Where's the Best Place to Stay in Taiwan + Easy Card, Bus 1819 and SIM Card

                                                 

                                            Taipei Main Station 

When I read blogs about Taipei, Taiwan and Ximending travels last year. 

I got excited and told Ed, my partner, that we should visit Taipei this year and take advantage of the free visa which is by the way extended until July, 31 2020.
I booked our trip 6 months prior to our flight date Nov 3,2018 =) .

We explored Taiwan via AirAsia for 5 days from Nov 3-8, 2018.

WHERE IS THE BEST DEAL PARA MAGPALIT NG DOLLARS

We bought Taiwan dollars at the  NAIA Airport. It was a good deal for its exchange rate of NT$ 1.90 or you can withdraw Taiwan dollars via your ATM /visa card in Taiwan, provided you'll inform your bank ahead of time. 

Ed and I decided to stay for  a 5-day staycation to feel the Taiwan vibes and to explore Taipei around. 

We got to visit Ximending, Taipei Main Station,  Maokong Gondola, Yehliu, Shifen, Jiufen, Tamsui Old Street,Shilin Night Market,  Chiang Kai Shek, Sogo and Taipei 101.

This is our DAY 1.

We landed 10:30AM at Taoyuan Airport via Air Asia.

For first timers like us. This is a MUST HAVES when travelling in Taiwan.

1. Easy Card

                                                   

                                             7-11 at Taoyuan Airport

You can buy your EASY CARD at the airport or at any 7-11 branch. 

In our case we bought our Sanrio inspired easy cards inside the airport for NT100 each. Need nyo to when riding their trains and bus. Sobra syang helpful when travelling in Taiwan. Believe me, plus pede din syang gamitin when riding the Maokong Gondola and or buying milk teas in the Ximending area.

2. SIM CARD
If you want fast internet, anywhere  in Taiwan. It is a must to buy a SIM CARD . Never mind the wifi router.  Talking about convenience and fast internet in your hands.  Plus its cheaper , we bought our simcard good for 5 days for only NTD300 inside the airport.

Pag need mo iupload ng mabilisan yung mga pictures mo sa social media like instagram, facebook, pinterest, twitter. SIMCARD lang need mo sa Taiwan.

GOING TO THE CITY FROM THE AIRPORT 

If youre a cheapskate like me, there is a reliable  Bus 1819 which will take you to Taipei Main Station for only NT115 one way. One of the best and easiest ways to reach Taipei Main Station from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Mura na yan believe me. I heard that the cab will cost you NT900 going to the city!

The bus is located at the basement of Taoyuan Airport.   Its the only available 24HR bus in the airport kaya if you arrived late na, you have a choice, either you ride the bus, TSR or cabs. 

Get your phones and camera ready kse lahat is instagramable worthy.The bus stop is at Taipei Main Station. We roamed around muna and took pictures and selfies. Then we looked for the train station going to Ximending. Medyo naligaw kami hahaha hauling our luggages around.

                                                Inside the Bus 1819

To get to Ximending ride the train from Taipei Main Station and  look for the Bannan Line (Blue line). (From there,)look for  Dingfu station and alight at Ximen. Its up to you where to exit. In our case, Tomorrow Hotel is just beside H&M, Exit 6.

Train Station Bannan Line

                                      

We checked in at Tomorrow Hotel, Ximending Area via Agoda. Sobrang good deal na yung nakuha ko for 5 days at only P6K+. May free breakfast voucher kami from 7-11. Okay naman na yun for us, kase marami naman food choices sa 7-11. 

Sobrang ganda ng location namin. Malapit sya sa lahat. It is near MRT, Bus Station, Carrefour, Watsons, H&M, KFC, Hotstar and night market.

We arrived 12NN and went straight to our hotel. We slept muna and woke up at 4Pm. We freshened up and walked around Ximending area. Ximending has this youthful vibe. Puro bagets ang crowd. Ang ganda nya promise sabi nila it has the Shibuya feels from Japan. I love it here. Ang daming milk tea shops. As in every corner, and ang daming street food.  You'll never get hungry. 

We bought Boba teas at the Ximending street. This is by far the tastiest and chewy bobas that we tried. We loved it both. Its only NTD40. Yung price range is the same din sa ibang tea shops. From NTD 40 up to NTD50 yun na medyo mahal. 

We tried to find Carrefour but we got lost. So we decided to look it up the day after.

After trying out Boba tea in the street of Ximending, we dropped by Coco and ordered their milk tea oolong with pearls. The verdict is tama lang lasa nya. Ill be writing another blog for teas in Taiwan. =)

Two tea shops in one night. Not bad. 

If you are familiar with Hongkong, Singapore and Korean trains. Its easy to explore places in Taiwan. Just download the Taiwan MRT app  or use your google map. Its as easy as that. Di ka maliligaw promise.

We went back to our hotel feeling full and we are excited for the next day's lakwatsa  at the Yehliu, Shifen, Jiufen tour.

SkinWhite PowerWhitening Lotion helps you get your white back in an instant

Back in Dubai 5 years ago. I arrived in June and it coincided with Ramadan week.  It was scorching hot and sunny everywhere. Imagine the heat.   I went shopping at Carrefour for a sunblock and a whitening lotion.  There were no whitening lotion available except for Skin White PowerWhitening Lotion. So I asked the saleslady to give me 5 pieces of that,  she returned with just one piece.  She told me that it was always out of stock and pinays has been hoarding the products. Imagine my dismay,  for I have to mix it with one lotion and oats. It lasted for 5 months and even if I used it alternately with one lotion.  It delivered its promise of whitening.

Until today, SkinWhite PowerWhitening Lotion is the only lotion that I have been using to even out my skin.

We’ll let you in on the secret to confidence: self-care. For some, it’s about scented candles and bubble baths. For others, it’s working out in the morning. And for the empowered woman, it’s nourishing her body inside and out.

In our case, it’s SkinWhite PowerWhitening Lotion, one of the most-raved about products for its innovative features, with good reasons.

For one, its Instant White Formula that can help get your white back in an instant. Apart from the constant exposure under the sun, not many people realize that stress is also a factor in skin darkening. Remedy that with SkinWhite PowerWhitening to make the skin visibly fairer instantly upon application.

Secondly, it uses an Advanced TriPower Technology that safely attacks the three stages of melanin reduction. The formula helps suppress excessive melanin production, prevents the resurfacing of dark pigmentation, and screens the harmful UV rays from entering your skin.

And third, it contains SPF 20 for sun protection. The truth is none of your skin care regimen will work unless you shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, so be sure to slather on a layer before you head out.

Power up your confidence with SkinWhite PowerWhitening Lotion. Not only does it work wonders in protecting your skin, it also helps it achieve its whitest white. After all, looking good only comes second to feeling good—and having power skin can help you with just that.

JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks launches Sea of Life Museum

JCI Manila, in partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, launches the first and artificial underwater exhibition that will become artificial coral reefs on Nov 24 at Tingloy, Batangas .

In 2011, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila launched project Sea of Life. lt is a marine environment awareness effort through artificial reefs deployment, coral transplantation, mangrove planting, coastal clean-up, and marine environmental awareness seminars.


Introducing the country’s first and official underwater reef exhibition that aims to revive marine life, protect the beach, boost ecotourism, and provide jobs in a green economy.

Driven by passion and science, the country has taken an important step down a very long and difficult road, but the journey has now unquestionably begun.

JCI Manila has been closely working with various government and environmental agencies to ensure feasibility of this project to deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as artificial reefs.


Sea of Life Museum is presented by JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, supported by Chivas Regal and NAVSOG(Philippine Navy Seals), in cooperation with the PHILIPPINE NAVY, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Municipality of Tingloy.



Gold Seas Tuna Chunks' dedication to responsible and sustainable fishing practices, which has enabled it to be certified dolphin-safe, has expanded this commitment to help rehabilitate Philippine coral reefs and revive the rich marine ecosystem.

Artwork with a Purpose 

The Philippines is considered a center of marine biodiversity in the world, with coral-reefs stretching 26,000 kms nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs remain in good condition.

It can take thousands of years for natural coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and proVide jobs in a green economy.

Supporting Marine Life 


Since then, Sea of Life has made a positive environmental impact in marine ecosystems in Batangas, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and lloilo. This month, Sea of Life is set to launch the first ever underwater exhibition that aims to rehabilitate corals.

It has taken the exhibition almost two years to fully be installed in order to ensure that best practices are applied according to all government and environmental compliance requirements.

Travel to Drop Site 

In coordination with the Philippine Navy, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez or AGR 702, an ' essive 279 feet long vessel with hydrographic survey and maritime research ' ' ”es, will transport the sculptures to the installation site. From Pier 13 at Port Area. e AGR702, complete with a crew of mariners. will set off for the waters of Tingloy, Batangas.


Sea of Life
The Philippines is considered a center of marine biodiversity in the world, with coral reefs stretching 26,000 kms nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs remain in good condition.

It can take thousands of years for natural coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and provide jobs in a green economy.

Through the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and various LGUs, JCI Manila in partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks will deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as artificial reefs initially in the waters off the shores of Tingloy, Batangas.

J.CO Wonderland: J.CO Donuts & Coffee has set up the perfect portal to all your cravings

When I hear J.Co donuts,  the first thing  that comes to my mind is Al Capone.

Its gotta be one of my favorite donut variant of all time and the one that keeps me coming back to J.Co  despite the long lines.


JCo Donuts’ Alcapone soft bite donut is topped with Belgian white chocolate and roasted slices of Californian almonds. It has just the right balance of creamy  sweetness into every bite.

Its the one thing that makes me cheat on my diet without feeling all that guilty.

So imagine seeing a swing thats named Al Capone, and a bunch of giant donuts in what has got to be the sweetest  playground ever made! I just had to check out J. CO Wonderland together with my kid Finn.

Held over the weekend at the Glorietta Activity center J. CO Wonderland ushered in the brand's holiday celebrations as it treated loyal guests to a unique and fun experience for kids and kids at heart!


J.CO Donuts & Coffee unveils J. CO Wonderland at Glorietta Activity Center last Nov 24. It was attended by celebrities and influencers Andi Manzano and daughter Olivia, Donny Pangilinan with Mom Maricel Pangilinan and media. Its open until Nov 25.

Finn, my grandkid and I attended and enjoyed the J.CO booths stalled in the activity area such as the Alcapone Swing, Donut Twister, Sugar Hammer and Oreology Shooting Gallery. We won and collected our prize after we completed the activities. We had fun. I wish we could do this again often. Its a great bonding activities with the kids.

From mouthwatering games and activities to delightful performances, J.CO Donuts & Coffee has set up the perfect portal to all your cravings. Last November 24, 2018, the lifestyle café has unveiled J.CO Wonderland-a sweet dream-come-true for every donut lover out there.

Guests flocked the two-day event as they were greeted with larger-than-life snacktivities. At the Oreology Shooting Gallery, they mastered their aiming by shooting three balls into three giant Oreology holes;

they got to relive their childhood by striking a lever with the Sugar Hammer to reach the right balance of the sweetness meter;

and no lnstagram-worthy moment was wasted on the Alcapone Swing. Needless to say, everyone had a fun-tastic time.

Celebrities like Donny Pangilinan, Andi Manzano-Reyes and daughter Olivia, Joy Sotto and son Sandro, also graced the celebration: They even took their fans to J.CO Wonderland to share the fun!

Aiming to satisfy all senses, guests were also serenaded with sweet performances from songwriter and visual artist Reese Lansangan and musical powerhouse Los Cantantes de Manila Choir.

J.CO Wonderland is a celebration of thanks to all the company’s loyal patrons. With its equally loyal service, J.CO Donuts & Coffee works hard to satisfy every customer. Each of their products is prepared by hand, so as to ensure its overall freshness and quality. From using soft dough to creating a wide plethora of flavors with just the right balance of sweetness, the company works its magic to bring life to its donuts.

J.CO Donuts & Coffee, much to one’s delight, does not only specialize in donuts as it offers its customers the best of both worlds. Through JCOFFEE, the lifestyle café also brews up a wide variety of coffee selections for all its coffee lovers. It also serves delectable sandwiches and yummy frozen yogurts.

J.CO Donuts & Coffee is also known for its expertise in coming up with innovative ideas that adapt to the ever-changing trends and the unique taste of its customers. With the holidays coming up, the company has already come up with new products inspired by the season: Walnut Brownie Frappe, Hot Walnut Brownie Latte and Iced Walnut Brownie Latte paired with the Noel Donut. These yuletide treats were tasted first-hand by guests of the J.CO Wonderland.

Indeed, J.CO Donuts & Coffee has effectively put up a way to give back to its loyal patrons through J.CO Wonderland, but it also did not fall short on giving back to the community. Embracing the holiday spirit, the company reached out to Concordia Children’s Services to share the sweet taste of the Christmas season;

Concordia Children’s Services is a child welfare agency that nurtures children who have been abandoned and neglected, by offering them a temporary home and free education By providing the children residential and scholarship programs, it creates a community centered on kindness and charity-a vision that they share with J.CO Donuts & Coffee.

Inspired by the holiday season, the lifestyle café crafted a way to share the joy and hope of Christmas to the kids of Concordia Children’s Services. For each attendee of JCO Wonderland, P5.00 will be donated to the organization.

Attendees of J.CO Wonderland also fostered the spirit of Sharing the J.CO Way by writing down warm wishes for the children on Do-notecards, and hanging them on the Christmas Wish Tree;

By carrying out hope and spreading smiles throughout the community, J.CO Donuts & Coffee made sure it is indeed a Happy Noel for everyone.

OPPO R17 Pro: #SeizeTheNight and win a trip for 2 to Hongkong

 The night offers some of our best experiences in life, and it’s a shame that not every photo taken on these exciting evenings illuminate all the fun, inspiration, and thrill we’ve had. But with the OPPO R17 Pro, you can seize the night with stunning photos that truly capture the beauty of the night.

OPPO R17 Pro has already launched in Europe and China. It debuts first in Philippines among Southeast Asia with other much anticipated markets coming. With powerful low light shooting performance, there’s no better smartphone than the R17 Pro to capture the night. The R17 Pro solves the challenges of mobile night shooting through optimizing hardware and software to deliver clarity, brilliant colors, and high image quality even in low-light conditions. The technology used on the camera enhances the features of the photo which makes it stand out from the rest.

To celebrate the unveiling of this new R Series flagship product, OPPO is launching its “Seize the Night” campaign to embrace the culture of urban youthfulness that basks under the dazzling lights and vibrant thrum of the city.



To discover how the world’s youth sees and seizes the night, OPPO is launching a global promo that calls for night-photography entries. Everyone can upload a photo taken by R17 Pro at night, using the the hashtag #SeizeTheNight and tag OPPOPH (for Facebook) or @OPPOPhilippines (for Twitter and Instagram). Entries may be submitted from November 27, 2018 until December 14, 2018 (11:59PM).

The best photos will be showcased on the brand’s social media channels and stand the chance earn 12 budding photographers a five-night trip to Hong Kong for two. To know more about the mechanics, check out OPPO’s social media page.

Apart from the chance to explore one of the world’s most exciting cities at night, young Filipino photographers participating in the campaign can win three OPPO R17 Pro units. Entries will be judged basted on the story and visual beauty of the photo submission.



For more information on OPPO and Seize the Night global campaign, watch this video (https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWPwsGg4a9/), visit www.oppo.com/en/events/seize-the-night, like www.facebook.com/OPPOPH, and follow @OPPOPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.