Host for Rustans The Beauty Source: #GRLPWR

Rustans the Beauty Source is at the top of their game by creating an event that celebrates all women AND the men that support the ladies in their lives!

When you bring strong women together that spark conversation and change, then you know you got a real GOOD thing: #GRLPWR.

So you can imagine my excitement upon learning I would be the host and moderator for the event!

Girl Bosses

Starting with the 45-minute panel discussion amongst inspirational Girl Bosses: Karen Davila, Liz Uy, Bianca Gonzales-Intal and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, where to got to swap stories and advice on fashion, family, career and so much more.

I host a lot of events but serving as moderator is something I truly enjoy.

To be completely honest, yes, being a host takes a lot of brains and quick thinking. But moderating, at least for me, requires a lot more. I absolutely love the challenge!

Just like that time I got to moderate for an actual TEDx Talk!

Boss Babe Makeover

The launch at Shang Plaza Mall was packed with so much fun activities all according to the #GRLPWR theme. Everyone got the chance to win loads of freebies, enjoy the open bar, play games and grab the opportunity to win a Boss Babe Makeover!

Digital creative, artist & entrepreneur, Issa Pressman was all smiles as she gave a quick demo on everyday make-up to her real-life best friend, onstage.

Much love for events like this that truly test your skills and ability to power through smoothly.

Of course, there is your straight-on host then moderator then interviewer and just like this, helping give a demo on a topic I know all too well: make-up and skincare.

It’s live events like these that consciously remind me how much I love being a host as anything can go wrong.

You can check my profile here for future and further reference.

For inquires, kindly do so here.

7 Types of Onsen You Can Experience in Japan

Vibe Cafe: Siem Reap, Cambodia

It’s nothing short of amazing how far the plant-based movement has come along! As of late, how our perceptions of veganism are progressively changing because, damn #VeganFoodPorn!

Accidental Vegetarian

It’s been more than a decade since I last ate meat – that’s pork, beef, chicken & the like. It started out as my sacrifice for lent in 2006 and strangely (and unintentionally), I have never looked back since.

As much as I would love to make my back story sound like a noble quest to save the world, quite the contrary. We foregoing meat wasn’t because I wanted to save animals or the environment. Those just gradually happened as time went by.

I am currently a Pescatarian. Meaning, I still eat seafood and then there’s some creepy crawlers and rodents, occasionally, lol.

The point is, this isn’t some annoying blog post from my imaginary high horse. I’m not here to shame those who choose to eat meat as a narcissistic desire to “save” the world. That’s just not my vibe 😉

Those peeps who do fall into the #EgoTrap – let’s not be one of those, fam!

I respect each one’s journey & choices.

Besides, I can never truly call myself a vegan as I still wear leather and fur. What’s most important, is we all try to do what we can.

A Good Vibe

So here’s some good vibes worth serving: Cambodia’s very first 100% vegan cafe, VIBE. My full review and a look at all my dishes plus inside the cafe, on the vlog.

Vibe’s Plant-based goodness for you right now on my YouTube channel! Enjoy!

Do remember to check out my YouTube Cambodia playlist here.

Love & light,

B

Nikko Japan Autumn Guide

There is fall and then there are a few key places around the world that boast of its lush fall foliage that do not disappoint. In this part of the world, it’s in Nikko, Japan.

In this week’s episode, I take you around the main sites of Nikko. I highly encourage you to watch the vlog as that’s where the meat of the story is but here’s a snippet from my photo diary.

With a foreigner like me who comes from the tropical island of the Philippines where it’s pretty much summer all year long with a season of rain, autumn is a big deal.

For starters, that this was my first time to experience fall foliage – all hail, the autumn virgin, lol!

What makes it even more special is that I got to experience it in one my most beloved countries in the world – Japan. I frequent Japan so much that it’s like a second home and occupies a large chunk of my vlogs!

Then to see all the fall leaves in their burnt shades of glory at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko is a what wanderlust-nature-lover dreams are made of.

Tourists both local and foreign flock to Nikko, especially during autumn, to see the largest, most ornate shrines and mausoleum in the country: the Nikko World Heritage Site.

