Today I write the next big blog

Well, what can I say.
See, I'm free of Facebook now. 
Five nights of no peeping.
That is why I will challenge my self into making that long overdue Japan blog I NEED to make.
And make this the next big blog ever.
Okay okay.
Next big challenge, that is.
Never.

But first, I need to attend this 7pm Tuesday Service. So. Until then. I will perhaps wipe some of my face on the internet as well.
This is the proper time to really know how to blog.
More backgrounds. Less me.

Because my world, is not my readers' world. But a sort of whimsical amusement.
Or some information gathering.
For trips.
Get some tips.
And learn more words.

ro

Today, I chanced upon the blog of the mom of Ronan. I knew him because Swift made a song for him.
Looking at from a third-person perspective, I cry for the little man. Sometimes I wanted to die. Sometimes I wanted to die their death.
Life is unbearable.
And sad.
And bittersweet.

Japan: Sky Diving at Fujioka [Day 9]

My stomach ached from anticipation. I want to gag from sheer fright.

October 3 was a Saturday. The big day. The day we were about to jump off an air craft. The finale of my 10-day Japan visit.

Japan: Ibaraki [Day 2]

Mikawashima Station (Tokyo) → Katsuta (勝田) Station: by train "JR Joban-Line" (80min by "Fresh Hitachi") → Katsuta Station bus terminal (East Entrance) → Bus stop "Kaihin koen nishiguchi (Seaside Park West Entrance)": by bus (17min)

guard my heart

What do you do on days when you hate yourself?
I ask that because I hate myself right now.
How could I have missed that budgeting?
I hate hate hate budgeting.
From the inputting to PowerOLAP, to everything after it.

Japan Kanto Area Itinerary

After poring over endless materials and websites about where to go in Japan, here's what finally transpired.

Day 1. Flew in. Narita, Tokyo. Akihabara

Day 2. Hitachi Seaside Park at Ibaraki

Day 3. Kawaguchiko. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station.

Day 4.  Kawaguchiko. Fuji Q Highlands

Day 5.  Nikko. Kegon Waterfalls. Chuzenji Lake

Day 6. Nikko. Shinkyo Bridge. Lake Yunoko. Ryuzu Falls.
to Yokohama

Day 7. Yokohama to Shibuya. Akihabara. And Ueno Lost & Found Section

Day 8. Disney Sea

Day 9. Fujioka and Yokohama

Day 10. Flew back to Manila

Japan Oddities

This is a guest entry from none other than my Mr. R (Right!)

Enjoy folks!

Two Japanese oddities that totally make sense

1. Faucets on toilet bowls

Having heard of Japan's high-tech electronic toilet bowls with built-in bidets and heating, I came prepared. Anyway, my toilet bowl at home has a built-in bidet, although not electronically controlled. What did surprise me was the toilet bowls with faucets that run water into the tanks.

From our first accommodation (Guest House Wasabi)

Really odd. That is, until I realized that it allows you to use the water twice. You could wet your hands using that faucet then proceed to the sink to soap up and rinse. Meanwhile, the water that you used to wet your hands is stored for the next time someone uses the flush. In that way, the water is recycled instantly. Instant water savings, and given the water-energy nexus, energy savings as well. Sugoi!

2. Condensed milk in toothpaste tube

Not strictly a Japanese oddity as a quick Google search returns results from other countries, but I saw this first in Japan.

Picture from Google - but this is the same brand that Chabs (our host in Yokohama) had

Condensed milk is thick (viscous) so it makes sense to put it into a tube and squeeze it out as needed. Then you just put the cap back on. Convenient and clean. This stands in stark contrast to how we do it in the Philippines: our condensed milk comes in tin cans. We punch a hole then wait as the milk pours out very slowly. Inconvenient and messy.

