Category Archives: Places

🇵🇭 Top Places Americans Must Visit in the Philippines (2025 Travel Guide)

Posted on August 28, 2025 | Leave a comment

✈️ Why Visit the Philippines?

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers a stunning mix of white-sand beaches, volcanoes, mountains, and rich cultural experiences. For American travelers, it’s a friendly, English-speaking country, with affordable travel and non-stop flights from the US to Manila or Cebu.

🌴 Top Places Americans Must Visit in the Philippines

1. El Nido, Palawan – Paradise Found

By Philippine Fly Boy – Flickr: El NIDO, CC BY 2.0

One of the most iconic beach destinations in the world, El Nido features limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and secluded islands. Go island hopping in Bacuit Bay, snorkel in Secret Lagoon, and experience raw tropical beauty.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Lio Airport (El Nido) or Puerto Princesa (5–6 hrs by van)
  • 🏨 Recommended stay: 3–5 days
  • 📸 Tip: Visit Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon early in the morning to avoid crowds

2. Banaue & Batad, Ifugao – The Ancient Rice Terraces

By Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas or alternatively © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0,

See the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Americans looking for history, hiking, and authentic indigenous culture will love the peaceful highlands of Northern Luzon.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Clark or Manila (then 9-hour bus ride)
  • 🥾 Tip: Take the hike to Batad village for jaw-dropping views

3. Cebu – History, Beaches & Whale Sharks

By Iszaid Bin Idris – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Cebu is a diverse destination offering a mix of city life, heritage sites, and natural attractions. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob, chase waterfalls in Kawasan, and visit Magellan’s Cross in Cebu City.

  • 🛫 Direct flights from the US (via Manila or Hong Kong)
  • 🐋 Don’t miss: Sardine run in Moalboal and canyoneering in Badian

4. Siargao Island – Surf, Serenity, and Secret Spots

By ChaasPrime – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao has grown into a haven for all kinds of travelers. Whether you surf or not, enjoy pristine beaches, Sugba Lagoon, and the laid-back island life.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Sayak Airport (Siargao)
  • 🌊 Great for: Surfing, paddleboarding, and unplugging from city life

5. Vigan, Ilocos Sur – Spanish Colonial Charm

By Ray in Manila – Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Philippines – One of The New 7 Wonder Cities of The World, CC BY 2.0,

For a taste of old-world Philippines, visit Vigan, a UNESCO heritage town that looks frozen in time. Stroll down Calle Crisologo, ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), and try local delicacies like empanada.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Laoag or Manila (8-hour bus ride)
  • 🏛️ Best for: History buffs, photographers, and architecture lovers

6. Bohol – Chocolate Hills & Tarsiers

By Jesse Alegre – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Bohol is famous for the unique Chocolate Hills and the world’s smallest primate, the Philippine Tarsier. It’s also home to white sand beaches, rivers, and adventure parks.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Panglao International Airport
  • 🚣 Try: Loboc River cruise and zipline rides

7. Davao City & Samal Island – Culture Meets Nature

By Michael E. Peligro – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

Davao, the hometown of Philippine eagles and durian, offers a great mix of culture, food, and adventure. Hop to Samal Island for beach resorts and snorkeling.

  • 🛫 Direct domestic flights from Manila & Cebu
  • 🦅 Must-see: Philippine Eagle Center and Mount Apo (highest peak in the country)

8. Coron, Palawan – Shipwreck Diving & Stunning Lakes

By Rollymagpayo – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 4.0,

If you love diving, Coron is a dream. Explore WWII shipwrecks, Kayangan Lake, and Barracuda Lake—known for its surreal underwater thermoclines.

