Our first day - Arrival and explore Harajuku & Odaiba

Since we need to be at the airport 2 hours before our 5:45 am flight we decided to leave our house in San Mateo area at around 12 midnight. We left our family car since it was too expensive to leave it for 5 days at terminal 3 parking area or at Park N Fly in Paranaque. We took a taxi; upon reaching Nichols area I noticed that our taxi started to run erratically. It would speed up then slow down. I checked our driver and realized that he was trying to stay awake while my family and I were snoozing. I got nervous and initiated conversation with him until we reached terminal 3 safely.

the most famous spot inside Narita airport

We left NAIA Terminal 3 last 1st of May for Tokyo, Japan at 5:45 am and arrived at Narita airport terminal 2 at around 11:45 am local time. It was a 4-hour flight but you need to add one more hour since Japan is an hour advance compared to Philippines. Feeling sleepy we just slept during the entire flight.

Menu

My son was almost denied entry by an immigration officer; we got separated at different immigration desks as instructed by an immigration officer manning the queue. The desk officer interrogated him since he put student on his arrival card. Moreover, he didn't have some banknotes with him and instead of staying in a hotel the immigration officer noticed that my son would stay in an apartment. Due to this, the immigration officer told my son thrice that he couldn't stay in Japan. It was my timely intervention that clarify the situation.

Upon completion of immigration procedures we searched for a place to fill our growling tummy inside Narita airport. We dined at N's Court at the fourth floor. I ordered my favorite Laksa while the family chose Tonkatsus. Our bill including drinks reached 6,900 Yen inclusive of 8% tax; my first taste of Japan's expensive food bills. I thought our meals were expensive due to location but I was wrong. By the way, in Japan oftentimes you need to return your tray or discard your trash in a designated place after meal.

buy your Narita Express ticket from here

car no 8 seat 10 A

Soon after we searched for Narita Express ticket station. We found it at the basement. I queued and showed our passports to avail 50% discount for one-way trip. I paid 1,500 Yen per person or 7,500 Yen for five of us up to Shinjuku station. The seat number would appear on your NEX ticket while train arrival is posted at electronic billboard while you need to queue at the assigned car number. In our case we queued at the entrance of car no 8. To add, you may collect a free Tokyo train/subway map near NEX ticket office. It was very useful to us especially when transferring to different train and subway lines in Tokyo.

hereb comes Narita Express train

When our train arrived the family raced towards our designated seats while I put our large trolley bag at the luggage rack located at the front of the car.

It was a pleasant and smooth ride from Narita airport to Shinjuku station. NEX took around an hour and 30 minutes to reach Shinjuku station. From here we went out of the station and bought 5 Suica cards from a vending machine and loaded it with 3,000 Yen each. Armed with Suica card we traveled to nearby Harajuku station. We reached our apartment almost 3 pm. After settling down and a little rest we decided to have some snack at McDonald's at nearby Takeshita Street.

bidet controller

By the way, we found something peculiar in our apartment's toilet. It took us some time before we learned how this bidet controller works. Always bear in mind that this is weight sensitive thus you need to sit on it first before it works.

the famous and always crowded Takeshita Street at Harajuku

After a brief snack at McDonald's we traveled back to Shinjuku station and transferred to Rinkai line to reach Tokyo Teleport station at Odaiba. In no time at all we emerged from the subway and started searching for the giant Gundam. We found it in front of Diver City. After some photo-ops my eldest son started searching for his Gundam robot at Gundam Cafe and Gundamfront. Unfortunately, the price here is more expensive than in Yodabashi in Akihabara according to my son thus he foregoes his plan of buying his Gundam from here.

kids were amazed with this hot and cold vending machines

with my "boys"

Gundam at night 

you can have a light snack inside this Cafe

expensive Gundam mug inside Gundam Cafe

Gundamfront - another shop selling Gundams

Rainbow Bridge and replica of statue of Liberty

From this place we walked up to Aqua City for the scenic Rainbow Bridge and replica of statue of Liberty. We strolled around the picturesque area and enjoyed the sea breeze. Fortunately we found a Disney Store inside Aqua City. We tried to buy a two-day passport for Disneyland and Disneysea but all their tickets from 03 May up to 05 May were all sold-out due to Golden Week festival. We had no choice but to purchase 4-adults and 1-Junior one-day pass for Disneyland only. However, their staff told us that we can upgrade our one-day pass to two-day pass at the guest relation office inside Disneyland. No worries about the price since we would just pay the difference for a two-day passport according to their staff. I appreciate their effort in communicating with us in English.

