95- Two Years

It's been two years since my first trip to Malaysia.


The beauty of travelling is the power of adding value to moments in time.


Whenever I've been in Malaysia, I have been surrounded by nothing but moments of sunshine.


Even October 2015's haze from Sumatra could not bring me down during my last trip there.


I cannot wait to return.


MC

94- That Time When I Got Lost in Hong Kong

                                         Watson's Pharmacy in Harbor City, Hong Kong 
                                       (Photo culled from http://hkchcc.org/watsons2.jpg)


I think that most kids, and moms, would agree.

A kid getting lost in a public place can be a very traumatic experience.

Let's ask Scottie to beam us back to 1988. Hong Kong. Kowloon Island.

My mom and I had gone to Hong Kong to with her pals from school and their respective families. We stayed in the posh condo of one of my mom's friends in Old Peak Road, which, I would later discover, was an area that a number of the city's wealthier residents, and expatriates, called home. To this 5 year old, it was a place with a playground, wide open spaces, and other kids, with whom I could interact and have fun with.

The very young me was baffled by the fact that hardly anyone spoke any English. During one of our evening's in Hong Kong, I got a hold of the landline telephone in the condo we stayed in, dialed my grandma's (Philippine landline number), with the intention of sharing with my grandma the many wonders I had seen while abroad (Toys R' Us was certainly one of the highlights). You can imagine how shocked I was when I heard the voice of a seemingly frantic woman, speaking a strange language, on the other end of the tellie. I was shocked and subsequently, confused. So, I wasn't in Kansas anymore- that much was certain.

Anyone who has been to Hong Kong will tell you that the city is crowded- really crowded. Fast forward to Migi and Mom at Watsons near the Tsim Tsa Tsui clocktower and Ocean Terminal (remarkably, that Watsons branch remains open, a grim reminder of when, for a brief. dark, moment, I felt truly alone in the universe). Mom was looking a nice little ornaments while some toys caught my attention. Next thing I knew, mom was gone and a pretty Chinese lady began speaking to me in caring tones in, well, Cantonese (to the 5 year old me, it was gibberish, Klingon, a lot of onions in palm oil...what mattered was that I was alone). Mom was nowhere in sight. I felt like crying, and just when I was about to shed some saltwater, my mother appeared. We were both relieved to say the least. She asked me where I had drifted off to. I said that some toys had caught my eye. She advised me to always hold her hand and stay close, and so for the rest of the trip, that is exactly what I did. I love my mom- and you should love yours, too.

When I think of Hong Kong, I think of Teresa Teng, of dimsum, of Toys R Us, and of family. I look upon these memories with a smile. I also remember being lost once and feeling very, very, distressed. Thank goodness for good fortune, and the concept of happy return trips. Mom and I did go to Hong Kong again in 2010, and we managed to visit Disneyland, too.

See, things have a way of working out in the end.

MC

Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays from the furry traveler!
:)

More content soon.

93- Bangkok.

Migiman at Bangkok's Grand Palace Grounds, 2011 and Many Pounds Ago

I am all for visiting temples, buildings, and palaces from days of yore.

I am certain that you've heard this sort of remark before, but, for the record, let me say it again- visiting antiquated places is like grabbing the wheel of the Delorion and meeting Biff in the flesh. It's time travel without the hassles of time travel.

2011 featured my one and only trip to Bangkok, Thailand. I do not have too many memories of BKK in comparison to the huge crate of recollections I have of places like Singapore, the United States, and Malaysia. Still, Bangkok was a revelation in a lot of ways to me.

Food was cheap, and when I say cheap, I mean it. You could get rice and 2 viands for far less than you would pay in Singapore or even in Manila. The Bangkok train system was fast, efficient, and more or less, displayed a sort of cleanliness that most urban centers would envy. Traffic was hell for sure, but, the trains, at least to me, made getting around a wee bit easier than if one had to rely solely on travelling on asphalt.

Whether one likes it or not, he/she is bound to encounter streetwalkers while strolling around Bangkok. Some look like young versions of Fann Wong or Zoe Tay, but, well, carry around Adam's Apples too. To those who are into having this type of a good time, be warned. What you see isn't always what you get, or, what you see might be what you get, but because of alcohol, you ignore the obvious, and get into trouble.

During my sole Bangkok tryst, I had just missed the dreaded floods of 2011. I felt fortunate not to have had to deal with a bad slice of home while there. I wasn't mindful of my diet nor my fitness level while on holiday there, so, eat I did. Buffet breakfasts, dinners, lunches, it all went down the hatch nicely. Sometimes, I miss being a bit of a glutton, but at the same time, I don't miss what what all that used to do to me. Poor health equals low productivity. Not good.

