Achieving the Dream: Take Me Back to Michael's

Since med school days, I've always wanted to be able to visit this store.  I came to know about it since grade school days, I've watched American craft shows and this store is always mentioned to where you can get your materials and supplies.

As a kid, I've always wished there's something like this one in the Philippines, actually there was one before, I think the name was Craft World, I would go to Robinson's Galleria and SM Megamall just to go to that store.  Sadly it closed down already.

Actually I did not dream of going to Michael's until med school days.  I mean, in gradeschool and high school days, I never fully posted or put into words that I wanted to visit Michael's store.  My desire to visit the place started 2012, med school days.  I posted in social media that I wanted to visit it someday and I wanted something like this in the Philippines.

So last May 2018, when I visited San Francisco, I made it a point to include this in my itinerary.  We checked in a hotel in Union Square, and the branch closest was in Emeryville.  So using Moovit app and uber, we were able to reach this place.

I was really happy and with a feeling of accomplishment when I reached the storefront.  And when I entered the store, OMG! I was in Craft Heaven!!!!  I never thought there were so much types of crafts in the world.  Everything is just there! It's "THE ONE"-stop shop for your craft needs.

There's just this overwhelming joy I can't fully explain.  I bought lots of paper crafts there.  I would have bought some needle-felting also if only I did not restrain myself.  If only I was not worried of having our luggages overweight, I would have bought some craft tools as well.

Below is a picture of my Michael's Haul:

I loved that there were soccer-related stuffs there, I just hoarded!!!  Right now, I haven't used all of it, little by little, tinitipid since it was a really long way there and my 1st time shopping there.

Bucket list checked.

Hope I can achieve more of my dreams.  Dreams are not just for the your younger self, not just in the Disney movies and cartoons.  Even if you're already in Med school you can still dream and even if it took me 6 years I was able to achieve it nevertheless.  And this feeling of achievement is just irreplaceable.

Never stop dreaming, never stop believing.

Vision Board Works

I first read about vision boards last 2016.  At first I thought it to be interesting, but I didn't get to do something like it until the midyear of 2017.  I said I would like to try this out if this works.  I made this vision board last 2017.  I thought since I was depressed during that time due to my illness, I thought I have to make something positive to fight the sadness and negative thoughts, and I set this vision board effective for 1 year.

So what is a vision board?  Well in my simple mind, you find pictures or texts or quotes, whatever you think can represent your dreams and goals.

Read more »

Gastronomic Experience in Seoul

I'm way behind on my blog posts.  Anyways, Korean food is my favorite cuisine.  Before the Samgyeupsal craze, I love eating in grilled korean barbecue restaurants, and my favorite even is Sariwon (#notsponsored).

So anyways, I thought I'd share with you my food experience in my recent trip to Seoul.

I would start with airplane food.  It was our first time to ride with Korean Air, and I think the food we had on our trip to Seoul was worth mentioning, for someone with 1st time experience like me.

Yes I was so much fascinated with what I had on the plane.  Bibimbap!!!! and it's even good.  So there's a separate pack for warm rice then with little kimchi, there's even bean soup, then beef bibimbap.  See the tube of white thing on top of the plate of meat and vegetables? That's the sauce for the bibimbap, amazing isn't it?  I really had fun eating this in the plane.

Upon our arrival in our airbnb, was around dinner time already, so we were hungry.  Our itinerary was supposed to eat streetfood, but we were really hungry already so we ate a little at a restaurant just beside our airbnb.

Read more »

Korea Trip Winter OOTD

This is some kind of a new type of content for the blog. I love posting ootd in my personal facebook account.  Posting it there was for no reason, just showing my love for dresses, clothes and dressing up.  So transferring some of it to a blog, I don't know how it will do but whatever, this blog is supposed to be something I want to post anyways.

To give you a brief overview, I'm a size L-XL usually or UK 10-12 depending the brand, US 38-40.  Anyways you get the picture, I don't have the body of the model 👅.  Also I went on a trip on the last week of November.  So the weather in Korea is already winter, with daily temperature of 1- 8 degrees celsius.

