Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Changdeokgung Palace
My visit: December 2, 2011
Day 5 (morning)
99 Yulgong- no,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
Korea
02-7629513
Schedule:
April- October 9am- 6:30pm
December-February 9am-5pm
November & March 9am- 5:30pm
Closed on Mondays
The Palace Admission:
Adults W3, 000
Children W1, 500
The Secret Garden Admission:
Adults W5, 000
Children W2, 500
No smoking and No pets allowed within the palace grounds.
Changdeok Palace literally means "Palace of Prospering Virtue". It is referred to as the East Palace because it is located at the east of Gyeongbok Palace.
It was the secondary palace of Gyeongbokgung, the main palace. All 5 palaces were destroyed by fire during Japanese invasion in 1592. It was restored in 1610 and served as the main palace when for about 270 years until Gyeongbokgung was finally reconstructed in 1868.- taken from back of the ticket
Injeongjeon (Main Hall)
In 1997, Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as an "outstanding example of Far Eastern palace architecture and garden design- Wikipedia
Monday, January 30, 2012
New find: Shang Tsu Tomas Morato
Shang Tsu
Unit 5 No. 74 Creekside Square
Tomas Morato Ave.,
Quezon City
6227742
I read about this newly opened restaurant along Tomas Morato called Shang Tsu in Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) a few weeks back. I told my girlfriends to dine here on our next get together but the plan didn't push through. Fortunately, when I nudge DH to give this restaurant a try after our dentist appointment, he said yes.
crispy pork chop set meal PhP145
The restaurant's concept reminded me a lot of pientang (Taiwanese lunch box). I ordered what I always order when I am in Taiwan, crispy pork chop meal ; p
The pork chop is crispy but a little bland. I finished one of the three side dishes- sweet shredded bean curd, in a snap. I am just not sure if I can ask for a refill though lol
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Summer Getaway in Orlando, Florida!
My last vacation is so much fun that I started planning for the next one. Since our supposed trip to the US last year was postponed, DH and I are planning to go back to US this summer vacation. I already have a 10- year US visa. All I needed is a ticket then I could easily jump on a plane and travel to any US destination that I want.
So far, I have been to Boston, New York, New Jersey, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. On our next trip, DH and I plan to visit Orlando, Florida.
I know of a cousin who spends her family vacation almost every year in Florida. She said it never gets boring. Plus, her kid never gets tired of the place!
Let me share what I found online that offers the best deals in Orlando Hotels. You can also like them on Facebook.
I can’t wait for my summer getaway!
The Riverside Hotel Korea
My visit: December 27, 2011
The Riverside Hotel
6-1, Jamwon-dong,
Seocho-gu, Apgujeong/ Cheongdam,
Seoul, Korea
Looks can be deceiving! The Riverside Hotel seems impressive at first because it is a boutique hotel. This is my least favorite hotel. Thank goodness we only stayed here for two nights. Read after the break to find out why I am pissed off...
twin bed ; (
On our fourth night, we still didn't get the bed that we requested for. I would later find out that king size bed is hard to come by in Korea ; (
Our twin beds were neatly tucked. The room is quite small but so are the rest of the hotel rooms that we have stayed in. I like the headboard. It gives the room an added class ; p
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ramen X opens in Trinoma
My event: January 26, 2012
Ramen X
2nd level, Trinoma Mall
next to Recipes
Ramen X was conceptualized by the same group that brought to you Ramen Bar in Eastwood. I was invited to attend the soft opening of the restaurant by the owner himself ; p DH and I were there ahead of schedule. We need to leave early because we have a movie date right after lol
Ramen X Authentic Japanese Ramen
Ramen- quick- cooking noodles, typically served in a broth with meat and vegetables
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Cookin' Nanta Since 1997
My visit: December 26, 2011
Day 4
Nanta- Hong Dae
Yellow Stone Bldg.,
B2 & B3, 357-5
Seokyo- Dong, Mapo- Gu
Seoul, Korea
02- 7398288
064- 7238878 (Jeju Nanta Theater)
Schedule:
Everyday including Holidays
2pm (Myeongdong only), 5pm, 8pm
After Everland, we travelled to Hong Dae to catch the 5pm Cookin' Nanta show. It is a non verbal performance presented through rhythm and beats using everyday tools found in the kitchen like knives, pots and pans. Audience participation is highly appreciated.
