Saying that 2018 flew by so fast may sound cliche but that’s how time really is - running without us even noticing how quick it went. I cannot say that my 2018 had been very easy, it had ups and downs definitely and some part of it didn’t go the way I wanted it to be. Despite all the not so good things that happened, it is always best to stay positive. Good or bad, we should always believe that everything happens for a reason - maybe to teach us something, or to lead us to something greater.
Last year, most of my closest friends here in the sandpit already left. I knew it would happen because this place where I am currently based right now is just transient - we are and or maybe some were just here for a reason, or maybe to attain one of our goals. Distance for me is just a term (and will always be) to define the difference with the kilometers or miles between where I am and where my friends are. Distance is not something to be scared of. “Communication has been a lot easier” - that is one of the good things that this Digital Age brought us.
I am thankful for the gift of all the people who always stay beside me and who never stopped believing in me despite not getting “that thing” I always try to work hard for.
I am thankful for all the places I’ve been may it be because of work or personal travels. I am grateful to witness the Cherry Blossom in Japan as an example. I am beyond blessed to see such beautiful places I never knew I could ever see in person - Haltstatt is like a fairy tale. Poland has been a very informative trip. Solo trips on some layovers had been great and exciting. A great roster with a couple of extended layovers on my “reserve” month was a pleasure.
I never forget to count every single blessing. Looking back on some of the moments where I cannot even fake a smile, I realized how strong I can be. I thank God for giving me the signs to never give up and just keep going.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Literally One Day in India
I've been asked a few times if I've been to India and my answer was not just a simple YES but I did add that I was able to do a trip there for just a day. So how did I made it possible? I will tell you in this post so bear with me.
I've been wanting to see the World Wonders and as we all know, The Taj Mahal is included on that list. I've been living in Dubai for a few years already, but it was only last year that I was able to make the trip possible. I, together with my friend just wanted to see the Taj Mahal, as simple as that.
DAY TOUR
As we plan our trip, we came across Nathu Ram of Aveda Tours. The tour was less than 1000 AED per person if I remember it right and it includes even the airport transfers and our transportation for the day of the tour. Nathu picked us up at New Delhi airport when we arrived around 3:30 AM (local time), took care of us for the entire duration of our Taj Mahal and Agra Fort trip and drove us back to New Delhi airport.
We arrived quite early in the morning at Taj Mahal and was able to take plenty of photos with not much people around.
TAJ MAHAL is located at Agra which is more or less three hours away from New Delhi airport. Taj is a mausoleum (made of Ivory-white marble) built to house the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. The mausoleum was commissioned by Shah Jahan. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been included in the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
It is possible to go inside the site but you have to remove your shoes as you go in and walk around the marbled areas.
TIPS for visiting Taj Mahal: Go early in the morning and do not bring huge bags as it will not be allowed.
Part of our day tour includes a visit to AGRA FORT (another UNESCO World Heritage site) which used to be the main residence of the emperors during the Mughal Dynasty until 1638.
Our visit to the sites ended by noon, just in time for lunch before we head back to New Delhi.
FLIGHTS
DXB-DEL
via Fly Dubai (left DXB at 22:15, arrived at around 2:30 local time in Delhi)
DEL- DXB
via Emirates (left DEL at 21:25, arrived at around midnight, DXB time)
*I've checked Fly Dubai's timing recently and I think they have a new one for the same flight that we took*
VISA
EVISA is required for Philippine Passport Holders. You can secure it online and pay online as well. The visa will be then sent to the email that you will provide during the application and it costs around 200 AED.
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For those who've been wanting to see the Taj Mahal but has limited time, I hope my experience can tell you it's doable. We were very clear from the very beginning that we only wanted to see Taj Mahal. A little research skills helped us to make our trip possible.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
The Netherlands for the NTH Time and Counting
I started working for my present company since 2013 and since then, I managed to have a taste of different cultures and get to see places one layover at a time. One of the destinations where I frequently go to and is usually on my schedule (every month) is Amsterdam.
If you will scroll down a bit on my blog page, you'll see that I made a post about what you can do in Amsterdam even within a short layover or time that you have. Having been in the city (Amsterdam Central) many times, I try to visit other nearby cities too! The train system in the Netherlands is very efficient. Going from one city to another will not give you a headache.
In this post, I want to share with you where I've been (so far) around Holland.
ZAANDAM
Holland is very famous for its windmills so how can you miss it?
