0 KOREA 2016: KOREAN VISA APPLICATION

Annyeonghaseyo!

It's going to be a kick-ass adventure to winter in wonderland. I'm thinking what would be the official hashtag? Hmmm. 😋

Anyway, this is not the first time I booked a flight to South Korea. I have done this last year, but unfortunately, I had to transfer work and I need money to support.

This year, we booked a flight again, thanks to our low-cost carrier, another good steal for a roundtrip flight. This was May so imagine how many months should you wait? LOL. We booked it for 9,116.74 PHP for two. It's just 4,500+ PHP per person. Thanks to Cebu Pacific. I suggest to always check their social media accounts or subscribe to the newsletter so you are up to date of their promos. Yeah?

June, I've already started saving money on my bank account. Yep! this would be the first step because Korean Embassy requires to provide Bank Certificate and Bank Statement. I know, I know very well that show money is really important. Although nobody knows how much should be in your bank for you to get approved a Visa but just be ready.

I heard that a minimum 50,000 PHP must be on your account but you know what it all depends on how many days you are staying in Korea. In my case, I set $100 a day. And because we will be staying there for 8 days therefore I need to have at least 40,000 PHP ($1 = 50PHP).

November, I started completing the requirements. You can click here to see the list of requirements. But note this is under Employee Category. If you are under Student, Businessmen, Self-Employed, etc etc, you can click here to see the list of requirements depending on the category.

After I completed the requirement, I went to Korean Embassy and the process was so smooth. I believe I stayed there for like 10 or 15 minutes. So long the requirements are complete, you got no problem dude!

By the way, I noticed, the Korean Lady who went through my requirements, she encircled the basic salary on my COE. So I guess it's a huge thing to get approved.

Then I waited for the next Monday! I prayed of course because this is the first time I applied for a Visa. I had so many questions in mind, the Embassy is so unpredictable. We will never know.

Come Monday...

BOOM! Approved!

See you in Seoul next week! I'll be active on my Instagram account so feel free to follow me there -instagram.com/iambuchok. I heard that it started to snow so it looks like another bucket to tick off on my list.

Annyeong!

0 A YEAR IN REVIEW: THE KIDWANDERER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2014 (PART I)

This would be the second part, continuation of my travel stories in 2014 covering months of July to December. You can also click below link for the first part highlighting January to June.

See also: A Year in Review Part I: The KID Wanderer Highlights in 2014

JULY 2014 - THEKIDWANDERER GOES TO THAILAND

After two years of silence of having not traveled abroad, I finally got the chance to step into another soil. And this time it’s going to be ASEAN invasion. Bangkok, Thailand is one of the sought-after destinations because of its friendly people and lifestyle is less expensive than any cities around the globe. That’s why we also want to experience the touch of Thai people and their rich culture. Indeed, it was a real pleasure stepping the land of Siam interspersing the locals whom pricelessly offered their beautiful smiles and hospitality. I love the food by the way; the authentic ones can be found not just on fancy diners but also in all over the streets. Spicy foods are plus for me. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1wGWFCw

AUGUST 2014: SECOND HALF MARATHON IN MANILA

Following to a successful first half marathon finished, after two months I didn’t expect that I would run again for my second half marathon. I thought the passion is now hitting the roads but the trail up on the mountains is always my first love. I trained hardly for this event, because I wanted to break my personal record hoping to finish below 3 hours threshold. I know every runner wishes to smash their own records and so do I. I trained almost every day for 10k at the Ayala Triangle and after two weeks of training the official event held. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to hit the goal of below three hours but I was able to break my PR ahead of 15 minutes. It’s just the start! Push for more in 2015. Read more at: http://bit.ly/VLhHou

AUGUST 2014: BURUWISAN FALLS, SINILOAN LAGUNA

Also on the same month after hitting the road for fun run events I have decided joining the trails of the mountains. We visited the beautiful Buruwisan Falls in Siniloan, Laguna. Although until now I don’t really understand why they call it Mt. Romelo. It’s not about the summit visit I would say; it’s about visiting the series of falls of Famy which Buruwisan is the grandest among others. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyGerP

SEPTEMBER 2014: FOREVER SUMMER IN PANSOL, LAGUNA

Indeed it’s forever summer. September is actually rainy month however no one can stop chasing the party. If not by the beach it’s by the pool with different private resorts. Pansol Laguna houses almost all of the private resorts because of their hot spring. Therefore whether the weather is hot or cold we have all the ways just to cater non-stop happenings.  Thanks to my company, I think I’m in the right place, they’re generous enough to give us little budget for a little gathering. They want us to celebrate for a newly form department. That’s why we decided last minute to crash it down in Pansol. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1I38ae5 

OCTOBER 2014: REXONA RUN IN MANILA

This would my third and last half marathon event for this year. I couldn’t believe that I made it three for this year, though less for others but a great great great achievement for me. Also with this run, I broke not just my PR but hit the below three hours threshold. I also want to give credit all the people and organizer to make the Rexona Run 2014 successful, I’d like to say that this is the hippest run to your beat marathon I have ever joined. Looking forward to join again next year. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1vyQXCq 

NOVEMBER 2014: BUCHOK GOES BACK TO SOUTH EAST ASIA

MALAYSIA

I never expected that I’ll have my second and third country of this year. I don’t have sponsors for an all-expense paid trip so everything is coming out of pocket. I don’t have enough resources and all these was from my savings. I know I should be saving at this moment but sometimes the experience is priceless. Malaysia was our first stop, though the itinerary flopped a little due to heavy rains but I had the chance mingling with the locals.

SINGAPORE

Straight from Manila and we arrived in Kuala Lumpur, then from Kuala Lumpur we arrived in Singapore next day morning. It was my first time stepping in three different countries in less than 24 hours. That was amazing. We had so much fun in Singapore especially the Universal Studios. In fact I’m started liking this tiny nation yet so full of life. Everything is in place, people respect the law, and public transportation is in order. I would say this small country has a lot to offer. If there’s one place I wanna go back, it is Singapore.

NOVEMBER 2014: BOLINAO AND ALAMINOS, PANGASINAN

Also November of 2014, I had the chance to visit one the Philippines tourism frontiers. Our very own, Hundred Islands in Alaminos Pangasinan. Straight all the way from Malaysia and Singapore I only have on day rest then jump to explore Pangasinan. First day we went to Bolinao Tour exploring the country side of the province. We visited Bolinao Falls, Enchanted Cave, Lighthouse and Rock Formation near Patar Beach. Second day, we went to the Hundred Islands. There’s so much activity to do here, the most recent activity is ziplining from one island to another. You can also the usual beach bumming, snorkeling, reef walking or even  cliff jumping at the cave inside Marcos Island. 

DECEMBER 2014: GIVE LOVE THIS CHRISTMAS

An accomplished mission, I’m really dreaming of doing the outreach program. I want to give back and share the blessings I received. Not just this year. Thank you is I guess not enough, I would say the best is to share what you have. I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity, the colleague helped me raised money to buy the groceries and friends who joined us. I want to do it yearly. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1rLQpxU

DECEMBER 2014: CHRISTMAS AT THE CORDILLERAS

It’s a year-end travel. We often go to Baguio to experience this so called Christmas weather. But we would like to extend our trip and visit more places at the Cordilleras. Thus we decided to conquer one of the UNESCO’s heritage site the Banaue-Batad Rice Terraces. Going there was never easy but when you get there is like something you’ll never regret. I wish I can bring my work and stay there for longer days. The experience was awesome, were totally detached from the outside world.

Then after Banaue, we decided to climb in Sagada, we did nothing, we only seized the best diners in town. And of course the Summer Capital however this time, the traffic was tremendous.

  

So this conclude my travel year. I didn't expect that I have activity each month. 2014 was really awesome. Again I would say 'twas the year that I traveled so much. Thank you! Hoping for more travel dates in 2015!

