How To Apply For Visa To South Korea

Are you planning to have a vacation to South Korea? First, you must secure a Visa to enter South Korea. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa to enter South Korea:

1) Secure a copy of the Application Form, you may get it at this link. Then fill it up with your information. The form is also available on the embassy but I suggest you fill it up before going to save some time.

2) Attach a 1 Passport size photo of you on the application form by using a glue.

3) Make sure to have your original passport which is still valid for 6 months. Have the first page of your passport photocopied. If you have valid visa and arrival stamps of OECD member countries for the past 5 years, have an original and photocopy of it also. 

4) For employees, you have to prepare the following documents:
    a. Original Certificate of Employment

    b. Original Personal Bank Certificate

    c. ITR (Income Tax Return) or form 2316 Copy

   For businessmen, you have to prepare the following documents:

    a. Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy)

    b. Business Permit or Mayor's Permit (Copy)

    c. Personal Bank Certificate Original

    d. Individual ITR or form 2316 copy

There are also other requirements if you are a Korean's sister/brother in law, Korean's Parents in law, Korean students, religious workers, seaman, housewife, Filipino national married to a Korean, or a spouse of a U.S. military personnel stationed in Korea. For me, I am under the employee category so those requirements above are what I prepared.

5) If your documents are now complete. You may now go to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines to file you application located at 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city 1634, Philippines from 9am-11am only Mondays to Fridays.

If you bring with you your car, you can park your cars at the side of the streets in front of the embassy. Usually there are a lot of open spaces for you to park and there is no parking fee. Upon arriving at the gate, the guard will get 1 of your I.D. and let you sign in their list. Then he'll give you a gate pass, let you in and walk through the path that leads to the hall where you can apply for visa. 

Upon entering the hall, you will see a front desk where you will register again, tell the personnel if this is your first time to get a visa or not and get a number. Make sure to get a number before you proceed and sit on  the waiting queue. 

This is on a first come, first serve basis. No appointment is needed. First time travelers and those who do not have previous or valid visas to U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Korea must present their documents at Windows 1 or 2. Frequent Travelers, seamen and those who have confirmation of visa issuance number should apply at Window 3. 

Take note to arrange the documents in proper order before you hand the documents over especially if you are submitting documents in bulk(for many people) or else they will return your documents to you for you to arrange and you'll have to fall in line again. You will know the proper arrangement listed on the piece of paper which you can get on the left side of the hall upon entering.

Wait for your number to be called by the guard or for it to flash in the screen. Once it's your turn hand the documents to attending personnel and he will just scan through and check if  your documents are complete in front of you. After a short while, he will hand over a piece of white paper where your claiming date is indicated.

For employees, these is the proper arrangement:

1. Application Form with 1pc. Passport size colored picture glued

2. Copy of Passport first page

3. Original & copy of valid visas and arrival stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years

3. Employment Certificate Original

4. Personal Bank Certificate Original

5. ITR(Income Tax Return) or form 2316 Copy

Insert these properly arranged documents in your original passport.

For the visa fees:

For Philippine Passport holders:  

     59 days (or less) stay in Korea -- GRATIS     

     60 to 90 days stay in Korea -- PHP1,350.00
     More than 90 days stay in Korea (not applicable for tourist visa)           

Single Entry -- PHP2,250.00           

Multiple Entry -- PHP3,600.00 American Passport holders -- PHP2,025.00

Foreign nationals in the Philippines applying for a tourist visa -- PHP1,350.00

You will know if your application for visa is approved or denied on the releasing day itself. Processing takes 5 working days for first time travelers and 3 working days for frequent travelers. This may be extended depending on the Consul's decision. 

Then you will just have to go back again on the claiming date indicated on the white paper given to you to claim you passport with visa. Releasing time is only from 2pm to 4pm. So don't miss it, you may also opt to come early. If you come early, they are already starting to release even before 2pm. Upon arriving at the front desk, show your claiming paper, register on their list, and get a number. When your number is called or flashed on the screen, proceed to the window and you will receive your passport in just a few minutes. 

That's it! Getting a Korean Visa is very easy. My friend told me that if you ask the travel agency to get it for you they will charge you additional 600php to 1000php. So it's not that hard If you do it yourself plus you get to save some money which you can spend in Korea. Now, you're ready to fly to South Korea! Enjoy!

For other info on Visa Requirements and Procedures, you may visit this site. 

