Hanok Village in South Korea

Hanok Village in South Korea

This is my second time falling head-over-heels for South Korea and honestly? It feels even more magical than the first.

Last time, I chased neon lights, sizzling street food, and shopping galore through the buzzing heart of Seoul. But this time? This time, I slowed down. I wandered. I let the rhythm of ancient rooftops and whispering alleyways guide me straight into the soul of Korea’s past.

These traditional Korean houses aren’t just pretty, they’re genius. Built raised wooden floors for summer breezes, hanoks are naturally climate-controlled.

Between the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms and the enduring grace of Hanok Villages, I felt suspended between seasons and centuries. It’s a country that knows how to honor its roots while blooming wildly into the future.

Have you visited a Hanok Village during cherry blossom season? Let’s wander together. 

Bitexco Tower

 

Bitexco Tower

Bitexco Tower is a skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that stands at 262.5 meters tall and has 68 floors. It is the second tallest building in the city and the fourth tallest in the country. The tower was designed by Carlos Zapata Studio, a renowned architectural firm based in New York. The design concept was inspired by the shape of a lotus bud, the national flower of Vietnam, symbolizing beauty and prosperity.

A Day at Napier Reef Garden

  

A Day at Napier Reef Garden

My First Dinner in New Zealand

 

My First Dinner in New Zealand

The farthest I’ve ever been from home and what made it unforgettable 🌏

You know that feeling when you step off a plane and everything just… feels different? The air, the light, the quiet hum of a new world around you? That’s exactly how I felt when I landed in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, the absolute farthest I’ve ever traveled from my beloved Philippines. 🇵🇭✈️🇳🇿

Seriously, if you pulled up a globe and drew a line from Manila to Napier, we’re talking over 8,000 kilometers of ocean, sky, and dreams between me and home. And let me tell you, every mile was worth it.

First Stop: Taradale at Shani’s 

After my amazing cousin picked me up from Hawke’s Bay Airport, I was probably half-asleep and disoriented from the long flight and no sleep, we took it easy for a bit before heading out to Taradale for dinner at none other than Shani’s, a local place to eat.

To my cousin’s family and their wonderful circle of friends - thank you! From the bottom of my heart. You didn’t just welcome me into your home, you welcomed me into your lives. You showed me the real New Zealand: not just the postcard-perfect landscapes (though, wow, we’ll get to those), but the kindness in everyday moments, the laughter over coffee, the stories shared under starry southern skies.

Being this far from home could’ve felt lonely. Instead, it felt like coming home in a whole new way. To everyone who made my first Kiwi adventure so special, I’m already dreaming of my next visit.

Until then, I’ll be here - halfway across the world - smiling at the memories and saving up for the return ticket.

Boracay Beach Sunset

 

Boracay Beach Sunset

Boracay sunset is also a source of inspiration and creativity for many artists, writers, and photographers. Some of them have captured the beauty and emotion of the sunset in their works, such as paintings, poems and stories.

Hong Kong Neon Lights

 

Hong Kong Neon Lights

Hong Kong neon lights signs and boards are colorful and bright displays that adorn the streets and buildings of the city. They are a distinctive feature of Hong Kong's urban landscape, and a part of its cultural heritage. They have been used for decades to advertise businesses, products, services, and entertainment venues, as well as to express the city's identity and personality. They are also a source of inspiration and fascination for many artists, filmmakers, photographers, and tourists.

Coron Town in Palawan

 Coron Town in Palawan

Coron Town is a small and charming town in the province of Palawan, Philippines, that serves as a gateway to the stunning islands and lakes of Coron. Coron Town is a popular destination for travelers who want to explore the natural wonders of Coron, such as Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Malcapuya Island, and Siete Pecados. 

Australian Museum

 

Sir Hercules in Australian Museum

Sir Hercules in Australian Museum is the skeleton of a thoroughbred stallion who lived in Australia in the 19th century. His remains were later exhumed, and his skeleton was presented to the Australian Museum in 1870. The skeleton is on display in the museum's Skeleton Gallery, and is known as the "Bone Ranger". The Bone Ranger is a popular tourist attraction, and is a symbol of the importance of horses and horsemanship to Australian history.

Chinatown Sydney

 

Chinatown Sydney

Sydney's Chinatown is the oldest and largest Chinatown in Australia. It is located in the Haymarket area of Sydney, and is home to a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops and businesses. It is located in the Haymarket area of Sydney, and is home to a variety of Chinese restaurants, shops, and businesses.

Crown Sydney

 

Crown Sydney

Crown Sydney view can be seen from Pyrmont Bridge and this is my favorite location to take  a picture of this amazing view.