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Sleeping in Airports, Airport Hotels, and the New Savoy Hotel Manila

July 3, 2018, 2:19 am
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Have you ever slept in airports???


In the past year, I have experienced this TWICE! First one was at the Changi International Airport of Singapore, during a layover for Myanmar. I was with Ruth for that trip and we had a break of dawn flight, so we decided to just stay in the airport. Since Changi is easily one of the best airports in the world, it wasn't super difficult, albeit, the experience was actually a fun "story-to-tell".


Fooling around at the empty airport train:

Kept our bags close to us, and occupied these chairs in a closed cafe. When we woke up, there were travellers sipping their morning coffee next to us, haha!

My second one was another red eye flight from Korea on my way back to Manila. I was going around the Incheon International Airport looking for anything to do after having dinner, when I chanced upon their Spa On Air. It's their airport jjimjilbang!! Enjoyed the pools, shower, and resting place before running back to the check-in counter.



Airport Hotel in Manila: Savoy Hotel Manila

I've always wondered how it's like to have Manila as layover, or if you're a traveller or maybe a businessman and just have a quick trip here. Just last week, I went to the launch of a new "Airport Hotel" that's super close to NAIA and found my answer! 




A stone's throw away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 is the recently opened Savoy Hotel Manila. 

Savoy Hotel Manila's Unboxing

Sharing photos during the hotel's opening day aka "Unboxing".


The event was festive, and even included a dragon dance and loud beats:


Pick your prize!

Went to the event with Ava:

Jazz aka "hotel music" during the program:

Like the innovative hotel, they had an unconventional ribbon cutting by opening a huge gift box instead:



Not only for travellers!

"Savoy Hotel Manila provides the spaces that everyone needs. From businessmen who need a venue for meetings, travelers who want to spend the night beside the airport terminal, to families who want to enjoy staycation together, Savoy Hotel Manila is a perfect venue for a different hotel experience beside NAIA Terminal 3 and within the 24/7 leisure and entertainment complex of Newport City," says Lorenzo Tang, general manager, Savoy Hotel Manila.

Savoy Hotel Manila is a 12-storey hotel within Newport City in Pasay, has 684 rooms from 23 to 27 sqm. You have an option of a basic standard room (Essentials) and comfortable executive suites (The Runway, The Space, and The Deck). So excited to stay here with my family!




Hotel Tour!

Savoy Hotel Manila was designed for people who are constantly on-the-go and understand the value of meaningful pauses. No wonder they also offer themed spaces called The Squares where collaboration, leisure, and business interactions are made more fun.


These are co-working spaces located on several guest floors of the hotel, and are equipped with high-speed Internet connection and electricity ports, as well as books, express checkout counters, and a snack corner. Guests can access this facility round-the-clock, allowing them to find their own spaces for casual group hangouts, intimate chats and meetings, or even relax while reading a book or listening to music.


Savoy Hotel Manila also has three Food and Beverage (F&B) outlets: the Savoy Café where guests can experience buffet dining featuring Asian and Western cuisines; Zabana Bar for lounging over cocktails and drinks; and The Poolside for after-swim chill and indulgence.

The hotel also has the Connect Lounge, a club lounge exclusively for guests staying in the executive suite rooms. The lounge serves as an extension of Savoy Café where club guests can have breakfast and snacks, complete with facilities for work or for relaxation.








For an airport hotel, Savoy Hotel Manila actually exceeds my expectations! If you have a Manila layover or just want a new staycation place, then check them out. They literally have everything that you need, and maybe even more. Room rate starts at Php 3,000+.

 Savoy Hotel Manila is Megaworld’s second hotel under its homegrown Savoy brand. The first Savoy Hotel opened in Boracay Newcoast last year, while another Savoy Hotel is expected to open in Mactan Newtown next year.

Visit Savoy Hotel Manila:
101 Andrews Avenue, Newport City Complex, Pasay City. 
https://www.thesavoyhotelmanila.com/


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Cebu's Charm + The New Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2

July 5, 2018, 3:36 am
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How many times have you been to Cebu? I cannot even count anymore!

I found myself back in Cebu last weekend, just for a night, to check out their newest airport. I said I wouldn't go out of town anymore so I can prepare for my one month trip, but I cannot resist joining Cebu Pacific as one of the firsts to see the operational Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2. Humirit pa, hehehe!

True enough, it was very impressive and world class! Nakaka proud that we have this here in the country, and I am hoping that our own NAIA here in Metro Manila will follow its standards. 

Anyway, let me take you through that short Cebu trip, and why I keep on coming back in the sunny south.

Pretending to check the room service, my bad habit every after check-in! Haha!


Quick flight from Manila to Cebu via Cebu Pacific. I had the onboard meal, anticipated the games, went through the Smile Magazine, and after a while, our pilot announced to prepare for landing. 

That's one thing why I love going back to Cebu, travel time is short--maybe even shorter than Friday rush hour in EDSA hahaha! 





Our group of travel bloggers and media guests from different parts of the Philippines stayed in Waterfront Hotel just across the airport. I had a room to myself, and was hoping I have mommy or my sister with me! Hehe! I love that it is so spacious and comfortable. Breakfast buffet is also good, I always enjoy my mornings and meals in Cebu! 

Second thing about Cebu, the food trip! I can go on and on with all their selections for every craving and food preference, but I will just link my Cebu food crawl blog post.







We then proceeded to Crimson Hotel Mactan, around 30 minutes away from our hotel, so we can have a good dinner for our first and only night in the city. I've been to Crimson Hotel Mactan before for a food crawl with Sun Cellular team, but it's my first time to see it during daytime, tour its beautiful villas (goal ko na to stay here next time), and even have dinner in the hotel's resto Enye. 

Third reason why I love Cebu: They have the best of both worlds. Beach is so near the city, you can enjoy both in just one trip! 

I still want to go back to Cebu next time, and finally visit the other vacation spots outside the city! 







Thank you Ñ Crimson Hotel Mactan for my special vegetarian dinner! I love love everything! ❤





Airport Day!

The next day, we finally went to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 (T2) to tour the newest airport in the Philippines! Our main agenda! 

I've seen it on pictures online and from afar when we arrived the other day, but when we went out of our vans in front of the actual structure, sobrang naamaze ako! It's as if I am in a different country, and my itchy feet just wants to travel stat!! Haha! 



The second biggest airport in the country, MCIA T2 flies a total of 23 international destinations, 33 domestic destinations, and with 26 partner airline carriers. They are the main gateway of Visayas and Southern Philippines, connecting Cebu and the Philippines to the rest of the world!

Upon entering the airport, you will notice that there are no initial X-rays for the luggage:

Imagining this as their most "Instagramable" area! Hehe!

LG Electronics Philippines, the world's leading OLED TV manufacturer, has on display its ultra-slim, 55-inch C8 OLED TVs strategically placed at the apron areas, departure check-in and departure gates:


Warm Filipino smiles and accommodating vibe from the welcoming committee! ❤

Look Up, Look Down

Designed by Hong Kong-based architectural firm Integrated Design Associates LTD (IDA), the concept of the T2 is inspired by the natural landscape of the Philippines, the locality of Cebu, and the warmth and hospitality of its people. It has a tropical vibe, and they aptly dubbed the T2 as a "resort-style airport".

Looking up, the roof structure is made up of an array of glued-laminated (or gulam) timber wood arches from Austria. Undeniably the highlight of the airport, the sleek geometries of the wooden roof are reminiscent of the waves of the seas around Mactan Cebu Island. It also looks like an inverted boat to me!

In the center of the arches is the sky roof, transparent-glazed and soundproof glass facade that lets natural light in.


And when you look down, you'll notice the iridescent Terrazzo flooring with mother-of-pearls inlay! This detail represents Cebu's white sand beaches, and with the sky roof letting in natural light inside the airport during daytime, watch T2 sparkle like Cebu's islands!


It's in the Details!


When you look closely at the check-in counters, they are designed with environmental friendly fiber-synthetic mesh weaving rattan, with a touch of LED lights.


And in contrast with the usual high counters in airport, the ones in T2 are low enough so the passengers and the airline staff can easily communicate eye-to-eye. 

Not in photos, but MCIA T2 also boasts of its high-speed baggage handling system, a first here in the Philippines, which has four levels of inline screening system. This technology quickly but accurately ensures that all checked-in baggage are free of security restricted items.

You will also find the self check-in machines here and there:

 Need to go to the loo? Inside the washrooms they have lush moss walls sourced and manufactured from Italy! This innovative indoor gardening helps stabilize the humidity and improve the quality of air of the room.




Real mahogany wood for the cubicle and doors, bidet and tissue are both available:


Catch these beautiful resting places around the airport. Chair by world-reknown Cebu furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue:

Staying Long in the Airport?

T2's F&B is operated by British Company SSP Group, same operators of London's Heathrow, New York's John F Kennedy International Airport, and Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport. Some of the selections at T2 include Burger King, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Nippon Ramen, Bonchon, Asian Kitchen, etc.

They also have the Cabin Bar where you can have your drinks while waiting for your boarding time:



 Familiar coffee and a small meal when you dine in CBTL:
 

 Last-minute shopping? T2 has a Duty Free, Duty Paid walkthrough areas, WH Smith, and Plug and Play stores to name a few.




Luxury brand of skincare, makeup, and perfumes:

Confectionery:

International brands like The Body Shop, L'Oreal, and MAC:

And Momento, for local goods and delicacies that you can bring home:





You will notice that even the plants in the shopping area are not real. This is to prevent any bugs and pests in the airport, a prime concern since it is built with lots of wood details.

They have The Spa At Cebu, a smoking room, a prayers room:


...And the Plaza Premium Lounge, my favorite, a space for their business class passengers. You can also pay a certain amount if you want to avail this, ideal for late flights or long layovers. I think entrance is about Php 1500+ only, and it already includes use of the shower rooms, food lounge, a playroom for kids, and an area where you can just rest and charge your gadgets.





Spacious resting area:

Charging stations in every nook and corner of the lounge:

Love the privacy of these chairs, plus each cubicle has its own outlet and small lamp:



At the Arrival Area, I noticed the parked trolleys near the rotating baggage claim:
  

I also saw several money changers before exiting the Arrival Area, super convenient!

Of course, we did not leave the airport without visiting Cebu Pacific's Flight Hub! You can entertain yourself here with their photo booths while you wait for your flight.



And while we're at it, here are some...

Cebupac Updates:

1) The will now offer cargo capacity that no other carrier in the Philippines can provide! And like their airfare, rates of this new service will definitely be competitive. You can read more about this HERE.

2) Cebupac now flies straight from Manila to Melbourne, Australia 3x weekly! This new international route is my new travel bucket list for this or next year!

And lastly, 3) Cebupac currently has 67 aircrafts, with average fleet age of 4.9 years -- one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world!


Went back to Manila via Cebu Pacific, and we reached in the NAIA in just about an hour. While up in the sky, I was reading the Smile Magazine and saw the feature for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2.

Indeed, aside from the aesthetics and technology, the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport also puts Cebu on the map. With all the Korean stars wanting to visit the country, specifically CEBU, it's nice to know that our guests from all-over the world will be welcomed in our country in the best way we possibly can. Airports should give good first impressions, and leave lasting memories for every travellers. Good job, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation! 


A big thank you to Cebu Pacific Air for having me in this trip and for taking care of me!
Fly to Cebu via Cebu Pacific, or book for your next adventures at http://www.cebupacificair.com. ❤

You can read more on my past Cebu travel blogs HERE. 
Daghang salamat, Cebu, I'll be back!

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Pre-Trip Shopping and Get-Together with Friends At Fisher Mall!

July 6, 2018, 11:23 pm
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If it's not obvious yet, I am so close to my family and friends. I haven't been away for a long time, last one was in 2014, and so the thought of leaving for a month is triggering anxiety thoughts haha! Akala mo naman isang taon mawawala, hehehe. 

Anyway, yes! Finally my travel date is officially nearing. As in bukas na talaga hahaha! Ang tagal din ng countdown ko a, but I really just want to be prepared for the trip. Naka huling hirit pa ako to meet up with some of my friends and do last-minute shopping yesterday by going to their turf in QC. It's my first time to go to Fisher Mall, and was surprised that they have so many fashion brands too--and a lot of them my favorites pa! Sharing them below.





MOSSIMO

The store is under construction, thus you will find past collections and even new ones ON SALE! I love Mossimo for their street style clothes and even small sling bags. 



Always wanted to have as much comfy coords in my closet!

The small sling bags can also give the on-trend fanny pack look:

Sharing photos from a recent event from Mossimo, featuring their newest collection for FW2018. I love the styling during the fashion show, and most of the pieces for women are actually clothes that I myself will wear! Casual, street aka "commuter friendly", wearable colors--check, check, check! Hehe! 

Follow Wear Mossimo on Facebook for updates.





TRANSFER IT!

I love customized anything, ang dami ko naiisip pwedeng pagawa! Haha!



OLYMPIC VILLAGE

They have a lot of my favorite sports and sneakers brands including Vans, Adidas, Converse, Reebok, Fila, etc.





ADIDAS OUTLET

They carry classic Adidas tees, different gym and porma bags, sneakers, etc. 




PRIMADONNA, PLAINS AND PRINTS, HIP CULTURE, AND THRIFT MARKET

Girly finds from these local brands! They have shoes, clothes, bags, accessories, etc.








MAUI AND SONS

90s hip brand for beach chic, California girl vibe! Love their caps and logo tees!




BENCH

Since I am currently obsessed with bucket hats, one of my go-to stores is BENCH since they have them in different prints!


RES | TOE | RUN

They have different footwear brands like People Footwear, Flossy, Birks, and Fitflop.




FILA

My current favorite sports brand! They have tees, rubber shoes, sports and gym wear. + Almost all their items here are on sale!





PENSHOPPE

Recently, haven't left a Penshoppe store without a purchase! I love their t-shirts, caps, track pants, endorsers (lols), and jackets. Ang laki and udpated din ng Penshoppe sa Fisher Mall!









CHAMPION (inside PAYLESS)

Another favorite athleisure brand, Champion footwear is also available inside the Payless stores. They even have cute Champion slides in Fisher Mall!




Now the only problem is how to pack light after all the shopping! Haha! Went to Macao Imperial with Paul for coffee break and while waiting for Pax and Nico who left for a few minutes for work:

Huge, floor to ceiling glass walls = OOTD time! Haha!

Had ramen, sushi, and sesame salad for early dinner in Fisher Mall's Japanese resto Morita. We also ended our day here, huhu, since I have to go home and finish packing. Pax and Nico I think still watched a movie. Super ganda daw ng cinema ng Fisher Mall, so hopefully next time I get to visit again with my north friends!!!


Find great promos of up to 50% off at stores on the Upper Ground Floor (UGF), 2nd Floor, and Fisher Parkway! Also, visit the Fisher Mall's Fash-Own Fair at the UGF Event Center for more exclusive deals. Visit Fisher Mall's Facebook page for more info and updates!


Catch up tayo friends on my Instagram @anagon, hope we get to experience Europe together so I will try my very best to update as much as I can! ❤

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Blog No.1 of The Great European Escape: Thoughts from the Uncomfortable Middle Seat on a Long Haul Flight

August 2, 2018, 7:50 am
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As they say, your trip starts not when you reach your destination, but the moment you boarded the plane. This is the start of our journey.



I am not sure if I was even prepared when our flight day finally arrived. Ang bilis! Months worth of preparations leading us to the boarding gate with only 3 important things I really really needed in my bag (maiwan na ang lahat) - My passport, my phone, and my credit card.

