Cambodia - Russian Market in Phnom Penh

During the 80s, this market in Phnom Penh was very popular to Russian expats in Cambodia hence it was called as Russian market. Actually this market is like any typical South East Asian Flea market where both dry and wet goods are being sold. More so, tourists will either love or hate this place. I will tell you why.

SOUVENIR ITEMS

Like any flea market, you'll find local foods/handicrafts/souvenirs/pirated CDs and DVDs side by side with cheap imitations and the usual Chinese knick-knacks. There are some eateries inside as well while haggling is considered as a norm. In addition, jewelry and silk shops offer competitive price.

EATERIES

If you are into bargain and thrill hunting and you don't have this kind of market in your home country then this place would be very interesting. Otherwise you might find this place dinky and humid. There are some areas that are crowded and dark while some areas are not that very interesting to explore such as wet goods, hardware and motorcycle parts shops.

JEWELRY SHOPS

After more than an hour of exploring, I found something better than those gems being sold by the jewelry shops. I found "The Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh." Due to humidity, my tongue was longing for an ice cold drink and a place where I can have a short rest. It was by accident I have discovered this "gem" in the midst of Russian market. You may refer to my post:  The Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh

I went to this place by tuk-tuk and paid 2 USD. After several hours of exploration I decided to take my lunch at nearby KFC where I met 4 fellow Filipinos taking their lunch also.

"Palengke"

This market is somewhat similar to our "Palengke" in Philippines.

As I mentioned earlier, either you'll love this place or hate it. In my case, if not for "The Best Iced Coffee" I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone unless you have some extra time to spend in Phnom Penh. Surprisingly, I didn't find any interesting place nearby hence I went back to my hotel after exploring this market.

I found the Central Market more conducive for shopping and sightseeing since I can always drop by at nearby Sorya Mall after a tiring walk at Central Market.

Millenium Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Few weeks back, I was in Abu Dhabi for a semi-business trip.

I was elated upon learning that I was booked in Millenium Hotel due to great feedback about this hotel from my colleagues and friends. Further, I was brought here many years back by my Arab friend to watch an Egyptian belly dancer at their Moroccan bar. That was the first time I watched a live belly dance performance. However, this time around it is not included in my itinerary since I have only 6 USD, 5 Dhs, 30 HKD and 1000 pesos in my wallet. Not even enough to pay for the bar entrance, LOL.

Millenium hotel is located at Khalifa Street next to Hamdan Street, the main road in the middle of Abu Dhabi city. Cinema, restaurants, fast food joints and shopping centers are all within walking distance.

Checked in was a breeze. I was personally attended by a Filipina in their Front Desk and handled a card key with internet password. By the way, I requested for a room facing Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The first thing I did upon entering my room was to check the view. It was fantastic. That was the first time I saw Abu Dhabi Corniche from afar.

My thickly carpeted room is huge and has 2 double beds. For a big family, you can book two inter-connecting rooms with access door in between them.

Funny thing is that the minibar has a plastic tie wrap on top; it will break once you open it. I remember in one of my previous hotel experiences, I took some choco bars due to my midnight hunger pang from the minibar and replaced them the following morning. I can't do that here, lol.

On top of that, there is also a small electronic safe inside the walk-in closet. Likewise, extra pillows and bathrobe are also readily available inside.

Fast WIFI and professional housekeeping service has made my experience truly enjoyable.

ROOM SHOTS

very comfy and warm beds

I love the wide screen with countless cable channels

daily water, coffee and tea supply

and the complimentary amenities and spacious toilet

The best part of my stay in this hotel is the dining experience. Like any 5 star hotel, it is fine dining at their lobby restaurant.

I love their salad and dessert bars. Never mind the main courses since I am watching my diet, LOL.

They have also a bread cart where you'll find freshly baked pastries, unfortunately I am not a bread fanboi, either.

During my stay, they had a Filipino & Moroccan theme for that day hence I had a "Chicken Asado" for lunch and tenderloin cooked as "Beef (Steak) Tagalog" for dinner. The "Beef Tagalog" was superb.

