First Time to South Korea: Day 2

at MBC Dramia

We got good sleep in Daemyung Resort. We had our buffet breakfast. There are lots of food and drinks. We could always go back whenever we want. We left Daemyung Resort after our breakfast. Then, we headed to Seoul.

First Time to South Korea: Day 1

At Nami Island

We safely arrived to Seoul Airport around 4:00 KST. Thanks to Jeju Air. We had to walk for 5 minutes to the Immigration after riding a subway/train(had to walk for few minutes to go here). Seoul Airport is really big. Stamping passport is one by one. It is different in Philippines because it could be by group. Then, we went to get our luggage. I'm so strong that I can carry my heavy luggage. Of course, I helped my mom to get hers. Thanks to my extra weight that I become stronger. After that, we went to exit. While going out, I said in my mind that "Wow! This is the exit where Korean actors go out. I watched it in some Korean Dramas. I'm so happy." We had to wait for other travelers of "Hallyu Korea", our tour package. I quite wondered why it is called Hallyu Korea. I realized it later on. The reason is that we would go to MBC Dramia, a shooting location of historical dramas in South Korea, and Star World on the 2nd day and 3rd day, respectively.

First Etude House Collections from South Korea

I learned Etude House when I was searching Park Shin Hye on the internet before the airing of her Korean Drama, "You're Beautiful". I think she was the endorser that time with Jang Geun Seok, so I really got curious about this when I went to South Korea recently.

Jeju Air with Bigbang

my boarding pass from South Korea to Philippines

My first time to board Jeju Air was last November 1. I just noticed that delays are inevitable when your departure is from Manila. I didn't understand the cause of delay. My first flight with Korean Air was also delayed last March 2012. There was also one-hour and 30 minutes delay when we went back here in Manila via Jeju Air. The reason for this was the heavy rain in Seoul. It's good thing that it rained after our tour in Seoul.

Daemyung Resort

Gangwon-do Goseong-gun Toseong-myeon Wonam-ri 403-1

This is the place where we spent our first night in South Korea. I like the room assigned to us because it's big and clean.

A Guide to South Korea

A view from N-Tower

South Korea is a must visit country. I am very happy that I was able to travel there with my mom and my sister. We really enjoyed traveling.

Touch Mobile International Roaming

Touch Mobile's Screen

I will go to South Korea soon. That's why I'm trying to register my Touch Mobile sim card for my upcoming trip. I just found out that Touch Mobile's activation for roaming is not free anymore unlike in Globe. It costs Php15 for just texting 2884.

Bigbang Alive Tour in Manila

***
I bought tickets(another is for my sister) last July 22. I'm supposed to buy the tickets of Lower Box A. However, during that time, Lower Box A tickets are still sold out. After few days, lower box A became available again, but it's too late since I already bought tickets of Lower Box B.

***

Korean Visa for Filipinos

Short-term Visa

My mother, my sister and I are very happy when we learned that our Visa Application for Korea were approved. Thanks to Jeju Air for assisting us. We submitted our applications with the necessary requirements to Jeju Air on a Tuesday; Jeju Air forwarded our requirements on the next day, and we knew the result after a week. It is our first time on applying the visa.

Here is the Korean Visa requirements summary I got from Jeju Air.

Basic Requirements

·         Original passport (6 months valid from the date of travel)

o    Submit Old passport if used within the last five years

·         Photocopy of passport’s first page (ID page) and visa or arrival stamps to any OECD countries within the last 5 years

·         1 Passport sized picture with white background

·         Completely filled-out visa application form

Short-term Visas(C-3) for Tourists: Single Entry (Requirements as per qualification):

Employee

·         Original Employment Certificate (include Tenure, Position, and Salary)

·         Photocopy of Company Identification Card

·         Original Personal Bank Certificate with receipt

·         Photocopy of Individual Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316 (the previous year)

Businessman

·         Photocopy of Business registration SEC or DTI

·         Photocopy of Mayor’s or Business permit

·         Original Personal Bank Certificate with receipt

·         Photocopy of Latest Income Tax Return (ITR) or Form 2316 (the previous year)

Student / Child

·         Original School Certificate for Students

·         Photocopy of School Identification card for Students

·         Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate

·         Photocopy of all Documents of parents

ü  if NOT travelling with both parents, Original Affidavit of support and consent by the parents or guardian (Notarized) is required

Retiree/Senior Citizen (55 years old and above)

·         Original Certificate of retirement or  Photocopy of Senior Citizen Identification Card

·         Original Bank Certificate include the receipt from the bank

·         Other proof of funds such as land titles, Vehicle registration, Pension Certificate, Country Club or Golf Club, Stocks

Note:

1.        Applicants may submit other proof of funds such as land titles, Vehicle registration, Pension Certificate, Country Club or Golf Club, Stocks Certificate as supporting documents in case they cannot submit one of the requirements of their qualifications.

