Paolo Sebastian spring 2020 couture
trying on a metaphor

tannertan36
Sweet Seals For You, Always

No title available

JVL
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
Show & Tell
PUT YOUR BEARD IN MY MOUTH
will byers stan first human second

No title available
Cosmic Funnies
Not today Justin
todays bird
RMH
ojovivo

Love Begins
wallacepolsom
YOU ARE THE REASON

titsay
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
seen from United States

seen from Poland

seen from United Kingdom

seen from Germany

seen from Israel
seen from Singapore
seen from Canada
seen from United States

seen from Malaysia

seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Türkiye
seen from France

seen from Malaysia
seen from United States

seen from United States

seen from Saudi Arabia

seen from United States
seen from Canada
@fannibal-ism
Paolo Sebastian spring 2020 couture
Life As Of January 2020
I just finished reviewing for the IELTS writing exam, and I suddenly remember the proses I wrote as a teen in my Tumblr account. God, it has been ages since I logged in and I have made few online friends, none of which I have met in real life, though. It’s sad, I know. I wonder how they are now?
Anyway, so I tagged these proses as “literary works”, huh? Teen Me was definitely trying hard to become an ~art hoe~ LOL reading it made me nostalgic for sure. I stopped Tumblr when I was on my third year in college because apparently I was very busy and pessimistic of my future. I really am an angsty girl ever since LOL
If my teen self can just read this, I just want you to know that after having a taste of adulthood, nothing really changed. You’re still pessimistic as before but you’re slowly learning that it’s okay to be lost sometimes. You are very hard to yourself, and that’s okay. It helps you become motivated about your future, but you have to learn to be patient as well. Luck won’t always be by your side, but what is important is you become resilient despite of hardships and trials.
I’m not sure if you got better in writing but you tried to blog, then get tired of it because you got easily discouraged. You are your own competition. Just do what you like to do when you feel like doing it. Surprisingly, you still enjoy writing but now you don’t take much interest in reading. Present Me hopes to get an opportunity to read another Murakami book.
You’re are still not successful by the age of 25, in your own standards. But you’re goals are increasingly becoming more realistic. You are still uncertain of a lot of things, especially the future, but you are learning to have a steady heart.
You’re still a bitch, though. You tend to be too straightforward to your friends and loved ones. Present Me mean well but sometimes it hurts them. So I hope to learn to be more empathic and less judging.
This time, you got your heartbroken because you were not able to work abroad as expected. I am learning to become steadfast and focused. Like our dad said, you are young and you have so many opportunities waiting for you. That being said, appreciate and make time with your parents. Love them with all your heart as they did their very best to give you a good life.
Sincerely,
25-Year-Old Me (with a still fucked up body clock and now currently looking for a new job)
To be honest, there’s so much buzz about Kalanggaman Island in Leyte that I had to immediately snag a ticket when seat sale came and fly to Tacloban. Initially, it was supposed to be a trip with my college friends, but life happened so I was frantically looking for someone else to come along. Now, I’ve always wanted to do solo backpacking, but I wasn’t mentally prepared for that for this trip. Luckily, Ice, who was my roommate during my board exam review, and eventually have become a great buddy, was up for some backpacking in Visayas province.
Kalanggaman Island is located in Palompon, a municipal in Leyte. From Tacloban Airport, ride a cab or tricycle going to the bus or van station heading to Palompon. Travel time is usually 3 hours by van. Alighting in Palompon, straight ahead to the Ecotourism Office, where you will have to confirm your reservation, register, pay environmental fees, and hire a pumpboat going to Kalanggaman Island. Make sure to inquire beforehand and make a reservation on your preferred dates as the tourism office do not allow walk-in guests. Pumpboats to and from Kalanggaman island have scheduled trips, so it’s also best to make arrangements for your desired time of departure from the sandbar.
It took us 1 hour to get to Kalanggaman Island. The sun was about to set for a few hours by the time we arrived. We stayed at JeTer Resort, located at the west wing of the island. We rented one teepee hut that is good for 2-3 person (but based on their website, the hut is good for 4 pax!) for PHP 1,000. This includes 1 gallon of tap water for shower.
#gallery-0-17 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-17 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-17 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-17 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
“Langgam” is a bisaya word which translates to “bird” in English. In aerial, the sandbar appears to be shaped as a bird, hence the name. It was because of MV Europa Cruise Line that made Kalanggaman Island famous. In 2013, the cruise ship had to stop over at the sandbar, and that was the beginning of its popularity.
