Celebrating my “Big 3-0″

I have always been big when it comes to birthday celebrations.  Traditionally, I would throw a party and spend the night with friends and the following day with family.  This year, as I am opening a new decade in my life, I opted for a rather different kind of celebration, compared to what I have been accustomed to the last 29 years.

I dreamt of spending my 30th via a backpacking trip in Europe with some friends.  Unfortunately, due to changes in plans and circumstances, that said trip is temporarily being put on hold (but hopefully can still happen within the year).  Instead, “Europe” was moved to “China”!  Hahaha!  But considering that it would also be my first time in Shanghai and Beijing, the vacation turned out to be a really amazing and unique celebration, spent with a couple of lifelong friends who made time to sing a grand “Happy birthday to you…” to me!

Welcome to China! First meal is at Yonghe King (trivia, this fast food is owned by Jollibee – I’m still loyal to the bee!).

Slurping my first real chinese noodles!

Walking around Beijing with Bena who flew from Melbourne!

Successfully managing to be seen as local (lost in translation – again!)… Attribute the misconception to my 25% Chinese blood!

As it was the tail end of winter, it was still very cold (1 to 8 degrees celsius) and kinda gloomy…

The mall in front of Temple of Heaven

First official stop: New World Mall… Yup, mall again! Hahaha!

Posing with Mels, my Shanghai-based friend who gladly hosted this vacay…

Checking-in to our home for 3 days… Holiday Inn Express, Beijing – a no frills hotel that I certainly satisfied me… Highly recommended!

First dinner: 1949 Hidden City

Modern and cozy interior but still with a touch of Chinese culture…

Wide selection of wines…

Main course – the yummiest duck I’ve tried so far!

Equally delicious sweet and sour pork with onion rings…

While I’m anti-veggies, this has to be ordered!

The so-so spring rolls…

Capping the dinner off with an Australian white wine…

Toured around Hidden City after devouring the duck… Found some nice pieces like this outdoor LED-based bar…

And did I mention that it was color-changing?

Full and tired… Ready to end day 1!

First stop the following day: Forbidden City!

Trivia: The sand storm is currently happening while we were touring around Forbidden City, so just imagine a really cold, windy and sandy weather!

Now, the “emperor’s house” hopping begins…

By the way, the tour was very informative and insightful as we have hired a very good guide, she’s called Rosa (the girl in read coat)…

Each stair case has a designated owner… the center-most/highest one can only be used by the emperor!

“Regal” defined…

By the way, there were also tons of other tourists… mostly Chinese!

Count the mystical creatures from the tip of the roof (the number has a significance)… Also note of the innermost animal, they believe that it’s the one on top of the food chain – dragon!

One of the many seats of the emperor… They say that it’s forbidden to cross the line from where I was taking the photo from… Only those with royal blood can do so! Fine!

Tis the largest stone carving in Forbidden City…

Scary!

During the olden days, they fill this up with water, a natural defense against fire!

Path leading to the Imperial Garden, which by the way is exclusive for the emperor and her empress… I wonder if it’s also concubine-free?!

A crazy, ancient rock in the middle of the garden…

I don’t remember the significance of this structure… what I remember is that I went to the toilet behind it! Hahaha!

Trees with red tag = 300++ years old, trees with yellow tag = 100++ years old…

Ending the tour of the “forbidden” land…

Next on the list: China government’s biggest jade factory…

This humongous intricate jade carving was made from only one piece of stone... took three years to complete! Amazing!

Found my new favorite Chinese mystical symbol: horse, which means success!

Wanted to buy this interesting conversation piece... but didn't give in - it's hideously expensive!

Another interesting and significant piece... Means family harmony, longevity and happiness (if I remember right!)...

Uhmmmm... kinda too much, no?

Ang mga paso... bow!

A section of the jade shop... just to show how massive it really is!

On to the next stop... the major highlight of this trip, i.e. Great Wall of China!

Whew! The mere sight of the long wall is both amazing and tiring!

Let the 8-kilometer climb begin!

The distance and the incline weren't that tiring, it's the strong wind and the very chilly weather that made it challenging!

Good thing, there were "rest areas" in every section!

So far, I can still smile!

At least, there's some comic relief! Oh yeah, I'm in China!