Tired and hungry we opted to take our dinner at the food court inside Diver City hence we walked back to Diver City. My wife and I ordered Yakisoba while our 3 kids ordered Crepes.

We went back to our apartment through the same subway and JR Yamanote line at around 8 pm. We searched for any convenience shop to buy our breakfast and we found a 7-eleven three blocks away. To our amazement our apartment area wasn't like as we expected. Our apartment was located in a laid-back environment where people started to disappear at past 7 pm. It was actually creepy walking along a desolated street on a chilly night. My daughter even narrated an urban legend in Tokyo about a "Sadaku" like lady strolling at night and conversing to person walking alone in the middle of the night. I told my family nothing to worry since we didn't speak Japanese then the lady won't bother us. Nevertheless the whole family enjoyed the serenity of the place and the weather. Japan was truly different from other Asian cities we have visited thus we were uber excited about our Tokyo trip.


Our Tokyo Journals:

Practical tips for Filipinos applying for Japan visa in Philippines
Does your flight lands at Narita airport T1 or T2?
Our first day - Arrival and explore Harajuku & Odaiba
Our second day - Tokyo Disneyland
Our third day - Tokyo Disneysea & explore Akihabara
Our fourth day - Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Tokyo Tower
Our fifth day - Sayonara Tokyo!
Baffled by Tokyo's rail network? Try Suica card.
Big apartment near JR Harajuku Station

Beware of rampant pickpockets at Pratunam, Bangkok

Latest Update and hopefully the last:

12th of April 2015

Another colleague's wife fell victim to bag slasher in Pratunam Market. See: Beware of bag slashers in Pratunam Market 

UPDATE as of: 

18th of January 2015

My colleague became another victim at Pratunam. See: Thou shalt not wear cargo shorts at Pratunam


12th of May

According to the Filipino owner of the cargo forwarder where I am sending our merchandises, one guy was beaten black and blue yesterday by some African guys. He was caught stealing from one of them. She narrated this to me upon learning that I was victimized by these bastards. Good for him. Moreover, this morning an old small guy was trailing me when we entered the morning market beside Indra Square. He was keeping a safe distance until a guy approached me with an empty metal trolley used for carrying their goods while all of a sudden a crowd was starting to merge around me. I remember that was the same modus they used to me two days back. I turned around and walked straight to the small guy and look at his eyes directly. He lowered his head and turned back while I snaked my way through the emerging crowd. I took refuge inside one of the shops and let the guy with empty trolley passed. I believe that if they notice that you are aware of their plan and willing to act decisively they would simply call it a day and leave you.

This afternoon when the Thai helper of the cargo forwarder fetched our merchandises from our hotel he inquired why I am sending a small size cargo. Upon learning that I lost some money he also narrated that one of their regular clients lost 2,000 USD and passport last year. Their client's bag was slashed in the same place where I was victimized. The poor guy cried in front of them.

Since the incident I have become fully aware of those people around me in the last two days of our shopping in Pratunam area. I have seen shoppers having eye-contacts with each other while some of them were just loitering around and possibly scanning the place for victim. 


This morning I bid goodbye to my 12,500 THB and 12,000 Yen while shopping at Pratunam, Bangkok City.

The story goes like this, at around 7 am I changed my 300 USD from ASMA Money Exchange center operated by Indians near Pratunam Park Hotel. It was the only exchange center opened at that time in that area.

My wife and daughter were sorting and surveying some shops at the "morning market" just beside Indira Square while I followed them a few meters away.

I noticed that a fat lady tried to push me thrice. The third time she was in front of me and trapped me along with the "crowds." I had no option but to jump out from the crowd. It was suffocating. I was surprised why all of a sudden these people were around me. After my so-called escape somebody pulled my shoulder/sling bag thus I was left with no option but to pull it harder and willing to go for a fight. Fortunately my shoulder bag was released with the zipper opened; the fat lady even had the guts to trail me some time. I checked immediately our passports and to my relief they were still intact but my 600 THB inside the side pocket with Velcro lock was gone. I let it go since it was a paltry amount compared to our passports. We continued shopping until B gallery fashion Arena. After we have consumed our 300 USD I told my wife and daughter that I would return back to the hotel to leave our goods and exchange my remaining 700 USD at the same money exchange center.

