A Year End Report for 2013

This past year was probably the best so far. It taught me a lot this year, gave me a lot of adventures and learned how to treasure every single day.


TO KEEP ON APPRECIATING MY JOB.

2013 taught me to appreciate my job - may it be unknown to most people, usually mistaken to municipal officers, BIR Tax officers or census conductors, the benefits of travel and understanding more of the consumers and the sellers are the best part of my job.

I have been in the Marketing Research industry for the past 6 years or more, been into two companies, traveled in the major provinces in the country, met new people and made quick friendship along the road. I might be open to new opportunities, but the right one hasn't come along. Still waiting for my target company to call, and by that time, I would be most willing to leave and probably, make a mark on the company before I leave.

TO KEEP ON WALKING AND WANDERING.

This year, with God's grace, I have been to 5 countries - Hong Kong, Macau. Singapore, Malaysia and Japan - with the best people in my life.

In celebration of my first year in the new job, my former officemates and I were able to visit Hong Kong and Macau, experience our first non-Baguio cold weather, got sick on the road and finally, visited my aunt in Hong Kong. Though we have different ways of travel, we managed to pull out this trip and finally understand each other.

Our annual Atei trip was a rough road as we came nearer to the trip. Many financial problems encountered, got late on the Trinoma bus to Clark (because I left my friend's credit card), walked around the foreign lands, got late on the last bus back to the City Terminal, got scared and chickened out on the Universal Studios roller coasters, splurged on TWG Singapore, late night hotel check-ins, late night uwi to the hotels after a long day of walking and met nocturnal carabaos on Night Safari. Despite all of these, we were able to have our annual fun, celebrated a birthday along the road and realized that these two women I always travel with will be my forever favorite people.

Japan was the unexpected travel I had this year, since I need a visa to get there. When I was approved, though I am on Singapore-Malaysia mode, my boyfriend is busy with the itinerary that we will have. It was the first solo trip to another land (well, in terms of plane travel) and for the first time, I wasn't planning on the whole trip.

It was the memorable one to date - we celebrated our 7th anniversary together, our 3rd time to do so. And while at it, I got engaged on a pirate ship with the ring on my precious treasure chest box. :)

TO KEEP ON VALUING FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS.

The best gift I had this year is my relationships to other people. My friendship with my Ateis is stronger than ever, I believe, We were able to know each other better after 7 years of friendship.

My officemates are the people I am with for most of the year - with 8 hours together, messages even after work for tsismis and lutang moments at the office.

My family is stronger than ever as well. Towards the end of the year, we were able to give our parents new stuff and by next year, be financially capable to buy them a new small house.

TO KEEP ON LOVING AND STAYING IN LOVE.

Since this 2014, I will be a Mrs already, I will definitely be with another family, meet extended ones and plan for my own. Despite this, my fiance will still be working abroad, while I stay in the Philippines. Its another year of us on long distance relationship.

Cheesy it may seem, but we believed that our wedding is simply a formality between the two families and our relatives and friends, since we have been together for the last 7 years and been on several trips on ourselves. :) We have known each other, lived with each other and aware of how picky each other or how loud his snore is.

As we all claim, 2014 is a year for another adventure. A non-negotiable annual trip with my Ateis, probably if my fiance's work calls, spend Holidays again on foreign land and another year to my current job.

For the people who have been a part of my 2013, thank you very much. I look forward to another part of our adventure together.

Day 1: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur

Part 1 of 10
September 13, 2013
Arrival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


This is our annual trip with my Ateis. We were able to grab another seat sale to Malaysia and Singapore through the Airasia and PAL respectively.

We arrived in the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur in a good afternoon of September 13. LCCT is much like the Terminal 4 of our NAIA and is catering to most AirAsia flights to Malaysia.

After grabbing our bags and passing through Malaysian immigration, we bought our tickets from upon exiting the arrival area. The bus ride costs RM 9 (or approximately Php 130.00) and will be in KL Sentral MTR Station in an hour.

Since we didn't know how to get to our hotel from the KL Sentral station, we decided to grab a taxi to Hotel Al Jafs - which is our first interaction with the tuts taxi drivers. :( We were initially quoted RM 45 to the Hotel but we haggled it to RM 38. After 10 minutes, we were dropped in front of Hotel Al Jafs.

CHECKING IN THE HOTEL

Hotel Al Jafs is near Bukit Bintang, and may be the best hotel we had so far. The hotel owner was kind enough to change our large RMs to smaller ones. Our supposed room had some maintenance works during our arrival, but he was kind enough to make us stay to 2 rooms, without charging us extra. He was also kind enough to buy us some adapters since Malaysia has different outlets than we have in the Philippines.

More of Hotel Al Jafs, on my hotel review entry.


WALKING AROUND KUALA LUMPUR

When I was looking for our Kuala Lumpur accommodations, I am particular in the area. We wanted to be on the area near to basic food area - Bukit Bintang and Jalan Alor. Good thing, our hotel is just 5 minutes away from Jalan Alor.