Zaandam is close to Amsterdam and the transportation is convenient too even if you're coming from Schipol Airport.
Visit the cute village of Zaanse Schans - see the working windmills and houses, witness clog making and never forget the cheese tasting.
How I went: train from Schipol Airport (transfer at Sloterdijk and get off at Zaandijk)
THE HAGUE
This city may not be the capital, but a lot of foreign embassies are located here and it is also the seat of the Dutch Parliament.
I haven't seen the city center but..I've been to one of the attractions in the city which is called MADURODAM. Feel like Gulliver in the town of Lilliput or just feel like a giant as you stroll around the park. Madurodam gives you the picture of the whole Netherlands. Every part of the country is depicted in miniatures in which they are famous for. Schipol area is depicted with planes parked in the airport whereas Rotterdam is depicted with big ships in action at a port. This park is for all ages! I can definitely attest to that.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Den Haag Central then bus to Madurodam (cannot remember the bus number though but it dropped me off at the park)
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam has a seafaring history; but it has more to offer apart from being a major port city. I got off at Blaak railway station where you can find the Market Hall (that gives you an Alice in Wonderland vibes), Cube Houses and Old Port to name a few. I came on a weekend and I enjoyed the market so much! I bought a lot of fruits with my 5 Euros.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Rotterdam Central. I changed trains and got off at Rotterdam Blaak.
VOLENDAM
Volendam is known as a fishing village and for having those colorful wooden houses. You can visit a Cheese Museum too (for free!). I wore the traditional costume here and had my photo taken in one of the studios for 15 euros. The studio will ask you your preferred background for the photo and will willingly take some shots with your own smartphone or camera too!
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport to Amsterdam Central, then bus 110 (you can also take bus 316).
DELFT
Delft, known for its hand painted blue and white pottery is also a canal-ringed city. It reminded me so much of Amsterdam with its canals and the houses along the canals but Delft is more laidback. The city is also the birthplace of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport straight to Delft
HAARLEM
Haarlem is known to be a medieval city with cobbled streets and ancient buildings. I went inside the St. Baavo Church or the Grote Kerk which contains artworks, a massive organ (also played by the ever-famous Mozart), stained glass windows, engraved floorings and a lot more. Just outside the church is the square where you can find restaurants, shops and even museum! There is also a windmill called Molen de Adriaan which is just walking distance from the square.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport with a change train at Sloterdijk station towards Haarlem
If you ask me if I do ask for a flight to The Netherlands, the answer is YES! I like the country in general. No car? No problem! Public transportation is hassle free! The train system is very efficient that it will encourage you to visit different cities. Train station staffs are very helpful and speak English so language barrier is not a concern.
If you will scroll down a bit on my blog page, you'll see that I made a post about what you can do in Amsterdam even within a short layover or time that you have. Having been in the city (Amsterdam Central) many times, I try to visit other nearby cities too! The train system in the Netherlands is very efficient. Going from one city to another will not give you a headache.
In this post, I want to share with you where I've been (so far) around Holland.
ZAANDAM
Holland is very famous for its windmills so how can you miss it?
Zaandam is close to Amsterdam and the transportation is convenient too even if you're coming from Schipol Airport.
Visit the cute village of Zaanse Schans - see the working windmills and houses, witness clog making and never forget the cheese tasting.
How I went: train from Schipol Airport (transfer at Sloterdijk and get off at Zaandijk)
THE HAGUE
This city may not be the capital, but a lot of foreign embassies are located here and it is also the seat of the Dutch Parliament.
I haven't seen the city center but..I've been to one of the attractions in the city which is called MADURODAM. Feel like Gulliver in the town of Lilliput or just feel like a giant as you stroll around the park. Madurodam gives you the picture of the whole Netherlands. Every part of the country is depicted in miniatures in which they are famous for. Schipol area is depicted with planes parked in the airport whereas Rotterdam is depicted with big ships in action at a port. This park is for all ages! I can definitely attest to that.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Den Haag Central then bus to Madurodam (cannot remember the bus number though but it dropped me off at the park)
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam has a seafaring history; but it has more to offer apart from being a major port city. I got off at Blaak railway station where you can find the Market Hall (that gives you an Alice in Wonderland vibes), Cube Houses and Old Port to name a few. I came on a weekend and I enjoyed the market so much! I bought a lot of fruits with my 5 Euros.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Rotterdam Central. I changed trains and got off at Rotterdam Blaak.
