sam heart travel

Siquijor and Dumaguete: A 2025 Adventure (Part 1: The Journey Begins)   So, you know how I talked about my whirlwind trip to Siquijor and Dumaguete last September? Yeah, that was wild. It was the start of typhoon season, and Typhoon Cristine was looming – three days out, they said. Let's just say I spent a lot of time nervously checking weather updates. This time, though, it's February 2025. Fingers crossed, no typhoons this time!   This adventure starts, as most of mine do, in the chaotic beauty of Mandaluyong. My current home, my beloved, slightly-too-noisy haven. My plan? Siquijor and Dumaguete, baby! And the first step? An Angkas ride to NAIA Terminal 3.   Now, I've heard the horror stories. Manila traffic is legendary, and airport chaos is practically a national pastime. So, no messing around. My alarm went off at 3 AM. THREE AM, people! I know, right? But trust me, it was worth it.   The Angkas ride itself was… an experience. Almost an hour wea...

Sukiya in SM Megamall: A Long Wait for a So-So Meal   Let's be honest, sometimes you just crave a quick, affordable Japanese meal. Sukiya in SM Megamall often fits the bill, at least in theory. The reality, however, is a bit more complicated. I recently braved the notoriously long queue (a testament to its popularity, I guess?), and while my solo status snagged me a seat relatively quickly, the experience wasn't exactly a culinary highlight.   The atmosphere was, shall we say, less than ideal. The restaurant felt a bit hot and surprisingly oily – not exactly the ambiance you'd expect from a place serving Japanese food. I ordered the Fiery Garlic Yakiniku Bowl, a yakisoba on the side, and their signature matcha latte. The wait was a significant drawback; I clocked at least fifteen minutes before my food arrived. Fifteen minutes for a bowl of yakiniku and some noodles. That's a long time to sit in a slightly oily, warm room.   Now, let...

Beyond the Silver Screen: An Unexpectedly Luxurious Cinema Experience at BGC Central Square Mall   My preconceived notions about cinema experiences were firmly rooted in the comfortable, yet ultimately standard, seating of Trinoma. I considered it the gold standard, a benchmark against which all other cinematic adventures would be measured. This perspective, however, underwent a significant recalibration following a recent visit to the cinema at BGC Central Square Mall. What I encountered was not simply a superior viewing experience, but a transformative one, elevating the act of watching a film from mere entertainment to a luxurious indulgence.   The immediate difference was palpable. Upon entering the theater, I was greeted not by the familiar rows of moderately comfortable seats, but by a landscape of plush, reclining chairs. These weren't your average movie theater seats; these were generously proportioned, ergonomically designed recliners that ...

From Power Plant to Pristine Lights: The Evolution of Rockwell   My childhood was etched in the vibrant tapestry of Makati. The familiar streets, the bustling markets, and the imposing structures formed the backdrop of my formative years. My high school years unfolded within the walls of a Makati institution, and it was during this time that I first encountered Rockwell. It wasn't the gleaming, meticulously lit complex I know today; it was something quite different, a relic of a bygone era. Initially, Rockwell existed as a power plant, a functional yet unremarkable building. The transformation, however, was gradual and captivating. I recall seeing one building, its exterior stark and unadorned, yet subtly illuminated at night. It was a single, solitary beacon, a faint glimmer against the city's darker canvas. This initial lighting, however, was the seed of a grander vision.   Over the years, the lights multiplied. Night after night, ...

An Unforgettable Morning at the Trick Eye Museum   This is an unforgettable experience. The Trick Eye Museum, tucked away in a surprisingly quiet corner near Hongik University, was a delightful discovery. A short five-minute stroll from exit 9 of Hongik University station led us to this hidden gem. We arrived on a quiet morning, and to our delight, had the entire museum practically to ourselves!   What immediately captivated me wasn't even inside the museum, but the intriguing installation outside. A man, seemingly suspended in mid-air, with half his lower body dangling from the ceiling, greeted us. As a traveler, the sight sparked instant curiosity. What was the story behind this? How was it even possible? It was a perfect teaser for the wonders within.   This was my first experience with this kind of interactive art installation, and it blew me away. It's so different from the traditional, static art displays I'm used to. The Trick Eye Mus...

A Purr-fect Pause: My Godabang Hongdae Adventure   We're in Hongdae, Seoul, fresh off a serious bout of window shopping. My wallet is still intact, and I'm buzzing with that post-shopping high. Our next mission? A cat cafe! We had our hearts set on a specific place, but unfortunately, it was closed. Cue a minor meltdown (okay, maybe a major one for a second), quickly followed by a triumphant "Let's find another one!"   Luckily, Seoul boasts tons of amazing cat cafes, and we weren't about to let a closed door ruin our furry fun. We stumbled upon a gem – Godabang Hongdae – a spacious haven for both caffeine addicts and cat lovers. The best part? Entry was free! All we had to do was buy a drink – a small price to pay for an hour of pure feline bliss.   Before we could unleash our inner crazy cat ladies, though, there was a bit of pre-game prep. Sanitizing our hands was a must (hygiene is key!), and then came the slightly less g...

Myeongdong: A Skincare Shopper's Paradise (and a Window Shopper's Delight)   Myeongdong, a bustling district in Seoul, South Korea, is renowned for its vibrant street life, diverse culinary scene, and, most notably, its extensive skincare and cosmetics offerings. While the district's reputation as a shopper's haven is well-deserved, the experience can vary greatly depending on one's budget and shopping preferences.   For those on a skincare shopping spree, Myeongdong is undoubtedly a paradise. Local and international brands are densely packed together, creating a shopper's mecca. Brands considered luxury items in the Philippines, such as Tony Moly and Etude House, are readily available and significantly more affordable than in the Philippines. The sheer density and variety of shops, reminiscent of a high-end version of Divisoria, is truly impressive. The opportunity to compare prices and products side-by-side is a major advantage for...

Everland Korea: A Day of Thrills, Beauty, and Cuteness Overload! ✨🇰🇷   Everland truly lived up to its reputation as South Korea's largest theme park! We spent the entire day exploring and still felt like we could have stayed longer. The sheer variety of activities was incredible – from the adrenaline rush of roller coasters like the legendary T-Express (which I highly recommend!), to the peaceful beauty of the zoo and seasonal gardens. The park is incredibly well-organized, making it easy to navigate even with the large crowds. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.   And let's be honest, the highlight for me (besides the amazing rides!) was the sheer cuteness of everyone we encountered! So many adorable Koreans brightened our day with their smiles and kindness. 🥰   The fireworks finale was absolutely breathtaking – a perfect end to a perfect day. I would absolutely recommend Everland to anyone visiting South...