Stayed in the Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila last night. I've been looking for another hotel with a good central location that can accommodate our family's annual Christmas salubong (coz we're only 2 families in our mom side, one from the south and the other one from far north!).
I am considering Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila for several reasons:
1) Good Location. Golden Phoenix Hotel is in CBPB Macapagal Pasay City, very near the Mall of Asia, and good central location between Muntinlupa and Fairview. If you're watching a concert in MOA Arena or have a convention or bazaar at the SMX, this is also a good hotel to book. Madali siya hanapin, and it has most if not everything that you will need for a comfortable stay.
2) Everything's within reach. Not only is a big mall near the hotel (with free shuttle), but they also have a FamilyMart in the building (convenience store is must for me in hotels), restaurants (AShark Club, A Bite of Sichuan, and Gold Spices Restaurant), Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics center for your skincare, hair removal, etc, Wonderful Bliss Spa(massage), and they also have a pool and gym! They even have a coffee and tea place on the second floor, near our rooms.
We weren't able to try the pool, but maybe in my next stay?
Had a massage here at the Wonderful Bliss Spa, and it felt really relaxing! Much needed post travels. They are open til 10pm, but beyond 10pm you can have a massage in your room anytime of the day!
J. Recon is located at the lobby of the lobby, you can check them out for quality tailored suits:
Gym is just in the seventh floor, near the breakfast buffet place. This place is packed when I checked it in the morning!
Btw, breakfast is at the 7th floor at the Gold Spices Restaurant. Food selections for me is just right, they have the usual egg station, fried rice, fruits, coffee, salad, and several viands, plus they also have kimchi, congee, and other international breakfasts for their variety of guests.
3)Spacious. I stayed in a Deluxe Twin Room with Ava, and we both agreed that from our several staycations--Golden Phoenix's basic room has got to be one of the biggest floor area and beds that we stayed in! Even the bathrooms are big.
Here are photos of our Deluxe Twin Room:
Btw, looking for a pre-halloween party? Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila is hosting Snapback tomorrow, October 25, at the 7th floor Aura Ballroom. Party starts at 7pm, featuring DJ John Robinson.
Some points that might help improve the hotel:
One comment though is medyo nakakaligaw siya sa super laki ng hotel, haha! Sometimes going around the hallways and figuring out the elevators feel like I'm in a maze. 😁 The reception area can also get very crowded but that's not the hotel's fault na I guess madami talaga silang foreign guests! Maybe add more staff at the reception desk especially during check-in and check-out hours.
Anyway, here's their suite room that I am considering for our family's 2019 Christmas Eve. It has a big sala and kitchenette area. Published rate is at Php 21,229, but in Agoda they are currently on sale at around Php 7000+ inclusive of booking charges. You can check out the other room types in Golden Phoenix Hotel on their website.
We were able to utilize the suite room for our private fitting and shoot with J. Recon Tailors. More on that in another post!
I cannot deny that a Line Friends store can be considered a tourist attraction when you visit Korea. Most of the people I know who went to Myeongdong or Itaewon will drop by this playful store to have their photos taken with the giant BROWN character plushie that welcomes the guests to come inside. There was a time that even Incheon International Airport has a giant Brown bear photo area at the departure area! Lagi pinipilahan ang Line Friends!
Aside from the cute characters of this popular Korean messaging app, they also carry Kpop group BTS BT21 original merch--some stores even have BT21 cafes!
What I like about Line Friends is that the store is very inviting, and the staff are very welcoming. You can even take pictures inside the store, photo zones provided for all visitors. Their characters are also super cute, plus the variety of stuff they offer range from everyday needs to just random wants! 😄
Sharing in this post a little Manila store tour and finds, and a haul / unboxing video at the end. Holiday season is coming, I might giveaway some of these items on my social media accounts (@anagon)! ❤ I am so happy that Line Friends and BT21 are now accessible for us here in the Philippines. Of course, make sure to visit the very first official Play Line Friends store in the Philippines, located at the Robinsons Place Manila / Ermita, Ground Floor of Midtown wing (Pedro Gil St entrance). Enjoy!
Watch my store tour and haul here:
Follow Play Line Friends Philippines on FACEBOOK and Instagram @playlinefriends.ph. Thank you for having me on your launch!
Last year, I finally got my Multiple Korean Visa. It took me 7 tries to finally acquire one, I was only granted Single Entry Visas during my last visits. This was during the time when you can still apply directly at the Korean Embassy in Manila. A lot has changed in a span of a year, so I am sharing here an updated version of my post on Korean Visa Application for Philippine Passport holders. I hope you get your visas in time for Winter!
This post is in partnership with a trusted travel agency Bella Vita Trips. Here's an informative interview with BVT to help you with your own Korean visa application process.
Can you tell us about the updated process of Korean visa application for Filipinos? BVT: There are a lot of changes with the process of a Korean visa application for Filipinos.
First, you do not have to fall in line in the embassy anymore, all you have to do is approach us (a travel agency) to help you process your application.
Secondly, processing time was from 7 to 10 working days, now it is 30 to 35 working days.
There is also no expedite process option for a regular tourist visa anymore. They can only offer it for business purposes such as attending convention/conference, or a company invites the applicant for business purposes in Korea. However, we still need to know the departure date of the client, so we can check/work on it to get expedite processing for business visa applicant.
How long should you submit your requirements prior a Korea trip? BVT: Applicants should submit their applications 35 working days prior to their departure. The Korean visa processing time can take up to 30 - 35 working days.
TIP No. 1: MAKE SURE TO APPLY FOR YOUR KOREAN VISA IN ADVANCE, AT LEAST A MONTH OR 1.5 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR TRIP! What are the requirements to get a Korean visa?
TIP No. 2: MAKE SURE TO SUBMIT EVERYTHING!
Original passport (must be valid for more than 6 months)
Two (2) pcs. passport size photo (colored, and in white background)
Original and photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past five (5) years (if applicable only) - See all 34 OECD countries HERE
Original PSA birth certificate
Accomplished application form - You can download this HERE.
TIPS No. 3: WRITE LEGIBLY ON YOUR KOREAN VISA APPLICATION FORM, NO ERASURES AND IN ALL-CAPS. WRITE N/A ON PARTS NO APPLICABLE TO YOU. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK.
If married, original PSA marriage certificate
Bank certificate with average daily balance
Bank statement (latest 3 months)
Photocopy of latest Income tax return
If employed, Original certification of employment (must include: applicant's position, date hired, compensation, office address, HR landline number, and HR e-mail address)
Photocopy of PRC card or IBP card (if applicable only)
If business owner or self-employed, photocopy of business registration from SEC or DTI
Photocopy of business permit or mayor's permit
If student, original certificate
Affidavit of support
Photocopy of school I.D.
Parents' documents
Also below are the additional requirements for applicants (first time South Korea travellers who have not travelled as tourist to OECD member countries within the last 5 years):
For applicants who are employed:
2316 Form
Company Alphalist (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp)
Self-employed Applicants/Business Owners:
BIR Form with corresponding payment receipt from BIR authorized bank
Is there a guaranteed way to get multiple Korean visa? (BPI / BDO Gold card holder, etc)
BVT: To tell you the truth, usually first time applicants that get approved automatically get single entries only. However, I have experienced a number of first time applicants that got multiple entry of 5 years and 10 years.
They did not submit a copy of their credit cards, however, these are the similarities of the applicants:
They are either employed, self-employed or own their own businesses
They have been to OECD countries a number of times
They can support themselves (proof via bank documents)
Lastly, for those going to Korea this winter....
What are your top activities and spots to go to in Korea during winter season?
BVT: Here are a number of activities and tourist spots for winter. We can all offer them in our tour packages.
Seoul/Gyeonggi
Ice skating/Christmas tree at city hall
Strawberry picking
Garden of Morning Calm Winter Light Display
Pocheon Herb Island Winter Light Festival
Elysian Ski Resort
Jaraseom Singsing Winter Festival
Sledding at Everland or Children's Grand Park
Gangwondo
Mt. Seorak
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Alpaca World Pyeongchang
Trout Festival
Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival
Alpensia Ski Resort
Yongpyong Ski Resort
Why Apply with Bella Vita Trips?
They are hassle-free and hands-on! Bella Vita Trips offers pick-up and drop-off services for your documents and passports. Most agencies require applicants to go to their office, however, Bella Vita Trips do the hard work for their clients so you do not have to go through the hassle of going to the agency just to submit your documents!
You can contact BVT from Mondays to Fridays, from 9am to 6:30pm, but they are also reachable even outside working hours. Pick-up and delivery times are from Mondays to Sundays. Application processing are only on regular working days. If you book your South Korea group tours with Bella Vita Trips, they have an emergency contact that you can always reach for a more convenient travel. Make sure to check them out not only for your Korea trip but other travels as well.
Again, this post is just a guide for your Korean visa application. No guarantees of not getting denied, but of course, don't give them any reasons to not give you that visa by following all their requirements and proving that you're going back. If all else fails, then you have 6 months to prepare before you can apply again. But since I want to end this post on a positive note, kayang kaya mo yan! Prepare everything, and apply with confidence. FIGHTING! ❤❤❤
Bella Vita Trips is located in: Subic Bay Freeport Zone Makati City Aurora Province For your inquiries and booking: Email: contact@bellavitatrips.com Call or Text: +63-917-864-2032
I will never know how HUGE my capacity is--to spend, to be hopeful, and to endure--until I chose the fan girl life.
Standing in line for hours to buy that pricey fan meeting ticket or merch with no assurances that I'll even get what I want.
Celebrating a birthday, a comeback, a release from the military, an endorsement, or an award nomination announcement from a group living 1700+ miles away from me.
Being extremely happy for a generic selfie Tweet of an idol saying good night, or how was your day, or that he will always appreciate you (and millions of his other fans).
Spending hard earned money to support projects, even hold own fan projects, enrol for another year of membership, just to express full love and support for a group of boys.
Will people find me weird? Do I know someone who can go with me to the events? I don't actually care as long as this makes me happy.
Oh well, I guess that's what you call a fan girl's heart. ❤
I wasn't expecting that this will happen this year, but my main bias since watching My ID Is Gangnam Beauty Cha Eun Woo decided to include Manila in his first solo fan meeting tour Just One 10 Minute. I've watched a lot of fan meetings since I got into Korean Drama in 2017, but this one is definitely the one that I've been waiting for! Let's talk about concerts some other time, hehe!
