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Going back home to Manila is a bit of a difficult thing to do when I’ve just spent the last six days with these horizons and perspectives in Batanes. But life awaits in the city and I can only dreamy of another vacation to the enchanting islands of Batanes.
I heard the fiesta is on June… Hmmm I hope I can find another cheap ticket back to Basco!
March 15, 2015 12:30PM
BATANES, PHILIPPINES — I’m now here at Phil’s Brew, Batanes’ first neighborhood cafe, and I’m finding it hard to finish any writing.
The birds are chirping, kids frolicking, the smell of home-brewed coffee, Ang Bandang Shirley appending the serenity; all beautifully distracting me from everything I’ve set myself to do today.
I came here to decompress anyway. The past few days in this island, albeit still not unplugged, has been nothing short of amazing. Even after seeing everything that has to be seen, this island — this little speck of land on the northernmost border of the Philippines still hasn’t ceased to astound every inch of my being.
Today, I tell myself, I am lucky to be here.
Being utterly present in the moment is something hard for me to do, but today, it seems that my hands are not willing to do anything. I am forced to bask in the quietness of my tiny space, this corner I holed up, along with the cacophony of the buzzing community on Sunday’s best. The wind is in my face, a typhoon is coming, and I’m halfway my cuppa. I could use this kind of peace in the city.
It’s more than the gifts of nature, or the cool breeze, or the honesty culture the island is known for. The invading peace that slowly creeps up to your system, forcing me to halt, that’s what is. Ah, when was the last time I stopped? To stay still, to appreciate, to feel the energy flow… and just flow in and out of my body like a steady stream of spring water. I in the middle of it all, just in a complete stop.
This place made me stop. Not to think, not to ruminate, not to analyze, but only to stop. I thought I came here to escape; I thought that’s what I need. But all I have done so far is to stop.
And it feels good.
My cup of exquisitely prepared local brew has just reached it’s bottom and I think a refill is in order. I’m gonna stay here for a while.
I will never let myself not try Bangkok’s local coffee shops so on our last day — I went out a couple of stations away from Baiyoke for an early breakfast and set off to find at least one specialty coffee shop.
A couple of blocks away from BTS Phrom Phong is a quiet neighborhood where Ceresia Coffee Roasters is nestled in, along 33/1 Sukhumvit Road. You would need to go to the alley to see it. If you go here before 10am, it will most probably be the only cafe open in the area.
They do the roasting in-house!
An exquisitely prepared flat white with latte art to boot!
It’s almost Christmas when we went to Bangkok, so there were Christmas packages on display as well. Nevertheless, I liked the minimalist aesthetic the store has. It might feel a bit stiff, but the owners, who also prepares your coffee, are so friendly. I’m so bad with names but the store is owned by a Peruvian lady and a Thai guy. I enjoyed talking to them about how they’re sourcing their coffee — pretty awesome stuff! I also found a magazine (not in the photos) featuring Chiang Mai Design Week and how the emerging Thai city has a very laid back yet still very urban culture – and I am excited to go one day! Plus there are interesting cafes to try as well… Bangkok, I love you, but I hafta see Chiang Mai!
And I saw another quaint coffee shop around the corner
Took the train and had to drop postcards at the post office… I think it was in Ratchathewi. Then I saw a hawker place – where I ate Pad Thai of course! One last hurrah. I’d miss this city of sumptuous street food and beautiful finds.
Then it’s off to the airport and it’s good bye once more.
Ceresia Coffee Roasters
41 Praphai Phak Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea
Watthana, Bangkok (Near BTS Phrom Phong)
+66 86 843 8235
Open 8am – 6pm
This post definitely made me hungry... and maybe it will make you hungry, too!
One thing I really wanted to do in Bangkok when I got back was to take quick cooking classes. There was this class held by someone recommended by Jamie Oliver (oh god, I was fake dreaming he’d appear for a surprise visit) but it was fully booked even a month away from our trip. So I instead googled and compared a lot of classes around Bangkok – all ranging from as cheap as 900 baht to as expensive as 4,000 baht. Among those choices, I went to Baipai Thai Cooking School – and they did not disappoint *insert Jonver face of approval*
At first glance, Baipai does not look like a cooking school. The whole place looks like a spa or some expensive villa. Now I really do wonder if they offer accommodations. Haha! Upon entering the school you’ll be welcomed by the staff while they serve lemongrass tea – the freshest I’ve ever tasted. 
