[Project FeeTrail April 2014]: Standing in Sablay

I did think about what to put for my project FeeTrail for April 2014, because of two things:

1) I've been to Japan (my very first time ever!) and witnessed the Sakura Season.
2) I attended my Graduation for my MS Degree.

Then I chose this photo of me wearing the UP Sablay for my graduation for my Project FeeTrail.

I can always go back to Japan for the Sakura season, but you cannot really go back to the moment where you march to the stage in front of the whole University to received your degree.

Thank you April 2014, you were wonderful!

The Grad School Diaries: Episode 26 - April 26

I already graduated last October 31, 2013 and got cleared from the University right before I turned 30 last year. So this graduation march is really just a formality. But, since our office will be covering University Events, might as well attend all the University graduation events such as Chancellor's Night, Testimonial and Recognition Day, Hooding and Recognition Ceremony (for Masters and PhD candidates only) and finally the University Graduation last April 26.

This blog was born out of the desire to get my writing groove back on when I was still studying in graduate school. A photo of me graduating must be in order! (Photo by Kuya Karl) 

One of my relatives, Tita Eves, couldn't make it to my graduation so she watched the live streaming at home, waited for me to be called on stage and took a photo of me getting my certificate on stage. (Honestly, I secretly want to have a photo of me via live streaming, so imagine my delight when someone actually took it for me! Kire lang, I know.)  Thank you Tita Eves for the photo. 

It rained during our graduation march, but I enjoyed it even with all the water splatter. Because, a little rain don't hurt, at least I am finally, formally, receiving my degree! After the march, we were blessed to have a beautiful sunset graduation and fabulous fireworks. I even enjoyed getting the last seat at the back because I get to be relaxed, walk around a little, chat with others, and even have a little picnic of my own. Here is my photo by Paolo Aquino, who kept trying to take candid shots of me, snacking at the back during the announcement of graduates. 

But the cutest surprise of all is I came home to find not one, but two tarpaulin from my High School friends, congratulating me on my graduation. It was so cute, that my mother insisted to have a photo op at the gate of our house when we arrived. (Not the best photo of me guys, but thank you!)

The next day, I wore the exact same dress that I wore during graduation and brought my certificate of completion of my Masteral Degree, just like what I promised Tatay, 39 days after he passed away. 

Now after every milestone, we get asked (or probably we ask ourselves) so what now? Inspired by my friend, Josh, this is now my life verse:

Congratulations to all 2014 graduates! 

#JapanDiaries: Thrifty Travel Tips and Tricks

Now that Japan relaxed giving out Visas, are you excited? You are? I know the feeling!

In fact, we are super excited that we researched/printed and had dinner with friends (Hello and Thank you Ria!) who lived in Japan for tips about what to do in Japan since it's going to be our first time. We're very thankful that we are staying with Kuya Benz who is already a local after having lived in Japan for more than 5 years!

Pre-Japan:
1. Check the weather to decide what clothing to bring especially if you have check in baggage.
2. When in doubt, wear tights. In fact, when travelling abroad always bring tights/leggings.
3. Ditch the boots. Wear your comfiest flats ( I packed just 2 foot wear, my trusty, super light crocs and Chuck Taylors)
4. Weigh in before the flight to avoid surprise excess baggage. My sister is a master at packing! Once sealed, don't open it again!
5. Bring petroleum jelly in your First Aid kit. Never have I imagined using petroleum jelly on my face but it provided really good base/coverage for powder foundation, plus it did not dry up my face when it got really cold!
6. Wear your "heavy clothes"like jeans at the airport to avoid added baggage. (It's just a short international flight, but make sure your jeans are not heavy denim)
7. Bring extra water bottle.
8. Those scarves, wools, that you got some Christmases ago? Those will come in handy!
9. Customize your medicine kit with the basics (Vitamins, anti-histamine, pain killers, etc.) according to your length of stay.
10. Have your travel documents ready (like passport) especially if you work for the government. Like me, I made sure I have my authority to travel document (yellow sheet), because otherwise, the immigration will not let me get on with the flight.

More tipid tips and tricks after the jump! Click on! 

#JapanDiaries: Instagrammed Adventures during Sakura Season

I had such major vacation hang over after our Japan Trip. Mainly because I have never walked so much since our trip in Singapore back in 2010 and at the same time I had to adjust to the sudden separation anxiety change of weather.

For those asking for our itinerary so I'll share it in this post. Actually, our itinerary was made by our Kuya Benz, who is Japan-based for more than 5 years now. We had to maximize our stay and be realistic enough so we consulted him for tips regarding travel time and commute route coming from his "mansion". (In Japan, they call their pad/flat/apartment housed in a low-rise condominium-like building ,a mansion.) For our first three days in Japan, Aprille and I were by ourselves, following Kuya's instructions,  discovering commute and mapping our routes through GPS. 

We arrived in the evening of my sister's birthday at Kansai Airport. From the time we landed at 8pm, we got home at around 11 pm (after taking the bus and a train going to Kuya Benz's place). I insisted to have a photo instagrammed right away for the first ever Sakura I saw, just by walking along the street/closed shopping street.

Konnichiwa Sakura at 12mn!

Now I don't really want to flood my blog with Japan Diaries from Day 1 to six so I will just post snippets and highlights from our trip:

Start of our itinerary after the jump!

Travel Japan: How to apply for Japanese Tourist Visa (when staying with a friend)

Our trip to our childhood and close family friend, Kuya Benz, has been long standing since early 2013. So when we chanced upon a cheap round trip ticket, we decided to give it a go!

(Actually, it was my sister Aprille who booked first. She got her tickets for just around 8k with in flight meals, insurance and round trip baggage allowance. I got inspired while she was talking about her plans to Kuya Benz who was in the Philippines during that time, so I told myself I would grab the next one if it's on sale. I found a seat sale a week later, with a little more charge and less privileges than Aprille's ticket, but still under 10k! It must be really meant for me!)

Happy Birthday to my favorite Travel Buddy!

Happy Birthday to my one and only sister...

Who whips up mess and turns it into something magical;

Who fixes my disaster cakes, and turns it into yummy treats;

Who recycles old materials and turns them into something new;

Who has the biggest, most generous heart.

She is the:

The friendlier one.

The favorite godmother.

Talented and Artistic.

Stylist.

Queen of Makeshift.

Expert bargain hunter.

Practical shopper.

Dog lover, Dog saver.

Craft maker.

Always Curious.

Always Fabulous.

Naturally adventurous.

Strong-willed.

Creative.

Driven.

Passionate.

Perfectionist.

Alpha.

Aries.

The white sheep.

The yin to my yang.

The Anna to Elsa 

 I am so lucky she's my sister! She's the best daughter, sister, godmother, girlfriend and friend.

I believe that good things happen to good people, because she is one. 

Happy, Happy Birthday Aprille!

I love you!