March 08, 2024

Steak Shack At IL Corso Lifemalls, Cebu

                 Are you craving for a delicious yet affordable steak? Try to visit and dine at Steak Shack. Their exact location is at IL Corso LifemallsCebu. A few steps away from Lantaw - IL Corso (north side parking lot).


Steak Shack, IL Corso, Cebu


Steak Shack, IL Corso, Cebu


What's special on their menu?

           You can additionally order Bone Marrow with your meals (by the way, all our orders have no additional Bone Marrow for personal preference).


Plus they offer:

• Unlimited Rice

• Unlimited Gravy

• Unlimited Soup (Sabaw)


The food we ordered at Steak Shack, IL Corso, Cebu




            So far, all the food we ordered is affordable and delicious. The meat is tender, and the gravy is good. It complemented well with the meat. Also, I love the free soup. It's so savory. As per the staff, the soup is Fish Sinigang. 


            Additionally, their staffs are accomodating. It's one of the few shops in Cebu that I'll surely visit again and again.


Note: I'm excited to try all the other food on their menu on my next visit.



For updates, feel free to visit their Facebook Page:  Click Here







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February 23, 2024

Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

              Here's another must-visit café in Cebu. It's Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu.


Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu


          This cafe is more than just its aesthetically beautiful interior. It also serves delicious sweet delights and drinks. It's like, you get what you paid for. Perfect!


Look at these delicious delights.
at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu

         This Strawberry Choco Croissant is heavenly. It was sweet but not-so-sweet, at the same time flaky. The chocolate cream blended well with its pasty and strawberry. It's a great pair with their hot cappuccino.


Strawberry Choco Croissant
at Merci Bakery & Brunch
, Cebu


Hot Cappuccino
at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu


          I also love their Strawberry Puff. It's so soft and not-so-sweet. The strawberries on it elevated the taste.

Strawberry Puff
at Merci Bakery & Brunch, Cebu





Where is it specifically located?

• Aurora Bldg Paseo Saturnino, Ma Luisa Rd, Cebu City



Operating Hours

  Monday to Thursday: 7am to 10pm

• Friday to Sunday: 7am to 12am







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February 08, 2024

The Little Switzerland Of Japan — Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

          Did you know there's a place in Japan that looks like "not" Japan? It's like the little Switzerland of Japan — Fujikawaguchiko.

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan (Hi my fiancé ♥)  



About Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

             Fujikawaguchiko is a town in southern Yamanashi Prefecture. It is near Mt. Fuji, Japan.


Sooo beautiful, isn't it? It's Fujikawaguchiko, Japan


Spotted my fiancé's dream car GTR R34 parked in front of our hotel. Sooo cool!
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan




What's interesting in the place?

Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

It was about to snow at the time we visited this place.
A few days after our visit, it snowed.
So, the place is sooo cold. Temperature is from 2℃ to -3℃.



           It's the Lake Kawaguchi's location. Plus, it is the perfect place to get a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji.

            According to Wikipedia, Lake Kawaguchi is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area and lowest elevation.


The beautiful Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
at Fujikawaguchiko, Japan


       Additionally, this part of Lake Kawaguchi (in the photo above) is just a few steps from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. As per Google, the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum is a European-inspired garden with an antique music box museum, vintage organs & live performances.


Best hotel — HOTORI no HOTEL BAN

This is the facade of our hotel —  HOTORI no HOTEL BAN, Fujikawaguchiko


• It's just a few steps away from the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum
• Very accessible as right in front of the hotel is the bus station
• You'll get a perfect view of Mt. Fuji from your hotel room - window
 There's a FamilyMart on the first floor of the hotel building
• The room is very spacious (you get what you paid for)
• If you opt for a car rental, there's a vast parking space
• It's just a few meters from Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and a minute's drive to Fuji-Q Highland.

Book the hotel? Click Here 


How to go to Fujikawaguchiko?

           There are two ways of going to Fujikawaguichiko. You can either take the bus or by train.

• By Train (Fujikyu Railway Line) - From Shinjuku Station (Tokyo), you may take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station. There, transfer to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko Station.

• By Bus - Two direct buses operate going to Kawaguchiko. It's Fujikyu and JR Kanto. From Tokyo Station, look for Yaesu South Exit. Additionally, you can buy bus tickets in advance online (even if you're still in the Philippines, as we did).


           Furthermore, if you booked a hotel near Lake Kawaguchi or at HOTORI no HOTEL BAN, take the Red Line bus from Kawaguchi Station. Bus fares flashed on the screen in front. Prices may vary depending on your drop-off point. 


The most memorable place because this is the place (the same spot in the picture)
where my long-term partner proposed to me.  

