Thursday, November 6, 2014

Travel Diaries: Day 1 #WUinKOREA

Hey there Yamisweeters! How are you?  I hope you're doing good as you click my post. hehehe!  As I write this post,  I am still looking for an inspiration on posting my stories.  Inspiration.....inspiration.....inspiration please.  Hindi ko alam pano ako magsisimula!!!waaaahhh

I'm not a travel blogger, I simply share experiences. And I love sharing so please bear with my composition and grammar.(Pagtyagaan nyo na!)  I wish this will entertain you  or maybe add more boredom(peace, if that is so!). 

We are group of 11 and handling big group is no joke.  Maybe I can share some tips if you want to travel with barkada or families.

We are the "Walang-Umay"
This group is my husband's classmates from high school plus three wives(including me).  We called ourselves "walang-umay or WU" because we never get tired of laughing, gossiping, traveling, photographing, eating, coffeeing, drinking(boys), and talking together.  As in, super happy every time we see each other.  Boyfriend/Girlfriend pa lang kami ni Macki, kasama na ako sa mga gimik nila.  Fifteen years na siguro!  And this trip was the latest of our get together.  Preparation was about a year.  I became so active with the bookings and preps.  I was really excited because it's a birthday treat for myself plus a first time experience in autumn weather.  Dreaming of a different color leaves and cold air makes me extra thrilled.  

Time flies so fast, it's already history now. A beautiful history of our friendship.

And this is my travel diaries with the amazing/"big-time" persons in my life.......


We got a seat-sale plane ticket at Air Asia going to Korea and by Cebu Pacific going back to Manila at a total cost of Php 8,071.76 last December, 2013. Like them on Facebook to be updated for their seat-sale and promos.

We secured Tourist Visa one-two months before our departure date.  Securing one is an easy-peesy procedure.  Physical appearance is not necessary, just complete the requirements, fill out the application form and attached photo.  Send somebody to submit it to the Embassy Monday-Friday 9:00-11:00am. Tadahhh! After 5 working days, you can travel to Korea within three months.   If you have US Visa, processing is a little bit faster, 3 working days are enough.  And one good thing, visa application is FREE.  So traveling to Korea is hassle-free.

We had earlier flight with the rest of the group.  
First Platoon
My Macki dear looked so haggard because he did not sleep a night before our flight.  He tried to finish his job for six days and not in a travel mood. huh! But, he was under instruction to go.(Iwanan ang work kasi birthday ko!) Lol! 

We had a smooth flight except for a noisy take-off.  We experienced a sunny shining blue sky above the clouds. Woohoh!
Jeju Island


Incheon Airport

We safely arrived at Incheon Airport on time.  After the quarantine section we go down to the 1st basement floor of the Concourse to board the shuttle train to passenger Terminal.


We passed the immigration, baggage claim and customs inspection orderly.  Since second platoon will arrive later that day, we were not in a hurry to go to Seoul.  We had our lunch at Mc Donald's and took some photos inside the Airport.  The airport is organize, clean, convenient, space-y and beautifully decorated with trees and flowers.



From the airport, they have several ground transportation to choose from.  Bus, taxi, airport shuttle bus and trains.  We chose to take bus going to Seoul.  The airport has approachable concierge counter to assist.  The bus fare is KRW14,000, about P590.00 and an hour travel.  We took Bus 6001 because our hotel is located at Dongdaemun and drop at Acacia Hotel stop(about 11 stops).




Buses arrived every 20 minutes and we missed the first bus because it was fully-loaded.  We were advised by the conductor to move to other stop.  But we opted to stay to avoid confusions.  There was a funny story about this bus adventure.  As you can see on our photos, we are three couples.  We patiently waited for the bus, and when the bus arrived, our luggage were boarded at the compartment and the first couple hurriedly went up the bus.  On our turn, the driver said, the bus is full and wait for the next bus.  The first couple was sitting pretty at the last row of the bus not knowing that we're not boarded yet.  Then the bus started to move and first couple were looking for us.  Then,  they saw us outside the bus.  I waved my hands, trying to say "see you at the Hotel".  I noticed the panicked face of our friend, buti na lang beforehand they asked me the destination bus stop.  At least,  they know where they will go even they are ahead of us. LoL!