1 A YEAR IN REVIEW: THE KIDWANDERER HIGHLIGHTS IN 2014 (PART II)

I was in the middle of our trip en route to Banaue for the last travel spree of the year thinking of where I have been in 2014! I started the year without the travel journal that’s why I am having hard time remembering all the places I have visited.

Thanks to blogspot’s blog archive widget, I now recollected all the travel journals for 2014. I thought I have not achieved much in travels and sort of activities but soon I realized that I’m actually active in 2014. In fact I would say that the year that just ended was my most travel year. Heck! That’s why I decided for this coming 2015 to list down all the past and incoming travels, nakikiuso sa tinatawag na Starbuko planner. I don’t wanna wake up again with Amnesia.

Here's the Part I of  highlighting my travel stories in 2014

See also: A Year in Review Part II: The KID Wanderer Highlights in 2014

JANUARY 2014 - LAGUNA

We opened the year of the wooden horse by hiking the mountains to witness the majestic falls of Buntot Falls. It is known and the most visited place in Pangil, Laguna. I was grateful that Manong Unyol of manongunyol.blogspot.com, one of my travel buddies considered me joining the event. I also met other respected bloggers in the name of Francis Balgos of pala-lagaw.com, The Travel Panda himself Mike Laagan of mikelaagan.com and Billy Palatino of galaero-escapetravels.blogspot.com. That was an awesome trip and I guess the most numbers of hikers I have joined ever. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1Bjnl0x

FEBRUARY 2014 - BATAAN

Just like the say, whatever you do in the first month of the year may reflect the rest of the year. And I guess right, following to Buntot Palos, we decided to climb the highest vantage point of Bataan. Mt. Natib, along with Mt. Mariveles or Tarak Ridge is the most favorite place to climb in the province. This is also considered as major climb and may require and overnight camping at the summit. I was with TOSOC MOUNTAINEERS my mountaineering group and some of the newbies as well as my friend who's conquering mountains in the Visayas.  So she came all the way from Negros Oriental to join this climb.

Mt. Natib has also a perfect sidetrip which is common in most mountain climbs. It may require additional four hours of your trek itinerary. Pasukulan falls is stunning and beautiful. The sound of the falls fells like serenading your ears, the place is relaxing surrounded with its cold atmosphere. It has rainbow at the bottom edge of the water. It’s like pampering myself which you really want to experience. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xBxYv3

MARCH 2014 - BATANGAS

The government declares Fire Prevention Month in the first day of March. And fire which means heat, the sun has just started scorching the surface which is a sign of incoming summertime. Therefore we would like to start summer the soonest possible time so we decided to conquer nearby beaches in Batangas. We set our team building at Lemery Batangas with a theme seize the day, the summer getaway. Read more at: http://bit.ly/13E0qSh

APRIL 2014 - LAS PIÑAS METRO MANILA

Summer also marks the start of the Holy Week. I started this Panata back in 2013 by visiting the seven churches or Visita Iglesia. That year I have visited churches along Makati area only so this time I want to visit one church per Metro Manila City. I started in Muntinlupa and ended in Caloocan. One of the churches is the St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas or popular known as The Bamboo Organ Church. I think this is the reason why I came up the idea of visiting churches outside Makati because I wanted to visit this Bamboo Organ which I only see in Elementary textbooks. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1rxeFDJ

MAY 2014 - CAVITE

Summer is also the best time to climb mountains to avoid muddy trails. I’m always keen to conquer this Mt. Palay-Palay in Ternate Cavite also known as Pico de Loro. It’s famous of one heck challenge, just like the say, your climb to this mountain will never be accomplished without surviving the one hell stone formation sitting at the edge of the mountain. It’s really scary like one step you miss will surely end your life, it is challenging indeed but when you get there. It’s one heck an achievement and make sure to comply with epic jump shot. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1zPqWq2

MAY 2014 - MASBATE

Nearly five years ago the last time I stepped in my hometown. Barrio Fiesta happens in May and the perfect time to reminisce the childhood memories and seeing old friends. I grew up here until I graduated in Elementary so I’m a proud Bisdak or Bisayang-dako. Fiesta is one of the important events in our Barangay honouring the patron saints thanking for a prosperous year ahead. I also grabbed the opportunity to spend quality time with my parents whom I didn’t see for a longer time. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xfnBOE 

