Philippines Day 4: The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant

Date of Visit: 23th March 2012

Just in a day, Abel managed brought us to the place we requested:

• Rizal Park
• Fort Santiago & Manila Cathedral
• Quiapo Market Manila, San Agustin Church & Casa Manila 
• Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

And before Abel send us back to our lodging, we decided to have dinner with him as a token of appreciation for his excellent, friendly and good services throughout the trip. Abel recommended to a dining place where not just that we can enjoy their local foods but at the same time, we will also entertain by their special performers - which are their own cooks and waiters. Sounds interesting, right?

#1: The name of this restaurant: The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant

#2: The menu with the photo of the first batch of performers

Stepped into this restaurant, I noticed that it wasn't huge enough space for the performers to dance and sing. There even didn't have the platform to show their performance, so where could possible they do so? Without thinking any longer, my friends and I decided to browse through their menu first while waiting for them to entertain us.

#3: Calamansi Juice (Lime Juice), the most popular drink in Philippines

#4: Assorted grilled seafoods

#5: Assorted fried seafoods

While having our meals, out of sudden all the waiters and cooks gathered in front and start do their performance.What amazed me was they sang and dance without taking or having any microphone with them. It was indeed very entertaining and we can felt the enjoyable vibe. In the beginning, they sang in their own Filipino languages but it's not a big deal for us anyway, eventhough we didn't even understand the meaning behind but their performance were so funny and I can see that most of the patrons laughed non-stop throughout the night. After done with first few Filipino songs, they started to sing other languages. Surprisingly not just English songs, when they found out that we are from Malaysia, instantly they sang a Malay song to entertain us. Impressive right? You can play the video at the bottom which took by my friend.

#6: Not just they have a great voice, they even dance very well.

While we were busy focus our eyes in front looking their performance, the next thing we were never thought they will standing besides you and sing. Thereafter, I understand the reason why they didn't need platform for cause they were standing all over the restaurant to perform. And if you are lucky one, they will grab invite you to sing and dance along with them.

#7: Group photo with all the cooks and waiters

If you are wondering how's the food, frankly speaking it was just so-so. The seafoods were fresh enough but nothing to shout about. But the most importantly, we were indeed having an entertaining night and fun filled atmosphere. Thanks so much to our local tour guide, Abel for introduced us this something extraordinary, something unique place which I believe couldn't find elsewhere in Malaysia.

The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant's Location:

Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. cor, Roxas Blvd,

Pasay City, Manila, Luzon, Philippines.

Philippines Day 4 - Manila City Tour Park 4 (Manila American Cemetery and Memorial)

Date of Visit: 23rd March 2012

Before the day turns to night, we managed to visit numerous of places in just a day:

• Rizal Park
• Fort Santiago & Manila Cathedral
• Quiapo Market Manila, San Agustin Church & Casa Manila

The next place that we are heading to is a place that not many people willing to visit. But when I surfed from the net, it stated that this place was one of the top tourist attractions in Manila. I bet if my mom know that I will visit this place, for sure she will stop me from doing so but I really love to see this place as it being mentioned by visitors that it was beautiful and serene.

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, which located in Taguig City took almost an hour drive from our previous destination and when we arrived, it almost closed. I was so scared that we might not able to witness this place but thank goodness to Abel, he had few words with the guard and fortunately, the guard allowed us to enter although it almost closed in less than 10 minutes 

#1: White marble headstones in the cemetery. Isn't it beautiful, green, and tranquil?

Manila American Cemetary and Memorial is claimed to be the largest number of graves with over of 17,000 graves of any cemetery for U.S. personal killed during the World War II and hold war dead from the Philippines and other allied nations. This place is so beautifully kept and well-maintained. When almost all the other cemeteries gave the scary and spooky feelings, this one was totally unlikely where it gave us the feeling of calm and peace. 

The cemetery is located at the far side of the large green grassed circle whereas the memorial building is located in front of the cemetery.

#2: A tower containing the small devotional chapel standing in the middle of the walkways.

