Philippines: Manila: Christmas Around the City

Season's Greetings!  Come and enjoy the Christmas festivities, towering trees and glittering lights in the City of Lights in the Philippines!

Parañaque

Hyatt City of Dreams Manila

Belle Avenue, Entertainment City, Paranaque City, 1700 Metro Manila

Philippines: The Taste of South (2017)

Another year of tasting classic, fusion and amazing edibles served in the restaurants of the metro!

Las Pinas

Another Story
Cuisine: American Asian

Food: Paella (395ph), Feta Cheese and dried berries (Feta Cheese and dried beriies with a balsamic viniagrette dressing and tossed assprted lettuce salad drizzled with candied walnuts. 295ph for solo serving can already be shared), Roast Pork Belly (Roast Pork Belly with mushroom gravy and applesauce with potato au gratin or buttered rice or mashed potatoes, 495ph)

Personal Preference: 10 out of 10.  The food is tasty.  The sauce used in pork belly, vegetables and salad are in rich flavor.  The ambiance the best!

Location: 2F inside Evia Mall, Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas, 1750

South Korea: Seoul: Tea House White Birch Story

Place to have your tea break. Enjoyed the hot Korean Herb Ssanghwa Tea (6000KRW = 240PHP)

Philippines: Flavors of Pasay (2017)

Philippines has been a fusion of Western and Oriental restaurants.  Enjoy those that listed below as seen in SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex.

Botejyu
Cuisine: Japanese
Food: takoyaki, grilled pork
Personal Preference: 7 out of 10.  The taste is good.  However, the location is on the secluded newly open area (might possible be lively as soon as the Galleon Museum becomes open).  Sanitation of the area is a concern.

The Cafe at Hyatt City of Dreams Manila

The Café at the Hyatt City of Dreams Manila has been open to the public for quiet sometime now. But it was only recently when we had a chance to try it’s lunch buffet, thanks to the metrodeal coupon! From P1638 to discounted promo rate of P1105 net is quite a catch!

Filming Location and Autumn Itinerary to Seoul, South Korea

Note: If first time traveler to Seoul, please visit the detailed entry and guide on Itinerary for First-time Visitors or see more autumn itinerary options on this link.

South Korea: Incheon: Cafe Valor

Cafe Valor by it's name is a coffee shop, but is actually a furniture display shop.  It is located in Incheon and was used as a setting in the movie The Beauty Inside.

South Korea: Incheon: Inha University

Inha University is an off track destination and is about 90 minute subway train ride away from central Seoul.  But since I'm fascinated with the lake view as seen in Bok-joo, thus I have decided to visit the place on my way back to the airport.  

South Korea: Sungkyunkwan University's Autumn Colors

Hidden from the main road of the school, there is this perfect spot to catch autumn changing colors in Sungkyunkwan University.

South Korea: Seoul: Choong Ang High School

Choong Ang High School is one of the old filming location site from previous dramas (i.e. Winter Sonata), but gain again its popularity from Goblin (2016-2017).  Unlike the universities that is open to the public where visitors can roam around the campus, here you need to be more discreet since this is a high school.  I read somewhere that they allow visitors during weekends when there are less or no students on the area.

South Korea: Seoul: Sights to See in Konkuk University

University Museum
More than what we see in Goblin, the building behind Kim Shin is Konkuk University Museum.

South Korea: 2017 Seoul Lantern Festival

This is my 3rd visit on Seoul Autumn Lantern Festival since 2011, sadly this year is not the best for me.  It seems like some lanterns were unfinished yet (I have excluded them on this post).  Below are some of the better colored lanterns dedicated to Pyeongchang Olympics.

South Korea: Seoullo 7017

Another walking path build by the government for the locals and tourists, opened on May 2017.  A little bit dull during cold nights of autumn.  But maybe more lively when there are street performances.

South Korea: Seoul Museum of Art

One of the many free-entrance museums that you can find in Seoul.