VOLENDAM
Volendam is known as a fishing village and for having those colorful wooden houses. You can visit a Cheese Museum too (for free!). I wore the traditional costume here and had my photo taken in one of the studios for 15 euros. The studio will ask you your preferred background for the photo and will willingly take some shots with your own smartphone or camera too!
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport to Amsterdam Central, then bus 110 (you can also take bus 316).
DELFT
Delft, known for its hand painted blue and white pottery is also a canal-ringed city. It reminded me so much of Amsterdam with its canals and the houses along the canals but Delft is more laidback. The city is also the birthplace of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport straight to Delft
HAARLEM
Haarlem is known to be a medieval city with cobbled streets and ancient buildings. I went inside the St. Baavo Church or the Grote Kerk which contains artworks, a massive organ (also played by the ever-famous Mozart), stained glass windows, engraved floorings and a lot more. Just outside the church is the square where you can find restaurants, shops and even museum! There is also a windmill called Molen de Adriaan which is just walking distance from the square.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport with a change train at Sloterdijk station towards Haarlem
If you ask me if I do ask for a flight to The Netherlands, the answer is YES! I like the country in general. No car? No problem! Public transportation is hassle free! The train system is very efficient that it will encourage you to visit different cities. Train station staffs are very helpful and speak English so language barrier is not a concern.
Friday, June 15, 2018
JaFUN..so far
I long wanted to see Japan even before I came here in the sandpit. I find that the country offers so much from sightseeing, to food and never forget the shopping! I got excited the first time I knew that we were flying to Narita again. I patiently bid for the flight and of course, it paid off after so many attempts and wishful thinking. 😅
We fly to Narita (one of the two airports that serves the city of Tokyo). It is farther though but Japan's extensive and effective train system will make your travel easy and stress free. Let me share with you what I've done in Tokyo in those few times (so far) that I've been.
WORE A YUKATA
I went to Asakusa from Narita Airport via a direct train for the first time. My goal was to experience wearing the Yukata (a lightweight kimono, cooler to wear during summer) and have my photo taken wearing it. I booked in advance, online at Tokyo Kimono Rental Wargo's site. The price was around 120++ in dirhams and it included the photo. We were allowed to take photos through our personal cameras and phones too! You can actually rent the Yukata and go sightseeing while wearing it.
SENSOJI TEMPLE
Located in Asakusa, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple and also one of the most photographed.
MEETING THE FAMOUS AKITA DOG, HACHIKO
Hachiko, the loyal dog continued to wait for his owner for nine long years in Shibuya train station where they would normally meet after the latter's work. I've never seen the film about Hachiko but knowing how he became popular was enough to melt my heart. I love dogs. I grew up having dogs at home and I've seen how they protected and loved us.
Hachiko's statue was erected at Shibuya Station.
SHIBUYA CROSSING
I could not afford to miss the world's busiest intersection on my first visit to the city of Tokyo. I could not remember how many times I crossed the scramble intersection. It was raining when I was there but it didn't stop me from having the Shibuya Crossing experience.
TOKYO TOWER AND ZOJOJI TEMPLE
I made my second trip to Narita last August 2017. I came back to Tokyo to visit their version of the Eiffel Tower. Tokyo Tower, a communications and observation tower in Japan, is also the second tallest structure in the country.
I didn't go to the tower itself, I just wanted a view so I went to Shiba park which was built around the temple of Zojoji (a buddhist temple in the neighborhood of Minato).
MEIJI SHRINE
A Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine was great for strolling as there were trees around that you do not really feel the heat of the sun. A torii gate welcomes all the visitors upon entrance.
SAKURA SEASON
Only during a short period, I was able to experience spring in Japan even only for a day by seeing the cherry blossom trees blooming at Ueno Park. It was a sight to behold and really one of the must- see in Japan if you ever get the chance. It was not only popular for tourists but also for all the Japanese too!
DONKI
I did a little bit of shopping on the side while on a layover. I went to Don Quijote of course ( as also recommended by my friend). Known as Japan's largest store of discounted goods, I drooled over every floor of their Shibuya branch. I have a list in hand but it was so hard to resist the items that were not on my list!!!! I think I could spend half a day inside! Donki was my all-in-one store whenever I go to Japan, they literally have everything!
