Chao Saigon!

It's been a while mga teh! After almost 7 months of silence, I'm back para kuwentuhan kayong muli, mga teh...

This time, Teh and my travel buddy, Ria goes to Indochina. And our first stop is at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam.

It's been a while, A320. ^_^

We alighted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at around 12:30 AM local time (GMT+7). Something na hindi ko makalimutan about this airport is that they do not have immigration checkpoint sa arrival. Nagulat kami ni Ria na palabas na pala ng airport ang pintong natanaw namin pagkakuha ng gamit. Para sa isang komunistang bansa, Teh expected a very heavy security. Hmm, how come?

Aerial view of HCMC (Top);
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Bottom)

Sa labas ng baggage claiming area, pinuntahan nina Teh and Ria ang booth ng SASCO airport taxi to fetch a taxi and for currency exchange beside it. And you need to pay a small fee (which is around PHP 50 when converted) para sa airport taxi.

Anyway, tip lang mga teh. Since US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted in Vietnam, it is highly recommended na magbaon nito. Aside from that, it will be very helpful kung puro small bills ang dala ninyo para kung sakaling magfu-food trip or magsho-shopping kayo sa streets ng HCMC, hindi kayo mahirapan. Madalas kasi, 'pag masyadong malaki ang bill ninyo, masusuklian kayo ng Vietnam Dong (VND). Well, okay lang din namang magkaroon kahit konting VND pero at least before leaving Vietnam, you must be able to use all of them, unless may plano kayong bumalik ng Vietnam. Well, kami ni Ria, nagpapalit kaming konti para kung sakaling kailanganin may magamit.

Palit-palit din ng money 'pag may time. :3

Eh bakit nga ba ayaw ni Teh gumamit ng VND? Kasi ang laki ng values ng pera nila. Napapakamot-ulo kami minsan mag-compute. (1 PHP ≈ 500 VND). Siguro para mas madali, lagay kayo ng imaginary decimal point after 3 zeros to the left then x2 para ma-convert sa pera natin. ^_^

Expectators nina Teh and Ria. Hi fans! (Charaught lang). :)))

Tandaan ninyo ang taxing ito. >_<

Unfortunately, despite the fact na sinalubong kami ng maraming fans (kasi ang dami talagang tao paglabas namin promise), medyo minalas kami sa nasakyang taxi dahil masyadong maangal. Akala ni Teh, sa Pilipinas lang may mareklamong taxi driver. Aside from the payment to SASCO airport taxi booth, napilitan pa kaming magbigay ng tip. Eh dahil maangal yung taxi driver, USD 1 lang binigay namin sa kanya. Hashtag: #MukhaMoKuya. >_<

Vinasun Taxi - maaasahan sa oras ng pangangailangan. :3

Eto rin kasi ang problema kapag hindi kayo masyadong nag-prepare ng malaliman para sa trip. May mga sablay factors na hindi maiiwasan. Buti na lang, at na-research pa namin on-the-spot ang most credible taxi company in HCMC ~ Vinasun Taxi! Walang kaangal-angal ang mga drayber at no hidden charges pa. At mukhang pwede pang gumamit ng credit card. :)))

Welcome, welcome! :)
(Sorry na, hindi mabasa 'yung tips...)

For the lodging, finding a hotel along Bou Vien street is highly recommended by different travelers. And along Bou Vien, we had chosen the Saigon Mini Hotel since sa Agoda, magaganda naman ang feedback sa hotel na ito. This lessened the risk that we will end up in a no-good hotel. They even have list of tips for tourists na very worthwhile to read before going out to the city jungle. ;)

Ang room na naibigay sa amin, although medyo masikip, ay malinis at very comfortable. Beyond expectations, actually, dahil mura lang ang lodging dito. Ang verdict nina Teh? Havey na havey! ^_^

Pose time! ^_^
Kahit pagod at antok na... -_-

Ang pagpili ng kakainin ay mahirap dahil mukhang masarap lahat.
Struggle itu. :3

A perk that you get when booking in Saigon Mini Hotel is that meron silang restaurant which serves very delicious Vietnamese dishes. Bou Vien has been a rice noodle paradise para sa amin ni Ria. Ang sarap ng luto kahit saan! ^_^

Saigon Mini Hotel restaurant on the Penthouse. :)

Another beauty that I've appreciated in Saigon Mini Hotel's Restaurant is its location ~ the morning rooftop view! Well, parang Binondo lang ang peg, pero the morning felt so good na nagustuhan namin ang simpleng view sa rooftop. While enjoying the rooftop view, Teh and Ria recommend the Pho[1] Set meal, chicken or beef, kung anuman ang bet mo, with water and your choice of beverage. The best way to start your morning in Saigon... ^_^

For the first day, we had decided na puntahan muna ang Cu Chi tunnel, which is around 1-2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh city center. (Full story in a separate post...) Pupuntahan din sana namin ang Cao Dai temple, which is around 40 minutes away from the city center. Kaya lang wrong timing pala ang punta nina Teh, dahil sarado ang Cao Dai temple for the whole month of February to give way to a certain celebration (na hindi na namin inalam dahil malungkot na kami). Isa pa man din 'yun sa talagang gustong puntahan ni Teh, out of curiosity for Caodaism. So may rason si Teh para bumalik dito. :) Well anyway, enough of the bitterness as we had to continue the journey... *sob*

After visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, before sundown, we headed back to the city center para mag-shopping. We also decided to maximize our stay by shopping in the late afternoon till evening. Pagod, pero worth it. And shopping lead us to the famous Ben Thanh Market.