Indeed! When God is the center of your relationship,
HE will always guide and hug you two together, forever. ♥

“And over all these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all
together in perfect unity.” - Colossians 3:14


Yours truly with Fuji-san at Lake Kawaguchiko


My gwapo fiancé at the drop-off point of the bus near our hotel



Where to book a flight?

• Check it here: Click Here 




Japan VISA Guide

• Check it here:  Click Here








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January 28, 2024

Tips In Applying Japan Tourist Visa For Filipinos

              Japan is one of the countries that require Filipinos' visas for traveling. In light of this, there are various types of visa application purposes to acquire for Filipinos traveling to Japan.


               However, I would like to highlight the (1.1) TOURIST VISA APPLICATION as this is the visa we applied for.



Photo taken during our travel to Singapore (click here) with our most
favorite airlines: Singapore Airlines (click here)

 

Tips on how to get your Japan tourist VISA Approved


1.  Specify the visa you would like to apply for

         You can freely check the different visa types here: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 

            In our case, we applied for a tourist visa under (1.1) TEMPORARY VISITOR: TOURISM, which has a 90-day maximum stay. The approved length of stay may vary if your proposed number of days aligns with your budget.


2.  Choose a travel agency


         You must have a travel agency as there is No Walk-in in processing your visa for Japan. In our case, we chose Friendship Tours (as this was the agency that helped my partner process his visa to Japan before).


• Friendship Tours Website

Cebu: Click Here 

Manila: Click Here 


Cost: 

₱ 1,200 for Single-entry VISA

₱ 1,500 for Multiple-entry VISA


Cebu Office

• Address: Unit 2-508. 5th Floor, OITC 2 Bldg. Oakridge Business Park A.S. Fortuna St., Banilad,  Mandaue City Cebu

• Contact Number: 032-345-3459 /  032-344-4825 / 09177243373

• Email: info@friendshipcebu.com

• OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON and 1:00PM-4:00PM  (Lunch Break: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)


Manila Office

• Address: 3F, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati

• Contact Number:  8819-5644 / 8810-9622 

• Email: Manila: visa@friendshipmanila.com

• OFFICE HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 9:00AM to 12:00PM and 1:00PM-6:00PM  (Lunch Break: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)


For Japanese

• Contact Number:  8840-1060

• Email: info@friendshipmanila.com



3. Requirements / Documents needed


• Passport

• Application Form

• Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year)

• Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year. For married only)

• Itinerary in Japan

• Bank Certificate

• Photocopy of Income Tax Return 


           Take note, all the documents must be authentic and original, preferably in A4 size.


For a detailed copy of the requirements, feel free to click here.



4. Bank of Certificate


         Requirements may seem like the usual passportbirth certificate, and more. Yet, applying for a Japan Tourist VISA is very challenging.


         Let me stretch out the Bank Certificate part. If you're traveling as a Temporary Visitor Under Section 1: Tourism, it is vital that your Average Daily Balance (ADB) must not be less than 50K, and your savings must not be less than 100K, as suggested (if your bank account figures are higher than stated, then the better). With this, they will consider if your budget could sustain for the (number of) days you will be staying in the country.


    Additionally, on our part, since my partner and I are not yet married, we have to provide it individually.


Note: Getting your bank certificates from your respected banks a day before you submit your VISA application requirements to your agency is recommended.



5. Result of Application


        The standard visa processing may take between  7 to 10 business days. However, it may vary depending on the type of visa you applied for and the time of the year.

          I've read and watched from other bloggers and vloggers that some got the result after 2 - 5 business days. 

          Based on our experience, we got our visa application results after 6-days. 6-days later, after we submitted all the documents, the agency sent a message that it was ready for pick up (but at the moment of receiving the message from the agency, we didn't know the results yet. Results would be revealed at the office only).




         At the end of the day, just like all the tips you've read and watched from other bloggers and vloggers, nobody can guarantee your Japan VISA Approval (not even your travel agency, travel agent, etc.) 




Where to book a flight?

Check this link: https://bit.ly/40I1bYV





As you read this blog, we are already in Tokyo, Japan. Hehe

I hope you'll find this blog helpful in processing your tourist visa for Japan.


If you have any questions, don't forget to comment. I'll get back to it.




Mata ne! ♥











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December 08, 2023

Food Review: Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

              Tamp Cafe & Co. is one of the newest cafés in Cebu, famous for its aesthetically designed café and delicious food.

Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu


Tamp Cafe & Co. Branches

• Tamp Cafe & Co. LAHUG
• Tamp Cafe & Co. KASAMBAGAN
• Tamp Cafe & Co. BTC
• Tamp Cafe & Co. Paseo Banawa


Tamp Cafe & Co., Kasambagan 


Food Review

          We ordered White Truffle PastaPork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew, Coffee Cloud Latte, Café Caramel, Chocolate Blackout Cake, and Yema Cake.

White Truffle Pasta by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

            Their White Truffle Pasta is really good. It's creamy and so cheesy.