I visited the Grand Palace grounds with a family friend- Dr. Faye, while on a city tour. The tour guide wasn't particularly insightful, or warm, but in as much as we wanted to rid ourselves of her, we didn't, knowing that it was her car taking us around this "new" city. We didn't want to have to negotiate with cab drivers on the way back to our hotel.

According to Bangkok.Com, The Grand Palace was built way back in 1782, and was the home of the Thai Royal Family and the seat of government, for 150 years. Awash in gold and other precious stones, the monument represents splendor from a bygone age- when monarchs ruled Bangkok not only in body, but also, in spirit.

I did my usual train hopping and long walks in the heat while in Bangkok. Heck, I even got lost at one of the train interchanges with my dad, who normally panics when faced with the prospect of getting lost, especially, at night. It seems funny now, but, what if we did get lost? What if I had gotten kidnapped by crooks dressed in leather, with looks resembling those of oriental femme fatales? Okay, so maybe getting lost isn't so bad after all- until someone hits you with the ass of a pistol over the head.

I would return to Thailand if given the opportunity. Upon returning, though, I think I might go for exploring the country's more rural haunts. Bring me to a Kampong that serves amazing Chili Beef and you'll have my heart in the same way Ting Ting had the tickers of Beng-Beng and Kang Kang (note, Phua Chu Kang reference).

And so goes another city. Thank you, Bangkok.

MC

92- Love Songs

                                       

                        From the set of the Singapore staging of "Gruesome Playground Injuries,                                                                               Esplanade Theatre, 2013


She sat by a window dulled by time, and memories of promises unkept.

Her existence had become an anthem for the broken hearted, a spirited number on the death of soul. She had become the poster child for the declaration that love was
indeed, a null and void concept.

She had surrendered to the ocean of discontent.

Until he entered her life, and until she learned to carry herself with pride.

She was a beautiful porcelain doll, with chinky eyes, and curves ample, yet not vulgar in the
context which most decent men would bemoan. She was intelligent, quick witted, and had begun to
flutter forth with utmost bliss- a key element of living which had been lost on her for many years.
She felt like she was once again ready to dethrone the dukes and duchesses of sorrow.

She scanned through her collection of records.

Kenny Loggins.

Christopher Cross.

Lauren Wood ("Fallen" was a particular favorite).

Roy Orbison (for the oldest soul in the room).

Love songs. So many love songs. Love songs playing in springtime in Rome. Beauteous melodies, and righteous declarations of the most radiant of virtues.
This is what she, and her man, had been waiting for.

Twas time for them to swim in the big river, to bask amidst the ancient buildings of lost empires. It was time to savor the many sights and sounds of a land
unseen, and yet seemingly, quite familiar to the spirit.

Nothing could stop them now.

MC

91- Telok Blangah by a Dummy

Migiman and StephieBaT at Telok Blangah MRT Station

April 2015

Four votes for Telok Blangah. 

The "yay"'s , have it. 

Migiman and StephieBat decided it was high time to go to Singapore again after years and years and years last April 2015. CamilaBoots helped with the housing (thank you, dear cousin!), and with being an awesome tour guide. We had the privilege of staying in CamilaBoots' flat in Telok Blangah housing estate- a joint close to Fairprice, close to the LRT and a bus station, and of course, close to great hawker food. 

What is this strange place called TK, you ask? Well, let this dummy share so bare boned facts with you. 

So TK is a housing estate in Singapore, located Southwest of the country's Central Business District. TK is just a stone's throw away from Sentosa, and is part of the Bukit Merah Planning Area (thanks, Wikipedia). 

In 1849, British Civil Engineer John Turnbull Thomson created a painting called "Tello Blangah". This piece of fine art depicted villages at the foot of Mount Faber, Mount Faber had been known as "Telok Blangah Hill" until 1845, and Telok Blangah Road was christened in 1907 (again, thanks, Wikipedia).

Today, Telok Blangah is awash with condos and HDB flats. One thing I like about Singapore is the country's urban planners' penchant for creating fully functional, stand alone, communities. In the Philippines, we tend to need to travel outside our respective communities to work, purchase essential goods, or, go to school. In Singapore, a lot of communities function as self-sufficient areas. For Filipinos reading this smorgasboard of thoughts, I am confident that you'll agree- we could all use a large heap of improved urban planning. Singapore isn't perfect, but, their system works. It WORKS. That is a victory in and of itself. 

