LumpiaLife

It's OK, we're only a couple of months late! As a Filipina living in the USA, I’m definitely feeling the *Christmas FOMO* (FOMO="Fear of Missing Out") this year! 🎄 Back in the Philippines, the Christmas season kicks off as early as September—yes, that’s right, we call it the “Ber” months! Stores are already filled with holiday music, streets are decorated with lights, and everyone’s busy prepping for the most festive season of the year. But here in the US, it’s a whole different story. Christmas decorations don’t usually appear until after Thanksgiving, so while my friends and family back home are soaking up the holiday spirit, I’m still waiting for the festivities to begin. In this video, I’ll dive into the cultural differences between Christmas in the USA and the Philippines. I’ll share why Filipinos are so excited to start decorating early and how we celebrate in a way that’s unique to our culture. From *parols* (Filipino Christmas lanterns) to giant Christmas tre...

 Like any other online dating love story, it all started with exchanging hellos. From there, it took off from hellos to spending countless hours video chatting online, sending letters via emails and airmails, and even expensive phone calls. Finding the right one in person is a gamble, let alone doing it online. We are one of the lucky couples amongst the many others who met online and made it to the altar. Yesterday, May 16, 2020, we marked our 11th year of marriage!   We met on a dating site called Cherry Blossoms ( https://bit.ly/CherryBlossomsDating ) in December 2007 and met her in the Philippines the following year, where we had a big engagement party attended by her family and friends. On May 7, 2009, Maria got her fiance visa (K1 visa), and we exchanged vows in my hometown in Washington State on May 16. It was such a beautiful day!  Maria lived in the States for 10 years (she applied for US citizenship soon after she acquired her 10-year visa and became a US c...

 Our retirement journey has been anything but conventional. After retiring early in 2019, we sold everything and made the journey to start a new chapter in the Philippines, settling in Butuan City, Mindanao. Life there was simple and affordable, but when COVID-19 hit, we found ourselves stuck. For over a year, we navigated pandemic restrictions in a foreign country far from our friends and family. By May 2021, we returned to the USA, hoping to rebuild our lives. We rented a small one-bedroom apartment, but as inflation and the high cost of living quickly caught up with us, we decided to return to the Philippines in June 2022. Living in Southeast Asia was once again a financial relief, but we weren’t ready to give up on the idea of the American Dream. So, we returned to the U.S. once more under the Biden administration. Initially, things seemed fine. The first couple of months were manageable, but as the months passed, the financial strain began to wear on us. Our savings dwindled ...

August 24, 2023 Koh Rong, Cambodia Welcome to our unforgettable island adventure on Koh Rong, Cambodia! Join us as we explore this tropical paradise, from renting a scooter for just $15 from our cozy Scarlet Sails Resort to discovering hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes. 🛵 Scooter Rental: Our adventure begins as we kick-started the day by renting a scooter right from our hotel, Scarlet Sails Resort. The roads on Koh Rong are mostly concrete and safe, making it the perfect way to explore the island at our own pace. 🌿 Koh Rong Mangroves (Prek Ta Sok Eco-Tourism Community): Our first stop led us to the enchanting Koh Rong Mangroves. We embarked on a 1 km hiking trail over the mangroves, immersing ourselves in the lush, natural beauty of the area. GOOGLE MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/3xbj6TKa9ZBPDxur6 🏖️ Hidden Secluded Beach: Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you stumble upon accidentally. We found ourselves on one of the most stunning and secluded beaches, where the shorelin...

Intro: Nestled just outside the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the captivating Batu Caves. With its awe-inspiring limestone formations, magnificent Hindu temples, and mischievous monkey residents, Batu Caves offers a self-guided tour like no other. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey to this cultural wonderland, where adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty collide. Getting There: To kickstart our expedition, we hop aboard the KL KOMUTER train at the central transport hub, KL Sentral. This budget-friendly option not only ensures a hassle-free journey but also offers picturesque views of the Malaysian countryside along the way. As we alight at our destination, anticipation builds for the marvels that await us. Ascending the Heights: As we approach the entrance of Batu Caves, the sight of the 272 steps leading to the cavernous openings leaves us breathless, both figuratively and literally. Undeterred, we begin ou...

  Introduction: Are you an adventure enthusiast seeking an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking landscapes and winding roads? Look no further than the Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam. This motorcycling paradise offers an incredible journey through rugged mountains, lush valleys, and traditional hill tribe villages. Jasmine Tours, a renowned travel agency, provides 2-night 3-day and 3-night 4-day tours for an immersive and exhilarating adventure. Join us as we embark on a thrilling expedition through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ha Giang. The Ha Giang Loop: Located in the northernmost province of Vietnam, Ha Giang boasts awe-inspiring natural beauty and cultural diversity. The Ha Giang Loop, a 350-kilometer circuitous route, takes you through some of the most captivating scenery in the region. On this tour, you'll navigate twisting mountain roads, witness cascading waterfalls, encounter ethnic minority communities, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. Jasmine ...

Are you planning a trip to Taipei on a budget? Look no further than Walker Motel Beitou, a hidden gem of accommodation that offers excellent value for money. Located just a 45-minute metro ride away from most Taipei attractions, Walker Motel Beitou is conveniently situated close to restaurants, grocery shopping, and laundry facilities, making it a perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers. One of the highlights of staying at Walker Motel Beitou is its proximity to the Beitou Refuse Incineration Plant Observation Deck, which features a rotating restaurant on top called Moon Star 360°. During our stay, we had the opportunity to sample some delicious desserts, crispy fries, a refreshing beer, and a unique dragon fruit drink while enjoying panoramic views of the cityscape. What sets Walker Motel Beitou apart from other budget accommodations in Taipei is its cozy and HUGE comfortable rooms. The rooms are well-equipped with more than essential amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-...