Travel Tuesdays: South Korea 2014 (Part 2) - Travel Tips

South Korea Travel Tips:

WHAT TO WEAR

Spring Coats: The clothes you need to bring depends on the season of your travel. With our experience, we traveled during Spring Season (April 29-May 7) hoping that we will be able to catch the cherry blossoms. But sadly, this year...they bloomed too soon than the expected time so we failed to see them. Anyway, because it was already spring season, we expected that the weather will not be as cold as winter so we brought with us normal jackets and long sleeved shirts instead of coats. Big mistake! Little did we know that the temperature drops in the evening and the wind sometimes adds more chill factor to our "used-to-tropical-weather" bodies. So if you're travelling within these dates, it's best to still bring coats.

Rubber shoes/Flats: 80% of Koreans we saw there were wearing rubber shoes. Do you know why? Because there are a lot of uphill and downhill roads and sooooo many flight of stairs. I lost count of all the stairs I stepped in. So save your feet, ditch your fashionable high heeled boots and wear your trusty rubber shoes and flats.

WHAT TO BRING

Pocket Money: From what I read over countless websites and blogs, it is best to exchange your peso (PHP) to USD while still here in Manila. I also exchanged a liitle of my PHP to Korean Won (KRW)...just enough to cover our transfers from Incheon Airport to our hotel. The rest of my USD was exchnaged at Myeongdong area as they have good rates there. South Korea is not as expensive as others might think. If you really are on a budget...meaning you staying at guesthouse/hostel (pretty popular with backpackers) and if you scored good seat sale at Cebu Pacific, 20K pesos all in (per person) will bring you a loooong way.

Discount Coupons: As I was saying a while ago, South Korea is not as expensive as you think it is. My tip is to search online for discount coupons, print them and show them to the cashier to avail the discount. Also get the free maps available on your hotel lobby as they usually have coupons inside. Thanks to that, I got to save KRW 1,000 for the airport bus ride (KRW 9,000 instead of 10,000) and in Everland, I saved   

KRW 9,000 for the entrance fee (KRW 37,000 instead of 46,000) because I printed the coupon found in their website here.

WHAT TO BUY

T Money Card: This is like the reloadable MRT/LRT card here in Manila. But this is way better because you can buy/load in 7/11 stores and can use them as mode of payment in some stores as well. Plus, this card never expires so you can still use it if you return back.

Cosmetics: Etude House, Holika Holika, Nature Republic, The Face Shop, Tony Moly...and the list goes on. You can see these stores literally in every 5 steps in Myeongdong. They are much cheaper there and they give a lot of freebies as well. Even if you do not buy, just walk to their stores and look around and they will give freebies!!! Instant pasalubong for those kuripots out there hehe!

Clothes: Koreans wear fashionable clothes. Those online stores I see regularly on Instagram or Facebook came to life when I went there. If you're in your teeans to 20's, I suggest you go to Ewha Women's University for shopping as the stores outside the Uni are trendy, of good quality and at student friendly price.

Pasalubong Food: Go to Lotte Mart for your pasalubong haul of Market O brownies and Dr. You cakes. It's cheaper there and you will get 5% tax refund with KRW 30,000 purchase.

Photo courtesy of melissacheoksz.blogspot.com

Street Food: Unlike here in Philippines, street food in Korea is safer to try. There are so many street food stalls scattered, we even get to eat tall ice cream cone on a chilly evening.

WHERE TO GO

Korea Tourist Organization: Her you can make free international calls, free wifi, free medical checkup, free brochures and maps on all places in Korea and the best part...free Hanbok experience! This is where you can get to wear traditional Korean costumes and take pictures all you want for 20 minutes.

Travel Tuesdays: South Korea 2014 (Part 1)

Hello Philippines! Hello World! Hello my non existent blog readers!

I will never ever be proud to say that I am a blogger due to the fact that my last blog entry was last year. Hehe! But today, I want to take a break from my laziness and share my travel experience all the way from the land of Etude House, KPop and all things cute...SOUTH KOREA!

