2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taipei: Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huanshan 1914 Creative Park is quiet huge. Back then I remember that the place was a bit crowded because multiple exhibits and events are taking place. The place will most likely appeal to the young ones and young at heart. Shops selling various crafts and trinkets are all over the place. You won't get hungry here as there are plenty of cafes and restaurants are spread across the venue. In deed a place where creative juices and ideas are overflowing.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taipei: Holy Family Church

Church

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taichung: Houli Blossom Pavilion

Houli Blossom Pavilion is located in Houli Horse Ranch, another venue of Taichung World Flora Exposition. The expo begun last Nov 3, 2018 and will run until Apr 24, 2019. Refer here - https://2018floraexpo.tw/En/

Due to public's interest in the flower expo, the place gets too crowded. We arrived at nearly lunch time, fall in line for 30 minutes before stepping into the pavilion. Inside its huge but due to the large crowd one will have a hard time looking at the flower displays. You have to really allot time when visiting this place, and roam at your own pace. To get descent photos, bring a lot of patience and wait for a while until the crowd disperse a bit. Good thing I got some pics worthy of posting here.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taichung: Houli Forest

Houli Forest

Houli is one of the venues for Taichung World Flora Exposition that started running from Nov 3, 2018 to Apr 24, 2019. We particularly went to Forest Park and enjoyed the scenery created by different participating countries.

Taichung World Flora Expo Highlight: "The Sound of Blooming" 

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taichung: Zhongshe Flower Market

Zhongshe Flower Market
(text to follow)

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taichung: Fengyuan Huludun Park

Fengyuan Huludun Park is a series of parks connected by bridges.  This is one of the 3 sites for 2018 Taichung World Flora Expo.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Shifen

Shifen together with Jiufen is also a town mostly visited in northeast Taiwan.  The only reason I have chosen Shifen over Pingxi is because of the location being closer to Ruifang.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Jiufen

Jiufen is a town found in the mountainside of northeast Taiwan.  This has become a famous visit for tourists to experience the old town street with viewing deck to see the horizon of East China Sea.

Plus of course to visit A-mei Tea House which has beautiful red lanterns.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Ruifang Station

Before we can reach the towns of Jiufen and Shifen in northeast side of Taiwan, there's Ruifang that will be the base for commuting transfers.

I already bought advance tickets online because based on some vlogs, there are cases that the train back to the city from Ruifang are fully booked (and we cannot let our mom standing for that long on the train.)

For regular trips, you can visit here.  For the high speed, try to check this page.  You just need to print your paid reservation voucher and exchange it to actual tickets on the counter. 

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Wǒmen lái chī ba (Let's eat) in Taipei and Taichung

Tasting food as we go along the streets and restaurants of Taipei and Taichung!

Jiufen

Tea Restaurant in Jiufen

Location: across A-mei Restaurant

Food: fried noodles with vegetables & sliced pork (250ntd = 430php), mixed fruit tea (160ntd = 272php)

Personal Preference: 8 out of 10

A-mei maybe good to visit if they can accommodate you due to it's popularity.  But going to the tea house across A-mei gives you a good spot to have a better view of the Spirited Away inspired scenery. 

I really enjoyed the mixed fruit tea as I also enjoyed the cold weather, people watching in the old street and the viewing deck for mountains of northeast Taiwan and horizon of East China Sea.

2018 Dec: Taiwan; Taichung: New Plaza Hotel

New Plaza Hotel
No.77-1, Xiangyang Road, Fengyuan District, Taichung, Taiwan 42080
向陽路77-1號, 豐原區, 台中市, 台灣 42080

Price: Got this from agoda.com with Early Booking Saver. Rate at 10% discount!

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Taipei: Morwing Hotel Fairytale

Morwing Hotel Fairy Tale
3F., No.36, Sec. 1, Kaifeng St., , Taipei Main Station, Taipei, Taiwan 10044
開封街一段36號3F, 台北車站, 台北市, 台灣 10044

Price: Luckily to get these rates from agoda.com: Early Booking Saver. Rate includes 28% discount for 2 nights and Limited time offer. Rate includes 21% discount for 1 night.

2018 Dec: Taiwan: Click Hotel Taipei Main Station

Click Hotel - Taipei Main Station branch
5F, No. 72, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan, 10041

Price: Expensive but opted to stay since I'm looking for a place that would accept us on our arrival at the area by 2am-4am.

