Blackbeard Ruined Our Mother's Day Dinner

Red Crab's Crab Maritess (also available at Seafood Island)

I've always been a fan of Red Crab from the first time I sampled their Crab Maritess (crabs cooked in olive oil and lots of crunchy garlic, very much like a typhoon shelter crab dish), so it was a no brainer to visit it's sister resto, Blackbeard's Seafood Island when it opened it's doors here at the Ayala Technohub of Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

Red Crab Resorts World

Seafood Island - Ayala Technohub Camp John Hay

Seafood Island is probably the less upscale version of Red Crab as it's main dining format is the boodle fight. A boodle fight is a meal served over a banana leaf on top of a table. Rice, grilled meat, veggies, seafood and whatever food imaginable is put on top of that leaf without the normal serving plates. You can eat off the banana leaf too.

Mt. Apo Boodle Feast

The first time we went there was when my mom and brother were here for the Holy Week vacation. We tried the Mt. Apo Boodle Feast (which was good for 5-6 people at 1450 php) as well as one of their sisigs (plus drinks, our bill amounted to a little under 2000 php for 4 people). The meal was delicious, the service was impeccable and quite solicitous. We were stuffed to the gills.

totally overwhelmed with the food portions

Since we enjoyed the last time we were there, my mom wanted to go back for a Mother's day dinner. As with the last time we there, the place was packed. We were able to be seated under ten minutes despite the groups of people outside. We were ushered to a table directly in front of the bar and cashier, so we figured, getting the attention of the previously attentive waiters would be no problem. There 6 of us that night, but 2 were light eaters so we decided to go with the Tali beach boodle for 3-4 people and an extra order of adobong tadyang (ribs stewed in vinegar and soy) and figured that we'd just order extra if it weren't enough. It took us about a good ten minutes to decide what to order before we decided to call for our server. After placing the order, talking up a storm and calming my youngest down with some brownies, it was almost an hour and our food hadn't arrived.

Well aware that some of the dishes are cooked to order, the standard 30 minute wait wasn't an issue. But a little over 50 minutes, our hungry group was out for blood. After being assured by the supervisor that our food was being rushed, our boodle tray arrived. It wasn't so much that the one and only crab was smaller than my hand, and there were 4 2-inch long pieces of shrimp on top of the medium sized grilled tilapia, and small thigh and leg grilled chicken and possibly two medium sized grilled tomatoes in that "feast", it was the other things that made us hate that dining choice.

the night showed so much promise...

someone was getting hungry and no
amount of iPad time was gonna let
him forget

The rice was lukewarm. The grilled tilapia wasn't half cooked, but RAW. So raw, that the meat won't even detach from the fishbones. Did I also mention that it was also bloody? Mom was so hungry, she gave it a go! :pThe pork barbeque was also cold. Cold, as in, "we cooked that dish an hour ago but forgot about it" cold! The grilled small-medium sized squid was just the same. And I'm just getting started!

We had to ask for plates (for those who couldn't reach the boodle tray) and utensils FOUR times. They kept on giving us stuff on an installment basis (plates first, 5 minutes later, after calling a waitress, the utensils, etc.).We were tactfully telling the supervisor that we weren't happy with with the service at all!

Then there was the fact that none of the usual condiments that come with the feasts were served. Mom had to tell 3 different personnel to bring even soy or vinegar to make our cold meal palatable. Our youngest didn't even want to eat the cold food unlike the last time we were here. The ribs should've been our go to dish, but even that was a bust, as the darned thing was quite tough.

Mom getting a migraine from looking at the food

We should've walked out, but no! We were suckers for pain. Thinking of ordering more food coz the portions and quality were sooo not satisfying, I was informed that getting even something as simple as fried rice would take 20 minutes. I got two cups of plain steamed rice (which was the only thing to arrive promptly) and suggested that everyone hurry up so we could get out of there.

compare this to the one they've got on the menu
as well as the other times it's been served
to the other tables, ours looked pretty
pathetic

We really tried to be understanding, even if we didn't have to, but for people seated in front of bar, cashier and kitchen entrance, I never felt so invisible.

