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. 

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.