Just before Mela's cap flew!

Almost there...

You're so near, yet so far! Hmmm... perhaps better not finish the whole track?! Hehehe!

One last solo shot... before surrendering!

Side bar: Philips lights up Great Wall! Interesting!

Over-all, it was a fun experience! Feels great to put another check mark to an item in my bucket list!

After Great Wall, we passed by the 2008 Olympic Stadium but didn't go down anymore... Instead, we went to this famous traditional Chinese tea place...

Trivia: this ornament in front of the shop is made from tea leaves... galing!

Enjoyed the tea ceremony... tried 5 types and ended up buying 2... Oolong and Jasmine...

Birthday dinner time... roasted pork at Capital M!

And a bottle of Shiraz to put some heat on the very (literally) cold night...

Back to Shanghai... This eye-catching signage in Mela's flat made my day!

My posh temporary home...

Nice "park-ey" feel!

While winter is at its last few days (look at the first few flowers), twas still chilly...

Trivia: 12 years (and counting) of preserved friendship with these 2 lovely ladies!

Pa-cute lang!

Didn't realize that in the age of mobile phones, this still exists!

After devouring traditional Chinese food over the last few days, time to shift to something else, hence, we decided to do brunch at Simply Thai.

Yummy and hearty kebabs!

Pandan Chicken - staple for me!

Tom Yam Soup - another staple!

Pad Thai - my rice extender! Hahaha!

"Something" Pork!

After that huge meal, we all gained 5 pounds and wanted to just head back to bed to sleep!

Next stop: Xintiandi!

Feels like I'm in Europe!

One of the retail shops with a nice facade...

And another one...

Oh, and this one too!

This one also! Uhmmm, ok i take it back... not so! Hahaha!

Uniform stalls with sales ladies with uniform clothes and uniform faces!

And did I say that's it's a mall again?!

With the World Expo 2010 starting on May, the place is plastered with tons of "Expo" stuff!

Finally, we decided to stop walking...

...and ended up laughing here instead! By the way, the "profound hazelnut latte talk" started way way back in college with Mela and myself... From Starbucks-DLSU, now at Starbucks-Xintiandi! Sweet!

Xintiandi-check! Moving on...

Next stop - Nanjing Road!

Barbarossa - quaint resto...

Mandatory "trying to be funny and creative" shot!

The ironic combination of the city scene and tall trees...

Nice!

Korean pose in china!

More photo ops!

Shanghai's version of NYC's Times Square...

Translated as: Let's all hold hands while walking...

Arkong de-ilaw!

Another nice facade...

And we kept on walking...

Shanghai's version of San Fran's cable car...

This is the best facade for me though...

Glorious, indeed!

"We love Shanghai!"

Now, time to walk towards "The Bund"

...and catch a glimpse of "The Orient Pearl" tower...

...to have this mandatory shot...

...and this we-are-excited-tourists shot!

Day after... Time for brunch again...

Opted for some toast, sausage, egg and vegies...

Today's plan: Yu Garden!

Time for some retail therapy... while in the middle of some drizzle!

Interesting architecture...

Talk about "culture"...

More shops...

Ang Mcdong intsik!

That indeed was a great trip! I love China and I will definitely be back!

2009 Grand Vacay (Last Part): Finding the Philippines in New Jersey…

After the 4-day stay in Miami Beach, we flew back to New York and spent the remaining day of my second US trip in New Jersey – to rest some more and of course, to do the mandatory last minute shopping for “pasalubongs” and more vanity stuff from the outlet shops.  Some highlights on the remaining hours before flying back to Manila and Jakarta are as follows:

Lau kept on saying that we're going to Jollibee - but then I know that the only Jollibee store in East Coast is in Queens, New York and we were in New Jersey! Unfortunately, I realized that I was wrong after seeing this shop which apparently has the same name!

Although, the shop didn't offer any Chickenjoy or Yumburgers... but Pinoy stuff including these "Balikbayan" boxes which will be instrumental to my coming home...

Obviously, this store belongs to a Pinoy - read the sore signage and figure out why!

And finally, we're doing Filipino dinner (read: lotsa rice and fat) in an intriguing resto called "Wazz Up"!!!