In short I got my remaining 700 USD converted to THB at the same money changer. I spliced the amount and tucked the 12,000 THB with my extra 12,000 Yen in my cargo short left pocket secured with a button while I put the remaining amount in another pocket. I reversed the position of my shoulder bag so that the zipper was facing towards my belly. I returned back to my wife and daughter and continued shopping for our online shop.

Unbeknownst to me I was already targeted by a group of pickpockets and it seemed they have an idea that I was carrying some money with me. While in Pratunam I always ask my wife and daughter to stay ahead of me so I can always check them. In doing this I was trapped by two ladies in front of me while another two people were behind me and another person in both of my sides. All in all, at least 6 people ganged me up and I couldn't even see my pockets. I secured my bag and another pocket which contains my wallets and tried to jump out from the dragnet. I barely made it when I noticed that my left cargo short's pocket was already unbuttoned. My 12,000 Yen and 12,000 THB was gone. At least I saved my wallet and the 10,000 THB inside the other pocket. Had I allowed the situation to prolong a few more seconds I am sure that I would be left with an empty bag and pockets. I have been shopping for around two years in the same area and that was the first time I fell victim to this kind of modus operandi by those bastards.

ASMA Exchange

The circumstances of being identified and robbed twice by different group of people were pretty surprising unless somebody has tipped them about my situation. I don't want to jump into conclusion but in Manila, there are many instances of proven collusion between money changers and some syndicates or lawless individuals. I never returned to this money exchange shop anymore.

This is a warning to all would be shoppers before you go to Pratunam, Bangkok City. Stay closely in group and if the crowd started to become uncomfortable take refuge in any shop along the road and let the crowd dissipate before returning back to the street. Make sure also that you hug your bag always and don't place your money and valuables in one place. Trust me, when this thing happens the hardest thing to experience is the denial period. There is always a tendency to assume that this incident happens to other people only.

It can't be denied that these sub-humans who prey on the innocence also exist in Bangkok City. What is so disappointing is the lack of police visibility in that area considering that this place is known to be the center of wholesale market in Thailand. Our hotel's staff who knew me since I am a regular guest told me that there was no police precinct in this area and these incidences have occurred frequently recently including bag slashing. Moreover, one of our favorite shop owners upon learning I lost around 500 USD to pickpockets also attested that many of her clients have been victimized as well and some of them were so unlucky to lose their passports. The culprits according to her were mainly outsiders such as Cambodians who have flocked to Bangkok to victimize unsuspecting shoppers especially foreigners. She added that the worse is yet to come after integration of Asean markets next year. She apologized for what happened to us.

After the incidents I left all our passports, wallets and valuables inside the hotel's safety lock while the bulk of our budget is now hidden safely within my body and some amounts safely tucked in my wife's double liner shoulder bag. They need to undress me first before they can touch another THB.

The amount I lost wasn't enough to build ill feelings to Thai people. I have worked with them in offshore in Abu Dhabi and I knew how hard working and family oriented these people. I have lots of good memories with them.

Hence, if you are planning to buy clothes for your own use better shop at nearby Platinum Mall rather than risk your money at Pratunam Market. Otherwise stay alert and prepare for the worse.

After searching the net it seems that rampant pickpockets and bag slashing are normal occurrences in Pratunam.

See related post: Tips to avoid pickpockets in Pratunam 

Does your flight lands at Narita airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2?

When we booked our flight to Tokyo, Japan through Cebu Pacific we knew that we would leave Manila from NAIA Terminal 3 as indicated on our flight booking but we didn't have any idea on which terminal our flight would land since it wasn't appearing on our booking.

Anyhow, we landed safely at Narita airport Terminal 2  and we were able to reach our apartment in Harajuku by taking Narita Express from the same terminal.

On our way back to Narita Terminal 2 from Nippori train station waiting for Keisei Skyliner I saw this billboard indicating the list of airlines using both Narita airport terminals.

TERMINAL 1

TERMINAL 2

Nevertheless, whether you land on either terminal both Keisei and Narita lines are passing and stopping at both terminals.