#gallery-0-18 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-18 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-18 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-18 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The sandbar is truly unspoilt as the tourism office only allow up to 500 tourists per day to stay. When we got to the island, there were less people around day time and even lesser by night. I could compare the travel time going to Gigantes in Iloilo the same as the travel time to get to Kalanggaman Island– it’s one hell of a long ride, but if you’re looking for something raw and peaceful, Kalanggaman Island is surely worth the travel. If you want to extend your trip, you can also visit Malapascua in Cebu as it’s already near Kalanggaman. There are several tours around the internet that offer this packaged tour, or you can simply ask the tourism office instead. The best time to visit the island is during the summer months in the Philippines, starting from March until May, although you can visit as early as February already, in my opinion.
#gallery-0-19 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-19 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
When you get to Kalanggaman Island, do not expect any grand resorts or restaurants. In fact, the place is so laidback that people are encouraged to just set-up a camping tent to enjoy the quaint environment. There’s no electricity around, so it’s a perfect place to take some Milkyway photos at night. Alternatively, you may visit Kalanggaman early in the morning for a day tour, and head back to Palompon late in the afternoon. There are resorts at the mainland that have air-conditioned rooms. I’d definitely recommend everyone to put this on their must-visit places, especially if you’re a fan of camping or just want to experience some wilderness.
#gallery-0-20 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-20 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
HOW TO GET THERE: From Manila, ride a plane to Tacloban. Travel time is about an hour. Ride a cab or tricycle going to the van or bus station and alight in Palompon. Travel time is ~3 hours. Head to the Palompon Ecotourism Office to confirm your reservation and register. Ride a pumpboat to Kalanggaman Island. Travel time is ~1 hour.
CONTACTS:
Palompon Ecotourism Office: (053) 555 9731 / +63 926 8164005 / +63 926 8164007 / +63 998 5551421
JeTer Resort: +63 917 587 498
For more information such as entrance and conservation fees, visit this website.
My hiatus is over, and I'm glad to be back! Here's a blog about Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte last summer! To be honest, there's so much buzz about Kalanggaman Island in Leyte that I had to immediately snag a ticket when seat sale came and fly to Tacloban.
Itinerary + Expenses: Boracay for Less than PHP 5,000
#Travel to #Boracay Island for less than PHP 5,000 for 4D/3N with this sample itinerary! #AirAsia
A lot of people will tell you that Boracay is an expensive island in the Philippines. Not only does every activity you do in this place requires a fee, but also is the place filled with tour operators, souvenir shops, and restaurants. And did I mention that the nightlife in Boracay is another reason why it is so popular? Sure, you can splurge your hard-earned money in Boracay by booking in a…
View On WordPress
Boracay is blessed with beautiful beaches and islands, and there will always be something new to try out and experience each time you visit this amazing province. Like I said on my previous post, I wanted this trip to be as chill as possible, but on the third day of our stay, I wanted to do some sightseeing, and the best way to do it is to do some island hopping, right?
I didn’t have any problems looking for tour operators that provide island hopping services. They are flocking around the White Beach day and night. Price starts at PHP1,500 for 3 hours, and succeeding rate per hour is PHP 1,000. The price varies depending on how many people are going since more people means getting a bigger boat. It’s actually more expensive than the usual island hopping tour rates, but that’s because Boracay is hella an expensive place to begin with. Again, you might want to do some haggling to get some discounts.
At 8:00 in the morning, we went to the place we agreed to rendezvous and bought food for lunch in D’Talipapa. Prior our trip, I asked our guide, Barry, if he could cook the food for us.
Magic Island
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Magic Island is a perfect place to visit as it offers cliff-diving activity. It was early in the morning when we arrived in island. There were few people around, and the place has a chill vibe. Entrance fee in Magic Island is PHP 150 per person.
#gallery-0-13 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-13 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Like I said, Magic Island is popular because of the cliff-diving activity. Here, there are several diving boards, each with different height ranging from 15 feet to 30 feet. I personally didn’t do cliff-jumping because I didn’t feel like doing it on that moment, so what I did was just took several photos of others jumping off the board.
There are several cottages around which you can rent, a sari-sari store, and a grilling / cooking station where you or your local boatman can cook food. The island is pretty small so there’s nothing else much to do aside from cliff-diving.
There’s another place in Boracay called Ariel’s Point which also has cliff-diving activity, but has an expensive entrance fee and is farther.
Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove is a 2.5 hectare island that is nearby Magic Island, which is why you can see it when you go cliff-diving in Magic Island. It has its own private beach, and two coves where visitors can swim and snorkel. Entrance to the resort is PHP 200 per head good for whole day, withing the resort’s opening hours.