If you want to ask me how I always find my way to go from one place to another around Tokyo, I can tell you it was just knowing where to go and which train station I need to exit. All of the places I've been and seen so far were very accessible to the train stops. I still have a long list to tick for my Japan Bucketlist. Hopefully, I get more Narita flights to operate soon! I long planned to see the Imperial Palace, experience Ichiran, visit the Narita area and so on. I never thought of thinking twice about why Japan became one of the top tourist destinations. You could never run out of things to do and see, not just in Tokyo but in the other cities as well.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Hallo Amsterdam!
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| Canal and the Canal houses |
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| Dutch pancake |
Train system and other public transportation is very easy.
Schipol Airport has an extensive transport system. We stay at Schipol area and that makes it easy for me to just take a train to wherever I want to go. Going to Amsterdam Central (which is the city center) is no sweat. You can either take a train or bus, depending on which area of the city you want to go. If you want to go to Anne Frank House, Dam Square or walk around the shopping area, I suggest you take a train that will take you directly to AMSTERDAM CENTRAL STATION. Taking a bus is a good option if you want to go to Rijksmuseum, IAMSTERDAM sign and Van Gogh Museum.
Vibrant City
Personally, I find Amsterdam as a city full of life. There are many museums that are worthy to visit and activities that are worth your time. Walking around in the evening while looking at the lighted canal houses are already a sight of their own. There are 165 canals in Amsterdam thus, the canal cruise is also a popular activity. It is also one way of exploring different areas of the city.
Cycling is a very popular activity that you can do if you want to go around the city. There are a lot of Bike tours offered in the city. Just choose what suites your needs and wants.
If you do not want to rent a bike of go on a canal cruise, you can just grab a map and walk around. In my experience, I didn't realize how much time I spent on walking around especially on my first time. It is very easy to find a spot for a photo op around the city.
Dutch Food is a must try!
I haven't tried all, but the dutch pancake (thin pancakes that can be sweet or savory) and stroopwafel (waffles) are just so good!!!! There are many restaurants in Amsterdam and finding some place to eat will never be a problem. Cheese is famous in Amsterdam (or maybe in the whole Netherlands). One shop can offer you different types and even different flavors. If you happen to spend some time in the Netherlands during the festive season, never miss the Oliebollen (oil balls that are dusted with powdered sugar) which can either be plain or can contain tiny fruit pieces.
Shopping
I can't consider shopping in Amsterdam as the cheapest in Europe but it's easy. The shops that I normally go to are just along Damrak. There is a huge Primark too! I normally buy my bedsheets and duvet covers in Primark, the quality is good without spending too much. Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Mango and etc - all these shops are just around the city and are pretty close to one another. If you want luxury shopping, go to De Bijenkorf. The tax refund is available on the top floor after your splurge.
So what can I visit if I only have a day or two in Amsterdam?
There are a LOT, but I will list down some that I've already seen.
1. Anne Frank Huis - this is the secret annex mentioned in the book of Anne Frank. The house used to be their hiding place during the Nazi occupation. Remember to book your ticket in advance!
2. Van Gogh Museum - you read it right, this is houses the works of the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh.
3&4. Rijksmuseum and IAMSTERDAM sign - I haven't been inside but I've heard good things from people who have been here. This is the Dutch National museum that shows Dutch art and history. Really close to this is the IAMSTERDAM SIGN/LETTERS which is a good photo opportunity to let people know you're in Amsterdam.
5. Dam Square - this is the central public square used for gathering since the 17th century
6. Royal Palace of Amsterdam - I've seen this from the outside. This is one of the three palaces in Amsterdam.
7. Church of St. Nicholas - You can easily see this as soon as you exit the Amsterdam Central (train) station. This is the major catholic church in the city.
8. De Wallen - People flock here, some for curiosity. Photo is not allowed in the area.
This post only says about my Amsterdam experience and this is actually just one part. I've mentioned that I find the transportation system very effective and it is one of the reasons why I find it very possible to see not just Amsterdam but the nearby places too! In relation to this, I will be posting some of the trips that you can possibly do out of Amsterdam even with a short time that you have to spend. Stay tuned for it!
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
In the "City that Never Sleeps"
Many people wish to be part of this city that never sleeps. New York, also known as the Big Apple was the first city in the United States that I had ever visited.
I don't normally have that much time to spend in New York but I frequently get this destination on my schedule and that allowed me to see pretty much of what the city has to offer.
In this post, I want to share with you some of the landmarks that you can visit around Manhattan. Please note that there ARE STILL a lot to see, these are just some and these are some of the places I've been so far.