Off to Jalan Alor

So after a quick freshening up, we walked around and found ourselves in Jalan Alor - aka the KL Food Central. We were quite early in the area, some of the vendors are just setting up. We grabbed a quick late lunch at Fat Brothers Barbeque and finished with the Turkish ice cream.

The famous food street in Bukit Bintang

Shrimps ready for grilling

Their street version of hot pot. The tube below is connected to an LPG tank and the vendor will turn it on for you. Once the water is boiling, you can blanch everything. :)

Their Street version of Hot pot. 

After the quick lunch, we decided to walk around KL through the main avenue. Petronas Tower or the twin towers of Kuala Lumpur is just 20 minutes walk from Hotel Al Jafs. We passed by KL Tower as well, and a small park along the main avenue.

Standard Chartered building

KL Tower

The twin towers

We never missed visiting any bookstore when we are on the road. Kinokuniya was the biggest bookstore chain in Kuala Lumpur and probably the best one we visited so far.

TIPS:

1. The taxi was definitely a rip off. The Hotel owner mentioned it was only RM 15 from KL Sentral to Hotel Al Jafs. But since we were tired on a long day, the taxi was a good pahingahan. Just like the same countries we have been to, make sure you haggle.

2. Do not miss Jalan Alor. It was a food heaven, you can find various cuisines - from Chinese to Malay to Indian. We loved the kitchens along the street. Just be adventurous!

3. Make sure you wear comfortable clothes. And bring an umbrella. Malaysia is a tropical country, you never know when it will rain or not. Umbrella will also protect you from the sun.

I'm back with few announcements!

I missed my blog. I have 3 months worth of backlogs, 3 country travel notes and a lot more pictures to stamp.

I'm so sorry (as if andaming nagbabasa ng blog ko) for being MIA for the past 3 months. Its been a crazy, rollercoaster ride last quarter for me.

I have yet to write my entries on my Singapore and Malaysia trip last September but I would like to skip that on this entry, since my Japan trip was the highlight of my year.

MY NEW STATUS

Yes, I am getting married next year. My boyfriend of 7 years proposed at our Hakone trip on our 7th anniversary last November. It was an unexpected event, but we have been jokingly talking about marriage since we entered our 5th year. We are not serious then though, but simply parinig and sharing pictures via Pinterest.

I won't go so much on the proposal details, kasi hindi naman talaga that sweet, down-on-his-knees proposal. We are on a ship with many, many people and we don't want to have that spotlight on us. In any way, we are not that typical couple of sweet nothings.

MOVING ON

Since I have been busy gathering stuff about weddings and reading wedding blogs, I missed out that I have a travel blog to maintain. I am back to the writing dashboard, rest assured that I will be finishing all the trip entries within the year.

And also, due to my (our na pala) priorities next year, travel has to take a backseat and maybe, all the travels that I will have are only work related. Buti na lang, my job gives me the opportunity to travel once in a while. But will still squeeze in some leisurely side trips after work.

AND MY NEW PROJECT 2014

I know, I am having troubles on maintaining this one, but I would like to help others on their wedding needs, so I decided to create a blog that would cater on them. Though I am still thinking if I would just write the entries on this blog and just create tabs for weddings.

I have few more days to finish things up and decide on the new project, and I better start now! :)

Japan Visa: How to Apply and Increase your chances of getting approved

Note: This is only a guide and suggestions - based on my personal experience and presented in a subjective manner. This will not answer your Visa problems, but hopefully will help you in preparing your Japan Visa requirements.


SEPTEMBER 2013

My Japan visit is long overdue. My boyfriend of 6 years is an Filipino Engineer, working for the last 5 years in Japan. We have been preparing for my visit years ago, but it was only this year that we had the courage to push them through.

Although I have a "friend" living in Japan, I should have applied for "Visiting Relatives/ Friends" status in the Visa application. However, I find it very tedious for me and my boyfriend to prepare all the documents needed, so we decided to apply on "Tourist" status instead. Less documents will be prepared and you will not bother your friend or relative the Japanese documents needed.

We planned that during our anniversary this November, I get to visit him. Japan Visa is valid for 3 months - starting from the actual date of approval. September is definitely a good month for my application - November falls somewhere in between the validity.


THE PREPARATION

PinoyExchange Japan Visa Section is of great help for me. I have been reading all the recent posts (2011 onwards) to understand the what not's and what to's on the application. There are some suggestions on the how much money should you have in the bank, and if you are lucky, some of the applicants post their profile and what they have submitted during their application.

Aside from document preparation, you must know that you can only apply through Japanese Embassy- accredited travel agencies. List are down below:


THE REQUIREMENTS

For Tourist Visa application, the requirements are as follows:

1. Birth certificate
2. Application form
3. Valid Passport
4. Japanese visa sized ID picture
5. Tour Itinerary
6. ITR
7. Bank Balance Certificate

Here are the documents that I submitted for my application and some notes.

