Travelogue 1.3: Manila, Philippines. Day 1.

You guys do know that I suffer from a severe wanderlust, don't you? And all thanks to a great friend of mine, Khairie (I think you guys know him already, he's the famous 1/2 of the team Malaysia in The Amazing Race Asia s4, who have won a trip to a place which I personally think is Heaven on Earth; Boracay, Philippines), invited me to join him for this trip. I'll write about Boracay soon but as for now, because the both of us, have a deep profound need to wander about the places on Earth, we decided to stop by Manila for a few days before Boracay. And I've never regretted our decision one bit. Many of you guys might think that Philippines is a really dangerous country, or that it is really poor and dirty, well, think again. Manila in fact, was very much like Kuala Lumpur and the people here are so much more courteous, I honestly wouldn't mind migrating here if there is a chance. So here's day one in Manila, Philippines, the Pinoy style.

23 May 2011

1015: KLIA-God knows where over the Pacific Ocean-Manila, Philippines.

It was a 3 hour 45 mins flight with MAS to Philippines from KL and believe me when I say that I'll never get bored of looking out of the window towards a vast-never ending blue skies that I adore so much. If I am to be given a chance to travel around the world either through the skies or the seas, I'll choose the skies in a heart beat. There is simply something about the skies which makes me feel so liberated and never more alive. And this time, to my joy, I actually witness a rainbow from thousands of feet above. Never really seen this before, haven't you? I have and I literally jumped up from my seat to look for my camera to catch such beautiful view, but I didn't catch it in time. It faded away in the matter of seconds. But here, again, as a tradition, my picture of the skies.

The skies of the Isles of Philippines.

1530: Mandaluyong-Makati

We checked into GoHotels at Mandaluyong, only about 15 minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila. Its a pretty good budget hotel that provides the essential clean sheets and hot water. Its strategically located just a few minutes walk from the local LRT station. And believe me, its pretty much important that you do stay near the train stations cause it makes travelling so much easier and cheaper. I've traveled most places in Manila only by trains and occasionally cabs. Yes, believe me, Manila's transit system is very efficient, compared to KL's. I'll show you a picture of the transit lines so you'll understand where I've been to better. 

GoHotels is located just right in front of Boni LRT station. We took the MRT over to Ayala station where Makati is. Makati, is one of the most dense Metropolitan areas in the world. Actually, to be honest, the whole of Manila is pretty dense. It's always packed with Pinoys from all over no matter where I go or where I look. My first thought about Makati was how much similar it was to our very own Bukit Bintang, KL. And this is why:

Makati is a great place for shopping if you are looking for the latest fashion by branded names from all over the world. They have most of what we have in Malaysia from Debenhams to Channel and whatevernots. And great news is, it is comparatively cheaper compared to the ones in Malaysia. So shopaholics, do visit Manila with an empty bag. I know I went crazy. oh and people, if you have yet to know, I'm actually collecting Hard Rock T-shirts from all over the world. And if you are peeps, make sure you head on over to get the one from Makati. *smileyfaceee*

I did get to try the famous Pinoy delicacy that my friends were telling me about, the Balut. Well, its basically an unborn chick that is cooked in two different ways. Either by deep frying or steam. Yes, disgusting, I know. So here's how it went for me.

I guess, my expression gave it all up didn't it? But honestly, it was okay-lah. It actually tasted like egg with soft-bone chicken. Nothing too exotic or anything but believe me, when you break the egg into half, looking at the dead chick, that would be enough to make everything taste terrible. And also, I did stumble upon a type of cookie that they have in one of the shopping malls. It tasted alittle like our tausar pneah (in Hokkien). It was ok, but please don't ask me what is it made of exactly.

1749: Makati- Malate

Going over to Malate was a bit of a trouble for us. We were supposed to go to EDSA train station and walk alittle. But we took the wrong train thanks to the rude lady over the counter. I don't blame her actually. With such dense population in Manila, dispensing those tickets must be really tiring.... who am I kidding? But anyways, I did get to catch a few of my favorite shots from the streets of Manila, so I'm all good.

We even tried out some Pinoy satay that we found by the streets. It is slightly smaller than the normal satays that we have back here, but it sure do look good doesn't it? But honestly, it wasn't to me nor Khairie's liking. I don't know what meat was it made up of, but it definitely isn't what I have tasted before.

Pinoy peanuts. They have it everywhere. Its roasted with different spices to give it a different flavor. I can't tell you how it taste like though. Wasn't up to trying anymore after the satay.

