I won a raffle ticket for 2 to Air Asia Malaysia last year. I forgot about it until the PR emailed me to book before Feb 11. I told my partner if he wanted to go with me, but his passport expires before the said date. So I asked my mother if she'd love to travel to Malaysia and she said yes right away. I had my DIY itinerary ahead of time and based it on travel blogs that I have read prior to this trip.
My mother and I were too early at NAIA 3, our flight is scheduled at 6:45AM on Feb 3. We arrived at 3:330am. Excited noh? I was thankful that our flight was not delayed. We boarded and landed in KLIA2 at exactly 1045AM.
We slept while waiting on board
I thought of getting a bus instead of a train. So I bought our bus tickets inside the airport. Bus ticket going to KL Sentral is RM 12 per person. Travel time is 1 hour.
Tip: If you buy the tickets you have to get to the bus terminal on its scheduled time or the bus will leave you. It says 12nn so we ran from airport going to the Bus terminal. The Bus terminal is located outside the airport.
We get off at KL Sentral, we had our late lunch at McDonalds.
For RM 12 you can get a Big Mac, large Fries and large soda. I ordered 2 spicy chicken and a large drink for only RM 8.
I booked Melange Boutique Hotel at Bukit Bintang. Since its near Jalan Alor, for foodtripping, Sephora, H&M, Zara Pavilion,Petronas Towers, KLCC Suria for some shoppingand some big malls around it. I booked at Traveloka ahead of time and availed a huge discount.
To get to Melange Hotel, after KL Sentral, we rode the Monorail purple train going to Bukit Bintang.
We get off Bukit Bintang station and passed inside Sungei Wang Plaza.
If you plan to walk from the MRT station to Melange Hotel. It will only take you 8 mins. Since my mother was tired and could not walk further during that time.
We hailed a taxi outside Sungei Wang Plaza and the driver charged us RM 20. We were ripped off. Hahahaha.
Tip: Book a Grab, it would only cost RM 5 from Bukit Bintang to Melange. So better download a Grab app when in Malaysia to save up some transpo fare.
Melange Boutique Hotel has a theme in each floors. We checked in at Handsome (Tampan) in RM 403. It has an off white colortheme. The airconditioned unit and shower was good. Breakfast provided at 7th floor (Rococo) was okay. There were 2 menu choices during that time, Nasi Lemak and American Breakfast. My mother approved and loved Nasi Lemak.
My mother preferred to stay inside the hotel room I went outside and explore Jalan Alor all by myself, and its nearest malls in the Bukit Bintang area.
Foodtripping alone!
Jalan Alor on a Saturday Night
Jalan Alor on a Saturday night was alive and festive because they are going to celebrate Chinese New Year in a week or two. I love how their dimsum has color coding for flavors. I bought beef noodles and the colorful dimsum for my mother. Everything looks delicious and not to mention affordable.
Dimsum is around RM 10 while seafood/beef noodles is at RM 12. I also bought pineapple chunks for only RM 3. Bottled water is RM 1.
You can have a decent meal 3x a day, for only RM 100 if you are in a budget. The food is deliciously good and healthy. They are not heavy on salt and MSG.
Roasted fried chicken for RM 9 at Pavilion KL
Everything is affordable. Same with their milk teas and coffee. My mother enjoyed a hot cup of coffee at Old Town, KLCC Suria. She tried the white coffee. It was perfect according to her.
After dinner, I have decided to go to Lot 10, Starhill Gallery and Pavilion. Since it was only walking distance from our hotel.
The mall operating hours is from 10AM to 9PM.
I went to Sephora to buy Fenty Pro and Filtr Foundation in shade 290.
They were selling it at RM 145, its cheap without the tax. But unfortunately, it was out of stock. I asked the SA if 290 shade is available at Sephora KLCC Suria. She was clueless. She should have checked it first by calling the Klcc Suria branch, instead she told me to just visit the store. Since Petronas Towers was included in my itinerary, and located in KLCC Suria. I never bothered her. I don't want any argument during that time.
