The Unforgettable Khao San Road Experience

I wrote this 9 months ago during my backpacking trip with my parents. Yes. You read that right..with Parents..Hope you like it.

I really want to write this down before I forget what happened. I am already exhausted because of the 8-hour bus ride from Cambodia to Bangkok, but this is the highlight of the day, so I have all the time to write this.

I am currently in Bangkok inside our very small hotel room in Khao San road. We arrived here at around 6:15pm and the van dropped us off 200 meters to our hotel. Khao San is a long street of hotels, restaurants, street foods and souvenir shops to accommodate and entertain backpackers from all over the world.

After eating all sorts of food for dinner, we went back to the hotel. My parents stayed inside, while I went out to explore the place, alone.

As we all know, Thai and Khmers are fond of eating insects. Filipinos eat them too but not the extreme ones like cockroaches and scorpions. You will find these stalls along Khao San Road, but based on my observation, they travel from place to place unlike the other stalls (Pad Thai, Kebabs, etc…). I don’t know why. Plus, they have this “10 Baht for a Photo” signage. Probably, most of the tourists (including me) would not dare to eat these scary-looking insects unless if you are a daredevil. So one way to earn is to charge a fee to take a picture.

While taking these pictures, the rain poured really hard making her customers flee. Not only that, but her umbrella malfunctioned spoiling most of her goodies. As for me, the challenge is to get back to the hotel as dry as possible (how selfish). While waiting for the rain to stop, this old lady appeared out of nowhere, selling rain coats and umbrellas.

Is she expecting this rain? I don’t know. But it was awesome. She was ready—a real girl scout.

The rain is getting heavier every minute. I have to leave the place. I have decided to get wet, have fun and have a unique experience walking along the famous Khao San Road. I placed my camera inside a plastic bag and started walking—not running. I got wet and I am happy about it. No regrets!

When I was in the dark and uncrowded area of the Khao San Road, I saw the girl selling the insects, alone, and looking sad. Like me, she was wet because of the rain. I asked her if she is already calling it a day. With sadness in her eyes, she affirmed my statement. I walked with her and talked to her. My ignorance consumed me again as I asked her if she’s scared of the insects. She laughed at me.

Getting wet in Khao San Road while having an exclusive chat with the lady who sells insects is just perfect — just magical.

Great experiences are indeed free.

Goodnight..

From Bangkok with Love

I Realized…

I am not sure what happened but I have learned about some things about myself lately. I think my North Luzon Backpacking changed me. I guess that’s the power of travel. You will see that the best things in life are really for free, at least. It’s a paradigm shift.

I realized that I don’t want a higher status in life. I want to give my corporate/government life an ultimatum.

I realized that frustrations can’t kill me. I have learned to accept who I am and to accept my weaknesses. I am starting to believe that I cannot make my weaknesses as strengths but I can accept that I am weak at certain points but not as a whole.

I realized that my accomplishments doesn’t matter to anyone, therefore I don’t need to brag them. At the end of the day, people will forget about it. It’s better to be humble in all circumstances.

I realized that there will be people better than I am. I have learned to deal with it. Also, there will be people who will hate you for no reason at all. Again, deal with it. Accept it. Don’t let them steal the life away from you.

Make your own story. In business, find a niche. Life is awesome.

How far can your Fitflop go?

I am not a person who likes branded merchandise. I am the thrift store guy slash hand me down guy. If I have a brand new stuff, it only means that it was given to me or my mom pressured me to buy it. But when I tried a Fitflop sandal, it felt more like heaven on earth. Since I am a traveler who is tired of carrying one shoe and one sandal, the Fitflop sandal is an intersection of both, making it easier for me to go around places.

So I bought a pair for $90 to satisfy my hungry “sole.”

I tried to do an experiment on how far it can go.. So, my blog will feature the sandal every now and then. I can’t think of a name of my sandal, so if you have any suggestion, please do comment below.

The Initial Adventure:

1) Bought the Sandals last February 17 at Marquee Mall, Angeles City

2. February 21, 2013 KFC Dau Mabalacat Terminal. We bought our dinner here before our North Luzon Trip.

3. February 23, 2013. On the way to Kapurpuruwan Rock Formation, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

4. February 23, 2013. Inside the Paoay Church (UNESCO Heritage Site), Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

5. February 23, 2013. Heritage Streets of Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

6. February 24, 2013. Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival) of Baguio City. The place was crowded and my Fitflop stood out.

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Watch out for the next adventure of my Fitflop. Again, send me name suggestions. Haha.