Chao, Ben Thanh Market!

Pero siyempre, out of pagod, nag-food trip muna kami ni Ria. Before going here, we have read na masarap mag-food trip sa loob ng Ben Thanh Market. Isa sa mga principles namin ni Ria sa pagpili ng makakainan ay kapag maraming kumakain, most likely masarap kumain doon. And so, we found ourselves having fun with Banh Cuon[2] at Lan Hue Banh Cuon. Matatagpuan ito sa bandang gitna ng market. On the spot, after you order, saka nila gagawin para fresh na fresh. Served with typical Vietnamese starter salad and special dip. Mukhang konti pero mabubusog ka dahil heavy ito sa tiyan. Dish price ranges from VND 30,000 to 40,000 (Php 60 to 80). Sulit na sulit! :3

Banh Cuon is ♥... :3
Choose your stuffing - pork or shrimp. ^_^

Dahil nakapag-recharge na kami ni Ria ng energy, namili na kami ng mga pasalubong. Since we only had 1.5 days stay at HCMC, kailangang naka-pack na agad-agad ang mga gamit namin during Day 1 para hindi ma-delay sa itinerary. Baka maiwanan ng bus kinabukasan. ~_~

Dried fruits, Vietnam coffee and tea at Vietnam noodles. ^_^

While going around the market, we came across stall number 1053 at dito kami na-salestalk para bumili ng Vietnam coffee at dried langka. Super bait ng isa sa mga vendor doon (lower left pic ng collage) dahil sinamahan pa niya sina Teh na maghanap ng dried coconut at pack ng Vietnam rice noodles. One thing na hindi ko makakalimutan sa kanya is that, after niya kami sinamahan, bibigyan sana namin siya ng tip. I was really surprised na tumanggi siya, and at the same time, Teh learned two things - that Viets are not really into tips (well, except dun sa taxi driver na nakuwento ko kanina...) and marami pa ring taong gumagawa ng mabuti sa kapwa nang walang kapalit. Thank you, kuyang taga-stall 1053, for reminding me this. :)

Ang mga pinabili at nabili (Top), 
ang namili (Bottom-Left)
at ang nagtinda (Bottom-Right)...
Bow!

Another mall that you should not miss is the Saigon Square. Just walk few blocks away from Ben Thanh Market, at may access ka na sa mga cheap North Face bags. Well, maniniwala ba kayong original sila (except for the biggest bag, kasi walang stock ng original) kung sasabihin ni Teh na nasa Php 850 to Php 1200 ang price range ng mga bags na ito? Almost x4 kasi ang price ng mga ito pagdating dito sa Pilipinas. And yes, these are original as inspected by Teh and Ria. Hindi naman nakakapagtaka 'yun dahil sa Vietnam pino-produce ang mga North Face bags. So when in Saigon Square, just look for the very shy teh in the photo (oh yes, she is very shy dahil ayaw niyang humarap sa camera, though I asked permission naman) and she will sell you authentic TNF bags. Tip lang mga teh, to know that the bag is authentic, look for a monochrome seal sa loob ng bag. That is the proof that the bag is original[3].

Now we go back to our home in HCMC - one of the happiest places on Earth during nightfall - the Bou Vien street! Party-party kahit sobrang Haggarda Versoza na ang arrive namin. Medyo hindi lang gets ni Teh kung ano ang ganap sa kalsada at lahat ng umiinom at kumakain eh nakaharap sa kalsada. :)))

Bou Vien at night. Very lively! ^_^

Pig-out at Mimosa Restaurant.
Ang sarap ng Saigon beer. ^_^

Sa dami ng makakainan dito, nag-set sina Teh ng guidelines (meganon?) sa pagpili ng kainan. Una, dapat ang kainan ay nagse-serve ng Vietnamese dishes. At pangalawa, dapat maraming kumakain, tulad nang peg namin habang naghahanap ng makakainan sa Ben Thanh Market. And we ended up choosing Mimosa Restaurant. ^_^

Dahil super love ni Teh ang Pho, kahit palaging 'yun, 'yun at 'yun pa rin ang inoorder ko. Dito rin namin nasimulang ma-tripan ni Ria na i-try lahat ng local beers ng mga mapupuntahan namin. So dahil 1 night lang kami sa Vietnam, pinili na namin ang inoorder ng karamihan - the Saigon[4] beer. :)

