Stopover: Public Market and Fishport of Guindulman, Bohol
13 May 2012
One of Tutubi's tip for other travelers and bloggers looking for something new is to always visit local markets to ask around and search for unknown delicacies, specialties and other "what have you" of locals that have not been known to outisders.
Though this small town of guildulman may have been made (almost) famous for Guindulman grave sites where ancient burial practices put the dead in boats, kept on the walls of caves near the marine sanctuary.
Tutubi, though, wasn't able to see the ancient burial site of Guindulman, he only visited the public market to buy some stuff: charcoal, freshly-caught fishes, pork, tuba (for sinuglao), bottled water et al
the public market of Guindulman, Bohol
the municipal fishport of Guindulman
Guindulman is Tutubi's last stop before going ahead on his real destination: the mystical island of Lamanoc Point
Read more after the jump!
Though this small town of guildulman may have been made (almost) famous for Guindulman grave sites where ancient burial practices put the dead in boats, kept on the walls of caves near the marine sanctuary.
Tutubi, though, wasn't able to see the ancient burial site of Guindulman, he only visited the public market to buy some stuff: charcoal, freshly-caught fishes, pork, tuba (for sinuglao), bottled water et al
Guindulman is Tutubi's last stop before going ahead on his real destination: the mystical island of Lamanoc Point
Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:54 PM,
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The Port of Jagna, Bohol: Ferry Trips to Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro
12 May 2012
The town of Jagna in Bohol, besides being the home of Bohol Kalamay, also hosts the Port of Jagna where you catch daily ferry trips to Camiguin.
The gates of Port of Jagna, nearby are stalls selling Bohol Kalamay
GPS Coordinates: N9 38 57.8 E124 22 00.6
Schedule of Ferry to Jagna, Bohol: (Bohol to Camiguin)
daily ferry trips on Ocean Ferry (OceanJet) to
Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Dumaguete, Siquijor, Dapitan (zamboanga del norte), Bacolod, Iloilo
Jagna, Camiguin Cagayan Daily Trips
Jagna to Benoni, Camiguin 1:30pm daily via OceanJet
travel time is 1.5 hours
no information on ferry fare to camiguin but you can try to contact OceanJet for this information
Read more after the jump!
GPS Coordinates: N9 38 57.8 E124 22 00.6
Schedule of Ferry to Jagna, Bohol: (Bohol to Camiguin)
daily ferry trips on Ocean Ferry (OceanJet) to
Cebu, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Dumaguete, Siquijor, Dapitan (zamboanga del norte), Bacolod, Iloilo
Jagna, Camiguin Cagayan Daily Trips
Jagna to Benoni, Camiguin 1:30pm daily via OceanJet
travel time is 1.5 hours
no information on ferry fare to camiguin but you can try to contact OceanJet for this information
Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Ferries, Seaports
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:01 PM,
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Half-Day Tour of Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon at Full Entrance Fee
10 May 2012
A very popular resort and resort in Quezon Province that prides itself with eating lunch with wet feet in near a waterfall, Villa Escudero was visited by Tutubi for less than 4 hours, yet paid the whole day tour package rate, in order to catch up with his elementary class reunion.
Villa Escudero is a coconut plantation hacienda turned into a resort that caters to local and foreign tourists to give visitors a glimpse and experience life a hacienda. Here, tourists are ferried from the entrance to tour the resort facilities on carabao-pulled carts. Other facilities are swimming pool, team building activity area, river rafting, museum and church tour plus a cultural show (that Tutubi missed)
Pictures of Villa Escudero:
the primary come-on of Villa Escudero is the lunch buffet at the foot of a waterfalls (Libasan Falls) but the waterfall is actually not a falls but a spillway of the dam to hold water for a hydroelectric power plant generator
too many people at lunch time, hard to get a seat, but tourists savor the rustic and native feel of having lunch with feet wet at a waterfalls
some visitors try river rafting on bamboo rafts
carabao cart ferries tourists from the entrance to the activity area and for a day tour of hacienda escudero
review of villa escudero, tiaong, quezon:
buffett lunch is nothing to rave about though the caldereta is nice but not a hint of chili as it's supposed to be. other dishes on the menu are mango, bagoong, grilled tilapia, tinolang manok (served using coconut shells instead of cups/bowls), and pinakbet.