The adrenaline went off the charts when top-of-mind affordable real estate developer, Amaia joined the fun-loving Ilonggos in celebrating the famous Dinagyang Festival last month, the most awaited annual event in the province.
Amaia was one of the corporate sponsors when the Dinagyang fest, held from January 26 to 28, 2018, marked its 50th year in Iloilo’s rich cultural history. Amaia likewise grabbed the chance to take part in the Kasadyahan sa Dinagyang and booth event at Atria Park.
Amaia Land officials and representatives trooped to the streets of Iloilo City and readily fell into rhythm with the local folks as they sang and danced in keeping with a rich and vibrant heritage.
The Dinagyang festival is both a religious and cultural festival held on the fourth Sunday of January in honor of their beloved patron, the Sto. Nino, and to commemorate that time in history when the Malays came to their shores and settled in the region.
Affirming the company’s avid support for Philippine tourism, Mr. Sixto Sengson of Amaia Land enthused that the Dinagyang Festival best displays the Ilonggos’ creativity, passion for the arts and history, and most importantly, their warm hospitality towards locals, non-locals, and international guests alike.
“Amaia Land is honored to be part of this joyful celebration of heritage in the beautiful province of Iloilo, which truly has a lot to offer—from its wonderful cuisine to its tourist attractions, and to its warm and welcoming people,” Sengson says.
Dubbed as the “City of Love,” Iloilo is considered as one of the most livable cities in the country because of its natural topography, efficient transportation and road infrastructure, panoramic views and scenic spots, and its generally pleasant and peaceful surroundings.
For this reason, Amaia encourages Ilonggos to invest in Amaia Scapes Iloilo, Amaia Land’s first economic housing development in the highly urbanized city, which is now regarded as the regional center of Western Visayas.
Amaia Scapes Iloilo offers aspiring homeowners innovatively designed homes that come in bungalow pod, carriage pod, multi pod, single home, town home, and twin pod—all made affordable for hardworking Ilonggos.
Located at Barangay San Jose in San Miguel, Amaia Scapes Iloilo provides access to key retail establishments like malls, hospitals and health facilities, churches, and schools. The city also has a diversion road where automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians can share road use effectively.
Future homeowners can choose from Amaia Land’s easy and flexible payment terms such as cash, deferred payment, and bank financing.
For inquiries about Amaia Scapes Iloilo and other Amaia properties, visit www.amaialand.com or like www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.
I admit, after watching the movie "Siargao". I would love to book a plane trip to Siargao and do an itinerary according to the movie because of its strong visuals, beautiful backdrop and under the sea shots.
The social media and travel bloggers/vloggers contribute to this captivating places and beautiful destinations in our country. With the hashtags like #travelph, #travelgram, #phbeaches one could easily access PH destinations in one search.
Now, even local filmmakers have been inspired to feature these hidden wonders in their films which in turn spurs more interest and eventually helps boost the tourism industry of the place.
This is why Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano, came up with Turismo, a new campaign that brings together two of the things he loves most–Tourism and Film making.
“Today is a good day to make them more together to help in the progress of our country,” he said. “Film is a medium that has always inspired me. … It will be an honest statement to say that I am totally in love with the film industry,” Montano said at the awarding event held at the Diamond Hotel Manila.
“Film tourism is a steadily growing industry in the country, this project is created to acknowledge the many films and filmmakers that, through their wonderful portrayals of the Philippines, have aroused interest and boosted tourism in local tourist spots.”
Cine Turismo recognized 10 Filipino-made and two foreign movies that have showcased the beauty of the Philippines and have helped promote Philippine tourism through film.
“DOT seeks to honor the efforts of Filipino filmmakers and producers to display the country’s vast beauty,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo.
The awarding ceremony is but part of the launch activities of Cine Turismo.
Honorees have been chosen based on the following criteria:
1) made by a Filipino production house;
2) is a full-length film (minimum of 75 minutes);
3) commercially released within the last two years;
4) was shown in the Philippines or at international film festivals;
5) showcases the destination extensively or must be a setting for majority of the scenes;
6) portrays the country in a positive manner, provides a general awareness of the locale, and has created a positive impact on the community and perception of its people;
7) has promoted and preserved culture and heritage and reflects the country’s history; enriches Filipino values and traits such as resilience, the Bayanihan spirit, hospitality, and patriotism;
8) has inspired and excited the viewer to visit the country, and must have induced travel among moviegoers; and
9) has generated revenues and created jobs in their locations, as well as new trade and businesses.
