Discover Seoul Pass. Family Winter Vacation in Beautiful South Korea

Annyeonghaseyo Seoul. Last January we spent our family vacation in beautiful Seoul, South Korea. It was our family's first time to experience winter and it was a very memorable 0 to 7 degrees Celsius throughout our 10-day stay. We stayed at our super friendly host via AirBnb in Mapo-gu. It was during the early onset of the COVID-19 virus and there were only a few reported cases in South Korea at that time. I remember the nightly Korean news already have their Coronavirus watch.

Since not everybody was conscious yet of the new flu virus health scare. We still enjoyed our vacation. There were still lots of Filipino tourists as well as Chinese and Westerners alike. We get to visit the usual tourist sites such as N Seoul Tower, Nami Island, Gyeongbukgung Palace, SM Town COEX Artium, Starfield COEX Mall, Lotte World, Vivaldi Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and shopping areas in Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Myeongdong.

We got us the Discover Seoul Passes via KLOOK and it covered admissions to N Seoul Tower Observatory, SM Town Theater and Museum at COEX Artium, COEX Aquarium, and Lotte World among others. It also included one way ticket Airport Railroad Express (AREX) train, which will bring you to central Seoul Station for 45-minute express nonstop trip.

We got the 48-hour pass at PhP1,473.00 per head. I must say that we really enjoyed the Klook convenience. No more long queues for admission tickets for all the places in our itinerary. It was very easy to budget and very easy on the pocket, too. 

For SM Town Theater and Museum alone, an admission package is at 28,000KRW (PhP 1,100.00). For N Seoul Tower Observatory, a single admission ticket costs 11,000KRW(PhP450.00) for adults and 9,000KRW (PhP370.00) for kids. 

We also enjoyed going around Gyeongbukgong Palace (entrance fee is at 3,000KRW or PhP125.00) and the neighboring Bukchon Hanok village, wearing our pretty and traditional hanboks, which we also got via Discover Seoul Pass, Thanks to Hanboknam . We had the very friendly staff  help us out with the Hanbok rentals Rental rates starts at 15,000KRW (PhP620.00) for 2.5 hours. They will also fix your hair for free but if you want a more elaborate hairstyling with floral accessories, you can pay an extra 3,000KRW (PhP125.00) for that.

If you are into theme parks, you can enjoy Everland and Lotte World via the Discover Seoul Pass as well. Here are the complete list of places you can visit and have access to when you avail Discover Seoul Pass Click @Klook  

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

COEX Mall Starfield Library

N Seoul Tower

 Lotte World

We started our 48-hour pass at SM Town Surround Theater where we were lucky to catch Super Junior's Super Show 6 from 2014. And it was like experiencing a real live Suju concert. If only I brought my SJ lightstick with me. We enjoyed the almost 3-hour show with fellow Korean ELFeus. We even did fan chants. It was so much fun!

We also visited the SM Museum and shopped for official Super Junior and EXO merch at the store. and had a quick refreshments ar the pretty Cafe.

Be reminded that once you use your Discover Seoul Pass for any establishments that are accredited it will be the start of your timed itinerary. So schedule your trips well and be conscious of the time.

We would probably get the 72-hour pass the next time we visit Seoul, so that the trip would be more relaxing, we felt quite hurried and pressed for time with the 48-hour pass.

You can also use your card for the subway trains just load them up at loading kiosks around the train stations. Again, once you arrive at Incheon you can use the pass for the AREX to reach your Seoul destination. Incheon Airport to Seoul Station is 9,500KRW which approximately is PhP 390.00 again no need to pay for that because your Pass already covered it. Just present your Seoul Pass to the AREX ticketing booths so you can get your yellow card pass, which you get to surrender at Seoul Station and get a 500KRW deposit refund.


Again, thank heavens for KLOOK. According to the co-founder of Klook, Eric Gnock Fah, the company, which name stands for 'Keep Looking', is a one-stop-shop for travelers to explore and book a curated selection of fun-things-to-do. It is indeed for the modern traveler. It is easy and very safe to use. In case you will have problems or questions.please contact 626-3888 hotline or email support@klook.com. And no our vacation is in no way sponsored by Klook haha. I am just appreciative of how convenient it is to travel now with this kind of travel assistance. By the way, we also used Klook and KKDay when we visited Taipei for the first time in 2019.

May the current situation we are all in improve in the coming weeks. Stay healthy and keep indoors. This too shall pass.

Sending love and positive thoughts. Joheun haru doeseyo.

Kamsahamnida. Zee.

Easy Workout Videos. Enhanced Community Quarantine Day 19.

April 2, 2020. Thursday.

