Cebu's Abuhan Pochero: Kalami Gyud!
31 August 2010
One of recommended restaurants in Cebu City visited again by Tutubi to partake of the famous pochero, Cebu's version of the Tagalog's bulalo, a soup made of beef and one of Tutubi's favorite comfort food.
the homey ambiance of the Abuhan Dos on Ramos St. near Fuente Osmena downtown Cebu City.
The pochero (price: P350.00) came in one big bowl with one order good for 2 to 4 persons, still steaming hot, the way it should always be.
What makes Cebu's pochero distinct from Batangas Bulalo? It's the presence of white corn!
a close up view of pochero oozing with "utak," actually bone marrow, goodness. (Shot in dim light and hundgry stomach thus blurred output)
a motion-blurred picture of Tutubi's buddy from Batangas to add scale to the pochero bowl. He's about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 190 lbs and he wasn't able to slurp all the marrowy goodness of the pochero
Even with Tutubi's hefty companion, they weren't able to finish one order of Abuhan pochero, so they requested for the soup and bones be taken out and eaten at breakfast the next day...Abuhan pochero, ka-lami gyud!
Abuhan Restaurant Information:
Abuhan Uno
F. Ramos St., Cebu City
Telephone Number: +63.32.253.1881
Abuhan Dos (Restaurant branch is Open 24 Hours)
176 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.253.5774
Abuhan Tres
PIPC Tower, Asiatown IT Park
Lahug, Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.253.1151
Remarks: open 24 hours and near Waterfront Lahug Hotel
How to get to Abuhan Dos Restaurant:
it's just near Fuente Osmena, if you take a taxi just request the taxi driver to take you to Abuhan Ramos (it's on Ramos St, that's why)
Related Posts:
CnT Lechon Cebu
Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant
Port Seafood Restaurant
Read more after the jump!
the homey ambiance of the Abuhan Dos on Ramos St. near Fuente Osmena downtown Cebu City.The pochero (price: P350.00) came in one big bowl with one order good for 2 to 4 persons, still steaming hot, the way it should always be.
What makes Cebu's pochero distinct from Batangas Bulalo? It's the presence of white corn!
a close up view of pochero oozing with "utak," actually bone marrow, goodness. (Shot in dim light and hundgry stomach thus blurred output)
a motion-blurred picture of Tutubi's buddy from Batangas to add scale to the pochero bowl. He's about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 190 lbs and he wasn't able to slurp all the marrowy goodness of the pocheroEven with Tutubi's hefty companion, they weren't able to finish one order of Abuhan pochero, so they requested for the soup and bones be taken out and eaten at breakfast the next day...Abuhan pochero, ka-lami gyud!
Abuhan Restaurant Information:
Abuhan Uno
F. Ramos St., Cebu City
Telephone Number: +63.32.253.1881
Abuhan Dos (Restaurant branch is Open 24 Hours)
176 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.253.5774
Abuhan Tres
PIPC Tower, Asiatown IT Park
Lahug, Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.253.1151
Remarks: open 24 hours and near Waterfront Lahug Hotel
How to get to Abuhan Dos Restaurant:
it's just near Fuente Osmena, if you take a taxi just request the taxi driver to take you to Abuhan Ramos (it's on Ramos St, that's why)
Related Posts:
CnT Lechon Cebu
Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant
Port Seafood Restaurant
Labels: Cebu, Cebu City, Cebu Restaurants, Central Visayas, Metro Cebu
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:05 PM,
, links to this post
Cebu: Mactan Shrine, Lapu-lapu Monument and Myths about Ferdinand Magellan
25 August 2010
A return visit to the historic site of the battle between the natives led by Lapu-lapu and the Portuguese explorer in the service of Spain Ferdinand Magellan where Magellan met his death, mostly due to his ineptness as a general.
Tutubi again visited the place on the request of his peer who wanted to see the famous site of the "battle of mactan".
Ferdinand Magellan’s Monument
A coral stone obelisk Erected in 1866 in honor of Hernando de Magallanes). It bears the words “Glorias Españolas (Glory to Spain)."
The Lapu-lapu Monument, made of bronze, at dusk...
a closer view of the bronze monument...
the Mactan Shrine mural and historical marker. The Battle of Mactan mural wrongly depict Lapu-lapu in combat with Magellan. The marker states "Here, on 27 April 1521 Lapulapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader ferdinand Magellan thus Lapulapu became the first Filipino to have repelled European aggresion."
How did Ferdinand Magellan die? So many historical myths and hoaxes abound here but it's not really Lapu-lapu who killed him but a poisoned arrow to the leg. It was probably Lapu-lapu who dealt the final blow. He was killed due to his "stupidity" to charge at an enemy he didn't have any information on (remember Sun Tzu's Art of War?), and on the prodding of Rajah Humabon, an enemy of Lapu-lapu.
Rajah Humabon, who converted to Christianity earlier, later poisoned his Christian friends. What was left of Magellan's expedition later circumnavigated the world.
---
Travel Information on Mactan Shrine:
Mactan Shrine entrance fees: None but a donation box can be seen at the shrine entrance gate. Parking fee is at P10/vehicle.
There's also a Lapu-lapu Monument at Rizal Park in Manila (Luneta) "watching" the back of Jose Rizal Monument
How to get to Mactan Shrine / Lapu-lapu Monument, Lapu-lapu City:
Commuting from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can flag a taxi to take you there directly or a jeepney, popularly called multicab, with signboard Punta Engaño. Tutubi also observed jeepneys with So-ong Maribago signboards passed by the place from Mandaue Highway. The Shrine is near Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and the the famous Sutukil seafood restaurants. No information on jeepney fares but the taxi fare may be about P250 from downtown Cebu City.
Directions to Mactan shrine? It's just a straight drive from Mandaue City via Marcelo Fernan Bridge then right to M.L. Quezon Highway all the way to the shrine.
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi again visited the place on the request of his peer who wanted to see the famous site of the "battle of mactan".
Ferdinand Magellan’s Monument
A coral stone obelisk Erected in 1866 in honor of Hernando de Magallanes). It bears the words “Glorias Españolas (Glory to Spain)."
The Lapu-lapu Monument, made of bronze, at dusk...
a closer view of the bronze monument...
the Mactan Shrine mural and historical marker. The Battle of Mactan mural wrongly depict Lapu-lapu in combat with Magellan. The marker states "Here, on 27 April 1521 Lapulapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader ferdinand Magellan thus Lapulapu became the first Filipino to have repelled European aggresion."
How did Ferdinand Magellan die? So many historical myths and hoaxes abound here but it's not really Lapu-lapu who killed him but a poisoned arrow to the leg. It was probably Lapu-lapu who dealt the final blow. He was killed due to his "stupidity" to charge at an enemy he didn't have any information on (remember Sun Tzu's Art of War?), and on the prodding of Rajah Humabon, an enemy of Lapu-lapu.
Rajah Humabon, who converted to Christianity earlier, later poisoned his Christian friends. What was left of Magellan's expedition later circumnavigated the world.
---
Travel Information on Mactan Shrine:
Mactan Shrine entrance fees: None but a donation box can be seen at the shrine entrance gate. Parking fee is at P10/vehicle.
