I recently read through the comments of those who wanted to join World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship. Sadly, I came upon this confirmation that I am no longer eligible to join. A professional writer of any sort (travel writer or otherwise) won't be allowed to apply, especially if 25% of their income comes from writing.

All along I thought that I was exempted since I was writing for a different niche. Well, I already wrote my contribution. But instead of deleting it completely from the system, I decided to just post my entry here instead. In that way, I still get to share my story.

I started my Starbucks Mug collection back in 2011 after seeing the same collection from a blogger that I used to follow. I was so amazed by her shot-glass-size souvenirs that I promised to get myself the same collectible after every visit to a new foreign country.

My first set was bought in Jeonju, Korea last year. I was also lucky since Jeonju only had one Starbucks shop, which was just a 10-minute walk from our hotel. Now, the shop wasn't selling an actual Jeonju-printed mug. They only had Korea and Seoul available. I guess I could consider Seoul since I had to pass through it on my way to Incheon. =D

Now, my second pair of Starbucks mini-mugs were purchased in Hong Kong. But the mugs that I have now are of Macau's and China's (been to Shenzhen so this counts). But I've been to both places too. I just need to get the ones that has Hong Kong printed on it. I actually had to ask my friend in Hong Kong to buy me the mugs since I kept forgetting during my two previous trips there. 

I've also been to Singapore (twice now) and Thailand (Bangkok & Pattaya). But I didn't get the chance to visit any Starbucks stores then. Thus my still, incomplete collection. But my friend who is based in Bangkok recently updated me about a possible BKK mug sighting. So here's to hoping that I get my third set soon! =)

Ok, so I just read that there are also local icon mugs here in the Philippines (mugs from Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, CDO, Cebu, Manila, Tagaytay, and more!) I'm just not sure if these are still available. But if these babies are still out in the market, then I can't wait to get my hands on them too!

Anyway, what do you collect from your travels? Care to share your precious finds? =)

Explore & Be Free!

Mai

I recently read a post from a nice lady blogger about her recent trip to Enchanted Kingdom. Then it suddenly dawned on me that I haven't made a single post about my own trips to the theme park. So here it is!

I've been to Enchanted Kingdom several times now. My first time was when I was a senior in high school, and the second time was during my first semester in college. The last two recent trips were with family and friends. 

My two latest trips to EK was back in November 2007 (my birthday celebration) and January 2011 (my surprise birthday treat for my boyfriend). Here are some of the photos. 

If you booked your flight/s with Cebu Pacific via their website, then you've probably chosen either of their three payment options. You can choose to pay (1) through your credit card, (2) through Bancnet, (3) or Over-The-Counter.

Now, I've usually used the first payment option. But when I no longer had any credit card to use, I would resort to the last mode of payment --- and that's to pay through Banco De Oro (amongst other alternatives). But it was just a few days ago that I stumbled upon a somewhat perplexing question: what details do I put on the BDO slip? Cebu Pacific didn't provide a set of handy instructions for this certain matter.

So I had to google it, in hopes that I will not go into a BDO bank oblivious of what to write. But unfortunately, I didn't find any valuable information to my rescue. And so, I just approached the bank teller for further instructions, with a copy of my confirmation #.

Here's what was instructed of me:

1) PRINT or NOTE down the confirmation number (you'll see this on the flight itinerary).

2) Ask the bank teller for the ORANGE Payment Slip, as you won't find this in any of their slip/brochure counters (I don't know what those are called).

I've been disheartened for like the nth time, every time a US consul pulls out that notorious 'blue paper'. And for some reason, the different consuls that came to review my application, didn't seem to find me credible of my words. Thus witholding me of a chance to visit the rest of my family in Houston.

I've already been rejected of a US Visa three times, and I don't think I want to try anytime soon. Family members have tried to figure out the deal in every ordeal but would just end up thinking that I may have probably been denied mainly because I was a single woman, who came with pretty good genes. *=P The consuls may not believe that I am an honest businesswoman, then that's just their word against mine. I know who I am, and I never had any intentions of going TNT in the US nor marrying a US citizen for a green card.

So in lieu of this entry, I would like to turn my rejections into a positive one. I hope that with this post, that I may be able to help out anyone who's planning on getting that most sought after document on their passport's.

For now, here are my tips:

1) Go online and type in the link: http://manila.usembassy.gov/