Posts Tagged ‘pulau pinang

16
Feb
13

MY MINI GUIDE TO GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

By docgelo 23 Comments
Categories: MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

docgelo hard rock hotel penang

WHY GO?

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

street art in george town penang
*Street Art in Armenian Street, George Town Penang

WHEN TO GO

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

HOW TO GO

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

ferry in penang
*Ferry in George Town, Penang Jetty

SEE

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

rose taken from penang hill
*Taken from Penang Hill

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

khoo kongsi, george town, penang
*Khoo Kongsi

pinang peranakan mansion
*Pinang Peranakan Mansion

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

butterflies at butterfly farm penang
*Penang Butterfly Farm

little india penang
*Little India at the heart of George Town

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

EAT & DRINK

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

Char Koay Teow, Penang
*Char Koay Teow : A personal favorite!

dim sums at de dai tong, george town penang
*Dim Sums from De Tai Tong

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

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

mango lassi
*Mango Lassi from Restoran Kapitan

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

chinahouse, penang
*Chinahouse : Their Tiramisu is a must-try!!!

edelweiss cafe, george town, penang
*Edelweiss Cafe

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

SLEEP

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

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

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

hardrock hotel penang
*HardRock Hotel Penang in Batu Ferringhi

ESSENTIALS

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

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

TYPICAL COST :

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

MORE RECOMMEDATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hungry for more information about George Town, Penang?

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

our second home. :)

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

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

>><<

24
Jun
12

HOW I INTRODUCED GEORGE TOWN, PENANG

By docgelo 26 Comments
Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD!, ILOVEPHOTOS, MALAYSIA and TRAVEL
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

23 June 2012, Saturday.  How do you introduce a place that needs no elaborate introduction? As one of the Filipino expatriates in Penang, Malaysia for almost two years now, I oftenly state that I still consider myself a traveler and a tourist despite I frequent George Town almost every weekend for the reason that this island has so much to offer. Every visit to this cultural melting pot in Southeast Asia is such a SENSORY FEAST!

I had a first-time opportunity to casually showcase George Town, Penang to two fellow Filipino bloggers when I accompanied them in touring a few must-visit-sites in Pulau Pinang as they arrived from Kuala Lumpur via bus. The challenge : They’ll only spend several hours in Penang and head back to Malaysia’s capital city after.

Without any hardcore plans in mind, I brought 2 of the Philippines’ youngest bloggers, Lloyd (of his travel blog, The Lost Boy) and Dan (of his travel blog,The Wandering Wonder ) in tow to Penang Island after meeting them in Penang Sentral bus station in Butterworth and together we explored George Town via ferry, Rapid Penang buses, taxi cabs and of course by foot. I personally define this utterly quaint island in three words : DIVERSITIES, HERITAGE and FOOD, hence my few-hour-introductory-tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage Site to my Filipino blog buddies simply revolved on those.

*All photos on this blog entry are captured on June 23, 2012 therefore I have not published them yet prior to this posting. However, some subjects were already featured on this site thus, I intently inserted URLs of my previous blog posts for your reference. ENJOY! :)

D  I  V  E  R  S  I  T  I  E  S

Lorong Burma or Burma Lane, accessible via Rapid Penang Buses # 101 or 103 from Pengkalan Weld (or Weld Quay/Jetty in George Town) or by cars and taxi cabs, features two Buddhist temples. Firstly, the Thai Buddhist Temple or Wat Chaiyamangalaram; the shrine of the Reclining Buddha (also known as Sleeping Buddha). This shrine to me, provides a feel of somehow being in Thailand and Malaysia at the same time.

And just across the street is the equally stunning, Burmese Buddhist Temple, the Sasana Vamsa Shima Shrine Hall & International Standing Buddhas. Burma and Malaysia conquered by few steps! How’s that? :D

I never feel tired of going back to these temples, not only because they’re picturesque but the atmosphere’s always serene and tranquil. Every visit calms and recharges my mind.