#3: Inside the chapel, the worship area is set off with an altar crafted from Sicilian marble; on the wall behind it is a blue mosaic featuring a Madonna figure scattering flowers in memory of the heroic dead. [Source]

#4: Tablets of Missing - Over 32,000 names engraved on these limestone walls

#5:

Exactly at 5pm, the carillon plays both of the U.S. and the Philippines national anthems, followed by a volley of rifles and the playing of "taps". My friends and I stood still as a respect just like we all did when we sang "Negaraku". After that, we need to be rush in taking photo before being requested to leave by the guard.

This is a beautiful place and worth for every visitor to stop, think and remember. The cemetery is open daily to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except on December 25 and January 1.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Goseasia.about.com]

Philippines Day 4 - Manila City Tour Part 3 (Quiapo Market Manila, San Agustin Church & Casa Manila)

Date of Visit: 23rd March 2012

Before we move on to the next two attractions which located in Intramuros, Abel brought us to Quiapo Market Manila instead Divisoria which we did requested earlier. The reason why Abel refused brought us to Divisoria was because he told us it was overcrowded and at the same, it kinda dangerous for us. I did checked from Tripadvisor and some of the reviewers did mentioned that Divisoria is full of robbers and many being attacked by pick pocket and there were some gang controlled. Divisoria is well known as a market district that fill with wide assortment of low-priced goods and wholesale and bargain shopping. Abel told us there are other alternatives besides Divisoria, and so he recommended us to Quiapo Market Manila.

#1: Quiapo Market Manila is another  good and cheap destination to enjoy shopping in Manila, besides Divisoria

#2: Well known for its traditional Filipino handicrafts

Situated in the district of old Manila, Quaipo Market Manila is the best place for those who are seeking for Philippines handicrafts, such as carvings, lamps made out of shells, canework and even traditional Filipino handicrafts. And of course, you can bargain with the seller until you are satisfy with the price itself. But for us, we were just looking for normal souvenirs that can give as a gift to our fellow friends and family members such as T-shirt, keychains, fridge magnets and pouch and we bought in a bulk. When I looked into some of the souvenirs being displayed, I was shocked cause somehow some are similar to the one in Kota Kinabalu's Filipino Market.

#3: Lunch at Jollibee

I'm not sure whether has Jollibee establish their business in Peninsular Malaysia but I'm for sure that there used to be a Jollibee existed in Kota Kinabalu but it couldn't last longer and now no more available here. If for those who never came across this, Jollibee is a famous fast-food restaurant chain in Philippines. It is an American-style fast-food restaurant with Filipino-influenced dishes specializing in burgers, spaghetti and more. 

Done with fulfilled our hungry stomach, we then continued with San Agustin Church and Casa Manila which located inside the historic walled city of Intamuros. 

#4: San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church, is the oldest stone church in Philippines. It is the first European stone church to be built in the Philippines designed in Spanish architectural structure. No wonder when I saw for the very first time, I was amazed with this church and I can say it was one of the most beautiful church I ever saw. I personally think even more beautiful than Manila Cathedral which we visited earlier (click HERE). One of my friend said if she is filthy rich, she would love to have her wedding here.

Just like Manila Cathedral, despite being destroyed by several fires and earthquakes, San Agustin Church has survived from all those threats and still stay strong until today. It has also being listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

#5: The altar of the San Agustin Church

#6: Paintings and sculptures were looking so calm and peace inside the church itself.

#7: Interior of San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is open daily but if there is any wedding being held, then it wouldn't allow for visiting. This church is subject to admission fee of P100 but I think it is worth because there is a museum inside for more understanding of their history and culture. It's great place for phototaking as well and we spend more than an hour inside this church.

#8: Casa Manila (left) and San Agustin Church (right) are located so near to each other.

#9: Casa Manila Museum

Another type of museum in Intramuros, Casa Manila is a replica of a 19th century Manila house which recreating the living conditions of a typical Manila family during the Spanish colonial rule. With the admission fee of P75 per adult, unfortunately, phototaking is prohibited inside the museum. Upon paying the admission fee, we were being so called "escorted" by the staff from breaking any rules inside the museum. One of it was we must walk on the red carpet inside the house and not allowed to stepping outside from it. The replica consists of several rooms, living room, bathroom, kitchen and more. The rooms are highly decorated with wood carvings and European art and decoration styles. We almost broke the "NO PHOTO ALLOWED" rule when seeing all those.