Viand 1: Crispy Pata!

Viand 2: Sinigang na Baboy!

The night ended with a trip in the "National Bookstore" of the country to search for the elusive book "Turning Thirty" by Mike Gayle - Lau and I realized that we have to finish reading the book before we actually get into the "big three-o"!

Second to the last day, a final trip in Whole Foods! Simply love this retail chain!

Last supper - where else but the same place where we flocked in Manila, but this time, Jersey style!

Appetizer set!

Salmon for a change...

But of course, some things would never change... wherever life leads us!

Thanks Lau for being such a gracious host... best travel buddy I would have to say! See you in Europe next year!

After 25 days and 14 plane rides, this year’s grand vacation ended with me returning back to the comforts of my apartment in Jakarta – with a better perspective in life, a renewed spirit and a mindset that is ready to face what’s ahead, no matter what.  Perhaps, this is just exactly what I needed, a time-away from what I had been so accustomed to so that I can clear my head, have a good time and realize the great things that I should be thankful for despite the odds.

I’m also glad to realize that one of my plans at the start of the year was accomplished – to go back to the US and explore what’s on the other coast.  Just for the fun of it, if I were to rank my favorite places in America, my list would be something like this: tie in # 1 spot – San Francisco and the combination of New York and New Jersey, # 2 – Las Vegas, # 3 – Miami Beach, # 4 – Los Angeles, # 5 – Arizona.

Year 2010 will be another hallmark year – it’s gonna be the start of a new age decade for me!  Hopefully, my dream of spending my 30th via a European backpacking trip will come to fruition.  If that would be the case, then this “Grand Vacay” post will have its counterpart in 2010…  Let’s see how it would pan out! 

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 7): Am I in Cuba or America?!?!

“How come they speak Spanish in here???” – my first reaction when we landed in Miami Beach, Florida.  Apparently, my ignorance to world geography  became so apparent – not realizing how close the place is to Cuba, hence, the use of another language.

Anyway, the focal point is that Miami Beach is indeed a paradise – enough said!  Despite being so accustomed and biased to the exhilarating beaches of Asia, I caught myself surprised again – this time to see that the USA also have something to be proud of in the “beach department”.  All these great photos summarizes the experience that I would want to go back to, over and over again…

Wake up sleepy head! Breakfast in paradise is ready!!! My first meal in an all-American resto along Ocean Drive.

After resting and sleeping the whole day, we're ready for dinner and party...

This slab of meat looks deadly, yet so yummy! This is my first dinner in this restaurant called "Meat Market".

While I was dying for rice, this mashed potato with lobster seemed so appetizing...

...and the perfect ending, another deadly dessert from Ghirardelli!

While strolling around, we found so many artists from Cuba scattered around the area, selling their products to tourists. Lau bought a lot of this guy's Miami memorabilia for "pasalubong"!

Then just lounged around Ocean Drive - with my standard Mojito fix!

On the second day, we hit the beach - finally!

So serene...

Spent the afternoon with my regular beach essentials - shades, iPod, book (this time, I chose "Inside Steve's Brain" - perfect choice, very inspiring!). Thought of the moment - "Can this be everyday?"...

This was one interesting bit - ads for parties, para sailing, jet ski and a whole lot more flew around the beach through helicopters! Cool!

If I was just brave enough, I could have been the guy up there! Oh well, perhaps before I die, I would have to conquer my fear of heights and deep waters!

Lots of postcard moments...

...and romantic scenes to match!

Let the picture speak for itself - there's nothing that I can say anymore!

:D

Dinner for the second night - "Nobu" at the Shore Club Hotel. Here's our yummy appetizer - the black thingie is caviar!

My prawns and mushrooms - with rice of course!

And here's Lau's seabass dinner!

We ended the night with a couple of rounds of booze... Just perfect to have a good night sleep!

Third day in paradise... After hearing Sunday mass, we just maximized our rounds in the boutique hotel where we were staying and found this "tagline" posted in one of the glass walls... How provocative?!

Aqua Hotel's main inside - simple, yet calming...

Our mini-jacuzzi... which by the way, we were not able to use at all!

One of the art deco hotels... Actually, most of the structures in the South Beach are like this - mid to low rise...

There's the facade of our hotel, by the way...

