The first half of 2019 was a difficult one. A lot of things kept piling up (physically, emotionally, mentally), that it was already too much to handle. My husband and I needed a breather from all the stress and challenges that OFW life and work threw at us, that we decided on a whim to travel somewhere in Asia. We initially wanted to explore other Asian countries that we haven’t been to yet then realized that we still had to apply for a visa, which might take some time. We had to leave in a few days, so that wasn’t ideal for us. But that’s when the idea of going back to Hong Kong came to us. Asia’s World City has always been a favorite destination of mine (been here twice already). So it just felt right to revisit it after nine long years.
[Trip from November 2007] To give a recap on things, months before my first trip out of the country, I’ve researched extensively the contents of our Hong Kong and Macau itinerary. Through the process, I’ve stumbled upon the following websites that have helped me create our trip activities: Discover Hong Kong, Travel China Guide, Trip Advisor, Lonely Planet, Hong Kong Extras, and HKG Travel, and Expedia.
With the help of a few detailed FREE Hong Kong maps, my Kuya and I were able to go around HKG easily. The MTR and buses were so convenient to find and were very fast, which made the commute a breeze for us after some time. Anyway, let me share what we did during our short stay in Hong Kong and Macau.
DAY 1
· Checked-in at our hotel around 2 PM, at the YMCA International House (YMCA Hotel by Waterloo Road, near Yau Ma Tei MTR station).
· Headed out for some late lunch at Mcdonald’s (Central area) with my cousin, his wife, and daughter. Mcdo meals in HKG were pricey compared to ours in the Philippines.
After ending my last sem in college and before my birthday, my Kuya EJ (older brother and cousin) and I flew to Hong Kong for a 4-day vacation. It was his Graduation/Birthday gift to me. It was also my first time to go abroad, let alone ride the plane.
Being a first-time overseas traveler, getting inside the NAIA (Terminal 1) Airport was a new episode for me. I’ve never imagined it to be that small in space. But despite that, there was still a lot of appreciation on my end. And being the first-timer that I was, I had a lot of anxiety in my system. But on the brighter side of things, I was able to learn more by asking further questions from people with authority with regard to my country’s travel procedures and payments. I am Pinay (Filipina) by the way.
We recently visited Hong Kong, a food outlet located in Oasis Centre’s food court in Al Quoz. My husband and I had an early dinner here and ordered five delightful Asian dishes. Check out our selections below.
I promised myself that I would visit a foreign country yearly. And I'm grateful that I've managed to keep my word all these years. To share snippets of my adventures, here’s a rundown on the 12 countries that I’ve been to (mostly visa-free for Philippine passport holders) for the past decade.
November marked a significant milestone for me as I celebrated my 40th birthday in the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. From indulging in mouthwatering burgers to shopping sprees and breathtaking views, each day brought a new adventure and a reason to cherish this special occasion.
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
As the year ends, I can't help but reflect on the incredible adventures and experiences that filled my 2023. This year has been nothing short of a whirlwind, with travels taking me across Asia, each destination offering a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.
{April 2010} This entry marks my first trip for the year 2010. And if you're all wondering as to what these 3-lettered words are, well these are just airport codes: HKG - Hong Kong / MFM - Macau / SZX - Shenzhen. I've already been to HKG and MFM last November 2007, and I must say that being back was like I've never been in these places before. There was always something new to look forward to, despite the familiar faces and establishments. And for me, these two Asian destinations will always be exceptional.. all the more, when SZX added to my trip itinerary!
I'm very fortunate to know travel enthusiasts (family and friends) who never fails to think of me when they see Starbucks Mugs in sight. And since my last update, I now have 9 additions to my collection. =)
Boracay, Makati, Baguio, Bacolod, Davao (all from the Philippines), Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Los Angeles and Bali (Tumbler).
I just wanted to share my love of collecting Starbucks City Mugs! ♥
Yes! These babies makes me smile each and every time I see them. I've actually been to each one of these destinations except for NYC, Florida, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (gift from family and friends) -- all of which are also listed on my must-see-places!
