With only a few days left before l had to leave Manila, I wondered how to pass my time. After finishing my work, I stepped out to visit the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) area. First, I took the MRT to Guadalupe station.
A collection of apartment buildings near Pasig river, just as you disembark from Guadalupe MRT
My first reason for visiting BGC was to check out the recently opened Mituskoshi shopping center. Mitsukoshi is a high-end department store/mall that’s part of Japan’s Isetan Group. After that, I planned to go see the 3D billboard installation in the BGC, the first of its kind in Manila.
From Guadalupe, I caught a jeepney going towards BGC. I got down… somewhere… and then followed Google Maps to get to Mitsukoshi on foot.
Mitsokoshi is located right next to the Grand Hyatt Manila.
I’m clubbing a bunch of photos from my last few days in Thailand into one post since there really isn’t much that deserves its own post. From my hostel, I switched to a hotel for the last three days in Bangkok. One of my clients lent me a discount voucher she wasn’t using and I used it to book three nights at the Holiday Inn Express at Sukhumvit 11.
But the hotel offers shuttle service (for guests only) back and forth to the metro station every 30 minutes
The hotel is a 3-star property. Breakfast is complimentary but don’t expect a grand buffet.
But the room was spacious, clean, and modern
The views were nothing special given the location
The area I was in was mostly small hotels all around but there’s a 7-11 within walking distance. Since it rained, I pretty much stayed inside the hotel until it stopped. I then visited the IKEA in Bang Na as getting there is pretty cheap with the free shuttle service to the mall.
I had quite a loaded late lunch (that’s salmon if you’re wondering)
The next day, I continued my search for the DJI Mini drone. I read ICONSIAM mall had a DJI dealer and since I hadn’t been to the (then) new mall, I decided to make a trip out of it.
To get to ICONSIAM mall from the Sukhumvit area, take the BTS metro train to Saphan Taksin station. Follow the directions to Sathorn Pier via Saphan Taksin BTS Station Exit 2. It’s a short walk.
Kids were taking a dip in the river streams
ICONSIAM mall provides free shuttle boat rides every 10 minutes across the Chao Phraya river to bring you to the mall
The rides are quite frequent so even though there are lines, you don’t have to wait long
It’s not much of a river ride anyway
A lot of high end apartments line Chao Phraya river
Barely takes 5 minutes to get to ICONSIAM Mall, on the other side of the river
ICONSIAM is largely a luxury-focused mall, kind of like Siam Paragon mall in Sukhumvit. But it does have more affordable stuff like H&M and ZARA too.
The mall is pretty both inside and out!
The Veranda is one of the multiple food hubs at the mall
Despite all the well-known brands, I was drawn to the Sooksiam area on the Ground floor. Sooksiam has stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and food from all the provinces in Thailand. It is trying to replicate a street market experience but in the comforts of an air-conditioned environment.
You have restaurants and shops too
Makes for a nice spot for photography
The interiors were really well done
The prices were not that high for the “street food” stalls
Just like I mentioned in the previous post, fruit-shaped scented soaps are a top seller in Bangkok
I went up to check out the rest of the mall
Bangkok is the only city from my travels (so far) where I’ve seen luxury car dealers having showrooms inside a mall
I find it funny how H&M and ZARA are always close to each other. In ICONSIAM’s case — right next to each other.
The electronics stores are mostly on the 4th floor
Visiting the DJI booth did not yield anything desirable. So I continued exploring the rest of ICONSIAM.
I saw a massive line outside a familiar logo
There was a massive line to get in to the official Apple store — the largest in Thailand
I must say, ICONSIAM sure is a pretty looking mall!
The interiors are very well designed
You still have your mall staples, such as a multiplex at the top floor
Even a large hall for events
The high end brands are up front, closer to the entrance
ICONSIAM is one of the better malls to visit in Bangkok
Bangkok has a lot of malls, especially in the Sukhumvit area. While many of the brands at ICONSIAM can also be found at malls in the Sukhumvit, the interior (and exterior) design makes ICONSIAM mall a worthwhile visit.
I waited for the free shuttle boat ride back to Sathorn Pier
That run down building was the old Customs House
Back in Sukhumvit, I had ramen for lunch at Fumi in Siam Paragon mall
While soaking up the air-conditioning in CentralWorld mall, I just happened to drop into a PowerBuy (a major electronics chain). I asked them about the DJI Mini and was told that it would only release a week later. But they just happened to have the DJI Mavic Air, heavily discounted. I really didn’t feel like spending so much for a first drone but at the same, the price on offer was Rs. 30,000 less than what the Air cost back in India. That was quite tempting… and I caved. I swiped my credit card and headed back to my hotel with my very first drone.