Prior to that, some of the things I had to go through include booking for a "cheaper" flight in a travel fair, securing that hard-to-get Norwegian visa, packing and then applying Konmari to repack about 5-7x, and then working like a cow just to cover the travel expenses while making sure I still have a few bucks left on the bank when I get home. Yet I still feel that I will never really be truly prepared for this--but hey--isn't the uncertainty a part of the adventure!?

Then on a regular afternoon of a regular Sunday, right after our usual family mass, it was finally time to drive to the airport. Feeling mo ordinary day lang, except we have two big luggages at the back of the car. You will know we will be away for a while.

Our parents left us right in front of the entrance of the NAIA Terminal 1. It was raining that day. When Ate and I entered the unfamiliar airport, I finally felt it-- yung halong kaba na excited. It's the start of an adventure with just the two of us again.


Ready for the long haul flight in my loose airport uniform!

Just a little intro to how this Euro trip surfaced:

The original plan was actually just me joining my two Titas who were able to book Php 35K roundtrip flights from Manila to Madrid. They will visit their eldest brother (my Tito) in Oslo for his 70th birthday in July. I learned about this late last year, and I felt that I was ready to go and travel outside Asia again so sabi ko sama ako! My parents agreed right away since I will be with dad's siblings anyway.

I wasn't able to book my flight right away, I was still waiting for another seat sale when Ate's plans of going to the US suddenly did not push through. I persuaded her to join me and our Titas instead! Ate eventually said yes as long as we go to cities she hasn't been to during her short work stint in Europe almost 10 years ago. Meaning, there will be no mainstream Europe in the agenda: No Paris, No London, No Rome, etc. I still agreed since it's my first time and everything's new to me anyway. Also, because when Ate plans for a trip, wala na akong kelangan isipin kundi pera ko and OOTD ko!! Lol.

When a travel fair was announced early this year, Ate and I trooped to the SMX on the event's very first day. And although we felt we were very early, a loooong, zig-zagging line waited for us outside the venue. We patiently stood under the sun. The wasted time was not in vain though, we left SMX successful after booking 2 round trip tickets from Manila to Oslo with Thai Airways!! Again it's not cheaper than I thought (Php 45,000), pero marami nag sabi sakin na pwede na yan. And for me, basta matuloy nato ok nadin!

Showing Ate a hack I saw on Youtube: How to seamlessly drag your two luggages lol:


I am so used to budget airlines, I was really excited for our long haul flight's on-board entertainment!


Whimsical themed Thai Airways safety procedure video is the cutest!


I brought a neck pillow with me, but they also provided a small pillow and blanket for all passengers:

Blurry picture, but worth posting! Thank you Ilahui for our soft neck pillows!


It's the third time I traveled with just my Ate, first was in Taiwan in 2015 and second was in Japan in 2016. She's super OC so lahat siya na gumagawa. This might also be the reason why my upcoming posts will not be the usual detalyado blog entries because si Ate mismo ang nag research at sumabit lang ako haha! Sya talaga ang orig master in itinerary -- kumpleto yan lahat from accommodations, commuting, reservations, budget, etc., neatly arranged in an Excel document. If makita nyo mga solo trip itineraries ko, wala yan sa gawa ni Ate! Haha! But regardless of not being a blog guide for your European plans, I will try my very best to tell my story.

Favorite part of long haul flights is the anticipation of what food they will serve. I ate while watching 500 Days of Summer.


During the travel fair, nasabi na agad ni Ate na lacto-ovo vegetarian ako so my seat was already marked. They always serve the trays of passengers with food restrictions first, before they roll out to the others. Perks! Hehe!

Our flight from Manila to our Bangkok layover is only about 2.5 hours. When we reached the Suvarnabhuni Airport, we only had time to look for our gate, go to the nearest washroom to wash up and brush our teeth, before boarding time again. This time the flight will take about 10-11 hours straight na, so game face on na talaga! Ate even brought a Korean sheet mask with her at sobrang drying talaga sa plane, haha! I had sachet samples of facial cleansers, leave on masks, lotion, etc.





Ang swerte it was not a full flight so I was able to move to the aisle seat!


This time, I watched a Thai film with subtitles during our second dinner and before lights off. Cute naman sya!


I had salad, cream cake, bread and butter, and a green peas cream pasta. Panay kain kami dito!


After the movie and listening to a few songs, I was ready to sleep. I just stretched my legs and put on my neck pillow, then bagsak na agad. I cannot remember if I woke up to any announcement or a minor turbulence, but when I checked the flight path information, we only had a few hours before landing. They served us another meal, this time our breakfast! Wala pa ako sa Europe sumisikip na pants ko, haha!

I woke up like this + my breakfast + the lucky person across me who had the whole three seats to himself! Haha!


Ate's food and good lighting for being next to the window:

It would have been a dream to fly business class and be comfortable during long haul flights, but for now while it's still far-fetched I am just happy with what I can afford.

I wasn't even conscious of it until I received an Instagram story reply on our flight back to Manila kung bakit daw hindi ko piliin ang window seat. The downside of economy class is that magkakaroon talaga ng flights na you have to take the least favorite "middle seat". Whenever I travel solo, I've been very lucky for always getting a nice spot next to the window -- So I guess I don't mind just for this give ko na yan sa iba.

If you've known me for a while, I have a huge thing for personal space. Di ako makahinga, haha! How much so if it's for 11 hours! It's so awkward and uncomfortable when two people squeeze you in the middle, and when you crawl over someone you do not know just to go to the restroom. One time my aisle seatmate even put up the arm rest separating us, so she can place her pillow and lean her head on it! 😅 Surprisingly, hindi naman ako nainis nun!! To avoid any hassles and arguments, I timed my restroom breaks (hindi yun tulog na sya), and I also made sure I have everything that I need with me before lights off, so no need na to open cabin compartment for my bag at mang abala ng iba.

Before I knew it, we only have 5 minutes ticking before landing:


Oslo from above the clouds is so green and beautiful!


 I am amazed how I did not even feel discounted with the lack of view or legroom. We are all in the same plane anyway, staying for the same number of hours at about 35,000 feet, and all landing in the same destination.

I think more than tolerance, the thought that this is not the end-all of this journey made me forget about the lack of sleep and the uncomfortable middle seat. The whole time my head was telling me "I am going to Norway!" and it was enough source of good vibes to last me till we picked up our bags from the luggage carousel--and I guess even for the entirety of the whole trip. Whenever I felt any discomfort or negativity, I remind myself that "I am in Stockholm!" or Berlin, or in any other city I was in. And suddenly everything's okay again.

Finally landed and went through the immigration booth with no problems! Sent this selfie to our family's FB groups, haha.


Nakaka tawa yung bata sa background, ginagaya yung statue hehe:

Aesthetics overload! Inspiring Scandinavian designs spotted all over Norway's Airport:


We went outside to wait for our Oslo fam to pick us up:



I've heard of this city since I was a kid because we have two families living in Norway. I cannot believe that I am finally in Oslo!

The quaint Gonzales fam's house in Oslo:

To be continued....

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By the way! Here's a sneak peek of my Eastern Europe Pasalubong Giveaway! Only one winner will receive a Berlin Ampelmann post-it from Germany, chili paste from Budapest, a bar of Melkesjokolade chocolate from Norway, H&M nude lipstick and black pom-pom earring from its hometown Stockholm, and a Sto. Niño gold pendant with prayer leaflet from my favorite Church of the Lady Victorious in Prague. I also added pink travel essentials: a pouch, sleep mask, and neck pillow. I'll add closeup photos next time para mas maappreciate! Haha! Join kayo a! :)


Making sure it's easy to join! Just like and share any of your favorites from my Europe travel posts (starting with this one) on my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The more you engage, the more chances of winning! Hehe! Thank you and till the next post! ❤

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ATTENTION STUDENTS: Tik Tok App is Giving Away Up To Php1-M in Cash Prizes!

August 3, 2018, 3:01 am
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I first discovered Tik Tok app through the Instagram posts of Korean actor Nam Joo Hyuk (@skawngur). He is the cutest!! 😩❤ I have downloaded the app since, but had no chance to use it yet. If you're a student, then I am giving you a reason to download and create your first Tik Tok video!


For sample Tik Tok videos, watch NJH hehehe:

Acting skills 💯!
A post shared by 남주혁 (@skawngur) on

So cool, oppa! 😀
A post shared by 남주혁 (@skawngur) on
And of course, the viral chin-on-hand "Fool In Love" video challenge:
A post shared by 남주혁 (@skawngur) on
Leading short-form video app Tik Tok allows you to easily create 15-second short videos with unique effects that you can share on social media. Whether it's dance, comedy, or free-style performance, Tik Tok encourages users to let their imagination run wild and set their creativity free!
You think you can pull off these videos? Now it's your time to shine! 
Tik Tok is all set to find the most exceptional creators from the top universities in the metro with its first-ever campus tour in the Philippines. All college students from different schools are welcome to join in this contest!

HOW TO JOIN:

1) If you haven't yet, download the Tik Tok app here: https://go.onelink.me/BAuo/ph

2) Make your video! Be creative! You are allowed to join solo, duo, with your barkada, or even with your professors!

3) Upload your video/s in Tik Tok with the hashtag #tiktokcampusaudition.

4) Top video entries from each school will be announced on Tik Tok's social media accounts: INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER.

THE PRIZES:

The top five students with the most number of likes from each university will get the chance to win a scholarship of up to Php20,000 from Tik Tok!

Winners will also be given a chance to perform on stage during the campus tour and become part of Tik Tok's pool of influencers worldwide!

TIK TOK CAMPUS TOUR!

Tik Tok will also hold their campus tours from August 4 to September 28. Tik Tok creators can enjoy the Dance and Dubbing booths, some customized gifts, and meet and hang out with other Tik Tok creators.

On August 4, Pinoy top bands 6 Cycle Mind, Better Days, Gracenote, and Banda ni Kleggy are set to perform for the students in the National University. They will also cap the campus caravan with the gathering of all the winners (venue TBA). This campus tour is made in cooperation with Vivo Philippines.

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My Dresses Wishlist

August 6, 2018, 12:29 am
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I'd say, the easiest piece of clothing to pack for your travels is a pretty dress. Just slip on one, and you're good to go! I love that dresses now come in different options from length, prints, and cuts, plus whatever you decide to wear with them makes a big difference in your look! 

Wearing a polo dress during my recent trip, photo taken in Stockholm:

Dresses are also pretty good for any weather or season! It's all a matter of styling. There's the pretty floral flounce for summer days that you can easily wear tights and a leather jacket with during colder months. A sleeveless dress layered with a long sleeves sweater underneath will take you from a tropical trip to spring time vacation real quick! It's so much fun to get creative with your OOTDs, right?!


I find myself browsing for dresses online ever since I got back, so I'm sharing to you my wish list from Simply Be. What I love about these choices is that they will all go with a pair of white sneakers! 

Sleeveless Dress (Worn as Jumper)

I used to think I will never own a sleeveless, till I discovered the wonders of layering it underneath. With this black dress, I will wear it with either a white shirt or a stripes long sleeves. It is so versatile that you can bring it for your trips.


Little Black Dress (Shirt and Sweater)

Speaking of versatile, the LBD can take you from day to night! Whether you choose the t-shirt or the sweater style, the both will look so cute with white sneakers, and super comfortable even as your airport outfit.



Structured Dress

It looks like a tux dress that I can wear for events! It has nice lapel neckline and long sleeves style, but the funky print made it more fun!


Maxi Summer Dresses

Not only for the beach, these summer dresses can be worn with white sneakers + a white canvass tote for your next summer city trips! 



Cute Floral Dresses

And lastly, my favorite is the floral dress as they make me feel girly even though I am a big sneakers and cap wearer! I can imagine wearing these with my sporty accessories and feel comfortable and still feminine!




Let me know which ones fit your style as well, enjoy! ❤

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One Day in Norway: Oslo Observations

August 6, 2018, 5:57 am
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A lot can be said about Oslo, but to me first and foremost, Oslo is home to many of my Gonzales fam.

I've always wanted to go to Norway ever since I was a kid. I've heard it so many times from my father's side of the family, because two of his siblings are based there (one is even married to a Norwegian). My cousins will visit the country from time to time, bringing with them chunks of the best cheese I've ever tasted in my life, and blocks and blocks of chocolates!!! During Christmas time, they will also send postcards with snowy houses and their updated family pictures with the greeting "God Jul!". 

So before the funny Norwegia issue in Manila, or the beautiful Northern Lights in everyone's bucket lists, those are my first impressions of Norway. 


Important Information When Traveling to Norway:

1) Visa is required (as with most European countries). Thanks to Ate, I applied for my Schengen visa by appointment in VFS GLOBAL in Ecoplaza Chino Roces Makati. For the requirements and all other FAQs, you can check out their website here: http://vfsglobal.com/norway/philippines/.

2) There's a 6-hour time difference between Norway and the Philippines. Kaya minsan pagising palang ako sa Norway, hapon na sa Pilipinas. Magpopost palang ako sa IG ng afternoon, patulog na friends ko, hehehe.

3) Entry point to Norway is usually at the Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL). We flew with Thai Airways. Travel time from Manila to Oslo is about 14 hours, including lay-over.

4) Since we have families in Oslo, there was no need for us to book for accommodations so sorry if I have no input on this!! But as usual, agoda.com and Airbnb both have great selections almost anywhere in the world you're going!!

5) Currency they use is Norwegian Krone. We did not spend so much in Norway, except on our last day to buy chocolates and cheese for pasalubong. We used our credit cards for all our transactions. I think it is also more convenient to just withdraw money than to have money exchanged here in the Philippines. Just make sure to contact your bank before your flight and ensure that it will work during your trip!

6) For electrical outlets, Norway uses two ROUND prongs. So that I will only need one adaptor, I brought with me an extension (only Php 350).

7) Main language is Norwegian, but everyone speaks fluent English.

8) Transportation around the city include trains, trams, and buses. Like in most Euro countries, ang dami ding nagbibike!




Lego houses!? My relative's neighborhood in Oslo:



When we landed in Norway, it was breakfast time again. Umurong ang oras, haha! After the long haul flight, it felt nice to be in a warm home with lots of food on the table! Ate and I spent our first day transferring between the two Oslo Gonzales houses, eating Norwegian chocolates, chips, and cheese, and bonding with the family. In perfect timing, our arrival date was also our Tito's birthday celebration!

The amazing Tesla (electric car) of our cousin:

Always getting two breakfasts transferring from Tito's house to our cousin's, no complaints! Hehe! I LOVE our breakfasts here!




Ate enjoying all the chips and playing with our pamangkin in our cousin's beautifully designed Scandinavian house:



Youtube all day err day!!!

Our Tito's birthday get-together:



No shortage of cheese and chocolates and chips!

 Beautiful greenery outside our room in my cousin's house:


After my tito's party, while everyone's still setting up the videoke, I went up to our room to sleep. Naramdaman ko din ang sinasabi nilang "jetlag" na akala ko di ako tinatablan, haha! 

The next day was our only full day in the city, and it wasn't put to waste! We were able to hear mass in Norwegian (sobrang interesting), eat in Mcdo (they have veggie burger in Norway and ang sarap!), and of course go around and check some of Oslo's tourist spots.


Inside St. Olav Church in Oslo:


Please bring Mcdo Veggie Burger in Manila!!


And with barely 48 hours in the city, here are some of my ...

Oslo Observations:

Ginto ang tubig! Grabe! On our afternoon walking tour with my titas and cousins, syempre mauuhaw kami with all the walks and super tirik na summer sun. May dala pa akong jacket but actually super mainit na, hottest summer daw nila in history huhu.

