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.

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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.

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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 😀

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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

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? Continue reading