Twice Styled by Carleen is a personal blog that contains her little adventures in the big world with some journeys and side trips along the way for new discoveries. All photos by Carleen unless stated otherwise.
*Blog is best viewed on Desktop*
BORACAY AND FOOD (Trying different restaurants & cafe)
This is part 2 of our Boracay adventure! The days after our water activities were mostly trying different restaurants and cafes in the island. Some of the restaurants and cafe we tried are namely: Coffee Stroll, The Sunny Side Cafe, Los Indios Bravos, and Mayas.
Get to know our food experience in Boracay and our reviews/opinions about it through watching my vlog below.
BORACAY ADVENTURE & FOOD (flying to boracay, food and water activities)
Traveling again after 2 years! This Boracay trip should have been our March 2020 travel but COVID happened. But nonetheless, thankful that this trip was able to push through and was able to see my friends after two years. Capturing our adventures and treasuring the memories through videos 💕
Below is my vlog last 2022 when we went to Boracay after the lockdown.
I’m back with a product review after three years! Yes, my last product review in terms of skin care or make-up was in the year 2017.
Starting again with a review on a Korean brand called ‘YADAH.’ I’ve been loving the use of cushions every since I’ve started using it way back in College. I just love how it is easy to apply and mess-free. Since I have oily and acne-prone skin, the cushion type application works best for me in covering my blemishes and pores.
I have read from YesStyle some information about YADAH.
YADAH was established in 2009 and takes its name from the Hebrew word for "wisdom." The brand's skin care and cosmetic products mainly use extracts from the Eastern prickly pear (Opuntia Humifusa), which is native to Korea and known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits. Manufactured in Korea, the brand's entire range is known to be hypoallergenic and mild, and formulated without artificial coloring, preservatives or chemicals.
We now know some basics about this brand and let’s start reviewing the “Be My Cushion.”
Be My cushion claims that it gives the perfect coverage for skin flaw and ensures higher persistency. The following are the features that YADAH claimed for this cushion on their website:
With lightweight texture and matte finish, YADAH’s Air Powder Pact embellishes the skin and camouflages pores and wrinkles to make a flawless skin
Harmonization of Flat type Powder & Slim-Fit Polymer
With outstanding application to the skin, this powder pact consists of slim-fit polymer, which encourages the natural-matte finish
Sliding Blurry Powder
Based on Sliding Blurry Powder, YADAH’s Air Powder Pact guarantees smooth, flawless, all-matte coverage of wrinkles and pores, and elaborates a flawless, HD makeup
With YADAH’s main ingredient, Opuntia Fictus, it soothes and nourishes your skin
6 Non-added System
Paraben, Artificial colorant, Mineral oil, Benzophenone, Tar colorant, Animal materials
The product came with a box with exactly the same design as the cushion case itself. It has a pink colored face for the cover with a half sun on top of the label and a moon below it.
At the back of the product, more information could be seen such as: SPF50+/PA+++, the shade, expiration date and weight . The cushion contains 15g of its product.
The shade, 23 - Natural Beige, could also be seen at the back of the box. It also says that this product have a triple functional cushion - UV Protection, Whitening, and Anti-Wrinkle. An SPF50+/PA+++ is also stated on the box.
There were actually 2 shades available: 21 Light Beige and 23 Natural Beige. Knowing that Korean cosmetics tends to be lighter in shade, I got the darker one.
Like the usual cushion product, it packaged in a compact with a mirror (still with the plastic on) and an applicator puff. Each cushion contains 15 grams of its product. It is also sealed to reassure that product is new.
I tried pressing it once, and the product came out instantly. There were instances with other cushions that several presses were needed for product to come out. YADAH mentioned that it has a patented Mochi cushion for this that helps prevent evaporation of its moisture to ensure that it could be used for a long time.
According to their website, the main ingredient for Be My cushion is Opuntia humifusa flower extracts.
Swatching it on my arm and trying it for the first time on my face, it seems it is a little bit darker for me. However, as I use it longer and try to blend it, the color matches my skin tone.
The right side of my face has the foundation and the other side doesn’t.
The redness and some blemishes on my face was covered by the ‘Be My’ Cushion from YADAH. I could say from experience that this has light to medium coverage.
It has a natural finish which I really really like and it wasn't difficult to apply nor to blend it out evenly. I observed it dries real quick after application. It was able to cover my pores and fine lines as it claims it to be.
TRANSFER TEST
I did the transfer test by wearing a mask since that is our new normal today. Please do take note that this is a clean mask. You should never try and touch your mask especially when going out.
It didn't transfer any foundation on the mask after even pressing it on my face.
I tried the foundation where I needed to wear a mask the whole day while going out. You may check out the results by watching my video below.
Overall, I think this could be used for oily and combination skin type. However, if you have a dry skin, having a moisturizer before applying the foundation could help.
PROS
- Available locally
- Dries quickly
- Natural finish
- Long lasting
- Did not break me out
CONS
- 2 shades available
- Dry patches
If you try this out, let me know your experience for this cushion!
STRAY KIDS - IN生 (IN Life)' Limited Edition Album Unboxing + Flip Through
Another unboxing from Stray Kids! After releasing the ‘GO Live’ album, they released a repackaged album entited - ‘IN Life.’
This album contained new songs plus the songs from the previous album. Creativity wise, Stray Kids just always blow my mind with it. There are always surprises when it comes to their albums.
I bought the limited edition (cause honestly, the regular ones always have different more options and I can’t just decide + there are more inclusions for the limited one). If you would want to know the inclusions for the limited edition and find out I.N’s frame photocard, Seungmin’s mini photobook, and the door hanger looks like, I invite you to watch my video below!
Hope you enjoy watching!
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
F A C E B O O K: https://www.facebook.com/carleen.twicestyled/
I N S T A G R A M: http://instagram.com/carleencl
└ f o o d g r a m: http://instagram.com/lulusciousfood
└ s t u d y g r a m: https://instagram.com/studykoreanwithlulu
T W I T T E R: http://twitter.com/CRLNx
Y O U T U B E: https://www.youtube.com/carleencl
DAY6 (EVEN OF DAY) - 'The Book of Us: Gluon' Album Unboxing + Flip Through
Finally, Gluon album has arrived after waiting for months! Another flip through as you can see the pages of 'The Book of Us: Gluon (Nothing Can Tear Us Apart)' by DAY6 (Even of Day).
I’m actually very excited about this album because they included their Denimalz! This for sure another album with great songs.
Check out what I got in the album inclusions through watching my video below!
Enjoy!
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
F A C E B O O K: https://www.facebook.com/carleen.twicestyled/
I N S T A G R A M: http://instagram.com/carleencl
└ f o o d g r a m: http://instagram.com/lulusciousfood
└ s t u d y g r a m: https://instagram.com/studykoreanwithlulu
T W I T T E R: http://twitter.com/CRLNx
Y O U T U B E: https://www.youtube.com/carleencl
STRAY KIDS - 'GO生 (GO Live)' Limited Edition Album Unboxing
I got the limited edition of Stray Kids' 1st Album, 'GO生 (GO Live)'. I’ve only known Stray Kids early this year because of my friend. Although, I wished I knew them earlier - but nonetheless, it is never late to support the group!
This is another unboxing and a flip through for Stray Kids’ GO Live album. I actually love all song! Every song was a masterpiece, I can say.
Anyway, below is my unboxing video. Hope you enjoy the watching! ❤️
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
F A C E B O O K: https://www.facebook.com/carleen.twicestyled/
I N S T A G R A M: http://instagram.com/carleencl
└ f o o d g r a m: http://instagram.com/lulusciousfood
└ s t u d y g r a m: https://instagram.com/studykoreanwithlulu
T W I T T E R: http://twitter.com/CRLNx
Y O U T U B E: https://www.youtube.com/carleencl
DAY6 - ‘The Book of Us : The Demon’ Album Unboxing
It’s a little bit late but I still want to share this with everyone. The pandemic and months of quarantine made want to be lazy all day long and at the same time be productive, thus, having late posts/upload.
I’ve decided to share my unboxing with a flip through for DAY6′s 6th mini album - ‘The Book of Us : The Demon.’ The album has its titled track, ‘Zombie,’ which made an impact to everyone who was able to listen to it - a My Day or not. It’s the perfect song during times like these we are facing.
Anyway, here’s my unboxing and flip through of ‘The Book of Us : The Demon’ by DAY6.
Hope you’ll enjoy watching!
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
F A C E B O O K: https://www.facebook.com/carleen.twicestyled/
I N S T A G R A M: http://instagram.com/carleencl
└ f o o d g r a m: http://instagram.com/lulusciousfood
T W I T T E R: http://twitter.com/CRLNx
Y O U T U B E: https://www.youtube.com/carleencl
K-HIPHOP Indie Artist, Jungsu, Releases New Single “Neey Ya Now” on Spotify and Other Music Platforms
JUNGSU released his new hit single "Need Ya Now" on July 7, 2020, at 7 PM (Pacific Standard Time). When you listen to the new track, the song reflects the intense need of every person asking for God's help and mercy. The impact of the line, "Free me from all things scheming to hurt me," listeners may respond the same to the pleading sentiments of the character asking for forgiveness for the wrongs he had done in life.
He is a new hip-hop and R&B musician who made his debut in April 2019. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, he moved to Los Angeles and lived there since the young age of 8. He had his first encounter with rap in an 8th grade mathematics class, where his teacher asked them to memorize the value of Pi (π). Who would have thought that one day, it will bring him to where he is now.
JUNGSU always keeps his music consistent. JUNGSU, being Christian, an element of his songs has a prominent significance for God. His songs are soothing, and adding warm to them is his deep-toned voice that goes so well with his style in music.
Have a taste of the song of JUNGSU's "Need Ya Now" on Spotify.
He will continue to develop as an artist in the Korean hip-hop music scene and to create his own path. You will definitely be going to fall in love with his music so you better watch him out.
Follow JUNGSU online to keep you updated:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jungsubak
SoundCloud – https://soundcloud.com/jungsubak
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/jungsubak
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ohokrJMkcaqza2gpFjSGF
Apple Music/iTunes – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jungsu/1457526211
You can hear one of his tracks "Off My Chest" on his official YouTube channel.
This post is quite different from my other blog posts as I want everyone to be aware of the qualifications to have a PWD ID under Visual Disability. Having the ID has been abused several times especially by non-PWDs.