1. TIMES SQUARE
I consider this as the Heart of Manhattan. Shops. Restaurants. Tours. Sights. Name it, and Times Square has it! Shops like Sephora, H&M, Forever 21, MAC, Old Navy, Hershey's, M&M and etc are here. When you get tired, you can just simply sit at one of the pink chairs close to Sephora and Walgreens or maybe stop at Starbucks from some coffee.
2. STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND
Seeing Lady Liberty is very doable even if you only have a short time in New York. You can take the ferry located at the Battery Park and it will take you directly to Liberty Island. It's up to you how much time you want to spend around. The same ferry will stop at Ellis Island on your way back to Battery Park. You can also hop off and take the next ferry back if you want to spend time in there.
3. CENTRAL PARK
This is one of the biggest parks I've ever been to. I haven't seen everything in Central Park despite having been to New York for more than 30 times. I suggest that you rent a bike (which I haven't done as well) and roam around the park. It's cool to do it especially now that the weather is getting better.
4. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (alternatively, you can do the TOP OF THE ROCK)
If you want to see Manhattan's skyline and the surrounds, going to either the top of Empire State Building or the Rockefeller is what I suggest. Note that you can see the Empire State Building if you go on top of the Rockefeller.
5. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL AND BROOKLYN BRIDGE
You can do these two as a combo and it's very easy. Head to Grand Central Terminal first and from there, take a train to Brooklyn Bridge. Grand Central Terminal is a sight on its own - its history, architecture and of course its purpose attract thousands of people. At present, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes at the Grand Central Terminal so you can just go here to have your photo and take the rest of the time to eat or drink.
Brooklyn Bridge is an icon for me. This is a proof of how marvelous the engineers are. The construction took 14 years to finish. Now 125 years old, the bridge is still passable by numerous pedestrians and vehicles.
6. SPEND A DAY AT A MUSEUM
There are plenty of museums at Manhattan. All you need is choose. To be honest, I've only been to one. Maybe if time permits and if I don't have anything to shop then I am surely going. I've been to THE MET (METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART). This is the largest museum in the United States and it can take your whole day to see everything. I've seen only a part of The Met since I didn't really have the whole day to spend in there.
7. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
I love seeing churches on my layovers and even when I'm doing a personal trip. I am a frequent visitor of St. Patrick's Cathedral. I normally attend the mass or just have a quick stop to just have a moment praying. The Neo-Gothic architecture of the church is a sight to behold. The cathedral is located along 5th Avenue, just across the Rockefeller Center.
8. 9/11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
My short layover in New York allowed me to see the memorial but not to get inside the museum. You can do both if you have time, maybe after or visit to Lady Liberty or vice versa. We all know what happened to that one day in September, almost 17 years ago. I don't need to elaborate. You can see the twin reflecting pools in the memorial and the names of the people who died on that day are carved on the panels of the pool.
I consider New York as one of my favorite cities. I can do sightseeing and shopping here combined. Apart from the landmarks, there are so many "instagrammable" restaurants/cafes too! I've yet to visit each one layover at a time. In addition, the list of the sights to see still goes on. Despite not seeing LITERALLY everything for now, I hope this post still helps to those who want to visit this sleepless city.
I don't normally have that much time to spend in New York but I frequently get this destination on my schedule and that allowed me to see pretty much of what the city has to offer.
In this post, I want to share with you some of the landmarks that you can visit around Manhattan. Please note that there ARE STILL a lot to see, these are just some and these are some of the places I've been so far.
1. TIMES SQUARE
I consider this as the Heart of Manhattan. Shops. Restaurants. Tours. Sights. Name it, and Times Square has it! Shops like Sephora, H&M, Forever 21, MAC, Old Navy, Hershey's, M&M and etc are here. When you get tired, you can just simply sit at one of the pink chairs close to Sephora and Walgreens or maybe stop at Starbucks from some coffee.
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| The big screens at Times Square are hard to miss |
2. STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ELLIS ISLAND
Seeing Lady Liberty is very doable even if you only have a short time in New York. You can take the ferry located at the Battery Park and it will take you directly to Liberty Island. It's up to you how much time you want to spend around. The same ferry will stop at Ellis Island on your way back to Battery Park. You can also hop off and take the next ferry back if you want to spend time in there.
