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.

TRAVEL | Trekking in Wadi Tiwi (Oman)

Trekking in Wadi Tiwi (Oman)

It was around April 2018, when a colleague invited me for a Friday hike. Being the lazy person that I am, I declined the offer initially but was later convinced to come. It was a hike in Wadi Tiwi, a wadi in Al Sharqiyah region, adjacent to the very popular Wadi Shab with numerous farms and plantations dotting the wadi, and a stunning pool deep inside towards Mibam village.

Highlights: 

• Assembly at Oman Oil Station (near Lulu Supermarket)
• Drive towards Tiwi via Al Amirat Road
• Drive up to Village in Tiwi
• Important: Trek requires a 4WD

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.

TRAVEL | Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre

2018 ushers in the openings of many a number of hotel properties in Oman. This, along with the operation of the new Muscat Airport promises to boost the tourism sector in the country. In fact, the growth of visitors has already doubled since the first quarter of this year. In this edition of Expat In The City, we take a look at the newly built hotel of Crowne Plaza Muscat - Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The hotel is strategically located close to the convention centre and is only 10-minutes away from the new airport, making it one hotel to be sought after in the next few months.

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.

TRAVEL | Travel to UAE from Oman

Travel to UAE from Oman

Will be sharing with you guys the new Immigration process on how to travel to UAE (from Oman), making short leisure trips or for those whose visit visas have already expired. You would know by now that Filipinos used to get visas on arrival in UAE, but due to some issues (of which this writer is not clear of), the rules have now changed. European and American passports remain visa upon arrival status.

TRAVEL | Oman Traffic Offences from September 2016

Oman Traffic Offences from September 2016

The onset of September 2016 has seen the expected traffic rule changes in Oman. With the hope of curbing accidents and loss of lives due to erring motorists, the fines for each traffic violations have now blown up into amounts that not only hurt the pockets of offenders but could also mean loss of jobs.

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. 

MOVIE | The Secret Life of Pets

The Secret Life of Pets

There's so much cuteness in the film, but that did not salvage the narrative which is to say- there isn't much meat to begin with. In an attempt to showcase the adorableness of the cutesy characters, the film makers failed to give them a credible struggle that any audience could relate to. It was in a way, a little shameful; only because the audience was trying to bear with the story progression only to be left with the same plot in any predictable story.

JOURNAL | Day 516 In Oman

Day 516  ( 1 year, 4 months, 28 days )

We are about to enter the last month of the year. Only 31 days left before we bid 2014 adieu. These past few days I have been thinking about many random things- past, present, future. Things that have been done, and many more that should have been. At 28 years of age, you start pondering on things that you think should matter. But what really matters?

TRAVEL | Prologue to Personal Travel Guide

Prologue to Personal Travel Guide 

When I was in high school and university, I had this habit of re-writing everything I wrote on my notebook. Back  then, laptops are not common so everything had to be done manually. So yes, it was through pen and paper that I write notes over and over again. Time consuming but makes retention of details longer. In other words, the information becomes more long term compared to works done by typing on a keyboard. 

TRAVEL | General Arabic Etiquette and Omani Hospitality

General Arabic Etiquette and Omani Hospitality

Stay abreast with knowledge of Arab etiquette, basic communication skills and traditional hospitality.
By the National Hospitality Institute, expert training in Oman.

TRAVEL | Bandar Khayran, Oman

Bandar Khayran, Oman

This weekend, we decided to leave the city and stay overnight at the beach. I had no idea where we were going. All I knew was that it was going to be a 45-hour drive. I said yes, why not. It was night and the path was unknown to me. After passing Qantab, I was clueless as to where we were heading.

JOURNAL | Upcoming Entries : August 25 - 30

Upcoming Entries : August 25 - 30

It's Omani week for my blog next week so expect to read some Omani related topics. A few things to write about in the coming weeks,