, there was the launch of Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights that features the larger than life, bamboo sculture of Indonesian artist, Joko Avianto called, Theatre of Ships (that this blog will feature on succeeding posts) and Fireflies at River Lalang, held at the Town Hall.

Before 8:30PM, everyone was led to Diwan Sri Pinang for the much anticipated musical concert of one of the world’s greatest performers, I Musici. The renowed musicians from Italy were honored with Brand Laureate Award by YAB CM of Penang and a precious memento of a literally framed gold CD was presented to TYT Governor of Penang. Those moments made the prelude to the concert lovelier.

I consider myself lucky to be part of the audience as one of the media men to cover the event, even more privileged to be escorted to a quick photo opportunity with THE I MUSICI backstage few minutes before they went on stage.

Here are the photos I took as the Italian genius musician, Antonio Anselmi was being interviewed by a Penangite journalist….

Antonio Anselmi, violin, being interviewed at Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Roberto Gambioli, contrabbasso, backstage, Dewan Sri Pinang, George Town, Penang, Malaysia

I MUSICI has been existing since their successful public debut in 1952 when they started the group’s astonishing career at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Roma. They have toured the world at most famous international festivals and played intense concert activities in prestigious theaters and concert halls such as the Spring Festival in Budapest, the Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centre in New York, the Symphony Hall, the Philharomonie in Berlin and many more. The 12-men-cast includes :

Antonio Anselmi, violin
Pasquale Pellegrino, violin
Gianluca Apostoli, violin
Francesa Vicari, violin
Marco Serino, violin
Ettore Pellegrino, violin
Silvio Di Rocco, viola
Francesco Buccarella, hapsichord and piano
Roberto Gambioli, bass
Vito Paternoster, cello
Massimo Paris, viola
Pietro Bosna, cello

Their stunning performance in Diwan Sri Pinang for GTF2013 included Italian classical pieces :

Giocchino Rossini’s Ouverture from the Barber from Seville (transcription for strings by V. Gambaro)
Niccolo Paganini’s Variations on the IV string on a theme from Mose in Egypt by G. Rossini
Guiseppe Verdi’s Traviata – Preludio Atto
Gioacchino Rossini’s Une Larme for cello and strings
Pietro Mascagni’s Intermezzo da Cavalleria Rusticana
Giuseppe Verdi’s Sinfonia from II Nabucco AND
Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons performed passionately by Antonio Anselmi with I Musici

Pietro Bosna (center), cello, after his incredible rendition of Une Larme for cello & strings by Gioacchino Rossini

Intervallo. During 15-minute-interval.

THE brain and the smile behind Penang’s George Town Festival, Joe Sidek.

My most favorite part of the show was Antonio Anselmi’s passionate performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s classic, The Four Seasons. It was beyond auditory feast!

I am in awe with talents and abilities to make extraordinary things look easy. I Musici performed beyond my greatest expectations. They redefined culture to me and reintroduced my pair of vestibulocochlear nerves to the classical Italian music appreciation. Their elegant, dynamic, whimsical, powerful and dramatic musical performance on stage of Diwan Sri Pinang was a fitting welcome to usher everyone to this year’s George Town Festival. Bravo, I Musici! Bravo, GTF2013!

>><<

For schedules of events in this month-long celebration of GTF2013 : www.georgetownfestival.com

Know more of I Musici Di Roma on their website : imusicidiroma.com

*Photos on this blog post were taken before and after the performance of I Musici

*This is NOT a sponsored or commissioned post. Special thanks to Ms. Wanida of GTF2013. Stay tuned for features about GTF2013 on this blog!

Previous GTF on this blog includes :

Jun

JAPANESE DINNER + FRENCH DESSERTS IN SINGAPORE

By docgelo 8 Comments

A taste of Paris in Singapore at Antoinette.

25 May 2013, Saturday. Singapore. Perhaps of all the posts I made about food on this blog, this one’s the most satiating because it’s filled with gratitude; the dinner happened because of a humble appreciation and ended giving all of us a perpetual inspiration.

I already forgot the date and the specific blog post where I randomly featured one of our ordinary family day outs, one weekend in Pizza Hut; it must be in Prangin Mall branch in George Town, Penang. If you must know, Pizza Hut and KFC are two of my family’s ultimate favorites. KFC’s an almost default fast food choice for Tina and I, particularly on Fridays when we have 2-and-a-half-hour-lunch-break, because a branch is located a few minutes away from where we currently work. While Gabby’s always delighted at Pizza Hut’s all cheese pizza deluxe, sans toppings, made with cheesy lava stuffed crust the same way he loves KFC and its gravy.

The said unsponsored blog post was incidentally read the Culinary Manager of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell for Northeast and Southeast Asia who happens to be a fellow Filipino based in Singapore (Bravo for his achievements, Mabuhay for his humility!).

I only learned that Dennis read it when he personally sent his words of thanks for blogging about Pizza Hut via email (I hope he’s fine about mentioning his name without his surname, as he begged off not to be publicized on this blog – the reason why I didn’t include our group photos together with Filipino foodie-couple bloggers now based in Singapore, Fran and Paul). Frankly, comments of readers on my posts are one of the reasons that fuel me to blog, more so, if readers and loyal blog followers would take efforts in sending me an email; it’s like icing on the cake! It’s something petty to others but very fulfilling to me.

Fast forward to my 6th blog anniversary post last May 8th 2013 where I blogged that my family and I were invited by two sponsors to revisit Singapore, Dennis emailed me again, but this time to invite us for dinner as according to him, it’s his way of appreciating my blog post about their product. Initially, the invite sounded like too good to be true because gratitude nowadays is a rarity but his act of kindness and generosity proved my cynicism was wrong. More than his professional achievements (he’s also a dentist, btw), we perceived him as someone who always keeps everything in a low-key, totally opposite of the magnitude of his status. And for that, we were blessed to have met a new friend who’s so inspiring!

En route to our dinner, we saw an impressive Oriental mural at MRT Station, Tajong Pagar, Singapore.

He was even gracious to ask us of our food preferences and suggested choices of a Chinese, Japanese and French restaurants. We ended up with a simple but a happy and memorable dinner at Hakumai at International Plaza Building in Anson Road, and perfectly ended the night with sublime desserts in a very quintessential French dining place in Erskine Road, Antoinette.

Like authentic dining places in Japan, Hakumai’s entrance is humble and unassuming.

We reached the place few minutes earlier of our 7PM reserved dinner at Hakumai via a very quick ride at MRT from Bugis. Not long after, Dennis arrived, followed by our blogger friends -husband and wife, Paul and Fran Ang of www.frannywanny.com. The dinner was so casual, friendly and very welcoming! It was one of those nights you wish would happen again soon! It was that good!

私の家族 (my family) : Gabby and Tina

Hakumai’s appetizers : some tasteful salmon and blanched greens

Gabby’s dinner : his favorite, Ebi Tempura; less the battered chili

Hakumai Sushi Gozen. Tina’s beautiful bento came with 9 pcs of assorted Sushi, 4 pcs of Salmon Mentai Maki, Truffle Sauce Chawanmushi, Botan Jiru, Salad and Fruits, SGD 38++

Sashimi Gozen. My delicious choice was served with Mixed Sashimi, Tempura Moriawase, Hot Soba, Truffle Sauce Chawanmushi, Salad and Fruits, SGD 29.80++

Must have detail shot of my bento. Those sashimi were stunning! Fresh and tasteful.

Fran, Paul and our host, Dennis had varied choices as well that looked equally appetizing. I was personally awed by the fact Hakumai sources their fish for sashimi and sushi from no less than, Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. Not to forget that Hakumai’s Singaporean Chef Gary, Dennis’ good friend, really prepared everything so well! Needless to say, we had nothing but one of our best dinners to date.

We washed down everything with iced green tea and soda for Gabby. Then Dennis generously asked us to pick a flavor of sorbet each.

Sorbet from Hakumai. The hands-down-favorite was that tangy orange sorbet. I have no words to describe its uniquely unforgettable flavor!

After our dinner, Dennis took us to Antoinette for desserts. The place was small but the offerings were grand and divine!

Ma famille (my family) : Gabby and Tina at Antoinette

Le Macaron D’Antoinette.

“Antoinette : Milk chocolate earl grey tea ganache with raspberry confiture
Tahiti : Tahitian perfumed vanilla cream
Charlotte : Vanilla cream with strawberry coulis
Chloe : Citrus yogurt with yuzu
Britanny : Caramel with fleur de sel
Praline : Milk chocolate with crispy hazelnut biscuit
Pistachio : Pistachio cream with chopped pistachio
Rose : Rose petal cream
Violette : Violet flower cream
Sesame : Black sesame cream with toasted black and white sesame seed
Grand cru : Bitter dark chocolate
Passion : Milk chocolate passion fruit ganache” ~via www.antoinette.com.sg

What we sampled from Antoinette, courtesy of Dennis…

Macarons. Lavishly delicious!

I wish I got this dessert’s name. It looks so whimsical.

Kyoto. Green tea mascarpone mousse, chestnut cremeux, almond cremble, green tea finger sponge.

One of the richest chocolate slices I’ve tasted.

Antoinette. Milk chocolate mousse, infused with earl grey tea, chocolate biscuit, dark chocolate earl grey tea cremeux, raspberry coulis, earl grey tea crumble.

Hot Chocolate. We all had glasses of cold water while Gabby savored hot chocolate and Dennis his dose of caffeine.

Strawberyy Shortcake. Japanese shortcake sponge, kirsch syrup, fresh strawberries, creme chantilly.

We’re happy diners! Photo taken by Paul Ang, the better half of Fran. Thank you, Paul and Fran!

Words are not enough to thank Dennis. I am also pleased to introduce Tina and Gabby to Paul and Fran that night. It was really awesome! We hope to see them again in the near future! Thank you very much!

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

*Most photos on this post were taken by my lovely wife, Tina.

*Ingredients of what we sampled from Antoinette were sourced via www.antoinette.com.sg while that of Hakumai were taken from their menu.

This post is a part of Singapore Blog Series May 2013 :

May

IBIS HOTEL SINGAPORE ON BENCOOLEN

By docgelo 12 Comments

For people like us who prioritize location, comfort and price, finding a decent accomodation in one of the most expensive cities like Singapore could be a tough challenge and at times, painful on the pocket. It’s a well-known fact that rates of hotels in the Lion City could cost you an arm and leg; well, the story’s different if you decide to stay in box-like room without windows, that comes with poorest amenities (FYI : Been there. Done that!). Fortunately, we’re privileged to appreciate ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen that provides basic needs of a budget-conscious family like mine, without compromising other concerns.

One of my favorite murals in Haji Lane. One of the most visited tourist spots in Singapore. Accessible from ibis by foot. Walking several meters from the hotel to this, certainly spells healthy habit and huge savings on transport.

So what makes ibis Hotel Sinagpore on Bencoolen very appealing to us?

LOCATION and RATES

ACCESSIBILITY via bus & MRT stations, taxi cabs; very near to convenience stores, malls, tourist spots in Singapore. There’s a bus stop right in front of the hotel (and that SGD 193++ on the photo above is the current starting rate per room as of May 2013; highly competitive and reasonably affordable if you ask me. Go finish reading this post and surely, you’ll book your next stay in Singapore at ibis).

24-hour-convenience store near the entrance of ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen

The rear part of the hotel that serves as main entrance at Bencoolen link leads to other places to see while you’re there.

LOCAL FLAVORS : CULTURE, RELIGION, FOOD

A minute-walk from ibis will take your feet to this area where Buddhist & Hindu temples are located.

Lotus flowers as offerings to Buddhist temple near ibis. Such vibrant and gorgeous colors!

“Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. Only 1 minute walk from ibis. It’s literally located just behind the hotel. Dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, this temple has existed since 1885. Heaped with hundreds of small statues of gods from Chinese pantheon, the temple transports you into the world of Chinese mythology” -via the hotel brochure.

“Sri Krishnan Hindu Temple. Only 1 minute walk from ibis; just adjacent the Buddhist temple. Declared as an historic site by the Singapore National Heritage Board, this tempole is one of the oldest temples established in the 1870s.”-via the hotel brochure.

Like most Hindu temples I’ve been to, there were pigeons -feeding & flying within the vicinity of the temple.

Few steps more from those temples and your feet will eventually lead you to Bugis Street, Bugis Junction and MRT Bugis Station.

*Bugis Jucntion | Bugis Village | MRT Station | Bugis Street – Around 5 minute walk from ibis. One of the must-visit shopping havens in Singapore that may stimulate the mall-shopping-rat in you! There are so many shops to choose from inside the comforting airconditioned mall and a lot more of bargain finds from Bugis Street! There’s a volume of eating places too, from hakwer stalls, fast food joints to food court and stylish-themed restaurants. The choice is almost endless! And more important than shopping, we frequented this place for its MRT Station that took us to other places we went to while we’re there.

Inside Bugis Junction.

From ibis Hotel to temples & malls & MRT Station at Bugis; your feet may lead you to other places. As for us, on our third and last day in Singapore, I asked my wife and son if they want to walk from Bugis Junction to Arab Street and Haji Lane while our luggages were kept at ibis’ concierge after checking out on our last day, they agreed. Et voila!

I’m happy to revisit Haji Lane; even happier to bring Tina & Gabby here for the first time!

Sultan Mosque along Arab Street. One of the most-visited-places of worship in Singapore by local & foreign tourists.

Other suggested nearby must-see places around ibis Hotel include :

“Sim Lim Square (an electronic shopping complex with shops selling IT components, accessories & gadgets) – 2 minute away
Little India -5 minute away
Orchard Road -15 minute away
The Merlion – 20 minute away
Esplanade – 1.7 km away
Suntec City – 2.0 km away
and many more!”

World Class! (I love those 2 words nowadays! hehehe) If you must know, ibis is almost everywhere!

Lobby, ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen. Simple, minimalist, functional, beautiful.

Must Shout this Out : WIFI is FAST & FREE!!!

The last time I went to Singapore solo and stayed in a super-budget-hotel-without-windows-and-whatnot for one night,

I paid SGD 5 per 12 hour use of wifi.

You won’t have that hassle in ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen.

Welcome fruits, red wine and goblets, bottles of water were waiting for us by the windows. Yes, the rooms have windows! Hallelujiah!

CLEANLINESS IS MANDATORY

Queen-sized bed, delicious pillows and handsome comforter! We had restful sleeps for 2 nights in Sg.

The room may be small than usual but equipped with necessities we need. More so, it screams cleanliness!

Just when you’re lazy and tired to go down to the restaurant or convenience store, hallways of each level have vendo machines!

COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST : BEYOND EXPECTATIONS

ibis’ TASTE restaurant where we had complimentary breakfasts. Yummy!

ibis’ restaurant, TASTE made us satiated during our stay. Tina, Gabby and I were really surprised with the wide choices of food for breakfast! The restaurant’s name is absolutely not a misnomer; actually, it’s appropriately called TASTE because not only the menu each day varies and comes in volume but the offerings are really TASTEFUL!

Try to spot the hungry fambam : Tina & Gabby.

More than one coffee making facilities. We LOVED it! It was Tina who remindded me, “You need to mention that on your blog (pointing to the coffee machines with her pouting lips), that people don’t need to queue to get themselves coffee or tea because TASTE has two.

Happy problem : So will it be soybean milk, full cream milk or low fat milk? Try them all if you like!

Bottomless : Orange, apple, pineapple & soy.

Now, here comes the part that we get down to serious business (Read : The inevitable SHAMELESS DISPLAY of what we ate as a family, take note, for TWO MORNINGS, I repeat, two morning at ibis). One of the many reasons why we were impressed with ibis was the FOOD. Sleep was fine because bed and pillows were so comfy, shower with hot & cold water & plentiful towels were okay too, but it truly made our mornings waking up fresh and starting the days in the Lion City with full stomachs! We were happy diners!!!

Salad, samosa, hash browns.

BACON, BACON, BACON, baby! Tina & I were very very very happy! hahaha!

The Tina-Gabby project. No further caption needed.

I even dreamt of bacon from Taste so the next morning, I lived the dream I dream, lol!

Heaven on a plate! hehehe! We don’t eat bacon in Penang on a daily basis anyway! *defensive*

Mee Goreng, croissant and apparently, bacon again! Kill me now!

Platter of fibers, vitamins & freshness for the family!

I posted similar photo on my instagram with the caption : “Today, I married peaches & apricots!” Sarap!!!

So location’s great, cultural, religious and other local flavors are within a stone’s throw away, food is more than awesome, best, the service’s so quick! Honestly, Tina and I were observing the staff at the Taste restaurants and they refill the food warmers and all at the spread in a sec! Staff is more than enough to handle every table at Taste. To us, they deserve a salary raise! The staff at the concierge, even the cleaning crew that makes the room each day were a delight too!

It’s always PEOPLE beyond anything else that make up a business;

that keep the business alive!

Bravo, ibis Singapore on Bencoolen for having simple but functional people!

ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen has 538 rooms that are totally dedicated to comfort; we’re very blessed and thankful to experienced at least one of them during our short stay in the Lion City. And would not mind checking in again the next time we revisit Sg!

ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen, thank you very much! We had a comfortable stay.

ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen | 170 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189657 | Tel # +65 6593 2888
Fax : +65 6593 2889 | Email : H6657@accor.com | Website : www.ibishotel.com/singaporebencoolen

*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.

*This family staycation in Singapore is made possible by :

iVenture Card Singapore | website : www.iventurecard.com

and ibis Hotel Singapore on Bencoolen | website : www.ibis.com

This post is a part of Singapore Blog Series : May 2013.

May

HERITAGE WING OF E&O PENANG

By docgelo 2 Comments

Poolside, Heritage Wing, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, Malaysia

It was one of the very first places in George Town, Penang that I saw, together with my colleagues a few days after we’re brought to Malaysia from the Philippines to work as a Medical Lecturers some time in 2010. I found Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang’s Heritage Wing with Old-World-charm, utterly regal and remarkably elegant. Seeing its majestic and historic structures was already a huge treat for me back then. I never thought that I’ll have a chance to walk inside its beautiful suites with my family, more so, experience and appreciate its unparalleled service and world-class amenities when we stayed in one of its Corner Suites at its Victory Annexe Wing.

The very elageant lobby of E&O, Penang -Heritage Wing

“The Heritage Wing is the historical heart of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Built in 1885, its Moorish minarets and soaring echo-dome lobby provide the backdrop for khaki-clad doormen and pith-helmeted bellhops to welcome guests to its 100 elegant suites.

Indeed, over its century-and-a-quarter history, the E&O’s Heritage Wing has played host to some of the world’s most celebrated artists, writers and heads of state.

Attended to by the E&O’s legendary butler service, each suite offers the perfect invitation to step back into the refined elegance and colonial grandeur of a golden age.” ~via www.eohotels.com

My family, Tina & Gabby at the lobby, E&O Hotel Penang, Heritage Wing

My family and I were very pleased to be ushered inside a few suites at the E&O Heritage Wing and Victory Annexe Wing. We truly enjoyed every minute of the hotel tour as it doesn’t happen ordinarily to everyone, so we really felt privileged and grateful.

Imagine our excitement upon riding the century-old lift. With all its fixtures and buttons to press that are astronomically far from being modern, it seemed we stepped back in time and traveled through history in a blink. The feeling was similar to being on the set of one of the Harrie-Potter-movies; more than magical it was surreal!

We felt younger than Gabby’s during that few second-ride on the lift

The first we visited was the Heritage Wing’s Deluxe Suite. This 58-square-meter-sea view suite has separate living area, bedroom and luxurious bathroom.

I found it perfect for businessmen or professionals who travel either with a small family or solo, who prefer something classical and historic.

For someone who’s looking for a sophisticated and relaxing stay in a more spacious room at the Heritage Wing, the Writers’ Suites, definitely are an excellent choice! Spanning an area that’s not usual for a hotel room, this oversized 135-square-meter-sea-view suite has a living area, dining lounge with a bar and a guest restroom. We’re able to see one of the Writers’ Suites that was named after Rudyard Kipling. Its bathroom includes a claw and ball long bath tub with separate shower stall equipped with “His” and “Her” hand basins.

The bed looks certainly delicious!

This suite’s balcony gives you a sweeping view of the Malacca Strait and a feel of Europe when you’re in Asia.

En route back to Victory Annexe, we were generously asked if we would like to take the stairs rather than the more modern lift to go down. The kind staff opened one door that gave us the chance to see this lovely chandelier that hangs over the ceiling all the way down to the ground floor and can be best appreciated when descending from the stairs. Obviously, my family and I decided to take the lift going down but we didn’t lose the chance of photographing that gorgeous chandelier amidst the wooden winding stairs.

Tucked in one of the corners of E&O’s Heritage Wing is its library. The library houses a couple of flat-screen computer units with free and fast wifi access. What gives the room its E&O appeal is the use of very handsome leather seats and wooden furnitures. We liked it a lot actually. It’s a fusion of something old and something new.

Past & Present Fusion : Computers and century-old-stylish-furniture. Lovely pair, isn’t it?

The Library, Heritage Wing, E&O

A necessary gym with sauna is also installed in the Heritage Wing, strategically located near the swimming pool to encourage guests to keep fit and healthy. Another fitness room was built at the Victory Annexe Wing for its guests’ convenience.

Fitness Room, Heritage Wing, E&O.

The doors at the gym and from the lobby generously open to the courtyard and swimming pool with a gorgeous view of the Malacca Strait and a well manicured garden. This area of Heritage Wing is very relaxing and soothing.

After a few minute-stroll at the courtyard of the Heritage Wing, we were led back to the Victory Annexe Wing.

The Lobby, Victory Annexe Wing, Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang. Modern yet with a hint of grandeur during the colonial British era.

Our eyes were soon mesmerized by the classy interiors and outstanding amenities of Superior Suite at the Victory Annexe Wing. Each of the 55-square-meter Superior Suite has a balcony that either offers a city view or a more preferred sea view, luxurious marble bathroom with twin vanity counters.

With E&O Hotel Penang, either in Heritage Wing or the newly restored Victory Annexe Wing, all guests are absolutely pampered with high-quality-amenities, warm and friendly service; provided with full access to enjoy a fabulous holiday or savor a special occasion while delighting in a very impressive and a pleasurable stay.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel | 10 Lebuh Farquhar, 102oo Penang, Malaysia | www.e-o-hotel.com

This E&O Blog Series includes :

Special thanks to E&O Hotel Penang, to Ms. Eileen Chong and Mr. Criz Lai.

PS : If you must know, E&O provides a guide map of the Heritage Trail of one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites, George Town, and it’s conveniently located at the reading nook at the suite, but you can also read my blog post, My Mini Guide to George Town Penang. Thanks!

*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.

May

TIMELESS ELEGANCE AT EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL PENANG

By docgelo 17 Comments

Time stood still when I was reading the generous invitation of E&O Penang sent via email, to a luxurious 3D2N family staycation at one of the five Corner Suites spanning a whopping 123-square-meters of pure elegance and convenience, with breathtaking view of the Malacca Strait, located at the newly opened wing (barely 2 month old), that houses a total of 122 sea-view suites, the Victory Annexe.

The Lobby, Victory Annexe, E&O

As I was trying my best to recollect my thoughts and bring myself back to my senses, my excitement heightened when my mobile rang, and the voice on the line was asking me if I wanted to stay at E&O with my wife and son for one or two nights. On a trembling tone, I replied, “Two nights!” of course. The next thing I heard on the phone was an invitation to review everything about E&O’s fine dining restaurant, 1885. Date and time of the dinner were set, emails were sent. Heart and pulse rates went haywire.

And just like that, the most unforgettable dinner and an incredibly sophisticated accomodation await us at E&O. We’re very grateful!

Classy and contemporary, yet details reflect the opulence of colonial British era.

“Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang, Malaysia Built : 1885. Historical hospitality giants, the Sarkies brothers are credited wuth founding the iconic hotels including Singapore’s Raffles & Myanmar’s The Strand, but it all started in George Town, Penang back during the Malaysian island’s days as an outpost of the East India Company.

The grand dame of all Sarkies brothers’ hotels was initially two separate accomodations – the Eastern Hotel, built in 1884, and the Oriental Hotel built a year later on an adjacent piece of land.

The hotel simply became known as “Eastern & Oriental” between 1889 and 1990.” sourced via E&O Edition Issue 13.

17 to 19 May, 2013. Tina and I filed a half-day leave from work, days before that memorable Friday, while our kiddo, Gabby left his school before lunch time too with permission from his teachers. After being refreshed at our home in Butterworth, Penang, with our luggage and backpack in tow, we all trooped to George Town in the island via bus and ferry and took a taxi cab to the lobby of E&O.

After a brief but warm reception by the staff at the lobby, we were escorted to our 7th floor-Corner Suite by a butler.

Can you imagine we owned this beautifully oversized space for three days and two nights?

Unbelievable!

My family and I felt so home!

THE CORNER SUITE at VICTORY ANNEXE WING, E&O PENANG

The Living Room. Fantastic, isn’t it?

The most gorgeous mini-bar we saw. To wish for it to be all-complimentary might be too much.

Gabby, the explorer. He initially explored the mini-bar!

Coffee Making Facility : Lavazza. All day FREE Lavazza Coffee, Twining’s Tea, Milo & canned soda.

The goodies on the woven tray weren’t free as noted on a card by the bar clearly. No worries.

Among the many inclusives at the Corner Suite package, the one that we like the most is the hotel’s complimentary wifi. High-speed wifi broadband connection kept us attached to our social networks and to the rest of the world. I dislike other hotels that charge high rates of wifi access. At E&O, it’s fuss-free!

On our second day, look how sweet our son was! He volunteered to make me and Tina cups of coffee! Moments spent with family were absolutely more precious than anything!

Photos taken by my lovely wife, Tina.

Two complimentary fruit platters were delivered by the butler during our stay. Sweet!

It’s difficult not to admire the details put at every inch of this Corner Suite. We all like the Victorian theme done in a very tame and minimalist way. The fusion of materials used in the fixtures and furnitures was sublime. Expensive wood parquet floors mixed with luscious marble stones, regal carpets, Solihiya-woven chairs that scream Asian, brass and porcelains; every spot looked so delicious!

With utmost humility, my family and I have stayed in a few hotel suites in the Philippines and other countries but I must state that the most spacious and gorgeous to date was E&O’s Corner Suite! If the living room’s more than remarkble, the toilet and bath’s beyond words. I cannot think of superlatives to properly describe the Corner Suite’s banyo; it’s the prettiest we’ve seen! So comfy I think anyone can doze off at the tub effortlessly. Tell me if there’s a word more appropriate than perfect to describe it.

Spotless. Almost sterile.

There’s a separate guests’ washroom tucked strategically between the living room and the main toilet and bath. The bathroom features double vanity counters -somewhat like his and hers with pedestal ceramic basins, a claw and ball long bath with separate unique rainforest showers. Beautiful!!!

Quality bath time it was!

Perhaps because the suites at Victory Annexe were just new, only 2 months old since it opened to public last March, a few more things, we think are lacking. It would be better if these wardrobe, besides having a safe, 2 sarongs, and several hangers for clothes, would also keep a flat iron and an ironing board, plus a couple of long umbrellas. Those were usual things we spotted in a few suites in Singapore and in the Philippines that we’ve been to.

How edgy and modern to have digital and glass weighing scale and how traditional it is to provide woven slippers in dark chocolate color for Daddy, Mommy and Baby! Cool! :D

Little details with thoughtful impact : Cards with proverbs, wisdom and quotes supplied daily, placed on bedside.

