The Durian Addict

Warning, graphic depiction follows.

I ate a 4-kilo (9-pound) durian all by myself tonight. It was like ripping into the womb of a long-dead reptilian alien and eating the rotten, yet sweet and creamy fetus… with a hint of custard, garlic and almonds. I'm not sure how or even what made me do it. But I'm already regretting it 30 minutes later, along with everyone in sensory range. Its like giving birth to twin dragons that are already flame-throwing before they even clear the womb. Its like the Wizard of Oz when it changes from black and white to technicolor, with James Cameron 3D and George Lucas THX surround sound. If you were here, I'll bet you could taste it too.

…and I'll bet tomorrow I'll do it all over again.

All-New Filipino Con Artists in Saigon: The Pham Ngu Lao Gang

The Photos below are of well-known Filipino con artists who have been stalking tourists in Saigon for several years. This is the first time many of them have been photographed, however. These photos are taken from their regular morning gatherings in the part across from the intersection of Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham Streets in District 1, HCMC. Disturbingly, security guards are usually standing right next to them.

The man on the left is believed to be this man, previously photographed. Both men may be ringleaders.

The gal in red is this lady, previous filmed on undercover video.

The fellow who's face is turned away from the camera is none other than this young new recruit.

Click here to learn more about the scams that this Filipino mafia is running in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

3 Filipino Mafia On Trial in Hanoi

As of May 2010 these three Filipino con artists were on trial in Hanoi for extortion. I've decided to post their photos here, since we know from previous experience, there is a high likelihood that they will just be released and allowed to scam tourists in Hanoi or Saigon once again. There is some indication that mafia members transfer operations between Hanoi and Saigon once their faces or identity become well known in either city. Left to right: Augustina Ero Balleza (daughter, born 1966), Eduardo Bautista Ramirez (son, born 1968) and Eduardo Bautista Manaloto (father, born 1946). Due to the misguided Vietnamese habit of re-arranging first, middle and last names of foreigners, there is some confusion of name orders for each individual. Read more about them here.

Backstreet Boys Concert Photos, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Below are photos from the Backstreet Boys concert last night in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They will be performing in Hanoi tomorrow night so you folks up there can probably expect something very similar. Songs were a mix of old favorites and new.

Also: Check out my story for CNNgo... 

Backstreet Boys: Shooting AK47s in Vietnam is Awesome.

Exclusive: Backstreet Boys Talk Details of Next Album from HCMC Vietnam

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, Nick Carter and Howie Dorough.
As everybody knows, the Backstreet Boys are in Vietnam right now, getting to perform their first concert ever in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, as we speak.

I attended their very exclusive press conference yesterday in Saigon, where they talked about the album they plan to record this fall.

“I think we just wanna go back to what we’re really known for and what we are good at, which is pop R&B, great harmonies, great vocals,” said AJ McLean.

“We are hoping to get back in the studio this coming fall and really make the most amazing record possible,” he said.

“We’ve been talking about working with some old producers as well as some new producers, as well as be really hands on with this next album, as far as writing, producing, really kind of taking the control back.”

Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean
AJ continued, “Ever since we’ve parted ways with our record label we now have complete creative control.”

“This next process is really going to be something special from all of us. So hopefully once the album’s done it will be a real work of art.”

Speaking of former band member Kevin Richardson, AJ said that Kevin and the guys were all on good terms, and the door was always open for him to sing with them, stating it was always possible but they didn’t know whether it would happen.

All media copyright copyright 2011 Adam Bray. May not be republished without permission.

Backstreet Boys Nick Carter on Fishing in Vietnam

Here Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys talks about fishing this week out in the Vietnam Countryside. Nick is here with the group for their "This is Us" Tour and will be performing in Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow night.

Backstreet Boys Nick Carter on the War Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys March 2011 "This Is Us" Tour talks about his visit to the War Atrocities Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This comes from an official press conference at the Park Hyatt Hotel in District 1, Saigon this morning. Stay tuned for more photos, videos and info.

Little-Known Ancient Temple Ruins in Vietnam

Last month I took quite a few epic adventures in-between guidebook writing, which unfortunately I haven't had time to really share here. I think though that I'd better take a break from crime fighting and insert some Indiana Jones back into the mix so I don't lose viewership!

Below are some photos of remote temples that have been prescribed to the Oc Eo culture of Vietnam by government archaeologists. I happen to think that Oc Eo is hogwash but perhaps I should save my explanation why for a book deal... I believe these are Champa.

This first set of 3 photos is from the Cat Tien ruins in Dong Nai province, just outside the national park. These ruins are comprised of at least eight sets of temples on the Dong Nai River. Most of them are not actually accessible to the public, but well, lets just say someone had mercy on me after driving for 2 days on hot dusty backroads on the back of a motorbike to get there.

This is a big chamber under the center of one of the temples. This is where the archaeologists found buried treasures, some of which are on display at the Lam Dong Museum in Da Lat.

