Tuesday, September 25, 2012

TonLe Sap River Tour: Stilted Village in Siem Reap Cambodia


TonLe Sap River Tour: Stilted Village in Siem Reap Cambodia


From Beng Mealea, it took us about an hour drive to reach TonLe Sap. We went to Kompong Phluk route (fewer visitors here) and saw how Cambodians' way of life is at the stilted village.


The houses were built quite high up, supported by bamboo stilts. There is no electricity nor clean water supply. They bathe and wash clothes at the river; and, that is also where they breed fishes as main source of livelihood. You can even see pigs floating on make-shift cages as you go deeper into the village.

The highlight of the TonLe Sap tour was reaching the end of Kompong Phluk. Just being there in the middle of the largest freshwater lake in SouthEast Asia was an amazing experience. There used to be Irrawaddy dolphins living in TonLe Sap lake; however, the population of the freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphin is disturbingly diminishing. Currently, you can no longer see any of these wonderful creatures in TonLe Sap. They have moved to Mekong River as they were threatened by accidental and deliberate killing and water pollution :(

FYI: The TonLe Sap tour costs USD 10 per person. It would be wise to rent a car or van to go here instead of riding a tuktuk. 




There were mosquitoes inside the boat so better slather some insect repellent lotion on your skin.








Swimming seems to be the favorite past-time of children in TonLe Sap






TonLe Sap - largest freshwater lake in SouthEast Asia


TIP: After the TonLe Sap tour, please don't forget to give USD 1 as a "token of appreciation" to the boatman.


RELATED POSTS:





TonLe Sap River Tour: Floating Village in Siem Reap Cambodia

Monday, September 24, 2012

Beng Mealea - Must See Place in Siem Reap, Cambodia


Beng Mealea - Must See Place in Siem Reap, Cambodia



In its chaotic state, BENG MEALEA is the most "explorable" temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia - genuinely uncleared, perfect for those adventure-seeking trekkers. 

Since Beng Mealea is located about 40km away or a good 1.5 hour drive, only a few people go here, which is what makes it even more special. Surrounded by tall trees, Beng Mealea is also known as the "Jungle Temple," a shady and cooler place to explore. Also, because of fewer visitors, you get to take pictures at all angles with no photo-bombers in the background :)

FYI: Beng Mealea entrace fee is USD 5 per person.

Remains of the NAGA balustrade in the entrance of the temple and a random frog 

Be ready to confront the walls of Beng Mealea

Beng Mealea is rich in abandoned stones


Game on! Act like Tomb Raider and get ready as you go up and down these rocks


A rewarding view once you reach the top of the Beng Mealea Ruins

Falling or tripping is never an option so better take extra precaution!!!








Reminder: ALWAYS WATCH YOUR STEP :)



Related Post:



Beng Mealea - Must See Place in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Palm: Bar and Restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia


Angkor Palm: Bar and Restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia



Where to eat in Cambodia?! When we went there last August 2012, we were able to research all the must-see places and even the activities that we wanted to do except finding out the top restaurants to try in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Angkor Palm - as recommended by Lonely Planet


So anyway, after having realized that no one among us had any recommendations, we just asked the driver to drop us off at the busiest place in cambodia that has plenty of restaurants - and so we arrive at PUB STREET

TIP: You can never go wrong with PUB STREET. And take note, there are still plenty more to choose from at the side streets :) Average meal per person is approximately USD 5 - 6. Yes, USD is the main currency being used so don't bother having your USD exchanged to Riel banknotes.

Angkor Palm Platter

The signboard that says "Recommended by Lonely Planet" certainly caught our attention and within seconds, we were already seated at their al fresco dining section. A platter of wonderful Khmer dishes will be our very first Khmer dinner - pretty exciting!

Authentic Khmer Food at Angkor Palm Restaurant

How was this lovely platter? Angkor Palm didn't disappoint with the authentic taste of Cambodian country cooking and keen attention to detail. This platter is the perfect crash course in Khmer cuisine with seven dishes (including fish amok and Khmer dessert), beautifully presented in banana leaves.