South Korea: Seongdong-gu: Things to do in Seoul Forest

Seoul Forest, where most locals go.  Where students not just kids are spending their outdoor class, there are also high school students doing their artwork under the ginkgo trees.

South Korea: Seoul: Bukhansan

The weekday hike at Bukhansan was serene, quiet and still challenging.

South Korea: Yakhyeon Church

2014 February Visit

Do you still remember Father Adriane from Love Letter (Jo Hyun-jae as Lee Woo Jin) in 2003 MBC series?  He shed a tear during his ordination in Episode 1.

Before leaving for this trip (Feb 2014), I bump into Yoona’s series Prime Minister, it is her wedding scene, and I suddenly remember the church – I said in an instant, I’ll find it and will be there in case it happened to be in Seoul.

South Korea: Seoul: Places to see in World Cup Park

You have probably seen that the World Cup Park has become famous from the posts of the Philippine local celebrities.  And some would say that “they are only grasses”, it just so happen that it was taken in Seoul.  But more that those silver grass known as Eulalia grass, there are about five smaller parks that we can visit on this area - Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, Noeul (Sunset) Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park.

South Korea: Seoul: 5 Things to do in Samcheong-dong

5 Things to do in Samcheong-dong

1. Taste the Sight
Tea House White Birch Story
Enjoyed the hot Korean Herb Ssanghwa Tea (6000KRW = 240PHP) and Tangerine Cookie from Jeju Island (2,000KRW = 80PHP)

South Korea: Seoul: Hongdae: Picture Book Cafe for Adults

Looks like a library, but this is a picture book cafe for adults and kids too.

South Korea: Seoul: Queen Mama Market

If you are fond of buying furniture, natural-made perfume,scented candles, designed ceramic plates - you can find some of there rare items at the ground and mezzanine floors of Queen Mama Pop-up Market.

South Korea: Flavors of Seoul

W Hand Steak (closed from Dec 2019 visit)
Food: sirloin and lemodae (8900 KRW = 356 PHP)
Personal Preference: 9 out of 10

2017 Nov: South Korea: Seoul: Arriate Fresh Herb Tea House

Another flower themed cafe in Seoul can be found in Yeoksam (within Gangnam-gu).  Known as Arriate Fresh Herb Tea House, they offer drinks and flower bouquets.

2017 Nov: South Korea: Seoul: Pork Restaurant

Who would miss this famous pork restaurant (named: 쌍대포-본점, ssangdaepo-bonjeom) that is always seen in Korean drama scenes.

2011 November: South Korea:Seoul: Four Season's House

Four Season’s House also known as Yoon’s Color is a place dedicated by the director to his drama series.  It is inspired by Autumn in My Heart (Autumn in Love), Winter Sonata, Summer Scent and Spring Waltz.

Before you visit the place, make sure that you book your request on their site, http://www.yoonscolor.com/.

I studied how to get there, but I still get lost.  So I’m sharing the photos below to serve as markers.

1. Take line #6 subway to Sangsu station.

2. Use Exit#2 of Sangsu station and turn left at the top of the stairs of Exit #2

3. Walk straight for 4 mins, 250 meters to Far-East Broadcasting St. and Regina Wedding building.

See the green telephone booth, after that there is a street with a signage of “Four Seasons”.

2017 Nov: South Korea: Seoul: Blute Garden Cafe

Not your regular cafe, but this is another flower garden themed cafe in the heart of Hongdae.  This is the previous location of Four Season's House (Yoon's Color), that is now converted to a garden coffee shop.

2017 Nov: South Korea: Seoul: Visiting Alver

Found in the heart of Gangnam.

2017 Nov: South Korea: Seoul: Things to do in Miss Lee Cafe

1. Enjoy dosirak
Olden times in Korea, lunch boxes are prepared using a silver metal box.  Apart from rice, there are already sausage and egg, plus side dishes (seaweed, kimchi) inside and you just have to shake it before eating.

