Month: June 2016

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Having A Hoot At Akiba Fukurou Owl Cafe in Akihabara

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“… fukuro, the symbol of the owl is a lucky charm to welcome good fortune. The word fukuro is also synonym for “fukurou” in Japanese which means protection from hardship or a lack of hardship or trouble. “Fu” meaning no, and “kurou” meaning hardship.”

– Google

I loved animals ever since I could remember. Call it the influence of Western culture where I see friendly talking animals but all my life, I’ve never been afraid of animals. So when during my research for my Tokyo trip I found out that there was an owl cafe, I knew I had to go there. I MUST GO THERE. I love fowls and birds. My family has around 5 parrots and has experience raising quite a few birds already but I’ve never held an owl before.

Good thing my friend wasn’t creeped out by these gentle big-eyed wonder so WOOT WOOT, we were going to Akiba Fukurou Owl Cafe. Akiba because it is located right in Akihabara district (which is turning out to be my almost favorite place in Tokyo. I just LOVE this place).

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CUTE OWLS

Sure it may have that cafe word attached to its name but trust me when I say that they offer no food or drink here. What Akiba Fukurou offers instead is food for the soul. Who knew that spending quality time with around 30 owls can give you such tranquility and peace? With only classical music playing and the gentle voices of the owl trainers and owners, you just can’t help but sit back and relax with the owls.

But there are guidelines and rules to follow. You cannot just fondle or yell at the birds. You also have to respect them and your fellow “owl-mates”. Even reserving a coveted spot in the owl cafe is already a battlefield so I’d like to make things easier for you. Entrance fee is 1,500 yen by the way so bring cash. Presenting…

THE PANDIE EXPLORER’S GUIDE TO AKIBA FUKUROU OWL CAFE

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Get More Savings And Discounts With Shopback! (Plus GIVEAWAY!)

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Everyone knows that online shopping is here to stay. What’s even better is that other than a specific store’s normal sale, you now can check out other sales from other stores at the same time, all in one page. We couldn’t have been born in a better age for shopping!

So I’m now going to teach you how to get even MORE SAVINGS from sites such as Lazada, Ebay, Ensogo, Agoda,  FoodPanda + many more. You can now sign up at Shopback where not only do you get discounts, you even get some of your cash back. It’s as simple as that. Once you have purchased an item, you’ll automatically get some points which are convertible to cash and use this in the next time you purchase. It’s crazy simple and easy to use.

I always say that we should be wise in our purchases and I can’t think of anything wiser than using Shopback in purchasing in sites such as Lazada anymore. Why buy at regular price when you can get it cheaper for the same quality and condition?

Sign up using my link and instantly get when you shop using Shopback:
– At least 1.5% – 4% Cashback on Lazada
– At least 5% Cashback on ZALORA
– At least Php400 Cashback on Agoda
– At least 7% Cashback on foodpanda
– At least 4% Cashback on Ensogo

Check out their bestsellers here but first you have to sign up using this link before you can purchase.

To make it even more fun for you guys, I’ll be giving away one Snapsacks bag of your choice from this photo ONCE I hit 200 shoppers who have purchased using my link. Yup! All you need to do is

  1. Sign up for Shopback using this link.
  2. Purchase ANY item. It can be worth 50php!
  3. Comment “I just bought ___ at Shopback.”

Simple as that 🙂

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Check out this video for more info on Shopback!

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How To Get A UK Tourist Visa From The Philippines

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Before I start, I just want to say that seriously, I think getting the UK visa is the most nerve wracking visa experience I’ve ever had just because I never got the chance to speak to a person in the British embassy in the duration of the whole application process because it goes through a separate agency called VFS Global Services. So yep, they’re not hands on and frankly their process was the longest compared to other countries for me. I got my visa 13 business days after showing up in their office but in reality it’s 15 budiness days if you count the online application process. FYI, I already have Schengen, Japan, Korea, and China visas when I applied for UK visa so my situation could be different from yours. Here I’ll try to give a simple and comprehensive guide on how to get a UK visa.

How To Get a UK Tourist Visa From The Philippines (With a Philippine passport)

How To Apply for a UK Tourist Visa (2)

1. Make Sure You That a SHORT TERM Tourist Visa is the proper visa for you

Are you going to London, Edinburgh, Dublin to roam around the cities and have fun or are you seriously looking for a job? You have to keep your needs in check and make sure to apply the correct visa. Do not lie on the application and for that matter, never put false information on an application form. The web of lies that you will weave is not worth it.

Here are the reasons that qualify for a tourist visa or as they call it, a Standard Visitor Visa

  • apply at the earliest 3 months before intended travel date
  • for leisure, eg on holiday or to see your family and friends
  • for business, or to take part in sports or creative events
  • show that you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
  • show that  you’re able to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip
  • show that  you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit
  • show that  you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules

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