Due to limited time of my guests, I opted to highlight only two Buddhist Temples that are located across each other. As I wanted to maximize the ticking of the clock, I suggested for us to take a taxi cab instead of riding the bus in going back to the laterals of Lebuh Chulia. In that busy Chulia street where foreign backpackers spring everyday like mushrooms, tangible proofs of religious diversities in this Northwestern Malaysian state can be found. Harmony among religions reign supreme in different places of worships that are only a stone’s throw away from each other. Conflicts don’t exist or if there are, at least discreetly. Few steps from Goddess of Mercy Temple are the mostly flocked by tourists, Kapitan Keling Mosque for Muslims and a Hindu temple of the Indian-Malaysian community (View previous blog HERE).

H  E  R I  T  A  G  E

Besides Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion also known as the Blue Mansion (View previous blog post HERE), another personal favorite heritage site is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (View previous blog post HERE). Because of the unique charm of this magnificent mansion-turned-museum, it’s one of the most preferred venues for prenuptial photoshoots. We chanced upon one and I captured the next photo on a whim ala-paparazzo. Lovely, is it not?

I like Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and truly enjoyed my tour there with my family before but its restriction on taking photos inside its beautifully restored heritage house makes it second best in my humble opinion to  Pinang Peranakan Mansion  where unlimited photo-opportunity awaits.

We strolled our way from the site of Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Lebuh Gereja or Church Street to Kapitan Keling Street and headed straight to Armenian and Cannon Streets.

The majestic Khoo Kongsi should never be missed when visiting George Town, Penang (Visit my previous blog post HERE). I have toured this gorgeous clan house with temple, stage for Chinese opera and other performances and its very own museum a few times too including during  the 2012 Chinese New Year celebration (View previous blog post HERE). Every visit is an unforgettable experience!

One need not google Wikipedia for George Town heritage and history anymore for it is gloriously illustrated in its streets and alleys. I so appreciate how creatively executed the bits and pieces of this place’s character and colorful past with art installations that are difficult to ignore. Case in point are the many murals and wrought-iron caricatures plastered on walls of shophouses scattered in various streets of George Town. They’re absolutely informative and fantastic! Where else can you find heritage data that are never boring and so creatively done that could enticed ages across the life span? I wish this could also be possible in the streets of Manila or some provinces in the Philippines.

As we reached Armenian Street by foot, we spent few minutes inside a souvenir shop called, 14 Living Story (View previous blog post HERE). It’s located immediatley beside Cheah Kongsi and a hole-in-the-wall-favorite-restaurant by tourists, Amelie Cafe (View previous blog post HERE). Inside 14 Living Story, was a Chinese-Malaysian man who played an interestingly uncommon musical instrument.

We then trooped to the tail end of Armenian Street that’s Pengakalan Weld and headed directly to another must-visit-UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in this part of Malaysia. I brought my-2-first-time-Penang-visitors to one of the waterfront settlements of Chinese clans,  The Chew Jetty  (View previous post HERE).

The sights in Chew Jetty when I visited it for the second time made me miss my family instantly (who chose to stay in our Butterworth appartment). How I wish I could bring Gabby and Tina here one day and spend a lazy afternoon like what the families in photos did.

Durian, anyone?

Confession : Tina and I have not yet tasted durian in our almost 36 years of existence. It’s something we should do soon before durian season in Penang ends.

Still at Chew Jetty, I was silently jumping for joy like a kid when I saw another Ernest Zacharevic‘s mural masterpiece…

Must have detail shot…

Ernest Zacharevic is a Lithuanian artist commissioned to do these murals on the streets of George Town just in time for 2012 festival. His works depict the seemingly ordinary but joyous lifestyle of children living in Penang. Most people describe his paintings realistic but larger than life.  I myself got hooked to follow his masterpieces one after the other after I saw his very first in Armenian Street (View previous blog HERE).

Like many people who stop by for a photo-op with Ernest’s murals, Filipino travel bloggers, Lloyd and Dan also tried capturing these street art pieces on photos. You can’t blame them; the paintings are really awesome!

Another Ernest Zacharevic mural is installed in Ah Quee Street. How do you like this?

