February 28, 2017

7-Day Seoul Itinerary

Going to South Korea particularly Seoul is one of our greatest dreams as a K-Pop and K-Drama fan. And last October 29, this dream has finally came true. ❤️ Thus, we would like to share our 7-Day Seoul Itinerary to serve as your guide in planning your trip. Of course, our original itinerary was not followed so we will just include the places we have been to. You can definitely add or remove something on the list depending on your preference. Enjoy and have fun in the Land of the Morning Calm!

Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace.

Check out the links below! ❤

Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
  • Namsan Tower
  • Han River
  • Myeongdong
Day 7:
  • Grevin Seoul Museum
Been to Seoul? Share your stories to us! ❤

February 23, 2017

Day 4: Namdaemun Market

We were supposed to go to Gangnam area for day 4  but we just decided to slack off in our itinerary. We just stroll around Namdaemun Market since it is just a stone's throw away from 24 Myeongdong Guesthouse.

Namdaemun Market is located in the very center of Seoul. It is the biggest traditional market in Korea selling children's clothing, men & women's clothing, daily miscellaneous goods, kitchenware and local and imported products. (Source: Visit Korea) It's like the counterpart of our Divisoria.


What to do in Namdaemun Market?

Eat. There are lots of food stalls that sell local snacks and street food freshly made by the ahjussis and ahjummas. I do not know all of them but what I know is that they are best enjoyed in the streets of Korea. Try as much street food as you can! πŸ˜‹




Shop. There are many stalls where you can buy clothing, shoes, bags and souvenir items. Carts were also assembled in the middle of the street where you can buy affordable items. We bought the trench coat below for 10,000 won. We also found sweaters for 3,000 won. Not bad right?
Buy pasalubong. We bought roasted seaweeds for pasalubong. There are lots of choices, they offer free taste in most of the stores. One eommoni gave her business card and some extra goodies as well.
This market is seriously crowded and busy, full of locals and tourists (from all walks of life.. haha!) so be prepared to get bumped. Nonetheless it's fun to walk, get bumped and get lost in the streets of Namdaemun.

Our 4th night was spent in Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Go back to our:
7-Day Seoul Itinerary

February 12, 2017

Unboxing and Mini-haul: Althea Philippines

Looking for a store where you can shop Korean skincare and makeup products? If yes, please continue reading; I'm sharing a short review and my experience on Althea Philippines. πŸ”–

I was always intrigued by the radiant and youthful skin of Koreans ever since I started watching kdramas. So I started reading articles about their skin care routine. I was dumbfounded to know that their regimen involves 10 steps (more or less depending on one's need). 😱 I only do 2 steps. πŸ˜…

I began looking for the must have korean skincare and makeup products but found them pricey until I discovered Althea PhilippinesIt was March 2016 when I made my first purchase. Skin care and make-up products are relatively cheaper here compared to the stores here in the Philippines. 

Althea Philippines is a one-stop online shopping destination where we can enjoy authentic kproducts at reasonable price. It is perfect for lazy gals like me who prefer online shopping and of course, affordable products, plus shipping is free on orders above Php 999. Isn't it nice?
The parcel comes in a pink sturdy box; products are bubble wrapped so that products are secured from breaking while in transit. Packages are shipped directly from Korea. It takes 4-6 days before packages are delivered in our doorstep, well based on my personal experience. πŸ“¦
There are lots of sample products included when I received my first box but they were gone on my next purchase. 😐

Verdict. Will I purchase again? Definitely! Affordable products and free shipping, what more can you ask for! Happy shopping! μ•ˆλ…•!

BTW, here are some of the products I purchased recently (with short review):

It's Skin WH Effector - Php 390 Serums contain active ingredients designed to address specific skin problems. This product is specific for whitening. I don't see the difference yet but will update you girls soon!

Update as of April 2017: I am down to the last drops but I didn't see much difference in my skin. Have you tried this product? How was it?
The Saem Cover Perfection Pot Concealer - Php 180. Price isn't bad for a concealer right? I got the #2 Rich Beige. It blends well on the skin giving that natural look. It does a pretty good job in covering those dark circles because of sleepless nights (blame those kdramas!) πŸ™Š
It's My Hand Cream - Php 70. It gives average moisture without leaving that greasy feeling to your hands. However that moisture does not last long. It has a subtle scent that does not last long as well. You get what you pay for.
Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patch - Php 190. Pimple patch is new to me but I daringly tried this product as I read lots of good reviews. My verdict: this product work wonders. It amazingly flattens and reduces the redness of the pimple overnight. It is often out of stock so when you see that there are available stocks, be sure to check it out immediately.
Etude House Moistfull Collagen - Php 590 Toner helps balance your skin's PH level and helps to better absorb your following skin care treatments. Other toners tends to dry out your skin but this toner gives moisture to your skin.

Update as of April 2017: This toner is probably not for my skin type (acne-prone) as it caused major breakout to me. I ceased using this product.

