Friday, April 26
Friday, April 19
UNESCO World Heritage: Melaka, Malaysia
UNESCO Bucketlist
[x] Melaka, Malaysia
How to get there:
From the city proper, my friend and I got on a taxi and headed to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan TBS. Our tickets were booked in advanced so we just had to show up at the station before 7AM. At first I thought we were going to be late, luckily the bus was still there.
Travel Time: ~2 Hours
Bus Ticket: 12 MYR
To book your tickets, visit www.tbsbts.com.my
Upon Arriving:
The bus will stop at Melaka Sentral and you have to take a taxi going to the main heritage site.
Travel Time: 10 - 15 minutes
Taxi Price: 20 MYR
Breakfast:
After the taxi ride, the red structures start to become visible. I was already in a world heritage site. We went to the information center first, and sadly it was closed. So we decided to eat breakfast at a famous restaurant. Or so we think because people are lining up. What's the fuzz about?
We ordered a whole chicken which costs around 35-40 MYR and the famous (woohoo!) chicken rice balls. The food was very very tasty! I am not a food fan and I don't experiment when it comes to food but since I was in a new place, I decided to try everything the city has to offer. And I have succeeded! (woohoo!)
Tour:
After eating, we got on our feet and started the walking guided tour I found online. I'm not sure how hot it was during that day, I may exaggerate a bit but it was freaking hot. Anyway, here are some photos from the trip.
Walking Tour: http://www.asiaexplorers.com/
Lunch:
Nancy Kitchen in Jonker Street
Told ya before I am not a fan of food so I let my friends do the hard decision - What dish to order? While they were deciding I was enjoying the air conditioner, instragram-ing my photos and foursquare-ing the places I've been to. After a few minutes, the food arrived.
Tour:
What to do when you're in a new place? Explore explore and eat eat. Since we were already in Jonker Street, we decided to eat the famous Cendol or the Halo-halo(Philippines Version) in Jonker 88. I was still full but what the hell! I'm in Malaysia! Foto, entrar!
Leaving:
Our ticket's return time is 7pm so we decided to head back to Melaka Sentral and took the taxi from the heritage site which also cost 20 MYR. I don't know what got into me, probably the hot hot weather and all the non-stop walking but I was hungry again so I bought myself a Mcdonalds meal. Our return to the city took almost 3 hours because of heavy traffic but I didn't mind because I was sleeping the whole time. Haha!
In my opinion, Melaka is a good place to visit for a day trip. I couldn't see anything much to do than eat and take pictures of this awesome place. Make it a point to visit at least 10 famous attraction so your trip would be worth it like mine!:) However, if you are visiting Melaka in the future, make sure you gear up for the sun otherwise, you'll get a tan like I did. Terima Kasih, Melaka! Til next time!
[x] Melaka, Malaysia
How to get there:
From the city proper, my friend and I got on a taxi and headed to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan TBS. Our tickets were booked in advanced so we just had to show up at the station before 7AM. At first I thought we were going to be late, luckily the bus was still there.
Travel Time: ~2 Hours
Bus Ticket: 12 MYR
To book your tickets, visit www.tbsbts.com.my
Upon Arriving:
The bus will stop at Melaka Sentral and you have to take a taxi going to the main heritage site.
Travel Time: 10 - 15 minutes
Taxi Price: 20 MYR
Breakfast:
After the taxi ride, the red structures start to become visible. I was already in a world heritage site. We went to the information center first, and sadly it was closed. So we decided to eat breakfast at a famous restaurant. Or so we think because people are lining up. What's the fuzz about?
We ordered a whole chicken which costs around 35-40 MYR and the famous (woohoo!) chicken rice balls. The food was very very tasty! I am not a food fan and I don't experiment when it comes to food but since I was in a new place, I decided to try everything the city has to offer. And I have succeeded! (woohoo!)
Tour:
After eating, we got on our feet and started the walking guided tour I found online. I'm not sure how hot it was during that day, I may exaggerate a bit but it was freaking hot. Anyway, here are some photos from the trip.