I unboxed the Mavic Air but did not get the time to fly it while in Thailand… something I’ve wanted to do for many years
For dinner, I headed to the part of Sukhumvit full of Middle Eastern restaurants.
I had a Pide and a shawarma for dinner
That was pretty much it. The next day, I headed to the airport in the evening by taxi.
For the first time, I was flying back to Bangalore from Don Mueang airport since Air Asia uses the old airport for the Bangalore flights. Don Mueang, which got replaced by the much larger Suvarnabhumi International Airport, got a new lease of life — thanks to budget airlines — and is now a major hub for domestic flights and some international destinations.
Before I checked in my bags, I went to the VAT refund counter
Since I purchased my drone from Powerbuy, I was eligible for the VAT refund scheme (tourists get 7% of the bill value back in cash). You have to submit the bill and VAT refund form the store provided, and show them the item your purchased. Once the officer stamped the VAT refund form, I then checked in my bags and finished the security process.
Past immigration, near the duty free areas and restaurants, you will find the VAT refund cash counter
I collected a few thousand baht in cash as my eligible refund and felt happier knowing I got my drone for quite a steal!
Using my Priority Pass card, I made my way to the lounge
They had a buffet and complementary drinks
When it was time, I made my way to the gate and boarded my Air Asia flight, which was on time.
I had pre-booked a Chicken Penang curry rice with Thai omelette, which was alright. Yeah, I ate a lot that night!
Even as I write this, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my chance to travel right before COVID shook the world and shut down travel and tourism. I cannot imagine how much it must have impacted a city like Bangkok. It would be nice to go back to Thailand before the pre-COVID crowds come back, especially with a drone now.
After yesterday’s grueling photo session, I enjoyed a really good sleep. A little too well I suppose. I got up around 11am and only had ‘breakfast’ by noon. Given it was officially half-day, it was too late for me to go to Mount Pinatubo, which I thought of doing today. Because for that, I should get there early since it involves trekking up to the now dormant volcano.
I could have stayed another day in Angeles City and checked out Clark, but in the end, I decided head back to Manila. Figured if I ever come to Philippines again, Angeles City isn’t too far from Manila and I can do Mount Pinatubo & Clark Duty Free then.
I checked out of Red Tulip Hotel and took a trike to Dau bus terminal.
They punch the ticket. Notice the 100 and the 8 on the top right (₱108 = $2.5/€1.8).Was that Mount Pinatubo?
The journey to Manila took less than one and half hours
I reached Manila by 2pm and I had no clue where in the city I was. All I told the bus folks were that I needed to go to Pasay. They stopped under a big flyover and asked me to get down, saying I can easily get to Pasay from here.
Hailed a taxi, passed by an SM Mall and even Accenture's officeIt was one straight drive, but it cost ₱140 ($3.2/€2.3)! I was NOT happy about spending more on a short drive to Pasay than I did getting to Manila by bus!
I had booked a dorm bed for two nights at Kabayan Hotel, a place I liked a lot. I had to catch an early morning flight to Cebu, so I was going to check out by 5am on Monday.
I got the upper bed. A/C dorm, ₱550 when I booked it. Website lists ₱610 ($14/€10) now. I still think it's worth it. You get all the usual Kabayan inclusions like set breakfast AND lunch, with complimentary wi-fi. Pillow and towel inside the locker. The locker came in handy, since I could keep my camera bag inside it and go out. Most hostels charge extra for lockers, and they are usually outside your room.They have a well kept toilet and shower inside the roomThe hallway looks like every other hallway on the other floors. Kabayan doesn't make you feel cheap even if you are staying in the dormitory.If the toilet in your room is occupied, there are many toilets and shower rooms on the floorI stepped out with just my 7D and the Tamron lens attached. I wanted to travel light for once. This is the scene just outside Kabayan and the Pasay MRT station.
I boarded a jeepney and decided to check out Mall of Asia, which was very close by.
I don't remember how much the fare was exactly, but I believe it was around ₱10The journey takes just 5 minutes from Pasay MRT
When it opened in 2006, Mall of Asia was the largest shopping mall in Asia, but has since moved down to third place after Dubai Mall‘s arrival.
I had to take multiple shots using the Tamron lens to get wide shots like thisMerging three shots to create this wide shot unfortunately cost that white man his head. Sorry dude, blame Photoshop.Today was a Saturday, so it was expected the mall was going to be crowdedThe virtual mall directory assistant
There was a small exhibition of properties by SMDC (SM Corp. is the largest property company in Philippines).
