Willer Bus Pass Comprehensive Guide – The Cheaper Alternative to JR Pass

I traveled to Japan with a very extremely super (I don’t know how to emphasize this) limited budget and so prior to the trip, I wanted to know what my options were in terms of saving transportation costs. Most websites and blogs recommend going by train,so it is almost everyone’s instinct to buy train tickets or the JR Pass not minding whether if this is more efficient or cost-effective. My search for cheaper alternatives led me to several bus companies and this money-saving pass called the Willer Bus Pass.

Korean Favorites and More at Leann's Tea House (Plus a Blog Giveaway!)

It is not a big secret that I love Korean food. Aside from being tasty and usually spicy, Koreans always make sure to include vegetables in their dishes, which is probably why I don’t feel guilty when splurging myself with their good food. I have recently been told about this new place at Quezon City and of course, I got really excited to try it out.

Leann's Tea House

Healthy Eating with Yummy Diet and Goldpress Juicing Co

We live in a fast-paced environment and it's not surprising that most of us are stressed-out with deadlines and pressure from work, traffic and pollution. With this, we compromise our time and effort to make healthy meals for ourselves and our family. Many would resort to fast food, junk food or even not eating at all! Innovations such as healthy food deliveries is a godsend for people who face this struggle, since you can forget the hassle of planning and preparing meals. 5-day diet programs and juicing are gaining popularity nowadays and I was able to try a similar service from Yummy Diet and Goldpress Jucing Co.

Taco Bell Philippines - Live Mas!

Mexican cuisine is one of my favorites (aside from Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, and Indian LOL). There are only a couple of Mexican restaurants nearby the city that I live that’s why it has been difficult to satisfy my cravings for burritos and tacos.

Buffet 101 Eastwood

If you have been reading this blog for some time now, you will observe that I enjoy going to buffet style restaurants. I just think I get more of what my money is worth every time I eat at those places. A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to dine with my family in one of my favorite buffet restaurant franchise in the metro. Considering I have fully enjoyed my previous dining experience on its other branch at Pasay, I couldn't just resist to say yes to this offer. And even though it was quite far from where I live, we made all our way to Buffet 101 Eastwood to see what the fuss is all about.

even the kids loved it there at Buffet 101 Eastwood!

A Food Trip around DLSU Taft with Avida Land #AvidaFoodHunt

I studied at one of the universities at the northern part of Metro Manila, so Taft Avenue looked like a strange land to me after I graduated. I have always wondered how it would have felt like to study at one of the prominent educational institutions around the Manila area, and I also wondered what gastronomic adventures I would have also experience with a limited budget as a student there. Good thing I was invited to participate at Avida Land's Food Hunt. Together with some of food blogger and enthusiasts, we were taken to some of the best restaurants around Taft that surely to reminded us of our college days. Hayyyy oh college life!

Another Korean Feast at Hwaroro Korean Grill Buffet

It was Father's Day and the parents were suggesting we go out and eat at a Korean restaurant, both of them really have taken a fascination with the Korean cuisine! Since there were a number of relatives also joining us for the day, I decided to go with the buffet, that way it's more sulit and we can eat everything that we want. We've been frequenting Don Day since it's quite close from where we live, but this time a friend suggested that we try a similar restaurant that is also located nearby called Hwaroro Korean Grill Buffet, the place sounded interesting so we opted to try this establishment.

le sister excited to get her food

Tonkatsu Goodies at Katsu Café, Banawe, Quezon City

Banawe Street is one of my favorite spots in Quezon City though I have only tried few of the restaurants there as of writing. A friend told me about Katsu Café located along the same street which got me wandering around Banawe again.

my younger sister excited to try out her order

My obsession with Café Monaco, Banawe Branch

Searching for yummy but cheap eats has been one of my goals now ever since I started paying for my family's bill every time we went out for a meal. At the same time, I wanted to share with them my love for international cuisine. So far, a place that we often go to is at Banawe street. Banawe is famous not just for having that strip of car repair shops, but also for having a cheap buffet restaurant called Tramway. However, for those who have gone bored with their dishes already (like me), you can sample the plethora of eateries around the area. Most offer Chinese food due to the large Chinese community also living around the area, but the one that we frequent every so often is a small restaurant called Cafe Monaco.

Le parents at Café Monaco

Jjimjilbang in Manila: Lasema Spa and Sauna

Ever since I posted my jjimjilbang experience in Jeju, I got several inquiries from some Pinoys on how they could see or experience this sauna that has its roots from Korea. I didn’t reply at first because I wasn’t aware if there are jjimjilbangs in Manila, but luckily, one day, as I was browsing on coupon sites for a good deal on Mother’s day, I chanced upon Lasema’s promo in Ensogo priced for 495 pesos that includes massage, jjimjilbang and sauna usage. I snagged a deal for the whole family for a nice relaxation day at this one of a kind sauna.

the jjimjilbang outfit (complete with the "lamb" towel) :)

Korean Food Galore at Don Day Fresh, Timog (Review)

Me and my mom usually love to look for restaurants that offer good food at a cheap price however,  these two don't usually go together. So one time, my mom has heard from a friend about a place that offers Korean food buffet near Caloocan and I got curious when she told me about it. I researched about it and found about the restaurant called Don Day in Quezon City. I invited my family and friends to go there and try, which were soon followed by more and more visits.

source from: Don Day Timo's Facebook

Lia's Cakes for all seasons! - Kapitolyo Foodtrip Chapter 3

I could not live without sweets. Seriously. I love desserts and can not pass off a meal without having one. There is a certain restaurant in Kapitolyo that I frequent for their delicious cakes for a very affordable price. I'll give you a hint: one of their trademark products is Avocado cake. Yes, I am talking about no other than Lia's Cakes in Season!