2017 Nov: South Korea: Drama Cafes Brewing in Seoul

Miss Lee

Food: dosirak or Byeoldabang's memorial assorted box

Location: Miss Lee Cafe in Insadong 144 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Train Station: Line 3, Anguk Station Exit 6

Website: http://missleecafe.com 

Open: Monday-Sunday 10a-12am.  I came here on a Saturday morning at 10:45am, but was told that they are still closed.  They have requested me to come back by 11:00am instead. 

South Korea: Seoul: Hongdae: Cocoon Stay Guesthouse

Cocoon Stay Hongdae Guesthouse 코쿤 스테이 홍대 게스트하우스
34-4, Yanghwa-ro 18an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 양화로18안길 34-4 (동교동)
Facebook | Website | Agoda

2017 Oct: South Korea: Seoul: Chrysanthemum Festival at Jogyesa Temple

2017 Oct: South Korea: Seoul: Chrysanthemum Festival at Jogyesa Temple

At the time of our visit, Jogyesa Temple Chrysanthemum Festival is being held. Different figures were displayed using various colors and sizes of chrysanthemum. Little did I know that Chrysanthemum is a classic autumn flower, good thing events like this exists so that people can enjoy the beauty and scent of autumn chrysanthemum in the middle of urban city.

Kpop Travel Itinerary to Seoul, South Korea

A fusion of tradition, culture and k-pop experience. This itinerary is to cater first time travelers who are too fond of k-pop and idols over the traditional places to see in Seoul.

Accommodation:  Where to stay in Seoul?

If looking for an affordable (roughly 3,600 - 4,000 php/night) room for 5 persons, check out airbnb.com.

Guest House: "Good Morning Korea,HongDae." 

Host: JoongKeun(John)

Location: The exact location will be disclosed upon your reservation. May not  be located in the middle of the busy streets, but instead on a quiet back road and a long walking distance from Exit 5 or Exit 6.

Korean Demilitarized Zone

We booked the DMZ Tour thru sunburstkorea. Pick-up is at Hongik Univ. Station, Exit 3, there we joined other individuals joining the tour. We took a mini-bus all the way to Paju area.

First stop, Imjingak and Freedom Bridge, here one can see a lot of photos and articles showing life in North Korea. If includes ware fare and other remnants of the war. [Reference]

South Korea: Shopping Zone in Seoul

Aside from Myeongdong and Namdaemun markets, finally was able to visit other places on this trip.

Dongdaemun

Include visit to underground shopping stalls, street food, Doota Mall, etc.  

DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) offers exhibit who can see arts.  It may be expensive, but items extremely depict art on it's own.

South Korea: Seoul: Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)

Cable Car
Others will prefer cable car to oversee the mountains and trees.  I tried it on 2011, but seems like the distance from the ground is not that high.  If you don't care about the budget, you can opt for this transportation.

South Korea: Seoul: Insadong

Insadong is very close to Changdeokgung Palace, it a good stop for a market happening and for those who like to experience culture and buy traditional goods.

South Korea: Deoksugung Palace

2014 Oct: Deoksugung Palace Night Lights

During spring and autumn, 2 grand palaces in Seoul offers special open night tickets, where tourists and locals can get inside until late night.

South Korea: Gyeonggi-do: Gapyeong-gun: Petite France

In reality, Petite France is a historic city in Strasbourg, France.  But it Korea, it is a famous filming location as seen in Secret Garden, Petite France (Running Man Episode 40, guests: Taecyeon and Nichkhun), others.

South Korea: Gyeonggi-do: The Garden of Morning Calm

The Garden of Morning Calm
아침고요수목원
Location: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432)
Link: http://www.morningcalm.co.kr/_ENG/html/main.php

South Korea: Gangwon-do: Chuncheon: Nami Island

Options on how to reach Nami Island

Manila Art 2017

An art fair showcasing the local and invited artists with their contributions to arts and culture.  Below are some that caught my attention.