Films that were honored are:
Sakaling Hindi Makarating, directed by Ice ldanan and shot in llocos, Siquijor, Batanes, and Zamboanga;
Director Ellen OngkekoMartil’s Lakbay2Love, which showcases Timberland Heights and Benguet; Paglipay from Director Zig Dulay, set in the mountains of Zambales; Camp Sawi by Director Irene Villamor, set in Bantayan island; Patay na si Hesus, directed by Victor Villanueva;
Director Mario Cornejo’s Apocalypse Child, set in Baler; Siargao by Director Paul Soriano, which showcases the island of the same name; Director Bona Fajardo’s I Found My Heart in Santa Fe, set in Santa Fe in Cebu; Requited by Director Nerissa Picadizo, which features Mt. Pinatubo; and Director Thop Nazareno’s Kiko Boksingero, filmed in Baguio.
For lce ldanan, whose protagonist for Sakaling Hindi Makarating goes on a journey around the Philippines, there was an intention to display these places. “l’ve been to those places and l chose locations that are hard to go to at bihirang-bihirang puntahan ng mga tao dahil hindi sila sikat like Cebu, Boracay, or Palawan.”
For Nerissa Picadizo, who directed “Requited,” the location was a reflection of the film’s protagonist. “Matt’s personality is like that of Mt. Pinatubo. He was once a beast of nature, yet he matured into a beautiful soul at the end of the story where he learns to redeem himself,” she related.
More than understanding characters, films also help in a deeper appreciation and understanding of a place. Mario Cornejo, director of “Apocalypse Child,” said Baler is “a beautiful, magical surf town where Francis Ford Coppola shot the surfing scenes of the classic film ‘Apocalypse Now.’
“Local legend has it that when that film wrapped, they left a surfboard prop behind floating in the ocean. Five local boys used that board and taught themselves to surf, becoming the first Philippine surfing champions,” he explained.
“Kiko Boksingero” director Thop Nazareno said locale was important in setting the right mood for his film. “Baguio is very cold; walang masyadong tao. Tahimik. Nakadagdag sa longing ni Kiko ‘yung lamig, and isolation,” he related.
Bona Fajardo of “I Found My Heart in Sante Fe” discovered more than beautiful spots – he was amazed by the locals.“Namangha po kami sa talent ng Cebuano,” he recalled, “Lahat po sila sa Manila nagtataka bakit dalawa lang ang artista. Pero hindi nila nararamdaman na dalawa lang ang artista. Ibig sabihin, nagbe-blend nang tama.”
“Lakbay2Love” filmmaker Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil hoped that the audience would want to preserve the beauty that they see on screen. “It is awesome when we hear people recommending the film to those who want to see how beautiful the Philippines can be. Along the way, we hope the story communicates to viewers the need to take care of such beauty.”
Special citations were given to South Korean films “Mango Tree,” directed by Lee Song-Sung and shot in Cebu, and “Romantic Island,” directed by Cheol-Woo Kang and shot in Boracay.
Film Tourism Bill
The TPB also reiterated its call for passage of the pending Film Tourism Bill (SB 1330) sponsored by Sen. Grace Poe and introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara.
The Film Tourism Bill recognizes the “potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s international profile” and seeks to offer incentives to production companies who choose to showcase Philippine destinations and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions.
“Film tourism is a steadily growing industry in the country,” says Montano. “We’ve seen how wonderful portrayals of the Philippines in various films, local and international, have roused interest and boosted tourism in local tourist spots.”
The passage of the Film Tourism Bill will facilitate the promotion and marketing of the Philippines as a location through a website or manual, providing easy access to information on how foreign productions can shoot in the country. It will also assist in the implementation of reward and incentive packages for foreign productions planning to shoot in the Philippines, as well as the processing of documents and permits.