I heard about his fan meeting way back before the announcement through my friend Shine of Cha Eun Woo Philippines. It was posted online already by Eunwoo's management. Shine offered to buy our tickets for us if we're sure to get VVIP seats, so I am grateful that I don't have to go through ticket-buying stress thanks to her!
Bought these BEEP card Cha Eun Woo matte stickers via Shopee weeks prior the fan meeting. Nag kulang sya, half lang ang dumating but it's ok. I have no other plans but to just distribute it to random Arohas.
On the day of the fan meeting, I had a busy work morning as part of the E! Pop Gala team, so I had to rush to New Frontier in the afternoon and only then was I able to stick my notes in all 500 sticker cards! 😅 Mabuti nalang medyo matraffic that day!
Ang problem lang with the traffic was that my fan meeting buddy Ashley was late for the show! Huhu! She arrived after the first song na, so I made sure to record what she missed.
I was just entering the venue when they suddenly announced that the show is about to start. Nakakaloka! I was settling palang when they suddenly played Astro's Call Out, and alam niyo naman na ang naaattendan ko palang na Astro concert ay through a projector, sobrang naantig ako when countless of purple star robongs were lifted in the air, pumping to Wichinda! AHHH! My Aroha heart!
I have both my Astro robong and Cha Eun Woo's official light stick with me. May time na hindi ko na alam anong ililift ko, Astro, Eunwoo, o yung cell phone ko to record hehehehe.
I have to be honest, the fan meeting felt fast. Also, sa dinami-dami nadin ng naattendan ko na fan meeting, I'd say Eunwoo's lang ata sadly yung walang stage participation ng fans like games or yung tatawag randomly sa cellphone from the audience--but of course, that's the management's call.
I still enjoyed coz in his own way, parang nag sstory time lang si Eunwoo sa amin from the stage. He even told us his recent nightmares, and some moments with ASTRO members too! He also prepared other things for us, like 2 dream catchers he made on-the-spot and raffled off to lucky fans. He also raffled off a polaroid and a red cap he wore during the Challenge Golden Bell segment, but yun nga lang, walang akyat sa stage and akap yun winners, huhu!
Ang highlight I guess for this fan meeting is Eunwoo singing a Filipino song (Ben&Ben's Kathang Isip!). Naprove niya talaga sa part nato na: a) May potential linguist siya sa bilis niya pumick-up ng ibang language to think madami siyang fan meetings pa before this, b) Ang sharp talaga ng memory niya, and c) Super sweet ng gesture knowing he wants to surprise his fans with a song that everyone in the audience can understand!
Overall, it was a very thoughtful fan meeting where everyone enjoyed and everyone had the chance to hi-five Eunwoo (albeit the strict securities). I am just keeping my hopes up that this is not the last Cha Eun Woo encounter. It will not be "Just One 10 Minute". I had the chance to interact with Sandara Park for a show one summer ago, I believe anything is possible! Till then, I am just happy to have experienced this. 😊
Full house! I am so proud for all the Arohas who went out that night!
Official photos from Wilbros Live's Facebook page:
Can you spot me and my denim bucket hat? Hehe!
Team Bahay, you can watch my video here! I think I captured almost all the highlights--for you and for my memory's sake:
Smiles as bright as Christmas lights, and laughter that invigorated like Christmas carols—these filled the grounds of the Looc Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas as The SM Store gave the students there an early Christmas present that is #SoMagical. Staying true to its commitment of bringing joy to communities where it is present, SM recently turned over its 100th school building donation, and The SM Store distributed toys to children.
It was only October 16, but it felt like Christmas morning. The students and teachers of Looc Elementary School could not contain their excitement as they took part in a morning of fun and games, a day before the official unveiling of the two-story, four-classroom new school building.
Christmas Came Early
Situated in front of the school’s sprawling grounds that offer the students an unobstructed view of nearby mountains is a covered court. On that day, employee volunteers from The SM Store Batangas, The SM Store Lipa and Savemore Nasugbu worked like Santa’s helpers to transform it into a festive spot, complete with balloons and party tables and chairs.
Students from Kinder to Grade 2 eagerly lined up, thrilled to witness a lively program and party with their friends and their newfound ates and kuyas. They were treated to fun performances from a magician, clowns, a balloon-twisting artist and a bubble artist. They also had their faces painted with flowers, butterflies, and superheroes. At the end of the program, they were given cuddly plush toys from The SM Store’s Toy Department, clothes from its Children’s Wear section and grocery items from Savemore. Christmas came early for these kids. It was a new and unforgettable experience for the children of Looc, whose families are engaged in farming or are working at nearby resorts.
Mikko, one of the students of Looc Elementary School, shared how he loved the gift and enjoyed the festivities, which was a rare treat in their school.
“Masaya po ako sa natanggap ko na regalo. Masaya at maganda din ang program kanina, nagpafacepaint pa nga po ako. Minsan lang po kasi may ganito dito sa amin. (I am happy with the gift that I received. I really enjoyed the program. I even had my face painted. It’s not often that we get to enjoy celebrations like this),” Mikko said.
Dr. Luciana Tulagan, Principal of Looc Elementary, said that this event didn’t just bring joy to the kids but also taught them the value of sharing.
“Malaki pong kaligayahan ang naibigay ng SM dito sa mga mag-aaral ng Looc Elementary School. Dahil sa Share A Toy ng The SM Store, maimumulat namin sa mga bata na dapat hindi lang tuwing Pasko ang pagbibigayan, kungdi lagi. (The SM Store brought great happiness to the students of Looc Elementary School. Because of Share a Toy, we can educate the children that sharing happens not only during Christmas, but there are everyday opportunities to do it.)
#SoMagical Christmas
Truly, the spirit of Christmas is in sharing. This Holiday season, The SM Store continues to nurture just that through its Share A Toy campaign.
“SM values creating a positive impact in the communities where we are present. We are really grateful that SM gave us the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful event and the chance to share the spirit of Christmas through the gift of toys with the kids of Looc Elementary School. This is a memorable experience that we’ll treasure,” said Shelamie Marasigan, Assistant Branch Manager of The SM Store Lipa.
The SM Store is encouraging its generous shoppers to give back and make a kid’s Christmas #SoMagical by donating a new or pre-loved toy at the Share A Toy booth in all The SM Store branches nationwide. For every toy donated, the shopper will get a P50 discount voucher. The campaign runs from November 15, 2019 until December 31, 2019, with toys to be donated to beneficiaries of the SM Foundation.
These toy donations are a simple but meaningful gift for kids. More than just play items, toys are beneficial to a child’s development according to studies. Toys can help increase their learning retention, stimulate their creativity and imagination, enhance their senses, spur their emotional and social development, and help in developing their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Share A Toy is just one of the ways The SM Store inspires a culture of sharing and purposeful giving among its shoppers. Early this year, it conducted its Share Shoes program and Donate A Book campaign. Since its launch in 2015, The SM Share Movement has already collected more than 1.3 million items which include shoes, school supplies, clothes, toys, disaster kits and hygiene kits, which have been distributed across different parts of the country.
For more updates about the Share Movement and ways you could donate, visit www.thesmstore.com and follow its social media pages @thesmstore on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
I've only read about this southern city from travellers who've already done the usual Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Japan tour. To Filipinos, Fukuoka is one of the alternative Japan destinations when you want to go back to the land of the rising sun, but without the inconvenience of connecting flights (since we have a direct, 4-hour flight from Manila to Fukuoka Airport via Cebu Pacific Air). I also know of Fukuoka for its Wisteria Tunnel (purple flowers) during April to May.
Since it is located in the south, Fukuoka is Japan's sunny side. It is the gateway of the Kyushu Island, its largest city, and was once a prosperous port town where foreign merchants come and go.
I highly recommend a Fukuoka trip for several things:
1) Airfare from Manila to Fukuoka Airport is usually lower compared to Narita or Haneda, since it is closer and also less in demand.
2) Fukuoka can also be your entry point to reach other cities like the historical Nagasaki, and for flowers and nature sightings there's the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and Nokonoshima Island.
3) If you want to catch autumn or spring but too late to go to Tokyo, then Fukuoka might be your chance!
4) If you want to try hitting two birds with one stone, you can even travel to Busan of South Korea and then Fukuoka of Japan in one trip! Fukuoka is nearer Seoul than Tokyo.
5) This city is also the home of hakata or tonkotsu ramen, and popular ramen chains Ichiran and Ippudo are both from Fukuoka! I'm a fan of this Ichiran so this is a big deal for me, hehehe! They say that Ichiran also tastes different, more milky in Fukuoka.
Here are some of the things you can do when in Fukuoka:
1) Eat hakata ramen at the Ramen Stadium or original Ichiran
2) Watch the fountain light show at Canal City Hakata. Aside from the play of lights and water, the background building also served as a huge screen projecting anime show Evangelion. Super cool!
3) Visit Maizuru Park and Fukuoka Castle (ruins)
4) Relax and stroll around Ohori Park
5) Shop around Tenjin, the central area of downtown Fukuoka. They have my Japan favorites Don Quijote, GU, and BIC Camera.
6) Eat street foods at a yatai food stall.
7) Have lunch and enjoy a walk around Mamedamachi, Fukuoka's "Kyoto" or Historic Preservation District
8) Persimmon Picking at Migita fruit farm
Where to stay in Fukuoka
We stayed at the Nishitetsu Hotel Croom in Hakata, walking distance to Hakata Station, and a bit walkable to the Canal City Hakata. Plus points, each room has a massage chair!
Manila to Fukuoka
Cebu Pacific Air flies direct to Fukuoka 3x a week, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. One-way travel time is around 3 hours and 55 minutes, so make sure to download enough videos to keep yourself entertained. Visit https://www.cebupacificair.com to book your flights, and follow @cebupacificair on Instagram and Facebook to get seat sale updates.
How To Go Around Fukuoka
From Fukuoka Airport, Hakata and Tenjin Stations are just around 15 minutes by taxi for 1200 to 1800 Yen. You can also take the train option, but you have to go to the domestic terminal for the subway (they have free airport shuttles from International to Domestic terminal). You can also go around Fukuoka conveniently by using their subway.
Final Fukuoka Travel Tips
1) Fukuoka has different temperature from Tokyo, make sure to check Accuweather app and browse through Fukuoka Instagram geolocation to know what to pack.