It says, “He who smiles rather than rages is the strongest.” ~ Japanese Wisdom

Inspiring!

If you think the toilet and bath is ethereal, the bedroom is divine!

We love the entire bedroom and all its details! I love this reading lamp! Reminds me to look up the stars at night! Stellar!

After settling in : Riot! Told you, we owned it! Seriously, we had restful sleeps for two nights on that bed.

The seafront 270-degree-expansive-private balcony offers a sweeping view of the Malacca Strait, skyline and shoreline of Pulau Pinang. Here are some of my amateurish photos taken at the Corner Suite’s balcony at different times of day. Believe me, these captures don’t do it justice.

Malaysian sunrise from E&O’s Corner Suite last May 18, 2013, Saturday, around 7AM. I missed the sunrise the following day because of that handsome bed. Sue me! lol

An afternoon shot from the balcony. From here, we could see our apartment across the Malacca Strait!

I went down the facade of the hotel before 7PM and the Malaysian sky turned royal blue. #nofilter #nophotoshop #tripod

I wish we could’ve spend more time on this balcony. Who knows, we’ll have another chance to be here again?

The staff of E&O were so thoughtful and generous to provide extra bed for Gabby even before I made the request.

Gallery-themed hallway. Almost museum-like. I love the elegant display of crisp photos that depicts everything about Penang! It’s always excellent to go LOCAL! Kudos, E&O!

Tina, Gabby and I felt very privileged for experiencing not only the Corner Suite reserved for us but for having the opportunity to tour the Heritage Wing, its suites and amenities, and the other facilities of Victory Annexe Wing. We were escorted by a pretty and friendly staff whose name slipped my poor memory. Her name may have been forgotten but her service rendered was memorable. The Heritage Wing and the other facilities and suites on the next post! Moving on…

We were ushered to the gym at Victory Annexe. Modern equipments, simply amazing interiors with the view of the sea await physical buffs at E&O’s newest wing. There’s also another gym at the Heritage Wing.

FITNESS ROOM

Part of the Victory Annexe Experience is the Invigorating Yoga session on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

One of our favorite areas in the Victory Annexe of E&O was the Deck Pool or what we aptly call, Infinity Pool at its 6th level.

Come, let Gabby lead you the way…

THE EXCLUSIVE DECK POOL

Because the swimming pool at the Heritage Wing and the charming bath tubs in the suites are not enough : Infinity Pool at the 6th level of Victory Annexe Wing! Best enjoyed at hours past 3PM, in our opinion. Forget all worries and hassles, stretch out your limbs on the pool chairs and submit yourself into the caress of the cool Malaysian wind and the sea breeze. That’s what we did while we’re here. Although we didn’t take a dip, we truly had a relaxing time here.

Spectacular view, isn’t it?

We could see our apartment across Malacca Strait from the Infinity Pool…

It became our habbit for few days to drop by the Deck Pool either before or after the evening cocktails at its adjacent Planters’ Lounge.

Impressive set of furnitures, isn’t it?

THE EXCLUSIVE PLANTERS’ LOUNGE at Level 6

All guests at the 117 Superior Suites and 5 Corner Suites of E&O Penang’s Victory Annexe have exclusive access to avail of their complimentary breakfast, all-day-coffee-and-tea and evening cocktails from 5PM-7PM at the Planters’ Lounge at the 6th level.

Diners have options of dining inside the airconditioned Planters’ Lounge or al fresco by the sea at its balcony .

Its high ceiling and entire interiors were awe-inspiring.

On our Day 1 : Friday Evening Cocktails, The Planters’ Lounge

Al Fresco Dining Area at the Planter’s Lounge. Again, with priceless view of the Malacca Strait.

On our Day 2 : Saturday Evening Cocktails, The Planters’ Lounge

All guests at Victory Annexe Wing are entitled for complimentary breakfast at either The Planters’ Lounge or at Sarkies. Of course, we sampled both!

Our Day 2 : Breakfast at Sarkies, Ground floor, Victory Annexe Wing

Live Cooking Stations for Noodles and Dim Sums. There are also stations for Omelette, local flavors like Roti Canai, etc.

There were free-flowing juices and coffee and…

fresh fruit juices, coffee and even local teh tarik (pulled tea) and mixed beverages upon request.

Bakery Corner with lotsa bread, muffins, cupcakes and pastries

The Live Cooking Station where I requested my noodle dish. I remember I cannot decide between types of noodles so I had them both and the result was textured and delicious!

Must have detail shot! Sedap! Sarap! Delicious!

Our favorites: Chicken Ham, Beef Pastrami and Norwegian Salmon!

Photo by Tina, plate by Tina!

Roti Canai and Dahl Curry. Malaysian favorite! Our favorite! Gabby had two plates of this!

Having assorted dims sums and dumplings for breakfast doesn’t happen on a daily basis for us because of work and school. So we indulged!

I requested one of the chefs to cook my most favorite Malaysian dish….

Spicy Char Koay Teow! I LIKE!!!! I LOVE!!!

Fruits. Indubitably healthy! Mandatory!

Ending the awesome breakfast with coffee!

Our Day 3 : Breakfast at Planters’ Lounge

Chicken Ham, Beef Pastrami, Norwegian Salmon, Sushi! Rerun of everything scrumptious!

Round 2! lol

Over and beyond great food and incredibly pleasant ambiance, is Planters’ Lounge at E&O’s warm and friendliest service. We observed how Ms. Izzie, or Nurul Izzreen, the Assistant Manager of F&B at E&O, attended to her guests with courtesy, fast and flawless service. It was so nice of her to spend time with almost all diners, table per table, making sure everyone’s having a great time. She even shared a personal bits and pieces of her life to us, making us more comfortable and welcomed at E&O. Hats off to her and to E&O’s remarkable service! Bravo!

My family with Ms. Izzie, Assistant Manager, F&B at E&O.

Fresh fruit juices (orange, watermelon, honey dew) and soya milk for the three of us to complement, rather to maximize the breakfast experience!

We’re all full and satiated when Ms. Izzie asked us if we want hot or cold chocolate drink for Gabby and coffee or tea for Tina and me. We were weak to resist. One more round of drinks before we head back to the swimming pool area to unwind.

Gabby working with his pot of hot choco prepared by the wonderful people of E&O.

We could have availed of E&O’s complimentary Shuttle Service to explore more of Penang, from E&O to Straits Quay to Lone Pine Hotel and return, as the gracious staff emailed me the schedule upon request (also available at the concierge), but since we’re also currently based here, my family and I opted to stay inside our suite and savored every second of it!

Incredibly beautiful interiors,

world-class amenities,

unparalleled customer service

in a heritage hotel with illustrious history,

all these make E&O Penang

greatly different from the rest.

Malaysia and her people must be so proud to have E&O!

Thank you very much for adding memories to cherish to our days here in Penang! We love you, E&O! We will remain eternally grateful!

This E&O Penang Blog Series includes :

1885 : E&O Hotel Penang’s Fine Dining Restaurant
stay tuned for more!

1885 | Eastern & Oriental Hotel | 10 Lebuh Farquhar, 102oo Penang, Malaysia | Operating hours : 2PM-11PM (daily), English Afternoon Tea is served from 2PM to 5PM | website :
http://e-o-hotel.com/1885/

Special thanks to E&O Hotel Penang, to Ms. Eileen Chong and Mr. Criz Lai.

*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.

May

1885 : E&O HOTEL PENANG’S FINE DINING RESTAURANT

By docgelo 10 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
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Memorable. It was one of our most unforgettable dining experiences ever. We’re eternally grateful!

05/17/13, Friday, Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang, Malaysia. My family and I were fortunately invited by E&O to a 3D2N luxury accomodation at one of the five-123-square-meter-Corner Suites, among its 117 units of 55-square-meter-Superior Suites located at the newly built, Victory Annexe wing (our experience & views on the hotel suites, other F&Bs & facilities plus our personal recommendations will be on a separate post on this blog series about E&O).

On top of the many exclusive privileges for guests at Victory Annexe that my family and I enjoyed, such as daily breakfast in either Sarkies at its ground floor (which we already sampled previously; blog post HERE!) or in Planter’s Lounge at its 6th level that also serves evening cocktails, E&O was more than generous to invite us as well, to a weekend family dinner at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, 1885.

My son & I at the living room of E&O Hotel Penang’s Corner Suite before heading to dinner at 1885.

My wife, Tina & our son, Gabby at the hallway connecting Victory Annexe Wing & Heritage Wing.

1885 is located at the ground floor of the historical Heritage Wing of Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang, which is a few-meter-walk from where we checked in. Stepping inside the restaurant felt surreal; the atmosphere was absolutely different. I silently observed Tina and Gabby’s reactions when all of us allowed the moment to just sink in. It was truly an amazing treat for the three of us!

“Named for the year that the E&O Hotel was established, 1885 offers classical yet contemporary cuisine in an elegant environment in the finest traditions of colonial fine dining.

The selection of inventive fusion dishes from our accomplished chefs, accompanied by a superb selection of wines, marks 1885 as the perfect choice for an enjoyable dining experience.

Traditional English Afternoon Tea is also served in this elegant setting. Candlelit tables, starched linens, silver service, and attentive staff create a magical experience.” ~sourced from
http://e-o-hotel.com/1885/

Every table was set simply in tuned with the E&O’s theme : Timeless elegance.

The view from where we sat.

A set menu was specially prepared for us courtesy of the Chef, who happened to be on a special assignment in another Malaysian state that night. Nonetheless, the 6-course-meal was obviously well thought of and was nothing short of impressive.

The set menu for Tina & I.

One of the strongest points that impressed us with 1885 was the fact that they provided a kiddie-dinner-menu for Gabby. Believe me, having separate adult and children’s menus means so much for a family of diners! As in our case, Gabby got to exercise his decision making when he trusted his very own taste in selecting between choices from appetizers to entrees and desserts.

Waiting for our orders was never an issue since we’re entertained by a very soothing and relaxing music that further enhanced the over all ambience of 1885 and of course, made our lovely epicurean experience even more remarkable. A pianist was playing pieces from our wonder years! Love songs commonly heard on the radio during late 80s and 90s were beautifully played on the piano throughout our 7PM to 11PM dinner.

I didn’t expect 1885 to be filled with diners that night but tables were almost packed. I may have underestimated not the restaurant itself, but the choices of guests when it comes to eating places in Penang. It was a great proof that there’s really a market for high-end and quality-dining amidst the volume of affordable hawkers in this Malaysian gastronomic paradise!

Our dinner kicked off with a variety of breads on a basket carried by waiters from table to table.

Herbed and salted butter on bread never fails to stimulate!

Tina and I opted to have different entrees. The choices were usual but the plates were extraordinary. It was a toss between seared fish and baked steak. In as much as I wanted to dunk my fork on a handsome slice of Wagyu Fillet Mignon, I allowed Tina to have it since she liked it over the cod fish and I thought, she’d eventually share it with me, and she did, hehehe!

Because we’re having fish and beef dishes, white and red wines to complement everything were mandatory. I like!

The service of 1885 staff was impeccable. They were highly courteous, quick and attentive. Kudos! To us, they deserve a raise!

Not merely because we’re far from being wine connoisseurs (well, surely we’re not!) but I personally have confidence with established restaurants’ recommendations. So when one of the staff asked us of what wines we like, we threw the question back to him politely. With a smile, he instantly suggested Fire Road Pinot Noir 2011 from New Zealand and LFE Chardonnay 2012 from Chile.

Fire Road Pinot Noir 2011, New Zealand.

Luis Felipe Edwards Chardonnay 2012, Chile.

It was indeed, a fine dining but our conversation remained casual. Gabby discussed his wishes on how to celebrate his upcoming 9th birthday in his school here this October; he already had ideas in mind from the cake, to his requested fried chicken fillet strips with home-made gravy for his mom to prepare for his classmates and teachers, and the gifts that he’d like to receive -what else but toys!

While Tina & I were savoring wines, the little boy wonder was gulping iced water.

One by one, our plates arrived on our table.

Amuse Bouche. This bite-sized hors d’œuvre was Ratatouille; rich with tomatoes and veggies. With no overpowering flavor, Tina and I found it just fine.

Between Tomato Soup and Creme of Mushroom, Gabby chose the latter and he liked it a lot, leaving his soup bowl empty in few sec.

Creme of Mushroom Soup, Buttered Crouton

The greens came in next.

Rocket Salad. Cherry Tomato, Herb Ricotta Cheese Crouton Cracked Black Pepper

Must have detailed shot…

I asked my wife if she like it the way I do and we’re both on the same page. Cheesy and crunchy leaves with mild hints of anchovies. The fusion was effectively tasteful!

If Gabby had Creme of Mushroom Soup, Tina and I had the Lobster Bisque.

Lobster Bisque. Lobster Fricassee, Garlic Bread Croutons. We both love seafoods; no explanations needed.

Then it was time to cleanse the palates.

Sorbet

The test of patience and understanding happened when a wait staff committed mistake in mentally jotting down the orders. Between Carbonara and Bolognese Pasta, our little-big boy told the waiter he likes the former. After several minutes of waiting, a pasta plate with red sauce landed on our table.

Gabby to Tina : “Ma, is this Carbonara?”

Pasta Bolognese

We looked at each other and without wasting a minute, I called the attention of the waiter. Told him that our boy wants Carbonara and not Bolognese. The staff apologized, took the plate and positively replied that he’ll prepare another plate with Carbonara sauce; he even asked us if he can use Rigatoni. To me, that’s being customer-friendly!

Gabby’s choice :

Rigatoni Carbonara

Tina and I saw how Gabby literally devoured his Carbonara. It was even piping hot when Gabby had his fork with pasta to his mouth, one after the other. We were in awe watching him eat. It must be that good!

Baked Wagyu Fillet Mignon. Anna Potato, Lotus Tempura, Spinach Shallot Glaze

Detail shot…

1885′s Baked Wagyu Fillet Mignon passed Tina’s disriminating taste! She had it medium-well and even commented to me that it nearly tasted her favorite fillet mignon dish that she ate in one of the most regarded restaurants in Tagaytay City back home. She shared to me a generous chunk and I effortlessly understood her praises for the dish. It must be the quality of beef plus the meticulous method of cooking. The potato side dish was not merely chopped and fried but was creatively done in thin and layered servings.

My plate :

Seared Cod Fish. Sauteed Soba, Beans Sprout, Tempura Prawn, Sesame Soya Dressing

The cod fish was well seasoned; neither bland nor too salty. It perfectly complemented the crispy prawn tempura. What made the dish soared to the highest heavens was pairing it with sauteed soba. I only hoped for another similar plate that night! And the waiter’s recommendation of chardonnay? I never had a doubt.

Gabby thought of having Single Scoop Ice Cream over Trio Flavored Ice Cream from the kiddie menu.

Vanilla Ice Cream

If Gabby only had the very common yet classic, vanilla flavored ice cream, 1885 prepared a uniquely textured and bitter-sweet dessert plate for Tina and I.

Toffee Mascarpone Cheesecake. Maple Sauce, Cinnamon Cherry, Almond Shortbread

It’s hard to fake it; we liked every plate from the very first one to our dessert. Just look at the smile of my lovely wife. Naks!

At this point, we’re almost struggling with satiation. Tina and I told the wait staff that since our Corner Suite has coffee making facility, we had to let go of having coffee at 1885. However, we got a word that they already began brewing it, so we happily gave in. What’s a pretty meal without coffee ending (or to some, tea) anyway?

Freshly Brewed Coffee (or selection of Gourmet Tea)

The happy diners!

Before writing this, I asked Tina and Gabby of their honest comments with the service, ambiance and food of 1885 and I got no negative response. I only heard from both of them, “Masarap!” or in Bahaya Malaysia, “Sedap!”

We wish to come back for some English Afternoon Tea next time.

Thank you very much, 1885 at E&O Hotel Penang!

>><<

STAY TUNED for MORE of this E&O BLOG SERIES!

*While this is a sponsored blog post, the words are all mine unless quoted, and were never influenced by anyone.

May

COUNTING BLESSINGS ON MY 6TH BLOGGING YEAR

By docgelo 37 Comments

08 May 2013. Wednesday.

Beyond Toxicity @ docgelo.com officially turns 6 years old today!

*applause! applause! bow!*

I’m not throwing any blog contest or giveaways but simply celebrating it with sincerest gratitude to my few loyal readers particularly those who have been writing comments on my posts through the years unconditionally.

Thank you very much! Maraming salamat po! Terima Kasih! Xie xie!

Ushering this blog’s 7th year is a list of exciting BLESSINGS this May 2013 and more pleasant ones to come!

*drum roll, please!*

Nomination in the 2013 Singapore Blog Awards in 4 blog categories (Best Lifestyle Blog, Best Individual Blog, Best Family Blog & Best Travel Blog). Thank you very much! List of finalists to be announced in mid-June. Awarding ceremony on July 6, 2013. At stake along with recognition, prizes and freebies is a fully sponsored trip to Northern Territories, Australia! I want to win! I want to win!!! However, as 30 % of the judging criteria will be coming from public votes, will you support and vote for my blog if and when it gets in the finalists’ list? *crossed fingers*

Nomination in 2013 Tatt Awards, Globe Tattoo, Philippines (Best Photo Blog or Microblog). List of finalists to be announced mid-June. At stake is recognition and PhP 50,000 cash prize for the Regular Blog Category. Just like in 2013 Singapore Blog Awards, I’m very thankful for the nomination and I’m hoping for the best to be in the finalists’ roll. Once in, your votes will be needed for this blog to win. I want to win! I want to win!!! But if it’s not for me, I’ll still take pride in being nominated this year. To God be the Glory!

Invitation for Tina, Gabby and I to a sponsored 3D2N accomodation at one of the five 123sqm-Corner Suites at the newest Victory Annexe Wing of the luxury-5-star-hotel, E&O Hotel Penang for hotel review and blog feature, May 2013

Invitation for Tina, Gabby and I to a sponsored dinner at 1885 fine dining restaurant in E&O Hotel Penang for restaurant review & blog feature, May 2013

Invitation for Tina, Gabby and I to a sponsored 3D2N accomodation in Hotel Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, Singaprore, May 2013

Invitation for Tina, Gabby and I to a sponsored 2 day-access to theme parks of choice by iVenture Card, Singapore, May 2013

Last year, one of my photos landed on the pages of Postcards on Lonely Planet Asia magazine…

And for this year, the Associate Editor of Lonely Planet Asia emailed me recently that one of my photos of the Long Neck Women from Padaung Tribe in Myanmar who are currently refugees in Chiang Mai (blog post HERE!) will grace one of the Postcard pages of Lonely Planet Asia on its July/August issue. Big deal enough for the non-pro/amateur photo-enthusiast in me!

And of course, I am still euphoric for winning the 2013 and 2012 Best Expat Blog Award from Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and all that happened concerning this blog last year (blog post HERE!)

Thank you so much to those people who are happy when we are happy!

My greatest appreciation goes out to those who nominated this site to those blog awards, to our few but very generous sponsors, to those who tirelessly recommend me and my family to our sponsors and of course, to those who continously express love and support, I cannot thank you enough. God bless all of us more! Mabuhay po kayo! Maraming salamat!

Apr

AN EVENING OF LIGHTS AT KHOO KONGSI

By docgelo 13 Comments

*Ornate details of the Prayer Pavilion, Khoo Kongsi

27 April 2013. Saturday. While most people in Penang were probably watching Iron Man 3 in cinemas or perhaps, resting at home after an entire work or school week and a whole day’s household chores as in the case of my wife and our kid, I left our place at around 5PM, hopped on the bus, took the 15 minute ferry ride from Butterworth to George Town and rode another bus to Lebuh Chulia, then strolled my way to Cannon Street with nothing in mind but to revisit one of the incredibly majestic clan houses in Penang, the Khoo Kongsi.

Yes, I’ve been to Khoo Kongsi before and I’ve blogged it a few times already but I’ve never experienced the “Evening of Lights At Khoo Kongsi” celebrated every last Saturday of the month at 7PM. It is when the entire Prayer Pavilion of Khoo Kongsi beams and shines against the royal blue sky!

Since I still have prepaid Rapid-Penang-Bus unlimited-ride-card for the month of April, and the usual admission rate of 10 ringgit (USD 3.30) to Khoo Kongsi was waived during this event, I only spent 1.20 ringgit (USD 0.40) on the roundtrip ferry ride and 13.50 ringgit (USD 4.45) for a personal favorite Indian plate with Mango Lassi from Restoran Kapitan at Little India.

*Chicken Tandoori Set at RM10 (served with Cheese Naan) washed down with Mango Lassi, RM3.50. Dinner solb!

The gates of Khoo Kongsi located at Cannon Street were guarded and only opened at 7PM. After grabbing some bites at Restoran Kapitan, I went back to this famous clan house and simply waited for moments when everyone’s done with their obligatory photo-ops with the gorgeous Prayer Pavilion as their backdrop. I was lucky to have a chance to capture the beauty of the Prayer Pavilion of Khoo Kongsi with less tourists and visitors as people began to flock after I left the area.

*Once again, I marveled at the grandiosity of Khoo Kongsi with all elegance from Fujian architecture.

“From the late 18th century to 1850, the Khoos migrated from Sin Kang Village in China to Penang and involved themselves in trades and other careers. They formed a closely-knit community, took care of each other and gathered on the 5th day of the 5th Moon every year to celebrate the birthday of Tua Sai Yah. In 1835, they founded the Ee Kok Tong as an early form of clan association. The basement of Leong San Tong has been converted into the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Museum.” sourced from www.khookongsi.com.my

Who would not be in awe with this excellent Oriental structure built from exquisite craftmanship in woodcarving, stone carving, coloured drawing, stucco sculpture, cut-and-paste decoration and tiled roof?

The Prayer Pavilion faces a courtyard intended for gatherings then and now, and a huge stage built for Opera and other performances. And for this weekend’s event, Chinese drums were installed that provided the beat and accompanied the traditional lion dances.

This is how big the Khoo Kongsi compound is!

I was silently jumping for joy when the blue hour (at around 7:30-7:50PM here in Penang) came! Happy to capture photos of Khoo Kongsi during this time despite the lack of tripod.

Good thing the lion dance performers and “prosperity mascots” with the drummers and cymbals on stage deviated the attention of the people from the Prayer Pavilion; I had a few minutes of camera clicks without tourists and other photographers around it.

This monthly Evening of Lights At Khoo Kongsi was supposed to end at around 10PM with other entertainers to performs but I left the place at around 8PM. En route back to Chulia Street, I failed to resist and captured a couple more photos of the corner of Cannon and Armenian Streets…

plus that iconic landmark in George Town which is a Muslim worship place, the Kapitan Keling Mosque…

Over all, I enjoyed my Saturday evening and considered it a blessing that eased out my stress from work. Engaging in activities and sights like this is a welcome respite from my almost routinary life at my desk in the Faculty Room and in the classrooms.

*How did you spend your weekend?

*More photos on my earlier blog post about Khoo Kongsi –> HERE!

Apr

RANDOM MEMORIES, HAPPY THOUGHTS FROM MALACCA

By docgelo 6 Comments

Malacca is as colorful as her trishaws.

That shine bright like diamonds at dusk.

Malacca is sweeter than her cendol.

Dare I say it’s tastier than Jalan Penang’s.

It was in Malacca we wore Malaysia as Baba-Nyonya.

Spent (pa-) cute bonding moments.

Inspired to pose for more photos.

As we discovered Church of St. Paul Ruins as a nice backdrop.

Despite the dirty lens problem, ikr.

Clicks, clicks and more clicks…

Here, Cristina’s men in plaid.

That historic ruins on a hill witnessed how my lovely wife looked more chica than ever! Agree? lol

Almost every corner, picturesque!

We had no dull moments.

Loved her river cruise…

Those colors of Melaka River are charming at day…

Enchanting and romantic at night…

In spite of the fact that Stadhuys Museum was closed…

We roamed around others and found valor and heroism…

And because the Malaccan sun was nearly unbearable, we found comfort inside airconditioned museums…

Where royalties and dignitaries used to dine…

Over and beyond her culture and heritage spots, undeniably, it’s the Malaccan food and unique Peranakan tastes that lure people over.

Finally sampled Chicken Rice Balls, Malaccan Roasted Chicken and Pork, Tofu in Oyster Sauce, even Western bites of course!

Our appreciation for few visual arts fused with incredibly cool ambiance was heightened at The Baboon House Malacca…

Time stood still at Hereen Street…

Where hugs and joy reigned.

Certainly melted our worries away…

Saw more fascinating things being sold at the touristy and famous, Jonker Street…

Where beautiful is an understatement…

Where unique tastes and traditional collide…

Malacca, you brought so much fun!

We’ll create happier memories next time! Until then!

*This Melaka Blog Series includes :

Apr

GOOD DAY FROM GEORGE TOWN, PENANG!

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: a day in a life of, amateur photography, appreciation, armenian street, breakfast, cannon street, cheese roti, chew jetty, chew jetty penang, docgelo, expat blog, expat blogger, expat in malaysia, expatriate, family, food in malaysia, george town penang, heritage sites penang, heritage trail george town penang, inspiration, jetty, life in asia, life in malaysia, lifes abroad, lifestyle, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, morning, murals, murals in george town, murals in penang, must eat in penang, must visit in malaysia, must visit in penang, nikon D7000, penang malaysia, photography, photos, photos taken by nikon, restoran kapitan, roti canai, roti keju, street art, street arts, street arts in george town penang, sunrise, visit penang, weekend

Sunrise viewed from Chew Jetty, George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Saturday, 20 April 2013. Incidentally, I entered this photo in the HIPpix Challenge contest in Penang. If you like it and would like to support, kindly click this LINK HERE! and click the like button after the jump. Thanks!

Waking up early with my family on a Saturday morning just to watch the sunrise at one of the waterfront-settlements in George Town, Penang and stroll around a few streets simply to capture images randomly doesn’t happen on a daily basis. I consider it a bliss! It’s an absolute breather from our almost-routinary-life in Penang (read : work-home-work or for our son, Gabby, school-home-school).

Despite the challenges and uncertainties of living abroad (and the expenses, my goodness! We just recently paid fees for renewal of my Employment Pass and my family’s Dependent Passes on top of our monthly domestic bills), I’ve been constantly reminding Gabby how blessed and lucky we are for having opportunity to live in Penang. I’ve been hearing myself reminding our 8-year-old kiddo redundantly, that tourists and travelers still take efforts in saving money, plan for trips and book flights, bus or train rides to this incredibly charming UNESCO World Heritage Site, while we’re fortunate enough to experience the best of Penang anytime we wish because we’re currently based here.

So at around 6:30AM, Tina, Gabby and I hopped on the Rapid Penang Bus from our current home in Butterworth to Penang Sentral Bus Station and took the 12-minute-ferry-ride to George Town.

Gabby found a fun way at no cost to entertain himself while inside the ferry via Jellyfish spotting!

While Gabby and Tina were busy counting jellyfishes, I took the chance of going down the first level of the ferry; my very first time in three years, actually!

My lovely wife, Tina bitten by the shutter bug and became hooked on instagram, captured this…

The view of George Town from the ferry.

Then we hopped off the ferry and walked our way to Chew Jetty.

From Rapid Penang Bus Station in Weld Quay, Chew Jetty can easily be reached via few meters of strolling towards left. It has been a year exactly when I first visited this modest place (read my blog post HERE!); inevitably, changes happened over time.

