National Arts Month 2017

Here is how I celebrated February, or for the gladness of artists and art enthusiasts, the National Arts Month.

Last Full Show: Danilo Dalena Retrospective

Filipino mixed media artist Danilo Dalena returned to the Cultural Center of the Philippines after a 26-year hiatus with his paintings, drawings, sculpture, and installations "referencing unseemly acts and antics in seedy movie houses." 

Curators Claro Ramirez, Jr. and Eileen Ramirez added that, "While loosely taking on the structure of cinema with establishing sequences, transitions, freeze frames, and denouements, LFS is posited as a grand unfolding rather than definitive account."

Noli Me Tangere: The Opera

National hero Jose Rizal's one-half of world renowned political novels revisited the CCP after decades courtesy of J&S Productions Inc., in cooperation with Ayala Foundation. It was written by the late Filipino National Artists Felipe de Leon (music) and Guillermo Tolentino (libretto in Filipino.) 

I was fortunate to watch it for free together with my best friend. The actors who portrayed Ibarra and Maria Clara committed to their parts and hit all the right notes but not as much as Sisa's actress was. She blew everyone away! I wish some brave souls would develop her own storyline/spinoff. 

BitterXSweet Tour at Ayala Museum

For the first time, I got a chance to be a museum tour guide! Finally I ticked it off my bucket list thanks to Ayala Museum's volunteer program. I was the tour guide in the "bitter" part of the Valentine's edition tour where I walked about 10 guests to different dioramas depicting the painful moments in our history (i.e. Trade with Chinese and the Chinese Massacre, Sultan Kudarat's Defense, Jose Rizal's love stories, Gen. Antonio Luna's assassination, the Japanese Occupation and Death March.)

Escolta Block Party

I dragged a good friend to spend the night partying at Escolta, considered to be the Queen

Street of Manila in days past. It was a great partying with a lovely and inclusive community. We had sausage and beer while dancing the night away. Heck, I used Facebook Live more than I should or ever will. There were also art shops and DIY merchandise to take home as souvenirs. 

Artist Talk: Natee Utarit

Another perk of being an Ayala Museum volunteer is to get exclusive access to artist talks. That's how I met Thai contemporary artist Natee Utarit whose works heavily represent his criticisms of Western art and its influence on Eastern Art. Rightfully so, the elements in his towering paintings featured in "Optimism is Ridiculous: The Altarpieces" are a mix of Christian and Buddhism symbols.

Art Fair Philippines 2017

This year promised to be the biggest yet with four floors of galleries and unsurprisingly, bigger areas for National Book Store and Bench. For better or worse, it has become uncontrollably crowded, making you wish that they would move to a bigger venue next year.

The biggest reveal of the night was meeting world renowned Filipino (glass) sculptor Ramon Orlina in his exhibit. Unlike his goof friend BenCab, he wasn't a snob. 

Casa Manila Tour

Another good friend accompanied me in Intramuros where we toured a heritage house, Casa Manila. The interiors and exteriors were (obviously) Spanish-inspired but it was nice to learn that ceramics from Japan and China, and furniture (i.e. chandeliers) from the rest of Europe also adorned the house.

Interestingly in the receiving area, connecting rooms were allotted for the old maid and a visiting relative (guest room) who was often a single man. We couldn't help but be intrigued with the 'could-have-beens' and 'have-beens' in those adjoining rooms during the old times! *wink*

Manila Transitio

Manila's prodigal son Carlos Celdran and his tourism group, Walk This Way, initiated a lovely community gathering at Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros (beside my alma mater PLM) which included a do-as-you-please itinerary. 

Highlights of the night included Kundiman concert atop the Baluarte, burning of Chinese wishing papers (a confusing part of the night,) and the performance of Tres Marias, a lovely group of OPM icons Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios, and Cookie Chua. Think People Power anniversary celebration without the hate and with all the picnic baskets.