I have been hearing and reading about PWD misconceptions about availing the PWD ID based on one's Error of Refraction’s amount (eye grade) or the history of wearing eyeglasses for a long amount of years.
Before anything else, I would want to say that I, myself wears glasses. I started wearing one since I was in Grade School and it just increases as I got older. The increase was primarily because of hereditary/genetics and doing a lot of near-related works which could not be avoided but could be lessened. I have -3.50D of Myopia (nearsightedness) and -1.00D of Astigmatism and know what it feels to have blurry vision without glasses or contact lenses.
My vision is definitely blurry without glasses/contact lenses especially at far.
Can I qualify for a PWD ID? NO.
With my glasses/contact lenses, I can see the 20/20th line.
Can I qualify for a PWD ID? NO.
I’ve been wearing glasses for about 15 years.
Can I qualify for a PWD ID? NO.
Overall, I’m not qualified to have a PWD ID since my vision could be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Below are the definition to be called as Visual Disability as per WHO (World Health Organization)
Hoping with this simple post, it would clarify some misconceptions about having a PWD ID. For better understanding, you can visit your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist and at the same time have your annual eye check-up.
Personally, I’m thankful that I can see better than 20/70 (even until the 20/20th line) with my glasses or contact lenses on. I’ve dealt with patients asking if I could give the highest grade or any way I can so that they could read even the biggest letter, and that just breaks my heart. Fortunately in our profession, we have Optometrists who specialize in Low Vision – a more in-depth eye exam with training and ways to adapt to the current situation regarding their eyesight.
To those who are reading this and still planning to get a PWD ID even if you currently have healthy eyes and have a vision better than 20/70:
Would you still rather have 20/20 vision with glasses, contact lenses, after surgeries and all the medication given to you? Or have that PWD ID and could only see the bigger letters?
Another month has passed and we are already in the half of the year. Hoping everyone’s still keeping safe and healthy nowadays.
May 2020’s favorites will not only be on Korean dramas but also on K-Pop. Some of the artists that I support have been very active last month (not complaining tho 🥰). The dramas and music are the ones keeping me sane especially during these uneventful times.
K-DRAMA
I got two favorites for the month of May for Korean Dramas.
1. Fix You
After ‘Meow: The Secret Boy’, ‘Fix You’ was released and the next new K-Drama that I watched for the month of May. The drama is another medical drama but this time deals more on the inner self: emotions, feelings, and sentiments.
‘Fix You’ follows Dr. Lee Shi Joon, a Psychiatrist, that is passionate towards helping his patients heal. He treats his patients through bold and uncommon way. It also follows Han Woo Joo, a promising musical actress that finally after years of hard work; her efforts are starting to pay off. However, she experiences anger issues, mental breakdowns, and is diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive Disorder
This medical drama focuses on one’s mental health and finding answers to have happiness in life. It also deals with different types of mental illness which could help in spreading mental health awareness. ‘Fix You’ stars Shin Ha Kyun and Jung So Min.
‘Fix You’ will have 32 episodes with 2 30-minute episodes per day. The drama airs every Wednesday and Thursday.
Network: KBS2
2. Mystic Pop-Up Bar
First 15 minutes and this drama caught my attention! Mystic Pop-Up Bar is based from a webcomic by Bae Hye-Soo. The drama stars Hwang Jung Eum, Yook Sung Jae, and Choi Won Young.
This drama focuses on a pojangmacha (tented outdoor drinking establishment), named, Ssanggab Cart Bar. It is run by Weol Ju with the help of Manager Gwi and a part-timer named, Han Kang Bae. Customers, either as human or a soul that enters the mysterious food cart drinks alcohol and eats with them until the customers tells their problems in life and what they are planning to do. After knowing the struggles Weol Ju’s customers have, she helps them solve it to heal their emotional wounds.
Mystic Pop-Up Bar reminds of one of my favorite dramas, Hotel del Luna. I could say that the two has similar concept and both has a fantasy-comedy genre. If you are into dramas like the former one, give Mystic Pop-Up Bar a chance and watch it.
The drama is said to have 12 episodes and airs every Wednesday and Thursday.
Network: jTBC, Netflix
K-POP
Next part is about the artists that I love and support. One artist released an album, and others shared videos to show the other side of them.
1. DAY6’s The Book of Us : The Demon Album
First on my K-Pop list is DAY6’s 6th mini album, The Book of Us : The Demon. It is one of the ‘Book of Us ‘series alongside with 2019’s Gravity and Entropy. The album represents about our human relationships which is that the ‘demon’ is the negative part of our relationships/social balance since at times, it is not always good and we have rough times. DAY6’s members want everyone who is listening to the songs to relate with it and send a message that “You are not alone” with whatever you are battling. 💙
The album was released last May 11 with their title track’s music video, ‘Zombie.’
ZOMBIE
The song and music video describes that at times we live a life repetitive with nothing new happening – wake up, eat, work, sleep. I think at times, we do have that moment feeling like a ‘zombie.’ Doing our daily works but without emotional attachment to it, just doing it for the sake of doing it.
If you haven’t watch the music video, watch below!
Network: JYP Entertainment
2. Treasure: Treasure Map
Treasure Map is a reality show on YG Entertainment’s upcoming 12-member boy group, Treasure. The show is uploaded through YouTube and VLIVE having Treasure in different activities such as vlogging, having missions, or just sharing their daily life.
I’ve known some members since MIXNINE and got more interested when I watched YG Treasure Box, another YG Survival Show. They are very talented and can’t wait for them to officially debut. That’s why I love watching Treasure Map to know more about them and something to look forward weekly while waiting for their debut.
Here’s the teaser for Treasure Map:
Treasure Map is uploaded every Friday through Treasure’s official YouTube and VLIVE channels.
Network: VLIVE, YG Entertainment
3. Taeyang’s Documentary: White Night
Taeyang of my favorite group, BIGBANG, released a documentary on his 2017 White Night Tour. After finishing his military duty, he announced that he will be releasing the White Night documentary with the 1st episode released on the same day of his birthday.
The videos will show the other side of Taeyang off-stage. In the White Night documentary, the professionalism and perfectionist side of Taeyang will show. He really just wants the best for his stages and his fans, VIPs. Knowing the effort and sacrifices he has to put just really makes me want to support him more. 💛
Below is the White Night documentary trailer. Watch it and get to know more our Dong Youngbae.
The White Night documentary is uploaded every Monday and Thursday at 7PM KST. It will have a total of 8 episodes running for 4 weeks.
Network: YG Entertainment
4. Mapo Hipster
Mapo Hipster is a show to find the ‘Best Dress’ in Mapo between two close friends, WINNER’s Song Mino and Block B’s P.O. Both will have weekly missions, competing against each other to get the title of “Top Fahionista” in Mapo.
I’ve started this last February 2020 because of the two and got really hooked of their missions, skits, and just… everything! Sadly, last episode was uploaded last May 8 but you may still watch it on their YouTube channel.
It’s actually worth your time especially if you are looking to watch something fun and to relieve your stress. Mapo Hipster has 10 episodes.
Network: tvN, Channel Fullmoon
5. I AM SOMI
'I AM Somi' is about Jeon Somi , who has just turned 20 years old. She made the videos to show her everyday life to her fans. Her videos are all uploaded in THEBLACKLABEL’s YouTube channel.
Somi is one of the artists in THEBLACKLABEL, a subsidiary company of YG Entertainment headed by TEDDY. I actually just got to know her when I heard she signed a contract with THEBLACKLABEL and she’s actually good. Her debut song, ‘Birthday’ was actually a nice song that will made me put in on loop for days!
If you’re interested in getting to know Somi, below is the ‘I AM SOMI’ teaser.
‘I AM SOMI’ has a total of 6 episodes, with an additional epilogue video uploaded last May 10, 2020
Network: THEBLACKLABEL
Here’s my May 2020 favorites! How about you? Do we have similar favorites for last May?
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
Last year’s adventures didn’t stop by the month of July. October 2019, I was able to visit one of the resorts that will transport me back to history.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is known for the restoration of Spanish-Filipino houses and its architectural designs. It is located at Bagac, Bataan
We got to experience the River Cruise that will bring us to the restored houses.
Some houses were really old and still underconstruction. You could enter into other houses with their Heritage Walking Tour and appreciate more of the architectural designs.
I found out that it is not the whole house that were built again in the resort but they were able to bring some good parts from the old houses and rebuilt it again.
They even have an old but functioning Church!
---
Another activitity they had was the Carabao Race.
I never imagined that Carabaos run so fast! I was actually excited to see them have race but at the same time scared that they may run after me since it held in an open space - no barriers nor fence.
---
Historyland was up next that and was portrayed by their actors. They chose 5 historical events that happened in the Philippines. The following were:
1. The Battle of Mactan
2. Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal
3. Cry of Pugad Lawin
4. Making of the Philippine Flag
5. The Declaration of the Philippine Independence
---
Of course a travel would not be complete without food! For our whole stay at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, we ate at Cucina ni Nanay Maria since it was the nearest from our room.
All of the dishes was actually really really good! The price you paid for the dishes were worth it with the taste and portions. As I remember, we always have a left over to bring in our room for later consumption.
If you would want to see my Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar experience or haven’t watched my vlog, I humbly invite to watch it below!
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
A year later and finally was able to write about my Vigan trip last year. 😅
Anyway, I think this is the longest car ride I’ve ever been to! 10-11 hours of road trip to be able to visit Vigan, Ilocos Sur from Manila including our stopovers.
Whew! What a long ride, right?! But the long hours were worth it as we set foot in Vigan.
My family and I stayed for 2 nights and 3 days in MelSol Vigan. Having the 1st day staying inside the hotel and sleeping because of the long travel we had. 😴
Days 2 and 3 were for visiting historical places. We were only able to visit a few because of the scorching heat. This was around April 2019, and Summer in the Philippines is always hot and humid. ☀️
One of the museums in Vigan that we were able to visit is the Crisolo Memorabilia Museum. It’s was the old house of the Crisologo family with their furnitures still in place that was used before. This was the only museum nearby that was only open during our vacant time.
Calle Crisologo itself has limited places such as restaurants that have air-conditions. Museums in Vigans doesn’t have air-conditions. So better bring a cap, fan, and water!