I was so excited telling Tina that I will take her photo by the mural of one of the houses at Chew Jetty. It looked like this when I went there on my second visit last June 2012.

We were surprised to see this. Disappointed actually.

Previous mural of Lithuanian Artist, Ernest Zacharevic now dilapidated.

For reason unknown to us, the mural previously frequented by local and foreign tourists is now a memory.

As I am following George Town, Penang (Penang State Tourism) on its facebook account, I saw a photo they posted of a newly installed mural done by a local artist at Chew Jetty. We saw it but it’s already deleted by white paint; I didn’t take photo of it anymore (I hope one of the readers could explain something about this).

Nonetheless, we’re still thankful to see the fire ball rising from the East!

Sunrise reminds us to be constantly grateful of our intangible blessings!

My photos don’t do it justice.

Moving on, I pointed to Gabby handmade fish baskets used by the dwellers at Chew Jetty in fishing. Although I’m not not sure whether those baskets are for catching crabs, shrimps or prawns or fish.

Admittedly, I’m happy to see my wife enjoying her new past time : Instagramming! She’s now fond of taking photos by her ipod and at times, borrows the camera from my neck and takes her own shots. While she’s doing her thing, I did my own captures of some interesting things at Chew Jetty.
Here are a couple of beautiful cacti…

These clan houses by the descendants of Chew family must be preserved on stilts the way the were built ages ago as mandated by UNESCO.

From Chew Jetty, we crossed the street and went straight to Lebuh Armenian. There, another favorite Ernest Zacharevic mural greeted us. It’s difficult to imagine for this mural to be broken down, it’s so fun to look at. Actually, there was a time that someone tried to destroy it by spilling liquid (was it milk or some paint?); thankfully, they managed to restore it. It remains to be one of the tourist-drawers in Pulau Pinang. Hopefully, the authorities can maintain it.

Then Gabby started asking where to eat breakfast. He said he’s OK with Restoran Kapitan and was craving for some Cheese Naan. Since the streets and the scenes en route to Kapitan were picturesque, Tina and I spent a few minutes of taking photos.

Goofed in front of a whimsically painted doors.

And rode the trishaw on display for that photo-op.

I find this corner of Armenian and Cannon Streets attractive. I know I shall miss this spot one day.

Breakfast, actually more like of our brunch was at one of our favorites, Restoran Kapitan at the junction of Pitt and Chulia Streets.

Roti Keju or Cheese Roti and curried dips, FTW!

First time to try Roti Tisu from Restoran Kapitan and frankly, I liked the version from the other Indian eatery in the heart of Little India. They serve Roti Tisu with strawberry syrup and condensed milk there. Yummier, I think.

Washed down everything with Iced Blended Chocolate and Mango Lassi.

Refreshingly good!

Hopped on the Rapid Penang Bus from Chulia Street to Komtar and went to Carrefour grocery for a little grocery shopping.

Someone’s happy with his chocolate cereal purchase!

It was a Saturday morning well spent.

“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.” ~Mandino, Og

Apr

MELAKA! MALACCA! FOOD PORN!

By docgelo 8 Comments

*My family – Tina & Gabby at Restoran Famosa, Jonker Street, Malacca

Our three days and two nights unplanned trip to Malacca was made memorable not only because of the sights that we enjoyed exploring for the very first time but more so, tasting its local dishes and a few personal favorites. So many foods, so little time! I wished I did a little research prior to the trip and of course, it could’ve been better if we stayed longer. Nonetheless, we’re grateful and wouldn’t mind traveling 7 hours from our current base in Penang to revisit Melaka when time, chance and budget allow.

To say that Malacca is a food haven is absolutely an understatement. Similar to George Town, Penang, Malacca is a gastronomic paradise! Almost every corner has something to delight even the ones with most discriminating taste. Here’s this blog’s usual shameless display of what we feasted…

*Chicken Rice Balls from a restaurant in Melaka Sentral Bus Station

The moment we arrived in Melaka Sentral via 2-hour-and-19-ringgit-bus-ride from Larkin Bus Station in Johor Bahru, Tina, Gabby and I decided to do the first in the list of our priorities. EAT! While the kiddo was busy buying his 7-11 slurpee and I attended to our luggage and backpacks, the wifey scouted a few restaurants inside the bus station complex and selected one. That awesome moment happened! The very first time for us to eat Chicken Rice Balls that, correct me if I’m wrong, uniquely Melaka.

I’m guessing those rice balls paired with steamed chicken meat, were boiled in chicken stock. I liked it, Tina did not. To each his own.

*Chicken Chop and Noodle dish with name that slipped my memory but with a delicious taste to remember! Naks!

After several minutes and camera clicks in front of Christ Church Melaka, we crossed the street and saw this stall by the Melaka River selling freshly fried Spiral Potatoes. It was 3-ringgit and sour cream flavored happiness for Gabby!

*Savoring his Sour and Cream Spiral Potato from Melaka!

Second day was Easter Sunday and after having simple but incredibly charming dining experience at The Baboon House Malacca (blog post HERE!), we effortlessly killed time by doing crazy things (Tina was Instagramming) and sipping milk teas and iced blended fruity drinks from Ochado. Refreshing! Best, they got free and fast wifi too!

*I left a mark on the graffitti wall.

*Instagram moment!

Go try Ochado whenever you find yourself in Melaka! It’s easy to spot as it’s located at the corner where Jonker Street begins.

*Cappuccino, Mocha and Iced Blended Chocolate from Casa Del Rio Cafe.

After dinner at Restoran Famosa in Jonker Street, we opted to stretch more our last night in Melaka. We walked and walked and next time we knew, we were all seated inside the very romantic and hip, Casa Del Rio Cafe.

*Romantic and relaxing ambiance by the Malacca River.

Located by the Melaka River, in the facade of the premier hotel, Casa Del Rio, we were never intimidated by its stylish and inviting interiors; surprisingly, prices were even pocket-friendly than our favorite Starbucks Coffee. The menu’s promising too! They serve breakfast meals, lunch and even steamboat buffet for dinner.

*Hollywood legends and icons on the walls! If only walls could talk…. Don’t you just love this corner?

Tina had cappuccino, Mocha for me, Iced Blended Chocoalte for Gabby. They also have cakes and other dishes but we’re very satiated with the dinner we had at Restoran Famosa.

Just before sitting inside Casa Del Rio Cafe, we had our dinner at Restoran Famosa along Jonker Street. Here’s what we ordered :

*Beancurd in Oyster Sauce.

Tina found it too salty while it’s fine with my palates. I also liked the consistency of the beancurd!

*Roasted Chicken.

Either roasted or steamed, ayam or chicken is almost obligatory to eat when you’re anywhere in Malaysia.

*Chicken Rice Balls from Restoran Famosa

They’ve got smaller versions of Chicken Rice Balls compared to the ones we had in Melaka Sentral. Restoran Famosa’s menu had it at 30 sen (cents) each.

*Pork Barbecue.

It was a consensus decision to order Roasted Pork. When we did, the waitress told us, “Finished!” The next best thing was to order the second best, BBQ. It was a different flavor compared to BBQ we have in Manila. It was like the common pork asado or Chinese pork something in Chinatown eateries in our country.

*A simple Easter Sunday Malaccan Family Feast!

*My plate!

No Malaysian meal is complete without chilli sauce!

*Hotta! Hotta!

The highlight of our Malaccan food tripping was to taste their version of Cendol. To start with, I loved it. I fell in love it on the first scoop! Sorry Cendol in Penang Road, I liked you but Melaka Cendol won my heart and taste buds! Presentation-wise, each bowl looks clean and hygienic, the ingredients composed of red beans, finely shaved ice and that green thingy-cendol, were all better tasting than, dare I say, the one in Jalan Penang.

The difference lies on their use of Gula (sugar) Melaka…

Caramelized Gula Melaka in coconut milk : Killer combination! It reminded me of muscovado or unrefined brown sugar from my country. Sarap! Sedap! Delicious!

*Yummy!!!

We loved everything we ate in Melaka! We cannot wait to go back to eat more!

*Follow Tina on Ig @teenasantos, follow me on Ig @iamdocgelo

This is NOT a sponsored post.

*This Melaka Blog Series includes :

We Wore Baba & Nyonya Traditional Attires
The Baboon House Malacca
Malacca River Cruise
Food Porn!!!
To be continued…

Apr

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, PENANG ASSAM LAKSA!

By docgelo 16 Comments

“Anthony Bourdain : No Reservations : Penang” episode was tremendously compelling that watching its replay on cable TV made me decide to revisit Air Itam, an almost 30-minute bus ride from the island’s capital, George Town to finally experience the version of Penang Assam Laksa that most Penangites, if not all, and other local and foreign tourists have been raving about.

If you must know, my taste buds aren’t virgin to its flavor anymore as I got to try a bowl of it from one of Malaysia’s local restaurants several months ago, however found it of course, commercialized (blog post HERE!).

Blame my faith on Bourdain’s culinary and travel expertise, I didn’t need to drag my feet from our current place in Butterworth, rode the Rapid Penang Bus for 5 minutes to Jetty in Penang Sentral, took the ferry for 12 minutes sans waiting, and hopped on Rapid Penang Bus 203 to Pasar Air Itam (Air Itam Market) all for only RM1.20 (ferry roundtrip fare as I prepurchased unlimited Rapid Penang Bus card good for a month). With almost an hour and a half of travel time, coupled with flashbacks of what my family and I watched on TV, my craving heightened. I even thought it’s a shame for someone like me who have been given a chance to work and live in Malaysia’s food capital for almost 3 years now, not to taste Pasar Air Itam’s Assam Laksa. Good thing the weather and the flow of traffic conspired.

Apparently, the secret of this version of Penang Assam Laksa is in the richly flavored and thick fish broth with fish flakes that appeared to have been boiling for days already. For few minutes, I observed the main man wearing toque, preparing each bowl of laksa upon order. His assistant puts thick rice noodles and ingredients - mint leaves, shallots, chillies, cucumber and perhaps a few more on each bowl of thick rice noodles and hands in to him. Then the man in toque would scoop a piping hot fish broth onto the bowl and pour it back to the boiling broth and repeats the process simply to make sure the noodles and everything on the bowl become warm and flavored. After which, the assist will top the bowl with thick assam sauce (tamarind sauce).

If my perceptions are correct, the secrets to this famous laksa are on its fish broth and tamarind sauce. It’s hard to duplicate it at home when you don’t have the same cookwares that seemed boiling for days and of course, the formula and herbs that the owners keep to themselves.

I wanted to ask them about their laksa but I held back after I saw them very busy tending to all orders, dine-in and takeaways that seemed endless.

Here’s my bowl of Penang Assam Laksa from Pasar Air Itam…

My verdict : With its 4 ringgit per bowl price, everything’s worth it! The sour tamarind sauce, the salty and thick fish stock blended so well with chillies and the herbs and noodles and everything on it! Thankfully, I had the chance to understand the logic of CNN in naming Penang Assam Laksa as 7th out of 50 Most Delicious Foods in the World! It was indeed, delicious!

WHY WAS MY PENANG ASSAM LAKSA EXPERIENCE AT PASAR AIR ITAM UNFORGETTABLE?

Because a fraction of left-over soup of Laksa was accidentally spilled by the “uncle”-waiter on my black T-shirt, making the back of my left upper shoulder down to my left flank smelled like Assam Laksa! Unbelievable! But I even smiled at the old man despite he didn’t apologize, as mentioned, it was an accident. He had the effort of wiping it with his rag (yikes!) but few seconds after, he left me with some fish flakes and mint leaves still on my shirt. He moved to the other tables cleaning and preparing them for the next groups of diners.

PENANGITES ARE HELPFUL

Luckily, the heaven sent angels to ease my Assam Laksa experience. Because I was alone (as Tina and Gabby chose to rest at home over the weekend), I shared my table to other diners. A Chinese-Malaysian couple came to my table with their two very young sons (I’m guessing ages 3-4 years old) and their nanny. The husband, Mr. Chong immediately offered me sheets of tissue to wipe the back of my shirt. Then his pretty wife brought out wet ones that they suggested for me to use instead of tissue. The scene became more awkward but I’m grateful for their generosity, when Mr. Chong volunteered to wipe my shirt for me since I cannot extend my hands to clean everything out. It didn’t stop there, these kind-heartened Penangites ordered a refreshing bowl of lychee for me! How’s that? Even though it’s only 3 ringgit per bowl, I was very pleased and grateful for the moment!

After finishing my Assam Laksa and that bowl of lychee that I got for free, I walked few steps and saw a public and surprisingly cleaned toilet where I continued to wipe and clean my shirt. I rode the bus back to Komtar and Prangin Mall in George Town and bought a new cheap shirt that I wore back home. Imagine the shirt that stinks because it has herbed fish stock and tamarind minty sauce on it! Aromatic!!! lol

I wish my family and I could find chance to revisit Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple which is located a meters away from this stall in Air Itam Market that sells Assam Laksa. I would like to know if Tina and Gabby will like it too. I didn’t buy them takeaways because Tina asked me to shop for some groceries after; would not be easy for me to bring it inside the store.

Oh yes, my route from Butterworth to George Town to Air Itam looks like this except that I commuted via buses and ferry bypassing Penang Bridge. The things you do to satisfy a craving! :)

via www.maps.google.com

I wouldn’t mind going back to Air Itam from our current place in Butterworth for that heaping bowl of one of the most delicious foods in the world!

>><<

Apr

MELAKA MEMORIES : MALACCA RIVER CRUISE

By docgelo 19 Comments

*Ornate details of the elegantly handsome Victoria Regina fountain in front of Christ Church Melaka

The words on the tip of the fountain (not in photo) reads:

“Victoria Regina 1837-1901, erected by the people of Malacca in memory of a great Queen 1904.”

In so many ways, Melaka is as a family-friendly destination. Along with her heritage trail that preserved colonial structures from her historic past, is a bunch of modern attractions from theme parks to charming coffee shops and teeming with food stalls and eateries and night bazaars and whatnot, that effortlessly appeal to all ages. I must admit, Tina, Gabby and I were happy with our entire experience despite the fact that our three-day-two-night-family-trip was so unplanned, without hotel reservation and a limited budget at hand, everything surprisingly went smoothly and what really mattered most :

we all had fun!

In case you missed the previous posts on this series : On the afternoon of Black Saturday of 2013, we found ourselves in Malacca instead of crossing the southern Malaysian border on foot to revisit Singapore for a supposed sponsored trip (which was rescheduled last minute to fourth week of May due to unforseen circumstances; we cannot wait!). Cliche as it may sound, it was truly a blessing in disguise as we finally discovered Melaka; we loved every moment we spent there to bits.

One of the highlights of our short break to one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was embarking on the touristy boat ride via the Malacca River Cruise.

*Doing that touristy thing!

Before we rode the boat for that famous river cruise, we paid an almost obligatory visit to the iconic landmark, the Dutch Protestant, Christ Church Melaka…

*Arguably, one of the most photographed places in entire Malaysia, the Christ Church Melaka

We admired that Queen Victoria fountain in front of the church…

And never missed to take tons of photos, of course (oh, one of those things we do best! lol).

*Heavily armed and dangerous! lol

*Happy we were here!

Christ Church Melaka, the Clock Tower and the Stadhuys Museum that was previously the administrative office, all in terracotta red color make up the Dutch Square or Red Square.

After quick homage to those must-visit-spots, we walked our way to the jetty where ticket booth to the Melaka River Cruise is located.

*I love this photo! While my lovely wife was ever ready for a close up, our adorable son’s busy with munching! Behind my family are another tourist drawers to Melaka -those overly adorned trishaws!

Few steps more, et voila! The area where the 45-minute-river-cruise starts. No, we didn’t ride that galleon ship, hahaha! I wish!

We bought 15 rinngit per adult tickets and 7 ringgit per kid. This is Malaysia so admission rates are higher foreigners. No further questions.

Finally, we had a glimpse our ride…

It was our first time in Melaka and I was the most excited. “Hey, wait, honey, Gabby. Picture!”

The sight reminded me of the title of a movie of my youth, ”A River Runs Through It.”

All aboard! Here we go!

The boat passed under several pedestrian bridges that were vividly lighted by greens, blues and a few more hues at dusk.

“On your right is the St. Francis Church…. on your left is….this…and that…” heard from the recorded tour commentaries. With a reasonable price for the tour, I could not hope for a better interactive and live tour guiding. Or perhaps, there’s a boat with an actual tour guide but we had it otherwise.

Moving on, the river is cleaner than I expected. I personally liked the presence of few pedestrian bridges that link streets along the river. Even delighted with the fact that no bridge was built the same. Each has its own design and character.

River trees and mangroves keep the river alive.

Here’s hoping the authorities could do more efforts in maintaining cleanliness in and along the river.

Read somewhere that Melaka River was called, “Venice of the East.” Wow! Thankfully, it didn’t stink. Keep up the cleanliness, please!

Major attractions to the Malacca River Cruise were the colorful murals on the shop houses and inns and restaurants and residential and commercial buildings along the waters. It was something we had not seen before! Beautiful!

Spot the following : Vegetables, Moon Cake, Dim Sums, Rafflesia…

Look, there’s a monorail!

Monorail by the river. Amazing!

The 45-minute-10-kilometer-river cruise could also be a hop-on, hop-off for passengers as there are a few jetties at one side. One group of tourist from our boat decided to alight after the boat took a turn at the river’s end to go back from where we started.

And it’s true that the best way to experience Malacca River Cruise is between 6 to 7PM (or onwards) when the sky starts to become blue. If you must know, sun down in Malaysia comes after 7:30PM or so.

May not be a perfect photo but would love to share!

I’m guessing, this is the Eye of Malacca…

Passed under those well-lit pedestrian bridges…

More murals…

Blurry and imperfect and I’m so embracing it!

Red, red, red!

Then my family and I opted to hop off just in front of Christ Church Melaka in the Dutch Square…

Eenie minie miny moe…

There were a choices of restaurants and coffee shops on both sides of the river that apparently offer a romatic ambiance at night. I asked Tina if she wanted to have a dinner in any of those but she thought it might be more costly. We didn’t waste time and strolled our way to the nearby Jonker Street (I’ll have a separate blog post about it).

For now, here’s a glimpse of Jonker Street…

In my opinion, the Malacca River experience is never complete if one only saw her beauty from the boat. The river is totally different when the sun is up! Murals provide you another perspective at daytime.

Oops, do you see those dilapidated walls on the photo below? Something’s crying out loud for an urgent and careful restoration!

Small inns and guesthouses for backpackers (If we only knew they’re here!), mini-groceries and eateries are where the murals on. We spotted a mini-pasar (mini-mart) and had some thirst-quenchers. Look at us, mag-ama, tambay sa Melaka! lol

I was saddened by the sight that my most favorite mural along the Malacca River was dilapidated too! Authorities, when can you restore this?

Had we known that guesthouses and inns are what most of these painted walls are made of, we could’ve spent our two nights in one of them.

Stroll. Pause. Smile. Picture. Repeat. It’s a vicious yet happy cycle! Therapeutic actually! :D

The Malaccans know how to do it! Look at these orchids and other blooms and greens! Bravo!!!

Food murals along the Melaka River. Nice!

Photos, more photos!!!

My favorite mural, that Chinese Lion!

Another mural not to be overlooked…

Worries were melted, nothing in mind but fun, fun, fun with the family!

We’ll cherish all our fun and colorful memories from Melaka forever!

*This Melaka Blog Series includes :

We Wore Baba & Nyonya Traditional Attires
The Baboon House Malacca
Malacca River Cruise
To be continued…

*Since we had a CHANGE of travel destination from supposed Singapore to Malacca, this is my entry to WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE : CHANGE

Apr

PENANG’S NYONYA CUISINE FROM PEARLY KEE

By docgelo 23 Comments

One of my Saturday dinner plates prepared by Ms. Pearly Kee. Yes, that’s blue rice on my plate.

“Peranakan or Nonya cuisine combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into a unique blend.

Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Penang, Malacca, Indonesia and Singapore, inter-marrying with local Malays. The old Malay word nonya (also spelled nyonya), a term of respect and affection for women of prominent social standing (part “madame” and part “auntie”), has come to refer to the cuisine of the Perakanans.” via Wiki

As a Filipino living and working in Penang for almost three years now, I always feel privileged and pleased whenever my family and I are invited and welcomed by Malaysian friends to spend memorable moments with them. It’s priceless when local people make us feel at ease, more so, when they offer and share something about their own culture, tradition and lifestyle.

Last Saturday, 6th April 2013, in her very own abode tucked in a quiet corner of Pulau Tikus, Ms. Pearly Kee greeted us with warmest smile, together with her equally admirable husband, Mr. Chandra who voluntarily picked us up and drove us back to the bus station near their place. Generosity, although rarity nowadays, is always appreciated!

Tina, Gabby and I were invited by Ms. Pearly via email several weeks ago to partake in the Nyonya Dinner at her humble home where she also conducts Penang Nyonya Cooking Classes. Despite the almost entire-day-of-non-stop-raining which is a bit unusual in Penang and in spite of the fact that my lovely wife failed to join us for some weekend chores and other things to be done at our own apartment, Gabby and I managed to arrived few minutes over the 7:30PM call time and enjoyed what Aunty Pearly prepared that led our Filipino palates’ to an official introduction to Nyonya cuisine.

Gabby with Aunty Pearly Kee and husband, Uncle Chandra. Thank you for inviting us!

I read that Ms. Pearly learned her Nyonya cooking expertise from her grandmother and she’s actively passing it on to anyone interested in joining her culinary sessions. Famous and respected as one of Penang’s food ambassadors, we first met Ms. Pearly during one of her Penang Home Cooking classes when we visited Tropical Spice Garden (blog post Here!). She was even thoughtful to include the link of my blog post about Tropical Spice Garden when she sent her invitation to us. That was a nice gesture of her. Thank you, Ms. Pearly!

Here’s a rundown of the Nyonya dishes that Ms. Pearly Kee prepared for her guests.

Blue Rice : Aromatic, fascinating and uniquely flavorful as it looks!

If you must know, my family and I forgot to sample a similar Malaysian rice dish, Nasi Kerabu (blue rice) when we visited Kota Bharu in Kelantan back in 2011. Tina got to taste it recently when one of her colleagues in the clinic brought her a bungkus; she liked and craved for it after, even raving about it to me. Imagine my excitement when Gabby and I saw that Aunty Pearly included Blue Rice side by side with the common boiled white rice on her spread that evening. I was a happy man when I got a chance to taste it finally! Lucky me!

With its interesting color and aroma, this Blue Rice was made as such, according to Ms. Pearly, because of the use of the blue flower called Bunga Telang, which in English sounds cheeky, clitoria. Tee hee!

Sambal Goreng. I loved this, not only because I’m a sucker for prawns but this one’s textured, rich and delicious.

Prawns cooked in white sauce, cashews, lemon grass, tamarind and coconut cream served with chili sauce and cucumber, Sambal Goreng stimulated my palates so well. I loved, loved, loved it!

Kerabu Vegetable (Thai Influence). Another favorite from what we savored.

I have no word to explain why Gabby and I were not seduced by the soup in the spread, not because it didn’t look interesting to us, of course not, but probably there were a number of dishes on the spread to try that were all very new to us. One of them was the Kerabu Vegetable or Veggie Salad with Thai Influence.

What made this salad so fascinating? Ms. Pearly creatively used seromi, instead of the usual greens that are frequently tossed in commercially available salads. She even informed us during the friendly chat over dinner that she brings a volume of seromi that’s commonly grown near rice paddies in Penang, whenever she visits her friends in Singapore. She combined ~~seromi~~ Sayur Rumi or Pigwort Watercress with four angle beans or kacang botol, shallots and bunga kantan or torch ginger finely shredded with sweet thai sauce. The addition of pineapple tidbits also gave flare on this Kerabu Vegetable! It was so flavorful, I had to go back to the buffet spread for another serving!

Curry Kapitan. Surprisingly, not spicy. Just tasteful with a fascinating story behind its name. Ask Pearly!

Chicken cooked with lemon grass, fresh tumeric, galangal and fresh red chillies, Curry Kapitan is as wonderful as the story behind its name.

Surprisingly, Gabby, who as I mentioned as a little picky eater, liked Curry Kapitan. I wasn’t expecting my boy to favor it as we both thought that it’s hot and spicy with its red orange thick sauce but we were wrong. The chicken was perfectly cooked in a mildly spiced sauce. Tolerable flavor for our tastebuds. Gabby and I had two servings of this dish too! Need I say more?

Of all Nyonya dishes, I regret I forgot to sample this. We all need to be prosperous, right?

Ju Hu Char. Best eaten wrapped in leaves. I liked this too!

Ju hu char is a perfect appetizer made up of mixed stir-fried vegetables eaten with lettuce leaves and a bit of ‘sambal’ or chilli paste. I had two servings as well. Burp!

5 Spiced Pork Roll. Even the picky-eater in Gabby liked this!

Gabby and I also gave our thumbs-up to this pork rolls. It reminded me of our very own longganisa or our local sausages that have a lot of varieties in the Philippines. I only wished it tasted smoked and more garlicky but I guess it’s not its flavor. We liked it, nontheless.

Spices and more at Pearly’s kitchen cum cooking class area.

Who’s excited to sample Nyonya cakes and tropical fruits?

Jackfruit and Rose Apple also known as Jambu Air.

Nyonya Kuihs and Jackfruit Slices.

Dessert spread may be simple but also a must-try. Although it wasn’t my first time to try Nyonya Kuihs or Nyonya cakes in colorful slices, we didn’t pass it up. We had it with jackfruit slices which is one of our favorite fibrous fruits, and we washed down everything with a refreshing drink prepared by Ms. Pearly made of pineapples and passion fruits (grown in her lawn) garnished with strawberry slices (not in photo). It was so good, again I had two servings, err, glasses!

Yes, that’s Durian made into a sweetened dessert with tiny tapioca.

God knows my family and I are not fond of Durian as Malaysians and other Filipinos do; still Gabby and I tried to taste this Durian made into a sweet puree by Ms. Pearly. No force or coercion was done in tasting it, we did it freely, hehehe!

At this point, Gabby and I were already satiated and satisfied! Thank you, Ms. Pearly & Mr. Chandra!

The other guests of Ms. Pearly, both expatriates and local friends who made it that evening….

Ms. Pearly Kee and her invited guests in her home in Penang.

It was another family-food-fun occasion for us! Thank you, Ms. Pearly Kee for everything! It was a pleasure meeting one of the gems of Penang! Hope to see you again in the near future!

Articles from broadsheets, magazines & online are remarkable proofs that Pearly is loved and respected in Penang.

Get to know more of Ms. Pearly Kee and her Penang Home Cooking Classes via the following links :

Websites : Penang-Homecooking-Class via Packages of Penang Nyonya Cooking : My Island Penang.Com | Twitter : @PgHomecooking | Facebook : Pearly Homecooks and Pearly Kee on fb. You may also register HERE! and state your preferred date and number of guests.

Should you feel interested in contacting Ms. Pearly Kee, kindly give my regards to her & tell her you read about her and her expertise in Nyonya Cooking on this blog. Thank you!

