Singapore - Lucky Plaza

I have visited Singapore many times during my previous vacations. I was even asked by Singapore immigration once due to my multiple entries within few months. After relating my story he offered me some candies and bade me to enjoy my stay. I hope our immigration guys in Manila would be.. Anyway, going back to my post. Whenever I am in Singapore I always make it a point to visit Lucky Plaza.

Though Singapore is considered as melting-pot of Asian culture and cuisine, I am still surprised to learn that there is a particular place in Singapore that caters to the specific needs of my fellow Filipinos and it is located along the famous Orchard road.

entrance along Orchard road

Working Filipinos in Singapore normally visit LP from time to time. I have met several of them and I was told that they have enjoyed strolling around Merlion park or explored Sentosa Island when they were new in Singapore but they didn't find it economical to visit these places every week or even every month. However, whenever they want to send money or cargo to Philippines, have haircut, eat Filipino foods and even buy SIM card they come to LP.

Lucky Plaza is a 6 storey mall with basement and residential tower. It is one of the old shopping malls along Orchard road where most upscale shopping centers in Singapore are located.

from Tangs Plaza to LP sidewalk

Visiting LP is easier by MTR. Alight at Orchard station then proceed to Orchard road exit in-front of Tangs Plaza. You'd find LP at the left side of Tangs Plaza.

ATRIUM

PINOY SHOPS & REMITTANCE CENTERS

There are many shops that sell food and beauty products from Philippines. Likewise, Filipino salons and barber shops are plentiful inside LP. 

FILIPINO RESTAURANTS

There are several Filipino restaurants and food shops inside LP. My favorite among them is Lutong Bahay located inside Asian Food Mall (food court) area at the basement. I have eaten here several times. It is owned and managed by a fellow Bosconian. For fast-food joints lover, you will find a McDonald's outlet beside the food court.

My favorite order is "Bulalo" (beef shank) soup. It costs 10 S$ plus 2 cup of rice at 1 S$ per cup. Being away from home for many months, I would indulge on this cholesterol laden soup from time to time. To watch my diet I don't order soda drinks just plain water, LOL.

ADULT SHOPS

At the front facade of LP are two specialty shops. They are adult shops, actually. One "kabayan" was manning the counter at Naughty shop. I didn't explore the other one. These shops remind me of Grenoble city in Southern France where adult shops were as common as music stores. 

FOOT MASSAGE SHOP

Whenever I am in Singapore, I love to walk until my feet are sore. It is a pleasant experience to see how clean and safe Singapore is. Not to mention the clean city air; you won't get suffocated even if the bus rev its engine in front of you.

While exploring LP, I saw this massage shop at the basement of LP. To soothe my tired feet, I tried their acupressure/reflexology type foot massage. I paid 40 S$ for 45 minutes with complimentary tea. Quite expensive but fortunately the lady knows her trade. Due to comfy and reclining couch, I almost fell asleep while she was massaging and pressing my feet and legs. It was great unlike the very forceful Thai massage.

Lucky Plaza also boasts several cheap electronic and camera shops. You just need to haggle hard, otherwise you'd be definitely ripped off. Beware of buying any camera from here since I noticed that most of them were not sealed. You have been forewarned. Nevertheless, I bought a 70 - 300 mm Tamron lens with macro function for my Nikon. It costs me around 300 USD. The guy simply took one of the "new" camera from their display to test my new zoom lens.

There are also several bargain shops for clothing and accessories. Money changers having competitive rates can be found at the basement area. 

Lastly, I saw some jewelry shops selling their wares in installment. Yes, that's pinoy style marketing strategy.

Street Photography 1 - Bangkok

I have been longing to try street photography ever since I got hold of my DSLR. Unlike an ordinary landscape shot, street photography requires mainly courage and perfect timing to trap your moving subject with unique personality. 

I would like to share some of my favorite shots. I played with their colors for I believe it enhances their meaning. I have added my thoughts for each one of them as well.

WHERE? (Grand Palace)

This is the most common problem a traveler encounters. Where? Where am I? Where would I go? Or worse, where is my money?

CELEBRATION (MBK Mall)

These youngsters were so energetic and full of life. I remember my daughter. She loves anime and sometimes cosplayer too.