Well, in the morning, parang wala lang ang street na ito. Pero still, marami pa ring yummy restaurants na open kaya 'wag mangamba para sa breakfast at lunch. ^_^

The mornings at Bou Vien. Very quiet. ~_~

Breakfast at Saigon Noodle Soup House before the city tour:
Walang-kamatayang Pho at Vegetable Pancake :D

Quick lunch at Santa Cafe:
Garlic Tofu Rice for Teh and Croissant for Teh Ria :3

And this ends the summary of Teh and Ria's tour in HCMC, Vietnam. Sa susunod na post ni Teh, idi-detalye ko sa inyo ang mga ganap sa Cu Chi Tunnels. Thank you for visiting! ^_^

~ Vocabulary/Sources ni Teh ~

[1] Pho - Vietnamese rice noodle soup

[2] Banh Cuon - rolled Vietnamese rice cake with stuffings inside. Pork or shrimp, anuman ang bet mo. :D

[3] TNF Bag Authenticity - before gumora si Teh sa HCMC, na-google ko ang blog na ito:                                      http://welscua.blogspot.com/2012/03/vietnam-north-face-bags-authentic-or.html 

[4] Saigon - old name of Ho Chi Minh City

Itinerary ni Teh ~ Indochina Vietnam/Cambodia

- Indochina Day 0 -

(Travel time)

Evening:

• Depart from NAIA Terminal 3, Manila

- Indochina Day 1 -

(Saigon, Vietnam)

Morning:

• Cu Chi Tunnels

Afternoon:

• Ben Thanh Market

*Cao Dai Temple is closed during the month of February... :'(

- Indochina Day 2 -

(Saigon, Vietnam ~ Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Morning:

• Saigon City Tour

Afternoon:

• Bus ride to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

- Indochina Day 3 -

(Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

Morning:

• Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
• Royal Palace
• Wat Phnom

Afternoon:

• Nganga sa Pillar Hotel lobby

Evening:

• Bus ride to Siem Reap, Cambodia

- Indochina Day 4 -

(Siem Reap, Cambodia)

Morning:

• Angkor Small Circuit temple tour
• Angkor Wat
• Angkor Thom
• Bayon Temple

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Angkor Thom eateries
• Angkor Small Circuit temple tour (continuation)
• Baphuon
• Terrace of the Elephants
• Phimeanakas/Royal Palace
• Terrace of the Leper King
• Preah Palilay
• Tep Pranam
• Ta Prohm
• Sunset at Phnom Bakheng temple

Evening:

• Night Market
• Apsara Dance Show + Buffet Dinner

- Indochina Day 5 -

(Last day in Siem Reap)

Morning:

• Sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Angkor Grand Circuit tour
• Preah Khan Temple
• Neak Pean Temple
• Pre Rup Temple
• Ta Som Temple
• East Mebon Temple

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Banteay Srei Restaurant
• Banteay Srei Temple
• Banteay Samre Temple
• Banteay Kdei Temple

Evening:

• Depart from Angkor International Airport :(

Special thanks to the following people who made the Adventures of Teh in Indochina successful:

• Riabacteria, Teh's travel buddy in Indochina
• Kuya Mikkey, our tour guide in Cu Chi tunnel
• Receptionists of Saigon Mini Hotel for Saigon City Tour Itinerary Suggestions
• Pillar Hotel bell boys sa pagbubuhat ng gamit nina Teh and Riabacteria
• Kuya Ttha, our tour tuktuk driver in Phnom Penh 
• Miss Sam So of Sam So Guesthouse Siem Reap 
• Kuya San, our tour tuktuk driver in Siem Reap 

Som a kunh! ^_^

Field trip nina Teh in Baguio

After shift, tumulak na sina Teh and former teammates to Baguio, Buti na lang, kahit pinaghiwa-hiwalay na nila kami, majority sa amin, magkaka-shift pa rin. So dizizit! Samahan sina Teh and friends sa aming adventures in Baguio! :D

Kasisimula pa lang ng trip pero nakaramdam na si Teh ng konting misadventures sa tiyan. Prepared naman ako, kaya lang, naparami ata ako ng inom ng tsaa. Goodluck talaga sa 6 hours na trip. Pero somehow, Teh managed to survived the bathroom dance feeling... >_<

Good morning Baguio! After roughly 11 years, finally, nakapag-McArthur si Teh dito. :)

One of the sweetest, yet coldest sunrise ever... (Charaught!)

6:45 AM, nakarating kami sa city proper. Bali-balitang malamig, super, 'nung nagpunta kami rito kaya heto, mega wear si Teh ng panlaban sa lamig. Not just one or two, but three! Napakaginawin ko kasi talaga. So first layer, normal na casual wear. 2nd layer, sweater. 3rd layer, brown, denim jacket. (Pati color specified. Trip lang.) At paglabas ng van... kulang ang effort. T_T Cold much! Parang puso ni Teh. Aww... (Charaught!)