I must admit Im a little embarrassed by the fact that my only introduction to vietnamese cuisine is limited to spring rolls and Pho which I often crave for whenever im feeling a bit sick.
So I was really excited when i got invited to the opening of Bawais the Vietnamese resto Ive seen a few times whenever Im at Uptown BGC.
I've always wanted to try it out but I was both clueless and hesitant as to which dish to order...
Turns out you cant really go wrong with vietnamese food esp if you love vegetables, soup and coffee.
The first thing you notice as soon as you enter Bawais is the feeling of being someplace new yet oddly familiar. The rickshaw caught my attention upon entering the restaurant. I wanted to have an instagram picture with it, but my partner was not with me during the event.
A large mural showing Vietnamese women by a lotus pond adorns the wall and echoes Vietnamese culture . Intricately-designed tiles of striking geometric patterns on the floor and parts of the walls provide the accent to the interiors, perfectly melding with the furniture. By the counter are various wooden frames with photos depicting the Vietnamese way of life. These complement woven bamboo pendant lamps, hanging from the ceiling as droplights and providing a natural and earthy feel.
Bawais Vietnamese Kitchen couple owners Virgilio Tatlonghari, Bawai Dung and children were present during the opening on March 13 at Uptown, BGC.
These are the must-try dishes at Bawais Vietnamese Kitchen
The first thing that I ordered upon recommendation is the Iced Vietnamese coffee. Its a strong coffee drink with condensed milk.
Bawai’s House Salad is one of the bestsellers, made with fresh coconut sprouts, shredded carrots, topped with glazed pork and steamed shrimp, then drizzled with the house vinaigrette. This is my personal favorite.
Another signature starter is the Goi Cuon, spring rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles and vegetables wrapped in soft and light rice paper imported from Vietnam.
For mains, Com Suong Cha, grilled pork belly glazed with a caramel-lemongrass marinade and served with egg pie, is a crowd favorite. And because coconut milk is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, the Curry Ga, tender chicken in curry-coconut sauce, is likewise a good choice.
Of course, no Vietnamese meal is complete without a pho. Bawai’s Pho Bo, traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup with herbs and spices, boasts of the same quality as those served in the streets and restaurants in Vietnam.
Seafood lovers, meanwhile, must try Ca Kho To, caramelized salmon with spices and served with a refreshing salad and Tom Rang Me, black tiger prawns with sweet tamarind paste and garnished with herbs and sesame seeds.
For dessert, the Ban Da Lon is not to be missed. This rice and mung bean cake, bathed in coconut cream and steamed sesame seeds, is a sweet temptation that’s tempered with the right amount of chewy goodness, making it an ideal way to end a meal.
Bawai’s also offers Family Meals that are a perfect array of their best-selling items, good for 4 or 8 persons.
There are hidden gems that are worth searching for.
Such is BAWAI’S VIETNAMESE KITCHEN, a quaint and homey restaurant tucked away in a quiet spot in Tagaytay. A Vietnamese term that means “grandmother,” Bawai’s serves authentic Vietnamese dishes much like traditional meals prepared with love by one’s own grandmother.
Bawai’s has lured foodies from Metro Manila with its home-cooked dishes since 2007. Now, those who love going on a weekend food or road trip don’t have to travel all the way to Tagaytay, as Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen is now open at the Uptown Parade in Bonifacio Global City, offering the same fare and feel-good dining experience.
FROM VIETNAM TO TAGAYTAY
The story of Bawai’s started when Virgilio Tatlonghari (popularly called Ver), a native of Quezon Province, went to work in Vietnam in 1967 as a power plant tender inside a military base camp. There, he fell in love with the beautiful My Duyen (fondly referred to as Bawai Dung). They married within months after they first met.
An unfortunate incident happened at Ver’s work place that prompted them to return to Manila for a much-needed surgery on his hips and left leg. Virgil would then work in Aramco in Saudi Arabia for 20-plus years while Bawai Dung and their five children stayed in the Philippines.
After retiring from Aramco, Ver built a house in the Tagaytay-Silang vicinity that was intended to be a family weekend getaway and eventually, their retirement home. Bawai Dung, by then a grandmother, shared her Vietnamese cuisine with family and friends who regularly visited their home.