In all, my February weekends have been restless but I didn't complain. And I never will. For sure I won't schedule any out-of-town or out-of-country trips for succeeding Nat'l Arts Month!

Lakbay Lokal: Laguna

For our annual get together, my bond brothers and I went to Laguna to spend a day with mother nature. It was the first time that we ditched the familiar cityscape in favor of a thrilling and novel reunion.

We trekked to and swam in Bukal Falls in Majayjay; had dinner in Liliw; and went back to Manila from San Pablo. 

Here is our itinerary (indicated fee/pax unless otherwise stated):

MAJAYJAY, LAGUNA

8AM-11AM
Ride a JAC Liner bus in Buendia going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
Php140
11AM-1130AM
Take a tricycle from Sta. Cruz to Majayjay Jeep Terminal.
Php25
1130AM-1230PM
Ride a jeepney going to Brgy. Bukal, inside Majayjay municipal proper.
Php34
1230PM-1245PM
Take a tricycle going to the drop off point/entrance to Bukal Falls.
Php20
1245PM-130PM
(Optional) Have lunch at Angelina's Garden (in front of the entrance to the Falls.)
Eating is not allowed within the Falls so it's important to fill your stomach prior the trek.
Php60 up
130PM-2PM
Trek to Bukal Falls.
(Optional) Take a tricycle to save at least 10 minutes of walking!
Php300 - tour guide fee per group
Php50 - life vest (recommended for non-swimmers)
Php20 - environmental fee
Php10 - for the tricycle ride
2PM-330PM
Swim and enjoy the cold, 15-feet water of Bukal Falls. You can take longer.
NO COST FOR SUCH AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE!
330PM-4PM
Head back to drop off point
The tricycle shortcut is still available for only Php10 
4PM-5PM
Shower and freshen up
FREE!

Cost - Php470 minimum

Bukal Falls

Bugans 2016

James, Derick, me

None of us is a swimmer

After swimming in Bukal Falls, your group can do whatever you please. In our case, we opted to maximize our time and visit another place in Laguna. 

LILIW, LAGUNA

5PM-520PM
Take a tricycle from Majayjay going to Liliw, Laguna
Php30 
520PM-540PM
Visit St. John the Baptist Church and its surrounding tsinelas shops
Church visit is FREE.
Additional cost will, of course, depend on your tsinelas purchase.
540PM-730PM
Grab your dinner at the popular White House Pavilion. They offer Filipino and Japanese cuisine.
Php1,000 up for a group of 3--complete and filling meal!

St. John the Baptist Church, Liliw, Laguna

Sto. Nino

Aaarrrggghhh Crispy Pata! for Php498

Beef Kare-Kare for Php398

There is a 645PM cut off time for jeepneys in Liliw, Laguna to transport you back to Sta. Cruz. Since we didn't make the cut off time (because our dinner was so good!), we had to find another route!  

SAN PABLO, LAGUNA

730PM-830PM
Ride a jeepney going to San Pablo city
Php35
830PM-835PM
Take a tricycle from San Pablo city proper going to the bus terminal bound for Manila
Php20
845PM-12PM
Ride a bus back to Manila (either via Buendia or Cubao)
Php127

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

I stumbled upon this self-help book by writer and leadership guru Robin Sharma while browsing through the Personality Development section of Fully Booked.

I didn't pick it up the first time. I knew I would when the right time comes. And it did...three weeks ago when I was thinking of moving out of my comfort zone. 

The message could not have been more apt: be a monk, sell your ferrari. In essence, focus on the essential and rid yourself of life's excesses. Sharma didn't attempt to conceal it either, putting a tagline that it's "a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny."

In the book (also in Wikipedia), the story revolves around two characters, former law colleagues Julian Mantle and John, immersed in a 12-hour long conversation. Julian narrates his spiritual experiences during a Himalayan journey which he takes after selling his holiday home and red Ferrari. A successful trial lawyer, Julian collapses from a heart attack while arguing a case in court, and his lengthy recovery leads him to seek a spiritual path in the Himalayan mountains, under the Sages of Sivana, from whom he receive wise and practical lessons which bring drastic changes in his life. 