There's also a Lapu-lapu Monument at Rizal Park in Manila (Luneta) "watching" the back of Jose Rizal Monument
How to get to Mactan Shrine / Lapu-lapu Monument, Lapu-lapu City:
Commuting from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can flag a taxi to take you there directly or a jeepney, popularly called multicab, with signboard Punta Engaño. Tutubi also observed jeepneys with So-ong Maribago signboards passed by the place from Mandaue Highway. The Shrine is near Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and the the famous Sutukil seafood restaurants. No information on jeepney fares but the taxi fare may be about P250 from downtown Cebu City.
Directions to Mactan shrine? It's just a straight drive from Mandaue City via Marcelo Fernan Bridge then right to M.L. Quezon Highway all the way to the shrine.
Labels: Cebu, Historical Shrines, History, Lapu-Lapu City, Metro Cebu, Monuments
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:30 PM,
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Ninoy Aquino Monument Ayala Avenue Makati
21 August 2010
A silent witness to numerous political rallies held at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, the heart of the Philippines' financial capital and, unknown to many Makati people, the intersection of the two runways of the former Nielson Airport (yes, Makati CBD used to be an airport).
Ninoy Aquino was murdered as he was about to deplane on the tarmac of Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, now named after him as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). His murder so incensed the Filipino people to intensify the fight against the sitting dictator that fueled the People Power Revolution of 1986 (EDSA bloodless revolt) and catapulted Cory Aquino to the presidency. His picture can also be seen on the five hundred peso bill (P500).
Ninoy Aquino Monument in Photos:
A dragonfly's eye view of the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de roxas, with Ninoy Aquino monument in view as well as The Enterprise Center and BPI Building at the corners.
Ninoy Aquino Monument, with Insular Life Building, Philamlife Tower, PSBank Tower, Paseo Center, BPI Card Center Building, Equitable Bank Tower and Lepanto Building providing a modern backdrop of skyscrapers.
Ninoy Aquino Monument (with people to add scale) during Makati's Caracol Festival in January.
To most people, they know the reason why Tutubi posted these pictures here on this date but for some, the oblivious and the not in-the-know, August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day, a national holiday (that fell on a Saturday) that's a non-working holiday for people who have work on Saturdays.
people on Ayala Avenue during the funeral of Cory Aquino, Ninoy's wife, former president, and the mother of President Noynoy Aquino. The image of Ninoy Aquino is shown on the flags.
Note that the monument you see now in Makati is not the original one, the old monument can now be found in Hacienda Luisita in Concepcion Tarlac.
Read more after the jump!
Ninoy Aquino was murdered as he was about to deplane on the tarmac of Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, now named after him as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). His murder so incensed the Filipino people to intensify the fight against the sitting dictator that fueled the People Power Revolution of 1986 (EDSA bloodless revolt) and catapulted Cory Aquino to the presidency. His picture can also be seen on the five hundred peso bill (P500).
Ninoy Aquino Monument in Photos:
A dragonfly's eye view of the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de roxas, with Ninoy Aquino monument in view as well as The Enterprise Center and BPI Building at the corners.
Ninoy Aquino Monument, with Insular Life Building, Philamlife Tower, PSBank Tower, Paseo Center, BPI Card Center Building, Equitable Bank Tower and Lepanto Building providing a modern backdrop of skyscrapers.
Ninoy Aquino Monument (with people to add scale) during Makati's Caracol Festival in January.To most people, they know the reason why Tutubi posted these pictures here on this date but for some, the oblivious and the not in-the-know, August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day, a national holiday (that fell on a Saturday) that's a non-working holiday for people who have work on Saturdays.
people on Ayala Avenue during the funeral of Cory Aquino, Ninoy's wife, former president, and the mother of President Noynoy Aquino. The image of Ninoy Aquino is shown on the flags.Note that the monument you see now in Makati is not the original one, the old monument can now be found in Hacienda Luisita in Concepcion Tarlac.
Labels: Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, National Heroes
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:42 PM,
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Sky Adventure: Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster at Crown Regency Hotel, Cebu City
12 August 2010
First seen by Tutubi on TV with Diane Castillejo and Marc Nelson trying out the Philippines' first Skywalk Extreme on Studio 23 show Sports Unlimited on top of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers in Cebu City's Fuente Osmena, the adventure tourism facility was tried out by Tutubi recently after months of "planning" that eventually materialized along with two of his peers who were able to synchronize their hectic work schedules just to go there together.
After a tireful day working followed by a hearty dinner at Conching's Native Chicken and Fastfood near SM City Cebu, Tutubi and his peers hied off to Crown Regency Hotel to unwind and check out the adventure place they only used to see on tv.
the large logo of Skywalk Extreme where you can pose for souvenir pictures before/after your daring walk
the souvenir photo counter where you can have your pictures printed/saved to CD and to claim your certificates of surviving the skywalk
the turnstile area of the facility, the farthest your camera can go before you store them in your free lockers
Cameras are not allowed while you're doing the SKywalk or Edge Coaster ride, like similar touristy places, they ban cameras not just for safety but for...you know why...and have official photographers, with pathetic photography skills, to take your pictures that you can buy for PhP200 per print or P750 for everything stored in a CD.
The Edge Coaster Ride is a ride around the edge of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers where you can see the panoramic view of Cebu City, day or night, with the full view of the city below you-- not for people afraid of heights!
a stolen shot of Edge Coaster Riders on the 38th floor
The Skywalk Extreme lets you walk around a platform circling the building about 6 feet wide, made of glass so you can see objects below, while you're attached to safety harnesses. A photographer takes your pictures around several scripted poses.
Skywalk Extreme: a pretty thrill-seeker holding on to dear life while striking a pose with Cebu nightscape as a backdrop.
What's so funny was that that Tutubi met two friends from the Mentor group who manages their company's team-building programs but were unaware that there's such a facility at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers that they didn't know even if they were at the hotel the night before.
Tutubi merely narrated a long list of adventure places in the country but cannot divulge his identity to be the author of this travel blog...so much for the primacy of privacy over publicity :(
---
SkyAdventure
Location: Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
Fuente Osmena, Cebu City
Rates and fees:
Entrance Fee: PhP200/person
Skywalk Extreme: PhP200/person
Edge Coaster: PhP200/person
Separate entrance fees and rides. Discounts offered for students or for those availing of other promos. Day tour rate of PhP888 inclusive of entrance fee, 1 ride, 4d movie and spa( 1 hour massage)
for updated information or group tours, you may get more information from Sky Adventure's official website or calling their contact numbers for inquiries.
---
you may also be looking for skywalk crown regency, edge coaster cebu, sky walk entrance fee
Read more after the jump!
After a tireful day working followed by a hearty dinner at Conching's Native Chicken and Fastfood near SM City Cebu, Tutubi and his peers hied off to Crown Regency Hotel to unwind and check out the adventure place they only used to see on tv.
the large logo of Skywalk Extreme where you can pose for souvenir pictures before/after your daring walk
the souvenir photo counter where you can have your pictures printed/saved to CD and to claim your certificates of surviving the skywalk
the turnstile area of the facility, the farthest your camera can go before you store them in your free lockersCameras are not allowed while you're doing the SKywalk or Edge Coaster ride, like similar touristy places, they ban cameras not just for safety but for...you know why...and have official photographers, with pathetic photography skills, to take your pictures that you can buy for PhP200 per print or P750 for everything stored in a CD.
The Edge Coaster Ride is a ride around the edge of Crown Regency Hotel and Towers where you can see the panoramic view of Cebu City, day or night, with the full view of the city below you-- not for people afraid of heights!
a stolen shot of Edge Coaster Riders on the 38th floorThe Skywalk Extreme lets you walk around a platform circling the building about 6 feet wide, made of glass so you can see objects below, while you're attached to safety harnesses. A photographer takes your pictures around several scripted poses.
