Event | Dusit Thani with Davao Media and Holiday Promos

Team Davao Media with Team Dusit Davao during the Media Party

Exciting holidays will be experienced this year as we are embracing the new normal. Good news are coming in with easing of some restrictions, many are getting protected through vaccines, lower daily cases, the tourism sector is recovering from the effects of restrictions and many more. Dusit Thani Hotels and Resort in Davao Region is going to offer a lot of holiday packages that each family can enjoy in this new normal holidays.

We are also thankful that we have been included as one of those who invited to experience Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation at Mabini, Davao de Oro. It is really a great luxurious experience being with the nature while enjoying some amenities, plus great food!

So, here's the experience in Lubi Plantation with Davao media friends plus upcoming promotions for the yuletide season:

Dusit Hotels & Resort in Davao launch exciting Festive Season Offers
 
Carrying the Yuletide hashtags #hopefulholidays and #delightfullydusit, Dusit’s properties aim to give its guests a well-deserved celebration from room accommodations, dining, and other fun activities.
 
The holiday season always brings a sense of warmth, hope and prosperity. These things became more important as the world strives to recover from the pandemic. Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Davao, along with other hospitality brands, shared the challenges of the times, but are now persevering to share the light of better days. dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Residence, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation are all prepared with Yuletide offerings for families, friends, and loved ones who want to make the best out of the season.
 
The Dusit Team begins its holiday events with a fun media party at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, with a teaser of its New Year’s Eve Festivities in the island. This is also to acknowledge the strength in partnership between the hotel and resort collection, especially at the most crucial times of the industry. The theme was Copacabana, which is also the running concept for the upcoming big celebration in Lubi.

Holidays at Lubi

The resort offers Holidays at Lubi from December 20, 2021 to January 10, 2022, which includes an overnight stay with set breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and other complimentary treats. Rates start at Php 21,000 net per stay.
 
Christmas and New Year celebrations in the island require a minimum of two nights, with promising series of events. Fire dancers, drumbeaters, dance performances, and other live entertainment await guests in this two-night spectacle. A colorful fireworks display will highlight the occasion.

Holidays at Dusit

For New Year’s Eve, Dusit brings in Pop-Latin Band Arriba for a Copacabana Countdown Party at the Pavilion Tent. This famous band has performed for high-end events in the country, offering sultry and upbeat sound of Latin music. From salsa, samba to popular songs infused with pop Latin and authentic Latin experience, it assures everyone to have the best of times. Rates start at Php 51,514 net per stay.
 
Back in the city, dusitD2’s Holidays at Dusit room package starts at Php 6,998 net per stay, including discounts in the outlets and Dusit Gourmet treats. For Dusit Thani Residence, a three-night stay awaits with rates starting at Php 18,898 net per stay. This begins on November 19, 2021 to January 10, 2022.
 
Christmas Eve Packages are also offered, with a generous dinner spread and Christmas brunch included. For dusitD2, it requires an overnight stay starting at Php 10,488 net per stay. For Dusit Thani Residence, it starts at Php 17,500 net for a minimum of two nights. The same starting rates apply for New Year stays in the respective properties.

Gingerbread House making is Available for Kids this December at dusitD2

For those who aspire a fulfilling and delectable dining experience during Christmas and New Year, all four restaurant outlets of dusitD2 have something special on its roster of promotions. Madayaw Cafés Yuletide Eats includes a Christmas and New Year’s Eve Feast at Php 1,400 net per person, plus a Christmas Brunch (Php 1,200 net per person) and Dinner (Php 1,400 net per person) on December 25 and 26. For the 1st and 2nd of January, a brunch and dinner offer are also up.
 
Benjarong Davao has a Holiday Thai Feast at Php 1,800 net per person, available from 11 AM to 9 PM. For those who want a Holiday Thai Set, it’s available at Php 2,000 net per person from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Both offers are up on December 24, 25, 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022.

Holiday Hampers are Ideal as Gifts for your Loved Ones 

The Gingerbread House Workshop is back for aspiring kiddie chefs. Dusit’s pastry team will host this activity on December 19th, 3 PM, at Php 800 net per person. For gift ideas and party platters, Dusit Gourmet has the Holiday Hampers starting at Php 2,800 net per set. Platters To Go includes mouthwatering dishes like the holiday turkey, holiday ham, cakes and pastries. These will require prior reservations.
 
