Bill Gates' Mansion & Hometown and the Medina Beach Park

Entrance to Bill Gates' Mansion

One of the top reasons of my trip to Washington was a glimpse to Bill Gates’ house.

I was desperate to see his place in person that is why my cousins and I did extensive researches on the internet on the abode of the world’s richest man. We found out that Microsoft founder’s residence is indeed at the City of Medina, an affluent suburb in Washington. Medina is a city in King County in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area. The community was named after city in Saudi Arabia.

Watching the sun dip at the beach park

Before actually going there, we already expected that Gates’ house would be heavily guarded, gated and surrounded by CCTV cameras. We got really excited that as soon as we pulled over in front of Bill's house, I got out of the car and my cousin snapped a few souvenir photos of mine which turned out to be short videos, not photos. Perhaps we got a bit scared or we felt that we had to respect the Gates’ privacy that is why we literally stepped back after a few snaps and chose to go to a dreamy gem of one the most desirable and priciest communities in the US – the Medina Beach Park.     

City of Medina Police Headquarters

It might be that it is quite far from Seattle that is why it is never given the attention it deserves but Medina Beach Park is one of the most magical sceneries I have ever seen. I only saw two persons seated on a bench watching the sunset when we went there late in the afternoon on a weekday though I am guessing that residents come here during summer for a swim. One might just find it weird that the police headquarters is located here as well. Funny thing is, I didn't see any police officer in the area.

The place is great for a swim, bbq or watch the sunset.

Address:

Medina Beach Park

501 Evergreen Point Road

Medina, WA 98039

Things To Do in Beverly Hills

Snap an obligatory souvenir photo in front of the Beverly Hills sign in Beverly Gardens Park

Beverly Hills is known worldwide as the place for Hollywood star sightings, sophisticated home to the stars and chic shops along Rodeo Drive. However, the posh city of Beverly Hills has much more to offer that is why it consistently tops tourists’ itinerary in Los Angeles.

Beverly Hills has an interesting selection of museums that include the Getty Center, the Craft and Folk Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Petersen Automotive Museum. Other attractions include Greystone Mansion and Park, The Museum of Television & Radio, and the Civic Center at Beverly Hills City Hall. Tours of many of the Hollywood studios are easily accessible, and golf enthusiasts will find a number of golf resorts in the area.

Window shop until you drop on Rodeo Drive.

Walk of style

How to Apply for Japanese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

I have been wanting  to visit Tokyo, Japan so  you could just imagine my joy when the news about the Japan visa waiver for Filipino travelers spread on the internet and TV last year.  The Embassy of Japan in Manila even confirmed the news and that the visa-free rule would take effect on June 1st this year. I was ecstatic because I would spare myself the burdens of gathering and preparing requirements needed for the visa application. Then came June 1st, then 30th, then July and still no update on the visa-free rule.

IT IS STILL A PLAN.
I kinda had the feeling that the visa-free rule would not materialize so when I read that the waiver didn't push through, I was not really disillusioned. So to those of you who are reading this, don't buy your ticket to Tokyo, Kyoto or anywhere in Japan just yet. The Japanese Embassy in Manila has clarified that the proposal to waive the visa requirement for Filipino tourists to Japan remains to be a plan.

However, the Japanese Embassy has a consolation for the heartbroken Filipinos - it will be easier for Filipinos to travel to Japan this time. The embassy promised that the multiple-entry visa requirements will be less strict, while requirements for single-entry tourist visas will be relaxed  that it seems like it's visa-free. It was not specified how the embassy would do it though but from what I read, applicants are asked to meet “certain conditions” for approval.

I am visiting Tokyo on September 5th so I had to apply for a tourist visa. I made a research on how to apply and gathered all the needed documents then lodged my application to an accredited travel agency. To make the long story short, I was granted a tourist visa and what made me even happier was that I was given a multiple-entry visa. I only asked for a five-day visit visa but they gave me a three-year multiple entry! That means, I can visit Japan whenever I want for three years! Does that mean I met those 'certain conditions'?

