Asean Odyssey

My siblings and I make it a point to bond and travel whenever we get a chance. Well we believe we have to give ourselves a break once in a while.  So two weeks ago, we embarked on a three-city tour and a cruise in Halong Bay in Hanoi.  First stop was Bangkok, Thailand.  After landing at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, we were wisked to the Mercure Hotel.  I was more excited when I was informed that the hotel is just across the National Stadium.  After dumping my bags at my room I hurriedly went to the track oval.  There was another small oval used for warm up before runners proceed to the main oval whenever  there are big competitions.  Unlike here in Cebu, “Walay bayad ang entrance”.  Since I’m still advised not to run due to my injuries, I just opted to walk a few rounds.  Then we boarded the river boat to a night  market where we also devoured Thai cuisine. The next day, we were off to the Grand Palace with an area of 218,000 square meters.  We were awed with the massive structures that glitter when hit by the sun.  Most of the structures are painted with gold while some of Buddhas were made of the real thing.  “Magsakit imong mata kay sulaw.” One of the best attractions was Reclining  Buddha and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.  We also traveled around the side streets on a tuk tuk, Thailand’s version of our tricycle.  We noticed that some of the streets bore the name “Rama”.  Thailand history says King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782.  I told some Thais that we also have Rama streets in Cebu like V. Rama Avenue and that our Mayor is also Rama.  Muay Thai competitions are staged almost everywhere.  I wanted to watch one but my siblings would rather go shopping.  I also wanted to watch the live concerts but again I have to tag along with my siblings.  Scheduled that week were John McLaughlin and  the 4th Dimension at the Aksra Theatre King Power and Japanese bossa nova artist Lisa Ono and the  Spyro Gyra of Shaker’s Song fame. The following day, we boarded Air Vietnam for Hanoi, Vietnam enroute to Halong Bay considered as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature.  More on Vietnam in my next column.

Christmas with Elvis

I wanted to extend my stay in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) but I have to be back in Cebu to prepare  for our December 20 show  Christmas with Elvisaya and Friends.  I have to rehearse with the Lourdes Parish Rondalla who’s member’s ages ranged  from 12 to 20 years old’ doesn’t know Elvis.  I have to give them  musical notes to read.  But frankly, you will be entertained by this group.  Also making the show a sure-fire hit are the top 3 winners of the 2015 Campus Idols, Jun Villahermosa the Frank Sinatra of Cebu, Amie Filomeno of Handurawan fame, and hopefully Visayan novelty king Max Surban.  The show will again be hosted by Sam Costanilla of the tv show As Time Goes By.