12 Things I Learned About Japan

Inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka

The waiting was worth it. Japan did not disappoint the six of us who trooped to this culturally rich country last month to visit Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. It was an eight-day adventure with former workmate Jerri, sweet hearts Jeng and Chino (who by the way I just met for the first time on our departure to Osaka), my dear cousin Jheck and friend Richard. 

Months before our trip, we have had conversations over private messaging about the visa requirements and application process, where to stay, what to do, how to purchase an unlimited Japan Railway pass and everything vital for this sojourn. We even had a final meeting over dinner to collate all the data and make certain that everything on the list was done and ready.

Came September 22, 2014, the group departed Manila and landed in Osaka the same day with much excitement to explore one of many traveler's ultimate destinations. Within the duration of our trip, our group had the pleasure and luxury of time to sneak in stores (all kinds), shop a bit, satisfy our palate, speak with the locals, take pictures (this is obligatory), enter theme parks, get lost, mesmerize with the surroundings, compare things with our very own (including prices of goods and meals) and observe things revolving Japan.

So, without any further ado here's the 12 things (since it's my 12th visited country) I found out about the land of sushi, castles, temples, advance technology and cosplay.

The JR Pass, shinkansen terminal

1. Railway system in Japan is colossal. It's as vast as our galaxy. You will surely get lost. I'll bet my bottom yen.

2. Arrival and departure schedules of trains are always on the dot. You got no reason to be late. 

3. Taxi flag down rate is around 600 yen or 280 pesos. You cannot just hail a taxi anywhere. You need to call one. Can we just walk?

Nope, this is not NYC. It's Odaiba City in Tokyo.

4. No food in Japan isn't delicious. I wonder what their secret ingredients are. If you are on a diet, you may want to skip Japan on your bucket list.

5. Everywhere in Japan is practically clean.

6. Shopping goods in Japan are cheaper. So are the chocolates. Thank God for this.

Promo girl in Shibuya

7. What's cheap in the Philippines is expensive in Japan and vice versa. Except from Starbucks coffee - same price.

8. Japan has Disneysea. Enter this theme park no matter what happens. You won't regret it. Believe me.

9. In Akihabara, you will find an eight-floor building of sex toys, condoms, lingirie, sex videos, magazines, sex dolls and all that's carnal.

Ramen tasting in Tokyo

10. Only Japanese people can pull off a clothing ensemble that's weird in the public eye. This is a compliment.

11. Japanese people are very humble. So far they're the most respectful people I've encountered. Not to mention they're very appreciative and honest.

12. Mostly, Japanese people seem secure of their lives. Hence, they don't seem worried. Such may be contributed by their strong education about insurance and investing.

Here's hoping you had a glimpse of what Japan has to offer. To those who have gone there, feel free to share things you learned. You might even picked up more interesting things even quirky ones about this incredible destination during your visit.

Nijo Castle, Kyoto

To Japan, thank you for the very wonderful experience. We will never forget you. Personally, your greatest impact is on my diet. Because of your healthy food (and expensive chips) you took my junk food cravings away from me.

Again, if I may say, Japan is so worth it. It's every traveler's must do.

Sayonara!

How To Apply for Korean Tourist Visa in the Philippines

Not too long ago I went to South Korea with friends. It was one of my wonderful trips. Hence, I am very much willing to return to this great destination given again the liberty to fly out.

Most of Filipinos are K-Pop lovers. Presumably, they would want of course, one day, to land on South Korea to realize what they're going gaga about. But a lot of them are restricted of the fallacy that getting a visa for this country is as hard as they imagine. Well in fact, it's not.

Here's sharing with you my experience towards obtaining a Korean passport "sticker".

The Requirements

As usual, before heading to the embassy you ought to prepare the following items:

1. Original passport. Must be 6 months valid from the date of your tour

2. Photocopy of your passport's first page

3. 1 colored passport size photo

4. Fully filled up visa application form. Don't leave any item blank/unanswered. Put "N/A" if not applicable. Form can be downloaded right here.

5. Photocopy of the latest ITR 

6. Original Certificate of Employment if employed. If you are businessman, SEC or DTI and mayor's permits.

7. Bank Certificate

Notes:
You may have your printed etickets and/or hotel vouchers handy during submission BUT as per my experience they did not ask for any of those.

