Showing 1 - 10 of 55
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.
Traditional tales
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 05/11/2021
» Anyone who lives in Asia knows that the countries are a treasure trove of supernatural beliefs that scared the living daylights out of us as kids -- and perhaps even now, as adults. With Folklore, iconic Singaporean director Eric Khoo takes the helm as showrunner as he gathers superstitions and myths from across Asia in an anthology series with each episode directed by different directors like Indonesia's Joko Anwar, the Philippines' Erik Matti and even first-time director Seiko Matsuda, who is known for her singing and acting career in Japan. The second season of the anthology series premieres on Nov 14 on HBO Go. Guru speaks with Khoo and Matsuda, who directed the second episode, about the series.
Ch-ch-changes
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 22/10/2021
» Apple's iPhone 13 line-up was announced last September and was met with eager anticipation from fans and scepticism from its detractors. The tech giant was smooth as usual in its presentation of their latest phone and boasted many new features to entice customers. Now that it's been out for a few weeks, has the iPhone 13 lived up to the hype of its fans or does it prove its detractors right?
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.
Now showing
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 08/10/2021
» Cinemas are back! After another semi-lockdown that forced cinemas to close, we can finally enjoy a proper movie-going experience again. Sure, it might be capped at 50% capacity and you can only sit with one person beside you instead of the classic cinema experience of having your girlfriend on your left while a dude who munches popcorn loudly is on your right. Sigh, nostalgia! But we'll take what we can get for now. Though it's easy to simply go to the nearest mall to go to the cinema, we're spotlighting places that offer a different experience. These indie cinemas deserve as much love as any of the multiplexes do. After losing iconic places like Scala and Bangkok Screening Room, we should do what we can to keep these cinemas alive. Get the popcorn and settle in. It's time to go back to the movies.
Reality check
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 10/09/2021
» The malls are crowded again. The streets are lined with traffic. There seems to be more people (and motorcycles) on the sidewalk. Your eyes do not deceive you: the City of Angels has come back to life -- or at least slightly. Certain venues like fitness centres and theatres remain closed (sorry, Marvel fans hoping to watch Shang-Chi) but the city's ever-favoured shopping malls have returned and dining-in at restaurants is possible again, albeit in limited capacity. Does this bode well for Bangkokians? Should we expect the worst? Despite the relief we feel of finally being let out of our houses, are there still challenges? Guru speaks to people of different professions to gauge their opinions.
A fight on all fronts
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 13/08/2021
» It sucks that we are still in the throes of this pandemic, that people are suffering in all kinds of ways because of it, that incompetence rules the roost when it comes to handling the crisis and it sucks that we are still moaning about it. Though we at Guru have listed things to make lockdown bearable and listed how you could help those in need, it's time to hear from of some the city's professionals on how the state of things has affected their lives.
Art against authority
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 16/07/2021
» We can all agree on one thing: this whole pandemic is a crapfest. The time when Thailand was lauded for successfully handling the first wave has long gone and we are in the throes of the third wave with daily cases almost hitting 10,000 (at least in the time of going to print), hospitals running out of beds for patients and vaccinations going at a snail's pace. The anger and fury directed at the government's handling of the third wave has reached boiling point and none are more vocal about it than political artists, who have found a home, voice and audience on Facebook. From tarot cards to 3D renders, here are a few artists who use their art to make their voices heard.
A sight for sore eyes
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 02/07/2021
» Art has been and still is a vital part of our life and history though it has evolved over the years. The Renaissance gave us legendary works of art like Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David. Fast forward to the present and we still view art regularly albeit in different forms -- now on a 55in. OLed TV. Hey, Netflix movies and shows are still work of art, don't judge. I understand that there is a vast difference between sitting on your couch and going to a gallery or an exhibition. Guru provides you, dear readers with refreshing breaks like a list of new galleries that are worth your time.
Come fly with me
Guru, Eric E Surbano, Published on 04/06/2021
» Among the many things that we've lost during this pandemic, the ability to get on a plane on a whim and fancy has been the biggest. If you've ever been to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in the past months to just walk around with a trolley to remind yourself what it feels like waiting for your flight (no? just me then?), then you'll know that the airport is a shadow of its former self. Even if you did manage to book a flight, it involves so much paperwork and costs so much, coupled with the fear of catching the virus, it's not worth it unless in an emergency.