For restaurant inquiries, please email d2dv.fbreservations@dusit.com. For room inquiries, please email d2dvrsvn@dusit.com (dusitD2), dtrdrsvn@dusit.com (Dusit Thani Residence Davao), dtlirsvn@dusit.com (Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort) or call +63 (82) 272 7500.

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That's really an exciting set of promos for the holidays and hopefully you guys will experience Dusit Thani in Davao Region.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. 

Travel | Exploring Western Boundaries of Davao City: Itinerary and Budget

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds at Sonnen Berg Mountain View

Many would think that they have known Davao City already with the most famous icons attached to the place like the Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, Waling-waling and Durian. However, many don’t know yet the magic of Davao City’s western boundary that is surrounded by mountain ranges. Do you want to experience a cool weather? Do you want to witness a breath-taking sunrise with sea of clouds? Do you want to be one with nature? Of course, many want that! That’s all in one at the Marilog-Buda area of Davao City!

The Marilog-Buda Tour is really one of the things I really want to experience. I don’t want to spend so much so the best way to do it is to join a tour! As always, I join a tour and gain some friends. :-p

It is a very early departure and early breakfast from downtown Davao City, around 2:30 AM. It will take 2 hours before arriving at the first stop. The first stop is at Sonnen Berg Mountain View, the place where the sunrise is seen with sea of clouds. The place is privately owned and has an entrance fee of P50. Surprisingly, there’s a lot of people who have gone to the place very early morning. Then, it is waiting time for the first rays of the sun to show up around 5 AM. The full sunrise is seen around 6 AM. You will see the sea of clouds too with the area surrounded by mountain ranges. A Sagada-like experience, but not necessarily finding your true-love here. (hahaha) It is such a beauty!

Eagles Structure

Indigenous People Structure

Indigenous People Selling Indigenous Craft

Next stop, the Eagle Structure! It is a very huge structure of the Philippine Eagle and an eaglet with some structures of indigenous people too. Seeing this while on road travel, either commuting or by own car, will tell you that it’s part of Davao City. There are indigenous people around, too, selling some indigenous products for tourists/guest/visitors. Well, we can stop by the area anytime of the day but an early visit makes us own the area with few tourists.

Bemwa Farm

Then, next stop, Bemwa Farm! What does this farm offer? A lot! It has an entrance fee of P50 but consumable for some food. That’s another breakfast to eat. (hahaha) After eating, it is now a tour at the farm. You’ll be seeing fresh farm products and farm plants like strawberries, lettuce of different kinds and many more. It can be an experience of strawberry picking during harvest season. It is something mostly done in Baguio City or Benguet but can be experienced in this part of Davao City. Of course that is not copied there, but it is a source of livelihood and now part of tourism.

Skylab (motorcycle with wings)

Next stop, more of mountain ranges of Marilog District - Hills View and Gethsemane. Are you ready for the adventure? Yes, it is really an adventure as one or a group has to ride a skylab (motorcycle with wings) though off-road cars can pass there. The ride to and from amounts to P170 per person.

Hills View Deck

View of Mountain Ranges

Hills View is a sight to see more mountain ranges and take a pose on top of the hill. There’s an entrance fee of P50 wherein it’s part of the community development and maintenance. Mostly, Matigsalog tribe people are there.

Gethsemane Garden

Then, at the Gethsemane… It is a garden of beautiful landscape. Also, it has an entrance fee of P50. Really, the tour is more of being with nature very far from the bustling city life. It is a great diversion of thoughts and embrace nature’s beauty.

Gethsemane Landscape

Then, a sumptuous lunch at the borders of Davao City and Bukidnon Province is a great way to regain energy from an adventurous trip in Marilog District. Then, it is back to the city.

Actually, there’s a lot of resorts in Marilog-Buda. There are those privately-owned, open to public and virgin forests. It is such an experience once in a while to be with nature and explore the city where you reside. There’s more actually to discover. It is also a great thing to experience to mingle with our indigenous brothers and sisters.

For the expenses during this tour, here the breakdown:

P 500 - for the van, tour guide and coordination

P 150 - for the entrance fees at Bemwa Farm, Hills View and Gethsemane

P 170 - for the skylab

P 250 - for food expense along the way (snacks) and lunch

P 1, 070 TOTAL (not bad)

I hope you guys enjoy this travel adventure, thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Travel | Leyte: One of the Gems of Eastern Visayas Part 2

Part 2.

