Everything About Chrysty

New Year 2019 Celebration

By Chrysty De Guzman - January 03, 2019

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Happy 2019! I hope everyone had the most fabulous start of the year. Another year just has begun. The world still has a hangover in sharing their New Year’s Celebration. Everyone is excited about the life we wish we had. Yearly predictions are everywhere on the internet. Social media are exploding off the year-end look-book and new years resolutions.

Looking back, I was among those who share and do the same thing every New Year. As the fireworks illuminate the sky, I list my new year's resolution. I compile my all year photos and share it on my social media account thinking I had the best of life the whole year. I’m not sure if this is a trend but I’m pretty sure it became a tradition. But as the common saying, change is the only constant in the world. Since 2017, I no longer follow the norm of New Year’s Celebration. It is 3 years in a row that my celebration became a nightmare. Just this year, I started to hate celebrations.

I grew up in a big family. I have five siblings and I am the youngest. My family is my strength and so my weakness. We have a very simple life. We may not be able to get everything but I can say we have enough and this is the thing I am grateful with God every day. As the years go past, we’ve been through ups and downs which we were able to win together. But there are things that left a great impact on my life. I am the scar masterpiece of God as time went by. I rarely talked about this, but now I admit, sometimes the people we cared so much are the one who wounded as the deepest.

The moment I understand most things, I experienced a lot of worst which involves my family, sadly it happens every time there is a celebration. Those life happenings caused me to have an anxiety disorder if this is how it is named. I was traumatized by certain events which up to now I have to deal and fight with. And just this January 1, 2019, it happened again WITHOUT a surprise. For two consecutive years, I spent my 1st day of the year in the hospital. Now tell me if this is something to celebrate with?

Anyway, as I always say, the Hopes in me never dies. Life is full of unexpected things. It is like a roller coaster and it’s our choice to scream and just enjoy the ride. For me, I am just grateful to everything I have. I wanna look at the loops and curves as a challenge to my learning goals. I may not understand all the things right now but I’m lifting it to God. In time, I will be healed and I’m excited about this.

I look forward to a successful 2019 for every one of us. May YOU have the best of this year. I would love to hear your comments and how you celebrated New Year. By this, it will give me more hope.

CHEERS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

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(Tipid Guide): Hong Kong on a Budget

By Chrysty De Guzman - December 02, 2018

Hong Kong is one among the most visited country in Asia. Considering its size, it is one densely populated region. I can’t blame people for choosing to visit and stay here. Who would say no to delectable dim sum, a floating restaurant, a one of kind view of old streets, famous temples, night markets, and many spectacular sceneries? Let me share a part of my story in this incredible city with a limited budget.

With a limited budget, I was able to explore Hong Kong with my best friend Dhan. We just say yes to promos.

1. Flight

(Photo:cto)
From Manila, different airlines provide discounted airfare, you just have to take advantage of it. Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airline offer promos almost every day. For our plane ticket, we spent PHP4300/each person via Cebu Pacific.

Manila to Hong Kong: PHP 1600
Hong Kong to Manila: PHP 2700

2. Bus and Trains Fare

For a first time traveler, I highly recommend to read reviews or watch vlogs about Hong Kong. Note that the MTR system is your buddy in this city and it will be confusing for first-time travelers. I recommend getting an Octopus card as it is more convenient. Octopus card can be also used when riding buses and ticket entry to favorite tourist spots in the City. You won’t be needing to buy a ticket each time. Plus, the bonus here is, you can get discounts on tickets when you avail the card.

From Airport, if you wish to try an Airport Express, remember that it cost more expensive than riding buses. Using an Octopus card, it is about 110HKD or approximately PHP800 from Airport to Central. While it will only cause you 32HKD or PHP230 riding buses.

Image result for free hd picture hong kong mtr

Photo:cto)

BTW, you can also download the MTR Mobile Apps for your convenience or you can get MTR fliers and brochures about Hong Kong for free at the airport.