A lot of websites and blog entries helped me in my "more-than-6-months" of planning. Yes, I am that OC. But I believe it will never hurt (and will save you money) if you did some research on the country of your destination prior to your flight

SOUTH KOREAN VISA
First things first, you need to get a Visa before you can fly to South Korea. Do not be deceived that obtaining a visa is hard. For me, this is my first time to acquire a visa on my own and for my husband because prior to that, it was usually my parents who take care of this process. Or in the case of my Australia business trip, it was the HR of my company. Just remember that as long as you have the COMPLETE requirements, there is no need to worry.

Basic Requirements
a. Duly accomplished application form
b. Passport (must still be valid for at least 6 months)
c. Photocopy of the passport Bio page (Page 2)
d. 1 passport size colored photo

Proof of Financial Support - EMPLOYED
a. Certificate of Employment (Must be original; and must have the contact number and address of employer, and date of issue)
b. Original Personal Bank Certificate (NOT bank statement)
c. Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

Proof of Financial Support - SELF EMPLOYED
a. Photocopy of Business registration form from DTI or SEC
b. Photocopy of Business permit or Mayor’s permit
c. Photocopy of ITR
d. Original Personal Bank Certificate

Submit at South Korea Embassy
Address : 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines
Contact number : (63-2) 856-9210

***

ACCOMMODATION

Okay, this is a VERY VERY crucial stage of planning for me. I have an "above average" standard when it comes to accommodation . Some people will overlook this for the reason they will not be spending a lot of time in the room because they will always be out exploring the city. But for me, after a long day of activities, I want to reward my tired body (and feet!) to a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. It doesn't always have to be in a five star hotel for you to experience this, but do research on it and always canvass before clicking the "RESERVATION" button.

I always trust TripAdvisor every time I look for hotels to stay. I also compare direct prices from hotel websites and Agoda before I book just to check if I can get the room I want for a lower value.

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

During our South Korea trip, we stayed at Metro Hotel in Myeongdong area...and let me tell you, this is the best decision ever! Not only is it clean and spotless but this is centrally located:

-2 min. walk from Airport Limousine Bus Stop (very important specially if you have a lot of luggage with you)
-2 min. walk from subway train exit (at the end of the day and after all the walking you did, you will appreciate that the subway is very near your hotel)
-hotel is above Myeongdong shopping district so just go down the elevator and you are ready to shop till you drop and there are also a lot of restaurants/fast food chains to choose from.

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

You know the best part is with Metro Hotel? It is really an affordable hotel! You will never find nearby hotels with the same good value. :)

*Metro Hotel is voted #9 out of 384 hotels in Seoul*


***

ITINERARY

It is best that when you travel, you have a planned itinerary with you. Not only will it maximize your vacation time but it will also save you money in ways you will never expect. Some blogs you may have read have a jampacked itinerary. But my advice is...this will depend on the people you're travelling with. If you are travelling with kids or  senior citizens, I suggest you have a rest period in between one or two tourist spots you visit. In my case, I am only travelling with my husband but I still prefer a relax itinerary just because we don't want to always be in a hurry to go to another place.

Day 1 (arrived at night)
Arrival at Incheon International Airport
Check in at Metro Hotel

Day 2
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Explore Insadong
Buy Nami Island bus tickets at Insadong office
Explore Myeongdong at night

Day 3
Everland (it is best to allot one whole day for this as the theme park is big and travel time going there takes 1-2 hours already)

Day 4
Nami Island (allot one whole day for this also as the island is big)

Day 5
Myeongdong Cathedral for Sunday Mass
Bukchon Hanok Village
Hanbok Experience (traditional Korean outfit)

Day 6
Lotte Mart
Ewha Women's Univesity (a must visit for girl's shopping on a budget!)

Day 7
Departure from Incheon to Manila

***

Stay tuned for my South Korea 2014 (Part 2)...as I will give essential travel tips for you on what to wear and what to bring for your trip!