Fone welcomed us to the school and gave us a crash course on herbs and Thai seasonings. She even let us taste the herbs – some of them tasted quite a bit strong – which represented Thai food for me. I was so excited to learn more how Thai food is done correctly!
That chili is naaaaasty but I like the green one
Insert dramatic quote while grating coconut
Puu, one of the chefs who teach here, also taught us how to get fresh coconut milk. And man, it wasn’t easy. We enjoyed trying it out but I don’t think I can do it for two more coconuts. However, fresh coconut milk tastes so much better than the canned ones available in the supermarket. If you have time to go to the wet market, it’ll be better to use those though.
While we were touring the place, the staff prepared the kitchen for us. It was a lovely setup! I am not even joking – because I love kitchens and if I have a place of my own I’d have the kitchen bigger than any other room. Back in my hometown, I’d entertain guests while I cook and it still is the best part of my home for me to host. 
First up, we learned how to cook Thai Satay – which involved a lot of herbs and spices. Puu made the peanut sauce for everyone which was so tasty I actually wanted to ask her to cook some more to bring back home (perishing was an issue, though). Making the peanut sauce involved so much smoke I don’t think I can make it at home – unless I go back to my parent’s place and cook outside.
Skewering so hard especially the meat was so thinly sliced
That peanut sauce tho
Then we made a quick salad – Spicy Prawn and greens – which Asian vinaigrette was really refreshing and citrusy. It’s one of the those quick fixes you can whip up in five minutes. Perfect for the lazy bachelor that I am – or that homemade quick date that can help bring you the home run!
We had two dishes which we cooked on fire. Asian dishes spells stir fry for many people – so we made stir fried beef and beans. We didn’t do Pad Thai though (I’ll be back to learn authentic Pad Thai because it is bae) but we did Thai noodles which is kinda Pad Thai, too, with different ingredients.
Perfect way to cap this experience? Thai Milk Tea!
Meet the whole class!
The class went for half a day but spending it here was all worth it! 
The next day will be our last day so we drank our last drop of our alcohol in the famed streets of Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri. 
Paid 10 baht to take a photo of these but we weren’t brave enough to try. My body isn’t ready for that. 
Internal joke. Nvm lol.
Our last night in Bangkok was hella fun!
Baipai Thai Cooking School
8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road
Soi 54 Ladyao, Chatuchak
(They pick you up from your hotel)
+66 2 561 1404
http://www.baipai.com
Other places in this post:
Khao San Road
Soi Rambuttri
And the sleaze starts right here right now
For some people, Bangkok is the capital of sleaze in Southeast Asia. Known for its pretty ladyboys for and not for hire (not to mention affordable sex-change surgeries), exotic and bizarre sex shows, and hangovers from shit you prolly shouldn’t have taken. We have Hollywood and a thousand and one guides to the central hub of the banana pancake trail to thank for having, albeit small, a picture of what Bangkok’s dark side is.
Officially my favorite azn beer
Cool company of ladies reppin’ South Africa
This time though I wouldn’t pass the opportunity up to see it for my own eyes. Nothing screams like #Bangcock than taking The Hangover Tour! The guys from this tour company gave us the lowdown on what can be seen in the sleazy sois of Patpong and Nana entertainment complexes. They also will bring you to key locations of the Hangover II movie – from where the ladyboys are to where the real action is! Depends to you what action you want though – we chose to be dirty all the way – from a bar where ladies with no underwear dance to GAY GUYS SUCKING EACH OTHER’S COCKS. ON. STAGE. Yepp, you heard it right – on stage! Feast on your carnal desires with your eyes. You can give in to it, though make sure you brought enough baht since they don’t swipe cards using their asses!
These fine ladies bought Patron for everyone. I like them that instant.
They were playing good bitchy music, who are we to resist
And that’s Con’s first time to see a punani
How much sleaze goes around Bangkok, you ask? From the moment the sun goes down… IT’S EVERYWHERE, but especially in Nana (Sukhumvit) and Patpong (Silom). The whole soi is teeming with men, women, and transwomen.
This ladyboy is too pretty for words…
Please don’t ask what I’m doing here :/
Yepp, they don’t allow people to take photos, but this was literally shot from the hip. I might be in trouble for posting this, but what the hell.