February 5, 2017

Kdrama Review: The Heirs

Amidst the hype for Legend of the Blue Sea, I found myself going back to this kdrama. My friend keeps on suggesting this because she knows I love Woo Bin and also starting to love Lee Min Ho.
I know I am too late but it just did not caught my attention before. I thought it was a heavy drama. Luckily, I gave it a second chance, and it did not disappoint me. I became addicted to this kdrama and to Lee Min Ho as well. HAHAHA. Although, it has a typical story - school bullying, the poor girl and the rich boy, family/corporate conflicts, there are still many reasons why you will love this drama.
gigantic cast of The Heirs
1. Undeniable chemistry of Park Shin Hye (Cha Eun-Sang) and Lee Min Ho (Kim Tan). They are the best pair ever. πŸ’‘ I just realized that after watching tons of their kdramas. All their scenes made me giggle!
sweetness overload!
WARNING: TOO MUCH BACK HUGS!😈
2. Handsome Oppas. πŸ’˜ Knowing that Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin are in this drama is enough for me to be convinced to watch it, but adding Kang Min Hyuk and Kang Ha Neul? I should have watched this wayback then!

I won't be biased here. I admit I loved Lee Min Ho in this drama. His hair color and haircut perfectly suits him. Just like in a cinderella story, he portrayed his role as a real life Prince Charming for Eun Sang.
Kim Tan admitting his feelings to Cha Eun Sang
Kim Woo Bin (Choi Young-Do) is not only a scene stealer, but also a heart stealer in this drama. 😍 His love for Eun Sang was so pure and innocent so I was rooting for him. He portrayed his role so well as a bad boy with a soft side. I really felt the depth of his emotions and ended up crying with him.
of course, there wouldn't be a thrill if it isn't love triangle
this hairstyle suits him more
I first noticed Kang Min Hyuk (Yoon Chan Young) in Heartstrings. He was way cuter in there, but he is still great and good looking in this drama. I admire his role as a bestfriend of Eun Sang. He sets his boundaries well as a bestfriend and boyfriend.
cute chinito eyes
I also remember Kang Ha Neul (Lee Hyo-Shin) as a high-jumper in To the Beautiful You. I like him more here as he is less serious and charming. In spite of his problem with his parents, he still manages to joke around. His friendship with Tan is also admirable.
charming smile
3. Cute couples. They helped lighten the mood of this drama. Embodying the puppy love moments during the highschool days

Hyo Shin and Jeun Hyun Joo (Lim Ju Eun) is quite a pair! But it is just so sad that they weren't given a chance. 
naughty Hyo Shin's moves!
his eyes, lips and jawline are perf
Chan Young and Lee Bo Na (Krystal) is so cute together! They bring out the best in each other. I love how maturely they handle their love conflicts. Lee Bo Na's english accent is excellent! Her being spoiled is not annoying and her simple ways to help Eun Sang made me even love her character.
it's funny that they celebrated a make up party
stolen kisses!
I think Hyo Shin and Rachel Yoo (Kim Ji Woon) is going to be a perfect match. I hope they will be given lead roles soon. Rachel is so pretty! As always her acting is superb. She is like the female Young Do, acting like a strong girl but deep inside, she is so scared and lonely.
aren't they cute together?
that's oh so sweet
4. Pretty Eomeonnis. No doubt where those kids got their good looks.
she's still pretty even when she's crying
she can still pass as a highschooler
her classy style
5. Kim Tan's mom and Eun Sang's mom friendship. This is so unpredictable. I never thought they will be friends because unlike other kdramas, usually the mother of the rich boy will be the antagonist. Great story twist!
funny pillow fight
Rating: 8.2/10

Overall, I loved this drama! Even though, the story is a bit heavy for highschoolers like them, they still gave justice to their roles. I hope there would be a sequel though as I want to see their life after school.

If you haven't watched this yet, give it a try!

Other reviews:
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Legend of the Blue Sea
Cheese in the Trap

February 1, 2017

Day 3: Petite France (μ˜λ ν”„λž‘μŠ€)

Petite France is a French cultural village which is 25 minutes away from Nami Island. It was one of the filming locations of My Love From the Stars and Secret Garden.
Little Eiffel Tower
Familiar setting?
From Nami Island, you can go back to the Gapyeong Wharf, cross the street and line up for Gapyeong Tour Bus to Petite France. We left Nami Island at 2:00 PM coz we planned to get the 2:25 PM bus schedule to Petite France but the line was so long that we caught the 3:25 PM schedule instead. We waited for an almost an hour just to get on the bus.
Will see the real Eiffel Tower soon!
Admission ticket costs 8,000 won but we availed 2,000 won discount by using the voucher found at http://vkc.or.kr/en/.
I suggest that you to go there while the sun is still up so you can see how vibrant the color of the village is. There aren't many people when we got there so it is not that crowded, we were able to enjoy the place freely.
That view tho'
If you love paintings or arts in general, you'll probably enjoy this place. There are various art exhibition and event halls opened to experience French culture.
Do not forget to take a photo with the Little Prince.

Our overall experience in Petite France was just okay. One hour was enough to revel in the place. We were torn between Petite France and Garden of the Morning Calm when we were planning for the itinerary, we should've picked GMC instead. πŸ€”πŸ˜…πŸ˜‚

⇘Next day here⇙

Related:
7-Day Seoul Itinerary
Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace (경볡ꢁ)
Day 1: Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong
Day 2: Everland (μ—λ²„λžœλ“œ) Part 1
Day 2: Everland (μ—λ²„λžœλ“œ) Part 2
Day 3: Nami Island (남이섬)