Of all the visas that I have been granted, my Japan visa is the most special for two reasons. First,  friends who previously traveled to Japan as tourists were never given multiple-entry visas despite the fact that they've been there more than twice. They were always given a 15-day visa. Second, my visa was released on my birthday- less than 24 hours after I lodged my application. I was told that waiting time was 10 to 14 days. I am indeed so blessed and lucky. Therefore, I am paying it forward. I am writing this post for those who, just like me, have been dreaming to visit the land of the rising sun.

Before I give you the step-by-step guide to obtaining a Japanese visa, I would like to share with you these important pointers.

• The earliest time you can file your application is three-months before your intended visit. So if you're planning to go to Tokyo in December, the earliest time you can apply for a visa is September. 
• This post is for the tourist visa application WITHOUT a sponsor. For the tourist visa application WITH a sponsor, click HERE
• The application for a Japanese tourist visa is unbelievably easier and faster compared to a US tourist visa application. There are no nerve-wracking questions from the consul and if you are honest and clear with your purpose in visiting Japan and provide all the needed documents, you will surely get that sweet visa.  
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO TO THE JAPANESE EMBASSY FOR AN INTERVIEW. Effective July 2007, all visa applications  except cases indicated below must be made at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines through the agencies accredited by the Embassy. From the date onward, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines as well as the consular offices in Cebu and Davao, will no longer accept direct visa applications by applicants. 

Exceptions for application through accredited agencies:

• Diplomatic or Official visas
• Visas for invitees by the Japanese government organization/ institution, independent administrative agencies of Japan
• Visas for invitees of Japan local governments or national/municipal educational institutions of Japan to participate in educational/cultural exchange programs and youth exchange programs
• Visas for scholarship awardees sponsored by the government of Japan
• Visas for commercial purpose of employees of a joint venture company or a branch office of a Japanese enterprise listed in the Japanese Stocks Exchange or a member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines
• For cases requiring humanitarian consideration such as serious illness of relative in Japan
• For cases wherein applicant has custody of biological child of Japanese national and the purpose is to raise that child in Japan by himself/ herself (This type of application may only be filed at the Embassy of Japan in Manila)

Steps to Obtaining a Japanese Tourist Visa

STEP 1. You must complete all the requirements for the tourist visa application

• Philippine Passport
• Photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background and it must be pasted on the application form)
• Visa Application Form (CLICK HERE to download the soft copy of the visa application form.)
• Birth Certificate (New & NSO Authenticated)
• Marriage Contract (if you are married, NSO authenticated)
• Daily Schedule in Japan or Itinerary (Below is a sample of daily schedule)

• Bank Certificate/s. (This is to show that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay in Japan. It is not indicated how much money one should have to guarantee a visa. I do not have that much money in the bank but I was issued a multiple-entry. Who knows, money is not a deciding factor in granting an applicant a visa. As long as you will be able to sustain your stay, you shouldn't be worried.)
• Income Tax Return or Form 2316 (Yo can request one from your Human Resource (HR) Department. Otherwise, you can request through Bureau of Internal Revenue.)
• Additional proofs of the purpose of your visit to and exit from Japan. It is very important that you meet and submit all the requirements. Though these are not required, it is encouraged that you submit additional documents if you feel they can 'strengthen' your application. 

       Examples of additional documents
          - Certificate of Employment  stating your current position, monthly/annual income and                            length of service
            - Airline ticket/booking/reservation
            - Hotel reservation/confirmation
            - other visas issued to you (ex. US, Schengen)
            - credit card statements 

STEP 2. Submit your application to an accredited agency.
It is important that you submit your application directly to an accredited agency so you will not be charged additional fees. You can find the list of accredited agencies HERE.

