Mt. Ayaas, Montalban, Rizal

Last month, I failed to reach the summit of Mt. Paminitan; I didn't even make it through halfway because I had an asthma attack. I wanted to pursue the climb, but my husband advised me not to. Even Kuya Mac, our guide, said I looked unwell. 

What to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I've been to Kuala Lumpur several times, but only been around the city center I must admit. The farthest place I've been so far is Selangor, where one of the outlets of IKEA Malaysia is at. In this post, I am going to tell you about the things we enjoy doing in Kuala Lumpur and some of the activities we've done in our earlier visits.  

Family friendly Beach Resort in Zambales: Capones Vista Beach Resort

I initially thought of going to Baguio for a quick road trip, but my family wanted to go to the beach. Since they assigned me to take care of resort booking, I chose my default beach destination - Zambales.

Coco and Toffee: MacBook Accessories Online Seller

I love my MacBook Pro 13-inch (2011) even though it’s pretty heavy to carry around. Admittedly, it will take a while for me to buy an updated unit. As you know, Macbook costs almost twice as much as your regular Windows laptop. I have to save up big time!

Affordable Luggage Covers

Keeping track of my luggage after a flight gives me a sense of stress. When the luggage conveyor belt at the airport starts moving and the bags start to come out, I always have this feeling that someone might accidentally claim my luggage or worst stole it. That’s why whenever I travel, I always make sure that I put on a luggage tag. Also, I tie a nice colorful ribbon around its handle so I can quickly spot my luggage. 

Mt. Pigingan Dayhike (Conquering the Hanging Bridge)

Not for the first-time hikers. It’s a warning. I knew it’s going to be a long hike, but I never realized how arduous it’s going to be. Mt. Pigingan is not your ordinary day hike activity. Ask my badly bruised toenails (still oddly purple-ish as of this writing) 😐

Mt. Sawi, Nueva Ecijia

Warning. This is a broken slash bitter story. Indeed a "sawi" experience in Mt. Sawi. (Ha ha)

Rain was drifting when we arrived at Malinao Elementary School, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecijia. It was 4:00 AM, the school was closed (as expected) and surrounding was eerie dark. While most of my companions including my husband were busy going around the vicinity to locate the registration area, I couldn't stop thinking about travel horror stories. I was honestly freaking out deep inside.

What To Wear and Bring for a Day Hike

I take day hiking seriously. I always believe that each mountain has its own charm and uniqueness. Thus, the hiking experience is different from the others. Some may find Mt. Pulag an easy climb, but to others it may be a gruelling experience. The key thing here is that one must prepare in order to survive the hike.

Where to Eat in Sagada

Finding something to eat in Sagada is a walk in the park. There are karinderyas and restaurants that will definitely satisfy your craving. What I like about Sagada is the absence of commercial fast food restaurants. Locals would have the opportunity to put up food business, which is a good source of income. It's also a great way to showcase Sagada's culinary heritage. 

The Wholesome Table Experience

I finally had the chance to eat at Wholesome Table after years of procrastination. Ha ha. We visited the Leviste, Makati branch which is just 10 minutes away from where I work.

Assault to Mt. Binacayan

Mt. Binacayan is situated at Montalban, Rizal.  It's just 20 minutes away from Marikina (where our place is) with no traffic. My memories of Montalban take me to my childhood days. We used to visit our relatives there. I can still vividly remember how boring it was for me then because all I could see were trees and mountains. When I was a child, my appreciation to mother nature was totally oblivious.  Now that I am an adult, all I could think of is to conquer the 11 mountains of Montalban.

DIY Wedding Preparations

Planning a wedding budget is a very challenging task especially if the couple has limited financial resources. I don't want to say this but, money speaks volume in the wedding industry nowadays. Every move demands certain cost.

Wedding Suppliers Review

I can't believe I am actually doing a review one year after our big day. Elbert and I have been extremely busy (and lazy) since we got married. There's just too many things to be mindful of. Of course there's this thing they call "adjustment stage", from being single to being married. I bet rookie couples can agree on that.