Wedding Wednesday: The Search for the Perfect Wedding Gown

Ever since I got engaged, I focused planning on the church, reception and everything in between. But I never really have a vision on what I will wear on my special day. Of course I want to look beautiful...who wouldn't want that? But I was just not keen on the thought of spending BIG on something that I know I will only wear once in my life. I also want the guests to tell me "Oh! you look so beautiful!" instead of saying "Oh! Your gown looks so beautiful!"...makes a lot of difference right? ;)

So for the past few days, I've been googling the net for pegs that would suit me...and I came up with only one requisite:

When most brides want to look like a princess...I want to look like a model. (teehee)

UPDATE: Okay! I have found the peg that I've been looking for, though it's not incuded in the pictures above...I decided not to reveal it here until the BIG day because I want it to be a surprise. ;) Anyway...the next step is very very crucial:

WHO WILL MAKE IT?

HELP ME!

(CLOSED) Travel Tuesdays: 1st Blog Giveaway!

Why have I created this blog? I created this blog as a way of sharing my insights, travel tips, food reviews or anything I have in mind to my friends and family. I never really thought of anyone other than Coco to read this site. But nonetheless, as part of me giving back to your support, I'm excited to tell you that I will be giving out my first ever BLOG GIVEAWAY!!! Happy happy joy joy!

 ***

As my blog tells you, I love to travel. If only my money is limitless, I would be travelling around the world every month. But as part of travelling...there is always the hassle of packing my luggage. One of the important things I never forget is my toiletries kit. I personally find it hard to fit in my kit the big containers of shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion that I use at home. Good thing I always bring my  essentials in travel sizes from Skin Avenue! Not only are they convenient...they smell so nice!!! :)

Today, as part of Travel Tuesdays...I will be giving away 2 travel kits to 2 lucky readers! Just follow the easy steps below so you could join! 

1. Follow me on Instagram (carmelaugay)

2. Share this blog post in your FB account with the caption "#carmelaugaygiveaway"

3. Email me your Name, Cellphone Number. and Address to carmela_ugay@yahoo.com with the subject "carmelaugaygiveaway"

Contest ends on March 2 and winners will be notified via email. Happy Tuesday everyone! ^_^

Travel Tuesdays: Breakfast Buffet at Disneyland Hotel's Enchanted Garden

As promised, I'm here to continue my full review of our Hongkong 2013 experience: Breakfast Buffet at Disneyland Hotel's Enchanted Garden



Photo courtesy of Hongkong Disneyland website

I absolutey love buffets! Then add Mickey Mouse, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto roaming around and greeting you while you are eating...what more could you ask for? :) Yes, you read it right...eating breakfast at the famous Enchanted Garden gives you the priviledge to have exclusive photo op with your favorite Disney characters. This saves you from the trouble of lining up for a picture with them at Disneyland Park which can take an hour or so, depending on the number of visitors on the day of your visit.

Before booking, I ws lucky enough to see the promo offered at Hongkong Disneyland's website. There is an ongoing special discount for booking breakfast in advance. Instead of paying HKD 327.00 per person, we got to avail it at HKD 294.00 (inclusive of 10% service charge). Happy happy joy joy! :)

PROs:
-Buffet breakfast
-Exclusive photo op with Mickey, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy
-Food includes fun Mickey shaped pancakes and waffles
-Wide variety of Western, Indian and Chinese cuisine
-Variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices

CONs:
-Expensive (Original Price per Person: HKD 327.00 = around PHP 1,700.00)
-Duration of buffet is 1.5 hours only (you can choose between 7:30-9AM or 9:30-10AM)
-If you are staying at Disney's Hollywood Hotel,
you have to ride the Disney shuttle to take you to Disneyland Hotel.

If you don't want to shell out that much money but still want to eat buffet breakfast at Disneyland, there are 2 more Disney Restaurants to choose from. They are both cheaper compared to Enchanted Garden and have longer buffet duration (7/7:30AM-10AM) which means more time to eat! The downside however is that no Disney Characters are here to greet you good morning.

Chef Mickey (7-10:30 AM) - HKD 217 per person
Walt's Cafe (7:30-10:30 AM) - HKD 217 per person

For more information and updated promotions/offers, please visit http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com

Have a magical day! :)

Mod Mondays: Skin Care 101

Being an unica hija, I can definitely say that one of the benefits is being pampered like a princess. I am blessed to have generous parents who gave me nice clothes, bags and shoes. However, that is not the end of it. My mom would also schedule appointments to the dermatologist because during my teen years, acne welcomed me with open arms. Mom was determined to be like my Fairy Godmother as I was her Cinderella.