Anyways, I haven't told you about Malate haven't I? Malate is supposedly the red eye district area of Manila. Its where the hottest clubs and pubs are supposed to be. They do have alot of good restaurants and bistros over there. They even have a really good vintage-40's set up for Starbucks which I really liked. But unfortunately, it was a Monday when I was there. So yeah, I guess, it could have been more happening than what I've seen and experienced.  

With the vast variety of choices to chose from, we decided its best to ask the locals to recommend us what they think its best for them, Pinoy style. They told us to go over to Super Six Bar and Grill. True enough, the food did not disappoint us. They had a wide variety of food to choose from; chicken up to seafood. We ordered the deep-fried chicken with stir-fried mixed vegetable.

2314: Malate-Mandaluyong

Happy with the dinner that we had, we decided to call it a night. But the LRT/MRT closes pretty early in Manila. Their last train was, if I'm not wrong, 10.30pm. So we decided to give their traditional transportation a try, the Jeepnee.

 This picture was taken a few days after but I decided it was the best picture for a Jeepnee. 

Credits goes to Khairie.

This guy, is a guy that we met on the jeepnee. He was very helpful in telling us what Manila has to offer and definitely was very friendly. He even told us about his life's story and how he make a living out of being a waiter from Philippines to Malaysia and back to Philippines. I love this picture very much and I think, it somewhat captured his life story. A great way to end my first night in a foreign country.

To the many faces, many lives, many stories that I've crossed path with at the speed of a train.-melaniehwa.

Holiday Villa's Wedding and Travel Fair 2011.

Do I hear any wedding bells ringing? Weddings are always a joy to hear about or to witness (I know lots of people disagree with me, receiving the "red bomb", as what most Chinese people call 'em, means there goes my money). But seeing pass all that, I guess, its all joy when you see two lovebirds finding their soulmates. I've just witness a wedding when I was in Boracay, Philippines last week, and I would say, it was beautiful. Nah, as much as I would like to, I din't crash the wedding but the couple had their wedding reception at the hotel that me and my friend were living in. And seeing the faces of these two lovebirds, happy and contented, I guess thats all that matters, isn't it? 

Holiday Villa’s Wedding and Travel Fair 2011 will be held on the 2nd to 3rd July 2011 where lovebirds who are planning to tie the knot will be given an opportunity to explore and to learn about the various varieties of weddings that can be tailored made to suit both the couples’ personalities and desires. From wedding gown experts up to travelling agents to ensure that your every need from the wedding reception up till honeymoon trip is covered. So if you are fussing about which florist to hire, or where to have your wedding reception, just head on over to Holiday Villa Hotels & Suites Subang this coming 2-3 July and assistance is on your way!

Me and several other bloggers from Advertlets were invited to attend their cocktail launch party last Thursday. Funny, I know, Its definitely going to be a lot more years till I tie the knot and yes, it definitely was a bit weird being there. But it was indeed fun to see a little of what they have installed for lovebirds who is planning on to tie the knot. They even went to the extend of showing us a wedding gown and tuxedo suit that you lovebirds can choose from if you decide to take the packages provided. Here are some pictures of that evening:

  

  
So any of you lovebirds who plan on to tie the knot soon, make sure you head on down to HV Subang this 2-3rd July 2011 for great packages!

melaniehwa's randomness: #4. The Malaysian Education System.

 

picture taken off google.com

I would say, I am rather proud of Malaysia when it comes to their education system. However, as much as I would like to say I would enrol my kids with the local education system, I’d reconsider my options. Why, you wonder? Since my first statement was of one that supports the system, and yet, I am being nothing but a hypocrite on my very second statement. Well, here’s my sincere view upon the Malaysian Educational system that I believe, everyone has grew up with.

As my first sentiment goes, I am rather proud of the Malaysian Education system. Being the avid traveller I am, I have been to several places in the Southeast region of Asia. I have to admit that the Malaysian Government has indeed done a great job in raising us, from my father’s generation up to my three year-old nephew who’s in his first year of kindergarten, into a better literate community compared to the many countries out there. I sincerely express my gratitude for the past decade of learning at a local government school and for the efforts of teachers of all races in educating me tirelessly towards becoming a successful person in the society one day.

I am brought up in a MIC community as early as I can recite the alphabets A to Z. My circle of close friends in fact is what most people refer to as a mini 1Malaysia. I speak perfect Bahasa and I know several Tamil words (you have to admit, that language must have been the hardest language to learn ever in the whole world) With the Malaysian Education System, I would say it has helped a lot in bringing us different races all together, I know it definitely did for me.