 While waiting for the next bus,  my hubby captured my tired and haggard face with my #OOTD from Suite Blanco Denim-on-denim plus mix and match knitted jacket and scarf. The temperature was about 17 degrees and my clothing was just suited with the coldness.



They have a nice bus and organize stops.  It was a good experience.  How I wish Philippines can manage to do that way too.


Incheon to Seoul is more than hour travel plus traffic and stops.  We managed to sleep and do some rest.

Travel Tips:
1.  Research all means of transportation and choose the more convenient and budget-friendly.
2. If you are traveling with the group, be mindful with the details and itinerary of your group.  Or don't try to be away with the group leader.  Because you will never know what are some circumstances.
3. Secure a map and tourist guide pamphlets.
4. Make a working budget to control your expenses.  

That's all for now, stay tune for Day 2!

Think Positive Be Positive


Monday, November 3, 2014

Do it Now!

Today is another day of inspiration and looking forward for my dreams and goals.  Lately, I've been so busy doing household chores and resting after my birthday trip to Korea(which is on my "to do" blog list).  I still can't find time to organize and arrange my photos for me to share our autumn experience.(Sorry for that!)

My helper has irregular schedule of coming to our house to do the basic chores so I am the one in-charge for a time.  Although, I appreciate every #TheMacs moment, honestly, it's bit tiring. Huh!  Anyway, supermom can do everything in the house and my personal thingy was the one neglected.  But, that is pretty okey.  We manage it well.

Hopefully, my household help will stay at least five days a week for me to do all my personal goals and continue my #journeytoachievedreams.

Last weekend, we chose to stay at home rather than traveling to Batangas to observe All Soul's Day.  We avoided traffic jam and crowded people.  Besides, remembering the souls of our departed loved ones can be done in any part of the world.  (To our families, who missed us for this tradition, please bear with us.)

Staying at home is eating, sleeping, watching TV and playing.  We caught "My Big Love" at Cinema One starring Tony Gonzaga and Sam Milby.

Google Images

It's a movie years ago but my husband and I were inspired with the 5 Steps that Toni Gonzaga shared to her client as Physical Trainer.  I found it applicable in any goal in life.  I was refreshed with that guidelines and got inspired to pursue whatever I've started.  Remarkable to me is #2 Start today.(as in now na!)

Go print this steps for your goal too.

Google Images

It's less than a month and 2014 is gone.  I am asking myself.  How far I've gone with my goals? Am I leading to what I'm suppose to go?  Do I drive on a right track?

And here comes advice of Valorie Burton for this week. 

To go to the next level, you must get bigger. That means stretching beyond your comfort zone. And that is uncomfortable. Growing usually means growing pains. When a question or opportunity leaves you resisting, defensive and uncomfortable, it is often an indication that there is something there that you need to explore. Rather than run from it, press in. Your boss gives you feedback that hit a nerve? Someone makes a valid observation that left you feeling defensive? Has your journey to a goal stretched you more than expected and left you questioning your own abilities? All are likely to cause resistance.
Breakthroughs happen when you do the hard work of looking honestly at yourself, your habits and the patterns of fear that can get you stuck. Whether it's exploring why you feel guilty about stuff you didn't do wrong, or notice how the overachiever in you is really just craving approval and acceptance, "doing the work" requires courage, time and honesty. Take criticism and learn from it. Get better, not bitter. Push through it. That's how you have a breakthrough.