Teh: Asan 'yung ruins??? @_@ (Chaught!)

~ Breakfast at Cafe By The Ruins ~

Ang mga kinain nina Teh and friends. Takaw mode!.. :))
P.S., panalo ang honey sa tea! ^_^'

Kahit 7 AM pa ang opening, pinayagan na kaming pumasok ng staff ng Cafe by the Ruins para sa buena mano breakfast ng team. The menu has promised dishes made from fresh, fine ingredients. And truelagen naman, dahil feel na feel ni Teh ang natural ingredients sa Duck Noodle Soup at Herb Tea na inorder ko. 










At mukhang nag-enjoy din naman ang mga kasama ko sa mga inorder nila. ^_^ Although needy na si Teh umupo sa trono nang mga moment na 'yon. T_T

First glances at the Grotto. Finally, I've seen you face to face. :)

~ Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto ~

Nagkaroon kami ng chance para mamili kung purely panhik by stairs or half-half ang gagawin naming pag-akyat dito. Salamat sa mga busy trucks na nagdaan, napapanhik ang aming sasakyan. So konti na lang aakyatin namin, yey! :D Sa parking, may mga nagtitinda ng candles of different colors for Php 20 per 5 pieces. So kung marami kang wish, mega buy na mga teh! At kung sakali namang tumanggi kang bumili ng wishing candles sa baba at nagbago ang isip mo tulad ni Teh, worry not dahil may mga white candles pa namang for sale sa may Grotto mismo. Walang nakabantay na tindera pero konsyensya na lang din. Php 3 per candle. :)

Although nagpunta na si Teh noon sa Baguio, first time kong makapunta rito. As a Christian pilgrim, this visit should be on your itinerary. Rewarding din ang magagandang landscape views dito sa taas ng Grotto.

Teh: ... -_- (Shhh, nagdadasal eh.)

After ng photo ops, dasal at wishing upon the candles, bumaba na sina Teh.

~ Baguio Pines Transient House ~

Overnight rate: Php 7000

The views by the window and the veranda... ~_~

Ah, finally. Our home sweet home in Baguio... Great view by the veranda. Samahan mo pa ng cool Baguio breeze... Very contemplating. ^_^

Before we went here, we had to kill some more time sa grocery (at sa van like Teh and sleepy friends) after the Grotto visit kasi 11:30AM pa kami makakapag-check in. Since we did not stay on a hotel, we need to secure the food that we will be cooking, toiletries and other basic house survival necessities. :D

The bedrooms and the bathrooms...

Pumunta kami rito na nasa 16 ang head count, including the kids. Pero sa palagay ni Teh, hanggang 18 adults, kasya rito, considering a comfortable stay. Sa 2nd floor, may dalawang family room, each equipped with toilet. Sa 3rd floor, kung saan natulog si Teh, may 2 rooms na kasya ang 4 pax each. Sa labas ng 3rd floor rooms, may nakalatag na 2 double-sized foam beds. Kaya party-party kami sa 3rd floor, kasi 11 kaming nag-stay do'n. Yeah! :))

Living room, kitchen, dining area and 2nd floor veranda.

Sa 1st floor naman, nando'n ang mga typical portions ng bahay. living room with fireplace, dining area, kitchen, at ang favorite ni Teh ~ ang overlooking terrace na pang-moment! ^_^

At dahil hindi na rin kami makatulog pare-pareho, nag-early lunch na lang kami ng napamiling liempo and lechong manok. Yummm, healthy! X_X

The very healthy breakfast ~ liempo and lechong manok. X_X
(Ba't ba?! Pasarapan ng buhay! :D)

And in a while, natupad ang pangarap ni Teh ~ ang mahawakan ang clouds! Nasa heaven na ba kami??? :))

This is the foggy Baguio for you! Heaven! :D

Sun down at Camp John Hay... 

~ Camp John Hay Outlet Stores ~

After the early lunch and the afternoon nap, we decided to visit Camp John Hay's outlet stores. Wala namang nabili si Teh pero ang mga kasama ko, namili ng chocolates dito. Quite cheap, pero wala eh. Diet mode kunwari si Teh. :)) Aside from chocolates and other imported goodies, you can find branded clothes, accessories, perfume and bags here. 

