Anong Pecha Na?

Hmmm... remember this post? Who would believe it was a year ago when I arrived here in The Land of Smiles? Goodness, time flew so fast.

I'm exhilarated right now. Looking back, it had been an amazing year of exciting experiences...

- I explored BangCock and fell in love with it
- met new friends who I treasure as each day passes
- traveled (and camwhored in the process, leaving a trail of campiness behind me)
- fell in love, cried, and got back on my feet
- and through all these, I discovered more of my self

To those who were part of these memories, khorp khun maak kap!!!

And now, I'm looking forward to two more years here (I got my new visa yesterday... yahoooo!).

Things are definitely looking up...

- a more fulfilling job
- developing more profound friendships
- camwhoring in other places (Laos, Indonesia, India... humanda kayo sa bayot)
- the prospect of dating again (cooking up something as we speak)
- and unraveling the petals of the lotus that I am (choz! Feel ko lang sabihin yun.)

Escape to Koh Kret

Everybody was supposed to meet at seven in the morning. For a Sunday, the call time was obscene, especially for L, Bubbles, and me who were drunk the previous night from the house-warming party. Anyway, the ladies were up for anything, even it meant slathering loads of concealer on our eye bags. Aside from the three of us, Pinays Nida Blanca (a BangCock resident) and Estrella Dimaabot (a visitor from the Unibersidad ng Pilipinas) joined the excursion that day.

Our destination was Koh Kret, an island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River in the province of Nonthaburi, north of BangCock. Koh Kret is gaining popularity for its laid-back, countryside atmosphere and is best known for its pottery.

The ride on the river took about forty-five minutes. It was my first time to see the northern part of the Chao Phraya. The scenery is more sedate than the southern sections. We went down in the Nonthaburi pier and took a van to the jump off point to Koh Kret where we took a three-minute boat ride. I was quite surprised at the hordes of people who were going to island as well, indicating how popular it has become.

We started our trip at the local museum managed by the temple. The first floor displays samples of pottery of the island and the second floor is reserved for old, temple-related items such as Buddha images, paintings, and other stuff used during Buddhist celebrations (my knowledge on this matter is disappointingly limited).

We then wandered into the crammed inner alleys that are mainly lined by stalls of terracotta wares - candle holders, oil and incense burners, pots, sculptures, plates, mugs, etc. The craftsmanship varied considerably between stalls, so we chose to walk all the way to the of the alley before purchasing anything.

On both directions, we picked up various snacks and delicacies. L was particularly amazed by the deep-fried flowers and Nida Blanca gobbled on the cold refreshments.

Aside from the scrumptious food, the various crafts sold in the alley also attracted our attention. We ended up buying anklets, bags, and some scented creams. I also brought home an incense burner, an oil burner, and a couple of hand-crafted animal sculptures.

For lunch, we found a restaurant cantilevered over the river. The food was nothing remarkable but the cool river breeze definitely compensated for the lackluster lunch. Going back to the entrance of the alley, we stopped by a coffee shop that also served rice cakes. By then the heat was wearing us down.

We also realized that the number of people had increased since we arrived. It was indeed fortunate that we arrived much earlier. Still, despite the crowd, Koh Kret seems still far from becoming a characterless tourist destination (thank God it's not that very, very accessible from BKK). The area still has an authentic community spirit, and definitely unpretentious. The question is: how long would it take before crass commercialization, that defines most of the tourist areas in BKK, would swallow up Koh Kret?

Tracking History in Kanchanaburi

I went on a day trip to Kanchanaburi last Friday to see the Thailand-Burma Death Railway (or at least a section of it). The site was made popular by the book and film, The Bridve Over the River Kwai (1957); I've only seen some parts of the Oscar-winning movie.

Kanchanaburi province has long been a popular tourist attraction because aside from the historical site, there are also a number of waterfalls around the area. I heard there are also elephant treks in the jungle. But then, we're not there for those elephants, although I would've loved to be on one (always have).

We had three guests from Malaysia who wanted to see historic location and my boss thought it would be a good idea for me to go with them as well. I'm not really a big fan of war memorials. They make me sad all the time.