#gallery-0-14 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-14 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
We went to Boracay on a February, so Valentines decorations are visible especially on the entrance of the cove. In order to reach Cove 1, you need to descend to the spiral stairs. The water has strong currents during that time so we weren’t able to swim down the natural pool.
#gallery-0-15 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-15 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Cove 2, on the other hand, located on the other side of the island. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and its neighboring islands going to Cove 2. If you’re extremely claustrophobic, you might want to think twice as entering Cove 2 require you to crawl inside a narrow tunnel. The view is stunning once you get inside, though!
We didn’t have much time to get to other islands or beaches on that day, but some notable places are: Crocodile Island for snorkeling, Puka Beach for those who want a quieter beach, Bulabog Beach for windsurfing, kiteboarding and parasailing activities, and Diniwid Beach.
Boracay: Island Hopping Day Tour Boracay is blessed with beautiful beaches and islands, and there will always be something new to try out and experience each time you visit this amazing province.
9 Travel Essentials For Backpacking Adventure
Sharing 9 travel essentials I have with me whenever I travel
Traveling is fun, but when it comes to packing stuff in my bag, I’m a last minute person, so my mom would always be there to help me and make sure I’ve included everything that’s on my checklist. As time goes by, deciding which stuff should I take or not take with me becomes easier. Below is a list of my must-have’s that could serve as your reference or guide for your next travel adventure. 1.…
View On WordPress
If you know me, I’m the type of person that would make a detailed itinerary to explore a province. Heck, I would even cross one province to another just so I could maximize my stay in a place. But going to Boracay was different. This time I want to do absolutely nothing but stay on the White Beach. No itinerary, no planned activity—just pure idling at one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Depending on who you ask, Boracay is either a complete paradise or an example of a ruined island due to commercialization. It’s the party beach destination in the Philippines, like Koh Phangan in Thailand, and Miami Beach in Florida. To me, it is still beautiful– the fine white sand is incomparable to the other beaches in the Philippines, alongside with its turquoise water.
#gallery-0-17 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-17 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-17 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-17 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Boracay Island is situated in a town called Malay in Aklan. To get to Boracay, you can fly from Manila and arrive either at the two airports in Aklan: The first is Kalibo International Airport, which people commonly know. From there, various tour operators, ranging from 150 to 200 pesos, offer shuttle service to Caticlan Jetty Port. This fee includes a one-way transfer, and a ticket boat to Boracay Island. Its counterpart Caticlan International Airport is near Boracay, but airfare here is more expensive. Airlines like Airasia offer direct flight from Manila (MNL) to Kalibo (KLO) 4x daily. Following that, a 5-10 minute-boat ride is needed to get to Boracay port from both airports. I booked tickets in Manila to Kalibo as I had no idea prior my booking which airport is more accessible to Boracay. There are additional fees such as Terminal Fee that needed to be settled in Caticlan Jetty Port. Other means of getting to Boracay is via ferry.
It was almost night time when we finally arrived to our accommodation. Hungry, we grabbed dinner to a restaurant nearby and called it a day.
I’m not gonna lie, Boracay is packed with tourists all around the globe! That’s why the island can be expensive depending on your activity, and based on your nationality. I was able to talk with our tour guide, Barry, during island hopping activity, and he told me that price for island hopping and other water activities may vary depending if you’re a local or not. That seems to be unfair, but it was indeed, the sad truth. If you know how to haggle, this is the best time to use it.
Whatever you want or need, Boracay has it. The place has lots of stores, accommodations, and places to eat depending on your budget and taste. In the mornings, there are lots of activities you can try, particularly water activities, such as island hopping, parasailing, scuba diving, helmet diving, etc. At night, the island has a different vibe as restaurants turn into bars or clubs for parties.
#gallery-0-18 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-18 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-18 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-18 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
What I wanted was to explore Boracay on the first day, and stay by the beach on the latter days. It might seem that I wasted some time in the island, but it was refreshing to do nothing after our trip in Thailand. The White Beach is a 4-kilometer stretch, most famous for its fine powdery white sand. The locals even brag how the sand won’t hurt your feet when you step on it during afternoon when the sun is scorching hot! The water is turquoise in color and appears to be glass-smooth as we traveled during Amihan season.