  • 🛫 Closest airport: Busuanga Airport (Coron)
  • 🤿 Top activity: Wreck diving and lake excursions

🗓️ Best Time for Americans to Visit the Philippines

SeasonMonthsNotes
Dry SeasonDecember–MayBest for beaches & island tours
Wet SeasonJune–NovemberFewer tourists, occasional typhoons

💸 Travel Tips for Americans

  • Visa-free stay: US passport holders can stay for up to 30 days visa-free
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (₱); $1 ≈ ₱56–₱58 (as of 2025)
  • Language: English is widely spoken—no language barrier
  • Transport: Domestic flights are cheap; ride-hailing apps like Grab work in cities

📌 Final Thoughts

The Philippines offers diverse experiences that cater to every kind of traveler—beach lovers, adventurers, history fans, and foodies alike. For Americans looking for an exotic, budget-friendly, and unforgettable destination in Asia, the Philippines is a must.

🧳 Pack your bags, book your flight, and discover why “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.

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Iconic GiGO Akihabara Building 1 to Close August 31, 2025 — End of an Era

Posted on August 28, 2025 | Leave a comment

Tokumeigakarinoaoshima

A Farewell to a Gaming Landmark

After more than 30 years as an iconic fixture in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, GiGO Akihabara Building 1 is set to close on August 31, 2025. The closure comes as its fixed-term lease expires, ending the run of this beloved red-bricked arcade.

A Storied History

This building first opened in October 1992 as High‑Tech Land Sega Shintoku, later rebranding over time to Club Sega Akihabara and Sega Akihabara Building 1 before adopting the GiGO name following Genda’s acquisition of Sega’s amusement business in 2022.

Its vibrant red facade has long been a visual landmark, welcoming gaming and pop culture fans from Japan and abroad.

Why the Closure?

According to Genda GiGO Entertainment’s statement, the closure is purely due to the expiration of the building’s lease. There’s no indication that renewal negotiations were ongoing.

What Comes Next?

Matahari Entertainment, known for operating the Silk Hat arcade chain, will take over the location and open another amusement facility on the same site.

Meanwhile, Genda will continue running its other Akihabara arcades—GiGO Buildings 2, 3, and 5.

A New Beginning Elsewhere

Coinciding with the closure, Genda is opening a brand-new, three-story arcade in Fuchu, Tokyo. The GiGO Fuchu arcade launched mid-July 2025, featuring crane games, experience games, purikura booths, music and medal games—a modern take on the classic arcade experience.

Why This Matters to Fans

  • The closure marks the end of Akihabara’s last full‑building Sega‑originated arcade — a tangible piece of gaming and Otaku history.
  • Yet, the district lives on. The legacy continues through other nearby arcades—especially GiGO Building 3—still a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
  • The transformation of the site into a new entertainment venue ensures that Akihabara’s vibrant spirit remains, even as landmarks evolve.

While the closure of GiGO Building 1 marks the end of a nostalgic chapter, it also signals transformation and renewal—both for Genda with its Fuchu expansion and for Akihabara’s ever-evolving landscape. Fans are encouraged to experience one last visit before August 31, and then explore the refreshed arcade, entertainment future at that iconic site.

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Post-Election Blues… Que sera, sera…

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s been an incredibly trying four months and the national elections in my country have come and gone, and there’s still this bitterness in my heart that I’ve yet to process wholly, but I’m getting there one step at a time. I’ve written a few posts in my drafts which I’m unable to post because I didn’t feel like communicating, didn’t feel like I could share more these past months, but I figured why the heck not? Let’s keep that ball rolling, and as I’ve said, let’s take it one step at a time.

Back in 2016, I read an article in Vogue about the five ways to recover from the post-election blues, and I didn’t think that it would somehow be relevant to me six years later. To quote it, the article said to stay connected, “Spending time with friends and like-minded people is key. “Seek people who can understand and validate your experience,” says Keenan-Miller. For some, a small or large dose of being alone is restorative, but cutting yourself off from your current life ultimately won’t help. We all generally get a mood boost through support and empathy from others.” I’m trying to do this. I think I’d get there soon enough. I hope.