Yay for Avocado Cake!

Poco Deli, Happy Food equals Happy Life! - Kapitolyo Foodtrip Chapter 2

Next off for our Kapitolyo Foodtrip series is Poco Deli. I have been to the place a couple of times already and it always is a big hit to us. Poco Deli is famous for its sausages, cakes and wines and because of that, is always jam-packed especially during nighttime. My latest dining experience was no exception. We had no option but to be seated outside the resto, good thing after a couple of minutes, a table for two opened up inside. It would have been a good idea to make a reservation first before going here.

Nice slogan at Poco Deli

Going Japanesy at Ramen Cool and Soho Asian Street Cafe - Kapitolyo Foodtrip Chapter 1

I don't live in the Ortigas area and anywhere nearby it, but I am fond of going to Kapitolyo. Why do you ask? It's because it boasts of different restaurants of various cuisines, it's a must-visit for those who are looking for awesome food adventures.

Kapitolyo is located at Pasig City and one boring Saturday, I was able to tag a friend along and good thing my camera was with me. This called for a decent FOOD TRIP documentation!
 

Ramen Cool

Vikings Marikina and North Edsa (Review): Eating like there’s no tomorrow

I am a serious fan of buffets, and so are my mom and my sister. I have no problems on picking who to take on those random food cravings as they are always game and hungry! I was lucky enough to see a promotion from Citibank wherein we were able to avail 50% discount from Vikings Marikina during a weekend. We did not hesitate to avail of this deal. This visit was then followed by three more and needless to say, I am now a big fan of Vikings’ SM Marikina! I have also tried the buffet at Vikings’ SM North but the Marikina branch offers cheaper rates and has more promos, so make sure to keep updated on all the branches' Facebook accounts!
 

PBB Teens sa Vikings! :P

Commuting from Trinoma to DMIA Airport and Clark Airport Lounge

I have been meaning to book flights coming from Clark, most especially the international ones, as the fare is usually cheaper and the airport is closer to where I live.

The opportunity came when AirAsia finally "landed" its way to the Philippines. I was able to book two flights that will depart at Clark DMIA, Pampanga and though the airport was close to our city, I never really had the chance to commute going there, so I looked for convenient and cheap ways on commuting to Clark airport.

Trinoma Clark Airport Lounge

Buffet 101: International Cuisine (Review)

My whole family loves to eat. (Who doesn't anyway?!) We always find time to bond together by discovering new restaurants that will fulfill our cravings and satisfy our taste buds. For my parents' 23rd wedding anniversary, I decided to give them (including my younger sister too) a special treat and took them to Buffet 101 for a very sumptuous and special lunch.

Buffet 101 is conveniently located at San Miguel by the bay, just at the back of SMX Convention Center and is also beside MOA's ferris wheel. Vikings, a similar buffet-style restaurant, is also located at the same strip.

Flying with T'way Airlines (Review) - Day 13 in South Korea

As soon as we got out of Yongduam Health Land for an overnight stay, we immediately took a taxi to the airport which was almost just 5 minutes away from the jjimjilbang. We were an hour early for our flight and I was pretty positive that nothing could go wrong, just like our flight with Jeju Air.

T'way Airlines (티웨이항공) is a low-cost airline based in Seoul that offers scheduled flights between Jeju to Seoul and vice versa. They also have international flights going to and from Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan.

T'way Airlines

A review of our flight with Jeju Air – Day 10 in South Korea

After our visit to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, we took a bus back to where we were staying near Dongeui University station. It was quite a long trip so we had to take a taxi to the airport so that we won’t be late for our flight. As I have shared in this post, we had to cancel our earlier booking of Busan-Jeju with Air Busan as the firework festival was cancelled so we had to make changes with our schedule. We then booked another ticket with Jeju Air. There were other airlines offering flights to Jeju such as Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air and T'way Airlines. We needed a flight from Busan and we were on a budget so the only options were Air Busan and Jeju Air. In fairness to Air Busan, the flights were averagely-priced and we were able to cancel it with only 1000 Won penalty fee, not bad!

Jeju Air (제주항공) is a budget airline based in Jeju City that offers domestic flights between Jeju to Seoul, Busan, and Cheongju. They also offer flights to Jeju from other countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Guam, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan and China.

Jeju Air's check-in counter at Gimhae Airport

A review of Everland Amusement Park, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do - Day 5 in South Korea

I wasn’t really ecstatic to go to Everland that day – don’t get me wrong, I love amusement parks, but I have heard reviews, some were good, some were not. Anyway, I still had my expectations set high. I was hoping to have fun that day. 

Operating Hours: 09:30 ~ 22:00(Mon-Sat) / 09:00-22:00 (Sunday & holiday)
One-day Pass
Daytime : adults 38,000 won / Teenagers 32,000 won / children 29,000 won
Nighttime : adults 31,000 won / Teenagers 26,000 won / children 23,000 won

A view of Everland during autumn