2.        Applicants could be asked to submit additional documents as per consul’s evaluation.

3.        All visa applications are subject for approval, processing normally takes 7 working days.

4.        3-4 working days processing (subject to consul’s discretion) if applicant travelled to any countries listed below within the last 5 years:

List of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Countries

§ Australia

§ Denmark

§  Iceland

§ Mexico

§ Slovenia

§ Austria

§ Estonia

§  Ireland

§ Netherlands

§ Spain

§ Belgium

§ Finland

§  Israel

§ New Zealand

§ Sweden

§ Canada

§ France

§  Italy

§ Norway

§ Switzerland

§ Chile

§ Germany

§  Japan

§ Poland

§ Turkey

§ Czech Republic

§ Greece

§ Portugal

§ United Kingdom

§ Hungary

§  Luxembourg

§ Slovak Republic

§ United States 
 

I'm still a student that's why Jeju Air submitted my requirements with my mother's who is an employee. All of us submitted the requirements. However, I and my sister did not submit our old passports. I forgot to bring mine while my sister did not give hers because the staff of Jeju Air said it's fine even without the old passport. My sister has stamp of arrival at China in her old passport while I have stamp of arrival at United States of America. I also have American Visa in my old passport. However, both of us submitted all the photocopy of our stamps on arrival, and departure and my photocopy American Visa to Jeju Air. My sister is quite nervous because she might get denied while I and my mom would be approved. She only visited Beijing, China, Hongkong and Shenzen, China in the last five years.

Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012: Zac Efron

I got two free tickets of "Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012: Starring Zac Efron" from INQUIRER.net because I joined their twitter contest last September 27. That contest chose 30 winners and I'm one of them. One upper box pass is equal to P1,200 – P2,499 single-receipt purchase.

[buzz KOREA] 100% Interest in Korea

[source of the photo]

Yay! There is another opportunity to visit Korea. Thanks to buzz Korea and Touch Korea Tour. I should have known earlier the site of buzz Korea to learn more about the Korean tourism attractions. Now, I am happy that I will be updated to events and tours in Korea.

Asian On Air Program: Top Ten Things I want to Do in Korea

I read this event in Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (Facebook Page). Since Korea is one of my dream countries to visit, I would like to try my luck by participating via Blog & Photo Contests. I am thankful to Korean Air. I arrived safely and fully satisfied twice at Korea's Airport. However, it was only a stopover. I want more. I want to see more. I want to see the real beauty of Korea outside the airport.I want to do many things in Korea.

Activating 3G of Globe for Galaxy Tab

 
Maybe some globe users can't use the 3G services here in Philippines probably because they don't have correct Mobile Network Settings.

To activate 3G of globe in Galaxy Tab 7", here are the following steps:
1. Go to main screen.
2. Click the word "Applications" - that is in the lower middle of the screen.
3. Look for the "Settings" application and click it.
4. Click the "Wireless and Network" - you can easily see it.
5. Click the "Mobile Networks".
6. Click "Access Point Names".
7. Click the first button at the bottom.
8. Choose "New APN" in order to edit the access point.  You should change the following with the correct input:
Name -> myGlobe Internet
APN -> http.globe.com.ph
Proxy, Port, User name, Password, Server, MMSC, MMS proxy, MMS port -> not set - meaning you don't have to add anything to it.
MCC -> 515
MNC -> 02
Authentication Type -> None
APN type -> internet
9. Save the changes by click the first button at the bottom.
10. Go back to Mobile network settings.
11. Check the "Use packet data" - You should see a symbol of 3G at the upper right that blinks.

Make sure you deactivated your roaming so that you can enjoy your internet.

Android 4.0.4 ~ Ice Cream Sandwich

From Android 4.0.3, I now have 4.0.4 for my galaxy note. I'm glad Samsung considers galaxy note users for software upgrade. I had a hard time upgrading my phone. It's always error. Probably because our internet is unstable or I used my phone while upgrading. I tried more than 10 times. I tried both wi-fi and Samsung Skies. Also, I changed my sim card which I used for 4.0.3 upgrade. It was only successful after I changed my sim and I used Samsung Skies for the upgrade. I received a notification for upgrade last Tuesday morning, but we didn't have electricity that time due to heavy rains.

Watching SNSD's music video on the "Video Player"

Pop Up Play of the video while texting/doing other apps

There are two major features for Android 4.0.4. First one is the Pop Up Play. It can be founded on the Galaxy S III. Pop Up Play is so cool. Second is the signature unlock. It will allow users to unlock their galaxy note using signatures via S-Pen Stylus.

Sign to Unlock

Other changes:

The upgrade also fixed the bug for Text-To-Speech Output for message. It didn't work properly when I had Android 4.0.3. It is good thing to know who is the sender of the message immediately without looking your phone because you will know whether the message you received is very important or other way around.