Walking Tour: http://www.asiaexplorers.com/
Lunch:
Nancy Kitchen in Jonker Street
Told ya before I am not a fan of food so I let my friends do the hard decision - What dish to order? While they were deciding I was enjoying the air conditioner, instragram-ing my photos and foursquare-ing the places I've been to. After a few minutes, the food arrived.
Tour:
What to do when you're in a new place? Explore explore and eat eat. Since we were already in Jonker Street, we decided to eat the famous Cendol or the Halo-halo(Philippines Version) in Jonker 88. I was still full but what the hell! I'm in Malaysia! Foto, entrar!
Leaving:
Our ticket's return time is 7pm so we decided to head back to Melaka Sentral and took the taxi from the heritage site which also cost 20 MYR. I don't know what got into me, probably the hot hot weather and all the non-stop walking but I was hungry again so I bought myself a Mcdonalds meal. Our return to the city took almost 3 hours because of heavy traffic but I didn't mind because I was sleeping the whole time. Haha!
In my opinion, Melaka is a good place to visit for a day trip. I couldn't see anything much to do than eat and take pictures of this awesome place. Make it a point to visit at least 10 famous attraction so your trip would be worth it like mine!:) However, if you are visiting Melaka in the future, make sure you gear up for the sun otherwise, you'll get a tan like I did. Terima Kasih, Melaka! Til next time!
Wednesday, April 10
Review: Online Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue via FiftyOne
When I found out recently that one of my favorite online "window shopping" store started shipping worldwide, I knew I needed to buy myself a pair of those Caroline Flats. There are a few stores in Hong Kong, including Lane Crawford and the Tory Burch flagship store that carry the Caroline. However, the prices are a bit higher compared to the US.
Saks Fifth Avenue is a leading retailer in the U.S along with Nordstrom and Macy's. Initially I was planning to buy at Nordstrom. I'll get to that later. Upon checkout, the page will be handled by FiftyOne, an e-commerce company that helps in shipping items internationally from the US to anywhere in the world.
The Process:
1. Order Received. After providing your address and payment details, you will receive the first email indicating your order.
2. Order Confirmed. An email indicating that my payment was accepted.
3. Order is shipped. An email indication that my item has been shipped. I can track the item once it reaches Hong Kong. This email arrived 2-3 days after the first two e-mail.
The reason I chose Saks over Nordstrom is because of the delivery time.
Nordstrom: 5-14 days thru DHL
Saks Fifth Ave: 5-7 days thru DHL
For the curious, here's what I bought:
Here in HK, the Caroline cost ~2780HKD or 14,800 in Php. In the official Tory Burch site, it cost 235USD and when converted to HKD should only be around ~1800HKD. I saved up to 700HKD and I could already buy another pair for that price.
Do check out Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Ave. They have great selections! I'll try Nordstrom next month and get myself a pair of Sperry. Let's see which is better.
*To be updated once item has been received.
Happy Shopping, everyone!
Saks Fifth Avenue is a leading retailer in the U.S along with Nordstrom and Macy's. Initially I was planning to buy at Nordstrom. I'll get to that later. Upon checkout, the page will be handled by FiftyOne, an e-commerce company that helps in shipping items internationally from the US to anywhere in the world.
The Process:
1. Order Received. After providing your address and payment details, you will receive the first email indicating your order.
2. Order Confirmed. An email indicating that my payment was accepted.
3. Order is shipped. An email indication that my item has been shipped. I can track the item once it reaches Hong Kong. This email arrived 2-3 days after the first two e-mail.
The reason I chose Saks over Nordstrom is because of the delivery time.
Nordstrom: 5-14 days thru DHL
Saks Fifth Ave: 5-7 days thru DHL
For the curious, here's what I bought:
Here in HK, the Caroline cost ~2780HKD or 14,800 in Php. In the official Tory Burch site, it cost 235USD and when converted to HKD should only be around ~1800HKD. I saved up to 700HKD and I could already buy another pair for that price.
Do check out Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Ave. They have great selections! I'll try Nordstrom next month and get myself a pair of Sperry. Let's see which is better.
*To be updated once item has been received.
Happy Shopping, everyone!
Tuesday, April 9
Undecided
May is fast approaching and I'm still undecided where I want to go. I'm having this urge to get out of 852 because being here for the longest time sucks. Yes, I love Hong Kong more than anywhere but sometimes everything just seems too familiar.