One of the things that saved me from the heat: Lemon Sugar Cane juice! I forgot the name of the stall but this is along a corner street in Calle Crisologo. If not mistaken, they’re the only ones that offer sugar cane juice.
The lemon sugar cane juice was so refreshing to drink on a hot sunny day especially during Summer. 😍 If you’ll visit Vigan, grab one and you won’t regret it.
At nighttime, we went to Plaza Salcedo for the Dancing Fountain. It was actually well-thought as the opening music was about promoting Vigan. 👏
If I remembered it right, there was a also tiangge or a night market nearby that sell clothes, some other goods, and food.
We were able to visit the Bantay Watch Tower which we didn’t climb anymore because the weather was very very hot. 🔥
Visiting Vigan was another experience to get a glimpse of the history of the Philippines.
So, I have other clips from Vigan 2019 on my vlog and if you haven’t checked it yet, click below! 😊
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
Adding a new section for my blog where I’ll be sharing my current favorites. To start it off for the month of May, it will be my current watch list of ongoing Korean Dramas.
I’ve been watching Korean Dramas since I was in Grade School or Highschool. It became one of my ways to relieve stress or just to have a break. Watching Korean Dramas seems a routine for me already. Once a drama ends, I look forward to the next drama that will be aired.
Currently, I am watching 3 ongoing Korean Dramas and 2 dramas that I have recently finished.
1. Hospital Playlist
Medical dramas will always be on the top of my “must watch” list. Being in a health related profession, I tend to be interested in any medical dramas. Plus, the production and actors are always good that it sometimes feel that I’m in a particular scene too.
Hospital Playlist main cast are: Cho Jung Seok, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyoung Ho, Kim Dae Myung, and Jeon Mi Do. It revolves around the stories of 5 doctors that went and meet during medical school, became friends, and work at the same hospital. The drama shows the real life and experiences of doctors, nurses, and patients that go through. It will make you realized and feel the perspective of each person in certain circumstances.
If you are into medical dramas, I could recommend this to you. Hospital Playlist airs 1 episode per week every Thursday. This drama is said to have a total of 12 episodes.
Network: tvN, Netflix
2. The King: Eternal Monarch
The King: Eternal Monarch stars Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun, both known for its excellent acting skills. Lee Min Ho plays as King Lee Gon who became king at an early age after his father, King Lee Ho, was murdered by his brother. Kim Go Eun plays as Detective Jeong Tae Eul in the Violent Crime Division.
This drama shows two worlds: Kingdom of Corea and Republic of Korea. Kingdom of Corea’s King Lee Gon attempts to go to the world of Detective Jeong Tae Eul’s Republic of Korea. Being in Republic of Korea, King Lee Gon recognizes the detective from the ID that was left by his savior during the tragic moment when he was a child.
The King: Eternal Monarch has a unique storyline comparing to the other dramas that I’ve watched before. It is like combing the historical and modern day drama but with a twist. Cinematic wise, it is aesthetically very good. This drama airs every Friday and Saturday and would have a total of 16 episodes.
Network: SBS, Netflix
3. Rugal
First was a medical genre, then a fantasy one. The third on my watch list is a crime action Korean Drama, Rugal. This drama was adapted from a webtoon by Rilmae. Rugal stars actor Choi Jin Hyuk playing as Kang Ki-Beom, an elite police officer that investigates a criminal organization which is Argos.
As Kang Ki Beom comes home, his wife has been killed and cut his both eyes out by Argos. He woke up in a hospital and being accused in murdering his wife. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) then approached him offering to be part of Rugal, a special team organized by NIS with members having special abilities. As he joins Rugal, he received two biotechnology artificial eyes that has special abilities. Kang Ki Beom and Rugal then goes out to missions to take down Argos.
Rugal makes me look forward for the next episode leaving me hanging on what will happen next since I didn’t read the webtoon. The drama will have a total of 16 episodes and airs every Saturday and Sunday.
Network: OCN, Netflix
4. Extracurricular
Extracurricular stars Kim Dong Hee, Park Joo Hyun, Jung Da Bin, and Nam Yoon Soo. A teenage crime drama that is on my watch list. The drama is already finished but no official announcement of Season 2 yet.
The story revolves around Ji Soo, played by Kim DongHee, a top high school student but at the same time is the mastermind of an illegal business to be able to pay his tuition fee. Bae Gyu-Ri, played by Park Joo Hyun, got to know about his secret and ended up wanted to be part of it too. With the unexpected events, the high school students have gotten into a life of crime.
Extracurricular was released last April 29, 2020 in Netflix with a total of 10 episodes.
Network: Netflix
5. Meow: The Secret Boy
I recently finished this drama, Meow: The Secret Boy. It was based from the Naver webtoon by Go A ra. This drama stars: Kim Myung Soo, Shin Ye Eun, Seo Ji Hoon, Yoon Ye Joo and Kang Hoon.
Meow: The Secret Boy is about a girl named Sol Ah that works as a graphic designer in Nalshim Company and dreams to become a web-based comic artist. She isn’t fond of cats but has no choice to adopt his ex-boyfriend, Lee Jae-Sun’s cat since he is allergic to them. Sol Ah’s life changed as she brings home Hong Jo, an extraordinary cat. Hong Jo can transform into human form. This situation had Sol Ah face with unexpected circumstances.
This drama will give you a warm feeling while watching it. It even made me teary-eyed on the last 2 episodes. “Meow: The Secret Boy” surely will make viewers love and appreciate our own pets more.
There is a total of 24 episodes for this drama and it ended last April 30, 2020.
Network: KBS2
Here’s the 5 Korean dramas that I’m currently interested in. How about you? Are you also watching the same K-Dramas?
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
January 25, 2020 - 2 months ago, I have attended WINNER Cross Tour in Manila which was held at Mall of Asia Arena. This is the 3rd time they are coming here since the WIN era, and I’m so thankful that they decided to have Manila included for their Cross Tour. 💙
The concert was a 3-hour long that I surely enjoyed and had fun! There were parts that was for Manila Inner Circles like WINNER dancing to Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala” and dressing up with Hanbok since their concert also falls on a Lunar New Year. Read more and know my fangirl experience during WINNER’s Cross Tour in Manila.
Days before the concert, my friend and I was waiting for the announcement for the raffle winners of Soundcheck, Fan Meeting, and Soundcheck hoping to win at least one of them. And luckily, we won a Soundcheck pass to see WINNER!
BEFORE CONCERT
My friend, Lizette and I went early to MOA to get our tickets, wristbands for soundcheck, Cross album, and basically just fall in line the whole day. Falling in line was basically 50% of our morning activity that day.
We went inside past 12nn and the guards asks us to fall in line again while waiting for the time for us go inside. We went inside at around 3pm for the soundcheck.
SOUNDCHECK
Here’s how near we were standing to the stage while waiting for WINNER’s soundcheck. Photos, videos, or any recordings were not allowed during the soundcheck, thus the lack of videos or photos. But nonetheless, I made sure that I enjoyed the moment watching WINNER up-close.
The soundcheck lasted around 30 minutes. WINNER sang 3 songs namely: Air, Love Me Love, and Ah Yeah.
During the soundcheck SeungYoon asked if we already ate:
SY: Have you eaten your lunch?
ICs: Noooo
SY: Why?? Why did you not eat your lunch? You need to eat, you need energy.
*ICs explains how’s the day has been*
SY: Ahh you were in line waiting for us? Thank you!
ICs: YEEES!!
Mino then said: “Sigaaaaw! Good Morning!”
Those 30 minutes will be so memorable and be cherished especially remembering how close I was with WINNER - seeing them again. 💙
CONCERT
Inner Circles kept on singing along while WINNER’s music videos were playing on the screen. We even requested for the sounds to be louder cause it was kind of hard to hear the songs. 🤣
After a few repeated music videos, the lights were finally turned off and a video of WINNER was shown.
WINNER opened the concert with their hit song, ‘Everyday' followed by ‘Love Me Love Me‘.
Everyone was so energetic seeing WINNER again on stage. We were singing so happily along with WINNER.
Seunghoon even said, “Mga bibi ko!! Make some noise!!” which made the crowd cheered more.
After Love Me Love Me, they greeted the whole crowd.
YOON: This is Seungyoon! Manila!
WINNER: Hello, this is WINNER!
YOON: Annyeong! Mabuhay! Welcome to the Cross concert, Manila. Thank you for being with us with this great moment. Let’s start the show!
JINU: Hello everyone! I’m Jinu! We’re so glad to be in Manila, here. Thank you for coming. Let’s have a great time!
MINO: Wazzup Manila! This is Mino from WINNER! I miss you just so much. Finally, we comeback to Manila to see you all again. Are you all ready? You’re ready guys?
ICs: YEEEEES!!!
MINO: C’mon, make some noise!
*ICs cheered more!!*
MINO: Thank you!
HOONY: Kamusta???! I can see all my Hoonies right here!! Namiss niyo ba kaming lahat??! Namiss din namin kayo!!!
YOON: Are you ready?! Alright, let’s go to the Islaaaand!
'Island‘ was performed next then, 'Really Really.’ I could hear the fanchants all for WINNER. 💙
A short clip was shown as WINNER went backstage. It showed a short skit that was truly WINNER style. 😂
‘Mola,’ ‘Dress Up,’ and ‘Special Night’ were performed by WINNER.
Seeing them see to perform again live was so surreal. It felt it was a party than a concert. Everyone was just having fun with WINNER.
YOON: With this special band, we prepared a special stage for you to enjoy WINNER’s emotional music. Alright, Manila, are you ready?!
WINNER started with their emotional songs with ‘Different, ’Have a Good Day,’ and ‘Raining.‘
Hearing ‘Different’ brings back the starting times with WINNER. This song was surely a very emotional song for every Inner Circle.
‘Have a Good Day’ was next and WINNER really made those emotions of the songs feel right in our seats.
A little upbeat song, ‘Raining.’ Vocals of the four were such on point and made me believe they really ate their CDs. 😂😂😂
‘OMG,’ and ‘Empty’ were up next to continue more with their emotional songs. I really do love all their songs. Each song is a masterpiece. 😭😭😭
Hearing ‘Empty’ also made me so so emotional. 😭 It just reminds me so much of their WIN and debut era. 😭 💙
While WINNER went to the backstage, their band played some music.
