GL series The Secret of Us #ใจซ่อนรัก

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My current obsession this. What drew me in wasn't the slick kdrama vibe but the character arcs of the doctor and her ex lover. While the former is healing from a broken heart, the latter is trying to make amends and get her back. The revenge angle adds to both tension and comedy in equal measure. It's something anyone in a queer relationship can understand, its pitfalls and triumphs, the dynamics of push and pull, made more compelling by two beautiful talents with inherent chemistry. 

Now on Netflix released each Tuesday, the suspense is sustained through the will they reconcile flux with skillfully placed cliffhangers, accompanying soundtrack and masterful editing, splices of flashbacks, witty dialogue of minor characters and instaworthy landscapes. 

What impressed me most is the general blasé treatment of queer characters, neither fetishy portrayals nor stereotyping, carefully avoiding lesbian trauma exploitation when it comes to queer story telling. In that respect, Thailand is way ahead of its SEAsian counterparts in queer media representation. It's a leaf we all could take down here in terms of social progress. 

Trailer OST: https://fb.watch/tm3nJP7LWV/

Fandom https://youtu.be/-pXYbSOOuMA?si=mCdlFHl2WUiNHxTc

For what it was worth

https://youtu.be/Cf0SKK85kqo
Un-named hote@ golden mile

She booked this for two reasons:
It is beside the thai eats at GM Complex
A train stop from the Indoor Stadium to watch Tau's concert.

Turns out it was bang for buck in terms of space n amenities. She even fit an inflated giant pink flamingo on the bed! The interior was tasteful and a plus ws access to good eats. A morning swim on its rooftop with panoramic city view made for a mock Mbs experience in luxury. Direct publc transport is also a plus.
Overall rating 4/5

Parc Sovereign @ Tyrwitt

The first thing which greets us as we enter the room is this lovely garden balcony with real fragipani and assorted shrubs landscaped with faux grass and rattan furniture, possibly the feature in this boutique hotel in the heart of old school jalan besar.

clearly this would be the feature of the evening if not for the faulty lamp which affected safety and comfort hanging out in the dark of a rather stormy forecast but as a smoker i was much gratified to not have to chuck out for a fag.

the bed was firm and beneficial for our achey backs while the bathroom could use with a tad more space despite having a rainbath shower which could be appreciated with more standing room.
the surrounding area was replete with eateries from kopitiam to hipster cafes, thus offering a range to age and demographic. definitely a place to retreat for respite and gluttony.



overall rating 4/5

Hotel Jen at Tanglin Road
rate at 170 per night


Post-colonial leanings aside, this hotel is a refurbished surprise in the heart of orchard shopping so the price alone is an attractive feature

the interior designers warrant praise for  tastefully furnished rooms done with sophisticated subtle hues of old school, wood and lighting. i was also pleasantly surprised by the size and placement of floor lights to avoid that stumble to the toilet in the middle of the night. these are very thoughtful additions to make one's stay more pleasant. the generous window placed beside a couch and cushions added that warmth and cozy experience when dining or nua ing.


the rainbath shower option was also much welcomed for that long bath time after trundling through the humid shopping belt. access to food and groceries via the linkway to tanglin mall is an added bonus when one gets peckish after dinner or any day. public transport also efficient while hourly feeder bus to the orchard stretch is provided.

this hotel is truly value for location and furnishing, and of course the king size bed is a draw for space junkies like me.

overall rating 4/5

Champion Hotel at Joo Chiat



As the name promises, this boutique hotel delivered in facilities, location, staff and cleanliness.
Despite its obscure address, we had no trouble accessing public transport. What won me immediately was its affiliation to Killiney Coffee which is a staple of smokers and heartlanders who wish for a glorified cuppa and kayatoast. they were the original toast box and yakun in the 70s with the traditional menu of its post colonial hainan cooks. the food in my opinion hasn't changed much, well except in price haha

opening the door, i let out a squeal of delight, as these photos are self-explanatory. she wanted to capture that childhood nostalgia juxtaposed with adult occupation. high in the kawaii factor and cozy lighting, one would easily fall asleep on the futon mattresses and floorboards. probably not geriatric friendly but i was impressed by their efficient housekeeping service when we requested an ironing board.




the room also scores for clever use of space in its L shaped arrangement of bathroom and beds. the split level architecture allows for the allusion of boundaries and hence an en suite ambience

the general surroundings have a throwback vibe which makes you want to slow down your pace and chill/ definitely a good place to be far from the maddening urban crouwd.

Hotel Boss at Jalan Sultan
rate at 200 for premium room with balcony and river view


as the name suggests one would expect to be treated like one. I was looking forward to the balcony and deck chair to chill and smoke, the the pictures on their website markets.
this was not to be as the room though spacious opened to a balcony facing a glorified monsoon drain and decked with a rattan table and chairs, with the view of office and hdb buildings.



for the price one would also expect at least a bathrobe and slippers to use their splendid pool but this was lacking. the bed also provided two pillows and limited tea and coffee which required troubling the staff who wasn't always responsive.

the pool we never used haha

the surrounding amenities required some walking distance to access so we cabbed our way in the muggy weather to little bangkok for value meals and snacks. the only redeeming service was the option for late check out and polite frontdesk staff in the lobby teeming with hotel guests one wouldn't think we were in an industrial estate but orchard road.

overall rating 3.5/5