3 months to be a Filipino again during COVID-19 Pandemic

Consular Office in Washington, DC

I thought I could apply to be a dual citizen around March 2020, few months after becoming an American citizen. Closure of offices and pandemic made me decide to delay my application to be a Filipino citizen again. To have a good start of 2021, I’ve decided to apply in January since I did hope that everything will be better within a year.

Globe's International Roaming 2020

 

I haven't traveled internationally for many years. I got the screenshot from my father's phone. Last 2013, I did a review that Globe's international roaming didn't work here in the United States.

Concert: Twice at Newark

Twice Lights was my first ever concert that I’ve watched in the U.S. I and my friend decided to watch Twice’s concert last July in Newark. It’s great and would love to watch their another concert in the future. 

Planning: 1st TWICE concert

Ticketmaster

This will be my first ever concert that I'll watch here in the US. CN Blue's Blue Moon(2013) was the last concert that I had watched in the Philippines.

Downtown San Rafael 2019

Falkirk Cultural Center

I stayed for few days in San Rafael, California last March. The weather was better than my Los Angeles' trip. I and my family also visited San Francisco, but we spent more days in San Rafael. Since my older brother had work already, we had to plan our tours by ourselves (I and my parents).

A Rainy Day in Universal Studios Hollywood

It's been almost six years since I’ve been to an amusement park, I finally made it to Universal Studios in Los Angeles. This was unexpected because I, my brother, and parents decided to go there just the day before. Our first choice was Disney.

The White House Tour 2019

The White House

I and my parents went to The White House last March. Thanks to our kind neighbor who became our tour guide and helped us to have a reservation on a Saturday visit.

2019: Southwest Airlines

Screenshot of flight tracker

The last time I reviewed Southwest was 2014. For the last five years, I chose Southwest when I went to Chicago, California, Missouri, Georgia and Louisiana. Last March, I went twice to California (Los Angeles and San Rafael.)

Planning: 1st Hiking

This will be my first hiking ever. I don’t have relatives and friends that enjoy hiking, so I haven’t tried it. Thanks to my God mother because she invited me last June. She lives in Florida, and I live in Maryland. Even my God mother lives in Florida, we will meet in Atlanta airport this weekend. She’s with her relatives. I invited my younger brother, but he’s not interested. This trip will be my first time to travel via airplane by myself and will be my first trip to Georgia.

Southwest Airlines

Menu

I and my family went to Las Vegas, Nevada last May via AirTran Airways, which was acquired by Southwest Airlines. However, we went back to Maryland via Southwest Airlines. It was the fifth time. The first one was on 2010 when we went from San Jose, California to Baltimore, Maryland (vice versa). I don't remember well how long our travel back then because it's not direct flight. We had to stop in some states like Nevada (Las Vegas) and Utah (Salt Lake City). The third was April 2012 when we went to Florida.

Globe International Roaming

I am Globe prepaid user since grade 4. That's like for almost 12 years. Therefore, it is a must for me to take my globe phones every time I'm traveling outside the Philippines. The first time I went abroad was 2010. I didn't encounter any problem for roaming my globe. The second time was 2012. My globe international roaming worked perfectly fine. However, during my third and fourth time, my roaming didn't work. I don't know why, but I followed and registered 24 hours before my flight. I also had enough load balance.

Luxury Townhomes: Damai Resort

I arrived at Florida without knowing we will stay at Damai Resort. I didn't even know it is called Damai because my brother didn't mention it to me. He just told us that we will stay in a house where we can cook. I honestly love Damai. The reason is that the design is so luxury. I just become very amazed when we went inside. My brother and his friends decided to rent a unit because it is near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and supermarket. We stayed there for five days and four nights.

2012 Spring: Walt Disney World ~ Epcot

Epcot

Epcot is one of the parks of Walt Disney World. It is divided into Future World and World Showcase. Future World includes Spaceship Earth, Imagination! Pavilion, The Land Pavilion, Mission: SPACE® Pavilion, The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion, and the Universe of Energy. World Showcase features countries such as Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. When I saw the buildings from different countries, I got the feeling that I am right there.

2012 Spring: Walt Disney World ~ Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle

Walt Disney World is my dream amusement park. I always love amusement parks because they are cool and fun. We went here last April. This is one of my memorable travels in USA. Tickets can be bought at the venue, but we bought our tickets in the Disney Store at Orlando, Florida. We traveled by car, then we rode a Ferry Boat. Magic Kingdom is far from the parking lot. Other option to travel is the monorail from the parking lot to the theme park.

2012 Spring: Universal Orlando

I insisted that we should go here because I learned that it is the only "Universal Studios" that has "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter". I am fan of Harry Potter movies. Universal Orlando has two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. If you choose for only one day in just one park, the ticket costs $88. If you prefer both parks like me, the ticket costs $123 per pax. It is not advisable to spend only one day for both parks because $123 is expensive for only one day, but we had no choice because in the next two days, we will go to Disney World (Magic Kingdom & Epcot). In the future, I will definitely come back in Florida to complete all the rides in Universal Studios and Disney World for eight days. It is cheaper for both parks, for four days because it will only cost you $40 each day. So, 4 times $40. I will just have to pay $160. We also purchased coupons for meal. It is eat all you can at participating restaurants. It costs $20.99 and the servings always come with desserts (cake or cookies). For me, they provide big servings for everyone. That's why I'm always full because we always stopped for a while in a restaurant to eat.

one of the participating restaurants

add-on: unli meal

We bought tickets at the park. We waited for at least 45 minutes because there are lots of tourists. For less hassle, you can buy tickets online. We ate first before strolling in Universal's Islands of Adventure. My favorite is "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter".

