A comprehensive compilation of must - visit places in Ho chi minh.


1. Củ Chi tunnels

The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City(Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968. 

It is the ultimate destination you don't want to miss in Saigon!


2. The War Remnants Museum 
It is a war museum at 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. It primarily contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War, but also includes many exhibits relating to the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists.

War Remnants Museum, main building

3. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica 
It is a cathedral located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established by French colonists, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).

Basílica de Nuestra Señora, Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2013-08-14, DD 03.JPG

4. The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City known as Saigon Opera House (Vietnamese: Nhà hát lớn Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh; French: Opėra de Saigon), is an opera house in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is an example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret as the Opėra de Saigon, the 800 seat building was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used as a theatre, and restored in 1995.


5. Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập) also known as Reunification Palace (Vietnamese: Dinh Thống Nhất), built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụand was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.


6. Phạm Ngũ Lão street  located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, Vietnam. It was named after Phạm Ngũ Lão, the national hero. The intersection of Phạm Ngũ Lão and Đề Thám streets are referred to as the backpacker district of Saigon. This area is frequented by Ho Chi Minh city locals and tourist who flock to the area markets (both open air and indoors) to buy cheap clothes (some of which are counterfeit), DVDs, souvenirs, and war memorabilia. The many bars and cafes in this district are conveniently located near Saigon's city centre. In the Vietnamese language, this area is called "khu Tay ba lo" (Backpacker's area). The Phạm Ngũ Lão area is known for its affordable guest houses and mini-hotels as well as the availability of tourist agencies which primarily cater to budget tourists, similar to Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand.


7. Saigon Central Post Office  (Vietnamese: Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn, French: Poste centrale de Saïgon) is a post office in the downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's cathedral. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. It was constructed between 1886-1891 and is now a tourist attraction. It was designed by Auguste Henri Vildieu and Alfred Foulhoux, as well as Gustave Eiffel. Inside the Saigon Central Post office of special note are two painted maps that were created just after the post office was built, the first one located on the left side of the building is a map of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia titled Lignes telegraphiques du Sud Vietnam et Cambodge 1892 which translates to "Telegraphic lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia 1892". The second map of greater Saigon is titled Saigon et ses environs 1892 translating to "Sai Gon and its environment 1892".



We all heard it. Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez are expecting their second baby. I must thank God for this because madadagdagan na naman ang "Magagandang Lahi" lol. Sarah Lahbati is now the reasl epitome of beauty. Yes! Looks and body, she got it! Here are the other reasons why   Sarah Lahbati is the Fairest fo All Moms.


1. She can rock all Hair Styles

Yas Queen! Straight, Curly, Up-do, name it! She can rock it! My favorite's the Messy hair!



2. She's still a Goddess WITHOUT MAKE UP
Look at the pictures and see it for yourself. Come on?


3. She's definitely a #OOTD Goals
Beautiful Face + Perfect Body = Sarah Lahbati 


4. She loves her family above all
One thing I can definitely tell is that she loves her family more than anything else. She always go on trips with the family and makes sure to have time with Zion despite her busy schedule. Their pictures show how much in-love they are! (Richard and Sarah)



Disclaimer: All the pictures are owned by Sarah Lahbati IG:@sarahlahbati


Hello Kabayan!

 Here is another guide for you! This time it's on how to book an online appointment for DFA either passport renewal or Passport Application.

1. Visit the website
Visit this website and you should be routed on this page. Please read all the details on this page carefully. Don't forget to tick the box on the lower left as shown on the picture then proceed.
Choose wether it's an individual or group appointment.

https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment




2. Fill - up all necessary information
Please make sure to correctly fill-up all the tabs that has (*) as they are necessary. Please toggle on the tabs on the left hand bar as shown on the picture below. Then click Next



3. Confirm the Appointment
After all the steps above are followed, you will then receive an email requesting you to confirm the transaction. Please check your email and click the link. Once confirmed, another email will be sent to you with the reference number of the appointment.




Note:
Please follow the instructions on the email sent to you. The second email. There is a link on that mail to access your appointment details and you need to present that on the day of your appointment.

I hope this helps!



Hi mga kabayan!

 I know this has been asked a couple of times and if you are looking for answers, you are on the right site. There are only 2 ways of Passport Renewal Processes. They are the following.

1. Local Embassy
Now this may vary depende kung saan po kayo ngayon. Kung wala pong time na umuwi sa Pilipinas para mag renew, eto ang best option para sa inyo kabayan. Click this link to see the full list of countries where we have our own embassy. It is best to contact the embassy to know the requirements needed.
Pros: Convenient
Cons: It might take 1-2 months to process


2. DFA and DFA Sub Offices in the Philippines
Upon writing this article, I am actually on the process of renewing my passport and I opt to go home to process it kasi mas maganda na makauwi na rin para mkapagbakasyon ng saglit. Now here are the steps and requirements to have your passport renewed.

Step1: Online Appointment

All transactions need online appointment. Wag po tayo maniniwala sa mga sabi-sabi na pwede mag walk in. Mas mainam na nakapag book tayo ng appointment para iwas hassle na rin. Recently, It takes 2-3 months bago pa magkaroon ng slot. So book an appointment as early as 3 months para mkasigurado. You can click this link to go to the appointment page.

NOTE: Please Fill - Up all necessary information. Pag nagkamali po tayo bka matagalan ang pagproceso ng  passport and mali pa yung documents natin.




Step 2. Confirm the Online Appointment.
Wag po natin kalimutan na mag confirm ng email. Kasi pag d natin na confirm, hindi tayo makakatanggap ng Reference Number. Ipapadala din sa email ang downlodable form of the appointment. Kailangan po natin otong iprint at dalhin sa embassy.

Step3. Show - Up on the Appointment Day
Kailangan po nating mag show - up sa appointment day natin kabayan kasi babalik tayo sa simula pag d po tayo mkasipot. Please remember to PRINT the appointment confirmation form. Maghanda na po tayo ng pambayad.

FEES: 
Normal Processing : Php 950 (15-20 days)
Express Processing : Php 1,250 (7-10 Days)

Step 4: Follow Up
If your passport is scheduled to be release on this day, dapat tumawag na po kayo. May options po na delivery and pick - Up.

Releasing Hours: 3:00PM - 5:00PM

REQUIREMENTS:
I believe lahat ng passport issued now is E-Passport na. Kailangan lang magdala ng birth certificate na galing ng NSO. Yung NSO Certified for verification.

I hope this one helps. :)





Cheers Everyone!

Today I just gained another expertise (lol) for my CV. Making GIF. Please follow my Giphy Account HERE. I will be posting more samples in the future. 

I know you are in this post because you want to know how to make GIF's. Here is my tutorial for a very simple way of making GIF's of cute banners, clip or welcome message like this one.
Here is a very simple tutorial using POWERPOINT and PHOTOSHOP. 
STEP 1: Create Images

Create Images in power point or wherever you want. I will show you how I create the images in POWERPOINT. 

a. I made a new document adjusted to my desired size. 
Go to DESIGN then SLIDE SIZE (far right). I usually go with the following settings.


b. I then make slides as to how my GIF would look like.




c. Then save your document as a PNG File.

STEP 2: Create your GIF

Now, if you don't have photoshop that is totally fine. Just search on google for free GIF maker and it will give you tons of options where you just have to upload the images on their website and they will do everything for you. The only problem is most free makers will put watermarks on the output.

If you have photoshop, then let's continue. I am using CS6 so this might look different.

a. Start by creating a new document. Go to File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack
Choose the images you created earlier.


b. Next, go to Select > All Layers to add all the layers to the timeline.


c.  We now need to create frames for the layers. Go to the bottom right and you will see a Tab (See picture). Then select Make Frames from Layers  as shown in the picture below. 

NOTE: The pictures will show inverted but no worries. It is easy to fix. Go to the same 
Tab > Reverse Frames.



d. Lastly, you have to decide how long the duration of each frame should be. Go to the Timeline (bottom) then set the time. I always go for 0.5


e. Lastly, you need to save your work. On the upper left corner beside the Photoshop logo go to 
File > Save for Web and then click save! 


You've just created your first GIF!!!!

I hope this one helps you out and please give your suggestions/comments on the comment section below so I may know my areas of improvement.

Thank You,




by: iamclarice
All things seems lovely,
Whenever I see u, I sway.
At first, I never thought it would last,
Coz it's crazy and everything's so fast.

I may have not known your way
and all the hidden things it says.
I may have misunderstood your jokes,
and all the crazy things you spoke.
Please believe me when I say,
and those I miss when you are away.

You somehow knew my weaknesses,
My flaws and insecurities,
Thank you for you never complain,
that my stories are all about pain.

I never promised to be the best,
Nor to be perfect in all life's test.
I just promise to be there,
To give all my love and care.

Cheezy this may sound,
But you give joy to my lonely ground,
I love you isn't enough,
To show you that with you
It's Love that I found


Most people travel to see the other side of the world, me, mostly to renew my visa

I started travelling last 2013. Then the next travel was this year and this time, it is to permanently move to a new city where I got no relatives, just few friends. A long story why I ended up being in Hanoi. No matter what the reason is, I love the people, food and the culture.

I have to leave the country for almost every 6 months for visa renewal. This favors me a lot because I need to save up so I can go out of the country then. 🙂


Day 01 & Day 02: 


The journey was a very long 20 – 24 hours land trip. We were just six in the bus, 2 Asian and 4 Westerners. We felt so happy getting inside the bus. We felt like we one the whole sleeper bus not knowing that it will later load tons of goods. Those things didn’t bother me at all because it’s common in Asia but the other guys were surprised. But nonetheless, it was a fun journey. If you don’t mind long trips, then I suggest you take bus. A great chance of meeting fellow travelers and it’s relatively cheap. But mind that it’s not gonna be a luxury ride. We left Hanoi 7pm and arrived the next day 5pm.
bus
All of us didn’t know where to stay in Vientiane, luckily I got a recommendation from a friend to stay in Dream Home Hostel and it was just oh so perfect! With private pool, bar and billiard tables. A perfect place for people who wants to chill – out. Everyone decided to stay in the same hostel with me.
Later that day me and another lovely traveler named Alice who I will write about on my next blog; stroll around the Night Market of Vientiane. Bought some souvenir, had dinner and went home to sleep. The prices of goods there are relatively cheap. Some will charge you for tourist price, but a little bit of haggling won’t hurt.
Day 03: 

Woke up so early, showered and enjoyed the free breakfast in the hostel. Today I will be visiting the famous Buddha Park, Buddha Park (aka Xieng Khuan) a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. This one is a must – visit so I decided to just go. The best way to get there is by motorbike. You can get a motorbike for as low as 5-7dollars a day. Driving a motorbike in Vientiane is far too different in Hanoi. Watch out for my blog about bikibg experience in Hanoi!
There’s really nothing much to do in Vientiane. What I like most about the place is the slow-paced kind of living. So different from the bustling city of Hanoi. A must visit of you want to relax and just don’t do anything.
Budget
  • Bus – 25 USD
  • Hostel – 6USD
  • Motorbike – 5 USD
  • Transfers – 10USD
  • Plane Ticket – 88USD
  • Food – 15 USD
Total = 149 USD

Thank You,





Enthusiastic and dedicated, I’m seeking a project or position where I can grow, develop, and make an impact. With a strong skill set and relevant experience, I believe I can open opportunities and successful solutions to the table. Take a look through my CV site to find out more about what I have to offer - or get in touch to discuss how I can help you.


Hi, Travel Junkies and Wanderlusts!

You may be one of those people who plan to travel very soon' traveling at the moment and still trying to figure out the best items to take with you along; this is for you!

Forget about shampoo, deodorant, beauty products etc... This is not your usual guide. This is your ultimate survival guide for your dream trip! Here are the TOP5 items you never knew you needed.

1. Universal Adapter (Plug)

Yes! Adapter! I just knew this after traveling to 6 countries in Asia. The condition in most hotels are either you only have one to no electrical socket available in your room. Remember to take this kind of plug that has several plug options and additional built-in sockets.

You will thank me for this!



2. Waterproof Pouch

Another must-have in our list is a waterproof pouch! It will not only protect your phone/ underwater but it will also be an umbrella for your tech investment for the rainy season.



3. Portable Battery

This one is very important and you know why! :) Gotta keep your phone charged for the GRAM!!!





4. Extra Memory Cards (or better yet external drive)

If you are a photographer or an inspiring vlogger, it is always good to have these anywhere you go. Capturing that perfect moment may take multiple shots. Multiple Shots equates to more memory usage. ( You know the drill) 

"Not Enough Space" is the last notification you want to have on your gadgets!





5. Padlock with number code

"Ok na ang mas labis keysa sa kulang" tama? 
There is always threat wherever you go. That's reality, and it's always better to be extra safer than sorry. Hotels/ Hostels will give you private lockers but it gives you more confidence to leave your stuff if you have your own.

Note: Number coded padlocks is always the best option in case you lose your keys!



How about you? What's your travel essentials? 
Comment down below for your own list!
Or did I miss something?


- clarice