Our Tokyo Journals:

Practical tips for Filipinos applying for Japan visa in Philippines
Does your flight lands at Narita airport T1 or T2?
Our first day - Arrival and explore Harajuku & Odaiba
Our second day - Tokyo Disneyland
Our third day - Tokyo Disneysea & explore Akihabara
Our fourth day - Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Tokyo Tower
Our fifth day - Sayonara Tokyo!
Baffled by Tokyo's rail network? Try Suica card.
Big apartment near JR Harajuku Station

Dad's Review - Practical tips for Filipinos applying for Japan Visa in Philippines

Update as of 06 May 2014

After our arrival at Narita Airport our family of five got separated and fell in line at different immigration counters. We were not worried at all since we have done this many times in our previous trips without encountering any problem. However, my eldest son was interrogated by the immigration officer due to his status as student on his arrival card. In addition, we were supposed to stay at an apartment in Harajuku thus the immigration officers kept on asking my son whether he has a relative in Japan and why he would stay in an apartment and not in a hotel. Furthermore, aside from being a student he stated that he wasn't carrying any banknotes with him. The immigration officer told him thrice in a raised voice "you can't stay." Fortunately I was near him but on a separate queue. I approached the immigration counter and informed the guy that I am his Dad and our family got separated at different immigration counters. The guy simply smiled and allowed my son to pass after verifying my arrival card.

Thus, when in queue at the immigration counters at Narita airport better to stay in group so as to prevent anybody from being questioned. Remember that having an entry visa doesn't mean that you can't be denied entry anymore by the immigration authority in Japan.

Enjoy your trip and stay tuned for my additional tips regarding Suica card / Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner.

Japan visa is selling like hotcakes nowadays. It has been in news for quite some time and I am sure that in the past few months thousands of visas have been issued to Filipinos who intend to visit the land of the rising sun. We joined the frenzy and received our passports with visas on 16th of this month.

Before anything else, the steps in acquiring the much coveted visa are not as easy as walking in the park notwithstanding the Japanese Embassy's announcement that these steps have been simplified. 

There are several tour agents accredited by the Japanese Embassy where you can submit your application. You can easily search these tour agents on the net but in our case we preferred Reli Tours located at 5th floor of SM Megamall. You may check its website: Reli Tours. We chose this tour agent due to good review on the net and it was the most convenient place for us.

Since we plan to go to Japan without any guarantor we prepared all the necessary requirements as stated on the tour agent website before we submitted our applications.

1. Valid passport with 2 remaining blank pages

2. Application Form - You can download this from the tour agent website: application. When filling this form do not leave any blank spaces. If you don't have guarantor like us then put "N.A." in all the spaces such as guarantors' addresses and Tel nos. More so, there is nothing to worry if you are traveling as a family and you have a single breadwinner. The visa applications of my wife and three kids were approved even if they stated their status as housewife and students on their applications.

3. Photo - 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm or 2" x 2." Reli Tours asked for a single photo to be pasted on the application form. You should be wearing a collared t-shirt with white background on your photo. If you have long hair both ears should be exposed. Moreover, there is no need to go to any expensive photo centers at the mall. It costs us 106 pesos for 6 copies while my eldest son paid only 24 pesos for 4 copies printed on photopaper by our friendly neighborhood internet shop. The embassy accepted all our photos.

4. Birth Certificate from NSO - If you are alone and have plenty of time to spend then it is preferable that you apply for this document at any SM Business Centers or at Teleserv Online application. The cost is reasonable but processing will take more days.

In our case, we were five in the family thus we applied for our birth certificates at NSO Main Office at Quezon City to reduce our expenses. The wife and I went to NSO at around 10 am and received queue number 4219. We were aghast since the number being processed at that time was 2150; it took another hour to reach 2300. We inquired at the Teleserv counter inside NSO office for home delivery of the documents but the guy was asking 350 pesos per document and around 3 days delivery period. It was way too costly.

inside NSO Main Office

Feeling helpless I asked the security staff whether our queue number would be entertained and luckily he assured us that all queuing numbers issued for that day would be completed before the office closes at 6 pm. Hence, we decided to come back at 4 pm.

We came back at 4 pm only to find out that the number being processed has already exceeded 5000; I don't know how they did it. Since our queue number was way ahead, we proceeded immediately to evaluation desks and after that went directly to cashier area. In less than 30 minutes we were able to finish the transaction and returned the following day at 7 am to collect our NSO issued birth certificates. Just make sure that you have valid ID otherwise the evaluator won't accept your application. We paid 140 pesos per document or 700 pesos for five of us. 