I am inspired again and ready to go to the next level.  I am writing and I am doing it NOW. Sharing what's on my mind, hoping that I also inspire other people to continue their goals and aspire their dreams.  
Be guided with the 19 Ways to Truly Live by Terence Mauri.
Take risks and Do it now Yamisweeters! Yebbbbaaaaaa!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

YOUR 2015 Daily Interact Certified Positive Planner is HERE!

Hi there Yamisweeters!

It's been so long......but I'm still here.  Pretty busy as always (lol!).  I am working out with my series of blog for our recent trip so stand by for my post. hehe!(Feeling may followers lang! Pagbigyan nyo na ako!)

For now, I'd like to share the e-mail I received yesterday from Certified Positive.


This planner is a best Christmas gift to yourself or for your bffs/siblings/parent.  Their first ever planner were launched last year.  I'm still using and enjoying it.  I've encountered petty errors on binding the pages but I've included it on the survey so I believe this 2015 Planner will be better.

Please check out their website and find out about the planner.

Don't forget to order! They deliver to any part of the world. So grab one now.

Yeehaw! Have a good day ahead!





Sunday, October 12, 2014

Impact One

Happy Monday Yamisweeters!!!!!

Last weekend was such a full blast on my schedule.  I even missed some of my family's appointments.  I keep asking myself......why I am so busy during weekend that I suppose to rest and have a relaxed and "no schedule" moment for myself.  But,,,,sorry to say that's not the way it were.  Weekends are so physically tiring but emotionally boosting. It was so meaningful, fruitful and sensible.  Ask me why???(imitating Bo Sanchez!) Why???? Because weekends are dedicated to my family.  All my actions are for them plus we have the special day to worship GOD.  Longer hours of meditating, talking, sharing and listening to HIS words through THE FEAST at PICC.

Yesterday was the first series of #impactone.  It's an interesting topic that God is asking me to do effective today.  Be a disciple! So I am thinking of action even in my own little way to impact few.  

So, I will use this blog to impact kahit isa lang.  Kung mas marami mas masaya. 

Today, I want to share to you my subscription from Valorie Burton (she is my personal coach). Hehehe! She helps me in my every day life. She keeps reminding me to be on my goals with humble heart.  
(Note: You can subscribe too, just click the link)

Please read her letter to me today.  This reminder might be for you too.

Week 42:  Gear Up, Don't Give Up! 
Dear Friend, 

There's often a point as you are moving towards your vision when things just get hard. You get tired. The road is longer than you expected it to be, and you wonder if things will ever come together. And to be honest, you feel like giving up. In fact, you can try to convince yourself that the vision is not all that big of a deal. You don't really want it that much. Yeah, that's right. You'll be just fine without it.
But your spirit knows that is not true. And today, I want to encourage you to gear up, rather than give up. Gear up for the final stretch! Stay in the game. Admit you want it. You really want it. And you are willing to go all out to get it. If it doesn't work out, you'll deal with the devastation then. But today, you're all in! Fear of disappointment tempts us to pretend our desires aren't that important. Courage says, "I want it and I'm willing to risk failure and heartache to get it." Where is this message true for you right now? Maybe it is the relationship you desire or the financial breakthrough or the dream career or a family of your own or healing from a health challenge.
I just want to encourage you today to be bold and courageous. Be willing to be ridiculed for being a dreamer, an optimist, a fool. Your tenacity will be rewarded, one way or another. I'd rather be a dreamer, an optimist or fool, than a settler, a pessimist and full of regret.
My challenge to you:
Gear up, don't give up! The road might be long, but it will be worth it.
Journaling assignment:
What does this week's message mean to you? In what way do you need to gear up for the long haul? Head over to my blog and leave your comments; I'd love to hear from you!





Until next time ...   
 

Her words encourages me as I drive to my goals.  She uplifts me to continue dreaming and be a good person.

Be encouraged, don't give up!

Think Positive Be Positive
Monday, September 29, 2014

Galileo Little Explorers

I am proud Galileo Mom!