So we went inside the nearest restaurant and guess how much a small bottle of water costs? PHP 250!!! Hindi na namin binili siyempre, haha! Hindi ko kinaya, meanwhile mas better na sa grocery although mahal parin at around Php 150. At home, you can even drink water straight from the faucet! Kaloka. Noted na yan, nagbabaon na kami ni Ate ng bottle for the rest of the trip.


Super sarap mag dog watching dito! Actually in all the 7 countries we went to, ang daming doggos and super fluffy nila huhu! The dog owners bring them everywhere! So if dog lover ka din, maloloka ka din haha! Watch my EU Doggos highlights on my Instagram profile (@anagon)! 😁



Design is EVERYWHERE! Parang everywhere I look, sobrang aesthetic! Siguro kung de-film lang ang camera ko, naubos ko kaagad ang shots hahaha!










Usong uso din tong American Tourister maleta ko dito, hahaha! I saw it so many times in all our stops!

Meet-up with my cousin (in the middle) and her family before their train back to her new home in Sweden: 


Where To Go In Oslo?

Here are the picture-worthy places where our Tita brought us during our one-day tour in Oslo: 


Oslo Opera House

Located in the Bjørvika neighbourhood, the Oslo Opera House is a beautifully designed building with a theater and workplace for opera and ballet professionals. From the outside, it looks like it is floating on water! The Oslo Opera House has a nice and free open space where people just chill by the water. We also walked to the rooftop for a view of the city. The structure is sooo white and seems so near the clouds--it's nice to take OOTDs!




I think ang super nakakatuwang observation ko here is how most people are 80% disconnected. When you take a seat in a park, or in a public transportation, sobrang konti ng nakikitang kukuha ng phone and mag mindless browsing. During shows here in Manila, sobrang liwanag sa venue because of all the camera phones that were raised up. Here in Europe in general, people have board or card games for recreation. They either talk to the person next to them, play with their doggos, or just enjoy the view! 




Oslo Rådhus

Around Oslo's City Hall.



Nobel Peace Center 


Oslo Harbour and Fjord


I almost forgot, Norway is the land of trolls and vikings!






Frogner Park and The Vigeland Park

Super huge free park! We were only able to go around the Vigeland Park, but learned later on na super laki pa nya as in may museums pa dyan sa gilid gilid. Anyway, it's my first taste of Oslo so okay nadin to get a glimpse of it even though I have zero research and zero plans but to be wherever my family goes!

Which leads us to my second to the last realization: no plans is bliss! Haha! I've been so used to traveling on my own or as the guide of the group, minsan pag hindi nasusunod yung na plan ko nakaka OC and may onting kirot of disappointment!! So for this Euro trip, I really left everything to my Ate's hands. Not only for her to to enjoy the trip according to her preferences, but also for me to enjoy it by just being my go-with-the-flow self. No expectations! Yung earlier travels ko ganito naman talaga ako, haha! Nakaka miss din yung feeling ng "sabit" ka lang and enjoy whatever the planner has in stored for the trip. Surprise me! ang drama! Hehehe.




Nakakatawa pala tong Vigeland Park! It's the WORLD'S LARGEST SCULPTURE PARK na iisa lang ang artist (si Gustav Vigeland) ... Nakaka loka kung iisipin sa sobrang dami! Ang sipag nya!!

Most of the sculptures are made of bronze and smooth granite, and the figures are nude men, women, and children in different poses! People taking pictures will often copy the pose, haha! Pero syempre the PG13 poses lang a, hehehe.







Most popular ata tong baby na to sa buong park, I wondered why. So I made sure to have my picture taken with it before we left.

Thanks to Google, I learned that the sculpture is called The Angry Boy. It has a shiny golden hand because people kept on touching it and holding it for photos. So ayun nag fade na yung granite and you can almost see the bronze inside. No online info why it's the most popular, cute lang nya siguro hehe!

Overlooking the park is more view of nature. I realized now how beautiful it is to see Norway outside Oslo! Maybe on my next Europe plans I will make sure to explore more of this country known for their nature trip! And of course, I will also make sure naka-tama na to sa Northern Lights season!!


Royal Palace of Oslo

Our last stop was in the Royal Palace, the Norwegian residence of the French-born King Charles III of Norway. Super tired na kami by this time so we just took pictures in front of it, hesitated to walk further coz ang tirik padin ng araw at around 6+ pm, and decided to just go back to the house na. Hehe!


My first World Cup was also there in Norway! We were also with my cousin who works in London and was there din for vacation. Plus, he's a huge football fan na. So we all gathered in the living room, complete with chips, drinks, and hirit na pang Pinoy lang, then entertained ourselves with hours of a slow-scoring game. Kaya pala ang saya pag may nakaka score (si Umtiti) haha! Fun night!




It was past 10pm when we left for our cousin's house na, and medyo maliwanag padin at sobrang nakakaaliw. Imagine mo if ganyan dito sa Manila, tapos nalimutan mo may kailangan ka pa iflatlay or nalimutan mo mag OOTD.. pwedeng pwede pa humabol! Haha! To my surprise, we had a quick stopover in a high part of the city, where we had a grand view of Oslo's late summer sunset. Ang ganda! 

I can almost imagine it, Peter Pan flying for the second star to the right! ★




 To be continued....

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WHERE IS MIMI SHOP? | Location + Tour of this Beauty Shop Set for Korea's Variety Show Starring Sandara Park, Tony An, Etc.

August 12, 2018, 7:19 am
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The most unexpected thing happened to me last week. 

It's not even a "once in a lifetime" moment, but a NEVER EVEN POSSIBLE chance for someone like me! The whole time I was thinking, what did I do to deserve this? I am not worthy! Haha! I felt sooo grateful to Viu Philippines, JTBC, and Mimi Shop for proving to me that dreams really do come true. And if it can happen to me... It can happen to you too!



A day before the flight, I received an email from Viu Philippines that they are taking me to Korea to guest in JTBC's reality and variety show MIMI SHOP featuring Korean celebrities Sandara Park, Tony An, Cheetah, Jin Kyung, Shin So Yul, and a surprise episode guest who turned out to be Prison Playbook and Winner's Kang Seung Yoon! 

The whole day I was messaging with Viu Philippines back and forth, submitting requirements needed by JTBC, sending my information for the tickets when they approved of my website, and finally, getting the details of my flight to Korea--which was early morning the next day!

I immediately planned the stuff that I will be bringing, colored my hair using a box of Liese lying around my cabinet, and planned my outfits for the short, 3-day trip. I had no time to have a haircut or visit my eyebrow waxing salon, but whatever! I was ecstatic to be flying to KOREA!!!!


I will still be posting about the whole Mimi Shop experience, but for this post, I will just show you around the beauty shop aka the set for the show. I will also share the location in a while, so I hope you hang in there! 

This is the entrance of Mimi Shop! You will know it right away because of the pink tarpaulin on the side of the brick-wall building--featuring the mainstay cast of the show.

Right on the side of the door, there are also standees of the cast, where the local fans take their photos and videos. You will see the fans on the side of the entrance, waiting for the celebs who might just go out of the shop!

Let's go in? :)

Screenshots from Viu app of Mimi Shop Episode 2, when they first saw the shop and accepted their first customers!




Entrance

Upon entering the Mimi Shop, Sandara Park, CEO Tony An, Cheetah, Jin Kyung, Shin So Yul, and intern Kang Seung Yoon will all greet the guests in unison. 

*bowing side-by-side* : "Welcome to Mimi Shop!" 



Here's how the reception area looks like. Dara said it's her role to stay here, and welcome the guests entering the shop.

If we have a b/vloggers version of Mimi Shop, maybe I will also stay in this area! My new friends from different countries who were also invited to the show were so so good in makeup! So I will stay here and be the shop's welcoming committee because that's where I am good at! ;) ;) Hehe!

Counselling Zone

This is where Service Manager Dara checks the schedule and the customers' style. She also shows the guests Mimi Shop's Special Menu. They do not have the usual looks like "bridal" or "party" or "promo". Mimi Shop will let you choose a makeup look according to your MOOD.



Here's how the Counselling Room looks like when we visited! It now has several of Dara's plushies and toys! Dara said that even the pens we used to sign up in an information form given to us upon entering are hers!




The current Mimi Shop makeup menu!
  
Oh, and they also took our bags and placed them in these lockers first so we can have a comfortable time in the shop.

Waiting Room

After counselling, customers go here and have their drinks. This is also where customers can test new products. 

Intern Yoon was the one who showed us the drinks menu, and they have a lot! We all got a Korean drink!


They have a lot of Korean products from makeup to skincare to fragrance brands during our visit! Tony said to feel free to try them! What a grand waiting room, if I had more time I can stay here just to swatch and test! Haha!





I even saw the individual makeup boxes of the Mimi Shop artists! Akkk!

Makeup Room

Where customers become pretty. It's the most important place in the whole Mimi Shop! It's where your dreams come true!


This is the place where we stayed in the longest. This is where we had our mini makeover from Mimi Shop artists, and watch each other get beautified! It's so much fun to learn from these celebrities, and enjoy with all the makeup that we can play with!






Anya of Indonesia was the first volunteer to have her makeover! The featured look is faux freckles which looks great on her!

Everyone huddled to watch actress Shin So Yul work her magic in makeup! She's not only a good actress, but a great makeup artist too!

AHHHH I was too starstruck I wasn't even able to look through all these beautiful makeup!

Self Hair Styling Zone

The show says this is where you can add the finishing touches. But to me, this is where I had a memorable encounter with Dara where she fixed my hair into her signature Pineapple Hair style! 


While everyone's busy with makeup, Dara was styling my hair and talking to me about Kpop and Kdrama and how's the Philippines!!! Huhu my heart!! 



In the same corner are the ....

Instant Photo Zone

Where you can have your pretty photos taken and printed!!


Haha, my shot looks exactly the same as the one on Episode 2!

I had mine taken with Peishi of Singapore and Alicia of Malaysia. They are both so pretty and nice!

Staff Room

 Where Mimi Shop staff can rest and dine. This is the only area in the shop that I wasn't able to see!

  

Selfie Zone

Where you can take more pictures! This is also where we took our memorable, souvenir group photos!! ❤





And lastly, they have the...

Customer's Feedback

Last section in the shop, where customers place their feedback about their experience before leaving the place.


I wasn't able to see this section, instead it was replaced by a little monument of Mimi Shop's best works for the past episodes!


Plus, they also served us food here: 




And since we weren't given a chance to write our Customer's Feedback, I will write here my sincerest thank you: 

To all the Mimi Shop staff--Tony, Dara, So Yul, Jin Kyung, Yoon, and Cheetah--for being so accommodating, friendly, and professional in their work! They made us feel so at home and welcomed while we were in the shop, serving us drinks, asking us random questions, and even giving us a great makeover! I will never ever forget this day at your shop! ❤



I realized that the question I got the most after posting this experience on Instagram is..

Where Is Mimi Shop?

They did not give to us the address, and we rode a service van to the venue, so I thought I wouldn't be able to answer this. BUT! I remembered that we had to wait in a coffee shop which is right next to the Mimi Shop! So the cafe is a good reference if you want to visit the store!

Mimi Shop is right next to Caffe Route 9 in Hongdae. Here's the cafe's address:

466-8, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 

Here is Mimi Shops's Address:

Mimi Shop 75, Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
(서울특별시 마포구 잔다리로75 (서교동)

Since Mimi Shop is not yet in Google Maps, you can input CAFFE ROUTE9 instead. Nearest subway station is Hongik University Exit 1 or Hapjeong Exit 2. Entrance is only for the show's guests, but there are fans of the artists waiting outside with the camera crew for a chance to take pictures of the celebrities who might go out! 



And, well, who knows! Anything can happen!!! 
May the odds be in your favor! :)

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You can watch JTBC's Korean reality and variety show Mimi Shop only on VIU! Our episode will be aired on August 30, a short segment along with the makeover winners! May Filipino din dun and I think she did great job during the show! Hope you can support us by downloading the Viu app available for FREE on both Apple Store and Google Play, and by marking your calendars for the episode release!

Again, thank you so much Viu Philippines for this wonderful opportunity! Saranghaeo, kamsahamnida VIU PH TEAM!

Follow them guys! There might be other opportunities like this in the future!!

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UNAROSA ALL PHP 500 SUPER SALE HAUL: From Php 35,310 to Php 9000 Nalang!

August 14, 2018, 10:46 pm
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I was able to shop yesterday in Unarosa's Megamall branch, and true enough, on a weekday and alanganin ang oras, ang dami nang tao inside the store carrying their overflowing shopper bags!!

Decided to share what I got just so you know that legit ang sale, and the items are really nice pieces and not yung typical store sale na di naman maganda yung nakalabas na styles! Haha!

UNAROSA decided to have their 2-week SUPER SALE from August 15 to 31 in celebration of their 10th anniversary! As I heard them say yesterday, it's not everyday they get to celebrate their 10th year diba? So why not pasabog! Haha! Scroll down for the haul + original price of each items!



Pleated Midi Skirts:

Culottes:

Boho Tops:

More Skirts:

White Tops with a Twist:

Navy Polo Dress and Olive Jacket with Rose Patches:

Plaid Jackets:

Double Breasted Jackets in Khaki and Navy:

Wide-Legged Jeans and Tartan Culottes:

Again, I got every piece at Php 500 each only!!! Super sulit! 

REGULAR PRICE TOTAL = Php 35,310
SALE PRICE TOTAL = Php 9000!



Head over in all UNAROSA stores and shop for fashionable pieces at only Php 500! Sale is till August 31 only. Share to me your haul on Instagram or Twitter by tagging me @anagon! ❤ Curious ako if iba iba ang benta per branch, haha!

Follow @UNAROSAFASHION on Instagram for updates! You can find them in Shangri-la Plaza, Alabang Town Center, Shoppesville Greenhills, The Block-SM North EDSA, SM BF Paranaque, SM Fairview, CO/OP, Marquee Mall, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM Dasmarinas, and SM San Lazaro.


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What I Packed For Europe, My OOTDs, and Other Stories

August 15, 2018, 4:23 am
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So many things happened for the past weeks since I got back from Europe, that this dream trip that I've saved up for a long time now felt like a looong long time ago. It's so sad that memories and moments are fleeting, but then again, maybe this is also the reason why I became so masipag in blogging every bit of the remaining details that I can remember from my travels. As the great writer Anais Nin said, "We write to taste life twice". It doesn't matter if I don't write well or there are grammatical errors here and there, I hope to savor those beautiful days again in the best way I can!

Anyway, this blog post is about the things I brought and the outfits I came up with during our "backpacking" around 6 countries of Eastern Europe. As you can see, I had to put those punctuation marks in "backpacking" to pay respect to real backpackers haha--because technically, only my Ate (elder sister) suffered from carrying one HUGE backpack containing all her clothes and essentials. She managed it well--The European Style! 👌 Meanwhile, I had to give my old back a break by separating my stuff into 2 semi-big bags -- one a carry-on and the other is a Cabin Zero backpack.



Here is Ate and her legit backpackers' backpack, hehe:

WHERE WE WENT

1) Stockholm Sweden
2) Berlin, Germany
3) Prague, Czech
4) Vienna, Austria
5) Budapest, Hungary
6) Krarow, Poland

I will not include Oslo, Norway here since it's our "home base" and we had our big luggages left in our relatives' house there--so sobrang maginhawa our whole stay there. We also had transportation whenever we were in Oslo, so di sya part ng "challenge" hehe.