Soon, people were clamoring for her to sell her specialties such as her delicious spring rolls and convinced her to open a restaurant. In 2006, Bawai Dung went back to Vietnam and formally enrolled in a Vietnamese cooking school. The rest, as they say, is history.
“After I finished my formal Vietnamese culinary education, I was ready to share my personal recipes. We sought the help of our neighbors and their families, trained them to be our cooks, servers and staff. Then, we opened Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen right in our home in Tagaytay in 2007,”Bawai Dung recounted.
A 36-seater restaurant, it initially opened during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for lunch and dinner. They later added Thursdays to their operating days.
By word of mouth, the news about Bawai’s spread like wildfire attracting prominent businessmen, political figures, and other VIPs. It became a very popular dining destination, much to the pleasant surprise of Virgil and Bawai Dung. In fact, the challenge back then wasn’t about enticing customers to come; it was how to say no because they could not handle the huge influx of diners.
“I found it hard turning down some of our guests. I knew they travelled all the way to Tagaytay but we just didn’t have enough space to accommodate them,” Ver recalled.
At Bawai’s Tagaytay, guests are led through a garden of lush greens with a large bamboo-lined cobbled-stone pathway leading to the second floor where the restaurant is located. There are tables set for families, couples, and a cottage by the garden to add more seating. What drew people to Bawai’s aside from its cuisine was its homey appeal.
“We treat our customers not only as guests but as honorary members of our own family. After all, they are dining in our own home. Every dish is prepared with love,” Bawai Dung shared.
FROM TAGAYTAY TO BGC
Entrepreneur Anderson Hao, his wife Rhea and their business partners realize the potential of a good restaurant when they see one. “One of my partners would repeatedly tell me about how good the food is at Bawai’s Tagaytay and how the dishes have become his mother’s favorite,” Hao recalled.
They eventually convinced Ver and Bawai Dung to expand outside of Tagaytay. A contract was then entered into, giving Hao and his partners the exclusive master franchise of Bawai’s.
“We received a lot of offers to expand Bawai’s,” said Virgil. “We were very cautious as to who partner with. Based on experience, Chinese businessmen have the same values as my Vietnamese friends. Anderson and his partners are trustworthy and straightforward when it comes to business deals. And we are happy with our partnership with them,” Ver said.
Last April 28, 2017 Bawai’s opened a new home in BGC.
Situated at the ground floor of Uptown Parade, the 50-seater Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen adds color to the restaurant scene in the area. And while it is situated in the busy heart of BGC, one can still feel the homey ambience—comparable to the out of town experience provided by its original home in Tagaytay.
Bawai’s ambience is simple and laidback which is ideal for business meeting, for hanging out and providing a welcome break after a busy day at work and for bonding over delicious food with family and loved ones on weekends.
Because of the success of its BGC restaurant, further expansion is in the horizon. In fact, a branch in SM North Edsa will open in August this year, according to Hao.
FROM THE HOME KITCHEN TO ONE’S PLATE
Vietnamese dishes are regarded as varied yet simple. Every dish has a pattern and sequence that revolves around five elements: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet—a treat for the five senses. Thus, from the trickle of Vietnamese drip coffee to the cottony soft feel of their spring rolls, the texture of their desserts and the piping hot pho, Bawai’s dishes provide a sensual and savory dining experience. “We import our herbs and sauces from Vietnam. Our fresh ingredients are sourced from Bawai’s suppliers in Tagaytay so guests are assured that what they eat here in BGC are the same as those served in our maiden branch,” Hao said
FROM THE PLATE TO THE PALATE
It’s been a long journey from Vietnam to Tagaytay, and now to BGC. Bawai’s story continues to enthrall guests with a culinary journey from the plate, to the palate…and ultimately to one’s heart.
Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen is located at Retail 15, Ground Floor, Uptown Parade, 9th Ave. Corner 36th St., Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City (Tel Nos. 812-2924; 0917-1522924); FB- Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen Uptown; IG- Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen Uptown; bawaisph
