Tag: Travel

Traveling with Siblings: The Pro’s and Con

#SIBLING GOALS

Photos and Article of: Carlo Barace

We may have seen a lot of travel posts of friends with photos tagging their girl/boyfriends or their whole family. Some prefer traveling alone. It is unusual to see siblings hanging out and posting photos with captions #siblings goals. I know there is an endless list of benefits of traveling with siblings, but I would just like to cite some in this article.

My elder sister, younger brother and I decided to explore Japan, our first adventure outside the Philippines.

ONLY ONE VISA APPLICATION

This was the first thing that granted us the advantage of traveling with sibs. We had our visa application through the Reli Tours branch in SM North EDSA.

Just a reminder, you can only apply for a Japan VISA via an accredited travel agency.

Since we have the same last name (obviously), we decided to have one application and the Japan embassy had no worry approving our visas, given that we submitted all the required documents.

The agency told us that even only one of us can process the application. There was no need for all of us to show personally. And I felt confident that our VISA will be approved 100% because there was no other assumption the embassy could have why we are flying to Japan other than tourism, right?

I mean, the embassy just needs assurance that the applicants will be going back to the country and what could three siblings who obviously can’t stand the winter be doing in Japan?

OUR JAPAN ADVENTURE!

Castle in Japan

SHARE EVERYTHING, SAVE MORE

We arrived in Japan and took a rest in a single-room apartment in Lahaina Yuhigaoka Condominium, which we booked before our trip via AGODA.

If you are looking for a cozy yet inexpensive hotel and having no trouble in taking a 15min-walk from one of the nearest railway stations (Namba), then this hotel is for you.

We had no problem sharing in one room because we are comfortable enough with each other. This includes savings in our advantages of traveling with siblings. Not availing another room saved us a few yens that could be traded for some delicious ramens (see it rhymes?).

Eating Ramen in Japan

Those ramens could also be shared by us, but it didn’t happen just so you know. We all love ramen and you may call us whatever you want but we are not sharing, dear. Also, we could share our other belongings like clothes, toiletries to name a few.

SAME ENERGY AND SIMILAR WANTS

From the hotel, we also just walked our way to Shitenno-Ji Temple. I believe moving by foot was the most underrated part of our tour in Japan.

Those long walks helped us appreciate more how clean the Japanese streets are, how cool the architectural designs of their houses are, how refined the residents are, and how rich their culture is.

All these tiny details, above all, were the reasons why I always have the urge to go back to Japan. I even saw a Shiba-Inu, a rare dog of Japanese origin just by strolling.

Shiba-Inu Dog in Japan

Temples and other spots could be very crowded during peak hours but because we were minutes away from the hotel, we went there as soon as the sun rose.

We had the chance to capture memories by taking pictures without you know, the photobombers.

We also had the privilege to solo the hidden Japanese garden which I consider one of the highlights of our stay in Japan. We had no problem setting our own pace because we had no other acquaintance to consider.

Again, I want to emphasize that I was with my siblings only and not with our parents. We spent a day at the Universal Studios in Osaka.

Given my parents’ age brackets (no offense meant Ma and Pa), we all can assume that no parent will enjoy the whole day walking and queuing that could last for over an hour just for a ride.

I think walking is already a part of the Japanese people. Maybe that explains why they have longer life spans.

DISCOVERING NEW THINGS

Japan Universal Studios

Traveling with siblings could also give you new revelations with your “since birth” buddies.

Only that time at the theme park I found out that it was my brother’s first extreme ride. He hates heights. And in my sister’s case, I just discovered that she was freaking afraid of heights and the dark.

We all burst into laughter when we rode a monstrous roller coaster because my sister was yelling the F-word nonstop. She even passed out a split second on-air upon reaching the summit of that one hell of a ride. That was so hilarious.

EASY TALKS ABOUT MONEY

One more important point is you can straightforwardly talk about money. You don’t have to be conscious of dividing the bills in front of them which is sometimes difficult to do with your friends.

Siblings in Japan

You could also borrow money from them easily. And if you are the lender, you don’t have to worry that they will forget since you will keep annoying and reminding them even after the trip.

SIBLINGS WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Speaking of swearing, have you cursed a specific place because you went there with your previous lover? Worry no more; traveling with siblings doesn’t apply here.

You can go back to any place you’ve been without feeling bittersweet or gloomy, right? As they say, you can choose your partners, but you’re left with no choice when it comes to your sibs (sarcasm inserted).