:)

Time to hit the beach again - perhaps for the last time as we're leaving tomorrow... One of the highlights, seeing the commonality across all beaches - the vendors of all these blings!

We've explored the other side of the beach and realized that we've made the right decision! The beach front of Ritz Carlton was even way better to what we have explored the previous day! This is simply amazing...

While marching down the alley...

Who would have thought that this one's real?! It's like putting together impossible digital images - yet, this definitely is the real deal!!!

I just can't figure out where to settle as all spots seem to be just perfect! Agree?

Kinda funky lifeguard station, huh?

Another unique thing here which you cannot find in Boracay or Bali is the pigeons roaming around! They don't fear people, perhaps it's the other way around!

This photo is supposed to have pigeons flying in the background, but then they're so fast that the lens didn't capture them in action!

After laying down on my beach chair, this is what I saw! Geeeez, I can't concentrate - everything here is just perfect!

The view on my left side...

...this on the other hand, is the one in front of me

...and a change from landscape to portrait resulted to more aesthetic magic!

Another para sailing ad!

Finally, after having been amazed by all the great stuff I saw, I started my routine which didn't even feel like a routine! Just loved it - dreaming of doing it every single day... If only I could!

Right before the sun sets and after almost three hours of just staying where I settled in, I played with the camera! Hahaha!

And when the night was about to start, the flock of pigeons came flying again, like a signal asking people to leave the beach and enjoy everything else that Miami's got to offer!

The night ended with a tapas dinner and a peaceful sleep!

The whole Miami Beach experience was just what I needed to take a break, breathe and simply do nothing!  It was a moment where I was able to say that after a year and some months of working so hard, I am rejuvenated and again ready to start anew!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 6-D): Sleepless in the City that Never Sleeps – NYC!

The fourth day started early…  reason being, I need to meet up with a colleague in our global headquarters.  Yes, this is a vacation for me, but meeting the people whom you just encounter in emails and at the same time seeing your main office and having a tour of it isn’t a bad idea.  Not to mention, advertising agency life can really be felt where it all started – Madison Avenue!  After that, we proceeded to the day’s itinerary which is highlighted by meeting Lady Liberty…

The address of our global agency office... 437 Madison Avenue... Go figure!

After touring the office, I was treated for lunch at this resto called Brassiere. After the meal, I said goodbye to the agency... will I be back in here? Hmmmm, let's see...

Now time to do the touristy stuff... First stop is the ferry station leading to Liberty Island. One striking structure stood there was called "The Immigrants" - an impression of those people way way back who arrived in the "land of the free" and eventually became citizens of it - and am I one of them? Another "hmmmm"...

Around 30-minute ride before finally meeting "her"...

There she is...

Walking towards Lady Liberty while going through the details of her story...

Read it... pretty interesting!

Simpy glorious...

I thought she was white, but apparently she was sooo green! Hahahaha!

Another mandatory shot, but at least done in a less boring way!

While we could hop to Ellis Island, we have decided to just hie-off to see Ground Zero and see the remnants of World Trade Center...

While we have reached the path of World Trade Center, it was unfortunately closed for re-construction. Hence, we jumped to South Street seaport...

...to capture a closer view of the 3 famous bridges: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Williamsburg...

There, the 3 of them on the background...

And finally, who says that taxis are only for land transportation?

We ended the last day of NYC tour early as we have an early plane to catch for the next leg of my pit stop, i.e. Miami!  I was excited to leap to the next destination as I really need to physically rest – despite this being a vacation, the non-stop walking was killing me!  Yet, definitely no regrets as NYC is really a place that is worth seeing!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 6-C): Sleepless in the City that Never Sleeps – NYC!

Woke up late on the third day, but just in time to have a sumptuous brunch – after that, we did more touristy stuff that made me totally fall for NYC…

Today's cuisine... French! Though it's damn cold outside, we chose to dine al fresco still!

Appetizing appetizer!!! White cheese, potato, vinigrette, less the olives and lettuce...

Lau's pick! Yum!

My choice... More cholesterol, but yummier!

To conclude the meal - strawberry and mango sorbet... Sarap!

One of the best restaurants in Manhattan: Pastis! It's located in the Meat Packing District which is currently being developed to be one of the top spots to explore in the city...

After that hefty brunch, we toured Meat Packing District and explored the newly built attraction called "High Line" - previously a railway now turned to an urban park.

High Line boasts with its serene atmosphere...

...its amazing view from above

...and its enigmatic over-all feel,

making it a great getaway destination to escape the busy and crazy streets of Manhattan!

Time to hit the streets again to board the subway leading to our next destination... While walking around, I was just struck by this path - a typical apartment lane that I just used to see in Hollywood movies.

Next stop, Madison Square Garden!

While walking towards Empire State Building, Lau pointed to me the first ever Macy's... Such a classic!

Then we reached this other monumental pit stop... Here at the first floor...

...then at the view deck on the 84th floor - seeing the whole of Manhattan in 360 degrees perspective!

The other side...

And there goes the mandatory shot!

Spotting the famous "flat iron" building...

...and my favorite, "Chrysler Building"!

Just a dramatic shot...

Ending the Empire State experience with a this photo, followed by a trip to the souvenir store to buy the mandatory ref magnet for mom and Aids, plus the shot glasses promised to Kandi!

Prior to walking some more, we grabbed a quick bite here. So amazed to find a caffeine-free Diet Coke!

Then the walkathon continued... A few more steps, we reached NYC's Public Library (trivia: this was the setting of that supposedly wedding of Carrie and Big in "Sex and the City: The Movie").

We did not enter though - just sat down in that only table outside the library...

Not very far from the library (just one corner away) is another park called, "Bryant Park". Since its right at the smack of the city, people flock to this place after work and watch special shows for free...

That afternoon, we witnessed an opera... feeling cultured!

After a quick rest at the park, we walked again and passed by the Philippine Embassy... Just want to pay homage by stopping and "almost" singing "Lupang Hinirang"...

A picture of the thickly populated and truly busy NYC in Penn Station...

Where to go? How about Harlem? Hmmmm...

Everyone's busy... except me!

This time, going to the opposite view of the Empire State Building... Didn't go up though, it's the same skyline anyway!

Another NYC landmark - that famous rink and the huge Christmas tree during the yuletide season...

Not to forget the flags of various nations...

Quick stop for Chai Latte...

Dean & Deluca's velvet cupcake is sooooo good!

Just across is NBC Studios - this is where "The Today Show" is aired daily...

More of NBC, then we also passed by FOX studio...

Then we proceeded to Broadway... still had the hangover of "Wicked" the night before, so we decided to check out 2009 Tony's Best Musical - "Billy Elliot"! True enough, it deserved the award!

While debriefing about "Billy Elliot", we went to Times Square again, just to see it once more and simply do nothing before having a late dinner...

Saw 2 out of3 of those shows... Wish I could have seen all!

Dinner time!!!! Huge burger that I failed to finish - yes, believe it or not!

Now time to go home... how?????

Meeting my new found friends in the Subway!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 6-B): Sleepless in the City that Never Sleeps – NYC!

My second day started rather quite late – from sleepless, I managed to gather a few hours exhaling my loud snore, allowing me to be wide-awake and ready-for-adventure…

Brunch in Room Service, Chelsea... From Korean last night, we move to Thai cuisine this time...

The extremely yummy chicken honey with black pepper appetizer!

Chicken Rice with Tom Yum soup

Pork something... Nakalimutan ko na! Basta may kanin na kasama!

After that hefty meal... Updating my FB and Twitter!

And of course, the routine smoke after eating... By the way, since it's the fall season, it's quite cold already - this day I remember it was around 50-55 degrees Farenheit, hence, the trench coat...

Another observation - despite having a car, it's better to just park it in a reliable parking garage then take subway or a bicycle. Spotting a parking slot in the city is very very slim!

Or if those options are too physically tiring, the ever dependable Yellow Cab is also available... With a free TV screen, map and more info about the city...

And the list of options continues... Like these bicycles with carriages (in short pedicab)... Anyway, we arrived in our next stop that day - Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) along West Central Park... One of my most favorite spots in NYC!

The museum's Roman/Greek (I can't seem to figure out - help!) inspired facade

I am fascinated by pillars... Saw a lot from the museum but this turned out to be the most eye-catching one...