MY BAGS

So this is the only picture I have where I was able to capture all the bags I brought for the trip.
Minus Ate's luggage, I had with me:

American Tourister Curio 29" Spinner (Yellow) - It reached about 20 kilos when I checked it in almost half empty. We brought these huge luggages so we can buy a lot of cheese and chocolates before going home because #priorities. Hehehe. Available in Lazada.

Lipault Plume Spinner 55/20 Luggage (Pink) - I love that I can check this in or use it as my hand-carry. Since it's from a reliable travel brand (sister company of Samsonite) I am assured na pwede sya pang harabas. Super kawawa this bag sakin during our Euro trip! Haha! But super sulit din. Lightweight since it is made with nylon, but the material is also durable and water resistant. Available in Lazada.

Cabin Zero Backpack (Camo) - My most over-used travel bag! I love Cabin Zero because I can bring it empty inside my check in luggage, and use it as my extra bag going home when I already have so much stuff with me. To me, it's the perfect second bag! Available online in Cabin Zero's Website and in Urbanize stores nationwide (check their Instagram @urbanizeph for list of branches).


As mentioned earlier, we left our big luggages in our relatives' house in Norway, and here's how I looked like before we headed out for our train to Sweden:

What's Inside These Bags?

1) Lipault Carry-On - All my clothes, good for 10 days. I made sure we had a laundry day so I don't need to bring so much clothes. It's one of the biggest challenge of this trip, KonMari-ing the clothes that I will bring!

2) Cabin Zero Backpack - In an ideal world, I will only have the small Lipault luggage with my clothes in it, plus maybe a small sling bag for all my essentials (passport, phone, wallet, etc). BUT since ang dami kong arte at echos, haha, I filled up my Cabin Zero backpack with tiny pouch bags with my other essentials:

(a) A makeup pouch
(b) Chargers, cords, and extension pouch
(c) Skincare pouch
(d) Medicine pouch
(e) Extra shoes and slippers
(f) Toiletries pouch (shampoo bar, soap, facial wash, toothbrush, toothpaste)

3) Fjallraven Kanken Backpack - The bag for my most important stuff, including my mirrorless camera, wallet, phone, passport, alcohol, tissue packs, etc.

Hindi ba ako ma-octopus wiring nito? Haha! Since guesthouses usually just provide one socket per guest, I made sure to bring an extension (Php 350 only in hardware shops) so I can simultaneously charge all my gadgets at night including my phone, power banks, portable internet, and camera.


I am a 10-step skincare girl, so minimizing the products that I brought for this trip was also a huge challenge! In the end, when bare minimum is required, I only had these essentials with me: a Vaseline Lip Therapy balm, Don't Look At Me face mask and scrubs from Lush, Jergens body lotion, Nature Republic's famous Aloe product that I used every night as face moisturizer, and a small bottle of Garnier Micellar Water to take off my makeup.



I placed my bath products in one pouch with hook so I can hang it on restrooms, especially when we were in a guesthouse na common ang CR. For towels, super okay nung Towelite or Aquazorb na both quick-drying!



The compact life: Lush Shampoo Bar (this redish pink variant is so moisturizing!), BeachBorn Conditioner Bar (white variant), a sachet of facial wash, and a bar of body soap.



We had laundry days TWICE! Sobrang bonus na nun sa amin because all the while we thought one time lang kami makaka laba. And the best part is, super hilig ng Ate ko mag laundry! Hahaha! She's super OC, so sinasabay ko na my clothes. Remember-- dapat hindi maghalo ang white sa colored! So when you pack, make sure your color scheme medyo same para madali labhan kahit sabay sabay!

Our private restroom in Budapest has a washing machine in the corner!


Home after all the walks, here's Ate folding fresh-from-laundry clothes while watching TV hehe:


This day was super sabog and messy naloka ako! It was just our first afternoon in Prague, tapos a bird pooped on my top (haha! huhu!). But that's not all! Haha! Natuluan pa yung yellow backpack ko ng trdelnik chocolate! Buti nalang talaga may laundry day! 😆


Outfit Accessories

I am amazed with two things: People who can bring SEVERAL SHOES on a trip para iba-iba ang suot per outfit, and people who can bring JUST ONE PAIR OF SHOES for a long trip!

Meanwhile, I think I am the in-between type of traveler since aside from the "backpacking" situation, I can only bring two pairs of shoes! Aside from that, I also brought two small bags, and since magaan naman--four hats/caps as my accessories. I have no regrets with the hats, I used them EVERYDAY to shield my face from the intense summer sun. They also came in handy on rainy days since I had no umbrella. Napahiram ko pa si Ate! Hehe!

Two Small Bags - Yellow Fjallraven Kanken Backpack and White Sherpani 3-Way Bag (Shoulder, Cross-body, Hand Bag) - both available in @urbanizeph stores.



For the shoes, both are sneakers from Skechers and they did not failed me till the end of the trip! Both are in basic colors (black and white) that I can easily match with any outfit. And both have memory foam cushioning so my feet were pain-free and blisters-free even after reaching 29,000 Steps in a day of walks!



This Uniqlo breezy polo dress is lightweight and cute, super perfect to pack and wear for summer trips! Sayang lang I wasn't able to repeat it again, although I should have brought a black legging and rewear the polo dress as top!

Same with this checkerboard top and black skirt, once ko lang sila nasuot sayang! Although they are light and hindi malukutin so ok nadin, but if I have to do all these again I would have brought pieces that I can rewear at least 2x!

I did not expect na super init during our trip since it was cold when my parents went to Europe years ago (same month)! Again if I can only redo the packing, I would have just brought with me one jacket for the plane--or just a scarf! Bawas luggage weight din! I just wore my jackets on some days to prevent t-shirt lines, but there were days din na di ko na matiis at ang init! Haha!


Same day, tinanggal ko din my jacket mid-day:

The overused pieces: Black H&M top, SM Woman checkerboard pants, and Happy Mallow white top were all used several times during this trip kaya super sulit! Can you tell what are the pieces I wore more than once?!

Where most of my clothes came from: H&M, Uniqlo, SM Woman, Mango, Mossimo, Adidas.





It's the same top na nagka bird poop sa Prague, Haha! Wore it again in Budapest:


All my bags were able to fit this tiny space in our sleeper train! So okay din sya, at least I had no difficulties carrying them on the top bunk, and walang naka harang. Para mas convenient, I prepared my night essentials and put them na on my small backpack. I was able to wash my face, brush my teeth, do my nightly skincare before sleeping in the small cramped space! Btw, we were 6 people in this small train cabin! 😁


The Unlucky-Lucky Day. More than halfway our Euro summer trip, we were already in Budapest, biglang thunderstorm was in forecast on my Accuweather app. Everyday was a fashion challenge for me, pero tipong naeenjoy ko haha! What's the weather, what's in our activities for the day, ang daming conditions, but I still want to look stylish and comfy! So on that rainy day I made sure to wear my light jacket and bucket hat before heading out. 


Spot the Difference: If you will notice, nung umaga naka labas pa my shirt, but in the afternoon naka-tuck in nako. This is because wala pa kami napupuntahan, I tripped na agad sa riles ng tram! 😓😔😭 Huhu ang sakit super! As in flat na flat ako, so my lower shirt super naputikan coz again it was raining, also the shoe na tumama sa riles ang dumi dumi na, white pa naman! I also acquired sugat sa palm na pinang tungkod ko when I fell, and a huge platito sized PASA on my leg. :( Ate (like a typical Ate!) pulled me right away hindi pa ako nakaka hinga, haha! She said later on baka daw may dumaan kasi na train kaya natakot sya.

But kahit na injured na, carry on! Ayaw ko ma-BV and manira ng trip. So we stayed in a waiting shed for a few minutes, waiting for the rain to stop or at least humina man lang, then I cleaned my hands with alcohol, dabbed my shoes with white powder to hide the black marks (high school gala uniform hack, haha). Then I tucked my shirt which thank God hid naman the dirty parts! Still felt lucky that wala namang mas masamang nanyari kundi sugat lang at pasa na nag heaheal naman. And that my phone and camera na hawak ko that time hindi nasira! Buti nalang may screen protector ako, sobrang nag crack sya!



Sabi ni Ate eto na ang aking favorite train station, hahaha! Dyan ako humandusay for a few seconds, hoho! Now that I think of it, yun na ang worst thing that happened in this trip! 

Anyway, here is my usual "in transit" outfit: A comfortable loose top + midi skirt + sneakers. If not in this outfit, I also go for athleisure style with my comfy sweater or hoodie and joggers! Again, I was able to rewear these pieces for the rest of the trip so must-bring for me the black midi skirt and black joggers.



I think we went through about 6 long train rides (not including the short ones), 2 sleeper trains, 1 cruise, and 1 plane ride during the whole Eastern European trip! We were either on-the-road or on-the-go for almost 20 days! It was tiring draining, but we survived! Without losing anything and with just minor boo boos along the way!

There are things that I wished iniwan ko nalang sana sa house, or things na sana I did, but over-all, it was a pretty successful trip especially for my simple standards!! It's my first time in Europe, anyway!

If there's one thing I learned from this whole experience, it's that iba iba talaga ang tao. We often forget this, and set standards on what is the right way! Ate might prefer a huge backpack at sabi niya she hates dragging things, but ako I will prefer lugging multiple bags as long as my back is comfortable. Others will prefer na pak na pak ang outfit, while yung iba casual lang. May iba hindi mahilig talaga mag picture-picture and I encountered one, while yung iba taking photos is the major goal of why they travel. I can go on and on from choosing hotels over guest houses, taking cabs versus pure commute, but hahaba nato! Haha!

In the end, whichever you choose for your trip, congratulations! Because walang tama and mali. Beauty in diversity turns out to be not only when it comes to race or body-size, but also with our differences in choices and preferences especially when we travel. I think that's the beauty of exploring and getting out there--as we open ourselves up, we also get over our selves. Hindi lang tayo ang tao sa mundo.

So that's what I picked up with the Europeans in general during our short trip, they wouldn't really care. It can be taken negatively or positively, but for the latter, they are just minding their own business. Whether you choose to carry so much stuff on a "backpacking" trip, or wear clothes that are so "extra", or you suddenly cry in public--you wouldn't have to feel that people are prying on your every move. It's just the total opposite of what I've gotten used to here in our country where your business is everyone's concern. It can be a good thing when you need help with your bag, but also can be annoying when you just want to be invisible from time to time.

The world is so big that it's so impossible to pick the same things or experience the exact same moments. But more than being proud of our uniqueness, our stories, and our choices, to me being RESPECTFUL and even TOLERANT of others are even more admirable traits. 



And with that, thank you again for reading my stories. :) I hope I finally got my Euro blog groove back and continue writing!! Again, I still have my Europe Pasalubong Giveaway!! Catch you on the next train coz next blog, we're going to Sweden! 😁
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SHARING: My Korea Haul! (Summer 2018)

August 20, 2018, 6:26 am
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I cannot imagine going to Korea without shopping! They have the best selection of sneakers and beauty products, plus my family is super addicted to their snack called honey almonds.

During my recent trip, I only had 3 days in Seoul. The second day is already fully dedicated to work (Mimi Shop), and the last day is already my flight back to Manila. But bilang #teamavail, I made sure to maximize the few hours I had during our FIRST day kahit na mga 3pm na kami naka check in sa hotels. I just rested a bit, then ravan agad!


I will make a separate post on the places I went to during that few hours of free time in Seoul. Nagkalabasan talaga ang priorities pag tight sa time! Syempre hindi mawawala ang shopping!! Hehehe. So here are the stuff I was able to buy in Hongdae and Myeongdong:


1) Honey Butter Almonds - Random Grocery in Myeongdong

Ngayon ko lang nakita na may "sachet" style na pala to, siguro mga 6-10 pieces per pack lang sya! Super okay pang dagdag sa pasalubong, although naubos din ng family ko kasi parang mas masarap sya pag ganyang tingi size, hehehe.


2) Fila Disruptor 2 - ABC Mart in Hongdae

Ubusan to sa Fila Philippines, tapos ang resellers' price nya umaabot ng Php 6000+ na! But in Korea, asa Php 3500 lang sya, and complete pa ang sizes! I finally have a pair of this year's IT sneakers! 


3) Souvenirs from Korean network JTBC

Didn't buy these, but received them as gifts after filming for Mimi Shop! These are coloful notebooks, pens, and post-its. I am a sucker for stationeries so sobrang naappreciate ko sila!


4) Flowers and Transparent Shoulder Bag

More souvenirs from Mimi Shop, I kept these flowers because Winner Yoon himself handed them to us when we entered the shop! Meanwhile, the transparent bag is also a gift from the Mimi Shop cast, they all designed one bag each! I got Tony's artwork and will keep it forever! :) 


5) Korean wide spoon and metal chopsticks set

Another purchase in a random Myeongdong grocery. Ginagamit ko to sa noodles or pansit canton pag namimiss ko Korea! Hehehe.


6) Emerald Envelope Clutch

Another Mimi Shop gift from their sponsor Moietoii, a cute emerald leather envelope clutch. It feels luxurious!


7) More Mimishop souvenirs!

Of course I had to keep them! ~ Mimi Shop Counselling Card, magnetic name plate with our names in Hangeul which we had to wear during the whole show, and Mimi Shop stickers and photo prints!


8) Mugs!

They also gave us JTBC and Mimi Shop mugs, na buti hindi sila nabasag sa maleta ko! Gave them to my parents.


9) Skincare!

Hoarded my favorite Mediheal masks in Tea Tree, and bought these sheet masks with Song Joong Ki packaging just to try. Sana ok!


10) AstaTV Magazines 

Love the new covers!! Got a mix of Kpop and Kdrama covers including Park Seo Joon, Wanna One, BTS, and Lee Jong Suk.


11) Mimi Shop Hand Mirror and Hair Brush

Now in my vanity area. :)


12) For Sale! 

Hoarded these cute socks in Myeongdong, some of them are still available in my IG shop @shopanagon!


13) Pink pen with the Namsan Tower


14) Something In The Rain Red Umbrella

Also a pahabol gift from JTBC since Something In The Rain is one of their current shows! Tinyaga ko talaga yan maiuwi para Noona Feels. 😂☔


Read my past Korea travel posts!

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"HOCANCE": Staycation + Pax's Birthday Celebration!

August 22, 2018, 2:09 am
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I recently watched DaraTV and learned a new term for staycation which is "HOCANCE". According to Dara, Koreans use this to shorten Hotel + Vacance (or Vacation?). After all the travels, I was inspired from her vlog to have a real vacation just here in the city, with no itineraries but just to rest and enjoy the whole afternoon!

Sabi nga nila, I need a vacation from this vacation!


Last weekend, Pax invited me and our blog friends to her party in a bar in Quezon City. As a south kid, I always go home earlier and miss out on a lot of late-night happenings from my friends because I always fear commuting home after midnight. Just so I can enjoy this rare night out, I decided to book a room! So finally, it's also the perfect time to enjoy an afternoon of Me-Time. I ended up staying in Zen Rooms Millenia in Ortigas. Let me show you around my room! 

I booked a Studio Twin Room so my friend Ava can also crash in after the party. Since it's a budget hotel chain, I have zero expectations as long as I have a place to stay.


But when I entered my room for the night, it's so comfortable and clean in my standards! Not bad at all for its rate of just Php 1903 / night!




Upon entering, the toilet / shower room is just on the left. I am so used to the guest house life that when they call an accommodation as "budget", it meant having common comfort room with the other guests. But with Zen Rooms, you have an affordable room AND your own restroom! It felt like a luxury to me already.

It also has the usual full-length mirror, a dresser table with mirror, and a cupboard area with mini refrigerator and cabinets. Everything I needed at that time, minus the food hehe! I also had a lovely view of the city.