DO NOT go to embassy with any of the above requirements lacking to avoid re-queuing and for you to save time and effort.

The above documents were the only ones asked of me. I know of a friend who were asked to present his college diploma. I did not know the consul's reason. Neither did my friend. So, this depends on the embassy discretion.


Visa Application Process

Korean embassy is located at McKinley Town Center, 122 Upper McKinley Rd, Taguig 1634. How to go here? From MRT Guadalupe Station, you can ride a jeepney en route to Market Market/C5. Tell the good driver to get you off at Korean embassy. Or you can hail a cab.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Be at the embassy between 9:00 to 10:30 AM. Submission of applications strictly closes at 11:00 AM. I was there by 10:30 AM. Only few applicants were left. I think it's the best time to go as most of the applicants are already done with their transactions. 

2. Upon entering the lobby, you will be given a queue number. 

3. When it's your turn, walk towards your designated window and present your documents. I'll repeat, be sure all of the 7 basic documents are with you. I forgot to photocopy my passport's first page. Thankfully there's a standby xerox machine inside the embassy. Hence, was able to have my passport photocopied. However, I had to get another number and waited for my turn.

4. Once all your documents are scanned and the consul deemed they are sufficient, you will be given a claim stub indicating the date of your passport's release. Processing usually takes 5 working days. 

Notes:
Wearing of slippers or sleeveless top is not allowed inside the embassy. 

Visa fee is gratis or free if staying for up to 59 days only. Else, a fee applies. Refer to this link for details.

Visa Releasing Process

1. Be at the embassy between 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Releasing of visa strictly ends at 4:00 PM. I was not able to personally claim my passport due to work schedule conflict. I had it claimed by my good friend. If you'll do the same, please don't forget to give him the claim stub and an authorization letter.

2. Upon entering the lobby, you will be given a queue number. 

3. Once your turn, go to the designated window. Voila! You have your passport with Korean visa sticker on it.

This procedure is for TOURIST VISA only. If your case if different, you may refer to Korean embassy official website here for further details.

I hope you find this post helpful. You may email me for any other inquiries at menesestravels@yahoo.com.

Beijing and Goodbye

Up to this very moment, I still do not know how to put my Beijing experience into words. My heart would pound every time I try to recall what happened on that one fateful day.

It was on October 19, 2013 when I left for Beijing with my friend Richard and cousin Jocelyn. That was the birthday of my Inang Yaya. Before leaving, we celebrated her 62nd birthday over lunch with some of her friends whom I invited to come over. Inang Yaya was surprised upon seeing her former kachikahan. On a wheelchair, she had a small chat with them talking about goings-on of everyone. Then, everybody sang her the birthday song with a candle on a cake followed by a simple lunch altogether. 

She was happy. I know she was. On the hindsight, I was thanking God that she was able to celebrate her birthday alive. 

Back Story

To at least have Inang Yaya live up to her 62nd birthday was what I asked from God and it was answered. She was diagnosed of liver cirrhosis on April 2013 along with complications in kidney brought by her multiple stroke. The medical doctor then told me that her mortality is about to end in 6 months. I was whistling Dixie. I believed that she could live longer than that. Coupled with researches about her situation, I looked for organic solutions to her illnesses. Like an obedient child, she would take whatever it was that she had to take no matter how bad it tasted just to improve her condition. 

We religiously brought her to specialists to monitor her organs and medication updates. However, her weight loss was unstopping. It was on September 2013 when she was referred to a hematologist and diagnosed that she has chronic myelogenous leukemia. An uncommon type of blood cancer. Right then on, my dire belief that she would recover lessened as another opponent joined the battle.

Last Goodbye

40 minutes past 2PM it was time to leave for a 7PM-flight to Beijing. I settled Inang Yaya first to her bed after changing her nappy. My exact words before I left were "Pagaling ka". She just nodded and did not say a thing. I knew she was excited for my trip as she always was every time I travel.

Days prior to this day I was thinking of cancelling my trip as Inang Yaya was confined in the hospital. Yes, she was confined in the hospital 6 days before her 62nd natal day. What made me decide to push this trip was when she was released by her doctor from the hospital. I knew that the ultimatum could happen anytime soon but not sooner than I expected. I was positive that she could live longer than what her doctor was expecting.

Beijing Sojourn

We arrived Beijing on a cold midnight of October 19. We were then transferred to hotel and rested for the next day's tour.


