Writings on the Wall

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Requesting a NSO Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate

I feel like birth certificate is the most requested document by Filipinos as this is always if not often part of the requirement when applying for anything in this country. We are so blessed that nowadays, we now have a quite few options to request for this copy without sacrificing much of our time, patience and sanity.

Online

All you have to do is fill out the form, pay and wait for the document to be delivered to you.

Two sites I can recommend are:

1. E-Census: https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/OnlineApplication.aspx

2. NSO Help Line: https://nsohelpline.ph/order-now

I always get mine at E-Census web site because one of their accredited payment channel is BDO, which is hella convenient for me.

Step 1: Application Form

Fill out the form and once done you will be provided with a Batch Request Number & Request Reference Number

Step 2: Payment

You can either pay via online banking (which is what I always do) or pay via BDO ATM machine or go to the nearest BDO or UnionBank and provide the Batch or Request Reference Number

The fees are as follows:

Step 3: Delivery

After payment, it will take 3-5 working days (Metro Manila) for the document to be delivered. You will receive a Dispatch Notification email to update you when the document is on its way. If in any case, you won't be able to receive the package personally or you opted to have it delivered in your office address, make sure to leave an authorization letter & a xerox copy of any valid ID so the guard on duty can receive it on your behalf.

I have not tried NSO Helpline yet - but based from their FAQ page, their fee is Php 350 but processing time is 2-3 working days. If you are ok with the extra Php 35 charge for a much faster processing time - then this one's for you.

Mall Business Centers

SM Mall Business Center now accepts request for government documents and this is a good option if there is a SM mall near you. Their fee is Php 140 per copy plus an additional Php 20 for service fee. You have the option to pick up the document after 4-6 business days or have it delivered for a fee.

Serbilis Outlets

Now if you are in a hurry to get a copy of your birth certificate and can't afford to wait for a few days delivery, then you can always go to the nearest Serbilis outlet to request one. The fee is also Php 140 and you can wait for the release of the document within the day.

You can visit this site: https://psa.gov.ph/civil-registration-services/walk-applications-serbilis-outlets to get more information on the steps & timeline of the whole process once there.

Sunday, October 02, 2016

Happon Ramen House

MiRa 12:59 PM concepcion , food 0 Comments

70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City

Anxiety was getting the better of me so I decided to meet my friend to get a new perspective in life. I asked her if we can try out this ramen place in Marikina - it seems so posh so we were curious if food is the same level as its place.

We were lucky enough to get a seat when we arrive at the place. A few minutes past and we realised a number of customers were already coming in & waiting for a table to be available. The place is quite small, with only around less than 10 tables to accommodate ramen-eaters.

They basically offer only 2 kinds of Ramen:

Chicken Paitan Ramen Php 158

Chicken Paitan Chashumen Php 178

Either you have it with rice or choose the spicy variant. If you are not up for Ramen, they offer other choices too like Gyoza, Karaage, etc.

Ramen was bland at first - but after adding soy sauce - soup and all was delish. The eggs are salted and eventually we realised maybe we had to mix and delute the egg to add flavour to the soup. But that minor issue aside, everything on this bowl is great - from the texture of the noodles, to the pork meat, do the mushroom and the soup.

Serving potion is ok for one person - though it still depends on a person's appetite.

Our meal as was also served in just a few minutes and server was very friendly & helped us understand what their menu was & what is best to order and try.

If you are around the Marikina area, I'd recommend this place if you suddenly crave for a ramen & eat it in peace. Place is not too crowded and very relaxing.

Visit their Facebook page if you want to know more information: https://www.facebook.com/happonramenhouse/.

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

June 2016 Favorites

MiRa 12:25 AM 0 Comments

MannyMUA x Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Charmed

Purchase: GlamourBox PH http://www.glamourbox.ph/
Price: Php 850 (exclusive of shipping)

CHARMED
Charmed, a pink-nude mauve, is destined to become an instant classic for both day and night. This dusty rose hue is the perfect shade for those who enjoy a more subtle pink lippie.

I'm a fan of MannyMUA so I was so happy when I found out from the Ofra Cosmetics site that they do have a distributor here in the Philippines. Good thing their Charmed shade had stocks on hand that day & so I did not hesitate for a second to order one online.