Here lies the remains of the longest ruling shogun of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was in power for an astounding 250 years.

Photographic Memory

Whenever I’m collating photos to use the blog or social media, I always surprise myself with how different I look!

Do you ever go through that? Then you instantaneously transport yourself back to that exact moment the photo was taken, right? It’s like you’re there all over again.

This is was definitely one of those days…

Perhaps it’s the look of disbelief I got to stay at Japan’s very first resort hotel, Kanaya Hotel (currently Nikko Kanaya Hotel) from 1873.

Impressively, many global figures like Helen Keller and British royalty have slept and walked down these very same hallways.

However most intriguingly, can you guess who stayed at the room three doors from mine?!

HINT: E = mc2

Nikko is as much about its temples as it is about the nature that surrounds it. In fact, if you observe all of Japan, whichever prefecture you choose to explore, nature will always take center stage.

Nikko offers multiple sights for you to enjoy both, day and night. So make sure not miss its night illuminations like at Shoyo-en Garden at Rinnoji Temple.

This doesn’t come close to how beautiful the autumn trees glisten at night in a beautiful, manicured, landscape garden.

As they say, some things are better seen in person or even maybe in my case, a better camera, lol! More reason to watch the episode as I share so much more there!

Details for each place all on the vlog. Watch it now and do remember to subscribe!

Enjoy Nikko and safe travels to you and your loved ones!

Love & light,

B

NOTE: THIS WRITTEN POST IS MERELY AN INTRODUCTION AS THE MAIN CONTENT IS IN THE VIDEO. I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH IT FOR THE FULL EXPERIENCE ON WHAT THE EPISODE IS TRULY ALL ABOUT.

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Slovenia

There’s a lot of love for S-LOVE-nia! Given that it’s only been two weeks since I got back, I’m already aching to go back!

There are places you may visit in the world and you think to yourself, “okay, once is enough.” You can now tick that off your bucketlist. Not Slovenia! At least not for me as there’s just so much more to explore!

Take for example, there is a lake town in Slovenia called Bled. Despite the gloomy skies, it’s a place right out of a fairytale. Sadly, due to the bad rainy weather I don’t have any noteworthy clips to show you.

That’s not to say today’s episode isn’t worth watching as I take you along the highlights of my walking tour around the beautiful Slovenia capital, Ljubljana.

After that I visit what is considered one of the most fascinating (haunted) castles in the world, Predjama Castle.

I cap off the tour by taking you to a magical underground adventure in Postojna Cave!

Do remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel for fresh content weekly! I’d also love to hear what you want to see on my VLOG! Travel? Beauty? Fashion? More motivational videos or perhaps answering your questions on Dear BiancaV?

Lots of trivia and sights to see today so I hope you enjoy today’s episode!

Love & light,

B

Location: Slovenia

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

That Time I Tried Rat Meat in Croatia

To eat or not to eat? That is the question!

Perhaps I’m a bit harsh… What if I switch it up and name this delicacy a door mouse, would you try it then?

You may even catch this vibe on Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern’s Bizarre Foods. As you’ll see, this gastronomic, adventurous meal is definitely something I will probably never do again! Haha!

That’s not to say I didn’t have a lovely time! Imagine spending the morning sailing around the neighboring island of Brac near Split, Croatia. Then finding yourself in the quaint provincial town of Dol where this extremely exotic delicacy is served. So much so, most locals or Croats don’t know of this so-called dish. Hence, finding it absolutely (and understandably) absurd.

In this sleepy town is the family-ran restaurant called Konoba Toni, where my family and I got to meet the owners. Just as they got to prepare it for Andrew Zimmern, BBQ style, we got to see it too!

The never-ending question is, what did the rat meat taste like?

What’s the verdict?

Let’s just say, I much prefer tarantulas (yes, yummy spiders), any day in terms of taste – especially the SMELL!

Technically, it’s a door mouse: a rodent breed that feeds purely on nuts & seeds. Then it hibernates for months, making it… well… edible?

Rat Meat du Jour

For you and me, it’s the mere idea that it’s a rat meat that makes it repulsive, right? But as you’ll discover in this episode, it was more than just a bite of this and that.

My family and I got to enjoy a unique yet traditional Croatian meal that belongs to hallmark travel memories of fun!

Meet our new friends as we happily shared our lunch with total strangers who surprised us with every bite!!

Would you try it rat meat?! Or have you already? Sound off below!

Happy viewing, bon appetit and remember to subscribe!

Love & light,

B

NOTE: THIS WRITTEN POST IS MERELY AN INTRODUCTION AS THE MAIN CONTENT IS IN THE VIDEO. I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH IT FOR THE FULL EXPERIENCE ON WHAT THE EPISODE IS TRULY ALL ABOUT.

Brewed Bonding: Turkish Coffee

Father’s Day like Mother’s Day really should be a celebration everyday. Being a parent is never easy, whether by blood or assumed responsibly over our loved ones.

With social media constantly bombarding us with things we “need” to buy or spend on to make our father’s happy, sometimes the underlying message of gratitude gets lost in translation or the credit card bill.

That’s not to say, material gifts is actually one of the 5 Languages of Love as featured on the VLOG. Is this your primary love language? Is this how you give and/or choose to receive love?

If the little things seem to resonate with you more, perhaps this episode is for you.

Bond Over Brew

Coffee and I are like two peas in a pod. But ever since my dad and I shared a love for it, three’s anything but a crowd. It’s been absolutely lovely.

I always try to find the best blends through my travels and find that Vietnamese coffee, which personally can double as a dessert is easily one of my faves.

Have you seen my Top 10 Hanoi Food Tour? It’s one of the my favorite episodes on the VLOG and suddenly Anthony Bourdain came to mind with this episode (still so heartbroken over his passing).

Turkish Coffee

How do you like your coffee? I like mine black, no sugar, dark roast and strong.

My dad introduced Turkish coffee to me a few years ago and since then, it’s been a caffeine love affair.

Made even more special when I got the chance to enjoy an authentic cup roasted right before me in a quaint little village of Şirince in Turkey.

On the leftmost is the man who owns the cafe and beside me is our tour-guide-turned-honorary-brother, Ertunga Ecir.

As you’ll see in today’s warm & toasty episode, Turkish coffee is not your typical cup of joe. Rustic, visually satisfying, plus lot of time and yes, love, is put into making a tiny cup that’s to be slowly enjoyed.

Dad has a small Turkish coffee machine from Istanbul and even made sure to learn how to make as close to an authentic cup at home. The things we do for the love of coffee!

When I visit my parents, dad oftentimes ends family dinners with me over a cup of Turkish coffee.

We talk, discuss, argue and laugh about anything and everything. Topics can get heated or heartwarming, as most father-daughters get into.

In my case, bonding over a cup of coffee is the kind of special kick in our relationship.

Cheers to You

How do you bond with your loved ones? Fathers comes in different forms: uncles, teachers, caregivers, godparents, among the few and I wish all of you the most love & respect!

Hope you enjoy today’s episode as this is one of those very rare times I open up about my family. Sending love from my home to yours.

Love & light,

B

Location: Turkey, Europe

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

Inside Malacañang + Philippine History Drinking Game Challenge

It’s about time I place the spotlight on the Philippines! Besides, it is a travel website after all. I’ve featured Japan, Turkey, USA, Europe, even Russia, among others. Hence, my own country has a rightful place in it!

You may or may not agree, we have a tendency to associate travel and adventure to places outside of our own. More often than not, you to think, “it’s always there anyway.”

Usually, I always bust out some trivia from all these different countries as seen on my Instagram: #BiancaVTravels (#BiancaVTravelsPHILIPPINES) right? For a change, here’s something lighthearted, fun and certainly out of my element, haha!

Cheers to celebrating Independence Day with a drinking game to test my knowledge on the history of the Philippines!!

Made It To Malacañang

Timely enough, I got to visit our very own Malacañang Palace (Presidential Palace of the Philippines) just last week. Executive Secretary of the Philippines, Salvador “Bingbong” Medialdea, a dear family friend, welcomed our group as his special guests.