Thank You

smiley-techie-let

Today is not my birthday, but I would like to thank everyone who sent greetings in any way and any time they could.  Before my birthday, I and my close friends ate in UST McDo. Too bad, we didn't have any picture of it. I have friends who surprised me about the gift that has no sender. They just told me at midnight that she is the one who gave it. Next day, I, Julia and stabbers met in SM Manila to watch movie "Magic Mike" and eat dinner at "BonChon". That's my first time to eat there and the food is yummy.

gift guessing game from Rizia :) (pre-birthday)

With seafoods (shrimps & crabs) & cake, my parents arrived on my birthday. :) 

Thanks to Stabbers and Julia :)

super appreciated / unforgettable cake :)

gift from my dearest sister :)

flowers from 4MA10 :) (post-birthday)

Something is missing here. I'm excited to receive the birthday card from my brother. Hope to receive it soon. Thanks again everyone!!! :)

<as of August 15, 2012>
I just received this morning the birthday card from my brother.

Korean Air & Seoul Airport

Seoul/Incheon Airport

I traveled via Korean Air for four times. Twice when I went to USA, and twice again when I returned here in Philippines. There is no direct flight from Philippines to USA via Korean Air. That's why I had to stay for few hours in Incheon airport while waiting for my next flight. I spent my free time drinking Starbucks, eating in Korean resto, strolling and buying Korean goodies. You can also take a shower or rent a room to take a nap while you are in the airport. You don't have to pay won (Korean currency) just to buy food/drinks or stuffs as long as you have US dollars, but they will give won as your change.

my breakfast

receipts from shopping/eating

Outside the airport; before take-off

I love the meals of Korean Air. They are delicious and plenty. They offer pasta, bibimbap, chicken, beef, ice cream, and side dishes such as fruits. They also offer tea or coffee. They have soda  and juices, too. Every time that I am done, I am really full and I can't eat anymore the desserts. From Philippines to Korea, there is one meal (breakfast) and snacks. It's breakfast because you will arrive in Korea around 4am. The travel takes four hours. The time in Korea is advance of one hour here in Philippines. That's why you have to check their time because you might miss your flight. From Korea to USA (Virginia), there are two meals (lunch and dinner) and of course, snacks. The travel takes 14 hours. Yeah, it's long and my legs were tired sitting. While you are in the plane, you can watch movies, listen from the music, or play games. During my time, I watched "Breaking Dawn Part 1" and "Blind". "Blind" is a Korean movie. About the flight attendants, they are pretty and tall. They are always smiling.

my breakfast from Philippines to Korea (Korean Air)

free bottle of water and I can fully charge my gadgets (ipod shuffle & galaxy note)

It is not easy to buy plane tickets here in Philippines because you need a travel agency to book and pay for it. If you live in USA, you can pay online. If you will travel via Korean Air, I recommend you to avail "Sky Pass". It's free and you can earn and redeem miles for your next travel. You can enroll online. Even though booking is difficult, the travel experience is great and fun.

Happy Birthday

I'm not a poet. It's my first time to write a poem for my friend because today is her birthday.

Maligayang Kaarawan

Hindi ko inaasahan

'Sang araw sa paaralan

Makakatagpong kaibigan

at masayahing kakwentuhan

Sexy ang kanyang palayaw

Tawagan araw-araw

Tunay na ngiti

Sa amin kanyang ganti

Araw-araw na kasiyahan

Panahong may kalungkutan

Di maiwasang kahirapan

Lagi siyang andiyan

Kanyang kaarawan ngayon

Salamat sa panahon

Ika'y laging kasama

Maligayang kaarawan, Ivan!

Android 2.3 ~ Gingerbread

Gingerbread

Last week, I upgraded my galaxy tab from android 2.2 (froyo) to 2.3 (gingerbread). Since my laptop's CD drive has problem, I used my sister's computer. I installed the KIES (2 mini cds) that I got when I bought my tab last year.  After I installed Kies, I downloaded the updated version. Installing gingerbread took 30 minutes to 1 hour. There are additional applications such as Calculator, Sketch memo, eBook, Downloads, Social Hub and Pulse. I just got them when I upgraded my firmware to gingerbread, but when my sister bought her own tab on May 2011, there are installed calculator and eBook applications. I bought mine on March 2011. I can also use portable wi-fi hotspot in which I can share my 3g via wi-fi to other devices like my galaxy note because of this upgrade. I was not able to use this feature when it was still froyo.

changes of icon's such as browser, battery, and android market to play store

For those who do not have cds, you can download the installer at the samsung website. However, when I tried to install it my laptop, there is an error.

Android 4.0 ~ Ice Cream Sandwich

I read that Samsung will release Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream sandwich, last March. I am excited to have it since it is the latest operating system of Android. I am also glad because Samsung will provide this update to galaxy note. It said that the software package offers exclusive S Pen applications, enhanced multimedia features, and an Android 4.0 upgrade. After waiting for almost 3 months, the official software package is finally available. It is about 370+MB. At first try, the download is not successful. I don't know why, but probably because our wifi was not stable last night. However, I was able to make it. I saw great differences from gingerbread to ice cream sandwich. You can watch the video below.

Comparison between the Gingerbread (Left side) and Ice Cream Sandwich (Right Side)

  

 

  

 

Screenshot of Home Screen 

Face Unlock is available in Ice Cream Sandwich.

Ice Cream Sandwich Screen Shots