With the pandemic still hovering, I’ve decided to focus on work and plan for future travels. I was pretty successful at doing these two, which kept my mind off the terrible news bombarding us each and every day. This coming December, I decided to go back to Europe for a month to get a taste of travel after these two grueling years of COVID lockdown. I am excited and I cannot wait to just escape the monotony of what I’m doing, even just for a bit.

“I used to think that if none of your family or friends knew you were dead, it was like not really being dead. People can invent the best and the worst for you.” – Celine, Before Sunrise. Loc: Me at Zollamtssteg Bridge, Vienna

Now, with that bit of update out of the way, I’m looking forward to sharing some stuff in my next few posts. I’ve not been reading a lot, but I was able to get hold of some books I’ve postponed reading from years past. I also watched The Sandman over the weekend. I’ve not watched any series since last year, but this one really piqued my interest and I enjoyed it. I’ve also collated all the figures I bought over the last two years, and there are a lot. I didn’t realize that I spent quite a lot during this pandemic. The start of the BER months is in two days, and that means early Christmas planning! exciting!! Ooh! Not really. But we’ll see.

Ta!

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Book Review—Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories by Patricia Furstenberg

Posted on September 23, 2021 | 2 comments

‘Transylvania’s History A to Z’ by author Patricia Furstenberg is a collection of 26 stories that let us burrow into the history and legends about Transylvania. These stories presented alphabetically have 100 words each.

Just a little story that I wanted to share before I continue telling you about this book—I’ve always wanted to go to Romania. When I visited Europe in 2019, I had Romania, Hungary, and Croatia on my list, but because of time (been staying in Europe for a month then) and money running out, I thought I needed to regroup and visit next time. It was still a great trip, but since then, I’ve become more interested in knowing more about the region and promised myself that I’d see these places soon. 

Going back to this short 68-page eBook (104 in paperback), I thought it was an excellent introduction, particularly for people like me who wanted to see a glimpse of Romania. And it has pictures to go with each story which add to the enjoyment of reading it.

My favorite amongst the 26 stories are the following:

A Paleolithic Murder is the opening story and also a very compelling one. In a hundred words, there is already a complete story of murder, love, and betrayal! So good!

Vlad the Impaler  – Yep, the very same Dracula in pop culture. I loved that it’s not a boring-ass description about him, but the author just summarized who he is and what he did historically.

X, I Sign My Letter with a Cross relates to the tension about the interracial relations discouraged between the Hungarians, the Germans, and the local Romanians. The Catholic and the Orthodox worshippers were also forbidden to marry during that era.

I’ve also learned about the X we put in letters and how it came to mean kisses. So apparently, the custom of placing “X” on envelopes, notes, and at the bottom of letters to mean kisses dates back to the Middle ages when a Christian cross was drawn on documents or letters to convey sincerity, faith, and honesty. The signer then placed a kiss upon the cross as a display of their sworn oath. That was a fun tidbit!

Overall, these stories are all interesting, enjoyable, and very short too. I kept going back and forth to connect one to another. You can read it in one sitting, and this is an excellent read for anyone like me who loves history! 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Date of Publication: August 20, 2021

Read it for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription:

About the Author
Patricia Furstenberg is the author of contemporary novel ‘Silent Heroes, When Love and Values Are Worth Fighting For’ and of the Amazon Bestseller ‘Joyful Trouble.’ She writes contemporary fiction, historical fiction, poetry, haiku and children stories. All of her books include… dogs. Patricia believes each creature has a story and a voice, if only we stop to listen.

With a medical degree behind her, Patricia is passionate about mind, brain and education and the psychology behind it. Using her knowledge she crafts stories and poems that are great fun, as well as teaching empathy.

Patricia came to writing though reading, her passion for books being something she inherited from her parents. “When I write, I write,” she usually says.