The solo stages were up next and Seunghoon was the first one to perform. He performed, ‘Flamenco,’ and ‘Serenade.’
His dancing skills was really on point! 💯 Hoony made everyone scream with his performance.
Hoony mentioned, “This is song is for all my mahal ko. Who’s my mahal ko? You’re my mahal ko, right? You guys, ready?” and it was the ‘Serenade’ song.
TOO. MUCH. FAN. SERVICE. 😂
Jinwoo was next with his song, ‘Call Anytime.’
Jinu was mesmerizing while performing and at the same time so cuuute. 😍 His voice was just so calming.
He performed ‘Call Anytime’ with Mino. Mino even said “I love you, Manila!”
This stage was just so cuuuute and charming, those two is just so... 😍
Next was WINNER’s leader, Seungyoon!
YOON: Hey Manila! Are you good? Let’s go!
Yoon sang ‘Instinctively,’ and ‘Wind.’
Seungyoon’s voice has just this charismatic feeling that keeps you attracted to it. 💕
After singing ‘Instinctively,’ the crowd keeps cheering: “Kang Seungyoon! Kang Seungyoon!”
YOON: Wooow! You are amazing! 1st floor.. 2nd floor.. until 4th floor? Wooow!
Alright, I hope you guys got some good energy. Please sing along with this song, ‘Wind’ and I’ll sing it for the fans.
‘Wind’ was performed and another charismatic performance by the leader. 💙
Mino as next and performed, ‘Trigger,’ and ‘Fiance.’
We were looking for Mino on stage but he was not there but instead, he was singing backstage. 😅 🤣
Mino was giving a different vibe with his performance. It’s always always different, but good different. MINO = 🔥 🔥 🔥
Mino is Mino, and he never fails to amazed me (well, everyone in WINNER is, actually!). 😍
After all the solo stages, WINNER was on stage again started singing the chorus for ‘Movie Star.’
‘Movie Star’ is one of the songs that I really do love hearing live while Inner Circles also sing along with WINNER. 🎤 This reminds me of WINNER Everywhere Tour since this was one of our fanprojects last 2018. 💙
WINNER went backstage, and another video was shown.
The video was about WINNER talking about the trainee/WIN era to their first music video as WINER. Everyone was like “Awww” 😭 😭 😭
Next song performed was ‘So So,’ and ‘Don’t Be Shy.’
Seeing ‘So So’ performance live for the first time was really different compared to watching them perform through videos.
They changed their outfits with this stage and having their own personality shown with their clothes.
‘Don’t Be Shy’ was such an adorable performance. It’s a feel good song that you can listen to anytime.
During, we were looking for Seunghoon because he was not on stage. We later found out he was on the standing part! This Hoony really gave all the fan service!
It was time for another ment and talking to the crowd.
YOON: Hey!
ICs: WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!
YOON: You heard two new songs, right? ‘So So’ and ‘Don’t Be Shy’. Are you guys having fun tonight??
ICs: YEEES!!!
HOON: WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!
ICs: WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!
YOON: Ookay, thank you very much!
Guys, here’s our special audience. You know, Sandara is in here for the concert. Where is she? Can you see her? There!!
Thank you Sandara! And of course, thank you Manila, Philippines!!
How was everyone? We’re back with a new album and new concert for this tour so we’d like to meet you again, and we did! We practiced and prepared ourselves for the show. Did you like it?
ICs: YEEES!!!
YOON: Every time with this part, every step this part, we used to learn each other’s solo dance and with this part but today, we came back to Manila again. Hoony prepared something special for Manila, right?
Are you ready, Manila?! and Hoony are you ready?!
HOON: Yes, I am!!
YOON: Hoony, the teacher who is special. Tell them!
Then Seunghoon performed Tala! Yes, Sarah Geronimo’s Tala!!
And he was amazing while dancing. Really every move is on point! Our dancer was so so good and every one was singing while he was dancing.
ICs: WINNER! WINNER! WINNER!
YOON: Wow!!
MINO: Teacher, teach us!
*Seunghoon teaches WINNER the steps*
HOON: Solideu?! SOLID!!
YOON: SOLID!!
HOON: SOLID!!
WINNER did try to learn ‘Tala.’ 😂 And they even dance to it! This was just so memorable!
YOON: SOLID!!
Thank you for teaching us. (to Hoon)
MINO: Tala, Talaaa, Talaaa~
YOON: This one is really the most famous in the Philippines?
ICs: Isa pa! Isa pa! Isa pa!
One more time! One more time! One more time!
*Hoon started to dance Tala again*
MINO: Ayoseu dito-ah!
YOON: Ayos dito ha!
Hey Manila! We arrived in Manila yesterday and we met the fans in the signing event. Thank you for such a special memory and I hope to have more chances to meet you guys.
We had a plan for Philippines festival, right? We couldn’t come here. So we are really sorry. Anyway, guys.. we are hanging to the last part of the show.
ICs: NOOOOO!
YOON: Aww, nooo. Ahhh noooo... You are not tired, right?
ICs: YESSSS!!
YOON: First floor, you are not tired, right?!
ICs: YESSSS!!
YOON: Second floor, you are not tired, right?!
ICs: YEEEESSSS!!
YOON: Third floor, you are not tired, right?!
ICs: YESSSS!!
YOON: Are you seating down now? (🤣🤣🤣)
No, no, stand up! Thank you!
HOON: Sandara, are you ready???
ICs: YESSSS!!
YOON: No not you! Sandara!
DARA: YEEEAAAH!!!
YOON: Okay okay, if you are ready..MAKE SOME NOISE!!!
Let’s go Millions!!!
***EDIT: Editing this on March 20, 2020 and WINNER keeps dancing ‘Tala’ on their VLive. They can’t move on with Tala! Seunghoon even remembers the steps. 💙
And ‘Millions’ was performed next!
Since everyone was still so hyped with their ment earlier, the crowd was singing so loud with WINNER during this song.
‘Ah Yeah’ was the next song WINNER performed.
Every Inner Circle was just so hyper and energetic! You can feel the happy vibes inside the arena.
The fun during the concert just can’t stop with their song, ‘Immature.’ They look so happy while performing with this song.
WINNER is just so adooorable. 💙
‘La La’ was up next and here everyone including WINNER was so wild!!
WINNER 💙 We’ll always remember WINNER forever.
Poor maknae leader but just so adorable!!! 💙 💙 💙
LIGHTS WERE OUT.
Another video was shown of WINNER practicing.
When the video ended, it was time for Inner Circles’ fanproject to sing for WINNER to call for an encore.
Encore started with their sonng, ‘Luxury.’
The members have a toy gun that dispenses paper money with their faces on the money.
This part was funny since Mino dispensed all of the paper money in an instant, he checked the toy guy again cause it wasn’t letting out any paper money. 🤣 He acted so sad in a cutely manner.
So what he did, he grabbed all the paper money that as on the floor and threw it on the crowd instead. 🤣
After all those paper money, ‘Boom’ was the next song performed.
With this stage, they still continue to get those paper money on the floor and throw it at the crowd. 🤣
Afterwards, WINNER greeted everyone a Happy New Year since the Manila tour falls on the same day as the Lunar New Year.
HOON: Maligayang Bagong Taon!
YOON: Maligayang Bagong Taon!
WINNER: Maligayang Bagong Taon!
YOON: Happy New Year everyone! Today is Traditional Korea's New Year, the Lunar. So we wore Korean traditional clothes, Hanbok.
Inner Circles started their fanproject for Seungyoon which was to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’
ICs: Happy Birthday to youu! Happy Birthday to youu!
YOON: Why are you singing a birthday song? Who's birthday?
HOON: Happy Birthday!
YOON: Thank you guys! But it's the fifth (25th), guys! It's not my birthday!!
Thank you guys!
Wow Manila! Thank you for my birthday. Thank you, yaaay!
You have one more this (banner)? This?
*Hoon reads the banner from ICs*
YOON: Hey Manila! Let's take a picture with us.
HOON: We'll take a picture-ta! Picture-ta!!
YOON: Hey guys! Thank you making such a beautiful day.
Who's first?
MINOO, how was it today?
MINO: First of all, thank you for the meaningful night. Thank you for being here(?) Happy 2020! Always take care of yourself. I had a great time today and hope to see you again. I love you guys! I love you Manila!
JINU: I was so excited today. Thank you very much! Please stay safe everyone. I will comeback!
HOON: Yeah, nag-enjoy ba kayong lahat? Kayong lahat? Masaya din kami kasi nag-enjoy kayo. Sa totoo lang, matagal na namin kayong gusto makita. Malungkot kami kasi nacancel ang huling event. Manila, kaya di namin kayong makakalimutan ngayong gabi. Babalik kami!! Wag niyo kami kalimutan!!! Wag niyo kamiii~
Hey guys, now, we are so happy and thankful to be with you guys at our world tour beginning of the year, 2020.
Alright, looking back, every time, everyday, every second with you. It was the brilliant moments of my life. Thank you for making the brilliant moments today, thank you Manila. I hope you remember this one until we meet again.
You made a movie called, ‘Youth’ with us, and the title is ‘WINNER.’
Thank you Manila!
Alright, let’s move on the ‘Really Really’
Everyone say, Yeaaah~
ICs: Yeaaaah!
YOON: Say Manila!
ICs: Manilaaaa!
YOON: Say WINNER~
ICs: WINNER!!
YOON: Let’s go Really Really!
‘Really Really’ was performed for the encore.
It was REALLY REALLY like a party with WINNER and my fellow Inner Circles. 💙
Seunghoon even made a headstand and after falling I think he said, “I’m so hungry! I’m so hungry...” 🤣
The concert with the last two songs: ‘La La’ and ‘Everyday.’ And with this part, I wasn’t able to document the parts that good since I was enjoying the whole part.
WINNER sprinkled water to the standing area and the crowd even went wilder with it.
‘Everyday’ made everyone just jump for WINNER knowing it was the last song for the concert.
Inner Circles will ways remember WINNER everyday. 💙
As WINNER’s getting ready to leave the stage, Seungyoon said: “You guys are so crazy tonight! Thank you for making a brilliant day!”
YOON: Thank you Manila! Thank you for your beautiful voices, Manila!
