2012 Nov: Kyoto: Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later.

Reference: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.html 

After taking this shot, the next time I see it I was already in Manila, so surprised about the colors!

2012 Nov: Kyoto: Nijo Castle

Still dark outside, we left the hotel few minutes after 6 in the morning.  We were able to reach Osaka station before the schedule.  However, there were several trains that got delayed.  Upon reaching Kyoto station, we were on running to reach Miyako Hotel, which is the pick-up point of our one-day guided tour. 

2012 Nov: Hearton Shinsaibashi Hotel

Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi 

ハートンホテル心斎橋

Nishi Shinsaibashi, 1-5-24, Chuo Ku, Namba / Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan 542-0086 

中央区西心斎橋1-5-24 大阪市, 542-0086

Book Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi, Osaka in Agoda

The front desk attendees are able to speak clear English, good in giving directions and are very kind.

Booking a hotel during an autumn stay in Japan is just so hard.  If you are in doubt about this third party site you can read the reviews in Trip Advisor . For follow-up validation, you can also directly contact the hotel to check your reservation.

At the lobby, they have one computer unit which has a charge of 100yen (500php, 2012) for usage 10 minutes.  Payphone, printer, maps, simple souvenirs and other goodies are also available.

2012 Nov: Arrival at Kansai

I started preparing for this Japan trip (Nov 2012) last April 2012 (after my Langkawi-Singapore fun time).  I read Travelpack’s Osaka and Tuttle’s Japanese for Travelers, I studied Osaka and Kyoto maps – and initially, I must say that their train system will definitely be a challenge for me.

Flight 5J-828, I’m definitely going to Osaka, “Japan - the most awaited destination, before I go out of Asia”.  It took around 3.5 hours before we reach Kansai International Airport (IATA: KIX).  Good that there is a connecting bridge to the terminal building and we did not walk at tarmac area at 6 degrees Celsius ground temperature.  Just follow the arrival signs and you will still take a monorail going to the Immigration section.  Wait for your turn, don’t be too agitated, and do not submit any necessary documents.  You just need to show the arrival form and the officer will get your photo and finger prints.  

It’s my first time to see arrival stamps which are actually stickers with bar codes; they will normally staple the departure card on your passport so you would not lose it.

How to apply for Japanese Tourist Visa

Applied: 2012 November
Tourist Visa Application for an Employee

Unlike other embassy (Asian countries) here in the Philippines, tourist applicants in Manila are not allowed to personally get into the consul office.  The Japanese Embassy has accredited agencies on where you can apply to, visit this link for the list.

Agency	Service Fee (Php)	Link
Raja Travel Corporation	1500	http://www.rajahtravel.com/images/Tourist_Visa_Requirements.pdf
Reli Tours	1200	http://www.relitours.ph/en-visa.html
Attic Tours	1,500+ 12%	http://www.attictours.asia/visatypesDistantRelatives.php
Friendship Tours	1200	http://www.visa.friendshipmanila.com/

The one I chose to apply to is Reli Tours due to its price and location.  I submitted the requirements on a Saturday (one month before my flight) and I got SMS confirmation that I can get back the passport with its approved VISA stamped by Monday afternoon. Cool, I can’t believe it’s done after one working day only. 

Who said it is hard to apply for a Japan VISA?  If you’re main purpose is just for tourist, then you should be able to prove that you can fund your stay there and you know where you are going.

The website of the Embassy of Japan has its complete requirements and procedure here: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm

I have submitted the following:

• Passport – valid for more than 6 months
• Visa Application – photo is pasted, indicate “N/A” for all those “not applicable”
• Birth Certificate – the release date should be the same year of your application.  If you are too busy to visit the closest NSO Office in your area, you can request it online with higher fee at https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Default.aspx
• Employment Certificate - includes the start date, position and annual income
• DailySchedule in Japan – this is a detailed documentation on how are you transferring from the Airport to your accommodation.  If you have indicated there the Hotel Name, better if you can also provide the Hotel Booking Form.  If you have indicated there a relative/friend’s place, then make sure that you are able to provide the resident’s certificate of that person.  If there is a day that you will be joining a guided tour, make sure that you also provide the reservation form. Sample: http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/requirements/schedule%20of%20stay.doc
• Bank Certificate – submit the amount that is feasible and can fund the type of accommodation or destinations you have provided in your Daily Schedule.  Most banks would also ask the reason and whom to address the letter: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, 2627, Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines 1300 
• Income Tax Return (ITR) – this is also certifies your financial status, that you can fund your travel and that you are going back to the Philippines
• Airline Round-trip Tickets
• Hotel Reservation
• Guided Tour Booking (http://www.japanican.com/index.aspx)

If you are submitting a passport without any previous travel stamps, just make sure that your bank statement and ITR values certify that you can finance for your own travel and you are definitely going back in the Philippines.  Photocopy of old passports with old visas on other countries are not required.

If you follow the requirements the embassy needs and you have submitted it with whole honesty, then you should not worry.  They just wanted to check that you have enough money, you are not staying there for work, and that you are definitely going back in your home country.

I don’t see the point on asking forum members if the consul will approve your visa or not, but just in case you are interested to read other stories of Japan visa application, you can go to Japan Visa Help: http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421690

Applied: 2014 April

• Daily Schedule in Japan (2014 May Osaka Sample Schedule)

Applied: 2017 April
Tourist Visa Application for Unemployed Adult

I've been on IT for a decade and currently had an expired visa for my both used 3-year multiple entry for Korea and Japan.

Here are the items I have submitted:

• Philippine Passport (decent photo part and with blank pages and signature; I have submitted the old passport with single entry Japan visa and current passport with about to expire 3-year multiple entry visa.)
• Visa Application form (Download the PDF which is an editable copy.  For a decent submission, fill-up the PDF and print as PDF to have a better version.  Make sure to state "N/A" or "None" for those that are not applicable to you. How to fill-up the form - Guide from Reli Tours)
• 2x2 photo, with white back ground (To be more presentable, if you can use a top with collar.  Write in your name and birthday before pasting it to the form.  Paste only the side part, do not place paste/glue in the middle of the photo.)
• Birth Certificate (Released by NSO within the year;  If you have previous Japan Visa, birth certificate is no longer needed).
• Daily Schedule in Japan (The sample template would only define which prefecture you are heading.  However, I remember that I used to have detailed itinerary for this, including: specific places to go.) 
• Bank Certificate (Make sure you can pay your expenses for yourself.  Save-up as you have to maintain decent bank account status when applying for visa not just for Japan.  Refrain for making an account with quick money, with like an instant huge amount of deposit on the day you have requested the certificate.  I now include to mention the Average Daily Balance/Yr, for the embassy to know that it is not an instant savings account.)
• Income Tax Return (I'm still able to use 2016 copy, applied April 8.)
• For those who are equity traders, you can check this entry on how to request certificate from COLfinancial.

If you are not financially ready:

• refrain from travelling countries with visa
• save-up first to an account which you will not touch to be your default “bank certificate” account when applying visas
• have a guarantor (which could be your parent, sibling or an adult child) who can submit his bank statement and ITR, on your behalf; a guarantee letter, relationship proof (birth certificate, marriage contract).

I did not bother to submit for multiple entry request form, since I have to renew my passport by end of the year as well. Submitted mine on Reli Tours and Travel Agency SM Southmall (556-1447), for 950 php service fee, last Saturday April 08.  I called them Holy Wednesday (April 12), and it’s ready for pick-up.  I got it today (Saturday, April 15) with 5 year multiple visit and 30 days duration.

I asked the officer in Reli Tours, that in case I renew my passport, do I have to apply again a visa? They told me to just bring the old passport with valid visa, together with new passport to the immigration officer.

Last Updated: 2017 April

2012 Nov: Travel+Leisure - Places Every Traveler Should Know

101 Places Every Traveler Should Know

Life lists naturally stir up debates. 

For every Angkor Wat fan, another prefers Petra. 

How many have you visited? 
~ From November 2012 By Travel + Leisure Staff

I have never been outside Asia, so I'll just post those places I've been in Asia, my score
4 out of 15.