There were also a lot of handsome afam, some pretty drunk enough to not realize you’re hitting on them. Hehehehe. I really wouldn’t find a hook up here, but the sight was very welcome. I MEAN THE FIRST FEW BARS WE WENT TO ARE FILLED WITH GIRLS. Nothing against, but this gay guy is pretty sure he’s playing for the other team, if you know what I mean 😛
When we got to Spanky’s in Nana Plaza though I was hella buzzed already. Mama got one too many Changs to know what she’s doin’ yo! Spanky’s is where they spank you real hard for the love your sunburn. So yeah, don’t go if you have any burns because it’ll hurt. But this drunk boy just had to go on stage and… TWERK. Yes, I twerked like no one’s watching. I twerked like I was in my bedroom. I twerked… and Miley would approve. That’s while being spanked mind you — and I didn’t know — while a real girl (uhhhhhhhh yeah if I knew I would’ve freaked, so I did afterwards) was HUMPING me. Mama got one too many Changs to know what she’s doin’ mhmm alright.
Patpong knows it best
The stories of the famous ping pong shows were no hoax! This is probably where I was amazed and grossed out all at the same time. No spoilers, but I just have to mention that they shoot darts using their vajayjay. LIKE WHOSE JAW WON’T DROP WIDE OPEN ON THAT. The last performance though was the climax though – like real climax. Yes, if you’re too young to read this, stop reading, or just don’t tell your parents what you read *wink, wink*
But of course, I wouldn’t pass up on the gay show even if it costed us almost another thousand baht. Don’t care, wouldn’t care, even it actually threw my budget off. Kebs na mga baklaaaa! I wouldn’t have done this anywhere else but here. What I liked about The Hangover Tour is that they swear to get you good seats without getting scammed; with drinks to boot! And I must tell you this, from gay guy to another gay guy – the sightseeing was well worth it. With and without underwear, those Asian boys are indeed ripe for the picking (photo below). I haven’t seen that much showboys in my life. AND I MUST ABSOLUTELY MENTION AGAIN THAT THERE WERE BLOWJOB SHOWS THAT TOOK PLACE. There. To the tune of, was that Rihanna or Lady Gaga? I really wasn’t paying attention anymore.
The Hangover Team gave Val a shirt for her birthday! Yay!
*With photos from Con and the Hangover Tour team
*I have videos but yeah not posting ’em hehehe
Book your own Hangover Tour here!
It was our second day in Bangkok and we decided to try the breakfast buffet at Baiyoke… Hmmm nothing special. I was at least happy they poach their eggs. I was sooooo tired the night before that I think I ate three of those plus cereals and bucket loads of tea.
Sunrise view from the Baiyoke buffet floor
We decided to split ways that day because not everyone of us wanted to go to the Museum of Contemporary Art in the Chatuchak area. Baiyoke is near Ratchaprarop Airport Link City Line so we boarded a train there and transferred to Sukhumvit BTS to Mo Chit. We planned to ride the bus but, meh, it was difficult to figure out where to board. Plus all the signs were in Thai. So we just took a cab to MOCA, because the sun was harsh that day, too.
This cafe greets you by the entrance. They serve a decent Iced Americano, and a couple of pastries as well.
The MOCA hosts a big collection of paintings, sculpture, and mixed media art pieces from local art influencers in the country.
Vachara Prayulkan
The Thai museum was built in honor of King Rama IX and of Italian sculptor and Father of Thai Contemporary Art Corrado Feroci, also commonly known in Thailand as Professor Silpa Bhirasri. It was in 1923 when Feroci came to Thailand by invitation of the king to teach Western Art to Thai students. It was those days, too, when Thailand was beginning to open up and welcome western influences to modernize Thailand and shield themselves from foreign invasion.
Sriwan Janehuttakarnkit – my favorite piece from all the paintings in the museum.
Thavorn Ko-Udomvit
Even in Modern Thailand, religious art central to Buddhism, the predominant religion in the country, is highly influential. Several art pieces tell the story of Samsara and Nirvana and how different supernatural entities influence these two.
Preecha Thaothong
House of Phimphilalai
Sudjai Chaiyapan
Keittisak Chanonnart
Sompong Adsurabhan
Tetsuya Noda
Uttaporn Nimmalaikaew
It was lunchtime when we left the museum. After getting some postcards from the museum shop and resting in the cafe, I decided to go to Soi Ekkamai and see what I can find there. Just off Sukhumvit, it also has its own BTS station, Ekkamai hosts a number of interesting shops in Bangkok. Mostly dubbed by locals as a hipster soi (wtf hahahaha) a number of holes in the wall call this part of Bangkok their home. As per research as well, it hosts a number of independent cafes. Sounds like my kind of area to get lost in!