Julian shares valuable life lessons to John through a short story hiding The 7 Timeless Virtues of Enlightened Living. 

Here's the summary: "There was a [3] sumo wrestler who walked out of a [2] lighthouse in the middle of a [1] beautiful garden with nothing more than a [4] pink wire cable covering his private parts. While walking, he slipped on a [5] shiny gold stopwatch and fell to the ground. After what seemed like an eternity, he regained consciousness when the fragrance of the [6] yellow roses reached his nose. He then jumped to his feet in delight and was astonished to see a long, winding [7] path studded with millions of tiny diamonds. Of course the sumo wrestler took the path and, in doing so, lived happily ever after."

To spare you some time, here are the meaning of these virtues, according to Sharma:

Go pick up the book if you're into self-help. It probably won't bore you because the lessons are hidden in the form of a short story. It is unlike most self-help books these days which promise guaranteed change! in life after few bullet points and examples.

It's also helpful for meditation and Buddhism enthusiasts :)

Lakbay Lokal: Traipsing Tagaytay

My best friend and I had one whole day for free (June 24). After talking about our getaway options for almost an hour, we decided to go to Tagaytay (*surprise!*).

Like most of our out-of-town trips, we knew where we would go but not what we wanted to do. We were just sure of one thing: we wanted to see art (and kaartehan) everywhere we go.

So here is our 16-hour budget itinerary for local tourists who want to escape the city and reignite their creativity as they rediscover Tagaytay:

*All prices good for 1 person only

0845AM

-Ride a DLTB Co. bus going to Tagaytay from Buendia (below LRT station) for only P83.

1045AM

-Arrive at Tagaytay Rotonda where, interestingly, a statue of Ninoy Aquino with a red sculpted steel tree now stands.

-Ride a tricycle to Museo Orlina for only P30. Entrance to the museum is P100.

-Museo Orlina houses the glass sculptures of renowned sculpture architect Ramon Orlina, as well as works of other local and foreign artists. It's a four-storey museum with huge open windows that let the fresh and cool Tagaytay air in, and white walls accented by colorful glass sculptures and recurring red-yellow-blue color patterns inspired by the works of one of Orlina's idols. It's four floors are named after his children (in order): Naesa, Ningning, Anna, and Michael.

 0100PM

-Ride a tricycle going to Dreamland Arts & Crafts Cafe near Cityland Condominium for only P20.

-Go grab your lunch! I tried Chick-A-Dream (Grilled Zesty Chicken with Herbs and Spices, Egg, Summer Salad, Fried Green-e-Rice, Tubasuk Vinegar, and Soup) for P180 and Lychee Smoothie with Yakult for P150. My F&B tasted better than expected :)

-The place is dreamy and artsy but they play loud remixes of OPMs that you would normally hear at pedicabs in the Metro; that is a major turnoff. Luckily they have a more appropriate playlist upon our request.

-For social media whores, sadly Dreamland doesn't have WiFi because it encourages customers to "talk to each other." They have group games (i.e. UNO Stacks, Sungka, Domino) to encourage bonding and books to help you pass the time alone, in another world. They also sell various items from dream catchers, dresses and bags, hand painted portraits, keychains, even hand sewn socks and wallets.

0330PM

-Take a short walk or ride a tricyle (for only P10) back to the Rotonda then ride a jeepney going to Nasugbu for only P10. Ask the driver to drop you off at Puzzle Mansion in Brgy. Asisa. 

Caution: A tricycle driver tried to trick us for P400 for 2 straight to the Puzzle Mansion from Dreamland. That's P380 more than what you really have to spend for!

