celebraTINg exisTENce: October 2014

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A sossy hotel stay in the eyes of a not-so-sossy/ first-timer ~~girl~~ lady. I'm not a girl, not yet a woman. hehehe

I've always had this question in mind why people would pay a lot checking in at 4-5 star hotels when they can spend an equal amount to go farther and just look for an affordable place to stay in their chosen destination. I know that this doesn't apply to those who have tons of cash but for us who are blessed to have the opportunity to budget and to decide which activity/product is more worth it. How is it that an overnight at EDSA Shangri-la be a better option than to go up to Baguio for 3D/2N?? Loljk. Hindi nga lang 3D/2N, pwede na yata mag 5D/4N.

Hmmm... This is not the first time that I've slept in a five star hotel but this my first time to do a "legit staycation" in one and while I was reflecting for the answer during my overnight stay in EDSA Shangri-la, the only response I thought of was, "WHY NOT?"

Here's a post about my brief yet very worth it and relaxing stay at Shangri-la, Manila and why you should try staycations too.

ROOM TOUR

Our room was in the 7th floor of the garden tower.

Our TV with cable.

We had a bath tub. I should've brought bath bombs with me had I known that our room has a bath tub. Napaghahalataan na wala akong ka alam-alam sa facilities ng mga hotel na sosyal. HAHAHAHAHA

Toothbrushes with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, bath gel etc. They also have a magnifying mirror and a speaker connected to the TV inside the bathroom.

Bed and side table for the night.

Welcome note for guests.

Table na hindi nagamit at upuan na ginamit lang for props habang nagp-picture taking.

Garden View from our room at night.
If ever life gives me another opportunity to stay there, gusto ko naman ng city view. hehe.

Picture me ng naka-robe.

When we were in Badian Resort, Cebu, I really loved their bathroom so when I got in the bath tub..

"Picturan mo nga ko!!"

Then the next day while having breakfast, we overheard someone who said,

"Yung katabi nga namin na room, nag picture pa sa banyo."

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Hindi ako 'yon.

Mirror selfie before going to bed.
My phone's leather case that I bought in Central Market, Malaysia.

My friend for that night was this.

I was too lazy to go out since I still have to change clothes but I'm not too rich to touch the available snacks and drinks in our room's mini bar. As in 'yung maliit na pack ng oreo, P 200.00 na. Oh wells, nasa 5-star hotel ka, Tin. Wala ng nakakagulat. Buti na lang may chuckie ako to keep me company.

This is what the morning looks like viewed at the corridor of Shangri-la. HAHAHA. Parang may pagka-morning 'tong picture na 'to e noh.

I wasn't only excited to have breakfast but also to take a picture of the pool area when there are no people swimming yet. This was taken at around 6:30 AM.

Who would think that this place is located in the middle of a bustling city? EDSA 'yan eh but it was very quiet there. Walang busina and other noises coming from the "outside world."

Stay connected because everywhere in Shangri-la has a wi-fi connection.

Paki-bili na nga po 'yung pata at taba sa legs ko para may pera ako na gagamitin kasi gusto ko ulit mag-overnight sa hotel.

The pool is really inviting.

Come on, Tin. Burn your fats.

Wait lang, pool. Kakain lang ako para mas maraming ibu-burn.

Charot. :))

Breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and and and... there are just so many choices that it is ~~almost~~ impossible to taste everything.

Because I'm too shy to post all the pictures of the food I ate, this is my round 2. :))

After eating, it was swimming time kasi nga sabi ng pool, burn my fats. WAHAHA.

Signed up, told the Kuya our room number and we were given towels to use in return.

Just one of my many underwater pictures. BET NG POOL, NG TUBIG, NG MUKHA KO!!! Love your own po. :)))

Because everywhere is a picture opportunity. This was taken from the children's side of the pool area.

Ito ang akala mong itsura mo sa picture...

Tas biglang babagsak 'yung water at akala mo, maayos ka pa rin nakapag-selfie. Pero hindi, hindi, hindi.

PAGBIGYAN AKO SA NEXT PICTURES PLS. It's not everyday that you'll be forced to look at my pictures. :))

"I'm so cute pose"
"Mukha ko na lang, wag na katawan tignan mo pose"

"Medyo makati 'yung cheeks ko pose"
"Kailangan makita 'yung pangalan ng hotel pose"

"May imaginary patungan ng arms pose"

"Pagod na pagod kaya pahinga muna pose"
"Bakit di pa rin ako tumatangkad pose"

"Yes? Hello! Nasa ilalim ako ng tubig pose"
"Makati 'yung tenga ko pose"

HAHAHA. K. Natatawa rin ako sa sarili ko pero ipagdadamot ko pa ba 'yung tawa na 'yun sa'yo? Pagtawanan mo na rin ako. Ganyan ka naman eh. :)))

We forgot to bring our robes with us so we sat here for a while to dry ourselves a little.