This is the restroom. It has one roll of toilet paper, a tabo which is very Pinoy, a hot-cold shower, and a bath towel. They did not provide us with toiletries, but I was prepared naman and had no problems with that. You can also purchase small shampoo bottle, soap, etc. in nearby convenience stores.





Towels are also provided:

Pros:
1) Very affordable room with your own restroom.
2) Rooms are very spacious!
3) Free WiFi.
4) Free use of gym and pool.
5) Near convenience stores and restos. Malls like Shang, Estancia, and Megamall are walkable.
6) Clean, air conditioned room.

Cons:
1) No toiletries were provided. 
2) Kumot is a bit thin I had to get up freezing in the middle of the night to lower the AC. 
3) Minor restroom boo boo in the middle of the night. Ava had hot shower but the drainage was so bad, water didn't go down so I had to shower outside the shower area which turned out to be clogged as well. Whole restroom was flooded the whole night haha! When I asked for help the next day, the receptionist took action right away and problem was solved in less than 30 minutes! Thank you!


I had so much plans listed for the afternoon since Pax's party is still at 10pm. Gusto ko pa mag spa, malling, eat out... But once I was settled in the room, ayaw ko na pala lumabas! Haha! I decided to just maximize my alone time, and brought out the pamper products from Watsons that I packed with me. I brought most of my stuff in my new Travelon bag and travel pouch. 




It's just an overnight stay, but I had so much stuff with me! Haha! Akala mo nasa byahe ako! 


ME-TIME WITH WATSONS

Went to a Watsons event last week in SM Aura where I learned about their new campaign "Make Time for #MeTime". Watsons support this self-care philosophy by providing wide product range for skin, beauty, hair, and health.

During the event, hardworking and inspiring ladies had a short talk on how they spend their me-time. My takeaway for the whole afternoon came from Ponds girl Ms. Apples Aberin: 

"If I don't take care of myself, I won't be my best self for others". 

Went to the event with Ava. First time to see her again since my Euro trip!

Vern and Verniece Enciso for Creamsilk, Raiza Contawi for Palmolive Expertique, Shamcey Supsup for Celeteque, and Apples Aberin for Ponds:

What are your favorite Watsons brands?

Thank you Neutrogena for my Deep Clean facial cleanser set! I love the acne control variant and brought it with my during my hocance!

TRAVELON'S FIRST STORE IN THE WORLD IS IN MANILA!

I just had to attend the launch of Travelon's first ever store in the world! And it happens to be in SM Megamall Fashion Hall!


Is this a key indicator that more Filipinos are now really into traveling? I know it's already a fact with all the wanderlust Instagram photos uploaded weekly, but what I didn't realize is that traveling is already so BIG in our country that a travel brand since 1978 will open their first stand-alone store here in Manila!


Travelon is best known for their premium anti-theft bags. With their own store, there are even more varieties and styles to choose from. Each of their bags are equipped with anti-theft features which include cut-proof straps, slash-proof fabrics, locking zippers and carabiners, and an RFID-blocking technology. 

After all my travels, I realized that stylish traveling is cool. BUT traveling with peace of mind and security is the best! Travelon is committed to make Travel Easier and Safer™. It doesn't hurt that they have stylish backpack and fanny packs too!



To know more about Travelon, follow us on FB: TravelonPhilippines and IG: Travelonph.

 Now back to my hocance....

So I just spent the whole afternoon watching Youtube videos of my local faves inside my room. I was so inspired that I also filmed a few inside my room, haha! Practice-practice mag vlog, hehehe.

When I got hungry, I wanted to eat out but then I passed by a 7Eleven after withdrawing from a nearby Metro Bank, and decided to just buy snacks and drinks that I can consume in my room. I had a relaxing time, walang distorbo, that when my friends arrived at around 8pm for pre-party dinner, I was already so energized!



Just next to our hotel building (btw Zen Room Ortigas is inside Goldland Millenia Suites) is a Korean restaurant called Jang Ga Nae! Sakto sobrang craving ako for Korean food! I met up with Ava and Tracy here for a hot and heavy dinner bago kami sumabak sa inuman, lol. Ang sarap nya! ❤ 


Pax's birthday is in 5YNCO Bar in Quezon City. Paul came in a few minutes after we arrived. Aside from us her blog friends, we were also with her cousins and neighbors. Ang saya that night! It has been a while since I went out ng ganung oras, had too much to drink (wag ako hamunin, har har), and went "home" before sunrise! WAAAH nakaka millennial! Hahahah!




Nakaka miss! We had a phase in our blogging life where we always go out, drink, and even go to videoke bars every weekend, haha! Kaya naging "Clingies" ang barkada name namin!! We were always together before.



Since I am still on a travel break (still waiting for colder months before flying again), I hope that I get to have more staycations or even just small trips around the city. If you're looking into staying in Zen Rooms, you can use my promo code ZENVIPANAGON to take 15% off your total bill. Budget na nga, may discount pa! Hehe! They also have branches in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even Brazil! Visit https://www.zenrooms.com to check the locations and rates.


At eto na talaga hahaha! Please don't be too harsh on me hahaha... I am ending this post with my first attempt to VLOG outside my Instagram Stories! Hahaha! Have a great week!

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Simple Steps To Help You Achieve Glass Skin

August 24, 2018, 12:20 am
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"Glass Skin" equates to poreless, dewy, translucent, and even healthy skin. It's no wonder why a lot are going gaga just to achieve it! I first heard about Glass Skin from Koreans I think almost a year ago. Amidst all the clamor for anything matte (lips, face, etc), here is a look that finally made me appreciate my oily skin. The key here is to look more natural and effortless.

There are several ways to fake glass skin through makeup, but I learned from yesterday's events that when you take care of your skin, Glass Skin becomes effortless! I am thinking of writing a separate post on how to achieve glass skin with makeup since I did need to cheat a little a little help for having uneven skin tone and acne marks. But for now, the base is important so let's focus on skincare!



I have a personal routine I am trying out for over a week now, but I've acquired new products from TWO events I attended yesterday that, coincidentally, are both about ACHIEVING GLASS SKIN! They are both brands that are already TRIED AND TESTED and RELIABLE and even CULT FAVES, but I have yet to try them out and testify on them myself.

Will you join me in this challenge?











DOUBLE CLEANSE

We've heard this too many times, but to me it's the most crucial. Thoroughly cleanse the face first from makeup, heavy duty sunscreen, and other oil-based dirt and grime. You can use oil, balm, micellar water, or Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths. These are especially formulated for sensitive skin to remove dirt and makeup without irritation.


Then we go to the usual facial foam cleanser, using either liquid or a bar of soap. Cetaphil has both Gentle Skin Cleanser and Gentle Antibacterial Bar variants that won't harm your skin, but will do the job.


TONE AND MOISTURIZE

We usually use so much products for our routine, but during yesterday's event with Sarah Lahbati, she said that she uses her Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for both toning and moisturizing. I love my toners so I suggest that you spritz a little on your face before the moisturizing part. They say that toners help your skin absorb the products more so they will work more effectively.


Celebrity Sarah Lahbati doing a glass skin skincare and makeup demo during yesterday's event in SM Makati:




EXTRA BOOST!

Need that extra boost? Super charged sheet masks are the quickest and most effective skincare regimen for me! Leaders, a Korean brand developed by top dermatologists in their country, is finally back here in Manila and soon will be available in Watsons, SM, etc. During yesterday's launch, I learned the nitty gritty details on how they created each Leaders sheet mask and variant--down to the cotton used for the mask, it has science!!


Moisture test proves that Leaders sheet mask give 50.58% added hydration to the skin with just one use!


On the spot demonstration of Leaders sheet mask versus another brand. The model approves of Leaders' size and adhesion to the face. 


PROTECT WITH SPF

I am excited to try this and hope it will be a good alternative to my current brand! The Cetaphil Sun Light Gel, like their other products, is lightweight and formulated for sensitive skin but with very high protection. It has a very good SPF 50+, water resistant, and fragrance-free. Make sure to use SPF before heading out daily at sayang naman all the skincare investments and efforts if you don't protect yourself against the sun!


Follow Cetaphil Philippinesand Leaders Philippinesfor more updates about these brands! ❤




I know it's still a case to case basis when it comes to skincare since we all have different skin types, conditions, and lifestyle, but the end goal here is that we take care of ourselves more so we can achieve not only our skin goals--but also a healthier body. Sleep early, drink lots of water, take in more good foods like fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and of course take care of your skin with a routine that you will truly follow daily. These are all basic stuff that I myself tend to either forget or tamad na tamad ako after a long day, haha! But for the sake of achieving that glow, I think they're worth it!

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Unexpected Korea Trip! My Hotel in Hongdae + Visited New Kdrama Locations

August 28, 2018, 2:34 am
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Don't we all dream of something like this?

One seemingly normal morning, and you get up on your usual wake up time since there were no events and meetings that day. You go through the usual social media notifications, friends' updates, and dog memes, and then open your email and swipe swipe swipe deleting spam mails. Then you saw an event invite with the title: Invitation To Join Mimi Shop Makeover.

Upon opening the email, you read through and your heart started pumping fast as it turns out to be an invitation to fly for free to South Korea and meet Sandara Park in her new show! 😱 Otoke! Is this real!?? Is this legit!? Of course it is, the email sender is from Viu Philippines!! You checked the dates alongside your calendar, still disoriented since you just woke up, and then realized that the flight just happened to be scheduled THE. NEXT. F. DAY.




Grabehan talaga. Every time I look back on this particular week, I still can't believe it actually happened.

I talk about it to friends and family members and still find myself shaking my head in disbelief. Parang about ibang tao yung kinkwento ko! Nangyari ba talaga yun? Parang pang series!

When I got the email, I said YES right away! Walang tatamaan na family birthday (or if meron man my fam will understand for sure!), wala din akong travels on that day, and ... Ang pinaka swerte ko sa lahat, MAY VISA AKO! Huhuhu.

The whole day I felt like I was hanging on a string. Viu said I needed to convinve JTBC that I am fit for the job. I answered all the emails from Viu and JTBC as swiftly as I can. I sent in photos, answered their essays, forwarded my links, etcetera, cinareer ko to lahat. Wala na akong time to go out to have my hair colored or to thread my brows--ayaw ko din naman! Dapat sure na sure ako na lilipad ako before I even pack my bags or plan my outfits, at mahirap na masobrahan sa excitement tapos di pala ako tuloy (mashaket, haha!).

So when I received a text that JTBC (a Korean network like ABSCBN and GMA) gave me the sign of approval, I felt that I was one giant step closer to Seoul. I remembered that sun was about to set na nun, but I was still waiting for our plane tickets before I can even pack my bags! I wanna see it first bago ako maniwala! Haha!

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FLIGHT DAY!
August 8, 2018

Ang aga ng flight namin, first flight out to Seoul around 7ish am. Buti nalang most of my basic travel stuff from Euro trip nasa bag ko pa. I met the winner of Viu Philippines' contest (Pam) and the rep for Viu PH (Ate Michelle). Our flight was on time, and our airline was Airasia. My outfits were packed the last minute, and my brows were still bushy af. My mom said that I can just shop for clothes in Korea or look for a threading salon during our free time. They were just minor worries swimming at the back of my head. Ang nasa isip ko talaga noon HALA LALABAS AKO SA KOREAN TV!!! KINAKABAHAN AKO!!!

I swear I was planning a winter Korea trip late this year, and never ever thought I will be riding this airport bus this soon! Thank you Lord!!!

OUR HOTEL IN HONGDAE

Another pleasant surprise when we arrived in our hotel, solo solo kami ng rooms! Yey! I had a little quiet time just hydrating (sobrang init sa labas!), unpacking, and planning my day. Super init pa sa labas nun!



So we're staying in Hongdae, in one of the many boutique hotels in the area. I've stayed in L7 before, but in Myeongdong during our KTO tour with fellow bloggers. L7 Hongdae by Lotte is also as clean, comfortable, and beautiful. I highly recommend this hotel chain!

The ground floor is just bare with artsy wall paintings, you had to go to a higher floor for the check-in and reception area which is so pretty but I had no chance to take photos of (lol).



When I entered my room, I was so tempted to just stay in and rest! Haha! 



The soft bed and pillows:

My bedside table where I eat my meals and put on my makeup:

There's a flatscreen TV, a mini ref, a water heater and 2 drip coffee, plus fresh robes and towels:




I will always be your budget travel girl living in hostels and dorms and getting by with common shower rooms... But with my work, I am so so so grateful that I get to experience traveling comfortably too! Yey for clean and private restroom!





And of course, I had a lovely view of the city + the tiny Namsan Tower from my window:

I promised to stay in for just 30 minutes, but time flew that I went out almost an hour after. Ang sarap sa aircon!! I saw a Line Friends x BT21 store right next to our hotel, so I decided to go in and check it out already since it might just be my only chance to do so. True enough, our arrival day is also our only free day!! If you only have a few hours in Seoul, what will you do? What I planned out that day might just be my answer!

How To Go: L7 Hongdae by Lotte
141 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea
Go down Hongik University Station, Exit 1


LINE FRIENDS x BT21 HONGDAE



I've been to Line Friends x BT21 store in Itaewon last Spring, where they had a cafe. I was so hungry na at that time so I thought baka meron din sila dito sa branch nato, but they only have the merch. I went around parin just to check the price tags and if they have new stuff. They have a BT21 Converse sneakers collab!










How To Go: Line Friends Flagship Store Hongdae
141, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 
11:00AM - 10:00PM
Go down Hongik University Station, Exit 1

Since they do not have a cafe in the store, I decided to just Google Maps my way to another famous cafe in Hongdae...



THE 1ST SHOP OF COFFEE PRINCE


I know this is not a new drama, but honestly I haven't been here during my past Korea trips! Since we were staying in Hongdae, I made sure to have my lunch here, or whatever meal they are serving in this cafe.
 







A lot has been said about this cafe online, and mostly negative comments about the steep price and the rude owner or how it was not maintained, but my time here was not that bad. The owner immediately went out as I was walking toward the backdoor which is the entrance to the shop. I saw him do the same thing when I was in the middle of eating my chocolate cake, and a group of three girls were walking aimlessly outside. I wanted to show them that the coffee or my cake is good just so may kasama na ako sa loob (the couple left a few minutes when my coffee was served) but they turned around and just left. Hay. 

Hindi na sya gaano katao and although medyo tinarayan din ako ni owner when I asked if he can take my picture (Alam kong dapat umorder muna as said in online reviews, but this time umorder naman ako pero dapat maubos ko muna food ko! Haha!), I was still hoping for the best for one of this classic Kdrama cafe.

Sharing my own pictures then screen caps of scenes from the KDrama:











Mr. Owner eventually took my picture, btw! Haha! It wasn't the best but that's the "souvenir" from this experience!








A preview of their menu and price list:

How To Go: The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince
 Go down Hongik University Station, Exit 6
Copy-paste then follow this on your Google Maps:
37.554533, 126.929283

I passed by Gyeongui Line Book Street, location for I Am Not A Robot park scene which I already visited last Spring:



And journeyed on a loooong train ride and walks for my new Kdrama locations:




ABDUCTION HOUSE / SECRETARY KIM'S CHILDHOOD HOUSE

I am on a Kdrama drought this year, but What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? turned it around a bit with interesting plot and cute characters! Since it's a new drama, I decided to check out one of its crucial locations which turned out to be in an abandoned neighborhood in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do...far from the lively streets of Hongdae and Myeongdong!