0345PM

-Ride another tricycle for only P30 going to the Mansion. You have to walk five minutes from the drop off point because it's located in a low land. Entrance to the mansion is P100.

-Puzzle Mansion holds the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles of Any Size, Shape or Form."

-The over a 1,028 collection of jigsaw, crystal, and wooden puzzles on the ground floor is overwhelming. They have 2D and 3D puzzles and even puzzle balls. Better to create your route going around it (i.e. left to right, clockwise, zigzag).

-Watch the playback of the owner's TV interviews to learn more about her humble beginnings, success story, and aspirations to contribute to our tourism, one puzzle piece at a time. Or simply search for Georgina Gil-Lacuna.

-The 2nd floor features the world's largest and second largest jigsaw puzzles! You can also buy souvenir and rare puzzles at the shop, and have a snack break at the cafe.

0500PM

-Travel back to Brgy. Asisa tricycle terminal. Ride a jeepney going to Olivarez Terminal for P12.

0555PM

-Ride another tryk going to Java Jazz Cafe for only P25. It's near Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish.

0610PM

-Have your dinner in this quiet and indie-artsy cafe. I tried Pan Fried Fish Fillet in Creamy White Sauce (P119) and Pandan Green Tea with Chips and Fries (P99). Both weren't great and they were served small considering the price :(

0830PM

-Cap off the night with a nice, light massage. We tried the whole body massage at Touchpoint Spa in front of Olivarez Terminal for P450. It was okay, not good nor bad. I still prefer Nuat Thai massage which is P100 cheaper.

1000PM

-Walk shortly to the Rotonda then ride a bus going back to either Buendia or Pasay for about P80 only. 

And voila, welcome home!

In all, you have to allot about P1,500 to enjoy a day trip in Tagaytay. If you want to spend the night, you can find a Bed & Breakfast accommodation for P500. Most of the cafe and restaurants have them, you just have to ask the locals to find the affordable ones :)

Fast thrills in Cebu!

I was on a 20-hour business trip in Cebu last Thursday.

I stayed at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers where an extreme adventure facility called Sky Experience Adventure is installed atop it.

I thought it would be a thrilling experience so I paid for any two (2) rides costing PHP750.

First, I rode the Edge Coaster, the first-of-its-kind in the country, wherein I sat on a tractor-like equipment that went around the 38th floor of the tower. Riders can tilt their seats up to a little less than 90°.

I met Kaye (not sure about the spelling), whose husband didn't want to go with her. We were the first two riders of the day.

The scare begun when our cart approached the first corner because it automatically tilted. After that we had full control of the situation, but because we didn't know it then, we were on a 90° tilt up to halfway through the second corner!

The ride was approximately three minutes only.

Me and Kaye attempt to be brave but only managed this much of a tilt

Next stop is the Tower Zip located at the 40th floor (accessible by steel ladders). It is a two-way, eight second each zipline that transports riders from the CRHT tower to a rooftop of another building.

I had the option to sit or hang myself upside down during the rides but I just sat because it was my first time in a city zipline.

It was less scary than the Edge Coaster.

That awkward smile shows both my excitement and nervousness

Other activities you can try in Sky Experience Adventure are the Sky Walk, Wall Climb, and Tower Climb.

You can opt to try any one ride for PHP550 or any three rides for PHP1,000. For more details about this adventure, you can visit this LINK.

TIPS: Have some spare cash because you would need a PHP100 deposit for the baller and PHP200 deposit for the locker (gadgets and otger valuables are prohibited within the activity premises).

They have official photographers to document your adventure (but at costly rates). You can get one 6R photo for PHP150. If you can't choose among the shots, you can get at least seven (7) of them with a 2GB USB starting at PHP600.

Anyone can go straight to Sky Experience Adventure even if you're not staying at Crown Regency. It opens daily starting 2PM.

