2012 March: Busan: Yongdusan Park

Yongdusan Park

Location: Busan-si Jung-gu Gwangbok-dong 2-ga

Yongdusan in downtown Busan, is one of the 3 well-known mountains in Busan. Its old name is Songhyunsan, which means a mountain has a view of the sea through the dense fine tree forest. Later the name has changed into Yongdusan. It came from its shape, which is similar to dragon head and people thought it has a spirit to defeat enemies coming over the sea. [Reference: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr]

How to get there: From Line 1 (Red) Nampo-dong station, use Exit #1 then read the street signs, you will take a right turn to reach Gawangbok-ro Fashion Street.  (Allow enough time to visit the stores for your shopping trip.)

You will need to take around 4-5 escalators going up.  Take note that you can only take the stairs when you are going down or going back to the metro station.

Greeted by the flower clock (4:35pm), the statue of General Lee Sunsin (the great commander in Joseon Dynasty period(1392-1910)) and Busan tower – there are local working photographers who are good enough to take our photos for free and not to pay for their service.

Citizens of Busan donated million won to build this bell temple which is used every year for the New Year's Eve celebration. [Read more on this link.]

Might be too early for us to attend the Sakura Festival.  Among the thousands of cherry trees all over Busan, we only saw two full blooming trees in Mount Yongdusan.

But at last I saw cherry blossom during my birthday!  Hope to also see sakura in JP within the decade.

Travel Date: March 29, 2012

2012 March: Busan: Namcheon Cathedral

Namcheon Cathedral in Pusan/Diocese of Pusan 

Location: 70-1, 70-4 Nam Cheon 1 Dong, Busan, 600-094 South Korea

How to get there:  Take Line 2 (GREEN) Namcheon station.  The closest exit is #2 which is accessible only by taking the long stairs.  (The elevator is available from other exit but we were not able to see pedestrian lanes on the streets.)

Make sure you study the location on maps.google.com.  This is just close to KBS station building.

Unlike the Roman Catholic churches here in the Philippines, the one in Namcheon has a different structure that makes it unique in my eyes.  High ceiling on the right and these walls are used for the Station of the Cross.  (It is about a week before the Holy Week 2012 and we saw  group of aunties doing their prayers on the 14 stations.)  While the left wall is sliding and is designed with stained glass.

Outside area is designed with red walking area and everything is covered by greenery.

Based on my online research there is a daily mass (Tue/Thu at 12:15pm, Wed/Fri 5:30pm), but we did not see during our visit at 12:15pm.  Here is the schedule posted on the place (but in Korean).

Travel Date: March 29, 2012

Updated:
Other English Mass in Busan - you may check here or here or here.
Choryang Catholic Church
Location: Busan dong-gu 15, Choryangsang-ro 79beon-gil (Choryang-dong)
Phone: +82-51-467-1209
Services: Services in Vietnamese (Sundays, 2 p.m.), English (Sundays, 4 p.m.)

Related Article

• English Mass Service in Choryang Catholic Church, Busan: 4:00pm Sundays
• Seomyeon Catholic Church 

2012 March: Busan: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Address: Busan-si Gijang-gun Gijang-eup Sirang-ri 416-3

Site: http://www.yongkungsa.or.kr/en/   

Open: 04:00 - 19:00, Free

  

The motto of Haedong Yonggung temple is "At least one of your wishes will be answered here through your heartful prayers." The sea has been with human-being in history from long time ago. It was very calm sometimes while furious sometimes. The Haedong Yonggung temple is situated near the sea unlike other temples located in mountains, therefore it's quite reasonable to call this temple an aquatic Buddhist sanctum. – Reference: www.yongkungsa.or.kr

Elevator oustide Jangsan Station

How to get there: Take the trains on Line 2 (green) going to the last station, Jangsan station.  You can take bus 181 and this will drop you off on the highway and you need to walk on a bit long street to reach the temple. 

2012 March: Toyoko Inn, Seomyeon Busan

Travel Date: March 28 - April 1, 2012

Been dreaming of seeing sakura, but just the plane ticket going to Japan is too expensive - that was in September 2011 when I booked this flight.  It will be my birthday treat and also to fulfill that personal unlisted bucket list.

Let me start with our adventure.  I got my Busan map from the Tourist Information Center in Seoul last November 2011.  After studying this trip for almost 4 months, I'd say the resources found on the net are still limited for Busan.