I'm actually missing a few more city mugs (mugs from Baguio, Batangas, Boracay, Naga, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Pattaya, Thailand). So whoever wants to surprise me on my birthday this November, those missing destination mugs will surely make me the happiest girl! :)
Thank you in advance? =P
Explore & Be Free!
Mai
Budget Biyahera as a blog has been up for several years now. Although still young in age, I am very much grateful for all the little (yet super big deal) recognitions that I've been getting throughout the years, especially at present.
During the 2nd quarter of 2012, Meet Manila (the Philippines newest and most comprehensive travel portal wherein #ThoughtfulTourism is promoted) invited me to one of their 'Tertulia Night' events. From there, I was awarded as one of the Empowered Travelers after sharing my views on 'What it means to be an empowered traveler'. On top of that, I was also gifted with a new Lenovo Q350 phone --- a very handy device that could certainly help the wanderluster in me.
Along with the perks of being an Empowered Traveler, I was also given the chance to contribute for the POSTCARDS section on one of the Philippines travel magazines: TRAVEL.
{Trip from April 2010} Before heading back to our hotel, we would always make it a point to pass by the 7-eleven store that was a few blocks away from Anne Black. And we would always make sure that we purchased these cups of spicy beef noodles that had real beef pieces in them. These were either made into our late-night snack or into our breakfast. But whatever the case was, these sumptuous instant noodles matched with some Yakult always made us happy.
Our tour guide in Shenzhen |
The only things that I collected when I started traveling with my family were photos and shells. I always thought that these were enough when it came to documenting the places that we visited. But when I started traveling on my own, I was eventually drawn to the little yet valuable things that I encountered along the way. From then on, I knew that I had to take home a piece from every destination that I've been to.
My Travel Shrine! =P |
Philippine retailer, Puregold Price Club Inc., is going full swing and taking its retail marketing from the ground to the skies with the formal launching of its new plane livery.
If you're a Budget Biyahera (or Biyahero) and a certified Filipino citizen just like me, then you should definitely check this list of countries that will allow you entry without getting any visa/s (for tourist visit only). Of course, you will still need a Philippine passport that is valid for six months beyond your date of entry.
Asia / ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- Brunei Darussalam - 14 days
- Cambodia - 21 days
- Indonesia - 30 days
- Laos - 30 days
- Malaysia - 30 days (you should at least have 500USD pocket money)
- Singapore - 30 days
- Thailand - 30 days
- Vietnam - 21 days
When I decided to end an almost 3-year relationship, starting over felt like the most difficult thing to do. It took me almost a year to finally start dating again. I mean, it was the hardest thing for me to go through, knowing that I got used to being with just one person all those years. But God was kind enough to find me someone who easily took away the “dating inhibitions” out of me.
As I was reading through a book that my Kuya gave me (The Secret by Rhonda Byrne), a lot of meaningful concepts were discussed about seeing everything on a positive note. Skeptic as I was at life at that time, I read and eventually followed each principle. And quoting from the book, “the essence of The Secret is the Law of Attraction."
[Trip from April 2010] We were strictly told that if we didn’t make it by 9 AM in the HKG-SZX border, our tour will leave us. And us three being the real deal early birds, we got there with an hour to spare. But much to our expectations, the tour guide was there but a few of the people who booked the same tour were super duper late! And we thought they were going to leave those who weren’t there on time. So much for that.
I usually set an expectation for myself when it comes to how often I should go online, especially when I'm traveling overseas. But in reality, setting expectations don’t always go as planned because I'd still find myself checking my Facebook feed, and posting photos on Instagram. This usually happens when I'm waiting for my food to be served or while I’m on transit. Anyway, I was recently in Thailand for my birthday/honeymoon. I wasn’t always glued to my phone, checking stuff online throughout the trip. But it still helped that I had a FLYTPACK router with me, which was a lifesaver during inopportune times on the road.