The elegant Manor... Siguradong mahal ang lodging dito.
Hanggang tingin ka na lang... </3

~ The Manor's Bakeshop ~

Moving further uphill from the outlet stores of Camp John Hay, we dropped by The Manor Hotel's bakeshop. Ang chika kasi, masarap ang mga baked goods na itinitinda nila rito. Aside from the bakeshop, Teh had a good look on the hotel lobby and restaurant. All I can say is that, natural is elegant. ;)

~ Vizco's Cake Shop ~

At dahil pare-pareho naming alam na wala pang nalutong dinner, bumili muna ang team ng cakes sa Vizco's. Sa lahat naman ng mga pantawid-gutom, isa ito sa pinaka-fulfilling sa tummy ~ Strawberry shortcake (for youngsters) and Ube cake (para raw sa mature)! Kahit hindi na magluto ng dinner... Pero siyempre, iba-ibang level naman ang gutom ng mga kasama ni Teh, so sige, meryenda lang 'to! :))

Vizco's along the Session road and Teh's plateful of their cakes!
A meeting of youngster and mature cakes. :D

Matapos mamroblema nina Kuya PJ at Kuya Jed sa pagpapaapoy...
F/P party by the fireplace! Yeah! :D

~ Mini Party ng F/P Team by the Fireplace ~

Pagkatapos maglamiyerda sa labas ng transient house, dizizit! The much-awaited and the belated exchange gift ng team! Probably, this is one of the best Christmas Parties Teh ever had. Thanks sa fireplace ng transient house... ♥^_^♥

Special thanks sa mga tindahang ito along the way... ^_^

Salamat pala sa nakabunot sa akin, ang new team lead ko na si Teh Andy. Binigyan niya ako ng travel guide book. Yey! May updated atlas na si Teh! ^_^ Special thanks din pala sa Abundance Store para sa panggatong na ginamit namin sa fireplace at sa Store Plus Convenience store for our chips and, ehem, party drinks! :))

~ Citylight Hotel Resto-Bar ~

Dahil nagpakawala ng bonggang usok ang fireplace after maubos ng panggatong, nag-decide ang team na iwanan muna ang bahay. Super toxic kasi! X_X

So after the fireplace fiasco, ipinagpatuloy namin ang party-party sa Resto-Bar ng Citylight Hotel. Hindi naman sa bitin kami pero para mas makapagkuwentuhan kami nang wala ring nagagalit na Koreanong kapitbahay. Hahaha.

Shot with F/P friendships and the night view outside the Transient House's veranda... :)

As usual, Teh ordered a glass of Jack[1] and then paired it with Kani Tempura with red ginger. Yum! ^_^ >burrrrrrrp!<

~ The Mansion ~

The first destination of the team on our 2nd day in Baguio is the Mansion. Ang chika eh, kapag dumadalaw sa Baguio ang presidente ng Pilipinas, dito siya tumitira. Kaya maraming soldiers na nakabantay ditey. Very Americanized ang look, at hindi siya nagbago since my childhood. Pero pansin lang ni Teh, kahit dumumi ang swamp sa tapat ng Mansion, may mga isda pa ring nabubuhay at nag-i-struggle mabuhay doon. :))

Welcome to Teh's Mansion! (Feeler much...)

~ Street food trip at Baguio ~ 

Kahit saan pa kayo mapadpad dito sa Baguio, 'wag kalimutang subukan ang mga sumusunod ~ inihaw na dried pusit, inihaw na mais, at ang panalo sa lahat, ang strawberry taho with free straw! :D

Chow time! Street food kayo diyan! ^_^

Murdered, but living. Struggling to survive the cold world. (Chaught!)

~ The "Murdered" Tree ~

Something that was murdered could have died, but sometimes  the act of murder becomes an expression of art. Good example ay ang punong ito in the middle of nowhere. So mga teh, enjoy exploring ang bawat sulok ng punong ito. Amazingly beautiful, most especially for people who have eyes for woodcarvings... ;)

~ Mines View Park ~

Mawala na lahat ng Baguio destination sa checklist ni Teh, 'wag lang ito! Don't forget to grab the opportunity to meet, greet and have a photo with the most famous St. Bernard in Baguio ~ Douglas! Just bring your own cameras. Php 20 for single shot and Php 50 for 3 shots! ^_^

Moments at Mines View that completed Teh's Baguio adventures... ^_^
Top photo, from left to right: Kuya James, Kuya Marlon, Teh Jen, Kuya Noel, Teh, and Teh Ria

Kung tinamad dumaan (or hindi mo kineri ang smell) sa Wright Park para mag-horseback riding, worry not dahil you can have a photo op with a beautiful horse here at Mines View! Pahihiramin ka pa ni kuya caretaker ng cowboy hat! Php 10 per camera shot. :)

At dahil nag-uulan at nilamon na ng ulap ang view dito noong nagpunta kami, just to give you an idea on the breathtaking view, heto ang picture ng batang Teh. Hehehe... :))

The view at the Mines View when Teh was young... classic.
Ahm, hindi po si Teh ang view. (GGSS[2] lang?!) :))

Actually, kahit ito lang puntahan mo sa Baguio, unless gusto mo ring mag-strawberry fields, kumpleto na ang adventures mo! Kabayo, Douglas the dog and Baguio's landscape ~ andito lahat! ^_^

~ Lunch at Forest House ~

As recommended by Teh Ria for food trip, pagkatapos naming mag-adventure sa Mines View Park, dito kami nag-lunch. Puwede sa mga healthy living people tulad namin ang mga food dito. (Kelan pa???)