>><<

Mar

OUR FAMILY WEEKEND INDULGENCE AT EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

By docgelo 12 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: bayan lepas, blog review, buffet, buffets in malaysia, buffets in penang, crab tempura, doc gelo, docgelo, eastin, eastin deluxe, eastin deluxe suite, eastin hotel, eastin hotel penang, Eat all you can, Eat all you want, ebi tempura, expat, expatriate in malaysia, expatriate in penang, family, family blog, food, food blog, foodie, halal food, hi tea, high tea, hotel accomodation, hotel buffets, hotels in penang, hotels in penang malaysia, hotels in penang near the airport, Japanese food, kani tempura, Life, lifestyle, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, malaysia, malls in penang, must eat in penang, must see in penang malaysia, okonomiyaki, penang, prawn tempura, queensbay mall, queensbay mall penang, review of eastin hotel, sashimi, seafood, soft shelled crab, staycation, suite, suite room, sukiyaki, sushi, swez brasserie, swez brasserie at eastin hotel penang, tea time, tempura, the lounge, TRAVEL, travel blog, travel blogger, travelling, vacation, weekend

A priceless scenic ocean view, a fantastic glimpse of Penang Bridge by the window and the warmest greetings on the nicest card welcomed my family and I last Saturday, 23rd March 2013, when we were invited to spend a usual weekend turned extraordinary one in Eastin Hotel Penang.

One of the sweetest greeting cards I’ve ever received.

Accessibility is one of the best selling points of Eastin Hotel Penang. Whether you are coming from Penang International Airport, Penang Mainland or Seberang Prai via the iconic Penang Bridge, or one of Malaysia’s World Heritage Sites, George Town, Eastin Hotel Penang is just located a few minutes away either by public and tourist buses, private cars or ferry. Best, the hotel’s a stone throw away from hawker food stalls where the foodie in you can sample cheap and authentic local dishes from Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisines (although you can also savor them from the hotel’s F&B outlets’ menu), and adjacently located with one of the island’s most visited and largest malls, Queensbay Mall!

With almost 3 years of working and living in Penang, it was only last weekend that we set foot in Eastin Hotel; I thought it was never too late to discover another gem in this side of Malaysia. We appreciate the invitation given by Eastin Hotel Penang for us to experience what makes them different and special from the rest.

From the hotel lobby, we were ushered by the most accomodating & friendliest staffs at the 11th floor and while on the lift, I had to ask them if all elevator units in the hotel are dimly lit. I got a positive response making me wish for a brighter lifts. Othe than that, excitement heightened.

It was a love at first sight!

We loved EASTIN DELUXE SUITE!!! Our 8-year-old-son, Gabby’s the happiest!

Jump for joy upon the sight of Eastin Deluxe Suite!

Now that blissful expression was taken before he opened the gifts from Eastin Hotel Penang. This defined how thoughtful and sweet the people behind this hotel are! Thank you very much!

First adjective that popped out upon the sight of our 56-square-meter, one bedroom suite : Minimalist.

First impression : Wow! (I wished I invented post-its! Running joke between Tina & I from the movie, Romy & Michelle High School Reunion, lol!) The room surely will appeal to businessmen and leisure travelers. But did it meet our family’s expectations? Read on.

While I do not deny the fact that seeing something whimsical or edgy is sometimes fascinating, having only what you need in the cleanest lines and tasteful interiors (without clutter and yes, without any plastic plants and floral curtains) is always fresh and rejuvenating.

We certainly had one of our restful sleeps in Eastin Deluxe Suite’s comfortable king-size-bed. I liked the bed so much however, I wished the pillows are a bit firmer. But Tina & Gabby had no qualms about the feathery pillows; it must be me! hahaha!

With free and fast wifi access, apparently, Eastin Deluxe Suite is perfect for businessmen, honeymooners, a bunch of friends and yes, even family with kids! It certainly provides no-frill-comfort and convenience.

The very spacious suite is equipped with a luxurious living area with a sofa that’s big enough to fit the hyperextended-me, a wardrobe that keeps a flat iron & an ironing board, a safe and a shoe rack; the room also has an LCD TV with cable channels (another unit is generously installed in the bedroom), and a complimentary bar.

The room’s huge enough to offer a separate powder room where Tina reigned for two days, a full length mirror, a toilet, shower & bath that’s even the most discerning ones would give a thumbs-up.

I didn’t feel short with the bath tub. The size of the tub effortlessly accomodated the 5’7 1/2″ in me (don’t forget the half inch in height! i reckon! lol); I had slept 30 minutes in the tub, almost fully soaked in lukewarm water. It was so relaxing it nearly melted all my worries away!

Go ahead, ask our son if he enjoyed the tub!

I also liked this little business corner at the living room. If only they have installed more than two sockets and a few more gadget plugs, it could’ve been better, nonetheless, it doesn’t disappoint.

Actually, the nook became more impressive at night when Gabby lorded it like a boss!

And just so you know, this one’s candid. Tee hee!

At few minutes past 5PM, we went to the lobby to meet again the Marketing & Communications people of Eastin Hotel Penang, Selene & Joanne. They exclusively toured my family and I for few minutes to some of Eastin Hotel Penang’s rooms and facilities. I must state, we enjoyed it as it doesn’t come on a daily basis!

Far from being boring, the hallways display vibrant visual attractions via abstract paintings that are continuously echoed in various rooms at Eastin Hotel Penang.

Our first stop : The Deluxe Rooms with Hillview (and the other Deluxe Room with Seaview). These well appointed rooms apparently were designed to provide both function and ease to either businessmen, leisure travelers or families. With such contemporary style and amenities, one’s definite of a comfortable and delightful stay.

Eastin Hotel Penang also has Friendly Suite Room, called as such because it’s built to cater to the needs of elderly and physically-challenged guests. Another room that’s remarkable with Eastin’s their Family Suite Room which at the time of our visit was occupied. Good to know, I told our hosts. Then there’s that Soho Duplex Room that has few similarities to Family Suite Room. Probably it’s unique in most, if not all premier hotels here in Penang. Let the succeeding photos defined how Soho Duplex Room looks like.

Beautiful, isn’t it? (My family and the Soho Duplex Room!)

Expectedly, Eastin Hotel Penang also has a fitness center, a spa (not in photo) and a swimming pool.

Located at the third level of the hotel, the swimming pool gives everyone a sweeping view of the skyline, roads leading to Penang International Airport and yes, Queensbay Mall! Did we take a dip? Negative. Not because we didn’t feel like it but Gabby preferred to savor our suite the next morning after the buffet breakfast; told you it was that relaxing! But the swimming pool looks really inviting!

Passing through hallways of Eastin Hotel Penang, we saw some guests interviewing applicants for jobs, proving that Eastin caters to businessmen and the like. We also peeked at its function rooms and ballrooms where special events and momentous occasions are usually celebrated.

After that brief hotel tour, we trooped to the Executive Lounge which is only accessible by hotel guests who upgrade their packages. With more soothing ambiance, wonderful view of the ocean, contemporary and minimalist interiors, and a shelf with reading materials from travel & fashion magazines to broadsheets can be savored over a free flowing cups of coffee or tea, sodas or wine and some cheese, English scones, sushi, bite-size pizza, cold cuts and more! Here’s a peek at our late afternoon tea time!

Yum, yum, yum!

The High Tea at the Executive Lounge is a great prelude to the delicious dinner buffet we had! Did I already mention that this spot also serves breakfast? Courteous & efficient staff, quick and attentive service. Delicious bites. Awesome, isn’t it?

No captions needed; the smiles said it all!

JAPANESE DINNER BUFFET @ SWEZ BRASSERIE, EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

One of the highlights of our staycation at Eastin Hotel Penang was the Japanese Dinner Buffet hosted by none other than, Swez Brasserie’s Senior Sous Chef, Daniel Tan. Chef Daniel heads the Swez Brasserie where he and his team offer a wide variety of international and local favorites. It was a pleasure meeting him as Gabby desires to become a chef someday. Talking to the main man responsible for the sumptuous spread was such a nice opportunity. While Tina and Gabby were busy filling their dinner plates, Chef Daniel casually informed me that everything in the buffet is Halal making me more impressed as I somehow knew how challenging Japanese cuisine to be done with no pork or its derivatives (Read : No Pork Tonkatsu!). I told Chef Daniel that despite I’m far from being a food critic and a no authority in Japanese cuisine, my palates have tasted authentic Japanese dishes during my 14-day-trip in Tokyo back in 2005. The dinner buffet, to simply put it, was satisfyingly good! My family and I were pleased with what he and his team prepared. Bravo, Chef Daniel!

Freshest sashimi! Yummy!!!

Sharkfin’s soup, sushi, sashimi and more!

How could you not be impressed with this Japanese themed eat-all-you-want dinner being offered every Saturdays in Swez Brasserie at Eastin Hotel Penang with OKONOMIYAKI (the so-called Japanese pizza), SOFT SHELLED CRABS that aren’t usual in other hotel buffets and so much more? Other than a variety of sushi and sashimi, they also have one of my ulitmate favorites, that sweet and salty beefy (they have chicken too) SUKIYAKI!!! Not to forget, Chef Daniel offered to do a platter of kani, ebi and veggie tempura for all of us after learning Gabby likes it!

Oishii!!!

Shameless display of one of my plates! Sukiyaki, Okonomiyaki, Unagi, Baked Oysters, Salmon, and those Skewered Grilled Beef – so tasteful and very tender!

Desserts were Japanese themed too! There were mochi and some jelly balls of some sorts! Interestingly good!

We didn’t miss the opportunity to have a photo-op with Chef Daniel, a couple of friendly staffs of Swez Brasserie and the ladies behind the MarCom of Eastin Hotel Penang, Selene and Joanne. Thank you so much!

THE LOBBY LOUNGE @ EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

Just when we thought the day was over, Selene and Joanne led us to the opposite end of the lobby where The Lobby Lounge is located. We met the manager of the bar, had some drinks from their menu (Mojito, Singapore Sling, Strawberry Ice Cream Blend and Kiwi mixed Shake), watched and met the Filipina singer after their set and absorbed all in and capped the night!

BREAKFAST BUFFET @ SWEZ BRASSERIE, EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

We woke up with excitement to sample the breakfast offering! Good Sunday morning, Eastin!

I was silently jumping for joy seeing two choices of congee (plain & seafood congee filled with shrimps and scallops) with several choices of toppings. Too perfect to warm my tummy!

Char siew pao, prawn dumplings, and other dim sums, beef bacon strips, (and another favorite of Tina and me; drum roll please) smoked salmon, assorted fresh fruit slices, strawberry and mixed berries yoghurt, DIY-salad were some of the offerings on the spread we enjoyed. Gabby had fresh juices while the coffee addicts in Tina and I were truly satisfied.

One of the best tasting Congee!

So many food, so little time!

HIGH TEA | SUNDAY LUNCH BUFFET @ SWEZ BRASSERIE, EASTIN HOTEL PENANG

Our overnight staycation at Eastin Hotel Penang was nothing but pleasant accomodation and nearly non-stop gastronomic feasts! What a blessing! Few hours after a very heavy breakfast came lunch time! The 3 of us avoided rice intentionally to sample a little bit of almost everything from the High Tea spread.

There were many local dishes featured in Swez Brasserie’s Sunday High Tea - Rendang, Curry, Nasi Lemak, Sotong & Udang Dishes, but my eyes were attracted to this Mixed Veggies while my palates loved their version of Chicken Satay that blended so well with its Peanut Sauce (some satay I’ve previously tasted had overpowering gingery taste; this one’s from Eastin tasted just fine). The Roasted Duck & Chicken were also must-sample! However, the Chicken Shawarma was a let down according to Tina.

Plates for the three of us-self-proclaimed foodies!

Bow!

The Children’s Corner at Swez Brasserie’s High Tea | Lunch Buffet last Sunday was something commendable! Our kiddo’s happy with the “treasures” he found on that spread!

Bubur Gandum (Wheat Sweet Porridge)-Malaysian equivalent to Philippine’s Guinataang Mais. LIKE!!!

I’m already so full but I wanted to sample their version of another popular Malaysian dessert – Ais Kacang (reminds me so much of the Filipino, Halo-halo). When I went to its station, the Assistant Sous Chef suggested to his junior to make a colorful Ais Kacang, something that will look extra pleasing to the cam. As per his instruction, my bowl of Ais Kacang was made of all the sweet ingredients on the table, and instead of having them under the dome of shaved ice, mine had everything as toppings! Beautiful!

Tina and I ended our unforgettable digestive feasts with a cup of coffee but I made mine more sinful. I tried to marry the coffee and ice cream stations and made an affogato instead of the usual dose of caffeine!

The people of Eastin Hotel were super generous, they even allowed us to avail of a late-check-out at 2PM!

Despite our very short stay at Eastin Hotel Penang, our family felt so at ease with their hospitable and courteous service, comfortable and spacious room, guest-friendly amenities and very wide variety of delicious treats! Who says Eastin Hotel Penang is only for businessmen? It’s so family-friendly too!

Thank you very much, Eastin Hotel Penang!

We’re more than grateful with the experience!

My family and I can proudly say that we highly recommend Eastin Hotel Penang!

EASTIN HOTEL PENANG | 1 Solok Bayan Indah, Queensbay 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia | www.eastinhotel-penang.com

>><<

*While this is a sponsored post, all words and opinions on this blog aren’t influenced and remain 100% my own.

Special thanks goes to Criz Lai of www.crizfood.com

Mar

MORE THAN A PLATEFUL OF CHAR KOAY TEOW

By docgelo 16 Comments

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

Mar

2013 MINISTRY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA BEST EXPAT BLOG AWARD!

By docgelo 32 Comments

2013 March 6th, Wednesday.

2013 Malaysia International Tourism Conference & Blog Awards | MITBCA

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Beyond Toxicity @ docgelo.com is named

2013 Best Expat-Malaysia-My-Second-Home-Blog Award Winner!

Awarding the trophy was the honorable Tourism Malaysia Minister Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen

The scene was surreal. Almost deja vu of what happened last year…

2012 MITBCA blog post HERE!!!

It’s truly an honor to receive another recognition for this personal passion, particularly of which 80% came from public voting. I cannot be grateful enough to all those who follow and read this site since I started this virtual home back in 2007 in the Philippines, to those who remain loyal readers and commenters after we have moved to Penang, Malaysia to work and of course, thank you to those who voted for my blog to win last year and this year’s MITBCA! Your support is absolutely priceless!

Terima Kasih to Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and all the people behind MITBCA for appreciating and lifting the spirits of movers of Tourism and bloggers in Malaysia in general. Awards like this is certainly inspiring and motivating! Maraming Salamat po at Mabuhay po kayo!

Similar to last year’s event, MITBCA offered two-day-bloggers conference for free, but because I chose to limit my absences from work in Penang, I decided to attend the awards night and skipped the meeting of the like-minds and international movers in social media including a bunch of fellow Filipino bloggers. That was a wrong move from me. I could’ve learned so much from them but to regret is futile. Nonetheless, I met them in the Gala Dinner & Awards Night that was far better than last year’s. Proof that collective efforts have been put just to nail this year’s success of MITBCA! Kudos to everyone involved! The ceremony was nothing short of fantastic!

The venue was bigger and more sophisticated. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, no less!

I arrived of course, with TEAM DOCGELO; who else but my loving wife, Tina & our bundle of joy and pride, Gabby!

We’re so happy to meet again Ms. Emila Yusof of emilayusof.com, two-time-winner of Best Tourism Lifestyle Blog Award from MITBCA and who happens to be the Malaysian Illustrator and Children’s Book Author who custom-made my very own blog header! I am one of his huge fans and she remains an inspiration!

After the cocktail, came the Gala Dinner & Awards Night proper. The mood inside the venue was festive!

The view from where we sat.

Drum roll, please! Let the show begin!

The honorable people behind the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Social Media Chamber and MITBCA shared engaging and powerful words about the reasons of our gathering.

Beautiful and talented Malaysian performers lorded the stage!

While local entertainers were doing their great parts on stage, we were busy dunking our forks and scooping our spoons to the delightful dinner they prepared. There were visual and gastronomic treats! It was a complete sensory feast!

Speakers in the Bloggers’ Conference were awarded by plaques; I wished I captured them all.
Here’s Malaysian Celebrity Chef (second from left of the photo below), Nik Michael Imran…

And the speakers from where I came from, the Philippines! Here’s Vince Golangco (second from left on the photo below) of www.wheninmanila.com.

Blogie Robillo (second from left of the photo below) of www.robilloblog.com

Tonyo Cruz (second from left of the photo below) of tonyocruz.com

It was flattering when one of my fellow Filipino Bloggers shouted, MABUHAY! when my name was called as one of the winners, even overwhelming when Tonyo Cruz himself, told me, “kinikilabutan kami to see someone in Barong on stage” (kindly seek Google Translate, thank you!)

Blogger-winners included Best Tourism Travel Blogger, Squall Chin of www.wretch.cc/blog/squallczk whom I first met in Singapore Blog Awards last 2012.

And again, Ms. Emila Yusof of emilayusof.com, winner once more of Best Tourism Lifestyle Blog Award. Bravo!

For complete list of winners, visit www.mitbca.com.

More than the awards and recognition, I thank the Lord for my loving and supportive family!

They’re my LIFE! I love you, honey! I love you, Gabby!

After the wonderful awards night, we walked a few steps to pay homage again to Malaysia’s magnificence, what else but the Petronas Twin Towers. En route, we dropped by Aquaria…

And just before midnight, our eyes set on those incredibly stunning twins again!

Malaysia, Thank you very much for everything!

To God be the Glory!

>><<

Feb

CHASING LIONS & DRAGONS IN GEORGE TOWN, PENANG 2013

By docgelo 10 Comments

Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: backpackers' paradise, celebration, celebrations in malaysia, chinahouse, chinahouse penang, chinese arts, chinese drum performance, chinese god of wealth, chinese heritage, chinese new year, chinese new year 2013, clay molding, cny, cultural and heritage chinese new year celebration penang, culture, doc gelo, docgelo, dragon dance, drums, expatriate in malaysia, expats in malaysia, family, festivals, fun, george town penang, heritage, heritage trail penang malaysia, life in malaysia, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, lion dance, malaysia, murals, must do in george town penang, must do in malaysia, must see in penang, must visit in george town penang, ofw, ofw in penang, penang, penang malaysia, prosperity, southeast asia, street arts, street arts in george town penang, street photography, TRAVEL, travel blog, travel blogger, trishaw, year of the snake

If I have to narrow down the reasons to be thankful, for living and working in Penang for almost 3 years now, being personally exposed and immersed to diversities in this UNESCO’s World Heritage Site will absolutely be on the top of my list. It’s always amazing how spending few hours in this quaint area of Pulau Pinang, either in an ordinary sunny day or during a very auspicious occasion, can be utterly enriching! Every experience exceeds expectation. Each visit has been a sensory feast! And this year’s Chinese New Year Cultural and Heritage Celebration in George Town, Penang wasn’t an exception!

*The tremedously beautiful, Khoo Kongsi is one of the clan houses in George Town worthy of visit.

I’m sure my wife, Tina (who had to stay again in our apartment during our visit for CNY to the island, for her to do the usual chores and get enough weekend rest), is also grateful for the countless times that our 8-year-old-son, Gabby has been discovering Malaysian tradition and cultures beyond books.

*Street art @ Armenian Street and the rest of GT rocks!

How could you not enjoy entering an art gallery for FREE?

*Metal sculptures Gabby and I really liked.

*Sitting on a trishaw, like a boss!

Because I knew our afternoon will be packed, a bladder break was a must! So before we continued our CNY-merriment in the streets, I invited Gabby to walk towards Chinahouse restaurant just to have a decent minutes in toilet.

The streets of George Town were filled with murals and new steel-rod- art installations that are great addition to the existing ones. Those whimsical caricatures on most walls mention a bit of something from this town’s past and present lifestyles and whatnot. It’s certainly a refreshing and innovative approach in bringing art, history and culture readily accessible to both local and foreign tourists. They easily appeal even to kids like Gabby!

*Our very own wandering wonder boy!

*Theater was brought again in the streets! Bravo!

*Talents and skills were overwhelming!

On the spot demonstrations of Chinese arts of sculpting, painting, weaving and even clay-molding were definitely crowd-drawing!

*Gabby and I loved those clay masterpieces! And you?

Needless to say, it was effortless for me to further enhance our son’s appreciation to the arts and someone else’s culture and tradition and more so, the need to value and constantly hone one’s skills and talents for self-improvement, forever and ever, Amen! LOL!

*Infectious smiles!

How often do you see a volume of men dressed as Chinese God of Wealth?

*What a sweet welcome to the year of the snake!
Regardless of our ethnicity and belief, we all wish this year to be more prosperous one!

*Rub those golden nuggets, Gabby! And our kid didn’t forget to get some candies!

No CNY celebration would be complete in any Chinatown without those traditional dragon and lion dances. And this year, Gabby and I were happy to witness an incredibly different performances in Kapitan Keling Mosque street.

It was a pleasure watching the performers from the time they prepared their acts, even happier of the fact that we savored everything in a very strategic spot. Despite my captures were so amateurish, the event was so momentous!

Vibrant colors, dynamic and synchronized moves are common to dragon and lion dances, but performing them on top of stilts or tables (one group had steel tables, the other was more daring dancing on wooden ones) made it more thrilling to watch!

I wish I had better shots! Everything was so awesome!

Can anyone confirm if these yellow and colorful creatures are what they called, Pi Xiu? Excitement heightened with their performance!

Enter the Dragonsssssssssssss!

*Twice the fortune, double the fun!

Photographers and other people with camera (like me!) tried to obstruct our best view of the event, thus I had more difficulty in documenting the scenes. I cannot blame them, it was really exciting!

*Culture in motion!

Happy to take this shot….

*Fantastic!

The celebration continued with a 68-drum-performance from an all-girl-group! Amazing!

*By their stance and synchronicity, you can tell that these are not your ordinary girls!

They’re beaming with passion!

Definitely stunning!

“Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”

I kept on shouting with the crowd behind us and for a while, Gabby kept clapping his hands too! It was truly an outstanding performance!

No matter how imperfect the photo was and the dusk was upon us, I just had to snap my camera with one of those wonderful drummers and Gabby.

*Gabby’s ear-to-ear smile says it all!

And just before we thought we’ve seen everything, a live performance of Chinese Opera was on stage along Chulia Street.

Because the roads in these areas were temporarily closed to traffic, public buses and cars were rerouted making us walk and enjoyed some more minutes in George Town. Our feet brought us to Chinahouse again and this time not only to void but to grab some bites before hopping on the ferry and bus to go home to Butterworth.

*Chinahouse’s Tiramisu which has been a personal favorite plus Gabby’s choice of Chocolate Cake and tic tac toe really made sense!

It was another happy day in George Town! We cannot be grateful enough!

How was your Chinese New Year celebration?

>><<

Jan

CHIANG MAI SERIES : SATURDAY MORNING AT THE ZOO

By docgelo 20 Comments

December 29, 2012. Saturday. 6:30AM. Probably, I was one of the earliest “birds” who left A Little Bird Guesthouse in this narrow alley in downtown Chiang Mai. My gameplan for the weekend? Nada! Nothing much except to see pandas in Chiang Mai Zoo. And since I didn’t set a concrete plan, neither did extensive research prior to this solo backpacking trip, I was happy at the end of the day where my foot took me. These are the things I saw, the food I tasted, the scents I smelled, the scenes I experienced and a few lessons relearned that day.

Few steps away from the guesthouse, I found myself standing in Tha Phae Road again. I saw monks carrying bowls for their most humble daily routine. Regardless of religion, humility still rocks in any part of the globe.

Handsome orchids in the streets. Penalty for picking : 2,000 baht. I didn’t know if that fine is per flower or worse, per petal. What I know of, laws are implemented properly in this Northern part of Thailand. Obviously, it’s not as urbanized to other Asian cities I’ve been to–Singapore or Tokyo but just the same, local people and tourists are as impressive for being law-abiding.

Tha Phae Gate. I’m back at Tha Phae Gate again; the main landmark in the middle of the road of downtown Chiang Mai. I strolled and crossed the street and looked for something to warm my tummy.

Starbucks Coffee. I know, it’s not Thai but I failed to resist the lure of grande cup of Christmas blend, Toffee Nut! It really perked me up; my morning started right, thus the entire day turned out to be one of the grandest!

Around 7:30AM, I walked towards Tha Phae Gate again, crossed the road to hail a songthaew, or a red taxi cab to take me to the zoo.

This park at the middle of the road is alcohol-free. The lateral streets aren’t. At least they have controlled areas while in other countries -hmmm, nevermind!

Inside the iconic, Songthaew (literally, “two rows”). Of all the red taxi cabs or songthaew, I was fortunate and happy to find this one on the road that morning! Other than the fact that the driver instantly agreed to take me exclusively with no other passengers to Chiang Mai Zoo from Tha Phae Gate for only 60 baht (6 ringgit or US$ 2), I felt ultimately safe inside and did not entertain evil thoughts about the driver. How could I? Look what’s written inside this cab…

Low cost in Chiang Mai. In my 4D3N stay in Chiang Mai, I appreciated the fact that almost everything, if not all are cheap. Case in point, the 60-baht-fare in that “special trip” via songthaew; the trip took around half an hour and it’s still budget-friendly.

Welcome to Chiang Mai Zoo! I shelved the fact that I will enter a facility that cages animals and displays them far from their natural habitats. I gave Chiang Mai Zoo the benefit of the doubt.

From its facade, I walked my way to the main entrance of Chiang Mai Zoo. It appeared to me like a huge medical institution back home (reminded me of East Avenue Medical Center!) rather than an animal park.

Its admission rate of 100 baht per adult (US$ 3.40) was so easy on the pocket.

After a bladder break and purchasing a ticket, I was ready to explore Chiang Mai Zoo! But wait, someone didn’t tell me the roads will be uphill and the vicinity is as huge as you can imagine (think of Camp John Hay in Baguio City or UP Diliman campus in scale).

Tip : Best to go to Chiang Mai Zoo at its opening -1oAM. Less crowded, not so humid, more time to roam around.

Greetings from pink and wading flamingos!

I reached this entrance part by walking uphill. Repeat, uphill! *panting* I smiled upon the sight of Bus Stop sign.

Without hesitation, I purchased ticket for unlimited bus and monorail access. It helped me navigated the zoo faster; and even gave me quick ideas to select areas of interests.

After buying a ticket for the transpo worth 100 baht (US$ 3.40), I waited and sat on this swing.

Saw these mushroom-themed panda table and seats.

I immediately stood up from my seat when my eyes caught these vibrant blooms.

Gelo, Welcome to Chiang Mai Zoo! I never thought Chiang Mai Zoo has manicured and lush garden to boast! Happiness and satisfaction are what we get when we don’t set great expectations.

I hopped on the shuttle bus and sat beside the driver. First stop was approximately 1 kilometer from where I waited. Pandas!

Excited and clueless, I got off the bus without asking if it’s the panda station already. Turned out negative! I walked my way up rather than wait for few minutes for another bus. Didn’t I tell you the roads inside Chiang Mai Zoo is uphill? Repeat again, uphill! lol

Finally, PANDAS!!! I purchased again another ticket to see the pandas. OK. Some may considered it ain’t cheap anymore! Can’t blame you. But it’s still pocket-friendly compared to other attractions I’ve been to. All in all, these were my tickets inside Chiang Mai Zoo. I still think it’s cheap for it didn’t cost me my arms and legs.

My very first time to see PANDAS! At 36 years old, I felt like 6 again!

Chiang Mai Zoo houses 3 pandas but for unknown reason, I only saw two. The visit wasn’t time-pressured. I spent one hour outside their playing ground overlooking at one from a viewing deck. The area had blocks and piles of ice to keep the temperature down. To date, they’re the cutest creatures I’ve ever laid eyes on!