When she’s not writing she likes to read, listen to music, dance and bake.
This Romanian born writer is living happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Patricia Furstenberg Author Page and Blog: http://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

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My Unforgettable Auschwitz-Birkenau Day Tour

Posted on December 31, 2020 | Leave a comment

I never learned about the Holocaust in school. History lessons were very compressed at my public elementary and high schools. My first exposure to the Nazi genocide against the Jews in Europe was through the film Schindler’s List, which I accidentally watched around 1997-1998. I’m not certain about the exact date, but during that time, I was at the cusp of puberty. I was a sensitive and emotional child, and that film touched something in me that stayed with me into adulthood.

I attempted to learn more about it in high school, but the ineffective teaching and inadequate resources left me thirsty for more until I attended university, where I finally grasped the scope of this terrible part of our history. I read books, articles, newsreels, and film archives, trying to absorb as much information as possible. There were so many unanswered questions that I wanted to address, but to this day, some of them remain unanswered, or rather, unanswerable. The ‘whys’ and the ‘hows’ are just too much and unfathomable.

That’s why this trip was especially meaningful for me. Having the opportunity to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, among the thousands of Nazi concentration camps, felt like a blessing somehow. It felt like it would answer some of the questions I’ve had since I was a teenager, and I felt that I would somehow connect with the victims of this horrifying human tragedy, and most importantly, pay my respects by never forgetting about them.

For the record, I do not personally know a single Jewish individual, but I do believe that as human beings, we must acknowledge what transpired here and in the rest of the concentration camps around Europe. I believe that we owe it to the victims to keep their memories alive, to be reminded of what is at stake, and to understand what should be done to prevent such a colossal tragedy in human history from ever happening again.

The tour started very early in the morning. It was freezing that day. I thought I was already accustomed to the cold, but the weather that day made me feel lethargic for some reason.

I took this picture of the beautiful Krakow morning while waiting for the bus to pick me up.

Auschwitz is located in Oświęcim, which is 66 kilometers west of Krakow, or around 2 hours from Krakow.

The phrase ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ over the Auschwitz gate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Holocaust. It means ‘Work Sets You Free,’ serving as a disturbing reminder of Nazi cruelty.
These are Zyklon B cans, which contained the gas used as a killing tool in the gas chambers.

The Museum collections include:

  • about 40.000 m3 of shoes;
  • about 3,800 suitcases, 2,100 of which bear the names of their owners;
  • over 12 thousand kitchen utensils;
  • 470 prostheses and orthoses;
  • 397 striped camp garments;
  • 246 tallisim;
  • about 4,100 works of art (including about 2 thousand of which were made by prisoners). Source

Our group tour around Auschwitz took about 2 hours, and we had a short break before heading to its adjacent camp, the Birkenau concentration camp.

I bought a copy of this guidebook and Viktor Frankl’s book about his time in various Nazi concentration camps.
Heading to Birkenau concentration camp.
I was able to go to the quarters and touch what remains of their bunk beds. It was heavy and sad.

It took me a while to share these pictures I took when I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps last December 2019 because I didn’t think it was proper to post them at all. Instead, I posted pictures of the exterior of the camps on my Instagram page. These images felt too personal at the time. However, I realized that I wanted people to know, especially the young ones who have not heard or read about the Holocaust, to be aware of this tragedy, to understand its history, and to glimpse a dark past in human history that should never happen again and must never be forgotten. We should forever honor their memories, as they serve as a constant reminder for us to always treat each other with dignity, respect each other’s differences, and learn not just to tolerate but to accept and view life as a gift. The victims—those who perished and those still alive to this day—gave their lives to be our social conscience, and may we never forget that.

“For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” – Elie Wiesel

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Euro Vacay Day 8-9: Krakow In My Heart

Posted on December 29, 2020 | Leave a comment

I arrived in Krakow at the crack of dawn, still feeling a bit hazy from the lack of sleep inside the bus. The journey from Vienna to Krakow took more or less nine hours, and despite being very tired from my day tour in Vienna, I was too giddy to sleep right away. Who could sleep comfortably inside a bus, though? Haha!