#gallery-0-19 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-19 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-19 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The White Beach is categorized into three stations: Station One is where most of the water activities happen. This is also where you can find the iconic Willy’s Rock. Station Two is the central hub of White Beach. This is where D’Mall, the local mall in Boracay, and D’Talipapa, the marketplace are located. Finally is the Station Three being the farthest and is the quieter side of White Beach. One thing you should also know about Boracay is which places are beachfront, and which aren’t. As a rule of thumb, upscale hotels and restaurants are located on the front line. Average to budget types of accommodations are generally located behind, requiring you to walk in order to get to the beach, but are more accessible to D Mall.
#gallery-0-20 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-20 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-20 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
It wasn’t the white sand nor the crystal water that made me fell in love with Boracay. It’s every time the sun starts to set, faint music from stores starts singing, and the island change in colors different from each day. Some endings are not bad at all. Indeed, it’s one of the magical times in my life. There are still many things I’ve yet to visit and do in Boracay (and this time with friends).
No itinerary, no planned activity—just pure idling at one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. If you know me, I’m the type of person that would make a detailed itinerary to explore a province.
Beauty Buffet Milk Plus Skincare Products Review
Thoughts on Beauty Buffet Milk Plus Skincare Products
Of course, traveling to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without going to their malls, and do some beauty hauling. The city is known as a shopping district so it’s no surprise that their shopping malls are grand, plenty, and offer a variety of clothing , from high-end to RTW. Siam is probably the most famous area to do shopping spree. They’ve got Siam Paragon, a luxurious mall featuring high-end…
View On WordPress
Using the train is the easiest way to commute in Bangkok. It’s convenient and cheaper than riding a tuktuk or taxi. You can either buy an all-day pass or pay for a specific station you wish to go. This post is an overview of how the train system in Bangkok works, and how to get from the most popular places around Bangkok. Note that this will not cover the whole railway system of Thailand, so this post will not tackle on how to jump from one province to another.
The most popular train system is the BTS, also known as the Skytrain. This is what travelers who want to explore the central Bangkok will often use to get around. Trains arrive between 3 to 6 minutes, and can be usually full during peak hours as locals often ride the Skytrain, too. The Skytrain run 24 hours. There are two BTS lines: Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line.
BTS Silom Line runs from west to south, going from National Stadium and ends at Wongwian Line. The Sukhumvit Line runs north to east, going from Mo Chit to Bearing. Each station has a corresponding letter and number. The letter represents the direction of each station, like S stands for South, W stands for West, and so forth. These two lines meet at Siam Station.
HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND PALACE
To get to the Grand Palace, ride the BTS Skytrain Silom Line and alight at Saphan Taksin (S6). This station is an interexchange for the Chao Phraya River boats that will get you to the Grand Palace.
If you wish to ride provincial trains, the MRT line is one of the best options to get there. The MRT or Mass Rapid Transit is an underground train system that runs from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong. Trains arrive every 5 to 7 minutes, and is open from 6:00 am until midnight.
#gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The Bangkok Train System also known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station is the central terminal going for every provinces in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai.
HOW TO GET TO AYUTTHAYA
To get you to Ayutthaya, alight at Sala Daeng (S2) if you’re in Silom Line, or at Asok Station (E4) if you’re coming from Sukhumvit Line. These two stations interexchange with the MRT. Alight at Hua Lamphong Station, and book a ticket in Hua Lamphong Railway Station going to Ayutthaya.
USING THE TRAIN FROM SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT
Lastly is the Bangkok Airport Link that Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok, and runs from 6:00 am until midnight. From the airport, alight at Makkasan Station which connects to Phetchaburi Station of the MRT Line. Alternatively, you can alight at Phaya Thai to get to BTS Sukhumvit Line.
Railway cards or tokens are different on each railway system. This means you can’t use your MRT Line card to pay for your BTS Line Card.
Below is a detailed map about the Train Transit in Bangkok.
Heading to Bangkok? Learn how to commute using the train. It's affordable, fast, and easy! Using the train is the easiest way to commute in Bangkok. It's convenient and cheaper than riding a tuktuk or taxi.
If one thing’s for sure, we can agree that Thailand has an abundance of amazing temples. The more I stayed in the country, the more I become fascinated with its culture, places and people.
Ayutthaya is one of the places I enjoyed going, and I always encourage my friends to spend a day or two in the city. It’s a beautiful place rich in history. In fact, Ayutthaya used to be the capital city of Thailand, and was considered as one of the biggest and wealthiest kingdom in the East.