SPECTATORS? (MBK Mall)

These lads were dancing too. They have joined the fun while watching the dancing youngsters above. In fact they have their own spectators also. This is what I call inter-acting.

IT'S A COLORFUL WORLD (SIAM Discovery)

This friendly lady though simple in life is surrounded by colors. This could be the reason why she wears a big smile whenever somebody buy something from her. She is more than willing to share her colorful world to other.

STOP (SIAM Paragon)

Sometimes we need somebody to tell us that it is time to stop. Doing otherwise could be fatal. The stop could come not only from our family but even from our simple friend. It is only a matter of opening our mind to the advice of our fellow being.

FREEDOM (Pantip Plaza)

I entitled this one as freedom. This picture depicts how freely the two ladies dance while a muslim lady also enjoys her freedom of wearing the veil. As for me, like anybody else, I was free to watch or leave.

PRAYER (Centralworld)

I dedicate this picture to Thai people. I was fascinated on their devotion to their religion. A religious person is better than virtuous person for a religious person doesn't run out of hope.

I would be posting more of my favorite street shots. I know as newbie on street photography, my skills pale in comparison to any seasoned photo enthusiast but what is important is I am happy with my shots. And since I am a religious person I am hoping that with constant practice my skills would develop further.



MY OTHER STREET PHOTOS:

Street Photography 2 - Bangkok (Khao San road)

Thailand - my hotel (Pratunam)

I stayed for 6 nights in this hotel last December. I availed their "Book with us.." promo for 999 THB per night.

There is a catch for this promo and I will explain later.


I have chosen this hotel due to its good review and being a part of "my Hotel" chain of budget hotels. I could say that my Hotel is one of those generics budget hotel. Nothing special but bang for the bucks. You can have a comfy bed and warm shower in a safe and secured place. Don't expect any fancy complimentary items or tub though.



As you will notice above, my hotel is located at one of the side streets in Pratunam area. You have to travel or walk for around 500 meters before you reach the main road. Not a big deal since you can always avail of their free tuk tuk ride during morning; simply coordinate with the reception staff. No worry at all for all of them are friendly and approachable. They have good command of English, as well. You need to leave your room key to the reception every time you go out; you can have it back upon returning.

Moreover, the road is safe even during night time. My wife was initially afraid. I have seen far worse places thus I assured her that there was nothing to be afraid of. To add, I haven't notice anything peculiar or unsafe event or situation during my 6 nights stay in that place.

hotel's free tuk tuk ride

Coming here, I arrived at Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur through Hualampong railways station, I took a metered taxi and asked the driver to drop me at my Hotel, Pratunam. He didn't know the hotel but eventually, after asking several tuk tuk drivers, we were able to arrive safely. I paid 60 THB.

The available room at that time was twin beds. For the first couple of nights it was not a big deal but when my wife arrived I need to remove the middle table together with the phone so I can push the other bed and make them double bed. I had a split type a/c in my room which was far better than the noisy window type a/c. Bedding and towels were clean and spotless. Used towels are being replaced daily.

Toilet is spacious and clean but the wash basin is located outside. There is hot shower and a small bar of soap. You can't expect more for what you've paid for.

Surprisingly, an electronic safe is provided inside the closet. Initially, I found it close thus I asked the reception staff to open it which he complied without any ado. Likewise there is 32 inch flatscreen TV, mini-ref and daily supply of bottled water. For 999 THB, you can't ask for more except hair dryer. My wife used to borrow hair dryer every morning from the reception and brought it back after using it.

At ground floor, there is my Cafe where you can have your complimentary buffet breakfast and order lunch and dinner. Buffet breakfast is decent though it is mainly plain eggs, sausages, rice, noodles, breads, jams, coffee and tea. Wifi card can be bought here too. Picture taking inside my Cafe is strictly prohibited. I don't know the reason why but I have noticed those no picture taking sign in many restaurants and food shops in Bangkok.

Anyway, I love my Cafe's 120 THB combo-meal promo. I tried their chicken fried rice, pad thai and vegetable meal. My wife loved the chicken fried rice. The promo includes a small bottle of Chang beer or soda plus dessert. The combo-meal was even cheaper compared to a decent meal outside.