After 3 days, it was time to leave. Don't ask me how much the hotel rate because it was paid by the company but obviously, considering the facilities and services, this hotel commands a premium daily rate.

Cambodia - Apsara Dance with Buffet at Koulen 2, Siem Reap

A visit to Siem Reap won't be complete without watching a traditional Khmer dance performance known as Apsara Dance.

Actually, I had no idea about this local Khmer dance until I saw several group of local youngster colorfully dressed in seemingly out of this world attire in several temples. Tourists were lining-up for photoshoot with them. Actually, I was one of those tourists, lol. See my post: Photoshoot with Apsara Dancers

Out of curiosity, I asked my tuk-tuk driver about this event and he replied that our Guesthouse, Ta Som, can book me for an actual Apsara dance performance with buffet for 8 USD. I readily agreed and paid 8 USD to Ta Som. At around 6 pm I back ride on Moori's motorbike up to Koulen 2 Restaurant which was walking distance from Ta Som.

local musicians playing on-stage before the actual dance performance

Upon arrival, Moori talked to the Supervisor; I was led then to my reserved seat at the leftmost area of the restaurant. Shortly thereafter, I felt annoyed seeing those Western and Japanese tourists arriving late and getting the best seats in the house. However, it was obvious that they were paying premium price for the seats.

There were two performances for that night. I selected the first one which started at 7:30 pm and lasted until 8:30 pm. I was brought there by Moori at 6 pm so I would have enough time to indulge on food and avoid long queue. Buffet tables opened at 6:30 pm. By the time the performance was about to start I am on my dessert, lol. Thanks Moori. By the way, water is free while other drinks are to be ordered thus I paid 4 USD for a big bottle of Angkor beer.

The bare-footed Apsara dancers' costumes are pretty amazing. They are colorful, shapely and look expensive due to different accessories and adornments. To be honest, their costumes are similar to those of Indian traditional dancers costumes. However, unlike the Indian dancers who move quickly and dance lively the Apsara dancers' movements are feather light and subtle.

similar to our own "Maglalatik" dance

Fsihing Dance - a dramatization of a love story

There are 6 sets of dance performances. Half-of them are native dance such as "Fishing dance" and one of them is even similar to our Filipino "maglalatik" or coconut dance. All in all, the entire dance performance was in contrast with each other. A surreal Apsara dance while a lively native or folk dance complete the entire performance.

That was the first time I have watched an Apsara dance. I never thought that there are plenty of Apsara dance performance on YouTube. The experience was indeed memorable. At the end of the performance, I walked back to Ta Som Guesthouse and felt the pangs of loneliness. How I wished that my wife was with me while watching those splendid dance performances. Anyway, I am planning to bring her to SR in near future and I am sure that she'll enjoy the Apsara dance performance as well.

main course

desserts

The Food? I went there for the dance performance and food was an added treat for the entire package. Nothing special with the food though. I made several trips back to buffet tables and tried to appreciate the local cuisine which obviously lacked the meaty parts. I felt sorry for the carnivorous tourists, LOL. Since I am watching my diet, it was an opportunity for me to indulge in veggies. I go to Pub Street area whenever I want to go foodie in Siem Reap.

Dad's Review - Philippine Attestation Guide For UAE Bound Worker

It can't be denied that many Filipinos are working in United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its expats friendly community and the above average salary it offers to professional and skilled workers. Because of this, I have also tried to penetrate its labor market recently though I used to work there before.

One of the major requirements before a worker will be granted a UAE residence visa is a diploma or educational attainment certificate attested by school and different government agencies and finally attested by UAE embassy in his/her country of origin.

I have been informed that the procedure for attestation in Philippines has been revised thus I tried to search the net but I wasn't able to get a clear picture and how much it would cost. Hence, I made this post so as to help my fellow Filipinos who intend to find their place under the sun in UAE.

In Philippines, we call these DFA attested documents as "DFA red ribbon." I am sure that many OFW, specially those who are working in the Midlle East, are familiar with this term.

