Mabuhay! Boracay, Philippines! =)

This is a long overdue post. I was too busy (I'm actually still very busy =S) to blog about my last 2 trips. I'll write this one now, but don't know when I'll be able to write again for the other. =S

Middle of this year, I went to explore one of the best places to visit here in my county, the Philippines, which is Boracay! We surely have some of the most beautiful beaches and I'm proud to say that. =) Many tourists visit Boracay for a cheap but relaxing vacation. The sand is as white as ever and the water as blue as crystals.

The last time I visited Boracay was about 7 years ago. So when I went back, there's a lot of new things to see. There are more shops, restaurants, activities, etc. So many things to do if you're the outgoing type, but for the homey type, you can still find peace and quite in your own room with the beach view overlooking your window. =)

It was raining hard the day before we arrived so we're worried that we might not enjoy the beach if the rain don't stop. Luckily it did and we were able to do everything we planned to do. ^^ First thing we did is to check-in the resort we booked. There are all types of accommodations that will fit the budget of everyone, from budget inns, cottages, villas, hotels, or your own private island.

We walk around, tried some snacks, and it's dinner time! We ate at Aria, an Italian restaurant and it's really good! It's a bit pricey but good food usually are. ^^ Beside it is a cheesecake cafe so we had some for dessert. After that, there's a fire dance show near the beach. We also booked our activities for the next day to save time. We retired for the night to prepare for the full packed day the next day.

On our 2nd day, it's play time! The "kuya" (Tagalog for older brother. We usually call people "kuya" or "ate" (for girls) even if we don't know them as a sign of respect.) we talked to the night before came with a shuttle to pick us up. First thing is to ride the ATV. We each got an ATV and drove to the highest point in Boracay to see the island from above. Next we did is helmet diving / reef walking. People basically wear an astronaut like helmet and go down 12 - 15 feet deep under water. You can walk around and be with the different species of fishes swimming around you. You also get to feed them and get your pictures taken plus a video of your experience. =)

Third on our list is banana boat, a floating boat shaped like a banana pulled by a speed boat. It's one of my favorite water activities, it's not that scary but can still give you the thrill. ^^ And finally, my most awaited, parasailing!!! It's a bit expensive but I really really wanted to try it for the longest time. I'm so happy that I was finally able to and it sure worth every centavo. It's so nice to feel like flying at least once in your life. I totally love it!!! ^_^

That night, we went out shopping. We got back tired and our skin all red from sunburn. =P The next day, we pack after eating breakfast. It's time to go back to Manila.~ I will wait years again to go back to the beach. The dark skin I got from the sunburn is still with me. It will take years before I go back to my fair skin again. =S

But it was fun and I'm so happy to have spent those days with my dear friends. Thank you Lord for great friends that can make any trip enjoyable! And thank God for the beautiful gift of nature. =)

Singapore & Bintan Indonesia Trip

After 2 vacations in the past 6 months, I didn't think I'll be allowed by my boss (I'm working too you know, lol! XD) to take another long trip again so I made this one a really short one, only 3 days and I'm back to work. ^^

I went on a plane to Singapore and joined my friend on a trip to Bintan, Indonesia for their company outing the next day. It's just a ferry ride away from Singapore and we spent just one night there. We arrived in the afternoon, walked around the resort, and got changed for the party that night.

The next day, we booked a relaxing massage in our room in the morning and before we know it, it's time to go back to Singapore. With some last minute shopping and picture taking, we're off. ^^ Back in Singapore, I just have to try their popular chili crabs! I tried their chili crabs, black pepper crabs and sting ray, all so yummy! =D

The my final day in Singapore is Universal Studios day! =) I just have to visit it no matter what! LOL! =P I'm a total theme park freak that I just have to go at least once and try the rides. It brings out the child in me that usually got lost in my daily working life.

We took pictures with all the characters walking around the theme park any chance we got. It's fun and nice to be in pictures with characters we only get to see in TV or movies. ^^ Next are the rides!!!