The meal finally ended, and we paid our 1100+ bill grudgingly. Phil didn't bother to tip..I mean, why bother right? We were so pissed about the long wait, the bad service, cold and tasteless food that the night felt so unfulfilling, that I couldn't not seem to bring myself to go home and end the night that way. Thankfully, the cake shop/cafe called Everything Nice was just across the street. After a nice chat with the wonderful owner Tetch and a couple of slices or her fab cheesecakes, carrot cake and choco mousse, things started to look up. Her long stemmed carnations (one each for mom and me) were like peace offerings from the universe after such a horrible dining experience.

Bless Tetch and her wonderful shop!

I'll probably visit Red Crab the next time I'm in Resorts World Manila, but for Blackbeard's Seafood Island in Baguio, probably never. Too bad. Their menu was quite nice (see here).

Red Crab's Crab filled omelet. Love those hot towels that they bring at the end of a great meal :)

Happy at last! Thanks Everything nice!

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours.

THAIpe na Type! : Our Thailand Summer Escapade

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (soo-var-boom):
Arriving at the Suvarnabhumi Airport,( last year's 7th Best Airport in World , and the world's 4th largest single-building airport terminal), set the tone for our stay in the "Land of Smiles". The huge, yet efficient facility not only allowed us to move in between areas at a fast pace, the airport's staff facilitated the arrivals with lightning speed. Even getting through immigrations was a breeze! Probably the fastest ever for both Phil and I, since they had a special line for folks travelling with kids or the elderly. Less than 3 minutes tops! Ah-mah-zing indeed!

travelling with a kid truly has its perks!

while waiting for your luggage, lots of money changer kiosks dot the arrivals area

more money exchange counters and the first bunch of atms are available towards the exit

metered taxis are available one floor down from the arrivals area

on our way down to get a bad. There are several lines to get a cab so getting one is quite a breeze.
An airport employee is at the head of the line to list down your destination and the cost of your ride from the airport to your destination (airport fee, toll + the metered fare).

The interior of the cab. Most of the cabs we got into were Toyota Altises. Keep that in mind on your way back to the airport. These are compact cars, and may not fit an excessive amount of shopping :P
450 baht and 40 minutes later, we arrived at our next destination:

Of course, to have a great vacation, the airport is just the gateway. You'll have to have a decent, if not great hotel to recharge your tired senses. Delicious and filling food to tease your senses, and at the same time, nourish you. Then there are those tourist destinations that allow you to feast on a culture so diverse, yet so beautiful, that they shall be added to those treasured memories you'd look back on with fondness. Of course, one must not discredit the joy that shopping brings. Even more so when most of the items you purchased were bought for a song. Without any further ado, TMW presents to you a rundown of our visit to Thailand:

PRINCE PALACE HOTEL (Mahanak):
Overlooking Bangkok's Mahanak Canal, Prince Palace Hotel is situated on Damrongrak Road at the site, which was once Mahanak Palace of Field Marshal Prince Kromaluang Nakhon Chaisri Suradej (can't miss his shrine on the main lobby at Tower A).

Booking at Agoda, we were able to get really great rates (54% off during the summer) for a suite with living room at this four star hotel. Before you scoff at the "4 star" rating, check out the key points in staying at this hotel via this this link: Living Like A Prince Even ON a BUDGET .

THE GRAND PALACE TOUR:
The official residence of the Kings of Siam up until 1925, and now mostly used for ceremonial purposes and for housing visitors of state, this has been around since the 17th century. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok, this is a great place to learn about culture and architecture as well as history. Here's a look at the Grand Palace as seen through TMW's eyes: Ain't Life Grand? (The Grand Palace Tour, Thailand).

THE CHAO PHRAYA CANAL TOUR:
Due to our Grand Palace guide's recommendation (my bad for asking about the river tour), we were introduced to this other dude who led us through the maze of street food hawkers across the street from the Grand Palace's walls, until we got to a small wharf  of sorts. For 1500 baht, this is what we got: THE CHAO PHRAYA CANAL TOUR: Reasons To Say NO!

