Fridays Beach Resort Puerto Galera

From Sabang Beach, we rented a boat to do island hopping for the whole day. We started late that morning and left at around 9:30. Fridays was not the original plan but our boatman advised that the island we are supposed to chill-in was already full, we are then diverted to this awesome island.

The boat sailed through the morning calm waters passing by Batangas Channel. On the way, we have glimpsed on a lot of different beaches within the area.

Big Lalaguna Beach

Coco Beach Resort

It was about 30 minutes sail when we reached the beach in Boquete island. The location is just amazing, the sand is fine and the water is clear. There are only several groups of people occupying the area. Less crowd is less noise.

  

Lunch came and we were served with grilled fish, pork and chicken together with steamed rice. Fresh bananas and mangoes for dessert. Different cola and bottled water for the drinks. If you would want to avoid the hassle of preparing food and bringing it, you can arrange it as a package together with the boat, they will cook it just in time and serve it hot. Note that bringing in food and drinks to this resort will entitle you to pay a corkage fee.

After the meal, we just enjoyed ourselves dipping in the waters, snorkeling and watching the sailing yachts of the Puerto Galera Yacht Club. I have counted 10 different kinds, all of which are a fun to look at.

We hopped out of the island at around 4:00 PM and transferred on to Muelle Pier to buy some souvenirs, we then decided to return to Sabang to prepare for our early morning departure back to Manila.

Unlike the serene water in the morning, our way back is a rocky one. The tides are splashing on the sides of the boat and the waves are high. Some of my friends did not like it, but I honestly enjoyed the trip, I really do.

This is one of my memorable beach trips and I would want to explore more.

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Sabang Beach Puerto Galera

My colleagues and I planned a trip to Baguio for the Lenten holidays but instead we ended up going to Puerto Galera. Reason being, all bus companies bound to Baguio are fully booked.

Our time became tight due to the change in destination, cramming up checking the internet of a place to stay. Since we are all first time goers without any idea on what part is good, we just booked the first available accommodation on our search so that the vacation would push through.

Black Saturday came and we are off to Galera. Coming from Manila, we boarded a bus to Batangas. It was close to a 3-hour travel when we reached the port. Good thing one of my friend is from Batangas, we already got our ticket and just waited for the boat to load. Another hour via sea we reached our destination, Sabang Beach.

Having no information on Sabang Beach, I was at first thinking of the other amazing Puerto Galera pictures seen on the internet - semi white beach and crystal clear water. It seemed I was imagining about the popular White Beach.

I was disappointed at first by just looking at the coastal line but upon learning what the beach has to offer, it turned out we are just on the right place.

Sabang Beach has no spaceous seashore, no semi-white sand, and not so crystal clear water. What it has is a grassy and rocky beach with lots of motor boats. Yes, it is not ideal for swimming but what it is best for is diving and island hopping.

There are a lot of dive sites near Sabang as well as swim and snorkeling locations which for me is far better, less crowd, more private and much relaxing. There is just a need to hire a boat to get to your ideal location but it is worth it.

Check out my post about Fridays Beach Resort. This is where we hopped!

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Intercontinental Seoul COEX Hotel

This is a one pleasant accommodation!

I've been to Seoul for business and booked this hotel during my stay. The location is very accessible. It is directly connected to a big underground mall which is the COEX mall, lots of restaurants in the vicinity and it is near businesses. Another appealing factor is that it is just one limousine bus ride from Incheon International Airport and you will be dropped in front of its doorsteps.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by its spacious lobby and courteous staffs, check-in was as expected fast and easy.   

The highlight of Intercontinental COEX for me is the room. I really liked its cozy atmosphere which featured a forest like theme but with a modern feel. It is fairly sized and well designed.

A glass table coupled with an executive chair gives business travellers an area to work on. Internet connectivity is present for both wired and wireless devices though at an extra cost - quite pricey too.

If you are in the mood for watching news, movies or even K-pop, a large LCD TV is at your service.

There is large cushy bed that will definitely give you a good night's sleep but in the event that you and the current pillows are not friends, you can easily ask for a replacement of choice. 