First we tried is the roller coaster. It has two lanes, one is human, which is a high speed seated roller coaster and other is cyclone, a little bit slower than the other one but you ride it hanging under the rail instead of above it. I actually really wanted to try the hanging one but got in the wrong entrance and took the seated one. We thought we'd just go to the other side after our first ride. But I guess it's just not possible, LOL! XD After that super high speed ride, there's no chance I'll be able to ride the other without me losing my head, LOL! So I'll just try that one when I go back again next time. =)

We also tried the Mummy, 4D Shrek theater, Canopy Flyer, watched the Special Effects Show, Monsters Musical, Water World. I have to go back for the Madagascar which was still closed when I went there, the Rapids Adventure and the Cyclone Battle Star Galactica, both of which I didn't have enough time to try since I'm catching a flight back home that night. ^^

Another wonderful blessing from the Lord and I'm always thankful to all His gifts. I accept all these with a thankful heart and hope that I'll be able to give back even just a little to His people what He has given me. To God be all the glory! ^_^

Bangkok, Thailand

It's a back to back fangirl trip for me and my girls. We went to Korea last December for the YG Family Concert, this time it's Thailand for Super Junior Super Show 3 last January. ^^

We arrived at Bangkok, had dinner, check-in and sleep. It's a night flight so we're all wasted on the 2nd day (because we arrived almost midnight the night before), LOL! XD We started our day with a late lunch at Siam Paragon then a little shopping the rest of the day in MBK. I had curry chicken for lunch and I didn't get to eat much of it because it's too spicy, and that's saying much because I love eating spicy stuff but that is just way too much for me.

3rd day, we went to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha. It's a gigantic reclining buddha that is all in gold and it's feet covered in mother of pearl, wow! That night, it's SuShow3. Good thing, the cab driver informed us that it would be very hard for us to get a cab back from Impact Arena after the concert so we have to get a cab that will bring us there and wait for us to bring us back, and just pay for the extra. It's quite expensive but worth it as long as we can get home safe right? Late night dinner at KFC afterwards.

4th day is market day. We went to the fruits market to buy tamarind and other goodies to take home. We had our lunch there too and I just had the best Pad Thai cooked in front of me. Love it and it's so cheap too. ^^ I had oyster cake go with it and it's one of the meals I enjoyed in Bangkok. After the fruits market, it's the clothes market next. There are shirts that costs less than 100 baht and fans that cost only 15 baht. Pretty cheap to bring home and gift to everyone. ^^

5th day is our tour day. We booked a day tour that will bring us to the floating market and see an elephant show. In the floating market, bargaining power is a must. You can bargain more than 50% off so better give it your best shot. Next stop is the elephant ride, but you have to pay extra to ride, the cost is not covered by the day tour. Next to the wood carvings where we see people working on amazing pieces of art in front of you. We had a buffet lunch before going to watch the elephant show. Love the show and the elephants are simply amazing! Last is a cultural show. After the tour, we went to Platinum to shop for clothes. My friends really enjoyed shopping in Bangkok, they bought so many dresses and bags because they're all pretty cheap compared to shopping in Korea, Hong Kong or Singapore.

Our 6th and final day in Bangkok, we had the best Bangkok meal ever in Somboon Seafood Restaurant. The curry crab is heavenly!!! Then we went back to Platinum for more shopping then crossed to Pratinum and had the best thai massage. I so loooooove it! ^^ Then back to the our place to get our stuff and off to the airport.

Thank you Lord for another amazing trip! I'm looking forward to another trip this year. I'm praying that you will grant me that trip too. I love you Lord! To God be the Glory! =)

See You Again Seoul~

I'm writing this entry way too late. =S I went to Seoul again last December mainly to watch YG Family Concert. But since we're there, we also went to some of the places we weren't able to go before.

Upon arrival, it's night so we checked in our things and went out to have a late dinner in our favorite eating place, Kimbab Heaven. =) We also ordered our favorite meal, Cheese Tonkatsu, Kimchi Jjigae, Bulgogi and Kimbab.

The next day is the concert day! ^^ Bringing gifts with us to meet our friend who will be giving us the tickets, we met her and she gave us gifts in return! 2NE1 hoodies!!! Love them!!! When we checked out tickets, they're VIP tickets! I love that girl, she's really amazing! (I know I'm using way too much exclamation points but that day is just a superb day for us, for real! ^^) Before the concert, we went to Apgujeong to look for Yoochun's Time Out Gelato and has some really nice ice cream (yeah ice cream in winter, LOL! XD). Then off to the concert venue! ^_^

Third day is shopping in our favorite shopping place, Myeongdong. It's where we buy our CDs, cosmetics, clothes, and eat at our favorite dak galbi place, Yoogano, yummy!!! ^^ Next we went to Myeongdong Cathedral, our first time to go to church in Korea. Next stop is the Seoul Tower. We visited the Teddy Bear Museum there and it's so cute! They recreated different scenes from the historical era and the modern era using the cute teddy bears.

