Camsur Watersports Complex is a training ground for wakeboarders located in the heart of Pili, Camarines Sur.  Although there's a wakeboard park in Nuvali (only an hour drive from Manila), I haven't had the chance to try wakeboarding there so when we knew we were heading off to Albay, CWC instantly came to mind. To those coming from the Naga airport, you don't have to worry about the transportation cause CWC provides complimentary shuttle services for those people who will their accommodation services. You can opt to stay in a cabana, wood cabin, container, villa or  in their mansion suite. I highly recommend staying in the wood cabin due to its modern design, squeaky clean rooms and complete room amenities.    Luckily, August is an off-peak season so we were able to get the promo rate of P999 which includes unlimited wakeboarding time + wood cabin accommodation. We first checked-in and stayed at our room and decided we'll just wait until the morning to wakeboard. Morning came and we immediately went to the CWC resto to have breakfast. I ordered the all-time favorite Filipino breakfast, tapsilog (P150). The tapsilog was too sweet for my taste but it was good enough for the price. 
After breakfast, we got the necessary safety gear (life vest + helmet - make sure to prepare the security deposit fee of P500 and the gear rental rate of around P90 because gear rental is not yet included in P999 promo) and headed to the beginner's lake. If you're a beginner, a trainer will first assist you and brief you with the basics. The trainer told me to squat and put my weight at the center, once I feel the tension in the rope I have to tighten my grip, maintain the squat position and try to find my balance. It took me awhile to find my balance so I fell mid-way during the first few tries. You'll get the hang of it after 5 tries or so. Once you're confident enough with the squat position, you should try to stand up next. And once you're really stable standing up, you can opt to try other tricks like the jump start and other twist and turn tricks. 
After 2 1/2 hours, my legs and shoulders feel sore so we all decided to head back to our cabin to rest. Overall, it was a fun thrilling experience. It's not as easy as it seems but it's not as hard either. You just really need to find your balance and keep on trying even after the embarrassing falls!      How to get to CWC: From the Airport: Tricycles are available outside the airport. Tell the driver to take you to the Provincial Capitol Complex where CWC is specifically located. It takes about 5 mins and the usual rate is P150.  Driving directions from Naga City: It would take about 10 mins from Naga. Head north on Abella St towards Pan-Philippine Highway. Turn right onto Pan-Phil Hwy. Go straight then after 700 meters, turn right.  After 100m, turn right again. Go straight then after 400m, take the first right. Go straight then take the second left and you have arrived at CWC. (Okay, that sounded so confusing even for me! You know you can always ask? Hihi trust me Bicolanos are so warm and friendly so there's no harm in asking for directions) 
Update: As of August 2013, CWC Big Lake is now open! For those who have been trying this sport for awhile, you may now opt to try practicing your craft at the big lake to experience tougher challenges! 
XX,  Jess

Ladurée at Shinsegae, Seoul, Korea

Ladurée// Seoul Korea// 

Visiting South Korea and want to have a taste of the finest French macarons in the world? 

I wouldn't even be surprised if the name Laduree comes to your mind. 

My sister and I have been dreaming of visiting a Laduree store one day so when we found out that we're traveling to Seoul, we knew in an instant that we have to take this opportunity of visiting the one! It was quite a long commute but it was well worth it! 

How to get there: Ride the subway and alight at Express Bus Terminal Line 3. Once at the exit, look for and follow the signs that lead to the Shinsegae Department Store. (*There are two Laduree shops in the mall but I suggest you go up to the second floor because that's where the actual store is located. The one in the first floor is just a small macaron stand) Once at the 2nd floor, you'll see a roster of luxury stores -- Celine, Chanel, Miu Miu -- just keep walking until you see the Laduree store. 

They have a variety of flavors to choose from: 

Rose (the bestseller), Pistachio, Strawberry, Lemon, Chocolate, Coconut, Hazelnut, Caramel, etc...

You'll see all sort of fancy things in the store like keychains, and candles. The prices are quite unreasonable so I didn't bother purchasing anything from the non-food section. 

We got a box of 8 macarons which costs KRW 28,000 (Php 1,120 or Php 140/piece)
Upon leaving the store, I felt like I was taking a home a piece of heaven with me. Haha!

So the question now is...is it really as yummy as people describe it to be? Does it feel like it's the food of angels? Well, there's only one way to find out! Don't forget to subscribe on Bloglovin'. 

XX, 

Jess

Laduree Address: 1F-2F, 19-3 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu

Seoul, Korea Day 3: A Day at Hongdae

For our third day in Korea, we decided to leave the hotel at around 9:30 am to go to Hongdae.
Hongdae or also known as Hongik University is a famous place for the young and hip! You can eat, shop and even party here! 

How to get there: Ride the subway and alight at Hongik University, exit #9. Walk for about 250 meters then turn right. You'll see on your right the lane full of shops and restaurants! Don't be too early though cause shops normally open around 10:30 am or 11 am. 

Once you arrive at Hongdae, you'll notice the big H&M outlet.

The shopping marathon starts in 3..2..1.

We passed by a store called "I Love Flat". And I tell you, it was truly love at first sight!
The pair of flats I purchased here are comfiest flats I own now. I'll include ze pair of flats in my upcoming fashion haul post.

Oh yes, a sweet ending it is.
XX,
Jess

Seoul, Korea Day 2: Lotte World

Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
Welcome to largest indoor theme park in the world!
Families traveling to Korea must schedule a visit to at least one theme park. It's either Lotte World or Everland but if you're the adventure-seeking type you can even choose to visit both!

How to get there: Ride the subway, alight at Jamsil Station Subway Line 2 then take exit #3. Follow the Lotte World signs at the exit.