Scene from the Kdrama:






And another one from the Kdrama:

Medyo kinakabahan ako while I was trying to navigate and look for the actual houses. Ang hirap, medyo nakakatakot yung area at walang tao. Ang daming dead ends and areas na nakatakip na ng malalaking tarp, plus medyo may amoy na masangsang sa ibang eskinita.





After looking around, and passing by the same houses 3-4 times already, I decided na enough na yun and just left.





How To Go: Uijeongbu station, Exit 7
Copy-Paste and follow this on your Google Maps: 37.732257, 127.053169
Since abandoned area sya, pls take extra measures! Don't go there at night. Better if you have a friend with you when you visit. And prepare for a bit of a walk from the train station.


Alam nyo talaga super tiring all the walks and the train transfers I did that day. But grabe, walang katulad talaga every time I look out and see the view of Seoul. It's so breathtaking!


Artsy stuff inside the Gyeongbokgung Station:




SOMETHING IN THE RAIN LOCATION (POSTER SCENE)



Sabi ko sa sarili ko last nalang before I head back to my hotel. I was extra tired na by this time because ang layo layo pala nung Abduction House, plus ang init sa labas tapos biglang lamig inside the trains. Kinikilabutan talaga ako. Ginabi nako going to my final Kdrama stop, pero naisip ko okay nadin. At least ganun din naman yung setting ng next stop ko in the drama!






I continued walking and walking around the area. Alam nyo picture nalang ako ng picture ng mga lamps at naisip ko basta dito lang yun okay na yan kahit hindi exact. To my surprise, I saw the sign (literal na signage!):




Grabe talaga ang luck ko sa ganito! ❤ Kahit nahihiya ako, I approached a couple for a photo!


How To Go: Gyeongbokgung Station, Exit 1/2
Look for Sejong Village Food Street. It's a short strip of Korean restos where you can also have your dinner.

Are there pieces still yet to be discovered 
With your love
 I can see anything through 
Wherever you are 
I can feel you
🎵🎵🎵

I may be tired, but I was super energized I decided to end my lucky day in Myeongdong to shop. Then I ate in my favorite karinderya in Seoul before heading back for my hotel.

Hot bowl of authentic spicy ramyeun with cheese in Pomato:

The following day, I received 2 comments on my Instagram Mimi Shop guesting posts asking me either kung ano ba ang ginawa ko sa past life ko or I must have saved a whole nation to get this lucky. It got me thinking and thanking whichever force lead me to this. Old self, thank you thank you thank you talaga for whatever you've done or sacrificed for me to enjoy all these! 



Watch my Instagram Stories:

Next Post: Mimi Shop BTS!

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40 Fave Finds at www.tobys.com | Happy 40th, Tobys!

August 31, 2018, 12:19 am
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My family has always been based in the south, and long before we had sports stores in our main malls (Festival and ATC), we've always had Toby's Sports.

Last night, I celebrated with Toby's Sports as they marked their 40th year anniversary with a grand party called "It's Game Time". The event was held in a huge venue in Metrowalk Ortigas, graced by Toby's supporters from all walks of life: from the big bosses, employees, franchisees, partners, athletes, and us their media partners. They commemorated all the people that were part of their four successful decades in the industry. It also coincides with the retirement of Toby's chief executive officer Mr. Bobby Claudio.

Sharing photos from last night's event, and my "if I have the money" list of stuff I am eyeing in Toby's!



Enjoyed the event with my forever buddy, Ava! Dress code is sporty, which I forgot, but buti nalang I am ALWAYS in sporty ootds! Haha!

Like a true sports brand, a party is not complete without a Players Lounge! They have this set-up in two corners of the venue!


Events hosts Vince and Michelle:

Barangay Ginebra Players were also there, can you spot Trice, Seph, and me in this photo? Haha! This was flashed in the huge screen onstage.



They awarded their employees who've been with them for 30 to 35 years! Grabe ang galing lang their dedication, which says a lot about this passionate brand!



We ended the night with good music from a local band discovery The Juans. They also had UST's Gawi and Gary V perform last night!

Today, Toby's Sports has over 50+ stores nationwide. They also extended their well-curated sports and fitness shopping experience online, through www.tobys.com. I browsed their website, and saw a lot of stuff that filled my "wishlist". And so, to celebrate their 40 years, I am sharing my FORTY personal favorites from their online platform.

Browse through, you might find something you need too!

1) To make my sneakers even more comfortable:

2) No more tripping on loose shoelaces: 

3-5) White sneakers that are not only stylish, but also comfortable for long walks:




6) I've always wanted to own a comfortable pair of pink sneakers! 🌸

7) Chunky sneakers trend!

8-10) I will never have enough of black sneakers! Whenever I travel, I prefer black shoes since they are not dumihin, they match all my outfits, and I make sure they have mesh material for guaranteed comfort.




11) Cute lifestyle sneakers that I can wear with my skirts and dresses:

12-14) I've overused my Adidas slides for almost 4 years now, so I am sure di masasayang if I get these black pairs.




15-17) Lightweight and quality Adidas and Nike tights / pants for workout or for travels:




18-20) Since I am always in sneakers.




21-22)  Ideal airport outfit for me: oversized men's Adidas hoodies or jackets:



23-25) Still not over the fanny pack trend! So stylish and practical:




26) Neutral Adidas cap that I can sport during bad hair days:

27-29) Logo Mania! I love adding a statement sporty piece when I style my outfits:




30-32) Gym at home! Toby's Sports also carries exercise equipment like treadmill, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and even pilates balls, weights, etc.




33) Shoe-care products from Crep:

34) Classic Nike sports bra:
 

35-36) Overnight and gym Adidas backpacks:


 

37-39) Oversized sports tees (men's and women's) that I usually wear with my skirts:




40) Cooling towel that I usually bring when I go to the gym and even for travels as they dry quickly!

"Toby's Sports is here not just to provide you with the gear that you need, but more importantly, to inspire you to succeed. In sports and life, WE GOT THIS," Toby Claudio, President of Quorum International Inc, the parent company of Toby's Sports.


Congrats again, Toby's Sports!


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BTS of My Mimi Shop Makeover Experience! (More Photos, Conversations, Etc.)

September 3, 2018, 5:55 am
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Let me take you back to the night before the shoot day.

I was keeping everything to myself. I tried so hard not to post too much information online partly because we might not be allowed to post yet, and also partly because I still can't believe this will actually happen to me. And if in case it won't push through, at least hindi ako mapapa hiya haha!



I was back in my hotel room at almost 12mn. Medyo natakot ako na baka hindi ako makatulog agad coz I usually sleep super late as in 3am to 5am. I guess it's a good decision na pinagod ko talaga sarili ko that day para bagsak kaagad sa kama that night. I made sure to take a warm bath so I won't get sick, paid extra attention to my skincare (I don't want unnecessary new pimple when I wake up!), and most importantly to set my phone's alarm on full blast!

The next day, on cue to my alarm, I got up with my game face on. 👊

Sumilip kaagad ako outside the window of my hotel room, and saw the Namsan Tower at a distance. Ang ganda. I conditioned myself that it's going to be a goodgreat day! I felt energized after all the walks from the day before, and buti nalang talaga my call time is not till 12:45pm so waking up at 9am is not too early for me. Sakto lang, naka pahinga and still had enough time to prepare and even eat my breakfast.

Nakatawid pa ako sa CU to buy egg sandwiches and fruits:


I mentioned in my blog post before this that JTBC, the Korean producer for Mimi Shop, asked me to send in photos and answer a questionnaire. Here are some of the photos I emailed to them when they asked for my skincare and makeup.


Nakaka tawa kasi not even HALF of that nadala ko sa show! They just needed my makeup pouch with 5 MAXIMUM products! But I brought everything with me, and with no regrets! I was able to use them while getting ready.


I am not an expert on makeup but I know that red looks good on me. I played it safe and just put on my usual lip and cheek tint.


I was ready in no time, and still had the luxury to lounge and think.


I headed out about 5 minutes before our call time, carrying my cute floral Spacetastic packing cube as my makeup and skincare pouch. Cute kasi para syang naging kikay attache case.

I knew it was our van when two other girls carrying their tripod and camera entered it. I was with other vloggers and grammers from South East Asia where VIU app operates. Our van looks like an artista van, and nakakakilig seeing the special treatment they are giving us. Nakaka Kpop star lang! Best foot forward, I entered the van last with a huge smile on my face.



We had the usual "getting to know you", as we introduced ourselves and what country we're from. I was with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. I wanted to talk more just to lessen the tension of where we're heading to, but pretty much the whole ride was quiet. The coordinator from Singapore sat beside me, so I had a little chat with her and was able to ask where the shop is.

"It just a few blocks away from here." Oo nga naman! Haha. They booked us in a conveniently located hotel.

It was drizzling when we got out of the van and ran inside a cafe. It is right next to Mimi Shop, so this cafe is the usual waiting area of all their guests. Inside, I met more people behind the show.



Everything's fast paced from thereon. They offered us our lattes, checked our makeup kits, and covered with black tape all the visible brands from our makeups, our gadgets, and even our clothes. I also met Thailand's social media personality Mhunoi as we were seated on the same table. It's easy to feel comfortable with her, she even made me try a Thai face mist from her kit. We also talked about social media in our own countries. The staff then distributed magnetic IDs with our Korean names, and helped us wear and secure our lapels. We were given last minute instructions, and before we knew it, it was time to go in!

It was drizzling again when we went outside. I heard my co-b/vloggers that it was raining, but I was sporting a cap so it did not affect me that much. Instead, I was screaming inside! This is it! This is it! I was trying so hard to contain my fan-girling feels while trying to film the whole experience with my Instagram story.

We walked side by side to the shop, and although onscreen it seemed like we were alone, I can see everyone at a distance. All the camera crew with their huge tripods, far in front of us standing in close proximity to the shop's entrance. I can hear the drone circling right above us. I see the fans right behind the camera crew with their phones up waiting for us to open the door to the shop.



We were instructed to linger a bit outside before getting in, so I took a selfie as shown above. Mhunoi from Thailand was calling me for a group shot while I was on my Instagram Stories. Nagkaka gulo na kami lahat at may kanya kanya nang cameras and documentation! Haha!



Then we walked inside and heard it, the lines I've heard so many times in the show!

"Annyeonghaseyo! Welcome toooo... Mimi Shop!"

And right in front of me is the whole cast of the show! I can't believe it, I was spazzing the whole time! "AHHHHH!!!!!" check my Instagram stories from this day ang ingay ko haha!

A cute blonde guy, Winner's Yoon, handed each of us a small bouquet of flowers which I kept with me till now that it's all dried up on a desk in my room!

Sandara Park aka Dara aka the Pambansang Krung Krung aka my style icon lead us to the receiving area. If you want to see more pictures of Mimi Shop (a mini tour + location details), I blogged about it HERE.

Cheer up! Cheer up!


Dara showed to us the English menu of Mimi Shop. She's so cute and entertaining!

Yoon asked us if we want anything to drink, and I picked his recommendation (a traditional Korean rice drink called sikhye).

They also made us answer a form where we get to analyze our skin conditions and makeover preferences.


Then it's time for a Mimi Shop tour! Before proceeding, Korean model Jin Kyung noticed our bags and remembered that they have cute lockers! She offered to store them so we can enjoy our time with no hassles. Tony joked about having lockers with no locks, but we don't have to worry because our bags are too big to fit his pockets! 😜😆





Everyone went with the whole crowd, so I stayed behind with Alicia of Malaysia, Tony, and Dara. I was comfortable with Dara nung inunahan ko na sya ng Tagalog. "Dara kinakabahan ako." Natawa naman sya, hehe!

I think Alicia and I are lucky that we had a longer time with Dara! Dara said that the reception area is her hiding spot. Pag wala pa daw customers, she has a stash of chocolates underneath her desk hehehe. 

She also said that most of the toys on display in the shop are from her collection! Ang cute, now that she mentioned it napansin ko nga na everything's very Dara inside Mimi Shop!




Again, see more of the Mimi Shop tour on THIS post!


Eventually, everyone gathered around the beauty area to start the makeover session. We formed a circle and introduced ourselves one by one--telling the group our name and what we do. Parang recollection! Hehehe.

Tony then asked us, "Who wants to try freckles?" and Anya of Indonesia volunteered. She was immediately transformed by actress Shin So Yul, whom I will now call the master in creating faux freckles! Hehe! After watching the most recent Mimi Shop episodes, I realized that faux freckles is one of their newest makeup project for a magazine shoot where So Yul gave Cheetah a natural look for a change!

Makeup Tip: Use powder instead of pencil to draw the freckles for a more natural effect.






Here's the finished look! 

When the ice finally broke, everyone took turns for their transformation. Each one of us were assigned to a different celebrity. Dara asked who wants to try pineapple hair, and hindi na ako nagpa tumpik tumpik! I raised my hand right away! Hahaha! 👋👋👋

We went to another section of Mimi Shop dedicated for hair dressing. Sabi niya hindi sila usually nag aayos ng hair, at makeup lang talaga the past episodes. I felt so honored!!!

We Kdrama and Kpop fans know this so well, that their celebs are not easy to meet. Hindi yung makaka salubong mo lang basta sa mall like our Filipino celebs. That's why a short moment with Sandara who even styled my hair to her signature 2NE Pineapple hairstyle, sobra sobra pa sa expectations ko ito!

Dara: "Parang first time ko ito." (to create the Pineapple hair for another person)

I may have some of the moments recorded on my Instagram stories, but bulk of it were kept off-cam. Mas comfortable din kasi siyempre yung artist pag hindi lagi may naka tapat na camera. I'll share a few of the conversations that I can remember when Dara was fixing my hair


Small Talks with Dara!

Me: Ate edi marunong ka din dapat mag makeup sa sarili mo? (Syempre Tinagalog ko na sya, and syempre tinawag ko pa syang Ate hahahah out of respect)
Dara: Oo. Nung nag punta ako sa Switzerland ako lang lahat yun. Wala ako kasamang makeup artist.
Me: Wow! (recalling her Instagram posts in Switzerland)

Dara: Mahilig ka din ba sa Kpop?
Me: Maka Kdrama ako Ate. Kdrama girl talaga ako.
Dara: O?
Me: Pinanood ko Ate yun Cheese in the Trap, nung asa Daegu kayo.
Dara: Yun movie? Edi walang subtitle!

Dara: Sino sino na ba mga icons ngayon sa Philippines? (style and beauty)
Me: Sila padin ate, sila Anne Curtis. Hmm... Nadine Lustre...
Dara: Naku wala na talaga akong updates.

Syempre todo photo shoot na ako after the makeover! Hehe!




For our final session, it was our turn to share the beauty trends in our own countries. Ang cool din coz it's Mimi Shop's way to pick-up makeup ideas and inspiration from other parts of the world. Although this part talaga ang pinaka nagpanerbyos sakin! Feeling ko nagkalat ako! Haha!

I have no picture of my pouch and what I brought with me but even though most of the stuff showcased by my fellow social media personalities are high-end brands like NARS or MAC, I made sure that I have almost ALL FILIPINO BRANDS to showcase to them kahit natakpan lang din naman pala yung brands haha. I had my Careline tint, BLK tint, and even my pouch is Spacetastic. 

The Philippine makeup trends that I shared when it was my turn are the "drunk blush" look and the celebrities coming up with their own makeup line or makeup collabs. 
Jin Kyung: "Like Rihanna?" Me:"Yes!" 

Dara asked me kung sino-sino na ang mga artistang may makeup line, so I mentioned names and bigla nyang inask, "Vice Ganda?" Hehehe! Ang galing! 