Still on Enhanced Community Quarantine. Day 19. What are you guys up to, in between eating and talking about food, and praying that this will all be over soon? Well, since we all turned into health buffs because of this health scare, I included working out into my daily routine. I have always wanted to go to the gym but the realities of life always gets the best of me (I am just lazy) and it has been years that I have been putting it off (as in super lazy haha). But since we are confined to our homes with nothing to do, we might as well include a daily workout routine. Bless those who are really into working out,  sadly I am not one of those folks. Luckily there are very easy workout videos available on YouTube. I swear if I can tolerate a 7-minute vid so can you right?

Here are two very easy clips. I am not into the challenge, the promise of a flatter tummy or leaner arms...I just wish I can really do this every day. If it turns out that way is already a bonus. Whatever motivates you, do it! Whatever works for you is best.

Well, there are lots but we can all start with the easiest vids. More quick and easy vids at Lucy Wyndham- Read YT Channel. We do not want to get so overwhelmed with working out, so let us all take baby steps, shall we? It is pretty simple, we can all start with 14 minutes per day to 'move it, move it' and who knows maybe we can all adapt this healthy habit into our lifestyle. Let us all get our hearts pumping and sweat it out a few minutes any time during the day (or night since we all have the time in the world during this quarantine). Yes, in between snacking haha, daily chores, working from home or while we are watching the news, we can all do this, yes? yes?

You can of course work out while listening to your favorite music. I myself turns up the volume to my Super Junior Timeless Playlist, starting with 2YA2YAO  while I do this simple workout.

Love my KPOP Kings, Love SuJu! But that is another whole post altogether. And just like that its Friday again tomorrow. Another weekend.

Amidst this pandemic, let us not forget to pray for our situation to get better. We are all in this together as humankind. Let us not forget that with cooperation, being united, and fervent prayers, nothing is impossible. Peace and Love. Zee.

Restart. Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.

Mood: Mixed. Energized yet bored. Day 4 'Enhanced Community Quarantine' due to COVID-19.

Music: Restart. by the amazing Sam Smith.

March 18, 2020. Philippines. It is Day 4 since President Rodrigo Duterte declared an Enhanced Community Quarantine for Metro Manila, Sunday March 15th then widened the lockdown to the whole of Luzon on Monday. The World Heath Organization (WHO) already declared the current COVID 19 health situation as pandemic. Health safety measures are enforced and the government declares quarantine, so that means the general public are to stay indoors unless one needs to go out for vital necessities or health emergencies.

Quarantine. Stay indoors.

Amidst the current global health pandemic, I am restarting my blog. We are on Day 4 and I have tidied up, did simple DIY around the house and after a two-year hiatus, I think it is but perfect to restart blogging. I have been putting this off for, God knows how long lol. I have been constantly taking notes of experiences, of travels, and taking photos and telling myself  'this needs to be shared, one day'. So, yup 'one day' is now. Timing couldn't be more perfect. I am side-eyeing myself for being a procrastination queen, crown and all.

Two years was too long. My notebook entries are almost filled up, including my thoughts that need to be written down. There are too many new and newly discovered products that I wanted to write about. Restaurants and food discoveries that I have been meaning to share here. So, I guess one restart post will do the trick and hopefully all will flow out from now on. Excuses, be gone haha.

Eottoke eottoke? What to do now? Oh yes, I have been consumed by Kpop, Kdrama... but that is another topic altogether. I am telling you. Here are some suggestions for all of us who are just staying indoors. Perhaps you want to rest your eyes (and those neck muscles) and consider doing these, in between, checking Instagram, Facebook, or keeping abreast with the hourly news update.

Declutter. Konmari.
You can tidy up. You may want to start with your wardrobe, the bookcase, your gazillion shoes, your bag collection.
Clean up your kitchen pantry. Check those expiry dates. Plan recipes for those forgotten herbs and condiments.
Go through your paperwork. Throw those old bills.
Or check our Marie Kondo's site and discover for yourself the systematized Konmari method and 'Spark Joy' in your life.


Start a Journal. Start blogging, vlogging.
Jot down those thoughts. Organize them. Ponder. Reflect.
Or start a Youtube channel, be a vlogger. And monetize your channel. (Not for me though, I am just too shy).

Destress. Restart your old hobby.
Remember before 'adulting' happened? Rediscover your music interest, playlist collection. Reread your favorite books. Rewatch your favorite films or better yet discover new film genres.

Remember all the times you were so frustrated that you are so busy with work and you need to do this and that at home. This is that time. Anyway, I bet you already know that by now.

Let us not forget. Cooperate with your government.
Let us do our share and cooperate with the authorities. Since we cannot physically go out and help alleviate this health problem. Let us leave that to the front liners, health professionals (who are the real heroes! May God Bless them and keep them safe). Let us discover the internet, there are probably things you can do to help out while confined. In our country, there are kind-hearted individuals who are already on it, you can check their story and find ways to help their cause

I totally love this Sam Smith song. It's screams 80s and 90s. I'm sure my fellow GenXers will agree. Lisa Stansfield and Sybil vibin'? Yes? Yes?