Inside the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

The following day, we headed to the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, the fourth stop.

Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

One of the most prominent families in the country is the Romualdez family of the Eastern Visayas, wherein the roots of the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, is identified. This place was once the residence of the first family. This place is now a museum managed by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance. It has an entrance fee and additional fee to allow visitors to capture some spots in the Shrine, P230.00 for the two of us. The place is not only a residence but also a place where a Sto Nino is placed and its festivity is celebrated every June. It is really among the places to visit in the city and you will understand part of the family’s history and richness. It is like a palace. It is very grand and I can imagine the glory days of the place - a contrary of what it is now, dilapidating in some areas resolved by restoration efforts.

Fifth view, the mass grave of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

One of the Mass Grave Sites in Leyte

It is also a very heart-wrenching event in the Eastern Visayas when a super typhoon struck. It left many places in total devastation and death of thousands. This place is only one of the commemorative mass grave in the province and I hope their souls are in peace now.

Sixth spot, the Palo Cathedral.

Palo Cathedral

This cathedral has been erected since 1596 and has gone through a lot. It was also damaged by the typhoon Haiyan. After some efforts of rehabilitation, Pope Francis visited the cathedral briefly in 2015. The cathedral is so vibrant with its color and design.

Then, seventh spot, to Baybay City, Lintaon Peak and 16,000 blossoms.

From Tacloban City to Lintaon Peak, Baybay City, is approximately 2.5 hours ride. There are options like bus or van when doing a commute. For a van ride, we paid P150.00 per pax - Tacloban City to Baybay City. From Baybay City terminal to Lintaon peak, P50.00 per pax by a motorcycle ride. At the top, you will see the overlooking view of the city and the 16,000 blossoms lit at night time. The day of our visit was very windy and rainy. But it was fine, it was an experience to be there. :-)

Eighth spot is back in Tacloban City, the Sto. Nino Church.

Sto. Nino Church Tacloban

After a day in Baybay City, an evening in Tacloban is my closing trip at the Sto. Nino Church. The Sto. Nino in this church is known “El Kapitan”. The structure is iconic with its belfry lit at night. It has beautiful mural designs inside, too; it is a very lovely church and you will feel the holy presence.

You may have noticed, I have few spots visited, not because everything we did is visiting tourist spots, but there are errands my friend attended to, and I accompanied him. :-p

Anyways, I have enjoyed the sites to see in Tacloban City and some nearby municipalities. I hope you guys also enjoyed it too.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Feel free to share this to your friends and let’s spread the beauty of Leyte!

Food? Will be sharing it to another post. For sure, you will love it! :-)

Travel | Leyte: One of the Gems of Eastern Visayas Part 1

I will be dividing this post in two (2) parts…

Gifts from China to the former first family of Marcos

Part 1. Tacloban City, located in the Province of Leyte, Visayas, in Region VIII, is one of the cities that I am excited to see because of some historical significance and natural beauty. Yes, there are many things that happened in this side of the country - even its political story is very colorful. It is also one of the usual passages of tropical depression in the Philippines - the strongest was Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

San Juanico Bridge

The city is still coping up from the devastation brought by the typhoon few years back. With this visit, I really appreciate the structure of some old buildings, photogenic spots, food and people. It is a city with a cozy environment. As a visitor coming from Davao City, yes, I did appreciate the place like another home away from home.

Davao City to Tacloban City is among the newest routes of a local airline that connects Davao City to most major destinations in the Visayas group of islands. Good thing that it has opened because commuters will now have more options by airplane from Davao City.

My itinerary includes a visit to the longest bridge - San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site (the man behind the “I shall return” statement), Kalanggaman Island in Palompon and visit to a museum. As always, plans are made but not fully followed. It has changed to a visit for my DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) appointment (as I have secured one in Tacloban - at least earlier than the schedule I have previously in Cotabato City), San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site, Sto. Nino Shrine (a very rich museum, yes, literally), Palo Cathedral, Baybay City for the 16,000 blossoms at Litaon Peak (since going to Kalanggaman will be difficult due to bad weather - having an option is always a thing to consider), and Sto. Nino Cathedral in Tacloban City. Aside from that, I am very thankful to my friend who is from Tacloban City because we are also able to have food tripping! So much delicious food to taste in Tacloban City, especially seafood. That is a 4 days, 3 nights adventure. ;-)