Skywalk Extreme: a pretty thrill-seeker holding on to dear life while striking a pose with Cebu nightscape as a backdrop.What's so funny was that that Tutubi met two friends from the Mentor group who manages their company's team-building programs but were unaware that there's such a facility at Crown Regency Hotel and Towers that they didn't know even if they were at the hotel the night before.
Tutubi merely narrated a long list of adventure places in the country but cannot divulge his identity to be the author of this travel blog...so much for the primacy of privacy over publicity :(
---
SkyAdventure
Location: Crown Regency Hotel and Towers
Fuente Osmena, Cebu City
Rates and fees:
Entrance Fee: PhP200/person
Skywalk Extreme: PhP200/person
Edge Coaster: PhP200/person
Separate entrance fees and rides. Discounts offered for students or for those availing of other promos. Day tour rate of PhP888 inclusive of entrance fee, 1 ride, 4d movie and spa( 1 hour massage)
for updated information or group tours, you may get more information from Sky Adventure's official website or calling their contact numbers for inquiries.
---
you may also be looking for skywalk crown regency, edge coaster cebu, sky walk entrance fee
Labels: Adventure Tourism, Cebu, Cebu City, Central Visayas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:30 PM,
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Interactive Map of Paete, Laguna
08 August 2010
For a few months now, Tutubi has been "secretly" mapping his hometown (together with an anonymous townmate) using his Garmin Nuvi 1300 to update map data of Open Street Map where he goes around town to track roads and note various landmarks and establishments of his beloved hometown.
Interactive Map of Paete, Laguna:
this is the most detailed map of Paete you will find in print and online due to contributions of many other people, not only Tutubi. A few months ago, all you can see on the map were the four main roads of Paete: Manila East Road (national highway), J.P. Rizal St., Quesada St. and Fidel F. Sario.
Note that there are still many alleys on the road map to be added as well as Points of Interests (POIs) including the famous Paete wood carving stores and art galleries, local shops, restaurants and hotels/inns but the map is generally accurate.
In the process of his mapping activity, Tutubi's also updating nearby towns of Pakil, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz, Victoria, Pila, Bay and intends to cover also northern towns of Pangil, Siniloan, Mabitac, and Famy and the southern towns of Liliw, Nagcarlan, Magdalena, Cavinti, Luisiana, Rizal, Calauan and Majayjay. (updating maps of San Pablo, Alaminos, Los Banos, Calamba, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Binan will come if the wind takes Tutubi there)
Next time you intend to go to Paete, you can print this map for reference, browse it online or better buy your own Garmin GPS device to take with you anywhere you go.
If you want to see the map of your hometown, you can log on to Open Street Map. You can even update it even without a GPS device like add/correct street names and points of interests.
Read more after the jump!
Interactive Map of Paete, Laguna:
this is the most detailed map of Paete you will find in print and online due to contributions of many other people, not only Tutubi. A few months ago, all you can see on the map were the four main roads of Paete: Manila East Road (national highway), J.P. Rizal St., Quesada St. and Fidel F. Sario.
Note that there are still many alleys on the road map to be added as well as Points of Interests (POIs) including the famous Paete wood carving stores and art galleries, local shops, restaurants and hotels/inns but the map is generally accurate.
In the process of his mapping activity, Tutubi's also updating nearby towns of Pakil, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz, Victoria, Pila, Bay and intends to cover also northern towns of Pangil, Siniloan, Mabitac, and Famy and the southern towns of Liliw, Nagcarlan, Magdalena, Cavinti, Luisiana, Rizal, Calauan and Majayjay. (updating maps of San Pablo, Alaminos, Los Banos, Calamba, Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Binan will come if the wind takes Tutubi there)
Next time you intend to go to Paete, you can print this map for reference, browse it online or better buy your own Garmin GPS device to take with you anywhere you go.
If you want to see the map of your hometown, you can log on to Open Street Map. You can even update it even without a GPS device like add/correct street names and points of interests.
Labels: Calabarzon, Laguna, Maps, Paete, Southern Tagalog
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:07 PM,
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Regal Business Park Hotel: Near Ayala Center Cebu
01 August 2010
A nice hotel on Archbishop Reyes directly in front of Ayala Center Cebu, Regal Business Park Hotel's recommended by Tutubi's business contacts who also took care of reservations and got 20% discount on corporate rate.
It's a small, budget hotel in Cebu, unlike most of Tutubi's trips there where he stayed at the upscale Waterfront Hotel Lahug or at pension house during one of his first backpacking trips there, but it's well-within-budget for Tutubi and it's close proximity to Ayala center, SM City Cebu, and Fuente Osmena (the last two accessible via a 15 minute, a PhP50 taxi ride).
Regal Hotel's standard rooms (priced at P1800/night good for two persons) have two beds, hot and cold shower, buffet breakfast inclusive of the room rate and 24 hour free Internet wifi connection at the restaurant on the ground floor of the 6-storey hotel building.
Tutubi's Standard room, a quick picture before he messed it up completely to rest his tired back
Ayala Center Cebu right across Regal Hotel, too early thus no cars in the parking lot.
The best thing about Regal Business Park Hotel, of particular importance to Filipinos, is the presence of the tabo (ladle) in the bathroom.
Tutubi will now announce the first recipient of the soon-to-be-prestigious (hopefully) Tutubi Tabo Awards to Regal Business Park Hotel for having a tabo, if not a bidet, to cater to Filipinos in need of one. Using a tabo is a cultural thing and most hotels and resorts don't have one. Tutubi need not cut out a mineral water PET bottle to make an improvised ladle on this trip.
Coming Soon... Sky Walking on top of the Philippines' tallest hotel
---
Regal Business Park Hotel
Address: Archbishop Reyes Avenue, across Ayala Center Cebu,
Cebu Business Park, 6000 Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.412-2588; +63.32.232.6680
Official Website: www.regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Inquiries: info@regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Reservations: reservations@regalbusinessparkhotel.com
For inquiries, latest room rates, seminars, events (weddings, conferences, functions) and reservations, you may contact Regal Business Park Hotel's published telephone numbers or send email inquiries to addresses listed above.
Warning: in going there, tell the taxi driver to drive you to Regal Hotel on Arch. Reyes in front of Ayala center, and not merely mention Regal. There's Regal Pension House in Cebu. Trust Tutubi, he's been there :P
Read more after the jump!
It's a small, budget hotel in Cebu, unlike most of Tutubi's trips there where he stayed at the upscale Waterfront Hotel Lahug or at pension house during one of his first backpacking trips there, but it's well-within-budget for Tutubi and it's close proximity to Ayala center, SM City Cebu, and Fuente Osmena (the last two accessible via a 15 minute, a PhP50 taxi ride).
Regal Hotel's standard rooms (priced at P1800/night good for two persons) have two beds, hot and cold shower, buffet breakfast inclusive of the room rate and 24 hour free Internet wifi connection at the restaurant on the ground floor of the 6-storey hotel building.
Tutubi's Standard room, a quick picture before he messed it up completely to rest his tired back
Ayala Center Cebu right across Regal Hotel, too early thus no cars in the parking lot.The best thing about Regal Business Park Hotel, of particular importance to Filipinos, is the presence of the tabo (ladle) in the bathroom.