Cookin' Nanta non verbal performance
People, young and old, can relate to the story line no wonder it is visited by tourists all over the world. I am now part of the 7, 000, 000 people around the world who has seen this show since its first performance in October 10, 1997.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips by Etude House
I hoarded a lot of makeup from Etude House while in Korea. One of the products that caught my attention was the Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips #4 Miss Tangerine Tangerine from the Tangerine line... whew!
Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips in Miss Tangerine Tangerine W8500 (PhP340)
I got the true tangerine color, the rest of the colors are called Shiny Pinkshower, Sweetberry Blossom, Miss Sunny Tangerine and Sweet Peach Shower.
Etude House's Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips
Glossy, moist lipstick in fabulous shades for juicy, tangy lips
Monday, January 23, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Everland Winter Wonderland
My visit: December 26, 2011
Day 4
Korea
031-320-5000
After nature tripping, skiing & apple wine making, we went to Korea's biggest playground, Everland Resort. I am so excited even if I despised thrill rides! I am like a kid in wonderland!
Welcome to Everland!
Our tour guide did not follow the sequence written in our itinerary. Instead of going to Everland on the fifth day, we went on the fourth day. We didn't mind as long as we visit every place written in our itinerary ; p
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Color My Brows #2 Light Brown by Etude House
My dilemma started last year when I decided to dye my hair. My hair has never been dyed before so I went to a professional salon, Hair Asia to have it colored in red. In less than 3 months, the color has faded. I figured I can't afford to shell out PhP2, 500 every single time so I bought Etude House's Bubble Hair Color in Wine Red. It's inexpensive and I got the color that I desired in less than an hour's wait. My hair color became lighter with every application of dye. The eyebrow pencil that I used did not match that of my new hair color... ack! My continuous search for a matching color for my eyebrows remained futile until I went to Korea.
Color My Brows #2 Light Brown 4.5g W6000 (PhP240)
While in Korea, I had this crazy idea to dye my hair in The Face Shop's Orange Brown. The difference between my hair color and my eyebrow color is more noticeable. That is a very big problem for a person like me who wants everything in terno. I know, I should have just dyed my eyebrows, right?! Then my problem would have been solved lol
Friday, January 20, 2012
GS Plaza Hotel Korea
My visit: December 25, 2011
1060-1 BangChon-Dong,
Dong-Gu, Daegu, Korea
+53-9862500
On our first and second night in Korea, I was disappointed to see the twin beds in our room. For our third night, I specifically asked Mike, our Korean tour guide, to request for one huge bed for DH & I- think king sized bed. But what we got is this---> a double bed from GS Plaza Hotel; p
double bed... waaaaaaah!
The bed was way too small for the two of us! We could have fit in if we were model thin lol We were better off with twin beds but I have a hard time sleeping alone. I was hoping we could at least sleep on a queen sized bed that night; p We could not change rooms because the hotel was fully booked on Christmas day ; (
Thursday, January 19, 2012
New find: Cuisinier Bistro Culinary Studio
My visit: January 7, 2012
Cuisinier Bistro & Culinary Studio
G/F The Richwell Center
102 Timog Ave., Sacred Heart, Quezon City
4265872 09178282433
One of Wilson's closest friends is back in town and we decided to treat him and his girl somewhere special. On the day that they agreed to meet, we drove around Tomas Morato area scouting for a new place to eat when we remembered the French restaurant we often passed by whenever we go to Trinoma. We decided to check out... Cuisinier.