I really did enjoy WINNER’s 3-hour concert. Last Everywhere tour it lasted for about 2 hours and I was suprised this Cross tour was 3-hour long. WINNER Cross tour was so much fun and no regrets seeing WINNER again (and again!). 💙
Truly, another artist that showed what real talent is all about. Thank you WINNER for not giving up during your trainee days and becoming WINNER, the artist that Inner Circles loves and supports.
We will always remember you and will wait for you until you comeback. 💙 💙 💙
➡️ Here’s my own vlog + fancams that runs around a 2-hour mark. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy watching!
You may lower the volume since you may hear my gibberish sing alongs and fanchants.
SETLIST
Everyday
Love Me Love Me
Island
Really Really
Mola
Dress Up
Special Night
Different
Have a Good Day
Raining
OMG
Empty
Band Jam
*Hoon Solo*
Flamenco
Serenade
*Jinwoo Solo with Mino*
Call Anytime
*Yoon Solo*
Instinctively
Wind
*Mino Solo*
Trigger
Fiance
Movie Star
So So
Don’t Be Shy
*TALA*
Millions
Ah Yeah
Immature
La La
Encore
Luxury
Boom
Really Really
La La
Everyday
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
Took so long but here’s the summary of our trip last year to Taiwan with the itinerary and expenses we had. At the end of the post are the links to my individual blogs per day that contains my detailed trip and experiences around Taiwan.
For the expenses, there are computations that were divided by 2 or 4, that results to the expense of just one person.
If you have any questions about my travel to Taiwan last 2019, you may comment down or message me through my social networking sites.
DAY 1
DAY 1 Part 1: May 22-23, 2019 (Wed/Thurs)
07:00 pm - Meet-up at NAIA Terminal 3
10:35 pm - ETD from Manila
12:55 am - ETA to Taipei (Taoyuan International Airport, Terminal 1)
01:00 am - Immigration, Get Luggage & Sim Card
02:00 am - Go to the hotel
03:00 am - Check-in at Diary of Ximen Hotel
DAY 1 Part 2: May 23, 2019 (Thursday)
07:00 am - Wake-Up
08:00 am - BREAKFAST
09:00 am - Leave for Taichung
09:15 am - ETD: MRT Ximen Station to Taipei Main Station
09:20 am - ETA: MRT Taipei Main Station
09:30 am - Taipei to Taichung via High Speed Rail
10:30 am - Arrival Taichung Station
10:45 am - To Rainbow Village
11:15 pm - ETA: Rainbow Village (Caihongjuan Village)
12:15 pm - Leave for Zhongshe Flower Market
12:30 pm - Zhongshe Flower Market
02:00 pm - LUNCH
04:00 pm - Fengjia Night Market
06:00 pm - Go back to Taipei Main Station
07:30 pm - Ximending Night Market
08:30 pm - Back to hotel
EXPENSES
SIM Card (Klook) - PHP 377
Taxi (Airport to Hotel) - NT$1, 100 (PHP 1, 870; PHP467.50/ea)
Breakfast at 7/11
Chicken Teriyaki Rice Meal - NT$89 (PHP 151.30)
HSR Taipei to Taichung (Klook) - PHP 945 (Buy one get one; PHP 472.50/ea)
HSR Taichung to Taipei (Klook) - PHP 886/ea
Taxi in Taichung (8 hours) - NT$3, 500 (PHP 5, 950; PHP1, 487.50/ea) - For 4 pax
Rainbow Village: Free
Flower Market: - NT$120 (PHP 204)
LUNCH
Pork Noodle Soup - NT$100 (PHP 170)
Milk Tea at Chun Shui Tang (PHP106.25/ea) - shared by 4 people
Original Pearl Milk Tea (Medium) - NT$130 (PHP221)
Oreo Milk Tea (Medium) - NT$120 (PHP204)
Fengjia Night Market: Chicken - NT$70 (PHP119)
Ximending Night Market
Fried Chicken - NT$120 (PHP204; PHP51/ea) - shared by 4 people
Family Mart (Bulgogi) - NT$65 (PHP 110.50)
Family Mart (Milk tea) - NT$28 (PHP47.60)
Total: PHP4, 650.15
-----
DAY 2
DAY 2: May 24, 2019 (Friday)
06:30 am - Wake Up
07:30 am - Breakfast
08:00 am - MRT Ximen to Xiangshan Station
09:00 am - Arrived at MRT Xiangshan Station
09:30 am - Elephant Mountain
11:00 am - MRT Xiangshan Station to Taipei Zoo Station
12:00 nn - Taipei Zoo
05:30 pm - Leave Taipei Zoo
06:00 pm - MRT Taipei Zoo Station to Songshan Station
07:00 pm - Raohe Night Market
09:00 pm - Back to hotel
EXPENSES
Breakfast (We ate the food left from last night)
MRT Ximen to Xiangshan Station - NT$20 (PHP 34)
Elephant Mountain Entrance fee: Free
Sunshine Cafe (For 2: PHP 416.50/each)
Brown Sugar Milk Tea - NT$180 (PHP306)
Earl Grey Milk Tea - NT$160 (PHP272)
New York Style Cheesecake - NT$150 (PHP255)
MRT Xiangshan to Taipei Zoo Station - NT$24 (PHP40.80)
Taipei Zoo Entrance Fee: NT$60 (PHP102)
Lunch: Braised Sirloin Rice - NT$ 129 (PHP219.30)
Shuttle: 2 way - NT$10 (PHP17); NT$5/way
MRT Taipei Zoo to Songshan Station - NT$28 (PHP47.60)
Raohe Night Market (For 2: PHP391)
Pork Bun - NT$55 (PHP93.50)
Bacon & Egg - NT$50 (PHP85)
Raspberry Juice - NT$40 (PHP68)
Strawberry Coated Candy - NT$50 (PHP85)
Takoyaki Cheese Flavor - NT$60 (PHP102)
Potato Twirl - NT$60 (PHP102)
Caramel Waffle - NT$50 (PHP85)
Egg Pudding Shaved Ice - NT$95 (PHP161.5)
MRT Songshan to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34)
Total: PHP1,302.20
-----
DAY 3
DAY 3: May 25, 2019 (Saturday)
06:00 am - Wake Up
07:00 am - Breakffast
08:20 am - MRT Ximen Station to Taipei Main Station
08:30 am - Arrive at MRT Taipei Main Station
08:50 am - Meet up at Taipei Station (East Gate No.3)
08:55 am - Depart from Taipei Station
10:00 am - Yehliu Geopark
12:00 nn - Jiufen Old Street
03:00 pm - Shifen Sky Lanterns
04:30 pm - Shu Shin Bou Wagashi Museum
06:00 pm - Arrive at Taipei Station
06:30 pm - MRT Taipei Station to Jiantan Station (Shilin Night Market)
06:45 pm - Arrive at Jiantan Station (Shilin Night Market)
08:30 pm - MRT Jiantan Station to Ximen Station
09:00 pm - Back to hotel
EXPENSES
Breakfast (We ate the food left bought from last night’s night market)
2 pc. 7/11 Sushi - NT$20/ea (PHP 68 for 2 pc.)
Klook Activity - PHP 1,056; The Klook activity we bought has the following inclusions:
Yehliu Geopark entrance
Shifen lantern
Pineapple Cake Making
English speaking tour guide
Insurance
Transportation from Taipei Main Station to the activities and back to the Taipei Main Station
MRT Ximen to Taipei Main Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)
Lunch (For 4: NT$70/PHP119 each)
Minced Pork Rice at NT$50 (PHP85)
Xiao Long Bao at NT$80 (PHP136)
Milk Tea - NT$60 (PHP102)
MRT Taipei Station to Jiantan Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)
Shilin Night Market (For 2: PHP280.5)
Sweet Potato Cheese Balls (NT$80/PHP136)
Burned Eight Claw Octopus (NT$100/PHP170)
Tteokbokki (NT$80/PHP136)
Seaweed fries (NT$70/PHP119)
MRT Taipei Main Station to Ximen Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)
Total: PHP 1,707.1
-----
DAY 4
DAY 4: May 26, 2019 (Sunday)
07:30 am - Wake Up
08:30 am - Breakfast
09:30 am - ETD from Diary of Ximen Hotel
10:00 am - Arrive at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
11:00 am - ETD from CKS Memorial Hall
11:30 am - Arrive at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
12:30 pm - Back to Ximen and Hotel
02:30 pm - Leave Hotel to explore Hotel then go to Taipei 101
03:30 pm - Arrive at Taipei 101
04:00 pm - Lunch
04:45 pm - Claim tickets via Klook
05:00 pm - Explore Taipei 101 Observatory
07:00 pm - Leave Taipei 101
07:30 pm - Arrive at Ximending Night Market/Dinner
11:30 pm - Back to Hotel
DAY 5: May 27, 2019
05:00 am - Wake Up
07:00 am - Check-out/Leave for Airport
07:45 am - Arrive at Airport
10:40 am - ETD Taipei to Manila
01:15 pm - ETA in Manila
EXPENSES
Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast in Hotel - NT$100 (PHP170)
MRT Ximen to CKS Station - NT$16 (PHP 27.20)
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Free
MRT CKS to SYS Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Free
MRT SYS to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)
MRT Ximen to Taipei 101 Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)
Taipei 101 Ticket: PHP859 (via Klook)
Lunch
Fried Chicken at NT$95 (PHP 161.50)
Plain Rice at NT$30 (PHP 51)
MRT Taipei 101 to Ximen Station - NT$20 (PHP 34.00)
Ximending Night Market
Fried Chicken (NT$90/PHP153)
Mashed Potato with Cheese (NT$85/PHP144.50)
Lychee Apple Juice (NT$75/PHP127.50)
Pearl Milk Tea (NT$85/PHP144.50)
Total: PHP 1,974.20
-----
TOTAL EXPENSES:
Plane Tickets - PHP 10,291.43 / each with 20kg checked baggage + in-flight food
Diary of Ximen Hotel - PHP 18,837.47 for 4 persons, 5 nights (PHP 4,709.37/ea)
Day 1 - PHP 4, 650.15
Day 2 - PHP 1,302.20
Day 3 - PHP 1,707.1
Day 4 - PHP 1,974.20
Total: PHP 24,634.45
TAIWAN DAILY BLOG POST:
🔗 TAIWAN DAY 1 BLOG
🔗 TAIWAN DAY 2 BLOG
🔗 TAIWAN DAY 3 BLOG
🔗 TAIWAN DAY 4 BLOG
Second time around, my favorite band, DAY6 came to Manila to have another sold out concert. Yes, another one since 1st Youth Concert was also sold out which was held in Kia Theater.