too many people on weekends, long queues plus it looks like a popular fast food restaurant where you need to wait for others to finish before you get a table (no reservations, first come first served)
Tutubi wonders how it VIlla Escudero vs Hidden Valley Springs will turn out but he still can't make a comparison. He hasn't been to Hidden Valley and he spent just less than 4 hours at Villa Escudero (though the lunch really deserves a negative review). Tutubi thinks he will never return to Villa Escudero unless his company again pays for it. For now, he can at least boast: been there, done that!
---
Villa Escudero Entrance Fee/Rates: PhP1275.00 (corporate rate/discounted)
Villa Escudero day tour includes buffet lunch, river rafting, use of team building facilities
Resorts Opens: 8am to 5pm (no overnight accommodations?, visit Villa Escudero official website, call their contact numbers for inquiries and reservaations)
Warning:
try to avoid going to Villa Escudero on summer weekends due to it's really overflowing with people, something Tutubi doesn't really like. Weekdays may be a lot less touristy
sample menu prices:
buffett lunch does not include drinks, herewith
juices (mango, pineapple, orange): PhP45.00
nestea (lemon, calamansi): PhP35.00
softdrinks in can: PhP35.00
Coke light: PhP40.00
fresh buko juice (coco water): PhP30.00
San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen: PhP50.00
SanMig Light: PhP50.00
How to get to Villa Escudero:
Commute to Villa Escudero: board a bus to Lucena (Jam Transit, Jac Liner et al) then drop off in San Pablo along the highway. ride a tricycle
Driving directions to villa escudero, tiaong, quezon:
from Quezon City or Makati, villa Escudero is just a straight drive to SLEX, take Toll Road 3 to exit at Sto. Tomas Maharlika Highway, drive past Sto. Tomas (Batangas), the Laguna cities of Alaminos and San Pablo then turn left a few meters from the welcome arch of Quezon (the boundary of Laguna and Quezon Province). Open street map has a useful road map of Villa Escudero
Green Star Express Star Toll, SCTEx
Read more after the jump!
Villa Escudero is a coconut plantation hacienda turned into a resort that caters to local and foreign tourists to give visitors a glimpse and experience life a hacienda. Here, tourists are ferried from the entrance to tour the resort facilities on carabao-pulled carts. Other facilities are swimming pool, team building activity area, river rafting, museum and church tour plus a cultural show (that Tutubi missed)
Pictures of Villa Escudero:
review of villa escudero, tiaong, quezon:
buffett lunch is nothing to rave about though the caldereta is nice but not a hint of chili as it's supposed to be. other dishes on the menu are mango, bagoong, grilled tilapia, tinolang manok (served using coconut shells instead of cups/bowls), and pinakbet.
too many people on weekends, long queues plus it looks like a popular fast food restaurant where you need to wait for others to finish before you get a table (no reservations, first come first served)
Tutubi wonders how it VIlla Escudero vs Hidden Valley Springs will turn out but he still can't make a comparison. He hasn't been to Hidden Valley and he spent just less than 4 hours at Villa Escudero (though the lunch really deserves a negative review). Tutubi thinks he will never return to Villa Escudero unless his company again pays for it. For now, he can at least boast: been there, done that!
