My Current Travel Apps

Every traveler who owns a smartphone MUST have travel apps in order to make their trip easier! Lucky me, I got a new phone that can entertain tons of traveling apps that I will surely need for my upcoming trips.

1. TripIt - Basically this is the ultimate trip organizer, thanks to Trish, who introduced me to this wonderful application! From flight details, hotels, directions, activities, etc. you name it! 

As you can see, my "What's Next" is the incoming trip I have which I called "Long Weekend Trip" and under 

"Trips" it shows I have 4 upcoming trips.

It also has a countdown per trip from today, isn't that nice making it feel so loooong but then you realize "Oh shit, I have a trip in 3 weeks and I'm not even ready yet!" 

So let's see what I have for my "Long Weekend Trip"

Oh yes, I did blur some important parts for safety reasons. Everything is there even to the day you depart, just scroll down and everything is there!

and the awesome map. It can also map out your itinerary, but for this trip I don't have one because I'll just go with the flow and do some yolo-ing.

Download here

2. Share-A-Bill is an application that helps you split the bill with your friends. If you're all lazy to do the calculations then this is app will surely help you. 

3. HostelWorld - one of my favorite hostel booking & searching websites. Fast and reliable! It includes photos, reviews, rates and a favorite button to save the hostels you like. Of course, you can book and see past bookings. 

4. TripAdvisor - It's as same as HostelWorld but it has reviews, photos, etc. on restaurants, malls, tourist spots, etc.

5. Frommer's Travel Tools - who doesn't know Frommer? Famous from those informative travel books and of course the movie, Euro Trip (2004).

EVERYTHING you need. Boom! Converter is a must have, it works even if you are not connected to the internet but make sure you go out, go to a wifi area and update rates. What I like about the tip calculator, it does not only calculate but it has information about tipping in some countries. 

6. CouchSurfing - a must have app of every couchsurfers who are on the go.

Don't forget: Skype, Twitter, Facebook to stay in touch with family, friends and new found friends!

And of course, my Lonely Planet travel books are my buddies whenever I travel! 

By the way, do follow my INSTAGRAM account: innasantiago

Applying for a Taiwan Tourist Visa in the Philippines

A couple of days ago my application for a Taiwan tourist visa got approved! I am so thrilled and excited for I will be travelling alone and see some of my friends who live in Taiwan. Also, this was my first time to fix my application and gather everything I need for a visa. I was the one who also went there to pass all the documents that I need.

So you plan to go to Taiwan? If this is your first time to go there without a Schengen, American, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand & U.K. Visa then you will have to do & need the following:

·                     2pcs. Passport size pictures white background (must be latest with in 1 year) with receipt

·                     Passport Valid at least six months (original)

·                     NSO Authenticate birth certificate (original)

·                     Bank certificate saving account (original) at least 50k up with receipt/waiver/debit

·                     If  employed, employment certificate with employer signature (original) (w/in the month of filing, cert. dated)

·                     If has business, business name latest and valid (photocopy)

·                     Latest and valid ITR (photocopy)

·                     Application form fully filled up in https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw

·                     Old passport (all ages) if no Taiwan visa in new Passport

·                     Authenticate marriage contract of parents if child/married (photocopy)

·                     Xerox ID student (below 18)

·                     Valid Company ID clear photocopy (if employed)

for more needed requirements please go to the TECO's website 

Since I am only 18 years old, not employed and single I only need to gather a handful documents from the requirements such as: 2pcs. passport size pictures, a passport valid at least six months (original), NSO Authenticate birth certificate (original) (have photocopies too), a bank certificate saving account (original) at least 50k up with receipt/waiver/debit (if you don't have an account you may use one of your parents' account), a xerox copy of your parent's passport who you used for the bank certificate savings account, application form (please see above for reference), old passports and your university/school ID.

I blurred so much for security purposes. And I just have to blur my picture because it just looks so bad!

After gathering all of your requirements, go straight to TECO's office at 41F, Tower 1, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City between 8:45AM to 11:45AM Monday to Friday except holidays.

