Temple Run at Angkor, Siam Reap, Cambodia

Waiting for the sun to rise at Angkor Wat!

My Tuktuk Driver arrived just in time for our 5:00 AM Meet-up.  I packed my bags and endorse it to the front desk, because it's check-out time when I get back.  It was still dark when we navigate our way from my hotel to the temple grounds.  You will need to pay for a pass to the temples.  If you're staying longer, you may opt to buy the 3 day, but in my case, I got the day pass for 20 USD.  The best time to come is during sunrise.  It rises behind Angkor Wat, and the sight of the details revealing itself as the sky brightens is breathtaking.  Also, it get's hotter at noon, and doing the tour in the morning makes it more comfortable.

The sun peeking behind the Temple

After exploring the Angkor Wat, I made a stop at the stalls to grab myself a bowl of noodles for breakfast.  I then went outside to proceed with the tour of the other Temples.

My breakfast, a bowl of Chicken Noodle!

The next we visited was my favourite. Ankor Thom, although smaller in scale than Angkor Wat is famous for the stone carved faces that adorns the towers.

The bridge to Angkor Thom, and the guardians of the gate.

The next place we visited was the Ancient Royal Palace.  They observe a strict dress code specifically for this sight, and I was not allowed entry because of my Tank Top.  You can explore the surrounding area, and cross the stone bridge leading to the gate.

The next site is the Elephant Balcony, which is connected to the Royal Palace.

After this stop, my Tuktuk Driver invited me to have lunch on one of the stalls right across.  Good thing, he brought along a few bottles of Angkor Beer and Water for our trip.  He also gave me a stick of what I initially thought as an ordinary cigarette.

After the resting my legs for a few minutes, I was back on the Tuk-tuk again for more temples.  We made a stop to the smaller one's right across each other.  I didn't  enter anymore, and just took photos of the exterior.

We went straight to what would be our last stop for the day, to the temple now popularly known as Tomb Raider.

I was awed with each site.  Each Temple has a unique characteristic to them.  It was fun, especially if your Tuktuk driver is like mine.  But it can be tiring, so be prepared for long walks and always keep a bottle of water with you.

Can't Get Enough of Siam Reap

The bus ride from Bangkok to Siam Reap took almost 8 hours.  That includes the immigration process at the border.  For ASEAN nationality, it's easier since you don't need a visa, and just fall in line to have your passport stamped.  Just make sure you board the same bus because it gets confusing especially during tourist season.

The bus fare includes a Tuk-tuk service to your hotel.  Most of the establishments in Siam Reap accepts U.S. Dollars and the bus company office has a money changer inside if you want the local currency.

My Tuk-tuk driver offered to take me on the Temple tour early morning the next day for 50 USD, but most hotels can arrange this for you.

I have booked a room at Golden Banana Boutique Hotel through Agoda, because of its proximity to the night market and Pub Street for 25 USD.  I will only be staying for the night since the tour starts early morning, and would return past the check-out time.

My charming room at Golden Banana.  For a little more than 1000 pesos, its a good value.  I just wish I had more time to stay.

To make the most of my trip,  I decided to explore the night life of the city.  I went around the night market, had a bowl of Vietnamese noodles near Pub Street, followed it with a foot massage and explored the Gay Club called Barcode.

The entire Pub Street is a mix of restaurants, shops and bars.  Barcode is located at the far end, on a more quieter area.  They have nightly performances of impersonators and a wide selection of drinks.

Foot Massage!  The price is almost the same as here in the Philippines!

I haven't tried Cambodian food, so I went for the familiar Vietnamese Pho

The Night Market

Barcode Drink of the Night!

One of Barcode's performers.

I would have stayed and drink all night but my temple tour would start in a few hours.

To be continued....

Addicted to Pain, Addicted to I Love You, Thank You (#143TY)

The first time I saw the film, was just a few weeks after my short trip from Bangkok and Siam Reap last June.  A friend of mine shared a link of the trailer, and the sights of Silom and Angkor Wat brought back memories of my backpacking adventure.

The film was part of the World Premier Film Festival, and I was able to secure myself a ticket on one of the screening schedule at a popular mall close to the office.

It's a complicated love story of 4 Filipino Men, set in Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.  Unlike the the recent gay indie films that would require actors to show some skin, here the actors bare it all with their acting, complimented with a good story and direction.

I found myself so drawn to the individual characters, that even the straight audience beside me forgot that the characters were all male.

My biggest regret was not seeing the ending, because of an errand I need to attend with literally just minutes to go.

I was so restless that evening, searching for clues on what eventually happened to Pol and Red, to the point that I was texting my friend non stop past midnight.

I was not satisfied with his answer!  I know I need to watch the the film again in its entirety.

Finally, I got news of another screening in UP Diliman from their Facebook page last July 17.  I got myself a ticket and this time brought along my partner with me.

The 2nd time is just as painful as the first one.  Finally seeing the ending did not help either.

They did another screening at UP Los Banos last September.  I really wanted to watch it again, but the work schedule did not permit me to take the long drive to Laguna.

Another great news is that they are screening again at Glorietta and Trinoma on October 12 and 13.  I took the opportunity to invite friends with me.  Click on the link for tickets.

Congratulations to Joross Gamboa.  His portrayal of gay character was spot on.  His small gestures will make you "kilig", something  that would rival the #Aldub tandem.  A revelation in the film is Prince Stephan.  I have been a fan of his looks, but this was a showcase of his acting talent.  CJ Reyes and Ae Pattawan were also good, considering this is their introductory film.  Or is it?

Thank you to Charliebebs Gohetia for creating the best #hugot-lines of the year.  Thank you for the pain that is I Love You, Thank You!   It's so addicting that I am now checking airfares for Yangon.

Tip:
The director made a cameo appearance you will only notice after seeing the film twice. Hehe!

Photo credit to I Love You, Thank You Facebook Page