---
Villa Escudero Entrance Fee/Rates: PhP1275.00 (corporate rate/discounted)
Villa Escudero day tour includes buffet lunch, river rafting, use of team building facilities
Resorts Opens: 8am to 5pm (no overnight accommodations?, visit Villa Escudero official website, call their contact numbers for inquiries and reservaations)
Warning:
try to avoid going to Villa Escudero on summer weekends due to it's really overflowing with people, something Tutubi doesn't really like. Weekdays may be a lot less touristy
sample menu prices:
buffett lunch does not include drinks, herewith
juices (mango, pineapple, orange): PhP45.00
nestea (lemon, calamansi): PhP35.00
softdrinks in can: PhP35.00
Coke light: PhP40.00
fresh buko juice (coco water): PhP30.00
San Miguel Beer Pale Pilsen: PhP50.00
SanMig Light: PhP50.00
How to get to Villa Escudero:
Commute to Villa Escudero: board a bus to Lucena (Jam Transit, Jac Liner et al) then drop off in San Pablo along the highway. ride a tricycle
Driving directions to villa escudero, tiaong, quezon:
from Quezon City or Makati, villa Escudero is just a straight drive to SLEX, take Toll Road 3 to exit at Sto. Tomas Maharlika Highway, drive past Sto. Tomas (Batangas), the Laguna cities of Alaminos and San Pablo then turn left a few meters from the welcome arch of Quezon (the boundary of Laguna and Quezon Province). Open street map has a useful road map of Villa Escudero
Green Star Express Star Toll, SCTEx
Labels: Calabarzon, Hotels and Resorts, Quezon, Quezon Resorts, Southern Tagalog
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:11 PM,
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La Union: Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Day Tour w/o Entrance Fee
02 May 2012
The location shoot venue of the popular movie "No Other Woman" starring Derek Ramsey, Anne Curtis and Christine Reyes sporting blue and white motif set on the beachfront of Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union.
Tutubi was able to briefly visit this luxurious resort with pricey rates to "inquire" and order clubhouse sandwich, green mango shake and just enjoy the view of one of the playgrounds of the rich and famous in the north.
Pictures of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union:
the signature white and blue motif of Thunderbird Resorts symbolizes the colors of the sea
the spacious lobby and viewdeck with giant "sun shield"
the empty swimming pool of Thunderbird Resorts at around lunch time
clubhouse sandwich
green mango shake, anyone?
Tutubi's lunch actually was at a frugal roadside restaurant somewhere in Bauang with sinanglao and bulalo :P
Information on Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union:
No Entrance Fee in Thunderbird Resorts, no information though on the Thunderbird resorts day tour rate to include use of swimming pool. An order of clubhouse sandwich, 2 green mango shakes and a can of soda costs PhP750 just to give you an idea of sample menu prices. the bar is open with a 32 inch LCD TV showing an English Premiere League football match between Chelsea and Fulham FC. Not too many people around lunch, though there are people having lunch. Noone's using the swimming pool at this time of day.
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi was able to briefly visit this luxurious resort with pricey rates to "inquire" and order clubhouse sandwich, green mango shake and just enjoy the view of one of the playgrounds of the rich and famous in the north.
Pictures of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union:
Tutubi's lunch actually was at a frugal roadside restaurant somewhere in Bauang with sinanglao and bulalo :P
Information on Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union:
No Entrance Fee in Thunderbird Resorts, no information though on the Thunderbird resorts day tour rate to include use of swimming pool. An order of clubhouse sandwich, 2 green mango shakes and a can of soda costs PhP750 just to give you an idea of sample menu prices. the bar is open with a 32 inch LCD TV showing an English Premiere League football match between Chelsea and Fulham FC. Not too many people around lunch, though there are people having lunch. Noone's using the swimming pool at this time of day.
Labels: Hotels and Resorts, Ilocos Region, La Union, la Union Resorts
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:22 PM,
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Bicol: Pancit Bato of Camarines Sur is Made from Cassava
01 May 2012
Are you sure you've been to Bicol?
Sure, you've seen the really beautiful Mayon Volcano in Albay, swam with the butanding in Donsol, Sorsogon, stayed at CamSur, visited Caramoan and other now usual part of Bicol tour itinerary but probably you've missed other lesser known Bicol culinary treasures due to pre-occupation with Bicol "sightseeing tours."