The mini bar offers coffee or tea and complimentary bottled drinking water is provided as usual, but if you would like to quench your thirst other than water and have some chips, you might want get out of the hotel and just grab your favorite snack and drinks in the nearby 7-Eleven or mini mart. The prices of bar items are steep.

The bathroom is highly satisfactory having the complete amenities but it could have been luxurious if it did not fell short on the finishing.  

Talking about modernity, the water closet is on the top of its class. It has a toilet seat heater, a bidet and a dryer all in one. The heater is always greatly appreciated.

 

 

Another exciting part of every hotel is their buffet breakfast. They offer big selection of food. It consists of the typical all types of bread and pastries, lots of fresh fruits, bacons, eggs, sausages, vegetable salads and a whole lot more. Breakfast will absolutely not bore you.

Generally, it was an excellent stay. The hotel's greatest aspects are its good location, services and the room.

I would most likely recommend it. 

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Tiffany Tourist Hotel Seoul

Tiffany Tourist is a no-frills hotel. It is just a basic accommodation intended to those travellers who are on a budget.

Unlike other popular high rated hotels in Seoul, Tiffany has no direct limousine drop-off from the airport. In able to get there, you need to ride a bus going to Hotel Riviera then take a walk across the street to the right.

One of the good things about this hotel is its proximity to a subway station which is your gateway to various tourist destinations. It is only several minutes walk to Cheongdam station.

Facilities are limited. Restaurant is on the first level same as the reception. Beside the reception is a business center with 2 old desktop computers which are free to use. Wireless internet access was advertised but there was no connection in my room on the 7th floor during my stay.

Hotel staffs are nice and attentive. Communication was greatly understood since the reception knew conversational English.

The room is surprisingly big, with cable television and a personal refrigerator. The first thing I noticed was the condition of the room, it was not serviced well though a bit clean. Dusts and hair particles are seen on the corners of the floor, table and some on the bed. The bed sheet and pillows however smelled fresh and looked clean. 

What I was a bit concerned about was the security of the room, not on the inside but from the outside. The door seemed to be an ordinary door with an ordinary door knob, one hard hit or kick might force open the room. On the inside there is chain guard and you would not be conscious about your things if you are present in the room, but if you are outside the room, it is a different story. Just to be cautious, use the safety deposit box in the front desk for your important belongings and all will be fine.

In a small space goes the shower, lavatory and water closet. The shower has no separate partition so expect that the whole bathroom will get wet once you finish bathing. Nothing special.

The place served its purpose adequately considering its price. 

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South Korea Visa Application

Korean visa requirements for Filipino passport holders are mostly similar to those of a Chinese visa.

But unlike the latter which has a processing fee of Php1,400.00, the former is Gratis! Yes, it is free of charge for an approved single entry with 59 days stay.

Below are the list of documents that I have secured for my application.

1. Duly accomplished application form
2. One (1) passport sized photo (most recent with white background without eye glasses)
3. Passport with 6 months validity
4. Copy of Passport information page
5. Employment Certificate
6. Bank Certificates
7. Income Tax Return or Form 2316
8. Guarantee Letter
9. Invitation Letter
10. Copy of Korean Company Registration

Other requirements that should be submitted if applicable are as follows:

1. Copy of valid visas and arrival stamps to all OECD member countries within the past 5 years.
2. Business Registration if self employed.

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Mainland China Visa Application

Applying for a Chinese Visa is easy.

As long as the  requirements are complete, it would almost be positive that the embassy will grant you a visa. There is no need to seek for the services of a travel agency unless otherwise the applicant has no time to line up early at the embassy, TWICE. First is during the application and the other is when picking up the passport.

Below are the requirements needed for first time filipino tourist applicants:

1. Passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity prior expiration.
2. Filled-up application form.
3. Passport size photo on white background (Glued on the application form).
4. NBI Clearance valid for Travel Abroad.
5. Original bank certificate with receipt.
6. Certificate of Employment.
7. Photocopy of Company ID
8. Photocopy of SSS ID and Contributions
9. Photocopy of TIN ID
10. Latest Income Tax Return
11. Photocopy of the Passport's Emergency Contact Information Page.
12. Airline ticket.
13. Hotel booking.