For our fourth day, we decide to just walk around Seoul. We went to Cheonggyecheon Stream and walked the whole way to see the places it crosses. That sure is one long stream! LOL! =P We stopped by a palace, Sejong center, and end up in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun to do more shopping. ^^

And for our last day in Seoul, we meet our friend again and she treat us to lunch in School Food. Yummy food around Hongik, I would love to go back there again. I think that's the restaurant that Khun and Kwon ate when they were planning for their song for their wives. After that, it's time for us to leave. In the airport, we had Baskin Robbins since we didn't get to have some since the Baskin Robbins branch beside our favorite eating place is gone.

There goes another Seoul trip for me. Simple but fun! A pure fangirl trip with no frills and no hang ups. ^^ I feel so blessed that I get the chance to go on trip like this. Thank you Lord! Until my next trip. =)

Taiwan Touch Your Heart~

I went to Taiwan last October for my vacation this year, it's tiring but worth it! =) I think I was able to experience the best places in Taiwan in my short trip. Too bad we got too little time for shopping that we didn't get to enjoy everything they have to offer in the night market.

Day 1 - Upon arrival at Taoyuan airport, we had lunch at the train station while waiting for our train to Hualien. I think we got to Hualien after more or less 3 hours in the train and went straight to our hotel to rest for a while. When our bus arrived, we went to dinner and watched a cultural show of Taiwan Aborigines. It's not so special to me since we get to watch shows like that in my country but a cute boy performer sure makes a difference, LOL! XD

Day 2 - Our destination is the Taroko Gorge. It took us another 2 hours I think to get there by bus. But the scenery before us sure made the trip worth it! It's a beautiful work of nature that I'm sure all nature lovers would love to see. Also near the same place is the Eternal Spring Shrine that we only got to see from a distance but still worth the sight! Then back to our bus to Yilan for some hot springs in our hotel.

Day 3 - It's the day to meet the Queen! The Queen's Head in Yehliu Geopark that is. ^^ There we got to see different rock formations all done by nature. The place is nice but taking a picture in the Queen's Head which is the most popular spot in the park will take you forever on a weekend so I suggest going there on a week day.

After that we got on our bus again to go back to Taipei. We went to the National Palace Museum to look at some historical artifacts from the time of the Kings that were preserved in it's original beauty. It's amazing seeing the art works that the people from those time took so much effort into details with. Our tour guide even told us that sometimes, it takes a person his whole lifetime just to finish one work of art, that's how articulate each item was.

I had the best beef noodle soup ever for lunch! It's a definite must try when you go to Taiwan. Then we attended the Grand Reunion Party, a pre-celebration of Taiwan's Double 10 celebration the next day. After the party, we went straight to Taipei 101 for some shopping.

Day 4 - We went to the Presidential Square to attend the Double Ten celebration. There were so many people! We passed by Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall on our way in and out of the celebration. Next stop is the Window on China Theme Park where we get to see miniature structures of the important place in Taiwan, China and the rest of the world. I love the place and took so many pictures that I didn't notice I'm baking under the sun! I got out a shade darker but it's fun, the place brought out the child in me. ^^

Day 5 - We went to visit and experience first hand how to pick tea leaves. Then off to Sun Moon Lake. We went to Wen Wu Temple for a short prayer, then took the boat to go around the lake. We tried out egg cooked in tea while climbing up the stairs to the temple up there. We are headed to Kaohsiung next and arrived at Dream Mall for a short shopping time.

Day 6 - Our destination for the day in Fo Guang Shan monastery where a large golden buddha stands tall. Then we visited the Spring Autumn Pavilion and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. We took the bullet train back to Keelung.

Day 7 - After breakfast we went directly to Tamshui Fisherman's Wharf where you can see the Lover's Bridge that got it's name from Valentine's Day. You can also buy some goods from the local sellers in the area that sells mostly local delicacies. Then off to Yangmingshan National Park for some nature tripping. Then a short stop at National Revolutionary Shrine where we got a glimpse of the guard changing ceremony.

Day 8 - It's the day we go back to reality! Morning flight back home and back to work the next day. =P

There goes my tour around Taiwan, from Taipei, Taichung, to Kaohsiung, tiring but I'm glad I did it. =) The Lord is good and He's preparing another trip for me before the end of the year. Will it happen? Sure hope so! ^_^ Thank you Lord for blessing me so much! =)