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I would’ve written this earlier but I got so occupied with my recent flat move. 😮💨 Though, despite real life’s busy-ness and chaos, my mind remains rent-free from reminiscing my experience of attending the BFI London Film Festival! It was a 10-day event that features a series of highly-anticipated films, movie shorts and screen talks. I managed to attend 2 Gala premieres for “No Other Choice” by Park Chan Wook and “Christy” by David Michôd. Not only was I able to watch it firsthand, I was able to meet and greet the celebs during the red carpet—especially Sydney Sweeney which is my highlight of this event.♡ Up to this point, I still can't believe that I finally met her as one of my idols.🥹
In this blog, I will be sharing how I managed to attend the event, my red carpet memories, a short review about the films I’ve watched and my personal stance on “America’s Great JEANS” 😌 All thoughts are of my own.
(02SEP25) I rarely tell personal life updates on my blog but this time, I’m happy to share that I recently become a British citizen. ⭐️ At present, it still feels surreal and I can’t believe that this happened! My 6-year OFW journey was filled with back stories that only my close friends and family know as I juggle my independent life in the UK. There were several moments that I was close to permanently return to the Philippines yet, there were instances that held me here. Hence, I’m still and am here.
This is a narrative of my timeline on how I pursued my British citizenship through the sponsorship route. I hope this inspires and helps those who are thinking to work here in GB and for those who will apply for citizenship soon. Take this kind reminder that it all takes a lot of patience and know that things happen if your chosen path is for you ✨
NB: All thoughts are of my own ⭐️
Words can’t express how much I’m thrilled to travel again (and to be out of UK) after almost half a year! I may have been out and about all throughout these times but having not allowed to travel felt like I’m in London prison —NOPE, I’m not jailed or anything!😅 I was just dealing with a lot of personal stuff that led me on a hiatus. In fact, I’m happy to share one if you continue to read this entry! 😉
(26MAY25) So on this May bank holiday, I travelled to my long and overdue planned trip to TAIWAN! Truth be told, I had plans to go here even before I went to the UK but it never flourished so finally, this happened! It was absolutely great to tour another Asian country and to be home in the Philippines after this trip. However, this entry will focus on my solo itinerary to Taiwan’s vibrant capital of food and culture, Taipei.
I hope this helps especially to those who are coming from the UK and also, first time travelers. ♡
(14JUN25) It’s been ages since I’ve done a film or a TV series review! Though, this film that I recently watched over the weekend (literally the day after landing in London) has been very dear to me as it’s starred by Sydney Sweeney.♡ This is the first film of hers that I’ve got hooked on their whole press journey and let alone, they even stretched it here in the UK but unfortunately, I was travelling when it happened!😔 I know I’m overreacting but I’m still grieving on it until now that I wasn’t able to attend it. In fact, there were other opportunities that I missed which I will share in this entry.
But going back to Sydney, she has been a huge addition to my favorites since I watched her in “Anyone But You”. Currently, this film called “Echo Valley” which she starred with Julianne Moore is a psychological thriller about how far a mother could go for to save her child—the usual summary that these 2 celebrities spill out during their interviews. And indeed, it is eerie, shocking and intense which made me covered my eyes on some scenes—well I won’t fully spoil why but here’s my film critic and a little take of their promotional leg.
NB: all thoughts are of my own; photo credits to their rightful owners.
More than half a year has passed and my New York trip is still imprinted in my core memory! I miss the food (like NYC pizza!), its mainstreamed tourist destinations and the feeling that I stayed where most American entertainment are filmed and recorded. This is one of the destinations that someone should visit once in a while; but I personally won’t consider to live here and it's for the reason that I might end up fangirling more than working!😂
This is a continuation of my previous blog entry in which I’ll share my full itinerary and tips of how to enjoy a week-trip at the Big Apple! One week is actually not enough to tour this whole state but we managed to cover most of the popular sites by having an early wake up call.
