Abiko Curry is a small Japanese curry restaurant that has a few branches at different areas. Marla told me that the franchise is made popular in Japan. And it's now popular in South Korea.

Photo Credits: http://theidentifiedjournalist.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/myeong-dong-must-try/

We both ordered Chicken Katsu. Spiciness level 2 I think is what I got. 

There's a sign inside that says they specialize in spicy Japanese curry, and they aren't kidding. So I only requested for Level 2. 














Marla and I capping our night with great reminiscing conversations before I head back to my place. Oh, we met after 15 years. 



















Fun Fun Fun first day in Seoul.

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If you plan to go street shopping in Seoul, go to Myeongdong, dubbed as Seoul's shopping mecca.

Wasn't able to resist the call of shopping. Good thing there was a sale going on. Bought a nice jacket at Forever 21 (which was my first ever buy at that store btw) and 4 pairs of boots. Yeah! 

Roamed around. People watching. And wanting to try out some street food.

I really wanted to try but we were in a hurry to escape the cold outside.

Myeongdong is lined up with good restos so food is not really a problem. We grabbed lunch at one of the local resto there. Delish! I just forgot what the name of the store was. Too bad!

We had Galbi and Bibimbap with unlimited side dishes. Yum!

Bibimbap

We had the whole place to ourselves. Really enjoyed the stillness of the place and the food. So much different from the busy streets of Myeongdong outside. 

If you happen to know the name of this place, feel free to share. 

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I had the privilege to visit Seoul and Busan last January 2013. The tour operator I personally met at a Travel Mart held in Dusit Thani Manila invited us to have a familiarization tour in South Korea and Osaka, Japan.

The invite came January 4 and we have to leave by January 27, and I got to read the email January 7. My goodness, just imagine the excitement mixed with panic attack on how I can get both South Korea and Japan visa in that short span of time.

Tourist visa requirements preparation

I started processing my requirements January 8. I filled out the PDF application form. (Better if it's computer or type written) You can download it here. I had my picture taken and I requested a bank certificate from BDO. I had to pay Php 100 for the bank certificate where I got to get a day after.

My partner tour operator in South Korea also sent me additional documents hoping to have my visa application expedited. They sent me a letter of invitation and our Panstar Ferry booking confirmation.

Tourist visa application

After I got all my necessary requirements. I went to the South Korean embassy. That was January 11, well 5 days after I got the invite. I'm a slowpoke.

The Korean Embassy is located at the corner of Upper McKinley Road and C5 in Taguig City. There's no need to have an appointment. You can just go there directly, Monday to Friday, from 9AM-11AM. Personal appearance is not required (you may ask somebody else to submit your requirements for you or you can process anyone's visa requirements aside from yours as well). 

There will be friendly personnel who will guide you through the step by step process. My first time to apply for a visa was so smooth and organized. I was out after an hour. You will receive a queue number at the reception. The queue numbers for first time and frequent travelers are different. So make sure you get the right one. If you need to ask, just ask. The staffs will be more than willing to help you.

When your number is called, you will then proceed to the assigned window with your documents for checking. If they are complete and the consul does not have any questions, they will receive your documents. The consul did not take all my documents though. He did not take my ITR and my business documents like DTI and Mayor's Permit. Upon receiving my claim slip, I also inquired if my visa can get expedited since I would have to get my passport quick because I'll also apply for Japan visa afterwards. Sadly, they are very strict with their process. For first time travelers, processing takes five working days. While for frequent travelers, processing is three working days. 

Getting my first visa

After 5 working days, that was January 18, I got my first visa. South Korean embassy visa releasing time is from 2 to 4 pm, also Monday to Friday only. The same entry procedures apply, get a gate pass and sign on the log sheet, then get a number once inside. Make sure you bring your claim slip with you because you will need this to enter and get a number and of course get your visa stamped passport.