We just landed at Gimhae International Airport and I immediately noticed that their international airport is a lot smaller than Seoul. After 9pm, the foreign exchange counter outside the arrival gates were already closed.  I asked permission from the officer to allow us to go back inside the secured arrival hall as we need to exchange money, he asked for our passports and let us get in.

Unlike Seoul, you cannot purchase any transport or tourist card from 7-11 convenient store inside the airportr. 7-11 store also don’t even allow top-up value for t-money.  The information says that we can deposit to the card via atm bank, too bad I was not able make it work.

Then, I have decided that we find our way to the subway station.  On airport exit gate #3, you need to cross the street and walk around 5-8minutes going to the left direction, you'll not miss the station.  Since I have a t-money, I still need to buy a card for my companion.  My mistake is that I bought another t-money from GS-25 store, from my experience in the past 4 days now I can tell that t-money is not widely used in Busan.  So better purchase the Busan transport card or Bee Cash.

From the airport train station, we drop-off at Sasang to transfer on Line 2 (green) with Seomyeon as our final station.  Exit 8 is a long staircase (no escalator or elevator near this exit), on the ground level you’ll see Starbucks on your left side.

From the station, it took us around 10-15 minutes to reach Toyoko Inn.  The front desk speaks clear English but they are familiar to basic words only.  We asked about ‘is there a curfew on the hotel’, and she can’t understand us.  So you have to rephrase your questions on basic language, ‘does the door close after 12mn?’ or the like.  Aside from the payment for your room, you will also be asked for the key deposit (which of course is given back upon your check-out).

Hotel: Toyoko Inn Busan Seo-myeon

Address: 614-865 666-8, Jeonpo-dong, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Map: http://toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00221/map.html  

Book Toyoko Inn Busan Seomyeon, Busan in Agoda
Photos below is Room Type:Non-smoking Double A

Titanic – Sailing Back

Year 1997, when the famous James Cameron's characters Jack Dawson and Rose Dewitt Bukater became a hit in motion picture.  I would record movie lines as they were aired in radios and even worst, a copy of the full movie script (more than 300 pages) landed on our hands.  At that time, I used to watch it again and again on VHS tape like every quarter for almost 2 years.  See how far technology was and feel how I so was addicted to its drama.   

It was early this month when I noticed that the movie is being shown in television and even also as 3D on some cinemas – a century has already passed.  Several documentaries were aired on National Geographic and Discovery channels.  Until I learned from a friend that there is an exhibit of the artifacts that is scheduled to end by the 29th.  Yipee!  Just in time for my Singapore trip.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

The exhibit ran from October 29, 2011 to April 29, 2012 at Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.  

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. 

Voyager: Born to Travel

"Born to travel", this is the tag line of Voyager. A local brand of luggage founded in 1983 (as claimed by the SM Department assistant).

Article updated October 2024:

Saying thank you to my Voyager black luggage bought in 2012.   Has been to many places in Japan and once in Denmark.

Been to repairs on SM due to zippers and wheels.   Leaving it with all inside zippers still working, divider clothing all clean and unstained.  Outside zippers are still working but 2 of the zipper heads outside may cause wound.  The wheels have been cleaned on SM repair, but there is still noise when being used. The handle no longer locks in any level. Some parts of the hard shell are still with original plastic. 

<to insert photo>

Just bought 20-23 kilos blue voyager luggage – polycarbonate material, expandable, shock absorber 360 wheels, scratch resistant, anti-theft twin coil zipper, with flat TSA lock. Waterproof and water repellant.  Features I prioritized are smooth wheels, expandable zippers, and TSA lock.

<to insert photo>

From its tag price at 11,999 php, bought it during the 41st anniversary of Voyager and Southmall's pre-holiday sale with extra 10% off on SMAC on limited time frame, in total of 60% discount price dropped to only 4800 php.

Written on the cards included on the luggage:

Warranty covers manufacturing defects namely replacement of parts such as trolley wheels.  If the shell was discovered damage during transit due to the rough, mishandling or misuse of airline porters.  You must immediately make a claim to the airline carrier or baggage handlers at the airport since it is their duty and obligation to handle your belongings with care. 

Materials to consider in buying a luggage:

• Aluminum – Expensive but durable.  This is waterproof and zippers are sealed. Mainly inspired by Rimowa.
• Polycarbonate – light and impact resistant.
• Rubber – bendable, may also be durable during airport staff handling. But when stored on a humid area, too cold country or too warm country, it may eventually worn out. 