I don’t think I’ll be able to get over the fact that authentic Pad Thai is really yummy! Before starting my walking tour of the soi, I found this vintage-themed restaurant called Cafe Classique which offers all the Thai food you can think of. I was still half-full from the buffet earlier but I couldn’t pass up for Pad Thai either. The prices were a bit higher than what you would normally pay on a Southeast Asian trip but I didn’t care that much.
I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity for authentic Thai massage as well! Along Soi Ekkamai is Health Land, one of the more popular chain of spas in the city. I was almost sold to have my massage on the cheaper ones but having myself pampered in this albeit expensive spa was one of the highlights of my trip. It was well-spent baht on an hour and a half worth of massage. Next time I’m in Bangkok, I’ll really make it a point to stay in Ekkamai instead!
I also found this quirky book cafe which sells postcards. As you know, I’ve been postcrossing and I make it a point to buy and send postcards wherever I am. Too sad though, the books available were all in Thai so I couldn’t buy any.
More quirky specialty stores like If I were a carpenter.
I was having too much fun that next time I knew I needed to be back at the hotel because we were going to have the Hangover Tour for the night! I was sad to have only so much little time in Ekkamai! 🙁
Up next — what happens in Patpong stays in Patpong… or not?!
*With photos from Con and Val
But first, let me take a selfie
And -fies of random afams in the airport. Hello, Northern European-looking guy!
I want this pop art-inspired luggage cover!
NAIA Terminal 2 was still a bit gloomy, yet buzzing with travelers, when we got to the airport. A lot were boarding for different flights so we easily found a spot to lounge. We arrived an hour early and we were enjoying the silence… when the President arrived for a flight… (What were we thinking, it’s the national carrier PAL’s terminal after all.) Lol, no pictures because I was so tired, coming from work and shit.
The flight to Bangkok was usual – though I can bet a finger that PAL’s food could improve. And I hope there were no crying kids, because god knows I needed sleep that day. Seeing Suvarnabhumi airport again was refreshing though! The space-inspired international hub was in its usual hustle and it was energizing to be back!
First order of business though when we landed was to get some baht. I used to lug around dollar notes when I’m traveling but due to recommendations from Val and the internet, I had to try withdrawing from the local ATM. I was curious if I can save a few hundred pesos… but turns out it’s just the same. The exchange rate in the Philippines for buying baht was at 1.6, and I think I saved only a couple of ten pesos, since essentially the Bank in Thailand will convert your pesos to dollars then to baht… plus fees from both banks. Basically, I approximately got an exchange rate of 1.45. If you have some tricks up your sleeve with these currency exchange, please hit me up huhuhu.
Hello, photobomber!
This time around, we opted to stay at Baiyoke Sky Hotel, only Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper at 89 floors. Thanks to Val who treated us the hotel room, being it her birthday treat! The hotel is kinda old though… you can literally smell it. The actual lobby is at the 18th floor and if you go down on lunch time be prepared to the swarm of tourist groups as the tower is also a tourist attraction. So. Many. PEOPLE. FML (for my life, that is.)
Well I have to give it to them for having a fruit stand — INSIDE THE HOTEL LOBBY!
The bar near the smoking area on the 18th floor also has a driving range. If you got golf skills, time to show off!
The view of the Pratunam skyline from the room pays for what seems to be things that need attention. For one, I think Baiyoke needs to be more conscious about attendant’s behavior — especially those who are in the front desk… Everything’s bearable if their people are smiling.
/endrant
There’s nothing much to do at the hotel, so off to the nearest mall/market we went! Right outside the hotel is the Pratunam Market and it’s a hella big market – food, clothes, accessories, and all sort of Asian Market fare can be found there. If you walk a little further, it’ll bring you to Platinum Fashion Mall – where you’d find one the best deals on clothes, all the more if you buy in bulk. I guess, businesses here in Manila who source in Bangkok get their stuff here! Plenty of good stuff… and I love their foodcourt – where you need to exchange your money for a card you swipe to buy food. Snazzy!
The first of many Tom Yum Goongs for this trip!
Almost bought this!!!!
It was just the first day, but coming from work I just felt very tired and I crashed the minute I saw my bed after walking in the humongous Platinum mall. We even rode the tuktuk, who totally scammed us with a 100 baht charge, but kebs we’re too tired to argue.
The next day we’ve had the party of our lives so stay tuned for more stories!
*With photos from Con and Val
Finally, getting back up from a stomach flu! I haven’t felt that bad in the gut since god knows when and… I admit I’m still not that well… but manageable at the least! Phew… is this growing old?
