Updates, more LBC and Japan Travel

It has been a long long overdue post for me to start updating my WordPress page again.

Work and life has taken over most of my free time, but I am still able to manage still updating videos on my Youtube channel. Over the years this channel has vastly evolved from posting about Anime and gaming Conventions from almost 10-12 years ago to guides in travel mostly focused on Japan and Philippines.

So what have we been up to. Well since the pandemic, travel plans really slowed down for us, but I kept my free time updating ways to send balikbayan boxes via airmail to the Philippines, I did several series which I will post here even though the vides are filmed last year as the information are still standing to this day.

We finally got to do a proper Japan travel last year which I was able to film a few stock footage for video guides. I was in luck to cover the Narita- Shinjuku Airport shuttle route and even feature a new hotel opened in 2023 called Groove Hotel Shinjuku.

I will be honest most of my post for the WordPress page will be more of recaps of whats going on with my Youtube page. I dont upload as much as I only film as I go and only create content either no one has made yet or others has made but lacks crucial or more detailed information. But the goal is still there to provide informative ‘How to guides’ in travel and all Filipino Living when I can.

I have yet to decide if I want to do TikTok or other platforms…because I am exhausted and lazy. I have yet to play any PS5 games and my poor console is just sitting gathering dust while my gaming PC is a dedicated excel spreadsheet machine lol.

It’s great to finally re-activate this account and do updates. Good information exposure is always been a goal for me. So heres to 2024 and what life may bring.

US Passport Renewal during Covid Shutdowns- a 5 week process

Passport Book

This is the story of how I was able to renew my US passport during COVID-19 season.

This journey began back at the start of the COVID Shutdowns back in March 2020, my passport and California ID were due to be renewed and sadly every major local and district government offices went on shut down or limited office hours.

It was sometime end of November 2020 that the Travel.Gov started accepting Expedited passport services with an estimated processing time of 5-6 weeks.

Why you should secure your Balikbayan Box – A personal story

Damaged Balikbayan box and a TSA inspection note

In a years time I think I post a total of 2 articles per year in regards to Balikbayan Box and packaging.
I know it seems redundant but my reason for this is due the ever changing trends and price increase when it comes to sending balikbayan boxes home.
Todays post is a great example on why I always emphasize on making sure you secure your box and its contents properly based on my recent Philippine trip experience.

Being Identity Hacked

Being a victim of Identity Theft

In my lifetime I believe I have been only seriously stolen a handful of times

First was when I was 19, my Dad did business with a “family friend” who ran off with our car and life savings. Make matters worse, said criminal friend created a fake id using my name but with a different picture. Philippine NBI did very little to help our cause. We never recovered our car or life savings.

Spill Proofing and Sending Irregular Size Balikbayan Boxes

Balikbayan Boxes from Alas Cargo

With all the news  bruhaha lately regarding the Philippine Bureau of Customs in regards to “random” inspections, confiscations and ridiculous taxing of OFW care packages/ Balikbayan boxes,  it’s no surprise that people are worried about how they can make sure their current or future Balikbayan Boxes will arrive safe to their intended recipients.  Above that there are new changes on the duration how long before a box will ship to the Philippines.

Balikbayan Pasalubong Gift Ideas from The Container Store

Gifting my friends and family can be a dubious challenge especially if they are picky or if you only have a set budget that you need to work on.  Then there’s the issue of the weight and size a gift can fit in your luggage or balikbayan box that you send home.

While trying to be creative on what to send back to the Philippines via the Balikbayan box my friend took me to The Container Store in Fashion valley, San Diego. There I found a ton of great gifting ideas that are unique, thoughtful, practical and wont hurt your budget.

In addition I created a Video Blog of my finds and you can view it here

Compartment organizers

Thes clear compartment organizers are a great give for people that are well organized. Perfect to store charging cables and small jewelry.
If you or your friends are into crafting like beads, this is a way to neatly store supplies.

Compartment Boxes

Flip Out Bins
Bigger pull down organizers are great for the workshop to store bolts or nail, or use them in the kitchen to keep away spices or sachet mixes.

Mobile Flip Out Boxes from The Container Store Perfect for your workshop or kitchen

Mason Jars

There is a huge demand and trend for Mason jars. Can be used as a mug, some use them for baking. A pen holder, coin drop, the uses are endless…or use them for their original purpose, creating yummy jams 🙂

Glass Mason Jars from The Container Store

The Container Store is also a great place to find essential gear for your travel. Like a handheld weight for your luggage, luggage organizers, and more.

I hove more gifting ideas to come so stay tuned 🙂