November 23, 2019 - the day all MyDays have been waiting for again. DAY6′s Gravity Tour in Manila was held in Araneta Coliseum, having approximately 9,000 attendees that started at 5:30 in the afternoon.
This concert was very “intense” but memorable for us due to our experience before, during, and after the concert. You may click read more to know the experience I am talking about.
Pre-Concert
Announcement of ticketing day, me and my friends planned ways to grab our desired tickets. We were already planning to get the Royalty Package ticket since seeing DAY6 and the inclusion of the package itself was worth it. Unfortunately, during the selling day, the ticketing site keeps on either lagging, getting errors, and even saying all seats were unavailable! We were also in line in one of their physical ticketing sites, and their system was down and offline. Luckily, we still got tickets which was VIP Standing C.
Since attendees of the concert were offered a discounted rate to stay at Novotel, we grabbed the promo instantly! It was because remembering how exhausted (in a very happy way) from last year’s DAY6 concert we felt was. We were in standing area that time and it felt like so dragging to walk from Kia Theater then to find a place to have dinner and go our rented AirBnB. Thus, grabbing the Novotel discount promo.
Concert Day: Hours Before
Since we were in Standing C, a queuing number was given to have an organized line up before entering the venue. We were asked to be in line on or before 2:45PM or else, our queuing number will be forfeited. Since we are just staying at Novotel, we were planning to go in line at around 2:30PM.
2:15PM - my friend, Lizette, asked me to check Happee Sy’s twitter and hold and behold: THERE WAS STILL 15 ROYALTY STANDING A/B THAT WERE UNCLAIMED. In an instant, I told my other friends and we grabbed all our stuff as quickly as possible. Waiting for the hotel elevator feels like years in the waiting. Once we were in the lobby, we split into pairs: 1 going in line for VIP Standing C and 1 rushing to the ticketing booth. We were still unsure if we were able to get the Royalty ticket thus having that back-up of needing still line up for the VIP Standing C.
With my other friend, Ria and I were rushing to the ticketing booth to try to get those tickets. Once we arrived, there MyDays already lining up to get the tickets. I was nervous that time if we would be able to get 4 tickets for the upgrade due the limited quantity available. I was counting the person in front of us if we will be able to make the cut - and we did! I was so nervous, happy, and excited that time. I couldn’t believe it that the ticket that we wanted since day 1 but failed to get during ticketing day, was able to have it during concert.
I called Lizette and Char afterwards and told them the good news and to meet them near the PULP Royalty Booth. We were such giddy fangirls while claiming our band for the Royalty, Hi Touch, and the version of album we would be able to get.
3:00PM - We were already lining up for Royalty Standing A then entering venue. I still can’t believe that we were able to get those tickets in the last minute! It was such a surreal moment for me.
CONCERT TIME
We were so excited and giddy that the stage was so close! It’s the first to be that up close to the artist that we support and dearly love.
Lights were all off except for our lightband.
An introduction video of DAY6 was shown and after, the 5 were on stage setting up their instruments.
Opening song was, “Best Part,” which was followed by “Sing Me,” and “I Wish.” Everyone was jumping and singing along with DAY6. The energy and shouting in the coliseum was so high and loud that I can’t even hear myself anymore.
I think Young K even shouted, “Manila, are you ready?” which everyone screamed more.
Three songs done and energy was so high from MyDays!
JAE: “Manila!!! Oh my goodness.
One more time, are you ready to have a good night, Manila!!!?! I said it in the beginning and I’ll say it again, tonight will be a beautiful night if you wanted it to be. Just enjoy yourself! It doesn’t matter anyone thinks beside you, it doesn’t matter what’s going back home.. tonight is a beautiful night! We are going keep this energy straight! So let’s go!”
Next songs were: “Somehow,” and “Time of Our Life.”
MyDays became extra energetic upon hearing the latter song. Though I admit, it was a song that you could really jump up and down, enjoy and have the time of your life.
There was a ment after 2 songs.
JAE: “Before anything, we just want to introduced ourselves. You guys can take a break real quick, you can seat and reserved all the energy.”
WONPIL: “Hello! This is Wonpil.”
YOUNG K: “This is Young K and tonight is a festival! Salamat po!”
DOWOON: “Hi! This is Dowoon”
SUNGJIN: “Hi I’m Sungjin! Nice to meet you!”
JAE: “Hi everybody, let’s get it! I’m Jae! What a beautiful sight we have here today. Second show here today and it is so damn real in the arena. Thank you so much for having us. We are so blessed and honored to be with you. And you guys are sure waiting for us and we are also waiting to be back. We have a crazy set for you guys tonight. You guys ready for tonight? You guys ready to dance tonight? You guys ready to sing a little bit tonight? I love this energy guys. Just one promise, I know you its gotta get hot, gotta get tired. It’s gonna happen. Number one, stay safe. That’s the most important thing right?
Wow, this is such a big place. How you guys feel tonight?”
SUNGJIN: “It's good!”
DOWOON: “I’m a hamburger. I feel...happy”
WONPIL: “This spot.. this is crazy. I will see how long your energy will last until the end.”
YOUNG K: “Are you guys ready to sing with us? Can we hear your voices.. you beautiful voices!“
Next songs that they performed was “I’m Serious,” and “So Cool.” Every song that they sang was just so amazing! I’m really at awed watching them perform closer this time.
Dowoon had a solo and showed his drum skills! He was so amazing. He truly is the “drum”. 🤣
Young K was up for his solo. He played with his bass and showed us what real talent was. He looks so amazing while playing. 😍
After Dowoon and Young K’s solo, the band played: “Out of My Mind” and “Feeling Good.”
JAE: “Oh my goodness, guys! We just witness something amazing! We just had Young K and Dowoon do something. What was that?!
YOUNG K: “That was my bass, my bass!“
DOWOON: “Before, we solo to you. The bass is awesome”
YOUNG K: “You guys.. the drum, including Dowoon, the drum is perfect!
Becase you are perfect..”
DOWOON: “Yes, I’m perfect. No no noo”
MY DAYs: 😂 😂 😂
The 5 members went to the extended stage and I got a closer look at the boys! I was starstruck watching them perform. 🤩
Jae was so up close that I was just looking or even just staring at him the whole time. He’s my bias and seeing him that close while performing was another level of fangirling spazzing in me!! 😍
BEST. SPOT. EVER.
“How to Love” was the 1st song played in the extended stage.
It was Sungjin’s time to shine! His solo act was so amazziing!! Leader still impressing fans in 2019 💖
Afterwards, DAY6 performed “For Me,” and “Wanna Go Back.”
As they went back to the main stage, everyone was shouting: “Dowoon! Dowoon! Dowoon!” saying that he should sing again. So Dowoon turned back as if cheering for himself too, but eventually, he sang his line from “Wanna Go Back.”
They had 3 songs that they performed in a mash-up at the main stage.
1st mash-up was Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and their song, “Like That Sun.”
2nd is a mash-up between “Days Gone By" and "Treasure” by Bruno Mars.
I was actually expecting a full ‘Days Gone By’ performance since I really really do love that song (well, I love all their songs actually 😅)
Last one will be Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky" and their song, “Blood.”
Wonpil hyped the crowd more with his keyboard solo. 🎹
Everyone was cheering and just staring at him. He said that he tried to change his solo a bit for the Manila concert which of course made all My Days cheered more for Wonpil.
Jae: “How do you like the last one? That was a mash up with “Blood. We got Daft Punk’s and mix it with our song. We have a lot of songs we haven’t played for a long time.
Do you guys remember the last time we played ‘Blood?’ It’s been a long time, trust me.”
“Colors “ was the next song.
The song gave an emotional feeling during their performance. You would just want to raise your lightbands and wave it.
Next song was “ I Need Somebody.“ Surely, every My Day was into the song and singing out our hearts out.
“I Wait” was next on their setlist that they performed.
It was another ment to talk to the fans again.
JAE: “Manila, it will be hotter than this. Is that okay though?”
MY DAYs: “YEEEES!!”
JAE: “Manila, are you ready to go crazy?”
MY DAYs: “YEEEES!!”
JAE: “Tonight is the night that I’m just happy that everyone just being, having their greatest time that they could possibly have.
Guys, we have arrived to the last stage.”
MY DAYs: “NOOOOOOOO”
JAE: “It’s crazy because we have been waiting so long, just like you waiting for us, we have been waiting so long to be back soon. Going crazy and having fun, it passed so quickly by the way..”
MY DAYs: “Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi! Walang uuwi!”
JAE: “We appreciate it cause you guys with all the energy just been amazing and so fun tonight. And because of it we have been able to play for the last stage. We love and appreciate you so much but all things comes to an end.”
MY DAYs: “NOOOOOOOO”
JAE: “But, but..for now, let’s start officially. Wonpil looks like you’re crazy tonight. How was it? It is good?”
WONPIL: “I think you guys are having more fun than us. So we would be great to go back with all the energy we received from you guys. So we have a few songs left, and I hope you guys enjoy until the end.”
JAE: “Wonpil said ‘You can do it friends! Thank you guys for having us today. This will be gonna our last stage and the next song is very dear to us, so I hope you guys enjoy it. Let’s go crazy! Can you guys sing one more time for us?”
MY DAYs: “YEEEES!!”
JAE: “Okay, let’s go ‘Sweet Chaos!’
And with the ment ended, DAY6 performed “Sweet Chaos.”
“Sweet Chaos” - who wouldn’t be pumped up with this song? You would just sing a long with them at the top of your lungs with this song.
DAY6′s next stage was “Headache”
I just love how DAY6 can perform from emotional soulful songs to energetic hyped songs.
The hyung was up next to perform his solo. Jae doing amazing with his skills. 😍
Each member is just so amaaaaazing!!! STAN. DAY6.
“WARNING” was the next song followed with “Shoot Me.”
The crowd just keeps being hyper and hyper by the song.
Now, who wouldn’t be super hyped up with this song? You would just want to shout “SHOOT ME! SHOOT ME” hoping that no one really shoots you. 😅🤣
DAY6 went out of the stage and showed a VCR.
After the VCR, DAY6 were back and performed another 3 songs: “Cover,” “You Were Beautiful,” and “Congratulations.”
