A Date with Rafael Nadal (...Almost)

And so last night my officemates and I received free tickets to the Thailand Open 2007, which was a great deal for me because I had been watching tennis on and off for the past years. Of course especially when a gorgeous tennis player is around, like, uhum, Rafael Nadal (who I've written about here and here), my eyes are on the court of every major tournament around. My Rafa is supposed to play this year but he canceled, together with Federer, Djokovic, and Roddick. What a bummer.


Last night we watched Benjamin Becker (Germany) and Danai Udomchoke (Thailand). Three quarters of the stadium were of course cheering for the Thai player, which made the match very exciting if only for the palpable energy. But alas the Thai lost in straight sets. This was followed by a match between players from Czech Republic and Germany.

Nadal might have been sorely missed but it was still a sensational experience for me because it was my first time to watch a live tennis match and in an international tournament at that.

Hot or Not?

Milan Fashion Week S/S 2008 is in full blast starting last weekend. God, I wish I have the time to research and post some of the orgasmic clothes and models I've been obsessing so far.

But I just couldn't help it. Agyness Deyn (which I wrote about here) has turned brunette! I can't decide if it's bagay or not. But certainly she gained good ground from her platinum blond hair and I'm not sure why the change.

Does that make me love her less? Not really. In fact Agyness will always be The Deyn, blond or not.

Photo Credit: Model Couture

Wat Fatigue and Flowers at Midnight

After getting off from the pier, L and I crossed a small bridge towards the Golden Mountain of Wat Saket. The place is called as such because of the artificial hill that is a remnant of a large chedi that collapsed during construction. The hill is made of mud-and-brick and trees with their gnarly roots have since overtaken it. Scattered all over the hill are tombs with pictures of the deceased. King Rama V later added to the hill’s summit a structure that houses a Buddha relic.

Winding stairs lead to the top of the Golden Mountain. As we scaled it, a view of the neighbourhood spread before us. These are mostly old shop houses that line the nearby klong as well as the grounds of the temple at the foot of the Golden Mountain. Farther beyond, we can see the Grand Palace, Rama 8 Bridge, Democracy Monument, and other landmarks. A prayer area rests at the top of the mountain from which we climbed a winding set of stairs that led to the chedi that serves as the crown of the mountain. The chedi is decked in golden square disks. It was quite a blinding sight at the height of the afternoon sun. Devotees prayed on the foot of the chedi. Some were going around it with lotus flowers in their hands which were in a praying position. Tourists on the other hand watched in awe at the golden chedi and at the same time admiring the panorama of the old sections of Bangkok.

L and I went around the temple complex at the base of the Golden Mount after we descended from the latter. It was another conventional wat (temple), save for the intricate murals on its interior walls and its doors. We also went around the eerily silent dormitories of the monks. In particular, the red doors that lead to the courtyards caught our fancy.

A block away from the Golden Mount is Wat Ratchanatda, which features a unique temple in its grounds. By the look of it, the black roof and its spires are made of steel or some other metal instead of the traditional terracotta tiles. No other Buddhist temple in the world is supposedly like it. In the middle of the temple is a spiral staircase that brought us to its upper levels. We took the opportunity to inspect the spires closer. They look pretty surreal and dramatic. I hope I had much better idea what the architectural style was about.

We shortly visited an adjacent temple, Wat Thepthidaram Worawihan, with its intriguing walls and Chinese ornaments.

Experiencing wat fatigue already, we stopped for lunch at this charming restaurant near the Bangkok City Hall, after which we made a quick stop at the Giant Swing. From there we walked the few blocks to the chaotic backpacking area of Khao San Road. To cap off the day, L had foot massage and I had Thai massage. An elephantine woman was my masseuse this time and I was practically crushed under her weight. I think I still have bruises from that massage session. This was followed by a quick snack at Burger King where L suggested that we walk roughly eight blocks to the largest flower market in Bangkok (I forgot the name of the place). And this was close to midnight already ha, so the streets were virtually deserted but still safe.

