Preserve Old Family Photo Memories

Feb 6, 2025 | Coffee Break

As the eldest grand daughter, I’ve always felt a special connection to my family’s history. It’s like I carry the stories, the memories, the very essence of our past within me.

And nowhere is that connection more tangible than the old photos I’ve inherited.

These aren’t just snapshots; they’re glimpses into lives lived, moments frozen in time, and the very foundation of who I am.

I have photos that date back to the 1950s, black and white images that whisper tales of a different era. Seeing my mom as child, their parents as young adults, it’s like the past comes alive. But the most precious photos of all are the ones of me as a baby.

These photos are more than just pictures; they’re a visceral link to my roots, a confirmation of my place in the tapestry of our family. They ground me, remind me of where I come from, and give me a sense of belonging that’s deeply profound.

Holding these photos, I feel the weight of responsibility. These fragile pieces of history are in my care now.

They’re my legacy, and I want to preserve them, not just for myself, but for my children and grandchildren, and the generations to come. I want them to know their ancestors, to see the faces and understand the stories that shaped them.

But old photos are delicate. They fade, they tear, they can be lost or damaged so easily. I knew I needed to find a way to protect these precious memories before it is too late.

What is The Digitize Center?

The Digitize Center is a fantastic service that specializes in preserving memories by converting old photos, videos, film, and audio into digital formats. They understand how precious these items are and provide a safe and easy way to protect them for future generations. It’s a way to take those fading, fragile memories and give them new life in the digital age.

How Does it Work?

The process is incredibly simple and convenient:

Order the Digitize Kit: You start by ordering the Digitize Kit online. This kit is specially designed to protect your media during shipping.
Pack Your Memories: Once you receive the Digitize Kit, carefully pack your photos, videos, film reels, and any other media you want to digitize.
Ship to The Digitize Center: Use the prepaid shipping label provided to send your Digitize Kit back to The Digitize Center.
Digitization: Their team of experts will carefully digitize your media, ensuring the highest quality conversion.
Enjoy Your Memories: Once the digitization process is complete, you can instantly stream, view, and download your memories on any of your devices – smartphones, smart TVs, computers, and laptops.

Places to Visit in Seoul Korea

Apr 4, 2024 | Coffee Break

Seoul, South Korea was my dream trip, and it finally happened! 🇰🇷 I spent 10 amazing days exploring all the cool places to visit in Seoul. From old palaces to busy markets, and a beautiful university to awesome views, Seoul has something for everyone.

I’m excited to share my favorite spots and tips with you, so you can plan your trip to this awesome city!

During our trip, we had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Novotel Ambassador Seoul Yongsan. The views from our room were incredible, and the service was top-notch – a perfect retreat after days of exploring. And the best part? It was just a short stroll from Yongsan Station

Palace Life: Stepping Back in Time at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Okay, K-drama fans, buckle up! Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace was a major highlight of my trip. Seriously, I’ve seen this place in so many dramas, and finally being there in person was like stepping into my own K-drama fantasy! 🤩

Walking through those grand halls and courtyards, it felt like I’d time-traveled back to the Joseon era. I was half-expecting to bump into a handsome king or a feisty queen around every corner! 😂

The Throne Hall, where the king held court, was especially mind-blowing. I could practically hear the whispers of advisors and the rustling of silk robes.

And Sajeongjeon Hall? Oh. My. Goodness. The intricate details and the sheer history in those walls… it gave me goosebumps!

Throne Hall

Sajeongjeon Hall

Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Rental

Namsan Seoul Tower: Breathtaking Views and K-Drama Romance

If you’re looking for the most stunning panoramic views of Seoul, Namsan Seoul Tower is a must-visit! Even with my fear of heights, I knew I couldn’t miss this iconic landmark. Braving the Namsan Cable Car was an adventure in itself (eyes squeezed shut most of the way up! 😅). But trust me, the breathtaking views from the top, especially at night with the city lights sparkling below, made it all worthwhile. ✨

No wonder it’s a favorite filming location for romantic K-drama scenes! I’ve spotted it in countless shows, from classics like Boys Over Flowers to more recent hits like My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.

But Namsan Seoul Tower isn’t just about the views. It’s also a popular spot for couples to leave their mark with “love locks” – just like they do in so many K-dramas! Thousands of colorful padlocks adorn the fences, each symbolizing a promise of eternal love. ❤️ It’s a truly romantic sight and a reminder of love’s enduring power.

