TRAVEL | Top 10 Clubs and Bars in Muscat

May 2020 - Contrary to popular impression of Oman being a part of the Arab countries and therefore conservative, its capital city Muscat can also entertain party goer guests with a number of its dope clubs from Irish pubs to modern chill vibe types. So here is a list of popular spots that you need to experience for yourself.

TRAVEL | Top 10 Best Hotels and Accommodations in Oman

Top 10 Best Hotels and Accommodations in Oman

For the record, it has been two months since the quarantine has been implemented. Nobody is allowed to go anywhere, not even to the grocery store. Welcome to the Philippines, but to be fair everyone across the World is suffering the same plight and this is for the benefit of everyone so who are we to complain.

JOURNAL | J, Is Leaving

J, Is Leaving

Still can't believe that 2018 is almost over. It passed by so quickly I didn't even notice how life has been this year. But certainly, it has been a rough year in many aspects. And I am writing this free entry because it is not every day that I can muster some energy to hit my keyboard and think of things. And I am actually drinking my Starbucks venti cappuccino as I write this (funny how I complain about the excessiveness of multi billion dollar companies but I still support them; only goes to show that if something sells, it will flourish despite negative criticisms). But I am not to talk about social topics today.

DANCE | Collection of Salsa Songs for Social Dancing

Collection of Salsa Songs for Social Dancing

Here is a collection of salsa songs for social dancing,

TRAVEL | Laval Restaurant in Ghala Golf Club

Laval Restaurant in Ghala Golf Club

Ever since the Laval Restaurant opened up a few years ago, it has been in my list of places to visit while in Oman. In fact, when I left Oman in 2015; I thought that's it I won't be able to see the place. Fast forward to 2018, now thanks to a last minute decision of where to have some beer, we decided to pay this restaurant a visit.

How to get there:

Take the ghala exit, once in the express way (heading towards Qurum) you will spot a sign "Ghala Golf Club", take that exit. The sign is small so be very watchful.

EVENTS | Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

Beats By The Beach with DJ Franck Chartier, at Muscat Hills Resort

A friend sent me a WhatsApp message to attend "Beach By The Beach" on Jan. 26th in Muscat Hills Resort and since I enjoy EDM/House mixes, I decided to go. It's been a while since I actually partied in Muscat. Last was in Park Inn during the "Wet Republik 3". And I badly needed to go out and unwind. Friend's invitation came at the right time. Brought with me my new colleague, who just started in our company.  

It was around 9pm when I picked a friend from the hotel. I was driving the car, which meant I could not drink for this night. So there I was, ready to go out and drive to Qantab (which is very close to Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah; and I never fail to bring up this point every single time). The road to Qantab via the Ruwi or Al Bustan roads is always a treat for the eyes. What with the winding roads that feel like riding a roller coaster. One time I was sitting as passenger and the driver accelerated; flew the car for about a moment and the feeling was heaven; the same excitement I felt when I was a kid riding those big caterpillars in fairs.  

The Barr Al Jissah road, lit with lamp posts every few meters looked like jewels from afar. The drive was swift; not many cars traversing at this day and time (it was a weekend by the way). After a few minutes, we passed by the newly opened Muscat Bay, a posh residential compound aimed to invite expats and locals for a chance to live away from the hustle and bustle of the Muscat city life. The thought didn't really bother me much i.e. living in a far flung location; but at the back of mind is the nagging question, "Who wants to drive that far?". But perhaps it's only me, being my pessimistic self.

FASHION | Men’s Summer Style Guide: Embracing the Casual Rugged Trend ( 2017 )

With temperatures soaring toward 40 degrees navigating the outdoors without breaking a sweat has become a genuine challenge. In this kind of scorching heat, the fabric and fit you choose aren't just about style—they’re about survival.

The Rise of the "Casual Rugged" Aesthetic

The trend this season is moving away from hyper-tailored looks and toward a more "casual rugged" vibe. This style prioritizes a lived-in feel, favoring comfort over rigid perfection.

To nail this look, consider incorporating these key pieces into your rotation:

• Distressed Denim: Think torn, faded, or pleated. The goal is a pair of jeans that looks like it has a decade of stories to tell.

• Cropped Chinos: Ankle-cut trousers are the standard right now. They offer a breezy, intentional "unfinished" look that pairs perfectly with summer heat.

• The Sockless Loafer: Breathability is king. Ditching the socks with a pair of classic loafers keeps things sophisticated yet airy.

• Relaxed Necklines: Deep V-necks or wide-cut crew necks are replacing the restrictive collars of the past, allowing for better airflow.

Comfort Over "The Buff Look"

We’re seeing a shift away from the ultra-tight "gym buff" silhouette. Men are increasingly opting for homey, comfortable fashion statements that feel authentic. Look at the world’s top DJs and creators; they embody a "YOLO" spirit, prioritizing effortless style that doesn't look like they tried too hard in front of a mirror.

The Bottom Line

As I head out to refresh my summer wardrobe, the goal is simple: find clothes that prioritize comfort without getting completely lost in every passing fad. It’s about staying cool, staying authentic, and—most importantly—staying dry.

PROMOTION | Trader Vic's Promos for April 2017

Trader Vic's Promos for April 2017

For the whole month of April 2017, here's some insider promotions that you need to check out especially if you're a regular in the joint.

MOVIE REVIEW | Sully

Sully

There are only a few movies that engage the audience and make them feel like they are part of what's going on. "Sully" is one of those brilliantly crafted works that plays with the audience and make them believe that what is going on can easily happen to them.

Rating: 8.5 / 10
Worth the time and money, so you go watch it on the cinema.

Really enjoyed the movie and it was worth watching it over at Imax, with all the big screen and surrounding sound; one can easily feel that he's really inside that plane. To be honest, I think I was bracing myself half the time because I felt like I was part of the movie- not an audience, but an actual passenger waiting for my eventual demise.

FOOD | Pansit Mix at Pure Food Filipino Resto in Al Khuwair, Muscat

Pansit Mix at Pure Food Filipino Resto in Al Khuwair, Muscat

I'm a big fan of pansit, yes the Filipino noodles. So when a good friend of mine mentioned that there's a good pansit resto in Al Khuwair, I said let's go and taste it.