After an hour, I decided to go down and take a peek the pandas inside. I saw another one, munching at their staples -bamboos and wooden chops. I wondered where the third panda was. Must be sleeping somewhere.

I thought after seeing pandas for the first time, my weekend was done. I craved for more. Although I didn’t have the time to explore the entirety of Chiang Mai Zoo, I opted to spend a couple of hours more to maximize my stay and gladly, I made the right move.

Kids are blessed to be carefree all the time!

I didn’t dare try those water balls available at different colors for 90 baht. Neither I wished to sample their zipline; not because I chickened out; but because I didn’t have company to do it *lame excuse*

Brunch! This was my view when I was eating my late breakfast-early lunch!

Pork leg and knuckles. Chinese style. I died and went to heaven!

My well spent 50 baht (plus 20 baht for Coke!).

Brunch inside Chiang Mai Zoo. *Burp*

Another view from where I ate my meal. Oh, look! Monorail! hahaha! Talking to myself became so practically funny those days! lol

Brushed my teeth and took another bladder break before I headed to the waiting area for the shuttle bus. I went off the bus on its next stop : Children’s Zoo where the KOALAS are! Another first time to see such cute mammals! The 36-year-old-kid-in-me was smiling ear to ear!

And because Koalas are nocturnal, they have the license to sleep during daytime. I wished I could be narcoleptic sans being nocturnal *laziness kicked in*

My final ride on the shuttle bus took me to the Monorail station. Prior to that, an elephant dropped by to greet us, hello!

I regret not going down the bus where the Penguins are. I passed up the chance because Tina, Gabby and I already saw live penguins in Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Adventure in New Zealand back in 2005. Then I thought it would not hurt if I did go.

Then I rode the most sluggish Monorail I’ve taken ever. It took me around 40 minutes to cap the entire trip en route to the area near the gate. But I realized everything fell into right timing when I saw a parade coming! This must be my lucky weekend!

Amused at how Chiang Mai Zoo parades its animals.

Thanks to the parade, I had an up close encounter with those koalas! Of course, they became wide awake!

I saw other animals like lions and lioness, white tigers, girraffes and others. There were aviary and aquarium too that I didn’t go to. Nevertheless, I was happy to be in Chiang Mai Zoo before it was packed by other tourists! By the time they’re entering the gates, I was already finding my way out! It always pays to be early all the time!

A zoo offers children and people of all ages an opportunity to somehow interact and learn essential concepts about environment and the ecosystem as a whole. And if learning would be too heavy, at least develop or enhance appreciation. Obviously, not everyone has access or can afford to go to a safari or at least a forest, so visiting a zoo is the next best thing.

With its vast area, it goes without saying that animals in Chiang Mai Zoo have the freedom to roam around despite being “caged”. They’re given an artificial habitat almost similar to their natural ones. And for that of course, Chiang Mai Zoo, I like!

This is NOT a sponsored post. If you want to know more about Chiang Mai Zoo, visit their website at www.chiangmaizoo.com

*This Chiang Mai Blog Series includes :

>><<

Jan

CHIANG MAI SERIES : ELEPHANT ADVENTURE AND MORE IN ONE DAY

By docgelo 17 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, THAILAND and TRAVEL
Tags: adventure, adventures in thailand, backpacking asia, backpacking southeast asia, backpacking thailand, chiang mai blog, chiang mai thailand, doc gelo, docgelo, Eat all you can, Eat all you want, elephant camp chiang mai, elephant camp thailand, elephant ride thailand, elephants in southeast asia, elphant ride, happiness, hill tribes thailand, karen long neck tribe, Life, life abroad, life overseas, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, long neck women, maetaman elephant camp, must do in thailand, must see in thailand, ox cart ride, places to go in chiang mai, places to go in thailand, places to visit in thailand, things to do in chiang mai, things to see in chiang mai, tours in chiang mai, travel blog, travel blogger, travel tours in thailand, travelling, travels, tropical, vacation, what to do in chiang mai, what to do in thailand, what to eat in chiang mai, what to see in chiang mai, where to go in chiang mai

Some people invest on material things, my family and I on memories. One of my unforgettable days in my brief, solo-backpacking trip from Penang to Chiang Mai was spent entirely inside an elephant camp and a few more itineraries. I wished I could share the fun with Tina and Gabby that day but then again, my wife has vertigo and will surely not enjoy the long and rough rides. Tina really didn’t want to go and preferred to enjoy the remaining days of our Yuletide holiday with more relaxing moments and simply allowed me to experience everything I had on this trip. And for that, I cannot be grateful enough. Getting a green light from my wife for this trip was one of my best Holiday gifts to date.

No debate on having Do-It-Yourself-Travels better than availing of a touristy package tour.

I did both on this trip.

I thought I could save a lot of time and money particularly in transportation fares

so I contacted a licensed tour operator in Chiang Mai via email and reserved a slot for

a whole-day-Elephant-Safari-Adventure!

And I’m happy I made the right move.

28 December 2012. Friday, 8AM sharp. Just in time when I came down from my room at the second level, I saw the Thai tourist guide, Mr. Oak flashing an A4 paper with “Gelo Santos” written on it, to a group of backpackers at the gate of our guesthouse. I raised my hand while walking towards him and said, “Here” while everybody else waiting uttered with disappointment, “Oh, that’s him and not us!” “OK, take your ride and have fun! We’ll continue to wait for ours.” I guess everyone that day was extremely excited to explore & discover Chiang Mai.

I found out I was the very first tourist picked up by the van driver and Mr. Oak. There were 9 others to be fetched from guesthouses and hotels that day. There were mature couples from Australia, Japan and Hong Kong plus a young and lone backpacker from China. Everything went well until we waited for almost 30 minutes for the group of young Indians whose passports were from New Zealand. All of us, particularly the tourist guide were pissed off by such insensitive and inconsiderate tardiness. In fairness to the late comers, one of them apologized to us for making us wait but cliche as it sounds, I believe “the damage has already been done!”

After that waiting game, it took us around one hour ride from downtown Chiang Mai to reach our destination. En route, I saw a number of Elephant Camps; there are actually a volume in that Northern part of Thailand! It was almost 10AM when we set foot at Maetaman Elephant Camp. People in our group forgot the hassle of waiting that morning and became instantly thrilled to experience everything we availed from this package tour.

It was probably one my best indulgences ever with no regrets of shelling out 1300 baht (USD 44) for this tour that included the following :

Shuttle airconditioned van
Pick up and drop off at hotel/guesthouse
All entrance fees
English-speaking tour guide
Elephant show
Ox-cart ride
Elephant ride
Buffet lunch of Thai specialties
Bamboo raft ride
Visit to village of Long Necked Women
Visit to Orchid and Butterfly Farm
Bottle of distilled water

It’s a steal actually! The day was worth it for each baht spent. The memories gained were absolutely enriching!

ELEPHANT SHOW

If my memory serves me right, the very first time I laid eyes on an elephant was 3 decades ago in Manila Zoo back home. Imagine the excitement of the child-in-me to first appreciate performances from these huge Asian mammals even for half an hour only! FYI, elephants here differ from African elephants for having smaller sets of ears and tusks. They may be smaller in size compared to other similar species but their skills and talents were overwhelming!

The show started with a cute and appropriate flag raising ceremony.

Soon followed by the parade of the “big” stars.

Frontliners were the babies holding ~~hands~~ tails and snouts while strolling. Sweet!

The tourists’ enjoyment began and the kid-in-me was left in awe during its half hour duration. I was smiling widely when they walked forward with hoola hoops while playing jofyful tunes on harmonica too! Amazing, isn’t it? Can you do both yourself? It takes more than skills but pure talent!

They performed tricks to the audience’s delight.

Yeah, the show went on in between instant bladder and bowel breaks! Because of that, I considered these skillful mammals as few of the most professional entertainers I’ve ever met! They’re more than amazing!

So they played and throw balls at the goals, made tunes on harmonica while there’s hoola hoops on their snouts, demonstrated that they can do massages, but above all those talents and might, my favorite part of this short but amusing elephant show was this…

This was beyond talent and skills!!! Apparently, its creativity! I loved the art but I loved the artist more! Bravo!!!

If only money was not an issue to me, I could have bought that painting for 1000 baht or 100 ringgit (USD 34) from their gallery. They sell the elephants’ paintings in a small gallery-gift shop immediately after the entrance to the camp. Proceeds, of course goes to mahouts, maintenance of the camp and care for these elephants.

For 30 baht each, tourists can purchase a bunch of bananas or a pack of sugar cane to feed the elephants. Unfortunately, I forgot to break my limited bills that left me no chance to buy.

Interaction with the audience was such an experience! It doesn’t happen on a daily basis!

I was also on facepalm mood when I didn’t give a tip to the mahouts when one of them generously guided one elephant to offer me a huge hug!

More so, when one of them asked me to experience what this man on the next photo enjoyed. Yes, I was also literally raised by an elephant through its snout. Tipping was not compulsory but shame on me, I had no small bills to hand in as tip to the mahouts.

I wondered if Gabby would like to ride a baby elephant even just for a photo-op.

While waiting for the other tourists in my group, this scene caught my eyes.

Let’s do this!

After the 30-minute Elephant Show, we were ushered to the waiting area for Elephant and Ox-Cart Rides.

OX-CART AND ELEPHANT RIDES

We met the cows that will bear our weights from the camp to the fields. Seriously, some people might pity the cows (and the elephants) for being used for Tourism but then again, I looked at it in a positive way that it’s better for these animals to have shelter where they can roam around rather than caged in zoos (OK, so I also went in zoo the next day) or left in the wild (of course, it’s their natural habitats but like in the real world, it has a lot of uncertainties) without ready prey or food. At least in a camp like this, they’re being fed on a regular basis and care is provided by the authorities.

Four people per cart x 2 cows. Let’s go!

We were told the Ox-Cart Ride will be very rough and dusty and will take around 20-30 minutes. I had fun looking at the road and the scenery more than the bumpy ride. The rural scene was beyond marvelous! The weather was at its finest! Mother Nature at her best!

When the ride turned right, the scene before our eyes transformed into a more inviting one. It felt like being in one of Amorsolo’s paintings; the scenery was surreal! It was very visually relaxing!

The Ox-Cart Ride took us to a hilly area where a drop-off point is located. Tourists were greeted by Lesu tribespeople and the handcrafted commodities they sell.

We were on queue for almost 20 minutes for the Elephant Ride and this is how the area where you take that ride looks like.

Those are the Australian couple who were on our group. They were touring Southeast Asia and came from Bangkok prior to Chiang Mai. I admire their zest for adventure and how they celebrate LIFE. Wait, at this point, I’m next in line!

I was paired to ride everything in this tour with the young Chinese lady who came to Chiang Mai as part for her vacation from her 2-month-studies in Bangkok before she returns back to her schooling in Holland. Enough with the introduction, HERE WE GO!!!

Kapit!!! (Hold on!) I told myself silently.

Look at my grip! I’m holding the handle bar for my life and my family’s sake! lol.

So that’s how it feels like to ride an elephant! The child-in-me was happiest to feel the wind on my face as my heart was pounding like hell! lol. One hand on the handle bar, one hand capturing the moments with my camera. At 36, I never thought I’d feel like 6 again! Unbelievable!

One little step of this giant, one bump. It was fun!!!

I was enjoying the whole time until my world ceased for a sec. I saw the elephant about to step down the stairs to the river. Goodness! Imagine one little step it made to go down those stairs was one giant bump that made me feel one wrong step we”ll fell to the ground or worse, drowned in the waters. But the great elephant we’re riding made every step as precised as ever. Incredible! Definitely, one for the books! :P

Into the river! Here we gooooooo! (If I could only speak Thai, I’ve told the mahout, “Kuya, I cannot swim!” lol)

Those elephant steps on the stairs to the river were totally EXHILARATING!

While the elephant we’re riding was walking through the river, I continued uttering my prayers quietly for the fear of falling into the waters where few areas had giant stools from these amazing mammals! lol.

The next photos show that one spot in the river that unspokenly declared as the elephants’ public toilet where they randomly stop to attend to the necessary call of nature.

While the elephants stop by this area of the river for bowel and bladder breaks, the tourists do the touristy things!

Let’s gooooo!

If the descent to the river via elephant ride made my heart to contract faster, the ascent wasn’t exceptional. Good luck to us, our mahout and our elephant! *prayers were uttered again at this moment* lol

Glad to survive the happy-ordeal.

Would you consider riding an elephant in your lifetime? I never thought I would but it happened.

Then the glorious moment came. Time for buffet lunch!

LUNCH BUFFET OF THAI SPECIALTIES

The table reserved for our group…

Spacious and airy food place. Nice!

Like hungry wolves, we came in full force to the buffet table!

The spread tasted better than it looks on my photos. Well, they’re not super delicious and not bad-tasting either. It had the chicken curry that fell fine on my taste buds for it somewhat like cooked the way Filipinos do that dish; not too spicy with no overpowering flavor. Everything’s appreciated for the meal was included in the tour package.

Here comes the shameless display of what I feasted in Maetaman Elephant Camp.

I must be so hungry that time that I wrongly paired the chopsticks I picked up from the spread -one’s disposable, the other one’s not. Silly! I only realized it when I was sorting out my photos.

The slices of watermelon were fresh but not the sweetest; nonetheless I was glad to know the restaurant also offered free-flowing coffee and tea. How good to end a meal with it! The diner in me was indeed happy!

After lunch, we were given ample time to go to toilets and freshen up then off we went to the waiting shed for the bamboo raft ride.

BAMBOO RAFT RIDE

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, meet our bamboo submarine that day…. oops, bamboo rafts, I mean. lol

Thank God, the weather was so fine that day and I’d say it again, Mother Nature at her very best!

Spot the solitary tourist on the next photo, lol. I was alone but not lonely!

So relaxing to see nature and appreciate all things wonderful. Even more beautiful is to be stress-free and be away from work and monthly bills! This trip was certainly a breather from my daily house-work-house-work-routine! It’s invigorating actually!

Other bamboo raft riders created their own adventure by being the guides to raft themselves! We were actually asked by our guide to do such but I lazily chose to stay on my seat and simply absorb all things visually.

The Japanese couple in our group sat, in front of me on the raft were taking turns in capturing the scenes. I wish to the same with Tina and Gabby in more travels in the future!

I didn’t expect the bamboo raft ride to take around 45 minutes and was surprised to enjoy the long ride on the river!

Smiled when I saw a floating refreshment store.

Mother Nature was overwhelming!

We disembarked from the rafts and returned back to our shuttle van that was waiting for us at the parking lot on a hill beside the river.

VISIT TO THE VILLAGE OF LONG NECKED WOMEN

Our Thai tourist guide provided us free bottles of distilled water each before we hopped in the van and headed to the next itinerary. We were brought to the Kayan Hill Tribe Village of the Padaung Women-refugees from Myanmar; the so called, Long Necked Women (blog post with their portraits and story, HERE!).

After that engaging-once-in-a-lifetime-encounter with those refugees from Myanmar, we went to our last stop for the day.

ORCHID AND BUTTERFLY FARM

What else could be seen in an Orchid Farm but orchids! But hey, I have not seen such enormous species of this flower ever in my life until this trip! Name the variety and the color, they have it! Amazing!

Orchids are ubiquitous in Chiang Mai, they’re everywhere beyond this farm. I even see such floral species in streets downtown. I took nothing but photos because it’s not my nature to pick flowers. Not to mention picking a bloom will cost you a penalty of 2000 baht (per flower? lol).

And that’s a wrap, folks!

I asked Mr. Oak to drop me off not to my guesthouse, but on the main road where there’s an ATM machine. I ended my long and happy day in Chiang Mai with this cheap meal from an airconditioned corner food stall located along Tha Phae Road called, Farm Story, Salad and More Restaurant. Wifi’s fast and free, btw!

Creating a solo adventure happens once in a blue moon to a family man like me. It goes without saying that my wife and son are my priority and despite the fact we don’t have everything in life, we know how to count our blessings. And one of my greatest is not experiencing this extraordinary Chiang Mai trip but having a family that so unselfish and loving.

Chiang Mai Adventure to be continued.

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

If you like to experience the same tour package in Chiang Mai or avail of their other tour packages to suit your interests, contact :

Mr. Sakchai Ruenkam (Tour Operator) | Chiang Mai Travel Trail | +66 86 921 2335, +66 80 087 4802 | Email : chiangmaitraveltrail@windowslive.com | Website : www.chiangmaitraveltrail.com

Alternatively, you can contact their partner and the tourist guide we had on this trip, Mr. Oak’s Travel Agency, Journey Chiang Mai Tours via their website at www.journeycnx.com

*This Chiang Mai Blog Series includes :

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Jan

CHIANG MAI SERIES : BEST WAY TO DISCOVER

By docgelo 19 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!, MALAYSIA, THAILAND and TRAVEL
Tags: backpacking, backpacking asia, backpacking thailand, budget travel, cheap shopping, chiang mai, chiang mai blog, doc gelo, docgelo, enoki, expat, expatriate blog, expatriate blogger, food, food blog, food blogger, foodie, lifestyle, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, market, must see in chiang mai, must see in thailand, night market, night markets, noodles, ocw, ofw, overseas blog, overseas blogger, pad thai, places to go in chiang mai, shopping, solo travel, southeast asia, tha phae gate, tha phae gate chiang mai, thai cuisines, thai food, thailand tourism, things to do in chiang mai, things to do in thailand, travel blog, travel blogger, vacation in chiang mai, what to do in chiang mai, what to eat in chiang mai, what to see in thailand, where to eat in chiang mai, where to shop in chiang mai, where to shop in thailand

Arguably, the best way to discover a place is to explore its public market. It’s a common venue where tourists and travelers casually commune with the local people and find their food and commodities that more often than not, represent a slice of their culture and lifestyle. Whenever I get a chance to bring my feet to a town or city that’s new to my senses, a planned or otherwise visit to a palengke, mercado, marche or pasar always makes a trip worthwhile. And what I did immediately after I checked in to my guesthouse in Chiang Mai wasn’t an exception.

Luck was on my side when I found out that A Little Bird Guesthouse is just a stone’s throw away from the main road in downtown Chiang Mai. After a few steps from the narrow alley where that backpackers’ favorite is located, this park at the middle of the road greeted me.

Tuk tuk as King of the roads. This must be Thailand!

Before I rode a tuk tuk en route to the market that was recommended to me by the one managing the guesthouse, I strolled my way to this Wat or temple.

My first sighting of the image of the Enlightened One in this part of Thailand.

And His people who best know the importance of being stress-free doing what else but Tai chi!

Walk, walk, walk…

It was almost past 6PM and this part of Asia had the sun still shining! Just like in Malaysia, it’s amazing!
Saw a handicraft store that’s very usual in my part of the globe.

Then I came back to the main road and hopped on this tuk tuk. Meet my first ride in Chiang Mai…

Off we goooooo!

For 60 baht or 6 ringgit (USD 2), the friendly old driver took me to the near end of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar in Chiang Khlan Road called Anusarn Market. The ride took around 20 minutes but was not a problem to me for my eyes enjoyed what they saw.

Without a map at hand and no research on the place prior to the trip, I really thought the first market I saw was the Anusarn itself until the tuk tuk driver continued to drive amidst the Thai traffic.

Every corner of each street and alley is picturesque! Shot this while inside the tuk tuk..

At last, Anusarn Market!

Spotted these colored foldable plastic lanterns; I liked it for being so light and handy; notice its packaging? I passed it up for I was so conscious of my limited budget.

Low cost everything is what Anusarn Market boasts of. If you’re a Filipino, you’ll feel its Divisoria-like appeal!

Admittedly, I didn’t come to this market to shop but more so to EAT. I was told at the guesthouse that authentic and cheap Thai dishes are best eaten here so I went. First restaurant I saw was this Seafood something. I chickened out prior to flipping a sample of its menu at its entrance. I was allergic at steep prices at that time.

I gazed at its right side and I was attracted to eat there. More spacious, open air, looked more affordable and delicious.

The view from where I sat…

And here’s my first set of authentic Thai meal from Chiang Mai…

Green Papaya Salad, Pork Satay, Pad Thai. Mango Juice. Nagutom po ako sa layo ng biyahe! Paid THB 300 (30 ringgit or USD 10) for everything. I was so hungry that everything tasted good. It was already dusk when I finished everything.

I roamed around and checked the stalls. I saw these Northern Thailand hats handcrafted by hilltribes. I almost bought a piece but I told myself to hold on to my pocket. I ended up buying one for Gabby from a refugee in the village I visited the next day.

I didn’t shop anything at Anusarn and the night market close to it except a handmade sling bag for 170 baht that I used during my short stay in Chiang Mai. I bought a few souvenirs for Tina and Gabby somewhere else. Nonetheless, my eyes and camera feasted on what they saw…

Can anyone identify these yarn-looking dolls? Are they used for witchcraft? lol

Cute Jack Sparrow.

If only Gabby has little baby sister…

Cool handmade robots…

Girls must like these. Are they pillbox or what?

Amidst all commercialism, poverty still exists.

Moving on. Thai massage, anyone?

Must be relaxing from all the walking and shopping…

I headed to the main road and hailed tuk tuk again. Dropped by Tesco convenience store and bought bread and a liter of distilled water before walking back to my guesthouse. Along the way, I saw these adult-themed Thai art works on a wall. What can I say? Ahhhhhhrtistic!

That ended my first day in Chiang Mai. I started my 4D3N in this city by going to Anusarn Market and likewise, I wrapped up everything by spending my last night at another palengke, the Tha Phae Gate Night Market.

This brick-walled gate located at the center of the main road is also a walking-distance to where I stayed in Chiang Mai. In short, access was hassle-free. And because it was few days before welcoming the New Year, the Tha Phae Night Market was beaming with all its glory.

The father in me melted when I saw this.

While this Saturday Night Market serves as work place to some, it’s a cheap shopping paradise to everyone…

Arts for sale. I want! But never dared to ask the price.

There was a stage and a program that made the mood in Tha Phae Gate even more festive!

I spent my last day in Chiang Mai the best way I know how. It was a FOOD PORN night for me!

Thrilled with EXOTIC food? Crocodile perhaps?

What about Deer or Ostrich? Thank God, they’re labelled honestly.

I almost gave in to these New Zealand mussels and Razor Clams…

Until I craved for another dose of Pad Thai…

After all, I never eat too much of this noodle dish when I’m out of Thailand, therefore INDULGE!

My last meal in the Rose of the North : Pad Thai, Bacon Wrapped Enoki, all washed down with fresh Coconut juice!

If shopping in Chiang Mai could not seduce you, eating Thai food would definitely lure you.

*This Chiang Mai Blog Series includes :

>><<

Jan

CHIANG MAI SERIES : DRAGONS WITH COILS

By docgelo 35 Comments

Categories: ILOVEPHOTOS, THAILAND and TRAVEL
Tags: backpacking asia, backpacking southeast asia, beautiful women, beauty, burma, chiang mai, chiang mai blog, chiang mai thailand, culture, doc gelo, docgelo, expat blog, hill tribes in thailand, karen long neck women, kayan tribe, Life, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, long neck women, long necked women, long necked women in thailand, must see in thailand, must visit in chiang mai, must visit in southeast asia, must visit in thailand, myanmar, national geographic, neck rings, overseas blog, padaung, padaung women, penang to bangkok, penang to chiang mai, penang to hat yai, people, photography, places to visit in chiang mai, places to visit in thailand, portraits, refufees from burma, refugees, refugees from burma in thailand, solo backpacking, southeast asia, thailand blog, thailand tourism, things to do in chiang mai, things to do in thailand, tradition, traditions, TRAVEL, travel blog, travel blogger, traveling, tribes from myanmar, tribespeople from burma, what to do in asia, what to do in southeast asia, what to see in thailand, where to go in chiang mai, where to go in thailand, women from burma

After I greeted,“Hello!” and asked her name that slipped my poor memory, this old woman of Kayan, a refugee tribe from Myanmar whose age is beyond 60s, displayed the faintest smile and teary eyes. Her reactions were almost infectious. She’s one of those called by lowland Burmese as Padaung women or long necked. They wear spiral metal coils of many turns on their necks for believing that like dragons and swans, having long necks is beautiful.

I continued to start a short conversation by asking the prices of the souvenir items she sells, she replied with the least audible voice. She exuded weariness and a pleasant lassitude as she tried to make a living that day. I bought one of her purple woven scarves as a souvenir for my wife. I even dared to haggle for 180 baht instead of 200; my biggest regret in this recent trip.

This was our Thai tour guide, Mr. Oak in blue shirt leading the way to the so called-Long Neck Women village.

Before I went to Chiang Mai, I read the worst and unpleasant descriptions written online by people who perceived this place negatively.

Human Zoo. Human Giraffe. Tourist Trap. Hostages to Tourism. Thailand Freak Show.

Perceptions are something subjective and beyond one’s control.

Listening to our tour guide’s explanation about these uniquely beautiful women provided us information of their origin and their past. Mr. Oak’s serious yet casual annotations that were candidly interrupted by his spontaneous humor made this trip more fascinating. While excitedly walking inside their village, Oak pointed a dog and called it, the long-neck-dog :p

Our group of 10-tourists from Australia, Japan, China, New Zealand and the Philippines (who’s currently based in Malaysia) learned that these coils were traditionally worn only by Padaung women as young as 5 or 6 years old. The long coils on the neck are an alloy of brass, silver and gold. It was noted that Kayan tribe women wear them not only to symbolize beauty like that of dragons and swans but as a protective measures from tigers, which are known to attack their preys on the neck.

I had no idea about the National Geographic’s feature on these Kayan-Padaung women. I only read about it on the comment-thread of my facebook friends under the photo I posted on fb. It was the team of NatGeo who subjected one of the Padaung women to cervical X-ray to medically determine if the neck bones were really stretched. Roentgenographic report showed that the seven vertebral bones on the neck remained the same in size, although the intervertebral disks absorbed additional fluid, it is their clavicles or collar bones that were compressed, lowered and collapsed by years of wearing those metallic neck rings, creating an illusion that the neck is elongated.

I don’t know about you but after spending almost an hour with them, these women earned my respect for they continue to practice their customs and traditions amidst the digital age and beyond being refugees to Thailand from Burma now called, Myanmar. It’s simply depressing that despite Thailand’s Tourism boosts with the visits of the tourists to see them, the Padaung women with their families still remain aliens with no papers in Thailand. And because of this, they’re not allowed (as of this blogging) to go down the city and sell their commodities.

Usually, they remove then add additional coils every after 3 to 10 years. They do not only wear the metal coils on their necks but also below the knees too.

I salute them for preserving their identity, cultures and beliefs despite and in spite of everything.

A family of Kayan…

They all flashed ready smiles when I politely asked if I can take their photos. This perhaps made the other people think that these women really are being used for Tourism.

By Padaung women’s tradition, girls born on a Wednesday of a full moon are required to wear the metal coils on their necks.

I found out by talking to them that these two are sisters but it saddened me to know that the elder sister stopped schooling to give way for the young one. Something that’s very common too in some Filipino rural settings.

I bought fridge magnets from them; they didn’t only smile but said, “Thank you!” which I appreciated because simple gratitude is a rarity nowadays.

The village also houses other tribes. This lady belongs to the so-called Akha. These women originally came from Yunnan province of China, Laos, and Myanmar who also migrated to Northen parts of Thailand -Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Their spectacular and elaborate headdresses made them pretty remarkable than the other hill tribes plus the fact that unlike the Kayan Long Neck Women, Akha people were granted legal papers to Thailand so they’re all free to roam around the city and sell their stuffs at night markets and everywhere without restrictions.