Location: Pretty much close to Taipei Main Station.

Taiwan: Itinerary for 5 days in Taipei and Taichung

Accommodation:  
Where to stay in Taipei?
Click Hotel - Taipei Main Station branch
5F, No. 72, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan, 10041

Morwing Hotel Fairytale
3F., No.36, Sec. 1, Kaifeng St., Taipei Taiwan 10044

Where to stay in Taichung?
New Plaza Hotel
No.77-1, Xiangyang Road Taichung Taiwan 42080

2018 Philippines and Taiwan: Christmas Around the Corner

Let us enjoy the bright lights shinning around the cities, from Tiffany in Shangri-La to Dior in 101!

Taguig

SM Aura, 26th Street, Corner McKinley Pkwy, Taguig, 1630

Korea Fits You Travel Seminar

So may I continue...

First day of September, autumn is nearly coming to Korea. And as excited like you, let me share more of my random thoughts on how do I prepare DIY travel to Korea.

2018: 7th Travel Madness Expo

It's time for the mid-year travel expo in the metro!  Visit the Travel Madness Expo 2018 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City!

Travel Journal

Travel Journal

I did not know that bullet journal has been a fad for a very long time.  I’m a newbie and I don’t think I’ll keep it as a hobby since I’m not really into crafts but still prefer online blogging or taking notes on my mobile.  I decided to try it due to my curiosity on clear stamps as a unique touch when sending postcards on my future trips.  And so, let me share with you some of my thoughts about this pastime.

South Korea: View from Seoul Sky Tower

If you crave for more view of Seoul from the top and you have the money to splurge on, you might want to experience it from Seoul Sky Tower. It's another business venture of Lotte Group.

Going up here is a bit expensive at the price of 27,000 KRW (1080 PHP, 2017), yet with limited attractions they can offer at the top. Since it was just open to the public early 2017 expect for long queues before you can reach the observation deck. It is suggested to visit during early morning for shorter queue.  Or you may want to visit by late afternoon to experience both day and night with sunset on the background.

South Korea: 6 places to see in Gyeongju in 2 days

Gyeongju is a walkable city when you plan your visit according to nearby target destinations.  Having an available internet for GPS location and maps.google.com is much helpful on your return bus tour to the city.

Transfer to City

From KTX SinGyeongju, take Exit 1.  Take Bus #s 700, 203, 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, 71 will be heading to the city proper, passing by Intercity Bus Terminal.

Day 1 (nearby the city center)

Ancient Tombs and Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대)
169-5, Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962. [Reference]

South Korea: Jeollanam-do: Boseong: Beolgyo: Literature Museum

I never heard about this place, Beolgyo, not until I had a talked with my overnight dorm mate in Suncheon. She was reading the novel that was blocked by the government for a time.  She said it depicts about politics, leftists, those that are against the administration and sufferings from Japanese invasion, minor and major incidents that locals from Beolgyo experienced.  Given that the place is the location of a 10 volume novel that she was about to read, she was still in the 2nd volume but that already inspired her to see the place.

"Taebaek Mountain Range tells the story of Korea’s partition into North and South after its liberation from the Japanese occupation at the end of the Forties. This period of tremendous social and political upheaval has defined Korea’s destiny as a divided country. For Jo Jung Rae, understanding Korea’s past holds the key to the future – to resolving the ongoing confrontation between North and South Korea." [Reference]

Philippines: 5 days Itinerary to Manila

If I'm traveling to Metro Manila, which places should I visit?  Hopefully the following sites can help you plan your trip to Manila, Philippines!

Day 1

There are less green field in the metro, but if you want to see one, why not grab the opportunity to also visit the oldest university. Visit University of Santo Tomas (UST), in España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila.  You may opt to use the gate in Governor Forbes (Lacson St), since this is used for the public (closer to the hospital).  You can mention that you like to visit the church to get inside the campus grounds.

Philippines: Ayala Musuem, Makati

Temporarily Closed from June 2019 to 2020 for renovations, click here for updates.

A well spent Saturday afternoon in the metro, we got a chance to visit Ayala Museum for around 4 hours.  

Must Visit Amusement and Theme Parks in South Korea

Do you want to have some rest from reality life and want to spend sometime to bring back that childhood inside of you?  Here are some of the theme and amusement parks found in Korea that can be included in your itinerary on your next trip.