During this time everyone’s phone flashlight was on and the seeing the crowd was amazingly beautiful. 😭😭😭
“You Were Beautiful” was just.. 😭😭😭 DAY6′s songs will make you feel that you were in a break up even though you are not. 😅
Ahh this stage, “Congratulations,” will always be precious as fans sing the song and DAY6 plays the instruments. 💖
Next up was the highlight of My Days for DAY6. One of the fanproject of a VCR for DAY6.
JAE: (not aware of the playing VCR) “You look beautiful tonight. Look around you right now.
MY DAYs: *saying and pointing Jae the VCR*
YOUNG K: “Look behind you Jae!“
Below is the full fanproject VCR from MyDaysPH.
The VCR was just so touching and true. 😭 Personally, whenever I feel down or something that’s bothering me and can’t get it out of my mind, I just listen to their songs and I’ll feel a little better. 😭
JAE: “Wow! Wow, what was that? Woooow! The reason you guys are beautiful.”
WONPIL: “This is really touching This is crazy.”
JAE: “Guys I think, we are always fighting things. Thank you for being our beautiful reason to continue our music. You know, it is not.. it is never easy. Life should not be that easy but.. everyone has a reason and I’m so glad that we are able to be each other’s reason. This is amazing.
Okay, before it gets to deep. We would just go down one by one and tell you how we felt today.”
All the next things that they said made us all cry, for real! 😭 😭 😭
WONPIL: "I think this is really awesome. When did you guys prepare this? It was really awesome. First of all, it's our 2nd time here and thank you guys for so many of you came tonight to have fun with us. Watching the video, I realized how busy you guys are, also how many hard things you guys go through and I'm so happy that we are, even if it's a small bit, we become your reason for your living. This video is really crazy.
So even us, we are same humans so we also go though difficult things. As we are your reason also, you guys are also our reason.
Thank you guys so much and I don't think I'll be able to forget Manila. You guys are crazy. So we will really promise, we will comeback. We will make good music. Thank you guys so much for reminding us why we made this music and why we perform. Thank you guys so much! See you guys again!" 💖 💖 💖
DOWOON: "First of all this video, like what Wonpil Hyung said, 'It was really touching.'
Touching.. yes.. It's a very touching video, yeaah.
So like Wonpil Hyung said, since we are also humans, it's actually hard to.. Been watching the video you guys made, I saw that we have so much strength. Actually this moment, is like a reflective time for me looking how much we affect you guys and how much you guys love us. I realized how much I have to do better.
Ahh, your English very well. (saying to the translator)
Thank you guys for our good memories. Today is a present to us. You one by one are very important people. Please be healthy and eating well and we always love you guys. We will come back. Thank you!" 🥺🥺🥺💕
*No close up photo of YoungK since I was just looking at him at the stage instead of the screen. 😅
YOUNG K: "Please, give it up for Dowoon! So... Hi. How are you? You know it is great to be back and is all because of you guys. Thank you! Uhh, what is it.. Maraming Salamat?
So.. by watching that video, it made me confirmed why we sing. 'Cause during the production of this album and even before that, and I wrote it thanks to you.. my personal thanks to you. It was really hard.. after a certain point it was really hard to find for the reason why we sing on the stage. 'Cause we are doing the same things over and over again and I wasn't do it for my parents, wasn't do it for the company, I wasn't.. you know. It wasn't a competition anymore. It's just.. I was looking for the reason why and there you go, you guys gave us the answer. Thank you very much.
And really, you guys said we are the reason but trust me, you guys are our motivation.. you guys our inspiration.. you guys are our reason to be on the stage. So thank you very much and until the next time we meet, we'll be this much fun again. Stay healthy and happy. Thank you very much!” 😭 ❤️
SUNGJIN: "Today.. so happy.. because of you guys. 'Cause you guys made me happy, always. I think always, you guys made me happy. Thank you so much.. really, really. I wanna tell you guys.. is awesome guys, okay? I trust you.
So you guys do whatever you wanna do. Thank you guys so much.
We.. so, study hard and work hard. And if we come back..so grown up. You guys know what I'm saying, right? Okay, thank you so much! See you soon!"💕💕💕
JAE: "Wow! First of all, thank you guys so much because it is just amazing today. Just the energy today, thank you so much just coming to this journey with us and becoming one with us, and making this concert with us.. so round of applause to yourselves. Thank you.
Kinda like what everyone else saying that.. that video makes us feel alive 'cause we do get stuck sometimes and we do take some time like doing certain things."
SUNGJIN: "No, no, no. More cry! More cry! More cry" 🤣🤣🤣
MY DAYs: "More cry! More cry! More cry!"
JAE: "You guys are lucky, man. No one ever sees me cry.."
MY DAYs: "Awww"
JAE: "Thank you. It's just like, life gets so hard sometimes. I'm really appreciative of the fact that we have you guys and you guys have us.. and that we could be each other's reason to continue it all...*sobs*" 😭😭😭
MY DAYs: "Awww"
SUNGJIN: "More cry! More cry! More cry" 🤣🤣🤣
MY DAYs: "More cry! More cry! More cry!"
JAE: "I never cry..I never cry. This never happened. No one.. no, no.. no one will put this up on Twitter. Okay? Promise me, no one. Nobody.. no one. This never happened." 🤣🤣🤣
YOUNG K: "Everyone's gonna put it up." 😅😅😂
JAE: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my reason to continue to do my best. So thank you guys so much. Alright!"
YOUNG K: "Before your tears dried up, let's take a picture!"
JAE: "No no no!"
YOUNG K: "Come here! (to Jae)
Is it okay if we all take a picture together? And remember this moment!!"
MY DAYs: "YEEEESS!"
YOUNG K: "Jae, seat in the middle! Seat in the middle!"
JAE: "Noo,noo.
Okay, guys. We just want to take a picture, 2. One with the banner, and the second one, without.
Alright guys, we're gonna take a picture with the banner. 1, 2, 3!"
JAE: "Thank you so much, Manila. You guys have been amazing tonight. We hope that you guys are not tired 'cause we got a couple more songs for you. You guys are ready? We need you to go crazy! You got some energy left? Manila, are you tired yet?!
Okay so Young K want to talk to you real quick this time." 💙💙💙
YOUNG K: "Nooo, you do it this time!"
JAE: "Alright guys, we're gonna make this super quick and super simple. I just need you to ready up. You guys ready?
Left side, are you ready?
Right side, are you ready?
EVERYBODY MAKE SOME NOISE!!!
Dance, Dance let's go!"
DAY6 was back on the extended (closer again to us!). They performed “Dance Dance,” and “Freely.”
JAE WAS TOO CLOSE. I CANNOT BELIEVE IT. 😱😱😱
YOUNG K TOO. 😭😭😭
SUNGJIN. WHYYYY 😭😭😭
All energy for DAY6! Pouring our hearts out to cheer and sing along with the best band eveeer! ❤️❤️❤️
The flying chicken during Freely. So who said, ‘Chickens can’t fly?’ Jae proved it wrong. 🤣
Due to Wonpil and Dowoon’s instruments, they weren’t able to go to our side. 😥 But I still enjoyed the concert, big time!!
Freely made a big impact as the last song for the Gravity concert. Everyone was just jumping!!
Wonpil crying! 😭😭😭
JAE: “Thank you so much ladies and gentlemen. It has been an absolute pleasure to be with you all this evening.
THANK YOU EVERYONE!”
YOUNG K: “Thank you Manila! You guys are the reason why we never given up! WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP!!
Thank you. Thank you guys! It was a wonderful night.”
SUNGJIN: “Manila! Thank you so much!”
YOUNG K: “Have a goodnight! You guys are wonderful! Beautiful!”
JAE: “Thank you so much!”
Thank you so much DAY6! You will always be worth the wait and be our beautiful reason. Hoping to see you again for the third time soon and more and more! 💙
HI-TOUCH
Behind this photo was a girl so giddy, and happy that was able to have an autographed album from not only one, but all five of them! 😍 Expecting to have one random member to sign the album but it turns out all of them signed it. 😭😭😭
Besides the signed abum was another memorable experience - the Hi Touch. The Hi Touch was a closer moment with them. I remember the first member to have Hi Touch with was Sungjin. He said thank you and I said thank you so much. I think that was the only words I could think of during the whole Hi Touch event and the only thing I said to each DAY6 member. Anyway, Sungjin really made an eye to eye contact giving a warm and friendly feeling. He gave a brotherly and friendly aura. Next was Jae, he wore his eyeglasses and bent a little for the hi touch cause he was so tall!! Jae squeezed my hand a little that made my fangirl heart crazy. Eye to eye contact again that really made my heart melt cause Jae got me once he got nearer to our area during the concert. Also I remember his smile, and we exchanged our thank you's. Next was Young K, and all fan accounts saying he will really look straight at your eyes as if remembering you was so right! I even realized it better why fox was his "avatar." Young K's Hi Touch was capturing my heart that time because of the intense eye to eye contact and of course, exchanging our thank you's. Dowoon, MyDays baby, was next! He was really a fluffball and a shy boy. I can't believe he's just a year younger but so adorable! Last was Wonpil, looking at him was mesmerizing like taking your breath away... literally. Wonpil will make you breathless just looking at you. Unfortunately, videos nor photos were not allowed. Thus, my words and encounter with them during that time shall be a living proof and be always remembered.
I was starstrucked from the 5 of them and they literally shoot my heart from the experience. A beautiful feeling to cherish and a reason to never give up in life as you said last November 23.
➡️ You may watch my vlog on Gravity in Manila last November 23, 2019 below. Parts of the video have muffled sound since I was unaware that I was covering the audio while holding my phone. 😅
You may lower or higher the volume of the audio and excuse my gibberish singing with DAY6. Hope you’ll enjoy watching it!
Also, don’t forget to like and subscribe to be updated on my future videos on K-pop concert and travels!