Tutubi will now announce the first recipient of the soon-to-be-prestigious (hopefully) Tutubi Tabo Awards to Regal Business Park Hotel for having a tabo, if not a bidet, to cater to Filipinos in need of one. Using a tabo is a cultural thing and most hotels and resorts don't have one. Tutubi need not cut out a mineral water PET bottle to make an improvised ladle on this trip.
Coming Soon... Sky Walking on top of the Philippines' tallest hotel
---
Regal Business Park Hotel
Address: Archbishop Reyes Avenue, across Ayala Center Cebu,
Cebu Business Park, 6000 Cebu City
Contact Number: +63.32.412-2588; +63.32.232.6680
Official Website: www.regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Inquiries: info@regalbusinessparkhotel.com
Email For Reservations: reservations@regalbusinessparkhotel.com
For inquiries, latest room rates, seminars, events (weddings, conferences, functions) and reservations, you may contact Regal Business Park Hotel's published telephone numbers or send email inquiries to addresses listed above.
Warning: in going there, tell the taxi driver to drive you to Regal Hotel on Arch. Reyes in front of Ayala center, and not merely mention Regal. There's Regal Pension House in Cebu. Trust Tutubi, he's been there :P
Labels: Cebu Accommodations, Cebu City, Central Visayas, Hotels, Hotels and Resorts
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:59 PM,
, links to this post
The "Stupid" SuperFerry Promo Fare: Manila to Cebu "Online Booking"
28 July 2010
Tutubi was elated to receive email notification about the latest SuperFerry ticket sale where he intended to buy cheap tickets online for his stay-in helper (he gives annual paid vacation and free tickets as part of his helper's benefits besides annual salary increase and SSS).
The Super ferry promo email announces:
"Selling dates (buying period) : Jul 26 to 30, 2010
Sailing dates (travel period) : Aug 09 to Sep 30, 2010
Available online only! Book and Buy through www.SuperFerry.com.ph,
first come first serve basis.
FARES
Manila - Visayas / Visayas - Manila
(Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu & Dumaguete)
Super/Mega : P588
Tourist : P688
Cabin : P788
State Room : P1,776
Manila - Mindanao / Mindanao - Manila
(Butuan, Cagayan, Cotabato, Davao, Gensan, Iligan, Ozamis, Surigao & Zamboanga)
Super/Mega : P888
Tourist : P988
Cabin : P1,088
State Room : P2,376
Get the lowest fares, purchase your tickets online!
https://www.superferry.com.ph/eticket/search.asp"
What's stupid about this email? Tutubi tried to book online for a round-trip Manila-Cebu ticket for Tutubi, Jr.'s babysitter who hails from Malabuyoc, Cebu but he can't book the ticket online for September travel for September is not yet present on the drop down menu trip selection.
Tutubi sent an email to SuperFerry's eticket email address:
"you advertise sale period from august 9 to sept 30 travel and yet i can't book tickets for september"
the reply that he got from Super Ferry customer service:
"Dear Valued Customer,
Regarding your concern, you can make transaction for September departure from our authorized outlet nationwide. With this, you may avail our Open Dated Promo. Selling period is until July 30, 2010 for September 1-30, 2010 sailing schedule.
Thank you and should you have other concerns, please feel free to email us at eTicket@SuperFerry.com.ph or you may call us at (+63 2) 528-7209 from Monday to Friday, 0900H-1930H Philippine Time GMT +8hrs. We would be most glad to assist you.
At your service,
???? ?. ?????
eTicket Facilitator
===========================================================
Visit our website at www.SuperFerry.com.ph
Journey to the Beautiful Islands, People and Culture of the Philippines!
TRIPID 'TO!
=========================================================== "
What's wrong? the promo stated it's available online and yet you can't book a trip and instead SuperFerry customer care directs you to one of their authorized outlets.
So much for online booking! :(
Read more after the jump!
The Super ferry promo email announces:
"Selling dates (buying period) : Jul 26 to 30, 2010
Sailing dates (travel period) : Aug 09 to Sep 30, 2010
Available online only! Book and Buy through www.SuperFerry.com.ph,
first come first serve basis.
FARES
Manila - Visayas / Visayas - Manila
(Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu & Dumaguete)
Super/Mega : P588
Tourist : P688
Cabin : P788
State Room : P1,776
Manila - Mindanao / Mindanao - Manila
(Butuan, Cagayan, Cotabato, Davao, Gensan, Iligan, Ozamis, Surigao & Zamboanga)
Super/Mega : P888
Tourist : P988
Cabin : P1,088
State Room : P2,376
Get the lowest fares, purchase your tickets online!
https://www.superferry.com.ph/eticket/search.asp"
What's stupid about this email? Tutubi tried to book online for a round-trip Manila-Cebu ticket for Tutubi, Jr.'s babysitter who hails from Malabuyoc, Cebu but he can't book the ticket online for September travel for September is not yet present on the drop down menu trip selection.
Tutubi sent an email to SuperFerry's eticket email address:
"you advertise sale period from august 9 to sept 30 travel and yet i can't book tickets for september"
the reply that he got from Super Ferry customer service:
"Dear Valued Customer,
Regarding your concern, you can make transaction for September departure from our authorized outlet nationwide. With this, you may avail our Open Dated Promo. Selling period is until July 30, 2010 for September 1-30, 2010 sailing schedule.
Thank you and should you have other concerns, please feel free to email us at eTicket@SuperFerry.com.ph or you may call us at (+63 2) 528-7209 from Monday to Friday, 0900H-1930H Philippine Time GMT +8hrs. We would be most glad to assist you.
At your service,
???? ?. ?????
eTicket Facilitator
===========================================================
Visit our website at www.SuperFerry.com.ph
Journey to the Beautiful Islands, People and Culture of the Philippines!
TRIPID 'TO!
=========================================================== "
What's wrong? the promo stated it's available online and yet you can't book a trip and instead SuperFerry customer care directs you to one of their authorized outlets.
So much for online booking! :(
Labels: Promo Fares
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:54 PM,
, links to this post
Weesam Express Ferry Schedules: Cebu Tagbilaran Ormoc Iloilo Bacolod
For people looking for Weesam Express Trip schedules and ferry fares, herewith is updated information. Tutubi's posting this due to erratic and always unavailable Weesam Express official website.
Weesam Express Daily Schedule of Departures
Cebu to Tagbilaran Trip Schedules: 9am, 2pm and 6:30pm
Tagbilaran to Cebu: 7am, 11:20am and 4:30pm
* Cebu to Tagbilaran ferry fare: PhP500 one way with discounts for round-trip tickets price if return trip is within 15 days from departure.
Cebu to Ormoc: 530am (Saturday and Monday only), Daily: 1045am and 4:30pm
Ormoc to Cebu: 8am, 1:30pm and 7pm (Friday and Sunday only)
Iloilo to Bacolod / Bacolod to Iloilo
6:30am, 8:15am, 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5:10pm
Weesam Express Contact Numbers / Hotline:
Cebu City: 032.412.9562; 0922.866.0347; 0917.710.4967
Tagbilaran City: 038.501.8223; 0917.301.5749; 0922.866.0336
Ormoc City: 053.561.0080; 0922.866.0343; 0917.301.8551
Iloilo City: 0922.866.0342
Ticket sale from 8:30am to 12nn and 1pm to 5pm at various ticketing office. For ticket purchases, reservations, promos and other inquiries, please call Weesam Express telephone numbers above.
Weesam Express
Office Address: Pier 4 North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Source: Weesam Express ad on Cebu Daily News
Read more after the jump!