A mythology cliche...

One ceiling display that reminds me so much of Bellagio's lobby - different execution though...

Is this the right way of contemplating over a work of art?

Peek-a-boo!

I seriously love this painting... Fits well in my office room!

This one too!!!

So this is what you call American Art?

The Nose... Bow!

Cool mosaic execution...

By the way, there's an on-the-spot sculptor in the museum! Using me as the model, this was the output!

And the puppies escaped!

Done! Yup, that was fast because we walked in 30 minutes prior to closing... One benefit though, we saved around $30 since entrance is free when MET's nearly closing!

Ang mga pedicab na naghihintay ng mge turista!

The face of NYC: culture, crowds of people and hotdog stands...

Oh, and tons of stalls selling anything and everything! Since it's the fall season, scarves are all over the place...

Paintings sold along the sidewalk...

Then after one quick bus ride, we arrived at the famous "Central Park"... Why was it called "central"? Simply because it's in the middle of the city...

The mandatory photo in that Central Park fountain... mind the bubble on the background - one of the gimmicks by some bubble maker there as an attraction for tourists...

Honestly, I failed to ask the significance or at least meaning of this! Hahaha!

And that dirty thing in opposite the fountain!

Some interaction with a local...

Strand --- cool concept, a loooong "strand" of all stuff. This one's a small version outside Central Park.

Used books!!!

Tree + Books = ?

After spending a little more than an hour walking around Central Park, we walked more and more (several blocks actually) and reached "The Plaza" - can't help but feel nostalgic about the movie "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York"

Focal point here is that Apple Store in front of "The Plaza"!!! Sooo cool!

Then there it is... Broadway! NYC tour will never be complete without watching at least one Broadway show. First pick - "Wicked"!

Perfect choice, I would say - the show's totally entertaining... Who would have thought that there was a sub-plot to "The Wizard of Oz"?!

Cultural phenomenon! Yes, it is.

After an hour and a half of "Wicked", we just walked a few steps and there was Times Square... The lights, the towering structures, the ambience - will really make you feel that you love NY!

Speechless?

Then, time to cap the night by coming to one of the happening clubs in Manhattan - "Marquee"! Good R&B tunes + Grey Goose Vodka Tonic + Eye-catching crowd = Perfect Day 2 in NYC!!!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 6-A): Sleepless in the City that Never Sleeps – NYC!

Since it was my first time in the big apple, I was really excited not to just see it, but to actually experience how it’s like to be a New Yorker.  After 4 days very well spent in Las Vegas, I boarded 2 planes again – from LV to Memphis, then from Memphis to NYC.  After some hours, I arrived at noon in the remarkable city that is “New York”.  Here’s what happened on my first day…

Welcome lunch in Blue Water Grill by my gracious host and tour guide, Laurence... who also just came back from Vegas that same day... That's what you call real friendship! ;D

First great impression about the city - millions of great restos offering all kinds of cuisine! My first pick - a grilled salmon matched with white wine... Truly exquisite!

My mate's choice - Seabass, paired with white wine as well...

After the great frist meal, we just crossed the road and there goes Union Square...

A pretty laid back huge place with various crowds coming from different walks of life...

Another realization - if you have the talent, will and guts, you will survive in NYC - you just need to be enterprising and be persuasive in selling to flocks of tourists!

Look... A Latin American shirt artist! Oh, and beside him are musicians and dancers that will entertain you - just drop a few coins and they'll perform like they're in American Idol!

At the end of the day though, you can just sit down and be worry-free, as everyone does the same!

First subway ride... Various realizations: (1) it's better to buy a Metrocard good for a week than buy one everytime you ride - definitely more savings for a wholesale buy; (2) the subway is soooo dirty - unlike San Francisco's BART that is quite clean similar to Singapore's metrorail, this one's like Hong Kong's MRT - stinky and polluted!; (3) despite #2 though, it's amazing to see everyone riding it - from a rich looking financial consultant to a scary homeless man!

Next stop is St. Patrick Church... What's interesting is how it's situated in the very cosmopolitan area near Madison Avenuue - goes to show that despite all the madness, people really still do pray.

"Glorious" defined...

The tabernacle that would make you want to pray... seriously!

A closer look... Spot the very intricate design work...

