Bangkok: One of the most electrifying destinations in the world

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Bangkok has been the most-visited city in the world for the last three years.


Take a step into Bangkok and sensory overload hits you like a wave. A million different scents and noises overwhelm you, making this city one of the most electrifying destinations in the world. Whether you’re devouring street food, wandering through an ornate temple or trying to navigate streets crowded with tuk-tuks, Bangkok is packed with adventure.

Bangkok’s winter is its peak travel season, as the temperatures drop and make the humidity more bearable. But this also means crowds nearly double, clogging up the streets. Travel during the shoulder months, November and February, for the same cool temperatures but fewer tourists.

Bringing together old and new, traditional and modern, chaos and serenity, Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Navigating these paradoxes can be confusing, but it’s in the in-between that you’ll find the true Bangkok spirit. Start with some traditional Thai experiences. Hop in a canopied wooden boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River. Yes, some of these ferries are touristy, but you’ll get to see some of the most famous sites without having to brave the foot traffic. Then head to the Museum of Siam for a look at what it means to be Thai. It’s your opportunity to get hands-on with this rich culture. When you’re ready for a break from the city, find your way to a Thai massage parlor. There’s no better way to unwind than by taking advantage of Thailand’s incredible signature massage services at stellar prices.

Bangkok’s many markets are major tourist draws, and you’ll find plenty of people sharing advice on which markets to avoid. But take their tips in stride and make the decision for yourself. Yes, the more popular markets can get crowded, but they’re still worth the trip if you go with that expectation set. Explore the overwhelming amount of souvenirs and handmade crafts at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest weekend market in the world. Pick up fresh ingredients at Khlong Toei Market and flowers at Pak Klong Talad. When the sun goes down, sample fresh food under the colorful tents of the Ratchada Train Market. If you’re up for a drive (and don’t mind mingling with other tourists), check out one of Bangkok’s floating markets.


Bangkok’s many temples include sprawling, ornate complexes and quiet, hidden oases. Start at Wat Pho, one of the country’s largest Buddhist temples, which features a giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters long. Next, explore Wat Arun, the stunning Temple of Dawn set along the Chao Phraya River, and Wat Prayoon, a bell-shaped pagoda. There are plenty of other popular wats we could name, but some of the best spiritual spots can be found by wandering back alleys and following the incense.

You’ll have difficulty escaping the crowds in Bangkok. The massive city holds few quiet corners. But if you want to explore some lesser-known destinations, you can still feel like you’re exploring off the beaten path. Stroll the Soi Nana shophouses in Chinatown, getting off the main thoroughfare to discover low-key bars and galleries. Then take a breath in Lumpini Park, a sprawling green space that will give you a break from the urban hustle and bustle. Find your way to the Thailand Creative and Design Center, where burgeoning creatives congregate in the former Grand Post Office Building. Shop around Papaya, a sprawling indoor antiques and furniture market. For a little extra fun, go out of your way to reach the Airplane Graveyard or get your thrills in at Siam Park City, an amusement park with lots of roller coasters and family fun.

The local people of Bangkok and Thailand in general are pretty wonderful. It’s called the Land of Smiles for a reason. People are friendly, respectful, and go out of their way to help you and serve you whenever they can. The customary greeting I’ve encountered is for locals to press their hands together at their chest with a slight bow saying hello, welcome, or thank you.

Forget everything you know about normal mealtimes. In Bangkok, you eat whenever and wherever you want. Snacking on street food throughout the day will keep you satisfied without breaking the bank, and it’s a great way to try the numerous eats that Thailand is famous for. We’re talking more than just pad thai. You’ll find khanom bueang, tom yam, som tam, kuay teow and more. If you do want to treat yourself to a nice dinner, there are plenty of options. Le Du offers seasonal Thai favorites with a modern twist, while Issaya Siamese Club serves up exceptional cuisine in a stunning 100-year-old villa. When the sun goes down, find your way to a rooftop bar like Sky Bar at Lebua or Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok for stylish cocktails and stunning city views.

One of the best things about Bangkok being such a popular destination for visitors is that the accommodation options are plentiful and varied. For pure luxury, a stay at The Siam Hotel or The Peninsula Hotel will have you feeling like royalty, while chic travelers might find the urban cool Hotel Josh more their style. If you’re traveling on a budget, fear not. You can find clean rooms with amenities coming in between $10–$30 USD at Sivalai Palace and Smile Society Boutique Hostel. Note that the rules regarding Airbnb and short term rentals are complicated, so do a little research ahead of time to make sure you’re traveling responsibly.

Bring cash, bring cash, bring cash! The markets and train ticket booths only accept cash. Even where credit cards are accepted, sometimes there is a minimum purchase requirement.

The tuk tuks (motorcycle type taxis) were the best way to get around the area. It is very cheap and you have the wind and air hitting your face as you travel. There are multiple ways for transportation including trains but I recommend this way because it's very fun and enjoyable!