---
SETLIST
Best Part
Sing Me
I Wish
Somehow
Time of Our Life
I'm Serious
So Cool
Dowoon Solo
YoungK Solo
Out of My Mind
Feeling Good
How to Love
Sungjin Solo
For Me
Wanna Go Back
Shape of You (Ed Sheeran) + Like That Sun
Days Gone By + Treasure (Bruno Mars)
Get Lucky (Daft Punk) + Blood
Wonpil Solo
*Ment
Colors
I Need Somebody
I Wait
*Ment
Sweet Chaos
Headache
Jae Solo
WARNING
Shoot Me
VCR
Cover
You Were Beautiful
Congratulations
MyDay's Fan Project
*Ment
Dance Dance
Freely
◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️ ◾️
💌 CONNECT WITH ME
↪️ Facebook
↪️ Instagram
↪️ Foodgram
↪️ Twitter
↪️ YouTube
Exploring Vietnam: Day 6 & 7 in Hanoi (Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, Train Street + Food Tripping)
Finally exploring Hanoi! Here’s the last leg of our Vietnam travel last July 2019. Day 6 and 7 was dedicated in visiting historical and tourist spots in Hanoi, trying their local dishes, and more coffee/cafe hopping!
Two days worth of knowing Vietnam and the history that lies in this beautiful country. It was actually a little humid during those days opposite of what we expected the weather to be: cloudy and rainy. Nonetheless, we were still thankful for the weather as we were able to go around in Hanoi by foot rather than going from one place to another by Grab/Taxi only.
JULY 27, 2019
DAY 6
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE
Sixth day in Vietnam started with visiting the Temple of Literature. There was an entrance fee in entering the venue which costs VND 30,000 (PHP 66) each.
Temple of Literature was a former university for scholars and the royals. However, they also opened it to the “higher commoners.”
The architecture and buildings were well preserved. It says it was exactly or similar as it was years ago and this would let tourists see the Vietnamese style architecture.
There were memorials of education and literature where names of the doctors’ who graduate were engraved in the stones on top of the stone turtles.
The Lake of Literature
There are religious parts inside the Temple of Literature and certain dress code should be observed. Upon visiting Temple of Literature one must observe to have the proper dress code:
Top/Shirts with sleeves
Pants
No wearing of shirts or sleeveless tops
No caps nor sunglasses
No revealing clothes
If upon visiting this place, and you forgot to pack the proper clothes for this temple, there’s an overcoat for everyone to use to cover the body parts that are “expose.” The overcoats must be returned after use.
It was brief walk through the Temple of Literature. We weren’t able to stay that longer since it was humid and the sun was up. There were no place that you could stay to freshen up so better bring a bottle of water and a fan when visiting.
HO CHI MINH COMPLEX
Entering the HCM Complex has no entrance fee.
Upon entering the vicinity, there will be strict inspection of your belongings as it will pass thru an x-ray machine (just like in the airports).
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Unfortunately, even before arriving in Vietnam, we found out that the HCM Mausaolem was closed. They say that the body of HCM was scheduled for preventive maintenance and some touch-up. However, we searched about and it was supposed around September or October for yearly maintenance.
Even though Ho Chi Minh was not in the Mausoleum the vicinity was still highly guarded.
Presidential Palace
We were able to visit the Presidential Palace and the Stilts House. Entrance fee to be able to enter costs VND 40,000 (PHP 88) each.
The former Indochina’s General Governor Palace
Stilts House
The Bedroom in the Stilts House
BUN CHA
It was an early lunch for us for day 6.
Before heading back to out hotel to rest, we decided to eat lunch first. This is because the place we are going to eat at, Bun Cha only opens from 10 am until 2 pm only. It is also because they only make a certain number of Bun Cha per day and once all are sold for that day, they won’t cook additional orders. We have heard that the Bun Cha here sells out fast, thus another reason to have an early lunch.
Bun Cha is local Vietnamese dish that originated in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a dish that includes a grilled pork and a plate of white rice noodles. It also came with some vegetables and herbs. As we recall reviews, it says it is best to eat with spring rolls, thus we ordered one.
If I remember it correctly, it was total of VND 250,000 (PHP 550) for the five of us. The Bun Cha and spring rolls were all delicious! The grilled pork was perfectly cooked and tender. It really goes well with the white rice noodles. I was actually surprised that the serving was so huge! One serving was I think good for 2 persons. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish my bowl as I was already full.
The spring roll was also delicious - the perfect pair for Bun Cha! It was cripsy, and would really taste the flavors especially if dipped with their special sauce.
Bun Cha was a good food to try in Vietnam. It really think that it is really good since we saw some Grab Food drivers ordering.
After having our lunch, we had a short stop at Circle K to grab our daily dose of coffee!!
There were two choices for Circle K’s iced coffee: Black or Milk. I bought the Milk Iced Coffee since I know how strong Vietnamese coffee is. The Milk Ice Coffee was a little bit strong but still have the sweet side. A cup of ice coffee costs VND 15,000 (PHP 33).
Afterwards, we went to our hotel to rest and once energized, we visited the Hoan Kiem Lake.
HOAN KIEM LAKE
We went around Hoan Kiem Lake and visited more of the tourists’ spots in Hanoi.
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL
We were able to passed by the St. Joseph Cathedral. It was closed during that time but luckily we were able to see it in the morning and the late afternoon. The cathedral was small from where we were standing outside but very beautiful especially when the lights were on.
TRAIN STREET
The Train Street - as it is called, this is where the train passes by. I think this was famous with the tourists since there are a lot of cafe in the sides of the railway. However, I’m not sure if it is true but they say they will close the Train Street to the public to avoid accidents since trains still passes by.
Being in the Train Street felt like I was in Manila since ambience and house structures were a like.
JUICE BAZAR
We had a stopped/break after walking from one place to another. Our feet brought us to Juice Bazar. This was not our first choice but the one we were planning to dine was full and no seats were available, thus ended up in Juice Bazar.
I ordered their Watermelon & Lychee Iced Tea that costs VND 40,000 (PHP88). It was definitely a refreshing drink for a humid day in Vietnam. The place was also cold enough and ambience was good.
RUNAM BISTRO
We had dinner at RuNam Bistro. We were picking a place that has an air conditioned since the restaurants mostly in Hanoi were open and that day was just very hot and humid.
My order at Runam Bistro was Grilled Pork that includes crispy rice and eggs. It was delicious ad very fulfilling. A serving if I remember it right costs VND 155,000 (PHP 341)
JULY 28, 2019
DAY 7
Day 7 was a free day for us. We just went around Hanoi, and had some food tripping along the way.
PHO 10
A famous restaurant that serves noodle soup with beef. I ordered the Chin (Welldone beef) Noodle soup. One serving costs VND 60,000 (PHP 132).
Line was long even though the sun was up, and it was lunch time. So imagine how hot it is and people are still lining up to have a bite for Pho 10′s noodle soup! The beef was soft and noodle soup was very tasty. A serving for me was so big that I wasn’t able to finish it all up. They only serve one size but you have an option if you would want your beef to be half done, well done, or mix of the two.
GIANG CAFE
When in Vietnam, Egg Coffee is a must!
We almost didn’t see Cafe Giang because the entrance is just a narrow hallway going to their main cafe.
Ordered cold egg coffee and it was delicious except for the smell. The egg and coffee must be stirred together because drinking it. A glass costs VND 25,000 (PHP 55).
HIGHWAY 4
We had our last dinner in Vietnam at Highway4.
The restaurant has good ambiance and you would be sitting on the floor while enjoying your meal. we ordered the following dished not knowing that they have a huge serving for the hotpot (which we weren’t able to finish cause we were so full already).
Minced Crab Hotpot with Pork Ribs or Beef Muscle (VND 425, 000 / PHP 935)
With all the said dishes, we also ordered 5 steamed rice at VND 20,000 or PHP 44 each. All the dishes were actually very tasty and appetizing. The hotpot was I think good for more than 5 people since it was literally a huge pot! The hotpot was served with variety of vegetables to be mixed with the soup.
The total of our meal for 5 was VND 1, 005, 000 or PHP 2, 211 (PHP 442.2 each)
ALWAYS CAFE
After dining at Highway4 we saw a Harry Potter inspired cafe, namely: Always Cafe.
Menu of Always Cafe
Tried their non-alcoholic Butter Beer that costs VND 45, 000 or PHP 99 each. Chose the non-alcoholic since we have our flight back to Manila that same evening.
The Butter Beer tastes like Root Beer with ice cream (just like a root beer float).
The ambiance and aesthetic of the cafe was very Harry Potter inspired. Walls have the “old like” facade in the movies and they also have costumes to buy and try inside the cafe.
As for our transfer from our hotel to Hanoi International airport, we booked via Klook for it. We booked a car good for 12 persons since we have 5 medium luggage plus additional bags with us,
Below was our itinerary and expenses for day 6 & 7 in Vietnam. Hope this will help you to be able to plan your travels to this country. The transfer we booked via Klook costs PHP 717.
With this blog, here’s a vlog for our days 6 and 7 in Vietnam. Hoping this will help you in your travel when going to Vietnam. Enjoy!
ITINERARY
DAY 6: July 27, 2019 (Saturday)
06:30 AM - Wake Up
07:30 AM - Breakfast
09:00 AM - Leave for Temple of Literature
09:30 AM - Arrival at Temple of Literature
11:00 AM - Go to Bun Cha for lunch
11:30 PM - Lunch
01:00 PM - Back to hotel
03:30 PM - HCM Complex
04:00 PM - Hoan Kiem Lake
04:30 PM - St. Joseph’s Cathedral
05:00 PM - Train Street
05:30 PM - Cafe
07:00 PM - Dinner
09:00 PM - Night Market/Back to hotel
DAY 7: July 28, 2019 (Sunday)
07:00 AM - Wake Up
08:00 AM - Breakfast
12:00 NN - Check-out/Leave luggage in hotel
01:00 PM - Lunch at Pho 10
02:30 PM - Cafe Giang
03:30 PM - Free Time
06:30 PM - Dinner
08:00 PM - Back to hotel
09:30 PM - Leave for Airport
10:30 PM - Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2
01:45 AM - ETD from Hanoi to Manila
05:30 AM - ETA to Manila Terminal 1
EXPENSES
DAY 6: July 27, 2019 (Saturday)
Breakfast: included in Hotel
Grab (Hanoi L’ Heritage Cetre Hotel to Temple of Literature) - VND 68,000 / PHP 149.60 ; PHP 30/ea
Temple of Literature tickets - VND 30,000 / PHP 66 each
Ho Chi Minh Complex - free
Presidential Palace - VND 40,000 / PHP 88
Grab (HCM Compex to Bun Cha) - VND 84,000 / PHP 184.80 ; PHP36.96/ea