Admission Fee: KRW 40,000 for adults (Php 1,600) If you're a foreigner, just bring your passport and you'll get a 15% discount therefore making it KRW 34,000 (Php 1,360). You may purchase your tickets at the self-ticketing counter (automated machine) or at the amusement park entrance itself. 

Awww little kids are just way too adorable for words.

Excuse our obsession with the Korean poses. We just made the most out of the opportunity to do so. lol.

You can buy waffles for KRW 3,000 (Php 120). A word of caution though, the waffle server didn't use gloves while putting the icing and chocolate syrup. If you're overly conscious on proper food preparation then I suggest that you skip the waffle and look for other snacks available within the area.


We weren't able to ride too many rides because the queues at the rides are way too long. You have to wait for 30 mins to an hour depending on the ride. I don't really like the feeling of falling in line for too long so my sister and I agreed to go ice skating instead! We paid KRW 9,500 (Php 380).
It already includes the ice skating rink admission and skates rental. Be sure to bring gloves so you wouldn't need to purchase new ones at their store.

After ice skating, we took the subway to Myeongdong and searched for an authentic Korean Restaurant. Luckily, we found one that will even require you to eat while in an indian sitting position.

Notice the amount of side dishes served! Now tell me, who could resist a Korean meal?
XX,
Jess

Seoul, Korea Day 1: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Insadong

I'm baaaaack from Seoul, Korea!
Although the heat is quite unbearable in Manila, the fact remains that there is no place like home. It's always comforting to know that you're in a place wherein people understand you (literally and figuratively). You get to a point where you find doing overly dramatic hand gestures and slow talking a little bit exhausting. Well, that's just a teeny downside to a phenomenal trip! And although I'm no expert travel blogger, I'll do my best to write a vivid story of Seoul, South Korea.

Our last trip abroad (Bangkok) was devoted in shopping so this time we wanted to make sure that we'll allot some time to immerse ourselves in the culture therefore leading us to our first stop - the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

How to get there: Alight at Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 then take exit #5. Follow the corridors and stairs up to street level and you'll eventually see the palace to your right. Admission Fee: KRW 3,000 (Php 120) or KRW 2,400 for groups of 10 or more (Php 96)

The palatial grounds served as the center of power, politics, economy and culture for many years so when the palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation, the Koreans knew they had to restore the halls one by one until everything is back to its original state. According to the tour guide, the restoration is still in progress so she suggested to keep coming back to the palace whenever you visit Korea so you'll see the newly restored palace halls.  

The Changing of Palace Guards Ceremony happens thrice a day (10 am, 1pm & 3pm). Try your best to arrive on those time slots because even though you can't understand what the drumbeat orders meant, it's nice to revel on palace guards marching in unison. 

There are free guided tours in the palace grounds.
We arrived at the place at around 1:20 pm so we just waited for the 1:30 pm English guided tour. The tour begins outside the information office inside the Heungryemun Gate. (Wait there until a hanbok-wearing tour guide exits the office) The guided tour takes about an hour and she'll tour you around 2/3 of the palace.

The Gyeongbokgung Palace experience was truly fascinating and eye-opening. I grew up into thinking that kings and queens in real life are very much like the kings and queens in storybook fairytales -- their job is to dress up in fancy robes, delegate tasks and enjoy the finer things in life -- but the tour made me think otherwise. Here's an interesting story on why I had a complete change of heart. "Back in the day, King Sejong held meetings every single day at Sajeongjeon from 3 am to 5 am. Despite the burdensome schedule, Kind Sejong is said to have never missed a meeting. One day a minister told the king, "Your Majesty must be tired of attending a meeting every day. How about attending the meeting every other day?" The king rebuked him, saying, "If you come here to say such a thing, you need not come." Well, that's one heck of a story that can help me wake up early without even complaining!

After the tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, we decided to visit Insadong next. Insadong is a well-known street for tourists and locals alike because there are a lot of cutesy cafes, handicraft stores and art galleries located in the area. If you're planning to purchase a painting on your trip, I suggest that this place may be the best place to scout.

Some say that Insadong is just walking distance from Gyeongbokgung but we didn't want to risk getting lost so we took the subway again then hopped off at Anguk Station then took exit #6 (where you'll see painted tiles like the ones shown above). Walk straight for 500 meters then you'll see Insadong on your left.

Ssamziegil is a known hub in Insadong. It's a place full of shops selling artsy and unique souvenirs like handmade jewelries, bohemian bags, etc. There are also coffee shops and what I call a love declaration-slash-cheeseballs center for couples at the topmost floor. A couple may write a note declaring their love to the whole world. It's very similar to the locks of love at N Seoul Tower. The only difference is that they don't use locks but instead they write on circular plastic cards.

Once you enter Ssamziegil, you'll instantly see a store selling odd-shaped breads. And once you look closely at the "odd-shaped bread", you'll notice that's it's actually shaped like a poopie. Don't worry though cause it tastes nothing like poop! It's tastes like a waffle with soybean filling inside. KRW 1,000 (Php 40)

After touring Insadong, we headed to Hello Kitty Cafe'. I'll make a separate post on that.

We then took the subway to Myeongdong to drop off our bags then went out again for dinner at Yoogane, Myeongdong. Yoogane is a popular restaurant in Korea that's why in Myeongdong alone, I was able to come across 2 branches already. We ordered the Chicken Galbi with Marinated Vegetables KRW 5,500 (Php 220). If you go there in a group, you must order one flavor only since they will put four orders or so in just one hot plate.

That's the end of my Korea Day 1 post, stay tuned for Day 2. I hope you enjoyed reading my travel diary!
XX,
Jess