I've read from a blog once that once you start going places on your own, it changes you. And I feel like this is changing me. As a new year resolution, I promised myself this #epic2013 motto and have listed lots of places already. When I say plan, it means everything I need is already in place and is just waiting for the green light. All the places listed on my travel log (on the right side) each have a google documented file that includes : itinerary, basic information, budget, visa requirements and important dates before departure. And yes I have this up until my Canada trip next year.
Back to May, there are only two possible destinations that I could go to that both my budget and schedule permit:
1. Singapore (again)
2. Taiwan (TW Virgin)
There are two possible scenarios:
1. Singapore
A. If I go to Singapore, I could revisit the places I wish I could've stayed longer 3 years ago like Sentosa and Universal Studios.
B. I would not miss a chance to stay at the famous Marina Bay Sands, swim at the most spectacular infinity pool and visit the new Gardens by The Bay.
C. Have a drink in Clarke Quay. Even a bottle of beer(I don't drink beer. But for the sake of tambay I would)
D. Visit Orchard Road and window shop.
2. Taiwan
A. If I go to Taiwan, I will be visiting and getting my first Taiwan Visa.
B. I could eat to my heart's content and drink authentic Taiwan Tea.
C. Being in a new place and walk to where my feet take me.
D. Hop on a tour bus and just take hundreds and hundreds of pictures.
And even after completing this blog, I am still Undecided. Help, anyone?
I've read from a blog once that once you start going places on your own, it changes you. And I feel like this is changing me. As a new year resolution, I promised myself this #epic2013 motto and have listed lots of places already. When I say plan, it means everything I need is already in place and is just waiting for the green light. All the places listed on my travel log (on the right side) each have a google documented file that includes : itinerary, basic information, budget, visa requirements and important dates before departure. And yes I have this up until my Canada trip next year.
Back to May, there are only two possible destinations that I could go to that both my budget and schedule permit:
1. Singapore (again)
2. Taiwan (TW Virgin)
There are two possible scenarios:
1. Singapore
A. If I go to Singapore, I could revisit the places I wish I could've stayed longer 3 years ago like Sentosa and Universal Studios.
B. I would not miss a chance to stay at the famous Marina Bay Sands, swim at the most spectacular infinity pool and visit the new Gardens by The Bay.
C. Have a drink in Clarke Quay. Even a bottle of beer(I don't drink beer. But for the sake of tambay I would)
D. Visit Orchard Road and window shop.
2. Taiwan
A. If I go to Taiwan, I will be visiting and getting my first Taiwan Visa.
B. I could eat to my heart's content and drink authentic Taiwan Tea.
C. Being in a new place and walk to where my feet take me.
D. Hop on a tour bus and just take hundreds and hundreds of pictures.
And even after completing this blog, I am still Undecided. Help, anyone?
Saturday, April 6
TV Series Diaries 001 - The Following
My Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Cast: Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Natalie Zea
Are you a fan of constant thrill and horror? This series is perfect for you.
The Following is a story about a college professor, Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) who is obsessed with the romanticism period. Most of his teaching inspiration comes from Edgar Allan Poe's works. And so does his way of killing. In the pilot episode, after being in prison for years, Joe escaped stealthy killed most of the guards.
The next day, a former FBI agent and a Joe Carroll expert, Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon) wakes up from a news that may change his life - again (Watch the series to find out why). Being the man to put Joe in prison, the FBI insisted that he works on the case on capturing Joe Carroll one last time.
So you may say, This is just another story of a psychotic serial killer. Now that is where it gets interesting. When the FBI started investing the the brilliance and charismatic capabilities of Joe Carroll, they discovered a much more disturbing truth to what lies in the mind of the serial killer. He is not alone. In fact, he brought them all together. Let me picture this for you, What if all the serial killers was able to unite and form a following lead by Joe? I'm also looking forward to that.