I was able to try the Melona drink thanks to Yoon who always served us drinks during breaks! He is super cool, and always had a camera with him parang b/vlogger din sya that time! Hehe.

Dara jokingly asked kung "Ilang bottles of San Miguel beer?" before I did the Drunk Blush makeup on her, haha! She's so cute and accommodating, kahit honestly nung una hiyang hiya ako makeupan sya and touch her poreless face!

Me:"Sorry I am not used to putting makeup on another person..."
Dara: "Okay lang yan it's also my first time din to do that (pointing to my hair)"

Awww Dara! Sana mabasa mo to one point in your life hahaha, thank you so much talaga! Salamat!! I know kagulo ako noon but you were so nice!!! I will never forget this talaga!

Dara pretending to be drunk after getting a Drunk Blush so everyone's just laughing! 😄

After the segments, we had free time where we can take selfies, more pictures, and even videos with the celebrities. Kagulo na nito pero ang saya! I made sure to take as much "souvenirs" as I can, and everyone's game with all our photo and video requests! 🙏 

Tony in the middle of all the selfies: "So many hand phones!!"😂😀😆😄
Welcome to the world of social media girls!! Haha!











Before heading out, they even handed us gifts! Hala sobrang nakaka overwhelm na talaga! They are personalized PVC bags (I got Tony's artwork), a leather clutch, and some Mimi Shop merch. When it was time to say goodbye, I don't want to leave yet! Haha!






Media interview with the girls after our shoot. We all agree on one thing, we did not feel that we're being filmed not only because the cameras are well hidden, but also because these superstars treated us as if we're friends!



With my dear Mhunoi from Thailand. :) Thank you so much for being so friendly and for all your interesting stories!

We had Thai food for dinner with bosses from JTBC and Viu! I wasn't able to take pictures na by this time, but it was also a memorable meal with conversations on social media in our different countries, our favorite Korean dramas, and our experiences inside Mimi Shop!



It's almost a month na since this happened, and I am still not over it and I don't think I'll ever will!! They just released the episode about two days ago (which you can watch here or direct on your VIU app - Mimi Shop Episode 19 Going Global), and it brought me back to that day in Seoul. 

Ang dami kong natutunan from this experience, but I'll share a few takeaways siguro to end this blog with a heart. 

I know sobrang cliche, but I learned to believe in myself more after that experience. Nag muni muni ako when I got back in my hotel room after everything and iniisip ko na grabe ang daming mas deserving sa akin na mas magagaling or malalaking social media personalities, but my friends and even my Instagram followers made me feel otherwise. Sobrang swerte ko sa support nyo. My best friend said that I won't even be there if it's not meant for me. I ended the night just feeling extra grateful na bilog ang bola--we all have equal chances in this world.So keep on working hard and just hold on to those dreams no matter how impossible they may seem now. 

Sandara Park just fixed my hair in a beauty shop in Seoul....anything is possible dudes!!!!



 LINKS

My Viu Mimi Shop Makeover Instagram Stories
Mimi Shop Episode 19: Going Global


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Got You Girl! +GIVEAWAY!

September 4, 2018, 12:43 am
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Ladies, we all go through a lot of things and no one can really fully understand us.. Unless she is a woman too. 🙋


I am glad that through blogging, I have found a CONSISTENT and dependable friend who understands me and will always be there for me. From celebrating the littlest achievements, to listening to my rants, Ava is a friend that showed me that "Girls Supporting Girls" is possible!




When it comes to the women's most intricate body part, pH Care understands us. As the country's leading brand of feminine wash, pH Care provides women the proper TLC we need with a natural anti-bacterial solution proven to provide protection against odor, itch, and irritation. 

I always have a pack of pH Care Feminine Wipes (with Guava Leaf Extract) inside my bag:

They recently sent me this pH Care loot that comes in twos, which I will happily share to my girl Ava when we meet this week!

Want your own box of pH Care goodies? I #GotYouGirl!

To join, just post this photo on your Instagram stories with the hashtag #GotYouGirl, and tag me @anagon so I will see your entries! 

Will announce the winner next week, good luck and see you on Instagram! ❤


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SOMEWHERE IN STOCKHOLM: Expensive Food, Modern and Medieval, Etcetera.

September 7, 2018, 3:03 am
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I miss going to an unfamiliar place. The past months I've been traveling to countries I've already been to, and although it's a different city or season, you can't take away the sense of fulfilment or should I say "adventure" when you go to a totally different continent, with a different language, currency, culture, and timezone!





My trip to Europe must be one of the highlights or even my low-key achievement for 2018. I know most of my readers are Korea enthusiasts, so when I offered something new on the table I really felt the difference haha! I got direct messages from people asking when I am going back to Korea even when I am in whole new and exciting destination! Hahaha kayo talagaaa! 😂❤ The lack of interest by maybe half of my usual readers / Instagram followers made me savor this trip even more though. It's not Seoul, it's not even the expected Paree, but it is MY personal trip with my sister which made it even more special to me.

 It's not easy to go here, aside from the long haul flight, all the pre-travel requisites involved were just too tedious (from visa to saving up). Being there overwhelmed me as we don't have any off-days. But now that I am back in my room typing these and looking back on that trip, everything's worth it! I am silently wishing I will have the strength to go through all these again next year (visa and saving up) so I can explore other parts of the great European continent! (I am eyeing you Amsterdam!)







But before we go side-tracking from the main objective of this blog post, allow me to take you to those beautiful summer days in Stockholm. It's our very first stop in the Great European Escape with just me and my sis, so Stockholm somehow symbolized sweet freedom in our journey.





From experience, I would highly recommend anyone going to Europe to try their FREE walking tours. My OC Ate made sure to signup for us in almost all cities we went to (except one) prior our flight (reservations required). 

I am not sure if my readers are also information buffs, but joining at least one in every city we went to gave me more insights about the place in less than 1/4 of the day and I loved it. Since we're just exploring by foot, we were able to check out more places at no cost. To add value to these free tours, I'd say the only city na hindi kami sumili sa walking tour was my least favorite during the whole trip!! Haha! Parang walang laman when you just walk around and take pictures, but well that's just me!





Little peculiar tidbits of Stockholm were revealed to us during the walking tours, and I think these made me love Sweden more than just knowing it's the home of H&M or IKEA or even my travel backpack Fjallraven Kanken. Like how you suddenly like a person more after seeing his flaws, Sweden and the Swedish people became real to me. 

Sharing some of these interesting Stockholm trivias:

1) In a vague history of Stockholm, a kidnapping occurred where victims actually took pity of their captors. Call that EMPATHY LEVEL 100!!! They called this the Stockholm Syndrome.

2) Swedish are known to HATE small talks that the only words that you need to know are "Hey! Hey!". Look away, and you won't even be seen as rude, hehehe.. so me!! 😂

3) They say that anything romantic in Sweden is sort of disgusting! A way to say "I love you"?
"You are the person that I hate the least." !!! 😂

4) Sweden is also one of the least religious countries in the world. Most Swedish define themselves as irreligious but spiritual.

5) Swedish are desperate for sun. During the winter, Stockholm has only about 5 hours of daylight. When we went there, it was summertime so you'll see lots of locals lounging in public parks and even cemeteries--in groups and even on their own!



6) If you're also a music love like me, well, Sweden is the world's largest music distributor! A lot of internationally acclaimed artists are from Sweden--from ABBA to Avicii! Also, did you know that Spotify is from Sweden!?




7) Stockholm is a good combination of modernized and historical. Castles are very well-preserved here, and at the same time, they formed a "Council of Beauty" to prevent their skyline from being ruined by buildings!!



8) And lastly, and my most favorite trivia, is the Swedish concept of FIKA. They consider making time for fika everyday an ESSENTIAL. This means making time for friends to share a cup of coffee (or tea)! ☕



These are just less than 1/4 of the stuff I picked up during our free walking tours. It may be true or just stereotypes, but here's a sure fact: You'll see bodies of water here and there as Sweden is built on FOURTEEN different islands connected by 57 bridges!




We arrived in Sweden via train from Norway, and sun has already set so it must be almost midnight. It was a cool summer night, and our walk to our guest house is a bit ma-effort, but since it's just the first part of our trip, I had so much energy in me to drag my bags. Later on in this trip, Europe's cobblestone roads and my luggage were simply my least favorite combination.

We had baon of sandwiches, chocolates, vegetable sticks, and water from my Tita in Norway, so naka tipid kami sa train!

Ate made a new friend hehehe:

I was listening to Avicii during the whole ride. I know that EDM is "not me", but sobrang feel na feel ko sya knowing that we're heading to Stockholm!

Hostels

We stayed in two hostels in Stockholm. Ate booked Generator Hostel for just a night because it's nearer the train station where we hopped off at about 12 midnight.




Sadly, hindi ko manlang nakilala fully this hostel coz we immediately checked out the next day to transfer to a private room in another hostel.

I took the upper bunk since most of the beds were already taken when we entered the room in the middle of the night. Ang dyahe talaga pag guesthouse but that's part of it and the price to pay for staying in a fairly cheaper accommodation, so wala namang nagalit!! Imagine super dilim na as I tried to unzip my luggage and take out stuff in plastic bags--and although super small na ng movements ko ang ingay padin hahaha!

But anyway, I was able to take a hot bath, sleep well, and even charge my gadgets, so when I woke up the next day, I opened the curtain right beside my bed and gosh sobrang blown away ako with the view. Asa Europe talaga ako!


Bye room for a night!
Generator Hostel - About Php 2000ish / head / night.

Ate and I transferred to City Backpackers for a private room--just walking distance from our first hostel. Perks of having a travel companion is that we can split most expenses, including our accommodations, so I don't have to be in bunk beds all the time. Our total gastos for 2 nights in our second guesthouse is just Php 5,500 each so diba ganun nadin halos nung asa dormitory type kami.



What a quaint place!









The lock to our room is ala Korea na passcode type. It's just a small box room but we had it to ourselves so finally okay lang na mag ingay, haha! Wala syang own CR, but just across our door is the toilet so walang problema when I needed to pee in the middle of the night hehe. Showers are also all over the guesthouse, and again wala kaming naging problema either maaga ba kami magising or almost walang naliligo when we were there. Haha!





Retro staircase heading to their shower rooms:


On our first full day, we joined TWO walking tours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They have tours in English and Spanish, and it often takes only around 2 hours max--We had a lot of time to ourselves in between, and also at the end of the day. Again and again, highly recommended if you want more information not on the internet, and to meet people from different countries (Philippines represent! Hehe!). Ate was also able to ask for tips like dinner places and where to go for good beer haha!

 CITY TOUR
- Main streets Drottninggatan and Kungsgatan
- Hötorget, Haymarket
- The Concert Hall
- Kungsträdgården, The King’s Garden
- The tour ends close to Old Town and the Royal Palace

SÖDER TOUR
(Trendy or hipster tour)
- Medborgarplatsen
- Götgatan
- Katarina Church
- Monteliusvägen







Yung systema after a tour is the guide will end with his closing, often times with witty side remarks, and ask us for tip of any amount.

Find out more about Stockholm's Free Walking Tour Here.



Of course, after "school" haha (felt like we were in a class field trip during the walking tours), it's nice to be on our own again!! Saktong balance lang of info overload + chill.

Our last stop was in the area of the Royal Palace where we witnessed a marching band.


Where did we go when we were left on our own?

GAMLA STAN

The name of our hostel room is also my favorite part in Stockholm. Gamla Stan aka Old Town is where Stockholm was founded. It is also the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe.



Searching for the Stortorget or the center was also a treat, with the narrow cobblestone streets only for pedestrians, handicraft stores with pretty window displays, and local cafes and restaurants with facades straight from the Middle Ages. My gosh, people use "every corner is Instagram worthy" one too many times but I can't help but to also use this description for Gamla Stan!








"Feel the wings of history over a cup of coffee in our medieval cellar vault"


FOTOGRAFISKA

After all the walks and the hot summer sun, a stopover in Fotografiska was meant to be. It's the centre for contemporary photography in Södermalm, with unique exhibitions, a cafe, and a souvenir shop.

They had a video viewing lounge showing polar bears suffering from climate change. Ate and I decided to take our time in this room and enjoy the bean bags and aircon, while watching the sad film. Another favorite as a Beatles fan is the Linda and Mary McCartney photo exhibit. It felt as if we just received their permission to peep through their private family photo albums from the 80s.












STOCKHOLM SUBWAY ART 

You must really be in a first world country when even underground subway stations are tourist attractions! 

Tunnelbana, or Stockholm's metro, is the LONGEST ART EXHIBITION in the world. Around 90 of a hundred of their stations have works of art in different medium (I noticed mostly paintings). Ate and I went to the popular ones in what I call our "train station hopping" afternoon. What I like about this part in our itinerary is that we were indoors most of the time. (ang init sa labas)


Central Station

Kungsträdgården Station

Rådhuset

Solna

Meeting an old guy from Baghdad in Solna:

Thorildsplan


Universitetet




Stadion


We purchased this Stockholm Access Card or reloadable tap card to go train hopping.


STOCKHOLM'S CITY HALL

Built from EIGHT MILLION BRICKS. Stockholm's City Hall is one of the most visited sites in the city, and also one of their most famous. They have available tours and wonderful views from the tower, but Ate and I just went around the compound on our own.




ROYAL PALACE

The Royal Palace or Stockholm Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. It dates back to the 18th century, and one of the most impressive palaces in the world!







VASAMUSEET

Vasa is a wooden warship, the largest in the history of Swedish fleet, that you will now find in the Vasamuseet. Inside the museum is a legit vikings ship that capsized and sank in 1628! I was so amused by how large it is and seeing all the intricate details of a boat! Entrance fee is at SEK 130 or around Php 750.







FOOD TRIP!

I guess half of the best parts during our Euro trip is all the food we tried!! Walang talo, super sarap lahat! Most of the restaurants we went to were part of Ate's research, but may random ones din that we tried because we were already tired and hungry.

Here's a list of the cafes and restos we tried in Stockholm!


Pizzeria in Gamla Stan
Serving sizes are big!! Good for sharing, matakaw lang talaga ako so I usually order a dish all to myself hahaha. Pwede din mag takeout.



Falafelbaren
One of the best falafels I had in this Euro trip! Medyo pricey at about 75 SEK (Php 450) but then again for Swedish standards one of our affordable and sulit meals na in Stockholm. Again, serving is too big for the usual Filipino appetite. But not me, I even finished my sister's share hahaha! Solid!



FLIPPIN BURGERS 
Aigooo please don't make me choose my favorite na, now that I am going back through all these food photos naalala ko how GOOD they all are!!! This one's called the Beanie Burger from one of the long time, uncontested burger place of Stockholm called Flippin Burgers. Usually punuan dito and ang haba ng waiting time, but swerte namin ni Ate we were seated right away dahil medyo late and pasara na sila when we went. (Double check on opening and closing schedules when planning for your trip!)



ÖSTERMALM SALUHALL
Didn't know that this is a 1880s food hall, but I love the vibe here. They have several food booths in large hallways selling fresh fruits, vegetables, seafoods and meat, and even cafes and Swedish gourmet goods. We had one lunch here where I ordered the freshest and yummiest pasta salad--drowning with lots and lots of arugula!






ESPRESSO HOUSE
This Swedish coffee chain beats Starbucks when it comes to having a branch in every corner of Stockholm! Espresso House is the largest coffee chain in the Nordics.



7ELEVEN
On our first morning in Stockholm, I think we were so overwhelmed by the food prices so we ended up eating in 7Eleven. They have a Pick and Mix promo where you can pick two from the menu for 35 SEK or Php 220. I got the blueberry yogurt with granola, plus a cup of brewed coffee. They also have breads and sandwiches if you want something heavier in the morning.