It was love at first use. It has a creamy-mousey like texture and applying was a breeze. It does have a smell but not pungy; almost like a vanilla like smell - which does not linger at all. The moment you apply it, it does come out as like a creamy lipstick but after a few minutes, it sets off as matte. I love how matte yet not drying it looks on the lips, does not highlight the dryness on the lips and best of all, it is sooo pigmented. Just one layer already gives the color you want. It is also long lasting with the exception of when eating oily food of course. So far, this has been one of my staple lippies in my everyday bag.

Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere

Purchase: Stuff in Style (IG)
Price: Php 450 (exclusive of shipping)

A dusty mauve pink in a matte finish created by the lovely KathleenLights.

This is also an everyday lippie in my daily cosmetics bag. The texture is creamy so it easily glides on the lips. It does not highlight dryness & long lasting. It is in stick form, so its very travel-friendly; no sharpening needed as you just twist up to get more of the product. The only thing that bothers me is the scent; it has this like crayon-like smell which is very strong. I don't know if this is the real scent of their lippie stix or if I just got a bad one. Since I ordered this one from an IG seller (which I truly trust as I have purchased a lot of products from them); I decided to order directly from the Colourpop site for comparison.

Make Up Revolution Ultra Contour Palette

Purchase: Stuff in Style (IG)
Price: Php 850

This palette is a close dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit. They both have the same exact shade but with an extra 2 highlight shades for Makeup Revolution.

If you are a newbie to contouring, this is a good option to start with. They are pigmented enough & blends easily. On a daily basis, I only often use the middle shade for contour & the 3rd on top for highlighting. The last one is good to if you want to up your strobing game.

Naturals by Watsons Argan Oil Hair Oil

Purchase: Watsons
Price: Php 139

My first Argan Oil experience was from Snoe (Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil) which I really enjoyed. It brought back moisture to my dull & dry hair. Unfortunately, as I am always trying out different hair products, I forgot to bring this back to my daily hair routine. Found this product at Watsons and decided to give Argan Oil a try again. I currently have short hair, but with just 1 pump - it makes my hair soft & removes all the frizziness & dryness. I apply this on my towel-dried hair and that's it. Probably will get a better result if I blowdry it but who got time to do that every day right?

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Review: KitchenNails Trinoma Mall (Quezon City)

MiRa 12:37 AM foot spa , kitchennails 0 Comments

Last Saturday, I had no weekend-getaway plans to I decided to just spend it by pampering my tired hands & feet. I remember seeing this new salon near the parking area of Trinoma, so I decided to give it a try. Since it was real early, I was their first customer - you know there's always a pressure being the first customer, its like you're setting their sale situation for the day.

Anyhoo, the receptionist that greeted me was very kind & accommodating. I asked her what she can recommend as what I basically wanted was a foot spa/scrub of some sort. She recommended their Foot Spa package - which already consists of pedicure, foot scrub & massage. And all these 3 for just Php 450.00.

They also offer different kinds of scrub, oil & massage you can choose from; but if you're too lazy to select - then they do have a ready package you can choose from. I was so tired from my night shift that day so I just opted to choose from the ready list. I chose Easy Sunday Afternoon package which includes:

Peppermint Scrub
Lemongrass Mask
Lavender Oil
Swedish Massage
Pedicure inc. of regular nail polish

Before I get to the service, entering the main area really amazed me. Their salon was so homey, and true to their business name, its as if you are inside a kitchen.

Center table with fake cupcakes on top

Comfy couch sets

Work area is very spacious

Small pots/pans hanging on the wall, a refrigerator where they store their top of the line nail polish, even the tools they use for mani & pedi like a pan to soak your feet in, syringe to dispense their cuticle remover, etc. SOOO COOL :)

They use a whisk to mix the warm water & soap

Some of the kitchen tools they use for your feet

Easy Sunday Afternoon

1. First, they soaked my feet in a frying pan with hot water. One of the crew used literally a whisk to I guess mix the soap & hot water before they ask me to dip my feet in it.

2. After soaking, Anne started to apply the Peppermint Scrub on my legs. The peppermint smell was relaxing alone.

3. Then they wrapped my legs & feet with a clear cling wrap plastic foil. Anne describe this as baking. She had my legs & part of my feet baked for around 10-15 minutes.

4. While my legs are 'baking', she started working on my toe nails. I was so amazed how they are using simple kitchen tools on their mani/pedi service. She used a syringe to dispense a gel-form cuticle remover (this was my first time to try a gel-like form so I was so amazed) & a salt & pepper shaker to dispense alcohol. I also admire them for sanitizing all their tools before every service.