2) Always have an portable internet router so you will have no problem exploring the city on your own.
3) You can also join group tours to maximize your time, and get insider tips from your local guide. Here’s the link if you want to join the same tour group that we did: https://inbound.japan-tour.jp/en/, our tour guide’s name is Miki Ishida.
4) You can easily withdraw Yen from your Visa/Mastercard, and most shops, restos, and kombinis accept credit cards except for markets and street food stalls.
5) They use the same 2 flat pins electrical outlet, so that's one less thing to worry about.
I can see myself heading back to Fukuoka for the wisteria and the main Ichiran resto. I think 3 days max is enough to explore this city's highlights, but the fun in traveling on this side of Japan is hopping to nearby destinations. For our autumn trip, we also had one night in Nagasaki. Will blog about that stop next!
Special thanks to Erika Garcia, Aileen Dela Rosa, Ms. Len Borja, Michelle Lim, Miki-san and Ishibashi San of Cebu Pacific Air, Stratworks Communication, and Fukuoka Tourism for taking care of us! And to my fellow content creators for making this a very memorable trip. It's nice to be surrounded by people who are very passionate about travelling and documenting their adventures like you guys, nakakainspire! ❤
I remember how my high school commemorated the Hiroshima-Nagasaki nuclear attack every August, with a mass in our campus field and extensive history classes. St. Scho has always been like that, a bit too revolutionary for youngsters with no idea of the world at that time. I think this was my first encounter of these two cities in Japan, the early exposure lead to a long-term thirst for knowledge and understanding.
And like any place, there is more to Nagasaki than being the last city in the world to experience a nuclear attack. After two nights in Fukuoka, we were on the road for 2 hours to get to our next stop: Nagasaki. Here are some of the places that you can visit when you travel on this side of Japan.
Things To Do In Nagasaki
1) Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium - Seeing penguins in zoos has been common, but it's my first time to see them actually walk to the beach, and this many in one place!
2) Nagasaki Dejima - Nagasaki's old town. You'll see the western influences in the houses and food in this site.
3) 26 Martyrs Museum - You'll find out how we Filipinos and Christians are connected to Japanese, see San Lorenzo Ruiz's statue.
4) Nagasaki Peace Park + Hypocenter Park + Atomic Bomb Museum
5) Mt. Inasa Ropeway - One of the top 3 BEST night views in the world, along with Monaco and Hong Kong.
6) Nagasaki Chinatown, dinner at Kyokaen
Where To Stay in Nagasaki
We stayed for a night at the Ana Crowne Plaza Nagasaki. It is very near Glover Garden, a strip of shops, and about 3-minute walk to the streetcar station. It also has a kombini in the hotel, and breakfast is good.
Meanwhile, room is very spacious, and they even have an ANA Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage program, providing eye warmer, bath powder, and low-caffeine roasted green tea and mint green tea to their guests. Humidifiers and Pillow Menu are available upon request.
Traveling To And Around Nagasaki
Nagasaki does not have an international airport. We came from Fukuoka (entry point is Fukuoka Airport via Cebu Pacific Air) and reached Nagasaki with our tour bus at about 2 hours on the road. If you'll be doing this DIY, you can also take the train (JR) or highway bus (half the price of train) to Nagasaki.
Going around Nagasaki is easy with their aboveground tram system. You can avail a 1-day tram pass for 500 Yen at the Nagasaki Station for unlimited rides.
Why Nagasaki?
1) One of the things that I like about Nagasaki is that it is a port city, they formerly played an important role in foreign trade. I like the view of the sea from the city, especially during sunset.
2) It is also easy to see Nagasaki's highlights in 2 full days, I think it's a perfect stop to include when you plan a Kyushu Island tour. If you have time constraints, then you can also visit Nagasaki as a day-trip--focusing only on Nagasaki Dejima, Nagasaki Peace Park and Hypocenter Park + sunset view from Mt. Inasa.
You can book our tour (Fukuoka-Nagasaki-Fukuoka) via this website: https://inbound.japan-tour.jp/en/. Name of our guide is Miki Ishida.
And lastly.... 3) As a port city and navy base, an interesting tidbit about Nagasaki for me is its foreign influences.
You'll see structures that are very European, Catholic Churches, even a tram system that I don't usually see in other Japanese cities. Some of their main dishes are not very Japanese too, like the Turkish Rice which is a plate filled with pilaf rice, spaghetti, and pork cutlet.
This quirk made Nagasaki so memorable, and even a place I'd like to go back to. Someday!
Special thanks to @tricksterzph, @abi.golucky, @_willflyforfood_, @discoverMNL, @natepunzalan6, @teamoutoftown, and Erika Garcia, Aileen Dela Rosa, Ms. Len Borja, Michelle Lim, Miki-san, and Ishibashi San. Grateful to be part of this trip!
My recent Japan trip felt short, but it already included a lot of activities and touched three cities of Kyushu. As mentioned several times, this is my first time traveling to the south side of Japan, and through this trip, I was able to appreciate it for the mild weather, unique foreign influences, and rich history.
Sharing our 4 days - 3 nights Kyushu Island itinerary, covering Fukuoka - Nagasaki - Saga - then back to Fukuoka for our flight to Manila. All pictures used in this post are taken from our short detour at the Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga--a unanimous favorite stop of the group.
If you've been to Kyoto, for sure you've visited the Fushimi Inari. This is just one of the top 3 Inari shrines, along with the Yutoku Inari of Saga. The third one is the Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Aichi Prefecture, which I haven't seen but maybe someday!
A significant difference of the Yutoku Inari Shrine is that it is built on a steep hillside of a valley. At a distance, you will see red-orange lined torii gates heading up toward the main hall, situated on tall wooden beams forming grid, which also reminds me of another Kyoto destination: the Kiyomizudera Temple!
Aside from the hike up following the torii gates, we also had the chance to witness a Japanese wedding ceremony, rung a bell for good luck, and picked up a Omikuji with a bell charm and our fortune. A portion of my Omikuji says: "There is more than one path to success. Give it all that you've got using your own method."
Cebu Pacific flies daily between Manila and Fukuoka, Japan, with fares starting at Php 3288.
Had a gastronomic feast yesterday with friends when we visited Podium to check out two newly opened restaurants, both very popular in their countries! Worth the travel time and extra pounds gained. 👌
Meet Fresh
A Taiwanese tea and desserts place just opened at the Podium, featuring delectable milk tea selections and dessert bowls with huge serving sizes good for sharing. Make sure to try their Signature Ice Grass Jelly (Php 220) and Shaved Ice (Php 320) topped with taro balls, mochi, fresh herbal jelly, etc. They look like halo-halo, but less the sugar! Meanwhile, their milk tea might be my new fave, more tea than milk or sugar in taste.
Everything tastes new to me, so so good!
Putien! Putien!
Meanwhile, a Michelin Star resto just opened in Manila, featuring legit Fujian cuisine from Singapore. Putien is the name of a coastal suburb in Fujian, China (the founder's hometown)--but Putien the restaurant offers delicacies that are beyond what we expect from a typical Chinese restaurant.
All the dishes we ordered last night are fresh and very tasty, they really went well with Putien's signature chili sauce and Cabbage Rice. Check out photos below for some of my vegetarian recommendations. Btw, love the ambiance too!
Meet Fresh and Putien are both located at the 5th floor of The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. I may live 2 hours away from Ortigas, but my cravings for A++ food might lead me back to Podium again and again! 😁
I didn't think I'll find a piece of Japan in Hong Kong, unlike in Taiwan where you'll find Totoro and Rilakkuma almost everywhere. But just in time while we were there for my mom's 60th birthday, The World of Studio Ghibli's Animation was on-going. I found this exhibition via Klook and bookmarked it if in case we have free time that I don't want to waste (you can always find new and alternative activities for your travels via Klook). This Dir. Isao Takahata and Dir. Hayao Miyazaki exhibition ended last November 3, but my sister and I were lucky to be able to visit last November 2!
Here are some vignettes from that quick trip. This took place in the morning of our flight back to Manila.
So what are your favorite Studio Ghibli movies? My top 5 would have to be Kiki's Delivery Service (full of life lessons), Grave of the Fireflies (heartbreaking), Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Castle in the Sky (released on the year I was born, 1986!).
The exhibition is simpler and less interactive than I thought. In Tagalog, pwede na. They are connecting rooms in I think 2 or 3 floors of an office building (you have to take an elevator to reach the exhibit area, but queue was outside the building). Each of the rooms showcased scenes from different Studio Ghibli films. These are mostly murals that you can't touch or go inside as they are very delicate (para-paraan nalang sa picturean! 😁), hand-painted walls and floors, lighting and video optical illusions, etc.
These sets and installations though were all original designs by Studio Ghibli themselves, who flew from Japan for this production. Very nice, but if you've been to the Tokyo Studio Ghibli, you'll find yourself wanting something more (a short and exclusive film viewing? background music? Ghibli themed cafe?)
Do you recognize some of these scenes and characters? There were no tour guides (only ushers), but each of the sections were labeled per title. You cannot backtrack, but it's also not so crowded when we were there since they limit entry per batch.
My favorite room is this train seat with No Face!
We paid around Php 1100+ each for our tickets, and location is in a building called Venue Portal 6311, which is a bit of a walk from the train station in Kowloon Bay. Medyo mahal and maeffort, but if you have no other plans and you are a fan of Studio Ghibli, it was still a good photo opportunity experience while we were in Hong Kong.
Of course, the exhibit's last room is the souvenir shop selling not only Studio Ghibli merch, but some Hong Kong exclusives too! I have most of the keychains of my favorite characters that I got while in Japan, so we just went around aimlessly. Then I saw the Kiki t-shirt, but found it expensive (around Php 2k-ish). In the end, we just called it a day and walked back to the train station for our hotel.
I have to admit something that I don't even want to admit to myself. Naramdaman ko yung pagod sa travels this year. Around March, I was physically and mentally drained. I remember talking to my friend Ashley while we were waiting for our order in Pizza Hut (before the So Ji Sub fan meet!), and I might sound ungrateful to outsiders but I just have to say it to someone who will not judge me, "pagod na pagod nako".