Understandably, I could only take photos inside, both the Malacañang Museum and Malacañang Palace. Not to worry, sharing a couple of outtakes as seen in today’s episode.

The Famous Balcony

Am standing right by the door of the iconic balcony where the Marcos’ stood as they reluctantly bid farewell.

After 21 years of totalitarian rule, regime violence and electoral fraud, the Marcos family were forced to leave the Malacañang Palace. Thanks to the non-violent People Power Revolution in 1986 restored the Philippines to a democratic nation.

As they say, it’s more fun in the Philippines!…

Drinking Game Challenge

Who wants to play the Drinking Game Challenge?! Head on over to YouTube right now play along to see if all those Filipino school quizzes are still engrained in you. For all you know, you just might learn something new today?

At long last, you must be thinking, what’s my score? Let’s just say, let’s drink to that! Haha!

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Filipinos! Mabuhay!

Do remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Love & light,

B

Location: Malacañang, Manila, Philippines

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

Asklepion, The First Ancient Hospital in the World: Healing Today’s Depression & Anxiety

The toxicity of social media today continues to infiltrate depression, anxiety and self-loathing upon the youth who sadly feed on digital validation as a measure of self-worth, aka, Generation Notification.

Today’s episode may be about travel as I feature Asklepion, the first ancient healing center in the world. However this is one of the places that truly ignited the desire to continue using my voice in discussing sensitive issues on personal motivation.

I dig deep by sharing my own pitfalls of depression, social anxiety and overcoming them – still trying to, tbh.

ASKLEPION

Imagine entering hospital and the first thing they tell you when you arrive, no matter how sick you were is that “you will not die.”

When you heal the mind FIRST, the rest of the body will follow.

This was the practice and philosophy behind the first and largest ancient hospital in the world, the Asklepion.

Headed by one of the first ancient physicians, a philosopher, Galen, he believed that by using positive reinforcement, sleeping therapy, sound therapy and musical perfomance therapy, patients would be healed.

Amazingly, there are no records of anyone dying from the healing center.

Ancient ruins are but traces of history & holistic healing… make sure to watch as I take you all around Asklepion.

Life’s A Stage

As you’ll discover in today’s episode, if there’s one big misconception about me is that I always wanted to become a model or a host or be in the limelight: Not. At. All.

Yet even within the realm of personas, false lashes, camera flashes and runways, the stage became my sanctuary from all my bullies growing up.

These photos of Asklepion honestly don’t convey much. Turkey is filled with an abundance of beautiful ancient ruins, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yet, it always helps to know the back story behind every stone and crevice.

Turkey Through His Eyes

Our 2-week tour of Turkey was one of the most unbelievably insightful, intense yet wonderfully relaxing, thanks to Ertunga Ecir. His private tour services still remains as the best my family has ever experienced in the world.

You can check my other features of Turkey here and watch them here.

“Your body can stand almost anything. It’s your mind that you have to convince.”

Wishing you love, light & healing,

B

Location: Asklepion, Bergama | Turkey

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

Senjojiki Cirque: Snow in Summer

This is Senjojiki Cirque. The kind of place where you can have your cake and eat it too. Just imagine high burning temperatures completely chilled down by snow in the summer at the same time?!

Today’s episode is bit of a tongue twister. Say it with me … Sen-jo-ji-ki Surk. Got it? Good.

If you watch the episode close enough, you’ll catch me butcher the name a few times, shame! Haha!

Beach Please? Um…

If there’s one thing you should know about me : Summer is my least favorite season. I know, I know… While most the world can’t wait to get into their bikinis and frolic in the beach, I’ll pass, lol. As to why? Well, I’ll save that for another time.

But here’s one: as an island girl from the Philippines who loves a great adventure, a drastic change of scenery and climate are two things I adore. Hence, the snow.

Like that time I slept inside a glass Igloo or took you several snow festivals in Japan, Sapporo, Asahikawa, Sounkyo and my reality vs expectation post, Otaru. Better yet, while April is the peak of summer in the Philippines, I chose to meet Santa Claus in Lapland in sub-zero temps! My kind of summer, haha!