Rugged, rustic and restless…

Despite I got hold of Armenian Project schedule for that day as part of GTF2012 celebration, I didn’t expect to catch the main man behind these wonderful murals in action working on his current art work a few steps from the gates of Khoo Kongsi in Cannon Street. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ernest Zacharevic…

Everything’s a part of George Town Festival  2012 that runs June 15 – July 15, 2012. The main holiday and celebration of entire Penang for the anniversary of the inscription of George Town as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites is on July 7, 2012. Now, that’s a reason to pack your bags and visit Pulau Pinang! ;)

And because of Armenian Project that day, a lot of enticing programs were there to stimulate the interest of everyone. I randomly met, Joe Sidek, one of the men behind these festivities; however my one-shot-photo with him was too blurred hence I chose not to post here. I introduced myself and then he asked me why I know his name and he smiled when I told him, “Of course, Sir, who doesn’t know you? You’re famous for this GTF!” 

A little while later, I met Pavaani Thannimalai, the Indian solo-dancer of the night. She graciously agreed to be photographed just before she strut her stint so passionately right in front of the Yap Kongsi…

After that exotic and dramatic performance that was well received by everyone, we entered the Handmade Bazaar held inside Yap Konsgi. Everything being sold was handicrafted of course, so prices were expectedly a bit steep. Nevertheless, these are the few things that caught my eyes…

I could have bought Tina and my mom a bouquet of lemon grass for 2 ringgit each but thought I’ll just bring them to this street on the 7th of July for the GTF2012 grand celebration.

I smiled  when I saw thsese baby girls’ shoes and suddenly hoped that Tina and I could give Gabby a baby sister whenever God allows.

The mood in the streets and inside the bazaar was festive and happy; the crowd was well controlled definitely.

F  O  O  D

A trip to Penang is never complete without sampling the local dishes that this Malaysian gastronomic paradise is known for. Here’s a run down of what we savored…

Lunch was at Old Town, First Avenue Mall. Barbecue Chicken Rice, Crusty Fried Chicken, Nasi Lemak (the Malaysian staple food served with sotong or squid and not with the usual chicken), and Penang Assam Laksa, 2012 CNN Go’s Top 7 Most Delicious Food in the World (Visit previous blog post HERE).

For dinner, I suggested to Lloyd and Dan early on that I would bring them to one of the most frequented Penang hawkers; the hawkers in Gurney Drive and I’m glad they liked it. We feasted on Chicken Rice, Oyster Omelette, Claypot Chicken Rice, Char Koay Teow and Cendol and Ais Kacang for desserts.

I had to profess my LOVE for Char Koay Teow and needed to infect my blogger-friends. Here’s my plate of Nirvana! :)

Before that CKT reached our table, I had to wait on a long queue while Lloyd and Dan scouted for other foods that satisfied our cravings. It was no hassle for me to fall in line for this heavenly noodle dish; long queue certainly affirmed that this CKT is perhaps, the best in this side of Penang. Here’s the process how my favorite Char Koay Teow was prepared. Sublime digestive goodness for only 5 ringgit (USD 1.56).

Et voila! Here’s a memento of that evening feast of 3 Filipino bloggers in Penang…  Tadaaaaaaaaa :P Delicious! Sarap! Sedap! ;)

And to perfectly cap that Penangite dinner, we enjoyed Malaysian desserts, Cendol and Ais Kacang at 2.50 ringgit each.

From lunch time to half hour past 8 in the evening, I tried my best to feature the places where I mostly spend my weekends after a tiring and productive week at work. I know my efforts were not enough as I did not keep a plan in mind on where to bring my guests; nonetheless luck was on my side because we witnessed some parts of the celebration of the 2012 George Town Festival. I believe it’s already an amazing treat for all of us!

 And at the end of a tiring but FUN-filled day, GRATITUDE remains PRICELESS.

This blog is the recipient of 2012 BEST EXPAT BLOG AWARD by MINISTRY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA  :)

PS : Maraming salamat, Lloyd and Dan sa pasalubong niyo na anim na lata ng Purefoods Corned Beef na pinakapaborito kong carne norte sa balat ng lupa! Naway naging masaya ang inyong pagbisita dito sa Pulau Pinang! :D

24
Oct
11

FOR THE LOVE OF COFFEE & SNOOPY

By docgelo 27 Comments
Categories: FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As cute and lovely as it gets…

Tina must have been so excited and overwhelmed with all these photos that she borrowed my SD card, copied and  edited them on her laptop, and posted an album on her fb account tagging me and Gabby long before I put watermarks on them and come up with this blog post.  It doesn’t happen usually. And I love her more for doing so, because it affirmed that she appreciates even the little efforts that I do for us to enjoy our days here in Penang. :)

Gabby's hot chocolate from Charlie Brown Cafe

Apparently it’s not only Tina who became happier when I brought them to Charlie Brown Cafe at Straits Quay but more so, Gabby!

