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Japan: A First-Timer's Guide and Itinerary to Tokyo

iWe are down to our last Japanese city - Tokyo! I've already blogged about my explorations in Osaka and Kyoto day tour so let me now take you to the wildest city of Japan. I've allotted 3 days in Tokyo and I'm already telling you that it's not enough!  (Warning: This is a long and a photo dump post but in a very friendly tone because I know Tokyo can be quite intimidating.)

HOW TO GO TO TOKYO

 You can read my previous post Japan: Airfare, Visa, Budget & Travel Guide for some basic things you need to know before going to Tokyo, or basically Japan.

via plane: You can reach Tokyo via Haneda or Narita Airport. Haneda Airport is more convenient since it is already in Tokyo. (Only Philippine Airlines has a direct flight to Haneda) But most of the international flights are directed to Narita Airport which is 1.5 hours away from Tokyo.

via train: If you will enter Japan in Osaka or Fukuoka, or Sapporo, you can go to Tokyo by their shinkansen (bullet train).

via bus: Shinkansen can be quite expensive. So if you're on a budget, try Willer overnight bus.

The spaghetti subway system of Tokyo

GOING AROUND IN TOKYO

Taxis, of course, are the most efficient way but it is as well the most expensive way to get around the city. Bus routes in another country are complicated to know so it's always better to take the train.

I never had a hard time planning our transportation in Osaka and Kyoto but I went crazy in Tokyo. Their subway system is so tangled up with each other that even the locals get lost. Imagine that! There is a dozen of subway companies running around Tokyo but the big three are the JR East, Toei and Tokyo Metro. You also need to keep in mind that Tokyo has different train types. You might skip your station if you rode an express train or take a lot of your time if you rode a local train with 10+ stops on your destination.

Local - Just like our MRT-LRT, this stops at all stations.

Rapid - Trains skip some stations.

Express - Trains skip more stations than the rapid.

Limited Express - Trains that stop at major stations.

Since we have a JR Pass and my head is hurting by just looking the subway route map, I decided to stick with the JR Yamanote Line. This line is a loop that goes around Tokyo which is very famous for tourist (and even locals) who wants to go around the city. I'll stick with this train line in my whole Tokyo guide, okay? (NOTE: We had a JR Pass because we went to Osaka and Kyoto too. If you're planning to see only Tokyo, I advise you not to get one. )

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TOKYO

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1600"] I compiled all the famous places you can do and visit on each ward in Tokyo. Artworks are not mine. (C) to the owner[/caption]

FIRST STOP: SHIBUYA

We rented an Airbnb in Shibuya and it's the best ward in Tokyo to stay in. It got food, entertainment, and shopping malls. Plus, it's freaking wild at night, people (and wink wink specials) are everywhere that I didn't get scared to walk alone at 12 midnight! There's also a lot of drunk kids but they're harmless.

The best things to do here: visit Hachiko monument and cross the Shibuya crossing until you canl. If you love shopping, there's one whole building of H&M, Forever21, and Daiso here. And of course, the famous Shibuya 109. I've also tried Ichiran here.

SECOND STOP: HARAJUKU

Harajuku is said to be the kawaii capital of Tokyo. This is the ward where Japanese teenage culture and fashion trends are much visible. If you're a fan of cute things and Lolita fashion, you should check out Takeshita Street. So hello kikay girls, you'll 100% enjoy this street but be sure to brace yourself of the crowd.

But if you think you're too old for this teenager things and crowd, you can go check out Meiji Shrine just behind Harajuku Station. You'll be transported back to Kyoto with all its green trees and temples and if you're lucky enough, you can witness a Shinto wedding here. Be sure not to wedding crash.

THIRD STOP: SHINJUKU

Shinjuku is another ward that is good to rent a place to stay. It has the busiest train station. All most dozen of railway and subway lines stops at Shinjuku and it is also a major stop for overnight buses. (In short para siyang Cubao) Shinjuku is divided into two: the east side is more of entertainment and shopping; while the west side is more of business and skyscrapers.

Best things to do here are the free aerial view of Shinjuku in Tokyo Metropolitan Building, Godzilla head in Hotel Gracery, Robot Cafe and Don Quijote for pasalubongs.

FOURTH STOP: UENO  & ASAKUSA

Ueno is the home of the famous park in Tokyo - the Ueno Park! The park is crowded during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage season because of the hundred trees around.  We just walked around Ueno Park enjoying the street performers. You can see Ueno zoo and Tokyo national museum as well since it's inside the park.