5. After my legs & feet have been fully baked, they took out the cling wrap foil by massaging a hot towel first. After removing the foil, they soaked my legs & feet again on a frying pan with hot water.

6. Next was my favorite part. The MASSAGE. Anne applied the Lavender oil & massage my legs & feet. HEAVEN.

7. The last part was of course the continuation of the pedicure itself. I paid an extra Php 60.00 for a Zoya nail polish. The package actually includes the basic nail polish already but if you want to try some high-end / organic nail polish - it will cost you extra Php 60.00 that you can use for both hands & feet.

Classic Manicure

Cost: Php 145 inc. of regular nail polish
1. First, they will ask to soak your nails on baking tray with hot water & soap.
2. The usual manicure process

They have a separate blower/heater to quick dry the hands & feet; very hygenic & useful especially if you are in a hurry.

Overall, my experience on this salon was incredibly awesome. All 5 stars for the staff, 5 stars for the excellent services and 5 stars for their tools/equipment/interior design.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place & will definitely go back.

They currently have 2 branches:

Trinoma: located at the 3rd floor near Mindanao Parking Entrance & beside Sony shop
Alabang Town Center: UG Commerce Ave. Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

Visit their Facebook page for more information/reservation: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenails/

Friday, April 22, 2016

Forget Me Not Cafe - Lilac Street, Marikina

MiRa 12:12 AM cafe , food 0 Comments

Summer heat in the Philippines is so unbearable lately - you just want to dip in an iced-pool of water all the time. My friend and I initally planned to go to Breaks & Shakes at Sapphire Street in Marikina- but unfortunately they don't have a good parking area. So while driving around Lilac Street, we chanced upon a good parking space - its as if its was waiting for us - in front of Forget Me Not Cafe. And without hesitation, parked my car and went inside the cafe.

Place 5/5 Rating

The place is very convenient as it is located along Lilac Street and they have a big sign so you won't miss it. They have a designated parking area in front of the cafe, though its a side-street parking so note that only limited cars can be accommodated.

Inside, they have a very relaxed & cozy setup. They also have an outside section (covered area & with a ceiling fan) - I guess this is for smokers. Even though the outside section was so tempting, it was around 3PM in the afternoon so we are not choosing to dine covered in sweat.

Compared to other snack places along that area, their place was sufficient enough to cater to at least 25-30 pax on the first floor. They have a second floor but at that time it was closed.

Food 4/5 Rating

We ordered Avocado & Strawberry Milkshakes.

As per their menu, they only have 4 flavors of milkshakes which cost Php 135.00 (one size) each.

We enjoyed it, not too sweet & loved the whip cream, sprinkles & pinipig on top!

We also ordered Carbonara & Lasagna (each cost Php 175.00)

I find the Carbonara too small of a portion with its price. Serving of their pasta is for one person only & NOT for sharing (in the case of Carbonara, kid size in my opinion).

Portion or serving issue aside, it was delish. I just feel Php 175 does not give justice to the size of Carbonara served to me. Lasagna though was of fair portion - no complaints about it.

Price 4/5 Rating

Food price range from Php 200-400. Acceptable price if you want to have a fancy snack or merienda. They don't have a service charge so leaving out a tip would be nice.

Staff 5/5 Rating

What I noticed is that they are very attentive & courteous. That day all of them have smiles on their faces, which maybe they are all just having a good day that time but still seeing your servers in a happy mood is a good reflection of the store.

I'll definitely go back here to try out their cake and other stuff they offer in their menu.

Address:
Concepcion 2 41 Lilac St., Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, Philippines

Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/CafeForgetMeNot

Monday, March 28, 2016

Paddle Blending Brush

MiRa 10:40 PM anastasia beverly hills paddle blending brush , blending brush 0 Comments

YouTube make up gurus made me curious about this new type of make up brush; and while at a mall on a Black Saturday - I chanced upon this stall at Trinoma Pop Culture that sell this kind of brush. I did not know how to call this brush at first- but according to Google/YouTube - its what they call 'Paddle Blending Brush'.

Pretty Angel Shoppe has a small corner at Pop Culture & saw this one on display. I asked the lady (who was very busy that time, not entertaining other customers mind you, but busy chatting with the other 'tinderas') the price (surprised she heard me) and said it was Php 250.00. So, why not - I got it together with a mushroom brush (Php 220.00).