NB: This trip took place in October; All thoughts are of my own. I also added my itinerary links in this blog.
(17JAN25) It’s madness that after 2 days of landing in the UK, I went on a weekend trip to Lisbon, Portugal! This marked my 17th EU Schengen country (and my last, for now before I go on a travel break) and it’s certainly another different experience from other Euro trips that I’ve been. Lets say, that this capital should be on your list of go-to cities in Europe.
So here’s my 4-day itinerary of riding vintage trams, tasting unlimited pastel de natas and climbing several inclined steps to see the beauty of Lisboa.
I hope everyone has a fresh start of the year!
(01JAN25) I literally travelled on New Year’s Day to Japan with my whole extended family. Most of them was their first time to visit Tokyo so we did a basic 1-week itinerary to tour the capital. This trip was certainly one for the books as even if I went to same locations from my previous visits, I had new experiences and one of them is going to TOKYO DISNEYLAND! ⭐️
So here’s a “Japan Tales” entry highlighting some tips for a first-timer to Tokyo and some additional attractions that you might want to try on your next visit! My previous tips are still applicable at this current period which you can read here.
Another year has passed and I really don’t mind ending it—like finally! I felt like this dragon year has eaten me alive with all these “adulting challenges”. From adjusting on a 9 to 5 job to living solo on a studio flat which is on the farther side from my friends’ cribs; I made several life-changing decisions but none is related to marriage/relationships, YET! Haha. Though, I’m glad I survived and still made it to my happy place this Christmas.🇵🇭❤️
Here are my highlights of 2024 with a couple of teas. NB: All thoughts are of my own.
(17AUG24) I have joined the concert tour of the century and it was 100% worth it! Never have I watched a concert that was approximately 4 hours long and sang all of her hit songs. Taylor Swift has really justified her era!
I’m not really a die hard fan (and people would absolutely hate me for saying that I can’t even be called a ‘Swiftie’ ) but I adore her music—like whose teenage girl did not grew up nor can relate to her songs?! The way Taylor Swift dedicated her songs to her ex-lovers has moved and empowered a million people. So hats off to that! It was amazing to witness her tour and so, here’s to share my experience from it!
This might sound like a narrative but all thoughts are of my own ;)
I hope y'all like my new blog layout! 😅
It’s been several months since my last travel and it already felt like 2 years of being stuck in the UK. My adulting era has paved to its fullest during my long haul stay as I juggle a Monday-Friday job, carry my own flat chores and facilitating my residency status (which was approved!) Last March, I took the ‘Life in The UK’ exam on the same day that I landed in the country—and it was truly promising.⭐️ Since then, I kept reminiscing how I made throughout this overseas life. Did I make my 25-yr old self proud?
Here's my bucket-list check for my quinquennial British life. This might sound boring and a little self-centered but all thoughts are of my own
(15MAR24) This month marked my 5th year in the UK—and look how I celebrated it outside the country again! 😆 Pretty much because 1) I want to treat myself after passing the “Life in The UK” test which I hope will lead me to a better path and 2) Apart that I wanted a change of scenery, I wanted to use my Schengen visa before it expires. Hence, this happened; though, who would have thought that I had gone to Sweden’s frenemy?!
It feels great to tour another Scandinavian country; I actually had doubts on embarking a solo trip here owing to the fact that I had less preparations for it. I’ve said to myself that I’m just going to rely on my spontaneous instincts when I get there; Yet, Denmark is a breath of fresh air. The hygge has led me to enjoy and explore. So, here’s my 3-day itinerary to the 2nd happiest country in the world!
Welcome to my first entry of the year! 5 months after, and I have finished written this blog entry—I know it’s been long and outdated yet I guess that’s just how eventful the past year went for me!😅 I had a new job, re-located to another place then went back to Philippines for the holidays. And I've been writing this bit by bit as the weeks gone by. But as I promised, I’ll aim to write in current time this year. 🤞🏻
(02OCT24) Moving on, I went on a 14-day Euro trip with my parents and colleagues on my birthday last October! Thanks to Europamundo for hosting this trip; The travel agency offers Euro tours in various group packages good for family or for a company trip. It’s my first interconnecting tour across Europe as we went to 4 countries and about 10 cities which was tiring but an adventure of a lifetime. Though, the whole route of the journey was spectacular despite hectic transport changes by land and air.
