How I Dealt With My First Tourist Visa Rejection

Ever since I got my first tourist visa (Taiwan Visa) three years ago, I was overjoyed. For those who didn't know, the Philippine passport is not the strongest nor the weakest in the world - just right in the middle between the best and the worst. After my first trip to Taiwan, I went to Japan, Korea, and Australia without encountering any problems with my visa applications. These countries granted me a multiple-entry visa in less than a week! With that, I grew complacent. Around November last year, I booked a roundtrip ticket from Davao to Toronto via Manila without even securing a valid tourist visa first. I took the risk, but I still believe it won't be that hard since I already did this from my previous trips in Japan and Australia.

Little did I know that my overconfidence almost burned my upcoming Canadian trip to smithereens.

4 Enticing Philippine Destinations For You To Book This Summer

The Philippines is not only well known for its breathtaking beaches and beautiful landscapes but also for its amazingly rich culture and history, making it always the best place to spend a vacation.

With summer fast approaching, it’s smart to start planning on where to spend your summer getaways. Whether you only got a weekend to spare or a month-long rejuvenation, you can always find a place to explore, recharge, and learn new things about the country. After all, that’s what traveling is all about.

To kick-start your planning session, here’s a list of fascinating spots and historical places in the Philippines you should visit this summer.

Travel Essential: ZenFone Max Pro M2

In this day and age, smartphones are getting more powerful than ever, be in power, camera, or storage. Since the rise of smartphones, sharing contents online has never been the same, a game-changer in social media. Most millennials would always share their precious moments online, that's why it is paramount to have a piece of better equipment. But to have the best of the best, the cream of the crop, one must shell out heaps of money.

Worry not, my dear reader. Today, smartphones with powerful specs are more affordable than ever! Exhibit A: ZenFone Max Pro 2.

Dreaming of Osaka

Osaka is not your ordinary Japanese city. While it is one of the most important cities in Japan, Osaka enjoys a more laidback setting compared to Tokyo, or even Nagoya.

Singapore Airlines Economy Class Flight Review: Davao to Melbourne

For years, Singapore Airlines has always been on top of its game.

Months ago, it was named as 'World's Best Airline' in Skytrax's World Airline Awards. It also bagged three awards in other categories in the annual airline quality rankings namely World's Best First Class, Best Airline in Asia, and Best First Class Airline Seat.

With best services come at a hefty price. On average, a regular economy roundtrip ticket from Davao to Melbourne with a brief stopover in Singapore costs at least USD1,200. For a middle-class working millennial who loves to travel, that's too much! While Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have flights to Melbourne, Singapore Airlines is the most luxurious choice. That's why I immediately booked a flight with them when they had a seat sale last April. My roundtrip ticket to Melbourne only costs for USD550!

The last time I flew SIA was last February 2018. The services were great, although a shorter flight (MNL-SIN-KUL).

Read on as I experience flying with the World's Best Airline.

Nusa Penida: A Journey To Bali's Newly Discovered Gem

I woke up from my phone's blaring alarm. With only four hours of sleep, I forced myself to wake up and take a cold shower. Traffic was already building up as we left Seminyak to Sanur Beach. Upon arrival, we were still early for the first boat trip to Nusa Penida. The sun was up, casting an orange-yellow hue from the horizon. Despite being a frequent visitor to Bali, I still feel this sense of adventure overtaking me as we wait for the speedboat to Nusa Penida.

I Won A Free Trip To Bali... AGAIN!

While I was scrolling my IG feed, I came across with Wonderful Indonesia's ad - the Trip Of Wonders online quiz. Suddenly, a rush of memories came through. Two years ago, I won the same contest. Since it was a trip for two, my mom tagged along, and we had a great time touring around Bali. Who wouldn't? Our airfare and accommodation were all covered. Plus, the organizers gave us an allowance to fully enjoy our trip! This year, I took the chance. While it was more difficult this year, I still managed to score higher than the others. It was disheartening not to see my name at the scoreboard though. I kept my expectations low. Besides, I have nothing to lose!

A few days after my trip to Sydney, I received an email from Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism. Fast forward, I went back to Bali just two months after my previous visit. I never thought I'd be visiting this revered Island of Gods twice this year!

Spring in Sydney

On my fourth and probably the last visit to Australia for this year, I get the chance to experience their Spring season. Sydney enjoys a milder Spring weather than his hipster brother, Melbourne. It's not too hot, and not too cold. All you need is a light jacket!

I was a bit worried when I arrived in Sydney last Wednesday morning. It was gloomy and overcast the entire day. The weather forecast showed that it would be cloudy in the next four days. But, lo and behold. The sun showed up the following day, albeit the gale-force winds.