Fish Amok Recipe

Amok is one of the most popular Khmer dishes. Angkor Palm is very generous for sharing their recipe so you can try it at home.

Beef LocLac (USD 4.50)

Another popular Khmer dish is Beef Loc Lac. The marinated beef is sauteed in soy sauce, black pepper, sugar and garlic. It is usually served with a dipping sauce, lettuce, sliced tomatoes and topped with sliced onions. You should try this when dining in Cambodia! The yummy dish is best enjoyed when dipped in the sweet and tangy lime juice mixed with ground black pepper and garlic. 


For the perfect sampler platter of Khmer food, go to ANGKOR PALM and enjoy your meal with a bottle of Cambodian beer!

ANGKOR PALM

Psar Chas Area, Pub Street,
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Phone Number: 063-761-436



Angkor Palm: Bar and Restaurant in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Qi Wellness in Makati Is All About Tranquility, Vitality and Harmony



Qi Wellness (Makati) - Tranquility, Vitality and Harmony



In the middle of the busy Makati district lies a place for tranquility. QiWellness offers relaxation by combining modern techniques and centuries old oriental healing to promote lasting wellness.

Qi Wellness - foot spa area

There are 3 signature massage techniques that is only available in Qi Wellness:

QiTranquility (Php 1,080, 90 minutes) - light to medium massage that uses fluid flowing strokes to aid in better blood circulation and induces calmness. In short, it is a super relaxing massage. Warning: you might fall into a deep sleep after this. 

QiWellness Massage Area

While QiTranquility is for deep relaxation and serenity, QiVitality deals with your muscle pains.


QiVitality (Php 1080, 90 minutes) - medium to hard  sensational and rejuvenating massage that focuses more on acupressure points by using knuckles to press and release muscle tensions in the body.


QiHarmony (Php 1,080, 90 minutes) - a dry massage that starts on your head down to your foot and back area. Singaporean Master Reflexologist George Tay trained the staffs of Qi Wellness, especially the tui na Chinese technique that uses push and pull method. The technique also uses the caterpillar method where the pressure starts at the tips of fingers/toes to stimulate the nerve endings - invigorating certain internal organs. For those with insomnia, this is highly recommended because QiHarmony encourages physiological changes and promotes balance all throughout the body. 

Whatever QiWellness signature massage you choose, I'm sure that you'll end up feeling refreshed and tension-free.


QI WELLNESS

Located at The Picasso Boutique Residences
119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City,


For reservations, please call:

556-1818
836-3688
 0916-793-6666

Open Daily - 1PM - 11PM

Qi Wellness (Makati) - Tranquility, Vitality and Harmony

Friday, September 21, 2012

Top Things I Learned From Blogging





Top Things I Learned From Blogging



1. Be Honest.

Avoid biased reviews. Anything one-sided is not really helpful. A person’s credibility is on the line once he/she starts to write. However, it is still best to know that if you like something, share and tell the world; and, if you didn’t like the services/product, the management will greatly appreciate constructive criticism or comments that would be beneficial in the development of the establishment.



2. Keep Your Friends Close and IGNORE The “Enemies.”

Okay, when I say “enemies,” what I’m really pertaining to are the bad vibes or negative energy. “Haters gonna hate” so better to put all your positive energy onto something else and be productive. Most of all, do not engage in rumor mongering – this is one of the worst kind of negativity anyone could share. 


3. Join An Online Community


There are still plenty of stuffs that one should know and by joining online communities like WhenInManila.com, sharing of experiences and learning becomes easy. 




4. Be Thankful.


Be grateful for the simplest things in life. Having the freedom to express your thoughts and feelings on a blog post is also something to be thankful for. With that, you might have been able to help someone without your knowing.


