[JP18] My Mt. Fuji Experience… (and why you should climb Mt. Fuji)

When I think about it, I don’t have a bucket list. I’m just not the type to make one. So to hear people tell me that I’ve “already checked ‘climbing Mt. Fuji’ off my bucket list” is a bit strange, as I don’t have a list to speak of. Aaaand I suppose that’s my cue to say that, if given the opportunity to visit Mt. Fuji again, I’d definitely go “HECK YES, WHEN?!” Continue reading “[JP18] My Mt. Fuji Experience… (and why you should climb Mt. Fuji)”

[JP18] That Time I Went to Japan to Climb Mt. Fuji

I don’t know exactly when the desire kicked in, but one day (when I was hiking up Yeongsil Trail of Mt. Halla in Jeju, South Korea – check out the video as well) I heard myself say out loud: I want to climb Mt. Fuji. I thought it’s going to be one of those things that you think about, resolve to do, then be relegated to the back of your mind, to be pushed off by “more important” things. But then a year later, I found myself planning for a trip where I can actually get to do it.

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The Joys of Traveling (Solo)… & What It Means For Me + Back to South Korea!

As February ends, I take a look back and realize just how hectic the first two months of the year has been, and it seemed to just keep getting worse as the weeks rolled in. These past couple of weeks alone, it was the run-up to our City’s annual flower festival, and the influx of tourists and travelers is something that we’ll definitely never get used to.

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Islas de Gigantes: Adios… but first, Buenavista Island (and some travel tips!)

I bet by this time, most people have already gone on vacation for All Saints’ and Souls’ Day. Just here to drop a quick post about my last few hours at the beautiful Islas de Gigantes, featuring an island that was not originally in our itinerary, but since we were passing it on our way back to the mainland, we just had to stop: it’s the Buenavista Island.

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Wrapping Up Camiguin: Why You Should Visit (…and where to eat)

As I was going through my Camiguin blog series, a lot of thoughts were running through my head, and one of the most persistent was the idea of whether I could ever really come back. Because I know I (well, we) kinda resolved to climb Mt. Hibok-Hibok “next time”. But you know how Pinoys are (or humans, in general) when it comes to “next time”. Will I ever get to climb it, or will she be one of those “that got away”?

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Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam (and why you should visit)

I used to feel strange hearing and reading about people in other parts of the world welcoming summertime around June every year, considering that is when the rainy season begins in my country. But the climate is messed up right now, so the heat (ignoring the fact that the downpours are becoming more frequent during the daytime) kinda makes me feel like it’s still summer out here. Certainly, it is as hot as the time we were out an about, exploring Hanoi, Vietnam.

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Three People I Love Meeting On My Travels

One of the things I love about going on trips or traveling to new places is meeting new people. On my own, I am not the friendliest of people, in the sense that I would not be that person who, in a room filled with strangers, will take the initiative to strike up a conversation with the person next to me. In all likelihood, I am that person with earphones on, eyes trained on a book or on a show on my phone. That does not mean, however, that I do not like meeting people. I do. I just go about it a different way.  Continue reading “Three People I Love Meeting On My Travels”

How Filipinos Can Get a Tourist Visa to South Korea (updated)

This is not, in any way, an “official” write-up on how to get a Tourist Visa for South Korea. It’s just me relaying my experience (since we all know that Filipinos generally don’t have the easiest time when it comes to getting these types of documents).  Basically, I looked into this issue online, reading lots of helpful blogs and browsing through forums and, of course, referring to the official website of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of the Philippines. Continue reading “How Filipinos Can Get a Tourist Visa to South Korea (updated)”

Osaka, Japan 2014: Sumiyoshi Taisha

This was probably the day that I did the most amount of walking during my Japan trip. Seriously. We set off at 6:30am, then went home later that night close to midnight. At the end of the day, my feet were literally killing me, and I was unconsciously apologizing to them (and, by extension, to my shoes) for putting them to so much abuse. But a happy explorer is happy, and that’s what counts most, eh?  Continue reading “Osaka, Japan 2014: Sumiyoshi Taisha”

Lessons I Learned (The Hard Way) On My Travels

More often than not, it is almost always the lessons learned the hard way that stick with us. While I was reviewing for the Board Exams, one of our reviewers actually said that we should be thankful for every wrong answer we make on our mock exams; because it is those questions that we answered wrong that will be remembered when the real thing comes. I couldn’t say for sure that it was 100% true, but I know for a fact that there is a grain of truth to it. But when applied within the context of my wandering feet and wandering mind, it works. Continue reading “Lessons I Learned (The Hard Way) On My Travels”

Don’t Forget To Bring These On Your Travels Or Adventures

A pocketful of anticipation mixed with a dollop of excitement, with a dash of mischief thrown in. Oh, if only I could flit and fly anywhere with just these, then life would be so much better. And lighter. Alas, that really isn’t doable, so we’re forced to improvise.

Just as a sumptuous dish requires the right ingredients, every adventure also requires certain elements to make it a success. In my book, successful adventure = fun and memorable adventure. Everything may not have gone according to plan, but everything turned out right in the end.  Continue reading “Don’t Forget To Bring These On Your Travels Or Adventures”

HK '11: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Pt 1

It’s not even halfway through the month of September, and things at work are becoming so hectic, no thanks to the rollout of a new computerized system the office has developed. On the other hand, I am counting the days until the 19th when I can let loose with Jonghyun and the guys.

So, amid all the bustle and pressure at work, what do I do? Reminisce about one day spent at the “happiest place on earth”. I’m talking, of course. about our visit to the Hong Kong Disneyland.
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HK '11: On a Lark at Ocean Park

Amusement parks have always ranked low in my list of “must-visit places”. That is partly because there really isn’t a lot of them within throwing distance of where I grew up and am living in. But the Hong Kong trip was all about new experiences, and even if I was not able to get on the extreme rides (because one, I am not yet “primed” for them, and two, I was with three waaay older folks, who seem to be in danger of palpitating from just staring at the people on the rides), we still made it a point to check out Ocean Park Hong Kong.
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