Everland (에버랜드)

Part of Trip Advisor's Top 25 in Asia,  Everland is a must visit to experience the T-express wooden roller coaster as seen in many variety shows!  Get here using Bus 5002 from Gangnam Station or take train to Jeondae Everland Station.

Location: 199, Everland-ro, Pogok-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

South Korea: Daegu: Hill Crest

Hill Crest (힐크레스트)
1003, Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
대구광역시 달성군 가창면 가창로 1003 (가창면)
http://www.hillcrest.co.kr/

Hillcrestkoreais an eco-theme pack packed with special events and programs that change with the seasons to give visitors a fresh new experience each spring, summer, fall, and winter. This 3,000-pyeong, large-scale herb garden and mini theme park includes a large area of Metasequoias and the only green tea field in the Yongnam Area. [Reference]

I was monitoring gps location on maps.google on when I should get off.  However, I missed the preferred stop and get off on the next stop.  Good thing I choose the correct path on walking back.  You'll see the woody buildings (above) from the main road.

[Admission (Garden + Zoo Zoo Land + Red Maple Road)] Weekdays: Adults 8,000 won

South Korea: Lotte World, Jamsil Station

Travel Date: June 23, 2011
Destination: Lotte World
Even if it is raining outside, we started the day early. We had our breakfast at Paris Baguette with pastries, coffee and milk for 10,200krw (400php).


From Myeongdong station, we had to transfer 2 lanes (green and pink) until we reached Munjeong station. This is where you could find Rodeo Street – an outlet shopping center in Korea. While studying for this trip, I learned that you can’t find any Esprit shop in South Korea. They have more local brands in the area and a few outlet brands of which I’m familiar with. Running shoes at Nike and Adidas range from 2500-4000php. There is also The North Face outlet, and I was able to buy a Columbia jacket for 55000krw (2200php).

From this station we transferred to Jamsil Station and look for our way going to Lotte World.

Lotte World, Jamsil Station, Subway Line 2 & 8, Exit #4
Open: Mon - Thu : 09:30 - 22:00; Fri - Sun : 9:30 - 23:00
Admission: Adults 26,000 won = 1040php (Admission and free performance viewing)
Passport: Adults 38000won = 1550php (Free usage of all facilities, Includes admission (all-in fee to 4D, carousel & light roller coaster ride; star avenue) ; free tour of Folk Museum)

South Korea: Everland in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Everland is not the first theme park I have visited in my trip to South Korea.  In fact I have visited it on my 4th trip, even there was a delay in my plans to see the place, it is still worth a visit for tourists.  My main intention is to try the T-express as featured in variety shows.

For any season in the country, there's a reason to see the place: Spring (for the tulip festival and rose garden), Summer, Autumn (for kochia shrubs and some maple trees) and Winter (indoor rides and snow buster).

2014 Feb: First encounter on Everland
Due to sudden left and right turns in the morning, we left Seoul very late in the afternoon for Everland. 

How to get there?

Bus 5002
Take Subway Line 2, alight at Gangnam Station, Exit 10 [2014].  Walk forward for more than 5-10 minutes (passing Giordano, Krispy Kreme, until Who.A.U.), take Bus 5002.  It will take more than hour to reach the bus terminal for the Everland shuttle service.

Upon checking Google Maps (Jan 2017), not sure if there is road construction near Exit 10, you may want to check first the map, before moving to bus station between Exit-6 and Exit-5 (in front of NH Bank, Kookmin Bank).  It will still be the same Bus 5002 (heading to Everland).

How to get to Everland

From there, wait for the shuttle service, travel time will be another 5-10 minutes, before you can reach the Everland gates.

South Korea: Things to do in Digital Media City

1. Art Appreciation (Sculpture and Building Architecture)

Japan: Fukuoka: Hakata Gofukumachi Hostel Takataniya

Hakata Gofukumachi Hostel Takataniya [Inactive in Agoda, 2024]

9-5 Nakagofukumachi, Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan 812-0035

博多 呉服町 ホステル 高谷家

博多区中呉服町 9-5, 博多, 福岡, 日本 812-0035

Email: takataniya[@]gmail.com

Link: http://takataniya.com/English/facility.html

Book Hakata Gofukumachi Hostel Takataniya, Fukuoka in Agoda

Where to see cherry blossom in Seoul after spring season?