                         Migiman and StephBaT at one of the many Telok Blangah Food Stalls 

                                                                    (Yum and Yummer)

I took a jog around the Telok Blangah estate, and also took time out to observe the little things around me. Lots of senior citizens around, going about their business- some, walking from local groceries back to their flats, some, going about "Lehpa" and relaxing over drinks and peanuts, while others seemed to look as if they were in a panic, in a mess over a lost kettle, a broken piece of furniture, or, a debt unpaid. The place was awash in green. Equally impressive was the fact that flat I stayed in was situated within earshot of Henderson Waves, a nature park that can rival any local park I've been to, or, that I can think of. 

Don't judge us, we're nuts. :P 

Bridges, tree-lined walkways, 3 goofballs. That is how to enjoy life. 

Telok Blangah in a nutshell is-fun-for-everyone. 

MC

90- A Clueless Person's View on Penang

No, I have not been to Penang. I want to go to Penang- that is precisely why I find myself in front of the computer writing about the subject.

Quick Google referencing about to happen. Turn back if you find this sort of thing boring.

So, Penang is located in Northwest Malaysia. Research shows that there are three ways one can reach Penang from Kuala Lumpur. You can hop on a plane, the option with perhaps the quickest travel time, but, the longest waiting time (at the airport). You can hop on a bus, a cheaper alternative, and one that ensures that one takes "the scenic route" to Penang. The third and final option is a tryst to Penang via KTM Commuter Train, and then, by ferry boat, to Butterworth. Another "scenic route" option, this one.

I had always had this impression that Penang was not a densely populated place, until I learned that as of the year 2010, the island's population chimed in at 1,520,143. That's quite a lot. Not as densely packed as Manila, of course,

Per Wikipedia.Org, Penang's population breakdown as of 2010:

Mostly of Chinese descent (45.6%)
Malays and other races (43.6%)
Of Indian descent (10.4%)
Everyone else (0.4%)

I have always wanted to go to Penang because from this simple walker, runner, slash wanderer knows, it is the food capital of Malaysia. Mee Goreng, Assam Laksa, Oh Chien, Popia. Happiness. Utter gastronomic bliss.

I still feel like a "tourist" in Malaysia. I still feel like I need to "jump in the lake" so to speak when it comes to being one with Malaysian culture. There are some places which we visit and end up feeling like it isn't enough that we do a simple "look and feel". Ultimately, we feel the need to "be" the place. It's tantamount to migration of the soul.

So Penang, I may not be well-versed with the contents of your dossier, nor have I managed to partake of the smells and tastes of your city streets, but soon, very soon, I should be able to shed the skin I'm in and fall into your waiting, sambal-coated, arms. =)

It's only a matter of time now.

MC

89- Sinfully Yours: A Moment of Self-Reflection

I have committed a grave offense.

I have forgotten what it means to be an artist.

Say that I've become guilty of complacency, or, of thinking that has tended to remain in a box rather than anywhere out of it. This is a first for me. As people age, we tend to become satisfied with the ordinary, for fear that anything outside of squares and circles would surely lead to the death of practical arrangements. Such involve risks that most do not wish to take, and risks that people would not dare take, also, for fear of criticism from those who relish being extraordinarily ordinary.

I used to be a person who danced, sang, and frolicked with, and like, the sun. As of late, I've become someone who, while happy, has marched to the beat of someone else's drum. I feel like I've somehow lost a sense of originality, a semblance of authenticity. The once vibrant (albeit emotional, for better or worse) lad has become someone who has done things in a structured, and disciplined manner. Walking in a straight line isn't bad. Being responsible is not a problem. Losing your passion for the essence of art, is frustrating.

I used to hate being on the sidelines. I felt like I always had to "be in the mix" In many ways, I'd still rather be a "do-er" rather than a "viewer". These days, I am wise about which battles I opt to fight. Being safe is a positive, for sure, but being safe also- in an ironic twist- lessens the chances that one will be able to encounter a truly spontaneous experience on any given day. That can pose a problem to the adventurous, and a seem like a typical day in the mines, for those who pray against rain because the think that water kills on contact.

A recent encounter with the brightest of hues has made me remember that it isn't always a swell thing to hide under umbrellas, wear N95 masks at the sight of some smoke, and shriek and act like a bomb went off whenever you find a pair of trousers that used to fit, but, is now too tight for you to wear.

I "embraced" art again for a fleeting moment earlier this week. I have become reminded that while my life in years past tended to look and feel chaotic, I too had moments in my previous incarnation which pointed much towards "realness" and "truth". Those are two things which I should never compromise in full, ever again.

MC

88- When Do You Know?

When do you know when you've got magic on your hands?

I suppose it is when you see something like this. 

Here's something my mom took. Something from France. 

Breathtaking.