Besides the pili nut, have you sampled authentic Bicol Express? This sweat gland-inducing dish seems to be getting spicier as you head south. The equally great pinangat of Camalig, Albay, the less-known hinugom, kuyog, binut-ong, kinagang of Sorsogon plus other Bicol specialties like the sinantolan (different from Laguna and Quezon versions of the ginataang santol dish), the kinunot and other bicol dishes with primary ingredients of coconut milk and chili.
This one may be too ubiquitous for you and probably served right under your nose when you got there.
The pancit bato was introduced to Tutubi by a close friend from Daet during his first visit to Camarines Norte about 10 years ago. Pancit bato costs just PhP5 per serving then and yet it's so filling it can put to shame Chowking's similar serving costing 12 times as much.
pancit bato servd to Tutubi by friends in Paracale
In a visit to Paracale, Camarines Norte, he was again re-acquainted with the frugal food find in Bicol, again at P5 per serving but less in serving size after 10 years.
Why was it called pansit/pancit bato? It's not made of stone/rocks nor stone used to cook/make them. The noodles were actually made in the town of Bato, Camarines Sur and made from cassava (kamoteng kahoy)
Tutubi has a future post on regional variants of pancit in the Philippines, a collection of stories and pictures for his "pancit tour of the Philippines" :P
Read more after the jump!
Labels: Bicol Cuisine, Bicol Region, Camarines Sur, Filipino Food
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:22 PM,
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Mahabang Buhangin Beach, Tinaga Island, Calaguas, Camarines Norte
10 April 2012
An unexpected Calaguas Island redux, and reluctantly too!
Tutubi was able to visit again his favorite backpacker beach during his trip to Paracale, Camarines Norte. Due to his friends insistence to have lunch on Maculabo Island by hiring a boat at Paracale port
These are what Tutubi saw on Tinaga Island the second time around:
the big boat that ferried Tutubi to calaguas island for the 2nd time (PhP3,500.00 rate)
Tutubi's companion didn't really intend to swim but quickly dove into the water when he saw the awesome beach that Tutubi avers was really very good
sand so fine and not hot to the feet
the owner of the large part of Mahabang Buhangin is experimentin in growing bermuda grass on the island plus the use of solar power to charge car battery
Changes to Calaguas Island:
there's a confirmed mobile phone signal from Smart at a certain location on the beach marked by bamboo "totem" poles. You can bring solar power chargers to charge your cellphones due to the presence of cellphone signal on Calaguas Island
You can find battery charger using solar energy owned by the Patents holder of much of Mahabang Buhangin Beach Resort
Beach property is for sale, a few hectares of this paradise is for sale by a whopping PhP3.5M, no title yet but a Patent owned by Lolo whom Tutubi personally met.
Drinking water is still fetched from a fresh water well (from where Sadako climbed up)
How to get to Calaguas Island:
Board a bus to Daet, Camarines Norte via Sta. Elena (Piltranco, Amihan Express, Daet Express, fare: PhP500.00), get off at a junction called Batobalani in Jose Panganiban town, ride a tricycle to the port of Paracale (fare: PhP20.00) then look for boats going to Tinaga Island (PhP60.00 fare) or rent a boat to Calaguas Island (PhP3,500.00 boat rental rate).
You may get in touch directly with the owner of Mahabang Buhangin Beach resort for the latest "accommodations/room rates," camping/pitching of tents, water, electricity or simply boat rentals and contact numbers.
