Arrival in Cambodia (Day 0)

This is part 1 of my Cambodia and Vietnam vacation last May 24-31. So stay tuned for more of these posts. 

We arrived at Siem Reap at around 9:40 pm. From the airport we rode a van to our hotel. While in the van, we were greeted by Phat, our guide for this Cambodia trip. 

We checked-in at Heart Angkor Inn which is just close to Pub Street. After dropping our bags, we checked out Pub Street.

Figurines, key chains, magnets, and many more.

Pub Street is filled with clubs, restaurants, bars, and shops that tourists can enjoy. When we checked out the shops, we noticed that their products are priced in US Dollars. This is a pleasant surprise as you won't need to convert your US dollars to Riel (their local currency).

After checking them out, we ate late night dinner at Triangle BBQ-Bar. 

Their Spot

Menu

You can order drinks here!

Open Kitchen

Open Dining Area

We had Fried Noodles, Luc Lac, and Fries.

That is it for our arrival in Cambodia. Check the next post for our day tour in Siem Reap.

See you guys later!

Check out my other Cambodia-Vietnam vacation posts here!

Day 1: Siem Reap Day Tour - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/06/siem-reap-day-tour-day-1.html

Day 2: Angkor Wat and Other Temples - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/06/places-in-angkor-day-2.html

Day 3: Phnom Penh Stopover - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/07/phnom-penh-stopover-day-3.html

Day 4: Off to Ho Chi Minh City - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/07/off-to-ho-chi-minh-city.html

Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/07/cu-chi-tunnels-tour.html

Day 6: Mekong River Tour - https://intro-traveller.blogspot.com/2016/07/mekong-river-tour.html

Time at Coffee Grounds

One day, my friend recommended me to visit Coffee Grounds. With his suggestion, we went to the place. It is located on the ground floor of the Golden Lion Dormitel at Roxas Extension. 

It is definitely a really nice place. It has a good cafe vibe to it. While settling here, I took photos of the place. Here are some of the pics: 

Decorations near the emtrance

Menu and assortment of drinks and snacks

Their Second Floor Space

Another info is that their Wi-Fi is regulated. They will give you a sheet of paper as you order. It contains the code to log-in into their network. However, it is only valid for 4 or 5 hours (I forgot how long) and valid for only 1 device.

It's time to sample their food! 

I ordered pork chop. It is served with rice, fried egg, a little salad, and a choice of either coffee or iced tea. It is really good!

Iced tea served in interesting jar/mug (you decide)

When I realized I have to take a pic of this pork chop, I already ate more than half of it.

Lastly, I saw this cute little reminder inside their bathroom. It is quite amusing if you ask me.

A lovely advice inside the bathroom.

That's it for now. It's a very good place overall. Now, I have another venue to chill and relax. hehehe.

See you guys later!

Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeGroundsByGoldenLion/

One Time at Viking's

I visited Viking's again because it's my uncle's birthday and he wanted to treat us in a big way.

This how it turned out. Actually, I have 5 rounds of eating but I only pictured 3 of the 5 rounds because I'm so busy eating. hahaha

First Round

Nth Round. hahaha

Dessert Round

Several Round of Beer. Hahaha. I didn't get drunk for those who show concern. 

See you guys later!

Classio Time!

One time, my friends and I decided to check Classio’s Mobile Wood Fired Oven because this establishment is generating buzz around Davao City.

Classio is a food truck with a mobile brick oven. It is currently located along JP Laurel Avenue . It serves several pizzas (see the pic below) that everyone can enjoy.

Their Menu

Once we arrived at the area, the place was packed and there was a long line. Once we’re next, we decided to try their all cheese pizza.

While waiting, you can see the owners and workers do their thing as they make, assemble, and bake the pizzas.

Their place

The boys doing their job.

Once our pizza is ready, it’s time to eat! 

All Cheese Pizza

I got to say, this pizza is good! We wanted more but we were full as we already had dinner beforehand. 

This wraps up our Classio experience. It's definitely a must try. 

Visit their facebook page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/cmwfo/?fref=ts

See you guys later!

Pit Stop at Lemlunay Resort

Boat!

As we headed back to Davao from Kiamba, we stopped at Lemlunay Resort for lunch. While we’re here, might as well explore the resort.

At the reception area, you’ll be greeted by two of these mermaid statues.

There is also an area where a cross and a sun dial is placed. 

Sundial

There is also an area that is somewhat or actually a bon fire pit.

Of course, it will not be a resort without a pool. Lemlunay Resort has an infinity pool overlooking Sarangani Bay. 

This is Casco Bar, their restaurant. This is where we had lunch.

