Ye Dang: BAD SERVICE!!!!

Mom, Auntie and I ate in this Korean restaurant located along Meralco Ave. Pasig City. The place is jampacked, the food is delicious but the service is really bad. Why? Sit back and relax as I narrate to you why we are NEVER coming back to this restaurant ever again.

Mom and Auntie eats here every week for the past 2 weeks as both of them enjoyed Korean food very much. Today, I joined them for their sister dinner bonding. Upon entering the restaurant, the place is quite packed. We are asked to sit in a table nearest to the door. We didn't complain since our stomach are already grumbling. Korean barbeque is their well known dish and it is cooked right in front of you. We noticed that the table that we are asked is not a charcoal burner but a gas burner. We were a bit discouraged and asked our server to be transfered to a vacant table that uses charcoal. We like our korean barbeque cooked in charcoal because it is more tasty and more authentic. The server said in Filipino: "Ito nalang naman po lulutuin natin eh!" ( This is the only dish we are going to cook ) refusing us to transfer to another table. Maybe because the server is lazy cleaning and preparing. But we insisted, the server then quickly prep the new table for our transfer. In the middle of everything, the owner, a Korean lady, approaches our table and explained to us that the food that we ordered is best cooked in gas and not in charcoal. But we still insisted that they should transfer us. Remember, the customer is always right and service is a 50% criteria why people go back to the restaurant. And we've been a fan of Korean restaurants ever since and her reasoning of the food that we ordered is better cooked in gas than in charcoal is just her alibi for us not to transfer making us dumb in which we aren't we know how to eat and cook the Korean way. Since we insisted again, the korean customer talked in Filipino already: "Next time nalang!" with her agitated and irritated face. Of course, we were pissed but we didn't create a scene anymore because we don't want to ruin our night and our dinner. But it is always the customers prerogative if they want to transfer or not whatever the reason may be and it is always the duty of the restaurant to tranfer the unsatisfied customer as to where he/she would like to be transfered. This is service, this is extended hospitality. This is another reason why people goes back to a specific restaurant, besides good food, it offers good if not great service. We will never go back to Yedang ever again after this irritating experience. The korean owner forgot that she is serving Filipinos in the Philippines. She is the one who should adjust and not us. We are customers and we are Filipinos.

Earth Hour

In a few minutes from now, in my own little way, I will be participating together with the rest of the world for this year's Earth Hour. I will turn off the main switch in our home in order to be one with the call of the world for a change. By turning off the electricity for one hour will be very beneficial to the planet as this will reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by our power plants. Today, we are experiencing global changes because we are pushing the world's free resources to its limits. It is only an hour for a year that you will sacrifice a little bit for this wonderful planet that we are living in. We should share this belief as we share this world. Let us unite for the next Earth Hour to be more successful that it previously was.

Earth Hour is globally organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. It is being held every last Sunday of March by seeking all of us to turn off our electricity for an hour. This move was first initiated by Australia, particularly in Sydney in 2007. It became global in 2008 as 35 countries and 400 cities participated. Up to date, 2009, there are now 88 countries with more than 4,000 cities participated in this move to help mother earth recover.

Aubergine Restaurant and Patisserie

March is my favorite out of the 12 months, the reason is that it is my Birthday month. It is also the birthday month of my brother. I celebrate mine on the 21st and my brother celebrates his on the 23rd. And because of this, we celebrate our birthdays together. We usually celebrate it on the 22nd. And for this year, we went out to eat in this exquisitely classy 5-star restaurant located in 5th Ave., Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The restaurant is none other than Aubergine. It is beside the HSBC building.

I am awed and surprised and very thankful for mom who will treat my brother and I here in this fabolous restaurant. This is my first time, my brother and my mom ate here a couple of times already. We were given a 5-star restaurant service. They don't even want you opening the doors, they will often if for you. Truly amazing. One can feel very pampered and special dining in this restaurant. Upon sitting, we were presented with 2 menus; the Ala Carte Menu and the Degustation Menu. The cheapest is Php 590.00 the most expensive is at Php 1750.00 per dish. I'm not going to talk about the Ala Carte but instead of the Degustation Menu. Thank you mom for treating us here in Aubergine. Love yah! Mwah!