When you arrive RCBC, go straight to the reception area and get your number for the filling period of your visa and to give a valid ID too (driver's license, etc.) . Go up to the 41st floor and wait for your number to be called. After your number is called, you will pass all your stuff on a certain counter. Then, you will have to wait again for your name to be called by the cashier to pay for the fee. I paid Php2,400 which is regular so I would have to wait for 3 days.

After paying, you will get a receipt and keep it because you will need it once your passport is released. 

On the releasing day, go straight to the courtyard area in RCBC (where the statues are) by 1:45PM and a TECO representative will call all the applicants' names one by one for them to give your number. Once you get your number, go to the reception area again to give a valid ID then you can just go straight ahead in the office. 

Same procedure as the filling part... blah blah blah. Once you get passport then you're done! However, in my case I was told that I will have an interview with the consul! So I had to wait til 4PM and boy, I was so nervous! But then everything went well :-)

After the interview, wait for your name to be called again to get your passport. I had to wait again and had a little chat with some OFWs who are waiting for their visas too. It was actually nice listening to their stories when they are in Taiwan.

So when was my name was I called, I got my passport and saw my visa! Finally relieved. Time to lose all the weight and prepare my tummy for some Taiwanese food! 

Welcome to my own version of Eat, Pray, Love. Updates soon! 

Updates

Wow this is crazy. I haven't blogged for so long and yet I think I have so much time in the world to do so. I haven't been really loyal to you all and I apologize for that. It's just that there were so much interesting things that happened, and blogging about them isn't just part of my list. Now that I feel inspired again to share my stories and all hoping that this will go on in the long run like before.

School started and meh, I've been busy just living my life. I am having too much fun and my motto for the past few months is "You only live once." YOLO for short.

There was Eurocup which was the highlight for the month of June and it's been crazy. Really crazy. I would go to school with no sleep and sometimes I wouldn't have the energy to do my part-time job at night. Though I didn't earn so much for last month, it was worth it. I had fun. I love football. I love my friends. I love the fans. I love everything about it.

I supported the countries Netherlands (of course), Germany, France and Spain. I've met new friends also - two French-Canadians who are in the Philippines for their thesis. They're such interesting and smart people. I also met their Indian friends who are also here for their thesis (I think). They're from New Delhi and wow, this is the first time I've met super cool Indians. I haven't seen this side ever since I had an idea who Indians are and it's crazy. I love their company.

There will be more things that'll happen in the near future. For sure, I am going to update you all about it.

So Many

Wow I can't believe that it's June already and I have started school last Monday. "Time flies so fast" everyone's favorite phrase seems to be overused. I won't deny that time did go fast and honestly, I am loving it! When I look back sometime on 2016, I will regret that I ever wrote this.

I always sit and ponder why I want everything to be fast, why do I never enjoy the present? Why am I always so focused and determined to get to my destination so fast that I never get to sit back & relax, and just simply enjoy the ride?

Sad. Sad. Sad! The horror!

School today was good, it's always great to see your friends from school and show each other how much you missed them over the summer. It's always good to see new and humble faces around and it's always great to see smiles from those who never smiled at you before. This is like a whole new beginning!

June will be such a pretty chill month. To be honest, I never liked the 6th month of the year. It's like it's cursed with good old boring things. I don't know how to spice this month up but I do have some new goals.

I would seriously like to improve my grades this term and be actually proud of something... related to academics. I also would like to work so hard and earn more cash that I will need for my future trips. I want to be able to drive more often and improve such skill. So many goals... so many.

Soundtrack of My Life

I've been sleep walking

Through the railway station

Wake me up

When they call my destination

Where I've been

I was bound to leave behind

All device

And all disease was mine

Ahh

Speeding out of reach

Ahh

You're the one I had to meet

I never wanted to go home 

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

There was nothing there for me

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

In a high rise on my own

(I've been on all kind of highways for so long)

Looking out in a mirrored balcony

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

Will there ever be a place for you and me

(The wanderlust)

I'm rolling in

For a seven day weekend end

Living up again

To my old reputation

Can you cover me

'Cause I got no armour

Keep moving down the line

Keep on going further

Ahh

Speeding out of reach

Ahh

You're the one I had to meet

I never wanted to go home 

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

There was nothing there for me

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

In a high rise on my own

(I've been on all kind of highways for so long)

Looking out in a mirrored balcony

(The wanderlust will carry carry carry your song)

I don't know where to go 

Now I got nowhere to hide

(Nowhere to go nowhere to be)

I don't know where to go 

Now I got nowhere to be

(Oh wanderlust will carry your song)

Walk fifty city blocks down but they always find us

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

Will there ever be a place for you and me

(The wanderlust will carry your song)

Will there ever be a place for you and me

Tomato: A fashionable transition from SUMMER to RAINY DAY!