Just like most places in Bangkok, the flower market, even in the middle of the night, was one overwhelming place. Rows and rows of flowers line the pavement. Colours explode all over. For only 20 baht (roughly 15 pesos) one can buy a dozen of long-stemmed roses. Orchids were also in abundance together with a mind-blowing array of flowers, some of which I’ve seen for the first time and thus could not name.


After exploring the flower market, we found ourselves in the midst of more tiangges that occupied a good section of the sidewalk. People had a good time doing some late night shopping. But for L and I, we were already pretty exhausted to buy anything at all. So before the clock struck 12 midnight, we each took a cab and went home.

L, thanks for being such a great walking companion. And we can work on the poses next time. Just remember to elongate your neck and jut your jaw and you’re off to a good start. And pout of course.

The "Great" Klong Tour

Many decades ago, the extensive waterways of Bangkok earned the city the title as the Venice of the East. Its network of canals (klong) that led to the Chao Phraya River serve as the main transportation routes for its residents who mostly lived along them. Rapid urban development brought with it the construction of roads, rendering irrelevant most of the canals as a transport system.

Nowadays, one would still see the remnants of the once bustling klongs as fetid waterways. Not all klongs however have been abandoned. In fact, given the horrendous traffic situation of the city (truly an understatement there), one major klong serve as a faster alternative to get from one point to another. It runs across Bangkok, passing through the commercial districts of Sukhumvit, Pratunam, and all the way to the old section of Banglamphu and Rattanakosin.

Last Saturday, my Pinay friend L and I went on our so-called Grand Klong Tour of Bangkok. Armed only with a map, we got on the pier near Big C Department Store and boarded one of these low, flat-bottomed, long boats docked along the narrow klong. The pier only has signs in Thai and even the people manning it could not communicate with us. In a leap of faith, we boarded the boat and chose the Asoke pier to the East of the map as our destination.


When the boat started rushing forward, curtains made of sack were raised on both sides to protect the passengers from the filthy klong water. Believe me, getting wet in this water is the last thing you would wish on yourself. The water looks murky all right (think of the color of your cafe mocha) but there are certainly no garbage floating around and no putrid smell as well.

With numerous steel and concrete bridges spanning the already constricted klong, the fare collectors wear helmets as they perch on the sides of the boat. A ride costs 18 baht.


Squeezed between buildings, the klong ride to the east did not have much sights to really write about. We reached our chosen pier, went around the area a bit, camwhored, and went back to the pier to take the ride to the last pier on the west of the klong. Boarding was tricky though. The boats don’t even stop for more than a minute. So passengers are basically required to quickly hop on a rocking boat. Your sense of balance, agility, and strength are paramount lest you sink to the bottom of the dirty canal.

On the meandering route towards the west we saw some old wooden houses facing the klong. Most of them are in a state of disrepair, which is kind of unfortunate really. But no squatters along the klong or under the bridges. Despite the numerous residents along the canals, I did not notice any garbage floating anywhere. Narrow pathways were also constructed along the banks. Of course the quintessential tiangge is present in almost all of the piers we passed by.

Finally we reached the end of the klong, which was already around the vicinity of the Democracy Monument. It’s fascinating how we reached that part of town in less than 30 minutes. Had we taken public transport (or even perhaps a cab), it would’ve taken us at least an hour or so.

A Sari-sari Store in Bangkok

I was very excited to read in D's blog about his latest find -- Bangkok's own Pinoy Sari-sari store. I was planning to visit it this weekend when I got an invitation from D that we visit the store last night. So I rushed to Silom after work yesterday.

I swear I peed in my pants when we entered the small store. Boy Bawang! Datu Puti! Skyflakes! Extra Derm! Mr Chips! Eskinol! Del Monte Fruit Cocktail! Silver Swan! C2! They even have TV Freaking Patrol LIVE! And some DVDs of Judy Ann, Sharon, and Vilma movies.

Divine, divine, divine!!!

Oh, it’s like seeing dear, old friends once again.

