7 Must-Visit Tourist Attraction in Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is the capital and the largest City of South Korea. It is the business and cultural hub where you can buy clothes, cosmetics, shoes, etc.  You can learn their culture of an ancient tradition, palace, and temples.

If you are planning to travel to Korea, here are the lists of places of interest in Seoul, South Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace: 

This delightful structure that served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the King’s households, and the Government of Joseon. In 1395, the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty was built. The palace had more that 7,000 rooms.

Insadong: 

This where you can see any souvenir items such as traditional and modern arts and crafts to bring back home. The “In” and “Sa” of Insadong is the two original towns which name is ended in the syllables “in” and “sa”. 

Myeongdong: 

This is well-known for being one of Seoul’s main shopping and tourism districts. If you love shopping then, this place is for you. You can buy Korean cosmetics, clothing, shoes, etc. And, also famous for the two historical sites such as Myeondong Cathedral and the Myeondong Nanta Theatre. 

Namdaemun: 

This is the oldest wooden structure and one of the eight gates in the fortress Walls of Seoul, South Korea. The Namdaemun Market is a place where you can shop and buy souvenir items. 

Dongdaemun: 

In 1398, the King Taejo built Dongdaemun in his fifth year of reign and renovated in 1453. The current structure is the one built in 1869. This is also the famous landmark in the central of Seoul, South Korea. The Korean name Dongdaemun means “Great East Gate”. Also, includes the remarkable attraction of Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It is a convention hall with rooftop park and curves architecture.

Cheonggyecheon Stream:  

You can take a walk for this 10.9 Km long modern public area in downtown Seoul, South Korea and explore this place. It was open to the public in 2005 and became popular with the residents and tourists as well.

Bukchon Hanok Village: 

The hanok is a Korean traditional houses. It preserved to give you an impression about the 600-year-old urban environment. The village located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Jongmyo Royal Shrine.

And, of course, your Seoul escapade will not be completed if you don't try their street food.  

You may include these places to your bucket list when you are planning to trip to South Korea and make your life more unforgettable memories. Happy travelling!

photo credits: RC
info source: wikipedia

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Calle Crisologo: Back in the Past

Did you know that Filipinos were influenced by the people of Spain or Spaniards?  Do you want to experience a Spanish time? Well, Calle Crisologo is the best place to see the Spanish colonial architectures and the major attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. 

Calle Crisologo is a street lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and cobblestone Street, which preserved by locals for more than a hundred years. This led to Vigan’s inscription in the list of UNESCO World heritage sites.

It is the only town that was saved from destruction during Wordl War II because of a love story of a Japanese General who married a Filipina in Vigan. He promised the parish priest that he would save the town from destruction.

Ready your camera when visiting in this street because the houses are modest and very lovely subjects for picture-perfect shots. The tourist can even stay in a heritage house because as some have been converted into inns. And, some houses have been turned into stores which you can buy souvenir items and Vigan’s best product like antiques, abel woven products, bags, basi wine, burnay, chicharon, jewelry, sweets, Vigan’s vinegar, and woodcraft.

Walking on the streets of Calle Crisologo is a must because you will appreciate the history and understand the heritage. You can also ride a Calesa during your visit which used in the past. 

For my visit, I would say that it was enjoyable and unforgettable experience. I’d love to visit there again and experience the night tour because according to the others, you will feel as if you are in the past.

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines was choosen as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities.

Happy travelling!
-Marco

Mt. Damas and the Ubod Falls

Three months of not indulging in any activities is kind a boring. I was burn-out! So, I decided to join my friend’s mountain climbing. And, this time we are heading to North Luzon. Our goal is to reach the peak of Mt. Damas.

So, let’s see what this mountain can offers…

Mt. Damas is 685 MASL, located in San Clemente, Tarlac. Sitio Dueg is the major jump-off, while the alternate jump-off is in Brgy. Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac. And, have difficulty of 6/9. As a matter of fact, this is very challenging especially when having a flash flood. This mountain is small, but more challenging because it requires you to river crossing, river trekking and rock climbing in order to reach the foot of Mt. Damas.

At the peak, the landscape is superb; one can experience a panoramic view of the Tarlac and neighbouring mountains.

view of Mt. Damas from Brgy. Papaac

At exactly six o’clock in the morning, our trek started. The trail is undoubtedly not so difficult, but when we finally get to the river the challenge has begun. It was a long river trek. According to our guide, it will take two hours before we reach to the foot of the mountain. This part of the trail was rocky. And, you have to climb the rock to descend on the falls going to the base. From the river, you can see the mountain already and yet it still requires more hours to reach the peak.

almost on the top...

The group just enjoys the trail, rock climbing, and river crossing. If I can still remember, we did a rock climbing five times. Then, we arrived at the foot of the mountain after two hours and just have a quick brunch.

Now, we enter the thick vegetation and thorny vines going up to the summit. From the foot of Mt. Damas, the trail is becoming steeper and steeper. I just trying to assist myself not to get cramps because it’s really an unending assault! It takes two hours to reach the summit. Another challenging part is to descend here.