If you're already in Ueno, you shouldn't miss Asakusa! You have to transfer to Ginza line (with the orange G symbol) from JR Ueno Station then go down at Asakusa Station. Asakusa has the famous Buddhist temple Sensoji. You can make wishes here or shop Japanese souvenirs at Nakamise street. I bought my Japan snow globe here. This place is flocked with tourist at 10 am so I advised you to see it as early as 7 am or just go back at night like what I did.

Just near Sensoji temple is the Tokyo Sky Tree. We decided to just walk since we want to cross the Sumida river and do some photo walk. At the Tokyo Sky Tree, we didn't go up since a ticket cost around P1,000 and we are 5. Good thing, Akiko told me that there's a free observation deck in the adjacent building of Tokyo Sky Tree. It's not as high but the view is already good anyway.

FIFTH STOP: AKIHABARA

(c) http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3003.html

I didn't get the chance to roam around Akihabara since I'm distracted by my Fujifilm camera. Akihabara is known to be the electronic town of Tokyo but today it also the center of Japan's otaku culture.  So if you're one anime lover, better not miss this.

Best things to do here are shop or window shop at Yodobashi Camera, eat at maid cafes, visit Tokyo anime center and Gundam Cafe!

You'll easily see this building near the exit of JR Akihabara Station. I bought my Fujifilm XA2 (with two kit lens) for P23K.

SIXTH STOP: CENTRAL TOKYO

We didn't get the chance to visit central Tokyo. And I promise to go back for this someday. Central Tokyo is said to be the heart of business and politics of Japan. It is in my itinerary so I'm gonna share it anyway.

Best places to see here are the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Market, Ginza and Tokyo Tower of course. You can also transfer to JR Keiyo Line to be able to go to Tokyo Disney Resort.

In need of some palace, head to Imperial Palace which is just a walking distance from Tokyo Station. (c) photo not mine[ If you're looking for the best sushis in town, you better head in Tsukiji Fish Market! (c) photo not mine Tokyo Disney Resort is consists of two theme park: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea. (c)

SEVENTH STOP: ODAIBA

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay that is turned into a futuristic town. From Shimbashi (Yamanote Line) we rode a Yurikamome, an automated, elevated train! I was so amazed how advanced it is. But it turned out that there's still a lot more of futuristic things in Odaiba (like the robot that is so much like a human already!).

You shouldn't miss the Gundam statue and buy Gundams inside Diver City for it is a lot cheaper. You can visit Palette Town as well if you're into shopping and entertainment. But be sure to witness the sunset with the view of the Rainbow Bridge. We waited until the Rainbow bridge, Fuji TV Building and Tokyo Tower are all lit. I swear it's one of the best views.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME?

Almost all that I mentioned here are free except of course if you planned to dine in the cafes or shop till you drop in the malls mentioned. Here's a sample of an itinerary with the estimated budget in Tokyo.

*Given this itinerary & your hotel is in Shibuya Day 1: West Tokyo ( Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku) Day 2: North Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara) Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland Resort Day 4: Central Tokyo (Imperial Palace, Tsukuji, Ginza, Odaiba & Roppongi Hills)

West Tokyo North Tokyo Disneyland Central Tokyo Transportation 420 yen  880 yen 1300 yen  1950 yen Entrance fee free  1030 yen (skytree*)  7400 yen  free Food (*estimated) 2500 yen  2500 yen  2500 yen  2500 yen

TOTAL= 22,980 yen (approx. 10,500PHP)

So there are the famous things you can do it Tokyo. Have you been to Tokyo? Or going to anytime soon? We can talk in the comment section below! :)

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Bangkok is my first international trip without my parents and first with my friends and Paul. I've learned and realized some things about myself on this trip. First, my own bank account can actually manage a trip abroad - paid for everything- I'm one proud girl! Second, Paul is one big sweetheart. He definitely passed as my travel buddy.  He doesn't mind my budget DIY style and managed to walk 15,000 steps a day with me without complaints. I love you, big guy! And lastly, I did enjoy this trip with my friends but I think I'm really suited to be a solo traveler. Soon, self, soon, I promise.

So yeah, here's a summary of what happened on our Bangkok trip. Travel guides and stories will be up really soon.