Mega Shoes & Bags Sale at SMX

It's happening again this year! It's time for the Mega Shoes & Bags Sale! It's a perfect event to buy your Christmas gifts at a discounted price.

They got this 2 for 349.75php shoes.

 Barbie shoes for the young ones.

 Of course, our favorite section, the ladies shoes!

 On the right side of the hall, shoes for the boys.

In the middle of the floor are shoulder bags.

 There are a lot of travel bags to choose from.

And if you avail a total of 3000php worth, you get a free SM loot bag which comes in different colors and 100php worth of Krispy Kreme GC.

That's it, visit SMX's Hall 4 now! The sale runs on December 6-9, 2012, from 10am to 10pm. 

Remarkable Play Which Will Capture Your Heart : The Phantom Of The Opera in Manila

I am so lucky to be able to watch the Phantom Of The Opera live at the Main Theater of CCP. Not to mention, it was at a discounted price. Thanks to Ticket World for having me! :) 

My sister and I arrived early at the CCP theater to avoid the rush hour traffic. Because of this we had ample time to roam around the lobby to take pictures. There was also a snack bar at the back of the main stairs and a kiosk where you can buy you souvernirs such as key chains, teddy bear, accessories CD, shirts, and caps.

I had my seat at the Parterre box where I had a perfect view of the stage because it is elevated and it was not very far from the stage. I saw the theater was in Full House and I believed all of them were as excited as I was to finally experience and hear the songs of the Phantom Of the Opera live.

Photo courtesy of Ticket World Manila's Facebook.

It was so excellent to insert Filipino humor to the play. The cast delivered it so fine that it stroked the theater into laughter. You will never miss the part "if you need me, I'll be in Boracay".

One of my favorite parts were Christine and Raoul's very romantic scene on the rooftop. It was just so magical to have a very beautiful scenery and be with the one you love. The background is so amazing and the buildings at night looks very realistic. "Love me - that's all I ask of you, anywhere you go let me go too, love me - that's all I ask of you..."

My other favorite part was when Raoul is trying to save her beloved Christine from the Phantom. It was a jaw dropping, intense scene that it surely heightened my emotions.

Photo courtesy of Ticket World Manila's Facebook.

This is an evident story of what love sometimes pushed as to do. Especially when jealousy comes into the picture, as humans we do things we never thought we could ever do. But we must never lose hope that everything will be fine and that in the end good heart will still prevail.

This play is definitely a must-watch - spectacular stage, elegant costumes, graceful dancers, great cast and wonderful story. They really know how to put up a good show! It will run until October 14, 2012 - Tuesdays to Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 3PM & 8PM. So don't miss it! 

You may buy your tickets online - www.ticketworld.com.ph or in any of Ticket World's outlets around Manila. They also offer student discount for Balcony 1 and 2 sections. 

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Khyutee's Birthday Giveaway

Hooray! It’s my sister's birth month already and she is hosting a birthday giveaway. Lots of prizes to be won especially the GCs to our favorite Ace Water Spa!

Without further ado, here are the details of her giveaway:

Excited? Read after the break to view the prizes and the mechanics…

Prizes:

Two (2) Ace Water Spa GC valid until Mar 31, 2013

Aromanice Body Wash
Aromanice Body Mist
Aromanice Bath Fizzer
Aromanice Body Lotion

Collagen Moistfull First Essence
Precious Mineral All Day Strong BB Cream
Petit Bijou Moisture Body Lotion
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Foam
Petit Bijou Soft Body Wash

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray

L.A. Colors 6 Color Eyeshadow with Eye Pencil
L.A Colors Dual Lipgloss, Lip Pencil and Sharpener

Mechanics:

- Like Khyutee on Duty Facebook Page
- Follow @JCnQT on Twitter
- Follow @GlimpseOfEnce on Twitter
- Follow A Glimpse of Ence via GFC
- Share on YOUR Facebook Wall “Join @Khyutee on Duty’s Birthday Giveaway here http://wp.me/p1h1cQ-zQ @friend1 @friend2 @friend3″  (make sure to tag the facebook page and your 3 friends)
- Share on twitter “Join  @khyutee ’s birthday giveaway here http://wp.me/p1h1cQ-zQ @friend1 @ friend2 @friend3″ (make sure to tag your 3 friends)
- Make sure your posts and tweets are set to public so that she can see it.

- Comment on her blog using the format:

Name:
Email address:
Facebook Name or URL:
Twitter Name or URL:
GFC Name:
FB post link:
Tweet link:

Additional Entries:

ONE (1) extra entry point if you follow Khyutee on Duty’s blog via Bloglovin [leave one comment your name, email address and Bloglovin email address if you did this]
ONE (1) extra entry point if you BLOG about this giveaway. Please include the link to this post. [leave one comment your name, email address and Blog URL  if you did this]
ONE (1) extra entry point for every SHARE on Facebook or Twitter ONCE A DAY. [ leave one comment your name, email address and link of your post]

THAT EASY RIGHT? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? JOIN NOW!
—
- Giveaway will end on her birthday June 24 and she will announce the winner at once.
- The winner will be picked via randomdotorg.
- Winner will be posted in her facebook page and twitter and will be notified via email.
- This is open to all as long as you can claim your prize personally and present a VALID ID. If you cannot meet up with her, PLEASE do not join.
- Prizes may be claimed on June 30 at Ace Water Spa Pasig Branch or on a different date at Glorietta 4, SM MOA or SM Megamall, depends on the winner’s choice but should be on those 3 malls only.
- Her decision is final.

JOIN NOW!!! Goodluck everyone! ♥

Make-Up 101 with Liz

I had a bonding night with my beautiful officemates and it was through a basic make-up session. This was organized by our lead. That's what you call a work life balance. Well, work-life balance has been a policy which was very much promoted in our company. We not only learn work-related stuffs but also other things for our personal growth. Awesome right?

We had this session because most of us want to learn the basic of how to apply make-up properly, daily make-up to wear in the office and the recommended tools and make-up brands. For this session, our guest make-up guru is Ms. Liz Capalad. She studied make-up and according to her, make-up artistry is not her profession but she does this because of her love, passion, and as a personal outlet of artistry.

First, she discussed to us her make-up tips and tricks by using a powerpoint presentation. So without further ado, let me share to you what I learned. :)

Basic Make-up kit essentials:

• Powder compact foundation and/or pressed powder
• 3 shades of lipstick: natural, dark, coral or pink
• Powder blush
• Pencil/liquid/gel liner
• Curlash
• Mascara
• Lip Gloss/ lip balm
• Blotting sheets

Basic Face Routine:

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Moisturizer
• Sun Screen 
• Primer
• Light Foundation
• Powder
• Concealer

She also shared and showed to us her make-ups and suggested the brands that are good to use which she has already tried:

For moisturizer: OLAY for dry skin, Nu Skin, Celeteque

For toner: Nu Skin, Celeteque

For foundation: Revlon ColorStay, Maybelline, Face Shop

For powder: MAC Studio Fix in NC30(number with gaps of 2 depending on your skin color)

For concealer: Skin Food Salmon Dark Circle, VOV

For primer: Laura Mercier, MAC

For eyebrow color: in2it waterproof eyebrow colour

For eyeliner: Urban Decay, in2it waterproof gel liner

For bronzer: Fanny Serrano, MAC, Prestige, Body Shop, ELF

For lipstick: Maybelline, CoverGirl, MAC, Bobbi Brown

For Kabuki brush: Alyanna

For eyelash curler: Shu Uemura

For make-up brushes: Suesh, Charm, Marionnaud, ELF 

     

Revlon Colorstay Foundation - Mary Kay Foundation   -   MAC Studio Fix in NC30                                  

Box of Sponge

 

                 IN2IT waterproof eyebrow colour    -   MAC Paint Pot Peintures (Primer for eyelids)          

 

 Naked Palette                -                   MAC lipsticks

Tips & Tricks:

* Application of make-up is from wet to dry to avoid CAKE make-up.

* Curl eyelashes then put Mascara. Do not curl eyelashes again.

* Wet sponge attract bacteria. Avoid wetting your sponge.

* When applying concealer, tap only. Don't rub.

* Mascara must be smudge-proof and water-proof to avoid raccoon eyes. 

Basic must-have brushes:

• Powder brush
• Eye shadow brush
• Blending brush
• Eyeliner brush
• Angled Blush brush

How to clean your make-up brushes:

1) Wet through running water with the brush positioned horizontally. Do not dip/immerse the brush into the water vertically as it will soften the glue that holds the hair of the brush together.  

2) Use baby shampoo to soap it and remove all the dirt.

3) Wash it again in running water.

4) Hang in your dresser to let it dry. Do not let it dry under the sun or inside the bath room.

She discussed everyday make-up, corporate make-up, and night/glamorous make-up. She also allowed us to look closely on the make-ups in her beautiful pink stash. She also did a corporate simple make-up to one of my officemate.