Related Posts:
Maculabo Island
Calaguas Island
Apuao Grande Island
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi was able to visit again his favorite backpacker beach during his trip to Paracale, Camarines Norte. Due to his friends insistence to have lunch on Maculabo Island by hiring a boat at Paracale port
These are what Tutubi saw on Tinaga Island the second time around:
the big boat that ferried Tutubi to calaguas island for the 2nd time (PhP3,500.00 rate)
Tutubi's companion didn't really intend to swim but quickly dove into the water when he saw the awesome beach that Tutubi avers was really very good
sand so fine and not hot to the feet
the owner of the large part of Mahabang Buhangin is experimentin in growing bermuda grass on the island plus the use of solar power to charge car batteryChanges to Calaguas Island:
there's a confirmed mobile phone signal from Smart at a certain location on the beach marked by bamboo "totem" poles. You can bring solar power chargers to charge your cellphones due to the presence of cellphone signal on Calaguas Island
You can find battery charger using solar energy owned by the Patents holder of much of Mahabang Buhangin Beach Resort
Beach property is for sale, a few hectares of this paradise is for sale by a whopping PhP3.5M, no title yet but a Patent owned by Lolo whom Tutubi personally met.
Drinking water is still fetched from a fresh water well (from where Sadako climbed up)
How to get to Calaguas Island:
Board a bus to Daet, Camarines Norte via Sta. Elena (Piltranco, Amihan Express, Daet Express, fare: PhP500.00), get off at a junction called Batobalani in Jose Panganiban town, ride a tricycle to the port of Paracale (fare: PhP20.00) then look for boats going to Tinaga Island (PhP60.00 fare) or rent a boat to Calaguas Island (PhP3,500.00 boat rental rate).
You may get in touch directly with the owner of Mahabang Buhangin Beach resort for the latest "accommodations/room rates," camping/pitching of tents, water, electricity or simply boat rentals and contact numbers.
Related Posts:
Maculabo Island
Calaguas Island
Apuao Grande Island
Labels: Beaches, Bicol Region, Camarines Norte, Islands
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:22 PM,
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Bicol: The White Sand Beach of Maculabo Island, Paracale, Camarines Norte
04 April 2012
An attempt to visit Paracale's Pulang Daga Beach, named after the red colored sand beach (daga means soil in Bicolano), did not materialized due to Tutubi's friend's insistence to have lunch in an island that's so near the "gold rush" town of Paracale.
It turned out it's on the list of Tutubi's islands he wanted to visit: Maculabo Island, just to verify claims of some people (and bloggers) that it's like this famous island teeming with tourists down south.
The trip to Maculabo Island is just a mere thirty minutes from the Paracale Port via motorized banca, an hour more, you'll find yourself in the mesmerizing Mahabang Buhangin of Tinaga Island, Calaguas Islands. Both Tinaga Island and Maculabo islands are part of the Calaguas Group of Islands though Tinaga Island is politically part of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
.
Pictures of Maculabo Island, the white sand beach of Centro (or Sentro) as the locals call the place.
The white sand beach boasts white sand alright but it's not as white nor as fine as the sand of Mahabang Buhangin, (erroneously called Calaguas Island).
Centro of Maculabo is inhabited with a small barangay (village) where Tutubi's friend bought freshly-caught fish (talakitok and tanigue).
Maculabo Island
GPS Coordinates/Waypoints: N14 24 04.5 E122 49 04.0
Related Posts:
Calaguas Island
Apuao grande Island Resort
Read more after the jump!
It turned out it's on the list of Tutubi's islands he wanted to visit: Maculabo Island, just to verify claims of some people (and bloggers) that it's like this famous island teeming with tourists down south.
The trip to Maculabo Island is just a mere thirty minutes from the Paracale Port via motorized banca, an hour more, you'll find yourself in the mesmerizing Mahabang Buhangin of Tinaga Island, Calaguas Islands. Both Tinaga Island and Maculabo islands are part of the Calaguas Group of Islands though Tinaga Island is politically part of Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
.
Pictures of Maculabo Island, the white sand beach of Centro (or Sentro) as the locals call the place.
The white sand beach boasts white sand alright but it's not as white nor as fine as the sand of Mahabang Buhangin, (erroneously called Calaguas Island).