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Crave Park PH, Marikina City Oct. 29, 2016

Just a spontaneous drive to Marikina. This is not what is completely planned and not even a plan B. (We don’t do plan B much) But thank God for our spontaneity and love for food parks that we ended up here. Oh, how I love doing this with you.

The place is still famous and gets really crowded at night. But the foods are worth it. 😊 All our orders are thumbs up. 👍

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First Birthday Salubong October 22,2016

I just turned 24 last weekend and I’m currently stuck in life. I absolutely have no idea how to survive this adulthood. But as I looked back, I remember my 16-year old self craving for the city life. Then my 18-year old self clueless on how she’ll survive a thesis and college as a whole. And my 21-year old self crying for the engineering board exams. I used to be as clueless and anxious as before but I get things life done. And maybe, this adulthood too. Maybe not today. But one day. 

P.S. I miss you tumblr. I’ve been busy with my travel blog but I miss personal posts from here. I’m coming back so hello to all people who are still here. 

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Explore Rizal: 2nd time around at 14 Four Cafe

Love is sweeter the second time around is sure true as I dined again in 14 Four Cafe. In my first try, which you can read here, I didn’t got the chance to experience their garden because of the rain. Paul told me we can always come back because it’s just 5 minutes away from their house. So last Saturday, after my Taytay market shopping spree, we went back.

HOW GET THERE:

14 Four Cafe is at 144 Magnolia Lane, Barangay San Isidro, Gregoria Heights Subdivision, Taytay, Rizal. You can check this out for detailed location and directions. They are only opened during the weekends at 10am.

Around 1 pm, I texted 14 Four for a reservation at 4:30 pm in the garden area and they replied right away. Reservations are highly recommended here though walk-ins are welcome too. But I already had an experience (my super fail first attempt) that they can’t give us a table because all are reserved already. So yes, better be safe than sorry especially if your coming from the city. It’s just a one text away anyway. (Contact this 0999.888.0144)

READ MORE HERE -> http://beadeegee.com/14-four-cafe-garden-cafe/ 

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JAPAN: Exploring Osaka

We decided to start our JAPANtasy trip in Osaka. Arriving at Narita Airport, we took the Narita Express and the 3 hour shinkansen ride (both included in our JR Pass) and arrived around noon to Shin-Osaka Station. Right off the bat, I've seen how life in Osaka is much slower, simpler and warmer compared to what I witnessed in Tokyo station that morning. Osaka is more of food explorations, thus named as Japan's Food Capital, but we focused more on the tourists spots to see in Osaka. 

HOW TO GO TO OSAKA

via plane: Book a flight to Osaka, with Kansai International Airport as your main arrival point

via train: Book a Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi/ Hikari/ Kodama) of JR Railway. This shinkansen connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hataka. Tokyo to Osaka one way costs 6k+ pesos. You can see the prices here.

via bus: Willer Express offers an overnight bus from different regions of Japan. Tokyo to Osaka one way costs 2,500 pesos to 5,500 pesos depends on the bus.

SHINKANSEN EXPERIENCE

Shinkansens are what Japanese bullet trains called. With its speed of 320kph, it can connect most of major cities of the country to Tokyo in 2-5 hours. We took the Tokaido Shinkansen that connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hiroshima. All information you need to know about shinkansens are here.

We were warned that trains in Japan are never late. Experiencing it first hand, I'll say it too, do not practice filipino time! If the time board says your train leaves at 9:04AM, it will arrived at around 8:55AM and leave exactly at 9:04AM. I had a great 3 hour transit for the seats are comfortable, with built-in tables if you want to eat, and spacious leg room. It may be running at 250kph but I didn't felt nauseous at all. (well except if I focus on the window view shifting so fast) And you shouldn't miss it's automatic toilet!

READ MORE HERE -> http://beadeegee.com/exploring-osaka/

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Beech Cafe, Panay Ave, Quezon City

This cafe is secretly behind The Beech bar. It is new and raw but really cute. There are not much people when we dined in making me do some small jumps because I can definitely take photos without looking so vain. 

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JAPANtasy: Before the Japan tour

Last summer, I was able to see my ultimate Asian country dream - The Land of Rising Sun, Japan! And aaaah, it definitely lived up all my expectations. But before all the fun and tour, it took me a lot of headache in planning, researching & making the itinerary. So after 4 months, let me share you my travel tips and stories to one of the dream travel destination in Asia.