South Korea Trip January 25-30, 2013

IMPORTANT REMINDERS TO ALL VISA APPLICANTS
Please read the instructions below, before you present your documents to the window

•Please register and get a number from the guard, if your number doesn’t appear on the screen yet, please sit down & wait for you number to be called.
•Please refrain from using your mobile phone and other electronic device while inside the embassy.
•Please make sure that you have filled out the correct visa application form, check the correct application form with the guard on duty, fill it out completely, and write “not applicable” if appropriate. Do not leave any blanks.
•Paste your passport size photo on the application form.
•Remove covers or jacket of your passport. Staple old & new passport together.
•Remove paperclips, rubber bands, envelopes and folders.
•Please arrange your documents accordingly: Visa application form on top, then photocopy of passport & visas issued from other countries, then supporting documents
•Contact number in Korea is very important, please don’t forget to fill out the contact number of your guarantor or your hotel in Korea.
•The embassy will return your original passport on the releasing date assigned to your application, we do not return any documents, so please make sure that you have submitted only a photocopy of ITR, Business permit , contract , marriage contract, birth certificate, etc.
•Bank Certificates should indicate the amount of money you have in the bank and the date it was opened.
•Employment Certificate should indicate compensation and length of stay in the company. It should also have a valid landline number.
•Do not forget to get your releasing slip / claim stub upon submission of documents.

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I had the opportunity to go to South Korea last January for a familiarization tour. All participants were duly assisted so getting a visa was not a problem. Check here how I got one. 

It was an unexpected invite and I was so elated. My land arrangements were all arranged and free but my flight tickets were expensive. It was all because I booked my tickets after my visas were confirmed and it was 3 days prior to the trip. Nonetheless, it was still an experience of a lifetime especially I'm still new in this business. I got a red eye flight that left Manila around 1:15AM so when I arrived 6:15AM at the Incheon airport, most shops were still closed. Oh yeah, I traveled alone. 

I looked for a mtr ticket vendo machine and immediately saw one. It is the same as the one being used in Singapore so I had no problem purchasing tix.

It was a chilly morning and I came unprepared. Didn't know it was that cold. Brrr! Good thing the seats of the Seoul subways were all heated. I wasn't hallucinating when I felt my butt. The seats were heated. 

Downloaded this helpful mtr app to help me navigate this big city. 

When I got off the train station, I went to a donut store to grab breakfast and so happy that they're also selling bagels - yey - with cream cheese. Perfect to start my morning and adventure in Seoul. 

I came a day early so I had no free accommodation on my first day. Saw a cozy and decent motel room down the block and decided to stay overnight there. The old couple running the motel looked friendly and accommodating, so I felt safe.

I was supposed to be hosted by a Couchsurfing friend but plans have changed. 

It was a cool place for KRW 60,000. I guess it's still cheap.  It had everything I need. Specifically, the hot tub! I was wasting water that night and really felt guilty. I filled the tub with hot water and had to drain half of it. Oh well. It'll never happen again. Promise. 

Met up with a high school girl friend who was still in Seoul later that day and we had a blast shopping in Myeongdong and food tripping too! I really meant to go to other touristy places but can't bear the coldness. Save for next time, huh!

Ended my day eating in a local midnight snack bar.

I can't remember well if I liked the food I ate here. It was just so soothing that they have a soup in that cold night. 

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There were no cheaper flights yet direct to Bali when we booked last year. Our option was to transit to Singapore, then Singapore to Manila. So on our way back home, we had the chance to revisit SG. Here's what we did.

After our arrival, we hurriedly went to a baggage storage and left our bags. We paid SGD 5 each. All terminals in Changi has that facility. 

Then off we went to visit specific areas. Our first stop, Orchard. Of course! We went to Apple stores since my friend was hunting the Gosh bumper case for her 4S. Then we went window shopping to H&M. Yes, just window shopping. It's a weekend and almost all shopaholics were there. We didn't dare to try out and buy something since were we didn't have enough time. You know how girls shop right? Hours. And we only got minutes. Next time H&M, see you in Hongkong this July!

See the long queue over there?

I think we only burned an hour in Orchard (with the travel time from Changi). Second stop, Marina Bay Sands. 