Namsan Cable Car

Myeongdong

A Divine Detour: Finding Every Nation South Korea

I was determined to visit Every Nation Church Mapo-gu on my own. Armed with directions from the hotel staff, I set off confidently. But, plot twist! Seoul’s streets can be a bit tricky. ‍♀️ Even with the directions, I got completely lost!

After wandering around for what felt like hours, I started to doubt my decision to go solo. I even asked a kind stranger for help, but the language barrier proved to be a challenge. Just when I was ready to give up, a lovely woman, who also happened to be a Christian, came to my rescue! She guided me all the way to Every Nation Church. Talk about a divine intervention! 🙏

And guess what? When I finally arrived, I was surprised to see our pastor and his wife, whom I hadn’t seen in years! It was such a heartwarming reunion, and it made the whole adventure even more special. 😊

My FOPSCO Journey : Exciting Cooperative Adventure

Oct 2, 2023 | Coffee Break

It all began with an invitation from a dear friend. She introduced me to a remarkable initiative that’s shaping the future of freelancers in the Philippines – FOPSCO, the Filipino Online Professional Service Cooperative.

Who is FOPSCO?

FOPSCO brings together a diverse group of individuals from across our beautiful islands, including:

Trainers
Online Professionals
ESL Tutors
Agency Owners
Rural BPO Owners

We share a common bond – our deep admiration for the RISTT program. Witnessing the transformative power of this program and recognizing the need for support within our industry, we’ve joined hands to give back and uplift the very ecosystem that brought us here.

The Vision

FOPSCO’s vision is bold and clear – to be the leading national cooperative that empowers Filipinos to excel in the digital landscape.

The Mission

The mission is powerful – to help our fellow Filipinos achieve sustainable livelihoods in the online workspace through continuous education, mentoring, and empowerment.

Core Values

At FOPSCO, the core values spell out FOPSCOO, representing the unwavering commitment to the mission:

F: Follower
O: Objective
P: Professional
S: Supportive
C: Committed
O: Organized

As a member of this cooperative, I wholeheartedly embrace these values in everything I do.

Member Benefits My journey with FOPSCO has been nothing short of transformative.

Here are some of the member benefits we can see in the future as it is slowly growing

Dividends
Work with FOPSCo’s Client
Training
Support Group
Referral Program Incentives:

Personal Success Story

Thanks to FOPSCO, I’ve achieved remarkable growth as a Course Developer and Digital Trainer.

I seized a training opportunity to become a trainer for Data Annotation for Beginners in Aroroy, Masbate.

Through the FOPSCO network, I received referrals for SEO projects, and I had the privilege of being a Resource Person at an event organized by DTI.

I was honored to be selected as a trainer for the training of trainers for South Korea, showcasing our expertise on an international platform.

But I’ve come to realize that as a member, my ACTIVE PARTICIPATION is the KEY. My success is linked to the cooperative’s growth, and together, we rise.

I invite you to join me on this incredible adventure with FOPSCO as Co-owners. Together, let’s shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Filipino freelancers.

Ready to embark on this exciting journey?

Sign up today and be part of something extraordinary!

Freelancers Guide : South Korea Visa Application Without COE

May 19, 2023 | Coffee Break

Are you dreaming of exploring South Korea but feeling overwhelmed by the South Korea visa application process as a freelancer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Many Filipino freelancers face the same challenge, especially without a Certificate of Employment (COE). But

I’m here to tell you it’s possible! I recently applied for a South Korean visa to attend the Training of Trainers program in Seoul, South Korea. The program focuses on the IDEAS project Enhancing Digital Economy Participation for ASEAN Women MSMEs.

I know getting a visa can be tough, so I’m sharing my experience step-by-step. Hopefully, this makes it easier for you!

How I Schedule a Korean Visa Application (Korean Embassy Manila)

Booked for a South Korea visa appointment HERE.

We were told that only one schedule is available each month to book a South Korea visa appointment.

When it comes to booking your South Korea visa appointment, you have two choices: sign up for an account or use the non-membership login. I’ll be honest, the signup process gave me a bit of a headache at first (no verification code received! 🤯), but the non-membership login worked for me.

Heads up: Be prepared for a bit of a battle. The appointment slots are super limited. It took me around 4 hours of refreshing the page on my phone, laptop, and computer simultaneously to book one finally. It was that difficult! But don’t give up! Persistence is key! 💪

South Korea Visa Requirements I Submitted

1. Original passport valid for at least 6 months including previous passport. Remember to check the specific South Korea visa validity for your chosen visa type.