5. Bank Certificate - We requested this from BDO and paid 100 pesos. The bank has standard form for bank certificate to be used for visa application so no worries about this procedure. Our bank certificate was released the following day. Just to add, there is no specific or minimum amount required by Japan embassy for bank certificate for visa approval.

our 5D/4N itinerary

6. Daily Schedule in Japan - You can download the form from the tour agent website: schedule. Nothing especial here just make a research on the net of the places you intend to visit. In fact, we submitted a very general itinerary for 5D/4N.

7. Income Tax Return Copy - Since I am an OFW I don't have this document. In lieu of this I attached my contract from my company in the Middle East. It was accepted by Reli Tours.

8. Marriage Contract from NSO (if applicant is married) - Reli Tours initially didn't accept our visa applications since we forgot to attach our marriage certificate from NSO. Lesson learned. Make sure that you have complete documents before you submit your application to avoid losing time and resources.

Nevertheless, it was pretty obvious that we can easily produce this document thus Ms Jane of Reli Tours asked us to pay the processing amount so we wouldn't need to wait upon coming back to re-submit our applications. We obliged and paid 1,200 pesos each or 6,000 pesos for five of us. I noticed that you don't need to personally submit your visa application; anybody can do this for you as long as you have complete requirements.

The following day I went back to NSO Main Office and arrived at 7:30 am expecting that it would open at 8 am like any government offices. To my surprise I found a long queue inside the compound. They started giving queuing number as early as 7 am. Mine was 1239. I completed the task at around 10:30 am thus my receipt showed 1 pm collection time. So if you are in need of your NSO document urgently make sure that you will be able to finish the transaction before lunch time to be able to collect it in the afternoon. Otherwise you have no choice but to return the following day to collect your document.

My wife and I collected our NSO copy marriage contract at 1 pm and raced towards SM Megamall to re-submit our visa applications. Ms Jane finally accepted our visa applications; processing would take 5 to 7 working days according to her. It was Wednesday. 

I called Reli Tours on Monday at 5:30 pm; they haven't received our passports yet and beckoned us to call again the following day at the same time. Since we have some business to attend near SM Megamall the following day we opted to pass at Reli Tours at around 5:30 pm. Fortunately, our passports were included in the batch of passports that just arrived. Great!

I checked one by one all our five passports. I verified the passport number, name and birthday indicated on each and every visa. I was terribly surprised to note that the passport number indicated on my wife's Japan visa was wrong. Their Japanese liaison officer was apologetic and promised that they would send my wife's passport back to the embassy within that day for correction free of charge. Since it was only a correction they asked me to come back the following day. Be very careful about this thing since I saw an applicant at Reli Tours having his Japan visa corrected thrice. Trust me, you don't want to notice any visa error on the day of your flight.

Come Holy Wednesday at around 5:30 pm, all of us have received our single entry Japan visas.

By the way, I added these documents to our applications:

- Return tickets booked as early as January 2014

- Hotel or apartment booking through Airbnb website

- Copy of my company ID and credit cards with blocked/cut-out numbers.

- Old passport of wife having Japan (trainee) visa issued in 1991. She used to work in a Japanese semicon firm. They were sent by their company for training for two months in Japan.

All documents you have submitted will not be returned back by the embassy. In addition, you will know whether your visa application has been rejected or granted once your passport has been returned to you. The tour staff won't give any details over the phone.

By the way, one of my readers asked about the affidavit of support for my wife and kids. We didn't submit it while both Japanese and Filipino immigration officers DIDN'T demand it as well. We simply followed the requirements of Reli Tours for visitors WITHOUT guarantor. I believe this document is needed when you plan to go to Japan with a guarantor. Furthermore, in case you have visited japan recently I suggest that you coordinate with the tour agent to know whether you still need to submit all the requirements or not. They are in better position to answer your query.

Here is a tip to fellow Filipino Dads planning to visit Japan, I have been told by several individuals while waiting inside the office of Reli Tours that the processing of visa for visitor without any guarantor was simpler and faster than applying for a Japan visa with guarantor like family or friend. You know what to do.

I hope Japan will waive its visa requirements for Filipinos in near future as stated on recent news. By doing this, Filipinos will definitely start flocking to their country in throngs. In fact, my kids are bugging me when they have learned that Harry Potter theme park will open at Universal Studios in a few months. Hey, that's another tip for other Dads out there who plan to bring his family to Universal Studios in Japan.