Let's begin:

On my way from the Philippines to Seoul (so from tropical climate to winter climate)

In this picture, I'm wearing:

• Mango long sleeves top - I got this from Ivan, (chosen by Tita Cecile of course) as an anniversary gift.  This is in M by the way, which I usually don't fit, but turned out it kind of fit anyways.
• Divisoria Checkered Pants - This are one of my old pants that I have, in size L, I love travelling with this because of the zipper pockets.
• Nike Rubber Shoes - I only have 2 rubber shoes, the other pair replica Nike of neon orange color, and this one, black Nike shoes.  I really prefer rubber shoes in travelling, because it's just comfortable and ok for walking long walks

Also in the hand-carry the thermal top, pants, gloves, scarf, jacket were stored, in case I was not able to tolerate the cold weather upon arrival in Korea.

Read more »

Myeongdong Street Food for a First-Timer in Korea

It was our 1st time in Korea, I put this in our itinerary as our 1st activity the moment we arrived in Seoul.  We arrived in Seoul around 7:00pm so just in time for dinner.  Well actually since we're already so hungry upon check-in at our Airbnb, we ate at a nearby restaurant a little first since we'll be taking the subway to Myeongdong from our Airbnb.

Just a brief background of our trip, we went November 27, 2018.  It was beginning winter season already and our conversion rate during this time was: 1Korean Won = Php 0.048.

So here were a few of the streetfood we ate at Myeongdong.

Read more »

Experiencing Filipino Culture in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

We had relatives coming from abroad to visit the Philippines, they're not much of beach persons so our extended family decided to bring them to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan.  We went last November 1, 2018.

I just joined up to the last minute since I was lucky I was not on duty that day.  It's been long since my family did a local road trip anyways.  From Manila to Bataan it was around 5 hour drive.  We actually got lost for a time since my dad put the wrong Las Casas in Waze.

Group Selfie Road Trip

Read more »

Fisherman's Wharf

It was my first time in USA, so this trip was something I should remember.  I was in a peak though of my negative thinking during this time.   As I am now looking back I thought I did not appreciate this experience as much as I did when I went to Japan.  But now, I'm thankful for this experience.

We went last May 2018.  I scheduled this on our itinerary as our 1 full day.  I was with my parents, so this is not the typical getting the most out of your short time in a foreign country.  I was with people who can't walk too long and we take frequent breaks in between.  This was the reason why I love DIY itinerary.  I can customize it according to health conditions of people you're with.

Read more »

Inspiration from Walt Disney

I'm a definite Disney fan, I practically grew up with Disney and up until now even as an adult I still watch Disney animated films and computer animated films.  And the films still never cease to amaze me and give me such joy.

I've been to Hong Kong Disneyland, and I loved it there! There's just pure joy, and just "magic".  But the place I went to this time really touched something inside me, The Walt Disney Family Museum.  Going here was not part of the itinerary, but on our free day, I decided, I've been feeling really down lately, to the point I felt I was not able to enjoy fully the AUA Experience.  I know, people will say I was lucky and everything.  But I can't help it, it's like the song, "Lucky" by Britney Spears.

Anyways I was glad I made the decision to go here, this one legendary guy can give you really just the inspiration you needed.

Let's begin with my favorite quote I got from this trip:

Read more »

Food in Nishiki Market

This was actually an unplanned part of our trip.  On our last full day, we just decided to make it less stressful.  Somewhere near our AirBNB so that we can always return whenever we get tired.

Japan leaves a mark in your memories because of the unique experiences it offers.  I think this is one of the strengths of travelling to Japan.

This is an overview of the path of the Nishiki Market.  I think it's one of the great places in Kyoto.

The first thing we tried upon entering the market are the seafood skewers. The names that I will state here were all invented by me, meaning I don't know the real name of the food. There were lots from Octopus egg (Quail Egg as head of octopus and the tentacles of octopus), Grilled/scallops on a stick, Octopus tentacles alone, Fish etc.  I collectively call them seafood barbecue 😜.  There's a "fishy" smell to the food, but I prefer the scallops personally since they were tasty and fresh.