Pork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

             Their Pork Kawali in Tomato Onion Stew is breaking the ordinary Pork Kawali style with its sautéed tomatoes and onions. It complimented well with the rice and the lettuce garnished with sweetened syrup on the side. 

Left: Café Caramel, Right: Coffee Cloud Latte
by Tamp Cafe & Co., Cebu

                 Both of these drinks are good. The Café Caramel is like the usual caramel-flavored drinks at some coffee shops. Also, it reminds me of the Caramel Macchiato at some shops. Furthermore, Coffee Cloud Latte is one of their special egg cloud drinks. Its taste is unique and has a different caffeine kick as it has espresso in it.

Left: Chocolate Blackout Cake, Right: Yema Cake
by Tamp Café & Co., Cebu


                 Would you believe me that we only bought these two slices of cake for only ₱2? Yes! You read it right. Each piece of cake only costs ₱1 if you buy one meal on their menu with drinks on it. Good deal, right? 

              Additionally, these two cakes are very delicious. I appreciate that the chocolate blackout cake has a slice of strawberry on it. The chocolatey flavor goes well with the strawberry. For my personal favorite, I like the Yema Cake. The sweetness of the Yema Flavor goes well in every inch of the cake. Perfection!

          Overall, all their food is worth every penny, with a great place and accommodating staff (we visit their branch at Kasambagan). I highly recommend everyone to dine at this place. It's another must-visit resto in Cebu!



What's more?

             They also opt for take-out and delivery.




For more information, feel free to visit their official Facebook Page. Click Here







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December 01, 2023

Your Peculiar Baguio Travel Guide

                Baguio City, also known as the "City of Pines" or the "Summer Capital" (of the Philippines), is a mountainous town in the Luzon part of the Philippines. Notable for its cold temperature, strawberries, and pine trees (things that are uncommon for a tropical country).

Yours truly at the Botanical Garden in Baguio City



           To say nothing of this place is well-admired by Filipinos and even foreigners. So, since this place is a famous spot already, I presume that most of you have already read some travel guide blogs. Yet, this blog is a guide for you to have a relaxing time in Baguio.

                   Here are the list of relaxing things to do in Baguio:


1.  Dine at Pizza Volante

         Trying on delicious food is always on the agenda. Pizza Volante is one of the famous pizza restaurants in Baguio.

      Check my previous blog on Pizza Volante. READ: Click here
  
Pepperoni and Mushroom Pizza at Pizza Volante, Baguio City


2. Boat riding at Burnham Lake

        Burnham Park is one of the historical parks in the Philippines and one of the most popular. On the other hand, Burnham Lake, also known as "City Lake". It is an iconic man-made and century-old lake.

The iconic Burnham Lake, Baguio City


            Paddling at Burnham Lake is one of the famous must-try activities if you visit Baguio City. Something that you shouldn't miss.



3.  Eat Strawberry Ice Cream and Strawberry Taho

           As stated above, besides the cold weather and pine trees, Baguio is also famous for Strawberries. So, leaving Baguio without trying the delicious Strawberry Ice Cream and Strawberry Taho is a no-no.

Strawberry and Purple Yam Ice Cream at SM Baguio City and
the Strawberry Taho bought just near our hotel

          

What is Taho?

    Taho is the staple comfort food of most Filipinos, made from silken Tofu and tapioca pearls with a sweet syrup (commonly vanilla syrup, but there are lots of substitute ingredients, for example, in Baguio: it's Strawberry syrup or Purple Yam syrup). 




4. Botanical Garden

             If you are a person into flowers, then this place is for you as there are a variety of flowers to see. Since Baguio is a cold place, some flowers are uniquely beautiful. Plants that only grow in colder regions.

Baguio Botanical Garden



              Other than flowers, there are also some things to enjoy. For instance, take a picture at the replicas of famous landmarks in some countries, such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (and more), and experience wearing the traditional Igorot (indigenous people) costume. 


5. Camp John Hay Starbucks

               Imagine a serene ambiance with cold weather, the pine trees surrounding the area, and a cup of good coffee at hand. It's perfection!

Camp John Hay Starbucks, Baguio



Bonus entry. Last but not the least . . . 

Strawberry Picking at La Trinidad, Benguet

                 Geographically speaking, Benguet is not a park of Baguio City anymore, and La Trinidad is a first-class capital of the province of Benguet. It is known as the strawberry and rose capital of the Philippines.

                   However, the strawberry farm in La Trinidad is quite close to Baguio City. It is more or less just 30 minutes away via taxi or modern Jeep (the means of transport we used in visiting the place). So, no wonder if people think of Baguio, it is always associated with strawberry.

Fresh strawberries at La Trinidad, Benguet





Where to book a flight?

Check this link: https://bit.ly/40I1bYV













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