Beijing, for me, is a laid back kind of place. To my surprise, this city does not belong to the cities of lights. Barely you can see billboards on the expressways and even on the avenues. And I can not recall that I noticed any international brand campaign streamer elsewhere. Maybe that is part of communism. Anyway, if you want to see both touches of modernity and the past then Beijing is perfect for you.


The first 2 days of our stay was devoted to attractions visit - Summer Palace, Ming's Tomb, The Water Cube, Bird's Nest, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and The Great Wall of China. Of all I enjoyed my experience in Tiananmen Square. Never mind its bloody history but there's something in there that made me feel that I was really in another world. Of course, the great wall experience was surreal.

But the best part of our stay in Beijing was the location of our hotel. It is located near a hutong. It is a small alleyway or lane. It is typical of the old part of Beijing and is formed by lines of siheyuan (a compound made up of rooms around a courtyard ) in which most Beijing residents used to live. This place offers many cheap buys from souvenir items to different kinds of food to posh and simple diners to club to bookstores to everything!

Our Last Day, Her Last Day

Strangely, I woke up at 4AM of October 22 in the middle of my sleep. I saw Inang Yaya's face on my friend's face. Thinking that it was just an imagination, I went back to my sleep.

It was 7AM when I received an SMS from my sister telling me that Inang Yaya already passed away. I immediately Vibered her and asked for details. A lot of details. She was found lifeless already with a peaceful face and open hands. As if she willingly surrendered herself to death.

I broke down. That was the most painful news I ever heard. I felt guilty for not being on her side during her last hour. I thought she would wait for me but she cheated me. She knew that I would not let her go if I was there. It would be harder for her to leave. Hence, she made me believe that her passing was not happening anytime soon.

My friend and my cousin comforted me the best way possible. We spent the remaining hours elsewhere in Beijing before we flew back to Manila and went straight to her funeral. When I saw her face I felt relieved. The sight of peace was glaring on her aura. She peacefully died.
_________________________________

To Inang Yaya, I know you're in a happier place now. Smiling as always. No more pain. No more weird juices to take.

Thank you for everything. Thank you for spending 29 years of your life with me. You know how much I love you. If you would only know how much I'm longing for you.

Happy trip! See you soon.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: First Stop of A 10-Day Exploration

It was on March 1, 2012 when a memorable ten-day three-country tour kicked off. I was with college friends named Yanyan, Tintin and Felis, Yanyan's fiance. All four of us were based in different countries. Tintin was a consultant in Bangkok, Yanyan and Felis are engineers in Singapore and yours truly is an engineer in the Philippines. Having said that, we decided to meet at Saigon as this was the best point to start our exploration.

The Heat Is On In Saigon

I came in last as Cebu Pacific has only one flight to Ho Chi Minch daily at 2300H so Yanyan, Felis and Tintin already started shopping around Saigon. Saigon is the former name of Ho Chi Minh and couldnt agree more to the Miss Saigon opening song "The Heat Is On In Saigon". It's hotter here than in Manila or anywhere else in the Philippines.

I was fetched by Tintin and her friend and headed to her friend's condo unit where Felis and Yanyan at. A little chat and handing of my pasalubongs took place then we called it a night.

Ho Chi Minh is a developing city. Hence, the trace of yesteryears are still apparent giving it a charming look I myself couldn't resist to love. In the succeeding posts, I will share the highlights of our stay. For the mean time, be satisfied by the following photos.

How To Apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa In The Philippines

Here's the step by step procedure on how Philippine passport holders apply for Chinese tourist visa otherwise known as L-visa.

Requirements

First and foremost, you have to gather the following documents before you head to the Chinese embassy:

• Visa application form duly accomplished and signed. Do not leave any box blank. Put N/A if not applicable.

• Valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of  travel

• 2 pieces colored passport-sized picture in plain white background

• Employment certificate

• Original and photocopy of bank certificate and latest bank statement recent for (6) six months from the date of application with at least PhP 100,000.00 monthly ending balance and sufficient average daily balance. 