Nevertheless, here’s a highlight of how our trip went! I suppose this entry might sound like my travel diary but I hope you’d learn something from it 😄
Chibi in a box made by yours truly!💜
Has this year hopped by so quick? Or perhaps, it was just utterly eventful? I randomly don’t like the number ‘23’ for some reasons yet I remained hopeful that this year would be better than the previous—and certainly, it was. 2023 has been my milestone moment despite sad days, a heartbreak and irrational decisions. But these challenges shaped me to become better that led to new beginnings (with travelling on the side, of course😉) as I reached another decade.
So welcome to my world. Here’s my annual year-in review…for better or for worst. NB: all thoughts are of my own.
(11SEP23) I usually spend my September as a travel hiatus from going outside the UK and for this year, I had an overnight stay in Bath! Well, I actually went there on a group tour last July but we didn’t manage to go around the town due to the tour lapses itself. But anyhow, I’m glad that I finally had this chance even for just a short time—-though surely, I’m going to return here! It has become one of my favorite places in England that is perfect for a staycation. 💓
Here’s a short feature to one of England’s elegant cities with a taste of Ancient Rome. The links to my suggested itineraries are included! 😉
(19AUG23) My travel hiatus has come to an end! Yet it felt really quick despite that I’ve been extremely busy as usual since normally, I would fill my days with work while staying in London. That was my way of distraction especially that the month of August has made me miserable at some point---but I’m glad it’s over. There’s absolutely a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep going (and be patient!). ⭐️
So I resumed ticking my travel list as I went to SOUTH KOREA!! It still felt surreal that I finally, finally, FINALLY toured here even for just a short time. There were lapses along the initial planning of this trip but we managed to carry on and made it fun. I definitely need to come back soon!
I will share as much as I can about this trial-and-error trip but please be guided that these are written based on my personal experience. Hence warning, there will be negative comments ahead.⚠️
(24APR23) Who would have thought that I was FINALLY able to come back to Italy?! I have never really thought of touring there again yet but thanks to my friends for bringing me along their trip! We visited the Tuscany/Liguria region which includes Pisa and Cinque Terre---I cannot believe it. What once I was reading in other travel blogs now turned into something that I have gone to. Hence, I guess that the Trevi Fountain wishes must have worked (well, 2 out of 3 coin tosses yet!) ! Check out my pre-pandemic visit to Rome here. 😉
So here’s a 4-day itinerary to one of Italy’s beautiful cities and coastlines. Indeed, this has given us a break from the gloomy weather (and hectic work life) in London. 😝
PS: Yes, I have been watching Spy x Family and I superr love the series! So much love for the Forgers 💝
(31MAR23) In less than 2 months, I can’t believe that I’m back in Asia! Moreso, I am thrilled to spend this year’s Lent in Japan with my family❤️ I know a week’s never enough to tour another continent but I pushed through with this for personal reasons (and I’d save that story for another time, maybe?Haha!) and also to attend my cousin’s wedding. Nevertheless, it’s great to continue my “Japan Tales”—the post-pandemic era. 💓
Of all the countries that I went, it’s Japan that I have visited frequently and it’s a country that I wouldn’t really get tired of going back. It has a very safe community no matter which city you head on despite the language barrier. And apart from being a tech-world and a fashion district, Japan is known for its gastronomical cuisine.
I made a lot of Japan contents over the years already so as answered from my previous Instagram stories, here’s a random entry about my trip in Tokyo which will focus more on the food that I ate there! 😅 I have to say that Japanese food is a necessity for Asians like me and an interesting palate for other walks of life. 😉