With the weather going from sunny to rainy lately, Supermodel and Project Runway host Heidi Klum was right when she said “in fashion one day you’re in and the next day you’re out!” With the weather in transition don’t let your style be left out! In these days, staying in-style is actually easy and exciting and not expensive at all! With just a couple of small purchases of the right accessories and mix and clothes you have, you don’t have to spend a lot! 

Bag - Php750

The key to a fashionable “transition” style is not to change the clothes that you wear or the summer style you rock with your tan from your weekend vacation, it still is summer but not completely!  All you need to do to “Accessorize!”

Bag - Php800

The key to changing your looks from day to night, office to party or even from sunny to rainy isn’t expensive after all. All you need are a couple of bags and shoes and a couple of accessories and you are ready to be in-fashion regardless of the weather or where you are going! 

Bags - Php800

Bag - Php800

Bag - Php800

Tomato, your up to the minute fashion retail store gives you a wide collection of bags, shoes and watches that will make any piece of clothing you wear appropriate for any weather or occasion.  Just like a good looking boyfriend in your arms that catches everyone’s attention when you walk in the malls, Tomato’s bags are lookers! The designs and styles are so “now” yet utilitarian.  

Bag - Php800

 
Colors range from bright colors to earth tone palette and are surprisingly so affordable that you can buy multiple pieces to suit your mood for the day! 

Another attention grabbing TOMATO merchandise are their wide selection of sandals and flats that are simply drop dead gorgeous! So affordably fashionable and comfortable. Perfect for the heat of the sun or the rain of the cloudy weather!  So if you are still confused of what clothes to wear during these times, don’t be anymore. 

White sandals - Php550

Brown Sandals - Php550

Black Sandals - Php550

Oxford shoes - Php550

Flats - Php400

Flats - Php500

Php550

Php550

Php550

Just wear anything you will look good in and grab some TOMATO delicious bags and flats and you are set to go anywhere you want! 

Fashion Dime's First Giveaway!

FASHION DIME is having their FIRST GIVEAWAY!! Be one of the 2 lucky winners who will own a pair of SHORTCUTS ♥

*Winners get to choose from the 6 designs on this photo 

HOW TO JOIN? 

STEP 1: SHARE, LIKE, or TWEET!

A) LIKE (+1 entry)

Like both this photo and SHORTCUTS x Fashion Dime's fan page on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/fashiondime.fanpage

B) SHARE (+1 entry)

Share this photo and comment: 

“Laureen & Lorraine of SHORTCUTS are having their first giveaway! Join and get a chance to be one of the 2 lucky winners who will own a pair of SHORTCUTS! 

C) TWEET (+1 entry )

Follow us on Twitter (@laureendizon & @lorrainedizon) and tweet:

“@laureendizon & @lorrainedizon of SHORTCUTS are giving away 2 pairs of shorts! RT & like the page http://on.fb.me/JGy4qv for a chance to win” 

+ Please make sure that your Twitter profile is set on public so that we can see your tweet.

+ Each will entitle you to one entry. Maximum of 3 entries ☺

____________

STEP 2: Leave your Name and/or Twitter name plus total number of entries on the comment box below. 

Example:

“@tanya_reyes 3 entries: Like, share and tweet”

“Tanya Reyes 2 entries: Like and share”

+ Deadline of entries is on June 2 at 23:59:00. 

+ Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced the following day, June 3, through SHORTCUTS x Fashion Dime's fan page

+ Giveaway is open to Philippine residents only. 

Best of luck ♥ 

If you’re not lucky enough to win, don’t you worry! 

New collection of SHORTCUTS will be out next week, May 24 (Thurs) at 9pm only on FASHION DIME!