The section of the railway that was featured in film is actually called as The Bridge Over the River Kwai. It is still used as a part of the Thai railway system. A commuter train did pass by, intruding the camwhoring of the hordes of tourists that day.

Honestly, at the onset I did not have any feelings for the bridge at all. After having lunch in the floating restaurant, however, we drove to the brilliant Thai-Burmese Railway Museum. It was there that I learned more of the atrocities during the construction of the railway.

POWs were carted all the way from Malaysia and Singapore to work under appalling conditions set by the Japanese. Thousands of these men eventually died. Roughly eighty percent of the death toll were Malay and Indian Malaysians, and around ten percent were Burmese. The British, Australian, Dutch, and American POWs who died accounted for only less than twelve percent.

Across the museum is a cemetery for those POWs. I was quite struck by the age range of the men who died. Most of them were in their early to late 20s (my colleague saw a grave of an 18 year old soldier). It was heartwrenching thinking of the future that was robbed from them.

So I finally had the chance to see Kanchanaburi, but it did not leave me any pleasant experience coz I actually felt depressed after visiting those reminders of man's cruelty to each other.

To lighten up the mood of this entry, I'm posting a picture of Saphan Taksin, which I took on the way to the house-warming party of a Pinay friend. The second photo is a view from her apartment, which is from the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya.

Models Resurrected

Hmmm... why are Super Models (yes, in capital letters, dahling) coming back? Linda Evangelista was on the cover of Vogue Italia for June 2008, followed by Naomi on ID, and even Kate Moss is on the cover of Vogue US for August 2008.

And now, Christy on W Magazine (see the full spread here).

I'm not complaining of course. There never had been any REAL supermodels after these girls. And they can werq as long as they want and I'd never get bored with their fierceness.

Title: Champion

Magazine: W Magazine (August 2008)
Model: Christy Turlington
Ph otographer: Michael Thompson,

Photo Credit: Foto Decadent

The One and Only Naomi

Now this girl woman is still werqing hard. Can't help loving her.

Magazine: i-D August 2008
Photographers: Inez & Vinoodh
Models: Naomi Campbell & Stefano Pilati

Photo Credit: Modeling News

Weeerrrk!

I can't help it. I spent half of the work-day to tinker with these pictures using Photshop. I just felt the need to post them today coz dahling I worked hard for these damn pics. I hardly have any energy to write about the Penang trip after the manic Photoshopping (choz... kaartehan!), so let's allow the pictures to take us back to the four-day trip.

We took the train from Bangkok to Buttleworth, Penang. It was freaking 24 hours. I've never been on a train for so many hours. It was a good thing that I was with L and Bubbles with whom I discussed how to solve poverty in Africa during the duration of the trip. The seats were folded out as beds in the evening. The continuous rocking of the train put us to sleep.

We crossed the border towards Malaysia and four hours later we arrived in Penang. A fifteen-minute ride on the ferry brought us to Georgetown where the Czarina of Penang met us and whisked us to his palace in the sky.

Later that evening, the Czarina brought us to the food-hawkers central near the bay where we sampled Malay food, among others. I don't have any opinion about food, except that all types of food make us fat. Full stop. Later in the evening, we sat outside the balcony of the Czarina's palace in sky and drank Vodka 'til 4 in the morning.

The next day, we went around Georgetown's historic sites. Ugh, there were too many to mention and I feel lazy right now. Basta, Georgetown blew me away. The amazing mix of British colonial, Indian, and Chinese influences makes it an architecture-lover's dream. Truly, the place is worthy of its recent listing as a World Heritage Site.

That evening, we went to a bar/restaurant where a drag queen sings blues and jazz interpretations of Mariah's and Whitney's songs. He is divine! From there we moved to the club strip of Penang, where we ended up in a club (of course). After finishing a bottle of vodka, we had some post-clubbing dinner where the paparazzi caught me. Ugh.

The next day, we crossed back to Buttleworth. The train was canceled so we had to take a three-hour taxi ride to Hat Yai. We reached Hat Yai at around four in the afternoon and took the train back to BangCock.