PLANE TICKETS

My ever YOLO queen mom saw a Jetstar seat sale one morning that she decided to booked for Japan with no plans and visa and will soon expire passports of me and my siblings. It was like Seoul all over again. She got our tickets for 11k pesos round trip each which were already cheap given that our travel date is only just 3 months away. I knew someone who got her tickets for 8,000 pesos round trip but it was booked almost a year before. I still haven't heard someone who got round trip tickets for 4,000 pesos though but if you do find one, you're one lucky person!

So we were flying with Jetstar for the first time. If you are not familiar with the airline, Jetstar Airways is an Australian low-cost airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Qantas. Since it's a seat sale, we didn't expect something special on our flight. And we're right! We just got what we paid for - tight chairs & small leg room. But we're okay, we've managed many cheap flights before and we are all now expert sleepers on the air anyway. Another thing you need to know about Jetstar is that they take your hand luggage seriously. IT. IS. STRICTLY. SEVEN. KILOS.

READ MORE HERE

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CEBUdeMacho: How we rent a car to tour Cebu City

On my first flight to Cebu last 2013, I saw how similar Cebu city to Manila. It's like Ortigas and Ayala in the Visayas region. But what I didn't know is that Cebu city has a lot to offer, if you properly do your research. So on our last day, we tried to wake up early for our fully booked day trip despite the walwal party we did the night before. Here's the list of our DIY Cebu City tour by yours truly.

Warning: This is a long and photo bombarded post.

FIRST STOP (10AM): SAFE RIDE CAR RENTAL

Cebu city's jeepneys are route-numbered and no one in the group is an expert in this so we know that we will end up getting lost and losing precious time. Its taxis, on the other hand, strictly ride only 4 persons so we need to split into two cabs hence a higher fare. Also, we can't afford to carry our luggage around after the 2pm check out (Hassle mga teh!). With these dilemmas on hand, we decided to just rent a car that will solve everything.

SECOND STOP(11 AM): MAGELLAN'S CROSS

Since we are already in the city center, we went to iconic Magellan's Cross first. On my first visit to Cebu, the cross is under repair due to the earthquake. So seeing it now back to its normal self is heartwarming. Back from what I can remember on my Sibika classes, this cross was Magellan's which is used to spread Christianity in the country that started in Cebu. Also, there are old ladies around who sells different colors (a color correspond a certain aspect like red is for love) of candles and prays for you.

THIRD STOP (11:30 AM): BASILICA DEL SANTO NINO

Same with the Magellan's Cross, this church undergone constructions and renovations due to the earthquake last 2013. It is the oldest Catholic church in Cebu that houses the image of Sto. Nino, a representation of Jesus Christ as a Black Holy Child, that happens to be the patron of the city. We entered the church to pray and my friend was given a shawl because she is wearing shorts. You can also visit the museum beside that shows Cebu's history or you can light a candle in the open garden area or both.

READ MORE HERE

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Cozy night at Cafe I’m Here

There are nights where Paul and I just want to ditch Friday chill nights with friends and just be lazy pandas. So one rainy Friday night, Paul picked me up at work to bring me to this chill-est cafe we’ve ever been to watch the rain and just talk.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Cafe I’m Here is located at Third Floor, CTTM Square, Tomas Morato, Quezon City (CenterStage’s previous location along Boy Scout Circle)

by commute: ride a Proj 2-3 via Tomas Morato jeepney or ride a tricycle beside Mcdonalds EDSA-Quezon Ave.

by driving: We entered South Triangle by EDSA-Quezon Ave Panay Avenue. Turned left to Timog Avenue until we reached the rotonda.

THE PLACE

I was in college when Korean cafes were brought here in the Philippines. I can still remember how famous Cafe Noriter and Cafe de Seoul in Taft back then. Who wouldn’t want to try a very cute and comfortable cafe – with their crib-like interiors and post-its everywhere?

Cafe I’m Here is not much of a difference. It has a two-storey wooden cubicles for dates, small and big barkadas, a tent, and study tables for solo and groups. Inside these cubicles are a small round table, bean chairs and personal post-its from the previous customers. It is overlooking the Boy Scout Circle giving us a home-y feeling with the rain and thunders. And oh, they have outlets in each cubicle too!

The cubicles in the first level are separated by cute bead curtains. Most of the big groups are in the second level. Also, you cannot enter your footwear inside which is nice because I have this habit of lying everywhere. (haha!) Atleast I knew that it’s clean.

READ MORE here.