What I submitted. 

Itinerary. This is the exact itinerary I submitted to Friendship Tours. 

APPLICATION

I went to Friendship Travel and Tours in Dusit Thani early Friday morning to submit my documents. I chose Friendship Tours since I read many good reviews from this agency - and all of it is true.

The agent who checked my requirements is so helpful and fast. They have a checklist of what you submitted, making sure you have complete requirements. Once checked, you have to pay Php 1,200.00 for the Visa application fee. They will give you a receipt that you need to present upon claiming of your passport.

The agent also explained to me that since it was a Friday and there is no Embassy on the weeken, Monday is the earliest submission of my passport to the Embassy. 7 days is the longest processing time, but passports can be claimed as early as the third day.

Make sure you have complete documents so the checking and transaction will be faster. I came in at 8:30am and I am done by 8:45am (I have to leave since I still have work).


WAITING TIME

I was informed that I can follow up my application status as early as Tuesday afternoon. Friendship Tours has a scheduled follow up time, which is 4:00 - 6:00pm.

I called up Tuesday but was informed that my passport is not back yet. I was asked to call up the next day. Wednesday came, and when I called up, agent congratulated me because I have 15-day Visa to Japan.

The very next day, I dropped by their office to get my passport, around 8:15am and the Japanese agent accommodated me, despite formal opening hour is at 8:30am.

My approved visa. (Personal details are removed)

NOTES:

1. The best advice is that you should present enough and valid documents that would justify your ties with the Philippines. An Employment Certificate is a best example of this - meaning, you have a reason to go back to the Philippines.

2. Aside from COE, I attached my Leave form, indicating that I am only allowed to be off my job on certain dates.

3. Your itinerary should be plain and simple. Make sure you research on the places to visit. Japan Guide is the best source of information for this (You can also use my Itinerary as well).

4. Your bank account should complement your itinerary and your profile. If you are a student with Php 200,000.00 in your bank account, they will doubt you on how you come up with that money. Similarly, if you have indicated a 4-day stay, having Php 500,000.00 on your bank account will also give raised eyebrows. They would think that if you have that big amount, then, you can stay longer in Japan - thus TNT.

5. Tokyo will definitely need more money than Osaka and Kyoto. Make sure you take into account the transportation, lodging and food on your bank balance certificate.

6. More passport/ immigration stamps will help you. This means you are a traveller and thus, tourism is the only reason for you to visit Japan. Although there are some first timers who were able to have Japan Visa, they might have presented some documents that convinced the Japan Embassy.

7. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Your documents will talk for you. There is no personal appearance in the Japanese Embassy, you cannot defend yourself to them. They won't give you their reason for denial either.

I hope this will help you in preparing for your Japan Visa application. I will answer your questions if I can. :)

Staying safe and secure: Pacsafe Locks

I want to think that I am a traveller, thus, I want to make sure I won't experience the dreadful things that happened to my own kababayans when they go out abroad. Being safe and secure, not only during your flight and while on the road is a must. You will never know who handles your luggage while being transported on their respective baggage doors.

The same as my bag, I was in the look for a good lock for my baggage. I used an ordinary (yet colorful) lock when we did our Indochina trip last year, but I kept on misplacing (or sort of losing) the keys. So this time, I was thinking, should I get the key card or the key-based again?

I religiously pass by any of the bag and luggage stores when I see them. Travel club and ROX both have a huge collection of TSA approved locks, but I can't seem to find the one that calls me when I first laid my eyes on them. My second resort, SM.

Just late last week, I was able to find the lock I was looking for. My main consideration is that something that I won't lose. Second is that it should be TSA approved (for added security and peace of mind). Luckily, I passed by the luggage section of SM and skimmed through the Pacsafe section and found these babies!

My new lock(s)!

One, this solves my problem of losing and misplacing the keys. It comes with keycards, 2 of them, one that you can place in your wallet and another on your travel notebook (if it has inner pockets, like mine) or your passport holder. Each lock has a keycard identification card, which tells you what is the card's ID is. In cases that you misplace them or break them, as long as you know the one letter identification, Pacsafe can give you the replacement for the keycards.

The holes are the "keys" for the lock. Insert it on the slot and push and voila! It will open. 

I bought mine in the set of two, since I am more of a backpack lady and is very happy with all sorts of zippers and closures.

Two keys, one card. (I stored already the other in case). Two set of holes on either side of the keycard. You can use either side when opening your locks. 

Pacsafe keys are TSA approved. And according to the one that assisted me (thanks for the lessons buddy!), should there be random inspections in the airport and your bag was selected, you do not need to go to the baggage department and open it for them. Pacsafe has the TSA master key, which the customs and inspectors have. It saves you the hassle of running in the long airport hallways and coming back.

Will road test my new lock as we go to a 10-day trip in Malaysia and Singapore by the end of this coming week! :)

Now, I am back to writing down directions.