A refugee from China…

Another Chinese refugee with colorful and elaborate traditional dress worn with thick brass belt.

Of all the hill tribe women I met in that village, this particular one who chews betel nut, which probably unknown to her and her tribe, is carcinogenic or cancer-causing (Nasopharyngeal Cancer), greeted us in a very light and cheerful mood. Despite living the simplest life of no-gadgets and free from expensive possessions, she remain happy and carefree. Something I am reminded of. Something we all need to reflect on.

Joy in simple things. Contentment sans modern lifestyle.

From these young lady, I bought Gabby’s souvenir vibrant tribal hat, which my son wore in welcoming New Year at home.

There were tribal women who adorned themselves with metal coils and ornate headdresses, now meet the other women who consider having huge earring holes as remarkably wonderful.

Is that a smartphone on her hand?

Do they wear make up as part of tradition or for tourism? Do they wear neck rings only for money? Again, perception is subjective.

Meeting these women even only for brief chat and photo-ops reminded me of some of the most important things in life.

People with strong principles can really stand on their personal beliefs, can fight for their own traditions and can go against the dictate of others.

It was an unforgettable opportunity for me to briefly interact with these women in Chiang Mai. I considered myself blessed as I met, talked and sat beside one of the most beautiful dragons in the world.

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.”

— Paulo Coelho

*This Chiang Mai Blog Series includes :

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Jan

THE JW MARRIOTT-KUALA LUMPUR EXPERIENCE

By docgelo 15 Comments

Christmas 2012 Blog Series includes :

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24 December 2012. Monday. JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur. With reservation done directly via their website a couple of months back, we checked in around 2PM which was a little earlier than the regular check in time at 3PM with no extra charge; thank you! While our luggage and bags were being taken cared of one of the bellboys, the lady-concierge officer who attended to me was so pleasant, friendly and quick, I think they both deserve a salary raise for efficiency. Everything was absolutely hassle-free!

Perfectly located along Jalan Bukit Bintang, the major shopping road in Kuala Lumpur, JW Marriot Hotel is adjacent to Starhill Gallery, right across Pavilion Mall, few steps away from Lot 10 and Fareinheit Malls, Uniqlo, H&M, Zara flagship stores and a wide choices of food shops.

Other than location, security and cost, having wifi connection and its speed is also on top of my priorities. Despite fancy greetings upon plugged-in, READ this entire post to know the only thing WE DID NOT LIKE about JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur.

The family opted to stay here to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself with Shook! Masquerade Lunch! The experience was glorious (blog post HERE!)!

Tina and Gabby also agreed on the fact that the king size bed on this deluxe room was ultimately delicious.

One of our most restful sleeps ever.

Believe his smile, he liked the bed so much! We all did!

Boobtube had Gabby’s favorites.

Working station where I plugged my laptop and went online wasn’t bad too.

The view from our window was inviting but we didn’t take a dip.

Mini bar and coffee and tea making facility…

We liked the huge wardrobe fully equipped with those necessary things.

The toilet, tub and shower (not in photo). Spotless. They granted my request of extra towels, thank you!

Toiletries were from Crabtree and Evelyn.

Details of the little things…

Tina and Gabby tried this; I didn’t. They were happier after the soak. Must be soothing.

Slept and woke up with nothing to do but indulge in Shook! Breakfast Buffet included in the promo-package we availed.

We feasted like kings…

The spread wasn’t ordinary.

Coffee, tea, fruit juices were free-flowing…

Choosing what to sample became a happy-problem.

Local rice and bean cakes…

Malaysia’s staple food. Nasi Lemak (Nasi-rice; lemak-fat) composed of rice boiled in coconut milk, chicken in sambal spicy sauce garnished with boiled egg, anchovies, cucumber slices and roasted peanuts. They say Nasi Lemak is enough to empower you throughout the day.

Can you guess who had what?

Everything Halal. Beef bacon (still biased to my favorites- you know!), Chicken sausage, Chinese fried rice, hash browns, biscuits and crackers paired with feta, cheddar and cream cheese, mushroom and onions and a dimsum.

Round 2 : Tina had croissant, smoked salmon and everything else you see on the photo…

While I was a happy diner with Malaysian favorites – roti canai dipped in dahl.

Essential fibers. Papaya slices, pineapples and yellow watermelon.

Those smiles are my early morning sunshine!

Everything’s beautiful and satisfying with JW Marriott and would consider to go back but the WIFI WASN’T FREE! We didn’t avail as we want it to be provided at no extra cost. I only got to go online with their Ethernet-plug-into-your-laptop-kind-of-thing. What if I didn’t bring my own computer? We failed to connect online using our mobiles and Tina’s ipod. There was wifi at the hotel lobby but it certainly spells convenience if the rooms were provided with FREE WIFI service too. On this day and age, free wifi is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

>><<

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur | 183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur 55100 Malaysia | www.marriott.com

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

Dec

PUTRAJAYA

By docgelo 19 Comments

Christmas 2012 Blog Series includes :

>><<

22 December 2012. Saturday. Masjid Putra or Putrajaya Mosque, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur. After checking in at Hotel 1915 Kuala Lumpur, we simply dropped our bags and luggage, hit the shower and off we went to Masjid Jamek LRT station which is located a few steps from our budget-boutique hotel. We didn’t have a game plan but to do tourist-things in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative center.

Like the LRT & MRT in Manila, Yamanote Line in Tokyo, MTR in Hong Kong, BTS in Bangkok and MRT in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur’s LRT lines spell efficiency and commuter-friendliness. A city is always easy to explore when there’s dependable transport system. And for this year’s Christmas holiday of my family in Malaysia’s capital, we chose to use more of the trains and less of taxi cabs not only to save on the pocket but for speed, comfort and convenience.

Upon reaching the Masjid Jamek LRT station on foot, we asked the counter to break our bills into smaller notes and coins, then purchased tokens from touch-screen dispensing machines. Adventure begins here!

From Masjid Jamek, we arrived in KL Sentral terminal at around 5PM. Despite we’ve been to KL Sentral quite a number of times already, we still needed to ask for directions. We transferred train line to KLIA Transit to get our feet to Putrajaya Sentral. It’s our first time to ride KLIA Transit and the experience was amazing! Better than riding a bus, or the old KTM train in KL and yes, better than driving your own car on those traffic jammed highways! The trip from KL Sentral to Putrajaya Sentral via KLIA Transit train only took around 25 minutes.

We hopped off the KLIA Transit train (that takes its passengers to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the other terminal besides Low Cost Carrier Terminal), stepped out to Putrajaya Sentral station and inquired again. While my family sat on one of the benches, I asked the counter what bus number should we take to get us to the Putrajaya Mosque, or more famously known as the Pink mosque. The friendly staff instantly wrote down the bus numbers on a small piece of paper but we decided to take the cab instead for the reason we wanted to be there quickly.

Because it’s almost evening (or it was already evening as “evening” for Malaysians begins after 2PM!), I got nothing in mind but to take my family to Putrajaya and experience another piece of must-visit-places in Malaysia. After all, our stay in this part of Asia is only until God-know-when! We never wasted time and took photos near the magnificently built, Pink Mosque.

“The Putra Mosque, or Masjid Putra in Malay language, is the principal mosque of Putrajaya, Malaysia. Construction of the mosque began in 1997 and was completed two years later. It is located next to Perdana Putra which houses the Malaysian Prime Minister’s office and man-made Putrajaya Lake. In front of the mosque is a large square with flagpoles flying Malaysian states’ flags.” (via Wiki)

putrajaya 12/22/12

I’ve seen the Pink Mosque during our few trips to Immigration office in Putrajaya back in 2010 but we were shuttled by our company’s bus then. I was too lazy to google how to commute going here but luckily and thankfully, we never got lost and found our way easily. We thought of going inside the mosque to appreciate it more however, we were told at the Informasi that non-Malaysian (non-Muslim) visitors are only allowed within the Mosque until 6PM so we simply roamed around and killed the time.

It was comforting and was so pleasant to see restaurants such as Nando’s and Secret Recipe along side with other local food kiosks inside an airconditioned food place within the vicinity of the mosque; plus even more surprising is a sight of a kiddie-play place!

Kodakan begins with a little bit of yamutan and more of kulitan…

Flying or diving? This photo is one of my favorites! Ang kulit!

A stone’s throw away from the Putrajaya Mosque is that emerald green domed, Prime Minister’s Office.

Picture!

Love and kulitan in Putrajaya…

Gabby voluntarily played as the Thinker…

and spontaneously jumped on high air…

He also tried to play as giant…

Tina took this photo and commented to me, “your teeth look like dentures!” lol

More kulitan moments…
putrajaya5
Nakakapagod! (Tiring!) But fun! We walked our way approximately 100-meters from the Prime Minister’s Office to the bus stop. En route, picture-taking again!

After 10 minutes, the bus arrived. With only 50 cents (PhP 7 or USD 0.16) per passenger and Gabby’s free, we took the Nadi Putra Bus on our way back to Putrajaya Sentral bus station; the ride took around 10-15 minutes. Of course, picture! This family’s happiness involves photos and more photos!

Back in the KLIA Transit train on way to KL Sentral…

Alighting from KLIA Transit train at around 8:45PM in KL Sentral, we transferred to LRT train to go back to Leboh Ampang. As we walked our way to the platform, we saw kiddie murals which we probably overlooked earlier because we’re on a rush. The Samsung-sponsored cartoonish paintings on the walls and stairs have environment-awareness theme, just wonderful. So, another photo-op was done. Picture!

It’s almost 9PM, must have dinner! At a local coffee shop near our hotel, we chowed down “lightly”.

Best meals and moments are yet to come as Yuletide 2012 in KL continues!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone!

____

Dec

HOTEL 1915 KUALA LUMPUR

By docgelo 8 Comments

Christmas 2012 Blog Series includes :

Our Christmas Day Masquerade Lunch Buffet at Shook!
Putrajaya
Our Accomodation in Hotel 1915 Kuala Lumpur
Petrosains
The Day Before Christmas 2012 in Kuala Lumpur
more posts to follow!

>><<

22 December 2012. Saturday. Kuala Lumpur. As we arrived in Pudu Sentral bus station from Penang Sentral in Butterworth via 4 hour trip at past 1PM, I did the necessary first - I bought and secured a return bus tickets from Plusliner counter located at the 3rd level of the said terminal (tourists and travelers can also do this online; thanks to Malaysia’s transport system). With almost growling stomachs yearning for lunch, we hailed a taxi cab from Pudu Sentral to supposedly Leboh Ampang; the area where we’ll stay for the next two nights before transferring to another hotel to celebrate Christmas this year. I requested the cab driver who used his meter (thank you!), to take us to Burger King near Jalan Ampang as we wanted to grab quick bites at some burgers and dip onion rings on mayonnaise (upsize, please!). After the driver and I mixed up with the Leboh (or lebuh means street) and Jalan (road), we finally reached Burger King, filled in our tummies and rolled our luggage to Hotel 1915 which is a few steps away from the said burger joint, Masjid Jamek LRT Terminal, Secret Recipe, Mcdonald’s, Chatime, 7-11, some local restaurants and coffee shops, and a drug store.

How convenient is that?

Location, cleanliness and cost remain to be our priorities in choosing an accomodation.

Quaint travelers’ knick knacks greet guests at the entrance and lobby of Hotel 1915.

Budget hotels need not to be crappy and unstylish. Although the rooms are apparently small, we appreciate its comfortable bed and pillows, flat screen TV with HBO, FoxMovies and a few more channels, (how many hotels have updated their boobtubes into flat screens?), a wardrobe, hot and cold shower with a liquid soap, and provision of distilled water dispenser where we enjoyed free cold and hot water for our coffee!

We spent longer hours of restful sleep on this bed with the luxury of not struggling against an alarm clock. That’s more than enough to be grateful for this Yuletide season!

Other than the room being small, I never heard of complaints from Tina and Gabby about our accomodation in Hotel 1915; I guess they liked it too. We stayed 2 nights here before we moved to a bigger hotel to celebrate this year’s Christmas eve and Christmas day.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Have a blessed season!

*This is not a sponsored post. But thank you to Hotel 1915, we enjoyed our stay!

Hotel 1915 | No. 49, Jalan Leboh Ampang, 50100 Kuala Lumpur |
http://hotel1915kl.com.my/home.php

____

Dec

WEEKEND AT MACALISTER MANSION

By docgelo 11 Comments

My family and I welcomed the first day of the last month of the year with smiles from ear to ear as we spent a lovely weekend afternoon in one of the most charming boutique hotels in George Town, Penang, the Macalister Mansion.

It was Tina who initially thought of having a family portrait this year as our last was taken more than couple of years ago in a small commercial photo studio back home. Immediately after my wife professed that she wanted for us to have a decent family photoshoot, I googled the web and the first name that popped out of the screen impressed both of us with his work. Serendipitously, we commissioned Sunny Tan for an hour of photo session and we’re glad to choose him as our photographer! He’s so easy to work with; days prior to our schedule, he’s so pleasant to communicate with. We asked for his suggested venues for the photoshoot and everything seemed fine but Macalister Mansion was on the top of my list. I was so happy we all agreed! Even happier that for a change, I got to be on the frames of the photos again as I was photographed with my family unlike my usual role of being behind the lens all the time taking the shots.

As a courtesy, I just had to notify Macalister Mansion about our plan to do the photo session at their lawn and in one of their restaurants. Tina and I were glad to received a positive response from them. The staff was really accomodating and friendly. We appreciated the fact that even their Events Manager gave me a call, hours before our schedule. Too bad their Dining Room restaurant was still closed at our chosen time and they had to prepare for a reserved function so we settled for Macalister Mansion’s Living Room restaurant and their lawn that are equally sleek, splendid and pretty.

We’re all excited to do the shoot however, despite the fact that it was sunshiny all Saturday morning, it started to drizzle at early evening. Nonetheless, our photographer’s brilliant skills shone brighter when he worked with whatever we’re left with. We cannot wait to share it on this blog and on our facebook sites as soon as Sunny’s done with everything in few weeks or so. We told him it’s not only for our family’s keepsake but will be part of our Christmas memories this year and our upcoming 9th Wedding Anniversary by first week of January 2013. He promised to deliver the photos soon!

As we wanted to maximize the afternoon, unwind and free our minds from daily hassles, we went to the Living Room restaurant in Macalister Mansion around 3 hours prior to our photo session. My family and I sampled a few from their tea time menu.

TWG English Breakfast Tea pot for me, uniquely paired it with Mango Sticky Rice topped with Ice Cream. Tina enjoyed her Cappuccino and Strawberry Tart while Gabby had a tasty slice of Chocolate Cake and Berry-Smoothies. Several minutes after, the kiddo requested another plate; he downed Spaghetti with Beef Ragout. What a wonderful light meal we had! Everything’s deliciously divine!

When Gabby and I went to the tandas (toilet) for the necessary bladder break, we saw more fascinating things that pleased our eyes.

Look, the white bear found his match…

So here are my loving and beautiful dates at the Living Room of Macalister Mansion…

Despite and in spite of everything, there are a lot of things to be thankful for! And as for December, it’s indeed the most wonderful time of the year; it’s the happiest season of all!

*This is NOT a sponsored post. However, my family and I would like to thank the following :

Sunny San |
http://www.sunnysan.com/
| Sunny San on facebook | Happy Family by Sunny San on fb

Macalister Mansion | 228 Macalister Road 10400 GeorgeTown, Penang |
http://macalistermansion.com/

______________________

Nov

TOKYO STREET

By docgelo 8 Comments

With the sight of that giant Japanese lantern, there was a flashback. Vivid memories of my day in Asakusa (blog post here :
http://docgelo.com/2010/04/06/letters-about-tokyo-12-asakusa-temple/
) after I rode the train in Tokyo from Gotanda to its tail end just to experience that much celebrated temple and my very first glimpse of cherry blossom. Fourteen long days in Tokyo back in the first quarter of 2010 were already etched in my cerebrum and shall never be forgotten. Cue dramatic music here! Toinks!

Reality instantly kicked in and I lost that state of being surreal. I wasn’t in the Land of the Rising Sun any more and it’s no longer Asakusa but Tokyo Street -the Japanese themed precinct located at the 6th level of Kuala Lumpur’s premier mall – Pavilion.

Vibrant colors of gold, red and green decors greeted shoppers and tourists like me at Pavilion’s lobby.

15th November 2012, Thursday. It was a public holiday in Malaysia; exactly a day prior my filed-work-leave to renew my passport at the embassy. My stomach was still empty; I can almost hear its borborygmi growling after that 4-hour-bus-ride from Penang. Well, not actually since I munched on a hotdog sandwich and drowned myself with a bottle of Coke on the bus en route to KL. But that was hours ago! It was way past lunch time and I needed to hail a taxi cab to Pavilion Mall in Bukit Bintang from my budget hotel after a quick check-in-and-drop-the-bag- plus a hurried shower.

SUCCESS! At 2:45PM, I was already strolling around Tokyo Street and snapping my cam on a whim. I was even a bit early to the 3PM call time with fellow Filipino bloggers who work in Kuala Lumpur and requested for a casual meet up. When I was about to make a call, I found out that my mobile prepaid load expired already, and I had to hunt for a shop that sells top up in a jiffy.

Just before I went down to resurrect my mobile again, I was happy to take all those photos around Tokyo Street. Apparently, the place is a pretty slice of Japan in Malaysia’s metropolis. Everything from food, gadgets, bags, toys and even potted bonsai remind you of Tokyo! It certainly adds to the infinite reasons why people should troop to Pavilion Mall!

As I reached the 6th level again and stepped out of the escalator, I easily spotted Sky and Summer -the Filipino bloggers who invited me for this meet up. After cordial greetings, we didn’t waste a second and went to Tokyo Teppan for that much-needed-lunch.

SILENCE. We immediately browsed the menu and ordered something to eat. Not long enough and we’re talking about our experiences adapting to living and working in Malaysia. Glad we shared almost the same views and insights about being OFWs.

I was a happy diner once more with my two lunch plates. Yes, you read it right. I had two plates. Perhaps, this clearly proved my delusion that I’m a half-blood Japanese in the past life! ;) I thought it so because I believe, when in Japanese, must eat sashimi!

Those freshest slices are one of my kryptonites! Indulge in another shot…

Then my second plate was Chicken Teppanyaki. Tender, tasteful, terribly delightful!

Except for the next photo, the bloggers -Sky and Summer together with their friend, Leo ordered their own which I didn’t photographed. I was too shy to do so! *insert evil laugh here*

Aren’t those fish roe embracing each maki’s a visual feast? Mouthwatering to me!!!

Meet Sky and Summer, the bloggers behind Boundfortwo.com. Thanks, Leo for taking the pic!

After that shot for posterity, I thought everything’s done with the nice meet up and great lunch, not after Sky brought out a printed copy of my photo that was fortunately published on LONELY PLANET ASIA MAGAZINE (blog post here :
http://docgelo.com/2012/07/17/surreal/
) a few months back. I honestly didn’t expect he was serious when he mentioned he’ll ask for my autograph on it. Imagine, he even brought a permanent marker for my signature as if a simple ink would not suffice! It’s an oh-em-gee-facepalm-moment for me!

*photo of the print out by Sky and Summer.

What can I say but THANK YOU! According to them, this photo that they actually saw on a page of Lonely Planet Asia Magazine in Popular Bookstore in Kuala Lumpur inspired them to travel to Hat Yai via crossing the borders of Malaysia and Thailand on foot.

Maraming salamat for that kind words and gesture of respect!

Hope they get to visit Penang soon!

____________________

Nov

HER SPECIAL DAY THIS YEAR

By docgelo 22 Comments

Mic test. mic test. mic test. Test 1. 2. 3. Test….

I’d like to dedicate this song to my beautiful & loving wife, Tina.

And I hope she’ll like it.

Ugh hem…*clears throat*

*inhale, sing*

“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday….

Happy Birthday to you!”

25 November 2012. Sunday. It’s officially two days after Tina turned 36. She doesn’t look her age, does she? She’ll kill me for posting this. But heck, we don’t need to hide our age; at least we’re still young and have so many years ahead of us! And because her Natal day this year was a Friday, she wanted no fancy celebration at work nor at home. Honestly, I even volunteered to cook her pasta or buy her a cake but she chose otherwise. Yes, I had to ask her as she doesn’t like surprises. She wanted a simple family celebration the weekend after her special day.

Here we go.

Around 10AM, we walked from Jetty in Weld Quay in George Town, Penang to ChinaHouse. En route, we surprisingly saw one of the recently installed murals in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must have photo-ops.

Taaaaadaaaah!!!

10: 20AM. ChinaHouse.

If you’re following this blog, you certainly know that Gabby and I already enjoyed ChinaHouse (I even won a 100-ringgit-voucher here via their photo contest recently). However, it was Tina’s first time so we’re all quite excited for her. We didn’t have any reservation but we’re quite early, so we’re lucky to avail a table for three.

Breakfast. What’s for breakfast?

After I quickly spotted my choices (plural!) from ChinaHouse’s menu, I told the two loves of my life that I’ll take some shots first. They absolutely know the drill so they didn’t mind me. :)

The table beside us. Lovely.

The painting above it. Lovelier.

Then I walked few steps, I saw this grills on the door. Loveliest.

More pleasant things you don’t see on a daily basis…

For the second time, I’m telling you –if you’re following this blog, you know I’ve featured ChinaHouse a couple of times already but it has more fascinating corners to explore.

Back to my family…. Picture!!!

The table behind ours has a pretty painting too. Picture!!!

Good food, nice art works, a wine cellar, a library, a coffee shop and a restaurant, a concert bar, a great chill out place under a Heritage roof!

Meanwhile, here’s a showcase of how beautiful my family is!

Then the FOOD. Glorious first meal of the day.

Tina and I agreed to share on a 10-ringgit pot of Jasmine tea. Soothing!

The birthday girl decided for a cheese omelet plate. She and Gabby liked it. I liked it too!

From the kiddie meal menu, our 8-year-old-wonder boy opted for spaghetti with cheese beef balls. He didn’t finish it. We had it as takeaway and we wolfed it down as dinner at home. It’s not your ordinary spaghetti. The beef flavor’s too strong for our palates. Must be Malaysian; I might be wrong.

While I chose Big Breakfast, I thought it’s a misnomer. I believed it should have been named Biggest Breakfast!!!

Boy, oh boy! McDonald’s version would look like less. Just so you know, I didn’t finish it too. I saved the bread slices which were really good, as takeaway too. Because I had a humongous plate, I passed up the desserts.

While Tina and Gabby were anticipating theirs. Here’s what they had.

Gabby’s choice : Eggnog Cheesecake. Sarap!

Tina went for a slice of Marjolaine. Mas masarap!!!

She sliced her cake into halves… et voila!

One more time, with feelings! LOL!

Packed everything for takeaway. Settled the bill and burp!

Then we went up the art gallery of ChinaHouse. Picture!!!

ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Around half hour past 1PM, we hopped on the bus and we trooped to Queensbay Mall. We did a little shopping for some necessities and off we went to another gastronomic feast. Well, not actually. We planned to drop by J.Co Donuts and purchase a box for takeaway. Yes, another takeaway. You know, for dinner, for breakfast and dinner again the next day. To fill in the fridge!

And so our bloodstream became hyperglycemic again with these donuts that FILIPINOS in Metro Manila are currently going crazy about (Read: They’re on queue for at least an hour for these J.Co Donuts. For real!!!)!!! It must be the donuts or my fellowmen or both. I cannot blame them; these donuts are indeed softer than Krispy Kreme, GoNuts Donuts and Dunkin Donuts; although I love ’em all!

In our more than two years here in Penang, I think it’s only second time we savored J.Co. And again, there was no long queues.

Here are those freebies that go with our drinks…

DELICIOUS!!!

Tina loved her Cappuccino and JCoccino donut!

While I enjoyed Berry Berrymore! (sounds like Drew Barrymore!)

More pictures…

And I cannot agree more with J.Co….

I love you, Tina & Gabby!

_________________________

Nov

7ATENINE

By docgelo 11 Comments

The quirky name of this restaurant-bar in one of the premier serviced apartments located at the heart of Kula Lumpur is enough for me to be interested. Who would not be enticed with 7atenine? I think it’s pretty neat name for a chill-out place. Glad I found time to drop by during my solo-3D2N-visit in Malaysia’s capital.

Before your imagination soars high, I didn’t drown myself into spirits nor alcohol at 7atenine. I passed up sampling one of their beverages because number 1, I think it’s too much as I already had from the other bar (blog post HERE!) and number 2, I’m not alcoholic anyway. I mean, I need not explain myself but I only drink on rare occasions and of course, during social gatherings (Now, I remember those days back home when I was frequently invited for events like wine & food pairing. Ahhhhh, the perks of blogging!).

“7atenine is an award winning International restaurant & supperclub where ‘you never know who you’ll meet’. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, her cool, stylish & contemporary ambience is accented by splashes of fuchsia & turquoise. 7atenine has 2 realms of recreation…. Sevenspoons dining on the mezzanine & the Supperclub on the ground floor. Cosmopolitan cuisine is complemented by a premium range of alcoholic beverages ranging from champagnes, wines, cocktails by our award winning mixologists to local & imported beers and liquor. pulsating retro remixes and house beats permeate the atmosphere cementing 7atenine as a firm favourite amongst chic night birds.” ~Sourced from their website : www.soulsociety.com.my/7atenine

Doesn’t it look like a great place to chill out, savor the good house music and indulge? With only my appetite in tow and with no reservation which I don’t promote, I brought my feet to 7atenine and enjoyed a couple of choices from their menu.

Linguini Seafood, RM39++ (USD 12.75++ ). Tossed with sautéed scallops, prawns, mussels & squid.

One word : DELICIOUS!

Despite a number of must-try-entrees from 7atenine’s menu, I knew I was craving for something like seafood pasta. And bingo! They have Linguini Seafood on their list. The pasta’s al dente; the dish was perfectly tossed with non-greasy oil and my favorites from the sea. The entire plate was wonderfully seasoned. I was a happy diner!

With nothing in mind to wash everything down but cold water, I also ordered a dessert. And I thought Lady Luck was really on my side because I spotted another personal favorite from the list of sweets.

Linguini Seafood + Mango Sticky Rice

Who says Italian and Asian favorites make a bad combo? Hell, no!

Mango Sticky Rice. RM19++ (USD 6.21 ). Steamed glutinous rice, served with mango & Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream.

One word : HEAVENLY!

Don’t let my photo deceive you; it’s a generous serving! I disregarded the petty fact that the mint leaves used as garnishing on top that irresistible vanilla-flavored Häagen-Dazs scoop had insect-bite-holes; it was never an issue since I removed it and didn’t munch it anyway. What mattered to me was my love for that tug-of-war between the cold ice cream, the piping hot glutinous rice cake soaked in coconut milk and the pleasant taste of mango slices (but not as great-tasting as Philippine mangoes!). For a while, I forgot all stress and hassles accompanied by living away from the comforts of your own country and simply I felt I was in cloud 9!

The service’s quick and attentive. The ambiance and overall appeal are laid back and almost impeccable! Thumbs up for 7atenine!

7atenine | The Ascott, 9 Jalan Pinang 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.soulsociety.com.my/7atenine

*This is NOT a sponsored post.

