Slider

Innisfree Lists their Jeju Green Tea Farms on Airbnb

Thursday, June 24, 2021

I've visited Jeju Island in South Korea for about 3x already. First was during my 1st ever solo trip, it was early winter and I didn't have concrete plans so going around was a bit of a challenge. I rented a taxi, and went around their variety of museums in a day. 


The second visit, I was a bit prepared but didn't expect a snowstorm in the southside of this country. The bus from Incheon Airport struggled, and I was freezing while visiting nature sites after realizing from my 1st trip that Jeju is about exploring the outdoors. I think I've seen the most snow during this trip!




In 2016, I went to Jeju for my first solo trip. The taxi driver recommended I visit their famous green tea farms.



Third was a prize from a contest, and I brought along my sister. We hiked multiple times with our group tour, and picked Jeju tangerines as part of the pre-set itinerary. It might seem like I've had enough of this island, but I am still looking forward to returning. With the new partnership between Airbnb and K-beauty mega brand Innisfree, I wish I am in South Korea right now!


For one night only, two lucky guests will have the opportunity to experience a restorative, back-to-nature overnight stay on some of the island’s major green tea farms, available on Airbnb for the first time! 





As part of this overnight stay, Innisfree is opening the doors to the Dolsongyi and Seogwang tea farms, which are the source for its green tea products, and its retail space and cafe, Jejuhouse.


On June 28 at 10:00 AM KST (Korea Standard Time), residents of Korea will be able to book a magical overnight stay on the green tea farm, available here on a first come, first served basis. 


The stay will take place from August 6 to 7, and can accommodate a maximum of two guests. The booking fee for the stay is approximately US$10  to ensure a smooth booking process on the platform, and the entire amount will be refunded to guests in cash during the stay. 






WHAT TO EXPECT 


- Guests will enjoy a curated menu of farm-forward experiences including learning about the fine art of tea in a tea ceremony and getting back to nature by picking fresh tea leaves with the skincare company’s leading research and development expert. 


- Local Airbnb Experiences Hosts will guide guests in a rejuvenating outdoor yoga class, a private photoshoot in the middle of the tea fields with a professional photographer and a creative botanical art class. 




- Guests will be served an intimate series of meals especially curated by Jejuhouse’s chef, which incorporate some of the island’s local produce. 


- Guests will stay overnight in an atmospheric camping van overlooking green tea fields; an indoor-outdoor feel will be reinforced by a lounge area set up right outside the camping car, a perfect nook in which to enjoy a peaceful moment gazing at the stars or listening to the sounds of nature after an eventful day. 






Airbnb’s campaign with Innisfree is the latest in a series of initiatives that brings the world’s most iconic, unexpected and unique spaces onto the platform for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests.  


Previous campaigns have taken place at The Louvre museum in Paris and at a glamorous beach house in Malibu styled in the spirit of Barbie.  


Interested guests should note that house rules are in strict adherence with Covid-19 guidelines, and those who request a reservation should currently live in Korea to minimize risk. Guests can rest easy knowing that the home will be cleaned in accordance with the Airbnb enhanced cleaning protocol. 


For more exciting and one-of-a-kind Online Experiences, search http://www.airbnb.com/experiences. To explore amazing stays in Airbnb, please visit https://www.airbnb.com/s/homes.



Road to #KoreaTayoSoon: The Global Hallyu Olympiad Preliminaries

Tuesday, June 22, 2021



Chingus! Here are fun events organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office!


KTO Manila launches a huge event for the Filipino fans called the Road to #KoreaTayoSoon: The Global Hallyu Olympiad Preliminaries where your creativity, knowledge in Korea, or dance skills can fly you to Korea, win Apple iPad 8th Gen, or take home Php 20,000 cash! 


There are 3 events that you can participate in:


1) LAKBAY, a Korea travel itinerary-making contest


Have you always been dreaming of visiting Korea? Make your wish come true and join "LAKBAY: Make your own Korea". Design your own dream trip to Korea according to the theme: Where in Korea will in I bring my loved one/s?


The first place winner will get a chance to win 1 Apple iPad 8th Gen, 2 Roundtrip tickets to Korea, and represent the Philippines in the Global #HallyuOlympiad in Korea*. 


For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/KTOLakbay



2) K-UIZ, a quiz on Korea travel and culture facts


Clear all levels: Hallyu Trainee, Hallyu Apprentice, and Hallyu Genius, and get a chance to win 1 Apple iPad 8th Gen, 1 Roundtrip ticket to Korea, and represent the Philippines in the Global #HallyuOlympiad to be held in Korea*. 


Review your knowledge now as application for the FIRST ROUND will open on June 15, 2021. Questions will range from Korea basic facts, tourism, history, K-drama and K-pop. 


Fore more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/KTOK-uiz



3) HATAW, a K-pop cover dance contest


Are you ready to dance your way to Korea? Hallyu fans! This is your chance to show your love for K-Pop! 🇰🇷 


Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office presents HATAW: Dance your way to Korea. Choose your favorite K-pop song, form a group of 2-5 members, and send your entries on June 15 to July 15, 2021. 


First Place winners will win PHP20,000, roundtrip tickets to Korea for all members, and be the representative of the Philippines for the Global Hallyu Olympiad*


For more information, visit: https://tinyurl.com/KTOHataw



NOTE: *The Global Hallyu Olympiad will only take place once travel between Korea and the Philippines is allowed. In case of cancellation, First Place winners will still keep his/her other prizes. 




The Hallyu Olympiad, the first-of-its-kind tourism Olympic competition, aims to connect worldwide Hallyu fans and highlight their expertise in Korean culture and tourism. 


Announcement of Philippine representatives is by August 2021 (date is still TBA), while the final round will be on November 2021 in Korea. 


For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/HallyuOlympiadFAQs, or KTO Manila's website at  http://www.ktomanila.com.


Good luck chingus! Fighting!!!


Top 4 Places to Visit in Banff



Banff is one of Canada's most incredible national parks, offering nonstop natural beauty, notable locals, and endless entertainment and activities to attempt.  Regardless of whether you're more of a resort or summer sport kind of person, you'll find something that suits you perfectly.  These are the top places to visit when you're at the very southern border of Alberta and why this park is paradise on Earth.


Lake Louise 


Lake Louise could be a resort town of its own if it weren't part of Banff.  In the summer you have the chance to boat and swim in the lake's beautiful blue waters. Trails are open surrounding the lake itself, and you can even take a ride to the top of the mountain to absorb the best views possible.  This area is incredibly gorgeous.


When Lake Louise is covered in a good coat of snow and ice in winter, skating opens up on the lake's surface, and skiing opens up on the mountainsides.  You could spend a year in this area of the Banff National Park and never have two days be precisely the same. 


Sunshine Village Ski Resort 


This ski resort is the most recognizable part of Banff National Park. From the endless snowy peaks and slopes to the cozy hot springs and spas, you'll get to play and relax as much as you want.  This is a must-stay location because of the great mix of affordability and experiences, with the only way to get closer to being a local being to look at Banff homes for sale. This ski resort has year-round attractions but shines the most in the winter. 


Icefields Parkway 


If you don't love hiking but you want to take in some incredible views, a drive down the Icefields Parkway is the best way to ensure you get a great mixture of indoors and outdoors life.  There's nothing quite like driving through this mountain range and getting to take in endless views of mountains, snow, sky, rivers, and lakes.


The only mistake some people make is getting out of their vehicles, which you shouldn't do along this parkway unless you're with a guide.  This park is packed to the brim with gorgeous wildlife, and it's for the best if you don't get too physically close to interacting with it. 


Johnston Canyon


A canyon may not be what you expect to see in Banff, but the Johnston Canyon is a gorgeous trail that takes travelers down towards a river, deep into the ground itself.  Walking this trail in the summer gets you out of direct sunlight and allows you to feel the excitement of walking into the canyon itself. Although it's not as deep or wide as America's Grand Canyon, there's something so beautiful about the Johnston Canyon that it doesn't feel like it falls short. Visiting and walking this trail is calming, and you'll leave feeling refreshed.


Banff is a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.  Once you visit and see everything it has to offer, you won’t want to leave ever again! 

Cebu Pacific offers most affordable RT-PCR swab test (PHP 2,500)

Friday, June 18, 2021



The Philippines' leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), ramps up its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process as it now offers the cheapest RT-PCR test at only P2,500 versus other local carriers, exclusively for its passengers.



CEB offers the RT-PCR test through its two accredited partners –Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI) and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI). This special rate is solely for passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo.



