A Taste of Kimchi

Korea (maybe) is everybody's  travel dream destination. Yes it has been and will always be my dream travel destination next to Europe (hehehe).

I am working with a Korean company, yet not been so fortunate of being able to be sent to our Headquarter. However, I am still grateful having employed by KEPCO KPS Philippines, not only for having this kind of job but for having those ever supportive Korean Managers with regards to our trip to Korea (Honeymoon Trip if I may say).

Our General Manager together with my manager helped me out in securing tourist visa. I have also a friend from Busan, South Korea who sent us invitation as one of the requirement. To make the story short, we have the South Korea Tourist visa approved.

June 12, 2014 was our wedding...and it was  0225AM (I think we're ahead of the schedule departure time) of June 14, 2014 that we departed NAIA terminal 3 and arrived  Incheon airport as early as 0700AM (Korea time: ahead of  Philippine time by an hour).

Our friend (my college friend, classmate working in Korea) is just on time waiting for us at the arrival area. We just had a bit and funny experience during baggage pick-up. We got lost. Our baggage got lost. There were many conveyor belts to look at because the indicated/assigned belt in our boarding pass was not the actual number assigned to it, so we asked for help. Good thing, our baggage is already with one of the airport crew and looking for us already. So, anyway welcome to South Korea!

So, here we go...

at the Airport (From our friend instagram post @iammissjaybee)

on a bus to Bundang

After an hour of bus travel from Incheon Airport, we arrive at  Bundang bus stop station. Our general manager (happened to be in Korea) is waiting for us there. So, we introduce him our friend and that started it all.

Our GM's place (apartment, condo type usually in Korea) is just nearby the bus stop station, and our hotel (sponsored by the company thru my manger and GM) also just a walk away. Passing through a mall (AK Plaza), GM accompanied us to our hotel and settle all bills before leaving.

AK Plaza area (Bundang, Seohyeon Station)

GM is a little bit naughty as I can see in his eyes, he is asking me if I am serious having two girls in the hotel (hehehe) ...and left us at the hotel and arrange a dinner for us.

Dinner with GM and his wife

But before that, we left our hotel to Ansan, our friend's place. We need to know the way to be there because after our 3D 2N stay at SR hotel in Bundang (sorry I don't have any picture of our hotel) we will be transferring to her unit for free. So, that would be for the whole weekdays of free accommodation.

So there you go... her unit is good. We went out for our late lunch and roam around Ansan. By the way, Bellagium Bldg. (my friend place) is just opposite the Ansan City Hall and there were many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and all around the city. According to Jahnis (our friend) Ansan, is a province away from Seoul, the capital of South Korea. However, it is just good to live there for all your needs is just a walk away and the popular Lotte Mart is also a few meters away as well as the Bus terminal and the Train station.

Day 2. Everland Tour.

Everland is not far from Disneyland of Hongkong, Tokyo and USA or if I may say from our very own Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines. It is just big to be roam around in just one whole day. I think one day is not enough if you wanted to see every corner of the place, if you wanted to try all the rides. It is definitely will be a massive workout for your feet because you have to walk and walk and walk all around although you can also try riding on a cable car.

Everland Entrance

Korea with LOVE

with Jahnis (our generous friend)

This RIDE looks scary (Let's Spin It)

on a rride

Lonely Planet

Those were all from our Everland Tour.

Day 3: Checkout from SR Hotel

We have checked out of our paid (sponsored) 3D 2N accomodation and will be heading to Ansan. But before going to our next sponsored accomodation, we drop by Seoul for some tourist spot. From Seohyeon Station via subway ( 1 transfer) we have decided to alight at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station.

The Torch Tower

That was the Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. According to them (Koreans), this is previously the Dongdaemun Stadium. That is why (maybe) there is a big torch (torch tower) display in the middle of the park as you can see in the picture.


After the Dongdaemun Park, we go straight to Myeongdong via subway (1 transfer). We visit the Myeongdong Catholic Church then roam around the place. Window Shopping, selfie-ing, eating and just enjoying the busy street of Myendong. We also looked for a money changer there to have our dollar converted to Korean Wonn.

Myeongdong Church

Day 4:  Seoul Grand Park

As we read the station as Seoul Grand Park, we decided to alight at the station. So here it goes....

We just enjoyed the cable car since it is so big to walk around.

This way is to the Subway Station

The Landmark

A view from the cable car of Seoul Grand Park

I just love how those trees were perfectly planted creating an amazing landscape.

to be continued...

out of the blue

thats it!

Beyond Mountains

Life is a journey.. and ILIJAN has started mine. From the very time I was born through every roads I take with this journey, Ilijan has been and will always be part of it.