#10: Even Casa Manila is heavily influenced with Spanish architecture

#11: Lovely fountain in the middle of the courtyard of Casa Manila

If you are not interested visiting this museum, there are numerous of cafe and restaurant surrounding this museum which you can try.

[Credit To: Manila-Philippineshotel.com,Wikipilipinas]

Philippines Day 4 - Manila City Tour Park 2 (Fort Santiago & Manila Cathedral)

Date of Visit: 23rd March 2012

Done with one of the top tourist attractions in city of Manila, Rizal Park, Abel then brought us to Intramuros which located on the north of Rizal Park. Intramuros, known as "The Walled City" is the historic centre and oldest district of Manila. This area was built by the Spaniards in the late 16th, hence all the architectures of the buildings here were heavily influenced by Spanish.

There are many things you can see and do in Intramuros and after did a research, my friends and I requested Abel to bring us to the following places (which I did mentioned in my previous post) :

• Fort Santiago
• Manila Cathedral
• San Agustin Church
• Casa Manila

And for this post, I will share about Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral which both of these located not far away from each other. 

#1: Known as calesa and this is one of the way to get around Intramuros. But for this one is freaking unique. Don't you think like the Cinderella's pumpkin carriage?

#2: Main gate of Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is our second pit stop. This fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila which it's also including part of the Dr. Jose Rizal's history, Phillippines' national hero where he was imprisoned here before the execution took place. At the first glance of this fort, somehow it looks similar to our Malaysia's A' Farmosa Fortress in Malacca but this one was more wider and well preserved and taken care of. 

#3: Rizal Shrine 

The Rizal Shrine is dedicated to Dr. Jose Rizal. It is a modern museum which houses the building where the national hero spend his last night and where his famous poem Mi último adiós (My Last Farewell) was found concealed in an oil lamp by his family later. 

Hours of Operation of Rizal Shrine:
Tuesdays to Sundays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Mondays: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

#4: A statue of Dr. Jose Rizal 

#5: It's kinda huge and we took more than an hour wandered around here

The admission fee for adult is P75 whereas for the children and for those who has valid student id, the fee would be P50. I stumbled upon a souvenir shop nearby Fort Santiago which selling postcards and stamps as well. Because we didn't had the time to the post office, so I just directly bought from there. 

Walking few blocks away, we saw this magnificent Manila Cathedral and it was truly amazed us. This church somehow remind me of the few churches I visited when I went Europe for 20 days few years back. 

#6: Imagine this cathedral was damaged and destroyed several times but until today, it still stay strong and well-maintained. 

#7: Façade of Manila Cathedral and a view of the dome

#8: Inscription on the triangular decorative wall on the top of the main door of the basilica

My friends and I kept on searching the way to enter into this church until we realised it was closed on that day for certain unknown reason. Looks like it's not our lucky day that day. Somehow, if you interested to know more about this Manila Cathedral, I am highly recommended to read this blog - Foong PC's blog where most of my research are found from his blog. His travelogues especially on South East Asia countries or in short known as ASEAN countries are so detailed and informative. 

Philippines Day 4 - Manila City Tour Part 1 (Rizal Park)

Date of Visit: 23rd March 2012

Let's continue with my Philippines travelogue again. On the fourth day, we decided to utilise Abel's tour service again for a full day city tour around city of Manila. Yes, you still can wander by yourself without hiring any local tour guide but I doubt that you able to visit as many places and attractions like we did. As usual, before starting any tour, I will list down few of the places and attractions that I love to visit and sightseeing. Turns out our 12 hours city tour with Abel, we managed to visit 8 different destinations in a day. Here are the places we went and I decided blog them in different post instead of cramp everything into a post. 