DJURGÅRDSBRUNN

The outdoor dining area that really made me feel the vibe of summer in Stockholm! They have several food trucks and food booths serving Swedish and Mediterranean dishes and summer barbecues. Ate got the Swedish meatballs served with berries and mashed potatoes!









Last few observations and maybe tips if you're going to Stockholm:

1) I think it's the most expensive stop of our Euro tour! A small bottle of mineral water goes up to Php 150 to 250!!! A "cheap" meal is about Php 450. But you will never go wrong with grocery visits and baon system hehe. If masipag ka, always just bring a bottle of mineral water!

2) Longer daytime. One of the perks of a summer Euro trip is that you can maximize the longer daytime or late sunset coz it's still bright outside by 7 or 8pm!

3) Super dalang ng toilet! Even in the train stations walang CR, so we always go to the loo when we see one in tourist spots like the Royal Palace or when we eat in restaurants. Btw, they call their toilets "WC".

4) We had one full day when we only WALKED. A LOT. Haha! In a way it's a good exercise after all the carbs loading, and also tipid nadin sa pamasahe. Wear comfortable shoes, and make sure to have good internet connection so you can navigate with your Google Maps.

I brought with me my TEP Wireless pocket wifi which I was able to use on all the countries we went to, plus share the wifi with my Ate. Bring a powerbank for this though, medyo madali syang mag discharge.

5) Cashless or paying with exact amount is preferred. Wala akong pinapalit na Euros sa Pinas so most of my money during the trip I just withdrew from their international ATM machines for every city. Do not withdraw too much money in Sweden though, most of the time they only accept credit cards or loose change!



Ate and I waited for the sun to set by this bridge near the bus stop for our guesthouse. Not a tourist in sight, I watched as locals rushed home in their bikes. I have no words for the colors of Stockholm's sunset, but when I turned around with the view of a red medieval style building, a body of water, and a modern highway with speeding cars--I can't help it but sigh.

It was our last night already, and although we only had 2 days, I felt sentimental leaving a city I was just about to get to know too soon.






Watch the highlights of my Stockholm Instagram Stories / or go directly to my Instagram bio @anagon.

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Late To The Party! Sunnies Face Fluffmate + Autumn Trends + Lessons from Charlie

September 10, 2018, 2:50 am
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I know!!! I am super late to the party, mwahaha! But hey, with all the good reviews for this brand, I am sure Sunnies Face is here to stay! Hopefully a month late won't hurt!! 👅 


I actually had a hard time acquiring my own Sunnies Face Fluffmattes. Lining up for hours in their two physical stores (Glorietta and UP Town Center) is already out of the picture, I will never line up for anything ever again unless if it's for my favorite artist or for an extreme theme park ride lels. 

In total, I was only able to acquire 5 out of the 9 shades, and was able to do so in two ways. 

First is buying from resellers in the Carousell app. Yes they exist! Hahaha! I bought from girls who only charged minimal fees para lang may maisabay sila at di sayang pinila nila (Php 395 from the original price of Php 345). So buyers parin sila talaga and not resellers taking advantage of the trend. (Although there's nothing wrong with that! If you're up for this, make sure you're buying from legit sellers, check their ratings / reviews first).

Second was when they opened orders in Lazada! Thanks to my friend Ashley for messaging me right away! I got the brown pouch set.


And with the fad dying down, I finally had the chance to try the bullets just now HAHAHA! They stayed for quite a while in my rebulto of makeup products that I purchased out of peer pressure and out of being a certified trend victim hehehe. Masaya eh! 😂😆 

So is it worth the hype? You've heard this one too many times on Youtube reviews but YES! Why? You get yourself a really affordable lipstick that is wearable, have good consistency, and great color choices that really do match any skin tone. Packaging is so so pretty, you really get your money's worth.

Here are the shades I got + my own swatches of Sunnies Face's Fluffmatte:

The Everyday Lippies

143 - Berry Rose

Girl Crush - Terracotta Rose

Nudist - Warm Almond Nude

My Personal Favorite: Girl Crush! It reminds me of my favorite Rose Brown shade from Bobbie Brown's Art Sticks...Minus the hefty price tag. It's my kind of nude lippie.

Bold Lippies

Major - Most Perfect Cool Red

Mood - Taupe Mauve

My Personal Favorite: BOTH! Haha! Back when I still wear lipstick, I usually lean on bold colors that brightens the face. Both Major and Mood does the job!


For a lip tint girl, I must say I might start carrying a tube of Sunnies Face Fluffmatte lipstick on my purse starting today! Haha! They are lightweight and very creamy. Obviously, they do not have staying power but I like the tint it leaves on my lips when it wears out. 

Aside from bold lips, here are the autumn trends that I am looking forward to as we enter a whole new season. Most prob my favorite! I made sure to wear some of them on my selfie swatches photos above, hehe!

1) Gold Earrings - Hoop, Huge Clip-Ons, Thin and Long Strings
2) Gold Medallion Necklaces
3) Leopard Prints
4) Colors of Autumn: Orange, Brown, Tan, Yellow, Red
5) Boots!
6) Leather Jackets
7) Military Prints / Camo
8) Tweed
9) Peachy / Terracotta makeup


And lastly, I am ending this post with photos of me eventing with Charlie circa 2012-2013. 😅

I am not sure if everyone knows this, but Sunnies started out as a clothing and accessories brand--much like Cotton On or H&M, and they called their store Charlie. But I think the business only took off when they focused on sunglasses. I am amused watching the zero to hero success story of this team. 

If there are business lessons to pick-up from all these, it's to:

1) Focus on one thing, improve on it, before developing the next big thing.
2) Partner up with trendsetters that a lot of people follow when it comes to style!
3) Branding is as important as the product itself--but make sure to have both! They go hand-in-hand.
4) A lot of people are suckers for packaging. "Instagram worthy" should now be a part of your marketing strategy (for product packaging and also for store look), especially if your market are the millennials. 
5) And lastly, don't forget to try and try again. Innovate, experiment, if it fails, pick yourself up and move on. The important thing is never stop trying.

You might just be one step closer to your viral product!





Excited for what's next, Sunnies Face!
Visit https://www.sunniesface.com. 
This is not a sponsored post. :)

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Sleeper Train To Berlin

September 12, 2018, 2:12 am
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As most people say about life: The journey is the destination. 

Or a huge chunk of life, at least. Imagine just eyeing your great goal and then forgetting everything else happening at that moment. I now realize that this also applies when traveling. We often just see photos or videos of travellers once they reached that coveted Instagram-worthy tourist spot, but how often does one enjoy and write (or vlog) about how they slept in airports, or how they still made sure to do their nightly skincare in a small cubicle toilet of a sleeper train, or went claustrophobic seating on a tiny reclinable chair of a night bus? 

When I look back to these in-transit travel moments, I cannot imagine how I survived with just the bare minimum!



Especially for our Eastern Euro trip. I think one of our most unforgettable hours include our sleeper train to Germany. And it is not just any overnight train or bus which I already did in Japan, it's a train that goes through a SHIP!!!

BYE SWEDEN!!!

We said goodbye to Sweden at around 6am. We left our hostel before anyone else, and had our breakfast in a random convenience store that we chanced upon on one of our terminal stops. I just bought a large cup of hot americano, and finished the leftover pizza I had last night from Gamla Stan.






We were on-the-go for the whole morning, hopping from buses and trains with our huge bags in tow. I had no right to complain so I just kept quiet and go about with my usual photo taking and Instagram stories. I was on auto-pilot mode just following my Ate aka the planner / navigator. By the middle of all the transfers, I knew she was already tired but it was so hard to help out when you are clueless huhu.


They always have restrooms inside their trains, which was so convenient for all the long rides. If you're curious, they all look like the ones in airplanes.



By 4pm, we have finally reached Malmo, still a part of Sweden, where we're going to take our sleeper train. 

For this stop, we finally had time to eat our super late lunch since we had longer waiting time before boarding. We also had the chance to meet my cousin living in Malmo when she learned about our stopover. She took us to a short tour just outside the train station, showing us around the pier. I hope we'll have a longer time in this coastal city when we go back to Europe!


Our late lunch of choice: Chinese food!!! Finally had rice and noodles again after a week!

Our cousin teaching Ate how to properly carry huge backpacks! She did all the straps adjustments like a pro, hehe!

And because we're tourists! Hahaha! 

Cousin happily obliged with her selfie-loving Pinoy relatives, haha!


She also walked us to our sleeper train, which she explained is a cool experience for her as these trains still look "vintage". We had to get in our cabin first so we can pick a nice spot before everyone else does, which is the upper bunk. "You do not want anyone sleeping over you, right?" haha!



She also bought ice cream sticks for us, watched us settle on our cabin (while low-key eyeing our cabin mate who arrived early, haha!), and waved as our train finally moved to our longest city-transit for this trip..... 

WELCOME TO THE SLEEPER TRAIN!

Madaming surprises for this trip, but the sleeper train ang pinaka hindi ako ready! I had a hard time taking pictures while inside our tiny cabin out of respect for our cabin mates, but imagine a tiny room FOR SIX PEOPLE ..... AND OUR BAGS. HAHA!


When Ate and I got in the coach, our room is still as it is, hindi pa naka setup as beds. With that, you can still sit facing each other, three persons for each side. Ate and I sat facing each other by the door, and grabe guys nacclaustro ako ng bongga! Haha! 

I went out for the loo and to breathe lels, and made sure to check out the other rooms. Ganun din talaga! Maliit! What I like about our roomies though is that isa couple tapos isa dad and daughter--so feeling safe naman kami. BUT nafeel namin ni Ate na parang wala silang balak mag set-up ng beds and it's almost getting dark! :p

Number signs on the door so you'll know if it's your coach:

Here's how a room looks like once naka-set up na ang beds. Sayang wala akong photo nung before nyan, as in purely upuan lang na magkaka harap. Bed sheets and pillows were on the top bunk. Nung una hindi pa namin mahanap yang hinayupak na metal ladder na yan para maka akyat, haha! Out of impatience (and dahil nadin sa pagod), Ate and I became so proactive and asked around the other coach how they fixed their beds LELS. 


May tiny table which obviously hindi na namin nagamit ni Ate. Nandito yung mga sockets so hindi nadin kami naka charge ng gadgets that night, hoho.

Maximize lang talaga of the tiny space. I cannot imagine if I carried with me my usual maleta hahaha! Buti nalang two big bags lang, na nabuhat ko pa pataas. Again, we were warned about pickpockets in Europe so we made sure secured our bags lalo na matutulog kami dito.


I think it was about past 6pm when the train stopped. Ate and I peeped outside, and saw that we're inside a bodega yun pala nasa ilalim na kami ng SHIP! 

Our roomies (lol close na kami) told us that everyone's required to go out kahit na sa totoo lang gusto nalang namin ni Ate mag stay sa train, mag setup, at matulog. But seeing the people going out and climbing the stairs, we obliged. Do we have to bring our bags? The dad in the group said that all the coach will be locked so no need na, just our valuables lang. 

And so we followed the crowd outside the train, and up the bodega to the boat!



May buffet sila! You have to pay though, and bilang wala na kaming Swedish Kronas we decided to just check out the canteen.


Finished all my Kronas and was able to buy a yoghurt drink, a tub of canned fruits, and a small apple pie.


Alam mong first timers kami coz we didn't notice ang bibilis ng mga tao para may matambayan sila! Haha! Seats were limited, most of the spots on the ship's deck were already occupied, but with luck nakahanap kami ng empty table outside the canteen.

Ate decided to just stay here because she's tired:




With my earphones and Korean OSTs, I had a tiny bit of energy to go around the ship and check out what it offers. They have a souvenir shop flocked with people! Medyo mahal naman paninda so I just went around. They sell overnight essentials and usual stuff found in duty free centers. They also have a gaming room, a pre-reserved seating movie room, and of course the outdoor area if you prefer a view of the sea. 



I guess my favorite part is outside, on the ship's deck, at libre lang doon mag emote hehehe and people watch. Eventually nawala nadin internet ko and I knew we're in the middle of the sea already. 

Some observations while onboard: Walang Pilipino, and mostly Koreans and Chinese ang fellow Asians namin and they're in the buffet area. Nobody's there to waste time tinkering with their phones--they are either sleeping outside, playing card games with their friends, or TALKING to one another. Sa totoo lang, sobrang basic pero sobrang impressed ako!







I went up to the highest area we're allowed to go to just to listen to my music and take pictures. It's a nice hot summer day in the middle of nowhere. :)




When I went back inside, I saw Ate looking for me and explaining to me the Prebooked Chairs section where they have reclining seats and a movie playing. Pwede ka pala pumasok doon as chance passenger, just check the paper by the door makikita mo yung hindi nabook na chairs that anyone can occupy.


So I stayed there as the sun was setting beautifully ....


When we were asked to go back to our rooms, everyone hurriedly went down again kung hindi maiiwan sila sa boat (haha). Again, nauna sa amin ang mga roomies namin and sobrang nafrustrate na kami ni Ate that they haven't set-up yet... So as mentioned earlier naging proactive na kami and just initiated the fixing. 

Tip #1 when you're on the upper bunk--mas better if you finish EVERYTHING you need from sa baba before heading up, kung hindi wala nang babaan. This means going to the toilet na to wash up and change. Alam nyo ba papatay ng kusa yung light ng buong train, so IMAGINE if hindi kami nag setup agad while may lights pa HAHA. 

The thing with this sleeper train we're in is that alam mo namang overnight sya, pero walang shower shower rooms. Even nung sa boat waley, toilet and faucet lang talaga. At bilang first timer, we didn't know about this so wa na ligo ligo hanggang huli haha. I was still wearing my clothes from earlier but buti nalang talaga comfortable sya like pajamas. 


Anatomy of my upper bunk bed. 

There were two makeshift beds pa below me, hindi ko na alam pano nila naset-up yun haha. Sheets and pillows were provided, but ikaw mag seset-up. Make sure you get a kumot dahil kahit mainit during the day, biglang lamig naman that night (air coming from the roof so mas malamig sa amin sa taas). May harang ako sa side na parang net, which I guess to prevent my stuff or AKO mismo mahulog haha. There are small areas for bags on each side, so I made sure to place my two bags there, both locked and just above my head in case. My backpack with my wallet and camera is just right next to my feet.


Tips If You're Going To Ride A Sleeper Train:

1) If you want na makapag change pa, better if you bring your fresh clothes with you pag baba palang sa ship. Have a backpack for all these essentials. Mas mahaba ang time sa boat, plus mas malaki and CR. Bring nadin your toiletries with you so you can comfortably brush your teeth or wash your face.

2) Have extra power banks with you. Ang hirap maki charge, and I think they only have two sockets and not within reach pa when you're on the top bunk. Ayaw ko din naman iwan phone ko sa baba.

3) Bring locks, be extra praning ok lang yan, make sure your bags are close to you lalo if you have valuable items like your wallet, camera or laptop. Also, don't super settle or ikalat your stuff, keep them close to you para madaling bumaba at wala kang maiiwan lalo na bagong gising when you reach Berlin.

4) Bring snacks and water on your small backpack.

5) And lastly, you can do it! Endure it!! Ilang oras lang yan ng walang ligo or palit ng clothes. Charge everything to experience. 

Honestly, I was able to sleep like a baby once we were settled. There's a quick passport check in the middle of the night, I guess it was when we're entering Germany. I think I woke up about twice lang, first was nung biglang lamig and shaky ng train so I adjusted my kumot, and second was when the PA system announced our arrival to Berlin.



To be continued....


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