Well, not the hotel and casino, we just passed by to do photo sessions. What I really wanted to see is the Helix Bridge. Lols. 

Well, also pass by and do photo sessions. Because our end and ultimate destination is, you know what?! It's Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Food baby! Haha

We just walked from Bayfront MRT, exit at The Shoppes Marina Bay Sands passing Helix Bridge going to Esplanade for Makansutra. And that's how we ended it, filling our tummy. Great itinerary right?

Here's the route we took from Changi Airport

Changi Airport - Somerset Station - Bayfront MRT Circle Line - Esplanade - Changi Airport

I just love how convenient and fast it is to travel in Singapore. How I wish we could have something like that in Manila.

We did some shopping at the airport as well since our flight was moved from 12:45AM to 1:30AM. I kind of enjoyed transiting, it's tiring but you get to hit 2 birds in one stone. Short Singapore stop but I have lots to say about that 9 hours layover.

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We pre-order our in-flight meal to save up and since our flight is at 6AM, we had not eaten breakfast yet. The food is okay. We were just surprised that the free water that comes with it is extra small. 

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When I went to Malapascua last October 2012, the owner of the place we stayed sent me a very comprehensive guide how to get there. I am sharing it with you today. ^_^

How to go to Malapascua

Pickup Airport or Cebu City, Transfer via SPECIAL RIDE

Transfer with VAN (max 6 pers) Airport-Maya = php 3,000.00

Transfer with CAR (max 2 pers) Airport-Maya =  php 2,500.00

Transfer with boat Maya-Malapascua php 1500.00

(Rates may vary - just an estimate)

Cheaper but more time consuming and not so comfortable is to use Public Bus and Boats: 

Public BUS Transfer

  

Mactan International Airport is about 15 km from Cebu City, approximately 20 minutes by taxi. 

From Mactan Airport a taxi to the North Bus Terminal takes approximately 25minutes, traffic depending. If you would rather take a metered taxi, which are more economical than the private ones waiting at the arrival gate, simply walk up the ramp to the departures area and hail a white street taxi, make sure they put the meter on. On reaching the bus terminal we recommend the bright yellow Ceres Bus Liner, non Aircon,php 163 per person. This company has fairly direct buses that leave for Maya, the jump off point for Malapascua Island, approximately every 30 minutes. Ceres Bus Liner does have air conditioned buses, price is php 170 per persons.

CERES Aircon Bus

CERES Aircon Bus
CEBU – MAYA via KAWIT:				MAYA via KAWIT – CEBU
Departure     Arrival				Departure     Arrival
5:00 AM            8:30 AM				6:00 AM            9:30 AM
7:00 AM            10:30 AM				7:00 AM            10:30 AM
9:00 AM            12:30 AM				9:20 AM            12:50 AM
11:00 AM          2:30 PM				11:00 AM          2:30 AM
3:00 PM            6:30 PM				1:00 PM             4:30 PM
5:00 PM            8:30 PM				3:00 PM             6:30 PM

all other CERES Busses (Maya via BAGAY) leave about every 30 minutes.

. Last Bus North Bus Terminal CEBU - MAYA: 11: 40 pm (23:40)

2. First Bus North Bus Terminal CEBU - MAYA:   1: 00 am (01:00)   

3. Last Bus Pantalan MAYA-CEBU:                      5:00 pm  (17:00)

4. First Bus Pantalan MAYA-CEBU:                      1:00 am  (01:00)

The journey itself takes between 3 – 4 hours and costs Php 163 (Aircon 170) per person. The best time to travel is early in the morning as it tends to be cooler and there is less traffic on the roads. Be sure you always take the bus with the signboard “Maya Bagay”. The bus stops once, after about 1hour, outside of the city for a brief toilet and snack break and sometimes a second brief stop at Bogo City the largest town between Cebu and Maya.

