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. 

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. 

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.

Indonesia: Bali: The ONE Legian Hotel (The 101 Legian)

Travel Date: May 4-7, 2013

Bali (Denpasar), Cebu Pacific’s 20th international destination which debut last March 2013.

Before, most of the Filipino travelers would still go to Jakarta, Malaysia or Singapore first. Then take a connecting flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport to reach Bali.  Now you can reach Bali with direct flight from Manila, I bought this ticket (May 2013) last February 2013 during the online sale on behalf of the 20th Traveland Tour Expo. (Base Fare + Fuel Surcharge of 2671.50Php/way)

Blame it to Memories of Eat Pray Love?

Around 2004, Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) brought “Something Happened in Bali”, which was shown in abs-cbn (local channel in the Philippines) as “Memories of Bali”.  The first and last episodes of the series have done justice in promoting Bali as a tourist destination.

In 2010, Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Eat, Pray, Love” has become more popular after Julia Robert gave life to it on film.  A story about a woman looking for herself and found love in Bali, after which meeting Ketut Liyer became a popular attraction in Ubud, Bali.

“Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. 

You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes 

even travel around the world looking for it.”

“Smile with face, smile with mind, and good energy 

will come to you and clean away dirty energy.” 

- Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Where to stay?

Most of my readings, travelers normally take half of their trip in Ubud (in the middle of the green fields to meet Ketut Liyer).  Then, on the second half, they stay by the beach.  Since I've been to the Philippine pride Banaue Rice Terraces, Bontoc, and Sagada, I decided to skip staying in Ubud.

In the beach area, after reading different blogs and trip reports, I would decide to stay on Seminyak area, posh and villa types of accommodation are offered there.  But after seeing and experiencing the area, I would love to stay in Kuta-Legian area, preferably near Jl. Raya Kuta (Beach Walk mall near Jl. Poppies II), Kuta Square, Kuta Center, and Discovery Kartika Plaza.

My choice is not bad at all, The 101 Legian.  There is a superior room originally with room rate of 488USD (19,976.00Php)/night, but with the flash deal at agoda (early booking saver rate), I got it at 2855Php/night.  Book The ONE Legian Hotel, Bali in Agoda

Check-in Experience: Average - For me their check-in schedule time of 3:00pm is too late this is normally 12:00nn to others.  But since there is no other choice and so as to make the time useful, we rested for a while at their lobby overlooking Jl. Raya, then we left our luggage at their Safety Room, used their very stylish washroom and finally left for the initial street walk at Legian.

South Korea: Itinerary for 3 days in Busan

Route: Manila, Philippines - Busan, South Korea (PUS)

Transportation Card:

You can still use your Seoul City Pass/T-money card in Busan.  In case you have a problem on re-loading the card, you can go to the nearest 7/11 or CU convenience store. However, more favorable is to use Bee Cash.

2014 May: Japan: Osaka: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

Travel Date: May 19. 2014

Location: Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park, Osaka

Humbling experience to see the locals running along with their bikes, the kids playing along the sprinklers and water, ajumma and ajusshi hold their hands while walking.  

After a 10-15 minute walk in lush greenery, it is so much surprising to see this at the end of the road.

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.

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.

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.

2012 April: Malaysia: Overnight at Tune Hotel, KL-LCCT

An unplanned trip (or should I say just keeping the words I said a year ago)!  But since there is a low fare offered by Air Asia last year (May 24, 2011) thus, I'm here again at the airport even if it is just 17 days since my last Asian trip (Busan on March 28 – April 1, 2012).

I wanted to travel and I love doing it, so even if I have a busy work life I will always find a way to make them go together.  Right after work in Ortigas, I picked up my luggage at McKinley (had a quick afternoon snack with my sister) then head to NAIA Terminal 3. And YES, thank you to my April co-passengers who were able to read the in-flight magazine (catch my blog, mentioned on page 144 on Smile April and May edition).

Play Time at the Airport - Arriving 3 hours before my flight is really a carefree feeling.  Enough time to do my running while playing on those push carts.  Contrary on how I describe myself as a “suite case traveler in Asia”, this would be my first international flight where I only have a hand carry.  (The last time I tried it was on flight to Kota Kinabalu, April 2010 and I end up paying for my excess baggage).  Prior to actual check-in my bag is 7.5kgs, upon check-in it became 6.4kg!  How did I do it?  It’s a nice move to carry separately your DSLR while checking-in with light fares.  