According to the package, this is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Blending Brush. Only if you are high on drugs or in denial will you believe that with a price & box condition like that, it's an authentic Anastasia Beverly Hills product. Checking Anastasia Beverly Hills' official site, they do not sell this kind of brush at all. The only like legit 'paddle blending brush' I saw was from MAC - which as you know is quite expensive.

But I didn't mind as I just wanted to experience how my foundation will turn out if applied using this brush that looks like for my teeth & not for the face.

I first used this to apply my Loreal True Match super-blendable makeup foundation. I loved how it easily blended & applied the product to my face, the hairs were so fine & soft that it easily glides unto my face. I feel like it made my foundation air-brush finish. I also loved how it buffs the product so easily, especially on the hard corners of my face, like the side of my nose & my undereye area. Since the hairs are so soft, blending & buffing was a breeze.

Next day, I tried using this only for blending/buffing my undereye concealer. It was awesome! It blended the product evenly - compared to when I'm using my fingers, brush or sponge - this one takes the cake.

What I noticed though is the plastic handle is not that sturdy. If you got heavy hands or enjoyed buffing too much it will definitely break easily. If you have this, I'd recommend you either do it gently, or hold it near or close the paddle brush area. Not sure if the bendable handle has its purpose though, so I might be missing something here.

This is the low point when buying fake brushes - either you get hair fall outs and/or cheap plastic handles that break out easily. But, in fairness to most of these knock-outs, they do the same job as what their original version are tasked to do. Last Christmas season, I was able to buy a flat-kabuki brush at Divisoria - which was labeled as Sigma F80 brush. The hair was so soft - similar to the Artist Studio quality brushes at Landmark - that's why I bought it.

The thing I don't understand is why the need to put those brand names on these China-made knock-off products? Just produce them without brand names, period. People will still buy them - if they are of good quality & because its cheaper. Stop hurting MAC or Anastasia or Benefit or whoever doing legit business or process. It's like a double-slap in the face.

Going back to the paddle brush, yes its a good alternative when applying your foundation/concealer. Should you buy the original one? I would say - if you have the budget buy the MAC ones (you will never find an original Anastasia Beverly Hills because there ain't one - yet :P) - this knock-off gives good result so imagine if you get the legit one right? But, if just for experience & if low on doe - this one will do the trick. Let's be real, people go for the less expensive one, as long as they give the same result - times are hard.

Is it necessary? Every person has their own preference when applying foundation, if you already found 'the one', then good for you - no need to buy another one. But when you are into make up, you will not be contented with just having one brush, like everything else, make up is evolving - its either you go with it or just stick to the basic - your call.

Friday, March 25, 2016

KPub BBQ Meat All You Can Korean Restaurant - Trinoma Branch

MiRa 3:29 PM korean , korean buffet 0 Comments

So to celebrate my birthday, I treated my family to a korean-style meat-all-you-can buffet place named KPub BBQ. Saw this place while google-ing for an alternative to our usual buffet eat out and decided to try this out for a change. Currently they have 2 branches - one at the Fort Taguig and another in Trinoma Q.C area - being the one nearest, we decided to dine on the Q.C branch.

They are located at Level 3 (its very near the Mindanao parking entrance & beside Coffee Bean). They have this giant menu board outside so you can decide which option you would like to go for. During our stay, there were 2 servers/receptionist at the door that were very kind to answer my questions about their menu options.

We selected Option C which is a combination of the (premium) meat from A & B, no time limit and inclusive of dessert & side dishes.

image captured from Google

Place: 3/5 Rating

Upon entering, its like a pub / bar vibe as its dark but full of disco/neon lights around. There are also a lot of screens playing korean pop videos which is very entertaining. The place is big enough to accommodate a large number of customers plus it has a stage as well. Reading through some reviews, I remember they have nights where bands play to entertain customers.

What I don't like about this place is that they don't have exhaust on each table. I know heat is expected on this kind of restaurants but it would be much better if they installed exhaust or anything to absorb the heat on each table. Its as if you get a free facial every time you grill your food. As the place is not that well ventilated, expect to come out of the resto smelling like grilled meat too.

Table setting is nice; I love their table & chair design.

Food: 4/5 Rating

Soup is served first - nothing fancy but it tastes good
Banchan (2 sets of Side Dishes) - I enjoyed the fish cake, mash potato & fried small fish (dilis) which has a combination of sweet & spicy taste

Ke Ran Ggim (Steamed Egg) - parents loved this.