Budget Travel: How much does it cost to travel to South Korea

Hi traveler!  You may be asking - How much does it cost for a trip to South Korea?  How much does it cost to eat in South Korea?  How much should I budget for a trip to Korea?  What would probably be your spending pattern in your upcoming Seoul Trip?

If you are in the middle of filling-up your visa application on Page 4 Section 10.1 Estimated travel cost, the quickest answer would be a safe estimate of 5,000php (100 USD) per day. With minimum of 500-600USD per person for a 5-7 days trip.

If you would like to know more details on budget planning, continue reading.  This will not promise you the cheapest value of the trip, but a smart spending when travelling abroad.  This entry was inspired by the recent inquiry in Trip Advisor.  Hopefully this can help you plan your budget for your trip.

South Korea: Seoul: Folk Miniature Museum

Folk Museum, is a miniature of old villages and a total package that shows Korean history. I must commend this place as they were very good in creating those miniatures as the details are so intricate. The place is so huge, a lot of things to see, I think we had it for an hour and a half and ended like an ‘overload’ of miniatures and history in mind – but the artistry in this place is so amazing! Wow!

South Korea: Gangwon-Do: Seoraksan

How to reach Seoraksan from Seoul?

South Korea: Itinerary for 3 days in Busan

Route: Manila, Philippines - Busan, South Korea (PUS)

Transportation Card:

You can still use your Seoul City Pass/T-money card in Busan.  In case you have a problem on re-loading the card, you can go to the nearest 7/11 or CU convenience store. However, more favorable is to use Bee Cash.

South Korea: Seoul Insider

Note: If first time traveler to Seoul, please visit the detailed entry and guide on Itinerary for First-time Visitors

Are you looking for destinations in Seoul that are considered on the next grid or those places that are less visited by the tourists.  Here's the list of rising places suggested by the group of local students behind Seoul_Insider.  They have categorized the places into 8 themes and you can contact them if you want local guides, visit their blog and instagram account for more information.

2017: Philippines: Korean Film Festival

Thanks to Korea Cultural Center (KCC) Philippines, as they celebrate this year another Korean Film Festival. Six films will be seen in selected local cinemas for free. For complete event details, click here.

Travel. Enjoy. Respect

In support of the #TravelEnjoyRespect movement.

The Tips for a Responsible Traveller were developed by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics and are based on the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Click here for complete text on Tips for a Responsible Traveller

• Honor your hosts and our common heritage. | Research your destination to learn about local customs, traditions and social conditions.
•  Learn to speak a few words in the local language.
• Support the local economy. | Respect all that makes an international destination different and unique.
• Always ask before taking photographs.
• Protect our planet. | Leave only a minimum footprint and a good impression behind. 
• Support the local economy. | Respect livelihoods of local vendors and artisans by paying a fair price.
• Be an informed traveler. | Take appropriate health and safety precautions prior and during your trip.
• Be a respectful traveler.

Philippines: Flavors of Makati (2017)

Le Petit Souffle Restaurant
Location: Third Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City 1210 (10:00 -
21:00)

Philippines: Flavors of Taguig (2017) - Restaurants in Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

The Cook by Hongleepark

Location: 1F, The Forum, 7th Avenue Corner Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City
Food: Spicy Chicken Steak Salad (chicken, seafood in homemade spicy sauce and veggies, 699php)
Cuisine: Fusion of Korean & Italian
Personal Preference: 8 out of 10.  Tasty, but pricey.
Review on Tripadvisor

Train Travel Tips

Are you a bus rider or car owner in the metro? Are you curious on how to properly behave when taking the subways abroad?

Unlike Manila, neighboring cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul and Tokyo have very convenient subway transportation system. Below are some reminders you may need to consider when taking trains abroad.

South Korea: Jeju: O’sulloc Museum

The O’sulloc Museum, located on Jeju-do Island near Seogwangdawon. The “o” in “o’sulloc”, means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea. [Source]

O´sulloc Tea House
Seoul-si Jung-gu Myeongdong2-ga 33-1
Website: www.osulloc.co.kr
Date Visited: 2011 November