The degustation menu is priced at Php 1950.00. I am sure you are wondering now what the hell is a degustation menu, well, it is also known as a set menu. It is a 7-course meal to pamper yourself and surprise yourself on what Aubergine can offer. Quite amazing, very tempting and most all definitely appetizing. The pics that you will see is the degustation menu (in order it is being placed in the menu and served) for the day here in Aubergine. It is definitely a WOW!!! One must experience this one to fully understand why Aubergine is THE Aubergine.

Aubergine is located in the 32nd & 5th Bldg. 5th Ave., cor. 32nd St. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Please refer to the map below. Visit their website at http://www.aubergine.ph/index02.htm

Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 3

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, named after Mr. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino is the international airport that serves Manila. Recently opened its newest terminal, the NAIA Terminal 3 last August 2008 which serves flights for Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines.

This is the first time I tried embarking and disembarking at this terminal because I rarely ride Cebu Pacific. For me, out of the 3 terminals of NAIA, this one is the best. Well, of course, its new. Its bigger compared to the Centennial Terminal (also known as the Terminal 2, which serves flights of Philippine Airlines only). Let us not even mention terminal 1 (which serves all the other airlines). I was impressed. Very impressed actually, but for me, the terminal is not being maximized because it is only serving 3 airlines, 2 of which are for domestic flights only. Such a waste. Sigh!! I wonder what our government is doing with the money. Sheeesh!!

The pic that you see below is the full map of Ninoy Aquino International Airport with all its terminals: (pic courtesy of http://www.wikipedia.org/). Please click to enlarge.

CONCLUSION of The Jonas' Chronicles goes International - KUALA LUMPUR

There you go my dear friends / readers.... this is the conclusion of the series I entitled "The Jonas' Chronicles goes International - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I really hope I gave you guys a good glimpse and a very enticing tour of the wonderful capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. A very beautiful city indeed. Food, shopping and leisure are cheap and very afforable. Make Kuala Lumpur you next destination. Please visit the Tourism Board website of Malaysia at http://www.tourism.gov.my/

MALAYSIA: TRULY ASIA

Selamat Datang

Added information:

1.) Cebu Pacific flies from Manila to Kuala Lumpur. Departure in Manila at 20:35 / Departure in Kuala Lumpur at 01:00. Please visit http://www.cebupacificair.com/

2.) Sites to visit: Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, KL Tower and etc.

3.) Shopping Places: Suria KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Pavilion, Lot 10, Sung Wei Plaza and etc.

4.) Food to taste: Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng, Iranian and Indian Cuisine.

5.) Places to visit: Genting: A City of Entertainment, Malacca, Batu Caves, Negara Zoo and etc.

The Royale Bintang Hotel - Kuala Lumpur (Part X)

The Royale Bintang Hotel - Kuala Lumpur is our humble 3-star hotel adobe when we were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is a very afforadable yet super comfortable hotel to stay whenever you guys decided to visit Malaysia. It is located along Jalan Bukit Bintang and is a walking distance to Bintang Walk and Pavilion. You can also opt to walk from Royale Bintang to KLCC (Petronas Twin Towers' location). The room is great, the lobby is awesome. It costs us USD 185.00 for 4 days and 3 nights stay with free breakfast buffet in the morning. Amazing isn't it? Hailing a cab from this hotel to KLCC will normally cost you RM 10.00 (Php 130.oo). So if you are visiting Kuala Lumpur, this is a very good hotel suggestion for you. Everyone who stayed in The Royale Bintang went home satisfied. For more information about the hotel, please visit its website at: http://www.royale-bintang-hotel.com.my/rbkl/index.html

Please see pics below:

Genting: A City of Entertainment (Part IX)

Malaysia's very own theme park, Genting: A City of Entertainment is located north of Kuala Lumpur. It is around 45 mins to 60 mins drive. There are many ways in order one can reach this wonderful place, one can opt to ride a taxi or a hotel limousine but the most afforadable is the Go Genting Express Bus at around RM 8.50, you will purchase this at Puduraya Bus Station along Jalan Pudu near Jalan Bukit Bintang (already includes a ticket to the skyway - cable car). I wonder, what is the cable car for? Wait and see as you will be amazed.