Senjojiki Cirque

If there’s one unique destination I recommend if you want something other than your usual Japan summer hotspots like Top 5 Hokkaido Flower Farms, then Senjojiki Cirque is nature’s best bet where get the best of both worlds, melting spring in summer.

Apologies for the quality of the photos as these were taken with an iPhone 5 back then. Just sharing some photos to add to my album of bucketlists coming true.

High in the Sky

With Mt Fuji in the distance, you can enjoy a picnic on the lower grounds or take it up a notch by hiking up the cirque.

If you arrive in summer clothes, not to worry as you can rent their in-house winter jackets and/or boots. You don’t even need to worry about proper hiking gear. The hike has varying levels and take a look at me, I managed gloriously in rain boots!

Why Cirque?

‘The Senjojiki Cirque is a bowl-like glacial landform that is 2,612 meters above sea level right beneath Hokendake, the highest peak of the Central Alps.”

And tourists like you can go up via ropeway to catch the snow before it completely melts until the next summer again.

I won’t get into it much further as everything you need to know about Senjojiki Cirque is in today’s episode.

For more Japan posts, see them here and watch them here.

Hope you enjoy today’s destination at Senjojiki Cirque!

Love, light & snow,

B

Location: Senjojiki Cirque, Nagano, Japan

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

10 Things to Do in Biei, Hokkaido in the Summer

Welcome to Biei… If you love nature, the outdoors, the quaint countryside away from the city or a typical shopping mall, Biei truly hits the spot.

Summer in Japan, Hokkaido specifically, is most popular for its multitude of flower farms! Tourists (myself included) brave the dry, burning heat just to get those damn “do it for the gram” shots.

However, beyond the manicured flower farms are sprawling landscapes as far as they eyes can see. Such a refreshing & joyful contrast to be surrounded by if you’re looking to get away from the chaos of city life.

Summer is Coming

Let me introduce you to the town of Biei.

It’s pronounced as ‘bee-yey…’

If you’ve been following this website from day one, you may recognize this vibe as Biei is the very first place I featured.

Today’s episode ushers in upcoming summer months with Biei at the top of my recommendations of places to visit in Japan! Here are just some of the things to do in Biei:

1. Rent a Bike

Biei is a small town where you can either drive your own car, join a tour group or like me, rent a bike!

BEST. DECISION. EVER.

Versus a car, you can literally stop anywhere, take your photos, sit by one of its famous trees, watch the world go by without worrying you’re blocking the road or photobombing someone else’s or your own countryside postcard.

As you’ll see in this episode, roads would go on for days without a single person or car in sight that I got to goof around & literally, own the roads! So for someone like me who hasn’t ridden a bike since grade school, it felt absolutely safe and as they say, “you never forget.”

Thanks to mobile GPS, you can easily navigate your way and with very gentle hills all over the town, difficulty is at a bare minimum or if any for that matter.

This is probably my favorite from the list. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never done such an activity in all my travels. Refreshingly different as it’s not another train, plane or car.

As dramatic as it may sound, my soul came alive being in blissful solitude with nature. Then breathing in that clean air while getting that endorphin rush from the cycling exercise in a place I’ve never been to before in one of my favorite countries in the world is a feeling I will never forget.

It was a plethora of so many things, endless emotions and yet also so back-to-basics: It was the definition of simple joys.

TIP: The scorching heat will dehydrate the fuck out of you and because Japan is dry, you barely sweat, which makes you notice the dehydration much less. Make sure you have water with you in your bike basket as you won’t find any 711 nearby.

TIP: There are several bike rentals outside the JR station in Biei.
As for me, I got off at Bibaushi. The station right after. There’s only one bike shop beside the station.

2. Shikisai No Oka

This is the showstopper in every Biei travel itinerary you will ever encounter. Rightfully so. I mean… look at it.

I share so much more about this flower farm in Top 5 Hokkaido Flower Farms.

TIP: The Japanese are some of the kindest, kindred people in the world. So if you do not want to get screamed at by the farm’s caretakers for stepping over the flowers or walking within the flower grids just for a damn photo, do not be an asshole tourist. I’ve seen it firsthand.