As a number of local and international destinations still require negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry, CEB has ensured this requirement is made more accessible and affordable through these reduced rates.  Results are guaranteed to be released within 48 hours, while a guaranteed 24-hour turnaround period is priced at PHP 3,200 for both laboratories. 



HMI has clinics in Pasay and Makati; while SDDI has facilities in Mandaluyong, Bacolod, and Davao. 



“We continue to do what we can to rebuild the public’s trust and confidence in air travel. As we remain committed to providing affordable flights for everyJuan, we also made it a point to see where else we can reduce costs for our passengers – we are happy to work with our laboratory partners to make available the cheapest RT-PCR swab test rates that may conveniently be booked on our website,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience.



The Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL) also offers both RT-PCR and antigen tests exclusively for CEB passengers, for only PHP 3,300 and PHP 700, respectively. The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is also open for walk-ins daily, with fees to be directly paid to PADL.  



Passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can easily choose and book appointments via http://bit.ly/CEBTestOptions. From there, everyJuan will be redirected to each laboratory's page to finalize their schedule online. 



Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace. CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety and has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. Passengers are also constantly reminded to register in the Department of Transportation's Traze App for a more efficient contact tracing process. 



Guests are strongly urged to always check with the LGU of their destination for latest updates.  For a list of travel requirements, testing options, flexibility options and frequently asked questions, passengers may conveniently visit www.cebupacificair.com. 

My Ever-Evolving Life As A Content Creator

Wednesday, June 16, 2021




I was a fashion blogger.

 

Just like Intellifluence Influencer Spotlight Alessia De Bonis, an Italian influencer and blogger, I started my blog to document my daily wear. With that, the first brand deal I got was actually for a startup shoe store in Greenhills. I will never forget the excitement I felt when a brand contacted me for a collaboration with my blog! Meanwhile, my first event was for a clothing department store. This was where I met my first blog friends. 

 

 

Although I am not much into luxury labels, I was super interested in the art of putting together pieces of clothing. Every time I am feeling my outfits, I just have to take a photo and file them on the blog. To make my posts more personal, I made sure to add a little story about my outfit, how I put them together, where I got them, or what I did on that day while wearing those clothes.

 

 

Blogging was new back in 2009. I was in college, and a journalism student. I was still finding my voice, so I kept writing and writing whether it was required for our class or just for my personal outlet. I’ve always been one to document my life ever since, keeping a padlocked diary as a kid full of ideas and secrets. I guess it’s just right that blogging became a full time work for me now!

 

 

At first, I did not expect social media to grow to where it is now. I didn’t even think of creating a brand for myself. Now more than ever, brands are heading digital, tapping and trusting more content creators to advertise their products and services. I started a blog because I enjoyed it. 

 

 

One of the many challenges I had to go through in my more than 10 years as a content creator is diversifying whenever there’s a new trendy medium in the market. I started everything with Multiply, a now defunct page where you can create your own website complete with a blog, a marketplace, digital photo albums, etc. From there, I jumped to having my own blog, to creating a Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. 

 

 

I also went through Snapchat and now opened a Tiktok. I wouldn’t call myself a “techie”, but I really try to adjust along the way. Not only because it is needed in my line of work, but I genuinely enjoy experimenting with new ways of documenting my life. 

 


If anything, I think one of the common traits of the bloggers I know who have lasted a decade or so is their flexibility. My old social media accounts are still running like usual, but I also go to new social networking sites like Tiktok and podcast channels, to hangout where the people hangout at the moment. Also, I take these new networks as chances for me to learn and grow.



Meanwhile, although I still enjoy dressing up, I wouldn't call myself a fashion blogger now. I usually introduce myself as a travel blogger, I really enjoy writing and giving tips about my travels abroad most especially in Korea. My content greatly changed since 2009, but I think this is already a given as human beings. We are constantly changing, from our interests and life directions, as we grow older. I've come to accept that even our blog niche may change from time to time along with our life phases.

 

 

At the end of the day, the cliché “Content is King” still holds true. Regardless of your chosen niche at the moment. And whether it’s in writing, video, or photo format, it's still the story you’re putting out in the world that still matters most. 



But of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have A+ storytelling skills too, to get your message across smoothly to your audience. 


90s Space Jam 2 T-Shirt Collection Official Warner Bros Licensed Merch Now On Shopee!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

90s kids, you'll be happy to see this comeback! 