Here's some of that buried treasure I was talking about. Solid gold pressed characters on display in the Lam Dong Museum.

Here's me in front of that temple. I had to get permission to stand here. There was a similar ruin right beside it, and three larger temple buildings surrounding.

This is the main temple ruin at Cat Tien, set on a hilltop. You are looking at the largest Linga (phallic) in SE Asia.

This is Choc Mat Temple in Tay Ninh Province, near the Cambodian border. This we reconstructed with a great deal of imagination by French specialists. I am doubtful of the authenticity of those rounded arches. I was interested to see however, that the base, which is largely original, bares striking resemblance to temple ruins I have seen in Central Vietnam.

This is Binh Thanh Temple further south in Tay Ninh Province. It's also been reconstructed by imaginative French people.

The Pineda Sisters: Two Dumpy Fat Gals with Criminal Ambitions

You may remember the Pinedas... I'm sure they remember you. They can't take their eyes off of you. Both are part of the Filipino mafia group of con artists that prey upon tourists in District 1 Saigon.

Here's sister Rowena (Weng) Pineda running scams with another con man commonly seen in tourist areas. Some witnesses have suggested that he may be Rowena's partner, Rafael Del Rosario. This is 2008 at the now torn-down Eden Mall.

Here's Rowena in 2010 with the same con artist and another scammer. They are pictured here waiting for tourists outside the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Here's sister Regina Sevilla Pineda, (age 38/39) pictured in May 2010. She was arrested for the same scam and appeared in newspapers all over Vietnam. Read about the arrest here: http://bit.ly/dH7rQf

Regina (bottom left) pictured with three other fellow con artists above (left to right: Estreuta M. Debelem, Jovito Elizag Corpuz and Eduardo Aserdin Cadion).

Sadly, this picture, taken a few months later shows both Regina and Rowena with a third lady con artist, once again waiting for tourists to prey upon in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1.

Above and below is Rowena sitting on a park bench next to another con artist (out of view), just last week. She periodically got up and approached potential victims coming out of the tourist areas, under the watchful eye of up to 10 other gang members.

Filipino Con Artists May Be Recruiting Younger Members

This fellow doesn't fit the normal description of the Filipino Con artists in Saigon--he's much too young. Thus I question whether he is directly involved in the scam or perhaps just an employee running errands. He has been observed operating as a driver for the group and meeting with a large group of these criminals.

Filipino Cons Arrested but Back on the Street

Do you remember Eduardo? I'll bet he remembers you. How could he not? He watches you every day on Dong Khoi Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Here's Eduardo Aserdin Cadion (age 39-41) in 2009
trying to lure a tourist back to the gang's lair in 2009.

Here's Eduardo's mug shot in the newspaper (top right) in May 2010 when he was arrested for this scam with some of his fellow con artists. Top left: Jovito Elizag Corpuz, Bottom left: Regina Sevilla Pineda, Bottom Right: Estreuta Debelem (due to the Vietnamese habit of re-arranging first, middle and last names on foreigners, the orders might not be entirely correct for each person). You can read one of the many newspaper stories online here: http://bit.ly/f9SOPG. Or choose one of the many other newspaper stories with a myriad of mugshots here: http://bit.ly/eE5N6s

Here Eduardo is in his usual spot seen with 2 ladies in his gang (obscured behind the bushes). One happens to be this gal, previously caught on tape in the park beside Pham Ngu Lau (still shots here: http://bit.ly/fnYyTW) All are pictured here two weeks ago in front of the Vincom Shopping Center on Dong Khoi Street, approaching tourists again. Yes, sadly, he was let out of jail and allowed to return to his old ways.

Here he is again this week watching tourists in front of Dong Khoi. he's even got the same shirt on. He is pictured seated alone but others in the group are standing nearby, watching and approaching tourists.

Filed Under Filipino Mafia in Saigon.

PWA Windsurfing Grand Slam Vietnam Awards Photos

Below are photos from the PWA Windsurfing Grand Slam Freestyle Event that wrapped up last week in Mui Ne, Vietnam.

Jose Estredo (left center) placed 2nd & Taty Frans (right center) placed 3rd

Jose Estredo (left center) placed 2nd, Kiri Thode (center) placed 1st, 

Taty Frans placed 3rd

Jose Estredo (left center) placed 2nd, Kiri Thode (center) placed 1st, 

Taty Frans placed 3rd

All the participants at Sankara for the awards ceremony in Mui Ne


The Top 5 spots in the Event went to:

   1st Kiri Thode                          (Starboard / Gaastra)


2nd Jose Estredo                           (Fanatic / North)
           3rd Taty Frans                 (Starboard / MauiSails / Mystic)
4th Tonky Frans                             (Tabou / Gaastra)
5th Dieter Van Eyken                      (Starboard / Severne)