My Konmari Journey. Part One

Marie Kondo's tidying bug bit me late last year and after more that 6 months I feel there is a need for second wave. I know there is still much more to improve on. I mean there are still a lot more to dispose of.  If you do not know Ms. Kondo, she is the organizing guru of today. She wrote The New York Times' #1 Best Seller  'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up'. If you have heard of 'Spark Joy'?  She wrote that one, too.

So okay like I said, last year I discovered KonMari-ing (coined from her name).  It started from the new way of folding clothes the way Marie Kondo does it. Check out this video.

After one drawer lol I got so interested I also checked out her book and there was no stopping me. I was so into it. I was dreaming and planning how I would tackle this big task. I know I need to clean up and organize our home. I love buying stuff, so does my husband and the whole family, so I am aware that there are so much things I need to continuously organize and need to dispose.  You know, so much clothes that you seldom use. Baby clothes your children outgrew. Gifts you never used. Double or multiple of every day things like scissors, utility bags, screwdrivers, etc. I am telling you there is just so much stuff. Sometimes, I even question myself if I am a bit of a hoarder, perhaps just a little huh? Because I know when there are big sales, like the Big Nivea sale. I buy deodorants for a year's use, plus lotion and their soaps at half the regular price.  I am a sucker for anything 50% off, well who isn't?

KonMari and The Book Stop Project

The Book Stop Project at Molito grounds

My Konmari-ing last year made me dispose 80% of our books. There were still high school books of my daughter. She already graduated college and is  already working for 2 years now. I am just giving you an idea. I also let go of most of my fave novels. I was so lucky that time The Book Stop PH was in the South of the Metro and it felt good that I am donating my beloved books to a great cause. The Book Stop Project is a well-thought concept of sharing the 'love of reading'. It is just a refreshing idea amidst the overwhelming techie stuff of our times. The joy of turning a page... The thought of sharing your experience after reading a book to another person is very satisfying.  I just kept a few titles which I love rereading every couple of years and a few for sentimental reasons.

Jollibee's 'Maaga and Pasko'

I am sure you notice that big box at Jollibee during December where you can donate children's books and toys. Well, I did just that. There were still lots of stuffed animals wrapped in plastic in our storage, new yet old. My kid and I took photos of each, for sentimental reasons or whatever and donated them.. It is time to pass the joy to some other kid. And since my daughter was already earning she thought of buying new ones to donate as well. I am just proud that I instilled the 'sharing your blessings' in her.  Check ou Jollibee Maaga ang Pasko Website

Donate your old clothes to H&M and get a discount voucher

Now for the piles of old clothes. Some of which were worn only once or twice. There were some that were never worn, just forgotten. Tags and all. My helper's family in the province is often my first go-to for clothes donation. This time I asked her to just choose what we will send to them alongside her gifts for Christmas and the rest we shall donate to others in need.  I still even have stuff that I donated to H&M in Festival Mall ( they will give you a 15% discount voucher in exchange of your donation) and to Japan Home, who was also holding a donation drive for the Christmas Season.

So yeah I am seriously thinking of giving KonMari a second wave. I still have a china cabinet that I consciously avoided the last time I did this. Because I do not know how I am going to dispose of such stuff. Also, I have been reading about minimalism and I am intending to 'minimalize' my wardrobe. I plan to stick to the basics. Basic cuts and basic colors. I am leaning towards white, black, greys, and some muted blues and greens.

A big part of doing this is the feeling of lightness and neatness in your home. It definitely lessens the stress of too much clutter. Plus remembering the spark of joy the remaining things around gives you. At present I am planning and scheduling Part 2. Wish me luck!

Decathlon Philippines Opens First Store in Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Mood: Taking it easy. Colds got me. Sipping some herbal tea.


Last weekend, we got a call from my nephew (he and his wife are passionate about mountaineering/hiking ) who wanted us to check out this new super sporting goods store in Alabang. It turned out that Decathlon is already having its soft opening in Festival Mall, our go-to mall. Decathlon is bright and buzzing with people when we visited last Sunday.  Festival Mall's latest addition stands ground on the second floor, near the Corporate Avenue entrance. Its location was once occupied by Shopwise's 2nd level, which they vacated when they renovated the store years ago.

Decathlon , a French company and Europe's Number 1 sports retailer exclusively houses numerous brands such as Quechua, Oxelo, Kalenji, Domyos, Nabaiji, Artengo, Kipsta, B'Twin, Inesis, Tribord, and more. The warehouse-style store has a very extensive offering of sporting gears any sports enthusiast will need and want. The staff are well trained to answer all your queries about the store, the products, and are overall helpful and warm towards customers.