From the base, trekking again going to the Si-El Falls and we will get jumped to the water, but the guide recommended the Ubod Falls because it’s bigger. So, we trekked our way to the Ubod Falls. And, again we need to climb mini falls to get to the Ubod Falls.

the highest point

We took photos first and then, getting ourselves ready to jump to the water to feel fresh and relax from very tiring descent! But, when the rain is heavily pouring we immediately pack up our things and leave the area to avoid the flash flood. We have difficulty in descending and climbing because the rock is slipper. However, we arrived safely!

Ubod Falls

It is another great experience in the north!

Itinerary

11:00 PM – meet up at Bus Terminal in Cubao

12:00 AM – ETD Cubao Terminal

03:00 AM – ETA Camiling, Tarlac

04:00 AM - early breakfast, the guide pick-up time (tricycle)

05:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Papaac, preparation

06:00 AM – start trek

06:30 AM – river trek/crossing and rock climbing

08: 00 AM – arrived at the foot of the mountain

08:30 AM – start climb, assault

10:30 AM – summit

11:00 AM – descent

01:00 PM – arrived foot of the mountain, lunch

01:30 PM – explore water falls, Si-el Falls and Ubod Falls

02:30 PM – back to trail, river crossing, rock climbing

04:30 PM – Brgy. Papaac, clean up

05:00 PM – back to Camiling Tarlac, snacks

06:00 PM – ETD Manila

Important Notes

• Wear gloves to protect your hands because you hold on to thorny plants as the steep going to the river.
•  Bring skin protection because the sun protection from jump off to grassland may hit your skin.
• There are lots of water source, so one to two liters of water is safe.
•  There’s a flashflood when it rain; so bring a rope with you.
•  And the most important is ENJOY! 

   How to go to Mount Damas

      From Cubao, ride a bus (Solid North bus) bound to Camiling, Tarlac

      Ride a jeep/tricycle from Camiling going to Brgy. Papaac, meet the guide

  Contact Person:

     Emman – 0908 942 3592

  Expenses:

    Cubao to Camiling – 265 php

    Trike – 100 php each

    Guide Fee – 500 php

Tranquility Puka Beach Boracay

This is another beach on Boracay Island, which is located along the island’s northern end. Puka Beach is a picture of what most individuals expect on a tropical island: white sand, purplish blue water, and uncrowded beach.  It was called Puka beach because the place where resident meet to collect Puka Shells.

Background

This is very different from the other beaches of Boracay. This is the longest beach on the island’s northern tip. The sand is not as fine and white as those in the white beach. But, the tranquillity of the surroundings can make your stay in the beach a memorable one. It became famous because the beach has many Puka shells.

The beach is uncrowded compared to the white beach. The location of the beach gives you a feeling that you are in a remote place. Allow yourself at least two hours of spending in the beach. Relax and enjoy!

footprints

Adventurers can hike or ride a rented bicycle or motorbike going to the beach.

It is advisable to bring food and cold drinks because the beach has no resorts and establishments in the beach. It is separated from the white beach in Boracay. But, there’s a restaurant at the eastern end of the beach.

Puka beach is a great spot for a picnic; however make sure to bring your trash home with you.

shells

Getting There

*You can take a tricycle going to Puka beach. The tricycle can be found at the D’Mall. Fare is around 100php.

*If you are adventurous then, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach the beach.

*Going to Puka beach takes about thirty to forty-five minutes.

*No entrance fee

*There’s a tricycle terminal in front of the entrance.

Your Boracay Island escapade is not complete without visiting Puka beach. Include Puka beach on your itinerary if you are on a vacation on Boracay Island. 

souvenir items 

More photos here...

Enjoy your travel! Be safe always!

Marco

Vacation and Travel Tips

Hi folks! The soul explorer is out of town starting on April 4 until April 11. He is going to his home town to visit his family and friends. It’s been a years that he's not seeing this people who are very close to his heart. He must consider the journey as adventure because he is going to take the trip by land. Yes! He is going to ride a bus from Manila (Luzon) going to Surigao City (Mindanao). It takes 2 days before he gets into Surigao City so this is really exciting journey! 

Aerial view of Surigao City

To lessen expenses or to avoid spending lots of cash, here are the basic of the cheap travel tips:

SINULOG Festival 2014 (Schedule of Activities)

photo credit: sinulog.ph

The Sinulog is an annual festival held the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival commemorates people's pagan origin Cebuano and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The festival features a Street parade with participants in bright costumes, dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native songs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño.

The festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a competition of contingents from various parts of the country. The Sinulog contest is held usually in Cebu City Sports Complex.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano nouns sulog which means roughly "like water current movement; "it describes the forward backward movement of the Sinulog dance.

The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, performed to the sound of drums. Dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, free interpretation. Candle vendors by Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in their native language.

Mark your calendar and save the dates!