I'll see you someday. :) :)

MC

87- Malaysia Memories: Cendol and Malaysia

Ah yes, Cendol. Ah yes, Malacca. Such wonderful memories from years past. 

In 2013, I was fortunate enough to have been able to go with my Malaysian friends to Malacca, a well known tourist/cultural destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Malacca is located 148 kilometers away from Kuala Lumpur. I rode with my friends Sharon and Chak there. There's nothing like a trip with friends that promises good dialogue and good food. 

Cendol is a lot like my country's Halo Halo (in the Philippines). Condensed milk, sweet beans, flan, fruit, ice cream, and other wonderful bits of sweetness that complete an all in all amazing experience for your tastebuds. 

A return to Cendol-land is due. 

I'll be on my way back sooner rather than later. 

MC

86- Singapore Memories: Lost

The year is 2009. I was in Singapore with my dad, and youngest sister. 

Dad says,

"You guys have been out all day. That's alright. Just be careful, and meet me in Chinatown at 5pm."

Simple enough, or so my sister and I thought. 

This trip was my mine and my sister's first time in the Lion City. Needless to say, we were in awe at how organized everything was. We were used to dirty MRT stations and overspeeding jeepneys killing it on the roads. Here, things were neat, and in order, and yet, still teeming with life. All in all, everything was beautiful. 

So sister and I made it to Chinatown MRT by around 430pm. At this point, I really was not very well versed yet on so Singapore hawker food culture nor was I all too aware of how it was to be anything more than a lemming-ish tourist. I went with the flow. I followed along- for better or worse. 

This little tryst with my sister and my farher, though, was a deviation from the norm. In all honestly, all this was fun, despite the fact that my sister and I had gotten scolded in the end for "not paying attention to instructions". 

"Meet me by the pagoda in 20 minutes."

Sister and I looked around, and discovered that there were probably 5-10 pagodas in the district we were in. Dad was starting to panic like parents often do. Panic, panic, panic, then, boom! Sister and I finally find where we need to go. Enter a walkway, a mall, then, an escalator. Oh look, there's the pagoda!

Wait, where's dad? 

Wrong spot. Uh oh. 

Look around again, kids. 

We keep scrounging around for answers. I am of the belief that finding the actual meeting spot got harder because of the fact that we knew dad was in panic mode already. After 15 minutes, a period of time that seemed more like light years, we finally found dad. 

"Where've you been?" dad said. 

"Sorry we got lost." I said. 

What followed after this conversation was a great dinner at a restaurant called Yamcha and a lot of laughs.

You've got to love family, family trips, and good food. And oh, Teresa Teng music was playing in my head during the whole thing. 

All in all, a great day in 2009 Singapore.

MC

85- Fondest Memories

My fondest travel memories have been those that have involved a backpack, a bottle of Gatorade, a sandwich, and whole lot of walking. The splendor of the open road is one that knows no bounds. 

To run, to ride, to fly, to be part of the journey- such defines a full life. Sunrise and sunset- these beginnings and endings speak of true cyclical beauty. 

My next adventure awaits. 

MC

84- The Run.

                                     

     

I've come to learn that running is my thing.

Race after race, after race, I go.

I am thrilled that I will be running my first international race this year. Malaysia, I am delighted by the prospect of seeing you again. 

This is going to be fun. 

Photo from the Unilab Active Health Run United Marathon 2, 2015. 

MC

83- Absolute Value

You know, it's funny. 

You run, and you run, and you run. 

Then you fall. 

And you start from the very beginning. 

What then? 

You get up and keep going. 

I'm in Forest Gump mode now. 

Run, run, run, until you can't take another step. 

MC

82- Harbourfront

Harbourfront, Singapore, April 2015

There's nothing like a beautiful afternoon spent by a large body of water. 

I got to spend time in Singapore with my cousin, whom I hadn't seen in years, and my girlfriend, whom, by the time we had arrived in the Lion City, I had not seen for a couple of days. Relationships tend to magnify the length of time between meetings. That's just the way things go. 

Situated within the Bukit Merah area, Harbourfront has undergone a lot of development over the years. Outdoor mechanical walkway? Check. Ample lighting? Check. Shopping mall? Check. Cable cars zipping through the sky? Check, check. Eating places? Check. To the uninitiated tourist, the place can seem like a cornucopia of shops and eating places. What you get is the byproduct of industrial progress. 

We have similar places in Manila, but none seem to be as clean as Harbourfront, or, as clean as Singapore in general, for that matter. I am sure Singapore has its share of problems, but hey, they make it work. They seem to make it work due to diligence and political will.