It's such a huge church by the way...

...and adorned with those colored glasses

The Pieta

It's just amazing to see all the saints that I have a devotion to... First in line, St. Anthony de Padua.

Followed by the miraculous especially in desperate cases, St. Jude Thaddeus.

And of course, St. John Baptist De La Salle (perhaps a reason why there are lots of La Sallistas in NYC! Hehehe!)!

That was a great church trip ended with prayers and wishes (hopefully God grants them)...

Saw the Rockafeller Center after going out of the church - a quick photo before heading to Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)... Unfortunately, we were not able to take photos as it started to rain!

Moving on to 5th Avenue... First attraction is the NBA Store - the only one (they said, aint so sure about that though) in the US!

Something that I wasn't able to resist... Got that red one - topmost, second column! Hehe!

Someday... Hehe!

Finally, we ended the night with a Korean Dinner in Ichiro, located in the East Village which was thickly populated by kiddos and students (felt that I belonged in there! ). After that, Lau and I headed to see some buildings of NYU in the West Village...

The first night ended past midnight already – very tiring considering that I haven’t even slept from the trip that led me to NYC.  So from the busy Manhattan, we ended up in West New York, New Jersey where my host lives – a quiet and homey place, far from the hustle and bustle of “the city” – the place that I called home for the succeeding days… 

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 5): More Grandness, i.e. The Grand Canyon

While in between our stay in Vegas, Laurence and I had a quick trip to Arizona to visit one of the must-see places in the area, i.e. The Grand Canyon.  Below are some photos to summarize the experience that indeed was “grand” and “once-in-a-lifetime”…

Early morning in the mini-ariport...

Option 1: 4-hour bus ride (times 2)...

Option2: 45-minute plane ride (times 2)...

Apparently, we opted to see the aerial view... and we made the right decision!

View from the top of Lake Tahoe...

Breathtaking...

...and even more!

Preparing my tour lunch box (containing turkey sandwich, an apple, a cookie, a small bag of chips and a bottle of water) before landing (takot magutom!)...

First view deck...

A good foreground to the real thing... You'll simply feel amazed how this thing can actually happen... thanks to our informative tour guide for explaining every single bit of Grand Canyon trivia!

Clicking to a dramatic set-up...

Another lookout studio, unfortunately it was closed...

The real thing... See how tiny those people are!

"Joseph was here!"

Zooming into what I can still see... They said that if you go down further, there's even more than meets the eye!

Glad to have seen another world's wonder... Another check mark to an item in the long list!

One "postcard" moment!

As usual, trying to be cute! Hahaha!

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 4): What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!

While it was my second time in Vegas, I still have this great fascination about the destination since it is where I would be reunited with 3 great friends that I have not been with for the longest time!  True enough, the experience was more than just great – the weekend in the “Sin City” really gave us a “hangover”!

Welcome drink in Ruby Tuesday's before going to sleep - Mango Mojito!

Day after, Pinoy trip agad! Hahaha! Jollibee LV - buffet style! Yup, both meals are just mine!

With college friend, Laurence - another Vegas tourist from NYC!

And the retail trip started... Tsk tsk tsk, I'm blaming both Lau and Mitos for the unplanned splurging!!! Arghhhh!

Bonding with my new found friend, Charlie - Mitos and JR's pet (more like, pseudo-baby before the real thing comes along!)

Splurging into meals as well... Day 2 lunch - our octopus appetizer and red wine in Olive Restaurant - Wynn Hotel

Our very gracious host, Mitos with her burger and wedges - a friend from grade school to high school to college, now an expecting mom!

Lau and his giant steak!

Before digging in to my pasta with meatballs

And finally, Mela - the last guest arrived, making the 4 of us complete!

Reunited after 5 years!!!

Experiencing Fremont (LV's old strip) at night...

One of the most glittery casinos in the area found at the intersection of Fremont...

Tons to see outside of this casino - "Elvis Prestley" impersonators, sexy dancers, hookers with giant boobs, bums asking for cigarettes and a whole lot more!

Price per game in this area is relatively cheaper versus casinos in The Strip - you can find a table that is not more than $25 per round...

Of course, there will always be a place for souvenirs and "pasalubongs"!