Here are my stories…

Securing a DFA appointment is like a race to many Filipinos right now. Why? It is because the validity of the passport has extended from five (5) to ten (10) years. Who wouldn’t have that, right? Actually, good thing I have secured a flight to Tacloban through a promo a year earlier and it is just timely that a slot for an appointment in DFA Tacloban has opened on my dates of vacation, too. Coincidence? :-p

I am glad that I have my friend, Dennis, in Tacloban City during my stay in the city. He’s my exclusive guide and I am very thankful that he accompanied me to all the places I went and food tasted - all are highly recommended. I will post the food I have tasted on a separate post. ;-}

First view, the Provincial Capitol of Leyte.

Provincial Capitol of Leyte

It is so beautiful! I can’t stop to stare at it with admiration. The day is gloomy and its beauty radiates in the vicinity with its classical design in white. The place has been once the seat of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. It is indeed a special spot in Tacloban City, it has historical significance and fine architectural beauty.

Second stop, the San Juanico Bridge.

"S" Curve of the San Juanico Bridge

It is the longest bridge in the country as of this moment. It is connecting the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Seeing the bridge personally is an unlocked achievement for me. Yes, I just see it in photos and books and being able to pass through the bridge with its beautiful curves, like an “S”, is like living a dream. It has beautiful scenery that time we passed and my feeling was just so happy since I really that high hopes of going to the place and yes, I did it!

Third stop, the MacArthur Memorial Landing Site.

MacArthur Memorial Landing Site

 Douglas MacArthur is one of those significant people during the World War II, he is considered a hero. He uttered the words “I shall return” departing from the Philippines, and this landing site is the place, but not the original site, where he uttered, “I have returned.” It is a commemorative place wherein a promise is fulfilled.

Part 2>>>

Travel | Batanes: North Batan Tour

There's a number of sights to visit in Batanes. A 3-day joiner tour will be enough to tour around this beautiful northernmost territory of the Philippines and I believe that joining a tour is one of those convenient ways to tour around. It is because the budget will be cheaper, then I am comfortable in a van with the other guests, there's a tour guide (who happens to be a good photographer, too), and there's some water refreshment!

On the first day, we shall explore the North Batan and the first stop, Vayang Rolling Hills!

Vayang Rolling Hills

Can you remember those landscapes of green, hilly, countryside views that you always want to take a memorable photo with? Some may think it is in Scotland or New Zealand, but hey, it is just in Batanes: the Vayang Rolling Hills! It is facing the West Philippine Sea with a very stunning view: the hills, the colors, the beach, the waves, and the feel of wind...everything! It is a photogenic and an eye-refreshing view. One will surely love this place, though a bit hot during our visit, a good sun exposure in this very amazing place is just fine!

Basco Light House

Naidi Hills

Next stop, to the Naidi Hills!

Naidi Hills serve as the base of American-era wireless telegraph facilities. The facilities are bombed during the World War II and to preserve a part of that history, the facilities are reconstructed but I guess not as telegraph facility anymore.

Just within the hills, it is where the famous Basco Light House is standing. Guests are welcomed with the greeting, "Ichaddaw ku Batanes" or I LOVE BATANES! The sixty-six (66) feet light house is in a government property where guests can get a breathtaking 360-degree view of the town and other islands of the province. It is indeed one of the must visit attractions!

I Love Batanes Marker at Basco Light House

Then, from the hills, next stop is towards the town proper wherein you'll see the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Actually, you will see a lot of Catholic churches and chapels in the islands because many Ivatan people are Roman Catholic. Many of these churches are also centuries old.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Chapel (Tukon Chapel)

Then, from the town proper, we proceed to another hill at Tukon. It is where you will see this only Ivatan house-like structure chapel - the Mt. Carmel Chapel. It is made up of stones like the usual Ivatan house and for me, it is a very charming chapel on top of a hill. It is undergoing some rehabilitation due to some damages brought by a typhoon.

Then, just nearby is where the PAG-ASA Complex is situated. The doppler radar of this complex has been destroyed because of the typhoon and it is not functional to-date. Hoping for a fast procurement of the equipment to serve its purpose in forecasting weather conditions in the country. The place is also a vantage point where you can see from afar the Fundacion Pacita Nature Lodge, where high profile personalities usually stay when in Batanes; the hedgerows in many hills that help to prevent soil erosion and serve as property line; and Mt. Iraya (a dormant volcano), which is a rain forest and you can observe clouds cover the tip of the mountain. 