Our Foodtrip with “Jesus Christ”

Don’t worry, this post is not a metaphor about a relationship with Christ. My guest, Stuart, looks a lot like the stereotypical Jesus Christ image. Even the bystanders called him JESUUUUSSS! It was all funny but amazing at the same time, especially if you are walking with him. It feels like you are one of his disciples. Walk with Jesus? LOL

Stu and I shared the same beliefs about God and Christianity; so I am happy that a person like him understands where I’m coming from. We both grew up in a Christian environment but also understood that God is a personal God and not confined inside a structure or a group.

On a lighter note, we had an awesome food-trip last night together with a local couchsurfer, Jogs. What better way to appreciate Angeles City is to try it’s food. First, we tried a Filipino version of a Lebanese Shawarma.

After munching the Shawarma Sanwich, we tried Tupic, a Filipino delicacy made from coconut.

Here’s the real challenge: Although Balut is a very popular delicacy in the country, I haven’t tried eating it. Since Jesus-look-a-like wants to end his Philippine trip by eating Balut, we all had the chance to eat it for the first time. Mark the date: February 19, 2013. Check out our funny faces.

Well, we overreacted. It was actually good. Haha Food, good friends  and meaningful conversations are my new synonyms of the word HAPPY.

2’s a Company, 3’s a Crowd, 4’s a Party!!!

Me, Juan, Daniela and Stu

I can only host 1 person at a time because my “cave” is very small.

I have received a request last month from a couple in Argentina. I have read their profile and they are interesting, so I experimented and took the risk to host 2 people. It was a blast and I believe I did great. After they left, they promised to be back.

After a week, I received another couch request from a guy in Missouri. I accepted the request. The Argentinian couple’s return is the exact day I’m going to host Mr. Missouri. I cannot resist all of them because they are really interesting, so I have decided to host the 3. This is a huge leap for me and also a new experience from the World’s largest travel community.

Daniela and Juan returned with stories from their North Luzon Hitchhiking experience. Stuart a.k.a. Mr. Missouri with his “Jesus Christ” look brought with him his stories from the South. I like the fact that they have enjoyed their stay in the Philippines and listening to their stories was all pleasurable; although half of me was itching for a similar adventure.

Aside from travel experiences, we were able to talk about our own cultures and other “deep” stuffs. This is what I like about hosting people. You get the chance to break a daily routine to learn from interesting strangers. I like it. It’s tiring but it’s all worth it!

The company is C-R-A-Z-Y!!! (Special Participation: George the Monkey)

Chinese New Year 2013

It’s a personal tradition that I MUST go to Binondo, Manila (Chinatown) every year to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Last year, I went there alone; now we are 4. People wearing red flooded the narrow streets of Binondo. It’s the same old story, but it always feels great.

Postcards for Illinois, Pantai Remis and Jaktorow

This will go to Jaktorow, Poland. I have mentioned PETA’s Campaign to free Mali the Elephant.

This will go to Illinois as part of a Restaurant Project by a Couchsurfer.

Corregidor Card will fly to Pantai Remis, Malaysia for my October 2012 guest, Darren.

My Version of Carnival and Mardi Gras: Welcoming the Lent

CARNIVALE

According to Wikipedia, Carnivale is a festive season which occurs before lent. It involves a public celebration of parade combining some elements of circus, mask and street party.

To celebrate Carnivale, my friends and I attended Brasilipinas 2013 at Rockwell tent last February 8, 2013. It is a celebration in the Philippines showcasing the contribution of Brazil in the country.  Although we were late for the event due to some unfortunate cases (e.g. late arrival of buses, scary hotel rooms, etc), we still had the chance to maximize the whole party together with some couchsurfers in the area.

Promdi but Awesome!

With the party people of CS Manila!

Still dreaming about the beats of Samba.

 

The activity started at around 8pm and we arrived at around 11pm, where half of the people in the room are covered with sweat while dancing to the beat of Brazilian Samba. Aside from the fact that we missed the Capoeira exhibition, we also missed the special drink sponsored by Havaianas. Instead, we bought some mineral water at 711 and pretended that it was alcohol. It was fun and it was a good laugh.

MARDIS GRAS

May the odds be ever in my favor

 

Mardis Gras or Fat Tuesday is celebrated before the Ash Wednesday. According to my brilliant officemate, this event is done by eating fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the lenten season.

To celebrate Mardis Gras, my officemates and I decided to join a Gyudon Eating Contest organized by Yoshinoya, a Japanese Restaurant. For P199, each contestant is given 3 large Gyudon bowls. The contestant should finish the food in 5 minutes.