Weesam Express Daily Schedule of Departures
Cebu to Tagbilaran Trip Schedules: 9am, 2pm and 6:30pm
Tagbilaran to Cebu: 7am, 11:20am and 4:30pm
* Cebu to Tagbilaran ferry fare: PhP500 one way with discounts for round-trip tickets price if return trip is within 15 days from departure.
Cebu to Ormoc: 530am (Saturday and Monday only), Daily: 1045am and 4:30pm
Ormoc to Cebu: 8am, 1:30pm and 7pm (Friday and Sunday only)
Iloilo to Bacolod / Bacolod to Iloilo
6:30am, 8:15am, 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5:10pm
Weesam Express Contact Numbers / Hotline:
Cebu City: 032.412.9562; 0922.866.0347; 0917.710.4967
Tagbilaran City: 038.501.8223; 0917.301.5749; 0922.866.0336
Ormoc City: 053.561.0080; 0922.866.0343; 0917.301.8551
Iloilo City: 0922.866.0342
Ticket sale from 8:30am to 12nn and 1pm to 5pm at various ticketing office. For ticket purchases, reservations, promos and other inquiries, please call Weesam Express telephone numbers above.
Weesam Express
Office Address: Pier 4 North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Source: Weesam Express ad on Cebu Daily News
Labels: Ferries, Public Transportation
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:05 PM,
, links to this post
Attack of the Patay Gutom at Grace Sister of Rose Restaurant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas
27 July 2010
A sister establishment of Rose and Grace restaurant with some sort of a funny name, Grace Sister of Rose Restaurant Seafoods and Bulalo along Maharlika Highway in Sto. Tomas Batangas, near the traffic-prone Turbina, Calamba (but not for long when the SLEX - Startoll interconnection is opened) is the venue where the meat-starved, carnivorous peers of Tutubi had a sumptuous lunch right after checking out of the detoxification diet of The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City Batangas.
not much to see here but pictures of a deprived bunch of people who swooped down on hot steaming bulalo, crispy tawilis, pinais na dulong and other regular menu fare of the popular restaurant.
Grace Sister of Rose signage on the highway
the counter of the bulalo restaurant looks like a typical Filipino turo-turo eatery but with airconditioning
In the company of meat-deprived peers, Tutubi wasn't able to take pictures of the food to avoid being left out, only a few snapshots of the aftermath of the attack of the patay gutom!
what's left of the bulalo just a few minutes after it was served. a bowl of bulalo costs P350 at the airconditioned carinderia
the patay gutom gang strikes again
This is what happens when you're a meat-lover but taken "by force" to a vegetarian restaurant for 3 days!
Related Post:
Spa The Farm at San Benito
Read more after the jump!
not much to see here but pictures of a deprived bunch of people who swooped down on hot steaming bulalo, crispy tawilis, pinais na dulong and other regular menu fare of the popular restaurant.
Grace Sister of Rose signage on the highway
the counter of the bulalo restaurant looks like a typical Filipino turo-turo eatery but with airconditioningIn the company of meat-deprived peers, Tutubi wasn't able to take pictures of the food to avoid being left out, only a few snapshots of the aftermath of the attack of the patay gutom!
what's left of the bulalo just a few minutes after it was served. a bowl of bulalo costs P350 at the airconditioned carinderia
the patay gutom gang strikes againThis is what happens when you're a meat-lover but taken "by force" to a vegetarian restaurant for 3 days!
Related Post:
Spa The Farm at San Benito
Labels: Batangas Restaurants
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:12 PM,
, links to this post
Detoxification Diet at the Vegetarian Restaurant of The Farm at San Benito
21 July 2010
A multi-awarded spa and restaurant in Asia and claimed by some as the best vegetarian restaurant in the Philippines, the detoxifying menu at the Farm at San Benito in Lipa City, Batangas has not your usual vegetarian menu that doesn't try to imitate meat and dairy food using alternative ingredients. Instead, they use natural ingredients and locally grown, organic produce in their vegetarian menu offerings.
Tutubi's initial breakfast at the Farm at San Benito consisted of kapeng barako ng Batangas with no creamer but using coconut milk and muscovado sugar to sweeten.
For a sample menu of The Farm, not much words will be offered here but a few pictures will do the talking...
fresh tropical fruit platter: watermelon, pineapple, mango, melon and papaya
fruit salad on a buco shell
breakfast cereals with coconut milk (there's no milk at The Farm, not even dairy products)
vegetarian menu at the farm, food imitation is not common there. the coconut bacon is an exception
a "best seller" taco sandwich to Tutubi's peers, mostly carnivores, who generally disliked food there
vegetarian mushroom burger, bread and salad
arroz caldo for breakfast, one of two times Tutubi was able to eat rice in three days stay there. again, no meat nor eggs but great tasting for such a common pinoy fare
vegetable salad with a not so common salad dressing
salad with pomelo and cashew nuts
dessert that looks like ice cream but alas, there's no milk, just coconut milk
So how would Tutubi review The Farm at San Benito's food? It's no secret that Tutubi's no food critic and he's not into a detoxification diet either but the vegetarian cuisine at the famous place earned his mixed review. He liked some food them like the arroz caldo and taco salad, but he's really not into rice-less days. Worse were his officemates who are mostly carnivores, even tried to sneak out of the spa resort just to be able to sample the famous Batangas lomi that Tutubi partook earlier in anticipation of the veggie diet.
On their way to back to Manila, Tutubi's group had coffee at Cafe de Lipa then dined at Rose and Grace restaurant in Sto. Tomas for the usual bulalo, crispy pata and other sinful food that looked like they've never eaten meat for a year!
The vegetarian food at The Farm at San Benito may be a toast of food critics but it's not for general public, only for those looking for a complete detox and detached lifestyle with no meat, no smoking and no alcohol for a few days.
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi's initial breakfast at the Farm at San Benito consisted of kapeng barako ng Batangas with no creamer but using coconut milk and muscovado sugar to sweeten.
For a sample menu of The Farm, not much words will be offered here but a few pictures will do the talking...
fresh tropical fruit platter: watermelon, pineapple, mango, melon and papaya
fruit salad on a buco shell
breakfast cereals with coconut milk (there's no milk at The Farm, not even dairy products)
vegetarian menu at the farm, food imitation is not common there. the coconut bacon is an exception
a "best seller" taco sandwich to Tutubi's peers, mostly carnivores, who generally disliked food there
vegetarian mushroom burger, bread and salad
arroz caldo for breakfast, one of two times Tutubi was able to eat rice in three days stay there. again, no meat nor eggs but great tasting for such a common pinoy fare
vegetable salad with a not so common salad dressing
salad with pomelo and cashew nuts
dessert that looks like ice cream but alas, there's no milk, just coconut milkSo how would Tutubi review The Farm at San Benito's food? It's no secret that Tutubi's no food critic and he's not into a detoxification diet either but the vegetarian cuisine at the famous place earned his mixed review. He liked some food them like the arroz caldo and taco salad, but he's really not into rice-less days. Worse were his officemates who are mostly carnivores, even tried to sneak out of the spa resort just to be able to sample the famous Batangas lomi that Tutubi partook earlier in anticipation of the veggie diet.
On their way to back to Manila, Tutubi's group had coffee at Cafe de Lipa then dined at Rose and Grace restaurant in Sto. Tomas for the usual bulalo, crispy pata and other sinful food that looked like they've never eaten meat for a year!