Basco PAG-ASA Complex Doppler Radar

Liveng/Hedgerows

Mt. Iraya

Then, we proceed to another hill wherein a Japanese Tunnel is seen.

Japanese Tunnel

Then, last stop of the tour is at the Valugan Boulder Beach. It is facing the Pacific Ocean, thus, you will observe huge waves knocking off those massive rocks. This is a perfect site for sunrise!

Valugan Boulder Beach

Big Waves at Valugan Boulder Beach

The tour may have ended but my quest to see a beautiful sunset in Batanes urged me to take some walk towards one of Basco's viewing decks. It is a cloudy day, thus, making me see less sunset rays but good indigo skies to witness. Also, since the light house is seen from afar, I am just happy to see it blinking at that darkening hours.

Sunset in Batanes

Basco Light House at Dusk

That is just the first day of the tour. There are two more days!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. If you like this post, don't hesitate to share it to your friends!

Travel | Enjoy Batanes on a Shoestring Budget

It is in the bucketlist of many Filipinos to visit and spend a vacation in the northernmost part of the country, Batanes group of islands. It is because the place is very clean, green and arguably one of the best places to be in the Philippines! Indeed, as experienced, it is really what I expected!

Now, I will share to you how I manage to bring only two thousand pesos (P2000) pocket money for the trip. I will also share to you how I am able to afford cheaper airfare for this trip. I will also share how I survived the 4 days and 3 nights vacation in the island. :-)

First things first, find the cheapest fare and if not the cheapest, at least the cheaper rates. In the market, Skyjet Air and Philippine Airlines fly to this northernmost territory. As of my observation, one-way ticket on both airlines will not go much less five thousand pesos (P5000) on a regular fare with other fees and taxes. The best thing to do to get a chance of their promo fare is to take chances on travel exposition. I got my roundtrip ticket for six thousand one hundred ninety-one pesos (P6191) during a travel expo. It may not be the cheapest but at least cheaper with 2 months before departure date. It is not a peak season visit and it is a risk booking dates during wet season, however, just pray for the best! ;-)

Next, try to search for tours in Batanes. There are blogs which are readily available for your guide to Batanes. I tried to compare a tour package for 3 days and a contact in the island for a tour, a tour package will cost you less. I got mine for four thousand nine hundred ninety-nine pesos (P4999) under BISUMI Tours. It is a promo rate for 3 days that include North Batan, Sabtang Island and South Batan. Aside from that, there is a complimentary lunch (Ivatan food) during the tour, refreshments, van transit and boat fees, other tour fees, a tour guide who can also take beautiful photos, tour bag, airport transfers and souvenir items! Where can you find anything as such? Well, thanks to Sir Ryan of BISUMI Tours you can contact him at these numbers 09989885898 or find their page - BISUMI Tours. Good thing also that they have an attached contact for cheap, humble and decent fan accommodation that amounts to five hundred pesos (P500) each night and for 3 nights, I paid one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500). By the way, BISUMI stands for Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang, Uyugan, Mahatao and Ivana which represents the municipalities of Batanes.

Alright, what other fees that you need to prepare? Upon arrival at Basco Airport, each guest has to pay an environmental fee of three hundred fifty pesos (P350) which is intended for the island's preservation and building of restrooms similar to stone houses near to prime tourist destinations. Prepare a your budget of one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500) for food (breakfast, dinner and snacks) and for more souvenir. Then, prepare one hundred fifty pesos (P150) for bike and Ivatan weather protection attire (vakul for ladies and kaayo for the gents) rental.

Total costs:
P6191 - roundtrip airfare (via SkyJet)
P6499 - 3 days tour c/o BISUMI Tours and 3 nights accommodation
P450 - 3 days breakfast
P965 - 3 nights dinner
P20 - Kanayi rental
P40 - Bike rental (P20/hr)
P350 - Environmental fee
P500 - Souvenir and food items
Total of P14665, not bad for a 4 days 3 nights Batanes Tour!