Before the session ends, she also looked into our own make-up kits and suggested on what items we should also have. For our next bonding session, it would definitely to buy the items that we are lacking. So excited for the next bonding moments with girlfriends! :) Thank you very much Ms. Liz for everything that you shared with us.

Sing with all your heart at Songbook KTV and Sports Bar

Love to sing & express your feelings through songs? For many people singing is fun and it has been a favorite past time. Not to mention, Filipinos are also very talented in singing. Just like a half Filipina half Mexican, Jessica Sanchez, who even made it as one of the top finalist of American Idol. Very very talented singer! For all those who love to sing or feel singing like Jessica Sanchez, here's a place where my boyfriend and I usually hangout to sing, Songbook KTV and Sports Bar, a KTV lounge in Timog Ave., Quezon City. 

The entrance at Mezzanine Floor, Victoria Towers.

Clean & cozy rooms for small groups.

They have rooms that is very spacious for big groups. This is a great place for team buildings, parties and celebrations.

They also serve ala carte and great deal of food packages for groups.

They also have billiard tables outside the ktv rooms.

Yes, they also have Weekdays Special Promo.

Songbook is located at Mezzanine Flr. Victoria Towers Along Timog Ave. corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, you may call [Smart] (0908) 9437133, [Sun] (0933) 5553959, and [Globe] (0917) 7633397. So what are you waiting for? Go and sing with all your heart ♥

Belle and Cats Time

I spent my Sunday with my Mom and sister. Since we were all free, we decided to use one of the vouchers I purchased from an online deal buying site and had our nails done. I  bought the deal from Groupon Philippines(www.beeconomic.com.ph). The deal was a Manicure-Pedicure Package at Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio. Moreover, there was also the relaxing hand and foot spa included in the package and I got the voucher for 600php for 3 people or 200 php/person only which was originally for 2730php or  910php/person. We got a total savings of savings: 2,130.00 php. That's awesome, thank you Groupon!

Belle & Cat Nail & Wax Studio has a cozy & peaceful ambiance and has the color pink as motif of the room. The place was quite small and I think it can only accommodate 7 customers at a time.

When we arrived at the place, there were still customers whose nails are not yet finished and we had to wait for some minutes. They immediately entertained us by giving us magazines to read while waiting and gave us their nail polish palettes so that we can choose the color of nail polish we wanted already. Nail art designs were also available but with extra charge per nail.

I loved their fast and quality service, one personnel is doing my feet and when other personnel is vacant already, she started to work on my nails at once. The personnels' team work was very evident. They also put these separators between the fingers of my feet so that the pedicure won't easily get destroyed until they were dry.

The color I chose was China Glaze's International Flame shade of pink and I really loved it.

One Personnel said that there were also a lot of customers during weekdays. There were customers who are working in nearby buildings who are availing of the service during their break times. Sometimes even breaking the service into 2 parts. Their technique was to have the foot/hand spa first during their lunch break and have the manicure/pedicure after their working hours. Oh time is really gold and these women are really making the most of their time. By the way, Belle and Cat Nail and Wax Studio is located at GF Sterling Centre, 131 Esteban Cor. Dela Rosa Sts., Legaspi Village Makati City. You might want to drop by and relax when you are at the heart of the busy streets of Makati.  

Fly Away! Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival 2012

Did you know that the first passengers of the first hot balloon was a sheep, a duck, and a rooster in 1783. Fascinating how people had developed the hot air balloons throught the years. Now, it has a lot of various and amazing designs.

Last February 2012, the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon was held in Clark Pampanga. My friends and I hit on the road early morning before sunrise, it was a almost 2 hour drive from Manila. We went there on a Friday and comparing with the stories of my friend who went there on a Saturday, there were fewer people on the Friday event than on the Saturday. And we arrived in the event's field just in time for sunrise.

So here are the pictures of the fascinating and cute hot air balloons of the event:

Getting Ready to Fly

All set & fly

A very huge cake hot air balloon which caught the eyes of many. We also saw a couple having their pre-nuptial photoshoot in this hot air balloon. So lovely!

My favorite was the cute Panda!

Here is one shot of the skydiver with the Philippine flag during the skydiving exhibit just right before the opening flag ceremony. The festival includes other air exhibits sky diving, kit flying, paragliding, etc. 

This festival runs annually during February, so if you haven't gone in the past years make sure to plan it out to go to next year's run.