Marinduque Island

I didn't know that Marinduque is the heart of the Philippines. (Please don't judge me!) I've been wanting to visit this province to experience Moriones Festival. But I figured that it's not going to be an easy journey as Moriones is observed during Lenten break. I can just imagine the huge crowd, the Manila traffic and the scorching heat of the summer. Medyo hardcore ýun, mga besh!

Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynuba Traverse Hike

Alarm. 3AM. Shucks! Parang kakatulog ko pa lang! Must be at Cogeo Gate 2 at 4AM! 

Hike bag. Check.
Camera. Check.
Cash. Check.

Okay na. Gusto ko pa sanang mag-kape kaso parang late na.

Taxiiiiiii!!!

Time check - 3:30AM. "Manong, Gate 2 Cogeo, po."  In less than 20 minutes, pag-gising ko, Gate 2 na. Astig! I hope traveling to work is like this.

Sagada Bound

My vision was terribly spinning as Coda (Bus) Lines traversed the narrow and zigzag road to Sagada. It nearly had me sick to be honest. But for all it’s worth, Sagada is indeed one of the many wonderful mountainous places in the Philippines I wouldn’t hesitate to visit again even it would costs me 11 hours bus travel. Aside from the fact that the place is indeed close to nature, Sagada preserves its rich culture and old tradition thus making it one of the top tourist destinations in the Mt. Province.

Exciting Dishes in Korea

Travel backlog alert! Korea 2015 :) Elbert and I stayed there for a week, thus it's the longest travel Elbert and I did so far. We were there in the first week of April - perfect timing for spring season! And, spring season in Korea means da...da...da...daaaaa....cherry blossoms! Yes, we had a lot of that (medjo naumay na nga ako nuon lol).

Truly sorry for not being able to respond to your queries/comments. Work has been stealing my clock and I couldn't find ample time to blog. My travel photos for the last two months are no where to be found. I don't even remember where the hell I placed my SD cards. Kaloka. 

So...well...lemme see...okay..

I am actually lost for words as I write this down. I am stressed yet thrilled. Nervous yet hopeful. Okay fine. Sige na. Sasabihin ko na. I am getting married on April next year. And who's the unfortunate soul (weh)? Of course, my travel bud, Elbert.

Elbert proposed in October last year when we were in Bangkok. It was very unexpected. It didn't occur to me that the proposal would come a little early that I expected.

So this means we have to refrain from travelling as we need to save up for the "big day". Thus, we need to juggle work, personal errands and wedding preps. That also means blogging would be a least priority.. for now.

I will try my best to drop a line given a time.

Love much,
V

Aurora Province: Casiguran to Baler

'Yung biglaang lakad talaga ang kadalansang natutuloy. Katie (Always Wandering) invited me for an Aurora weekend getaway. I was figuring out whether I wanted a climb (mountain) or a beach, but then again the Dyesabel in me screams for tubig-alat (ha-ha).

How to Apply for Korean Tourist Visa - UPDATED REQUIREMENTS!

image from Korea Embassy website (Philippines)

I am scheduled for a Korea trip next month and a friend colleague-friend Tina told me that there's a new visa requirements effective March 1, 2015. See below:

The new requirements for Korean tourist visa effective March 1, 2015.

Before March 1, 2015

After March 1, 2015

1. Certificate of Employment 2. Bank Certificate 3. Income Tax Return copy

1. Certificate of Employment - must include applicant's position, date hired, compensation, address, office landline number(cell-phone number is not allowed), e-mail address. 2. Bank Ceritificate - must include account type, current balance, account opening date, 6 months average balance (ADB) 3. Bank Statement - original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months 4. Income Tax Return copy - with personal tin number

 

All documents must be issued within 3 months on the date of application.

I am surprised that apart from the bank certificate, they now required bank statement. So if you're planning to visit Korea in the near future, better prepare your cash flows/savings for good standing.

For more information about Korean visa requirements, please visit Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines.