Travel Tip: How to Apply for a Chinese VISA (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc) in the Philippines

I've been to Macau and Hong Kong several times because travel time to these two Chinese regions takes less than two hours and they don't require VISA for Filipino tourists. Last month, I decided to explore mainland China--Shanghai in particular--and this is the third destination that I've been to (after Korea and Taiwan) that required VISA. Let mo show you how simple it was to acquire a Chinese VISA!

So you've been to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau and this time you want to explore mainland China? The first step is to apply for VISA. Please take note that aside from Shanghai, this is also applicable to other Chinese destinations like Beijing, Guangzhou, Haikou, Lijiang, Ningbo, etc. Before going to the Chinese embassy, make sure you complete the following requirements first: 1. Passport – Make sure it’s not expiring within 6 months. 2. Photocopy of the information/photo page and the emergency contact information page (must be completely filled out) of the passport. 3. Invitation letter – Since I’m just a tourist and I’m not going to work or study in China, I submitted a photocopy of my round-trip ticket and hotel voucher in lieu of the invitation letter. 4. Photocopy of latest ITR Statement (BIR Form 2316). 5. Employment or Business Certificate. 6. Bank certificate – I suggest you have at least P50,000 in your bank account to give an assurance that you have the ability to fund your travels in China. 7. Completed VISA Application Form which can be downloaded here: VISA Application Form of the People’s Republic of China. Since I applied for single entry, I paid P1,400 processing fee and after 3 working days, I claimed my VISA! If you opt for multiple entry in case you plan to explore other cities like Beijing or Guangzhou, the charge is P2,800 and it’s valid for 6 months.

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Iya Villania Lists Her 5 Travel Essentials (Video)

Host/actress Iya Villania talks about how she enjoys traveling and shares the items that absolutely must go into her suitcase.

Watch her talk about her 5 travel essentials in a quick interview here:

 

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Bangkok Travel Guide: From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Tune Hotels Asoke by Train

One thing I love when travelling to Thailand is the convenience of transferring from the airport to your hotel destination. If you're visiting the country on your own and you did not hire a coach/service that will transfer you from the airport to the hotel, or if you're hotel doesn't offer transfers, don't fret! In Thailand it's easy even if you opt for the train instead of taking a taxi or bus.  

Last Tuesday, September 2, 2014, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (one of two international airports serving Bangkok, Thailand) at around 10am in the morning after a 3 1/2 hr flight from Manila. Since we're on a budget and we feel more adventurous that day, we opted to ride the SA City Line train so we head to basement 1 of the airport.

We asked the teller what station should we alight and she said Makkasan. 

We bought the token for 35 baht, rode the train and arrived 5 stations after.

From Makkasan station, we transferred to the connecting Phetchaburi station of the MRT line. It's around 2 minutes walk from the two connecting stations. 

Phetchaburi is just one station away from Sukhumvit station, our destination.

We bought the ticket from the vending machine for 16 baht. These machines are quite similar to the ones they have in Hong Kong and it's user friendly. Simply tap the English button if the default instructions are in Thai. It accepts paper bills and coins and it gives change.

We then alighted from Sukhumvit station and walked to the connecting Asoke station of BTS line.

Just 100 meters away from the station, we arrived at Tune Hotel Asoke Bangkok, our home in Thailand for 5 days!

Here's a video montage showing our short trip from the airport to Tune Hotels Asoke and the city proper:

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7 Smartphone Photography Tips & Tricks (Video)

We always want to 'go lite' when travelling. Carrying a heavy luggage is not only hassle in moving around but it also adds cost to your check-in baggage!

One significant item that adds weight to our luggage is a DSLR camera. The camera itself plus the lens, flash, tripod and other accessories can add up to 2 to 3 kilos of inconvenience. But of course, I will not recommend to you to leave your DSLR camera specially if you're a photographer or photo blogger and you want to capture amazing pictures from your journey.

However, for everyone else, there is an option in capturing great photos by using only your pocket friendly smartphone.

Photographer Lorenz Holder made a cool audio-video presentation that demonstrate some creative smartphone photography tips & tricks using an iPhone 5S!

This video was uploaded just 2 days ago (August 25) and it already amassed a whopping 492,332 views on YouTube!

Watch and learn:

Cross-published in www.starmometer.com

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2015 Philippine Holidays

Here are the official holidays in the Philippines for the year 2015:

Day	Date	Holiday	Comments
Thursday	January 01	New Years Day	Araw ng Bagong Taon
Friday	January 02	New Year Holiday	Additional special (non-working) day
Thursday	February 19	Chinese New Year	Special (non-working) day
Wednesday	February 25	EDSA People Power Revolution anniversary	A special holiday for all schools
Thursday	April 02	Maundy Thursday	Huwebes Santo
Friday	April 03	Good Friday	Biyernes Santo
Saturday	April 04	Black Saturday	Special Non-working day
Thursday	April 09	The Day of Valor	Araw ng Kagitingan. Marks the the fall of Bataan in World War II.
Friday	May 01	Labor Day	Araw ng mga Manggagawa
Friday	June 12	Independence Day	Araw ng Kalayaan. Celebrates the Philippine Declaration of Independence on 12 June 1898
Friday	August 21	Ninoy Aquino Day	Special Non-working day. Commemorates the assassination of Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr. in 1983
Monday	August 31	National Heroes Day	Last Monday of August
Sunday	November 01	All Saints Day	Special Non-working day
Monday	November 30	Bonifacio Day	Commemorates the birth of Andrés Bonifacio on 30 Nov 1863
Thursday	December 24	Christmas Eve	Special Non-working day
Friday	December 25	Christmas Day	Araw ng Pasko
Wednesday	December 30	Rizal Day	Commemorates the execution of José Rizal by the Spanish on 30 Dec 1896
Thursday	December 31	New Years Eve	Special Non-working day

Photo Credit: CebuFinest.com

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Win AirAsia Zest Tickets from MurangLipad

Get a chance to win 1 (One) Roundtrip Ticket to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic destination, for tickets booked through MurangLipad Hotline, and Muranglipad Ticket Offices.

Filipino Low Cost Carrier ZestAir has been rebranded as AirAsia Zest to reflect its partnership with AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia and voted as the World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for six consecutive years from 2009 - 2014.

We truly believe that every Filipino is now given the “Right Way to Fly”. AirAsia Zest will bring you to a destination of your choice!*

Here are the things you need to do to win round trip tickets to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic Destination!

Contest Mechanics

The Contest is open to Filipinos based in the Philippines except for the following: Permanent and/or temporary staff or employees of the Organizer, Triplestar Travel and Tours, AirAsia Zest and participating outlets including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion; Representatives and/or agents (including advertising and promotion) of the Organizer, Triplestar Travel and Tours, AirAsia Zest and other affiliates of the Organizer including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the promotion.

To qualify for the Contest, participants must book an AirAsia Zest Ticket thru MurangLipad via:

Ticket Offices located at the ff. areas:

Pasay City – Domestic Passenger Terminal 4, Domestic Road, Pasay City.

Makati City – Unit 202 La’O Center Bldg. 1000 Makati Ave cor Arnaiz St., San Lorenzo, Makati City

Quezon City- 2/F Cocoon Boutique Hotel, #61 Sct Rallos cor. Sct Tobias, Brgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City.

Clark - Exp 232 Wellness Zone #166 2^nd Floor SM City Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Cebu City - Doors 2 & 3 YMCA Building Jones Avenue, Cebu City

Cebu Airport – Pre-departure Area Mactan, Cebu International Airport

Davao City – Door #16 Legaspi Suite, P. Pelayo, Davao City

Davao Airport – G/F Passenger Terminal Bldg, Davao International Airport, Davao City

Bacolod – New Bacolod Silay Intl Airport, Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City, Negros Occidental

Tacloban – DZR Tacloban Domestic Airport, Brgy. San Jose Tacloban City

Puerto Princesa – Airport Park, Rizal Avenue Extension Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City

Phone call thru (02) 849-0100 from 8:00AM – 6:00PM (Monday – Saturday except Sunday and Holidays)

• A purchase of 1 (one) segment per person is entitled to 1 Raffle Entry. (e.g. 1 Person MNL-CEB = 1 Raffle Entry; 1 Person MNL-CEB-MNL = 2 Raffle Entries.)
• In case that the Purchaser is not the passenger, the Purchaser is the one entitled for the Promo.
• There is only 1(one) winner to be announced per Draw.
• A participant can win only once for the whole duration of the contest.
• The winners will be notified via Registered Mail and by email, telephone, post or any other mode of communication from MurangLipad.
• Prizes can be claimed at ANY MurangLipad Ticket Offices.
• Prize is transferable but not convertible to cash.
• Except as otherwise stated in these terms and conditions, the Prize does not include travel documents, travel insurances, meals, baggage allowance, taxes, administration fees, surcharges and other costs of personal nature incurred by the winner(s) and/or guest(s) in connection with the use of the Prize and the winner(s) and/or guest(s) shall be solely responsible for any payment of the same which are payable in connection with their use of Prize.
• Redemption period shall be within 60 days from notification; prizes will be forfeited if unclaimed within 60 Days from the receipt of notification with prior DTI approval.
• Travel period must be within 1 Year from the date of issuance/claiming of the voucher for Domestic Flight, except during weekends, eve of public holidays and public holidays at any time.
• In case that the desired Roundtrip Ticket Price will be Php10,000.00 pesos and above the respective Tax of 20% should be shoulder by the Winner/s
• Winners need to present the Notification Letter from MurangLipad and a valid ID in order to claim their prize.
• Non winning entries are still valid up to the last Draw of Winners.

Prize:

1(One) Roundtrip Ticket to ANY AirAsia Zest Domestic destination, for tickets booked through MurangLipad Hotline and Ticket Offices.

Booking Period: July 01- October 31, 2014

Deadline of Entries:

1^st Draw: 12:00MN of July 31, 2014

2^nd Draw: 12:00MN of August 31, 2014

3^rd Draw: 12:00MN of September 30, 2014

4^th Draw: 12:00MN of October 31, 2014

Determination of Winners will be at MurangLipad Ticket Office

Venue: Domestic Passenger Terminal 4, Domestic Road, Pasay City

Date:

1^st Draw: August 07, 2014

2^nd Draw: September 04, 2014

3^rd Draw: October 02, 2014

4^th Draw: Nov 06, 2014

Announcement of Winners:

1^st Draw: August 08, 2014

2^nd Draw: September 05, 2014

3^rd Draw: October 03, 2014

4^th Draw: November 07, 2014

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25th Philippine Travel Mart Promo - Win Vacation Getaways

The 25th Philippine Travel Mart is giving away post-summer getaways to exciting Philippine and ASEAN Regional destinations through the soon to be launched online promo, Philippine Travel Mart Free Vacation Getaway. The contest will run for the period June 20  to August 23, 2014. Weekly prices for 2 persons will be given away. Vacation Getaways will take the winners to Puerto Galera, Baler, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Siem Reap, Kota Kinabalu, Coron, and more.

25th PHILIPPINE TRAVEL MART Promo Mechanics

1. Open to all residents of the Philippines.

2. Contestants must like Philippine Travel Mart Facebook page.  

3. Contestants will post a photo comment to the on line poster of the week of Philippine destination, sceneries, activities with caption of not more than 2 sentences describing WHY IT’S 25X MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES with hash tags #25xMorefunPH and #25thPTM.

All submitted entries will be screened. Photos and write-ups submitted should not contain elements/materials that infringe or violate any person’s rights (e.g. copyright, trademark registrations, etc.) or otherwise violate the law. Entries should also not contain profanity, malicious, seditious, obscene, political and religious comments/content. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify entries in violation of any of these criteria.

4. To make the entries valid, please register here.

By posting their entry and providing the above information, contestants expressly give its consent to Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) to use the said picture and information for purposes of this contest. Contestants also warrant that they are participating at their own free will. Further, contestants also warrant that they are not contractually prohibited by any person, company or entity from joining this contest and that such joining will not be in violation of any law or issuances. As such, contestants indemnify and clear PHILTOA and its affiliates from and against all claims, suits, injury and damages resulting from or in connection with the Contestants’ breach of any of the above warranties. The information given by the Contestants will only be used by PHILTOA for the activities of this contest.

5. Contestants can only send one entry per week. The duplicate will not be considered as a valid entry.

6. At PHILTOA’s option, valid entries may be uploaded on the fan page/app without need of prior permission from the owners and/or the people featured in the entry.

7. Ownership of all intellectual property to the entries to be submitted and/or uploaded by the Contestants in connection with the contest shall be owned by PHILTOA. In this regard, contestants acknowledge and agree that (i) PHILTOA shall be the exclusive owner of all intellectual property to the to the entries submitted and/or uploaded, (ii) PHILTOA shall have the right to use the entries submitted and/or uploaded as it may found necessary, and that (iii) the contestants hereby waive any and all intellectual property rights they may have to the entries submitted and/or uploaded in favor of PHILTOA

8. Determination of winners and prizes

Judging of Weekly Winners

Creativity/Originality(50%): Entry should fit the theme (picture/caption) and is crafted with impact and creativity.
Popularity(50%): The number of Likes on the entry.

