The House of Jaya

Applying for a South Korean tourist visa was one of the things we had to take care of before our trip to Korea. Honestly, I thought the process was going to be complicated. I've heard stories about the documents you need to prepare, financial requirements, bank statements, and all the other paperwork that comes with applying for a visa. But fortunately for us, we were able to take advantage of the Simplification of Visa Application Documents for eligible credit card holders , which meant we did not have to submit some of the financial documents normally required for a tourist visa application. This is extended until Dec 31, 2026.

Last Updated: August 2026 Important Update: This article was originally published based on our Japan Tourist Visa application in 2023. Japan's visa application process in the Philippines has since changed. As of 2026, visa applications are generally submitted through the Japan Visa Application Centre (JVAC) operated by VFS Services Philippines. Please use the current requirements below and treat our 2023 application experience as a personal reference. Japan has always been one of those countries that many Filipinos dream of visiting. But before you can enjoy Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Mount Fuji, there is one important thing you need to prepare: your Japan Tourist Visa . When we applied for our Japan Tourist Visa in 2023 , we processed our application through Universal Holidays Incorporated , which was one of the accredited travel agencies at that time. However, the process has changed since then. As of April 7, 2025 , Japan Visa Applications in the Philippines are submitted through...

For many, Japan is a dream destination. Now I understand the feeling. When I started traveling 10 years ago, I did not set my eyes on East Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. My eyes were set on Southeast and South Asia. But the pandemic and recent world events changed my perspective, and I started planning trips around East Asia. Japan was the first country on my mind. But as it turned out, we were able to visit Taiwan first—because why not? Japan is such an incredible country, and I knew that we would eventually make our way there. In this blog, I will share our experience, our 8-day Japan itinerary , and our actual travel expenses from our trip. We visited Nagoya, Gifu, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe, and I will also share how much we spent on airfare, transportation, food, attractions, accommodation, and shopping.

Hundred Islands is one of the few tourist spot in the Philippines that is well written in my grade school books. It is one of the famous I would say. This maybe the reason why I snubbed this island wonder during my 20s.   Little did I know that Hundred Island is really a beautiful place to just chill and enjoy the beach. Hundred Islands National Park is a child-friendly Island Hopping experience because its island is not that far from the mainland and it has many infrastructure for an unforgettable family vacation.  Registration Fee - Php100/pax | Php55/pax (Pangasinan Local) Boat - Php1400 (Small Boat 2-5 pax) Garbage Deposit - Php200 (Refundable) Other Expenses: Packed Lunch bought in Lucap - Php100 (Budget Meal - Rice, Veggies and Meat) Water - Php30.00 Tip - Php200 How to go to Hundred Islands (Fare is as of April 2022) Take a bus bound to Dagupan or Alaminos. Bus from Cubao to Alaminis cost Php452 In Dagupan, take a bus to Alaminos. Fare cost Php106 In Alaminos taka tricy...

Sometimes, a trip becomes memorable not because everything went exactly according to plan, but because of why you decided to go in the first place . Our Taiwan trip in December 2022 was one of those trips. We got married in August 2020, right in the middle of a pandemic that would change the way the world traveled. Like many couples, our plans after the wedding were affected by COVID-19. International travel was no longer as simple as booking a flight, packing a bag, and heading to the airport. So when we finally traveled abroad again in December 2022, it felt like something more than just another vacation.

Tara na at mag beach sa Lingayen!  Lingayen beach is a public beach with with infrastructures such as life guard stations, free cottages and free shower areas. Pack your food and tune your vehicles and head to Pangasinan for an u unforgettable summer getaway.