• Rizal Park
• Intramuros
• Fort Santiago
• Manila Cathedral
• Quiapo Market Manila
• San Agustin Church
• Casa Manila
• American Cemetery and Memorial

So, in this post I will begin with Rizal Park, the first destination we visited. This park was a tribute to Philippine's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, whom the park was named after. A lil bit history of Dr. Jose Rizal was he was a doctor, novelist, nationalist and reformist, who was executed on the charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish government. If you wanna know more about this national hero, you can click here. 

#1: Rizal Monument located in the middle of the park

This historical urban park located right in the heart of Manila city and also known as Luneta Park because its believed to have the shape of a half moon during the Spanish time. Admission to this park is free of charge by the way.

#2: Not just a historical site but also it's also recreational park for the public

Rizal Park is one of the famous tourist attractions and maybe cause we arrived quite early, there ain't much tourists. Well, it's a good sign anyway because we could take as many photos as we want. It's incredibly huge and we can see that most of the local here were either jogging, cycling, dancing and a group of young little students doing their virtual tour here.

#3: The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal - A "living" memorial honoring of this national hero.

Abel brought us to another side of the monument where we got to witness huge and tall bronze statues which it recreates the dramatic last moments of the hero’s life before the execution being done. For this site - The Martyrdom of Dr Jose Rizal, it requires admission fee of P20 per adult, but because three of us are students, we only paid P10. 

#5:Dr Jose Rizal was convicted on three charges (rebellion, sedition and conspiracy) and sentenced to death.

#6: His last family visit before the execution

#7: Wrote his last poem before the day of execution. His poem "Mi Ultimo Adios" which originally in Spanish version, has been translated into 38 different languages up to date.

#8: Said goodbye to his wife whom he reportedly married shortly before his execution

#9: This is exactly the side where Dr Jose Rizal was executed by a firing squad.

Abel told us that the best time to visit this place is during the night time; between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm cause these statues will become part of the light-and-sound presentation. During this period, the admission fee is P50 for each pax. But we didn't return for this during the night time because we were introduced by Abel for something extraordinary, something unique. Probably only available in Manila, I guess. Wanna know more? Then, stay tune for more in the next few upcoming posts of Philippines travelogue.

[Credit To: Manila.PH, Wikipedia]

Goodbye 10 Days Trip & Burned 4 AirTickets

At this hour, I was supposed on board to Shenzhen, China to join a group of awesome travel bloggers for 10 days trip around China (Shenzhen, Guilin & Nanning) and Vietnam (Hanoi & Halong Bay) via overland but at the end, I had to cancel due to my own business and work commitment. Imagine that my 10 days leave successfully being approved by my big boss as well for my China visa application also has finally done but still, the trip had to be cancelled at the end. #heartpain

And of course, I am feeling freaking sad and depressed at this moment cause unable to join them in this wonderful and amazing travel adventures. Plus, among the places that going to visit, three are currently in my travel bucket list (check out my DT Travel page) - Guilin, Hanoi & Halong Bay. That's makes me more #heartpain. 

Shenzhen - Source

Went Shenzhen before in year 2011 but would love to visit here again and visit Window of the World - where it houses vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. 

Guilin - Source

Guilin is being known as Heaven on Earth and is considered the most beautiful city in China with its fantastic natural mountain and water scenery in the world.   

Nanning - Source

Nanning - a nice "little" town of in Guanxi province in southern China.

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam - Source

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been listed as New 7 Wonders of Nature. Would really love to witness this myself especially the typical junk. 

This could be consider to be the very first time in my travel history I had to burn my tickets (well, I did burned one of my ticket before) but since ever I started to travel extensively from my Hong Kong trip back in 2010, I had never burned any tickets of mine until this one. Not just one or two airtickets, but I eventually burned 4 tickets that I bought earlier. I thought that I might got the chance to experience the new airline Malindo Air but looks like perhaps next time.



But then I believe "Him" The Almighty must be planning something bigger and better for me, perhaps. #prayharder. And this means since I ever back from my Cambodia, and also because this trip had been cancelled, I am not going to fly and travel anywhere until end of July. Not flying for more than 4 months, now my body seriously feeling itchy. Imagine for a travel junkie and jet setter who had been flying for almost every month - it's really a tough time for me.