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| Lady Liberty as viewed from the ferry |
3. CENTRAL PARK
This is one of the biggest parks I've ever been to. I haven't seen everything in Central Park despite having been to New York for more than 30 times. I suggest that you rent a bike (which I haven't done as well) and roam around the park. It's cool to do it especially now that the weather is getting better.
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| A part of Central Park, covered with snow |
4. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (alternatively, you can do the TOP OF THE ROCK)
If you want to see Manhattan's skyline and the surrounds, going to either the top of Empire State Building or the Rockefeller is what I suggest. Note that you can see the Empire State Building if you go on top of the Rockefeller.
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| The views from the top of Empire State building |
5. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL AND BROOKLYN BRIDGE
You can do these two as a combo and it's very easy. Head to Grand Central Terminal first and from there, take a train to Brooklyn Bridge. Grand Central Terminal is a sight on its own - its history, architecture and of course its purpose attract thousands of people. At present, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes at the Grand Central Terminal so you can just go here to have your photo and take the rest of the time to eat or drink.
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| The grandiose terminal |
Brooklyn Bridge is an icon for me. This is a proof of how marvelous the engineers are. The construction took 14 years to finish. Now 125 years old, the bridge is still passable by numerous pedestrians and vehicles.
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| The "marvel of engineering" |
6. SPEND A DAY AT A MUSEUM
There are plenty of museums at Manhattan. All you need is choose. To be honest, I've only been to one. Maybe if time permits and if I don't have anything to shop then I am surely going. I've been to THE MET (METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART). This is the largest museum in the United States and it can take your whole day to see everything. I've seen only a part of The Met since I didn't really have the whole day to spend in there.
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| MET from outside |
7. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
I love seeing churches on my layovers and even when I'm doing a personal trip. I am a frequent visitor of St. Patrick's Cathedral. I normally attend the mass or just have a quick stop to just have a moment praying. The Neo-Gothic architecture of the church is a sight to behold. The cathedral is located along 5th Avenue, just across the Rockefeller Center.
 |
| I normally start my day in NYC with a visit at St. Patrick's Cathedral |
8. 9/11 MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM
My short layover in New York allowed me to see the memorial but not to get inside the museum. You can do both if you have time, maybe after or visit to Lady Liberty or vice versa. We all know what happened to that one day in September, almost 17 years ago. I don't need to elaborate. You can see the twin reflecting pools in the memorial and the names of the people who died on that day are carved on the panels of the pool.
 |
| Some of the names inscribed on the panel |
I consider New York as one of my favorite cities. I can do sightseeing and shopping here combined. Apart from the landmarks, there are so many "instagrammable" restaurants/cafes too! I've yet to visit each one layover at a time. In addition, the list of the sights to see still goes on. Despite not seeing LITERALLY everything for now, I hope this post still helps to those who want to visit this sleepless city.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
My Advance Makeup Class with Pros by Props (Props Tools and Cosmetics)
Finding the right makeup products for me was a trial and error method just like in Mathematics. I was not gifted with a porcelain skin. I have a very oily skin and my pores were very visible. Also, my skin was very picky. I easily breakout. It took me several attempts to find the right makeup products that my skin would love. I blush when I receive comments saying "you have a nice skin!" and in return I want to answer back that it took me a lot of practices too when it comes to makeup application. Perfection takes a lot of practice and even if you already mastered something, you still need to continue learning. I know I still need a lot of practice and while I continue to practice and make myself more familiar with makeup, a goal kicked in - I want to become a Makeup Artist!
Now that I can do my own makeup, doing it for other people was something I need to master. Last January, I enrolled myself in an Advance Makeup Class course back in the Philippines through Pros by Props (Props Tools and Cosmetics). The class was done over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at their studio in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City. I paid 4,500 pesos for the class and this was WAY cheaper than enrolling here at my base. Ms Janine, our instructor was really patient and easy to understand. We were asked to bring our model for two days. I have not done any makeup yet for other people and the class was my chance to start getting comfortable doing makeup to others. Props also provided makeup buffet but we were also allowed to bring our own tools and makeup. We were five in the class. Props preferred to hold only a small number of enrollees per class which was a good thing for me. I believe most of the makeup schools require only a certain number of enrollees. Mas may focus at magiging mas hands on kapag mas kaunti ang students.
I asked my friend Jaymee to be my model on the first day of class. We made three looks on the first day - day makeup, bridal and evening makeup. Let me show you a collage of what I've done on the first day:
MY THOUGHTS ON MY FIRST DAY HIGH: I became more familiar with assessing different face shapes since our models have different face shapes. This would be very essential when you do contouring!
Assessing someone else's face was a point for me too! I had to groom Jaymee's eyebrows at the beginning. Honestly, I could not even do it to myself. I would go to the most convenient salon to do eyebrow threading. But with the help of Ms. Janine, I have been taught what to touch and what not to touch.
Topic: TALUKAP NG MATA - MAS MALIIT, MAS MAHIRAP PALITAWIN ANG EYESHADOW. Common sa mga Asians na maliit lang ang talukap ng mata or most commonly known as monolid. The challenge here would be to make the colors pop out.
On the second day, I asked my friend Reese (who shares the same passion with me - Makeup!) to be my model. We also thought it would be like a free class for her since she's going to be present for the entire time. The first look that we need to accomplish for the second day was the pin up and after that, we have to follow an inspiration that we previously searched and that was chosen by Ms. Janine.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE SECOND DAY: Pin up makeup reminded me of my everyday work look - winged eyes and red lips. The only challenge for me here was the application of false eyelashes. I'm still practicing on how to do it easily.
The second look (our makeup inspiration) was more challenging for me because of the falsies (again) that I had to put on the bottom lash line. It took me I think an hour to finish the look. I was really careful to on how I put the eyeliner too! Lesson learned and challenge to do at any day? Maglagay ng falsies! It was not easy but practice could help!
OVERALL, I enjoyed the class!! I enjoyed the challenges that came with it! For someone who had never did a makeup for others, the hands on experience was really important. The class gave me a PUSH to really pursue this industry. Mastery takes time, practice and experience. Makeup trends could change from time to time, the best would be to just continue educating yourself even if you're already confident with your skills.
Now that I can do my own makeup, doing it for other people was something I need to master. Last January, I enrolled myself in an Advance Makeup Class course back in the Philippines through Pros by Props (Props Tools and Cosmetics). The class was done over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) at their studio in Pioneer, Mandaluyong City. I paid 4,500 pesos for the class and this was WAY cheaper than enrolling here at my base. Ms Janine, our instructor was really patient and easy to understand. We were asked to bring our model for two days. I have not done any makeup yet for other people and the class was my chance to start getting comfortable doing makeup to others. Props also provided makeup buffet but we were also allowed to bring our own tools and makeup. We were five in the class. Props preferred to hold only a small number of enrollees per class which was a good thing for me. I believe most of the makeup schools require only a certain number of enrollees. Mas may focus at magiging mas hands on kapag mas kaunti ang students.
I asked my friend Jaymee to be my model on the first day of class. We made three looks on the first day - day makeup, bridal and evening makeup. Let me show you a collage of what I've done on the first day:
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| Top (L-R): No makeup photo, Day makeup; Bottom (L-R) Bridal, Evening makeup |
Assessing someone else's face was a point for me too! I had to groom Jaymee's eyebrows at the beginning. Honestly, I could not even do it to myself. I would go to the most convenient salon to do eyebrow threading. But with the help of Ms. Janine, I have been taught what to touch and what not to touch.
Topic: TALUKAP NG MATA - MAS MALIIT, MAS MAHIRAP PALITAWIN ANG EYESHADOW. Common sa mga Asians na maliit lang ang talukap ng mata or most commonly known as monolid. The challenge here would be to make the colors pop out.
On the second day, I asked my friend Reese (who shares the same passion with me - Makeup!) to be my model. We also thought it would be like a free class for her since she's going to be present for the entire time. The first look that we need to accomplish for the second day was the pin up and after that, we have to follow an inspiration that we previously searched and that was chosen by Ms. Janine.
 |
| (L-R): Pin up and our "makeup inspiration" |
The second look (our makeup inspiration) was more challenging for me because of the falsies (again) that I had to put on the bottom lash line. It took me I think an hour to finish the look. I was really careful to on how I put the eyeliner too! Lesson learned and challenge to do at any day? Maglagay ng falsies! It was not easy but practice could help!
OVERALL, I enjoyed the class!! I enjoyed the challenges that came with it! For someone who had never did a makeup for others, the hands on experience was really important. The class gave me a PUSH to really pursue this industry. Mastery takes time, practice and experience. Makeup trends could change from time to time, the best would be to just continue educating yourself even if you're already confident with your skills.
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