It's the first in Malaysia that opened last April 2011. The second branch will follow soon in Kuala Lumpur as told by one of the staff.

Saturday, 22 October 2011.  We hopped on Rapid Penang Bus 101 from Jetty in George Town and got off at the newly opened Tesco in Tanjung Pinang (a enormous supermarket that opened another branch in the island months ago).  We took a 5-minute walk from the bus stop and easily found Straits Quay.

We’re glad that we didn’t get lost looking for it but we all got a bit homesicked. Straits Quay, tagged as “Penang’s First Seafront Retail Marina” reminded us of a lot of places in Pinas. First thing Gabby uttered was, “Mukhang Eastwood!” (“Looks like Eastwood!”).  Tina thought so too. With its facade and its entire structure, it really looks like those upscale condo units in Eastwood City in Quezon City. I had Serendra, Alabang Town Center and Mall of Asia fused in my memory when I first saw Straits Quay. But its lobby and everything behind it told us otherwise…

I don’t know much but every amazing geometric structures incorporated in the interiors will confirm its uniquely Malaysia… Beautiful, is it not?

It aint a quay without these…

and a magnificent looking lighthouse…

I digress. The reason why we paid Straits Quay a visit over those few malls in Penang that became a part of our weekends was to experienced a cartoon-themed coffee shop called Charlie Brown Cafe…

This dining place is more than a coffee shop not only because it serves entrees and desserts too but it’s so picturesque and an eye-candy particularly to kids like Gabby and kid at hearts like Tina and me!

As Tina was more excited than Gabby and me, I gave her the freedom to decide where to sit. And I bet it wasn’t easy choosing a spot because every corner of this cafe is fascinating if you’re a Snoopy fan! Obviously, we all are!

The three of us were all under these gorgeous lights that made us wish we have them too at home. Imagine looking at those colorful Peanut characters before and after you retire to bed. Fantastic!

I knew Tina was really having blissful moments being inside this cafe for the first time because she even got the camera to shoot several photos of the place herself.  Without spoiling her excitement, I got the menu and asked what they want to try.

Spontaneity, I liked it! Even the menu is animated! ...If only we can try everything at the same time, hahaha!

Are you a Peanut-character fan yourself? Did you also grow up browsing anything with Charlie Brown and Snoopy comic strips?
Are you also fascinated with that beagle named Snoopy who sleeps on top of his doghouse instead inside it? hahaha! :P

Snoopy loving Woodstock

Follow those dog paw prints to order! :D
And so Tina had Charlie Brown on her Cappuccino, I had Lucy Van Pelt on my Caffe Latte…

It took us a while before we got our spoons and stir those caffeinated mugs; so wonderfully done you just want to stare at them!

From these chilled display….

yum!

We tried these…

It's so good, i forgot what it's called, hehe!

Gabby wanted a chocolate cupcake with Charlie Brown on top while he enjoyed his mug of hot chocolate drink with Snoopy design.
 Not sure if he’ll able to finish it, Tina requested the wait staff to put it on takeaway cup…
There are a lot of interesting stuffs near the cashier at the counter that will surely catch your eyes and attention and could enticed you more to order, haha!
Everything we tried tasted great! Prices a lot cheaper than other coffee shops. Service was quick, staffs were pleasantly attentive. But to us, the selling point of this cafe over all others around is its entire theme…
Do you play chess? I don’t but I would not mind learning the game with these too-cute-for-words King, Queen, Bishop and Pawns..
This was how Gabby manifested his happiness…
 
We liked the place, we’re glad that we spent our weekend there!
Before leaving Charlie Brown Cafe, we checked out its souvenir shop and got affordable takeaway…

Gabby chose these Snoopy collectibles. Tina and I wanted other versions in various national costumes but just like the chess set, they're not for sale.