A decade back, I processed the authentication of my diploma by following these steps:

School - CHED/TESDA - Malacanang - DFA - UAE Embassy.

At that time, Malacanang will fax your name to DFA while you need to hand carry your documents to all those mentioned government agencies. After finally receiving my DFA red ribbon diploma, I went directly to UAE embassy for the attestation and paid around 1,200 pesos, if my memory serves me right. After almost two weeks my DFA red ribbon documents was released with UAE stamp at the back of the first page. It took me almost two months to complete this requirement. Unfortunately, my previous company in UAE refused to return my attested diploma when I resigned thus I need to produce another set of attested educational certificate since I plan to work again in UAE.

The old procedure was tedious and time consuming since you need to bring your documents to all those government agencies and UAE embassy.

Presently, the procedure has been simplified because you don't need to go to Malacanang anymore. Moreover, due to numerous applicants for attestation, the UAE embassy is not accepting walk-in applicants anymore. You have to send your documents to them by DHL Express. For me, it is better this way (especially for those living outside MM) rather than waste your time and effort in locating the said embassy in the middle of Makati Business District. Trust me, you will find it inconvenient to travel in Makati city considering the one-way streets and lack of nearby parking areas.

The present procedures are as follows:

1. Recently, I asked for another set of certified true copies (CTC) of Diploma, Transcript of Records and SO (Special Order) form from my school and informed them that I would use the documents for employment abroad. I paid 50 pesos for CTC.

2. If you are a degree holder or college graduate then you need to bring your CTC documents to CHED otherwise go to Tesda for trade/vocational and technology graduate. By the way, to avoid delay, ask your school where is the correct location of CHED/Tesda that is authorized to authenticate your CTC documents.

3. For Tesda/CHED, the procedure is simple. Just fill-up some personal info sheet, pay a small amount, around 50 pesos, and submit 2 passport size pictures in white background with collar. Upon submission of all requirements, you will be given a (DFA) claim stub for your  red ribbon documents. Normally, it will take around 2 weeks before you can claim your documents from DFA. Be reminded however that you need to submit a glossy type picture taken at photo studio and NOT THE PRINTED TYPE done in 5 minutes in any internet shop. A glossy photo will take around 20-30 minutes to develop and usually done in photo studio. If by chance you have submitted a printed type picture and accepted by CHED/Tesda then chances are your documents will be sent by DFA back to CHED/Tesda. You've been forewarned. 

4. From the date of release indicated on your DFA claim stub given to you by CHED/Tesda, you have 3 months to claim your documents otherwise DFA will dispose the said documents accordingly. Upon arrival at DFA (Roxas Boulevard and NOT Macapagal Avenue where you get your passport) you will be asked to put your claim stub in a drop box and wait for your name to be called. Just follow the procedure being announced inside the DFA releasing area from time to time. You need to pay 100 pesos to the cashier before they will release your red ribbon documents. Prepare a valid ID or make an authorization letter for your representative in case you can't claim the document yourself.

I advise you to go to DFA even before it open. I arrived at around 8:30 am and noticed that more than 50 people were already in queue for the release of their documents. I received my "DFA red ribbon" documents almost 11 am. By the way, don't forget to bring a plastic long envelope to protect your documents from rain or else you would be forced to buy it from the street vendor for 15 pesos. Being frugal, I simply rolled my documents to protect it from slight drizzle, LOL.

5. Upon getting hold of your DFA red ribbon documents, you need to find a DHL Worldwide Express office. You can Google the locations of its branches. It is different from an ordinary DHL counter. I found one in Trinoma second floor near the entrance facing SM North. I paid 2,254 pesos in cash wherein 1,700 pesos was for UAE embassy attestation charge while the rest was courier charge.

DHL will deliver your DFA red ribbon document direct to your mailing address once it has been attested by the embassy while a tracking number will be given to you as well so you can check the progress of your documents on their website. As promised by DHL, it took only 7 working days for the entire process including UAE embassy attestation. Hence, my wife was surprised to receive my attested documents on the following week. I put my wife's name as authorized person to receive thus; you don't need to do this procedure by yourself, you can ask anybody to be your representative.

photo for illustration only - UAE embassy stamp  at the back of first page

Normally, it is enough to scan and send softcopy of the first page of DFA red ribbon and the back page where the UAE embassy stamp is attached to the company in UAE where you intend to work since there is a number series indicated above the UAE embassy stamp making it pretty convenient for them to verify your documents.

Update: 04 Oct 2014

Good news for you guys:  DFA authentication services now available at NCR malls


Authentication or "red ribbon" services of the DFA are now available at the agency's satellite offices in Metro Manila.

These include:

- DFA NCR-Northeast (Ali Mall)
- DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall)
- DFA NCR-West (SM Manila)
- DFA NCR-South (Metro Gaisano Alabang).

Documents can be authenticated at the following offices:

NBI Clearance
Police Clearance
Barangay Certification with Mayor’s Certification
NSO issued documents in security paper including CENOMAR
Affidavits of Employment, Trainings/Seminars
Baptism/Confirmation with Regional Trial Court (RTC) Certification
Other Notarized Documents (Special Power of Attorney, Affidavit of Support and Guarantee, Consent, etc.) with RTC Certification
Medical Certifications authenticated by Department of Health (DOH)
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Documents
Land Transportation Office (LTO) License Certification (issued by LTO main office only)
Foreign Documents authenticated by the Philippine/Consulate or documents authenticated by Foreign Embassies/Consulate Generals based in the Philippines
School Records (Transcript of Records, Diploma, Form 137, etc) with CHED, TESDA, or DEP-Ed Certificate of Authentication and Verification (CAV)
School Records with CAV issued by State Colleges and Universities.

The satellite consular offices are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, Monday to Saturday.

Please don't post any questions or inquiries pertaining to authentication procedures at these satellite offices since I don't have first-hand info regarding these matters.


17 OCT 2015

DUE TO HUNDREDS OF COMMENTS POSTED BELOW, I CAN ONLY REPLY TO THE LATEST. DON'T POST A REPLY TO AN EARLIER COMMENT AND EXPECT ME TO LOCATE YOUR POST. YES, I CAN PUBLISH IT BUT I DON'T HAVE TIME TO SEARCH FOR IT. MORE SO, IF YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ THE PREVIOUS COMMENT PLEASE DON'T POST YOUR INQUIRY SINCE I WON'T BE REPEATING THE SAME ANSWER FOR THE SAME QUESTION. WHO KNOWS, THE ANSWER TO YOUR INQUIRY HAS BEEN POSTED ALREADY.

Vietnam - Chu Chi Tunnels

We availed a one day tour package from our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Chu Chi tunnels is included in the itinerary. Before coming here, our tour group stopped first at a local handicraft shop that employs disabled persons. The souvenir items were astronomically priced because I have seen some of the items at Ben Thanh market at much lower price. Shortly thereafter, we proceeded to Cai Dong temple to catch its noontime prayer. After the temple visit we took our lunch then raced to Chu Chi Tunnels.

Chu Chi tunnels is a part of 250 km long manually dug tunnels by Vietcong during the Vietnam War. It served as hiding ground, ammunition and supply depot, quarters and supply routes during war. It played an important part in prolonging the war and helped achieved withdrawal of American forces due to increasing cost and casualties which resulted to eventual fall of South Vietnam.

Presently, the 121 km Chu Chi tunnels have been preserved by the government and converted into a war memorial wherein the tunnels are the main attraction. Some parts of the tunnels were enlarged so as to allow heftier Western tourists while other parts were provided with dim lighting.

Initially, our group watched a video presentation about the Chu Chi tunnels. After the presentation, our tour guide narrated to us a brief history and how the tunnels were cleverly designed in such a way that the superior American forces were defeated due to these tunnels.

Walking farther, our tour guide also showed us the different weapons and traps manufactured by the Vietcong.

Our tour guide demonstrated to us how these deadly traps could maim or kill an unsuspecting enemy. I can say that those traps were simple but cleverly designed. I can't imagine the pain you would suffer in case you end up in one of these traps.

Some interesting shots inside.

a damaged American tank

one of the half-buried huts that is accessible by the tunnel at my back

The main event for the Chu Chi tunnels tour is the actual crawling of tourists in safer part of the tunnels; if you think you have the guts then you can try to crawl otherwise you can wait outside.

wifey at the entrance

going down

A brief reminder was given before the actual entrance to the tunnels. There are 4 exits which are 20 meters apart according to our guide. If we find it difficult to continue then we can simply go out at the following exit. For safety and obvious reasons, once inside the tunnels, we were told not to return to our entry point but to continue until the next exit so as to prevent chaos along the line of "crawlers".

first exit - photo shoot after everybody has exited

By the way, if you are claustrophobic then I advise you not to proceed with this activity, trust me. I realized it the hard way. Maybe I was a bit on the chubby side thus I found the tunnel too tight for my body hence I was pushing my wife when she was stuck at the first exit; I was starting to panic. To say it bluntly, it was pretty stupid for other "crawlers" to have a photo-ops at the exit point thus trapping the other who were in queue to exit. I thought I would faint inside the tunnel.

Aside from being literally small, the tunnels were dark and dank inside thus I was always pressing my DSLR flash so as to provide some lighting. My wife was obviously elated after emerging from the first exit while I was sweating hard and having mild palpitation. Knowing my wife as not so daring and adventurous like me, I vividly remembered asking her several times before we entered the tunnels whether she would come with me or wait outside thus I was embarrassed after our crawling experience. In fact, she told me that she didn't encounter any problem at all and given a chance she was ready to go farther if not for my constant bugging inside the tunnel asking her to proceed to the nearest exit. I am not sure if she was taking me for a ride or she found a chance to step on my bruised ego. Anyhow, she has proven that she can endure this activity while I chickened-out, lol.

The children and some adults in our group including the tunnel guide were able to complete the whole experience and emerged from the final exit while others were emerging group by group from the second and third exits. A scary atmosphere built up when a lady in our group decided to enjoy the tunnel ambiance for some time while her companion was nervously waiting for her outside. There was a sigh of relief when she finally emerged from the last exit. It was pretty stupid for her to do this stunt since I started imagining things on what have happened to her.

After the tunnel experience, we went to a small cafeteria and souvenir shop. Near that place is the firing range. I didn't try this live firing since I have been informed that they were providing newer guns instead of those used and manufactured during the Vietnam War era. 

with life size replicas of North & South Vietcongs

It was indeed a unique experience to visit Chu Chi tunnels. This historical place will serve as reminder how the Vietcong was able to defeat a much superior force by being ingenious and showing great determination in winning the war.

I have noticed during our tour that unlike many years back where you seldom see fellow Filipinos traveling, nowadays it is not unusual to meet them in many touristy places. More tellingly, for our tour, there were 12 Filipinos out of 24 tourists and all of us were hopping from one place to another. Filipino travelers have come of age indeed.

Ate Guy - The Philippines' Superstar

All Filipinos know who is Ate Guy or Nora Aunor. She is the so called Superstar of Philippine entertainment industry. She had been in business for decades and I grew up with her rags to riches story being re-told countless of times by my mother.

I know it would take at least a book to narrate her colorful life thus I would simply post her pictures taken at NAIA Terminal 1 yesterday. Actually, we arrived on the same flight, QR 646, from Doha, Qatar. I believed she transited at Doha International Airport.

She came from Europe where her movie "Thy Womb" is an entry for 69th Venice International Film Festival. She won critics prize for her acclaimed performance on the said movie. She received a Bisato d'Oro Award from the Premio Della Critica Independiente, a jury of independent film critics in Italy. Moreover, the movie received a five minute standing ovation after the red carpet premier.

Here are my shots of our Superstar who has given our country numerous awards and honors in the international movie industry.

Ate Guy with reporters

Ate Guy showing her critics award

a boyish looking Ate Guy

Due to several minutes I spent in photo shoots with Ate Guy, I wasn't able to catch up with the other cast of "Thy Womb". After leaving the impromptu interview group of Ate Guy, I saw a tall and beautiful lady wearing a denim short hurriedly walking towards immigration area. I noticed that some of our Duty Free ladies were taking her picture as well. I queued at the immigration line next to her and I was surprised to see Lovi Poe. Picture taking is restricted within immigration area thus I just simply admire the young and beautiful lady beside me.

After passing the immigration, I raced toward custom area since I didn't have any check-in baggage. I want to take my dinner with my wife hence I didn't bother to wait for Lovi Poe for another set of photo shoot. Further, after covering more than a staggering 15 thousand kilometers journey in span of 5 days, my body is in need of rest due to jet lag and different time zones.

It was already 5 pm and I have 2 hours left before dinner time. Due to rush our traffic, it would be faster if I would take a bus from NAIA 1 to MRT station at Taft Avenue until Cubao where I plan to take another bus going home.

At the exit area of NAIA 1 near the bus and jeepney station, I saw this group waiting for their idol. They have placards and banners welcoming Ate Guy. Truly she is the Superstar of Filipinos.

To add, I remember the late General Angelo Reyes. I was in the same flight with him one time from Dubai to Manila. I had a long conversation with him while waiting at the boarding lounge of Emirates Airways; our flight was delayed for several hours. In fact, after knowing that I am working in oil and gas industry, he asked me to visit him in his office at Department of Energy. Unfortunately, I didn't find time to grant his invitation while he was still DOE secretary.

It is with luck that I have met and talked with some well known Filipinos during my previous trips. However, the most memorable one was when I met Aga Muhlach in the middle of the desert in Dubai; I had a long chat with him and his director Rowell Santiago. It was special because I used to idolize him during my high school days. I have observed that he is an ordinary down-to-earth guy. To read my experience with Aga, you may refer to my earlier post: Wandering Guy Meets Pinoy Explorer

Cambodia - Preah Khan Temple, Siem Reap

Of all the temples I have visited in Siem Reap, this one is memorable becaue I consider it not only as photographer's paradise but touts' paradise as well.

I mentioned this because I was approached at the entrance by a group of locals volunteering as my tour guide. I refused and immediately left them thus they hurriedly approached another group of tourist.

However, once inside, I was again approached by a local wearing a cop uniform and it was my mistake or "luck" to entertain him. Maybe because I thought he was a cop and he was simply trying to assist me since I found it difficult to put up my tripod due to uneven ground. Sensing that I was there for photo shoots, he readily showed me those picturesque scenery that befit great shots even if you're a novice photographer. After taking me to those places he mentioned that tourist normally gives him money. I gladly handled him 5 USD since without his help I won't be able to make those great shots. Trust me, I have seen some similar shots on the net and popular posts or articles.

My favorite shots 

     

          sun-lighted stupa in the middle of the temple

hall of dancers, note the apsara dancers

artist at work

One would easily notice that not a great restoration job has been done on Preah Khan. The main task done here was to clear and preserve the place without posing any immediate danger. Adding glory to this ancient temple are giant trees and thick vegetation that grows among the ruins. Not to mention the architectural legacy of the ancient Khmer empire.

The main Buddhist sanctuary or monastery is surrounded by Hindu satellite temples. Hence, like other Angkor temples, you will find both Buddhist and Hindu influence on this temple.

Preah Khan was built in 12th century by a warrior king that united the fragmented Khmer Empire and commissioned both Preah Khan and Ta Prohm as monument of his rule. Though presently Preah Khan seems not as large as Angkor Wat, during its heyday, it was a city that encompassed 56 hectares where 100,000 farmers feed 15,000 monks, teachers and students.

So much with facts, I was lucky for having the time and resources to avail the 3-day unlimited temple pass. Otherwise, I would surely regret if I would not be able to visit such a great ancient temple in Angkor.