Southeast Asia: Cambodia

Part 1 of my seven-day Southeast Asia backpacking tour featuring Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I spent several days travelling alone last year. Finally I was able to backpack in other countries--something that I've always wanted to do. 

I started with two cities in Cambodia and one in Vietnam from June 2-9 (a total of 7 days). 

Why these countries, you may ask. First, because they don't require Visa for Filipinos since we are neighbors (Southeast Asia represent!). Second, most of my friends have been there and they promised that the cost of living is cheap. Lastly, Buddhism is largely practiced in these parts of the world.

Here is my itinerary for those of you who also plan to go :)


SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
(June 2-4; 8-9)

Mode of transportation: Two-hour plane ride from NAIA to Siem Reap International Airport.

Currency: US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. You can also use Cambodian Riel (KHR) but it's more complicated to compute. I just used it to secure souvenir bills.

Other travelling tips to Cambodia can be found HERE and HERE.


June 2

Midnight: 

• Airport arrival
• Bought a local SIM with 1-mo. unlimited surfing data for only USD5.
• Picked up at the airport by the Tuk Tuk driver of my customer intuitive hostel, the Siem Reap Hostel (highly recommended for backpackers, btw).

• For late dinner, I had a traditional Khmer Fish Amok (presented inside a coconut shell) for USD6 at Triangle Restaurant Lounge Bar, where, coincidentally, the singers are Pinoys too. It's one of the countless restaurants and bars found along Pub Street, arguably Siem Reap's liveliest area for partying, dining, shopping, and night life.

June 3

Early morning until early afternoon

• Woke up early for the Small Circuit Temple Tour for a standard rate of USD 15 (you may ask your hostel staff to book you one). We started off with Angkor Wat, the lovely religious temple built during the 12th century.
• Unable to hide my excitement, I literally shouted when I approached it. For me, going to places is always better than reading about them in history books.
• Note: Entrance fee to Angkor Wat is USD20. It's best to visit before sunrise so you can witness the magical color transformation of the sky from red-orange, orange, yellow, to shades of blue. It's a visual treat!

• Next stop: Bayon Temple, located north of Angkor Wat, is best known for having multiple massive stone faces of bodhisattva Avalokitshvara. You can find locals dressed in traditional costumes who accommodate paid photo opportunities.

 

• Third temple: Ta Phrom Temple, made more famous by the tress that grew out of the ruins and the jungle-like surroundings. Sadly, most of the mini temples were being renovated when we visited so we didn't see much.

• Last stop: Bapun Temple, a quadrangular temple with steep staircases leading to the highest point where a seemingly open door stands.

• For lunch, I had a Chicken Lok Lak for about USD8. It is a popular local dish which I favored over Amok since it's more visually appealing and flavorful (with meat, eggs, veggies, tasty sauce, and fried rice).
• Fortunately, I met some of the most adventurous one-woman backpackers Eloise (from UK) and Nurul (from Malaysia) in Angkor Wat and we all happened to stay in the same hostel. We spent the entire trip together while sharing thoughts about our countries, travels, religions, and some personal matters. Truly an experience worth more than any passport stamp!

Afternoon

• We took a break from the overwhelming temple tour and went back to our hostel to swim at the pool then take a nap :)
• I met my new roommate, Orlaith (pronounced Orla) from Ireland, and I invited her to join us for our planned trip that evening.

Evening

• To my overwhelming delight, we watched Phare, the Cambodian Circus for USD18 inside, no less than, a circus tent! The best thing about Phare is that it's circus with theater (acrobatics complete with acting, miming, and audience interaction). More than being a performing arts group, Phare is also a social enterprise that uplifts the lives of underprivileged youth by exposing them into artistic endeavors (which made me even happier!)
• After the show, we had dinner at Pub Street. Eloise invited her classmate back in UK, James and his girlfriend Ester, to join us.

• I had a Shrimp Pad Thai (yap, in Cambodia) for about USD6. It tasted authentic, to say the least.