The vegetarian food at The Farm at San Benito may be a toast of food critics but it's not for general public, only for those looking for a complete detox and detached lifestyle with no meat, no smoking and no alcohol for a few days.
Labels: Batangas, Batangas Restaurants, Calabarzon, Southern Tagalog
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:03 PM,
, links to this post
Relaxing Spa Resort Hideaway: The Farm at San Benito, Lipa, Batangas
13 July 2010
A popular and multi-awarded hideaway of the rich and famous nestled on the slopes of Mt. Malarayat in Lipa City, Batangas, with it's relaxing spa offering massage and detoxification regimes centered on vegetarian cuisine of it's flagship restaurant, The Farm at San Benito is one of those places you normally don't expect to be featured on this blog specializing on budget travel, as it's really way out of Tutubi's penny-pinching ways and most budget travelers out there.
However, Tutubi was able to visit this serene hideout due to another company sponsored teambuilding activity involving his company's management committee for 3D/2N (in tour operator parlance but actually just about 2.5D/2N in reality) with barely little time to fully enjoy the various amenities the garden place has to offer due to the hectic teambuilding schedule facilitated by The Mentor Group.
Tutubi and officemates left Makati at 4pm, arrived in Lipa around 7pm due to heavy Friday traffic buildup in Turbina, took a quick food trip of the famous Batangas Lomi at LBN Lomi House, one of several lomihan along the national highway in Malvar town (beside Bee Gees Lomi House, in front of LBN Bar and Grill), partook of a hearty dinner at Hapag Filipino Restaurant in Lipa City before checking in at the groups final destination at The Farm at San Benito.
Facilities of The Farm include a clubhouse, restaurant, spa, two infinity pools, a man-made waterfalls, a man-made lagoon with a gazebo in the middle (featured on their official website and brochure with a model sporting a yoga pose), several walking trails, cottages for overnight accommodation and an organic farm raising vegetables and herbs e.g. lettuce, tarragon, parsely, sage, rosemary and thyme (ok, excuse the last four examples).
Some Pictures of The Farm at San Benito taken during meager breaks in between activities:
The large man-made lagoon of The Farm with the calm water providing a reflection of the blue sky
a yogi doing his "hobby" or posing for a picture?
a swimming pool near the restaurant. Tutubi wasn't able to swim here due to lack of time
the organic farm where they grow vegetables, herbs and spices used in their healthy food preparations
due to their being a true vegetarian restaurant, this is for display only, not for human consumption at the spa resort
the entrance of the spa where you get your whole body pampering by trained masseuse
one of the two infinity pools. this one's beside the spa where you can relax, enjoy your tea after an hour of relaxation massage therapy
the bath tub of the spa is an atrium i.e. open to the sky
Overnight accommodations include cottages like Anahaw Villa that has four single beds
inside Anahaw Villa are four beds with a "mezzanine" floor
The company teambuilding activity went well, except for one geriatric woman who single-handedly spoiled the last activity supposed to deepen relationships or build bridges but instead burned the bridge with some of her peers by writing unverified rumors and accusations. Left such a bitter aftertaste in the mouth and ruined the original intention of the costly event budgeted with half a million pesos.
Overall, the Farm at San Benito is highly recommended for people who wish to be disconnected from the world and flush out toxins (detox) by partaking healthy vegetarian food cooked at the restaurant with mostly organic ingredients.
Coming...the vegetarian menu of The Farm at San Benito is not for all people! :P
Other information on The Farm at San Benito:
Note that this is not for budget travelers as overnight room rates will cost you an arm and a leg. Day tour rates is pegged at around P4k (as you can see there's really no such thing as cheap The Farm at San Benito package tour). For updated information, room rate inquiries, events, retreats, and company activities, you may visit The Farm at San Benito official website or call their published contact numbers.
How to get to The Farm at San Benito:
commuting there is not recommended as it's really beyond reach of normal public transportation. Your best best is to get vans-for-hire or car rental companies if you don't have your own (and if you can afford to stay there, you can definitely afford to have your own vehicle)
Read more after the jump!
However, Tutubi was able to visit this serene hideout due to another company sponsored teambuilding activity involving his company's management committee for 3D/2N (in tour operator parlance but actually just about 2.5D/2N in reality) with barely little time to fully enjoy the various amenities the garden place has to offer due to the hectic teambuilding schedule facilitated by The Mentor Group.
Tutubi and officemates left Makati at 4pm, arrived in Lipa around 7pm due to heavy Friday traffic buildup in Turbina, took a quick food trip of the famous Batangas Lomi at LBN Lomi House, one of several lomihan along the national highway in Malvar town (beside Bee Gees Lomi House, in front of LBN Bar and Grill), partook of a hearty dinner at Hapag Filipino Restaurant in Lipa City before checking in at the groups final destination at The Farm at San Benito.
Facilities of The Farm include a clubhouse, restaurant, spa, two infinity pools, a man-made waterfalls, a man-made lagoon with a gazebo in the middle (featured on their official website and brochure with a model sporting a yoga pose), several walking trails, cottages for overnight accommodation and an organic farm raising vegetables and herbs e.g. lettuce, tarragon, parsely, sage, rosemary and thyme (ok, excuse the last four examples).
Some Pictures of The Farm at San Benito taken during meager breaks in between activities:
The large man-made lagoon of The Farm with the calm water providing a reflection of the blue sky
a yogi doing his "hobby" or posing for a picture?
a swimming pool near the restaurant. Tutubi wasn't able to swim here due to lack of time
the organic farm where they grow vegetables, herbs and spices used in their healthy food preparations
due to their being a true vegetarian restaurant, this is for display only, not for human consumption at the spa resort
the entrance of the spa where you get your whole body pampering by trained masseuse
one of the two infinity pools. this one's beside the spa where you can relax, enjoy your tea after an hour of relaxation massage therapy
the bath tub of the spa is an atrium i.e. open to the sky
Overnight accommodations include cottages like Anahaw Villa that has four single beds
inside Anahaw Villa are four beds with a "mezzanine" floor The company teambuilding activity went well, except for one geriatric woman who single-handedly spoiled the last activity supposed to deepen relationships or build bridges but instead burned the bridge with some of her peers by writing unverified rumors and accusations. Left such a bitter aftertaste in the mouth and ruined the original intention of the costly event budgeted with half a million pesos.
Overall, the Farm at San Benito is highly recommended for people who wish to be disconnected from the world and flush out toxins (detox) by partaking healthy vegetarian food cooked at the restaurant with mostly organic ingredients.
Coming...the vegetarian menu of The Farm at San Benito is not for all people! :P
Other information on The Farm at San Benito:
Note that this is not for budget travelers as overnight room rates will cost you an arm and a leg. Day tour rates is pegged at around P4k (as you can see there's really no such thing as cheap The Farm at San Benito package tour). For updated information, room rate inquiries, events, retreats, and company activities, you may visit The Farm at San Benito official website or call their published contact numbers.
How to get to The Farm at San Benito:
commuting there is not recommended as it's really beyond reach of normal public transportation. Your best best is to get vans-for-hire or car rental companies if you don't have your own (and if you can afford to stay there, you can definitely afford to have your own vehicle)
Labels: Batangas, Calabarzon, Southern Tagalog, Spas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:46 PM,
, links to this post
Manila Airport: Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 2
10 July 2010
Tutubi has been passing in and out mostly in NAIA Terminal 3 due to it's terminal use by Cebu Pacific but taking a taxi pick up service at home either by MGE or EMP at dawn (in contrast with most of his peers who regularly use the expensive service of Park N Fly)
This time, he flew out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal) when he was booked to fly out by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and also he didn't call a taxi at 4am but instead drove his car and parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2.