Proof that we like Snoopy was this plate that we’re using in our home in Penang; I got a half dozen of this in different theme-countries (Africa, England, Malaysia etc) for FREE from Jusco Supermarket at Queensbay Mall last year.

Even Snoopy barks, "Malaysia, Truly Asia!" hehehe!

It’s definitely not the last time that we’ll be in CBC at Straits Quay! All for the love of coffee and Snoopy, haha! :D

22
Mar
11

THEIR FIRST FEW DAYS IN PENANG

By docgelo 22 Comments
Categories: Attitude, FAMILY : LOVE KO 'TO, FOOD & MORE FOOD! and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Je suis tellement heureuse pour vous. Dis bonjour à Ma’am Santos :)

Que Dieu vous bénisse toujours :)

(I’m so happy for you. Say hello to Ma’am Santos :) May God bless you always) -This was one of the several comments I’ve received on facebook after I’ve posted a photo of my son and wife’s arrival in Penang International Airport last Saturday. Those words came from my wife’s student, Myeen, who’s born in Belgium and raised in France.  Pinas but spent her 10 years in Belgium and had traveled France and some countries in Europe. I always have my widest smile every time she posts comments on French; such a beautiful language I wish I could learn. Won’t you be happy if others are happy for you and your family as well?

20 March 2011, Sunday : On board the ferry that takes us to and from Butterworth to Penang Island; ferry takes approx 12 minute ride; kinda relaxing for me unless there's inevitable little isolated hassles. (tingnan nyo si ate, nakatingin sa mag-ina ko, hehe!)

And so I became the happiest man alive on the day I finally brought my family to Penang. They’ll be staying here with me until God knows when.They arrived safely from Manila to Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific (4-hour-flight) then had another flight from KL to Penang via Air Asia (about an hour-flight). I saw them coming out of Penang Airport at around 6:10PM last Saturday. That moment was surreal!

We’re all thankful to the Lord for despite the vertigo episodes that Tina was having during their entire flight until they reached Penang (imagine, she fainted down to her knees in front of the immigration officer at Kuala Lumpur-LCCT airport) plus the fact that she was only one to carry all the 37 kg of check-in luggages and 13 kg of handful of cabin-bags, not to forget that the rains (only) poured from heavens when we’re already in the cab enroute to our condo, they arrived safe and sound. God was indeed good all the time!

Tina wanted to hear mass the next day but I knew there’s no scheduled English mass last Sunday at the parish where I frequent so we postponed it the following weekend.

We hopped onto Rapid Penang bus, hit the roads to the jetty, transferred to the ferry then took bus again to the Island. (Cest la vie for we’re still living in Penang mainland, but before August hopefully, we get to transfer to a new place in the Island itself).

I took them to Queensbay Mall, one of my favorite malls in Penang Island where I usually spend my days off inside its coffee shops and cinemas. Tina and Gabby only had one chance to go to Queensbay during their 2-week-break here last December.

At the Queens food court, we feasted on Beef Fried Rice, Yee Mee noodle dish, peanut and lotus balls (aka buchi) and Too Foo Far in brown sugar, of in Pinas we call it, taho less tapioca or sago. Sarap kumain pagkasalo pamilya!

Then we watched the movie that had Johnny Depp’s voice, Rango…

Rango : "No man can walk out on his own story."

It wasn’t difficult to like Rango for the three of us are all followers of most Johnny Depp’s kiddie-movies. The fantastic visuals and spectacular scenes plus the splendid voices rendered to the animated cast made the movie truly entertaining. Rango, like most contemporary cartoons is filled with matured themes and quotes that kids might find to early to absorb. Like how many kids can easily grasp the importance of a hero finding his true self? Nonetheless, I saw Gabby smiled and laughed at few chase scenes and that was enough for me as I start to fill in those days that we’re away from each other.

The following day after my work hours, we visited few of our colleague-friends’ home-away-from-home.

Gabby, striking his seriously wacky pose at the hallway of the condo we visited.