Me, James, Nurul, Orlaith, Ester, and Eloise

Orlaith, Ester, and Eloise

• After dinner, we had some drinks at a rooftop in one of Pub Street bars. We played an entertaining Yes-No asking game (3 rounds) where we identified the secret names on our foreheads featuring Personalities, Musicians, and Cartoon Characters as categories. Picture this, six strangers on one table with some cigarettes (for them) and lots of beers and alcohols (also for them; I just had one) having fun without prejudice! Now that's why I went solo backpacking in the first place: to be an anonymous personality amid a crowd whom I can learn from and be inspired of.
• We head on our separate ways the following day. I woke up early to go to Phnom Penh; Nurul headed to another province in Cambodia; Eloise went to Lao PDR; while Orlaith, James, and Ester, continued their Siem Reap adventure.

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

(June 4-6)

Mode of transportation: Bus. Sleeper buses are more expensive than public buses but preferable when you're seeking comfort and the assurance that more tourists are also on board. Six-hour ride along agricultural fields and underdeveloped highways (Siem Reap is a province after all, remember?)

Best time to travel: Early morning so you can arrive at Phnom Penh by early afternoon and still have a lot of time to stroll.

June 4

Morning until early afternoon

• My breakfast consisted of bread-and-butter-and-jam; milk, and fruit slices available at our hostel for only USD2.

• I took on a six-hour bus ride to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh. I only took a public bus which meant that there were more locals than tourists. Luckily, I sat beside Kamsan, a local who knows how to speak English and is a fan of Manny Pacquiao so I didn't have a hard time during the trip! He was also generous in accompanying me throughout all our bus stops. He even gave me a rice cake; their local version of our "suman."
• I also met a Cambodian Theravada Buddhism student who was travelling with his 'best friend,' a Chinese Mahayana Buddhism student. I thought then that they were having an affair!
• When I arrived in Phnom Penh, I hired a motorcycle driver to take me to Sundance Riverside Guest House. Unfortunately, he doesn't speak good English so we got lost for about 15 minutes locating my place. To keep it brief, I would say that my choice of Sundance was wrong because it is frequented by old Caucasian expats, hence, I didn't earn a new traveler friend :(
• Because I got tired of that morning's travel, I just spent the afternoon lazying off in my bed and watching "That Awkward Moment" and the French Open on TV. 

Evening

• I had dinner at Phnom Penh Night Market, their version of our Divisoria. Like the locals, I ate a Miche (fried noodles with leafy veggie in beef sauce) while sitting on a mat. I engaged with two school teachers who were genuinely nice! They even gave me a star keychain as a souvenir :)

June 5

Morning until afternoon

• I visited the infamous Cheoung Ek Genocidal Center (Killing Fields) and learned a lot about Cambodia's genocide history from '75-'79. It was a sad and depressing experience (imagine, Cambodians killing Cambodians). The multilingual audio tour was a great idea though (if the intention was to scare tourists more than educate them of what really happened in various areas of the Fields). I also saw the Killing Tree where executioners beat children to death :(

• Next stop: Toul Seng Genocide Museum (S21). The torture rooms and equipment, prison cells, and victims' photos did little to ease my sadness. Besides being more haunting than the Killing Fields, it is an indispensable part of any Phnom Penh tour.
• I canvassed for souvenirs at Phnom Penh Central Market but only managed to buy ref magnets because 1) I was concerned with my budget since I was just in the middle of the trip and 2) some vendors were impatient.

• Before heading back to Sundance, I strolled around Royal Palace, the official residence of the Royal Family. It was closed during that time so I wasn't able to see the Silver Pagoda. I had to be contented with the facade. Interesting enough, the park in front of the Palace is open to the public. It's like bringing Luneta Park in front of Malacanang Palace! You can sum up an ordinary Phnom Penh weekend by spending some time in the park: families having picnik, children running, monks walking, tourists taking pictures, and vendors occupying sidewalks. All of these happen with the river at the background, amid an endless cycle of sunrise and sunset, and regular passing of cruise boats.
• My Tuk Tuk driver (who was not that good in English) and I had a misunderstanding regarding the tour fee. He thought that his lunch (which I paid for) was excluded from the fee, although I made the opposite clear before we ate. We just met halfway. If I remember correctly, I paid him about USD18.