Lemlunay is famous for diving. Here are some of the pics:

Diving Rates

Lockers and Diving Equipment

Speedboat, "bangka", and Banana Boat

There is more to explore at this resort however we can’t explore it all as we are in a hurry back then. Hopefully one day that I can stay here and enjoy more what this resort has to offer.

For more details, visit their website at http://lemlunayresort.com/

See you guys later!

Visita Iglesia 2016

     Visita Iglesia is done every Holy Thursday after the mass of the Lord’s Supper. This is where people visit seven churches to offer prayers.

     Every year, my family and relatives did this activity. This year, we visited the following churches last Holy Thursday: (All of these churches are located in Davao City)

1. Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Buhangin

2. St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Maa

3. Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Shrine Hills, Matina

4. Ascencion of the Lord Parish, GSIS, Matina

5. Holy Spirit Adoration Convent (aka Pink Sisters), Catalunan Grande

6. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bangkal

7. St. Paul Parish, Juna Subdivision, Matina

 See you guys later!

Quiet Time at Pink Sisters

A few days ago, I visited the Holy Spirit Adoration Convent or commonly known as Pink Sisters Convent. That was the second I visited this place. I got to know this place from my classmate who always visits there.

This place quite known as people who prayed there got their prayers answered.

Since I'm going through rough times now, I thought to myself to visit the place again.

Once I entered the place, I prayed for thanksgiving and prayed for my intentions. Afterwards, I write my prayer intentions and drop it to the designated drop boxes in front of the chapel.  There are envelopes and pens provided in front so that you can write your intentions.

That's pretty much it. I apologize for not posting lately for I'm experiencing a difficult time in my life. I prayed that everything will be okay in the future.

See you guys later!

Fun Time at Mysterescape

An escape room game has finally reached Davao City. Mysterescape opened in Davao City last October 22. Since this is pretty new here, me, my sister, and cousins decided to try the place out. 

Tip:

If your planning to have fun in this place, it's wise to book your slots ahead of time. 

We did not reserve our slots in advance and entered the place as walk-ins. We arrived at around 6pm, however we got an 8pm slot, the last slot for the day. Since we got almost two hours to wait, we ate street foods just outside Davao Water District office. 

The Experience

As you enter the place, you will first enter their holding area where you will wait for your turn. 

Waiting Room

Before you can get inside one of the rooms, you have to choose a room and reserve a time slot. There are three rooms to choose from namely Secrets Agents on a Mission, Murder at Apartment 999, and Lucila's Curse. In our case, we chose the secret agents mission. Next, you need to pay up (prices will be shown on a picture below) and sign a waiver that is basically a non-disclosure agreement. So, don't tell others what happened because you will spoil the fun for them.

The rates

The Game

Basically, your team will undergo a short briefing before entering the room. Also, you need to keep your belongings in an assigned locker as you can't bring those stuff inside. Lastly, there will be a games master who will accompany you inside. Depending on the difficulty you selected, they can guide you to the clues or just watch you as you uncover patterns and clues by yourselves. 

There are three levels of difficulty you can choose from namely:

     1. Easy - you have five chances to request the games master for clues and assistance to solve the               puzzles.

     2. Difficult - you only have two chances to request for clues or assistance

     3. Houdini - you have no chance at all to request for clues or assistance

You can downgrade the difficulty during the game if you ever get stuck.  However, you will lose the chance to be in the hall of fame as it is only reserved for teams who completed the missions at Houdini level. 

For the duration of the game, you only have one hour to complete the mission. 

After the Game

After playing, you have an opportunity to take a group pic with the props provided. The group pic will be uploaded on their Facebook page. 

The Ma-i Team (get it?)

You can also write your escape room experience in their wall.

As I mentioned earlier, if your team completed the mission at Houdini level, your group pic will be posted on the hall of fame. 

Final Thoughts

It was definitely a fun and unique experience because you're in an actual room finding clues as compared to playing adventure games on your PC, tablet or phone. 

This experience makes you want to play again maybe because you didn't complete the mission and you want to complete it the next time around, or you want to try the other two rooms. There is another reason to play here again and that is the themes of the rooms will change every 3 or 6 months (I forgot how long, sorry). 

I definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be back in the future.

Update:

As of April 10, 2016, they have three new rooms for you to enjoy (the prices remain the same):

- The Haunting at Sacred Life Hospital
- Operation: Red Scarab
- Secret in the Attic

Visit their place at:
Mezzanine, Adelfa Building, Km 6

J.P. Laurel Avenue, Lanang, Davao City

(near Davao Water District and Diamond KTV)

For more information, you can the following sites:

website: http://www.mysterescape.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mysterescape/?pnref=story

See you guys later!