I don't want to say I'm disappointed with this month's BDJ box, it's just that I'm not impressed. 

Here's what's inside the box:

1. Physiogel Hypo-Allergenic Intensive Cream, Php 574.50 / 50ml. This was already featured in the previous boxes and I have got free tubes when I came to a BDJ event the previous months. I already have 3 tubes at home that I haven't got to used yet.

2. While I like bath products, Loreal Shampoo and Conditioner were also featured in the previous boxes. I use them but I still prefer Dove for my hair essentials. 

3. But I love the addition of Loreal Hair fall tonic. I used it today in a humid weather and it works great on my hair. Not oily. My hair was silky and smooth.

4.  Avon lipstick. I love that the staffs picked this color for my box. I loved it! Last time, I got electric pink. Which I can't really wear on a daily basis. 

5. Revlon Photoready Kajal Intense Eyeliner + Brightener. Cost about Php 525/2.4g. I don't really wear make up that much but eyeliner is one of my essentials. Though, the color I got was emerald green. I think it's fun to experiment once and a while. 

6. Kinerase Lotion and Gentle Daily Cleanser (sample sizes). They've added samples of this pricier brand. I would love to try this but not something really that I would buy. 

I have been a subscriber since the very first month they've started this beauty subscription. While I'm a little excited receiving the box each month. Like a little girl ecstatic to open the box and unveil what's inside. A part of me is saying, isn't it a waste of money also since not all products is something I really want to buy and really want to try. 

I hope next month's box is better. More bath essentials maybe. Soaps, body wash.

Read More »

The PanStar Line provides three ferry services a week between Osaka in Japan and Busan in Korea.
Since the start of service in 2002 (when the Japan-Korea World Cup was held), the PanStar Line has been widely used, contributing greatly to cultural exchange and physical distribution between the two countries.

In addition to sightseeing in Osaka (a commercial and cultural center of Japan) and Busan (Korea’s largest port and tourist city), views of the Setonaikai National Park (famous for Itsukushima Shrine - a beautiful World Heritage site), on-board evening entertainment performances and delicious buffets provide passengers with unforgettable memories of their trip.

Helpful information to make cruising even more enjoyable A wealth of scenic spots and on-board entertainment Passengers are sure to enjoy the 18-hour cruise to the fullest.

A variety of must-see views punctuate the 18-hour cruise from Busan to Osaka.

Passengers have the chance to see the following;

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
the world's longest suspension bridge, connecting Kobe City with Awaji City in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Great Seto Bridge
a series of world-class structures connecting Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture with Sakaide City in Kagawa Prefecture.
The Kanmon Strait
a stretch of water separating Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Moji Ward in Kitakyushu City.
Tsushima Island
a landmass located between Kyushu and Korea.

Stepping up to the deck while the ferry is passing under a bridge and seeing the overwhelming size and impact of the structure at close quarters is a truly impressive experience unique to this means of transport.
Passengers are advised to check the time of passing for each bridge at the ferry's front desk.

Ferries on the PanStar Line have a variety of features, including fine, hotel-like facilities, helpful service and evening entertainment performances.
Peacefully watching the ever-changing scenery and other vessels traveling on the sea - the experience provides an enjoyable voyage between Busan and Osaka that is unique to this mode of transport.

A magnificent view of Akashi Kaikyo Bridge - the world’s longest suspension bridge.

UPPER DECK

FACILITIES AND LOBBY

For FERRY TICKETS AND PACKAGES - Email: wanderstrucktraveltours@gmail.com

Read More »

ITINERARY for US TRAVEL WORKSHOP 2013

Day1 (Jan.27 Sun) SEOUL –BUSAN-PANSTAR ferry

09:30 Get together at Travel Center on 2nd Floor of Seoul Rail Station. 

10:00 Depart for BUSAN on KTX 

Met up with all staffs and participants and we are all given our manuals.

Our lunch inside the KTX Train. The journey takes only less than 3 hours to get to Busan.

12:41 Arrive at BUSAN Rail Station then transfer to BUSAN Int’l Passengers’ Terminal 

13:00 Boarding procedure (13:00~14:30) 

15:00 Depart from BUSAN for OSAKA port, Japan and free time aboard PANSTAR FERRY 

18:00 Buffet dinner on the ferry 

19:00 Opening of World Travel Agents Workshop 2013 

 Presentation on US TRAVEL tour products and free discussion by regional groups of 

tour operators from overseas.

Read More »

A 3 minute walk from Hoehyun subway station (Line 4) and Seoul Station (Line 1), Hotel Manu Seoul offers modern air-conditioned guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and free access to the fitness center. 

It also has a 24-hour roof garden overlooking the city. Private meeting rooms, massage treatments and free parking are provided.Well-designed and clean, all guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV, minibar and desk. Private bathrooms come with a shower and bidet.

Hotel Manu Seoul is a 5 minute drive from shopping and restaurants at Myeongdong. It is a 10 minute drive from Insadong cultural street and the N Seoul Tower, while Dongdaemun is a 15 minute drive away. It is a 25 minute drive from Gimpo International Airport and a one hour drive from Incheon International Airport.

The Café Manu, on the first floor, serves a daily breakfast buffet. 

The hotel is also surrounded by many local restaurants and bars. Guests can check email at the business center, or iron their clothes for free at the ironing room. Laundry and dry cleaning services are provided for an extra fee.

Hotel Manu Toegyero 19, Jung-gu, Seoul (Namdaemun-ro 5ga 84-16) TEL 02-777-0100 FAX 02-777-0800 manu@hotelmanu.com For packages: wanderstrucktraveltours@gmail.com

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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. 

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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. 

Read More »