Do you think it is possible to find cherry blossoms anytime of the year in Seoul? My answer would be yes, I'll share with you 3 locations to satisfy your wish to to see cherry blossom even if it is summer, autumn or winter in the city.  It may be not genuine cherry trees, but the places will bring you back to the scenes we have seen in dramas. 

104 Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu (near Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil in Samcheong-dong and Bukchon areas)

The street where Grim Reaper visited Sunny (nearby her house) to confirm her past and erase the sad memories she had with him. | Goblin Episode 12

Spring Festivals and Flower Areas in South Korea

Let us not limit ourselves to cherry bloosom when it comes to spring season in Korea.  Apart from beojkkoch (벚꽃) per its Korean name or sakura (桜) per Japanese term, there are other flowers and festivals we can enjoy for the rest of months of April and May in South Korea.

South Korea: Seoul: Ewha University

Ewha Womans University is a private women's university in central Seoul, South Korea founded in 1886 by the American Methodist Episcopal missionary Mary F. Scranton.  - Wikipedia

Address: 11-1, Daehyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Motto: Knowledge·Goodness·Beauty

South Korea: Campus Tour: Universities to Visit

Due to increasing appearance of schools and universities in dramas and series, although not suggested by some as this invades privacy of the students, I was able to visit few of these schools in South Korea.  Let me share with you those you may want to also see in your next trip.

Yonsei University is a private research university located in Seoul. (Wiki)

Address: 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Motto: The truth will set you free. (John 8:32)

Korea Travel Seminar for Free and Easy / DIY Travelers

Thanks to Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila for organizing another event for those who are planning to visit South Korea this year.

Where do you get your travel information?

Where do you get your travel information?  What are your sources of information when it comes to planning a trip or making your next itinerary.

For the veterans, boomers, or Gen-Xers, they say or prefer printed copies.  But for Xennials, Millennials or modernized adults obviously internet is their main source of information.

Books

Name	Link	Description
Lonely Planet	lonelyplanet.com	Largest travel guide book publisher in the world [Wiki].  Plan and book your perfect trip with expert advice, travel tips, destination information and inspiration from Lonely Planet.
Fodors Travel Guide	fodors.com	A publisher of English language travel and tourism information and the first relatively professional producer of travel guidebooks. [Wiki]
Rough Guides	roughguides.com	British travel guidebook and reference publisher [Wiki] Find a destination, look for inspiration, read features and get great travel advice, from Rough Guides.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guides	traveldk.com	Browse DK's award-winning travel content on a range of top travel destinations. Discover all you need to know to plan your next trip.

Philippines: Artesania and Caffeined by Mozaic Living

An artisan cafe by Caffeined by Mozaic Living Inc. Fusion of lifestyle,  furniture store, arts and crafts by local artisans. artesaniafurniture | mozaicliving

Japan: Sapporo: 5 days Itinerary

SappoRoute (Taste the Sights of Sapporo) 

The following sample itinerary is just a sample or basic plan for those who would like to go to Sapporo, Hokkaido.  This is basically a draft of what was submitted to JNTO contest and I have no personal experience yet on the mentioned places and restaurants below. 

Day 1: Taste of Chocoloate, Tea and Ramen

• AM: Shiroi Koibito Park (Sapporo Chocolate Factory Tour).  Where kids and adults can enjoy: painting Hokkaido shaped Cookie, riding Steam Locomotive Shiroi Koibtio Railway, strolling at Rose Garden 
• PM: Mt. Moiwa Ropeway - for city lights. 
• Tea Ceremony (wear a kimono while tasting matcha tea) (Ren Ceremony | Klook)
• Enjoy Sapporo Ramen at Susukino or Ganso (Ramen Street)

Philippines: Flavors of Pasay (2018)

Another year of tasting classic, fusion and amazing edibles served in the restaurants of Pasay City.

Mitsuyado Sei-men
Food: matcha iced cream (P120)
Personal Preference: 9 out of 10, tasty dessert

Philippines: Flavors of Makati (2018)

Another year of tasting classic, fusion and amazing edibles served in the restaurants of Makati Central Business District.

8 cuts Burger, Greenbelt
Food: A half-pounder worth of sliders (P320),
Personal Preference: 9 out of 10, pricey but tasteful.

Avail Booky Promo - Stay Hungry!