When it comes to the casting, the entire team is incredible. At some point, I wanted to kill Joe myself because I was so pissed at how his killings and tactics have always been one step ahead of Ryan. This only proves the effectiveness of the actors' portrayal of their respective roles. I'd also have to salute the chemistry between Joe and Ryan. Usually when people see Kevin Bacon, he comes off as this strong man. However in this series, you see a helpless Kevin and how James stands as a more powerful character before him. Oh I just love it.
If you want a series that puts disturbing art, murders, mysteries and thrill in one, this is something you should try. Since the series just started, much more twist and artistic killings are to be anticipated. For the mean time, let's wait and see how Ryan will face all these conflicts and hopefully get ahead of Joe.
Note: The series was renewed for a second season.
Friday, April 5
Movie Diaries 002 - On Celeste and Jesse
My Rating: 4.0/5
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Andy Samberg, Rashida Jones, Emma Roberts,
Sometimes when things are too familiar, it's hard to let go.
The story starts with an LA couple, Celeste and Jesse, who are undergoing the process of divorce. However, despite their situation, they remain "Bestfriends". Celeste, portrayed by Rashida Jones is a successful trend forecaster who owns a firm. On the other hand, Jesse, portrayed by Adam Samberg is nowhere near Celeste's success. As Celeste tries to push Jesse to find his career and purpose, Jesse seemed more lost and confused. I cannot blame one of them because it is hard to be pushed around and be told what to do. It is also a pain the ass to tell someone to get their shit together because at one point, you'll eventually get tired of reminding them. In the movie, this kind of situated is depicted.
One of the main points I love about this movie is how well the actors portrayed the characters. At some point, I thought they were together for real. They have this cute and playful chemistry on screen. When it comes to their characters, their personalities seem to balance each other. Celeste acts like a forceful and determined person while Jesse is kind and confused. "Opposites Attract", they said.
However, as one normal relationship would go, there always limitations to what one can endure. At some point, someone will have to give-up and let go. In the unexpected turn of events, you have to watch to find out what happened and how they started falling apart.
One of the main points I love about this movie is how well the actors portrayed the characters. At some point, I thought they were together for real. They have this cute and playful chemistry on screen. When it comes to their characters, their personalities seem to balance each other. Celeste acts like a forceful and determined person while Jesse is kind and confused. "Opposites Attract", they said.
However, as one normal relationship would go, there always limitations to what one can endure. At some point, someone will have to give-up and let go. In the unexpected turn of events, you have to watch to find out what happened and how they started falling apart.
I am a fan of simple and lightweight romantic comedy films like Like Crazy and Silver Linings Playbook. And one that I recently watched, Celeste and Jesse Forever. The ending may not be what I expected, but the movie touched and moved every bit of my heart.
Summary:
Movie: 4.0/5
Story: 4.0/5
Actors: 5/5
Picture: 4.0/5
When in Baguio, try Chocolate de Batirol
Another cafe that we tried during our Baguio trip was Chocolate de Batirol. It was raining quite heavily when we arrived and the cold weather was perfect for a cup of hot chocolate. We wasted no time and started ordering different kinds of food. We ordered Bibingka and Suman. The food was good coming from me, who doesn't like filipino dessert.
Saturday, March 23
Getting to Clark Airport
Because of my #epic2013 trips, I have been a regular visitor of Clark Airport or Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. Since a lot of people have questions about Clark's accessibility, I created this post to help others know more about the schedules.
From Manila, it takes 2 hours++ getting to Clark Airport by public transportation. By private transpo, it takes about 1.5 hours depending where you live. That's how long it is getting to and from Valenzuela.
Trinoma
There are a lot of options to get to Clark Airport. Recently, they opened a lounge in Trinoma that caters to travelers from the north (Super swerte ko lang. Commute Addict.). The bus fare costs only 200 pesos. There is also a place where you can relax and wait for the bus.
Trinoma -> Clark
Clark -> Trinoma
Megamall
Before they opened the lounge in Trinoma, I go to SM Megamall for the bus. They arrive on time so there's no need to be there early. The bus fare costs 450 pesos.
Megamall -> Clark
Clark-> Megamall
Pasay Terminal
I haven't tried the Pasay terminal yet so I can't say much about it.