Not only because travels will demand your full strength and best of health, which are already given. I also felt the pressures to create beautiful outputs for social media because of my work. I find real time updates a drag and a job.. hindi na natural unlike before when I do these things effortlessly and for fun. Instagram postings, the pressure to vlog like the others, the conscious effort to minimize my IG Stories coz shorter is ideal. Sadly, I fell in that blackhole of wanting to be what others expect of me.
But, truly, God is good. 2019 blessed my eyes with breathtaking destinations. When I finally thought there's nothing else that can inspire me or even top my past experiences, this year has proven me wrong in so many ways. Unti unti, I finally gained back the enthusiasm and energy of a first-time traveler. I thought I almost lost these traits along the way. Thank you, beautiful world, for humbling me and surprising me when I needed it the most. But most of all, thank YOU for still following my stories even when I got derailed along the way!
Here are some of my core memories from 2019 trips:
This is just a side-trip during our Iloilo Dinagyang trip, but the tiring trek up the Stairway to Heaven of the Garin Farm Pilgrimagemade me feel as if I was really heading up and beyond the clouds (they even played Hallelujah! as background music!).
I might not have proper documentations because my phone died in the middle of the below-zero frozen lake, but my Abashiri Drift Ice experience in Hokkaido was a one of a kind trekking in snow and ice that I will not easily forget! Naalala ko when we were in the middle of the frozen lake and I looked around, all I can see from my peripheral are white mountains and ice! We wore these neoprene thick suits so we will float IN CASE we stepped on soft ice and fall into the lake! 😅
I am also very grateful for all the Japan hotel rooms I was able to experience because of these work trips, palipat-lipat kasi kami non. One of my favorites was when I had the best sunset view of frozen Lake Akan from our tatami roomin Hokkaido. I watched the quiet sun setting, hot matcha tea in one hand, before heading out to meet the group again for the winter festival.
I can only dream of seeing igloos irl, till we visited the Ice Village of Hoshino Resort Tomamu in Hokkaido last Feb. It's a sight straight out of Frozen where you can sleep in an ice hotel, have drinks in an ice bar, or slide down a huge ice to get to the village!
For my local travels, these are just some of the places that made me so proud to call Philippines my home: Beautiful sunsets and crystal clear waters. I think when it comes to beach trips, Philippines is still hands down the best!
I always prioritize Holy Week with my family, thus booking my 2019 spring trip to Korea a little bit late for the cherry blossoms season, but Jeonju, oh Jeonju! This beautiful city surprised me with Full Blooms at Wansan Park, the most beautiful and dream-like floral pathway I have seen to date! Nothing compares to think this wasn't even in my itinerary but a recommendation from our hostel receptionist!
It may not be a destination, but one of the most unforgettable night in 2019 for me was seeing both BTS and Twice in one stage during the SBS Inkigayo Super Concert in Gwangju, also my first concert experience in Korea! Sigaw ako ng sigaw the whole night, and they even ended the music fest with fireworks and one of my favorite BTS songs Idol!
Chiang Mai will hold a special place in my heart because it was literally a disconnected trip (we don't have pocket wifi) that I was able to share with my dearest friends Ava and Paul. One of this trip's highlights is a day at the Elephant Sanctuary, where we trekked mountains with these gentle giants, and even dipped and bathed with the elephants in running river, trying to hold on to each other just to keep still! It was a light-hearted moment, filled with laughter (the kind that's close to tears), I cannot even contain my heart!
India may be more popular for the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur, so I arrived in Jaisalmer (the Golden City of India), with zero expectations. But grabe, Jaisalmer is full-on with the India culture and aesthetics that I was absolutely wishing to experience in this trip: from the sleeper train adventure because our flight was cancelled, the sunset camel ride in the middle of the desert, and the stories behind the golden walled forts. So much lessons, kind people, and carpet shopping (!) on this part of our great Indian escapades.
But of course, what is a first timer in India without a visit of the iconic Taj Mahal? Tama nga sinabi nila, the Taj is not overrated! "The hype is real", haha!
Lastly, another plot twist of 2019 was going to Hokkaido twice, and the unexpected Kyushu trip where I got the invite the day before the flight--making it my 3rd Japan trip of the year! I love Japan for having what I call "seasons on steroids" (best sakura experience and best autumn foliage in my books), but for my 2019 trips, Japan impressed me even more for sights that are not only season-based, but will also need a lot of luck!
Shikisai No Oka- bed of lavenders, sunflowers, and other colorful flowers!
And of course, the Sea of Clouds or Unkai Terrace of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu in Hokkaido (also the same place as the Ice Village!). I just learned that it has been days since the sea of clouds showed up, but in that one morning when we went there, we were just in time for a good day to view the beautiful unkai. At that time hindi ko alam na maswerte pala kami, even our tour guide was screaming!
Thank You Lord for blessing me with extreme things this year: For now I know that these aching back and tired feet always come before seeing a magnificent sight, and these exhausted mind and creative burnout can only be followed by sudden inspirations and surprises.
I am grateful that these challenges and confusions of 2019 can only mean one thing: That I want to strive more to be more and to do more. It means still being in tuned with what I truly feel, and not completely drowning in the system called doing things for the 'gram. I hope that although we are not getting any younger, may we not lose these dreams, this sense of wonder to try other things, and maybe even the doubts coz it just means that we are trying our best to move forward. I am making peace with this journey in my life where I am not even sure where I am headed to next--destination and life-path wise. But I know, like that morning at the Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido, that luck has always been on my side.
2019 has been a difficult year for my mental health. I have to admit, I struggled a lot to remove my anxieties with "think positive" and "keeping myself busy". Although these worked in some days and in some ways, admitting that I have a bad case of anxiety to my closest friends and even injecting it in convos with family ("Bat ako kinakabahan, ano ba to?") was the BEST first step I took to take charge of my uncontrollable thoughts and emotions.
The reason for my anxieties changed along with my age. It's not anymore worrying about a boyfriend or my future career (as I am in love with my work--even the challenges that come with it). And although we are not a rich family, I have never been one to worry too much about money for being the daughter of an ahente--ang mindset ko may mabebenta at mabebenta ako during those months when I needed to tighten my belt. My worries came from something we cannot control: death.
I realized that as I tread through my 30s with a slower metabolism and few facial wrinkles and gray hair, people around me are also getting older. I know it's an irrational fear, but I always think of it every morning. Okay pa ba sila lahat? Kamusta na senior dog namin si Keeks? Good health ba today sila mom and dad? These are just the mildest questions that ran inside my head the past months, I had the worst types I had to counter-think with "positivity" everyday.
But even these morbid thoughts come with an important lesson in life: That life is short so better make the most out of it. I spoil my parents to the best that I can. I enjoyed QT with our senior doggo. I value every relationships that I have. At the end of all these, it's not the number of likes, how many countries I've been to, or the amount in one's bank... But the moments we made and keep with people we love.
Thank you 2019 for the shake. We live for another year, and so we learn. Here are my 2019 Highlights!
Our New Doggo, Oreo!
An unexpected baby came in front of our house one random morning last January 2019. Oreo, an aspin from dad's hometown in Batangas, was sent to our family!
I think it was March when Oreo suffered from Parvo, a cruel sickness that only puppies get where they only have 50% chance of survival. But we endured, and Oreo gets to live! He is our daily source of joy in this household along with his Kuya Keeks. ❤
Random Gimmicks Around the City with Blog Friends!
When I am in the city, I am almost always with friends! What is an expensive Grab fare and tollgate fee if in exchange we get to share experiences in Van Gogh Manila or Hotel Sunnies, or watch a SEAGames or Korea fan meeting with my chosen fam?
Almost Monthly Work Trips
I've said this before, there was a time when I really felt tired of constant traveling (almost once a month this year!), but in my heart I am truly grateful for these opportunities that once were just prayers. Hindi lahat ng pagod ay malungkot! I am at my MOST TIRED AND at my HAPPIEST during my travels.
I learned so much not only from the different places and cultures, but also from all the people I was with in my 2019 travels. Thank you friends in life!
My anti-anxieties pills: An episode of a Kdrama every night, Kpop fan gatherings, shopping for K-merch, and Korean idol fan meetings. These are my source of joy for 2019: May have drained my pockets, but filled my heart!
I am blessed to travel for free this year, but the moments I get to travel with family, friends, or my favorite solo adventures will have a special spot in my heart.
Bloggers United will be celebrating its 10th year next year, and I am glad that it has evolved from a bazaar to other gatherings with fellow social media personalities! This year we:
1. Had a Bloggers United talk in MOA Arena no less, in front of thousands of marketing students in the country!
2. Co-organized the new E! Pop Gala with E! Philippines (formerly E! Bloggers Ball)
Celebrated My Blog's 10th Year Anniversary while in Korea!
My life and my work just turned 10 this year! I cannot believe that a hobby can become my lifetime job. Received so much congratulatory and thank you messages while I was in Korea, which made my heart burst!
Won an All-Expense Paid Trip to Jeju Island with Binggrae Philippines!
On my first day back in Jeju after more than a year, Cea and I went to the convenience store in our hotel's lobby and I cannot believe that I still felt kilig being there surrounded by food that comes with old travel memories: A cup of cheese ramyeun on a snowy winter night, a plastic bowl of grapes and tomatoes for breakfast, a pack of egg sandwich before heading to the shoot of Mimi Shop...
I wonder what 2020 has in stored for us? We may not know what the future holds, but the best thing to do is fight the worries with actions. Just get up every morning! To do everything that you want to do while you still can. To enjoy a mundane moment with loved ones while they are still here. To express your joy and love while people are still listening. We are all healthy and well, which makes 2019 a blessing.
2020 holds a lot of possibilities and beginnings! And I am so excited to welcome it with sparkling eyes albeit the doubts and fears. Ahh, God is truly good! Happy New Year! ❤
I love traveling DIY, but I realized how different it is when you're with your senior citizen parents.
During our Korea trip, I observed that the parentals get easily tired, from pulling luggages to walking non-stop. A vacation is supposed to be fun, and so that's what we gave mom and dad last October when we flew to Hong Kong.
Transportation that picked us up from the airport to our hotel, vice versa.
For Mom's 60th birthday, she requested a family trip instead of the typical surprise birthday in a resto with the whole clan (haha!). She prefers just going out of the country with dad and her daughters. After debating which country we should go that's in-line with our budget, with no visa requirements, and gets cold during -ber months... We ended up with Hong Kong.