Prizes ( All weekly prizes come with 5 Entrance tickets to the 25th Philippine Travel Mart ( 5-7 September 2014)

Note: Due to recent developments with our sponsors, weekly prizes may change as to destination and sights for the succeeding weeks of our promo.

9. The contest will run for ten (10) weeks with different on line weekly poster to be posted every Monday beginning 23 June 2014 until 25 August 2014. Entries for the week will cover all postings for the period Monday to Sunday with the winning weekly entry to be announced every Wednesday of the week.

11. All non-winning entries every week are no longer valid for the succeeding weeks.

12. Winners will be notified by registered mail, phone or by e-mail.

13. Winning entries from Metro Manila can redeem their prize at PHILTOA office (Unit 810-811 Cityland 10 Tower1 H. V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City) and must present: (a) letter-notification of winning from PHILTOA; (b) valid proof of identity and (c) if through a representative, authorization letter from the winner. The representative must also present a valid ID and the letter-notification of PHILTOA.
n.b. Prize for the last week (25August to 31 August 2014) can be claimed only during the 25th Philippine Travel Mart at Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex 1300 Pasay City, Philippines.

14. Prizes will be sent via courier for winning entries outside Metro Manila.

Others:

1. Submission of entries is from June 23, 2014 – August 31, 2014. Weekly entries cover the period Saturday to Friday. Weekly winner to be announced every Wednesday
2. Prizes are non-transferable and not convertible to cash.
2. Prizes are non-transferable and not convertible to cash.
3. Employees of PHILTOA and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are not qualified to join the promo.
4. The contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.
6. The Contestants are providing information to PHILTOA and not to Facebook.
7. Contestants fully release Facebook for any and all liabilities and injuries that may result from their participation in this contest.

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SEAIR Teams Up with Muranglipad.com

SEAIR International (SEAIR) announces its partnership with Muranglipad.com to offer airfare comparison to passengers.

SEAIR, the brand that pioneered commercial flights to Boracay in 2005, is back to offer premium services with fast and stress-free travel to passengers. Part of its thrust to offer innovative services to clients, is the belief to offer the best value-for-money fares to passengers.

Muranglipad.com, a division of Triplestar Travel and Tours Inc, provides airfare comparison to all domestic and international destinations, across all airlines. SEAIR clients can now enjoy expert travel advise from Muranglipad.com’s pool of Travel Specialists. To avail of specialized travel assistance, passengers may call the reservations hotline at 849-0100 or visit www.muranglipad.com. Office hours are from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays, to accommodate consultations, bookings and reservations.

Triplestar has 11 ticketing offices nationwide, particularly in Makati, Manila Domestic Airport, Quezon City, SM Clark, Cebu City, Cebu International Airport, Davao City, Davao International Airport, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Bacolod. All are strategically located to cater to passengers’ immediate travel requirements.

To find out more about the new and exciting service, please like SEAIR Facebook fan page at www.facebook/flyseair and Muranglipad.com’s Facebook fan page at www.facebook/muranglipad.com for updates on promotions.

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Travel Tip: Malaysia to Singapore by Bus (or Vice Versa)

If you're visiting Malaysia, you can maximize your vacation by taking a side trip to Singapore, or vice versa. Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa takes 4 to 5 hours travel time by bus and I would highly recommend it!

But of course, you have the option to travel by plane but it's expensive. If you're on a budget, the bus fare from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and vice versa  is only S$30 or P1,000.00 (or lower if you're coming from Kuala Lumpur).

The VIP buses have spacious seats and large seating space between the front rows and your seats. You can incline your seats to almost 70deg. There's also a toilet and television in some of these buses. When taking plane, unless you are taking 1st class seats, the economy seats are normally small.

Furthermore, total traveling times are almost comparable. If you're travelling by plane, you need to check in 2hours earlier prior to departure.

There are many express bus service from Singapore to KL. Some of the famous express bus operators offer almost hourly trip. Just proceed to the Golden Mile Complex. There's also express bus services which depart at other location like Key Point, Harbour Front, Novena, Boon Lay Shopping Centre and many more.

In Malaysia, the bus terminal is located at Puduraya, the largest express bus terminal in Malaysia. Some buses will call off at other locations like Berjaya Times Square, Bangsar, 1 Utama Shopping Centre or Pasar Rakyat. 

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