Top Things I Learned From Blogging


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Marutama Ramen And Their Famous Seasoned Egg



Marutama Ramen And Their Famous Seasoned Egg



When we went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, we stayed at The Westin. Why? because the location was perfect - right across Pavilion Mall and Fahrenheit Mall. FYI, Pavilion Mall is very much similar to Greenbelt Mall here in the Philippines - so much fun going on. So anyway, our friend is a huge fan of Marutama Ramen and upon "Googling" it up, he found out that it's a mere 5-minute walk from where we're staying. So of course, that's where we had our first KL meal :)

Related Post:
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Marutama Ra-Men Bukit Bintang


Anyway, Marumata Ra-Men was located in Fahrenheit Mall, which is just across Pavilion. The restaurant was situated at the very far-end side -- and it was really quiet when we got there. We got a bit worried it won't be as good as the one in Singapore...

Char Siu Gohan (RM 8)

The roast pork rice topping was just okay. My friend said that the one in Singapore was better.

Additional Marutama Ramen Char Siu (RM 6, 3 slices of roast pork)


Okay so before anything else, we made sure we ordered additional pork slices. (We do not want to get *bitin* factor while slurping our noodles :)

Also, those are roasted garlic chips at the background. Mix the garlic and sesame seeds (not in picture) together with the noodle+soup for a yummier experience.

 Marutama Ra-Men's AJITSUKE TAMAGO RAMEN (RM 20)

There were plenty of Marutama Ramen specials to choose from and it took us a little while to decide but we had to stick to the group's all-time favorite: Ajitsuke Tamago Ramen :)

Check Marutama Ramen Menu HERE.

Marutama Ramen's All-Time Favorite

This consists of chicken soup, signature ramen, a slice of really tender roast pork (melts in your mouth), seaweeds, spring onions, and *drum roll* a seasoned egg.

What exactly makes this ramen so special? The answer is in their seasoned egg, which is cooked oh so perfectly - well done on the outside and medium-well in the center. *SIGH*

When in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia or Singapore, I highly recommend you to go to the nearest Marutama Ra-Men restaurant and enjoy the delicious "umami" taste of this heavenly dish. (I do hope someone will put up a branch here in the Philippines SOON)



Marutama Ra-Men

available in 6 countries worldwide

Marutama Ramen And Their Famous Seasoned Egg

Sunday, September 16, 2012

The King and I Manila - An All-Filipino Cast



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Resorts World Manila Presents A Showcase Of Superb Filipino Talents


With the success of “Kaos” and “The Sound of Music”, the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) is again opening its center stage to bring another Rodger and Hammerstein timeless classic about heritage, culture and a different facet of love.


We were fortunate to attend the by-invitation event: The King and I's Premiere Night held last September 14, Friday evening, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, among the VVIPs from various private and public sectors together with distinguished media personalities and members of the press.


Guests were treated to a full view of The King and I where they got enthralled by the bravado of theatre legend Leo Tavarro Valdez as he portrayed the character of ‘King Mongkut’ of Siam, and charmed by the engaging disposition of ‘Anna’, played by stage icon Monique Wilson. 



THE KING AND I promises to captivate the audience with top of the class performances by its extremely gifted all-Filipino cast, as the NPAT offers its state-of-the-art venue to stage the most awaited musical event of the year, with the biggest LED wall in Asia that will provide the dynamic theatrical panorama and visuals to complement each scene.

Direk Freddie Santos - The King and I's versatile director who brought the Kingdom of Siam to life.



The King and I also boasts of the most exquisitely designed stunning dresses of Anna and the royal garbs of the King of Siam helmed by no less than Philippine fashion icon Rajo Laurel.


Catch the enthralling and moving story of “The King and I” and be prepared to sing along with its much-loved pieces such as “Getting to Know You”, “Hello Young Lovers”, and “Shall We Dance?”



Witness the march of the Royal Siamese children and grab your tickets now at the Resorts World Manila Box Office or at any TicketWorld outlet, you may visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Resorts World Manila Tourist/Visitors Hotline at (632) 836-6333.


TICKET PRICES
VIP - Php 2,400
Premiere - Php 2,000
Deluxe - Php 1,600
Balcony - Php 1,000


View Seat Plan here.


SHOW SCHEDULES
Friday - 8 PM
Saturday - 2 PM, 7 PM
Sunday - 2 PM


The King and I Manila - An All-Filipino Cast

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