Archive for February, 2012
Case of the Missing Scarf
I remember clearly when this photo was taken. Behind me is a mystery man whom I’ve been following online since last year. We met in person during my first night in Siem Reap and I am still in awe up to this day that I finally met him. No, I am not in love with this person in a romantic way. I just felt like I found a big brother in him and he’s been giving me tips about traveling, blogging and life. He’s the man!
With the Mystery Man one morning at Siem Reap River
We were at the wet market of Siem Reap with a friend minutes before this photo was taken. I was scheduled to take the 8AM bus ride (Siem Reap-Bangkok) and I booked my ticket a night before. I wanted to go to the wet market to see a certain rare find there, but we failed to see it. We decided to just walk ’till we reach the Siem Reap River and to our guesthouse.
To cut the intro short, I ended up not taking the bus trip even if I made it just on time. I am aware that I just wasted $10, but I know that I will gain more knowledge and memories once I extend my stay for two more nights.
The mystery man handed me a scarf a night before my actual departure from Siem Reap. He told me that I can use the scarf on my upcoming trips. I am touched with this simple gesture. Ang sweet lang hehe.
The Hard-Headed Bull
“Ang tigas talaga ng ulo mo!”
I’ve heard that statement a lot of times. From my family, friends and those sincerely care about me. I may look like a pa-demure woman because of how I dress up or how I blog, but there is this side of me wherein I fight for what I believe in even if everything is doubtful about it. I am a bit of a rebel, but in a good way.
I am back here in Bangkok. It is my 11th day outside the Philippines and I am now exploring the city on my own. I am bound to go on a long trip somewhere in Thailand later and I am not even sure why I am so determined even if I only have enough money here. As in sakto lang for meals and minimal expenses.
I want to explore some parts of Thailand while I still can but I also do miss the company of my friends who are now in Siem Reap. It’s just that I feel the need to move and start doing things on my own.
The Marimar Connection: Short but Sweet Conversation with Cambodian Vendors
Hello from Siem Reap! I am on my 5th night here and to be honest, I don’t want to leave! I just love the laid-back feel of this place. It is not as chaotic as other tourist destinations and it is a big relief that most Cambodians can speak english.
Talking to Pre Rup vendors (Photo by Andrew Mamangun)
It’s just the second day of our Angkor Wat Tour yet I’m already experiencing the so-called Temple Overload. I can’t help but feel amazed on how the ancient Cambodians created these temples and structures. Temple-hopping on a very hot day is not really that ideal because you the heat will suck your energy.
That morning, we first visited the famous Ta Prohm temple. If you’re a Tomb Raider fan, you will surely know why. I got too tired in exploring that specific temple that’s why I got a bit lazy on the second stop, which is the Pre Rup. I seated in one of the corners where some of the tired tourists were taking a break. I then saw a Cambodian man in his mid-twenties who unleashes his creative side by painting some of Siem Reap’s historical landmarks and sell it to tourists. On the side, there are young kids selling various products like bracelets, bamboo flute and postcards.
Living the Dream and Wandering – Why?
I am seated right now in a pizza and pasta place somewhere along Pub Street in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is my 3rd night here and I am truly savoring every moment. I am not a Tomb Raider fan and I only saw the movie once in an unclear copy, but I knew that I wanted to explore Angkor Wat. During the release of the Angelina Jolie starer, traveling from Manila to Siem Reap is not easy. Well, it is not really that easy since there are no direct flights yet (although a local airline announced that they will launch their Siem Reap routes by June.
I Wander while I work
It is my first time to cross borders. Thailand and Cambodia are two different countries with a certain charm that makes them a favorite destination of foreign travelers. I spent two nights in Bangkok and will be going back in a few days, but I now know why the tag ‘Amazing Thailand’ worked. I met a number of Thailander students in Pangasinan who are studying Medicine and they’re thoughtful especially to my grandparents. Gallivanting along Khao San Road is an overwhelming experience – it is chaotic yet I love it. I even went on the middle of the famous backpacker’s lane and danced like nobody’s watching. Well, a lot of people were watching hehe 
How Jade Lopez surprised me!
It is no secret that I am a fan of Jade Lopez during her Starstruck days. I can say that Starstruck helped me in a good way in terms of diverting my energy and attention to it. As a high school student, I experienced a number of ups and downs in terms of my personal and academic life. Watching these fourteen teenagers outshine each other became a good outlet for me. You can also blame the show on why I became addicted to online forums and eventually, blogs.
Jade in her normal self before the pictorial
It is also no secret that among her female batch mates, Jade Lopez is rarely seen or heard on the previous years. Jennylyn Mercado won, had a baby and bounced back in the scene with flying colors. Yasmien Kurdi starred in a number of teleseryes as lead actress before she pursued her dream to study a medical course. Nadine Samonte is still there and starting anew with TV5, Katrina Halili gone through a lot and is currently stuck in kontrabida roles, Sheena Halili is consistent on being Kapuso’s favorite sidekick and Cristine Reyes is one of the most popular female stars of ABS-CBN and Viva Entertainment.
So what happened to Jade Lopez? Read More »