Asia
• Angkor, Cambodia: Ditch the crowds at Preah Kahn temple
• Bali, Indonesia: Get a lulur scrub at Amanusa
• Beijing: Explore by foot, bicycle, and rickshaw [next attraction]
• Fatehpur Sikri, India: Admire the former Moghul capital
• Hanoi, Vietnam: Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Hong Kong: Soak in views from rooftop hotel bars
• Huangzhou, China: Dine at visionary restaurant Dragon Wel
• Koh Samui, Thailand: Get a treatment at Kamalaya wellness retreat
• Kyoto, Japan: Visit Tawaraya, a 300-year-old ryokan [soon]
• Rajasthan, India: Sleep on a sand dune under the stars
• Singapore: Eat at Maxwell Road Hawker Center
• Sri Lanka: Sample beaches and colonial architecture
• Sumba Island, Indonesia: Go to surf camp at Nihiwatu
• Tokyo: See the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market
• Yangtze River, China: Cruise from Beijing to Shanghai

Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/101-places-every-traveler-should-know
Add them in FB: https://www.facebook.com/travelandleisure

2012 Nov: Philippines: Go Hotels in Mandaluyong

Go Hotels (http://gohotels.ph)
Location: UG/F, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, EDSA cor. Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City

An inexpensive and very decent hotel for every Juan and foreign travelers brought to you by the Robinsons Land Corporation (Gokongwei Group).

Found in several locations in the Philippine provinces: Bacolod, Dumaguete, Puerto Princesa and Tacloban.  

Opened two years ago (2010) in Cyber Park Mandaluyong, I was able to grab their promo for a queen room worth 435php only (which is normally at 1088php).  As what I think the first inexpensive boutique hotel not motel (especially in the Philippines) I'm eager to review this.  Of course it took me sometime to visit the area since spending money for a room where I have my own bed and house to sleep in the metro is odd.

Book Go Hotels Mandaluyong in Agoda

Setting expectations!  An excerpt from their Confirmation mail:
Value Hotel Concept with 8 unique selling propositions:
            1. Hotel quality beds
            2. Hot & Cold rain shower
            3. Wi-Fi access
            4. 22-inch LCD TV with cable
            5. Safe and secure environment
            6. Convenient location
            7. Access to transport
            8. Fun and friendly

Each room is fully air-conditioned and equipped with a 22-inch LCD TV with cable, in-room intercom system, option of two (2) single beds or one (1) double bed, full vanity mirror, two (2) pillows, duvet, intercom, in-room safe, bath towel, hot and cold shower, single-use soap and shampoo, and tissue paper.

Rooms are not equipped with the following: room service, radio, wardrobe, bathrobe, hairdryer, mini-bar, tea or coffee making facilities, or drinking glasses. 

Let’s start the stay-cation review!

The receiving area is spacious with entertainment TV and several comfortable seats.  Designed in yellow and while with some flower accents on the side.

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. 

2012 September: Manila, Philippines: 33rd Manila International Book Fair

In 2012 National Book Development Board Readership Survey,

• 88 percent read; 80 percent of this 88 percent read books
• four out of five Filipino adults are readers
• 92 percent (of the 80 percent who read books) are non-school book readers
• the Bible (58 percent) remains the most popular book read, followed by romance books (25 percent), and cooking books (21 percent). 
• only seven percent of book readers are ebook readers (and 90 percent of readers still prefer printed books)

"The higher your education, the more likely that you will be reading non-school books. The more single you are, the more likely you are to be reading a non-school book," Linda Luz Guerrero said, vice president and chief operating officer of Social Weather Stations (SWS), 2012.

"We thought Internet seems to have been a distraction. The data shows it is not a distraction. It has no association. In fact, all Internet users are non-school book readers," Guerrero said.

Read more on: http://www.gmanetwork.com

Even if there is a decrease of the Filipino readers (2012: 88%, 2007: 92%, 2003: 94%), glad to see that many of us still visit book fairs.  Drop by the 33rd Manila International Book Fair in SMX Convention Center until today (Sept 12-16, 2012) for the widest collection of reading and learning materials on their discounted prices.

Entrance fee is 20php

ABPA: Asean Book Publishers Association

2012 September: Manila, Philippines: The Phantom of the Opera

Bought few months ago when it was still on 20% discount as offered, tickets for The Phantom of the Opera is available from 1820Php to 7280Php (https://www.ticketworld.com.ph).  Originated as a novel from a French writer, soon became a musical, then was adapted in film.  Catch the musical show in CCP Main Theater (CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) Manila which started last August 25 and is extended until October 14, 2012.

Directed by Harold Prince, the musical is a classic!  The grand orchestra is participated by some Filipino artists.  The stage is amazing as expected, I must commend the scene when Phantom is rowing a boat going to the cellar or his hiding place.  The smoke effect is very good, the candle light-like and the boat moving alone are remarkable.