3. Hotels/ Hostels/Guest House
Because we are fans of promos, we used Agoda to looked for a cheaper yet safe hostel. When you are looking for a cheaper place to stay, I recommend Tsim Sha Tsui as it is close to almost every places a must see and experience in Hong Kong. As an option, Central and Mong Kok also offers affordable guest hostels and hotels to stay when you are around the City.

We stayed in New London Hostel at Chung King Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. We spent 4500 good for two for our 3 nights 4 days stayed in the City.

4. Attractions in Hong Kong

1. Victoria Peak

Commonly called ”The Peak”, this is among the famous attractions in Hong Kong. The Peak is the highest point in Hong Kong which offers you an incredible unparalleled view of Victoria harbour. The quickest way to get here is riding a Tram which will cost you 37HKD or PHP265 (with Octopus Card). Other attractions include Sky Terrace 428, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and Sky Trick Museum.

We booked Sky Terrace 428 for 48HKD or PHP340. Sky Terrace which locates on the top of Peak Tower, offers you a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. You can enjoy the view of the busy Victoria Harbour and famous Islands like Lantau Island. Telescopes are also available which will give you a clearer view of the City you adore for HKD5. The view can be enjoyed in morning or night, tho most prefer to visit at night as the amazing lights of the city will give you a mesmerizing view.

2. A Symphony of Lights

Rated as topmost see and experience when around Hong Kong is the synchronized amazing laser show featuring the Hong Kong’s Skyscrapers. This says the City symbols of culture and dynamic energy. The laser lights join the participating buildings in unison to dance on a beat making a complete canvas of Hong Kong souls.

The best place to watch Symphony of Lights is in Avenue of Stars. This features the well-known personalities of the Hong Kong Film Industry like Bruce Lee to name a few. However, as of our visit last October, Avenue of Stars is closed and says to reopened for the public on 2019.

3. A Walk Around the City

Hong Kong shines most after majestic sunset. I recommend a walk around the city to enjoy the place more. As says, you’ll get to know more of the place when you have time to walk around. Hong Kong is full of glittering lights, aroma of street foods and restaurants scattered around, and people at night which complete the myriad view of the City.

During this time night markets should be enjoyed. Brace your pocket as this offers you colorful clothes, watches, bags, shoes to name a few for an affordable price. This will be a good place to buy your souvenir and Pasalubongs. Mong Kok is highly recommended for shoppers, take note of it. A walk is free unless you choose to spend.

4. Hong Kong Disneyland

The happiest place on Earth can also be experienced in Hong Kong. Like what I shared you on my post about Hong Kong Disneyland review, this theme park is not only for kids but also for those young at hearts. Get ready to scream and be amaze to fun and extreme rides around the park. It also sports live shows, parades, and spots of picture-perfect and instagramable view.

I believe Hong Kong getaway will never be complete without visiting the park. For around PHP4000 (depends on promos, date etc.) you can book your Disney Adventure at Klook

There are more attractions to visit in Hong Kong, naming Ocean Park, Big Buddha, a ride to Star Ferry, 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, and many more.

5. Food
Popular for food attraction, Hong Kong is proud to offer you the best of it from stalls to classy restaurants. Dim sum is a no no no food to skip when in Hong Kong. Wonton is also on the list perfect with Hong Kong style Milk-Tea and Sago Mix. I’m sad that I can’t name a lot about foods as I am honestly not a food enthusiast. But believe me, when I say, Hong Kong is among the home of delicious foods around the world.

Would you believe that I only spent PHP1000 on my foods for my entire stay in Hong Kong? Well, I shared foods with my best friend Dhan all the time.

Expenses Break Down
Below is the break down of my expenses for my Hong Kong getaway of 4 Days and 3 Nights.

Air Fare- PHP4300
Airport Express Train- PHP786
Hotel- PHP2250
Disneyland with popcorn- PHP3670
Sky Terrace 428- PHP340
Octopus Card plus load: PHP1500 (estimated)
Food- PHP1000

My all in expenses is PHP13486, not bad for a first timer.

I know I haven’t seen everything in Hong Kong yet but looking forward to getting back on this city to taste more of it. I enjoyed sharing you my Hong Kong Lookbook. I would love to hear your comments and recommendations.