3. Shirogane Blue Pond

When a certain place makes it as a wallpaper for MAC iOS, you know it’s worth a visit.

The Blue Pond is one of the top places to visit in Biei.

TIP: If you’re taking the bus, the schedules are pretty tight from my time there as shown in today’s episode. Time management is crucial for certain places like these where there are only a number of trips per day.

4. Photograph the Country Fields

From professional nature photographers to mobile photog wannabees like myself, Biei is one endless Instagrammable “backyard” of possibilities!

A popular attraction that I honestly didn’t realize at first are the hay bales or hay stacks all over certain crop fields.

A couple of legit, full arm candy gear photogs in total still focus captured the rolling landscape and its hay subject.

Then just like that, there goes me busting out my phone but respectfully waiting for all of them to leave first so I could get my cheese du jour shot, haha! Classy.

Note: Though it may not be obvious, most of these crop fields are technically private property so please be guided accordingly and do not trespass.

5. Shinei-no-Oka Observatory

The observatory is known to boast some beautiful sunsets.

Thankfully this will be a good pit stop as there’s a small shop and clean toilet.

Right across the road is an iconic photo that’s often a classic representation of Biei: the lone red house in the middle of patchwork fields.

6. Enjoy a Michelin-Star Meal at Asperges

Biei, if you haven’t already noticed is a haven for crop fields. Some of Japan’s best agricultural products come from Biei.

Asperges is a French, casual dining, Michelin-star restaurant in Biei Senka, the local marche’ area.

I show more dishes on the VLOG from the set menu that comes with choice meat. Unconventionally, it’s the vegetables that are actually the stars of the show. Like a work of art, seasonal Biei harvest are served so visually enticing that you don’t want to eat them anymore!

The veggies are lightly seasoned as the chef wants you to taste the natural flavors of the vegetables themselves. As a vegetarian, yes it was an absolute delight but I was in need of more food after, oh dear!! Sorry chef!

Note: If you’re expecting big servings, then this meal isn’t one of those as French cuisine if often delicate & smaller in quantity. It’s more about the experience versus the CP (cost performance or value for money aspect). Also, make reservations as there’s a long cue.

7. Shop at Biei Senka

Like a local more upscale farmers market, you can shop for Biei’s famous produce here.

My photos from here got corrupted so here’s one from the official Biei Senka tourism site.

From my visit, there’s a cafe, a bakery, a wheat factory, and Asperges. The perpetually sold out item is the immaculate corn bread. Yes, I said immaculate.

Biei Senka’s exclusive branch at New Chitose Airport is nearly always like ZARA on final clearance sale – DAILY. You’re lucky if you make the cut as only a number of batches are sold and a maximum of two boxes per customer only.

Doughy, soft, the only sweetness is from the succulent corn kernels. Personally, I LOVE BREAD so it’s easy for me to go gaga for this. It’s still worth a try even if you aren’t into veggies or corn. It’s the texture that really bags the gold and many are seen enjoying this with Hokkaido butter.

Tip: Biei Senka in New Chitose Airport posts its baking schedule online in the off chance it syncs with your flight or you can easily take the train coming from Sapporo, which is what I did. Eager much? Haha!

8. Take the Train South to Furano

Since you’re already in the area, might as well take the train that takes you to the other flower farms like Flowerland, Farm Tomita, Hinode Park, among others.

Even the train station itself is not your typical structure. What I love about Japan is no matter how modern it can get, it will never leave its roots of simplicity and in this case, rural beauty. Such a respectful balance of old & new.

See what each flower farm offers from my other VLOG as I mentioned prior.

HERE’S ONE MORE and  ANOTHER…

9. Udon from Family Restaurant Daimaru

When I say Biei is a small, quaint town, it truly is. Its Main Street or Omotesando is almost like walking into a movie set. You can count the amount of locals crossing the street or the restaurants open especially past 7pm.

In Japan, every town, big or small will always have a specialty dish being served in the small selection of restaurants.

In Biei, the dish is Curry Udon. This restaurant has the highest ratings so it’s the obvious choice. The first dish is tendon, an ebi (shrimp) fry with egg, onions over rice.