The store was set up just two weeks ago by a gang of Filipino singers in Bangkok. Tucked in a corner is a table where customers can have a drink of C2 while munching on Chippy, which we ended up doing. I saw some Filipino customers ransacking the store’s stock of cheese and Lucky Me pancit bihon. Apparently Thais also buy pancit bihon but they complain that it’s not spicy at all. Of course.

Now I know where to tambay when I want to swap chismis or watch ASAP and The Buzz.

Go check D's entry for better pictures of the store.

Aray

My body's sore from doing yoga for the first time in six months. But I'm definitely excited to be back to all the twisting and stretching and concentrating. It's an uphill battle though coz I'm virtually back to square one in terms of flexibility. I can't even reach my toes at all. On the other hand, I've retained much of my stomach strength as I can still effortlessly keep the boat pose for a couple of minutes or so.

My impatience often haunts me though. Many times before I've overstretched my self (but fortunately I've not been injured YET) in pursuit of exactly copying how the illustrations in the yoga books appear. Or in particular how Christy Turlington appeared on the cover of Vogue doing the bow pose. (How the fuck does she do that?)

Ultimately I need yoga to go with my swimming, which I'm starting again next month.

Photo Credit: (1) DP Challenge and (2) Religion Facts

Monique Lhuillier Triumphs in the Emmys

Not really. Or at least the actress who wore a gown she designed won Best Actress for a Comedy Series in the Emmy's. Yes, that's America Ferreira of Ugly Betty in a smashing blue Monique Lhuillier dress. I can't be more proud of Monique, who has become a staple in the red carpet these past years.

Check her latest collection for New York S/S 2008 in Style.com and Model Couture. One can only wonder which of these dresses and gowns would land in premiers, film festivals, and award shows in the coming months.

Photo Credits: Style.com

Let the Fish Eat Bread

A three-minute walk from my building towards the river would bring me to a pier where I can take a water taxi along the Chao Phraya. What makes that pier unique is the abundant number of fish swimming just inches below the muddy surface. They look like catfish to me, albeit way larger. Around the pier are ladies selling bags of bread crumbs, which people feed the fish. The moment a speck of bread lands on the water the fish go on a frenzy. Mouths agape and their fins in full force, the fish just goes totally berserk as more crumbs is thrown in the water. At times, the riverside mayhem would cause water to splash on the sides of the pier.



Hordes of people actually come to this pier solely on the purpose of feeding the fish. No wonder those fish are humongous from all the carbohydrates they’re eating. Meanwhile, pigeons forage on the bits of bread left from the hysteria.



Yesterday, on my way to the pier, I took pictures of these spindly, snake-like kind of fish (maybe eels?) swimming in a basin of water. Another species looked like smaller catfish. I’ve always thought that these were for sale as food. They were kept alive to preserve their freshness, I figured. I was dumbstruck however when a girl brought several bags of these live snake-like fish. She went to the pier, opened the bags, and released the fish into the water.

And so I thought that feeding the fish or releasing them in the water is a Buddhist practice. True enough, I read that “the release of animals, particularly birds or fish, into their natural environment (is) an important way of demonstrating Buddhist piety” (Wikipedia).

Very fascinating, don’t you think?

And it Suddenly Dawned on Me...

... that Thai massage is actually way better than sex. At first glance, both look the same. I started by disrobing (and putting on some loose clothes they provide) and lying on the futon. I had a girl as my masseuse (harsh) and she did the rest while I groaned and moaned in immense pleasure. I was kneaded, twisted, rubbed, and stroked. A couple of times the girl was actually standing on top of me while I was lying on my belly. As in literally, ina-apak apakan nya ang aking pagkatao! At some point I was on top of her as she tried bending back my torso. Honestly, it was satisfaction I've never experienced before. And I didn't even need to come! I paid for the service, left the place, and everybody seemed happy. No hang ups afterwards (but no cuddling too). I wish I knew about the convenience of Thai massage much earlier, no?

After that uber relaxing massage, I crossed over to the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun (or the Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok's top tourist destinations. It was drizzling a bit so only a few tourists were wandering around the complex. [Note to self: only visit tourist spots when it's raining.]