Pasay -> Clark
6: 30AM
8:30 AM
11:30AM
2:30 PM
8:30 PM
Clark-> Megamall
11: 30 AM
12:30 AM
4:30 PM
8:30 PM
12:30 PM
For more info, contact Philtranco at
(02) 8518078 -79 or 09182288831
From Manila, it takes 2 hours++ getting to Clark Airport by public transportation. By private transpo, it takes about 1.5 hours depending where you live. That's how long it is getting to and from Valenzuela.
Trinoma
There are a lot of options to get to Clark Airport. Recently, they opened a lounge in Trinoma that caters to travelers from the north (Super swerte ko lang. Commute Addict.). The bus fare costs only 200 pesos. There is also a place where you can relax and wait for the bus.
Trinoma -> Clark
| 3:30 AM |
| 8:00 AM |
| 2:45 PM |
Clark -> Trinoma
| 7:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM |
| 6:30 PM |
Megamall
Before they opened the lounge in Trinoma, I go to SM Megamall for the bus. They arrive on time so there's no need to be there early. The bus fare costs 450 pesos.
Megamall -> Clark
| 7:00 AM |
| 9:00 AM |
| 12:00 PM |
| 3:00 PM |
| 9:00 PM |
Clark-> Megamall
| 11: 30 AM |
| 12:30 AM |
| 4:30 PM |
| 8:30 PM |
| 12:30 PM |
Pasay Terminal
I haven't tried the Pasay terminal yet so I can't say much about it.
Pasay -> Clark
6: 30AM
8:30 AM
11:30AM
2:30 PM
8:30 PM
Clark-> Megamall
11: 30 AM
12:30 AM
4:30 PM
8:30 PM
12:30 PM
For more info, contact Philtranco at
(02) 8518078 -79 or 09182288831
H&M Stores in Hong Kong
With Hong Kong being the closest city from Manila, I find it right to share this. Taken from our dead travel blog (here)
Hello fashion lovers! Since the H&M franchise is taking too long in the Philippines, why not head to Hong Kong? Drop by any of these H&M Stores NOW.
Hong Kong Side
H&M CityplazaMTR Taikoo StationOpening Hours:Mon - Thu : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PMFri - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M Central68 Queen's Road CentralCentral, Hong KongOpening Hours:Mon - Sat : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PMSun : 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Kowloon Side
H&M Tsim Sha TsuiSilvercord, Tsim Tsa TsuiOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
H&M ElementsKowloon Station- Tsim Sha Tsui+852-21968391 Mon - Sun 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Olympian CityOlympic Station- Tai Kok Tsui, KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Langham PlaceMong Kok Station- KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
H&M Festival WAlkKowloon Tong Station- KowloonOpening HoursMon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Plaza HollywoodDiamond Hill Station- KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
New Territories
H&M Metro City PlazaPo Lam Station- Tseung Kwan OOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Megabox38 Wang Chiu Road- Kowloon BayOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M New Town PlazaShop 457, Phase I- Sha TinOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M TMT Plaza- Tuen Mun, N.T.Opening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Hello fashion lovers! Since the H&M franchise is taking too long in the Philippines, why not head to Hong Kong? Drop by any of these H&M Stores NOW.
H&M CityplazaMTR Taikoo StationOpening Hours:Mon - Thu : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PMFri - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M Central68 Queen's Road CentralCentral, Hong KongOpening Hours:Mon - Sat : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PMSun : 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Kowloon Side
H&M Tsim Sha TsuiSilvercord, Tsim Tsa TsuiOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
H&M ElementsKowloon Station- Tsim Sha Tsui+852-21968391 Mon - Sun 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Olympian CityOlympic Station- Tai Kok Tsui, KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Langham PlaceMong Kok Station- KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
H&M Festival WAlkKowloon Tong Station- KowloonOpening HoursMon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Plaza HollywoodDiamond Hill Station- KowloonOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
New Territories
H&M Metro City PlazaPo Lam Station- Tseung Kwan OOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
H&M Megabox38 Wang Chiu Road- Kowloon BayOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M New Town PlazaShop 457, Phase I- Sha TinOpening Hours:Mon - Sun : 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM
H&M TMT Plaza- Tuen Mun, N.T.Opening Hours:Mon - Sun : 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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