Article posted April 2012:

 
I bought my first luggage on 2006 for less than 1500php.  It is a 15 kilo moss green Voyager bag with 2 wheels and belt security. 

I was not able to try other brand of luggage, but I must say that Voyager served me well on what it more than expected for its worth.  For almost 12 out of the country trips in less than 6 years, it was able to run the rocky streets of Causeway Bay, Senado Square and went up and down at the stairs of Namdaenum and Myeongdong.

Last June 2011, I took it from the rotating belt in Incheon with a broken handle.  Good thing, there is lifetime warranty service for any issue you'll have with Voyager luggage.  Right after the trip, I went to SM Department Store to submit my luggage for repair, SM will be sending it to the Voyage service center.  After a month, I was able to get it back.  Just in time for my next travel.

By November 2011, after coming back from Jeju-Seoul trip, part of the body of the luggage is losing up, perhaps I put a lot on what it can accommodate.  Even though it can still be fixed, I decided to but a new one.



The one I used is already an old model and is already faced-out.  This time, I’m looking for a four-wheel luggage for an easier transfer on the road and on the airport.  One that is available has 4-wheel but no extensions at all.  Another plus I learned is to have the inside lining to be in striking color – so you would see things easily. 

Tips on Buying a Luggage or travel bags:

• Check and monitor luggage from different brands.  Read reviews online.  “What’s a good brand of luggage” from PinoyExchange, has their top suggestion to be Samsonite.
• Buy on what you need and not what you want.  Be practical.
• Buy depend on what your body type can carry, you must be able to run and hold a fully loaded luggage.
• Don’t buy fake or cheap luggage on small shops – believe me, you don’t want to get it broken with all your things scattered on the rotating belt.
• Look for possible small damages on items that you may need to be careful of when buying from any luggage sale or discounted items on clearance sale.

This is not a promotional entry, but it is good to support Philippine product.  Spend sometime to study on what to buy, because you are ‘born to travel’ on a practical way!

2012 March: South Korea: Embassy Rules

In addition to my previous post for Visa Application in South Korea, here are some additional pointers to keep you prepared on your visit to the embassy.

Visa Application through Designated Travel Agency from July 1, 2018 [new policy]

Embassy Rules

• No food and drinks inside the embassy.
• No picture taking in the embassy.
• Please observe proper manner and courtesy while waiting outside/inside the embassy.
• Do not use your mobile phone (for making calls) inside the embassy.  Please put it on silent mode.
• Electronic devices like ipod, laptop, psp, etc. are not allowed inside the embassy.
• Do not chew gum while talking to the officer at the window or during interview.
• Observe silence.
• Sit properly, do not slouch or lie down.
• Wear decent attire.
• Remove caps, hats, sun glasses or shades.

To All Visa Applicants:

• Sign your visa application forms and fill out all of the information in the application form (write n/a if not applicable).
• Remove covers, jacket of your passport.  Remove paper clips, rubber bands, envelop, etc.
• Arrange your documents accordingly: visa application form at the top, photocopy of the passport and visa issued from other countries, then supporting documents.

 

This will be my third visit at the embassy, after getting my approved visa last June 2011 and Nov 2011.  So that is the purpose of getting the number for VISA3 window.  Make sure to photocopy your previous approved visa before getting to the embassy.  Although there is a photocopier inside, it run out of ink during that day and I have to request my sister to go to their office just to photocopy my passport and get back to me at the embassy.  Some went to MarketMarket as the next photocopier shop is really far from the place.

 

 

Who are allowed to apply in VISA3 window?

• Applicant with previous travel to any OECD member countries (in the past 5 years except Korea) [Closest to the Philippines apart from South Korea, would be Japan.]
• Applicant with valid visa to any OECD member countries 
• Applicant who has been to Korea two times within the past 5 years on tourism or business purpose

Are you getting worried about getting a denied visa application?  Read further on this link.

Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Suggested itinerary on visiting Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 2 days:

Day 1

GENTING HIGHLANDS (http://www.rwgenting.com/en/themepark/index.htm)
How to get there:  From KL Central Station, take a bus that has set of packages going to Genting Highlands.  You may opt to take cable car as well, but make sure that you read the maintenance schedule so you will not get disappointed when it is not available.

SNOW WORLD (http://www.genting.com.my/en/themepark/snowworld/index.htm)
Fee: Adult RM16
Location: Level 2A, First World Plaza;
Rules: No bermudas or shorts. No slippers. Socks and long pants are compulsory
My favorite attraction at Genting Highlands in the Snow World.  You will experience a wide room in negative 5 degrees Celsius.

MENARA KL TOWER (http://www.menarakl.com.my)
Open: 9am to 10pm
Fee: RM8 (Adults)
Location: No 2, Jalan Punchak, Off Jalan P Ramlee
Directions: The nearest PUTRA LRT station to Kuala Lumpur Tower is the Dang Wangi station or take the KL Monorail and disembark at the Bukit Nenas station. Then you have to walk up the hilly road to the tower.

PETALING STREET
Known as the Chinatown of KL
Open: 7pm until early next day

Where is the love?

It’s the love month and it’s just timely to have this entry in my blog.  No, this is not about the romantic love that you might be expecting but this is about what I love doing – TRAVELLING! (need I say more?) and my continuous search for LOVE!


I saw it first in one of the photos of a friend when he was in New York.  Before I left for Singapore to meet my sister in year 2006 July, I researched on where can I find it in Singapore.  “Yey!”, my sister confirmed that it is in front of Plaza Singapura – this is my first photo with LOVE.

What is the story behind this LOVE? 
Although the word "love" contained much significance to 1960s culture, Robert Indiana attributes his connection with the word to an earlier, more personal source. Attending Christian Science church services as a child in Indianapolis, he was impressed by a small plaque over the reader's platform bearing the inscription "God Is Love." Indiana is no longer a practicing member of the church, but he insists that the message of LOVE be taken as a spiritual one.

Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Ranking

(released: Jan 11, 2012)

Euromonitor International is pleased to release its latest Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. After recording a decline in 2009, international arrivals to countries regained growth in 2010, positively impacting results for the top 100 cities, which saw arrivals increase by 7%. Star performers in 2010 were emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific, thanks to a strong economic environment and growing travel and tourism dynamism. Most European cities lagged behind as a result of the weak economic prospects in the Eurozone, which impacted intra-regional travel.

Happy to share that I've been to 13 out of 100 cities posted on their site. 

City	Ranking	Arrivals        '000 2010	% volume growth       2009/2010
Hong Kong	1	19,973	18.0
Singapore	2	18,297	16.0
Macau	4	13,098	25.9
Bangkok	5	10,984	10.0
Kuala Lumpur	7	10,351	10.0
Shanghai	15	5,397	22.9
Pattaya	21	4,430	4.0
Taipei	33	3,224	11.4
Seoul	39	2,809	14.2
Ho Chi Minh	50	2,435	28.4
Hangzhou	76	1,744	10.9
Halong	82	1,581	28.0
Manila	100	1,250	25.6

For the complete list, please visit: http://blog.euromonitor.com/2012/01/euromonitor-internationals-top-city-destinations-ranking1-.html

2011: My Travels by the Numbers

Inspired by an article from StarStudio mag,

Travelling isn’t just about seeing the sights; its also about a  whlot lot of numbers, too!

These highlight my travels for the past year.  I truthfully acknowledge everything and everyone who made all these possible – to my team who allowed my leaves, to all my accommodations and airlines, to the drivers (airline, trains, boats, cabs, buses, tricycles), to the tourist guides, to those who accompany me in every step, to my newly found friends and to my family for allowing me on this addiction – thanks!

To all the challenges, for all those times of getting lost, of losing patience – lessons have been learned.  To the awesome scenes, to simply walking in the fields and seashore, to all the memories – all will be kept in my heart.

And praises to Almighty God for the safe travels I had and will have in the future.

2011 November: South Korea: Incheon Airport

How to kill time in the Airport?

1. Make sure to get a map of the airport in the Information Center, you can start by food hunting, shopping and looking for available entertainment (I was able to watch a musical show on their center stage).

2011 November: South Korea: Café in Seoul

One of the many descriptions I can tag to Seoul is it is the café capital of Asia.  If you are a coffee lover, this is a place to be – and you’ll be in heaven.  Below are just some of the cafés I have seen as walk along, this still not include one of my favorites: Café Bene.  Others in my must try list are:  Coffine Gurunaru, Angel in Us Coffee and Paris Baguette. 

2011 November: South Korea: Bukchon Village

What is 'Sanggojae' (상고재)?  It is the house used in the Korean drama Personal Taste (also known as Perfect Match in the Philippines).

Based on my online research, the original name of the house is known as 'Yeorangjae' (여랑재).  It is found in the middle of Bukchon Hanok area. 

The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village covers lie to the north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. [Reference]