2. Completed South Korea visa application form – typewritten on A4 paper –attached. The font should be Arial with a size of 12 for the form.

3. 2 pcs photos 1.77 x 1.37 inches colored with white background studio taken. Ensure these photos meet the South Korea visa photo requirements.

4. Copy of Passport’s First page (Bio-data page)
5. Original Bank Certificate (must include account type, account number, currency, current balance, opening date, 6 months Average Daily Balance-ADB, issued within 3 months)
6. Bank Statement (original or certified true copy of bank statements/passbook for the last 3 months).
7. ITR (Income Tax Return). It should include the pages with net income and total revenue.
8. Invitation Letter since I am invited by an organization in Korea.
9. Handwritten letter of explanation since I lack a Business Permit and Certificate of Employment.

Invitation Letter

Handwritten Explanation Letter of Lack of Documents

How to Fill South Korea Visa Application Form

Be very careful when you fill in the South Korea visa form. Make sure you put the right information in all the boxes and don’t forget to fill in every part that’s needed.

Make sure to check everything again to catch any mistakes. This will help avoid problems that could slow down your application.

Tracking Your South Korea Visa Application Status

Visit this link HERE and fill up your name, passport number, and birthday. While filling this up, I noticed I got different results from 2 browsers.

Ready to learn more about my 10 Days South Korea travel in South Korea trip? Read my travel to Korea experience HERE.

Catch the AirAsia Promo Deal: 10 Million Free Seats to Malaysia & ASEAN Destinations

Mar 15, 2023 | Coffee Break

Hey fellow freelancers, have you heard the news? AirAsia, the low-cost airline with the biggest fleet, widest network, and lowest fares has launched a 10 million FREE* Seats Mega Sale across Asia and Asia Pacific.

From now until 19 March 2023, you can fly to a wide range of exciting destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Bali, Bangkok, and more, starting from just RM23* one way for domestic cities and RM60* one way for Asean destinations. The sale ends soon, so it’s the perfect opportunity to start planning your vacations early and secure the best value deals!

For those of you who want to explore further, AirAsia has got you covered with one-way fares to destinations such as Perth, Taipei, and Tokyo starting from just RM329* all-in. If you’re looking for a little extra comfort, you can book your premium flatbed seats to long haul destinations from only RM1,299.

So, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of this amazing promotion and start planning your next adventure. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIGPAY5” if you’re a BigPay user to enjoy a further 5% off all AirAsia flights with flight code ‘AK’ for a year. Happy travels!

As a freelancer, there’s nothing more exciting than the prospect of travel. Whether it’s a much-needed break, a chance to work in a new environment, or an opportunity to explore a new culture, traveling is an important part of the freelance lifestyle. But let’s face it, travel can be expensive, and for freelancers on a tight budget, it can be difficult to find affordable flights to exciting destinations. That’s where AirAsia comes in. With their 10 million free seat sale, freelancers can finally make their travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

AirAsia is known for their low-cost fares, and this sale takes it to a whole new level. From now until March 19, 2023, freelancers can take advantage of free seats to destinations across Asia and the Asia Pacific. Whether you want to explore Malaysia’s stunning Langkawi island or soak up the vibrant culture of Bangkok, AirAsia has got you covered. Plus, with a travel period between September 4, 2023, and August 13, 2024, you have plenty of time to plan your dream trip.

But let’s talk about the numbers. With AirAsia’s free seat sale, freelancers can fly to domestic cities like Langkawi, Penang, and Johor Bahru from as low as RM23 (that’s less than $6 USD) one way. For those looking to venture further afield, seats to exciting destinations in ASEAN like Jakarta, Bali, and Ho Chi Minh City are available from just RM60 (less than $15 USD) one way. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, AirAsia X has got you covered with all-in one-way fares to destinations like Perth, Taipei, and Tokyo starting at just RM329 (less than $80 USD). And if you’re in the mood for some luxury, premium flatbed seats to these and many other long-haul destinations are available from RM1,299 (less than $315 USD).

But why choose AirAsia over other airlines? For starters, AirAsia is the low-cost airline with the biggest fleet, widest network, and lowest fares. With their commitment to providing affordable and accessible flights to everyone, AirAsia has become a favorite among budget travelers and freelancers alike. And with their recent expansion to more destinations across Asia and the Asia Pacific, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of their free seat sale.

Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. The free seat sale excludes airport tax, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharge, and other applicable fees, and it doesn’t include optional extras like checked baggage, meals, and preferred seats. But with such low fares, it’s easy to overlook these extras and focus on the excitement of your upcoming trip.