I really enjoyed "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey". I really felt that I am Hogwarts student as I walk in corridors. I saw paintings talking to one another. The classrooms of Harry, Ron and Hermione look real. The last part of the journey is the best. I soar above the castle grounds as I joined Harry Potter in his adventure and coming face-to-face with magical creatures. I met dementors face-to-face.. They are giant. The experience is one of a kind and unforgettable. I will always visit this every time I will go in Universal's Islands of Adventure. I planned to ride Flight of Hippogriff, but I had a problem because of the locker. Before we entered Hogwarts, we had to put our things inside the locker. It is free. It doesn't need keys because you will only need your fingers(biometrics). The problem was my finger wasn't recognized, and it troubled me because many people were waiting for their chance to open their own lockers. Good thing, there are staffs who helped me open my locker. I gave the locker number and they asked if my ID is inside the bag. I showed them my state ID. 

Hogwarts

looks familiar, right?

Welcome to Jurassic Park

Another great experience was Jurassic Park. I thought we will just ride the boat. Surprisingly, it has its own story like Harry Potter. We screamed when there was total darkness and suddenly, we went down for about 85-foot.  We were wet, really wet.

just what had happened to us

want to try this

Hope to visit this soon

We didn't have enough time to visit everything because we still had to go to Universal Florida. That's why I recommend four days for both parks. Going there will make your legs exercise. 

We just strolled around and took some photos. We took some rest and drank coke. We only visited "Shrek 4-D". I just loved the 4-D experience.

Both parks have many attractions, but the day is not enough because we also have to wait for our turns. Both parks close at 6pm. It is early to be compared to Disney World. Next time, I will buy Universal Express Pass so that I can fully enjoy the whole day of rides and adventures.

Southwest Airlines

Last April, I traveled with my family from Maryland to Florida via Southwest Airlines. Well, they provide good service. That's not my first time to ride in Southwest Airlines. That's third time. The first one was on 2010 when we went from San Jose, California to Baltimore, Maryland (vice versa). I don't remember well how long our travel back then because it's not direct flight. We had to stop in some states like Nevada (Las Vegas) and Utah (Salt Lake City).

The thing I like about their airline is their tissue. Too bad, I lost the one I had back then and the latest one I got. Their tissue has the map of America in which shows the different state's name and locations. Next time, I will definitely take photos of it. About the food, since it just domestic/local travel, they give peanuts/nuts and juices. You can ask for sodas such as coke and sprite (had a funny story about the pronunciation).

Usually, they are on time, but sometimes, they will text you that the flight got delayed due to weather/rain. Then, two hours before the flight, they will text you that the time went back or changed to other time. For example, your flight is on 8:45pm. They will text you, that it has moved to 9:45pm. Well, don't relaxed too much because they will/might text you that it has moved again to 9:00pm. It's better to be earlier than to be late. It happened to us during our flight from Florida to Maryland.

They also offer wi-fi on board. Back then, I think they still did not have it. But last time, I did not use wi-fi because it is not free. It's 5$. I did not search for any details since it is expensive for me because I will board the plane for only two hours.

Southwest airlines has "Rapid Rewards" program. That is like the Y flyer program of Philippine Airlines.



Disclaimer: Pictures are not mine.
Source of pictures: Google

2012 Spring Travel Guide for Filipinos

Here are some guidelines if you will travel from Philippines to USA that is connecting flight via Korean Air:

Departure at NAIA airport:
1. Check in your baggages - give your ticket, passport and green card

Weight baggage depends on your airline.

2 baggage ~ maximum 23kg each

hand carry ~ maximum 12kg

2. Pay the terminal fee - 550pesos, give your passport, green card, and boarding ticket
3. Immigration - the slip should be filled up then give it to the person, give the passport, green card, boarding pass and the stub given from the terminal fee.
4. Putting the bags in the scanner, removing shoes
5. Gate 11 - right side 




Arrival at Incheon International Airport
1. Go to "Transfer"
You have to show your passport, green card and boarding ticket. Then they will inspect you and your hand-carry things.
2. Go to assigned gate.
3. You can go shopping or dining at the airport.

Departure at Incheon Airport
1. Go to the assigned gate at the boarding ticket.
2. Wait for your seat number to be called so that you can board.
3. Show your passport, green card and boarding ticket.
4. After that there is inspection of your hand-carry bags due to Nuclear Security Summit 2012)
5. Boarding the plane.

Arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport
Travel is about 14 hours
1. Once you go out from the plane, you will ride a bus/vehicle that will take you to the Immigration.

2. There are two lines. One is for the USA citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents of USA. The other is for the visitors.

3. You have to prepare your green card, passport, re entry permit(sky blue that looks like a passport) and customs declaration. Customs declaration will be given during your flight in Korean Air and have to fill up your details. One declaration for each family is enough. These should be shown to the assigned officer. They will sign and stamp your passport and the customs declaration. He might ask you something about the customs declaration.

3. Pick up your bags.
4. After that, you will have to walk until you meet an assigned officer to get your "Customs Declaration".
5. That's it. Hello to USA.

source: my travel experience last March 27-28, 2012

2010 Canada

We just stayed in Ontario, Canada for few days. My brother probably chose Comfort Inn because it is near to Niagara Falls. I really love Niagara Falls. :)

2010 USA ~ Spring

First Ever Church that I visited in USA

United States of America is the first country that I had visited. I stayed in USA for 45 days last 2010. During those days, I visited these states: California, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, New Jersey, New York City & Connecticut. I didn't have pictures in Virginia because we just slept there for one day.