I remember owning a Marvin the Martian shirt, while my Ate had the Space Jam white tee which we both overused til end. The Taz shirt was a must-have, too! During school occasions when we were allowed to wear casual clothes, I always don my Marvin the Martian shirt and feel ko ang cool cool ko na non, lol!


This year, our classic Looney Tunes squad is back on the court to play a part in our wardrobe story! Aside from the cool shirt design, I love that they are very comfortable and comes in different sizes. They are also very affordable too, for an official merch! I can wear it out for errands day, or as loungewear at home. Definitely, my kind of outfit now!


Some of the shirt designs I have, and the link where you can get them:


Stay Tuned Space Jam 2 Printed Tshirt







Marvin the Martian Space Jam 2 Oversized Tshirt 





By shopping via INSPI's Shopee store, we can finally get authentic and good quality Space Jam Shirts without breaking the bank (They are also currently at 50% off!). They also have an #InspiDanceChallenge on Tiktok where you can win P200k worth of prizes! 


Inspi sells affordable yet premium tops and bottoms at affordable price. Keeping it simple yet stylish, Inspi provides varieties of designs ranging from oversized shirts to your casual comfies and so much more! They also offer exclusive designs licensed from Disney and Warner Bros. bringing your favorite characters to life.


Top 6 TREASURE Songs You Need to Listen to

Friday, June 04, 2021

These rookie K-Pop idols might just end up being your new favorite group to stan





Having debuted in August 2020, boy band TREASURE may be new to the K-Pop scene, but this twelve-piece group’s strong vocals, fun choreographies, and boyish charm definitely make them rookies to watch out for!


In less than a year since their debut as a group, CHOI HYUN SUK, JIHOON, YOSHI, JUNKYU, MASHIHO, YOON JAE HYUK, ASAHI, BANG YE DAM, DOYOUNG, HARUTO, PARK JEONG WOO, and SO JUNG HWAN have already managed to gain quite a following, thanks to their musical prowess. 

If you’re just starting to explore TREASURE’s discography, here’s our roundup of six songs you need to check out:


1. BOY    





“BOY” will always be a special track for TREASURE MAKERS—it’s TREASURE’s debut song, after all. For times when you need that energy boost to get work done, queue this powerful dance song, which features strong raps laid over catchy synth beats.


Stream BOY here.


2. I LOVE YOU


Listen to your biases’ kilig-worthy confession of love with this upbeat dance-pop number. The lyrics explore the youthful flutterings of romance. Enjoy the medley of angelic vocals in each verse, shifting to a banger EDM drop in the chorus.


Stream I LOVE YOU here.


3. MMM


TREASURE shows a more mature side to themselves with “MMM,” a hip-hop song with darker flavor. Vibe out with this smooth, sensual track and admire the group’s complex dance moves in the music video. Warning: You’ll get addicted to the slick beats.


Stream MMM here.


4. MY TREASURE





If you’re having a bad day, “MY TREASURE” can definitely turn your mood around with its bright, bouncy rhythm and happy lyrics. This song showcases the band’s sweet, melodic voices while a few rap verses here and there lend a bit more edge.


Stream MY TREASURE here.


5. GOING CRAZY


OG TREASURE MAKERS can recognize this song from survival show YG Treasure Box. Fall in love with this catchy pop song’s youthful vocals, set to an upbeat melody. This track is a definite earworm—we guarantee you’ll just find yourself humming “This must be crazy love” out of nowhere.


Stream GOING CRAZY here.


6. BEAUTIFUL





TREASURE has one of the strongest vocal lineups around, and this song from the group proves it. The members’ harmonious vocals start off mellow and sentimental, then soar to a rousing chorus, perfect for singing along to with friends on road trips.


Stream BEAUTIFUL here.



Heads up, TREASURE MAKERS: You can catch TREASURE perform their most popular songs at Shopee’s 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale TV Special. Tune in to GMA 7 and Shopee Live this June 6, 2:00-3:30 PM to watch your biases perform! You also get the chance to win over ₱15 million worth of prizes by watching the show.


Visit https://shopee.ph/m/6-6 for more information.


Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.  