Japan: Akihabara [Day1]

We went to the airport at 3am, MNL time, flew at 5am. Then arrived at 10am, NRT time.
I was directed to www.hyperdia.com by Chabs. And from there I started my itinerary. It's really helpful when you are in the country where the train maps are as daunting as these:

Japan: Fuji Q Highlands [Day 4]

I'm writing notes while waiting for an almost 2.5 hours of queuing. I like all the thrills that Fuji Q is offering. I'm not too fond of the queues though.

We came here as early as 9 am. At Kawaguchiko Station Inn where we were billeted for two nights, 7am, we had a hearty Japanese breakfast fit for a King. Or a Princess if you don't mind. Haha. I checked the operating hours of the amusement partk and found we have enough time to check the Kawaguchiko Lake on day time. We went there the night before but all we saw were twinkling lights.

This morning, we got to see the Kachikachi ropeway. I asked R if he wants to try it and he said no. I did not mind. Wasn't too fond of the cable car either.

Then at around 9am, we hopped on the train going to Fuji Q. Fare is JPY 170 one way. Then entrance is around 1,400 JPY but we bought the free pass (i.e. ride all you can) for 5,200 JPY each.

Japanese Visa for Filipinos

Requirements for Japan Visa Application:

1	Philippine Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
2	Application form
3	picture Specs: 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background
4	Birth Certificate of applicant
5	Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)
6	Daily Schedule in Japan (TAIZAI NITTEIHYO ）
7	(if visiting friend) Documents or photos etc. to prove relationship
8	Invitation Letter from Guarantor in Japan
9	Bank Certificate
10	Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

I submitted my documents to an accredited agency - Reli Travel and Tours - located at 5/f SM Megamall. Beside Foot for the Gods.

The cost is PhP 1,200. This is just the travel agency fee. Japanese visa does not cost a cent for Filipinos. But they also do not allow direct application. So you're pretty much left with no choice.

Just Always Pray At Night. Version Gazillion

For the umpteenth time, I'm revising my itinerary. Just a teeny bit. It now looks like this:

Day 1. Fly in. Tokyo. Akihabara, Odaiba
Day 2. Hitachi Seaside Park. Ibaraki
Day 3. Kawaguchiko. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Ice Lava Cave, Wind Cave, Kachi Kachi Ropeway. Flower Garden
Day 4.  Kawaguchiko. Fuji Q
Day 5.  Kawaguchiko - Nikko
Day 6. Nikko. Kegon Waterfalls. Shinkyo Bridge
Day 7. Hakone. Odawara Castle,  Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine
Day 8. Disney Sea
Day 9. Fujioka
Day 10. Fly back to Manila

For my final (Read: What actually transpired) itinerary: click here.

Just Always Pray at Night

JAPAN!!!
After endless nights of planning for months end (I may have made at least 10 itineraries! And read more blogs than I could ever remember!), here's my final plan for the whole 9-day trip.

Day 1. Fly in. Tokyo. Akihabara, Odaiba

   [Stay at Guest House Wasabi. JPY 2,800/night]

Day 2. Hakone. Odawara Castle,  Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine

   [Stay at Guest House Wasabi. JPY 2,800/night]

Day 3. Kawaguchiko. Ice Lava Cave, Wind Cave, Kachi Kachi Ropeway. Flower Garden

   [Stay at Kawaguchiko Station Inn. JPY 2,800/night]

Day 4.  Kawaguchiko. Fuji Q

   [Stay at Kawaguchiko Station Inn. JPY 2,800/night]

Day 5.  Kawaguchiko. Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. 

   [Stay at Nikkosan Backpackers Inn. JPY 3,000/night]

Day 6. Nikko. Kegon Waterfalls. Shinkyo Bridge

   [Stay with Chabs. JPY 0/night]

Day 7. Kamakura

   [Stay at Retrometro Backpackers. JPY 2,600/night] 

Day 8. Disney Sea

   [Stay at Retrometro Backpackers. JPY 2,600/night]

Day 9. Fujioka

   [Stay at Retrometro Backpackers. JPY 2,600/night]

Day 10. Fly back to Manila

For my final (Read: What actually transpired) itinerary: click here.

Kanchanaburi Thailand

For our second day, we booked our tour with Tong.

Highlight was elephant bathing - well, more like, elephant tossing.

Around and around and around

Ayutthaya, Thailand

Visiting Bangkok for the fifth time is probably the least of my priorities. But my aunt wanted to experience Thailand. She had been a major sponsor of my education. Thus, it was an easy "yes, okay we will go."

December 2013, Chabs found cheap RT flight tickets to Bangkok. It was less than five thousand PhP per person. How could I say no to that? Most times, I get at least PhP 6k tickets.

Since these tickets were cheap, the dates weren't very flexible. I had to book a day later for our return trip. I did contemplate on whether Thailand is worth spending 3 vacation leaves. All of my previous trips were for business, and I went only on weekends. Oh not the most expedient, but certainly better than having to spend my precious VLs. Good thing one day was declared a national holiday, I got to keep one more VL! Hooray! 

Our flight was scheduled 2135H, I was able to go to work. I was supposed to meet Chabs and Rhoda by 1800H, but because they were still busy at the office, they prodded me to go ahead. The travel tax area of Terminal 3 was transferred to the other far side. Too much walking already. But this is nothing compared to what Chabs and Rhoda had to endure. They could not find a cab near their office, thus, they hopped on an ordinary bus, then on a jeepney, and finally a cab. They arrived at the airport at about 2000H. Buzzer beaters. Those girls are.

Shangri-La Mactan

Sometimes I just have to pause and thank God for what I do have. 

Minalungao National Park

It really is #morefuninthePhilippines

I love our Mother Nature. Makes you want to thank the One up above for giving us these fabulous sights.

Minalungao National Park is located in Nueva Ecija. Just a few rides away from Metro Manila. We took the bus at Cubao bound for Cabanatuan at 7AM, alighted at Gapan at 9:30AM. Fare is around 150 PhP. We then looked for Jeepneys bound for Papaya, Gen. Tinio (PhP 23.00), but decided on renting a trike the entire day instead. I've read it should only be about PhP500. But our driver wanted P900. We declined but he said he can lower the price to P700. We then decided we might as well take it, since it's already nearing noon.

JOMO

The Joy of Missing Out

There is no joy in missing out a beach trip! Except maybe for the reprieve of saying no to tagays and kampays.

Still, I believe it is better to miss the beach, than miss your self.

I got tired of living a compartmentalized life - one that of a friend, the other being a partner.
It's been over a year of constantly having to choose. Who to go with. Who to be with.
I no longer want that life. Thus, after a goal-setting, I've decided what I will have to prioritize.

start of something new

4.19.2014
Al + Abby
The day dawned sunny in Paranaque. We were headed out to Tagaytay. 
Slivers of sunlight peaking over chunky clouds. A road trip was underway. 

this will be a rant

Nakakainis ang feeling na napagkaisahan ka. 
WTF - Well, that's fantastic. Thank you very much.

must love Baler

My first trip to Baler was recorded here. But this will be the first time I'm writing an itinerary.

Day 0 FRIDAY
12 MN - took the bus in Cubao going to Baler Aurora
PhP 440 one way fare (Genesis Bus)

Day 1 SATURDAY
7 AM - arrived at Bayler View 
PhP 2,900 per room (5 pax)
Contact Number: +63 927 366 8735

Seven Signs of Bipolar Depression:

1. Feeling sad or worried for long periods
2. Withdrawal from friends and family and a loss of interest in activities
3. Loss or increase in appetite
4. Fatigue
5. Slow speech
6. Problems with memory and concentration
7. Thoughts or attempts of suicide

THE GRENADE

By Shinji Moon

I. 

Kill me by giving me a grenade
and telling me it’s your heart.

I don’t want to know what your favorite color is
but I do want to know what color you bleed
when you’re with me. 

I had a dream that I painted my body blue
and melted into the ocean 
that you swam through.