Your siblings will never leave you alone even in the most embarrassing instances. Just like this one time when we visited the Osaka Castle at night to experience the so-called Lumina Nights.

Sakuya Lumina in Japan

During our stay in Japan, the weather was very unpredictable. The sun could be filled with life during the day and then rain poured at night.

So your conclusion was right, the next thing we know was we were already running with our lives to find a shade that night.

Luckily we spotted a vending machine that offered raincoats. It was our chance to experience wearing transparent raincoats and feel like we are some characters in an Anime show.

But we couldn’t make the machine work! We had no choice but to call out for help. It’s embarrassing. But thanks to that lady resident who came for us.

Man, she couldn’t hardly understand English. We just explained it with hand signals. If there was a contest in charades, I could be a champion after our trip to Japan.

But the Japanese people were very helpful despite the language barrier. More of them came for us and helped us try to make the machine work but we had no luck.

Instead, the locals helped us to create a makeshift coat made with plastic bags. Our dreams of being Anime characters were shattered and we became Oscars of Sesame Street.

THE CON

The only thing that is bothering when traveling with siblings is the argument. The fact that siblings are too comfortable with each other, they tend to lose patience easily.

That moment when any of you start complaining? Boom! Domino Effect. The vibe will start spreading with the whole group.

Anyways, those moments are now laughing stocks when we are reminiscing our trip. Just like when we first arrived at one of the train stations, we were like first graders solving a calculus problem.

Japan Train Ride

The railway system of Japan is so advanced yet complicated. We all installed JapanTravel, an application downloadable for free in the App Store that would help us identify the best route for a specific destination.

And guess what? Sometimes, the app gave us different recommendations. Imagine the chaos it caused us, given that we were time-constraint and starving.

Of course, short temper and hunger are partners in crime. We learned the system quite fast because of those arguments at least.

We experienced a lot of challenges. We couldn’t control the turn of events but the important thing is we learn from those experiences.

With this kind of trip, siblings’ bond becomes stronger and that, I think is the most significant advantage of traveling with our “original barkada”.

It gives us better memories and a tougher relationship. We are looking forward to our next adventure in South Korea and I’m very much excited to share with you our next #siblingsgoal.

March 28, 2020
What’s NEXT after K1 VISA Approval? CFO | ARRIVAL AT POINT OF ENTRY | CBP INTERVIEW
The application for K1 fiance visa is just the beginning of your journey going to the United States. I know it’s been quite a long process but I would like to CONGRATULATE you now for getting through all the hustle of filling up the initial forms and passing the interview! So now that you finally received your K-1 visa, what’s next?

Here are the next steps you should start doing after you received your passport stamped with the visa from U.S Embassy.

CFO SEMINAR (LAST STEP after Release of Visa)

It’s a guidance and counseling program or pre-departure orientation required by our government in the Philippines for fiances, spouses and other partners of foreign nationals or of former Filipino citizens. Given and promoted by Commission on Filipino Overseas to protect the welfare and safety of Filipino immigrants. This program can be taken in different locations around the Philippines, Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, and Davao.

CFO – MANILA (+632) 552-4700 : Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Ave. corner Osmena Highway (South Superhighway)Manila, Philippines 1007
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – CEBU (032) 255-5253 : 4th Floor, K&J Building #4 Don Julio Llorente St., Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000
Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – CLARK EXTENSION DESK (045) 499-8119 : One-Stop Processing Center in Clark (OSPC) Clark Polytechnic Compound, Jose Abad Santos Ave., Clark Freeport Zone
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

CFO – DAVAO SATELLITE OFFICE (+6382) 228-2432 : 5th floor, AMQ Building, Lakandula St. Corner, Dacudao Ave., Agdao, Davao City
Email: info@cfo.gov.ph

Before going to their office, be sure to make an appointment online or you can contact the office first if you have any other inquiries and complete all the required documents. Also, prior to scheduling an appointment for CFO Seminar you have to have your passport already with the stamped visa in it.

REQUIREMENTS:

If you haven’t received your visa yet, CFO still allows you to take the counseling just comply on the following requirements:
1. Two valid I.D with a photograph
2. Completed guidance and counseling form from CFO
3. Valid passport
4. Valid visa
5. Completed emigrant registration form
6. Please provide the following if it’s applicable to you. (If you or your fiance have a previous marriage before)
- Divorce decree/certificate
- Annulment paper
  CFO sticker k1 passport
- Proof of residency/Alien Registration Card-ARC (for foreign fiance)
- Proof of relationship (pictures together, chats, emails, etc.
- Death certificate (widow/widower
REMEMBER: You should bring the printed barcoded confirmation form with you during your scheduled appointment or you can present the digital copy (either on your phone,pc or tablet) as long as your name and the reference number are there.