Public BOAT Transfer

Once you arrive at Maya the bus will stop at the ‘pier’(Pantalan), where once again there will be some very friendly ‘porters’ awaiting to assist you with your bags. There is a small white ticket booth, where you can buy a ticket for the next Banka (outrigger boat) to Malapascua; the tickets cost Php 80per person. If it is a low tide the larger Banka’s cannot reach the pier so you will have to ride a “tunda” (small paddle boat) to the larger boat, this costs approximately Php 20 per person/bag. Expect for at least your feet to get wet – possibly more.

The boats leave about every 30 minutes although you can sometimes have a long wait while they wait to fill up with passengers. If there are not at least 10 passengers, no boat will go to Malapascua, so you have to order a SPECIAL RIDE for a price of 1200 php (night time 1500 php). The first boat is at 8:30AM and the last is at 5:00PM, although the schedule is set till 4:00PM. The boat trip takes around 45 minutes and drops you off at Logon, the barrio proper or ‘town’. 

ARRIVAL
Because Malapascua has no really PORT or HARBOUR, the landing of Passenger boats are always on some beach. The Point of landing depends on the weather situation. Usually Arrival Malapascua is Bario LOGON, but if it is bad weather and strong waves and winds coming from westside, the Arrival will be changed to the South of Malapascua near COCOBANA Resort or even EASTSIDE PASIL village.

When you arrive in Malapascua then possible some CANVASSER will talk to you and want you to change your accommodation/reservation and bring you to other places than our place, cause they want to earn some COMMISSION from those canvassing Resorts. Don't let them bother you and just tell them you already have a place.

We stayed at Mike & Diose Beachcottage, AABANA Beach- and Watersport Resort" . Watch out for my blog entry about it. Thanks a lot for reading and stumbling on to my page. Happy travels!

Malapascua Island, Northern Cebu - October 2012

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It was August 2012 when I got invited to a table top meeting with direct tour operators handling international tour packages. My business is barely a year old. I saw the Bali table and gave my business card. Had a little chat and told the owner, “Bali is on my bucket list, I want to go there”. He told me casually, “I can tour you around and you should do hotel inspection at the same time”.

That's us with our Bali partner tour operator

Air Asia BIG SALE came, booked a CRK-SIN-DPS-SIN ticket. Then SIN-MNL via Pal Express. My roundtrip airfare was around PhP 7,000.

April 17-21, Bali was crossed out from the bucket list. One down, many more to go. Lols. Two of my best girlfriends accompanied me. After a no sleep-road trip to catch our 6AM flight from Clark to Singapore, then a connecting flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport, we finally reached Bali with glee! That was a 15 hour ride-flight-wait before we got to our end destination.

We were greeted by Sutarja, our very nice and informative assigned tour guide in our 4 days stay in Bali. We were welcomed with frangipani welcome leis and a cold hand/face towel.  We were ushered to our designated Suzuki APV ride and met with our kind driver, Wayan.

It was almost 4PM when we arrived and traffic jam almost everywhere. We were supposed to go to Uluwatu temple but there was an ongoing ceremony.  A lot of the locals are headed to the temple to worship so we just turned around and went to do an ocular in Nusa Dua instead. Whew! One reason to go back to Bali.   

Amaroosa Hotel - Site Inspection

We were already hungry when the clock struck 6PM. We are set to have dinner in jimbaran and watch the sunset. We got to Jimbaran Bay with my tall wedge on and Mary Ann’s heels. We had to go back to our van and change to comfy slippers. I think that’s when we missed the sunset. Or sunset was no longer there when we came. Oh well!

We didn't stay long enough at Jimbaran. We were all tired and just want to take a nice shower and sleep our head off. We got to our hotel, Grand Mega Resort around 8PM. The front desk welcomed us with a sweet tamarind drink which I really like. It was soothing. 

I personally love this hotel. I love the color, the modern decor and it's nice bathroom. Wifi is complimentary and you got free bottled water too. 

We all immediately fell asleep after taking our much needed shower. I tell you, we completed an 8 hour sleep. So that's how comfy the beds are in this hotel. Good job!

 

End of Day 1.

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