Immigration - I don’t like being asked by the officer whose as if interrogating me – You are going to KL, yet your return flight is from SG, can’t you find a flight straight from KL?  Are you working there? No! "Are you working here?". I said "yes", showed my id and viola, she finally marked my passport and let me in. 

X-ray - Congratulations to my monopod, it was able to pass the x-ray as well.

What’s new @ T3?  Okay done with the prequel, now waiting on my boarding here at gate 110.  You'll not miss what's new in this area - there are now installed Samsung LCDs at boarding gates.

Past 12 midnight, we arrived at Kuala Lumpur Low Cost Carrier Terminal or KL-LCCT.  I still have few Ringgit back then, so I did not bother getting their money.  I immediately asked someone on how can I get to Tunes Hotel.  Honestly, I did not understand her answer.  Perhaps, because it was unclear, I'm not paying attention or I'm still sleepy.  I ended up walking for 10-15 minutes, passing 2 car parks, until I reached the hotel.  But you can actually take a service bus from/to Domestic Arrival area for only 1RM.

Tune Hotels - Hotel Review

Tune Hotels is the partner hotel of Air Asia.  Upon booking at their site, I was surprise as this is my first time to see a hotel where the facilities are being paid per service.  You want to have any of the following, you need to pay additional fee for each.

• Air Conditioning (12 hours) at 14MYR
• Air Conditioning (24 hours) at 20MYR
• Towel Rental + Essential Toiletry Kit at 6MYR
• WIFI Connection per device (24 hours) at 12MYR
• Breakfast Set at 6MYR
• Tune Hotels Insurance at 5MYR

Notice the minutes left on every featured you paid for.

2012: My Travels by the Numbers

Inspired by an article from StarStudio mag,

Travelling is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about a whole lot of numbers, too!

Ended the year with a challenging work life, there is much to be thankful for this 2012.  Meeting new friends, life tests, success or sometimes failure, the most important thing is to learn from it.

Highlights of my travel journey this year are: I experienced Busan’s spring season and Osaka and Kyoto’s autumn leaves and being able to promote this blog in Smile magazine for 7 months.  I spent one solo trip to Langkawi and had two sister-bonding trips. 

Wishing all of us to be successful in this year’s soul searching on ever step that we take everyday of our lives.

Read my 2011 version.

Philippines: Palawan: Coron: 6D 5N Itinerary

Sharing our 6D 5N (Feb 23-28, 2016) itinerary for Coron, Philippines.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Coron?

Coron Underwater Garden - They do provide airport shuttle and banca service to their place.  They have limited choice of breakfast (due to remotely located on an island). Although, there is too short shore line, you got to enjoy their manual water activities like canoe, paddle boat and stand-up paddle.  

Tip: For better island stay experience try to contact small huts in Banana Island. 

Seahorse Hotel (Brgy Poblacion 3, Coron Town) - This is a good spot in the city, surrounded by small tour shops, decent shakes or cafes, and there is small bbq stand in front.  There are nearby massage area as well. Close to convenience shops.  They can also prepare airport transfer. 

Highly recommended for group of 4s, the room that we got has stable bed, you will not feel the movement from the person above you (or below).  Inside the room, they have separated the sections from shower room, toilet, and open area wash room (at least 3 persons can already be accommodated in parallel time).

Best Time to Visit

Experience the shining water and sky during the early summer to heat wave summer of the country (February - April).  Refrain from visiting the typhoon season on July - November.

Transportation
Prepare your airport-to-city transfer with your hotel/accommodation.  While moving around the city, you can take tricycle anywhere.  When it comes to island tours, try to haggle from different guides, better to take the service from same company to have higher chances of getting discounts or bargain the price. (Better to pay as tips to the bangkero directly on what you have taken as a discount from the company.  Specially if you are a group who has been posting demands or requests to the kuyas in pulling you and keeping you safe while on the water - you better pay their effort and don't forget that smile of 'thank you'.) 

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do in Coron?

2014 May: Japan: Oishi (Delicious), Itadakimasu! (Let's eat!)

Your Japan trip can be inexpensive if you know where to find an affordable meal.  It is a balance between being thrifty and having the Japanese experience. 

Convenience stores - Bento boxed meals or rice covered with seaweed are available in Mini Mart, 7/11, Family Mart, etc.  

Supermarket - Few minutes before closing, supermarkets would offer dimsum or suchi for half of its price.  You could also buy cheaper drinks and omiyage in supermarkets. [Read more tips]

Street Food – Try toasted dumplings.  Just like Kenshin.  Mitarashi dango is a traditional rice dumpling with sweet soy glaze and is normally skewered on a bamboo stick.

TOEI Kyoto Studio Park