Oh, did I mention I camwhored in Penang? All photos below were taken by no less than the Czarina. Thanks a lot dear for bringing out the Ana Bayle in me.

Bakla Invasion of Penang

Whew! I just arrived from a holiday of pure campiness in Penang, I can still feel the wobbling of the train in my head. The trip was nothing but unrestrained campiness. I'm very surprised I did not grow a vagina in Penang. The camwhoring was incessant especially coz Georgetown, the capital of Penang, is the perfect location for a photoshoot. I have to thank L and Bubbles for being amazing travel buddies, as always. And of course, to the Czarina of Penang, thanks for the phenomenal time, for being such a gracious host, and for acting as my personal photgrapher (personal kung personal, girls). Muchas gracias, dear.

Mawr pictures coming up when I've recovered from the trip.

You Know You're a Fashion Icon If...

... fashion editorials and fashion shows are inspired by you. And Amy Winehouse has exactly done that on several occasions.

Editorial: Hairspray
Magazine: Numero
Issue: #84
Model: Denisa Dvorakova
Photographer: Dusan Reljin

Editorial: L'Idole
Magazine: Vogue Paris
Issue: February 2008
Model: Isabeli Fontana
Photographer: Peter Lindbergh

Photo Credit: Foto Decadent (check the complete sets here)

Han Jin and Anouck Lepère in Chanel Pre-Fall 2008

Photo Credit: Style.com

Off to Penang tomorrow with L and Bubbles. Looking forward to owning Penang with the Czarina (who has a new blog address).

And Yet Another Letdown

It's 4:08 am. I can't sleep. I've been trying to for the past couple of hours now, still the big disappointment of the evening haunts me.

I was supposed to meet Snejana Onopka, who I introduced in my previous post, tonight at Soi 4 to attend my friend Martha Graham's birthday party. Since he did not give me a specific time for us to meet, I milled around CentralWorld at around 7 pm and eventually ended up at Heidi's place until about 11-ish. From there I met the Pranses at Soi 4, which was quite cool coz he and I haven't seen each other in like a gazilion years.

Anyway, I waited and waited for some news from Snejana but I waited in vain. Shortly after midnight, I pranced to the party of Martha Graham, gave him a beso-beso, and ordered a glass of vodka as proceeds from the alcohol go to a charity or something (oh dear, I'm getting my Nobel Prize tomorrow). I tried calling Snejana. The phone rang for eternity. My SMS went unanswered as well. Nothing from him at all.

Feeling defeated, I quickly sneaked out Martha's party (I stayed for less than ten minutes) and took a cab to Khao San Road where Bubbles* was partying with his straight girl friends (gasp!). Always, always, friends are there to bring me comfort and I couldn't be more than thankful for that.

The evening began with such a giddy anticipation of meeting Snejana again. It is very rare indeed that I come across someone who really, really interests me (for crying out loud, I even started writing about him on this blog. Can you actually remember the last time I mentioned some freaking bastard here?). But then he is a big letdown afterall.

The fact is, it was not even my idea to meet him tonight (or last night I should say as it is already Sunday now). He invited me out when I could've instead opted for a peaceful evening at home and finish my knitting, right? (Nah, I committed to be at Martha's birthday.) Where then is this bloke's decency to at least SMS me that his plans had changed? Oh, did I just mention decency? That's what people lack these days, too bad.

I've been through many, many disappointments in the City of Angels (and I'm talking about men here). Yet, tonight was a big blow because Snejana seemed sincere. That only shows what an absolutely excellent judge of character I am.

Oh well, what a waste for a weekend.

Disappointments, I have to get used with these soon enough.

Note to self: Suck it up and live with it.

* The fag formerly known as PJ; the new name was suggested by the Czarina of Penang.

Photo Credit: My sister's.

Spectacular! Spectacular?

