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Internet Speed in the Philippines
I’m back! I’ve been home in the Philippines for a month now, throwing tantrums at the internet speed of this country. I had our old connection cut because we were paying for internet that was...
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Japan: The Flight
I arrived at the Manila airport as early as I could. This would be my first flight as a normal traveler. Read: not an airline staff anymore. No ID tickets and no Premium Class benefits. Immigration was...
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Japan: The Arrival
A friend who was to welcome me to Japan asked to wait for him at the arrival/departure area of Narita Terminal 3. I am perfectly fine to wait forever if the food court area is like this – wooden...
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Japan: Memorial Sunday
Senkyo Kyoukai On my second day in Japan, I was privileged to attend a Japanese Christian service. This church is special to me and my family because it was the last foreign church my father visited...
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Japan: Travel to Mito Ibaraki
Good morning, day 3! My next destination was to visit my niece who is based in Mito, Ibaraki. From my current location, I had 2 stops and transfers before reaching Mito. Funny story: At Shinjuku...
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Japan Review: Mito Riverside Hotel
RATINGS AND RAVINGS IN ONE WORD HOTEL OVERVIEW Type: Budget Star: Three RECEPTION Staff: friendly Speed: efficient Knowledge of English: minimal ROOM Size: small Ambiance: basic Bed: soft Pillows &...
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Japan: Sick and Sore
As soon as I landed on my bed in Mito, I felt my body succumbed to a terrible flu. I was stuck in our hotel room for 4 days nursing my persistent headaches, chills, dizziness, sinus congestion and...
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Japan: The Kairakuen Garden
Today’s itinerary was to visit one of Japan’s three finest landscape gardens. Kairakuen is located in Mito, the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, one hour northeast of Tokyo by limited express train. It...
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Japan: Lake Senba (Senbako)
Lake Senba or Senbako lake is part of the famous Kairakuen garden. It is accessible by walking 10 minutes south of Mito station. A bridge also connects the lake and the garden. The view from the...
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Japan: Life in Mito
Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos. Mito is the capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture, 100km north-east of Tokyo. Prefecture is what Japan calls its states or regions. It used to be the power base of...
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Japan: A Day in Ueno Tokyo
LAST DAY IN JAPAN After 11 beautiful days in the Land of the Rising Sun, I am finally heading off to my next stop. But before I leave, I had one more family to say hi-goodbye to. Waiting for my cousins...
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Open letter to the Police, Security and Political Leaders of Bayombong, Nueva...
On December 11, 2016, we were attacked by our neighbors in Baranggay Salvacion. At around 1:00 AM, I was awakened by a loud noise made by a couple fighting in the street, just below my window. The dogs...
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Korea: The Flight and Arrival
After 11 beautiful days in Japan, my next stop was South Korea. THE FLIGHT My journey started at Narita International Airport. Hmm, on second thought, my journey to Korea actually started months ago....
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Korea: Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower)
Having arrived in Seoul at past midnight, I had no plans of waking up early or interacting with other people in the guesthouse. When I opened my eyes, it was almost noon time and a cheery roommate...
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Is it possible to outgrow a hometown?
So I’ve been home again for almost a month now since my Japan-Korea trip. Home in the Philippines is in a little town called Bayombong in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. My childhood friend from the US...
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Life’s Good
So I’ve been phone-less for the past month, a major holiday calamity for someone used to being connected and available at all times. For the past years, my husband and I have gifted family members and...
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Do you have unused football shoes?
Since I came back home in the province, I’ve been playing football with some of my old friends. I’m surprised that the team still exists. They are struggling to stay strong despite the sparse support...
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Korea: Nami Island (Part 1)
Today’s itinerary was to meet a couple who volunteered to bring me to Nami Island. This half moon-shaped island is famous because it is one of the filming locations of the korean drama, Winter Sonata....
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Korea: Nami Island (Part 2)
Read part 1 herE. 3 TIPS TO ENJOY NAMI ISLAND Watch Winter Sonata before visiting. “Let me tell you how to make friends… left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, slowly step by step.” This hit...
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HaB Korea: Korean Folk Village – Joseon Torture (Part 3)
The Gwana government office was one of my favorite places in the Korean Folk Village. It’s a popular shooting place for historical dramas and movies. Here I met new friends… Some spared me no mercy…...
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