Evening

• I found a local bookstore near the Royale Palace that sells cheap locally printed books (i.e. Haruki Murakami novels for about PHP200 only). It broke my heart to leave the store without any purchase because my bag is already filled with a couple of books :(
• I was craving for company on my last evening in Phnom Penh so I contacted the two Buddhism students who I met on the bus earlier. We met at a park between their amusement center and resort-casino area. I walked for about twenty minutes, thinking that the area was just near my place!
• Fact: Maps, while generally helpful to get you from point A to point B, are not always transparent with the actual distance of getting there.

• For dinner, I had ordinary noodles for USD1.5 while literally sitting on the sidewalk! When the two Buddhism students found out about my dinner, they ordered for them too. The Theravata student had a vow of fasting after 11 A.M. so he insisted that his friend eat his part. It was crazy seeing him fighting his desire to eat and it was confusing to see them argue (L.Q.?). I was like an uninvited guest, tbh.
• The same student gave me a plastic bag filled with huge plates of dried mangoes. It didn't taste as good as our Cebu dried mangoes but I thought that was generous of him. I gave the bag to a (seemingly) homeless man.

June 6

Morning

• While having breakfast downstairs, I saw a group of monks who were doing their daily routine of collecting alms (or donations) from locals. I hurried to my room, grabbed my camera, and got near them to get a good shot. I've been waiting to personally witness such sense of altruism that is only found in Buddhism.
• Before I left for Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, I accidentally destroyed the door knob of my restroom. I didn't notify the owner because I was afraid he would charge me for it. Haha!

(AFTER HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM) BACK TO SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

June 8

Evening

• I was picked up at the bus station by the Tuk Tuk driver of Siem Reap Hostel (an awesome customer service offered by not all hostels, btw).
• I survived an exhausting 13-hour public bus ride from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh, and then back to Siem Reap. Had I taken a private bus, that trip would have been shorter.

June 9

Morning

• Last day of my tour. I woke up early to buy souvenirs for my family among the few opened stores at Siem Reap Old Market. I spent more than USD50! 
• Tip: You have to bargain when buying souvenirs. To win one, pretend that you're uninterested with the product because the price is high and you can only pay for a certain amount.Take a few steps out of the store, and 90% of the time, they will call you back and settle for your price :)

Afternoon

• I fixed my stuff and prepared for departure. Good thing that The Siem Reap Hostel let me stay within the building despite checking out early. While waiting for the proper time to travel to the airport, I watched "Fight Club" and a local documentary in the movie room for free. 

The free pick-up service and movie room are just two of the great customer services that one can get from Siem Reap Hostel. They also offer a food crawl, reception area with local tour and inter-city/cross-country packages, bar, buffet breakfast, swimming pool, billiard table, book swap shelf, and yoga and spa sessions at reasonable prices.

It's true what people say about Cambodia - that it is affordable and has an interesting history. Cambodians are generally warm to tourists although vendors have the tendency to be irrationally aggressive.

For me, Siem Reap is a better destination because it gives you the beauty of Cambodia's ancient temples that have stood the test of time (even archaeologists wonder how they were built that strong). Also, more people there can speak and understand English. 

Phnom Pehn, despite being the capital, lacks modernity. Some say that the only thing that matters there is the country's genocide history, and I totally agree. I would say though that it should be a non-negotiable place to visit so tourists can truly understand how Cambodia came to be the county that we now know--beyond the corners of Angkor Wat alone.

That's it! Thanks for reading and let me know what you think of my Cambodian adventure.