I woke up crying, 
tasted salt, and thought
this is what it must feel like
to be the sea. 

II. 

I mean, 
what else can this heart do but break or fall in love?

There’s a grenade rocking back and forth in my chest
and I’m holding the pin between my teeth like an apricot pit. 

My palms are mines, and you’re just a finger’s length away
from leaving me splattered across your chest, and you yelling “Cover!”
and pulling the sheets over our head
won’t do anything but make me hold onto you
as if you are the only thing
standing between me 
and a bullet. 

Taiwan day 4

PANDAS.

That's it. This picture speaks volume and is enough to go to Taiwan. 

Hahaha

Rainy Pingxi

Our second day was set to visit the quaint little towns in Pingxi District.
From Taipei Metro Station, we bought tickets to Ruifang (pronounced ray-fung) at the TRA window. Costs 70 NTD one way.

Got on our designated platform. Turned out I left my ticket at the turnstile, thus, I anxiously ran back to ask from the lady manning the entrance. Good thing she has a key handy, and when I pointed where I entered and told her, "Ticket!" She calmly opened the box, and Ta-Da! Produced my teeny bit of ticket. 

when words are all I have

When words are few, you need to hold it close, nay, do not bid adieu.

And when the words fly to a different direction than the dream, do not distress, do not fret. There's so much more than wordless regret.

In time, spin the words to the rhythm of your heart. Knot these letters to words for the One above.

Taipei "Home"

Accommodation in Taipei

Banana Hostel
Address: 2F, No. 7, Sec. 2, Jinshan S. Rd. Taipei City. 台北市金山南路二段 7 號 2 樓 
TEL: +886-2-2356-8115 (In Taipei: 2356-8115 / Outside of Taipei: 02-2356-8115 ) 
Wilbur: +886-930956223 (In Taiwan: 0930-956223) 
Lexi: +886-913327763 (In Taiwan: 0913-327763)

Dormers' private abode at the third floor

Taroko Gorge

I was really anxious for our Day 3 trip in Taiwan. What with my research skills being put to an all time test. 

I was adamantly trying to put into our itinerary Taroko Gorge. But with minimal (okay, zero) Chinese-speaking skills, I was put at a disadvantage. The first time I read about Taroko Gorge, I thought you needed to fly in. Good thing that more blog-reading brought insight to my frivolous mind. And I learned that from Taipei Main Station, you can catch the TRA going to Hualein (one-way costs 440 NTD, 2 - 2.5 hours). From there, several modes of transportation are available.

I read you can rent a motorcycle. That would be a plus since you'll have to spend only 400+ NTD. BUT! There was a big BUT there. We don't own an internationally-recognized driver's license. I don't even own a Philippine license! Expired and I never got the time and will to update it.

Anyway, it was a good thing that while walking towards the Tourist Information Center in Hualein station, Mr. Wang approached us and asked if we were going to Taroko. I was hesitant at first, thinking a taxi would cost us 3,500 NTD, like a private car would. But after talking to him, he told us that we can rent his taxi for five (5) hours for 2,000 NTD, and we can visit seven (7) places. That's almost the price of the tourist bus I scoured online (NTD 600 to 850 per person). Thus, without further ado, we started with our trip to Taroko riding with Mr Wang. His details are in his calling card I posted here.
In retrospect, I should have asked if we can have an additional hour for that cost.

R quipped: Buti pa ang taxi drivers dito, may calling card.

Mr Wang apparently, has been driving cabs for 35 years. He has two kids living away from him, both grownup and living their own families. He tells us his daughter once visited a Philippine beach. We gathered it was Boracay. #ItismorefuninthePhilippines

I like him because he loves his job. And he has a keepsake in little pieces of papers, snippets of good words from his previous tourists. So cute.

That's what I wanted to say in this post. Should you want to visit Taroko Gorge, hire Mr Wang. Also ask for the best food in Hualein. He will point you to a Congwobin stall. :)

Monzenn, Reinzy, and our guide/driver

I'm blogging his details because Monzenn promised I'd make him popular.
Haha.