Read more »

Kimono Experience

This is one of my bucket-list, to be able to wear a kimono in Japan.  Actually in my trip to Japan, this is the one I'm most excited about.  As long as I'm able to do this then I couldn't ask for more.  Luckily Japan has made it easy for tourists to rent kimono.

I booked online for my kimono, I reserved and scheduled for a kimono in Wargo Kyoto Tower branch.  I knew about this from Kimdao, one of my favorite youtubers.  Well actually I kind of followed her suggestions on things to do in Japan.  That's how much I love her!

So let's begin the kimono wearing process.

At first, through online, I got the couple standard kimono package, with additional of fixing my hair.  I didn't get the makeup add-on since I think I'm happy with my makeup skills hahahaha.  Besides, my focus is the kimono anyways.  As I was browsing online and deciding for the date and time of the kimono, I asked my dad if he wanted to wear one too.  I'm really lucky that agreed with my craziness.  #cooldad, hehe.

So after paying through credit card, we just arrived at the Kyoto Tower station around 30 min before our schedule.  And with standard kimono, I was asked to choose from 4 shelves standard kimonos.  Then they asked me to choose from the Obi? (belt thingy I think).  After choosing, I was asked to go inside the female dressing room (no pics, it was forbidden to take pictures inside).  There I think I wore like 4 internal clothes before wearing the outside kimono.  Lots of tying around, no wonder they don't allow pregnants in there, the wrap around was really tight.  

PS: My dad took a huge part in the selection of kimono process, he said, "You definitely have to wear red. Mas maganda sa picture." Hahaha.

Read more »

Inspiration from Airplane

I just discovered that the file where I typed my post for this in my phone was lost.  And this just sucks because I wrote it during the "moment".  Anyways let me try to remember what I had written....

I just love riding airplanes, and my favorite part is during take off.  I've always got this feeling that during take off, I'm flying closer to my dreams.  Weird right? I always had this feeling since I was a kid (after I've grown over the air sickness stage).  

Read more »

My Top 5 Grocery Gifts (Pasalubong) from Australia

Since the items in Australia are expensive, I just bought my pasalubong from their groceries.  I tried to look for some that are really unique from Australia.  This is just my personal opinion, of course there are others depending on their tastes and personalities.

1. 3-in-1 coffee

One of the things I love most about Australia is the Coffee!!!  To the point I wanted to bring them home.  I've tried the Cappuccino and I loved it! In fact I've just finished 1 box and will be opening this one below soon.  

Read more »

Vegemite Food Challenge / Review

When I went to Australia for the APCC Convention, according to my sister who also went with me, Vegemite is one of the popular Australian product.  But not all want the product and for some reason, Australians love this product.  So we bought one, but unfortunately we were not able to try it while we were in Australia, since I had a busy schedule attending and presenting in the convention.

Read more »

Travel Makeup Buddies

Travelling really enriches one's soul.  You get to be exposed to different cultures, new experiences and it just feels great to experience a new country or a new city.  It gets you out of your comfort zone and opens your eyes to a lot of beauties of the world.

Whenever I travel, here are the makeup products I usually prepare / use.

Let's start with skincare.

Melbourne Skincare Buddy - Laneige Moisture kit, Laneige sleeping mask

Read more »

HK Must Try Food, Mini List

Hong Kong is one of my favorite countries, whenever I go there, this is just a mini list of my must eat food everytime I visit Hong Kong.  The items in this list are generic and can be found in a lot of places in Hong Kong.

1. Roasted Duck/Goose

Our family loves this so much that whenever we go back to the Philippines, we bring at least one or two whole roasted ducks as "pasalubong".  It's just so fragrant and tasty.  You just have to tell the seller that you'll bring this back to your country and they'll pack it so it's ready to put in your hand carry bag.

Read more »

Getting Lost in Xiamen

We went to Xiamen for 3 days and 2 nights.  But I decided not to include our 1st night since it consisted of our meeting.  So I'll just include in this post our 2 day itinerary.

To give you an idea of our trip:

• We went in the month of May.
• We stayed in the Pan Pacific Hotel

Day 1 - Meetings

Read more »

PUA Midyear 2017

One thing I love about PUA is that during midyear the PUA holds its midyear convention to different parts of the Philippines.  I think this is a great way to know the country, and also for the urologists of different provinces and cities to showcase their hometown and place of practice in a very amazing way.