I can still remember the early years of my life. Going to the city is not easy then. We have only one passenger jeepney and it will leave Ilijan early in the morning (about 2:00 AM). Yes, it is that early and when you missed that... tomorrow again is your chance. Likewise, the same jeep will accommodate going back passengers after some time in the market.

One alternative way is via the motor boat. Also very early, almost on the same time and likewise on the same way going back to Ilijan.

However, we are still blessed with fresh air, virgin forest, deep blue sea, river, falls and other natural beauties.

Ilijan may be far from the city. In fact you have to endure the rough road going there until finally become concreted through time. For less than an hour of travel from the city, you will not get bored since there are lots of scenic view along the road. As you go get up and get down by the hills, its like your traveling to Baguio City.

And as you come closer to my hometown..you will be more in love with our nature.

Welcome Barangay Ilijan!

This is taken at the "mini tagaytay" where our patron St. Michael The Archangel painting can also be found

That was the view of Ilijan proper lighted by the Ilijan Power Plant.

Ilijan is also blessed with natural water falls. Not one but ten water falls. 

Ilijan Falls (First)

Yes, that is only one of them. The first actually. 

Ilijan Falls (Third)

How could you resist that view?

Ilijan Falls (third)

How about this one? 
Wait, there's more...

And this is the sunset at Ilijan . How do you find it? Really is a God's gift, isn't it?  

Those were  some and few of the many spots in Ilijan. Maybe some other time I will have a chance taking pictures of them for you. but for now, just enjoy the view...and you will feel like in paradise which I believe Ilijan is just a hidden one you've got to discover..and prove it by yourself.

Every Child is Special

Every Child is Special (taare zameen par).

This movie really touched my heart. I am into those child that really needs much more attention who were more often (than not), misunderstood. There were children roaming around the street, begging for some alms, looking for a comfortable place to sleep, looking for a family that maybe they never had all their life.  I am not in the position to tell these so, but how could somebody, let their child be on those situation? Do they really have no choice or maybe patience is all they need? I have no right to judge nor do not have the guts to tell those on their face, but please do take care of your children. Some of them  are intelligent, some were not. Some are pretty, and some were not, talented and others are good in their own. There are surely differences among them, but you can praise them on things they are good at, instead of criticizing on what they are trying hard to do just to impress us. Some may see things differently and all they need is understanding.

Let them feel that they are just like those other who can play, who can excel on their own and let them be want they wanna be.

Our generation will not last forever but we can leave a "period" (mark: tuldok) that everyone could remember and will make our youth their inspiration. A legacy that our child will be forever proud of. 

Malaysia: Truly Asia

It was August 27, 2011, as early as 5:00 AM, we were at NAIA Terminal 3 waiting for the check in time. Our flight is at 8:00 AM via Cebu Pacific to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Check-in (International Flight)

That was our first ever International Flight. So excited and we just can't hide it. But you know what, we are kind a nervous. Why? Because of the interview of the consulate, we might get denied. And our passport got a stamp (ngka-tatak din ang passport bago ma-expire).

Upon Arrival at KL International Airport

Again, we had our friend there who warmed welcomed us and accommodate in her apartment (I told you we are looking for those willing to accommodate us on our travel, hehehe).

Thanks a lot to Tita Lily

That was a condo type unit by our friend (she is actually the mother of our friend's boyfriend) offered to us. Yes! our accommodation is FREE.

After some times, we are ready to conquer Kuala Lumpur. Alright! 

  

By the Bus and by a train to Twin Towers

 

 

And that was our city tour: KLCC tour. It was great. We left the mall almost 10PM.

But we were not yet tired, we really don't get tired during travels. It was almost midmight when we go outside our unit to experience the night life at Sri Jati. We went to the central market, have some drink and got to taste their very own street foods.

 

These were very cheap (like isaw in the Philippines)

August 28, 2011, as early as 5 am we were ready for our Genting Trip. At the end of the train, via taxi we were able to ride on a cable car going to Genting Highland. A Place full of fun. Take note of our "first ever cable car ride" (one of our friend not her first time , she tried it first at SG).

  

Inside the Train

  

Our First Ever Cable Car Ride

   

Resorts World Genting

  

We opt to have our lunch at KFC since we are not so sure of the taste of other resto

  

Snow Experience

After our lunch, we left Genting to Batu Caves.

At Batu Caves

Going back to Barracks

And then start packing up. Our ticket to Manila is booked at 0100 of August 29, 2011.

We had great time with you Kuala Lumpur. We knew there are still so many places to visit but we're sorry because of our very limited time staying with you. 'Till next time Malaysia.