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Always reminding myself these past days: Don’t be hard on yourself. You’re not perfect, as well as, as your heart. So stop worrying too much instead just keep on praying. :)

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CEBUdeMacho: Wines upon a time in La Vie Parisienne

La Vie Parisienne, which means the Parisian Life, is on the top of my list of places to go in Cebu City. I'm a frustrated French girl - I adore sophistication and everything fancy, I prefer wine above any alcoholic drinks, I do breads on breakfast or any time of the day, I'm in love with macarons and romance, and I wouldn't mind reading a book in a cafe with my tea everyday. So the moment we set foot in Cebu City, I dragged my friends, even most of them are boys, to La Vie for dinner and some wine.

HOW TO GET THERE

La Vie Parisienne is located at 371 Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, near the big Mormon church. Cebu jeepneys have route numbers and I'm not an expert in that one. But I know Route 4M (Ayala - Lahug Route) will passed by La Vie. You can check this link. Or you can simply ride a taxi or Grab, which is the one we did.

THE PLACE

Upon entering the French compound, you'll see La Maison Rose, a pink house French restaurant, on the left and La Vie Parisienne on the right. Funny thing is that I have this intimidating impression of this place before I went, the place can pass as a fine dining on Instagram so I really thought it was one. Nagbaon pa naman ako ng unting kaconyohan! But the truth is that it's just a chill place, it actually felt like I'm in a food park with just a very romantic set-up. The place is outdoor, you can choose to sit in the colorful chairs in the garden area, or under the violet kingdom (I don't know what to call this), or up in the roof top of the bakery. Just like in food parks, you have to find your seats first and then go to the bakery or pizza place to order. So yes, intimidating impression no more.

READ MORE HERE

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CEBUdeMacho: Sending some prayers from Simala Church

The day after our canyoneering adventure, we dragged ourselves back to the city but decided to drop by Siboanga first to witness and pray in the miraculous castle-like Simala Church. I'm may not be a Catholic (I'm a born again) but I don't have any issues praying inside a Catholic church. I even admire how intricate their churches are made, especially when I laid eyes on Simala church. 

HOW TO GET THERE:

Simala Church is located at Marian Hills, Simala, Siboanga, Cebu

from Cebu city: Ride a multi-cab or taxi to South Bus Terminal. Ride a bus that are en-route to Oslob and ask the driver to drop you at Simala Church in Siboanga. Travel time is approximately 2 hours depends on the traffic. From the main road, you still need to ride a tricycle (P200/trike/RT) up to the church.

from Badian: Ride a bus en-route to Cebu City and go down at Carcar (P60). At Carcar, you can walk to the Mcdonalds and ride another bus en-route to Oslob (P35). Ask the driver to drop you at Simala, Siboanga and ride a tricycle or habal-habal up to the church. It took us almost 3 hours travel time.

DRESS CODE

Since it's a Sunday, the church is jampacked with people. There's two policemen outside the gate and they are strictly implementing the proper dress code. Wearing of body-hugging dress, shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless and plunging neckline shirts & slippers are not allowed. I'm not quite sure if you'll be given a malong if ever you're dressed in one of the given because so far everyone I saw inside are on proper fashion. I'm in a turtle neck sleeveless maxi dress and was asked to put a cardigan. I'm advising you to plan your OOTDs when you're dropping by.

Read more here

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CebudeMacho: Badian Canyoneering Extreme Adventure with Highland

One thing that traveling taught me is to love extreme adventures. I've always been a safe girl. Before, I'm afraid of motorcycle rides because whenever I'm in one, my brain is processing all possible scenarios of accidents and death that can happen. Yes, I'm paranoid like that BEFORE. But now that traveling exposed me to a lot of experiences and realizations, I learned to overcome the fear and learned to focus on the overflowing adrenaline instead. And my overflowing prayers too. So far, what I did in Badian, Cebu is the most extreme I've done in my life so far.

Hiking our way to the starting point

HOW TO GET THERE:

from Cebu City: Ride a jeepney or taxi to Cebu South bus Terminal. In the terminal, ride a Ceres bus (P120) that says Bato via Barili. Ask the konduktor to drop you in Kawasan Falls or Matutinao. Travel time is mostly 2 to 3 hours.

from Oslob: Ride a bus going to Bato. Then from Bato Terminal, ride a bus to Cebu City via Badian (P60). Travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.