I lodged mine at Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp. because it is the most convenient and most accessible from my place. It is conveniently located at Dusit Hotel in Ayala, Makati City. In fact, the guards at the entrance of Dusit Hotel said that there are about four accredited agencies at Dusit Hotel so it is up to you which one you prefer. However, based on my experience, Friendship Tours and Resorts is living up to its name - the employees are so friendly and processing time is incredibly fast. I got mine in less than 24 hours! It is very easy to get to Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation because it is just a walking distance from the MRT. Just take the MRT at Edsa, get off at Ayala Station, then go down the escalator. Keep walking and you will see BDO just opposite SM Makati. Upon reaching BDO turn left and you will hit Dusit Hotel just across the street.

STEP 3. Pay the handling fee.
The visa application itself is free,  however, you have to pay the accredited agency for 'handling' your application. I applied last July 21, 2014 through Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation in Dusit Thani Hotel and I paid PHP1,200. I was then given a ticked checklist of the requirements I submitted and a receipt of payment.

This checklist answers all your queries on the tourist visa for Japan 

STEP 4. Wait for the accredited agency's call or text on the outcome.
Like what I said, I was told that waiting time was 10-15 days but I received mine just one day after I lodged my application (less than 24 hours). You will receive a call or a text from the agency telling you that your passport is ready for pick up. If your application was denied, you can re-apply after six months.

Good luck I hope this post helps!  :)

In-N-Out Burger from a Foreign Tourist's Taste Buds

I didn't have the foggiest idea how big of a deal In & Out Burger is until I flew to the east coast.

San Francisco was my point of entry and the first in my series of stops on my 112-day vacay in the United States. For my very first dinner in the bay area, I was treated to a burger baptism at a restaurant in Millbrae by two girl friends, Melissa and Jocelyn who picked me up from the airport. The burger joint's glowing yellow and orange-ish, reddish signage resembles that of Mc Donald's but with an arrow. It said - In & Out Burger

Melissa asked me to give her my phone then snapped my first bay area photo in front of In & Out Burger Millbrae.

The line was almost way out the door so I thought that there must be something in this burger restaurant because it was already past ten in the evening but it was still crowded. Melissa asked us to find a table while she fell in line to make the order. It was quick and easy to order but it took a while before they finally served the food.

While waiting for our order, Melissa told me that there was wifi and she suggested that I should upload my first SF photo on Facebook and instagram. I found it weird why she was asking me to upload my photo in front of a Mc Donald-ish logo.

I knew that back home in the Philippines, friends and relatives were excited to see my very first San Francisco photo on Facebook and instagram. But I wanted my first photo to be dramatic and symbolic of San Francisco and nothing could be more powerful than a photo with the iconic Golden Gate in the background. I wanted to hold off the photo-sharing. Part of me didn't want to upload the photo but I wanted to be polite so I gave in to her 'prodding'.

Photo uploaded.

We waited for a couple of more minutes but the food was not yet served then Melissa started to talk about In & Out as if she was the restaurant's PR - 'that it is famous for its fresh burgers, that you can even go watch them chop up your fresh potatoes and they're good to their employees, blah -blah -blah.'

Finally the food arrived - fries with melted cheese and ground meat on top, drinks and THE BURGER that's loaded with pickles, grilled onions, crunchy lettuce, thick patties, tomato, sharp cheese and God only knows what else. And this is ingenuously called - the ANIMAL STYLE. The first thing I noticed about our order was the size. For the first time in my life I never felt cheated on the portion of our order. I usually, no, I always get less than what is displayed on the menu or posters when I'm at a restaurant in the Philippines. I got one problem though - how was I able to finish all of these?