The ride in the bus is comfortable as the bus takes you all the way to the cable car station. And then you will ride a cable car that is around 3.75 km long, one of the longest in South East Asia as it takes u up to 2,000++ feet above sea level in Genting. The weather is very cool, cooler than what we are experiencing in Tagaytay City. The cable car ride is smooth and very relaxing. Maximum of 8 people per car is allowed. It takes around 30 mins to reach the top. I excitedly aligted from the cable car and found that Genting is in fact 3 parks in one. There is the outdoor theme park, the indoor theme park and the water world park. Genting is also home to Malaysia's casino. There are numerous hotels that offers accomodations as well.

We didn't have enough time to visit all the parks in Genting. We only visited the main attraction which is their outdoor theme park. There are several thrilling rides that made my heart thump in excitement.

1.) Corkscrew - its a roller coaster. 2 Corkscrews on its trail will leave you wanting for more.

2.) Flying Coaster - you are not seated, nope you are not standing either but tilted horizontally belly-down (like Superman's position when flying). As it twirls, corkscrews itself. It is an exciting ride. However, this is not included in the unlimited ride wrist band. You have to pay an extra RM 10.00 to be able to enjoy this ride.

3.) Space Shot - it will bring you up to a maximum height of 185 feet and drops you at 67 km/hr speed. Whoa!!


For more information about the park, please visit its address at http://www.genting.com.my

Aquaria KLCC (Part VIII)

At the basement level of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the Aquaria KLCC can be found. It is very near Suria KLCC and the Petronas Twin Towers. It is an underwater park wherein it houses 250 different species. The park's operating hours is from 11am to 8pm. For an adult ticket (above 13 years old) the price is RM 38 (Php 494.00).

I was amazed at how beautiful the Aquaria was built. Using the most sophisticated materials in order to give the viewers and visitors a feel of being near the aquatic animals that we don't normally encounter. You will be amazed at the different land animals featured here as well, such as spiders, scorpions, snakes, geckos and etc. Comparing Aquaria KLCC to our very own Manila Ocean Park, I would say Aquaria KLCC beats Manila Ocean Park, no doubt. From the diversity of its animals to the construction of the place, truly, Aquaria is more superior that our very own, sad to say! It even has a long long underwater tunnel that has a walkalator that helps you move around the place. It is not just a long straight stretch but it turns left and right enabling you to view the whole underwater tunnel experience in different views. Truly amazing!

For more information, you can visit its official website at http://www.klaquaria.com

Shopping Paradise: Bukit Bintang (Part VII)

I'm sure all of you know Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, the Orchard Road in Singapore and Myeong Dong in Seoul.... well.... Kuala Lumpur has its own version and it is known as The Bintang Walk located in Bukit Bintang along Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Bukit Bintang is a long stretch of road wherein you will find different shops to suit your need and your style. This area is also known as the shopping and entertainment district of Kuala Lumpur. There are cafes, restaurants and small malls in the area as well. It is jampacked with people during the night and double the density during the weekend (Friday and Saturday night). Young people flood the area as they strut their style and chill in the area. The walk will begin in The Royale Bintang Hotel (the hotel that we stayed in, I will feature another entry for this) and ends in Pavilion. This is a must visit whenever you travel in Kuala Lumpur.

Shopping Pleasure: Pavilion (Part VI)

Pavilion is the newest addition in the Bukit Bintang area. This is one of the posh 5-star shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. Opened its doors to the public last 2007. This mall has 7-levels of ultimate shopping experience and houses several signatured shops such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, Bvlgari and etc. also has Topman and Topshop, Giordano, Paul Frank to name a few. The mall is 1,400,000 square feet. Opening hours is from 10:00am to 10:00pm.

At the basement level of Pavilion is another spectacular place to see, the famous Food Republic. This is a high-end food court wherein all the other cuisines can be found. From Indian to Chinese, Vietnamese to Taiwanese, Cantonese to Malaysian, Japanese and Korean as well as Western. You will go crazy on the many choices of food here. There are also restaurants besides the central food court if you want to go for a higher price.

Shopping Pleasure: Suria KLCC (Part V)

Suria KLCC is one of the posh 5-star shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. It is connected to the Petronas Twin Towers, located at the base of the twin tower. KLCC simply means Kuala Lumpur City Center. Suria literally means "Sunshine" in Malay. This mall houses anchor department stores such as Isetan and Parkson. You can find the best fashion brands from Louis Vuitton to Coach from Topman to Marks and Spencer. From Zara to Giordano. You have it all here in Suria. This is also the home of Kinokuniya, a famous bookstore that originated from Japan. It also houses a Science Discovery Center. Suria KLCC is a 6-floor mall that will surely drive you crazy. Better make sure you make a stop and shop in Suria KLCC when visiting the Petronas Twin Towers.