BTS POP-UP: MAP OF THE SOUL | Manila, Philippines (How To Book A Slot and other Frequently Asked Questions)

Thursday, June 03, 2021

After seeing BTS visit the BTS Pop-Up Store Seoul on their Bangtan Bomb, and my cousin suddenly sending me pictures of the installation in Singapore a few months ago, FINALLY! I had the chance to visit the BTS POP-UP: MAP OF THE SOUL Showcase on their first week here in Manila.



Some stuff I learned from reading up online is that you will need to pre-book a slot to be able to enter the store smoothly. An extra step, but anything to avoid a crazy crowd since we're still in the middle of a pandemic. There's a walk-in option, but since I live far from SM Mega Mall, I made sure to secure a slot first before going on a trip up north.


Follow morningKall on Facebook to get updates about the BTS POP-UP. They post about the openings, policies, and new merch for BTS Pop-Up Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines etc. 




HOW TO BOOK FOR A SLOT?


Slots are FREE but not quite easy to acquire. Here are some of the steps I went through to book a slot. By being on time, and with sheer luck, fast internet, and quick clicking skills, I was able to book for a June 1 schedule.


1. Go to morningKall's website, and make sure to sign up for an account before the scheduled release of new slots. This will lessen the steps during your actual booking.



Registration Dates and Showcase Dates for BTS Pop-Up Manila:



2. For the Megamall pop-up here in Manila, slots will be available every Wednesdays 10am. Upcoming scheds are June 9 and June 16, again here's morningKall's website.


3. Make sure you're also on the website at least 5 minutes before 10am. By 9:59am, I was already refreshing and refreshing the page! Naalala ko I was even counting to 60 before refreshing, and ayun na nga the date options suddenly appeared at 10 am! 


Also, click the RESERVATIONS tab of the website as this is where you will see the date and time options and not on the home page. Click on your preferred date (format is day, month, year). And as if you're just online shopping, simply add preferred date to cart.





Naalala ko nag hang din the site while I was trying to book, so I opened a new tab for morningKall page, and biglang booked nako! 


4. Take note, morningKall has a ONE ACCOUNT, ONE SLOT policy. So make sure to inform your ARMY friends prior the booking day so you can individually book for your slots. Agree on a day and time that you all want to visit.


Time Slots for BTS Pop-Up in Manila (Megamall):




5. Check for a confirmation email, it has to include your Order Number. 




6. Make sure to also register for a MandaTrack QR code so you can enter Megamall without any hassles or delays. You can get it here: https://mandatrack.appcase.net/



NOTES: On the Day of Your Visit




1. Be there early to avoid forfeiture of slot. Around 10-15 minutes before your schedule, approach any of the staff at the entrance (they are all wearing a uniformed blue jacket) and show your email. You will receive a small cardboard with a number that you will hand back to them later on when you enter the store. Again, make sure to acquire this number first before you take a seat, just to secure your slot.


2. When you have your cardboard number, keep it (I almost lost mine in that few minutes, bakit ako ganito hahaha). Seats were provided where you can rest till your turn in the store, we waited in front of H&M.


3. Exactly 2pm, we were allowed to enter the store! They handed each of us a small basket for shopping convenience, plus a snap strap and postcard freebies! You can just go there to window shop or to take photos, and you'll get these souvenirs parin. But if you can, sayang naman if you can't take home at least a piece from this legit BTS pop-up! Lowest price I saw during our visit is Php 250 for a TinyTan washi tape.






4. You can shop and take photos around the store for 30 minutes, and then another 15 minutes to fall in line and pay for your purchase. 


Another tip: Do not run to the installations the moment your batch enters the store. For sure everybody's planning to do that! Let the others finish their turn, and mag shop ka muna. During the 15-minute payment leeway, the store suddenly turned empty so it's easier to take photos minus the crowd!




5. They have a lot of payment options, but since the pandemic started, I always go cashless to lessen any contact. Aside from the usual cash and credit card, BTS Pop-Up Manila also accepts PayMaya payment option through QR scanning. So don't pay cash, PayMaya! Hehe! Very convenient.





Here are more pop-up guidelines to ensure safety of all guests:




As always, keep safe and be cautious, but still have fun and enjoy your less-than-an-hour time inside this legit Bangtan store here in Manila! Fangirl responsibly, BORAHAE ARMY!!! ❤


What I got from this visit:



If you have other questions not provided in this post, feel free to send me a direct message on my Instagram @anagon!

Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )