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I am Ulyssa Elaine - Travel, Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Shibuya is one of the most popular areas of Tokyo. It is the center of youth fashion and culture. It is also famous of its crowded and busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing. 

One of the reasons I chose to stay here because it is lively and modern. What I also love about here is it's very accessible to the major train stations. If you will ride a Narita Express train from Narita International Airport (Terminal 2), it's just 2 stops away (Shibuya Station). 


» Hotel Wing International Premium Shibuya «

Hotel Wing International Premium Shibuya is a 3-star business hotel located in Shibuya district. The hotel is just 500 meters away from Shibuya Crossing, which makes it accessible. The hotel participates "COOL CHOICE", a nation-wide campaign for sustainability. 


» Booking Procedure «

You can book through its website https://www.hotelwing.co.jp/shibuya/en/. We booked through Agoda for a better hotel deal.

» Rooms «

The hotel has 9 floors and 186 rooms to choose from. We booked a standard double room for our 6 days stay.

Here are the list of the room types:

  • Deluxe Twin Room - 27 m² room size / 2 single beds (smoking and non-smoking)
  • Standard Twin Room - 21 m² / 2 single beds (smoking and non-smoking)
  • Deluxe Double Room - 16 m² / 1 double bed (smoking and non-smoking)
  • Standard Double Room - 15 m² / 1 double bed (smoking and non-smoking)
  • Standard Single Room - 15 m² / 1 single bed (smoking and non-smoking)
All rooms include:
  • Air-conditioning
  • Air purifier
  • Linens / pajamas / slippers
  • Complimentary High-speed WiFi / Internet / Telephone / 
  • Flat screen TV
  • Shower / Bathtub / Japanese-style toilet
  • Bathroom toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
  • Towels
  • Clothes rack
  • Electric kettle
Here's the preview of our standard double room:


This was the view outside our room (just across Parco Mall Shibuya):


» Amenities / Services «

24-hour front desk. All of their receptionists are friendly and easy to communicate with. We arrived in late evening around 11:00 pm and we were accommodated well.


Fast check-in / check-out. After checking the system and settling the Japanese local tax of 100 yen per pax, they gave us the electronic keys of our room. 

Affordable extension of hotel check-out. We requested for a late check-out of 1:00 pm so we can have a lunch first. It costs 1000 yen per hour.

Room cleaning. They will clean the room every 3 days during the stay.

No amenities in the rooms. As part of their sustainability campaign, they didn't provide amenities in the rooms BUT the guests are free to take some from the amenities corner in the lobby.


Weighing scale in the lobby. What I love about this hotel is they provided this for guests. It's good that before we check-out, we're aware on the weight of our luggages especially we did lots of shopping.


» My TripAdvisor Review «


» Info «

Hotel Classification:      3-star hotel
Website:                        https://www.hotelwing.co.jp/shibuya/en/
Address:                        〒150-0042 4-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 150-0042 Japan
Contact Number:           +81-3-3461-2773
Nearby Station:             Shibuya Station (Exit A6a or Exit A6b)
Check-in from:              2:00 PM
Check-out until:            11:00 AM

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I booked our accommodation using our own money.

» Overall «

After our 6-day stay in Hotel Wing International Premium Shibuya, we're satisfied with our experience. The hotel is clean and nice. It's also accessible to transportation as well as shopping malls and restaurants. I definitely recommend this hotel.
Monday, February 27, 2023 No comments

Japan is one of my dream countries to travel. I love to see the beauty of it, which I only see in the magazine or internet.

Hence, this was my third visa application after my US visa application. I will only share my personal experience.

» Step 1. Determine your visa type. «


Here are the visa types available:

  • Tourist visa (single or multiple)
  • Visiting friends/relatives
  • Commercial visa (single or multiple)
  • Visa application with Certificate of Elligibility
  • Visa for family of Japanese w/ Long Term Visa Status in the Philippines
  • Attendees of Conferences/Events/Company Meetings
  • Transit visa
  • Invited by US Military
  • Foreign Passport Holder
  • Re-Entry Permit
  • Nikkeijin (Japanese Descendant)

Note: This guide is for single entry and for tourism purposes only (without guarantor).

» Step 2. Prepare the required documents. «


Here are the documents that me and my husband prepared:

  • Passport (with holder's signature)
  • Application Form (with passport-size photo attached)
  • Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year)
  • Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year) ***if applicable
  • Itinerary in Japan

As employees, me and my husband will personally shoulder our expenses. Here are the additional requirements:

  • Bank certificate
  • Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)


» Step 3. Choose an accredited travel agency to process your visa application. «


The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines does not accept direct visa application. You need to submit your visa application through their accredited travel agencies listed on their website.

Here are the list:

  • Universal Holidays - Makati Branch
  • Discovery Tour, Inc - Makati Branch, Cebu Branch, and Davao Branch
  • Rajah Travel Corporation - Makati Branch and Manila Branch
  • Reli Tours & Travel Agency - Makati Branch, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Antel Branch, SM South Mall and Binondo Branch
  • Attic Tours - Roxas Blvd Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, SM Clark, SM Cebu, SM Davao
  • Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation - Makati Branch and Cebu Branch

For us, we opt for Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation, which is located in 3/F Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City, Philippines. The Japan visa is free but the handling fee costs Php 1,200.

» Step 4. Wait for the RESULTS of your visa application. «


Me and my husband submitted our visa application on Thursday, November 10, 2022. We were advised that the processing time will take 7 business days.

Fortunately, it took us 3 business days. The travel agency submitted our visa application on Friday, November 11, 2022. We received a text message from them that our passports are ready to pick-up on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. I got our passports back on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Voila! We were approved!


Note: This guide is based on my personal experience. This is not a sponsored post.

Wednesday, December 21, 2022 No comments
It's been four years since I posted a blog entry about my first Sunnies Specs purchase. You can find my first post here. Whenever I type "sunnies specs blog review" in Google search, my blog entry is one of the top posts. Thank you so much! 💗


I had a series of comments regarding my specs if it's worth to buy. To be honest, it's really worth it. I worn it in every countries I travelled with: Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and United States.

Unfortunately, during the lockdown in 2020, the right part of hinge broke while I was watching a Kdrama in my bed. Sorry, my mistake. That's the only problem that I encountered. Here's a sample of illustration:


I had no choice to buy a new specs in Lazada (not in their store) because their branch is a bit far from my place. To cut a long story short, I used the cheaper lens for two years until I felt it unsafe because the metal frame already corroded. By the way, I used alcohol to disinfect my cheaper Lazada specs that's why, my bad.


Fast forward, I had the urge to go back to Sunnies Specs store. Fortunately, there's a new branch near in my place. I went there with my husband to choose for my new specs. I chose Hiro in Blush Steel. It's a round frame just like the first one that I purchased in 2018, Reagan in Rose Gold. The rate is still the same: Php 1,999 for the prescription eyewear + Php 999 for the ScreenSafe.

I had an in-house computerized eye exam first before I payed for my specs.

When I purchased before in 2018, I can claim my prescription eyeglasses within the day. But now in 2022, it took me 2-3 days to claim my specs. It's a bit nuisance for me but well, it's okay. 

I also bought Clean Lens product from them, which costs Php 200. It's a 100ml lens cleaner spray to disinfect my eyeglasses. 

Overall, I'm satisfied with my new specs. 💗


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.
Thursday, November 17, 2022 No comments
Hello. It's been two months since we visited Kuala Lumpur. It's my Mom's birthday so we celebrated hers. I posted a blog entry on our short trip. You can find it here.



» ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur «

ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Bukit Bintang. It is managed by Berjaya Hotels and Resorts. It is perfectly situated along with the malls Fahrenheit 88, Pavilion Mall, Lot 10 as well as walking distance from Bukit Bintang MRT Station and KL Hop-On Hop-Off & Go KL City Bus.

» Booking Procedure «

We booked thru its website https://www.ansahotels.com/kualalumpur/. The hotel booking is also available in third-party hotel booking sites such as Agoda.com, Booking.com and so on.

Note: They accept debit/credit cards when booking online. But check also you card provider if possible.

» Rooms «

The hotel has 167 rooms to choose from and there are 10 room types:

  • Superior Room - 25 m² room size with queen-size bed
  • ANSA Superior Room  - updated 25 m² room size with queen-size bed
  • Deluxe Room - 32 m² room size with king-size bed or a twin-size bed
  • ANSA Deluxe Room - 32 m² room size with king-size bed or a twin-size bed
  • Executive Room - 40 m² room size with king-size bed and 1 single bed
  • ANSA Executive Room - minimal aesthetics 40 m² room size with king-size bed
  • ANSA Executive Quadroom - updated 40 m² room size with king-size bed, 1 super king-sized sofa bed
  • Suite - 70 m² room size with king-size bed, a separate living room and a bath tub
  • ANSA Suite - updated 70 m² room size with super king-size bed, a separate living room and a bath tub
  • Tri-Executive Room - 70 m² room size with king-size bed and single bed.

All air-conditioned rooms include:
  • personal bath and shower
  • iron and ironing board
  • complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • 32-inch flat screen TV
  • safe deposit box
  • telephone
  • coffee and tea facilities
  • personal care set
  • clothes rack
We stayed in Tri-Executive Room because we're family of 3 pax. The assigned room to us was nice. Here's the preview of our room:



» Facilities and Services «

24-hour front desk. All of their receptionist are friendly and easy to communicate with.

Fast check-in / check-out. The receptionist checked my passport as well my credit card. I filled out some forms and he handled the electronic key.

ANSA Walk. Outside the hotel, it is filled with international selection of services such from food to attractions such as Starbucks, 7-Eleven, KOI The, The Baker's Cottage, Rollney, Juicy, MH Din Money Changer, Soloist Hair Salon, Caring Pharmacy, Hurley, Eco Ring, Floversary, Museum of Illusions and Musee Platinum Tokyo.

» My TripAdvisor Review «


» Info «

Website:                    https://www.ansahotels.com/kualalumpur/
Address:                    No. 101, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
E-mail Address:         reservation@ansahotels.com
Nearby:                      Pavilion Mall, Fahrenheit Mall, Bukit Bintang MRT Station
Check-in from:           3:00 PM
Check-out until:         12:00 PM

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I booked our accommodation using my own money.

» Overall «

We stayed here from September 2 (dawn) to September 3 (evening) of 2022. I booked our stay from September 1 to 4, 2022 with their promo Family City Break. The nightly stay is not too pricey and I think it's worth it. Imagine after going out from the hotel, you can conveniently access the major malls and restaurants. The location is really perfect. The hotel room is clean and comfortable, too. I do recommend this hotel.


Thursday, November 17, 2022 No comments

Malaysia is a multi-cultural country and one of the wealthiest country in Southeast Asia. It consists of thirteen states and three federal territories separated by the South China Sea.

Kuala Lumpur is the Malaysia's capital and its largest city. It serves as the country's economic and business hub. 

We've been to Malaysia a couple of times already and it's in Johor Bahru, another Malaysia's southern gem. Thus, this was our first time to visit Kuala Lumpur. This trip was made possible because we celebrated my mom's birthday.


» How To Get There? «


The best way to get to Kuala Lumpur is a direct flight from local or international carriers. We chose Cebu Pacific Air from Manila, Philippines. Travel time from Manila (NAIA Terminal 3) to Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2) is 4 hours.


» Travel Requirements «

Here are the requirements (as of September 2, 2022) that we prepared prior to our trip:

  • Passport
  • Roundtrip Air Tickets
  • Confirmed Hotel Booking
  • Travel Insurance (not required but we purchased for our safety)
  • Philippine's VaxCert or BOQ Yellow Card (2 doses with booster)



    » How Long To Stay? «


    Technically, we stayed here for 2 days. I suggest to stay here for 3 to 4 days to experience the mix of modernity and Malaysian tradition.




    » Where To Stay? «


    We stayed in Bukit Bintang, which is the most popular and central area in Kuala Lumpur. You can also choose the KLCC, where the Petronas Tower and KL Tower is located.





    » Where To Exchange Currency? «


    We found a money changer inside the Pavilion Mall (Bukit Bintang) with a great exchange rate, Merchantrade. You can check the branch location and exchange rates online thru this link.


    » Things To Do «


    Here are the things that we did on our short trip to Kuala Lumpur:

    • Shop and dine at Pavilion Mall
    • Stroll around KLCC Park

    • Visit Petronas Tower

    • Visit Batu Caves


    • Ride and enjoy KL Hop-on Hop-off Bus
    • Visit Istana Negara (National Palace)


    Note: There are no affiliate links on this post.

    Thursday, November 17, 2022 No comments
    This post is long overdue. It was in August 2021 when we dined in to celebrate my 29th birthday. 



    » Balay Dako «

    Balay Dako, is a top-notch restaurant, which offers Filipino dishes. It is run by Chef Tony Boy Escalante, the owner of Antonio's Group of Restaurants. It is one of the most visited restaurant in Tagaytay, which offers a great view of Taal Volcano. 

    They are pet-friendly restaurant but there are restrictions: pets must be vaccinated, have diapers at all times, must be on a leash, in a carrier or a trolley, and must be close to the owner.

    You can check their updated menu here.

    » The Experience «

    We had our lunch at the restaurant. 
    The parking was spacious but it's easily get full depending on the volume of the guests. We dined in a weekday so it's not a problem. Upon parking, we were given a number and a link for their guest contact tracing form.

    We were offered to seat at the veranda because we bought along our shih tzu dog. It took us around 30 minutes before we received the orders. It's a bit windy so the food easily got cold. 


    We ordered Batchoy (Php 320), Callos (Php 700), Lumpiang Shanghai (Php 340) ***not in the photo, Camaron Rebusado (Php 495), Bulalo na Baka (Php 1270), Pampano (Php 560), and Puto Bumbong (Php 120). 


    » Info «

    Address:                    Tagaytay - Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay, 4120 Cavite
    Open Hours:              Monday-Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
                                      Saturday-Sunday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
    Facebook Page:         https://www.facebook.com/balaydakotagaytay
    Instagram Page:       https://www.instagram.com/balaydako/
    Email:                        balaydakoevents@gmail.com
    Wednesday, September 21, 2022 No comments
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