What to do on a 3 days lay-over in Los Angeles. No intro needed. We go straight to the essentials.

Getting Around : Flyaway bus from LAX Airport to Union station and back. 12.75 USD per way. Union station connects passengers to the city’s Metro Train. Train stations in LA are fairly easy to navigate. And for convenience, I purchased a TAP card at the station as my mode of fare payment, instead of cash. Unlimited Train fare package can be purchased at 7 USD/day or 25USD for 7 days use. Check nyo nalang google for more info.

Where to Stay: Choose Hollywood Blvd. It’s where the magic happens (for tourists). Hollywood is considered the heart of Los Angeles due to its strong association with the American film industry and its status as a major entertainment hub. The area’s iconic landmarks, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre, draw tourists and are symbols of the city’s rich cinematic heritage.

I Stayed at Samesun Hostel, which is conveniently located at the front of Hollywood Highlands Metro Station. Pricewise, this hotel is very much justifiable. The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is just outside of the hostel, as well as the TCL theatre. Any hollywood movie fan will enjoy this area. Price per night is around 2,200 Pesos (backpackers/dorm type). Room is pretty spacious to share with 5 other guests. Quiet din ang place, and legit malamig ang AC, malinis, and bathroom/toilets were good. Light continental breakfast is included with the stay; oatmeal bars,cereal, bagel, creamcheese, butter, apple, orange and hot drinks. Generous nga eh. Also, may drinking water for free, 24/7. Wifi din.

In all honesty, I find LA cheaper and more likeable than NYC. and mas chill.

Fun things to do:

Star hunting at Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Free activity ito. Walking by the star markers and hand prints is the closest that we can get to our favourite hollywood stars. On special days, we also get a chance to see (or at least get a glimpse) of the stars themselves on special events at the TCL theatre.

Added knowledge: Parasocial relationships—the relationships that people have with media figures such as actors, celebrity influencers, or even television characters

Hollywood Wax Museums: Madam Tussaud is the most popular. Some of the statues are set up at the lobby. Free photo op for all. Horror Museums can also be experienced if that is your thing.

Universal Studios: The Amusement park complex is a bit of a walk up from the metro train station, but there’s a free shuttle bus that can take you to the front of the park. Free Photo outside and the mall side of USH is open to all.

The original Jacket used by Uma Thurman for Kill Bill movie, the original Captain America shield are on display at USH mall, among other memorabilia.

Griffith Observatory: Free activity din. Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes (for Free), explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Griffith is situated up the hill, but there are DASH buses from the Vermont/Sunset metro station for only 35 cents.

Got to see a closer look the moon and planet Jupiter with this power telescope, for free!

Architecture Appreciation: A stroll around downtown LA is a feast for the eyes of lovers of architecture. I visited Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Modern Art Museum, among others. The best spot for modern LA is around the Grand Metro Station.

Santa Monica State Beach: The public beach famous for the Baywatch Series. This beach can easily be reached via the Metro Station with the Tap Card. Aside from the beach view, there’s also the iconic Santa Monica Pier with its own amusement park, equipped with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster.

As I observed, Food choices and hostel stay are relatively cheaper in LA than in NYC. Based on my trip preparations din, plane tickets to the US from Ph are the cheapest when LA is the chosen point of entry. Gusto ko sa LA. I am definitely going back.

As for the US Visa details, to follow na lang! ems.