Pratunam at night looks so lovely
But anyway, last week two of my friends from the office and I went to a whimsical trip to Bangkok and it never felt any better than being back in a city that I love! I was just there last year and despite the then-starting protests, the city was electric and full of energy… and still is the same! Though unplanned and this trip left me practically using up money that I shouldn’t, I wouldn’t regret anything. It was a hell lot of fun!
I got to do other things than temple tramping because I’ve done that last year! So it was about museums, the sex district, lots of drinking… and definitely it also involved lots of food. The city looks a hell lot like Manila but I guess there is really something being in a different city other than yours… makes you feel alive.
Central Thailand has one of the best cuisines across all of Asia, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world! I even learned a thing or two from Baipai Thai Cooking School! Met a couple of people from our small class , had tons of fun playing around the kitchen (without burning anything, of course!) Will definitely whip some Thai realness in the kitchen from now on… where to find ingredients though; we will scout for, that is.
And what is #Bangcock when there is no sleaze involved. I know any city would kinda regret if they’re known for sex shows but I think it just adds charm to good ol’ Bangkok. You all know the story guys… HANGOVER! So Two Gays and A Girl booked the Hangover Tour for kicks and it was a looooooot of oohs and aahs quite literally. Bangkok at night changes from sobriety to sleaze in a snap!
There is a lot to tell about our little getaway to Bangkok, including photos I prolly shouldn’t have taken but I’ll share anyway…
I can’t wait to tell all of ’em to you! Stay tuned!
I didn’t get to have all the coffee that I want back in Hong Kong but I took note of the interesting cafes that I saw while strolling around the area. Hopefully, they’ll be of help for you as well!
Most of these are found at Hong Kong Island – in Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. Hopefully, this list will grow – because I’ll definitely go back soon! Maybe a lesson or two from the Coffee Academics… and an overcaffeinated vacation…
Ah! One can dream…
The Coffee Academics
38 Yiu Wa St, Causeway Bay
+852 2156 0313
10am – 11pm
18 Grams Specialty Coffee
77 Wing Lok St, Sheung Wan
8am – 7am (I’m not sure if this is serious tho lol)
VEYGO Coffee
Kai Fung Mansion, 2-24 Jervois St
Sheung Wan
+852 2205 1011
9am – 10pm
Catfe
85 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
+852 3590 2686
Fetch Coffee
109 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
Backerei Cafe
G/F Western Market, Sheung Wan
Agnes B. Cafe L.P.G.
17-19 Yun Ping Rd, Causeway Bay
Rabbithole Coffee and Roaster
3 Landale St, Wan Chai
+852 2528 0039
7:30am – 8pm
Barista Jam
126-128 Jervois St, Sheung Wan
+852 2854 2211
Cupping Room
LG/F 299 Queen’s Road Central
Sheung Wan
+852 2799 3398
Corner Kitchen Cafe
226 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan
+852 2547 8008
Caffe Habitu
Hung Hom, near HK Polytechnic Uni
From last year’s trip
By the time this reaches your screens, I’ll be in the airport, hovering towards the boarding gate because I’ve probably just arrived from work to catch a plane to the chaotic yet charming Venice-esque city of smiles. I’m with two friends who I’ll be traveling with for the first time and I have never been excited to be back in a city I’ve been before. The last time I was there, I was a bit tired from the Angkor Wat tours and I can admit that I haven’t done so much. Heck, I missed on having a bowl of authentic Tom Yum Goong served in the streets!! But I’m glad I did the temples then, because now I have time for other things like exploring the other districts like Pratunam and Ratchethewi and Khao San, and maybe take cooking classes, and Thai massage (perhaps with a happy ending… hehe) and so much moooooooore!
I was just on a trip last month, and even though this trip might really leave me broke and eating free food from the office pantry for the rest of the year, I wouldn’t care… (maybe not the wisest decision, but I’m so up for spontaneity right now)
Yes, I’ll be in this flight and will have a good time.
I promise to save up after though because plans for 2015 is slowly upcoming. PRETTY. AWESOME. SURPRISES. But scared as well…
Also, I’ll take this opportunity to congratulate my friend, Ella, who was with me last year in the same city. It was also my first time to go to more than one country and it was awesome and was a great year-ender for me. She’s now based in London and I got nothing but all the happiness in the world for her. Kudos to you, Ella, and keep calm and carry on! (I just had to.)
I’ll see you guys, soon! And with more stories to share 🙂
