A PEN & BLISS BLOG
let’s get lost!
Back in 2012, I went to South Korea by accident. I was helping my sister work on her visa requirements when her friend had to stay in Manila due to family concerns. Since I already knew the drill and because I don't want my sister to travel on her own, I decided to submit their …
Continue reading "Going to South Korea? Here are my visa-application survival tips"
Yes, GenXrs of the world, the title is a Modern English reference - a telling example of how Tita I already am These are two of the things that make me happy: traveling, or if the budget will not permit, a nice, relaxing staycation in a hotel in Manila. When I was a bit younger, …
Continue reading "Stoppin’ the world and melting all the stress away at Hotel Jen Manila"
For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by war - the heroism, the sacrifice, the toll on the human spirit and the lessons behind it. Often times, I would consume copious amounts of books retelling the various stories of war in the Pacific and even in Europe during the …
Continue reading "The story of Kagitingan: Looking back to the lessons of History in Corregidor"
Thanks to the relaxed visa requirements enforced by Japan about two years ago, it has become easier and more convenient for Filipinos to enjoy Japan. The upcoming Summer Olympics in Tokyo, slated for next year, has also seen a boom in new AirBnB's, new hostels and new hotels being built -- in fact, one thing …
I’m a proud “DIY-girl” whenever I travel and I revel in finding budget travel hacks whenever I can. I would revel in discovering far-away places and meeting new people on my own. I would work on spreadsheets, go on a mad research spree and serve as the lead in most of my travels. It’s fun …
Continue reading "A Fun & Easy Traipse through Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen with KKday"
In the last five years, I have been travelling more and more frequently – often times, going out the country two times a year – depending on the funds available, or the level of stress and misery that I am in. For 2018 alone, I went to Japan twice, starting the year in Nagoya and …
There is a reason why the word, "toxic" exists and why it's use to connote a punishing schedule, non-existent work life balance, less-than-ideal relationships and even a general outlook in life. For some demented reason, my generation has made the word toxic like a badge of honor; to connote that you have so many things …
Continue reading "Sleep, Indulge and Discover: A weekend at Mt. Purro Nature Resort "
I am writing this post here at the departure gates of Kansai Airport. I am waiting for my flight back to Manila and decided to share this post while passing time. Here's the basics first. Nagoya is lovely - in a chill and laid back way. My hubby was smitten and vowed to move to …
Continue reading "Travel hack: How to go from Nagoya to Osaka by Bus for less than 1,400 pesos "
On the tail end of 2016, I had the pleasure of having a 2 day, 1 night trip in Anilao, Batangas to witness the 2016 Anilao Underwater Shootout, courtesy of the good people of Philippine Airlines (PAL). The event was the biggest underwater macro photography of its kind in the world and featured some of the world's …
Continue reading "Not exactly a light packer? PAL’s Carry Over Checked In Baggage Got You Covered"
Like any budget traveler, I've always wished that our airport is better. Better facilities, better services, more food choices. While any amount of change usually takes time, my yearly sojourn in and out the country has made me aware that indeed, things are changing. It usually starts with cleaner, well maintained rest rooms, brighter lounge areas and more food stalls …
Continue reading "Traveling soon? Pay your Travel Tax easy and hassle-free online"
