Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Let there be light
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 03/12/2021
» As the holiday season ramps up, parts of Thailand are transforming into centres of celebration for Christmas and New Year. More accurately, there will be more IG-worthy places for a limited period of time. Malls have set up Christmas trees while a number of light installations around the country are set to give visitors a little light in the otherwise dark and difficult period we've all been through these past couple of months. If you're looking to visit one of these places for some holiday cheer but don't know where to start, Guru has you covered.
Nippon express
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 19/11/2021
» Thailand has reopened its borders to foreigners and the prospect of travelling abroad seems to be more of a reality now than it did a few months ago. It's not entirely back to normal though. There are hurdles to go through and it costs a lot of money if you want to go abroad and return to Thailand. That being said, unless you're unlike many of us and showed great self-control when it came to spending on food deliveries during lockdown, you've probably saved a fair bit to travel. A recent Visa survey revealed that the number one place Thais want to visit is Japan and if you can't get yourself there, Guru has the next best thing -- places in the Land of Smiles that transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Coming full circle
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 22/10/2021
» Bangkok has finally sprung back to life! People are venturing outside, Asoke and Siam are once again centres of headache-inducing traffic jams and dining-out is an option again. But we also shouldn't forget about shopping and while it was technically possible even during semi-lockdown, it's different now that we can go outside with relative ease. However, as we ready our wallets -- or perhaps credit cards because cashless is the way ahead -- to go on a post-lockdown shopping spree, we can also consider buying from places that help the environment and reduce waste. Whether it's buying pre-loved items or selling or donating the stuff in our closet that we've barely used, there are many avenues in the city to do just that, like Ikea Bang Yai's brand new Circular Shop. Here are a few ways you can shop 'til you drop and at the same time help make the city a greener place.
The power of attraction
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 24/09/2021
» K-pop stans and Blinks across the world were sent into a frenzy when Blackpink's Lisa released her solo debut album, Lalisa, a few weeks ago. The internet quickly fell in love with its addictive beat and rhythm, but the accompanying music video featured more than just tantalising visuals drenched in neon lights -- it featured the Buri Ram native in a traditional Thai headdress and the Prasat Hin Phanom Rung.
The new normal
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 22/05/2020
» The curfew has been shortened. The booze ban has been lifted. Malls have reopened and so have restaurants. Bangkok is going back to normal! Or is it? As citywide measures start to ease up, Guru checks out what has changed in this city of ours. Welcome to Bangkok's new normal.
The 2020 Guru awards
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 31/01/2020
» We know it's the last day of January -- and if you weren't aware, it's February tomorrow -- but as a tweet said, we'll consider January the free-trial period and start 2020 properly on the first day of February. A bunch of stuff has already happened, not all of them good, but before we move ahead and put the past behind us, Guru would like to take one last look at the year that was. "The Guru Awards" have been held for the past two years but so much has happened that we decided it would be best to do a full feature in 2019 instead of just a few paragraphs in the Editor's Note. Seeing that the Academy Awards are also coming up, we couldn't think of a better time to give out our snarky, passive-aggressive accolades. So, ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to welcome you the 2020 Guru Awards -- no monologues, no opening numbers from Neil Patrick Harris. Just pure unadulterated cynicism.
The plastic-less revolution
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 17/01/2020
» The first day of 2020 saw a major change in the lives of those who live in the Kingdom of Thailand: the (almost total) disappearance of single-use plastic bags. It's a huge change but a seemingly necessary one. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Thailand is one of the four countries responsible for half of all plastic in the oceans in Southeast Asia. While 2019 saw a drastic drop in the use of plastic bag, the plan is to eliminate 225,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year. Single-use plastic bags are just the beginning though as bottle caps, cups and straws are next on the list. So what exactly are people saying about the ban? Is it absolutely necessary? What does it mean for customers who go grocery shopping? Are there ways to help lessen plastic waste? Hopefully, this clarifies some things and answers some of your questions.
Welcoming a new decade!
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 03/01/2020
» For those of you who may have missed it, we are in a new decade. Yes, you read that right. No, you are not hallucinating. Yes, we are all old. Welcome to the beginning of the 2020s where films like Back To The Future and Blade Runner are not just classics but the future worlds depicted in them are now effectively in the past; where years like 2050 and 2060 no longer sound ridiculous like they did back in the early 2000s and where those born in 2000 are 20 years old. It's a lot to take in, that's for sure. With every new year also comes the declarations of "New year, new me" posted all over social media and vocally announced at dinner tables everywhere. Resolutions are made and kept for a good two weeks or so before being thrown out the window. So instead of trying to expect things to happen that we aren't even sure will happen, let's take a look at the stuff that we're fairly certain will happen this year. Here's a couple of things to look forward to this 2020.
The new gold
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 21/06/2019
» Ah, Bangkok -- the city of traffic, dangerous sidewalks, delicious street food, scammy taxi drivers and jumping-on-the-bandwagoners. Bangkokians love getting on the latest trend and craze, so when the salted egg phenomenon hit, it was only a matter of time before we were swimming with all things kai khem. Lo and behold, we are now living in the age of the salted egg. Everywhere you look, there seems to be a special salted egg dish or snack that you can try. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I get you. If you're wondering how the heck salted egg is a thing, I get you, too. I wasn't entirely sure myself. But in the spirit of top-notch investigative journalism that we are known for at Guru (wot?!), I decided to embark on a salty journey. For the sake of you, dear readers, and so that you don't have to gorge yourselves on everything salted egg, we present salted egg delicacies the city has to offer, with the real question answered: Yay, Nay or Meh.
Green thumb
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 17/05/2019
» Maybe a few of us have forgotten the smog that engulfed us in the beginning of the year, making leaving the house a game of "to choke or not to choke". Now it is the scorching heat that seems to be worse than before. While short-term solutions do a little to elevate, we know that the root of the problem is climate change. If we don't take action now, it's going to get worse later. Bangkok has its share of eco-problems whether it's pollution or waste, but instead of listing them, we can figure out ways of how we can help, even in small doses. And technology has made this easier. Guru has listed a few of the best apps in the climate change business to help you help the environment.