Hmmm... someone started his weekend rather early. In fact, I skipped the last hour of the workday yesterday, just to meet my friend Snejana Onopka, who is a professional tour operator catering to Russian tourists. We picked up three groups from various hotels in the city, the van crawling in the rush-hour traffic. The destination of the day is Siam Niramit, the popular... hmmm... what do you call that thing... it's like a theatrical extravaganza of everything Thai - its history, dances, religious beliefs, and festivals.

I rolled my eyes when Snejana told me that he's taking me there, after all, I have seen the chintzy "spectacularization" of Thai culture in Phuket Phantasea last March (see post here). Nonetheless, it's a free ticket, so who am I to refuse?

We had dinner at Siam Niramit, and afterwards, I tagged along the Russian group as Snejana brought them around reproductions of traditional Thai houses from the various regions of the country. That section is surprisingly tamed, none of the garishness that I've seen before in other places, hence, it has a more authentic feel to it.

Inside the show, I was lucky to get a front-row seat so I could keep a close eye on the performance. As always, I slept. (I have this odd habit of sleeping in cinemas and theaters unless I have a hand to hold on to. I swear.) Ok, I slept in the first part, for about ten minutes during the traditional Thai dances. The rest of the show was, uhm... unremarkable, except when a canal appeared on the stage, with boats floating across it. It even rained on stage.

Production-wise, Siam Niramit definitely pales in comparison with Phuket Phantasea. The latter has more histrionics (a dozen elephants, flying trapeze artists, tigers, more dramatic lighting, stunning stage design, etc.), however, Siam Niramit presents Thai culture in a more enlightened context. For instance, the audience actually can focus on the dances rather than the distracting lighting or shifting sets (that was all over the place in Phuket Phantasea). Would I recommend Siam Niramit to friends? Hmmm... I say better spend your money on reading a book on Thai culture if you want to know more about it.

After the show, Snejana Onopka and I went to Soi 4 for some beer. We hanged out at this Greek restaurant that had three Pinoy waiters (gasp!). It is of course always cool to see kababayans around. Anyway, the conversation between Snejana and I was nothing short of awesome. He is a very intelligent and sensitive guy, and mesmerizing eyes, I have to add. Blush. Was it a date? Hmmm... I don't think so. Blush again. But he is going to be in my radar. Let's see how this goes, girls. Two of his girl friends joined us later in the evening and dahling, they're gawgeous. Why didn't anybody tell me that Ukrainians are ferosh?

So there, an early weekend for me. The next few days are going to be full as well... rampahan, kabaklaan, hedonism, world tour, ribbon cutting, etc. (Ilusyonadang bading.)

Oh, bakla, please don't forget to watch Miss Universe on Monday. Does anyone know which channel on True Visions it is going to be on?

Photo Credit: Siam Niramit

Ulirang Asawang Bakla

Remember Jay Branan? He appeared on the (in)famous movie, Shortbus (2006). Since watching him singing the Star Spangled Banner in such an, ehem, uncompromising position, I fell in love with him (see my previous post here). As mentioned in his blog, he is soon to release an album (or has he?). I can't wait.

Below is a track from that album. The song is called Housewife and I love how whimsical and cute it is. Go check out the lyrics coz it is totally GAY. But no, for the love of God, I don't fancy being a housewife at all. Washing the dishes? Doing the laundry? Hell no; that's totally unromantic. What would happen to my nails? Ugh.

Housewife

by Jay Brannan

Two bodies pressed together
Two boys are falling hard
The smell of sweat and leather
A kinky greeting card

Crazy about each other
We both have fucked up pasts
But when we are together
We have a fucking blast

I wanna be a housewife
What's so wrong with that?
I wanna be a housewife, yeah
And that's just where I'm at

I'm making guacamole
He's working on the car
When he grills turkey burgers
He knows I like them charred

I like to wash the dishes
I like to scrub the floors
Don't mind doing his laundry
What are boyfriends for?

I wanna be a housewife
What's so wrong with that?
I wanna be a housewife, yeah
And that's just where I'm at

I wanna have his baby
I want to wear his ring
He drives me fuckin' crazy
I am his everything

I wanna be a housewife
What's so wrong with that?
I wanna be a housewife, yeah
And that's just where I'm at

I wanna be a housewife
What's so wrong with that?
Can't wait 'til he's in my life, yeah
Cause we haven't met
We haven't met yet
We haven't met yet
We haven't met yet
Met yet

Traveling with an Attitude

I guffawed while reading this article...