Until there is concrete evidence of progress, I suppose that we'll have to keep dreaming of having Singapore-level progress. Am I anti-Philippines? Not at all. I am just speaking candidly. Things are the way they are.

MC

81-Perspective

Half full or half empty? Thirst quenching drink, or boring and tasteless liquid?

It's all a matter of perspective.

(Plaza Del Norte Hotel, Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines)

80- Leap!

                      Migi at Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2013)

Travelling can make you reach deep down- fight drowsiness, fatigue, and an urge to stay within the confines of an airconditioned hotel room, and just...let go.

Leap! Leap! Go forth and explore!


MC

79- Seafood Swing

When all else fails, grab a plate of scrumptuous oyster omelette.

You can't go wrong with that.


(April 3, 2015, Newton Food Centre)

78- Singapore

Oh, Singapore. How I miss you.

Travel on, Migi, travel on. 

MC

77- CU in Cebu!

In Cebu Province now for all too short a date. 

Still as beautiful as when I last visited :) 

MC

76- The Trouble with Love, 3

                             A Photo from Matchbox 20 Live in Singapore
                                                  (November 2013)

Serenade. There's nothing like a soothing serenade.

I love the music of Matchbox 20. I love the work of their front man Rob Thomas. The guy's a musical genius. Think Bach in blue jeans and a leather jacket.

Are you guys familiar with Thomas' song "Ever The Same"? Now that's a song. That's a tearjerker. A heart crusher. Post the feeling on the wall. That's my song. That's your song. Does anyone care? I know I do.

So there you are. Smiling in your seat. Why I can't forget you- like I can't get enough of a Chicago Deep Dish Pizza- I have no idea. Or maybe I do. Maybe I have some inkling but I'm not all too sure.

We've had a lot of conversations about life over time. I am not sure what it was. Was it the way you would giggle whenever you'd talk about inane things? Could the culprit be your careful musings about how a carefree attitude can get you through life? 

Perhaps the total package is what it is. Perhaps it's all about the innocence you exude when you float through the halls of this flawed kingdom. 

You remind me of times when life was a whole lot simpler, when complexity was an ocassional surprise rather than a daily "given". You are akin to a rose that stays in bloom through the winter. 

At this point, I find myself looking like the wildest of cliches. Rose in bloom through winter? Give me a break. I sound like a Michael Learns to Rock song. 

Despite all that, the fact remains that, like an imperfect impression on food made right by that one breakthrough restaurant, captained by that one "amazeballs" chef, you tend to make me want to "sing" a bit better. I think it's because the simplicity behind it all relaxes me. 

Lest I forget that in the end, it is still all about be cautious as opposed to being a reckless wanderer, the trouble with love, as with a cab driver that hoodwinks you on the typical price of a taxi fare from airport to hotel, is that it can, and often does, things to curb your enthusiasm. 

At the same time, the hope for a brighter day one feels is enough to give one a momentary high that sometimes lasts a whole lot longer than a day, and goes a whole lot deeper than your soul. 

And so it goes.

MC

75- The Trouble With Love, 2

Troublesome, this woman.

So you enter a coffee shop at Hong Kong International Airport. Vietnamese coffee. The nectar of the gods, this stuff. You take black, she takes on a cream-laced brew. She's all smiles behind the caffeine-induced foam. You're all nerves. Nerves, nerves, nerves everywhere. You know full well that she may smile but that is no guarantee of an actual future between the two of you.

"Fall into my loving arms." you think to yourself. Just like a romantic Roman holiday.

Crush my spirit with a wave of denial.

You say that you would love to spend more time together because your heart skips a beat whenever you see her. Think Capri Island on a bright summer's day. Absolutely enchanting.

At the end of the day, the trouble with love is that it is traitorous. The impact of how difficult it can be is nearly impossible to quantify. It is of utmost importance to be prepared to traverse the many roads love has strewn on its map. Never assume. Never be afraid to compromise.

As touristy as a Singapore Sling can be, love too can be advertised as one thing, but actually be something completely different.

Especially when one gives and never receives. Never.

The trouble with love continues to persist despite one's best efforts to quell its impact.

MC

74- The Trouble With Love

There are many ways wherein travelling the world parallels journeying through the labyrinth of love.

Imagine the highs, and the lows. Embrace the blissful, carefree, colors one sees when the scenery of the mind and tapestry of the heart, roll by.

So you see the breathtaking views the Lord's land offers the senses. You see her face and you are mesmerized. The shape of her. The scent of her. The softness, the suppleness, of her voice.

Just when you think that the sun couldn't shine any brighter, an epitaph is written. Silence is sewn. How could this all happen, you ask?

It just does. How you handle the fall is up to you.

And her, in some cases.

More to be told later.

MC