Another available option here in the metro to live your city for less is by enjoying the coupon discounts from Booky! 

What is Booky Prime?

Booky Prime is a membership program that gives you new buy 1 get 1 digital coupons every month and unlimited table bookings with up to P500 off your bill (subject to P1000 spend) at over 1000 restaurant partners. Click here to know more before you download the booky application for your mobile

What member perks can I enjoy?

Most of the top restaurants and fast food brands in Manila offer exclusive perks to Booky Prime members. Restaurants like Vikings, Gringo, Kko Kko and Wildflour offer discounts and free dessert. Fast food brands like Auntie Anne's, Jamba Juice, Kenny Rogers and Llao Llao offer buy 1 get 1 deals on their best-selling products. New restaurant partners and exclusive offers added every day.

Sushi Nori  #thanksbooky

Food: Kitachino Nest Ale (P295), Okonomiyaki sushi (tamago, kani, bonito flakes, spring onions, teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo - P169), Spicy Tuna (spicy tuna overload, tempura flakes, spring onions, spicy mayo), Tamago (P69, courtesy of booky)

Cuisine: Japanese Sushi

Personal Preference: pricey for both food and drinks; service needs more practice;

Manila, Philippines: National Museum

2018 February: 

In celebration of holidays for this month, our family have visited National Museum, not knowing that the previously private space of the Old Senate Session Hall is now available for public viewing.  The following is an excerpt from the museum's post:

Philippines: Travel Themed Books in Big Bad Wolf Sale

What is Big Bad Wolf?

Big Bad Wolf Sale is the biggest and most affordable book sale in the world offering 60-80% discount on all books. On Feb 16-25, the event was held in the Philippines for the first time. The sale have over 1.5 million books covering 20,000 high-end English titles across all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and even rare collector’s titles! Click here to know more

How to buy and use 7-11 ibon mart website?

I have not heard of ibon mart until I read that early bird tickets are available for an international exposition.  At first, I was intimidated because there is no English version of the site. Multiple of times, I struggled on using the "Translate this page" extension feature of Google Chrome.  I also tried the Google Translate Web, rarely successful. Sometimes, copy and paste text on Google Translate just to understand the text.

What souvenir items to buy from Korea

What souvenir items to buy from Korea

Souvenir ideas, returning gifts, omiyage or pasalubong for whatever you call it, you need to buy some for yourself or for your loved ones and friends.  Below are some of the  best food pasalubong choices or best things to buy that you can look forward to on your trip to Seoul, South Korea.


Snacks
Look for these flavored almonds which are good for snacks.  Find them in Lotte Mart (~5500krw = 220php, 2016), Seoul Station. Or better yet, in underground walkway in Hongik Station (towards Exit 9, ~7000krw = 280php).  This would roughly cost more than 400php in Korean Marts in Manila.  Famous is the honey butter flavored, but you can also try the wasabi and yogurt.

Philippines: Flavors of Taguig (2018) - Restaurants in Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Pink Panda #metrodealseries

Food: steamed pork siomai (P95), Thai beef salad (grilled Bolzico steak, basil, cucumber, tomato, carrots, jicama [the crisp, white-fleshed, edible tuber of a Central American climbing plant of the pea family], roasted rice - P320)

Philippines: The Taste of South (2018)

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

The Cheesecake Fairy
Cuisine: bakery, desserts, cakes, cafe

Where to Stay? How to choose your hotel or budget guesthouse?

Do you often ask and wonder what is the recommended accommodation to stay in a foreign land? Are you often looking for budget hotels, cheap guesthouses or just simply where to stay?  In travelling anywhere else in the world, planning and researching always go hand in hand - so make sure to enjoy such activity for you to gear up and to know more on what to expect and not on your upcoming journey.

What is an accommodation for you?  Is it something just to sleep-in and to care about nothing?  Are you the type who can sleep anywhere in the middle of the road? Or do you consider it an escape from the busy city that you consider as a temporary humble abode?  Do you consider it as a temporary resting place? 

Are you a planner, who has the time to do your research?  Or you go your way unplanned and just do all the whining after the trip?  Remember, you'll spend money and effort for this temporary escape so make sure to consider small things that will greatly affect your behavior in your trip. 

Where to start your hunting activity?  Browse on the features and offers of agoda, booking, expedia, hotels, trivago, etc.