It’s so comforting that my fellow MD lecturers welcomed my family to their living rooms (actually, i personally requested if we can peek in at their condos for Tina to have an idea of how Pulau Pinang urban living looks like). You don’t have idea how hard it is to live as an expat with barely friends and relatives you have lived with since you existed until you become one.

Chance led me to discover the song that’s so apt for our present family status.

I honestly don’t know who Bruno Mars is and am completely clueless with his music until I stumbled upon this wonderful song that speaks my thoughts exactly. Please do yourself a favor, click the video and sing to your heart’s delight! Let me know of what you think.

Tina and I are aware that we took the big leap as we begin to live and thrive here in Penang that’s absolutely far from our own comfort zones. We’re taking one day at a time; hopefully in God’s will, we may be able to become happier, healthier as we begin our new life here.

What’s most important now is we’re one family again.

God bless all our loved ones!

———————o

20
Feb
11

BMW = BE MY WIFE!

By docgelo 14 Comments
Categories: EVENTS, ILOVEPHOTOS and MALAYSIA
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

My 2 fellows at work and now, mentor & batchmate in this wonderful hobby called photography, had absolutely no idea that while we’re shooting these 2 BMW cars we found, parked opposite the facade of Plaza Gurney yesterday afternoon; I became a little nostalgic of  what my wife and I experienced 7 years ago.

I recalled neither Tina nor I had a chance to choose our wedding car since everything we availed was part of the hotel package. 

No regrets because Lady Luck was on our side during that ”big day.” 

We were told then by the banquet manager that our supposed “bridal car” broke down and was, at the last minute, replaced by the Dusit Hotel Nikko with a Lincoln stretch limousine at no extra cost!

*all photos of our wedding were taken by Ariel Javelosa (click here  to view our album).

                 

Tina asked our costurera to do a custom-made bride-and-groom gears for the 2 teddy bears we bought in the mall; the same piece of cloth from her gown was used. So the bumper of the limo did not have flowers only but those cute little ones which were also brought to the table of the cake for display.

So long for wedding stories.

What matters most is what happens after the wedding…

I’m talking about MARRIAGE.  What were you thinking? :P  

toinks!

PS : How did you find my trying-hard-captures? Nonetheless, Alfonso (my toy D7000) and I had fun clicking those shots yesterday.

27
Nov
10

VIEW FROM THE TOP

By docgelo 5 Comments
Categories: TRAVEL
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Dear Gabby,

Yesterday after work, 2 of my housemates-colleagues and I went to the Island with no plans in mind but to de-stress. We ate dinner at one of our default fast foods here, what else but KFC (wala kasing Jollibee e!) then after I dunked my fork and knife at those chunky crispy Original-recipe chix, we roamed around the newly opened (the launch was like 2 days ago) 1st Avenue Mall in Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.

It reminded me of Gateway and Glorietta where we used to stroll like mall-rats before I went here.  The smell of newly painted interiors wafted as we enter 1st Avenue; its strong air conditioning was such a welcoming stimulus amidst the Pinas-like humidity of Penang.

A lot of stores and shops are still yet to open. Nonetheless, the Parkson Department Store, similar to Rustan’s back home has an on-going sale that will end tomorrow, Sunday but will have another Mega Sale on December according to the sale staff.

I bought an extra pillow (my 6th actually)  for you to use here as you and your mom arrive at exactly 13 days from now (countdown never stops!)

I promise, I’ll take you there at 1st Avenue on your first Monday here. *naka-ready na ang itineraries, anak!*

I want you and your mom to view a piece of Pulau Pinang at dusk from the 1st Avenue Mall’s Level 8 viewing deck called Cloud 8…

Anyone will have a different impression of Penang when viewed from the top…

I did not take pictures inside the mall as there’s nothing new to me.

I have to admit that malls in Pinas are so much better and bigger (Miss ko na din Greenbelt, Trinoma and Bonifacio High Street-Serendra) than what we have here in this part of Malaysia nevertheless, their edge over the rest of the malls there are the massive “buy-me-take-me-home” discounts ranging from 50 to as huge as 70 –80% off! Saya dito, Anak kung may extra budget nga lang sana lagi, hehehe..

So, it’s a date at 1st Avenue on December 13.  See you & your mom here on December 11th.

I love you, Gabby!

-Tatay-doc. :D

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