Welcome, welcome! ^_^

Mushroom soup, dinuguan, lechong sisig, lechong kawali + gulay... Healthy 'no? :)) Ah basta, pasarapan naman ng buhay ito mga teh kaya let's eat! Minsan lang 'to! ^_^ (Gaano kadalas ang minsan?... @_@)

Suggestion lang mga teh. Mas makakamura kayo kung magga-gather ang apat or lima sa grupo ninyo para umorder ng combo dishes. May soup, main course dishes like liempo and veggies, isang bandehadong kanin (feeling ni Teh ganyan kadami eh), at desserts! Winner! :D

And kung katulad ni Teh, adik kayo sa tsaa, Strawberry Tea is highly recommended! Mabango na, masarap pa! ^_^

Our "healthy" and delicious dishes...
Combo-finished with Strawberry Tea and mouthwatering desserts. ^_^

~ Pasalubong hunting nina Teh and friends ~

Dito sa Baguio, saan ka man mapadpad na tourist attraction, hinding-hindi ka mawawalan ng tindahang mabibilhan ng pasalubong. Wright Park, Mines View Park, Grotto, and many more! Pero Teh recommends the following...

Kung mamimili sa Mines View Park, bumaba muna kayo sa bandang viewdeck para makapagtanong-tanong ng mga presyo. 'Wag bibili agad at tumawad nang bongga kapag maraming bibilhin. Pero para kay Teh, it's still best to go to the public market kasi nando'n na lahat. Handicrafts, the famous Baguio walis tambo, cheap veggies (as in kailangan mo ng bayong, super mura kaya mapaparami ka ng bili), pinipig at sundot-kulangot of different sizes (small and big) ~ lahat mabibili mo na rito! ^_^

A souvenir of Baguio everywhere... Bili-bili na mga teh! ^_^

For the famous Good Shepherd products like Ube Jam, Strawberry Jam, Peanut Brittle and other sweet delicacies, you can visit the Good Shepherd Convent's livelihood store. Buy direct from our sisters and convent's beneficiaries! Nakatulong ka na, may pasalubong ka pa! And actually, mas mahal ng konti sa palengke compared dito kasi nga direct from manufacturer. But in case of last minute buying, it's not bad to buy in the public market as well... ;)

Mga napamili ni Teh: Good shepherd goodies, breads from the Manor,
Strawberry Wine, Veggies at Pinipig. Checklist completed! ^_^

At para maiba rin, para sa mga mahilig sa shot, bili na ng Strawberry Wine! Php 100 per bottle. Tagay na! :))

~ Mr. Ching Cuisine ~

For our last food trip in Baguio, dito na kami kumain since nasa baba lang ito ng hotel ng friends nina Kuya PJ at Kuya Lem, sa Baguio Palace Hotel. By the name of the restaurant itself, mahirap hulaang Chinese food ang pagkain dito. :))

Anyway, pahinga-pahinga rin sa karne and fat overload ng mga nakaraang Baguio food trip. For the last time in Baguio, we had to be health-conscious na. Like, for real. (Arte?!) Seafood, tofu at gulay naman ang peg nina Teh and friends. Yum! Sulit na ang small-sized orders para sa 2-3 persons. Kahit small ang size, malaki na ang serving. Mura pa, kasi marami kayong makakapaghati! :)

Teh, ikaw gusto Chinese food? Kain dito ikaw Mr. Ching! :D

The 1st ever Starbucks Coffee Baguio. Kape-kape rin! :D

~ The First Starbucks Baguio ~

First attempt to tambay here failed dahil puno rito lagi (at kumusta naman ang size ng team), so dumaan na lang kami rito bago bumaba ng Baguio. Not a typical tourist spot pero ito lang naman ang first Starbucks dito sa Baguio. 'Yun lang. Masabi lang na napuntahan at nakita 'to ni Teh. Pareho lang ang lasa ng kape rito sa ibang Starbucks. (Aba'y dapat, kundi, hindi Starbucks 'to!) :))

Baon ang mga masasayang alaala, sina Teh and friends ay bumalik ng Manila nang may ngiti sa kanilang mga mata... (Chaught!) Napaghiwa-hiwalay man kami sa opisina, sa gala hinding-hindi nila kami mapaghihiwalay. >:))

Sunset along the way... ♥

Maikli man at medyo konti ang napuntahan nina Teh and friends (mas masaya kasi ngumanga altogether 'pag marami kayo), sana ay kinapulutan ninyo kahit papaano ng konting tips ang chika ni Teh about Baguio. Till Teh's next adventure/misadventure! Thank you so much for visiting! ^_^

Special thanks to the following people who made the Adventures of Teh in Baguio successful:

• Fast and Pluto team for the memories (aww...)
• Kuya Lem for the transpo and discount sa transient house
• Kapitbahay naming Koreano sa transient house :))