It was around 5:30pm when we entered the restaurant to check out the menu. The menu is pretty impressive and immediately I have my eyes set on lamb ribs. The price is just right, inexpensive than most of the fine dining restaurants that we have been to. The only risk we got to take is the taste because this is our first visit.
parsley crusted lamb ribs PhP670
Quezon City restaurants have one main problem- parking but that is not the case for Cuisinier because it has its own gated parking area at the back along Sct. Rallos St. That made DH finalized his decision to reserved a table for 4 that night.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Han's Farm Zu Ji Mong Apple Wine by Applease Korea Brewery Co.
My visit: December 25, 2011
Day 3 (afternoon)
Applease Korea Brewery Co. Ltd.,
69 Hupyeong-ri, Danchon-myeon,
Euiseong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Korea
After taking in the stunning view of Mount Sorak, we travelled for several hours before reaching Applease Korea Brewery Co. Ltd.- an apple wine making factory.
our very own bottle of Zu Ji Mong Apple Wine
The factory was closed because it's Christmas day but we were still able to see the machines used in making apple wine.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Mount Sorak (Seoraksan National Park)
My visit: December 25, 2011
Day 3 (morning)
Seoraksan National Park
Korea
We brought two Canon cameras (IXUS 860IS & 350D) for our Korea trip. DH even got his tripod packed together with his clothes. You can just imagine how many luggage that we brought with us lol Anyway, what's my point?! I think the stunning view that we captured with our cameras speaks for itself! The agony of bringing 5 luggage is well worth it!
Mt. Sorak
DH & I were at Mt. Sorak on Christmas day. The view is breathtaking! Can I just say that it is picture perfect too?
Monday, January 16, 2012
Adidas MEI
Surprise! Surprise! My sister-in-law flew in from Canada last week and look what she got me... Adidas Mei in Black/ Clear Pink/ Strong Pink. The colors reminded me of my own Adidas Duramo 2 which I used for running.
lightweight and flexible... Adidas MEI $39.99 originally $69.99
The design is pretty impressive! It's so flexible- as seen in the photo, lightweight and fits perfectly well too! *true to size
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Christmas Eve at Sorak Park Hotel & Casino
Sorak Park Hotel & Casino
74-3 Sorak- Dong,
Sokcho- Si, Gangwon- Do,
Korea #217- 120
033-636-7711
On our second night, DH and I were popping pills to battle our colds and muscle pain from skiing. One of the important things that travelers should bring is a medicine kit. Once when we were in San Francisco, DH suffered allergy from eating crabs. We were walking along the deserted part of Chinatown looking for a 24 hours pharmacy at 2 a.m. After that incident, I see to it that I never run out of Claritin in my kit again.
DH in our Korean room
After enjoying the whole afternoon skiing, we boarded the bus to our next destination, Mt Sorak. It was around 5pm when we arrived at our hotel. After checking in, we went straight to our room to prepare for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner.
Our room came as a surprise! It has a small anteroom where the toilet is located. A sliding door separates the bedroom from it. It has heated floor, a small TV, a personal refrigerator and best of all free WIFI/ LAN connection.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Gradient Nails (OMBRE) by Flirt Waxing Lounge
Flirt Waxing Lounge
91A East Capitol Drive corner Sta. Clara St.,
Kapitolyo, Pasig
5848819
Angela invited me to try out a fairly new salon in Kapitolyo, Pasig, Flirt Waxing Lounge. Hey, don't be fooled by its name because it not only offers waxing but a whole lot more like my gradient nail art for example!
gradient nail art- IT manicure for the IT girl---> that's me!
The owner let us pick whatever design that we wanted and I was dead set on giving gradient nails a try! Using nail polish with glitters or whatever you call those dusts as base coat can make your nail polish lasts longer. It actually strengthens the nails and protects it from chipping.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Winter Ski
Day 2
High1 Ski Resort
Korea
After breakfast, our tour group wasted no time and went skiing. I must admit seeing the slope kind of scared me. Little did I know that first timers are not even allowed in the beginner's slope. You have to have an instructor with you. Our 72 year old guide taught us how to put on the ski but we were on our own after that.