Here's Tutubi's take (review) of NAIA Parking based on his own experience:
He parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2 since it's the first one after passing through the security gate, but it's a wrong choice, he later learned. It's farther that Car Park 1, has a staircase that is difficult for those with heavy baggage in tow, unlike Tutubi with his usual backpack and camera bag that require no check-in luggage that allows him to save precious time on deplaning since there's no checked-in baggage to wait to unload on the airport baggage carousel. You also can't take the trolleys/push carts to Car Park 2 to load in your car so you either have to carry them down the stairs or get you car and go back to arrival area (if you have a companion to wait for you, same scenario if you're alone going to the departure area)
On his arrival, Tutubi got his car still intact parked under a tree inside the car park for 2.5D/2N, paid the parking fee of P100.00 (yeah, parking rate's just P50.00/night much cheaper than Park N Fly rates)
Regular Pay Parking Fee: P35.00 (daily flat rate for cars and jeeps)
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night
Tutubi's Tips:
For NAIA Terminal 2, try Car Park 1 so as not to commit the same mistake as Tutubi. (For Manila Domestic Airport, the carpark is across the terminal so you either use the pedestrian overpass or risk life and limb to cross Domestic Road; for NAIA Terminal 3, there's only one carpark so you just choose the closer parking slot to the security guard post.)
If you're driving alone, you won't be able to drop your baggage at the departure area before parking. There's an escalator at the arrival area but it's always not in service so you need to haul your baggage up to the departure area. Such inconvenience!
On entering the parking lot, inform the guard at the parking entrance of your intention to park overnight. You will be handed a log book for you to write down your name contact numbers, vehicle make, plate number and destination.
Take your parking stub with you, don't leave it inside your vehicle, for security's sake.
Practice common safety and security common sense: hide all gadgets visible through the window (for Tutubi it's his Garmin GPS and iPod connected to his car's head unit (car stereo that he opted to take with him on his trip)
The car park's are all open parking style, lift your windshield wipers on hot sunny days to avoid deformation of the rubber wipers. If you park under a tree for more shade, you risk bird droppings, you may use car covers for extra protection.
If you're going there just to pick up someone, you may avail of free parking at nearby fast food restaurants or even gasoline stations then drive there only when contacted.
Finally, is it safe to park there overnight? Of course, Tutubi observed it himself for quite some time before he tried it. Lots of roaming security guards on duty and just think that it's an airport where security is really a premium.
Other useful information:
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 1: PhP 50.00/night
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 3: PhP 50.00/night
Overnight Parking Manila Domestic Airport: PhP 50.00/night
Terminal Fee: PhP 200.00 for domestic departures; PhP750.00 for international travel
As you can see, all the airport terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airports have the same parking fees due to a common management-- the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Related Posts and Tags:
Manila Airport Guide
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3Hotels near Manila Airport
Airport Terminal Fees
Driving Directions to NAIA terminal 2, How to Commute to NAIA Terminal 2, How to get to NAIA Terminal 2
Read more after the jump!
This time, he flew out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal) when he was booked to fly out by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and also he didn't call a taxi at 4am but instead drove his car and parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2.
Here's Tutubi's take (review) of NAIA Parking based on his own experience:
He parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2 since it's the first one after passing through the security gate, but it's a wrong choice, he later learned. It's farther that Car Park 1, has a staircase that is difficult for those with heavy baggage in tow, unlike Tutubi with his usual backpack and camera bag that require no check-in luggage that allows him to save precious time on deplaning since there's no checked-in baggage to wait to unload on the airport baggage carousel. You also can't take the trolleys/push carts to Car Park 2 to load in your car so you either have to carry them down the stairs or get you car and go back to arrival area (if you have a companion to wait for you, same scenario if you're alone going to the departure area)
On his arrival, Tutubi got his car still intact parked under a tree inside the car park for 2.5D/2N, paid the parking fee of P100.00 (yeah, parking rate's just P50.00/night much cheaper than Park N Fly rates)Regular Pay Parking Fee: P35.00 (daily flat rate for cars and jeeps)
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night
Tutubi's Tips:
For NAIA Terminal 2, try Car Park 1 so as not to commit the same mistake as Tutubi. (For Manila Domestic Airport, the carpark is across the terminal so you either use the pedestrian overpass or risk life and limb to cross Domestic Road; for NAIA Terminal 3, there's only one carpark so you just choose the closer parking slot to the security guard post.)
If you're driving alone, you won't be able to drop your baggage at the departure area before parking. There's an escalator at the arrival area but it's always not in service so you need to haul your baggage up to the departure area. Such inconvenience!
On entering the parking lot, inform the guard at the parking entrance of your intention to park overnight. You will be handed a log book for you to write down your name contact numbers, vehicle make, plate number and destination.
Take your parking stub with you, don't leave it inside your vehicle, for security's sake.
Practice common safety and security common sense: hide all gadgets visible through the window (for Tutubi it's his Garmin GPS and iPod connected to his car's head unit (car stereo that he opted to take with him on his trip)
The car park's are all open parking style, lift your windshield wipers on hot sunny days to avoid deformation of the rubber wipers. If you park under a tree for more shade, you risk bird droppings, you may use car covers for extra protection.
If you're going there just to pick up someone, you may avail of free parking at nearby fast food restaurants or even gasoline stations then drive there only when contacted.
Finally, is it safe to park there overnight? Of course, Tutubi observed it himself for quite some time before he tried it. Lots of roaming security guards on duty and just think that it's an airport where security is really a premium.
Other useful information:
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 1: PhP 50.00/night
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 3: PhP 50.00/night
Overnight Parking Manila Domestic Airport: PhP 50.00/night
Terminal Fee: PhP 200.00 for domestic departures; PhP750.00 for international travel
As you can see, all the airport terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airports have the same parking fees due to a common management-- the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Related Posts and Tags:
Manila Airport Guide
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3Hotels near Manila Airport
Airport Terminal Fees
Driving Directions to NAIA terminal 2, How to Commute to NAIA Terminal 2, How to get to NAIA Terminal 2
Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Paranaque City
posted by backpacking philippines @ 7:36 PM,
, links to this post
Yoga Classes: Stress Management, Back Pains, Scoliosis, Improved Sex Life?
27 June 2010
Friday nights used to be "gimik" nights for a bottle of beer or two at nearby bars in Makati, Ortigas and even as far as SM Mall of Asia for Tutubi and his officemates but lately those nights became history as they switched from toxic ways to the detoxification rituals like yoga classes on Friday nights.
Free yoga classes were offered by Tutubi's company to employees every Friday night as a way to de-stress the already stressed-out employees after a week of pressure-filled work.
a yoga pose performed at a nice farm with detoxifying regimen of vegetarian cuisine in Lipa City, Batangas (still unposted, that's why)
On the first day of free yoga classes, many joined out of curiosity, but not Tutubi due to prior commitment, some came with yoga mats, many with 6x2 feet tarpaulins in lieu of the yoga mats that normally cost P300 each.
After a recent company trip to a nice farm in Lipa City where another yoga class was offered as part of the detoxification ritual ang healthy lifestyle promotion, Tutubi got hooked due to improvements of his chronic back pain that's been hounding him caused mainly by his sedentary work and lifestyle (lack of travel is more like it).