The Orange Carpet Awards 2024: Nominations Now Open!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



The highly anticipated Orange Carpet Awards is back! Blogapalooza is thrilled to announce that nominations for the 2024 edition are now officially open. It’s time to recognize and celebrate the outstanding creators who #ElevateInfluence in the digital space!

The Orange Carpet Awards is an annual celebration that honors emerging creators in the Philippines. It’s a night dedicated to highlighting the exceptional potential of influencers and content creators who are making waves and shaping the future of the digital world.

Categories for Nomination

A Brief History

First introduced in 2022 as the grand finale of BlogaFest (formerly known as the “Blogapalooza event”), the Philippines’ first, largest, and longest running event for influencers and content creators, the Orange Carpet Awards has quickly become one of the most prestigious recognitions in the content creator and influencer community. Now entering its 3rd year, the awards continue to expand their reach and impact, with even more excitement planned for 2024!

The BlogaFam Community Awards

A special highlight within the Orange Carpet Awards is the BlogaFam Community Awards, where the BlogaFam community nominates and celebrates its most talented and influential creators. Past winners have often gone on to achieve greater success, with some joining Blogapalooza’s prestigious roster of BX Talents (exclusively managed/professionally represented talents). This recognition truly shines a light on the future stars of the digital scene.

Don’t miss out on the chance to shape this year’s winners! Nominations are open until September 27, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Submit your nominations now at bit.ly/OCAPremiumNominations2024 and be part of the movement to #ElevateInfluence and help us celebrate the content creators who are inspiring and shaping the future.

Youth climate activists gave audiences the fright of their lives in fashion show as they expose environmental horrors under Marcos Jr.' Regime for Global Climate Strike

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



On the 67th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), the Filipino counterpart of the Fridays for Future movement led by climate activist Greta Thunberg, delivered a compelling message of horror and resistance through ‘The Horror: Fashion Against Fascism and Fossil Fuels’ at the Ignacio B. Gimenez - KAL Theater in UP Diliman.

In the one and half hour full house show, models and activists alike used fashion and style in a haunting performance of the grotesque and filthy injustices done in our nation under President Marcos Jr.’s reign. From the burying of genuine climate initiatives through tree-planting projects, to the lack of a just transition framework that protects both the environment as well as our working people, the glaring neglect and atrocities done under the president’s tenure were brought to the spotlight for all to see.

A major shift from YACAP’s previous fashion shows, this year’s iteration of Fashion Against Fascism and Fossil Fuels (FAFFF) focused not only on the external disasters we face but also the tumultuous anxieties and rage of the youth at the destruction and injustices we face today under the climate crisis. The event shaped up to be an explosive yet entrancing show for everyone attending. Models include senatorial aspirant and fisherfolk leader Ronnel Arambulo of PAMALAKAYA, environmental defender and abduction survivor Eco Dangla, rising actress Cristina Ponce, along with other renowned models and representatives from different sectors united in a diverse line-up determined to reveal their struggles and expose its roots causes. The gorgeous but chilling designs provided by well-known artists and designers, such as Kevin Raymundo and Santi Obcena, not only served to heighten the models’ beauty, but also to highlight the fashion show’s important and pressing message of climate justice.

“The glaring incompetence and willful negligence of the current Marcos Jr. administration has ended in not only the loss of livelihood, but the lives themselves of the Filipino people,” said Alab, producer and national coordinator of YACAP. “ Calamities happen on the daily and the youth are watching it all crash and burn live, yet we are expected to let things proceed business as usual. This fashion show is our rejection of that: listen to our fears and feel our rage. This is our resistance.”

With this haunting show came a distinguished lineup of VIPs such as Pura Luka Vega, Yani Villarosa, Shanne Dandan, and Lyn Alumno that attended in support of addressing the environmental and social issues at the heart of the event. Even when the event closed, the whole team wasn’t about to let the show end. As Director Karl Castro said, “The garments strutted tonight on the runway reflects and echoes the plight of today’s generation of the youth and marginalized sectors most affected by the climate crisis. We hope that through this fashion show, more people realize that we are actually living in a reality more terrifying than a horror movie under this administration.”

Rae, regional coordinator of YACAP’s NCR chapter adds, “Through this show, we encourage our audience to join us during the Global Climate Strike on September 20. Together, let us confront the chilling reality of the climate crisis, and turn our collective fear into fierce action to fight for a future where we can all survive.”

YACAP leaves an indelible mark yet again on the climate action and fashion scene with The Horror as they convey decades worth of the youth’s rage built up at all the environmental atrocities done in the name of profit for the few. At the root of this rage is anger at the destruction of not only their present, but also their future. Do not be fooled by the smoke and the shining lights, these kids mean serious business; tonight, their anger cried for action and justice. With this, YACAP will be conducting a reprise of the fashion show on the 52nd Anniversary of Martial Law, September 21 at the Liwasang Bonifacio Freedom Park, because as the raging youth of YACAP says: The horror never ends until the climate crisis does.