More of Western Tokyo: Shinjuku and Harajuku

I admit I only had my eyes set on the usual spots in Tokyo such as Shibuya that I had no idea there are equally awesome districts that were out of my radar. Even though I used to watch animes when I was younger and have still some exposure to their TV shows, it was not enough to prepare me for the overwhelming feeling of being in this huge metropolis. I also thought I was already battle-tested having previously visited other impressive capitals in East Asia such as Seoul, Beijing and Taipei, but each has their own charm, especially Tokyo.

neon signs in Shinjuku

Reliving my childhood dreams at Odaiba, Shibuya and Central Tokyo

My childhood was formed watching all those Japanese travel shows on IBC Channel 13 (Pinoys would get this) and all the coolest anime TV shows. I have different interests now, but the fascination with Japan never really dialed down. My trip started in Tokyo, a city so diverse and jam-packed that one could spend a week or two, even more, and not still be able to see everything it has to offer. However, I only decided to visit its highlights, most places that the 15-year old me would have wanted to see. This is a way of saying thanks to her being patient and believing that she can make the “impossible” come true.

trying out the ultimate "japan japan" pose the younger me would have done in all if I went years earlier

3 Days (or More) in Tokyo for Frugal First Timers

I used to daydream about Tokyo, especially during my teenage years. I even went as far as announcing to all my classmates that I was going to Japan after graduation. I am true to my word, I made this happen… 10 years after. Back then, my interests were mainly focused on anime shows and gadgets. I enjoyed watching travel shows about Japan, but didn’t really appreciate the deeper roots of its culture. Years have passed and I can say I have matured (a little, yes) especially with my attitude towards traveling. Despite that, the need to see Tokyo didn’t fade one bit, so I finally got myself flight tickets to Japan! I based myself in the capital of the country for six more days, three of those spent seeing the highlights of the big metropolis that is Tokyo.

Your Two-Day Introduction to Taipei

I hate to admit it but I wasn’t so enthusiastic about Taipei when I landed at Taoyuan Airport. The capital city of Taiwan will be my first destination for this trip. I am not big on cities and probably enjoy it the least, that’s why I thought I’d explore it first because I adhere to the saying, save the best for last. As I got to know Taipei bit by bit, I started to fall in love with its amazing sights, affordable yet unlimited choices in food, accessibility and its people.

Thrifts and Thrills in Singapore: Universal Studios and Hawker Stalls

I didn’t really plan on coming back to Singapore. After all, I did enjoy my first time there but the activities really took a toll in my budget, especially since I always try to live frugally when travelling abroad. However, my travel buddy during my Malaysia trip insisted that we go to SG because he hasn’t been there yet, and his bargaining piece was that we can actually go to Universal Studios. He made a good point. So coming from Penang, it was only an 8-hour comfy bus ride and I am back to the arms of Singapore again!
P.S. USS pictures are not mine, so credits to the owner, Rudz!

Thrift Finds in Manila - Vintage Bags (Part 5)

Ukay-ukays in Manila has certainly become a bit pricier as compared before. Some stores have put up really over-the-top prices for branded items especially with the famous designers. It's a sweet treat to find some thrift shops in the city that still sells these awesome finds for less than the price you're expecting to get them for. Sharing some of my old bag finds that I bought last year. Similarly, for those who have been looking for awesome classy bag finds, do head on to Zalora's website. They got some eye-catching clutches that I certainly want for myself! ;)

Bag #1:

Small brown vintage purse/bag

Thrift Finds in Manila - Winter Wonderland (Part 4)

It's been a while since I have posted another set of  thrift finds around Manila, or for an easier way of putting it, looking for nice ukay-ukay bargains! I admit that I try to go to my favorite "UK UK" stores at least every two months. I am not ashamed to tell that I bag lots of designer clothing and other accessories by haggling at these stores. It's especially fun when you think your buying them for 1/4 or sometimes even 5% of the original price!