*This Luxurious Kuala Lumpur Blog Series includes :

_______________________

Nov

DINING CHINESE

By docgelo 13 Comments

Greetings from Shanghai, China!

Did those Chinese silk lanterns, crimson red velvet lounge seats and chairs and gorgeous porcelain fool you? The greetings’ too ambitious, I know. But who knows? Day will come that I’ll get to bring my feet and my family to China too. Time will tell. Meanwhile, I’m sharing here my honest review of my Chinese lunch at Chynna restaurant in Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur. I hope they won’t ban me from dining there again after this post! *cue prayers here* This post isn’t a rant but a constructive criticism and a challenge to improve.

How to get there? I took a cab from Bukit Bintang to KL Sentral where Hilton Hotel is located. When I was already inside the taxi driven by a friendly Malaysian-lady-driver who thankfully, used her taxi meter on our route (fyi, it’s unspoken rule in Kuala Lumpur that taking taxi cabs isn’t always metered by those opportunitistic divers), it popped in my mind that I could have taken the monorail from Bukit Bintang directly to KL Sentral which costs much cheaper of course (around 2 ringgit only instead of the metered taxi ride of RM15). It was useless to entertain regret so I took the monorail for my return to Bukit Bintang after my lunch; however it’s a-15-minute-walk from KL Sentral to the monorail station, nonetheless worth it.

What did I sample? I’m a dim sum monster so it got to be dim sum of course!!!

Because I was attending an exclusive food tasting tour at Feast Village, Starhill Gallery at 3PM that day, I chose to eat light. And that’s how I defined a light meal *snickers* ~Four Season Platter, Siew Mai (or for us Filipinos, siomai!) and the biggest Chicken pao I’ve eaten! I could have ordered hot tea but I was disappointed after I learned that Chynna’s Tea Master was on his day off. If you’ve noticed my photo of their dim sum open kitchen above, the tea pot with a long nose is eye-catching, isn’t it? Since their Tea Master’s out that day, I missed out his Kung Fu moves when serving hot Chinese tea. Thus, I washed everything down with chilled fresh Orange juice (not in photo).

AMBIANCE vs SUBSTANCE

Did Chynna impress me? As I wanted to indulge something extraordinary other than the usual fastfood and hawker meals, I opted to try this Chinese restaurant initially to experience its beautiful ambiance. I was immediately drawn onto its interiors the very moment I saw it on Hilton’s website. And true enough, it’s more pleasing to the eyes up close! The mood inside Chynna restaurant exudes extreme elegance. The cost of the food on the menu’s another affordable luxury; highly competitive with the common restaurants outside hotels. The staff’s friendly, quick and efficient.

Everything’s at its finest even the food presentation but not its taste.

Disappointed without witnessing the Kung Fu moves of their Tea Master, I felt the same too when Chynna’s dim sums tasted stuffed with extenders! I may be wrong and Chynna may deny it but what I ordered tasted all bland! Sure, they provided two sauces to go with them but a delicious dim sum is delicious sans anything. I know my palate so well. I know how authentic dim sum tastes like. As mentioned in my previous posts, despite I’ve never been to China yet, I think eating dim sums from hawker food stalls and five-star-hotel restaurants in all our trips to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand (we even had dim sum buffet in Bangkok recently) and even in Manila Chinatown and in Penang and in Kuala Lumpur itself makes me no-authority but at least my gustatory sense has been familiar with quality dim sums. Admittedly, I only sampled a few dim sum from Chynna in Hilton-KL however, it really didn’t hit the mark! Perhaps, noodles, soups and fish, chicken and meat dishes from their menu are all wonderful but remain to be tasted. That’s a good reason to try Chynna again next time.

Although it means nothing to me because I’m a non-smoker, you might be interested that Chynna has private dining rooms where smoking is permitted.

CHYNNA | 5th Level Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur | www.hilton.com

*This is not a sponsored post.

*This Luxurious Kuala Lumpur Blog Series includes :

*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

VILLAGE BAR : AN UNDERGROUND FANTASY

By docgelo 19 Comments

After I thanked Rachel who generously invited me and bid goodbye to Georgia, the fascinating and accomodating host who dined with me in more-than-two-hour-exclusive-food-tasting-tour that they arranged, I found my way down the basement of Starhill Gallery and set foot again in Feast Village. I laid my eyes once more on the impressive interiors of Village Bar.

Who knew that while Petronas Twin Towers majestically lords the Kuala Lumpur skyline, a wonderful bar lies underneath the road of Bukit Bintang?

I was supposed to have a drink, sample their Mojito or one of their signatures and use the 100 ringgit-voucher that they gave me along with a box of delightful macarons but I thought of reserving everything to Tina and Gabby. After all, I’ll bring my family back to Kuala Lumpur in a month’s time so we’ll get to enjoy Starhill Gallery again. As I was still satiated with all the sampling of dishes from the most subtle to the most flavorful and rich plates, I became content with capturing the beauty of Village Bar with my lens.

An old woman whose wheelchair was being pushed slowly by a younger man suddenly told me,

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Surprised, I looked at her and understood that she was describing Village Bar before us so I stopped clicking my cam for a while and replied to her,

“It’s lovely! I haven’t seen anything like it before.”

A myriad of colorful Oriental and Mediterranean lamps adorn the ceiling of Village Bar (read : I’m a sucker for these lamps!). Fantastic pillars that are made of stacked empty bottles. A striking variety of seats and stools around the five-bars was so remarkable; one of the them was a set of ghost chairs from Philippe Starck. It’s a gorgeous hodgepodge of everything that seems dreamy; cleverly put together to create a sophisticated look of a place so perfect to unwind and have a drink or two.

I noticed Village Bar was designed in such a way that guests would see each other’s faces to easily interact while chilling out.

I could spend an entire evening in this place! And you?

Amazing, isn’t it? I was in awe, I ran out of superlatives again!

I’ll bring Tina and Gabby here next month and enjoy their menu. Kids would also appreciate Village Bar for they offer fruit juices and sodas too.

“Right in the heart of Feast Village is the meeting point for a business or leisure outing at Starhill Gallery. The Village Bar, with its iconic pillars of stacked bottles and colourful pendant lights hanging overhead, makes a welcoming spot to enjoy a drink.
A perfect place for winding down, five counters serve different drinks at the Village Bar. The beer bar stocks up on bottles of famous international beers while the hard liquor bar serves liquor, cocktails and mocktails.

The wine bar offers exclusive wines from a collection of 400 different labels whereas the rice wine bar serves premium Chinese and Japanese rice wines, including vintage rice wines from as long as 30 years ago. Teetotalers would not feel out of place at the Village Bar as juices and soft drinks are also available from the soft drinks bar. For a place to meet up with friends, to make new friends, or simply to unwind, head over to the Village Bar.” -Sourced via www.starhillgallery.com

Village Bar at Feast Village in Starhill Gallery is one of the reasons why Kuala Lumpur is always a must-visit!

*This is a sponsored post. Special thanks goes to Ms. Rachel of Starhill Gallery and Ms. Georgia (I’ll post her photos on this blog soon!).

STARHILL GALLERY | 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.starhillgallery.com

*This Luxurious Kuala Lumpur Blog Series includes :

__________________

Nov

INTOXICATING VIEWS

By docgelo 7 Comments

How can you say no to a skyline like this?

Resistance is futile. I am seduced once more by its beauty effortlessly.

And I went here alone, without my family, with no one but my feet and my camera. So sue me.

Truth is, I brewed everything for this. Call me anything you want for all I care but I had to secure a green light from my loving wife, Tina. I couldn’t be grateful enough when she agreed. I was silently jumping for joy actually!

You need to continue reading, I tell you!

When I started planning to revisit Malaysia’s capital to renew my passport at the Philippine Embassy, I thought of visiting a few premier places that partly provide logic to the fact that Kuala Lumpur is this country’s metropolis. I could not believe everything because while doing a little online research, I received an invitation via email from a luxurious food and beverage outlet group for an exclusive food tasting tour of not one but four of their restaurants -some of them where the food places where celebrities Michael Bolton and Tiger Woods dined separately this year. That will be featured on this blog NEXT!

Go on, keep reading!

Then a fellow and recognized blogger endorsed my name to an agency in Singapore whose main office is in Scotland, for me to be one of their airline food survey participants. The task is to do an airline food review in any of the flights of airlines on their list before November 24, 2012; rate the airline food, blog and tweet about it and get paid in USD! The amount isn’t HUGE but sure worth it. Thus, I decided to fly back from Kuala Lumpur to Penang for this opportunity.

There’s more news!

A real-life-couple-travel bloggers invited me for a meet-up in Kuala Lumpur where they’re based for more than a year now. We met up, dined and chat the day I arrived in KL. It was fun. Will blog it soon!

I digress.

Because I only have limited budget and worse, with only 3 days and 2 nights, my choices of trendiest, the most sophisticated and stylish chill out spots have been narrowed down to a handful.

Let this LUXURIOUS KUALA LUMPUR BLOG Series begin with SKYBAR, located at the 33rd level of Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur manned no less than Shangri La Hotels.

I made reservation via email for one of the cabanas with the best view of the incredibly iconic,

Petronas Twin Towers

and the wonderful KLCC Park that’s filled with lush greens underneath.

I had to see and use the tandas. Good thing it’s almost spotless.

I also liked the fact that SkyBar thought of even the tiniest detail that some people tend to overlooked. Because the cabanas are enclosed with comfortable lounges where one can fully extend and relax the tired and aching legs, there are foot stools for the guest to use to step up. Signs and floating lights in immaculate white and powder blue colors on the pool were placed to serve as guides so nobody slips over. Now being drunk and trying to dive like an olympian on the pool is another issue! LOL!

Just before I ordered for snack and drinks, I saw some swimmers. There was a little girl frolicking on the pool…

Then, there’s grandpa…

One of the reasons why I chose to visit SkyBar was to experience not only viewing my favorite structure in Malaysia differently this time, but to know how it feels like to go to a bar with a swimming pool at the middle. It’s bizarre but looks amazingly unique to me!

Isn’t the view intoxicating?

Try to spot the sweetest couple of the night…

Then marveled like a kid at the dancing fountains seen from the park.

Now, here’s what I ordered from SkyBar’s menu.

Patnubay ng Magulang ay Kailangan. Google Translate that if you wish and you may read this blog’s DISCLAIMER, thank you!

I asked Lynn, who happens to be the friendliest staff of SkyBar, of their bestsellers. The young and beautiful lady deserves a raise and a promotion in my opinion for recommending the Selangor Sling and Buffalo Wings for me to sample. Of course anyone would find the menu’s prices steeper when compared to food in hawkers! Toinks!. I say, you never get these view, this service, this ambiance, this experience anywhere else.

Selangor Sling. Tanqueray 10 gin and cherry brandy liqueur shaken with pressed pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice and a touch of angostura bitters strained over ice in a sling glass topped with soda and benedictine d.o.m. garnished with lemon and maraschino cherry. RM42++.

The sunset in Malaysia comes around 7:30PM or so, hence I ordered another drink while waiting for dusk.

Take two : Patnubay ng Magulang ay Kailangan. Google Translate that if you wish and you may read this blog’s DISCLAIMER, thank you!

My last order at SkyBar was that pint of beer for 20 ringgit. I thought it’s appropriate to drink in a bar rather than fresh milk. *wink*

Now I know why SkyBar is ranked mostly by foreigners as one of the most must-visit-chill-out-places in KL.

*Stay tuned to this blog series!

SKYBAR | Level 33 Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Center, 50088 Malaysia | www.skybar.com.my

*This is not a sponsored post.

*This Luxurious Kuala Lumpur Blog Series includes :

__________

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.

Nov

MY WIFE’S CULINARY PROWESS PART 2

By docgelo 19 Comments

For five years of this blog’s existence, few loyal readers have witnessed how the love for food binds my family and I together. Tina, Gabby and I certainly love to eat! And our tastebuds have the same preferences either dining out or just eating within the comforts of our home. Although I know how to perk up some tasteful dishes too, the credit goes to my loving wife who devotes so much of her TIME and EFFORTS not only at work but at the kitchen department to fill up our tummies with not just mediocre cooking but feasts that we usually crave for!

Here are some of her masterpieces, at least for Gabby and me!

This dish has shrimps, green bell pepper in light and sweet soy sauce, if not oyster sauce. It’s too delicious, I forgot to ask her what it’s called!

Vanhouten, sometimes Cadbury Chocolate Chamorado at Tuyo is one of our comfort foods! Even Gabby became biased with Champorado at Tuyo! Yes, our 8-year-old kiddo loves tuyo, he eats it also sans champorado but with rice and dips its shredded bits on vinegar! Regardless of the weather -rainy days or even when the sun is out; for breakfast or as late afternoon snack, this combo remains a personal favorite!

Ebi Tempura and Chicken Cordon Bleu. All.From.Scratch!

This one needs no introduction. Pass the vinegar, please! And let’s eat with bare hands, c’mmon! ;)

Bistek Tagalog with Blanched Veggies. I’m salivating now.

Some photographed pasta dishes the past months include this Crispy Noodle…

and the classic Creamy Carbonara with homemade Garlic Bread that she made for our birthdays (Gabby’s last October, and mine’s September). While Gabby dislikes bacon and only wants the pasta and the creamy cheesy buttery sauce, I love it up to its last bacon bits. LOL!

For dessert, Maja Blanca con Maiz

For someone like Tina who doesn’t have formal background in culinary arts, and for Gabby and me, those dishes are already superb despite its few imperfections. As mentioned, hours are usually spent in preparing them. Time and efforts for the family are always priceless!

With those few compiled food photos, one of my suntok-sa-buwan-wishes of putting up our very own food place someday lives on. Let’s see if it will materialize someday. Who knows what destiny brings? I am only sure of the fact that we love food and we like to eat – a lot!!!

Part 1 of this blog’s series here : My Wife’s Culinary Prowess

_________________

Oct

CHINAHOUSE

By docgelo 30 Comments

Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: amateur photogrpahy, art gallery, arts, bar and cafe in penang, beach street, chill out place in penang, chinahouse, chinahouse cafe, chinahouse georgetown penang, chinahouse penang malaysia, chinahouse restaurant penang, doc gelo, docgelo, eclectic place, food, food blog, foodie, georgetown penang, heritage site, heritage sites, lifestyle blog, lifestyle blogger, murals, must see place in malaysia, must visit place in georgetown penang, must visit place in malaysia, must visit place in penang malaysia, night photography, paintings, photography, photos, restaurant in penang malaysia, shoot and win contest chinahouse penang, tourism malaysia, tourist spot in penang malaysia, tourist spots in malaysia, travel blog, travel blogger, travelling, victoria street, western food in malaysia

*Prelude : This experience totally changed my personal perception of GeorgeTown, Penang. In my more than two years of working in this side of Malaysia, I’ve only known her with volumes of Heritage corners that beautifully complemented her present image. Diversities of food, religions and culture made up my initial idea of this island. I was totally wrong in not thinking that she also has quaint chill out places that are equally enigmatic as her temples, mosques, shrines, beaches and hawker stalls and will leave anyone wanting for more. Read on and enjoy!

20 October 2012, Saturday. Just before dusk, I entered The Canteen and Bar at ChinaHouse along Victoria Street in George Town, Penang and this quiet scene greeted me.

Cluelessly, I asked the bartender for a menu. I scanned the modestly laminated list of beverages and bites for a second and was told that the show that Saturday evening starts around 9PM. If you must know, I didn’t go there to drink nor to watch an act. Not yet. I had my personal intention with a secured green light from my beloved Tina and Gabby. It’s a must for me to get their nods, of course. I went there to TRY my CHANCE TO WIN A CONTEST.

I inquired if it’s the same place where I can have cakes and coffee, the bartender politely advised me to follow the walkway through the doors to get to the ChinaHouse at Beach Street. Yes, ChinaHouse stretches from Victoria Street to Beach Street!

I didn’t expect to be blown away with its rustic yet contemporary charm that’s uniquely, ChinaHouse.

Few steps more and I caught myself smiling at this black and white mural in the kitchen…

It’s right across one of the most attractive tandas (toilet) in this part of Asia…

Then I found myself in the courtyard where I saw an unusual rectangular pond, a whimsical animal sculpture, garden steel chairs paired with glass round tables, all covered by lush leaves and leaning branches (I took a few photos but I chose to include in this post my captures in the courtyard later that weekend that you’ll see as you scroll down the page).

Meanwhile, the ceiling’s high. Didn’t I tell you this is one of those pretty Heritage shophouses in Penang?

Good to know ChinaHouse has a good number of staff to cover for the remarkable volume of diners. Lots of people flocking is a positive indicator that I’m in the right place. Despite almost all tables were reserved, I considered myself lucky to find one vacant.

This is the view from where I sat…

Image of the bar reflected on one of the huge mirrors…

This must be Heaven, if not Nirvana…

Diabetes Not Included.

Those are Honey, Raisin & Sunflower Muffin at 6 ringgit a piece. I want!

I wonder what this Beef Harissa tastes like.

I also want to try these Mini Lime Sponge Cakes next time; only 6 ringgit per piece with a huge serving!

The spread’s certainly a feast in either monochrome…

or in full colors!

While my family and I still love Starbucks Coffee dearly, I asked myself silently, where was I in more than two years of work in Penang? Why didn’t I discover ChinaHouse early on? Regret is futile, I reckon. There’s more time to celebrate ChinaHouse!

Standing in front of that sweet spread, I called a waiter and asked about their most-frequently-ordered dishes -from salad, entree to desserts. With wide array of choices, I needed to hear some recommendations. He walked me towards my table and provided me a menu. On my way to my seat, I saw these tables…

Simply covered with mahjong paper, tables have craypass and crayons to stimulate creative juices to flow. It reminded me of American-themed restaurants back home, Burgoo & TGI Fridays (the latter has a branch in Penang, the former doesn’t have).
Back to my table…

Shamelessly marked the spot…

Indeed, “Thou shall not judge the book by its cover!” The menu is unassuming but the selections are a must-try. Prices are a bit steep expectedly; reasonable I say.

Because I’m there to find GREAT FOOD AS SUBJECT, I decided to order a full course meal which I didn’t eat at all, except the main dish I had; everything I brought home to Tina and Gabby as takeaway.

To start off, I had Grilled Prawns, Mango & Avocado Salad with Pistachio & Basil Dressing. Textures and flavors made a cut from the other salads I’ve tasted. It reminded me of one of my favorites back home, Tessie Tomas Salad.

For the main entree, I followed the wait staff’s suggestion to order Chicken and Mushroom Pie with Mashed Potato & Mixed Leaves.

It’s delicious I left the plate so clean. If you’re from the Philippines, you’ll agree with me in stating that it looks like French Baker’s Chicken Ala-King less the creamy sauce.

I washed down everything with Iced Cappuccino and a bottle of water. Literally on a bottle, mind you! I like the idea of serving every table with water on capped bottle.

Once again, I trusted the waiter’s words after he said Tiramisu is their bestseller-dessert. Believe it or not, I just took few photos of it, waived to another waitress and requested her to wrap the huge slice of Tiramisu as my takeaway. At home, Gabby and Tina liked it! Although, I think it’s best eaten freshly served because it has ice-creamy filling that melts easily. The tug-of-war of coffee and chocolate in this nutty slice was just divine.

After my lone but happy dinner, I was a bit disappointed when I learned that I cannot explore the art gallery upstairs because according to the staff, it’s currently under renovation. Well, that’s a good reason to go back, isn’t it? Thus, I settled capturing my fancy on the ground floor; here are some of them :

Fusion of the old world and modern isn’t only obvious on ChinaHouse menu but also in its eclectic combination of furnitures, murals and art pieces that absolutely delight the senses. Some paintings are simply displayed on the floor which I really like!

A coffee shop, a restaurant, a bar, a mini-theater, a bakeshop, an art gallery , a souvenir shop and a library. What more can you ask for?

And a wine cellar too!

I don’t know about you but I find this room gorgeous. With all the wine collection and those imperfect blending of seats appeal perfect to me! Would you not wish to spend a a non-stress and worry-free evening here?

There are a quite a number of fascinating rooms in ChinaHouse that’s so apt for private and intimate special occasions. I’ll surely visit again to explore more of its areas.

I decided to go back to The Canteen & Bar and passed through their courtyard again. It began to drizzle that made those lovely corners that night even more dramatic. I wish I stayed longer.

I could have opted to submit the next photo to the ChinaHouse Shoot & Win photo contest that offers two winning photographers 200 ringgit voucher to ChinaHouse AND a FREE accomodation in Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi which I long to experience with my family; however, after checking out the other entries from ChinaHouse facebook page, someone had photographed and entered this spot as his subject already. I cannot blame him; this courtyard is indeed eye-catching! Nonetheless, I had to have my own capture of that courtyard in my own perspective. What do you think?

When I went back to The Canteen & Bar again, a musician was entertaining the diners.

I fell in love with ChinaHouse!!! I shall be back to bring Tina and Gabby here soon! It’s an incredibly stylish and laid-back place where ambience and atmosphere, must-try-menu, quick and efficient service are all under one Heritage roof.

Admittedly at first, I only wanted to join this…

Then the entire experience left me in awe, I hope to go back soon! It’s irresistible to revisit ChinaHouse after you’ve been there. Once is definitely not enough; it lures and entices you to crave for more!

The contest I joined, as of this posting is still on going but with what I’ve experienced in ChinaHouse,

I felt I already won!

About my photo entry –I chose a photo of a SALAD as my entry to the contest as I thought it represents a great INTRODUCTION to a SUBLIME INDULGENCE inside ChinaHouse. I thought of promoting ChinaHouse through that entry as a uniquely charming food and chill out place tucked within GeorgeTown, Penang.

*Should you want to VOTE for my entry in ChinaHouse Shoot & Win contest, you may click LIKE my photo on this link –>

photo.php?fbid=369418356479284&set=a.367164853371301.89814.172393032848485&type=1&theater

THANK YOU!

Maraming salamat po!

Terima Kasih!

Xie xie!

CHINAHOUSE | 153 & 155 Beach Street & 183B Victoria Street, George Town, Penang.
http://chinahouse.com.my/

Oct

DEJA VU

By docgelo 18 Comments

Khoo Kongsi and the other corners of George Town, Penang.

I’ve done photowalking here several times but its incredible charm never fails to lure me.

I keep coming back.

After I hopped off the bus and brought out my camera to start capturing some things I fancy, everything seemed to have occured in the past. It was somewhat like deja vu but not quite. Simply because this time, my photowalking got a volunteer companion; none other than the love of our lives, Gabby!

I thought I would stroll the laterals of GeorgeTown alone again but to my surprise, our 8-year-old kid decided the last minute to come with me. It was cleared to him that I would take long walks and multiple steps from one street to another but the boy was determined to transformed his weekend to an entirely different one from his Monday to Friday routine in school. He really wanted to tag along; I could not be happier!

So while we left his lovely mom who did some amazing household chores at our apartment (she always does it best without us around!), this wonder boy was with me for few hours goofing around one of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites…

Bus, ferry and another bus ride and we arrived shortly to Jalan Penang. We finally saw the largest of Ernest Zacharevic‘s murals in GeorgeTown. Beautiful, is it not?

Few little steps and our feet brought us to Muntri Street. Let the photowalking begin!

GeorgeTown literally inscripted its history, culture and traditions on almost countless iron rod sculptures installed in various alleys and streets. Creative, whimsical, informative and educational, these art pieces surely are eye-catching; a lot of tourists drop by to photograph them. One of them actually asked me, “Do you want me to take photos of you and your son with your camera?”

One of the firewalls of a shophouse in Muntri Street has another Zacharevic’s mural painting -a Chinese-Malaysian girl in kungfu outfit (or is it blue PJs?) whose hands appeared to be pressing on window shades. It’s definitely not my favorite but quite fascinating too.

More installations in Muntri Street…

Yeah, right! Get a Life!

From Muntri Street, Gabby and I lazily walked towards Love Lane…

I wonder why the Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharervic painted a broken heart on two public phones when in fact they’re installed in Love Lane…

Blink and you will miss this on the wall across 711 and the broken-hearted-payphones…

Quaint gestures of recycling on warmest greetings…

Do you have the key?

Meanwhile, at Ah Quee Street, art needs resuscitation…

Alas, another Zacharevic’s masterpieces!

Something pink in Armenian Street…

Something weird?

Or it’s just me. I imagined walking through Armenian Street at midnight with this sight of a ~~voodoo~~ doll on a drift wood, would you not be afraid to death? LOL!

OK, it aint weird but…unique (for the lack of better adjective, hahaha!)

What about a pair of shoes on a giant frog’s mouth? Art? Recycling fun!

Can’t blame us if we craved for Starbucks…

Talking about craving, long walks need refueling of course. And the wonder boy wanted to eat in one of our favorites in George Town. Believe it or not, it was Gabby who wished to eat in Restoran Kapitan again for some Indian dishes. So we had Boneless Buttered Chicken, Garlic and Cheese Naan, Mango Lassi and Chocolate Ice Blended. Solb!

Our last stop was a bookstore for the little boy also craved for his favorite pocketbook series.

We enjoyed our weekend. Yet another special one. And you?

_________________________

This blog’s other posts with George Town’s street arts include :

Oct

CELEBRATORY FEAST : GABBY’S EIGHTH BIRTHDAY

By docgelo 28 Comments

It was already late evening of Friday, October 5th, 2012 when I got a chance to view the attached photos on my Inbox sent by Gabby’s teacher & school owner taken using her iphone. I smiled and I appreciated the concern, love and care expressed to our son by his generous and thoughtful Malaysian-Chinese teacher. Thank you so much, Ms. Jasmine! The photos showed Gabby and his teacher’s son eating burgers and fries in McDonald’s after school; a simple birthday treat yet so special to Gabby and to us! Tina and I really found it so heartwarming!

OUR SON IS LOVED; WE’RE GRATEFUL!

Because his birthday falls on a weekday this year, Friday to be exact, we chose not to absent ourselves from work and school thus, another extraordinary weekend was brewed.

Little did we know that Gabby told his teacher the reason why he’s not having that ceremonial birthday cake candle blowing over the usual birthday song singing with party hats, some pasta and loot bags in school like what he used to have back home (If you’ve been following this blog, you’re familiar with Gabby’s SPONGEBOB THEMED 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ) it’s because we planned to celebrate his 8th birthday the way we know how : BUFFET!!!

Long before his big day, we already talked and decided where to spend it; and among the hotels and restaurants we’ve tried, a unanimous decision was made : G Hotel at Gurney Drive, Penang!

UNBIASED OPINION OF A NON-SPONSORED DINING

Among the few premier hotels and restaurants in Penang that my family and I have sampled, G Cafe in G Hotel has always been remarkably pleasant. We like its polite and quick service, great tasting dishes with a wide variety but not overwhelming, and its contemporary and edgy, elegant and sophisticated but non-intimidating ambiance. Not to forget its reasonable and affordable cost for an eat-all-you-want dining on lunch, high tea or dinner. They even made it more budget-friendly as we availed of the 15% discount offer that we got for being Rapid Penang Bus commuters. Best of all, G Cafe staff granted my request for a FREE birthday cake with a candle to blow for Gabby! They gave an instant nod without hesitation; many thanks to that!

There are other restaurants inside G Hotel and at G Cafe, there are two dining spots. It’s our third time to eat inside G Cafe’s airconditioned dining area and have not favored yet their open-air eating space.