My Ate was the one who hooked us up with Rakso Travel, also the travel agency that I went to before for my Korean visa. They proudly told me that Korea is their specialty. Anyway, aside from the visa application, they also offer other tour services. Ate got the Hong Kong package for the fam, which already includes the following:
TOUR INCLUSIONS
1) Roundtrip airfare via Cathay Pacific with 30 Kilos luggage allowance
4) 4-Star Hotel Accommodation for 3 Nights - Metropark Mongkok Hotel, with 1 Standard Twin Room for the parents, and 1 Standard Triple Room for me, Ate, and Cea.
5) Free daily breakfast coupon at nearby Mc Donalds
6) Half-Day City Tour (Avenue of Star, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Jewellery Store and Souvenir Shop)
The damages? We only spent a total of Php 24, 000 each for this package! We divided the fee for our parents as our birthday gift to mom, and just spent Php 40k each. I think I made sure to have around Php 20,000 pocket money for food and shopping, but it can get lower if you prefer to a budget trip. Prior this trip, we also bought our HK Disneyland tickets via Klook for Php 3781 each (with promo codes, we only paid Php 2858 each so make sure to check out existing promo codes before booking!).
Here are some details of our 4D3N trip to Hong Kong!
Weather
We went around late October to early November, and weather is not so cold. I brought sweaters, but was sweating the whole time! Buti nalang may 1 shirt ako for Disneyland day, na super mas mainit pa since we were always outdoors!
Hotel
We stayed at the Metropark Mongkok Hotel, which is already part of our tour package. They gave us 1 Standard Twin Room for the parents, and 1 Standard Triple Room for me, Ate, and Cea. This is already inclusive of daily McDonalds breakfast vouchers.
Location is good, with just 3-minute walk to the nearest train station (Prince Edward Station). Rooms are also big, but medyo amoy yosi on our first days. Maganda din the neighborhood, you have convenience stores, restaurants, shopping areas, etc.
Itinerary
Since we all have been to Hong Kong before, our iti for this trip is more chill.
Day 1: Just Around The City • Check in Metropark Hotel (Prince Edward Station) • Lunch at Dim Dim Sum • Street shopping / mall hopping • Dinner at Mak’s Noodle
First meal for this trip!
Shopping and strolling!
First night's dinner:
Day 2: City Tour / Mom's Birthday!
• Avenue of Star • Aberdeen Fishing Village • Jewellery Store and Souvenir Shop
Beautiful scenery and vibe at the Avenue of Star:
Boat ride around the Aberdeen Fishing Village:
Went on our own after the tours, and went to Causeway Bay for Ikea lunch and shopping!
Not so heavy commuting:
Choi Hung Estate for rainbow photo op with the fam!
Back in Causeway Bay for Mom's birthday dinner at Delicious Kitchen!
Back in our hotel room to blow mom's birthday candles!
Day 3: Hong Kong Disneyland!
And we're back! Hong Kong was our first family trip back in I think 1992 (?).
Still the happiest place on earth!
We took so many rides this time as adults!
I am so happy to share these memories with my family!
Quotang quota kami sa family photos, all worth it!
I really enjoyed this trip! It wasn't as packed as my usual trips, but we were able to enjoy our time together as family. My dream in the coming years is to have more of travels with my family. ❤
My 2020 is off to a slow start, but it's okay. It's actually a good contrast from the rush that the end of 2019 has brought us, and right now, I appreciate the rest and time off this new year (and new decade) brings.
Some updates! From #40 last 2018, for 2019 my blog landed at #64 at the Feedspot Top 100 Philippines Blogs And Websites To Follow.. aigoo! It's time to get motivated again, and work harder this year. I have been slacking not only in my blog but also on my other platforms like Instagram, but then again, it's okay! 2019 has been a transition year for most of us in the community: Will I continue my blog? Will I pursue Vlogging? How will I balance filming an IG Story and clips for a potential Youtube post??? While taking pictures!?
Also, according to Feedspot, my site posts an average of 2 blog entries in a week, while the #1 spot (When In Manila) posts 10x PER DAY! 😂 My plan is to write more this year, at least doubling my efforts from last year, maybe 4-5 blogs per week is a good target! If you have blog ideas or stuff you will want me to talk about, feel free to comment them below!
Speaking of targets, since January feels like a "trial period" for all of us, I think it's the perfect month to align as well as start pursuing new goals--or even old ones I've been putting off. And so....
Here are my 10 for 2020:
I was supposed to make 20 goals but ang dami pala, haha! Let's make it more focused and simpler this year, but still challenging.
1) Health is Wealth. I am turning 34 this month, and have to reconsider my food choices, fitness life and even my sleeping schedule (kahit na Kdrama is life, haha). Since January 2, I've been going to the gym every other day, but just last Wednesday I injured myself by rushing the back machine--resulting to lower back strains huhu! Now I have to rest for a few days but planning to go back again tomorrow to at least have cardio time.
2) Watch ASTRO and BTS Live.
3) Go to a country I haven't been to.
4) Shake up my wardrobe! I've been holding an online closet sale since last week to save up for my birthday trip. Aside from earning extra money and disposing clothes that does not "spark joy" na, it also brings extra space in my closet for new pieces that will fit my current style (yet to be discovered hehe).
5) As mentioned earlier, be more active again in my blog. Bring back the 2017-2018 Anagon blogger!
6) Personal Project: Travel in Korea for a month. And record daily activities in vlogging format.
7) Personal Project: Attend to at least 5 random classes and workshops (art, cooking, etc). Last year I think I only attended 2: 1 month Korean language class, and a one day cooking class at the Vegetarian Kitchen in QC.
8) Be more financial literate (to make my mom and dad happy, haha!). I already have insurances but I want to be more consistent in that, and learn even more about the stock market. Also: Less gastos, more ipon!
9) Be more attentive with the state of my mental health. Focus on what will make me happy, and not be afraid to say no. Maybe keep a daily journal again?
10) Start a long-term business.
In short, I just want to be healthy in all ways, to have a purpose for my social media presence and not just post because I am pressured to, to have a quality and loving community--and create something of value to people who choose to follow me, and to be stable financially so I can do more and be more for my family.
With the recent case of the corona virus, it's harder to plan for the next trip. It saddens me that a spring trip may now be out of the picture, but as they say better safe than sorry!
I received questions over the past weeks on what one can do with their airline tickets, to cancel and refund, or to rebook? This is still on a case-to-case basis. If your ticket is from a promo fare, then most likely you can't reschedule or refund it. Refundable tickets are risk for an airline, that's why there’s a cost attached to it.
Meanwhile if it's on regular fare, you can still rebook the ticket on another date but with additional charges. Airline tickets have a set shelf life, and fares fluctuate depending on variables like purchasing window, demand and supply.
I also learned about Cebu Pacific's new CEB Flexi rebooking feature, and thought of sharing it to you as it might be useful for your upcoming trips. This is a good plan B for your travels.
Easier Rebooking withCEB Flexi
CEB Flexi is an add-on that enables travelers to rebook their flights up to two times, and up to (2) hours before departure. CEB Flexi has to be purchased for a minimal fee at the point of booking the flight—and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a promotional fare or a year-long low fare.
How Much Does It Cost?
From the usual fixed PHP4,600 rebooking fee for a round-trip flight between the Philippine and any Cebu Pacific destination in Asia for example, travelers simply add-on PHP1,598 to enable rebooking of their flights, resulting to a 65% savings on rebooking fees alone! Travelers need to think about the fare difference, but that can vary depending on the travel date.
How To Avail CEB Flexi?
Rebooking of flights with CEB Flexi can easily be done through the “Manage Booking” section on Cebu Pacific’s website, www.cebupacificair.com, or on the official mobile app.
First of all, I am not sure when this post will be useful again. I actually feel sad that we can't plan a Korea trip anytime soon (bye cherry blossoms and Crash Landing shooting locations! 😩)because of the NCov travel ban, but I am hoping that everything will be for the best and this will eventually die down soonest. I am just thankful that I am already back here in the Philippines before this blew up and it will be harder to fly back, but I am also praying for the people in affected areas that they may remain safe and healthy.
For now, it's nice to finally look back on each day of my recent 20-day adventure in Korea. I will take my time to write everything per day or per activity, in the hopes that soon we can book our flights to Incheon once again. Here it goes!
My first blog post for this 20-day trip will start the moment I (crash) landed at the Incheon International Airport at almost 12 midnight. My Day Zero. I am sure a lot of you will get this same flight and will wonder if there are still public transportations from the airport going to your accommodation in Seoul, but I think all buses and trains are already closed by this time.
Some of the options that I could have done are the following:
1) Take a taxi, which is a bit expensive and also naisip ko baka wala na sumalubong sa akin sa guesthouse when I arrive at around 1am. But if meron na kayong arrangements, okay na option to.
2) Rent a private car via Klook, para may sasalubong na sa akin from the airport heading straight to my accommodation. But then again, same concern as No. 1--dapat may sasalubong padin sakin sa guesthouse baka mamaya mag antay ako sa street if they don't give me the passcode or key.
3) Book for a hotel in Incheon, just near the airport, and spend the night there. Take a cab going to the hotel. Again, make sure to set arrangements on your late night arrival.
4) Sleep in the airport, wait till the first bus for Seoul. I always choose this option coz it feels safer and less hassle for me. But I'll try the other ideas above next time so I have something new to report to you guys, haha!
SLEEPING IN INCHEON AIRPORT
There are several options where you can sleep at the Incheon International Airport. You can book for a lounge, but naisip ko tig 3 hours lang sya and wala pang shower yung fee. You can occupy any seat in the airport for free, but naisip ko ang laki ng luggage ko and madami akong valuables like my money and camera so medyo hassle matulog pag ganyan. I also considered Incheon Airport's Darakhyu Capsule Hotel,but it is pricey for me and was already fully booked. So I ended up going to Spa On Air again, but this time more prepared.
SPA ON AIR
Spa On Air is Incheon International Airport's Jjimjilbang or public bathhouse. Same concept, but a bit modern and pricier than city jjimjilbangs. Here are some information when staying in Spa On Air.
Location
Spa On Air is at the B1 Eastside Incheon Airport Terminal 1. You can take the escalator, or if you have luggages with you just take the elevator from the arrival section and press B1.
Reservations
After lining up for more than 2 hours the last time I tried Spa On Air, I already checked online if they accept reservations prior my trip but unfortunately they don't have one. It's on first come first served basis, so I just went straight from arrivals to the line.