For applicants with previously issued sticker type Chinese Visa:

1. Passport with blank pages and at least 6 months validity prior expiration.
2. Filled-up application form.
3. Passport size photo on white background (Glued on the application form).
4. Photocopy of previously used Chinese visa.
5. Airline ticket.
6. Hotel Accommodation.

If you plan on filing you own application, it is suggested to come to the embassy as early as 7 in the morning to get ahead of the line and finish before at least 11AM. The embassy door opens by 8AM and the applicants are allowed to enter to get a number stub. Number stub depends whether you are applying for a visa, passport concerns, or visa pick-up. Processing and calling of numbers will then start by 9AM.

Visa fee costs PhP1,400.00 for single entry application.

Chinese Embassy is located at the 2nd Floor of the World Centre in Gil Puyat Makati fronting the Mapua Institute of Technology Makati Campus.

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Bangkok City Hotel

I travelled to Thailand for a 4D4N stay to go sightseeing and shopping. I considered this trip a budget trip so I decided to book a room which is comfortably located near my areas of interests but also friendly on the pocket.

Bangkok City Hotel came in the list and it is just what I am looking for. It is near the shopping center, a few minutes walk to the Ratchathewi skytrain station and is also just a taxi away from the tourist areas.

I arrived past midnight and the reception immediately entertained me. Payment needs to be settled during check-in and a 100 Baht deposit is required which will be returned upon check-out.



The amenities of the hotel are currently in top notch condition since it is quite new. The corridors are clean though not air-conditioned but are well lit. Three elevators are servicing the entire building, one of which is for staff use and the rest are for the guests.

Buffet breakfast is already included in the room rate and is pretty decent, good for those guests staying for about 3 nights. For those staying much longer might get uninterested since the food being served are limited and almost the same everyday with some little changes in the menu.

The room is quite big. Only the essential things are present such as the bed, safety deposit box, dresser, personal refrigerator, electric kettle, television and two complimentary bottled water  provided daily. The room airconditioner is working well and it must work well as the temperature outside is quite hot. There is a WiFi connection available but it is a bit slow.

 

The bathroom is modern and remarkably clean. It has a bathtub which also acts as the shower basin. Fresh towels are provided as well as shampoo, conditioner, and soap but no toothbrush, toothpaste and shaver. Blow dryer is present.

I had a pleasant stay in this hotel, though, I have some gripes about the service of the staffs due to language miscommunication, the value for money beats it up and I would consider staying again when I get back to Bangkok. 

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Crowne Plaza Manila Hotel

Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila overall is a great hotel. The service was good from check in until check out. It is located near the Ortigas Center Business District and is just beside the Robinons Galleria Mall which is pretty convenient.

One thing I liked very much about this hotel is its Seven Corners Restaurant which caters a wide variety of food that will definitely not bore you during meals even if your stay is for more than a week.

  

The room I stayed in for 3 nights was clean and spacious with a big comfortable king size bed with 4 fluffy pillows and 2 throw pillows. It has two corner chairs, one for reading and the other for watching television or just for relaxation.

Parallel to the bed is a working table with a telephone, electric socket and a LAN port which is good for those guests on business purpose. The hotel also has a WiFi access but the charge is not minimal. 

I was a bit disappointed about the television since it is still a CRT type model. For a hotel such as this, I was expecting an LCD TV.

There are 2 complimentary bottled drinking water provided in the mini-bar together with tea bags, coffee, sugar and creamer. You can also bring your favorite grinded coffee beans since a coffee maker is readily available as well as a water kettle for making tea. For cold drinks, enclosed below the cabinet is a personal refrigerator.

Connected to the mini-bar is the dresser which houses the electronic safety box, an iron and its board, bath robes, hanger, an emergency flashlight, and a basket for shoes if you want the hotel to polish it.

The bathroom is roomy enough with separate sides for the shower enclosure, bathtub, lavatory and water closet. The towels are neat and clean while the bath accessories such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste are also available.

Below are the day and night views from the room, both shots are facing EDSA and Greenhills.

The hotel is good for its location and amenities but if budget is a concern, there are still other hotels around Ortigas area which could fit the bill.

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