Athena slope is for Beginner & Intermediate level
I am glad that DH knew the basics of skiing. He was the one who taught me how to position my legs and bend my knees. I don't know what I would do without him ; p
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
White Christmas in High1 Resort Korea
My visit: December 23-24, 2011
Gohanri 1- 139, Gohaneup, Jeongseongun
Kangwon- do, Korea
+82-1588-7789
The photo below was taken behind the window inside our hotel- High1 Resort Korea. Even then I was already in awe at the grandeur of mountain scenery. It was taken around 6pm. The snow partially covered the mountain. I am so excited because this is my first ever white Christmas!!!
serene view
I can't wait to see what's in store for us the next day. Our guide gave us the next day's weather forecast- snowy! It's what we wanted because it is perfect for skiing! Woo hoo!
While waiting for our guide to check us in, DH and I took the following photos...
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Summer Hair 2012... A New Me!
Last Thursday, DH accompanied me to the salon so I can have my hair cut. I have been sporting long and sexy curls since I started this blog in 2008. I figured what have I got to lose, right? If I didn't like my hair short, I will just have to wait for it to grow back or buy a wig or what they now call "hair extensions" lol
no, I am not suffering from a bad break up ; p
I went back to Bang's Tony & Jackey in Tomas Morato and asked for Anna- senior stylist. She already trimmed my hair before so I know I am in good hands. I noticed the look on her face when I asked her to cut my hair short. I asked her "Round face?" She replied with a resounding "Yes!" She proceeded by inspecting my hair and said "Not too short... long here, shorter here!"
Intrigued by what she means? Read after the break for the result...
Monday, January 9, 2012
Korean Restaurant in Nami Island & Ski Rental
My visit: December 23, 2011
Day 1
Nami Island
Korea
Our Day 1 on tour includes lunch and dinner only. We spent half a day around Nami Island where we ate an early lunch around 11a.m.
Korean restaurant
I noticed that most of the restaurants in Korea have no English sign available like this one. I was so excited to try my first authentic Korea feast and I was not disappointed.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Day 1
My visit: December 23, 2011
Korea bound via Korean Air KE 624
Departure: 12:30am (Manila time)
Arrival: 5:05 am (Korea time; Manila time 4:05a.m.)
I was sleepy sleeping the entire flight so I can't give you a comprehensive review about Korean Air. As far as I can remember, when I woke up a few minutes before landing, a stewardess was already by my side asking what meal do I want to eat. The staff were all efficient and worked their way around sleeping passengers like me. It was not a full flight so DH and I were able to transfer to vacant seats. I was all stretched out on all three seats. It's like sleeping first class style lol
Moving on, we booked this tour through a travel agent only a few weeks back before the scheduled departure date. RUSH- that's how DH & I always travel ; p You know that if you have been a follower of this blog. Remember my Taiwan adventure last December 2010? Or our Hong Kong trip last July 2011 where I bought my very first LV? I was not even supposed to be in Korea, DH and I were supposed to go to Canada along with the rest of his family hehe
this is Nami Island, Korea during winter
After meeting up with our Korean tour guide at the Incheon International Airport, we went straight to Nami Island.
Nami Island is named after a controversial personality in Korea, General Nami (1441-1468). It is where his tomb lies. He started his military career at the very young age of 17. At the age of 25, he was officially honored as a Merit Subject and was given the title of Minister of National Defense. Unfortunately King Sejo, General Nami's great patron, died. King Yejong, the new ruler, falsely denounced General Nami as a traitor and was executed together with his mother and his faithful retainers. In 1818, during King Sunjo's reign, his official positions were restored after the revelation that false evidence was used against him. He was give a posthumous name "Chung-mu".