Upon arriving at Krakow Dworzec Autobusowy MDA, I opted to use Uber to take me to the city center, where I had booked a couple of nights. Before that, I exchanged about 100 euros at the station for some Polish złoty. Just a little FYI—although Poland is a European Union member, they still use their own currency.

As mentioned above, I booked two nights at the Ametyst Hostel, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely my favorite hostel of the whole trip. Firstly, the guy at the reception allowed me to check in right away, thank goodness because I still needed a couple more hours of sleep. I stayed in a six-mixed dorm room, and everything was just perfect! I had my own locker, the bed was warm and comfy, and it didn’t feel cramped at all. Plus, their bathrooms were always clean! The most wonderful thing about it is that it’s just five minutes away from the main square! Seriously, it’s right in the heart of the city! I just know that I’ll definitely go back to Krakow and stay with them again!

I was assigned the top bunk near the window!

After getting a few hours of sleep and feeling refreshed, I embarked on my very first winter experience in Poland! Haha!

The weather was a bit overcast but thankfully, it did not rain. It was just too cold as usual!

Eros Bendato’ (Eros Bound) or ‘The Head’ is the work of Polish artist Igor Mitoraj (1944-2014). Situated in the western corner of the market square, this sculpture serves as a popular meeting place and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

The sculpture at night and up-close.
Adam Mickiewicz Monument in Kraków, is one of the best known bronze monuments in Poland, and a favourite meeting place at the Main Market Square in the Old Town district of Kraków. source
The monument at night.

Mickiewicz is counted as one of Poland’s’s Three Bards (the others being Zygmunt Krasiński and Juliusz Słowacki) and the greatest poet in all Polish literature.

The St. Mary’s Basilica

After Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica is the most important church in Krakow. Its construction began in the late 13th century on the foundations of a former Romanesque church. The new temple was consecrated around the year 1320. Over the centuries, the church underwent numerous reconstructions, both of its exterior and interior.

The atmosphere at the main square was heartwarming! After all, it’s still the holiday season.
The view from the Wawel Royal Castle.
Wawel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and cathedral of the Archdiocese of Kraków, located on Wawel Hill in Kraków, Poland.
Saints Peter and Paul Church.
Of course, I had to take a picture with one of Pope John Paul II’s statues in Krakow. This life-sized monument of the former local lad turned Pope turned Saint John Paul II stands across from Wawel Cathedral, near the entrance of the Cathedral Museum. Interestingly, the museum was opened by the man himself, then Cardinal Karol Wojtyła, back in 1978. Source
A clearer image in the morning. Source
Inside the Wawel Royal Castle
This looks unreal IRL.
Christmas has just ended, and 2020 is fast approaching. How I wish I could go back to those days when we were all still unaware of Covid-19.
Food! Food! Food!
My dinner! Ugh! This was actually more than it looks here!
Dessert!!!
Souvenirs options!
Candies! Candies! Candies!
I’ve almost forgot about this but it’s good!
The artistry!
Heading back to the hostel here!
This was just a couple of blocks away from the hostel! Ugh! Seeing this made me miss Krakow even more!

I think I returned to the hostel after 11 PM. I still need to wake up early the following day for the Auschwitz-Birkenau tour I booked via Klook!

Krakow will always hold a special place in my heart. Ugh. Writing about this part of the trip made me emotional for some reason. I hope to come back here real soon.

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Euro Vacay Day 7: My POV of Vienna, Before Sunrise Style

Posted on December 29, 2020 | Leave a comment

Let me tell you that for most of this trip, I’ve relied on FlixBus to take me from point A to point B and vice versa. Now, here’s a little glimpse of my day trip in Vienna before heading to Krakow, Poland.

Similar to Prague, Vienna wasn’t on my original itinerary. But since it’s relatively close by, I thought I might as well take a look at this beautiful and historical city. It also happens to be the main setting of one of my all-time favorite films—Before Sunrise.