Knowing that our upper secondary, form six (or rather our whole Malaysian Education System) is actually the best among other pre-university programs available in Malaysia, I dare say that I am pretty proud of what the Malaysian Education System have come to in the past 50 years after our independence. With this being said, I did not choose this pathway when I was at crossroads, deciding between the many pamphlets which university and course to choose from. I have decided to enrol with UTAR (a semi-government university, which offers a cheaper option but promises a great educational system, a choice that I’ve regretted not cause of the educational system here, but more of the community that breeds here) instead of going to Form Six cause of the low chances of getting into a local university with the choice of subject desired for non-bumiputeras. I know the quota system has been better over the years, but I dare say, the situation is pretty much still the same now.

On the other hand, I would like to highlight the fact that many irrelevant subjects has been taught in school. I remember that I needed to learn how to sew as a subject when I was in my lower secondary. I’d say I understand the reason behind this very decision by the government. They would like Malaysians to have the basic knowledge of living if all else fails; for example, if there should be a zombie apocalypse or that 2012 came but Malaysians somewhat survived. But I beg to differ. I think that it is a waste of time for kids to be learning about knowledge that they have total zero interest in and that same amount of time, could be invested on something else useful. This point for example, I would have to agree with the American Education System. At a very young age indeed, young Americans are given a chance to choose the subjects that they like and focus on what they want to do in life. I don’t know if you agree with me on this, but I’ve always believe that the earlier people realises what they want in life, the faster they work towards them. And hence, -1 for Malaysian Education system.

So it all comes back to the point whether will I send my kids to the local government school. I know this is a decision that I will not have to make in many more years to come, but I guess, for now, at this very point of life, I would say; I’ll definitely provide my children with a better choice if I can afford it. Perhaps migrating? Or maybe private international schooling system? I don’t really know right now, but I guess, if the Malaysian Education system wants to win the hearts of all parents out there, I suggest them move quick.

280311: I'm finally Legal! 4.0

And so, finally its my big day!

Monday, 280311.

I did something really different this year seeing it to be my 21st birthday. I find this rather like what most people would call it, "the rite of passage". I've decided to spend my parents for the first time to a proper dinner. I have been wanting to bring them for dinner or whatever-nots for a long time now ever since I got my first pay check. Though I'm not making a fortune, I've always believed that money is not as important as family ties. Against all my wishes, my parents never allowed me to spend them. They say that I can always spend them once I'm out working for real. After days of pestering, they finally agreed to it. So yeah, I've decided to bring them to Alexis Bistro, Bangsar Telawi. My initial plan was to bring them to My Elephant, a really good Thai cuisine restaurant in Hartamas (will do a review on it later, I promise!) but unfortunately for me, My Elephant is closed on Mondays and yes, you've guessed it right, my birthday, the fateful day falls on a Monday. Anyways, here are some of the pictures taken that night:

We've decided to share a large pizza and spaghetti. Honestly, I can't really remember which one we ordered seeing this post is almost 3 months back dated now. But I can say, my parents and I, were pretty satisfied, though I know, My Elephant would still be a better choice, knowing that both of them don't really fancy western dishes. But nonetheless, Alexis Bistro & Bar, serves good food especially their desserts(well I might be bias cause I'm born with a sweet tooth, so sue me!) Scroll down to know why.

 Alexis' famous Tiramisu cake. I'm pretty sure most of you have tried and have fallen in love with it already. I know I definitely did. I've tried quite a number of cakes by Alexis now and I dare say, most of them did not disappoint. My favorite however, will be the famous Pavlova. I don't have the picture in this post but believe me when I say that their Pavlova is a taste from Heaven. The sugary crispy crunchy shell with the soft and smooth marshmallow interior spells my name delicious all over it.

The handsome father.

 The chio Mother.

My gratitude and love for the both of you is beyond words, beyond material possessions, beyond comprehension. I am who I am today because you have first carried me in your arms, cleaned me long even before I know how to use the toilet, fed me even before my tummy complains of hunger, nurtured and guided me, providing the best that you both possibly can.  You both have grown so much older than I can ever remember, it aches me to see life problems are still bothering you when you both should be enjoying life. I am now able to love, only because you have first loved me. Do not ever for one second, hesitate and feel as though you have failed or have done anything wrong in raising me, there is no other way I wished to be raised by you. I thank you for the past 21 years, for being my parents, my role model, my strength, my family.