Even though you made an appointment online, it doesn’t mean that you will be in the priority list so arrive early than your appointment time since registration takes time.

The counseling is done in groups in a small room with one speaker/counselor. It takes about an hour and the release of the certificate is given on the same day after your counseling session.

Your passport will also be released with CFO sticker together with the CFO certificate.

On my experience, I thought I would need the CFO certificate at the airport during our flight and upon arrival at the port of entry but officers didn’t even ask for it. What’s more important is the CFO sticker that was on your passport.

Even though the certificate is not that of importance I would still recommend keeping it on your important documents so that whenever or whoever will ask for it you are always prepared.

CFO Certificate

BEFORE FLIGHT REMINDERS
1. Check all important documents especially the yellow packet/sealed envelope. Organize it in a clear book and bring it into your hand carry, NEVER put it on your luggage or suitcases.
2. Be aware of your luggage weight just so you won’t be charged for any extra fees at the airport. REMEMBER, do not bring prohibited items such as food, liquid especially illegal items.
ARRIVAL TO POINT OF ENTRY

In California, the first process we went through is immigration then CBP or Custom Border Protection Inspection and Interview then to baggage claim.

Lines were separated among U.S passport holders and foreign passport holders so I was by myself when we through Immigration and Customs.

This is why it is very important to have your important documents in your hand-carry luggage so that whenever and wherever you go you have with you all the time.

IMMIGRATION

First and foremost is, of course, passport verification.

There will be biometrics and photo capture when you pass through immigration.

If not all, most passengers pass by immigration so expect to spend some time here.

Then you’ll be asked to proceed to Customs and Border Protection.

CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTION (CBP)

Here you will meet the CBP Officer who will first ask for your passport again for verification.

Then together with your passport, hand over the Sealed Yellow Packet. Only the CBP Officer has the authority to tear the yellow packet and get the forms out of it.

After all the checking and verification of documents, the officer will start the interview.

Here are some of the questions I’ve experienced during my CBP interview.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
1. When is the wedding?
2. Share a short story about how you met your fiancé.
3. Do you know your fiancé well? Is he a good man?
4. Have you talked to your fiancé’s family?
5. Did your family approve or accepted him?
6. Which city will you live here in California?
7. The officer also reminded me to get married within 90 days.
REMINDERS TO ALL K1 VISA HOLDERS: You have to get married within 90 days to your U.S petitioner upon admission since this timeframe cannot be extended.

After the interview, the CBP Officer started to scan my passport and other documents. She then returned my passport and kept the other documents.

Until then you could proceed to baggage claim.

BAGGAGE CLAIM

After going through all those procedures, finally going to the release and picking-up of your luggage and suitcases.

Some people go through further inspection of luggage before going out of the airport, officers ask to open your bags and investigate to each of the things you have inside.

Luckily in our case we didn’t go through further luggage inspection and just found ourselves straight to the gate going out of the airport.

These are the steps that you have to go through upon approval of your K-1 fiance visa. This is not the end of your visa journey yet since this is only the beginning of your AMERICA life and that there will be another process after you got married to your fiance and that would be the adjustment of status.

It will be a long journey but I assure you it will all be worth it once you’re done with everything.

I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect once you arrive in U.S.

Just a disclaimer, I’m not an expert, neither a lawyer. All information I shared with you here are all based on my experience.

I wish you a happy marriage and fruitful life ahead of your family!
February 27, 2020
Goat Rock Beach in Sonoma Coast State Park
Indeed one of the most scenic place in California is Goat Rock Beach. One of California’s attractions that you should visit if you’re a traveler or a group of family seeking a wonderful kind of adventure.

SONOMA COAST STATE PARK

Sonoma Coast SP spans 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail which is located approximately 4 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.”
Another day of unexpected getaway happened last weekend and it was an unforgettable experience in the serenity of nature. The beauty of this place is mesmerizing, the scenic views of the headlands, the long sand beach below it, the cliffs, the rock formations, the strong big waves from the ocean, and the wild life. It is such a perfect place to relax and breath after a long week.

We didn’t know what to expect before our arrival but when we got there, it was beyond what we thought it would be.