Bandung "Rose Milk" (Part IV)

I first tasted this drink when I was in Singapore last 2006. It is so delicious that I finished 5 large cups of Bandung in a day. Well, yup, you guessed it right, my stomach grumbled and of course you know what happened next. I asked around what Bandung is and discovered it is a Indo-Malaysian drink. So this trip to Malaysia, I promised myself, I won't go home without drinking Bandung. I was about to give up but to my surprise, during our last lunch, it was a success, I found Bandung in the food republic (basement floor of The Pavillion).

Bandung is a milk drink with rose syrup. Simple as that but when you sip the drink, you will be amazed how milk and rose syrup be combined? Well, yup, they can be combined and it is very very delicious. It is refreshing and light. It is not very sweet and at the same time very light to the taste. I won't drink 5 large cups if it isn't delicious right? Bandung is about RM 2.60 which is about Php 36.50

Nasi Lemak & Nasi Goreng (Part III)

Upon my arrival in Kuala Lumpur, I said to myself, no matter how spicy the food is (not fond of spicy food) I should still try the Nasi Lemak. Visiting a country without trying their local cuisine is a really dumb move. The local cuisine actually tells a lot about the country your are visiting. It is part of their culture and history and you want to experience that part right?

Nasi Lemak is a national dish in Malaysia. It is also considered a national heritage. Nasi Lemak is of Malay origin wherein the name literally means "rice in cream". The rice is soaked in coconut cream and then steamed. Nasi Lemak is served with peanuts, steamed egg, slices of fresh cucumber, ikan bilis (fried & crispy anchovies) and sambal (chili paste). This dish is accompanied usually by fried chicken slices, at times, seafood replaces the chicken or Beef Rendang. There are other several versions of Nasi Lemak as the palette of people evolves through time.

Nasi Goreng is another signature local dish in Malaysia. It literally means "fried rice". The rice is spicy but very tasty and delicious. It is served with slices of chicken, chili, cucumber and prawns. Usually Nasi Goreng is accompanied by sliced fried chicken as well. There is also a clear soup in the meal.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building / Merdeka Square (Part II)

From KLCC Petronas Towers, we headed towards The Sultan Abdul Samad Building and in front of that building is the Merdeka "Independence" Square. The teksi (Malaysian for Taxi) ripped us off by asking for RM 38.20. From KLCC to Merdeka Square takes about 10 mins drive and he is charging us that much. We ended up paying anyways since we are tourists and it is scary to fight with the locals. Never fight with locals if you are a tourist.

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was built in 1897. This was built to house several government departments during the British Administration in Malaysia. This was designed by A.C. Norman. This building resembles the mosques of Cairo as well. At present, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building houses the temple of justice, the federal court, the appeals court and the high court.

Merdeka Square or The Independence Square is the sight where the Malaysian flag was first raised at exactly 12:01 on August 31, 1957 to replace the Union Jack thus ending the British colonization of Malaya. At present, the Merdeka Square is the sight of many independence parties and celebrations. There is also an open field wherein several local bands play. There is also a 95-meter flagpole located, among the tallest in the world.

The Petronas Twin Towers (Part 1)

Marvelling and the majestic twin towers of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia more famously known as The Petronas Twin Towers stands tall and proud at KLCC. The look of the tower is very much different during the day and during the night, base on my own personal opinion, I like the look of the towers at night. Standing awed in front of the twin towers, I noticed my jaw dropped. I can't believe I am standing at the world's tallest twin towers and at an architecture that was made a symbol in Malaysia. I am more amazed at the twin towers compared to time when I was in front of the Opera House in Sydney.

One can visit the SKYBRIDGE of the twin towers. Just queue up to get a free ticket. Experience the ride in the ultra fast elevator and cross the bridge that connects tower A from tower B. It is a worthwhile experience. Take pictures of the breath-taking skyline of Kuala Lumpur. Simply amazing! You will be led into a 3D theatre explaining the construction of the Twin Towers and then you will proceed to the fast elevator that will take you to floor 41 or 42 for the experience and feel inside the skybridge. In here, you will have 10 mins. to wow yourselves with everything.