~ Vocabulary ni Teh ~

[1] Jack - Jack Daniel's Bourbon. 
[2] GGSS - Gandang-ganda/Guwapong-guwapo sa sarili. :))

Pasalubong 101: The Kingdom of Siam

Before we can finally leave this kingdom, samahan muli si Teh sa kanyang pasalubong hunting! ^_^

At bago magpakalango sa pagsha-shopping, be warned first about withdrawing money from ATMs. It is highly recommended to withdraw abroad using BDO ATM card. Sigurado kasing makaka-withdraw ka, unlike BPI which is normally deactivated for international ATM withdrawals. Hassle, kasi ang feedback kay Teh ng BPI before flying to Thailand was that it can be used readily outside the Philippines, which is the same feedback from BDO. 'Yun pala, ang BPI ATM card, kailangan mo pang ipa-activate. Muntik na akong maiyak no'n dahil diyan. Buti na lang, may BDO ATM card ang kasama ni Teh. Kalurks talaga. 

Some of the widely spread ATM machines in Thailand that you can trust are of UOB, Siam Commercial Bank and Krungthai Bank. So never kang mawawalan ng paghuhugutan ng pera (pero ang pera, may chance maubos, huhu!)... ;)

Don't get me wrong mga Teh. Hindi ko ipapasalubong sa inyo ang buong Kaharian ng Thailand. But Thailand, most especially Bangkok, is a shopping wonderland! Branded or cheap apparel, bag, shoes ~ you can find it here! :)

So let's explore shops in Bangkok first. You know mga teh, napakaraming shopping malls sa Bangkok. Pero there are 3 malls which I suggest that you visit, depende sa hanap ninyo. Check this out~~~

Mall: Siam Paragon

What to find here: Internationally famous brands ng damit, sapatos, bag, accessories, perfume and many more! Basta branded! :D

How to get here: When riding the BTS Skytrain, alight at Siam station.

Mall: MBK Mall

What to find here: Fake brand and local Thailand brand apparel, shoes and Thailand souvenirs

How to get here: When riding the BTS Skytrain, alight at the National Stadium station.

Pratunam Shopping District.
Shop till you drop, literally. :D

Mall: Platinum Fashion Mall

What to find here: Trendy apparel and shoes. Bihira ang branded dito, mga teh.

How to get here: When riding the BTS Skytrain, alight at Chit Lom station.

By the way, it is also recommended that you check out the I Am Viking store located at the connecting link of the MBK mall and the National Stadium BTS Skytrain station. The store is being managed by a Burmese lady. Buy 10 cute shirts, get 1 free! ^_^

Sa mga adik sa tiangge, Teh highly recommends that you visit Pratunam area in Bangkok. Ang chika eh dito nanggagaling ang supply ng mga bentables sa Divisoria. At marami ring Thailand souvenirs dito na puwedeng ipasalubong sa mga friendships and relatives, as in kahit dito ka na mamili ng lahat ng gusto mong iuwi from Thailand! Kaya galingan ang pagtawad at pamamakyaw. Don't forget to bring your shopping bags and enjoy shopping! ^_^

Mga na-harvey ni Teh sa Bangkok. :D
Top and bottom rows: Pratunam loots
Middle row: I Am Viking store loots

Sa mga turistang shopping ang main target sa Bangkok, highly recommended din ang pag-lodge within the area, tulad ng ginawa nina Teh. For hotel suggestion, Teh recommends The Richy Place hotel, located in the heart of Pratunam. As in, pagbaba mo pa lang ng hotel, tiangge agad! :D

Excited shopper? Stay at The Richy Place! Just ride the elevator then TAH-DAH!
Shopping wonderland! ^_^

Souvenir stall in Wat Mahathat. 
Buy at competitive prices! :D

When you go to the countryside tourist spots of Thailand like those in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, mostly mga tourist souvenirs and Buddha images ang mabibili mo roon. Pero napansin ko lang, mas mura ang mga souvenirs sa probinsya. Lalo na sa Ayutthaya. Napansin ko kasi noong nakapila sina Teh sa mala-box office na toilet ng Wat Mahathat, nasa THB 90 lang ang 10 pieces na golden elephant keychains (na may secret pocket, hehehe)! Well, in Pratunam, the set is more expensive by THB 10 but in most areas of Bangkok, it ranges from around THB 150 to THB 180. Mga ganyan ang price difference. So it is highly recommended that you buy souvenirs sa provinces like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Oh and one more thing. You might be interested in bringing home a local Thailand sepak rattan ball. ;)


A piece of warning din mga teh. Mahal ang souvenirs sa Floating Market, as I had mentioned here. So it is not recommended to shop there. 