Sonoma Coast State Park is a rocky coastline with craggy cliffs bordering the pacific ocean located in Sonoma County at Bodega Bay, California. It features natural harbor and rock arches in rounded cliffs which divide many long sandy beach below its peninsula. The beaches are easily accessible by the public since it has a lot of entrance points and parking lots.

We chose to go to Goat Rock State Beach, quite distance away from other beaches. On our way, we passed through a lot of gift shops, souvenir shops and restaurants. We saw most travelers have their R.V’s and camping trucks and some have their surf boards and camping gears on top of their cars.

As we went through the rocky landscape, the astonishing scenery was breathtaking, it boost our excitement to get to the beach and see the water up close.

GOAT ROCK STATE BEACH

At Goat Rock State Beach located near the Russian River, home of harbor seal and some migrating whales.

It’s a long wide sandy beach located near the mouth of the Russian river, where you can see great rock arches and natural cove. The beach has a fine grayish to black sand and the rocks were composed of small pebbles in different shades. Upon entry, we already saw public restrooms and picnic tables along side the parking lot and small walking path towards the sand going to the beach.

We arrived late in the afternoon almost sunset, it was a perfect time since the temperature was not that hot and not so cold neither, just a super cool refreshing ocean breeze.
- Nice getaway to escape from the heat of the city.
ACTIVITIES

We enjoyed playing beach volleyball, playing in the sand and running away from the huge waves. Some people were walking along the shoreline and some were just sitting and sun bathing. You can also try paragliding and kite flying!
But the most exciting thing that we saw in our visit was the whale and the seal! Unexpectedly they appeared in the wavy ocean just in front of the beach, although it was in a distant, we still recognized that it was a whale because of its size and because it was blowing water. And the seal came very close to the shore, it was swimming with the waves.
- Watching migrating whale in front of the beach.
I didn’t get a good picture of the seal that was swimming in the ocean since the waves were too strong that it covered the seal so fast and it disappeared even before I made myself ready for the shot.

Anyway during some time of the day according to few articles I’ve read, you can really see a lot of them offshore, it will be just the timing if you get there on that specific time of the day.

THINGS TO KNOW!

1.Although Goat Rock Beach has the gorgeous views of beautiful long sand and relaxing surfing waves, it is not advisable to swim here since the waves are too strong and the sea floor drops deep and fast.

2. Dogs are not allowed, you can take your dog in the nearby beach, on Blind beach which is off the south parking lot of Goat Rock.

3. Fishing is also prohibited since Goat Rock beach is part of Russian River State Marine Conservation Area (SMRCA).

4. When watching seals or sea lions, authorities advised public to stay 50 yards away from it especially during between the months of March to August which is the pupping season.

5. Please be very careful with the water, always stay above the highest water marks in the sand. The waves are very dangerous so be cautious especially if you have little kids.
Another well spent weekend! You should never miss to visit this place once you are in California, it is such a wonderful adventure to the magical beauty of nature!
August 1, 2019
California: My First Months in My New Home

First Life Experience in California

My life has been kind of ironic in a way because I never thought that one day I would call San Francisco Bay Area my home, I swear I never thought of it. Life gives us a lot of surprises. Now here I am telling you my story of my arrival to the United States. San Francisco International Airport was my final destination. Before my arrival especially when I was still in my native country the Philippines, I have always pictured the U.S as a perfect country, a very modern, sophisticated and wild one to live in. Tall buildings, big roads, no poverty only wealth, beautiful cities with lots of people of different races.

Well… some of my envisions and imaginative thoughts were right, the U.S did not really disappoint me, for a person who has never been in the U.S such as me, I was more like impressed to see all the things that the U.S was made of. Maybe watching a lot of movies influenced my way of thinking and maybe that was what made me imagine such a perfect country that was far from reality. Though, not everything turned out to be how I expected I was exhilarated and eager to welcome this new change to my life. One of the most unexpected changes that I encountered was the weather because it is far different from The Philippines’. With four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. Adapting to these seasons was quite hard especially the winter season which is when the temperature gets very low. The cold was unbearable, though I tried my best not to shiver so that I don’t make it look obvious for other people to see that I was cold but It was hard, I couldn’t fake it and I had to wear a thick jacket all the time. Good thing it was almost the end of winter when I got here so I didn’t really suffer that much. It might not seem like a big deal but for me it was a major issue that I had to deal with because I was used to only two weathers which are the wet season and dry season.

I know this is just the beginning, so I try to take things easy because there are still lots of things to discover. as time goes by I will continue adding those upcoming events in my life. so stay tune!

April 14, 2017