The twin towers' peak is a tesla coil wherein it can absorb lighting thus absorbing the electric shock in the tower. It can also sway at 75cm due to strong wind currents. The whole tower is enveloped by stainless steel for that majestic feel. Imagine, that tall of a building enveloped by stainless steel, how expensive could that be.

The Jonas' Chronicles goes International - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Dear Readers,

This is an open letter to all of you. As you will notice, the post that I will be featuring here will be about Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I went on a vacation to visit this wonderful city last March 12 to 16, 2009.

I am entitling this series as "THE JONAS' CHRONICLES GOES INTERNATIONAL AT KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA" I really hope you enjoy reading as I tour you around the city with its spectacular architecture: The Petronas Twin Towers and The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, to the wonderful cuisine: Nasi Lemak and Nasi Goreng with local restaurants such as: Papa Rich and Madam Kwan and a local drink known as Bandung. To the magnificent shopping malls: The Pavillion and Suria KLCC and also about the shopping district of Bukit Bintang. Plus a feature about Genting: A City of Entertainment.

After reading this, I am sure that I will be enticing you to book a ticket to go to Kuala Lumpur instead of the usual destinations (Bangkok, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore and etc.)

After my trip, Malaysia, particularly Kuala Lumpur, is already included in my one of the most favorite destinations list. And I hope it will be yours too.

Beer.... Below Zero?

One can wonder how on earth can a beer be chilled in a cooling appliance at such low temperature and still remain liquid? Well, this is the first time I tried a beer "below zero" at Grilla Grill in Promenade, GH. Eng, Eka and I ordered a San Mig Light Below Zero from the waiter and I noticed that the waiter took out 3 bottles in a refrigerator like appliance. They shook the bottle left and right before opening it. It was served to us with frost forming on the outside of the bottle. I was amazed and was astounded by the fact that a beer chilled when being shaked can form frost. I got curious and tasted the beer, to my surprise, it remains as liquid as ever. But the taste is exquisitely surprising as the beer itself is realy cold and very refreshing but still very very liquid. I drank the beer quickly as I was awed by the taste and the temperature it attains. Beer is best served chilled so they say but this shall change to Beer is best served when below zero. Have you ever tasted a beer that is not cold? Yuck! So hurry and go to your nearest drinking venue and order yourself a beer below zero and experience the feeling of drinking it below zero!

Soms Thai Restaurant

Not all restaurant that looks good, has a good ambience, well-mannered waiters and waitresses, expensive prices on its menu serves the best food. I really beg to disagree because one so-called restaurant situated near the perimeter of Rockwell serves the one of the most delicious Thai food one can ever taste and not to mention the price is really afforadable. This is the very famous Soms.

There are monoblock chairs and tables with umbrella placed along the street. There is also an air-conditioned area wherein you will pay an additional 10% from your total bill. I would prefer to sit outside to experience the real Soms experience. I don't care if there are cars passing by adding monoxide to the food on your table, it is like what I have said, an experience. This is my nth time to dine here but this is the first time I am actually going to write about Soms. Eng, Eka and I ordered the Chicken Pandan, Sweet Yellow Curry Shrimp, Green Curry Chicken and the Bagoong (Shrimp Paste) Rice. That surely filled our stomachs as we burped and slouched after forcing ourselves to finish what we ordered. Eng and I ordered the Thai Milk Tea as well. It is delicious and quite refreshing. You will be amazed on how many people dine in this restaurant. A lot are also willing to wait for a table to clear up even if its full. Celebrities, executives, young adults, foreigners eat here. The food is great, the price is very afforadable. If you guys are craving for a delicious Thai cuisine then what are you waiting for? Head up to Soms for an ultimate Thai dining experience.

Goodbye Francis M.

This is just a small tribute to Mr. Francis Magalona, an icon and a legend in Philippine Music, tagged at the "King of Pinoy Rap" left us after due to Leukemia. He was diagnosed with acute Leukemia 8 months ago. This is a sudden and very surprising death, he left 8 kids fatherless now. My prayers goes to the family of Francis M. that they can surpass this tragedy with ease and be stronger as the days go by.

Truly, his death left a huge hole in the Philippine Music Industry better known as OPM (Original Pilipino Music)

To Francis M, wherever you are now, please don't forget to watch over us together with Jesus Christ up above. I know you are in a much better state than most of us now and one day we will see each other again soon! May you still continue to inspire people even in your absence. We will miss you sincerely.