The store will officially open on June 30th and are now on soft opening operations. Customers are encouraged to register (its FREE) to enjoy exclusive benefits which includes 2-year warranty on their own brand products, free access to the playground, return policy, get invites to family events, and personal notification regarding updates on their products related to your selected sports. We also got a free Decathlon reusable cloth bag with our purchase. Nice!

Mini-Haul.  For this unplanned trip we just grabbed a few casual Domyos T-shirts (P150.00 each), a small Quechua backpack (P150.00), and a pair of Nabaiji Xbase Unie Ad swimming goggles in mauve (P180.00). These items are of great quality and very reasonably priced!

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We would definitely come back to visit again, the store is so big I am pretty sure we were not able to check out all the aisles. Also, I need to check out some home workout equipment and maybe new gym gear and trainers. I think I saw a pair priced less than a thousand pesos. Ha! There is a big possibility this will boost my interest to workout more lol. 

So, the next time you visit our friendly mall in Filinvest Alabang, Muntinlupa City, make sure you make a stop at Decathlon. 

Store hours 10:00AM -10:00 PM. Follow and Like DecathlonPH on Facebook 

Steam Yard Coffee and Community. Good Food, Great Coffee and an Online Shoppers Haven

Our Muntinlupa neighborhood keeps getting interesting and yes, the changes are definitely for the better. Just a few minutes walk from our place is Steam Yard Coffee and Community, which opened last year. It is a local specialty coffee concept shop providing sanctuary for online shoppers and coffee enthusiasts, as it says in their Official Facebook Page

If you are looking for a decent cafe that offers great coffee and yummy cakes and pastries, you will definitely enjoy the very cozy ambiance of Steam Yard. They also offer quite a selection of savory meals, pasta dishes, and sandwiches in case you want more than just good brew or a refreshing drink. Our family's favorites are the Tuyo Pasta with sundried tomatoes, Pasta Negra, Ensaymada with Kesong Puti and their Barako Muffin.

The restaurant are open daily from 8am to 10pm. This hip neighborhood cafe is excellent for meetings, a quick meal, or just to enjoy a mean cup of espresso. It also houses trendy items from online sellers which makes it amazing for one-stop shop and chill place. We have already bought a couple of shirts, makeup item/tools and gift items from their collection of sellers. They have the friendliest staff from Head Barista Angelo to the Manong Security Guard who will open the door and greet you welcome.

Steam Yard also hold special activities like vinyl listening sessions, pop-up events, etc. You can just follow them SteamyardPH on IG and Steam Yard Coffee on Facebook or contact at them (02)800-6324. Address is at 49 National Road, Muntinlupa City. They are between Shakey's Pizza Parlor and Domino's Pizza.

Hot and Iced Latte Macchiato at P120.00

Brazo de Mercedes (P65.00) and Iced Chocolate (P130)

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Bench Organics Products. Aloe Soothing Gel and Face and Body Mist

Mood: Lazy Saturday morning vibes
Music: Bill LaBounty. Livin it up.

Bench has always been a fave brand because they always keep you updated about casual fashion trends and even about skin care and makeup. Their organic product line has been around awhile and their Organic Aloe products are surely a favorite. These products are amazing and really worth a try because they are a great deal, considering the quality and pricing.

The Bench Organics 94% Aloe Soothing Gel

The Bench Organics 94% Aloe Soothing Gel is just fab. It is cool and refreshing to the skin. True to its name it is soothing when you apply it especially during the warm and hot months. And since it is in gel form it is very light on the skin, it does not feel heavy or sticky. The product has 94% Aloe Vera Extracts for excellent moisturizing effects. Its gel-based formula is quickly absorbed by the skin hydrating it and leaves no oily residue. 

It is suitable for the face and body, so go ahead and be crazy with it. It has a fresh and clean scent. No need to worry about the icky smell of the aloe vera plant. If you tried using the real actual leaves you would really appreciate this product because they already eliminated that offensive smell of fresh aloe.

This Bench product also suggest that you can store it inside your refrigerator for a fresher, more soothing, and cooling effect on the skin. The product comes in a green plastic pot and has 300 ml clear aloe gel, which is a great buy at P189.00. Counterparts retail at P300-500.

Bench Organics 92% Aloe Face and Body Mist 

Bench Organics 92% Aloe Face and Body Mist is another great discovery! It is also refreshing, moisturizing, and hydrating, as the product claims. It comes in a 150ml plastic spray bottle. It retails at P229.00.   I have been using this as a face spray to just freshen up. You can also use this under or over your makeup. I also use this to spray on my arms and neck when I'm outside and just need a quick cool off.

These products are readily available at all Bench branches or you can check them out via their Bench Online Store