Kimchin Pajeon (Kimchi Pancakes) - not good, texture was tough & hard to eat

Salad - nothing fancy - just plain old leafy veggie salad

Meat - it was a combination of the choices from A & B and of premium quality. I lost track of the meat but we tried as much as we can to order everything on the list. Our favorite was the Korean styled bacon.

Aside from the meat that you have to cook yourself, I also enjoyed their Bulgogi Pizza and Calamari

Dessert - they offer 2, one is their Melona ice cream and second is Sikyhe which is a sweet rice drink. According to the server, this rice drink is good for digestion & help in removing bad toxins.

Drink/s not included on the package. They serve Pepsi cola products, fruit shakes/juices and bottomless iced tea.

Service: 2/5 Rating

I don't know if its because it was a lunch time Sunday but it was really difficult to call the attention of the servers when we were dining. We had an assigned server named 'Lady' - she was very kind, patient with our questions and always served with a smile - BUT she was also serving other customers so we had to call other servers when we need to order another batch of meat or had our iced tea refilled. Before we can catch the attention of another server, it would take a lot of waving & praying someone will see us. Also, rice was included on our meal but it took a very long time before they served mine - which was Bibimbap. The serving was very small, so I don't understand why it took almost an hour before they served my Bibimbap. Even requesting for water was a struggle.

Price: 3/5 Rating

Option C was priced at Php 899+ (tax not included). Note that if you will be dining with a senior citizen, they won't accept their card as the Php 899 is already discounted or their price promo - if I'm not mistaken, the original price of Option C is Php 1,200. They also charge 10% service charge on your bill - with the service I experienced, I feel like I should not be paying that amount with the service I experienced.

Will I go back? Maybe, but not at the same branch - I'll probably try the one at The Fort but not anytime soon.

Do I recommend this place? If just to experience a Korean style restaurant, I feel like there are other options out there that can be best explored. This is my first time to try a Korean resto here in the Philippines so for sure there are others that are worth your money. But its a good alternative especially those near the QC area - just for experience & if you have the budget. Also, this style of grilling your own food before you can eat might not be recommendable if you are already hungry OR hangry (hungry+angry).

To know more about KPub BBQ, you can visit their site: www.kpubbbq.com.

They also have a Facebook page you can visit to find more comments/reviews about the resto: https://www.facebook.com/KPubBBQ.

Saturday, March 05, 2016

February 2016 Favorites

MiRa 6:51 AM 0 Comments

1. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in Devotion

This shade is good for an everyday wear - it's like your lips but better & fresher. See my review for this lippy here.

2. Bags

MEMO: I use this as my 'mall' bag - I actually not into yellow but I've been searching for a neon yellow bag as I feel it would really add statement on days when I just want to wear plain outfit. I also like that its not too small or big for my stuff - which usually comprise of my power bank, kikay kit, pen, phone, wallet & camera. I got this bag at around Php 1,500.

ALDO: I saw this first at Aldo Glorietta 2 but hesitated to buy it that time as I was having second thoughts of buying a floral bag. Same with yellow, I'm not into florals as they seem to be so girly. But when I saw this bag again at Aldo Megamall - I gave in and bought it. That's usually my go signal when buying stuff, if I see it twice or thrice - then its meant to be for me. I was also lucky that it was on sale Php 1,700+.

3. K-Palette 1 Day Magic Liquid Eye liner

Price: Php 695.00
Purchased at Beauty Bar Trinoma Mall

I can never live without my liquid liner, so its a must that I never ran out of it. Ever since I've been buying K-Palette liners because they really last the whole day, don't smudge and easy to apply. The one I had before was the Real Lasting Eyeliner 24hr but I decided to pick this one instead because of the brush.

As you can see, this makes lining much easier. You can use it flat to apply a thick layer then use it sideways to apply wings. Its brush is so flexible & you have more control over how you apply the lines.

4. Etude House Moistful Deep Cream

Sample

I got this sample (3 sample sachet) when I was shopping at Etude House in Korea. I apply this before going to bed and I love how my skin feels & looks fresh/hydrated after. I can compare this to Nivea Cream (the one in blue flat can) but application/texture is less sticky. I have not checked Etude House here in Manila yet, but should this product be available here, I'd surely want to get one.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Make Up: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color

MiRa 3:24 PM lipstick , makeup 0 Comments

I love Revlon lipsticks as they always deliver. I've already purchased & re-purchased a few of them and here's an addition to my Revlon crew - Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color.