Surprisingly (or not dapat!), towels in Shangri-la absorb water so well. Ang bilis ko natuyo. Hahaha. One of the things I found fascinating is how fast the towels absorb water yet they don't feel soaked. 'Cause our towels at home, kahit matagal ko ng ganyanin sa buhok ko, tutulo at tutulo pa rin ang tubig pag inalis ko. Wala pala sa buhok ko 'yung problema, nasa tuwalya.

I'll miss you, Room 7++.
Just so you know that I can come back for you anytime if you'd miss me too.

Selfie while trying to make sense of what's happening in my life. Joke lang.

Nagri-ritwal ako na makabalik. HAHAHA.

Side view.
Pati room namin, suma-side view.

Mas gwapo ata 'yung view na 'to pag naka-side view eh.

See you again soon.

I'll miss my side of the bed. :(

Last picture of the pool area before leaving the room to check-out.

Another mirror selfie while waiting for the elevator.

We were given a cup of fresh orange juice while in line but it wasn't needed na since checking out was fast especially if you're like us who didn't consume anything nor did anything that would cause us to pay more other than the room. hahaha.

BYERS.

I forgot to take a picture of the corridors and walkways of this building because it seemed to me that they are having a renovation kasi puro tarpaulin sa paligid.

END.

My thinking had always been, "The farther, the better." Past tense na. Take note: HAD. :) Experiences change us so my opinion about staycations have changed as well - sometimes it's not how far you go but how you enjoyed your stay and how "recharged" you are after your get-away. Pwede rin naman pala na pumunta ka na lang somewhere near and experience something new. Afterall, it's not all the time that you'd have an appetite to sight see at new places and have the energy and time for an out-of-town.

For us who are living in Metro Manila, there are several hotels to choose from and since Manila pa rin naman, ano pang isa-sightseeing mo, diba? Sa hotel ka lang mags-stay kaya aside from maximizing your payment since you're in the hotel most of the time, you'll also feel pampered by the way employees treat you. Here in Shangri-la, when they say that they take pride in treating their customers well, in their hotel facilities etc., they mean it. Tipong makakalimutan mo na nage-exist pala ang problema at inconvenience sa mundo. Hospitality from a caring family at its finest.

Saving up for an overnight of comfort and luxury is all worth it so here's to more staycations! I wonder which hotel will this life take me next. :)))

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~~Imagining~~ CLAIMING my Trip to South Korea. <3

This is a blog post enumerating my plans for my future trip because I'm ~~desperate~~, decided and motivated like that. This is actually inspired by a friend who have recently uploaded a picture of his "dream board." And I, being the lazy and uncreative one, wanted to do something similar so the outcome is this; My "Dream Trip: South Korea Edition"

The items in this post shall total to 16. Why? Because my target year to visit South Korea is in 2016. It would be so much better if I can visit there next year (2015) but to make it sound more possible, I'll give myself more than a year to prepare financially.

I'll see you in 1 1/2 to 2 years (or less plssss), South Korea. May the odds always be in my favor... I can do this!

NOTE: ALL PICTURES IN THIS POST ARE NOT MINE. IMAGES ARE LINKED TO THE OWNER.

My 8 Things To Do and 8 Places Visit in South Korea

If you're wondering, my desire to visit Korea stemmed out from seeing places of interest in dramas and from wanting to be immersed in the people, language and culture of Korea ever since I studied Korean language in 2012. Classroom learning is a lot different than experiential learning so there.
Enjoy. :)

1. BOSEONG GREEN TEA FIELDS

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This green tea plantation is located in Bosong, South Jeolla Province along the Southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula. Aside from the rolling green tea fields, there are also high cedar trees lined along the entrance of the tea plantation.

2. GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

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Now listed as one of UNESCO Heritage Sites.
It was the main and the largest of the Five Grand Palaces built in the Joseon Era (1395), its name once translated to English means "Greatly Blessed by Heaven Palace"

3. GOLGULSA TEMPLE , GYEONGJU

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The name of this place means Stone Buddha Temple. This was built at the foot of Mt. Hamwol in the 6th century and is the only temple cave in Korea. There are originally 12 rock caves in the area but only 7 have remained standing until present.