Wow, the burgers and the fries didn't taste like they're mass-produced. My taste buds are accustomed to patties that taste like a large portion of them is just extenders and spices sprinkled with little pieces of meat. The patty on my burger just tasted so different.  Each bite felt so heavenly. The burger was to die for. I sank my teeth into its juicy meat and the creamy cheese just melted in my mouth. The fries tasted so fresh.  You have to eat them right away though because when they get a little colder, they're not as good. I think knowing that the potatoes are hand-cut and fried in 100% vegetable oils added to its appeal. My drink, lemonade tasted like the usual, well, commercialized lemonade and it was refillable.

This burger treat made me realize what other marvelous things I am capable of doing- gorging on massive burger and fries, for example. BURPED! Yes, I devoured all of it.

I was so stuffed and tired that when I got home, I went straight to bed and slept. When I woke up the following morning and checked my phone I was surprised that my In & Out photo was flooded with comments and whooping 256 likes! It was crazy but still I didn't have the slightest idea why it trended.  Four hours after finally visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, I uploaded my photo. Surprisingly, it garnered lukewarm attention.

Apparently, In-N-Out Burger Restaurants could be California landmarks as well.

The Golden Gate Bridge has just been 'OUT-LIKED' by In-N-Out Burger as bay area's most symbolic landmark, at least on my FB page.  

I spent four more weeks in California but still didn't bother to know what was about the In & Out hype until I flew to New York. From the JFK airport to New Jersey, my friends and relatives wouldn't stop talking about the burger joint. Some of them even said that I should have bought some from a store near the LAX. That's when I felt that  I had to do my own research on the internet.

Wow! Americans from the west coast and people from all over the world are raving about the burgers and fries. I learned that In & Out is a California/west coast thing but it has slowly expanded outside Southern California as well as into Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Texas.

In-N-Out would not be complete without a groufie.

But the eastcoasters might be heartbroken with the news that In & Out is not expanding anytime soon in their neighborhood.  In an interview with Business Insider, In-N-Out explained why expansion is not possible yet. First, there's the quality control. There are no freezers or microwaves in any In-N-Out restaurants because the company has a strict policy of serving its food fresh. So, all locations must be close to its distribution facilities, which are in Baldwin Park in California and Dallas, Texas.

In & Out also added that they make all of their hamburger patties themselves and deliver them fresh to all of their restaurants with their own delivery vehicles. Nothing is ever frozen. In & Out owner Lynsi Torres said that everything has more appeal when it's not available to everyone, and the exclusivity of In-N-Out is what has helped the restaurant gain such a rabid following of fans.

And here's one more - according to its website, since 1984, In-N-Out Burger has been helping abused and neglected children. It is its way of giving something back to the communities where they live and do business. More importantly, it is a way of giving victims of abuse something they might not have...hope!

After doing my research I immediately messaged Melissa apologizing to her for not giving her the gratitude she deserved for introducing me to the most popular burger joint in the United States. She might have thought how could I ever lived under a rock that I didn't know In & Out. She suggested that I should try the east coast rivals - Shake Shack and Five Guys for the sake of comparing which one is better, or the best.

"So, do you think it is the best burger ever?", she asked.
Well, wait until I make my San Francisco International Airport's BURGER JOINT review.
  
After a month's stay on the east coast, I flew back to California. The first thing I did after landing at LAX was eat at In & Out Burger. Just like the one at Millbrae, this joint was equally busy. Their burgers are mind-blowing. It must be their 'secret menu' that makes it irresistible. The grilled onions, tomato, cheese and lettuce. Yes, we ordered the good ol' burger - fries- drinks combo!

You might say I had a very limited palate treats at In & Out. It is because I wanted to play it safe or 'eat it safe'. I really enjoyed my very first burger in Milbrae and now that I am in Los Angeles, I wanted to see if it's consistent. Well, it's living up to the hype I must say.

There are more equally enticing treats at In & Out Burger and you can check out the menu here.

I am now an In & Out Burger overseas fan. In fact, a rabid, devout In & Out Burger convert is the best description.

Gay Pride 2014 Photos (Part 7)

Gay Pride 2014 Photos (Part 6)