Since curry udon is the town’s specialty, might as well try the Cheese Curry Udon, which has Biei harvested vegetables: corn, carrots, squash, etc.

If you’ notice, this isn’t part of the episode as I never even took clips of this meal. It was good but personally it wasn’t memorable enough, if you want my humble opinion.

Although I can understand why it’s very popular: it’s affordable, big servings, very C.P. and given the amount of eateries in Biei plus if past 6pm, this is one of your best choices.

Thought I would add this anyway since I happen to come across these pics when going through my Biei album for this post.

TIP: The Japanese are punctual and strict about time. If a resto say it closes at 7pm, they will close a few minutes before and are not afraid to turn tourists away no matter how you beg. So always, always be punctual with your reservations and give enough leeway in following time tables.

Take Me Back

If I could go back to Biei, it would be during the winter or spring time to go biking again but not as scorching hot!

10. Another tip, if you have spare time after a long day of biking, there’s a nearby bakery  – in fact it’s the only one from what know, lol. Just a few meters away from the bike rental place near the Bibaushi train station.

It’s not so much the hearty bread or the refreshingly cold coffee to quench that thirst. But damn, it’s that solitary oneness with nature at the end of a beautiful day at the cafe’s backyard.

I never meant to include this either as I’m merely sharing some random shots from my phone.

Yet this was perfect. Biei will always be that perfect summer of 2016.

For more Japan posts, see them here and watch them here.

Love & Light,

B

Location: Biei, Hokkaido, Japan

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.

Fashion Feast: The MET Gala, Louis Vuitton & Pierre Cardin Exhibits

May is finally here again as the world of fashion, its onlookers and harsh critics vegging on fries in their granny PJ’s come together via social media to celebrate or condemn this year’s MET Gala fashion.

My best dressed as shared on Instagram, slaying literally and figuratively, Zendaya!!!

In close second, Blake Lively like Zendaya, consistently delivers fashion nourishment for the soul at any red carpet event. Their interpretation of this year’s heavenly bodies theme have us on our knees in rejoice!

Today’s episode is definitely one of my favorites on the VLOG. If you will notice, I always favor sharing posts that are on the educational side.

Rather than “influence” (cringe), the goal is always to inform as there is this innate responsibility  to share what I’ve learned in order to empower whilst entertaining.

There is so much more to a photo that symbols. Every picture tells a story.

So here I am sharing stories, three in fact. Stories that will hopefully make you look beyond the fabrics, the frou frou and the stereotypical feminine flair.

The MET Gala

Considered the Oscars of the fashion industry, the MET Gala is the most prestigious social event of the year.

The iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is also where I met Liam Neeson a few months back!

As you’ll see, I start off today’s fusion of travel & fashion by sharing my fave looks from the MET Gala through the years, a bit of its history and why all the fuss. After which I’ll take you to two fashion exhibitions I got to see: Louis Vuitton and Pierre Cardin.

Pierre Cardin

French fashion designer, Pierre Cardin was the man who started the RTW or Ready To Wear movement, which was considered radical in a world of custom haute couture for the rich aristocrats in 1959.

Ecstatic to see his beautiful exhibition at Rosecliff Mansion in Rhode Island to celebrate 70 Years of Innovation in fashion.

The dress above once worn by Lauren Bacall (below) in the 1960’s. She along with Jackie Kennedy are just some of the celebrities who’ve worn Pierre Cardin’s creations.

Louis Vuitton

Onto another fashion exhibition back here in New York by none other than Louis Vuitton: Volez, Voguez, Voyagez, which showcases all forms of luxury travel from its beginnings to its powerhouse collaborations and ultimately the brand we all know of today.

Such an impressive collection that is serious travel baggage goals and of course, all the red carpet gowns worn all through out history from Old Hollywood to young stars of today like Alicia Vikander.

Hope you enjoy today’s episode and who do you think is this year’s best dressed at the MET Gala?

Love & light,

B

Location: USA

NOTE: This written post is merely an introduction as the main content is in the video. I highly encourage you to watch it for the full experience on what the episode is truly all about.