Highland Adventure PH

First thing you need to know in Canyoneering is that you need a tour guide. There are a lot of tour guide services available in Badian, you just have to take your pick. I think only few agencies are accepting walk-ins so I advise to reserve a slot ahead. Also, it is a famous activity so far so better be safe by booking ahead. And since this is an extreme adventure and you're trusting your life to these people, choose a tour guide service that operates legally. I chose Highland Adventure PH, recommended by a friend and, as well as, Drew Arellano.

Highland Adventure PH's packages rate depends on the number of people. On a group of 5, we paid P1,300/person (with 30% down payment for reservation). The package includes:

Habal habal ride from Matutinao to Kanlaob

Entrance and exit fees

Canyoneering snacks (Fudgee Bar) & bottled water

Life vest, helmet, dry bag, knee pads, and rubber shoes (if they have your size)

Lunch (2 ulam) with unli rice and softdrinks in Kawasan Falls

Tour guides of course

No other way but to jump

The Issue

Unfortunately we are affected of the temporary closure of Kanlaob River Canyoneering by the local government because of increasing number of unregulated tour guides and trash in the river. It was effective as of June 1 to August 1 ,2016. So hey dear reader, please promise me to be a responsible traveler by NOT supporting illegal guides and NOT throwing your trash anywhere? Thank you.

I contacted Highland asking if they can't accommodate us because of the issue but what I didn't know is that there's two other rivers for canyoneering. Kanlaob is the most famous site because it's downstream leads to Kawasan Falls and also because it has the prettiest view. We did our canyoneering in Cancalapi since Kanlaob is closed. Cancalapi is pretty as well, with its clear water and green surrounding the river. But also it is not yet human-friendly for the there's still no trail and cliffs are hard to climb.

Promise it's prettier in real life.

The Canyoneering

With our two young friendly tour guides, we rode a habal habal first up a mountain I don't know. From there we started trekking to our starting point. When we arrived to the starting point, we were surprised that we need to jump in a 15 ft cliff (agad agad!) to start this crazy adventure. There's no other way than this, so yes no excuses. We prayed first then we jumped and, promise in that moment, the adrenaline is too high that I can't stop laughing and feeling infinite. (Naks!)

READ MORE HERE -> http://beadeegee.com/canyoneering-cebu/

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Coffee Project, Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Read the story here. 

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Floral & Typography on Coffee Project, QC

The moment I stepped in this cafe, I saw a glimpse of my future wedding reception, which is likely to happen 10 years from now if ever you’re thinking when. Paul and I (again not getting married soon, wag ng makulit) are currently obsessed with cafes. We now prefer pasta over rice, artsy beverage over simple ones and a pretty chill place over a noisy one.

HOW TO GET HERE: Coffee Project is located on the first floor of Wil Tower, Eugenio Lopez Drive, South Triangle, QC.

by driving: We entered South Triangle by EDSA-Quezon Ave Panay Avenue. Turn left to Sct. Esguerra then turn right to Eugenio Lopez Street. There’s a free parking beside the Wil Tower, an open parking not the basement one.

by commute: I’m not really good in commuting around this area. But I know you can ride a tricycle beside McDonald’s EDSA-Quezon Ave.

The Place

The place is a combination of floral and typography. The place is charming from all the flower decoration light fixture in the ceiling. I fell in love with it that I want one in my room even though it’s not suitable to be a room decor. But it is very much suitable to be a wedding decor so yeah, I’ll be keeping this is mind. The typography posters around made the place a less screaming progesterone and more of a balance of feminine and professional.

The place is big enough that it even have a mezzanine area. Even their comfort room is instagrammable (if this is even an adjective). The night is perfect if I just had Fufi (my Fujifilm X-A2)  to capture the beauty of our newly discovered cafe.

The Food

Since it’s named Coffee Project, they have a one whole page of menu for coffees that ranges from P155 – P185. Don’t worry, it’s not all coffee though for they offer all day breakfasts and pasta too. It’s actually because of my seafood pasta cravings that brought us here in the first place, so I had dibs on sardine pasta (P210). The pasta needs a little improvement for it’s price.

The breads and drinks are pricey but good. Paul ordered the tuna pandesal and smores cookie (Diet si kuya, guys!) and it’s very tasty. I wouldn’t mind have it every breakfast. We ordered this cookie and coffee frappe (P175) which is a mixture of coffee and milk. It’s not sweet as sweet as a cookie and not as strong as a coffee. I enjoyed it.

MORE stories & photos HERE