#gallery-0-21 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-21 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-21 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-21 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The Siamese kingdom was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1351. It used to be the capital city of Siam (now Thailand), and a center of trade for Asians and Europeans. The invasion of Burma in 1569 during the Burmese-Siamese war lost its independence, leaving the place in ruins.
Despite its melancholic history, Ayutthaya became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. There’s something about old ruins that makes them beautiful. Visiting the historical park, I can’t help but imagine how it used to look back then.
A day or two is usually enough to roam most of the attraction sites. Renting a bicycle, motorcycle or a car is the usual means to tour. It’s important to wear light clothes as you’ll do a lot of walking, and the weather is too hot in Ayutthaya.
WAT MAHATHAT
If you search Ayutthaya in Google, you probably have seen the statue of Buddha’s face enclosed in the tree roots. Wat Mahathat is the most popular site, and the first place you’ll visit in Ayutthaya. It is located at the center of old Ayutthaya, between Chi Kun Road and Naresuan Road. You won’t see the most photographed object by the entrance, but rather at the back of the temple.
#gallery-0-22 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-22 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-22 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-22 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Wat Mahathat used to be religious center that contains many Buddha relics. Also known as the Temple of the Great Relic, there are many features inside the monastery. It includes a central prang, where only the base remains; the Vihan Luang or the royal assembly hall; and the Ubusot or the ordination hall.
WAT RACHABURANA
Wat Rachaburana, which translates to the “Temple of Royal Restoration” is a monastery near Wat Mahathat. It is built by King Borommarachathirat II in memorial to his two brothers, who fought each other for the sake of who will be the next king of Ayutthaya (sounds like Game of Thrones, right?).
#gallery-0-23 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-23 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-23 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-23 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
#gallery-0-24 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-24 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-24 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-24 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The royal vihara is made of mortar and brick, like most of the structures in Ayuthhaya. Its wall is almost gone, leaving the base intact. A giant prang can be seen when you enter the temple. Stairs were built in the prang so you can have a better view of the vihara, and its surroundings chedis. Inside Wat Rachaburana is a two-level crypt that contains murals of Buddha and Chinese people.
WAT PHRA SI SANPHET
Wat Phra Si Sanphet is one of the most important sites in Ayutthaya as it is located in the Grand Palace of Ayutthaya, and the only monastery used by royals alone. This place also served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Grand Palace. It consists of three gigantic stupas, containing the remains of King Ramathibodi II’s father, older brother, and himself. This is why you can see warnings or signs on each sites telling not to step on chedis, and walls in the park as these are sacred artefacts.
Many objects in Wat Phra Si Sanphet didn’t survived when Burma invaded Ayutthaya. One of them is the 16-meter-gilded Phra Si Sanphet image covered of 340 kilos of gold was melted and then taken by the Burmese. Some of its remains were taken to Bangkok during the excavation.
WAT LOKAYA SUTHA
Not much can be seen in Wat Lokaya Sutha as it’s been heavily destroyed during the invasion. Also known as the Temple of Earth, it is home to the Reclining Buddha just like the one in Wat Pho, measuring 37 meters long, and 8 meters high. The statue is usually draped in orange clothing, and has an altar made by the locals.
WAT PHRA CHAIWATTHANARAM
Wat Phra Chaiwatthanaram lies at the west bank of Chao Phraya River, and is probably the most beautiful temple in Ayutthaya. Unlike the other temples designed in Khmer styles, this place is designed in Khom style. Wat Phra Chaiwatthanaram was built for 20 years by King Prasat Thong as a gift for her foster- mother.
#gallery-0-25 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-25 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-25 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The architecture of the temple is beautiful. It is notable for its cornered pagodas, wide ubusot with two seated Buddhas can be found, and symmetry. The monastery has a gallery, surrounding the Quincunx, filled with Buddha relics, and eight chedi-shaped merus or funeral pyres. Staying here for sunset is ideal as the place offers picturesque view.
HOW TO GET THERE
Using the train, take the BTS Sky Train Silom Line and alight at Sala Daeng (S2). From there, take the MRT and alight at the last station, Hua Lamphong. The provincial train station is a walking distance from Hua Lamphong station, so you will surely not miss it. Book a ticket to Ayutthaya. If you’re going on a day trip, it’s important to book a ticket to Bangkok so you could check the train schedule.
ENTRANCE FEES
Each temples require visitors to pay for entrance fee that usually costs around THB 50. Temples are open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Ayutthaya, Thailand: A Day Tour to the Old Siam Kingdom If one thing's for sure, we can agree that Thailand has an abundance of amazing temples. The more I stayed in the country, the more I become fascinated with its culture, places and people.
Bangkok has numerous temples that you’d always find yourself going to ones you haven’t been yet even after a couple of visits in the city. One famous temple you can visit just behind Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Pho. It is home of the Giant Reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long, and 15 meters tall.
#gallery-0-13 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-13 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-13 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Wat Pho is considered as the earliest center for public education in religion, science, and literature. Nowadays, it’s more well-known as the place for wellness, so this is a perfect venue to experience authentic Thai massage. The temple is also one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is part of the first-class royal temples in Thailand.
Near Wat Pho is the ordination hall called Phra Ubosot, where Buddhist rituals are performed. Insisde, you will see a gorgeous altar of Buddha made in gold and copper. Beside the statue is the Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella. The six levels represent the heaven according to Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. An eight level was added later on to symbolise the king as conqueror of the eight directions in the compass. Finally, the ninth tier represents the burden of the king as he leads the country.
Thai people really do have an eye for detail. The surrounding chedis of different colors and sizes are carefully crafted and well thought of just like the ones in Grand Palace.
#gallery-0-14 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-14 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-14 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The temple complex has a double cloister that contains 400 Buddha statues, all selected and brought by King Rama I. Outside these cloisters, smaller chedis called Phra Chedi Rai can be seen. Some of these contain the ashes of the royal family, and others contain Buddha relics.
Our visit to the Wat Pho isn’t complete without seeing the Giant Reclining Buddha. The impressive statue is not made of gold, but rather covered with gold leaf. Its feet are 3 meters high and 4.5 meters long, and are divided into panels that displays symbols of Buddha. Bronze bowls can be seen in the corridor, where visitors can place coins as offerings that can help maintain the temple.
#gallery-0-15 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-15 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
HOW TO GET THERE
Wat Pho is located south of the Grand Palace. It’s an easy walking going to Wat Pho from Grand Palace.
Take the BTS Silom and alight at Saphan Taksin Station. Go to the Sathorn Pier and ride the public Chao Phraya Boat to Ta Thien Pier.
Alternatively, you can ride the tourist boat (has a separate queue with blue arrow, which will also be heading directly to the Grand Palace. The only difference here is the fare price. From there, walk to Wat Pho.
ENTRANCE FEE
Visitors must pay THB 100 on the booth on north or south entrance. Prices for massage range from THB 250 for 30 minutes, and THB 400 for 1 hour.
Part of the Temple Run series in Thailand, here's what happened to our visit in Wat Pho. Bangkok has numerous temples that you'd always find yourself going to ones you haven't been yet even after a couple of visits in the city.
At the heart of Bangkok lies one of the most spectacular temples you could ever see in the world—The Grand Palace. In this place, you will find a lot of temples, and you will find yourself taking a lot of pictures, and also do a lot of walking.
When people say that it’s going to be hot in the Grand Palace, I seemed to have underestimated it. The place is full of people, especially on weekends, so imagine having to walk with hundreds of people around not to mention the scorching heat. We went there on a weekend, and just like us, a lot of people have decided to come to the Grand Palace… So, please don’t go on a weekend or during holidays.
The Grand Palace used to be the royal residence of the King and his family, but it’s now being used only for ceremonial purposes. For THB 600, you can roam around the Grand Palace all day long.
GRAND PALACE: 200 YEARS OF ROYAL AND ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
From time to time, you would see these giant guardians called Yaks that is said to be the gate keepers of the Grand Palace. Religion is valuable and deeply rooted in the culture of Thailand. It’s part of their identity, and it’s no wonder how the temples and building are carefully crafted even to the minute detail.
#gallery-0-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Despite the fact that most of the time, I find myself avoiding getting into people’s photo and searching for a good place to take photos, I couldn’t help but feel impressed about the Grand Palace. There are more than 100 buildings of different colors, sizes and shapes, worth 200 years of architectural history.
WAT PHRA KAEW: HOME OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA
The Wat Phra Kaew is the most famous landmark in the Grand Palace as it is home of the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered Buddha image carved in a jade stone.
The Emerald Buddha is clothed in style depending on the season. There are three seasonal cloaks for the Buddha corresponding to summer, winter, and the rainy season. No one is allowed to touch the Buddha except for the King, and no pictures can be taken inside the temple.
#gallery-0-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Proper clothing is expected when visiting Grand Palace, especially in Wat Phra Kaew. Wear tops with sleeves, skirts length must be below the knee, therefore shorts are not allowed; pants are acceptable, but leggings or any tight-fitting and see-through clothes are prohibited. It’s better to wear close shoes than slippers. You could rent a sarong or long trousers just in case.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the BTS Silom and alight at Saphan Taksin Station. Go to the Sathorn Pier and ride the public Chao Phraya Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No. 9). These boats are bigger, with orange, green or no flags at all.
Alternatively, you can ride the tourist boat (has a separate queue with blue arrow, which will also be heading to the Grand Palace. The only difference here is the fare price. From there, walk to the entrance gate of the Grand Palace. Tour costs THB 600 per person.
We didn’t encounter any, but scams are apparent around Grand Palace. If someone approaches you saying that the Grand Palace is closed for the day or would offer you another tour, do not believe them.
The Most Prized Possession of Thailand lies inside the Grand Palace. At the heart of Bangkok lies one of the most spectacular temples you could ever see in the world—The Grand Palace.
THE HUB OF SOUTHEAST ASIA JOURNEY
The city of Bangkok is basically the hub where western people start their southeast journey. Some people love the city, some don’t, and I was really worried we might get into trouble after reading a lot of horrible scam stories in the city. It’s been a while since I’ve traveled out of the country as finishing my study was my parent’s priority, so when I was able to graduate college and get a job, my dad said that we go to Thailand.
My dad lived in Bangkok together with his cousins and uncle and grew up there. Partly, we traveled to Bangkok because my dad wants to see his close relatives; but it’s mostly a family vacation. From Manila, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport after 2 to 3 hours. Time difference between Philippines and Thailand is 1 hour, with Manila ahead.
YELLOW RIBBON HILLS IN SATHORN
We stayed at Yellow Ribbon Hills in Sathorn. It’s a hotel / apartment, not too far from the international airport, and the nearest BTS station is a walking distance. The neighborhood is quite and clean, and a 24/7 convenience store is just around the corner. There’s a Japanese restaurant on the ground floor, or you can eat local cuisine outside for a cheaper price.
#gallery-0-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
Honestly, I was impressed with our room (and also the large-sized local yakult at the convenience store!).
It’s so spacious, and it felt really comfortable. The staff are pleasant and while language barrier can be a problem at times, they try their utmost best to accommodate and understand the needs of their visitors. It’s hard to find something bad about the place, and considering how much the rate per night is, it felt like we snagged a great deal. I wouldn’t mind staying here again if I get the chance to come back.
ERAWAN SHRINE
“Let’s go visit the four-faced god.”, my dad said after we checked in at the hotel.
Located at the Ratchaprasong intersection of Ratchadamri Road is a famous place where both locals and foreigners gather to visit the shrine of Phra Phron, the Thai representation of the Hindu god, Lord Brahma. Most commonly known as Erawan Shrine, it was built in 1956 in order to prevent continuous of unfortunate events from happening when the Grand Hyatt Erawan was under construction.
#gallery-0-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
The four faces of Phra Phrom symbolizes the four directions. As Brahma god is said to be kind, merciful, and brings fortunes and success to those who ask, the statue symbolizes Phra Phrom able to protect and bless his worshippers in the north, south, east and west side of the world.
Outside the shrine, a line of vendors sell flower garlands, incense, and even birds, as offerings. Thai dancers perform on the side of the shrine in return to the prayers answered. The place looks alive as people come to say a little prayer, all while the aroma of incense and flowers fill the place.
At night, we decided to meet dad’s cousin, who he haven’t seen for ages, and went to Asiatique It’s one of the great places to hang out at night. I tried to capture some snapshots of the buildings and the sky from our room before we headed out. For our first day, Bangkok has been interesting. I knew, then, that I’d be one of the people who will love this city.
HOW TO GET TO ERAWAN SHRINE
BTS: Ride the BTS and alight at Chitlom Station. From the station, you will have to walk for a couple of minutes. Popular places near Erawan Shrine are Central World, Amarin Plaza, and Zen Department Store.
Taxi / Cab: You can hire a cab to take you to Erawan Shrine. Although, this is more costly, and traffic in Bangkok is also crazy like in Manila.
Bangkok, the central hub when traveling to Southeast Asia. It's a love and hate city for some people, but to me, it was nothing but just the best. THE HUB OF SOUTHEAST ASIA JOURNEY The city of Bangkok is basically the hub where western people start their southeast journey.