So here’s where we sat and dined…

And here’s a portion of their eat-all-you-want-spread that evening…

I like their simple and minimalist display and fixtures that perfectly complemented the modern and somewhat masculine appeal of the entire all-day-dining-restaurant. I also think the use of BLUE tones in lighting and glasses excellent! It’s quite uncommon choice for restaurants yet so regal.

G Cafe offers different themed dining every night and it was our second time to try their International Cuisine-BARBECUE NIGHT!

There were grilled prawns, grilled lamb, grilled fish, and grilled squid…

Roasted lamb, anyone?

Tina and I tried a few slices from the carving station but honestly, we’re not fanatics of lamb unlike the others despite G Cafe’s version was tender.

Usually, it’s a toss between salad and soup for me, I went for the latter first and enjoyed every spoonful of sweet corn and chicken soup! It was thick and superb! Really tasteful!

But then again, I thought I am just a mere mortal and very weak to pass up on these yummies! Tee hee!

I did not! We did not pass up on the salads. We had a little bit of everything!

We liked the Smoked Duck Salad even though I was telling Tina how I missed G Cafe’s Prawn Salad (told you, they’ve variety every night!), the fusion of the smoked duck meat cut into strips and those mango and veggies in julienne cuts were an absolute match made in Penang!

How about Smoked Salmon Salad that beautifully blended with those avocado cubes?

Irresistible! Then you see more Hors d’oeuvre like different chunks and slices of cheese and biscuits…

And then there’s this crunchy and sweet and a bit spicy dried fish called IKAN BILIS ISTIMEWA which to me was one of the most appetizing appetizers I’ve ever tasted! Or is it an entree? Hahaha! FYI, istimewa means special! It reminded me of a locally dried fish back home called, Danggit, although it’s all salty and crunchy when fried, this Ikan Bilis Istimewa came with flavors and texture that burst every bite! Sarap! Sedap! It’s really something you’ll crave for! Delicious sans vinegar! I wish I had more servings!

Meanwhile, here’s my salad plate…

Tina’s seafood plate…

Everything was fine particularly the salmon sashimi except for the scallops; they were flat and disappointing!

While the birthday boy was certain of his choices…

Our palates savored the sushi rolls too! I always profess my fascination to Japanese dishes. It’s amazing that they’re both art and nourishment at the same time! My love affair with sushi and sashimi makes me wonder if I’m half blood Japanese, hahaha!

Tina tried the Chicken Shawarma and Roasted Lamb. I tasted their version of Shawarma before and it didn’t impress my tastebuds. I’m still partial with similar Mediterranean favorite back home.

Tina’s plate filled with grilled stuffs…

And here are my plates…

There were a lot more dishes on the spread and a noodle station that we failed to sample. Nonetheless, we made sure we reserved gastric space for desserts.

HYPERGLYCEMIA : REDEFINED

In our third time to dine at G Cafe in G Hotel in our more than two years of being expatriates in Penang, we’re loving the fact that we have experienced the evolution of dessert offerings. Let the photos do the talking. Sweet, sweeter, sweetest!

Who knew my family and I could enjoy an eat-all-you-want Baskin Robbins ice cream? I don’t know about you, but for jologs like me, it’s a big deal already! A BIG PLUS for this buffet actually!
So my sweet tooth became happier again with every scoop of Baskin Robbins included in the buffet spread. I had Mint Chocolate Chip and Vanilla which are two of my favorite flavors, I also had Strawberry Sherbet and Green Tea. I was content with just the scoops sans toppings and syrups. I’m a purist when it comes to ice cream or at least in this occasion.

While Tina was in bliss with her gummies toppings over her Baskin Robbins…

I wish all the sweets in the dessert spread had labels. Because there were none, I relied on my gustatory skills. These bite-sized cakes that tasted peanut butter at its creamiest earned my thumbs up!

Another must-try at G Cafe’s dessert spread is this beautiful pastry. Believe it or not, the filling inside those dark chocolate cream icings is a tiny strawberry –just imagine the tug-o-war of bitter-sweet taste of the dark chocolate against the sour-sweet taste of strawberry. The combination’s brilliant! Then each was sandwiched by a light chocolate meringue. Wonderful! The toothsome flavors and luxurious textures were so amazing! I’ll bring back my family there for these!

How about a munch-all-you-want macarons? Heavenly. Just heavenly.

The birthday boy loves cheesecake…We all do!

Mini Cupcakes, FTW!

I’m now lost for superlatives to describe these…*drooling*

One of Tina’s dessert plates… yes, one of them!

While here’s a shameless display of mine…

After a great and hearty meal, must have coffee.

And before you forget it’s Gabby’s 8th birthday celebration, here’s the documentation of that special moment…

G Cafe at G Hotel became uberly generous again in granting my request to provide a FREE birthday cake with a candle for Gabby to blow. Thank you so much, G Cafe! …And just so you know, Gabby held the bread knife to slice his birthday cake just like a CIRUJANO would do an incision; we didn’t coach him to do so.

The necessary family portrait…

Happy 8th Birthday, son! WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

___________________

*This is NOT a sponsored post for G Cafe at G Hotel, Penang. We wish!

Sep

OUR LEGOLAND MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE 2012

By docgelo 66 Comments

Categories: FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: amusement park, billund band, billund band denmark, blogger with family, coco the magic clown, disneyland in anaheim, doc gelo, docgelo, expat blogger, family, family day out, family fun, food, food blog, food blogger, food in legoland malaysia, foodie, genting highlands, johor bahru, kelly tarlton's antarctic encounter and underwater world, kuala lumpur, legiland denmark, lego, Legoland, Legoland Malaysia, lifestyle blogger, malaysia and singapore, market restaurant legoland malaysia, miniland, miniland in legoland, munchy's captain munch cookies, overseas blogger, philippines in legoland malaysia, the big shop, the big shop legoland malaysia, theme park, things you need to know about legoland malaysia, tickets legoland malaysia, tokyo disneyland, tokyo disneysea, tourism malaysia, tourism singapore, travel blogger, travel tips to legoland malaysia, travel tips to malaysia, traveling, travelling, universal studios in la, universal studios singapore

*This is another Beyond Toxicity’s long and photo-heavy blog post. Tips to visitors and tourists as well as suggestions to Legoland Malaysia’s officials are included in this entry. Enjoy!

Of all the amusement and theme parks I’ve been to, Legoland Malaysia is the most colorful! Nothing compares to its vibrant bricks that directly inspire everyone’s imagination and creativity to build, build and build. I’ve been to some remarkable theme parks around the globe like Sea World in San Diego, Disneyland in Anaheim, Universal Studios in Los Angeles, California, Universal Studios Singapore, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Sea Life Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park in Hong Kong, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World in Auckland, New Zealand, Genting Highlands and Aquaria in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, even our very own Enchanted Kingdom, Manila Ocean Park, Star City and Nayong Pilipino back home, thus, I have grown a personal appreciation and somehow I have defined my own standard. In so many ways, going to these kiddie places has been incredibly memorable when I became a family man and started sharing the wonderful experiences with my wife, Tina and our son, Gabby.

Like most kids, I grew up playing Lego. And now that our son’s into Lego too, experiencing the theme park made entirely of these timeless bricks was beyond fantastic! I remember, Tina and I first saw Legoland Denmark on TV via The Amazing Race. Never did we imagine that we would enjoy the same Legoland here in Malaysia so soon! It was surreal actually!

THE INSIDE STORY

I am grateful to Legoland Malaysia for inviting me twice to their media events that I failed to attend to due to some reasons. If you must know, my name was included in the list of bloggers and media who were exclusively invited to Legoland Malaysia’s Media and Family event last September 1st; that’s 2 weeks before the park opened to the public officially. Then recently, they threw another event last September 14, 2012 and during its opening last September 15, 2012, but I was only able to bring my feet and my family to Nusajaya, Johor Bahru where the very first Legoland in Asia and the 6th in the world is raised, last Sunday, September 16, 2012.

The Public Relations people who invited me on Legoland Malaysia’s behalf were gracious enough to still offer me via email a complimentary pass to the theme park for my personal review and blog feature. We only had to pay for Tina’s admission fee of RM140 (US$ 45+) and Gabby’s was waived because he was so fortunate and clever to spot a promosi on Munchy’s Captain Munch chocolate cookies at a popular grocery in Penang a few weeks back.

DIRECTIONS WHERE TO GO ARE ALWAYS ESSENTIAL

I tried to reserve a Deluxe Room via email recommended by the PR people of Legoland Malaysia however, it was too late because most hotels were full due to the anticipated opening of this theme park. I ended up booking a budget hotel that wasn’t bad at all; I did it few minutes before we left our apartment in Penang to head to Johor Bahru.

From our budget hotel in Johor Bahru, we were brought to Legoland Malaysia by a blue taxi cab that we hired for the day for RM 100 (US$ 32+). Good thing that the local driver’s already familiar with the roads because we noticed flags of Legoland Malaysia were only visible a few kilometers from the park itself. I highly suggest for Legoland Malaysia’s officials to put more directional signs like flags long before the Coastal Highway; better put signages at Larkin and Kota Raya bus stations, Singapore-Malaysia exit and entry points and install brochures with map in hotels because not all drivers, visitors and tourists have GPS. We’re just so fortunate to meet the taxi driver who picked us up from the hotel before 8AM and after 20 minutes or so, my family and I arrived at the ticket counters of Legoland Malaysia. We’re too punctual for the park’s opening at 10AM.

Another thing that could guide patrons of Legoland Malaysia is installation of signages of where to queue to buy and/or collect tickets at the gate. Expectedly, signs should be put at the vast parking lot, drop off points and the main entrance to the park. It’s always comforting to see signages that say, “This way, please!” My family and I were second in line but to our disappointment there was no sign that could have directed us to go to the 2 counters after Counter 14; those were the only 2 ticket counters assigned to issue Day Passes/Tickets as Counter 1 to 14 served only those who availed of Annual Passes. There’s a single flat screen TV monitor that showed what counter to go to but it was only turned on few minutes before 10AM where people were already on the wrong queue. Also, there were no labels of queues, just digital ticket counter numbers.

Toilet signs are in Malay, with no English or Mandarin translations.

Signs, signs and more signages please! We, the guests and visitors of Legoland Malaysia deserve to be informed.

What nearly spoiled my day was when I learned that my complimentary pass wasn’t endorsed properly by the PR people to the ticketing office. I could have easily paid for my admission fee but I was promised via email of a free entrance. There was neither media ID nor media pass/ticket provided. I believe it was a non-communication on the part of the PR and the ticketing office of Legoland Malaysia. Some important things have to be organized here. Nonetheless, I have to admit that a certain Legoland Malaysia staff named Fara was so caring, generous and apologetic enough to attend to my concern and escorted us to the gates of the park sans waiting on queue. THANK YOU!

Soon after we entered the park, we felt we stepped into one of a childhood’s dreams! The moment was euphoric!

GASTRONOMIC TREATS IN LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

I know. One doesn’t go to a theme park to engage in a digestive feast or simply to sample their culinary offerings but then again, no one can deny the fact that enjoyment is incomplete when the stomach is half-content, worse, empty. Fret not for my family and I proved that Legoland Malaysia is more than meets the eye! This newest theme park in Asia can also satisfy the appetite and the usual cravings with the variety of food and beverage choices they have.

Before you further escalate your excitement to know how Legoland Malaysia looks like, allow this blog to be different from the others that already featured Legoland Malaysia. I’m highlighting one of human necessities first prior visual pleasure. After all, this blog is all about giving reverence to my family, FOOD & fun! Behold, a shameless rundown of what filled our tummies the entire Sunday when we were there…

We had brunch at Market Restaurant. The space was noteworthy, just like the wide array of delicious dishes available. Combo meals of a Half Roasted Chicken with either Barbecue or Black Pepper Sauce come with soda and mushroom soup cost around RM 23 (US$ 7.50+). The servings were huge to meet my big appetite, tasteful too!

Tina had that British classic, Fish and Chips…

While Gabby enjoyed the pasta that I topped with parmesan cheese generously and a large cup of Strawberry Smoothies (RM 10 or US$ 3.27). He doesn’t like beef balls that much, so his parents came in to the rescue

There were a lot more choices plus desserts like cakes available in slices too, however we can only consume as much.

The not-so-light-afternoon snacks that we savored for hours inside that thank-goodness-airconditioned-restaurant consisted of Beef Lasagna, cups of Cappuccino, Oreo cupcake that’s to die for! Chocolate cupcake, Apple and Cinnamon pie and Turkey Sandwich in Focaccia bread and Hot Chocolate. Can you guess who-had-what? Anyway, it was all glorious!

We only ate at The Market Restaurant and The Cafe; these are two of Legoland Malaysia’s restaurants inside the park; there are others like Pizza Mania where pizza, pasta, soups and desserts are on the menu and the ones outside the gates like KFC and others. We’re happy to know that Legoland Malaysia offers international cuisine! People who aspire to be global should take note.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION : DEFINITELY A PRIORITY

Apparently, it’s not enough that food looks enticing and tasteful. Legoland Malaysia, like other theme parks around should also maintain hygiene and sanitation particularly in food handling. Flies and other insects should be kept away and controlled at all times. We appreciate that the plates we had in Legoland Malaysia were prepared and served satisfactorily.

SOUVENIRS, SOUVENIRS, SOUVENIRS!!!

After we gained entrance to Legoland Malaysia, Gabby got hold of the map from the gate and we wasted no time; we all trooped to the very first gift shop.

Look what Gabby, Tina and I came up with mix-and-matching Lego parts…

Our very first souvenirs were a Gentleman, an Indian and a Punk! Gabby, Tina and I were delighted!

Legoland Malaysia’s 76 acre-park has 7 themed areas with more than 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions. The 7 themed areas are The Beginning, Lego City, MiniLand, Land of Adventure, Imagination, Lego Kingdom and Lego Technic.

THE BEGINNING

Next stop : another Legoland Malaysia gift shop, The Big Shop that houses the largest selection of LEGO products in Asia!

Did I tell you already how Gabby’s so into Lego Ninjago? He watches the animated series and gradually collects Lego Ninjago items.

Obviously, the boy had his time inside The Big Shop…

Whenever we travel, we usually buy fridge magnets but most of them come in sets of RM 54+ in Legoland Malaysia; we didn’t see anything sold per piece so we settled for second best handy and more affordable souvenir, keychains! They’re sold at RM19+ a piece. Here are some of the cutest and irresistible choices…

There were stuff toys too..

and those fridge magnets…

As we are both fans of the movie series, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tina bought one of these Jack Sparrow key chains…

While I failed to resist something that will remind me of Harry Potter series and perhaps would keep me sane on a daily basis, Rubeus Hagrid keychain, FTW!

There goes our very own happy little shopper!

LET’S EXPLORE LEGOLAND MALAYSIA NOW!

But wait, the sun was so unforgiving! Johor Bahru has the greatest blessing of sunshiny weather making a day in Legoland Malaysia impossible to endure without SPF lotion and sun protectors. Believe me, they’re so necessary! We came in ready with cotton long sleeved shirts, sunnies and fedora hats; better if you have umbrellas but best if Legoland Malaysia could provide more shades for their visitors. Because the heat of the sun was almost unbearable, we wished for Legoland to be an indoor park but of course it’s pointless and futile. What is more practical is to suggest to its management to build more brick-inspired shades and improve more their airconditioning units! They could plant more tall trees too! Because it was really, really hot, we had to go inside the restaurants and some airconditioned attractions in between the stroll around the park. And like most popular kiddie theme parks, Tina and I hope for Legoland Malaysia to provide FREE potable and filtered drinking water fountains that would keep people from being dehydrated. More rubbish bins and toilets too, we wish. Boleh?

We went inside an open-air-theater and watched a comedy skit that left lessons to the young and old audience about awareness of common dangerous materials found in the house. I just didn’t get it why it had to start with graceful acrobatic act; to perk up the audience, perhaps?

LEGO CITY

Finally, we explored this park. Of course, there’s Lego creation everywhere!

I think it’s only in Legoland that minors are allowed to drive! Cool!!!

There was literrally color coding! Red, Yellow, Blue! Take your pick. See how the little boys loved it!

Shark!

We continued to walk and reached the Land of Adventure… Amazing Lego Egyptian structures!

Moving on, more colorful and fantastic brick-structures ahead!!!

IMAGINATION

Most of the rides in Legoland Malaysia are for children whose ages range from 1-12. This Duplo PlayTown is very apt and safe for kids less 5. It’s so picturesque too!

Another interactive part of Legoland Malaysia is the Build and Test Center. The entire family can make vehicles, houses and buildings out of their imagination and Lego bricks and test them in the earthquake table and slopes.

One of the attractions of Legoland Malaysia that we all loved was the 4D studio (not in photos). I highly recommend it for all ages; surely, all members of the family can enjoy! Watching Lego characters in 4D movie with various effects was so cool! -There’s air/smoke, sprinkle of water and blowing of air to the audience; the theater’s nice too, spacious with comfortable seats. And again, the airconditioning was refreshing amidst the challenge of the sunny weather!

Gabby and I also had ultimate fun on this ride that to me, exemplifies teamwork. It’s a pull-me-up-pull-me-down kiddie ride and we loved our moments there to bits!

Despite the heat, the colors of Lego stuctures really made us smile ear-to-ear…

LEGO KINGDOM

This area of Legoland Malaysia provides an atmosphere of the Medieval years. Children can enjoy the Royal Joust ride where they assume the role of a Knight while riding a Lego-lized horse. Older park visitors can ride the Dragon, a rollercoaster ride that takes its spin with excitingly looking twists and turns while kids can opt to queue and try its children’s version, the Dragon’s Apprentice.

We didn’t dare ride the Dragon hahaha! Tina has vertigo and Gabby’s not ready yet for such thrill-of-a-life-kind-of-ride even its junior or kiddie version, The Dragon’s Apprentice located almost right across, while I have an episodic phobia of heights. Oops!

While we’re there, we can’t stop loving all the little details made of Lego bricks; the entire park is uniquely beautiful because of them! No corner was left unnoticed!

LEGO TECHNIC

Mindstorm and Lego Academy’s airconditioning kept us cool against the hot weather in Legoland Malaysia. Gabby was interested to learn how to build and program Lego robots inside however, Tina found out that we should have registered early upon entry; Mindstorm was already fully booked in the afternoon. So there goes another tip -if you want your kids to enjoy this intellectural feature of Legoland Malaysia, head straight to Mindstorm located in Lego Technic area and reserved them a slot within the day.

A splash of water from those fountain was refreshing and fun indeed!

If a little splash from the fountain isn’t enough to cool you down, try riding Aquazone Wave Racers! Surely, you won’t finish the ride without getting soaked! Tee hee!

If you don’t want to try these rides, always keep a bottle of water ready at hand or buy a chilled soda to hydrate you while inside the park. You definitely need to drink more than a liter of water during a day out in Legoland Malaysia. It’s a must!

Also in Lego Technic area of Legoland, another rollercoaster ride awaits the daredevils and thrill seekers. There’s this Project X ride that spells happiness with its sharp twists and turns.

Luckily, we paid Legoland Malaysia a visit on its second day from opening because we chanced upon The Billund Band from Denmark playing beautiful music around the park and on stage at Lego Technic. They sang and played one of the most beautiful versions of Aint No Mountain High Enough! I wished the crowd was more responsive to dance but I guess they’re happy to just clap and stomp their feet like what I did.

At almost 3PM, we felt the need to eat again at the same time, enjoy the airconditioning inside the restaurant called, The Cafe. We had some snacks and the highlight of our stay inside was our meeting with the Magic-Clown, Coco! Look how Coco entertained the kids inside The Cafe, and to our surprise, he really pleased Gabby and made him flash his widest smile!

Coco The Magic Clown made several balloon creations for the kids inside The Cafe but we really appreciate that he made his biggest balloon creation for Gabby! He made our Legoland Malaysia day truly memorable!

MINILAND

In my humble opinion, the most impressive and stunningly gorgeous attraction of Legoland Malaysia is the Miniland! I was left in awe and Tina and Gabby were overjoyed even with the tiniest detail of those famous Asian landmarks. It made us feel we toured around Asia for few hours with small steps, less the hassles of traveling! I am lost for superlatives to describe Miniland in Legoland Malaysia. Hats off to those who poured sweat to build these amazing Lego brick structures!

MALAYSIA in MINILAND

I have been to PUTRAJA in Kuala Lumpur twice, I think and the Putraja pink mosque never fails to impress me, more so when I so its version built in Lego bricks! Kuala Lumpur was Lego-lized! Beautiful!!!

“The SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING is one of the oldest buildings in Kuala Lumpur and probably the most photographed. The Lego version is 7 meter long built in scale of 1 :20.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

They even recreated Kuala Lumpur Internationa Airport (KLIA) in Lego bricks complete with battery operated mobile vehicles and stationary aircrafts! Amazing!

This port must be somewhere in Malaysia, however it’s either I forgot to read its label or it was not tagged yet by Legoland. Nontheless another conversational piece!

MYANMAR in MINILAND

When I was at work, I showed one of these photos I took in Miniland depicting one of the famous spots in Myanmar, to one of my colleagues who hails from that country. She instantly smiled and uttered, “Yes! yes! yes! It’s in Myanmar!”. This is the Lego-lized KARAWEIK HALL in Myanmar.

“Karaweik Hall is a gigantic barge on the shore of Yangon, Myanmar. It was inspired by ancient royal barges. The word, “Karaweik” comes from the name of a mythical bird. Inside is a large restaurant where guests can see traditional crafts and dances.” – Miniland, Legoland Malaysia

INDIA in MINILAND

One of the travel destination dreams is TAJ MAHAL in India. I was silently jumping for joy like a kid when I saw its Lego version. The immaculate structure built because of love was immortalized and recreated in Legoland Malaysia.

CHINA in MINILAND

Stretching a length of 8,852 kilometers, the structure that can be seen from the moon, THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA majestically stands and lures the traveler in me. Who would not want to experience setting foot and touching those walls, brick by brick? Well, at least there’s a mini version made in Lego bricks in Legoland!

“THE FORBIDDEN CITY was the emperor’s palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties -that’s more than 500 years! The entire palace has more than 980 buildings and covers 720,000 square meters.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia

Legoland Malaysia isn’t only amusing, entertaining but educational too!

BRUNEI in MINILAND

Tina, Gabby and I toured Brunei for half a day while on a layover en route to Auckland, New Zealand back in 2005. We’re amazed with most of the mosques, hotel, and museums we visited during our mandatory overnight stay there. One of those remarkable mosques we’ve seen upclose is Lego-lized in Miniland…

“The beautiful royal SULTAN OMAR ALI SAIFUDDIN MOSQUE in BRUNEI is located in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Its named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei. Its largest dome is covered in PURE GOLD!” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

VIETNAM in MINILAND

“HOI AN is a city in VIETNAM on the coast of the South China Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it’s a major trading town for Chinese, Japaenese, Dutch and Indian merchants. In modern times, tourists come to see the historic buildings, and visit the shops and restaurants along the water.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

LAOS in MINILAND

“PATUXAI is a monument of victory in the center of Vientiane, LAOS. It was built between 1957 and 1968. It’s made of cement that was originally meant for building an airport.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia

SINGAPORE in MINLAND

The pretty and charmingly expensive city of Singapore is Lego-lized represented by THE SINGAPORE FLYER, BOAT QUAY and of course, the iconic, MERLION.

INDONESIA in MINILAND

“PURA TANAH LOT is a beautiful temple built on a rock formation on the coast of BALI, INDONESIA. It can only be reached at low tide. At high tide, it’s an island! A special festival is held at the temple every 210 days.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

CAMBODIA in MINILAND

“ANGKOR WAT is a temple complex in ANGKOR, CAMBODIA. It was built by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. By area, it is the largest religious building in the world!” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

THAILAND in MINILAND

We failed to visit WAT ARUN last month when we went to Bangkok, nevertheless, we’re happy to see its Lego-lized version!

THE PHILIPPINES in MINILAND

Of course, we’re proud to see something that represents our beloved country in Legoland Malaysia! Out of our 7,107 islands back home, they chose BOLINAO, PANGASINAN to be Lego-lized Philippines!

“BOLINAO is a thriving fishing town on the coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines. In the town center is the Church of St. James the Great, built in 1609. Visitors come to Bolinao to see the colorful fishing boats and visit the beautiful beaches nearby.” -Miniland, Legoland Malaysia.

Within the vicinity of Miniland that Sunday afternoon, a simple yet lively parade entertained us! After watching the parade, we met again Coco the Magic Clown and one of the cast members of the show that morning, Mo, then we went to queue and hopped on the Legoland Express train!

What perfectly ended our day at Legoland Malaysia was the sight of Miniland at dusk. We intentionally waited for the sun to set at 7:30PM and maximized enjoyment until the park closed at 8PM. While Tina and Gabby were enjoying, capturing everything on video via her ipod, I had my time on my cam.

It was a fun filled, uniquely informative and entertaining day out in Legoland Malaysia! We were delighted with what we saw and experienced but it’ll be more exciting to see improvements on the park and its services as we revisit it in the near future. We absolutely like to experience the Legoland Malaysia Resort to be delivered on 2013 and the Legoland Malaysia Hotel that’s scheduled to be operational by 2014.

Legoland Malaysia

puts Johor Bahru and Malaysia itself a niche higher in the tourism industry scale

within Asia and the rest of the world!

_______________

Have you visited Legoland Malaysia or the other Legoland theme parks around? How’s your experience?

To those visiting Legoland Malaysia who are not from Singapore, it’s nice to head to Lion City before or after going to Legoland as it’s only an hour away (including Immigration proceedings in Malaysia-Singapore borders). You’ll appreciate crossing borders of two Southeast Asian countries on foot!

Legoland Malaysia is located in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Visit their website via www.legoland.com.my

Aug

BANGKOK 2012 SERIES : PENANG-BANGKOK-PENANG VIA BUS

By docgelo 34 Comments

Tina and I chose to be practical and frugal on our recent trip to Bangkok to celebrate our 10-day-paid-working-holiday within 4D3N vacation in Thailand’s capital city. We didn’t have too much cash to spend to begin with, so instead of shelling out 2,000 Malaysian Ringgit or equivalent to almost twenty-eight thousand Ph Pesos or 643 USD for the 3 of us (Tina, Gabby and me) for just ONE WAY airfare tickets from PEN-BKK , we initially wanted to take the train from Butterworth to Bangkok but tickets were already sold out 3 weeks before the Hari Raya holiday (FYI, that sleeper train travels from Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-Butterworth-Hat Yai-Bangkok) We went for the second best thing; we decided to take the van-bus-bus-van route, crossed the Malaysian and Thailand borders and enjoyed our days the way we know how.

We left Butterworth, Penang via bus from our apartment and took the usual-12-minute ferry ride from Penang Sentral Bus Station to GeorgeTown in Pulau Pinang.

Junk foods are necessary for us when we travel. Unhealthy, I know but it’s like reminiscing those good ol’ days of educational field trips in school (lame excuse!). Gabby and I loved what Tina prepared and what we selected from the grocery shelves together. So these were our baon we munched en route to Bangkok.

Can you spot my family on this photo taken inside this ferry?

Komtar building. The tallest structure in this UNESCO Heritage Site. We arrived in GeorgeTown a few miuntes past 7AM, August 17, 2012, Friday (We’re on official work leave, ya know! Holiday at work stretched from August 18th to 26th, 2012; we filed a leave and went a day in advance!).

We pre-purchased one-way tickets from Penang-Hat Yai-Bangkok from one of the travel agencies in Prangin Mall, near Ko

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