Our Tokyo Journals:

Practical tips for Filipinos applying for Japan visa in Philippines
Does your flight lands at Narita airport T1 or T2?
Our first day - Arrival and explore Harajuku & Odaiba
Our second day - Tokyo Disneyland
Our third day - Tokyo Disneysea & explore Akihabara
Our fourth day - Nakamise, Sensoji Temple, Ginza, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Tokyo Tower
Our fifth day - Sayonara Tokyo!
Baffled by Tokyo's rail network? Try Suica card.
Big apartment near JR Harajuku Station

Bangkok Temple Hopping 5 - Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

According to Wiki: This Buddha is the world's largest solid gold statue. It is officially known as Phra Phuttha Maha Suwan Patimakon.

At some point in time, the Golden Buddha was completely plastered over and painted to prevent it from being stolen. It was accidentally discovered in 1955 when it was being moved to its new location. The ropes securing the statue broke which caused the statue to fall. Some of the plaster layer was damaged exposing parts of the gold statue.

After the plaster layer was completely removed and the gold statue revealed it was also found out that it was consist of nine parts that all fits together. In addition, a key was found encased at its base. This key could be used to disassemble the statue to facilitate its transportation.

The time the Golden Buddha was discovered was very close to the commemoration of the twenty-fifth Buddhist Era or 2,500 years since Gautama Buddha's passing thus many Buddhists regarded this event as miraculous.

In February 2010, a large new building was inaugurated at the Wat Traimit Temple to house the Golden Buddha.

I found the Golden Buddha's story quite fascinating.

However, once you have seen the actual 5 tonner gold statue the more you would be fascinated obviously due to its monetary value which can easily runs into hundred of millions of dollars. Aside from that, visitors are allowed to take photos of the Golden Buddha unlike in other Buddhist Temples. However, you still need to follow proper attire when entering this Buddhist temple.

The temple complex also houses the Chinese Heritage Center at the ground floor. Nothing interesting about this center except these bank notes offering by the devotees.

It is pretty convenient to visit Wat Traimit since it is located at the entrance of Yaowarat Street, also known as Bangkok's Chinatown. Coming from Hualamphong train station just cross the little creek beside it to reach Yaowarat Street.

You may check my Bangkok temple hopping posts:

- Bangkok Temple Hopping 1 - Wat Po (Temple of The Reclining Buddha)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 2 - Wat Saket (Temple of Golden Mount)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 3 - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 4 - Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 5 - Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Dad's Review - The Mad Drive

I came across this name when it suddenly appeared on my FB News Feed. Out of curiosity I scanned its FB page expecting to find something related to car. To my surprise, The Mad Drive was actually an external USB 3.0 hard disk drive (HDD) loaded with digital movies, applications, comics and games.

Imagine buying a branded (Seagate/Western Digital) external HDD loaded with hundreds of HD films by simply adding a meager amount to the actual price of the HDD. Not only that, a good feedback on the seller's FB page or Sulit advertisement will entitle any customer for one year free re-fill of new movies. Moreover, the seller offers 1 year warranty for the HDD and manufacturer's warranty after that. A check at Western Digital site shows that my HDD has been registered and its warranty is valid until March 1, 2017.

my Mad Drive

Initially, I was interested on its 1TB promo. For 3,900 pesos you can have a 1TB external HDD with pre-loaded 800 HD movies. After checking the list of movies from its digital library I preferred their normal rate of 4,700 pesos for a 1 TB external HDD (WD Elements) with selected movie titles.

I liked its page and pm'ed the owner.

I sent a list of films which I selected from its massive digital collections. Also, I informed the owner that I am an OFW and would be arriving on 02 April. The seller agreed to waive the reservation fee but it would be cash-on-delivery term. We agreed to meet at Trinoma on Friday.

I met Richie, Mad Drive's owner, this afternoon at Trinoma Food Court. I wasn't able to test the unit since I didn't bring my laptop. However, I knew the guy wouldn't do anything detrimental to his online business. Otherwise, a negative post would mean lost of potential clients and earnings.

Upon reaching home, my youngest techie kid immediately tested the Mad Drive by connecting it to our LG Cinema 3D flat screen. My kid was aghast because all HD films he played were crystal clear be it on 780 or 1080 format.

Movie List

crystal clear After Earth

After a while it was my turn to test the Mad Drive; I watched 300: Rise of an Empire. It was clear on our flat screen and the sound wasn't bad as well though the Chinese sub-title was a bit annoying.

I inquired with Richie whether I could replace the loaded films on my HDD later since I intend to have some 3D films from Mad Drive's library. He replied that I need to pay 750 pesos for 500 GB or 1200 pesos for 1 TB data.

All told, The Mad Drive is perfect for any Dad who works abroad like me. Not only that, if you have no ample time and resources to watch all the new films being shown in theater then this is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite movies at the comfort of your home together with your loved ones. Added treat is chilled drinks on hand and Mom's freshly popped popcorns.


You may visit its FB page for more information: TheMadDrive


Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post but merely an actual experience of a Dad.

Thank you Emirates Airline

I have many reasons to say thank you to Emirates Airline due to countless travel comforts it has provided to me during the past years. The most recent was an upgrade to A380 business class from Bangkok to Dubai a few months back.

Yesterday, Emirates deserved another BIG THANKS!!!

I was on my way back to Philippines from my work in Yemen.

Due to a hectic schedule and back breaking job on my last day at work I fell asleep during my flight from Sana'a City to Dubai Airport. I normally sound-trip during my flight using my noise-canceling Blaupunkt Headphone connected to my SONY Walkman MP4 player. After an hour of sound-tripping I felt sleepy thus I put all my music kit inside my headphone's black pouch and stored it inside my seat pocket.

my music kit

Before deplaning at Dubai Airport, I had some conversation with a fellow Filipino passenger hence I completely forgot my music kit until I was arranging the chocolates I bought at Duty Free. I noticed that something was missing in my back pack. My world shattered upon learning that my favorite and expensive travel gadget was missing. My MP4 player has accompanied me in my previous trips aside from the fact that it is my most important travel gadget. I bought my Walkmman for almost 12,000 pesos a few years back while my 6,000 pesos Blaunpunkt noise canceling headphone was my Christmas gift to myself. I found it hard to accept that around 18,000 pesos of hard earned money would go to bin due to my forgetfulness.

Remembering how efficient Emirates Airline I raced immediately to Concourse B Business Lounge at around 3:30 pm and informed the counter staff about my predicament. A call to Lost & Found didn't give any positive result but we were asked to call back after an hour. The business lounge staff reckoned me to have some snacks and rest then come back at 4:30 pm.

I wasn't able to enjoy any food and drink inside the lounge since there was a possibility that a fellow passenger or a cleaning staff might get interested to my music kit; the wife was also upset since she knew that a replacement unit was in the offing, LOL. Nonetheless, at exactly 4:30 pm I returned back to the same staff. Another call to Lost & Found bore positive result. My music kit was with them and in twenty minutes it would be delivered to the lounge by one of their staff. I almost shouted with joy and profusely thanked the sweet and helpful Emirates lady. She even made an effort to photocopy my passport since it was needed before I could claim my lost kit. After 20 minutes a security staff entered the lounge with my music kit; after a short paper works I got hold of my kit. I immediately informed the wife who was worried as well since she knew that I couldn't stand flying without my music collections.

Another reason to thank Emirates was an upgrade to business class yesterday. It was blissful to travel long haul with a glass of Moet and Chandon Champagne on hand while listening to my all-time favorite Michael Jackson minus the engine noise of Boeing 777.

By the way, as of today I have accumulated 80,000 miles on my Emirates Skywards Silver card. More than enough to purchase the latest IPOD Touch 16GB from Emirates High Street. Hmm.. maybe this is a sign that my Walkman needs to be retired. Another big thanks Emirates!

I really couldn't ask for more from Emirates.

28 April 2014

Ipod Touch 16 GB

Woho! I have received my new 5th generation Ipod Touch (16GB) this afternoon. I ordered it from Emirates High Street exactly five days ago. I simply paid the customs tax by credit card which amounted to 57 USD while around 65,000 miles were deducted from my accumulated Skywards miles and another 4,000+ miles for the handling/shipping cost.

Finding it hard to part ways with my old and reliable SONY Walkman I decided to give this Ipod Touch to my youngest son as reward for doing good during the last school year. Anyhow, I will just wait for a few more years so I can build-up again my air miles before I retire my Walkman..