But the best part of this sale? The chance to finally make your travel dreams a reality. As freelancers, we often work hard and sacrifice a lot to maintain our independence and pursue our passions. But with AirAsia’s free seat sale, you can take a break from the daily grind and experience the world around you without breaking the bank. So what are you waiting for?

Book your free seat today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime : CLICK HERE

3 Best Places To Travel After Covid

May 15, 2020 | Coffee Break

Tired of scrolling through endless “best places to travel” articles that are either unrealistic or not family-friendly? As a freelancer nearing 47, I’ve always dreamt of an epic family adventure, but juggling work and budget constraints always seemed to get in the way.

But what if I told you it’s possible to explore the best places to travel with your family, even on a freelancer’s budget? That’s exactly what we’re setting out to do.

This guide isn’t just another travel wishlist. It’s our family’s 3-year plan to explore 13 incredible destinations across the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan. We’ll share our itinerary, budget-friendly tips, and how we’re making it happen while still managing our freelance careers.

Why These Are the Best Places to Travel

Each of these countries offers a unique blend of experiences that are perfect for families:

Philippines: Pristine beaches, hidden gems, and affordable adventures.

South Korea: Vibrant cities, ancient temples, and delicious cuisine.

Japan: Modern technology, rich traditions, and iconic landmarks.

Our Journey Begins

It’s a big dream, but we know it’s possible. My recent travel to Seoul South Korea, a gift from God, has shown me that amazing things can happen when we step out in faith. While it’s our desire to complete this 3-year adventure, we ultimately trust that God’s plan will prevail.

So, if you’re a fellow freelancer with a family and a travel bug, come along for the ride! We hope our journey inspires you to dream big and trust that even the most ambitious plans can unfold with God’s guidance.

Why the Philippines, South Korea, & Japan?

These three countries emerged as the perfect trio for our family travel bucket list:

Philippines:

The allure of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life is irresistible.

We’re also eager to discover some hidden gem travel destinations that might not be on everyone’s radar.

South Korea

The blend of rich history, modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine is a huge draw. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet K-pop culture, offering something for everyone. As a family with kids, we’re particularly excited to visit the best places to travel with family in South Korea.

Japan

A country of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with futuristic cities. Japan offers a unique cultural experience, with its own distinct cuisine, traditions, and natural beauty. We’re excited to explore family-friendly destinations in Japan like Tokyo Disneyland and immerse ourselves in Japanese culture.

Crafting Our Itinerary: 13 Must-Visit Destinations

Here’s a sneak peek at the destinations we’re most excited about:

Best Places to Travel Philippines

Island Hopping Tour Boracay: Island hopping and beach bumming at this best vacation place in the Philippines.

El Nido Island Hopping : El Nido, Palawan: Exploring hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs.

Puerto Princesa Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see best vacation destination in the Philippines.

Camayan Beach Resort: A relaxing day trip from Manila with stunning views.

Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and scenic landscapes.

Best Places to South Korea

Busan and Gyeongju Day Tour: Explore two beautiful cities in one day.

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park: A taste of Switzerland in South Korea.

Busan Drama Movie Tour: Visit filming locations from popular K-dramas.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses and charming streets.

Jeju Island Sunrise Tour: Witness the stunning sunrise over a volcanic island.

Best Places to Visit in Japan

Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: A magical experience for the whole family.

Legoland Japan Resort: Fun for kids and adults who love LEGOs.

Osaka Castle: A historic landmark and symbol of Osaka.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto: A serene bamboo grove with walking trails.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A somber but important reminder of history.

Budgeting for Our Adventure

Since we’re both freelancers, we’re creating a budget that balances our income with our travel goals. We’re looking for ways to save on flights and accommodations, researching free activities, and taking advantage of travel deals when we can.

Making it Happen: Our 3-Year Plan

We’re breaking down our travel goals into smaller trips each year, starting with domestic travel in the Philippines and then venturing to South Korea and Japan in the following years. We’re also researching visas and other travel requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Why We’re Sharing Our Journey

Our hope is that our adventure inspires you to dream big and trust in the possibilities that lie ahead. We believe that with faith and a willingness to take that first step, incredible things can happen.

Our journey isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a list; it’s about embracing the unexpected and trusting in God’s plan for our family.

We want to show you that financial stability and unforgettable adventures aren’t mutually exclusive, and that even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality when we align our desires with God’s will.