JUNE 2014 - MANILA FUNRUN

I have joining running events first quarter of 2014 but June marks my farthest run, the most epic 21k run vying for the finisher shirt. Though it is halfway to go for Full Mary yet most runners have their fulfillment once finished their first ever half marathon.  Run United 2 tested my agility and stamina of how long should I conquer their challenge. I have seen runners giving up at the last minute of the run but it feels so glad that I finished it strong and injury-free. After that time, it’s a fresh start to join 21k events and collecting singlets, medals, and of course the coveted finisher shirt. Read more at: http://bit.ly/1xfq5N7

This will be the end of the first part of my year in review. Covering from January to June and the other half will be posted as soon as possible. I’d like to thank all the people, following my blogs and taking time reading it. I'm looking forward for more support from you guys. Cheers!!!

0 MY TOP 5 MOST LIKED INSTAGRAM PHOTOS OF 2014

While I’m still in the process of collecting the highlights of my 2014’s travel stories, lemme share to you my top 5 of most liked Instagram post of 2014.

Though I love taking photos and posting it over the internet, sharing photos on Instagram is rarer than in Facebook. I know Instagram is created purposely to share photos which you can integrate other networking sites. However maybe one thing I don’t like with this app is that the original photo will be cropped and you will have to decide which side to remove. It’s like twitter, when you know you’re over the limit, you will be thinking which word to suicide.

The pictures I have posted is either the original itself without any edit but most of the time I used the Snapseed application to edit the photos. So here’s the top 5 of my Instagram most liked.

5. AYALA TRIANGLE, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

I was preparing for another half marathon, for Rexun Run 2014 ater the Sofitel Manila Half Mary. Since I reside near the business district, Ayala Triangle is the only place that I think possible to accommodate my preparations for the running events. I used to run here at night on weekdays and morning on the weekend. When you get in there, you will see numbers of runners – either group or individual. Although traffic fenced this small area in hustle-bustle Ayala Avenue yet it’s already enough.. In the morning I love taking photos before and after run. So here’s one of my photos.

4. SM DASMARIÑAS, OCTOBER 19,2014

Huh, I didn't expect that I'll get number of likes for this photo. I'm sure it's not my face but maybe because I'm wearing the Masskara Festival shirt of Bacolod City? Or maybe I'm in front of the travel photo wall showing different world best destinations? Apparently when I get to this shopping mall, it was United Nations month where flags of different nations hang on every floor plus this photo wall.

3. HONG KONG'S CABLE CAR, AUGUST 24, 2014

It's not real time, I'm just doing the throwback. About two years ago when I wen to the beautiful country of Hong Kong. I'm not sure if it's really country of just an autonomous region of China. Jeez. Whatever!!!

Anyway the view is really breathtaking and stunning of Hong Kong's skyline. We were riding on this cable car at the Ocean Park. I have this photo right before I sign up for an Instagram account so I decided to do the throw-backing-esh.

2. TOKEN MACHINES, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

This one is real time, look at the photo, it's taken from my SLR camera and I can't wait to have it posted on the internet. That's how I wanted to show our gratitude for helping us get to the Petronas Towers starting from the token machines. Thank you so much Sir Ryan.

1. BUNTOT PALOS, JANUARY 12, 2014

Whoa I can't believe this photo will get the highest number of likes for 2014. Start of the year by hiking to the majestic falls of Buntot Palos in Pangil, Laguna. This photo really deserves the respect of getting more likes because if it's natural beauty. It's not about my phone, or how I describe not even my IG account but the place itself is really beautiful and I'm sure anyone would really like it.

So this is the summary of my travel stories of 2014! I've got more but this top 5 photos gets the attention of my Instagram followers. Thank you so much for taking time tapping the like button or tapping me twice. You can follow me at @iambuchok, follow me I'll follow you back. Cheers for 2015!!!