NAKHON PATHOM: (a 3-blog series)
West of  Bangkok is a province with this name. An hour away from the hustle and bustle is a destination you shouldn't miss. In this province we got to see these 3 places:
1. Phra Pathom Chedi (the world's biggest monument to Buddha) - Read about it in Phra Pathom Chedi: Get Your Stupa On!

2. Samphran Elephant Grounds, Zoo and Crocodile Farm: soccer playing elephants, a crocodile wrestling show, local fauna and riding a 10 foot high elephant around the park! Take a look at Our Real Life Jungle Book.

3. Rose Garden Riverside: and here we thought it was only a place where they grow roses! A Thai cultural village complete with a cultural show, fab souvenir shopping not to mention more elephants. and we just checked out 25% of the place! Here's what we saw and missed: Through Rose Garden Colored Glasses.

OF MUSEUMS, FOOD AND WHAT NOTs :
For those who just want to stay in the city, don't forget to check out the Siam area at Bangkok. Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and the Siam Ocean World are great places to check out as mentioned in our blog: Coz Siam What Siam.

I can go on and on about our last visit to the City of Smiles, however, my best memories of the place are all about the food. Check out the street hawkers and their wares, and expect to get figuratively punched in the gut after overeating on exotic and delicious flavors. When it comes to food, the Thais know what they're talking about.

seafood in red curry

mincemeat omelet and chicken in red curry (yes we love curry :p)

goodies (octopus, prawn, chicken and pork sausages) on a stick at less than 30 baht/stick. 

Live a little. Walk the wild side. Ask one of those vendors to come up with a dish for you, amidst the language barrier. You won't be disappointed. My foodie experience was THAT good! Flavorful, prepared with fresh ingredients and quite sanitary (despite the street location) and most importantly, inexpensive, ( I could live off the street food and never cook again :)

special request from our fave street vendor: stir fried watercress, chilies and shrimp

and our huge order of seafood fried rice (75 baht, good for 3!)

So for your next travel destination, Thailand is ALWAYS a great idea. We absolutely loved it, can't wait to hop on a plane and get back to this wonderful tourist oriented city, that somehow, on some inexplicable level, felt just like home.

tender slices of braised pork in a rich sweet-salty sauce at 60 baht

huge grilled chicken thighs at 30 baht

Bangkok or bust!

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!

Coz Siam What Siam!

Siam Discovery also houses the Channel V office/studio

at Siam Paragon

In the heart of Bangkok's most vibrant shopping district lies three malls right beside each other: Siam Paragon, Siam Square and Siam Discovery.

Aside from being premier shopping destinations of favorite foreign and local brands, Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery both house two of Bangkok's fave tourist/local  destinations: the Siam Ocean World and Madame Tussaud's Bangkok.

WARNING: before I give you the 411 on these places, let me give you a warning on opportunistic cab drivers. This happened to us the last time we got on one to go to the Siam area. 

at Siam Paragon

After telling the cabbie where we wanted to go, he "informed" us that tickets to Siam Ocean World AREN'T sold on the area itself. For the past two days, the hotel travel agents at the hotel and even a tour guide at Samphran have offered to sell us tickets for Ocean World. 

shopping (both for groceries and for fashion items) made easy...they've got it all!

We had no problem buying the tickets from them, it's just that we had flyers of the place (which I picked up at the airport arrivals lounge) informing us of a 20% discount to all foreign visitors of the place.

We had just come from a quick yet icky canal taxi ride and was kinda worried that should the cabbie be telling the truth about the tickets, and should we have not listened to his advice, We would have to be driving back and forth . It seemed incredulous that a popular tourist attraction would not be selling tickets at their location and instead, be sold a few blocks away. 

He brought us to a "government" ticketing office, which turned out to be another travel agency. The resourceful cabbie probably had a commission from waylaying unsuspecting (as well as hot and tired) tourists like us.