This was technically the first snow I’ve seen during this whole trip, and I was inside the bus heading to Vienna. According to my iPhone, we were in Ruda at that time.

I had to leave my luggage at Vienna West Station and only took a string bag and some granola bars. I also bought a one-day transportation ticket to explore Vienna for the whole day (which, by the way, I was not able to use extensively!)

Noticed this first inside the mall at the train station.
I walked my way to the Zollamssteg Bridge—this is where the protagonists Jesse and Celine from ‘Before Sunrise’ meet the guys promoting their play. It’s located alongside a railway station, as evidenced by the shot of the rail lines passing diagonally beneath the bridge. Since I was the only person there that day, I took the chance to do a bit of a photoshoot, with the help of my ever-reliable tripod, of course! 😅
The art tho.
I mean, I don’t really need to go inside a museum here.
Next stop: The Wiener Riesenrad, a giant ferris wheel at the western end of Prater Park. This is where Jesse and Celine shared their first kiss.
I decided to walk all over the city because I felt like I might get lost if I used the tram. It was definitely worth it, though, because I got to experience the city’s vibe much more.
In front of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and stands as one of the most significant landmarks in Austria.
Albertina Palais Museum.
This is where Jesse recites part of W.H. Auden’s ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ to Celine on the balcony of the museum: ‘O let not Time deceive you, You cannot conquer Time.
Ugh. I felt so kilig remembering the scene at this location!
By this point, it was getting late, and I was getting kind of tired. Since there was a line to get in, I decided to just take this quick selfie. This is where that iconic telephone game happened! I wanted to try it if only I had someone with me. Haha!
My final stop was at the 15th-century Gothic church of Maria am Gestade, located at Salvatorgasse 12.
I don’t pray often, but I found myself praying here. There’s just something about this church, being alone at the time, that allowed me to truly connect.
While it wasn’t a complete Before Sunrise tour, I realized that I may have to return next time. A day tour here isn’t enough to fully savor what the city has to offer.
So, for the record, this was the shortest stay I’ve ever had in any country. I cannot wait to visit again!

 

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Euro Vacay Day 1-4: Berlin, Berlin…

Posted on December 23, 2020 | Leave a comment

I was very excited to finally set foot in Europe, and with Berlin being one of the must-visit cities on my bucket list, I’m really beyond thrilled! The immigration officials weren’t as stern as I expected them to be, based on the horror stories I’ve read and heard about some people’s experiences. They simply asked about the purpose of my trip and the countries I’ll be visiting. It took less than a minute, I think, and I was permitted entry to Germany!

After planning this trip for almost a year, you would think that I had covered all the bases already, but no—my Qatar Airways flight landed at Berlin Tegel Airport around 10 o’clock in the evening. Most, if not all, of the stores at the airport were already closed! And, stupid me, I was expecting the stores to be open 24 hours where I could buy an international SIM card for my data! So my only option was to ask the airport staff how to get to my hostel for my four days in the city! There were buses that could take you anywhere in the city, and a tram too. I mean, this is Germany after all, but I was still totally clueless since I had no internet to Google where I was, so I just checked my accommodation booking and prayed to the gods that I’d get off at the right station. Bad news, I did not. Haha. I was literally lost and walking aimlessly in the cold night of Berlin. And there were only a few people out and about. Remember, this was winter time, and I think it was already past eleven in the evening.

Thank goodness, though, because I bumped into Norah—a local from Berlin who helped me find my hostel. She was truly a godsend because I was just getting really cold by the time I ran into her. I told her the whole story about not being able to get a new SIM card at the airport, and I just showed her my booking printout. She took me to my hostel right then and there.

My accommodation in Berlin was at the St. Christopher Inn Berlin-Mitte. They were very gracious, and the hostel was actually quite nice for a solo traveler like myself. One of the staff members at the reception asked me where I was from, and when I told him that I’m from the Philippines, he smiled and mentioned that his mom is Filipino! It was an instant connection! I absolutely loved the location of the hostel—it was perfect because everything was within walking distance to all the tourist attractions! I swear, I didn’t have to use any transportation system during my 4 days in Berlin.

The following day wasn’t as eventful as I would have liked it to be because I was still adjusting to the cold weather! I simply went out first to familiarize myself—I visited the Berlin Cathedral, where I attended a mass on Day 3, the Altes Museum, Humboldt University, Alexanderplatz, and more. It was all so fascinating to me, and I still can’t believe that I made it here! While for some people, this might seem insignificant, for someone like me who grew up in the countryside, this is undoubtedly a whole new world!

Here are some of the pictures I took on my first foray into Berlin.

This was December 25th of last year! It marked my first time spending Christmas outside of the country, and alone, for that matter. While for some, this might seem like a sad setup since I’m usually with my family during this season, I was actually having the time of my life, so all’s good!

I joined a free tour of the Reichstag glass dome on top of the rebuilt Reichstag building! It was exhilarating!
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The Reichstag Building
The Berlin Cathedral
I actually got inside the night before, but I wasn’t able to take pictures inside for two reasons: firstly, it would have been disrespectful, and secondly, I believe it wasn’t allowed. However, I still saw some people trying to sneak a picture or two…
The Urania World Clock is a large turret-style world clock located in the public square of Alexanderplatz in Mitte, Berlin.
Yep, it really isn’t Christmas without this big ‘old Christmas tree!
Of course, I ordered Currywurst!
8 euro ain’t so bad.
The beautiful Postdamer Platz
Humboldt University
The Lustgarten
The view on my way back to my hostel

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My Schengen Visa Experience at the VFS Netherlands (Philippines)

Posted on December 22, 2020 | Leave a comment

After reading several blogs and forums to get tips on having a successful Schengen visa application, I thought I should also give back by posting my very own Schengen visa application experience. For us in the Philippines, getting a visa is always a tedious process since we need to spend time and money on collating several documents, paying fees, and actually submitting the application and /or attending the actual interview. (Most of the embassy does not require interviews anymore, though.)

At the beginning of 2019, I decided to spend my Christmas break overseas. I thought that a South American trip would be easier because I won’t have to get any visas to enter a few countries. Still, upon realizing that the flights are way more expensive there and with last year’s tragic Amazon fire and the economic turmoil in the region, I opted to just push through with a European getaway.

I will also be sharing some stories on my month-long mini-Euro vacation but before that, para sa mga Pinoy who are also looking for some tips, I will list down what I’ve submitted for my Schengen visa application.

First off, What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any members of the Schengen Area. It is valid for 26 Schengen member states and is for short stay for a maximum period of ninety days within a six months period. A Schengen visa allows the holder to travel freely across the Schengen member states.

The following 26 countries have implemented the Schengen Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The Schengen visa application goes through VFS Global –

VFS Global, also known as “Visa Facilitation Services Global,” is an outsourcing and technology services company that serves governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages visa and passport issuance-related administrative and non-discretionary tasks for its client governments.

I applied for a short-term Schengen visa mainly for tourism so this post is only applicable for those who will be traveling for leisure in and around the Schengen states.

The general requirements I’ve submitted are the following:

1. Valid Passport

2. Round-trip flight reservation.

(Remember, you just need a reservation. Please don’t buy your tickets without an approved visa yet.)

3. Travel insurance policy with a with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (I got mine from Malayan)

4. Proof of Accommodation (I booked all of my accommodations via booking.com which are all cancellable – again, do not pay in advance if you’re not sure that you’d actually be getting a visa.)

5. Proof of Financial Means

I’ve submitted a bank certificate indicating my account number, its daily balance and account balance.

I’ve also submitted the following:

Employment contract.

Bank statement from the last 6 months.