Beside the small reception area is a massage shop with tour desk. After shopping for the whole day my wife and I have decided to have 1 hour foot massage for 200 THB each. I love to be massaged even in Manila. I even paid 40 S$ at Lucky Plaza in Singapore for a 45 minutes foot massage. Though expensive I was extremely satisfied with Singaporean reflexology style foot massage. However, for my Hotel's Thai foot massage, I won't dare do it again. The lady was very forceful on my leg muscles that instead of getting relax my leg muscles were sore after the massage. Wifey complained the same thing.

Going to airport was simpler. You can book a taxi at the reception area for around 400 THB. My wife and I preferred to ride a tuk tuk at the corner of the my Hotel street and asked the driver to drop us at Ratchprarop airport link which was around 1 km away from my hotel. I negotiated first for 50 THB for the tuk tuk and paid 40 THB each for the airport link. Faster, cheaper and safer.

Here is the catch when you avail their "Book with us.." promo. 

As advertised, I paid 999 THB. So for 6 nights I paid almost 6000 THB and I have received the following freebies aside from daily breakfast.
      * 24 hours free Wifi
      * 1 free meal
      * 30 minutes free foot massage
      * 10 % discount

I have consumed my entire 24 hours free wifi the day before I check-out. I bought from my Cafe, if I remember it correctly, 50 THB Wifi card for a couple of hours of connection.

Upon arrival, I ordered my 1 free meal. No free meal followed for the rest of my 6 nights stay. The same with the foot massage, I was entitled for a single free 30 minutes foot massage during my 6 nights stay which I didn't avail.

I was wondering if instead of 6 nights I booked 3 nights twice. Maybe I would get all those freebies twice also. Or better, book 2 nights thrice and avail of those freebies three times. Well, that's life.



P.S.


There was this guy at my Hotel. I believe he was a bell-boy for he accompanied me to my room with my bags when I checked in. He was offering tour packages and when he learned that my wife would arrive in few days he asked me to bring her to his friend's jewellery or gem shop. His friend will come to the hotel to fetch us. I refused politely. This guy had some similarities with our own Jason Gainza. You can always say no to him but beware for he was very friendly and nice. He might be able to convince you. But in case you want to entertain his offer at least it is safer than do business with a total stranger in Bangkok,  

Hong Kong - roaming around Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is famous for one thing. Shopping.

I spent a few days at Wang Fat (Hong Kong) Hostel at Paterson Building A last month. I celebrated Christmas eve in that place. Unbeknownst to me, though it was my second time in Hong Kong, that my hostel was in the center of Causeway Bay.

Due to chilly weather, high rise buildings and people wearing trendy winter clothes one can easily notice that Hong Kong is really a complete contrast of other typical South East Asian cities.

Since Hong Kong has a small land area, it is normal to see smaller malls, hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. I am not exaggerating if I say that even our medium size mall in Manila will dwarf most of these Hong Kong malls. Anyhow, an upscale mall, SOGO, always welcome me whenever I go out from my hostel. It is located at the corner of Great George and Yee Woo Streets where the main action in Causeway Bay can be observed.

To add, this part of Causeway Bay is locally known as "little Japan" due to 10 storey SOGO shopping center and several Japanese chain store around. But don't bother to search for any Japanese, people here look the same, lol.

YEE WOO STREET

The pedestrians crossing in front of SOGO mall are quite fascinating to watch especially during week ends and rush hours. They are like ants in number. It is quite fascinating to watch them walking hurriedly all the times; perhaps because of the weather.

HONG KONG TRAMS

When crossing this wide road you need to be alert since there are tram stations in the middle. I was initially confused while crossing this road due to my unfamiliarity with these Tram stations. The first time I saw them I was taken aback and let my eyes and camera feasted on these colorful and ancient Trams. I wrote ancient because I have seen and rode on new Trams in Grenoble, France and they were very modern in design compared with Hong Kong trams.

My hostel lacks dining facilities. It was simply a place to sleep and take shower though I saw a soda and beer fridge at the reception. Because of this, I need to go out whenever I am famish. I am getting my daily morning cafeine shot from McCafe opposite of SOGO building.