Kanchanaburi souvenir shops. Also offers competitive prices! :D
From top left photo, clockwise: Straw hats, cowboy hats and salakot; 
Souvenir alley in Tham Kra Sae. Dito nakabili si Teh ng Thailand tourist map; 
Inside a Tham Kra Sae souvenir store;
Artworks on a Carabao Skin, price starts from THB 2500.

Buddhist statues everywhere. Buy na mga teh! :)

Since you are visiting the center of Buddhism, hindi naman siguro masama kung mag-uwi ka ng maski isang Buddha image. If you want to take home bronze Buddha images, bili na you sa Buranathai Buddha Foundry in Phitsanulok! Suggestion ni Teh kapag bibili ka rito ng Buddha image, know beforehand kung anong araw ka ipinanganak sa mundong ito. Like for Teh, I was born on a Wednesday. And so, Buranathai staff suggested that I should buy the Buddha image holding a bowl. 'Yun daw kasi 'yung lucky Buddha image for Teh. So don't be shy! Tell them your day of birth and you will get to know your lucky Buddha image... which reminds me of Angel Uriel during Teh's Bohol souvenir hunting... ;)

For a bronze Buddha or other Buddhist statue, Teh would say na mura dito. And to think na real gold ang plating nito, sulit na siya mga teh. Prices range from THB 150 to THB 1500 (or higher), depende sa size ng iyong bibilhin. For pocket bronze statues, you can get them at THB 30 to THB 50. Haggling is accepted naman, so tawad-tawad din. :)

Aside from the bronze statues in Buranathai, at every temple, you can find Buddhist statues made of other material like resin and wood. And aside from the Buddhist figures, the beautiful Thailand elephant gold keyrings are highly recommended as pasalubong. Task para sa pasasalubungan ng keyring ~ hanapin ang secret pocket! ^_^

Mga na-harvey ni Teh sa Thailand:
Elephant keychains, Buddha statues, and a fat monk.

Clockwise from left:
VAT Refund form, Buddhist items stores,
Dried seafood shop beside Wat Pho.

By the way, Teh came across the VAT Refund form at Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you plan to shop at malls that issue receipts, don't forget to fill up the VAT Refund form and show this to any shop you'll be shopping at.

Edible pasalubong ni Teh:
Dried fruits, Spicy Tamarind (Winner!),
Taro Fish Snack (♥)

Actually, mas recommended ni Teh ang pagkain as pasalubong. I don't know why, pero kasi feeling ni Teh, mas na-appreciate 'to ng mga napapasalubungan ko. Sadya lang bang mahilig kumain ang mga tao sa universe ko? :)) Highly recommended ang pag-uuwi ng Spicy Tamarind. Buti na lang talaga at may tour guide si Teh, kung hindi, wala akong maiuuwing ganito sa aking universe. Una sa lahat, hindi ako nakakabasa ng Thai. >.<

And there is this one souvenir hunting tip na gusto kong i-share sa inyo mga teh. Buy in Thailand (or kahit saan ka man mapadpad) what you cannot buy here in the Philippines. Tulad na lang ng mapang binili ni Teh sa Kanchanaburi. Well meron din namang Thailand map dito sa atin, kaso ang pricey. (Arteh?...) Besides, for me, maganda ang mapang nabili ko dahil meron siyang tourist attractions indicator all over Thailand. Teh bought the map for THB 40, though sinubukan kong tawaran, eh kaso wala talagang patawad... Pero ok na rin, at least favorable ang souvenir na ito for Teh's collection. :)

Another addition to Teh's travel souvenir ~ the Thailand Sketchbook! I bought this in Suvarnabhumi Airport's bookstore though. Ideal gift for sketch lovers! ^_^

Explore Thailand with this sketchbook. ^_^

Alam kong nakahuhumaling mag-shopping sa Thailand. Pero don't forget mga teh na naka-abang ang mga teh at kuyang taga-Customs sa arrival. Kung mukha na kayong magtatayo ng tiangge stall sa Divi eh baka maharang at ma-tax-san ang mga na-shopping ninyo. (Gulo/laslas itey kung sakali!) At 'wag din kalimutan ang baggage allowance na naka-allot sa return flight niyo para hindi mapaiyak sa biglaang gastos! ;)

Check-in baggage weight = 17.4 kg
Pasok sa banga! Yey! :D

So there you have it, mga teh at kuya. I hope na 'pag naisipan ninyong pumunta ng Thailand, makatulong ang chika ni Teh, not only sa pagbili ninyo ng pasalubong, pero sa buong tour ninyo. Till we meet again, Thailand! Teh will surely miss you! :*>

Next adventure in line... Baguio Field Trip with Teh's favorite teammates! Coming soon! :D

Special thanks to the following people who made the Adventures of Teh in Thailand successful:

• Little Pig's Adventures for some information about Thailand
• Cebu Pacific Air (kahit hindi nila alam) for their promo fares
• Tour Coordinators Matt and Supattra of Travel Hub Thailand
• Tour Guide Robbie and Tour Driver Sakol of Travel Hub Thailand