Leave permission from the employer. (The one that my employer provided includes the start date of my leave and the date I was expected to return.)

My latest income Tax Return (ITR) form or the 2316 form.

6. My Trip Itinerary (I included the places that are on my bucket list of course, but I also did a lot of research on what I should see in each respective places – I think it helps that you personalized your itinerary as much as possible.)

7. A cover letter which really helped, I think.

The submission of application is by schedule through the VFS Global website, just register, log in and select a date and time of your submission. The Netherlands Embassy does not require any interview, at least as far as I know. You will be evaluated by its consul based on all the documents you’ve submitted.

I had my schedule on November 15, 2019 – about a month before my intended trip, and I chose the earliest time available – around 07:00 AM. It was very straight to the point. You will be instructed on where to line up and just follow the procedure and give out the documents and pay. There was no interview, although the lady who collected my documents asked about the purpose of my application (tourism was my answer) and the date of my intended departure from the country and the date of my planned return and that’s it!

I’ve paid around P4,876.00 which includes

Logistic – 901

Courier – 400 because I cannot afford to pick it up myself due to work but you can choose to personally claim your passport or have a representative pick it up for you.

SMS – 150, I thought this was a good idea at first but it turns out it’s just a waste of money. I’ve only received one message saying: Visa Application MAKA/********01 has been forwarded to the Netherlands Regional Support Office in Asia on 11/15/2019 and never got an update. I even had to call the office because I cannot seem to track my visa status online regularly because it’s not working all the time.

So the whole two weeks, I was paranoid because I was second-guessing my chance of getting approved since I’ve read horror stories of some Pinoys who are well-traveled and well-funded still getting rejected for some reason. I’ve only been to eight countries before this application with two visa-requiring territories, so I’m kind of hoping that would give me a bit of an advantage, but yeah – it was a nerve-wracking two weeks for me.

But the odds are definitely in my favor as I’ve received my passport with an approved visa! It took 14 freaking calendar days! I was thrilled because I was given a multiple entry visa, with 45 days validity and 30 days duration of stay!!!
I thought it’d be challenging, but it’s really just straightforward. You just have to ensure that you have the resources, the right intention, and the correct documents.
Hit me up privately or through the comments, if you have any concerns or questions that I may help you with!!!
When this pandemic dies down, I would definitely apply again because I really had a blast visiting parts of Europe for the first time, and I wanted to see more!!!

P.S.

Because we have this on-going pandemic and we’re now living the new normal, I am not sure about the changes when it comes to the visa application but I reckon it will still be the same, but with more precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid19.

I wrote this article a few months after the Pandemic hit the Philippines and I didn’t think that it would be so catastrophic that even now that the year’s about to end, the cases are still getting worse particularly in Europe. I hope the vaccines that were approved recently will give us hope to move forward from this darkest year of our generation.

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Sign The Petition Now! Say NO to Nickelodeon’s Underwater Theme Park in Coron, Palawan! #coronisnotbikinibottom

Posted on January 11, 2017 | Leave a comment

spongebob_coron

We call on the Local Government of Palawan, Nickelodeon (Viacom International Media Networks), and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., to junk their plan to build a 400-hectare underwater theme park in Coron, Palawan.

Why is this important?

Contrary to the press statement that the underwater theme park would “advocate ocean protection,” it will accomplish the exact opposite. By building artificial structures, you will undeniably damage and disrupt Palawan’s marine ecosystems — our Last Frontier. If you are sincere and serious about marine conservation, the money allocated for the underwater theme park should be invested in marine protected areas, sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and environmental education programs.

For a channel that targets children, Nickelodeon is setting a terrible example to the younger generation by taking away their right to enjoy our natural resources. We don’t need an underwater theme park — our underwater life is fascinating, entertaining, and educational on its own.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PEITION!
https://www.bataris.org.ph/petitions/no-to-nickelodeon-s-underwater-theme-park-in-palawan

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