Taking pictures has become an essential part in our daily lives. From taking snapshots of our OOTD to capturing precious moments in our lives, we like to document them all! Although smartphones can already give us good quality of photos, a good compact camera is still the best option if you want to step up your photography game.
The rise of mirrorless cameras has been apparent. Even pros are switching from DSLRs to try out its competitor. The Alpha series of Sony offers a variety of models that will surely suit every person’s taste and budget. The Sony a500 is a prime example of an entry-level interchangeable camera, perfect for those who are starting out in photography.
1.Lightest Mirrorless Camera in The World
#gallery-0-9 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-0-9 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-9 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
With Sony a5000, you don’t have to worry about how much space your camera would take in your bag or how heavy it is to carry around all day. Weighing 210 grams (body only) or 269 grams (with battery and memory card included), the Sony a5000 is said to be the lightest mirrorless camera.
2. All You Need In Easy Clicks
The physical controls of Sony a5000 lets you play around your desired custom. On the right side of the camera are the Menu Key and the Control Wheel. Starting video recording has been made easy thanks to the button situated at the rear. A nicely textured grip allows you to comfortably hold the camera in one hand. You can easily shoot, record, and play while on the go.
3. One-Touch Remote and One-Touch Sharing
Sony a500 has a built-in wifi that allows easy connection to smartphones, laptops and PCs, and yes, even TV! The one-touch remote lets you use your gadgets as a viewfinder and remote control for your camera. Another feature is the one-touch sharing that lets you transfer photos and videos effortlessly.
4. Create The Perfect Selfies and Videos
Another key feature of Sony a5000 is the LCD screen that can tilt up to 180 degrees! This is most useful when you’re travelling alone, and you want to take pictures of yourself and where you are. With the revolutionary LCD flip, you can capture in stills your ultimate hand-held selfie.
#gallery-0-10 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-10 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-10 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
5. Photos Like Never Before
Admit it, there are times when our smartphones takes crappy photos once we use the zoom feature or photos get too grainy when shooting at the dark. It just ruins the moment.The a5000 has a 20.1 megapixel APS-C image sensor, and BIONZ X image processing engine that produces real-to-life textures and details. It allows you to save photos at JPEG, RAW or both in formats.
Low-light situations are never a problem now that the a5000 has a built-in, pop-up flash. You can also record high quality Full HD videos in either 60i or 24p frames per second.
6. Wide-range accessories
The Sony a5000 usually comes with a 16-50 mm lens kit, a good lens for those who are starting out. But the adventure begins as you start to find your niche in photography, and would want to upgrade to a better lens that can accommodate your needs.
The Sony Alpha series has a variety of lens and accessories to choose from. Whether it’s a wide-angled lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife or macro, or even a fixed focal length lens, they have it.
7. Quality Camera for a Less Price
The Sony a5000 is priced at Php 22,999, available in colors pink, black, gray, and white. It may seem expensive, but considering how impressive the features of the a5000 that it’s even comparable to mid-range DSLRs, it’s honestly a good deal! This camera is a worthy investment that you wouldn’t regret.
You can check out Sony Philippines to find out more about Sony a5000.
(This post is an entry for Yugatech’s giveaway. Photos from Sony PH and Brian Smith.)
Buying your first entry-level camera? Check out the Sony a5000! Taking pictures has become an essential part in our daily lives. From taking snapshots of our OOTD to capturing precious moments in our lives, we like to document them all!
Itinerary + Expenses: 4D/3N Guimaras-Iloilo for PHP 5,000
Travel to Guimaras-Iloilo for more or less PHP 5,000 per person
Below is a sample itinerary and estimated expenses on our trip to Guimaras and Iloilo. Note that I’ve excluded ticket fare, terminal fees, and food on the expenses. The grand total a person can spend if you base it on the sample itinerary is ~PHP 3,599. Assuming you don’t eat like a king in a feast, food is cheap around Iloilo. For a group of 4 people, you could travel to Iloilo and Guimaras…
View On WordPress
Why I Stopped Blogging For a While
Maybe you haven't noticed but I've been on a hiatus for a while before I posted our Iloilo and Guimaras Trip. Here's why.
Internet is a wonderful invention, and thanks to it we could communicate, learn and do things in our own convenience. But sometimes, we become so accustomed with it (and our smartphones) that we forget to function socially. The reason I stopped sharing in social media was because I didn’t think it’s worth it anymore. It was bad that I keep comparing myself with others’ success. I become less and…
View On WordPress
List of Training / Certification Program for Medical Technologist (March 2017)
I received a lot of responses after sharing about the RITM HIV Training I attended last 2016. Here’s a list of seminars for the coming months that can help you earn CPD units. Before proceeding to payment, make sure to contact the NRL and verify the requirements and payment needed for each workshop. Disclaimer: The establishment of CPD Units in regards to our profession was totally abrupt. As of…
View On WordPress