Much like everything else in Bangkok so far, seeing Wat Arun was astounding. All the intricate details of, I don't know, hundreds of demons that seem to support the towers was mind-boggling. Floral designs made of porcelain and shells form complex mosaics on every other vacant surface, giving the towers a very arresting quality. I climbed the steep staircase that led me close to the apex of the main tower (the top was off limits to people). It was one tricky climb coz the rain made the steps very slippery. From the top I had a good view of the frenzy in the Chao Phraya and the roofs of the Grand Palace complex across the river.

Here are some pictures (with an obligatory solo shot... hehehehe).

Swinging in the Sunset

Huge celebrations took place at the Giant Swing this week for the installation of the new structure that replaced that old, decaying one. The King and Queen of Thailand no less were present in the inauguration ceremonies (last Wednesday I think). So after work, I rushed to see the new Giant Swing just as the sun was setting. (I had previously made an evening visit at the swing.) A number of people were at its foot, offering flowers, lighting incense, and praying.



I crossed to the nearby Wat Suthat, joining several worshipers in the large complex. Dozens and dozens of gold Buddhas were in its periphery. Small Chinese-style pagodas line the inner walls of the temple. The latter has a towering gold Buddha, with devotees chanting at its foot. I'm never a fan of stepping inside a temple when people are praying, I always feel like I'm intruding otherwise. I went around the grounds of the massive temple instead, the marble floors reflecting the pink sunset.



I had som tam for dinner in a restaurant near my building. Som tam is one of my favorite Thai food. It is an interesting salad of papaya shreds, cashew nuts, small dried fish and prawns, peanuts, and string beans. I specifically asked the waitress to make it mai phet (not spicy), but guess what, I still found a small piece of chili in the dish. When I notified the waitress about this she said it's only one piece of chili. And of course punctuated with that disarming Thai smile. What else can I do?


Tomorrow I'm crossing the Chao Phraya River to check ukay-ukay. And NO gay bars for me this weekend. I believe I'm too much of a whore who's acting drama queen at the same time. That's the worst kind, no? So I better stay out of trouble for the meantime.

This Took my Breath Away

... and I think I had an orgasm right there when I saw this picture of the divine Agyness Deyn on the Sartorialist on Style.com. I've previously written about my obsession with The Deyn, and obviously I can't get enough of her. See her New York Fashion Week S/S 2008 pictures on Style.com... sorry, I can't help it, I just have to post more.




This certainly made my day.

Photo Credit: Style.com

Part of Your World

A couple of days back, I went to the Army Sports Club, which is like a three-minute walk from the office, to check their swimming pool. Swimming is probably the only sport that I can do and I enjoy it immensely. I don't have formal training in the sport though. But hey, I come from Surigao, we are practically surrounded by water. I used to regularly swim with Grace back in Davao, but I haven't been back to the pool in ages.

So on the recommendation of a colleague, I found my self at the Army Sports Club. I was crushed however when the person assigned at the pool told me that they do not allow foreigners to use the sports club. I emphasized to him that I was going to pay for the membership or any other fees thereafter. Still he said it's only for Thai people. I was aghast of course. What does my nationality have to do with swimming in the pool? I only want to swim, what can be less simple than that? I figured it might be the fact that it was a military facility, hence not allowing foreigners is part of their security measures. But it still does not make sense to me at all. Anyhoot, I decided not to pursue the matter anymore. They can drink all the pool water they want.

Yesterday I decided to check a nearby college that has a decent swimming pool. It is about ten minutes by foot from the office though, and the route to the college is always congested. But what choice do I have? Membership at the pool is 600 baht per year (or about 900 pesos, very cheap no?) and 30 baht per session. The pool looks fine and not too crowded so I decided to apply for membership in the coming days. But for the meantime I need to do some working out at the office's gym (just in front of the door of my bedroom) to prepare me for swimming. And I believe I need to get back to yoga now, it's an excellent complement to swimming actually.