Waiting for the light-show-projected-on-the-long-ceiling to start...

Ending the night with a funny drink... vodka with kool-aid, served in a hookah-shaped long glass with a long straw!

Starting the day early and right... Hotel-hopping in The Strip - first stop: Wynn

One of Wynn's attraction... A well-designed and themed lobby aided by fresh flowers turned into anything and everything...

And there goes the long strip of designer shops... Unfortunately, we were tempted by this sunglasses shop with a big "Sale" sign... ended up buying a Barton Perreira

That personal joke using the term "Society" made me take this one... Even if we didn't eat or drink anything from here!

...and also this, for the favorite drink - Mojito!

Next stop - Palazzo: one of the newest and grandest hotels in The Strip!

After watching Cirque du Soleil and having a steak-filled dinner in Treasure Island, time to burn the calories by walking some more before gulping more alcohol!

The Mirage as background...

The seemingly real skies of Caesar's Palace...

Waiting for the "Julius Caesar" show that didn't happen - perhaps, we were way too late for it!

This time, waiting for the fountain show in The Bellagio... which also did not happen since it's past midnight already?!

The pseudo-Eiffel Tower of Paris Hotel... Looking forward to seeing the real one - hopefully next year?

The old and so-so Flamingo! Hehe!

The Bellagio - my favorite amongst all of them! Walking inside it made me feel that I'm part of the movies "Ocean's 11" and "21"!

Planet Hollywood - may not be my favorite, but is the most memorable one! While playing Black Jack, Mela got into a "word war" with this Chinese-looking lady after saying nasty things about her in tagalog... suprisingly, she understood what my lovely friend said! Crap!!! That was the most intense, yet funniest event of the whole Vegas weekend!

After that humorous "Planet Hollywood event" and a sorry-Joseph-you-can't-come-in-to-this-club-coz-you're-wearing-sneakers, we ended up with rounds of more vodka in V Bar-Venetian Hotel...

Cheers! Let's drink to those craziness... and look forward to more!!!

The last craziness done that night (or early morning the following day)... getting a suite at Palazzo coz we were drunk and tired! Geeeez - pure indulgence with no reason!

As Mela put it, it was indeed soooo totally worth it... unfortunately, we only spent less than 7 f*cking hours in it as we needed to check out by noon!

Next time, we'll spend more time here... I promise!

After checking-out of Palazzo, since we have a few hours left in Vegas, we went straight to the outlet shops for more shopping (yes, using the same clothes the day before since we were not prepared for that hotel checking-in and didn’t have time to go to Mitos’ home anymore to change!).

The day ended with packing, dinner at Yardhouse (widest selection of beer!!!), saying goodbye to Mela and Mitos (she ended up crying a bit – awwwww!) and hopping to another plane, this time, bound to NYC!!!

To make us more excited again, we promised to be back in Vegas next year, for the Christening of Mitos and JR’s first baby (I’m betting it’s a boy) – and hopefully this time, we would be complete…  the 8 of us! 

2009 Grand Vacay (Part 3): Boarding More Flights After 4 Days

After 1 year of thriving in Jakarta, I put forward to my bosses my need for a “sanity” break (read as: a relatively long vacation).  Fortunately, they granted the request unselfishly.  Immediately after the approval, I planned for the much anticipated break which was highlighted by revisiting the US.  Yet this time, focusing on the East Coast with friends since my trip a couple of years back was spent majority in California with family.

4 days was spent in the Philippines, after that, I ended up roaming around various airport terminals again for the pre-arranged US trip.  While the first destination was in Las Vegas – it almost took forever before reaching the “Sin City” due to various connecting flights: Manila to Narita (Japan), 3 hours after – Narita to Los Angeles, 7 hours after – Los Angeles to Las Vegas!

To entertain me during these pit stops, below are some scenes that captured my attention…  (but honestly, more of to ease my boredom since a book and mp3s in my iPhone seem to be not helping!).

Lost in translation... again! What's new?!

First time in Narita airport... Quite impressive as well - very much like Hong Kong, yet Singapore is still the best.

This caught my eyes (or the other way around) while looking for a smoking area...

Naks! Very discriminating - for adults only daw!

While patiently waiting for the next flight from LAX to LV!