Plus, this helps in tourism of that place 😆.  And from a resident's point of view, we get the chance to experience something outside of the life inside the hospital.

This year's Midyear Convention, I was very excited.  I get to go to CEBU!!!! This is my first time to go to Cebu!

Read more »

DIY Bangkok in 3 days

This post is for someone who:

1. 1st time ever experiencing a diy travel
2. 1st time in bangkok
3. has 3 full days in bangkok - 5 days in total (1st and last day for departure and arrival)
4. wants a combination of sight-seeing and shopping
5. has someone with them who can not walk for long hours

This was my first time to make a diy itinerary in a foreign country which was also my first time there.  I think first-timers can get some useful tips from fellow first-timers as well. 

What I love about this DIY travel is its flexibility.  I was with my father, who has a knee condition, so cannot walk for long hours.  I recently just had my surgery, so I'm not too sure either of my strength in travelling either. Let's begin...

We were in Thailand for a total of 5 days.  1st day we left at 2:30 pm Philippine time and after 3 hours of travel time we arrived at Thailand's international airport.  There's a 1 hour difference in the time of Philippines and Thailand, with 1 hour advance in Philippines compared to Bangkok.

At Thailand airport

Read more »

Kawaii Themed Cafe

Finally got my break from the hospital, so I grabbed the chance to escape away from the Philippines, to visit HK.

I think it's been 3 years since I've been in HK with my friends. This time it's different, I get to travel alone, I felt kind of excited and scared at the same time at first. But hey, it's Hk and I'll be living with my relatives, what could possibly go wrong?

I felt I got to try somethin pg new in Hk apart from shopping, while searching the net I came across a snoopy themed cafe. The coffee shop was named Charlie Brown Cafe. So I decided that I'll devote my time to visit these kawaii themed cafe in HK.

Let's start of with Little Twin Star themed cafe. In Langham place in Mongkok, they have this celebration for 40 yrs of Hello Kitty. So for a certain period of time, the restaurants in Langham Place will have decorations devoted to the character, last month I think was Kuromi & my Melody (too bad I missed it, or it would be like heaven for med, I really love Kuromi!!!). Anyways, at Langham Place, at the 10th floor, 1000 Bites have decorations and food Little Twin Star themed.

The prices are really expensive, all I could buy were the cookies priced at HK$22 for 2 pcs of butter cookies.

Next stop will be the Hello Kitty Secret Garden Cafe at Tai Hing. This is actually hidden, you have to have a really active internet connection to help you navigate through the small streets in Hk. I advise you not to go there alone, or if you're alone, go there during the day.

This has gret interiors, you can see the tables have printed hello kitty in them, the chairs as well. Th comfort room even has hello kitty tiles.

I ordered bacon and pumpkin quiche. And also coffee latte

Tuna sandwich also. The food tasted ordinary, nothing special, but the presentation of the food is such an eye candy.

And can you see all the cakes with hello kitty in them! The cakes are priced HK$45 each, the latte I think around that price also, I forgot sorry!

There's also a small branch of the Hello Kitty cafe at Sogo, Causeway Bay. It's really just a stall, no place to eat, if you want to take out a cake, you can get from there, since it's more accessible and easier to find than the secret garden cafe.

The 3rd and certainly my favorite of all the cafe I visited, is the Charlie Brown Cafe, located at Ca,eron Road, Tsim Tsa Tsui.

I think this is the most authentic of all the kawaii themed cafe. Everything, from walls, imteriors,  lights, mirrors, doors, are all snoopy themed! This was definitely all worth it looking for and going into.

If I am to go back I'll go back here! I ordered cafe latte and cafe mocha, the mocha tasted great. Priced at HK$42 for small. They have 3 different sizes for the coffee

I think my tita enjoyed the experience also 

Amazing cakes! Priced at Hk$40+ I think for the mousse cakes.

It was a definitely fun experience visiting these kawaii theme cafe in HK, different from the typical shopping I usually do here. It was really worth it!

Til next trip!