The feature for this post is military winter wonderland. I am a sucker for clothes that I can only wear during cold season, which happens for only one or two months in the Philippines. My closet is full of apparel made out of thick material like jackets, blazers, and knitted sweaters. I am just in love with this kind of fashion!

This Divided by H&M jacket was featured in my third feature of my ukay-ukay hauls and was also worn on our Day 12 in Jeju.

The Divided by H&M worn in South Korea

Some Korean Street Food around Jukjeon Cafe Street at Yongin, Gyeonggi-do - Day 3 in South Korea

It was a rainy day when we moved to Yongin from Chuncheon. We woke up late so our host took us to Jamshil station in Seoul. And yes, it was raining hard with me and my friend carrying our bags, and oh, I forgot, it was our first time to use the subway in Korea. I can't imagine how pathetic we looked especially when we knew that there were no escalators on that station.

We met with our new host at Jukjeon Station which is in Bundang or the Yellow line of the Metro. It is also near Dankook University where some Korean celebrities studied before. We arrived quite early however it was raining really hard and we were planning to either go to Suwon Hwaseong or Everland for this day. However, I don't think we would have enjoyed it as it would have been very wet and we will be doing lots of walking if ever. So me and my friend decided to wait for the rain to stop and just roam around Jukjeon so we can still say that this day did not go to waste.

It was around 3PM when the weather looked okay. It was still raining a bit, but we needed to do something so we went window shopping around E-mart and Shinsegae which was beside Jukjeon station, Exit 1.

Shinsegae is known to be the oldest department store in Korea and houses some expensive Korean and international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang, Prada, and the like. As expected, I was not able to buy anything as everything was just way too expensive for my wallet. :(

The Shinsegae in Jukjeon

Romwe.com Review - The tips and tricks

NOTE: I am not affiliated with Romwe and this is a post to describe my shopping experience way back in 2012, this is not a sponsored post! For your negative feedback, please get in touch with their customer service staff since I will not be able to relay it to them.

I have been addicted with a lot of colorblock patterns with shirts lately (I have six to ten tops with this pattern) and I can't seem to get enough of them! Gaaaah! And so when I saw some bloggers wearing those Black and White colorblock shirts from a site called Romwe, I know I just had to have mine!

Romwe was established in the 2009’s Christmas night. Just within half a year, Romwe has changed from a simple vintage specialty shop into a pint-sized platform of high-street fashion. (from Romwe.com)

Romwe is an online store based in China that sells apparel, shoes, accessories and other vintage pieces as well. They offer free shipping worldwide with no minimum purchase.

Romwe.com's Homepage

Thrift Finds in Manila (Part 3)

I'm back again with the 'Thrift Finds' series, I just found two great ukay-ukay shops in the metro and I just can't wait to share the great pieces I purchased there! If you're interested to see other part of the series, this is for Part 1 and Part 2. For these past posts, I've just shared some shoe and bag thrift scores, but for now, I'll be showing some of the recent clothing finds I had. I just got them at a very very very cheap price - and oh, did i mention that these are all branded?! :) I have not ironed these as I was to excited to post this on the blog so apologies for the pictures.

First off is this shirt from a Japanese fashion label called Comme des Garcons. I'm not sure if this will fit me though (I have not tried this on yet), so if not, I might just sell this one.

The contrast of the polka dot sizes on both sides, nice!

Thrift Finds in Manila (Part 2)

I am itching to go thrift shopping again! It's such a thrill when you find rare items at the UK-UK and you can also get them for cheap prices! Planning to go this Sunday to my favorite spot :P Sharin some of my favorites... again, if you want to see more, please see my first post here Thrift Finds in Manila (Part 1) :)

Got this black satchel for 150 pesos, I just love the stud and skull details! It has one flaw though, other than that it's ok over-all.

Pang emo lang ang peg

Thrift Finds in Manila (Part 1)

Ang saya lang! Dami ko na naman na-sighting na mga bagay bagay sa paghuhukay. Una ko munang ife-feature itong Doc Martens inspired boots! oha! Bongalore!:)