Unfortunately, I only finished 1 bowl. My officemate was able to complete the 3 bowls and was dubbed as the winner for the day.

Thanks to pressure of the crowd.

Guess who ate our leftovers..

Here’s my registration form slash waiver if in case I will burst due to a gluttonous act.

 

Ratha Yatra: A Strange but Surreal Festival

Last February 2, my friend and I went to this pretty cool Indian Festival called Ratha Yatra. The activity was organized by University of the Philippines Diliman, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc.

Ratha Yatra Festival is a Hindu festival where devotees pull the chariot of the gods. While pulling the chariots, people are dancing, singing and chanting with the tune of this Hindu mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Although the chant was sung for an hour, I never got tired of listening to it. In fact, I liked it. The main reason is that I could see the devotees singing it with pure passion and dedication to their gods.

After parading around the University grounds, we proceeded to the hall for the opening program. Outside the hall is a selling area featuring native delicacies, accessories and books from India.

The beat and the music is just a bliss! It was AWESOME!

Mr. Mahabara and wife explained to us all about the Ratha Yatra Festival. They have explained it with pure passion and joy.

The Ratha Yatra Chariot.

A Christian pulling the chariot. This is my sign of respect to their religion.

The Mama Cing Project

I. DIAGNOSIS

It was a devastating day for the family. My grandmother was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer. She’s the strongest and probably the youngest looking 79 year old woman in the city. Why her? Probably the whole family is in the state of denial. First and Second opinions suggested the same treatment: the agony of the chemotherapy.

II. THE PROJECT

Out of my depression after her diagnosis, I have decided to make a project which involves the Couchsurfing Community. I asked all the capital cities of the world to write a ‘get well soon” note on a piece of paper, take a picture with it and send it to my email. This is nothing new to the community since a number of people have already done this as a birthday greeting and as a wedding proposal. I am not sure if this is the first “get well soon” CS project for a grandmother with a cancer.

After completing Asia, I received my first email and it was from China. Attached to the email were two pictures: one from a Chinese girl and one from her Swedish guest. After a couple of minutes, an email from Turkey and Bahrain arrived. A bulk of email arrived after a couple of hours. I hardly had enough sleep that night because I was excited to open each email, reply to each sender and celebrate the fact that the world united to pray for my grandma. I love all the pictures. They were all done with love. The effort is overwhelming. I cannot post all the pictures but here are some of them:

This little cute boy was from Algiers, Algeria.

Couchsurfers and Snowmen united in Latvia to send some love…

Cheers to the Party People of Hungary! Thanks for the love!

Little girls from Myanmar. Thanks to Couchsurfer and Music Teacher, Wint Yee Phyo!

Don’t forget, the little boys from Myanmar!

Awesome family from Slovenia sending their love and wishes!

To date, I have received 143 pictures from 54 Countries. Aside from the pictures, I have received a short song composition, a short video and a poem. Some of the Couchsurfers sent some stories about losing a grandma, surviving a cancer and other heartwarming stuffs.

III. DOING THE PROJECT

I have 143 pictures. Now what?

After asking the opinions of “experts” we have finally arrived on making a scrapbook. The original plan was to make a collage but because we received a huge number of pictures, it would be impossible for us to carry it around.

I brought the digital copies to our local Photo Developer.

My friend Dennis Chamian (guy in red) offered his crayons and colored pencils in order for us to make a colorful scrapbook.

Our office trainees (which I prefer to call friends) volunteered to design the scrapbook. They did a great job.

IV. REALIZATION

I have been an active couchsurfer for more than 2 years now. I have been organizing activities, attending events and hosting people who need a couch. But this was different. The project revealed a different face of Couchsurfing. We are all travelers, but because of this project, I realized that there is more to traveling.

143 Complete Strangers contributed something small but for a greater and meaningful cause. Isn’t that beautiful?

Love will surpass everything. Love conquers fear. Love heals…and most  importantly, LOVE can unite the world.

V. The Day of the First Chemotherapy

I was happy that we were able to complete the project on time. I woke up early, joined grandma during her breakfast. After her meal, I gave her the  Scrapbook. She was speechless. She told me that she’ll be strong because the whole world loves her and is praying for her. She even left her bag in the car just to carry the big black scrapbook.

As I write this post, my grandma has undergone 3 Radiation Therapies and 1 Chemotherapy.. It’s a miracle that she neither felt pain nor any side-effects. Let us continue praying for her.

To all those who sent pictures and took time to do the project, My grandma and I will be forever grateful!