Saturday, January 7, 2012
J.CO Donuts & Coffee opens in SM Megamall!
Commercial Break from Korean post!
I got 3 dozens of freshly baked donuts right at my doorstep last December 20 from an Indonesian brand called J.CO Donuts & Coffee! woot!
J.CO was founded in 2005 by Johnny Adrean. After opening its first store in Jakarta, it has now over 100 outlets in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, China and The Philippines.
Coco Loco
Come February 16, 2012, you, too, can now enjoy flavorful J.CO donuts, it's signature brew- Jcoccino and their own yogurt called J.Cool as it opens its first store in the Philippines- The Strip, SM Megamall.
DH loves donuts! He grabbed a donut and took a bite of Don Mochino. J.CO donuts are melt-in-your-mouth donuts.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Winter in Korea Travel Essentials
Your Korean visa was already approved! What to do next? Shopping, of course! Traveling to Korea in December means it's winter season over there. Good thing, DH is used to winter season having lived in Canada for several years. He knows what to bring e.g. travel essentials. We shopped a few days before we left for Korea.
I want to share with you the items that saved my dear life from the winter cold. Think negative 15 degree celsius!
Note that some of the items pictured here were bought in Korea. Nothing beats Korean products, it's inexpensive and stylish! I <3!
bonnets, hat & earmuffs
DH shopped for his bonnet in Bench. I bought a bonnet and a hat in Korea for PhP1, 040 (
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Reed Diffuser
I got this reed diffuser from The Body Shop last Christmas. Since I was not home during the holidays, I totally forgot about it. While rummaging through my stuff and looking for a space inside my cabinet to fill it with my recent Korean beauty haul, I saw this huge rectangular box. What better way to make a space than to get the box out of the cabinet and use it, right?
The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Reed Diffuser PhP2095
Here I was one afternoon unboxing The Body Shop's Spiced Vanilla Reed Diffuser. Read after the break for the unboxing.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Face Shop Stylist Silky Hair Color Cream in Orange Brown (8O)
An-yŏng-ha-se-yo! I just got back from Korea last January 1st. That explains my lack of posts lol Anyway, this is just the first in a series of Korean entries.
Hold your breath because after my Red Wine hair craze, I decided to dye my hair yet again with... The Face Shop Stylist Silky Hair Color Cream in Orange Brown!
The Face Shop Hair Color Cream in Orange Brown (8O) PhP180 (W4400)
You must think I am crazy, right?! Well, I am not ; p I just want to experiment with different hair colors. So, on my 8th day in Korea, I finally succumbed and turned myself into a Korean! Ok, not really, it's just my hair color ; p But you get my point, right? lol
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New find: Casa Roces Malacañan
My visit: November 29, 2011
1153 J.P. Laurel St. cor.
Aguado St., San Miguel, Manila
7355896 7084020
Casa Roces is an ancestral house-turned-restaurant by the Roces clan. It is operated by The Cravings Group and is situated near Malacañan Palace.
oven baked salmon welling PhP380
Our friend, JSY, suggested this restaurant and I immediately said yes. I was hoping for a very satisfying dinner with good friends.
Traveling from Quezon City to Manila was a breeze. DH and I were ahead of everyone else. Most of our friends were late because of the horrible holiday traffic. Anyway, we ordered our drinks and a salad while waiting for the others to arrive.
Photo shown was my order- over baked salmon welling. Mashed potato and a few pieces of asparagus were included in my order as side dishes. It was like eating a pie. It was already sliced into half, it's perfect if you are sharing this with a friend.
Traveling from Quezon City to Manila was a breeze. DH and I were ahead of everyone else. Most of our friends were late because of the horrible holiday traffic. Anyway, we ordered our drinks and a salad while waiting for the others to arrive.
Photo shown was my order- over baked salmon welling. Mashed potato and a few pieces of asparagus were included in my order as side dishes. It was like eating a pie. It was already sliced into half, it's perfect if you are sharing this with a friend.
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