According to a recent international survey, the French are now considered the most obnoxious tourists from European nations, and behind only Indians and the last-place Chinese as the worst among all countries worldwide... the study also describes the voyageur franÇais as often unwilling or unable to communicate in foreign languages, and particularly disinclined to spending money when they don't have to - including on those non compris tips. Over all, French travelers landed 19th out of 21 nations worldwide, far behind the first-place Japanese, considered most polite, quiet and tidy. Following the Japanese as most-liked tourists were the Germans, British and Canadians. Americans finished in 11th place alongside the Thais.

Read the full article here. Very, very interesting. Makes you reflect how you are as a traveler. Any opinions about your fellow tourists from other countries? (Limit generalizations please.)

I always, always... and again... ALWAYS think of my self as an ambassador of my country whenever and wherever I travel. I have no idea what exact impression I leave but at the very least, I want to be unremarkable (better than leaving a bad impression, chai mai?). Still, I try my best to be as unfussy as I can, that we Pinoys are respectful to the locals... and that we have the best pout around.

How do you travel?

Photo Credit: Travel Pod

Not a Happy Ending

The weekend is on it's final h0urs. Gotta recap, as usual.

Friday evening... went around Siam Square with Heidi; picked up a studded belt; went to Silom Soi 4 for Beer Lao; bumped into Nikita; had more beer with nice Australian friend Kylie.

Saturday... had lunch with Bubbles, L, and Nida Blanca at Central World; watched Kung Fu Panda (which drove me kerayzeeee!); went to the birthday party of Aimee Marcos and moved to Landmark Hotel for more beer (Pinoy band at the bar); stumbled into Silom Soi 2 with Pinoy baklas Bubbles, Margarita Moran, Singlet, and Jatujak; flirted with this hottie but went home alone (I was a good boy).

Sunday... visited the Royal Barge Museum with Heidi; walked to Wang Lang Market; visited two temples along the Chao Phraya; met Bubbles at Hualampong Train Station to buy tickets for Penang (buwahahahaha).

This is where things went downhill for my supposedly clean weekend.

Our bodies were weary from so much walking. Heidi and I found this decent massage place at a decent area. We each had private cubicles. I slept during the back massage and woke up only during the head massage. The masseur offered something that, well, I did not resist (I was aghast that this happened at a decent massage place ha). I feel awful until now. Truly, truly revolted at my self for falling into such abhorrent act, which you can guess already.

I'm very, very judgmental of my self. I am pretty secure of my "integrity" (as I define it for my self but not necessarily how I see others), although I do live in a city that has boundless opportunities to lose one's morals easily. I did something that was against my values. I reached a low point today. No excuses for what I did, but truly I regret it.

Obviously, I'm not proud of my actions tonight. However, I need to write it here coz only then can I forgive my self. This is an act of confession. I acknowledged to have done something disrespectful to my self and to other people. And I shall never do it again.

Having said that, this is where reconciling with my self starts.

Woohoo!!!

I don't want to post two consecutive entries that start with OH. EM. GEEEE. But I have to do it anyway, so here it goes...

OH. EM. GEEEEEEE!!!
OH. EM. GEEEEEEE!!!
OH. EM. GEEEEEEE!!!

I just came back from talking to my Director, aka boss, and he told me that I am getting a two-year contract after my current contract expires at the end of this month. He loves me, he really loves me.

A view from the Baiyoke Tower, the tallest building in BKK. I can actually see my building from here.

Oh, I'm not really surprised that I'm getting another contract, afterall, I am good at making it appear that I'm actually working (hihihihihi). I was expecting however for another 12-month contract. But two fucking years? Dahling, that's 24 more months in BangCock!

I'm owning BKK. I truly will. I'm going to work it like I fucking own it!!!

Two more years of seeing this view from my bedroom window. Pretty, dontcha think?

I can't be more ecstatic right now.