• Copy of company ID (if employed)

• Original latest BIR issued income tax return with BIR stamp

• Copy of SSS ID / or SSS contribution

• Confirmed hotel voucher

• Confirmed travel itinerary

• Copy of passport information page - first and last page

• If invited by friends or relatives, invitation letter with copy of passport information page, working visa, residence visa and working card from invitor/sponsor

• Personal  appearance (if required by the embassy for those born from 1988 to 1993)

Embassy

Now that you have already complied with the required documents and forms, you are more than ready to head at the embassy to file your application. Chinese embassy is located at:

2nd Floor, The World Centre

330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue,

Makati City Metro Manila

How to get there? 

From LRT Gil Puyat Station: Get on a jeepney en route to MRT Buendia or Guadalupe. Get off at The World Centre. It is fronting Mapua Institute.

From MRT Buendia Station: Get on a jeepney en route to Kartimar or LRT Buendia. Get off at the crossing before reaching Mapua Institute. World Centre is on the other side.

Should you need further details or have inquiries, you may contact the embassy visa hotline at:

0063-2-8482395 ( Work Day 09:00 --11:00, 14:00--16:00 )

Or email them at:
phchinaembassy@hotmail.com 

Filing Procedure

This is it. You are now at the embassy. What to do?

1. Have yourself and your belongings inspected by the embassy guard.
2. Fall in line at the reception area. In here, your requirements will be compiled by the receptionist.
3. After your documents have been compiled, you will be given a number.
4. Walk inside and go to any of the 4 windows (left-side) where your number belongs. The numbers posted in each window are in range mode.
5. Patiently wait until you reach the window. Hand down your documents to the officer.
6. The officer will review your requirements. 
7. If the officer finds your documents sufficient then you will be given a pink slip for claiming of your passport.
8. If the officer finds your documents lacking then he will refuse your application. However, he will tell you which document/s you need to present/produce and you can still come back as soon as the required document/s is ready.
9. If given a pink slip, wait for 4 working days excluding holidays before you can claim your passport with visa stamp, hopefully.

Claiming Procedure

This is the day. The moment of truth. You are itching to claim your passport and positive that it is stamped with an L-visa.

1. Have yourself and your belongings inspected by the embassy guard.
2. Fall in line at the reception area. You will be given a claiming stub.
3. Walk inside and have a seat while waiting for your number to flash on the cashier window. It is the right most window.
4. Once you see your number, proceed to the window and pay the visa fee of PhP 1400 if single entry, PhP 2100 if double, PhP 2800 if 6 months multiple and PhP 4200 if 12 months multiple entry.
5. Then proceed to the window beside the cashier's to claim your passport (with stamp, fingers crossed).

I hope you find the above information helpful. I had a smooth visa application. Hence, I wanted to share exactly what I presented and experienced. Good luck, travelistas!

South Korea: 10 Facts

Annyeong haseyo! It's been quite a time since I blogged. I have not yet written about a few destinations I visited in the past but I'd like to go fast forward and talk about my not so recent trip to the land of boybands, girl groups, kimchi, BB creams and novelas - South Korea.

 Back Story

My Korean visa was released 2 days prior to my booked flight schedule. Thank heavens there was no further verifications or proofs asked of me. Had it happened, I might have given up this trip.

Came along with me were my good friends who happen to be travel junkies. Everything was set. Sweaters, jackets, trench coats, boots, socks, body heater and stuff. We were so ready to combat the winter temperature of South Korea. We thought.


For travelistas out there, ready yourselves if you're planning to come on winter because cold season in SoKor is no joke. Protect your body from cold. And be sure to be on your top body conditiion when you wander around this great destination.
 
South Korea is the 10th country I got to visit. Let the pictures speak and literally describe how awesome this place is. With great views, rich culture, excellent dishes, friendly people who would try their very best to communicate with you to the extent that they'll go with you, shopping finds and the fact that I was sick during this tour, I will definitely visit South Korea again! This time, during autumn. Meanwhile, enjoy the following facts and/or observations about this place.



Little Facts/Observations About Korea

1. Sad thing is SoKor got its independence on 1945 from Japanese occupation.

2. Funny thing is a lot of Japanese are touring this place. 

3. There's few Pinoy travelistas here.

4. Coffee shops distance from each other in Seoul is approximately 30 meters. LOL

 

5. Korean artistic designs are cute and practical. 

6. For first time Korean food taster, try bulgogi.

7. Its subway system has I think 18 lines. Whoah!

8. You must visit SPAO boutique. It's like the Zara of Korea.

9. Beauty creams are cheaper here. If you are a sucker of Skin Food, Face shop products then Korea is for you.

10. Taxi flat rate in Seoul is 2,300 won or 90 pesos.

Taiwan: An Underrated Destination

I have to admit. I wouldn't go to Taiwan had my sister isn't working there. Rarely do I hear people talk about Taiwan. For me and for some of us I guess, Taiwan is just another Chinese country. But my notion was totally absurd.