Based on my 2 experiences, line will take more than two hour so prepare your heart for it! I made sure to preoccupy myself with either a Kdrama, a video editing that I needed to finish, etc. This time alam kong matagal ang antayan so medyo hindi na ako as anxious as my first time.
Price
I paid for the 22,000 KRW (Around Php 1000+), which is inclusive of 12 hours of stay, use of shower and sauna, and the sleeping area.
The fee also includes one luggage storage, but since I also have a small luggage for my hand-carry, they charged a separate 5000 KRW for it. No choice naman ako haha, but next time I should have placed my small luggage inside the big luggage just to minimize expenses.
Price list from my 2019 stay. Not sure if there are price updates but more or less almost same din binayad ko this year except for my extra luggage.
Shower+Sauna Area
After leaving my luggages with the front desk, they gave me a tap card and a tap bracelet. The card will be used to enter the sleeping area, while the bracelet is used for the lockers. You have to take off your shoes sa reception area palang, and place it on the designated locker that you'll pass by before heading to the bigger locker area at the Shower+Sauna.
Locker for Shoes:
Left everything inside the big locker assigned to me before taking a nice hot bath. They will provide 2 small towels and a shirt+shorts set that everyone should wear:
File Photos: Locker provided is really small, just big enough for your vanity kit, your valuables (camera, wallet, etc), and the clothes you'll wear the next day. They also have clean water station so you don't have to buy bottled water during your whole stay.
Wearing the Spa On Air brown uniform after taking a bath.
The vanity section has a hair dryer, a comb, and some basic body and skincare products like lotion, hair gel, earbuds, facial toner and moisturizer. Don't forget to BRING YOUR OWN facial wash, toothbrush and toothpaste. But if may naiwan ka they also have a vendo machine for some of your basic essentials.
May bodywash and shampoo na sa shower cubicles:
Since I got in around 2am na, I had enough time the next day to just chill around the airport, have my breakfast, load my T-Money in the CU convenience store, and withdraw Korean Won at the ATM without the need to carry all my stuff with me during these errands. Iniwan ko muna lahat sa Spa On Air. I also had the luxury to take a bath and use their amenities TWICE, one before sleeping and then bath time again the next day before leaving the airport. Super sulit siya for me.
Breakfast and airport errands without bringing all my things with me:
Hassle-free airport errands before you go to Seoul! Make sure to reload or buy your T-Money Card, have your money exchanged or withdraw some Korean Won, or maybe purchase a sim card or rent a wifi unit for your trip.
Sleeping Area Tips
Lastly, aside from the waiting time, another challenge for me at the Spa On Air is the sleeping area. The shower+sauna for boys and girls are separate (of course), but the sleeping area is just one wide unisex space with zero privacy.
They only provide hard cushion mats and blocks (or pillow na matigas) on first come first served basis, but since I've tried this na before and I knew mahirap makatulog with the hard flooring, the lack of privacy, the lights on, and the noise from those checking in and out at the nearby reception area, here are some tips:
1) Find your corner faaaaar from the area where you need to tap your card, para lang hindi gaano kaingay at dinadaan-daanan. Pull a mat at the far and darker corner, wag madyahe to move around and make yourself feel comfortable.
2) Bring your own pillow and blanket. I swear, this made a big difference! I was able to sleep soundly compared to my first time here.
My mini comforter made me sleep soundly till 8:30am:
3) Bring an eyeshade and ear plugs if you can't sleep with the noise and light.
Here's mycorner spot faraway from the entrance so I won't wake up from footsteps and card beeping sounds:
Had another chance to take a bath in the morning:
Did you ever take a red eye flight to Incheon? What did you do?
Excited to write about my Day 1 in Seoul on my next post, including my stay in a goshiwon.
Remember when Kim Kardashian's hotel was robbed at gun-point few years ago? People were saying it was caused by posting too much information on social media. I think I really took this celebrity gossip seriously, especially whenever I am traveling solo!
Now, I only post room tours but without giving out vital details like exact address of where I am staying, and of course careful nadin na hindi mahagip my room number on my IG Story, etc. I also don't use geotags or geo locations when posting real-time. Do you have other precautions whenever you're on a solo trip?
When I posted my Seoul accommodation on my Instagram Story, I received a lot of messages asking about its exact location. I think the price really sparked interest (less than Php 1000 per night!), but I avoided answering inquiries right away and promised that I'll blog everything after the trip.
Finally! Now that I am back home, I can finally share to you my humble "home" in Seoul for winter 2020. I'll share all the details that I can remember, and then judge for yourself if it's a space that you can stay in or not. Here goes!
THE DETAILS
My Room Criteria for this Trip
When I booked my guesthouse for this trip, my goal was to get a place and neighborhood where I haven't stayed in yet para maiba and madaming bagong masarap idiscover everyday.
I also wanted to book ASAP para mas mura pa.
I also looked for a solo room because for sure with the longer travel duration I will need space and privacy to fix my luggage from time to time--something that I cannot do in a dorm or bunkbed accommodation I've stayed in before.
And lastly, with the longer duration I also hoped to get a cheap room so I'll have more money left for other things like tours and my daily allowance.
Where Did I Stay?
I think this is either my 2nd or 3rd time staying in one, but it's only during this trip that I discovered that they call my accommodation a GOSHIWON.
A goshiwon is a common accommodation in Korea, almost all neighborhoods and cities have one. It was said to be created for students looking for a more affordable room nearer their school, but cannot afford renting an apartment.
Most goshiwon price ranges from around Php 500 to 1000 per night, depending on its inclusions and location.
A goshiwon is a super tiny space, some rooms have its own toilet and shower, but I remember the one in Myeongdong where I stayed in last year, box room lang talaga siya! I had to go out of my room to take a bath or pee in the common restroom even if it's already 12mn. :p
I found my Sinsadong goshiwon while browsing Agoda, it fell under AgodaHomes with the vague name Daisy. So naisip ko na aaah parang Airbnb siguro. Hindi nila nilagay agad the address sa description page, but what attracted me the most was the location and most of all the price. Imagine staying in Gangnam area for only Php 1000 per night?
Location
After paying for my guesthouse through the Agoda app, I finally received a message with all the details including the address and a link that leads to Google Maps. I made sure to label this with "Guesthouse 2020".
Nearest train station is Sinsa of Seoul Subway Line 3. Airport bus stop may seem near on your map app, but what made it super hassle was the walk heading to the hostel is sobrang ma-hills and slopes. Imagine looking for the place while dragging two luggages, AND holding up your phone to navigate.
Took the airport bus to my guesthouse in Sinsadong for 15,000 KRW (Php 633+).
I was so happy when I saw a CU convenience store around 2 blocks away from my building, and a 7Eleven around 3 blocks away--lahat madadaanan from the train station. So even after a long day, I usually buy my iced coffee, C1000 vitamin drink, sandwiches, instant porridge, hardboiled egg, and other snacks before I head up my building. Can't imagine staying in a place with no walking-distance convenience store! 😅
I also spotted several learning centers, music schools, and even agencies near the guesthouse. The Yoojung Sikdang, resto made popular by BTS as the place where they often eat during their rookie years, is just walking distance from my guesthouse. I was able to eat there twice! And of course, Garosugil is just a short walk, almost tawid lang from my area.
Music school that I always pass by from the guesthouse:
Should have eaten daily in Yoojung Sikdang:
PRICE
As mentioned earlier, I paid roughly around Php 1000 per night for my room, a pretty good deal since usually hotel rooms cost around Php 5000-10,000 in Seoul, while Airbnbs are around Php 2500 to 3000 per night. Technically, this private room is the same price with bunkbed accommodations.
With the service charges, minus Agoda's discount, I ended up paying only Php 19,569.20! Sobrang good price for a private room in Gangnam for 21 nights! Kung naisip ko lang sana na hindi ibook my first night (because I slept nalang pala sa airport), it could have been lesser pa!
Booking Hacks Alert!
1) Make sure to avail Agoda's promo codes, which they usually send on your email after you browse and check the app. Makulit sila sa notifications, and I think automated na yung promo code para mapabook ka nila!
2) Price is relatively cheaper via app compared to their website rates.
3) Lastly, make sure to book via SHOPBACK app! Do not forget this, sayang ang cashback! For this booking, I'll be receiving Php 961.85 ninety days after my trip! So parang Php 18, 606.35 lang talaga yung binayad ko for my room!
BOOK IT!
Finally, here's the link of the guesthouse I stayed in! >>> http://bit.ly/cheap-accommodation-seoul. Sharing this to you for option, BUT! You have to discern first if staying in a goshiwon or IN THIS goshiwon is good for you. First, let's start with...
What I don't like about this goshiwon
1) No Elevators! Won't recommend this if you're traveling with a huge luggage!
Nagtitigan muna kami ng XL luggage ko before I dragged it up the stairs to my room. Nakamamatay!
You have to leave your shoes on your assigned locker when you reach the fourth floor. I brought my own rubber slippers so I don't have to be barefooted heading up to the 5th floor coz super lamig pag winter even indoors.
2) Not super clean like hotels, and of course no daily cleaners. Alam niyo yung hindi naman ako super OC, but everyday I use my Kurin and Messy Bessy water sprays to disinfect the toilet, my table, door knob, etc.
I also had to throw my garbage regularly para hindi maipon sa room, but enjoy ko naman learning their segregation scheme. But if you're lazy for household stuff while traveling, then baka mahassle ka dito.
Just before the fifth floor you'll find these garbage bins where you can dispose your trash:
3) Thin walls, I can hear my neighbors either singing or burping lol. Also had to tone down while watching Youtube, or wear earphones kahit asa room nako coz nakakahiya din mag ingay.
4) Lots of hills and slopes leading to the building. Everyday was an exercise. Plus I stayed at the 5th floor so super hingal talaga before I reach my room! But on the brighter side, I think I burned a lot of calories during this trip, hehe!
Road leading to the guesthouse:
5) Self Check-in / Check-out. This is okay naman with me, but if you have emergency questions you need to message the guesthouse keeper via Agoda app, and you won't get immediate answers.
6) Building or property name used in Agoda is different, there are no signs on the building saying it's Daisy (yung name nya sa Agoda). Also, it's an old bldg, first 3 floors seem like former study centers. Napanood nyo ba yung When Camellia Blooms? Medyo scary if you think about it haha!
The building where I stayed:
Alam mong dati siyang learning center, may pa motivational quote pa sa entrance ng building. 😂
Actual name of the guesthouse, but it is not on Google Maps or Naver:
7) The building, since it is not an official hotel, is also hard to pin with Google Maps or even Naver. Hindi lang ako ang nahirapan, pati the Korean airport driver that I hired for my last day. Had to specify geolocation, and send building and street photos before he got it.
8) May night na nag amoy paint or thinner the whole place! Natakot ako that I might suffocate sa tiny room ko while sleeping, but no choice naman ako had nowhere to stay! Almost slept with my mask on!
The next day, I received a message in Agoda apologizing to all guests na may repair ata sa 3rd floor na umabot ang amoy sa taas. Anyway, at least that explained the smell. 😖
9) Sometimes, especially at night, super dilim and walang katao-tao sa area and even sa baba ng building. Hindi ko alam san ko nakukuha lakas ng loob ko every time I go up to the 5th floor at night ng mag isa at madaming bitbit, pero iniisip ko nalang madaming CCTV sa Seoul! 😄
What I like about this goshiwon
1) The price! Super swak talaga sa budget, and same price as what I used to pay for staying in a bunkbed before.
2) I like that it is very near Garosugil, and the walk to the train station is sakto lang. Although malayo padin sya compared to the other guesthouses I've tried na before na talagang tapat lang ng building ang public transpo.
3) Check-in was a breeze. You don't even have to meet anyone, the guesthouse keeper just messaged me that he left my key on my table, and gave me the floor and room number. When I reached my room on my first day, hindi naka-lock yung door and true enough the key is just on the table.
4) Door uses key and not passcode, but it has a double lock from the inside so I felt safe during my stay.
5) Although it is small, room has a small window and complete ang smoke alarm and ventilation system.
6) It has its own toilet and shower! I usually stay till late so imagine when I needed to go to the toilet or shower at night and nasa labas pa ang CR, super hassle and scary! :p
7) This goshiwon also has a pantry or common area where all guests can:
- Use the washine machine for free (there's a spin dryer but with a fee)
- Get hot or cold water from the drinking dispenser for FREE (big deal to sa akin coz I often consume 1L bottled water fast, so for this trip I just bought a container in Daiso and refilled it everyday! Super tipid)
Had to leave this bottle on my last day coz it's too bulky huhu:
- It also has a microwave which I used a lot for heating my convenience store breakfast or dinner
- You can also cook here using their pans and stove, and use their bowls, plates, mugs, and utensils--as long as you wash everything after use.
- I also saw that the rice cooker is always filled with white rice, and there's a corner where you can get side dishes (kimchi) for free. So if nag titipid ka you can actually have FREE meals in your room daily!
8) The room, although it's small, has everything I needed to get by.
- A fast internet connection.
- A single bed with pillow and blanket. It also has a heater that kept me warm at night!
Sinasaksak ko lang din to every night before sleeping, and nagwawarm na yung bed ko.
- Room has a tiny closet filled with mismatched but enough hangers to hang all my clothes (and big coats!) so I don't have to open my big luggage everyday.
- I have a desk area with small cabinets and shelves on top, which I used to organize my essentials and mga nashopping 😁.
- It also has a box TV na kahit hindi ko naman ginamit, ang saya na meron parin!
- And of course there's a small refrigerator for my leftover foods, stocks, water, etc.
- Meanwhile, inside the bathroom! The hot shower worked perfectly fine throughout my stay.
May door naman to the tiny toilet room, and never naman nabasa my things even though sa photo it looks like sobrang dikit ng bed sa shower area.
- They also provided a hairdryer, small towels, a roll of toilet paper, and a bottle of body wash and shampoo.
These are not enough during my stay, so I made sure to bring my own big towel (3 quick-dry ones), I also bought a better shampoo in Daiso, more toilet paper, facial tissue, a bar of soap, plus all-else may baon nako like toothbrush, toothpaste, facial wash, cotton buds, etcetera.
THE VERDICT
So these are all the pros and cons of this goshiwon. Will I stay here again? Most prob I will continue looking for a better one nearer the subway, and sana next time yung may elevator na (or will not require me to go up til 5th floor!). Hopefully makahanap padin ng competitive ang pricing, but generally, I have no regrets naman during my stay here!
In a way, I made this goshiwon my home for 3 weeks. I had a private space and comfortable sleep every night. May naiwanan ako ng big maleta when I went around other cities outside of Seoul. I even decorated my room (haha) with postcards and a wall calendar that I filled up with my day-to-day activities. On my first night back in Manila, naappreciate ko bigla the luxury of space that I have here in my real home.
But even if it's only 394 sqm, even when I had to climb up to the fifth floor everyday to reach my room, and even with the minor booboos, I still feel sad and "homesick" whenever I am reminded of my tiny space in Sinsadong.
My messy desk filled with snacks and stationeries + My anti-corona vitamins:
Took this shot on my last morning at the guesthouse, before getting up to prepare for the airport:
When I got home from my long trip, dad's first question to me was if I ever felt lonely.
"Nainip ka ba?"
Okay to be honest, this is one of the easiest questions I always receive when it comes to solo traveling. Nothing compares to the feeling I get whenever I am in Korea for my solo adventures. Anti-anxieties pill ko siya.
I get up sooo excited for a new day! I end the day tired but accomplished. I never run out of new things to do or cities to explore. Actually, I think the bigger challenge to me is my country of choice.
I realized that Korea is not the most solo traveler friendly country. Yes, it is a generally safe place for women that's why I have little worries whenever I commute intercity, or go home late. But there are other things that I observed: First is when it comes to dining.
Most Korean restaurants cater groups. Think samgyupsal. I cannot imagine heading to a bbq resto alone, unlike in Japan where they have Ichiran's popular solo booths. I also encountered restos with minimum orders. Imagine dining alone but you have to order for two persons, haha!
I also had a conversation with Marc, a Filipino who works in Korea for around 3 years now. I opened this topic to him, saying that the hardest part for me is finding where I should eat next. I always end up in either a cafe where they usually only serve cakes and sweet pastries (huhu), or convenience stores.
Went to my go-to breakfast place: Paris Baguette. Coz I am super sure they have savory options and not just sweets!
Marc said that most Koreans will prefer going out with at least one friend with them. Going out solo is a bit weird to them, haha!
So imagine what I felt when I showed my Klook voucher for One Mount Snow Park, an indoor winter themed park! I thought that I should visit a snow festival since it's winter time, but decided to settle for this instead of going to an actual ski resort because:
b) Travel time is too long and tour rates are expensive for something I've done naman na before (2-3 hours by bus)
and c) I am sure it is possible naman but personally a snow park looks like one of those things that I am so intimidated to go to alone--along with a noraebang (karaoke room) and pojangmacha (soju tent).
Commute to One Mount Snow Park is also a bit long, but at least I only needed to take the Seoul Subway to get here (Juyeop Station)!
I always have second thoughts whenever I encounter this bar of soap haha!
The walk to One Mount Snow Park from the train station will take around 15 to 20 minutes (depends on your pace), but the pathway is just so beautiful that I don't mind at all!
I am still amazed by Seoul City. They have tall buildings and beautiful parks. Modernization and culture preservation. And how can a place be so pretty whether the skies are blue or the clouds decided to show up and turn it into a gloomy day?
Finally reached One Mount Snow Park. Aside from the skating rink, they also have a water park just next to it but with separate entrance fee.
Again, an awkward moment for this solo trip was when the ticket person asked me, "For one?" Haha! But then again, maybe it's just me and so I replied, "Yes for one!" before heading in, catching myself skipping a little bit, giddy for what's in stored for me that day.
The reviews weren't lying, One Mount Snow Park is small and marketed for the young ones! 50% of the guests are kids, and 99% are locals (the 1% is me haha)! Nevertheless, these are things that made the travel and visit worth it:
1) This is a distinct shooting location for Kdrama Love Alarm!
This scene:
2) I was able to try dog sledding for the first time, and it's so cool! And anything related to dogs makes me insta-happy!
3) They have magic shows and musical performances onstage, but what entertained me the most was when the lights dimmed, and suddenly there was beautiful snowfall, Frozen II's Into The Unknown blasted on the venue's speakers! Super magical!
I think I conquered some of my solo traveling fears in just a day! Through language barriers and spotting a churros stand for "lunch", at least I was able to go and enjoy a theme park alone. I even took pictures in a photo booth! Akala ko it will be so awkward to do this by myself, but it's actually fun + mas madali umaura pag walang nakekeelam diba! Haha!
This leads us to the last challenge of solo traveling in Korea and anywhere else in the world: Who will take my pictures?
1) Self-timer - This is my ultimate go-to! I just place my mirrorless camera on a flat surface, usually on top of my bag para may onting tilted angle. If nakaka hiya mag camera or wala din mapapatungan na stable, I compromise quality and just use my phone with a small foldable tripod.
2) Ask a Stranger - There are locations na masyado mababa yun papatungan, or daanan ng tao or kotse, so I just ask a random passerby to take my picture for me. Bihirang bihira to coz I am usually shy! Hehe!
Make sure to instruct them na of the framing and angle you prefer, or just take a risk "basta may picture". Haha! And also, if you see someone na naka camera rin most prob they have photo skills! Favorite ko din to ask couples coz most prob they might want a picture together, too! So offer to take their photos rin after they took yours.
3) Mirror portrait shot - My final straw before resorting to the low quality, front camera selfie! Minsan mirror shots can even be artsy!
Not the best angle, but sometimes--just for memory's sake--basta may isang souvenir shot okay na ako. ❤
When I started planning for my itinerary, I realized that Seolal will fall during my 20-day travel duration in Korea.
But first... What Is Seolal?
I was honestly clueless about this till I had to encounter it for my recent Korea trip.
Seolal is Korea's New Year, a celebration of the first day of the Korean calendar. Unlike our New Year here in the Philippines, Korean celebration lasts for THREE days! Koreans head home to their families thus heavy traffic is expected, and going out of town for us tourists is discouraged. Also, most businesses are closed during the duration of the Seolal.
Dates also change every year, and for 2020 it was January 25 (or my 4th day in the city). I decided to look for either a tour, an activity, or anything that will keep me within Seoul but still have something to do even with closure of establishments. Sayang din the 3-4 days if I have no plans. I realized that it's about time that I book for a templestay.
What Is A Temple Stay?
A templestay is a cultural experience offered in South Korea for guests to understand more of Korean Buddhism. Activities often consists of meditations, tea time, conversations with monks and other guests, chanting, crafting, and Buddhist meals (vegetarian).
Why A Temple Stay? Aside from having something to do during Seolal, I've always wanted to experience a templestay. I find it unique and out of the box, but something that I can easily avail through my travel booking apps.
Some will say that going on a templestay is also a nice break from the city, since you'll be staying in a quiet area with slow-paced activities lined up for everyone minus the pressures. And lastly, I also look-forward to learning more about Korea's spirituality.
Where and When?
Most Temple Stays are open everyday! There are different temples offering this program that you can check on travel booking sites like Trazy.com I picked a temple that is still within Seoul for the convenience, and is located on a mountain for a nice view!
You can book a half-day templestay, an overnight (what I did), and you can also opt for just a "rest" type of templestay where you don't have to participate in any of the group activities.
My Temple Stay Experience
There are more options on this site, but I decided to book for a templestay that is available on Trazy.com for the convenience. They also have reviews so I can assess if I should go for it or not.
I chose Geumsunsa Temple, a 600 years old temple located in Mt. Bukhansan.
It's also great that I was able to book for a weekend schedule because it has more activities.
DAY 1
2:30pm - Arrival and Registration
Geumsunsa Temple is a train and bus ride away from my guesthouse. You can go down Gyeongbokgung Station, and take a bus, then hike, but since I was running late and can't seem to figure out the right bus, I decided to take a taxi. Which turned out to be a good idea. The cab went uphill until kung saan pwede ang vehicle, which saved me from a lot of uphill walks.
I also thanked the heavens that I decided to just bring my small backpack instead of carrying a luggage with me for an overnight. Although I skipped a lot of hills heading for the temple, it was still a long way up and I cannot imagine carrying a luggage with me!
The trail to the temple was easy to navigate coz there are signages everywhere. You'll also encounter people on their way up or down, so it's also less intimidating.
Finally found the temple! I like the vibe of it right away, so beautiful and quiet. Plus points that THREE dogs welcomed me as I headed in!
2:45pm - Check-in and Rest
I was one of the early birds, and was surprised that the staff told me I will get a solo room in this white building (2nd door from the stairs). I asked if they aren't full for the day, turns out they are fully booked so the big group will be the one to stay in the common room.
We were given an hour to just settle and rest in our rooms, as the guests arrived one by one.
This is my assigned room! I like that it is super spacious and clean. We have futons for beddings, a closet where we can hang our coats, and the door leads to the toilet and bath.
They also provided us with a uniform which consists of a gray vest and matching garterized pants (they fit me well, whew!). They also provided a clean pillowcase, but take note that there are no towels provided! Buti nalang I have a clean scarf which I used muna to dry off after bathing.
Bottles of shampoo, body wash, and toothpaste are available in the restroom.
Decided to leave my charger, thinking I'll be staying in a big room with roommates. But with this solo room, there are electrical outlets which I could have used. But the two 10,000 mAh power banks that I brought with me were enough nadin naman for the overnight.
Wearing my uniform! Take note: wear decent clothes at the temple. Short skirts and sleeveless are not allowed even during summer.
My favorite part from this stay is the view I get every time I open the sliding door of my room. The temple compound is so charming and peaceful.
3:30 - Orientation, Temple Manners (House Rules), and Temple Tour
Finally, the group gathered to meet at the center of the compound, in front of the staff's office where we registered earlier. My group consists of Dutch high school students and their 2 teachers, plus ME! In short, I was the odd one in the group, but it's fine.
Aside from walking through different parts of the temple, we also learned the basic teachings of Buddhism.
Take Note: Prepare for lots of hikes! Wear comfortable shoes, although they will also lend you a standard pair of temple shoes.
4:30pm - Free Time
You can rest in your room, hike back to the places we toured in earlier, or check out the temple book cafe, etc. I decided to just rest in my room after all the walks, before heading just outside to chill with the cute temple dogs!
5pm - Early Dinner
Just one of my templestay highlights: The food! Everything's vegan, and served buffet style. Went back several times to refill my plate! Super sarap, and they appreciate it when we went back for more!
Make sure to wash everything that you used after eating.
In the evening, after dinner, we experienced bell tolling, bowing 108 times while reading chants on positive life outlook, etc. Everything is fast-paced. Hindi ko namalayan how tired I was till we went back to our rooms.
A takeaway for me from this experience is that you don't have to be the best or you don't have to think too much about things, and just go with the flow. Overthinking is one of the main reasons why people don't get things done.
8pm - Crafts (Buddhist Prayer Beads)
After a bit of rest, we gathered again in the common room to make a prayer beads bracelet. It was an easy activity, but also a nice way to interact with the group, and create something that I can take home from the temple (perfect souvenir).
10pm - Lights Off / Sleep
After the crafting, we can do whatever we want as long as lights in the whole temple compound will be closed by 10pm. I decided to just hangout in my room, get water in the common room, and then clean-up before bed. Call time the next day is at 5am so I opted to sleep early.
DAY 2
4am - Wakeup / Wash up
Ang aga ng alarm ko from the rest! Was peeping from my glass door to see if anyone's coming out, by 4:30am I saw the head monk walking around the compound with a small gong.
5am - Morning Yebul (Buddhist Chanting Ceremony)
We did the same 108 bowing, and by the end of the ceremony, we bowed in front of the monks of the temple to greet them a Happy New Year!
6:30am - Breakfast
I was excited to eat coz I know everything they will serve is vegetarian! Might even book for a different templestay on my next trips just for the food, haha!
7:30am - Meditation in the Forest (Hike!)
I was excited for this activity coz although I hiking is my weakness, I have NEVER not enjoyed the view at the end of each trail I've been to. But unlike here in the Philippines na may guide sa harapan and sa tail of the hikers, our guide for here was the monk, and everyone else are the guests.
I changed my temple shoes into my sneakers, tried my best to follow the lead of the Korean guests who are so used to hikes, and the group of tall Dutch high schoolers, but in the end, everyone went by me SO FAST that mid-trail I found myself left alone in the middle of the mountain! Nakakaloka!
Catching my breath, I decided to just turn around and go back in the hopes of figuring out my way to the temple. Medyo disappointed ako sa sarili ko tbh, but when I was in my room na uli sobrang nafeel ko yung hingal ko so maybe it is best for me to just chiiiiill.
9am - Tea Time with Monk
Also not required, but I am glad that I signed up for this. Was again with the group of students who asked a lot of good questions about the monk life.
I wasn't able to prepare my questions, sadly, my introversion got the best of me so I just listened the whole time. I realized that these things only happen once in a lifetime so if I can go back here again I'll make sure to be more assertive!
But still, I was able to enjoy the tea and learned a little more about Korean monks by being a passive audience.
Head monk gave us this coloring book after the tea time. :)
10am - Free Time
An hour left before checkout as I saw more people coming in the temple for the Seolal, I decided to take out my camera and document a bit of the temple compound.
Then, I went back to my room to pack my things, remove my beddings, fold my uniform, and surrendered them in front of the staff office.
Sometimes I find myself curating "creative tours" that I may offer to fan girls like me whenever they travel to Japan or Korea. Nothing like the standard tourist locations line-up, I thought that it should be unique and interest-based like a Hallyu tour, a specific Korean drama tour, maybe a cute cafe and stationery hopping tour, etc. Then I saw that hindi na pala papahuli our travel booking sites.
While looking for more things to do to fill up my 20-day itinerary in Korea, I chanced upon a Seoul BTS Fan Day Tour. Since I have so much time for this trip, and would want days where I don't have to think too much and navigate, AND of course anything BTS we say YES... I booked this tour in a heartbeat!
9am - Iryeong Station - Shooting location for Spring Day
Dito palang feel ko sulit na the rate. It's not near Seoul (around an hour of travel time by private vehicle), and since it's an abandoned railway, it's also hard to take pictures here when you're alone.
I can hear the intro of Spring Day playing in my head while we were here.
10:20am - Hwarangdae Station and Gong-tral Park
When ordinary places turned into tourist spots because of Kim Namjoon.
11:30am - Seoul Forest Park
Love Yourself shooting location, RM benches (donated by fans), and Jungkook's apartment.
1pm - Yoojung Sikdang
Restaurant where BTS constantly went to during their rookie years (near old Big Hit Building)
2pm - Big Hit Entertainment (Old Building)
Where it all started.
2:30pm - Laundry Pizza
Love Yourself: Her shooting location.
You have the option to stay here to eat! Worth it sya, the Potato Pizza is delicious!
Price and menu for your reference:
FAQs:
1) Tour operates every Wednesday and Sunday
2) Maximum number of participants is 43, it's also nice that they will push through even if you're alone!
3) We rode a mini-bus, but transpo depends on number of participants
4) Group is a fun mix of different nationalities, young and old, baby and long-time ARMYs!
5) Price of the tour is at Php 1700+ per head, food not inclusive, available viaKlook.
If I Were To Offer This Tour:
Just for fun, here's my version of a BTS tour!
1) Shortest travel time from one place to another will take around 30 minutes, so I will maximize this with several BTS related activities like playing BTS songs while on the road, give BTS trivia to my guests like how the tour guides do it for other tours, or maybe even play Spring Day before arriving to Iryeong Station since there's a TV naman in our van--just to hype my guests!
2) Make the tour really personal by asking my guests for their bias prior the trip, so I can handout photo cards or plastic IDs with a photo of their bias as souvenir.
3) It's nice that we had lunch in a BTS associated restaurant (Yoojung Sikdang or Laundry Pizza), but since tours usually end in souvenir shops... Why not drop by in either Myeongdong Underground or a Line Friends store?
4) Tour guides usually lift a stick with a flag or stuffed toy so the group will not get lost in a crowd. If I were to create my own BTS tour I will bring an ARMY Bomb as my tour guide flag!
5) My seatmate did her research of our tour and had photos saved in her phone so we can easily copy the poses of the boys per location that we're going to. But I think it would have been more interactive if as a tour guide I'll make sure to have an iPad or a big photo printout showing the places we're going to, and how they are related to the boys.
I can go on and on, haha! But I am limiting my lists to just 5 so you can share to me your wild ideas! Will you also join this tour (or maybe my tour) if you're in Seoul? 😁