Chandelier that fell on the Stage

In summary, its about a Phantom, known as a ghost or the Angel of Music, who has fallen in love to a girl named Christine but soon also learned how to let go of that love so she can be with her childhood friend, Raoul.  For full text of the plot, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Phantom_of_the_Opera#Plot

the performers taking their bows

Outside the theater, there are memorabilia that guests can buy for their souvenir.  Posters and banners were all over the area waiting for photo opportunities.

In Text: “The Phantom wears a traditional evening tail suit and cape… The black silk in his suit comes from the United Kingdom and is used for all Phantom suits worldwide…”

 

Congratulations to all the men & ladies, the artists, and musicians behind this fantastic musical.

2012 Aug: Taguig, Philippines: The Mind Museum

Opened last March, I was able to visit this week the first world class Science museum in the Philippines – and true, it did not fail me.  Located in Bonifacio Global City, The Mind Museum is open at 600php for 3 hours on a set schedule or 750php for an all day pass.

The museum briefing will be discussed by Aedi, the robot.

Then you are allowed to learn on your own what each exhibit conveys - there are five galleries in this two-level building.

The Story of the Universe: Its Beginning and Majesty

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 August: 23rd Philippine Travel Mart

One after the other, three weeks ago I went to Travel Madness Expo.  Yesterday, I was in 

23rd Philippine Travel Mart.  Don’t expect anything international, because this exposition is exclusive for the Philippines! (http://philtoa.org/phil-travel.php) 

“It’s more fun in the Philippines” (http://www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/), the campaign ad of the Department of Tourism is all over the exhibit hall.  Go now to SMX Convention Center and visit this 3 day sale of Philippine tour packages (August 10-12, 2012 10am-8pm).

If you don’t want to line-up on the airline booths and you own a credit card, then just visit their website.  Most of the fares offered on the expo are just the same as what they have online. 

Itinerary: HCMC & Hanoi, Vietnam

Route: Manila to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to Hanoi back to HCMC to Manila

Just take note that Cebu Pacific launched Manila-Hanoi last March 2012.

Itinerary (Travel Date - February 2011): Places to go, Things to see, What to do in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh?

Day 01: Saturday
Flight: Manila (MNL) to Ho Chi Minh (SGN)
Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 2
Cebu Pacific Flight No.: Flight 5J -7511 - http://www.cebupacificair.com


Day 02: Sunday
Flight: Vietnam Airlines, VN 0900  - http://www.vietnam-airline.com/
To: Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN) Arrival: 08:00

To & From Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
- located in the Soc Son District, about 40-45 kms from the city center.
- cost of transport to a city center hotel running about 200,000VND (US$14 = 630php) for the 45 minute trip

Accommodation/Hotel: Where to stay in Hanoi?

Thaison Hotel II, HanoiLocation: No 7- 9  Hang Mam Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Website: www.thaisonhotel.com
Email: infothaison2@thaisonhotel.com / booking2@thaisonhotel.com

2012: Travel Madness Expo 2012

Travel Madness Expo 2012 is happening on SMX Convention Center starting July 20 Friday until July 22 Sunday.

Know more about the team behind the expo in http://www.travelmadness.ph/.

Unlike the traditional annual travel open-market sale, The Travel Madness Expo shall offer both Tourism Boards and Travel Providers a wider and growing opportunity to take a step forward in this industry. Our main strategies circle on a foundation of professional and profitable relations through fair and equal trade endeavors.

Was it because of the rain or its just that tourism lost its hype?  Unlike the previous travel expositions held in SMX, this time it is more peaceful, less noise, fewer crowd and sad to see there is reduced promotion on domestic spots. 

I’d consider that the airline industry topped in number of participants.

Dragon Air, Eva Air, Seaair/Tiger Airways

Fly Zest (http://www.flyzest.com/index.php) use to have crowd before, but now there is none.  Qatar has a quiet booth as well.  Cebu Pacific (http://www.cebupacificair.com) has only few buyers compared to the previous season when they offer Piso fares or extremely much lower costs.  I appreciate that smaller airline as Jeju Air (http://en.jejuair.net/jejuair/en_EN/main/main.jsp) can participate in this type of event. 

The most attended airline on the expo’s first night is Air Phil Express.

For the agencies that offer their services locally and abroad, it is Uni Orient that has the biggest booth.

Whether you are decided to go for a trip, or just preparing and missing traveling – attending this type of event will help you expose yourself on bigger offers of Tourism either within Philippines or outside Asia.