It was 6PM of January 23, 2012 when I and my twin sister were driven off to NAIA Terminal 3 for a 10PM flight en route to Taoyuan. Without so much expectations about our destination we boarded and off the plane flew.

After a little more than an hour flight, we arrived Taoyuan International Airport. Passports stamped then headed towards arrival area. With pretty much excitement to see our sister who by the way was staying there for 5 months at the time of our visit, we patiently waited for her coming to pick us up.

Came ate along with food for us. We went out of the terminal. First impression - it was so cold. Our bodies were chilling. Thanks to ate's ardent reminders to bring thick clothes with us we got proper attire to combat the cold temperature.

On our way to hotel in Shilin, I noticed that the houses were lego-like. They were cute! Some parts were also occupied by rice fields and vegetable farms. Pretty much because Taiwan is one of the main exporters of rice in the world.

In Taiwan, we got to experience a lot of things without compromising our budget. The attractions we got to visit are as follows:

Mao Kong Gondola

Mao Kong Gondola is like that of Hong Kong's Ngong Ping 360. The differences? Price and length of traversal. For only 100 NT Dollars you could ride a crystal gondola with great sceneries down there. During the time of our ride it was foggy with ambient temperature of 3 degrees Celcius. Hence, we can't see most of the landscapes vastness but still we enjoyed this ride a lot.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Square

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Square is just less than five-minute walk from the MRT terminal. The area is huge and truly a wonder. You should not miss this if you happen to be in Taipei.

   

Taipei 101

Of course, who do not know about Taipei 101? It was number 1 on my to-visit list in Taiwan. This portion of Taipei is just so modern and clean.

Overlooking Maokong landscape

Taiwanese go to Maokong for a tea aside from relaxation. There are so many tea houses here. We did not try any for none of us were hot tea sucker. From the Maokong MRT station we walked to find th e temples but found ourselves complaining about our aching legs. haha! So we decided to stop our hunt for the temples and headed back at the Maokong train station.

Walking up to the temples of Maokong

     

Taiwan is also a haven of good food. Coco is the most popular nai cha or milk tea in Taiwan. My sister was so into it. My twin sister and I tried it ourselves but we still prefer the taste of coffee with cream. haha!

Coco Milk Tea

Mos Burger is a must try. I don't think we have one here in the Philippines. Their rice burger is so delicious! 

It was in Taiwan that I got to taste Cold Stone ice cream. One of the best ice creams ever produced.

Taipei 101 Food Center. They offer variety of food selections of different cuisines. They also give complimentary tea. We tried Jasmine tea. I liked it but sisters did not. 

Taiwan people friendly and willing to help you out with directions in any way they can. The vendor in one of the markets gamely posed for a picture with us. And in here I noticed that they would use the peace sign whenever they are photographed.

Add caption

The peace sign in the Taiwanese means they are happy.

My Taiwan trip was one of the memorable ones I had in my head. I dad so much fun and had the opportunity to bond with my sisters. Too bad my brother was able to join us. Maybe next time, we could have another bonding abroad - complete.

To all travelistas I reckon that Taiwan is a must do. With its great places, friendly people and cheap food, I will definitely come back to this underrated country. 

101 Things I Certainly Enjoyed: No. 9 - Celebrating My 27th Birthday in Pearl Farm Resort

I had been wondering how was it like celebrating my birthday out of your base yet still your dearest ones are with you. And then came the opportunity to bring the whole family to Davao last December 13 to 15 of 2011. Thanks to Cebu Pacific's promo fares. I considered that as their advance gift to me.

After staying for a night in a hotel in Davao, we headed the next day to Marina Bay Port for our transfer to a much coveted stay in one of the famous resorts in Samal Island - Pearl Farm Resort.

The views are scenic and the beach though sands are artificial was the main attraction. Not to mention the buffet lunch included in the package. See photos.

Truly, my 27th birthday last year was memorable because it was spent with lifetime memories shared together by loved ones in a tranquil paradise of Pearl Farm Resort.