Next posts about Batanes will be the Tours and Food!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com, if you like this post, like and share it to your friends! ;-)

Travel | Enjoying Spring in Seoul: The Palaces, Museum, Sakura, Shrine, and Lotte World

Seoul City Hall

The following day, I explored the city alone. The landmark where I started the tour is at the City Hall. So, to justify that I really am at Seoul, the Seoul City Hall is the best place to be and have that selfie! LOL see previous post here

Good thing in the City Hall area is that it is also near other landmarks to visit. Since it is spring time, most spring flowers are in bloom and vibrant such as this red and white flowers in this "I love you Seoul" landscape at the Seoul Plaza. Behind this landscape is the beautiful building of Seoul Metropolitan Library.

I Love You Seoul at Seoul Plaza

Flowers at the Sidewalk

Lots and lots of flowers at the sidewalk...vibrant and colorful! This is not a usual scene in the Philippines because these spring flowers will surely dry up in the tropical environment. I thought that these are plastic ornaments but no, these are real flowers!

Just across the Seoul Plaza is where the Deoksugung Palace is located. So, I took the chance of exploring the place also. The entrance fee costs KRW 1000. This palace is said to be the palace that has western touch and it bridges the old and modern eras of Seoul.

Gate of Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace

Inside Deoksugung Palace

Inside and outside the palace, there are pinkish flowers, and I always suspect it as the cherry blossom, but they are not! I am late for the bloom of the cherry blossoms. Some moments of rain and gust are also factors that will fall off the flowers just like those petals at the right photo - actually, those are cherry blossom petals. Those trees that you see are not green when the buds are in bloom! As the locals say, you will see white, pink, then green. Another point here is that, this stone-wall road you see is considered as one of Korea's beautiful roads, indeed!

Deoksugung Doldam-gil: One of the Beautiful Korean Roads

I continued to walk along the vicinity and I arrived near the Seoul Museum of Art. That big floral bouquet is one their entrance's visual arts. The Korean people are really arty! 

Big Floral Bouquet at Seoul Museum of Art

Further steps, you will arrive at the Seoul Museum of History. It is where I further explore Seoul through the eyes. They have a scale model of the city that is very cool! It plays well with some lights and texts - very modern to present the division of districts in Seoul even to its main streets. By the way, it has a free admission - good thing because I am able to stay while it is raining.

Sakura!!!

Seoul Museum of History

But hey, upon walking towards my next destination, since the rain has stopped, too - look what I have found!!! Eureka! Eureka! Eureka! I found a species of cherry blossoms (the photo at the right)! From its looks and color - this is like the ornaments displayed inside the malls in the Philippines - this is indeed a cherry blossom! Anyways, the search is not still off since to see more of it because the cherry blossom is the prominent icon whenever we talk about spring time. :-)

After seeing that cherry blossom, I proceeded to the Gwanghwamun Square. It is where you will see the two most respected historical figures by the Koreans: Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (statue at the left) and King Sejong (statue at the right).

After visiting the Gwanghwamun Square, I proceeded to Changdeokgung Palace - recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage and listed on 1997. It has an entrance fee that costs KRW 3000. This is among the palaces that has a colorful past and has been home to one of Japan's princesses during the Japanese occupation in Korea.

The Changdeokgung Palace

Where the Japanese Princess Lived

At the Changdeokgung Palace, there is also a scheduled palace tour in English. It is very interesting to learn about the history of the place and I hope there is such a thing in the Philippines. However, there are no royal families in the Philippines, perhaps, it can be done among cultural villages. Anyways, moving forward, more steps, the next palace is the Changgyeonggung Palace, however, I did not enter the palace because I want to catch the Jongmyo Royal Shrine.

Jongmyo Royal Shrine is also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. It has an entrance fee of KRW 1000. It is where the memorial tablets for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynasty the served Korea, are kept. They follow Confucian tradition.

Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine

Memorial services in this shrine also hold the oldest ancestral rites conducted since 1464. It is recognized as the one of the Masterpieces of the Oral Tradition and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. At this shrine, there is also an English shrine tour. There are some restrictions where to step in the shrine's paved ways since it is believed that some of those ways are for the spirits not humans.

The Lotte World

This is my final destination for the day...the Lotte World, one of South Korea's theme parks. It is already almost night time when I arrived. Spending more than KRW 20,000 entering the park isn't that practical at all. Few hours to spend is not worthy, so, I just took a photo outside. LOL

That was a very tiring day. Much of walk the whole day. Pretty excited for another day's tour at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where you will be at South and North Korea's boundary!

I hope you enjoyed the visit in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Share your story too!