Bangkok with Gusto (Part IV)

4. Asiatique


With our new friend Peera (left-most)

One of the best things that happened to us in Bangkok was meeting Peera. I found him while looking for a rental car. I sent a message through aaathai.net that I needed a vehicle for 5 people the following day. Shortly after, I received a message from Peera. Request granted.

Peera was at the hotel lobby way before our agreed time. He patiently waited until we were ready. He was supposed to just introduce us to our driver and be off to the office but he decided to join us for the rest of the day, which was great because he spoke English really well (he lived in the US for more than 10 years), was full of information and was very warm and friendly.

He took us to see the Temple of the Golden Buddha



The filigreed Temple of the Emerald Buddha



The Royal Palace (This building stood out among others because of its Western style)



And Wat Pho

Bangkok with Gusto (Part III)

3. Chatuchak Market

I wasn’t a big fan of Chatuchak because, the first time I went there, my feet were already sore from walking. I couldn’t avoid visiting the second time, however. No amount of dissuading can make my family believe that Chatuchak is not worth the trip. Thankfully, it was our first stop so everyone was still in high spirits.

The Lumphini MRT station was a godsend as it was a mere five-minute walk from our hotel.

A quick transfer to the Skytrain at Kampheng Phet and we were in Chatuchak in only 20 minutes or so.

The first things that caught my eye coming out of the station were the leather goods. There were shoes, bags, purses, handmade sandals, all of very good quality. My pick was a black cross-body bag that was big enough for my iPad.

Bangkok with Gusto (Part 2)

2. Ban Khun Mae



If I didn’t love my brother so, I would have settled for the nearest restaurant I could find. It was, after all, six hours since our buffet breakfast at the hotel, and I was exhausted from the shopping in Chatuchak. But because I knew he so wanted to try the restaurant that my SIL recommended, I indulged him. So did my aging parents.



After the seemingly endless walking and asking for directions, we found Ban Khun Mae. The bad thing was, all the tables were occupied. Some groups ahead of us were turned away (or maybe, they backed out after being told how long the waiting time would be – I couldn’t tell). I picked a friendly-looking waiter to ask and put on the face that wouldn’t take no for an answer. I couldn’t let all of that exhausting walk go to waste.


Tom Yum

He came back to me saying he’ll have a table ready in 10 minutes. Even before the waiting time was up, a table was freed and we were able to place our order. Service was swift and I remember eating one good thing after another, picking mostly from the most recommended items on the menu.


The fried mushrooms from the recommended items. We also ordered fish, pad thai and a savory dumpling that was also recommended. They were all good.

One of the best parts is seeing the bill and realizing that, with all the things we stuffed ourselves with, we had to pay only the equivalent of P500 per head.



After dinner, we had to walk back to Siam Center because JM wanted to shop at Forever 21. Instead of going back to the busy main road, we took the parallel back road and realized that the route was less tedious to navigate.

Bangkok with Gusto (Part I)

Red Oven Restaurant at Sofitel So Bangkok

My memory of my first visit to Bangkok was starting to cloud over, having happened almost ten years ago. I remember being booked in a tourist class hotel, making friends with a group of gay tourists who became constant company throughout the trip, getting the shock of my life in Pat Pong (that warren of street hawkers, raucous bars and raunchy sex clubs), haggling for a sarong at the night market, visiting Ayutthaya and being very tired from the long, long walks.



With my folks traveling with me this time, together with my brother and my niece JM, the pace was decidedly more sedate. We wanted to eat well, sleep well and shop every chance we got. Since my niece was with us, we made the obligatory visit to some temples to give her a whiff of Thai culture.



How cool is this ceiling?

This trip had quite a few wins in my book, convincing me that this bustling city certainly deserves a third look.

1. Sofitel So Bangkok


 The chic reception-area-cum-bar

I first read about Sofitel So Bangkok in Daphne’s Blog. I remember being completely taken by the photographs because of the hotel’s design aesthetic. An ambitious stab at multicultural, yes, but it works. As a collaboration between Monsieur Christian Lacroix and contemporary Thai designers, the hotel brought the best of Thai and French sensibilities, even a hint of Scandinavian. It could easily have gone wrong in the hands of lesser artists.

Some may be put off by the hipster vibe, but it is elegantly executed and not overly young. My brother, ever sharp when it comes to good fashion, couldn’t resist asking a male staff where he can buy his very chic breeches. Unfortunately, it is an exclusive design for So Bangkok by Monsieur  Lacroix.

2012: The Year That Was

It has been a whirlwind eight days in the Bulauitan household. The holiday activities have their own stories to tell but, for now, I’d like to look back at the year that was and thank the Force that made it all possible:

In January, we went to Cebu to celebrate Ma and Pa’s wedding anniversary. We loved our hotel, the Radisson Blu, ate at sutukil, enjoyed CnT lechon, had dinner with cousins Sue and Sean Mark, celebrated Ma and Pa’s anniversary at The Gustavian, toured the city as well as Mactan and brought home zubuchon.  



I started therapy sessions at Intercare in January to relieve my stiff shoulders. One therapy session used a machine that activated the involuntary muscles so that they tire and consequently relax. It was one of the best things I have ever done. Must go back soon.

JM’s confirmation at Ninyo restaurant. And she graduated from grade school! I attended her awarding ceremony and helped her prepare for her batch night. 



Spent a lot of time at The Farm. Met Michael, the GM, who was a great host and led me to one of my best discoveries, Casa Marikit in Batangas. I loved The Farm’s accommodations, the food, the treatments, everything. And I loved how relaxed I was every time I was there.



Managed to do the things I’d been meaning to do but couldn’t find time for, like visit my homeopathic doctor for a consult, attend Dona’s Yin Yoga workshop, go to Bahay Kalipay in Puerto Princesa where I met great women like Daniw, Olga, Petranilla and Sarah and visited Nagtabon Beach. 



Took culinary lessons at Enderun. Learned how to prepare vegetables, chicken, seafood, pork and beef. I also learned how to make ravioli, paella, Louis XV and other Enderun signature dishes. 



An unexpectedly awesome trip to Halong Bay. I knew the bay would be beautiful but I didn’t expect to meet so many wonderful people at the Au Co, eat excellent, five-star quality food, encounter a storm (and live to tell the tale).


Spent wonderful days in Bohol with friends. And tried the zipline for the first time. 


The second edition of the Sonya’s Garden book was published. And I received a special gift from Sonya. 

Che and Joy celebrated their 40th birthdays with family and friends.

Went to Siem Reap and loved it. Learned Khmer cooking at Le Tigre de Papier. Enjoyed Khmer food. Rode the ATV and enjoyed sunset from the rice fields. Awed by the temples. Loved the Heritage Suites.

Rediscovered the joys of cooking at home. Loved making roast chicken, mashed potatoes, chicken curry, lasagna, and other things that are nameless because I just made do with whatever was available in the kitchen.

Went to Sting’s concert with Leda, Ate Pam and Judd. And it turned out to be a helluva concert.

A successful first year for Digify. I met new people, learned new things, got to know my team (and myself) better. Went to Otis for the first time. Hehe. 



Did so many spontaneous, random things like drive to McDonald’s for breakfast with my nieces and nephew while still in our pajamas; drive to Tagaytay with friends and family for buffet lunch at Taal Vista, bowling at Splendido and dinner at Sonya’s; cheer at a soccer game in BGC; discover the best dessert on Planet Earth at Brasserie Cicou, etc. 





Nothing beats the fact that my parents were strong and in perfect health (and still are), my brother and his family were in a great place (and still are), and my loved ones brought me joy every day (and still do).

2012 was a Leap Year indeed.