We were not suppose to take the Halong Bay trip. This was the reason why we chose the more expensive small group tour in Ninh Binh.  I initially followed the recommendation of a friend to skip the touristy places in Vietnam. On the way back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, we made the last minute decision to book a trip to Halong Bay. Armed with a great internet connection (Thank you Shopee for the affordable and reliable Vietnam sim), I booked a trip via Klook. We took the small group tour in a Limousine bus in Hanoi with buffet lunch for Php 2,282.25 per head. If you have more time and patience, you can look for coupon codes from vloggers and influencers from Tiktok. Another option is taking the standard bus, with a price difference of around Php 300. In our case, we chose the small group tour for that much needed comfort and convenience. 

• October 20, 2024
• places

Halong Bay : The Last Minute Trip from Klook

We were not suppose to take the Halong Bay trip. This was the reason why we chose the more expensive small group tour in Ninh Binh.  I initially followed the recommendation of a friend to skip the touristy places in Vietnam. On the way back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, we made the last minute decision to book a trip to Halong Bay. Armed with a great internet connection (Thank you Shopee for the affordable and reliable Vietnam sim), I booked a trip via Klook. We took the small group tour in a Limousine bus in Hanoi with buffet lunch for Php 2,282.25 per head. If you have more time and patience, you can look for coupon codes from vloggers and influencers from Tiktok. Another option is taking the standard bus, with a price difference of around Php 300. In our case, we chose the small group tour for that much needed comfort and convenience. 

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When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh is not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. It turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves. 

I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour. 

• September 29, 2024
• places

Discovering Ninh Binh, Vietnam

When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh is not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. It turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves. 

I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour. 

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A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam. The trip was originally planned before COVID happened. I never thought it would still push through. But with the hardwork and perseverance of some people at the workplace, it finally happened. 

We had an early morning flight to Hanoi. Arriving early meant we had the entire day to explore Hanoi. 

• September 20, 2024
• places

Hanoi, Vietnam

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam. The trip was originally planned before COVID happened. I never thought it would still push through. But with the hardwork and perseverance of some people at the workplace, it finally happened. 

We had an early morning flight to Hanoi. Arriving early meant we had the entire day to explore Hanoi. 

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It wasn't a planned purchase. But as always, the bag caught my attention. It looks like the Goyard St. Louis tote bag. While I still cannot afford a Goyard, other similar bags can work for now. Christy Ng is a Malaysian brand that offers shoes and bags. I discovered the brand through ad placements from my Facebook account. After a few clicks and social media algorithm, all those local Instagram based sellers appeared in my suggestions.  

• September 09, 2024
• bags

Christy Ng Russo Monogram Tote : A Review

It wasn't a planned purchase. But as always, the bag caught my attention. It looks like the Goyard St. Louis tote bag. While I still cannot afford a Goyard, other similar bags can work for now. Christy Ng is a Malaysian brand that offers shoes and bags. I discovered the brand through ad placements from my Facebook account. After a few clicks and social media algorithm, all those local Instagram based sellers appeared in my suggestions.  

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Writing this post made me feel older. I was born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s always meant hearing Seiko Wallet's commercial, whose tagline remained the same, Ang Wallet na Maswerte. I also can't forget how the voice talent pronounced the phrase, genuine leather. Instead of je-new-win, it was pronounced as je-new-wine. 

I never owned a Seiko wallet. Though oftentimes, I would see wallets as gifts for my parents. The brand has also been present in all SM Department stores. A few times, I would browse their wallets, but nothing appealed to me. I always purchase faux leather wallets from Girbuad or Kate Spade. I'm not sure if it comes with age, but I seem to outgrew the designs from the said brands. I also noticed that prices have become unreasonable. 

• September 09, 2024
• product review

Seiko Wallet Review: A Brand I Rediscovered

Writing this post made me feel older. I was born in the 80s and growing up in the 90s always meant hearing Seiko Wallet's commercial, whose tagline remained the same, Ang Wallet na Maswerte. I also can't forget how the voice talent pronounced the phrase, genuine leather. Instead of je-new-win, it was pronounced as je-new-wine. 

I never owned a Seiko wallet. Though oftentimes, I would see wallets as gifts for my parents. The brand has also been present in all SM Department stores. A few times, I would browse their wallets, but nothing appealed to me. I always purchase faux leather wallets from Girbuad or Kate Spade. I'm not sure if it comes with age, but I seem to outgrew the designs from the said brands. I also noticed that prices have become unreasonable. 

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I was never alone. 

When my brother was hospitalized last month, help came along the way. 

• April 16, 2024

Grateful

I was never alone. 

When my brother was hospitalized last month, help came along the way. 

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New year, new beginnings. Sure enough, there were new beginnings that came. Along with it as always, are tests of strength. 

When mom passed away, the immediate concern was my special brother. The first few months were filled with fears, worries and tears. After a few months, we found a reliable care giver. We now consider her as our family. We would not have made it without her. She was our answered prayer. 

• March 10, 2024

Restless

New year, new beginnings. Sure enough, there were new beginnings that came. Along with it as always, are tests of strength. 

When mom passed away, the immediate concern was my special brother. The first few months were filled with fears, worries and tears. After a few months, we found a reliable care giver. We now consider her as our family. We would not have made it without her. She was our answered prayer. 

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