Schedule of Activities

(Fuente Osmeña, January 10-31, 2014)

January 9, 2014 (Thursday)  Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 AM                                  Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña

4:30 AM                                  Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño

5:30 AM                                  Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2014

January 10, 2014 (Friday)     Sinulog 2014 Kick Off

10:00AM                                  Sinulog Trade Fair @SM City Cebu by Department of Trade & Industry

2:00PM                                    Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)

3:00 PM                                   Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to CCSC)

7:00 PM                                   Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña

                                               Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition

8:00 PM                                   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                   Street Party Bands

January 11, 2014 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan

1:00 PM                                  Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM                                  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by Dept. Education Cebu Province

7:00 PM                                  Ms. Cebu 2014 Presentation @ Ayala Activity Center

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2014 (Sunday)   Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

4:00 AM                                  Cebu City 2014 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com

1:00 PM                                  Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to CCSC

2:00 PM                                  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center

6:00 PM                                  Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by University of San Carlos

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2014 (Monday)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by University of Cebu

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

 January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)

9:00 AM                                  Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)

                                              by Dept. Education Cebu City Division

7:00 PM                                  Ms. Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 16, 2014 (Thursday)

9:00 AM                                  Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) by Southwestern University,

                                              University of San Jose Recoletos, University of Southern

                                              Philippines-Foundation, and Cebu Institute of Technology University

                                              Sinulog Festival Queen Costume Parade, Runway Competition and

                                              Photoshoot @SM City Cebu

6:00 PM                                  Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol Grand Finals(Fuente Osmeña Circle)

8:00 PM                                  Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 17, 2014 (Friday)     Visual Merchandising Contest(Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 AM                                  Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño

9:00 AM                                  Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /Floats

                                              / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym

6:00 PM                                  Sinulog Dance Crew Grand Finals @CCSC

7:30 PM                                  Sinulog Festival Queen 2014 Coronation Night

                                              @Cebu City Sports Center

8:00 PM                                  Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum

January 18, 2014 (Saturday)

6:00 AM                                  Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

9:00 AM                                  Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and

                                              Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto.Niño

2:00 PM                                  Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

7:00 PM                                  Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu

7:00 PM                                  Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

January 19, 2014 (Sunday)   SINULOG GRAND PARADE

4:00 AM                                  Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño

6:00 AM                                  Pontifical mass with His Eminence Jose S. Palma

8:00 AM                                  Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center

9:00 AM                                  Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off

7:00 PM                                  Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center

7:30 PM                                  Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

9:00 PM                                  Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show at SM City Cebu)

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM                   Coca-cola Music Studio, Concert Series sa Sugbo @SRP

12:00 MN                                Sinulog Fireworks @SRP

January 20, 2014 (Monday)

1:00 PM                                  Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 22 - 24, 2014           Suroy-Suroy Sugbo - Southern Gateway

January 24, 2014 (Friday)     “HUBO”

4:00 AM                                  “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 27, 2014 (Monday)    Judging of Sinulog Photo Contest 2014

January 28, 2014 (Tuesday)   Judging of Finalist Short Film/Video Documentary Contest

                                               Sinulog Photo Contest 2014

February 1, 2014 (Saturday)

1:00 PM                                  Screening of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest

6:00 PM                                  Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary

                                              Contest @SM City Cebu

February 4 – Feb. 9, 2014     Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ’14 @SM City Cebu

www.sinulog.ph

Viva Pit Señor!!!

Backpacking Tips

The following are some backpacking reminders:

Emergency Kit

Hiking safety includes the safety page and first aid in more detail. For now, just say that you should have something in the way of first aid and emergency kits. This depends on your experience and the level of risk you're comfortable with. The basic first aid is a list of everything that carried first aid page.

Backpacking Tips

I am planning to have my own solo backpacking trips maybe next year but of course it is really depends on my time and budgets. I envied those travelers who can travel with less expenses, I am impressed and proud of them. So, before travelling I need to know the backpacking tips. While browsing in the net to get some tips from expert traveler and learning of their own backpacking tips. This is a part of preparation for my solo backpacking trip. I want everything organize!

So, here are the tips:

Tips to start solo backpacking trip

I always wanted to have my own solo backpacking trip but to think of it is like I can’t do it on myself. Every time I visited a blog site from a travel blogger, I am inspired to do it. Now, I am decided to do it next year that’s why I wanted to have a preparation before I’m doing a solo backpacking trip.

First and foremost, I have to get tips from expert solo backpacker. So, here are the tips from James of http://journeyingjames.com/ :

1. CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION – I need to think of where to go and choose the destination that I love to visit.

What's in Diplomat Hotel, Baguio City?

Diplomat Hotel is an interesting spots in Baguio City; located at the top of Dominican Hill, Dominican Road, Baguio City, Philippines. It is an old abandoned former hotel has 33 rooms but before that, it is used to be a rest house and a seminary in 1911.

Dominican Hill, during World War 2, was used by immigrant escaping from the Japanese Army Liberation Forces. But later, the Japanese forces to bomb the immigrants out which damages to the main structure and the whole area. In 1947, the reconstruction of the site was completed.