Taipei

Chang Kai Shek. 

It was near our accommodation - Banana Hostel in Dongmen Station. So we decided to walk towards the park.

Taiwan Itinerary

Wed	2240H (10:40 PM)	Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3	Cebu Pacific 5J 310	PhP 1,415.35 airfare, PhP 1,620 travel tax Php 550 terminal fee
Thu	0040H (0:40 AM)	Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
	0120H (1:20 AM)	NiHao@Taipei	國光客運 Kuo-Kuang Bus No. 1819 Daily from 05:30-00:20, every 15-20 minutes, travel time 55 minutes.		No. 41, Section 1, Zhōngxiào West Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
			City Air Bus No. 1601 Daily from 05:50-01:10, every 20-30 minutes, travel time 70-90 minutes.

Palaui island

I've always wanted to go to Palaui. Ever since I saw one very picturesque profile of a friend.

Chinese New Year this time around was spent at one of the most scenic beaches in the Philippines, in Palaui Island.

I will share here some information I got from their Tourism Office.

The trip to the north

Day 0
2200H: ETD from Manila / Florida Bus to Aparri
Via Tuguegarao: From Manila, Victory Liner, Baliwag (Contact No: 524-7111, 525-1067, 525-3064, 525-6769, 525-2338, 525-2294), EMC Bus Company, Auto Bus Company (Contact No: 7358096) and Florida Liner have daily trips to Cagayan Capitol everyday almost every hour. It is around 485 kilometers north of Metro Manila; travel time is about 11 to 12 hours and fare is P600.00 (as of January 2014) to Aparri.

taiwan

I just submitted the Taiwan visa application at their embassy.
Here're the requirements for Filipino tourists as of January 2014:

1- An online Visa Application Form (please access this link to fill up the Form and print them out) 
2- Two (2) passport size photos 1.5”x2” with white background (taken w/in the last three (3) months)
3- Passport valid for at least six months and old passport showing previous travels [photocopy your details page]
4- Birth Certificate issued by NSO
5- Marriage Contract (if applicable) issued by NSO
6- Certificate of Employment
7-  Financial statements of the applicant (Bank Book or Bank Statements)
8- BUSINESS
9- Other Supporting Documents if required.

All documents submitted to this office should be Original and with 1 photocopy
The applicant will be scheduled for an interview （if required）

Visa Fee: P2,100.00 (Single entry)/ P4,200.00 (Multiple entry)
(NON-REFUNDABLE) payable upon filing of application 
Processing Time : 3 Working days
Expedite Fee for single entry : P1,050.00 / Processing Time: 1 Working Day

Filing Time : Monday to Friday 8:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Releasing Time : Monday to Friday 1: 45 PM to 4:45 PM

Road trips

Antonio's in Tagaytay

Started with Antonio's House Salad (P280)

The beach

I'm so stressed and distressed, so I'm sharing my December.

This is Villa Amparo in Camudmud, Samal Island.
Contact Numbers: (+63)(82) 284 0692 / (+63) 922 8806977 / (+63) 999 8800225

When R landed in Davao in time to celebrate New Year 2014, we got ahead of ourselves, hopped on a barge, and traveled to Samal Island and enjoyed the day traipsing beaches. My sister billeted us at Villa Amparo, a short thirty minute drive from the Samal port. Short that is, until the rough roads we had to take. I heard several scratches to the Vios my sister was driving.

Claude's

This is my new go-to restaurant in Davao City. It boasts to be the only authentic French cuisine in the heart of Davao. 
When we dined in Claude's on December 30, I found the place very homey, as it as a makeshift restaurant from a heritage house. Claude, the owner, was also there, thereby giving off a personal vibe. I liked how he roamed table-to-table asking us how our stay was, lingering just long enough for a small talk, and leaves us to enjoy our dinner. He told us his daughter is working in Makati, and was the other Filipino contending for The Apprentice Asia. Proud dad, he was.