What is Galileo Mom?  A Galileo Mom is an awesome mother who is passionate in ensuring excellence among kids through fun learning experience.  For more than five years,  my partner in empowering my kids learning potential is Galileo -Pasong Tamo.  I found the comfort of methods and strategies in nurturing my kid's abilities and development. 

At present, my kids are on Grade 3 and Grade 4 level in English Program. The program aims to equip my kids with the fundamental skills needed to understand English in a long run.  It also prepares my kids in exercising their creativity and analytical skills as well as encourages them to see the fun in reading.

Galileo is also offering Math Program and Singapore Math.  And their newest program called Galileo Little Explorers.  So if you have little kids and you want to be a Galileo Mom like me, check this out!


The Galileo Little Explorers is an introductory program to the Galileo Math and English Programs.

Young learners ages 1.5 to 3 are taught early numeracy and literacy skills, practical life-skills such as manners, socialization, responsibility towards others, awareness of his environment, and appreciation of nature.

Program Benefits:
* Develop character
* Develop social skills
* Enhances physical development
* Promotes Self Discovery
* Increases Self awareness
* Encourages Self mastery

Remember: "The first year lasts forever."

Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:30-10:30AM
 List of Centers that are offering Galileo Little Explorers Program:
Galileo Balanga (047)-300-0815
Galileo Baliuag 0925-540-5060
Galileo Batangas (043)-425-4253
Galileo Caloocan (02)-442-0783
Galileo Davao (082)-221-0268
Galileo Lipa 0917-5088042
Galileo Mabalacat 0932-886-1754
Galileo Madrigal (02)-707-0358
Galileo Malolos (044)-760-0426
Galileo Pasong Tamo (02)-403-0947
Galileo Project 8 (02)-453-3781
Galileo West Fairview (02)-781-8050

Source: GELP

Visit the nearest Center near you and become a Galileo Mom! Enroll now!






Sunday, September 28, 2014

An organized life is a calmer life

A Yamimorning every one!

Waking up naturally is one of the healthiest thing we can do.  It means, our body coped up with the right amount of rest during the night.  When I opened my eyes and looking forward for another great day,  I checked my schedule for today. After thinking of the urgent and important things to be done today,  the date popped in my mind with sound (ting!!!). Oh no! I have two days left and it's October.  This month is all about the start of practicing for Christmas Party competition, my son's birthday, my most awaited birthday trip and my kid's second quarterly test plus my sister's biglaang one month vacation and another anik-anik schedule pa.  Thinking all of that is a huge deal and needs an expert's time management.  Waaahhhhh!!!!!  Cramming....cramming...cramming....

I talked to my self that I need to relax and arrange everything to make everything possible.  And this "Note to Self" is my ultimate guide for me to deal with my bloated October schedule.


"An organized life is a calmer life."




Achieving organized life is simply having good energy management and time discipline.  But for me it's beyond that.  It's important that we manage our "emotions" first before heading to our "to do list".   Being emotionally healthy is the best way to have an organized life that leads to calmer life.  Last weekend, I realized three things.
1. Good Communication
If we all have good communication, misunderstanding will be minimized and it can enhance ourselves into a peaceful daily venture.  Use all means of exchange of information(text message, emails, chats etc) to make things clearer as what we are thinking.    
2. Accept yourself
 Accept who we are, admit our vulnerability and believe in ourselves.  If we can't make things possible, don't pretend that we can.  Never assume a responsibility that at first you know it will be hard for you to accomplish unless it is a call of duty.
3. Judge favorably
Always validate any situation before making any conclusions.  Be fair and avoid being judgmental as much as possible.

Having realized such three things,,,, I think I am ready to check out my to do and not to do "list".  I wish this is a good start to more enjoyable days ahead.  I wish it can help you too.

Rock on October......excitement is here!!! Yippeeeee..................

 Think Positive Be Positive!