P/S: To Helmi/John aka Kaki Berangan, thank you so much for letting me join you guys but unfortunately I unable to join at the end. I'm so sorry for the troublesome especially in the arrangement of the accommodation. 

Too Many Dreams, Too Many Destinations, Too Little Time & Money Seems to Be Insufficient. 

#truestory #quote

Philippines Day 3 - SM Mall of Asia

Date of Visit: 22nd March 2012

On the third day, we decided for more free and less rush trip since we will spend a whole week in city of Manila itself. Plus we will be heading for another city tour with the local tour guide which recommended by my cousin on the next day. Therefore, we plan to do a lil shopping as Philippines is famous for the size of their shopping malls which few being listed as top 10 largest shopping in the world.

Among the shopping malls that being listed was SM City North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia. Between these two, SM Mall of Asia is the most closest to our lodging and we decided to visit this instead. From Friendly Guesthouse of Metro Manila, we took taxi cause one of my friends afraid to use jeepney and she felt more comfortable with taxi. Before embark to this mall, we were being approached by another Caucasian backpacker from Canada that he would like to car pool since he was alone. We instantly agreed cause at least the cost of sharing among of us will be lesser.

Travel Tips in Philippines

Before get into the taxi in Philippines, do ask the driver to use the meter. If they refuse to do so, find and wait for another taxi cause without using the meter, they tends to overcharge.

#1: Huge signage of SM Mall of Asia

SM Mall of Asia is the second largest mall in the Philippines after SM City North EDSA, third largest shopping mall in Asia and the 4th largest shopping mall in the world.

#2: Our brunch at McD. Guess I was being spoiled by this fast food chain restaurant whenever I travel.

Upon arrived and bidded goodbye to the Caucasian backpacker, immediately we went to McD to have our brunch. Well, there were slightly different from ours one in Malaysia where they're selling rice.

#3: Even their sitting and rest area were so huge and plenty too

Mall of Asia consists of four buildings which interconnected by walkways; the main mall, the entertainment mall, and the north and south carpark buildings. One thing I found out about Philippines's shopping mall was they were very strict in their security. Everytime before entering, we will being asked to open our bag for security checking.

#4: Food courts located on the top floor

#5: The mall even features the Philippines's first Olympic-size ice skating rink. Even ice hockey can be held here. 

Besides ice skating rink, another highlight of this mall is the first ever IMAX theater in the country, which offers a high quality presentation on a big screen format.

#6: Few of the shops especially for the ladies

Talking about the shopping, we didn't do any shopping here cause we found out that it seems to be more pricey compare to Malaysia. Perhaps maybe cause of the cost of rental they need to bear.

#7: Kultura Filipino - A definititve shopping experience for Philippine culture and crafts

Ok, I lied! We did do some shopping but most of the items that we bought were eventually those common souvenirs for family and friends such as T-shirt, keychains, fridge magnets, tote bags and more in this Kultura Filipino which located right in the center of the mall. We spend more than an hour shopping around here.

#8: Pork Broth Cubes by Knoss - I bet you can't find this in Malaysia

Done with the souvenirs, we went to their supermarket which located on the ground floor to search and hunt for their local snacks and delicacies. We came across these stock or broth cubes which use in cooking soup were available in prawn and pork flavour which I think can't find in Malaysia. Interesting! Besides these, we did bought quite number of dried mangoes cause it was more cheaper in Philippines than in Malaysia.

#9:Dried mangoes - and you know what? It's totally not enough!

There are also a wide varieties of restaurants, cafes, coffee house scattered all over the mall. You can have your favourite a cup of coffee in Starbucks or even sweet little donuts in Krispy Kreme here. After spending almost half of our day wandered and window shopping around, we settled down for dinner before going back to our lodging.

#10: Dinner at Chowking Restaurant - Biggest Chinese Fast Food Chains in Philippines

#11:Large steel framed globe in the middle of roundabout