Being curious as to how much the cost of apartments were in Manila, I acted as a potential buyer and checked out the properties on offer. A lot of the apartment sizes (compared to India) were pretty small. ‘Large’ flats were 1000-1200sqft, while there were plenty of studios on offer. Prices for apartments ranged from 2 million to 4 million pesos and higher. Expensive, I initially thought. Maybe its because most of the buyers they target are OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), who earn higher wages.
But then I realized that it’s 2,000,000-4,000,000+ Philippines pesos. I mentally re-arranged the zeroes into the Indian numeric system and realized that’s 20,00,000 to 40,00,000 (lakh) rupees! It struck me as affordable — and that too in a city like Manila, which has far better infrastructure than most Indian cities! (Yes Filipinos, complain all you want about Manila. Visit Mumbai/Bombay and then compare the two. You’ll appreciate Manila a lot more.)
It pissed me off (not the first time) thinking how over-priced and unjustified the Indian real estate market is. For a minute, I even considered moving to Manila. Then I thought about the lack of Indian food here, and the frequent typhoons.
Back to the mall.
They have an ACE Hardware outlet here
People watching other people skateThis is an Olympic-sized ice rinkThe Biebs was going to be in Manila. Unfortunately, I would miss the opportunity to see 2AM live as I would be travelling that day. They're really good! Loved 'Saint O'Clock'!They also have an IMAX screen at the multiplex
A novel contraption that makes you curious how fast some coins take to reach the hole. Also a novel way for the mall to get free change.I decided to walk to the promenade
There are over-bridges to get to the BaywalkPlenty of restaurants by the bayWatching the sun set by the bay is a popular activityScores of people visit the Baywalk in the evenings. More so on weekends.Packed with families too!
They have band performances here
Manila PortThey also have fun zip line activities
Panorama comprised of 11 shotsA stature paying tribute to hard working Filipinos -- and Manny Pacquiao, the most famous Filipino in the world currently.Faux Jabbawockeez preparing to do... something
People had gathered to see faux Jabbawockeez perform. Though these guys seemed like a mime act.The convention center, where Maroon 5 was also scheduled to perform in a few days"Hello to you too!"I decided to walk back to the mall and come back once the sun had set
The interiors of this big mall aren't all that impressive, but then nothing is, compared to Dubai MallThis globe apparently lights up at nightBack outside...Love the colours!
Given it was really humid, I craved for some ice cream. Bought one, which began melting by the time I tore through the paper wrapping. Had to gulp it up quick.
Left the baywalk once it had gotten darkThere was little else left to see
Despite being one of the most famous malls in Philippines, Mall of Asia still offers a lot of affordable shopping. It isn’t one of those glamorous malls that draws a lot of people in but where you hardly see any of them actually shopping. There’s something for everyone at Mall of Asia.
The LED globe was lit, and was showing ads among other visuals
I really didn’t have anything else planned after this. My friend Aimee and I had initially thought of catching up, but we decided to push it to Sunday as she was going to show me around Manila tomorrow.
I took a jeepney and headed back to Kabayan Hotel. I left the camera in my locker and decided to take a stroll camera-free for a change.
I decided to explore the Pasay area a bit more, which wasn't a very clean area to be honestI began walking under the other line of the MRT and came across what looked like a street marketHawkers selling everything from fake goods, toys, fruits, clothes, t-shirts, pirated CDs and other fashion accessoriesIt extends a fairly long wayI walked all the way to the end of the track
And then I walked all the way back. Quite an unexpected discovery this was for me. I refrained from buying anything though, as I decided I would keep all my shopping for the last two days of this trip.
When I got back to the main Pasay junction, I decided to try out Chowking, the Chinese food offering from the owners of Jollibee.
Ordered their pork fried rice, dumplings and root beer combo meal for ₱80 ($1.8/€1.3). How was it? Bleurgh! Probably the worst fried rice I've ever tasted. The momos were alright, but then again, how hard is it to screw that up. Sorry Chowking.
After the poor dinner, I went back to my room and decided to spend a few hours on the internet.
The dormitory floor has a recreation lounge with a big screen TV, comfy chairs, and a few computers. You can bring your laptop here and use the wi-fi. Even though the speed wasn't great, I wasn't complaining. I have never experienced such a value-for-money hotel anywhere!
If I ever decide to start a hotel of my own, I would look to Kabayan for inspiration. I really appreciated the quality of service Kabayan offers its customers.
So this what I did today. Basically, nothing much.