Whenever my mom tells me that I have a schudule at Belo, I dreaded that day. I never liked facials. Imagine lying in bed for one hour while the nurse pricked your pimples like there is no tomorrow...oh the pain!!! I bet this is my ultimate example of tiis ganda. But true enough...because of my mom's persistence, my teen acne eventually vanished.

Now I seldom go to derma, though I sometimes still get small breakouts due to my time of the month or that work is stressing me out. But these are all manageable so I need not worry. The most important thing I do now is maintaining a very good skin care routine. :)

Here are my five day-and-night steps to achieving healthy acne free skin:

1. Cleanser - I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub. For me, I prefer using scrubs over facial foams simply because I love the feeling of beads scrubing my face. It makes me feel the dirt and dead skin cells are removed from my skin. It's also important that it contains salicylic acid which helps prevent acne buildup. This is available at supermarkets.

2. Toner - I use Belo Clinic's Pore Minimizer and Chat 2%. I swear by these two toners that I have been using since high school. The pore minimizer helps in minimizing pores and the Chat 2% helps treat acne and even out blemishes. Both are available at any Belo Clinic.




Pore minimizer and Chat 2% are the ones in bottles at left


3. Moisturizer - I use Nivea Sparkling White Day Cream. I specifically like this because of the oil control and pore minimizing effect on my skin. This is also available at supermarkets.

4. Mask - I use Garnier Self Heating Sauna Mask and Aztec Spirulina Mask. This is a twice a month ritual for me as it gives me a tighter, firmer and glowing skin. Garnier mask is available at supermarkets while you can contact (02) 4772256 or visit www.spirulina.ph to order Aztec Spirulina Mask.

5. Healthy Lifestyle- Never sleep at night with your makeup still on. Drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet. :)

*photos courtesy of google as I don't have time today to take pictures of my products. ^_^

Happy Monday!

Sassy Saturdays: What's In My Bag?

Everyday at the office while waiting for the elevator to open, I see men arriving for work and notice a lot of them do not bring bags. It just amazes me how they can survive only bringing with them their cellphones and wallets. Then I would start to wonder my reason for carrying my bag when in fact 95% of its content I don't use when I'm in the office. Funny right? :))

So what's in my bag? Let's take a look...

1. Wallet - Cash, ATM cards, driver's license, IDs etc. 'Nuff said. :)

2. Coin Purse - Funny story: I used to have 5 Australian cents inside that looks exactly like 1 Philippine peso coin and I recently checked that I only now have 1 Australian cent left with me. Whoever I paid those cents for, I'm sorry. My bad. :)

3. Cellphone - my beloved S2 from Coco

4. Gadget Kit - Cellphone charger; earphones; car/house keys. Because I need to charge my phone daily, I need to have my charger with me all the time. I bought a portable charger a long time ago but I don't bring it because there's always no stored battery...I'm too lazy to charge.

 

5. Makeup Kit -  MAC Studio Fix NC40, Maybelline Mineral Blush in Coral, mirror, wax and solution for my contacts. I am not that fond of makeup so what I have here in my bag are the only makeup tools I have...because I believe beauty is in the eye of the beholder. #chos #maymasabilang

6. First Aid Kit - GirlScout. That's the term my mom fondly calls me because I bring this kit with me all the time. You see, my boyfriend/fiance (teehee) is prone to migraine, so I just want to make sure I can take care of him. Cheesy right? :) Headache? Stomachache? Colds? Cough? Cut? Wound? I've got him covered. :)

7. Jergens Lotion and Evian - Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. Because we are in a tropical country, it's always good to keep your skin smooth and moisturized.

8. Perfume - Le Par Kenzo - it's a good feeling to smell nice, isn't it?

 

9. Rosary - God = Faith.Hope.Love

 

 

Happy Weekend Guys! :)