Months after the free yoga classes were offered, only a handful of regulars attend the sessions, the curious ones now gone, with many varied reasons: Tutubi due sto his back pains, his boss to manage his stress and relax, another to aid in scoliosis "treatment," while another curious case for improved sex life due to an article posted on the Internet claiming yoga improves sex life.
For whatever reason, why not try out yoga for a change?
Read more after the jump!
Free yoga classes were offered by Tutubi's company to employees every Friday night as a way to de-stress the already stressed-out employees after a week of pressure-filled work.
a yoga pose performed at a nice farm with detoxifying regimen of vegetarian cuisine in Lipa City, Batangas (still unposted, that's why)On the first day of free yoga classes, many joined out of curiosity, but not Tutubi due to prior commitment, some came with yoga mats, many with 6x2 feet tarpaulins in lieu of the yoga mats that normally cost P300 each.
After a recent company trip to a nice farm in Lipa City where another yoga class was offered as part of the detoxification ritual ang healthy lifestyle promotion, Tutubi got hooked due to improvements of his chronic back pain that's been hounding him caused mainly by his sedentary work and lifestyle (lack of travel is more like it).
Months after the free yoga classes were offered, only a handful of regulars attend the sessions, the curious ones now gone, with many varied reasons: Tutubi due sto his back pains, his boss to manage his stress and relax, another to aid in scoliosis "treatment," while another curious case for improved sex life due to an article posted on the Internet claiming yoga improves sex life.
For whatever reason, why not try out yoga for a change?
Labels: Lifestyle
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:19 PM,
, links to this post
NBI Clearance Center at Victory Central Mall, Monumento, Caloocan City
26 June 2010
Just an updated information for people need to secure NBI clearances (or renewals) but not yet informed about the location of the NBI Clearance Center transferred from Carriedo to Victory Central Mall on Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City
The new NBI Clerance Center is now located at this address:
Victory Central Mall
#717 Old Victory Liner Cmpd. Rizal Ave.,
Monumento, Caloocan City
Contact Number: 351-4149; 351-0619
Victory Central Mall shares the Victory Liner Bus Terminal (mainly for trips going to Zambales and other northern destinations)
For those too far from Caloocan the NBI has satellite offices at the Quezon City Hall, Muntinlupa City Hall, Las Pinas City Hall, Mandaluyong City Hall, Caloocan City Hall, Valenzuela City Hall, Rodriguez, Rizal Municipal Hall, Marikina Riverbanks, Taytay, Rizal Municipal Hall, Los Baños, Laguna Municipal Hall, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Ortigas.
NBI clearance renewal kiosks locations at the following malls: SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Park Square I in Makati City and Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria.
How to get to Victory Central Mall, Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City:
Commuting to Victory Central Mall is very easy. It's just walking distance from LRT Monumento Station. From MRT North Avenue station, you need to ride a bus (until the LRT-MRT train link is completed) with signboard Monumento, drop off near the Bonifacio Monument then walk towards Avenida (going to Manila). Every jeepney with Monumento on their signboards pass by (e.g. Divisoria - MCU, Baclaran - MCU, Munoz - Balintawak - MCU).
Driving Directions to Victory Central Mall:
From Makati, it's just a straight drive on EDSA all the way to Monumento, go around the roundabout, turn right on Avenida Rizal (Rizal Avenue) then enter the mall entrance and parking area.
Read more after the jump!
The new NBI Clerance Center is now located at this address:
Victory Central Mall
#717 Old Victory Liner Cmpd. Rizal Ave.,
Monumento, Caloocan City
Contact Number: 351-4149; 351-0619
Victory Central Mall shares the Victory Liner Bus Terminal (mainly for trips going to Zambales and other northern destinations)
For those too far from Caloocan the NBI has satellite offices at the Quezon City Hall, Muntinlupa City Hall, Las Pinas City Hall, Mandaluyong City Hall, Caloocan City Hall, Valenzuela City Hall, Rodriguez, Rizal Municipal Hall, Marikina Riverbanks, Taytay, Rizal Municipal Hall, Los Baños, Laguna Municipal Hall, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Ortigas.
NBI clearance renewal kiosks locations at the following malls: SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Park Square I in Makati City and Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria.
How to get to Victory Central Mall, Rizal Avenue, Caloocan City:
Commuting to Victory Central Mall is very easy. It's just walking distance from LRT Monumento Station. From MRT North Avenue station, you need to ride a bus (until the LRT-MRT train link is completed) with signboard Monumento, drop off near the Bonifacio Monument then walk towards Avenida (going to Manila). Every jeepney with Monumento on their signboards pass by (e.g. Divisoria - MCU, Baclaran - MCU, Munoz - Balintawak - MCU).
Driving Directions to Victory Central Mall:
From Makati, it's just a straight drive on EDSA all the way to Monumento, go around the roundabout, turn right on Avenida Rizal (Rizal Avenue) then enter the mall entrance and parking area.
Labels: Government Offices
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:03 PM,
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Enchanted Kingdom's 4D Movie Theater Experience
21 June 2010
Among the many new attractions of Enchanted Kingdom that intrigued Tutubi, it's the 4D Discovery theater that piqued his interest.
4D movie theaters, as opposed with common 2D (two dimensional deals only with length and width like moving pictures) and 3D (adds a perception of depth, usually attained with specialized glasses to view the movie like iMax), adds a fourth dimension in the form of moving seats that go with movie scene (similar to Rialto ride) plus the addition of water squirts and sometimes scents to let viewers "believe" they're part of the movie itself.
Enchanted Kingdom's 4D Discovery Theater...sorry no photos/videos allowed inside the movie theater as usual, as if you can capture the whole 4D experience using a 2D camera
So how would Tutubi review Enchanted Kingdom's 4D Theater? Let Tutubi.Jr.'s own experience tells it all. He liked the movie, an episode of Dora The Explorer, for he's also a fan of the Nickelodeon mainstay (besides Barney, his favorite). He enjoyed much of the ride, even the sudden, quirky movements of the seats (he's seated on Tutubi's lap throughout the whole show) but the one thing that almost made him cry, good thing the show's almost over, was the squirting of water on his face whenever Dora and her friends pass over water to simulate splashing of waves, rain and the waterfalls.
Did you know, Tutubi Jr.'s first movie experience was at the 4D theater?
Read more after the jump!
4D movie theaters, as opposed with common 2D (two dimensional deals only with length and width like moving pictures) and 3D (adds a perception of depth, usually attained with specialized glasses to view the movie like iMax), adds a fourth dimension in the form of moving seats that go with movie scene (similar to Rialto ride) plus the addition of water squirts and sometimes scents to let viewers "believe" they're part of the movie itself.
Enchanted Kingdom's 4D Discovery Theater...sorry no photos/videos allowed inside the movie theater as usual, as if you can capture the whole 4D experience using a 2D cameraSo how would Tutubi review Enchanted Kingdom's 4D Theater? Let Tutubi.Jr.'s own experience tells it all. He liked the movie, an episode of Dora The Explorer, for he's also a fan of the Nickelodeon mainstay (besides Barney, his favorite). He enjoyed much of the ride, even the sudden, quirky movements of the seats (he's seated on Tutubi's lap throughout the whole show) but the one thing that almost made him cry, good thing the show's almost over, was the squirting of water on his face whenever Dora and her friends pass over water to simulate splashing of waves, rain and the waterfalls.
Did you know, Tutubi Jr.'s first movie experience was at the 4D theater?
Labels: Laguna, Southern Tagalog, Theme Parks
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:25 PM,
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