At the back of this building is Jardine Bazaar Street where several local restaurants are located. I have read in other blogs that dining is not a problem in Hong Kong due to countless food shops and restaurants. I agree with them as long as you know Chinese and you can eat using chopstick. I have tried to dine at several restaurants but eventually walked out due to unavailability of seats and English menu; I can manage with chopstick. If you have been staying in Hong Kong for quite some time, it won't be a problem but for newbies like most of us, unless you are willing to dine accidentally on pig organs, frogs, crocs and other exotic foods then sign language is enough to get your stomach full. Likewise, eating on the road is a common practice here, I did that in Mongkok due to less space available for diners unless you would visit the everywhere all-time favorite McDonald's.

Due to these reasons, I need to do some scouting before my family arrive. They would celebrate Christmas with me in Hong Kong. I need to know where I can bring them so they would also enjoy Hong Kong cuisine comfortably.

In short, I found one chinese chain restaurant having an English menu and provide spoon and fork utensils at the back of McCafe building.

I have eaten here in Ngan Lung restaurant several times. It is posted outside that English menu is available; upon entering you simply need to ask the food server or waiter for it plus spoon and fork. The server would attach the receipt immediately on your table and you'd be the one to pay directly to the cashier before leaving the place. It is worth mentioning also that the iced tea here is very much different from our iced tea in Manila. If you are picky about your drinks then order cola or soda drinks. As for me, I can go for their hot green tea or tea with lemon. Again don't expect any tea bag, LOL.

English Menu

MY ORDER

Chicken and pineapple fried rice - 42 HKD

Sizzling assorted sea foods fried udon - 50 HKD

CAUSEWAY BAY MARKET

Near this restaurant or Jardine Bazaar Street is Causeway Bay market. You'd find here fresh sea foods, meat shops, food vendors or kiosks and clothing. Fitting is not allowed. The price here is definitely cheaper hence it is advisable that any shopper should thoroughly check the quality of the merchandise. Nevertheless, I believe you'll not visit Causeway Bay to look for knickknacks items. Ladies market at Mongkok area can easily satisfy any budget conscious tourists.

DAY TIME SHOTS

NIGHT TIME SHOTS

Within Causeway Bay area you will find these malls and shops:

Hang Lung Center at Paterson Street

Great George Street

Fashion Walk

Causeway Bay Plaza 1

Christmas Feather Theme at World Trade Center

THE VICTORIA PARK

On my last day in Wang Fat hostel I searched for Victoria Park. I followed Yee Woo Street until I reached Gloucester Road. The park is located at the other side of Gloucester Road. Prior to that, I passed this footbridge.

Due to chilly weather, people were warming themselves under the sun

Wan Chai area

It is very convenient to go to Causeway Bay by MTR. I usually choose Fashion Walk exit which is part of our hostel building blocks.

Causeway Bay abounds with countless small shopping centers and malls. Farther or few blocks away, you would find Times Square Plaza where they normally hold the New Year countdown. Along Hennessy Road and Yee Woo Street are several designer boutiques or shops as well.

Due to chilly weather, I found it difficult to stroll up to Central. Upon reaching Wan Chai I decided to return back to Causeway Bay. Having done that, I noticed several shops selling branded shoes at lower cost. It was quite an experience exploring this maze of densely populated high -rise buildings.

Given a chance, I would prefer to come back here when the temperature is a bit warmer.

Coming from airport, just proceed to city bus station. The station is located at the right side of airport exit. Check airport map. Look for bus A11.  There is an electronic sign board inside the bus, alight at stop no 13 (near SOGO). Fare is 40 HKD.

If you are in a hurry, take airport express to Central MTR station.  Fare is 100 HKD.

April 2013

Family returned back to Hong Kong as treat to my eldest college graduation.

This time we explored other parts of Causeway Bay such as Times Square area.

I wasn't able to stop my wife and daughter when they see this place. 

I even spotted Iron Man in Causeway Bay

The weather during this month is a bit warmer thus my wife and kids enjoy strolling around this area. Forever 21 I think has recently opened in Causeway Bay since it wasn't there when I explored the place a year ago. It is located at the back of Mc Donald's building.