4. NAMI ISLAND / NAMISEOM

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Nami Island is a half-moon shaped island in Chuncheon, South Korea. This place was built as a result of the Cheongpyeong Dam. Mr. Minn Byeong-do, who purchased the island in 1965, was the one who cultivated the once was a desolate place into the the Namiseom we see now.

5. 63 BUILDING

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With 63 floors, this is Korea's tallest and most recognizable building which you can go to and see the spectacular view of Seoul, Hangang Rivers and the surrounding mountains. Sea world and Sky Deck are two other attractions in this building.

6. FOREST 12, DAEGU

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I can't find a lot of information about this place and I only learned about its existence when I watched the drama, "It's Okay, it's Love". But Forest 12 consists of four themes which are eco-healing, hands-on experience and learning, culture and arts program, and relaxation.

7. GAMCHEON CULTURAL VILLAGE

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This place is also referred to as the, "Santorini of the East" probably because of the similarities in the way these houses are also built. Located on a hill in Saha-gu, there's just so much history on how this place. From the dust of poverty and war, it has now become one of Korea's cultural offerings and unique architectural designs.

8. GURI HANGANG PARK

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Go here during summer, spring or autumn so you can see the fields of Cosmos flowers in full bloom.

9. EVERLAND

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Aside from the 5 zones of Everland, I want to ride T Express, the 6th longest wooden roller coaster in the world and Jigu Maul, a ride which shows worldwide traditions, customs, sceneries and miniatures from more than 18 countries.

10. SHOP AT DONGDAEMUN AND MYEONGDONG

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To be honest, if I include shopping in my budget, I think I'd have to move my plans two years further 'cause shopping might mean some serious dent in my budget. So, to make this more possible, rather than me wanting to go shopping... I guess, a lot of window shopping, sightseeing and food tripping are the activities I'll do when I get to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun.

11. RIDE NAMSAN TOWER'S CABLE CAR

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I felt nostalgic as I was searching for this because I was reminded of Lee Min Ho. Hahaha. This was the place where Geum Jan Di and Gu Jun Pyo spent their first night together. :( It was because of BOF that I got to know this place, it was because of BOF that I started wanting to learn Korean. Min Ho oppa, can we spend a night here too??? hehe.

This cable car is connected to Seoul Tower and Mt. Namsan

12. HIKE MT. BUKHANSAN

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I'd love to take a picture as I stand in this mountain's granite peak. If this is a bit too much for me and my mountain climbing stamina, I'm more than glad to compromise and settle for an easier hike as long as it's in Korea. Haha

13. WATCH HAN RIVER'S BANPO BRIDGE RAINBOW SHOW

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Because it looks so fascinating. I'd love to spend a night just watching these colorful fountains.

14. BUNGEE JUMP AT YULDONG PARK

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A trip to Korea should be memorable as it is but to take it to the next level, I shall try to Bungee Jump. Conquering a fear after another. Crossing out a bucket list item one after another.

15. MAKE A WISH/ ATTEND A MASS AT MYEONGDONG CATHEDRAL

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How great would it be to hear a mass done in Korean language. I know that I won't be able to understand everything the priest would say but then, it's the faith and not the language that matters. :)) I saw this church years ago when I watched the K-drama, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and just like the Namsan Tower and Cable Car of BOF, this church has become my must-visit place in Korea.

16. EAT AUTHENTIC KOREAN FOOD, GO TO A CAFE OR JUST ABOUT ANYTHING WITH FOOD.

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I was having thoughts whether or not I still should place this here since it's given that I'll be eating authentic Korean food in Korea but I don't think a trip to Korea without trying a lot of authentic food is complete. So to be specific, I'd also love to go to a Korean seafood market, eat street foods or any activity that is food related. Hehehe.

Choosing my top 16 and researching information about them was a bit "painful" yet fun thing since I'm exposing myself to things I've always wanted to do and to places I've always wanted to visit. It was also rather difficult to choose the final places since there are a lot of choices but it has to be done - for a starter, I believe these are all good especially if you're more interested in sightseeing and their culture. Made this not because I enjoy the pain but so I'd have an inspiration and to have something that I can look back to by the time that my trip is all set. :))

This post shall be my lucky charm and my ultimate motivator. :)) I know I can do it. See you, Korea in 2016 (or earlier if possible haha!)

If you have also been wanting to go to a place, it doesn't even have to be Korea, by looking at pictures, by researching, by adjusting your lifestyle and little by little structuring your life and thoughts around it... nothing is impossible. Every place you dream about is within reach. Hehehe. Yes? YES!! We can do dizzzz.

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. - Paulo Coehlo

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