2012 October: Cebu Pacific: Smile Magazine

After being published 4 times (April, May, August & September) for my first entry (Incheon), Smile Magazine published my 2nd entry (Busan) this October!  I was mentioned twice for this issue!  Thank you to the contributing editors, Katrina and Maya.

Page 08

Page 125

Disclaimer: The actual photo at the top of the column for Busan was not the one I submitted. 
I also acknowledge the photographer of the chosen photo used in the column.

These entries did not make it on paper:

Touchdown: Go out of the Gimhae International Airport and cross the street to reach the train station.  You can buy the transportation card known as Bee Cash from the convenient store nearby the train tickets counter.

Must-Try Experience: During Spring time, going to Jinhae, Changwon City is a must. Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated on April in the area.

Hoping to get my copy this November, see you Kevin a.k.a. "cabin crew".

Updated Nov 1, 2012:

Yes, my entry can still be found on Nov issue, page 157.  Liking the new format of the trip journal.  Thanks again Smile magazine!

If you are interested to read online copies of Smile Magazine, visit this site. 

Smile Magazine on CNNGo

I've read another milestone for the Philippines in the travel world, Smile Magazine's June-July 2012 issue says:

More good news: Smile has been acknowledged by CNNGo as one of the 12 best airline magazines in the world. After six years of delivering the goods on travel, I'd say we've come a long way, and can go even further. We're looking forward to a longer journey with you! - Lance Gokongwei

Yes, you read it right - Smile Magazine made it to 7th spot, even higher than Lufthansa (Germany) and Qantas (Australia) magazines.


Snip from CNNGo:

Basics: What? Who? We didn’t see this chipper little underdog coming either, but Smile’s youthful (and authentically Filipino) charm won us over.

Perfect reader: A fresh-faced backpacker as excited about checking out Kalibo by tricycle as s/he is about navigating the markets of Saigon.

Words: No great prose, but zest for adventure prevails. In a recent issue, a phrase-based Vietnam guide, a two-woman Southeast Asia travelogue and an alluring snapshot of Cebuano cuisine all had us reaching for our passports.

Look: Nothing special, but frequent portraits of ordinary people having a good time echo the magazine’s spontaneous, low-key voice.

Gold star: Capsule guides to every city on the airline’s network include slang and breakfast tips from locals.

Black mark: The layout smacks of a U.S. teen magazine.

Final verdict: Smile proves in-flights don’t need to pretend to be Esquire or The Economist -- just to capture the spirit of the places they serve.

Personally, I love Smile because I’m an avid flyer of Cebu Pacific.  I love the articles to be short and sweet which always include wonderful pictures or funny cartoons.  The reformat that happened on the paper last October 2010, made it younger and more adventurous.  

The same as their review above, the “Trip Journal” section is lovely as it represents the voice of the travelers and not just the paid writers of the magazine.

Also, it is not always that I finished reading while still on-board, so it is a plus on me that this magazine can be carried outside the plane.  (Unlike Air Asia which has a note of “stop stealing”, since it is also available online: http://www.airasia.com/travel3sixty)

En Route of Air Canada made it to the top spot.  Read the rest of the magazines worth the read on http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/life/worlds-12-best-airline-magazines-523957 .

Congratulations to all the editors, directors and managers behind the Smile Magazine!  You are the one who made one of my dreams come true, to be printed on paper!  Happy to read your future releases, SMILE!

If you are interested to read online copies of Smile Magazine, visit this site. 

2012 April: Cebu Pacific: Smile Magazine

I feel like flying everyday for the month of April.  I got my initial copy of Cebu Pacific's in-flight magazine Smile in my trip from Busan to Manila last Saturday, March 31, 2012.

After being an avid reader of Smile for almost 5 years, not just in flights. I prefer reading it whenever available in cafes and in restaurants, and I also have some soft copies downloaded from ink-site.  It was last year 2011 when I submitted an entry and was informed by Maya, contributing editor, that it will be published for April and May release.  Good thing I have scheduled flights for late March and mid-April.  For May release, I hope to find a friend who can give me a copy as his free pasalubong.

Disclaimer: The actual photo at the top of the column for Seoul was not the one I submitted. 

I also acknowledge the photographer of the chosen photo used in the article.

The following suggestions did not make it on paper: 

Touchdown: Trains are cheaper and faster, but would prefer taking the bus to the city so one will refrain from taking the stairs while dragging one’s suitcase.

Insider Trip: Seoul is better seen on foot. It is more beautiful to walk on the streets and experience the culture than taking the trains.

Best Festival: Seoul Lantern Festival happens on November, with remarkable displays of lanterns on the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream.

The big reveal, ruffeecola's identity has been revealed; yes Roocie is the person behind ruffeecola's adventure. Thank you Smile for the free promotion of my blog site.  As a blogger, it is a fulfillment to be written in other publications whether online or in paper. Another thank you, for making one of my dreams came true!

Aside from spending my special day with my sister, getting this magazine on day 1 of its release and 3 days after my birthday made my spring season awesome!  Thank you Smile staff and editor, see you again in 2 weeks time for my solo adventure 2012 edition.

To read more about my Seoul-ful adventure, click here.
If you are interested to read online copies of Smile Magazine, visit this site.