Apparently, they are sold at Siam Paragon. Tourist or not, great ticket packages of both Madame Tussaud's and Ocean World are sold there. Should you buy both tickets, a 40% discount is even given to you outright!

Despite what happened to us earlier that day, we just charged it to experience and moved on with our lives. The first place we visited was:

SIAM OCEAN WORLD: (see website here)
Getting There:
Siam Ocean World is located on levels B1-B2 of Siam Paragon department store in the heart of Bangkok.It's also in proximity to the city center's most vibrant shopping district, Siam, which includes the Siam Discovery Centre and Siam Square, and is easily accessible by private transport, the BTS sky train, or bus and taxi services.

Admission Fees :
rates vary depending on where you buy it from and if you bought a combo. I think ours was around 1300 baht/person
* click here to view promos on ticket for both Ocean World and Madame Tussaud's
*The ticket we bought from the travel agency included a glass bottom ride and tickets to the 5D cinema.

Attractions: 
You may tour the ff. 7 zones at the Siam Ocean World:

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: amazing aquatic animals other than fish

DEEP REEF: an 8 meter upright tank displaying life in the coral reefs

feeding time can be quite interesting at the deep reef

a diver hooked up to a communicator  mask gets to talk to the audience and hear them as well

at the LIVING OCEAN zone

At the RAINFOREST ZONE

...where other small creatures of the rain forest are featured

...where,  you may get your photo taken for free where it will be edited and sold at the Shark Shop or Monster Shop

penguins and other critters may be found at the  ROCKY SHORE

a 270 degree tunnel awaits you at the OPEN OCEAN

Here's a look at our glass bottom ride:

at 100 baht a cup, you could feed the fishies while on the boat ride

life vests for everyone

one of the many sharks in the tank (it's the top of the 280 degree tunnel)

At the 5D experience (we watched the Little Prince):

getting comfy in our movie theater seats

And took MORE pictures of the place:

MAX in a tuktuk aquarium

going digital...

with the interactive screens/games near the Monster Shop

having a lime and strawberry ice cream sundae by the feeding pier

a boat ride to feed the fish is available at certain times

want  to hold live fishes in your hands..try the touch pool. it's free!

a microwave aquarium

get me outta here!!

picking up our pics at the Monster Shop (various photo packages
depending on the size, amount or how you want it printed)

and shopping for souvenirs as well

right in front of the jaws of a megalodon

after spending our entire morning at the Siam Ocean World, we walked two buildings away to the 6th flr of Siam Discovery:

MAX and his real parents :p

 MADAME TUSSSAUD'S BANGKOK: (see website here)
Madame Tussaud's (pronounced: ma-DAM tyu-SOh ) is located at the 6th floor of the Siam Discovery. 

Admission varies too like that at Siam Ocean World _(SOW). Our 4 year old got in for free, and using a discount coupon/map of Madame Tussaud's from the SOW ticket lady, we were able to get a 20% discount off our tickets. 

At 700 baht per adult  (less 20%), and a 100 baht for the guidebook, we got to see wax figures of famous Thai personalities as well as internationally known pop stars, political figures, world leaders, inventors, musicians and many more.

various facts and general info on the subjects are available

with the Dalai Lama

singing with Pavarotti

snuggling with a cranky Beckham

There are around 33 wax figures (give or take depending on the museum's decision) to this 2 floor museum with a small gift shop at the top. The place was filled with the usual interactive elements (extra costumes, props, VR games) to make the experience more entertaining.

having my image included in the game was so coool!

playing dress up with Madonna

Our 4 year old did get to enjoy the sights and sounds that Siam Ocean World had to offer (expect for the part where the mascots wanted to hang out with him, and he hid under the hood of his stroller). 

MAX under cover...literally!

But the wax museum was a bit of a drag for him. Madame Tussaud's (in locations where there are) is a fun, must see exhibit. However, should you be bringing younger kids, pack a little something for them to do, while us parents get a run of the place and act like kids (lol).

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!