From the Revlon Web Site: "Lightweight, high definition velvety matte color. Moisturizing, velvety feel. 100% wax-free, gel formula."

I purchased this at Landmark inside Trinoma Mall (Quezon City area) for a discounted price of Php 525.00 each. If you only buy 1, price is at Php 575.00 but since I bought two, I got it for Php 1,050 total. The sales lady said that the Php 575 is just their introductory price and will eventually sell for 600+ in a few days. The two shades I got are

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color has a paddle-shaped sponge applicator

I was not supposed to buy lipstick (yet) since I just recently purchased 2 from Dose of Colors, but when I swatched & tried them - I couldn't resist not getting them. Here are the reasons why it was love at first swatch:

smells like bubble gum; for those who does not like scents on their lipstick - don't worry because it does not linger
pigmented
creamy application; I had slight chapped lips that day but it did not highlight it after application
unique packaging - matte, flat and round edge

I've been constantly using them for days now and below are my observation so far:

long-wearing even after eating/drinking fluids; I do touch-ups only after a 4-5 hours but generally color stays long on the lips.
does not flake and not drying even after a few hours of wear
at first it gives you a glossy finish, then turns to a creamy finish then it transitions to a matte finish
combining the two colors give a more natural, lips-but-better look
Devotion - streaky application (maybe because of its light color?) but buildable. I actually prefer wearing this as my everyday wear if used alone.

This product is a definite repurchase and I highly recommend.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Korea 2016: T-Money or M-Pass Card

MiRa 3:27 PM 2016 travel , korea 11 Comments

So while researching and planning our travel itinerary, part of it was deciding if we should get T-money or the M-pass card.

To know a more detailed difference between the two - better go here the Official Site of Korea Tourism.

Deciding will actually depend on where you want to go, how do you plan to go there, and how many days are you planning to stay in South Korea. In our case, we spent 6 days in Korea and our mode of transportation there was mostly walking, train, little bus and cab rides. We used this site: https://www.smrt.co.kr/program/cyberStation/main2.jsp?lang=e to compute and get a rough estimate of fare we will be needing when riding the subway.

In our 6 day journey, choosing T-Money we initially loaded 35,000 won which lasted for 5 days and on the 6th day - we reloaded another 15,000 won for the airport bus ride. Overall total we spent for the card is 54,000 won (around Php 2,200).

T-money

Where you can purchase: at any Convenience store where T-money is available( common spots are 7-11, Ministop & GS25 convenience stores). Ours we bought at the 7-11 store at Incheon Airport.
Cost: the card itself is 4,000 won. The cashier would ask you first to pay for the card and then after you can pay for the amount you want to reload it.
Refundable: Yes but only the remaining load balance after the 500 won charge. However, you can keep the card and use it the next time you go to Korea :)
Transfer Discount: Yes. During our stay, we noticed that some of transfers we made was actually free :)
You can use the balance to purchase food and other stuff in convenience stores.
Airport Bus: Yes

M-Pass

Where you can purchase: Seoul Travel Information Centers located at the Incheon airport.
Cost: A 4,500 deposit is required when purchasing; minimum is 10,000 won for a 1-day pass and maximum is 59,500 pass for a 7-day pass
Refundable: Yes. 4,500 won deposit plus the remaining load balance after the 500 won charge.
Discount: 10-20% discount to popular tourist spots
You need to return the card upon refunding. So M-pass is a good option you don't have plans of going back.
It can act as a T-money too so you can use the balance to purchase food and other stuff in convenience stores. Note that you can & need to reload a separate T-money balance should you wish to use the card to purchase stuff at convenience stores.
It has an allotted 20 subway rides per day. After that, you can re-load T-money balance if you need to ride more than 20 on the subway (which I don't think is possible unless you get totally lost & went back and forth on the subway lines all day lol!)

Getting the T-money was more practical on our end as we are mostly walking and our average rides per day was just 4-6 tops. The subway though was only until 12 MN so in two occasions when we realized it was already past 12 and we were still outside - we had no choice but to take the bus. It was a good thing too that our airbnb place was literally in front of a subway entrance so at times when we are feeling energetic, we just actually walk (underground) instead of riding the train.

In summary, I would highly recommend using T-money instead of the M-pass.