Centro of Maculabo is inhabited with a small barangay (village) where Tutubi's friend bought freshly-caught fish (talakitok and tanigue).
Maculabo Island
GPS Coordinates/Waypoints: N14 24 04.5 E122 49 04.0
Related Posts:
Calaguas Island
Apuao grande Island Resort
Labels: Beaches, Bicol Region, Camarines Norte, Islands
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:23 PM,
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Mandaluyong: How to Get to Club Mwah: Ticket Prices/Rates/Entrance Fee
03 April 2012
Tutubi's friend from France last year tried to watch the dazzling show of combined transvestites and girls ala Las vegas show girls style, on a tip from Lonely Planet guide book, yet failed due to ticket reservation problem and that the performers were booked for an exclusive show at a birth party.
Now, here are pictures and directions for others wishing to visit the place
Pictures of Club Mwah's Performers and Performances:
World-class Las Vegas Style showgirls performing at Club Mwah in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Performers at Club Mwah is a mix of transvestites, "third sex," and authentic women, you just can't tell who is who :P
Tutubi was able to watch the Cabaret show in Bangkok, Thailand featuring same format but the big difference was that the performers here sing the songs themselves live, unlike in Bangkok where they only did lip synching ("lip sing," instead of lip synch or lip sync as most Pinoys think). This is the same style you see at the Amazing Philippine Show at the Film Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City (not Manila),
Here are directions to Club Mwah in Mandaluyong for those who want to go there.
For a map of Club Mwah, click here (on OpenStreetMap, updated by Tutubi)
How to get to Club Mwah, Mandaluyong:
From MRT, drop off at Boni Station, walk to Pinatubo (for Southbound) or Forum Robinsons (Pioneer) then board a jeepney to Kalentong, JRU or Stop N Shop
then alight at Boni corner Ligaya, cross Boni on foot.
Driving Directions to Club Mwah, Mandaluyong
If you have a car, from Ayala Avenue, Makati, you can drive on Makati Avenue, cross Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge, right to Coronado, right to San Francisco, right
to Maysilo (rotonda), right to Boni (landmark: Petron) until you see Club Mwah on your right
From Quezon City, the easiest (but not usually the fastest) is via EDSA, right to Boni then make a U-Turn on Sikap Street, and look for CLub Mwah on your right
Club Mwah
Location Address: 3rd Floor, The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City
GPS Coordinate: N14 34 34.1 E121 02 17.4
Parking: ample parking at the building basement
Club Mwah Ticket Prices/Rates: PhP500/head
Telephone Number/Contact Number:
Official Website: www.clubmwah.com
reservation, group tours, private party, promos, discounts and other inquiries, please contact Club Mwah directly.
related posts:
How to get to Mandaluyong City Hall
Read more after the jump!
Now, here are pictures and directions for others wishing to visit the place
Pictures of Club Mwah's Performers and Performances:
World-class Las Vegas Style showgirls performing at Club Mwah in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Performers at Club Mwah is a mix of transvestites, "third sex," and authentic women, you just can't tell who is who :PTutubi was able to watch the Cabaret show in Bangkok, Thailand featuring same format but the big difference was that the performers here sing the songs themselves live, unlike in Bangkok where they only did lip synching ("lip sing," instead of lip synch or lip sync as most Pinoys think). This is the same style you see at the Amazing Philippine Show at the Film Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Pasay City (not Manila),
Here are directions to Club Mwah in Mandaluyong for those who want to go there.
For a map of Club Mwah, click here (on OpenStreetMap, updated by Tutubi)
How to get to Club Mwah, Mandaluyong:
From MRT, drop off at Boni Station, walk to Pinatubo (for Southbound) or Forum Robinsons (Pioneer) then board a jeepney to Kalentong, JRU or Stop N Shop
then alight at Boni corner Ligaya, cross Boni on foot.
Driving Directions to Club Mwah, Mandaluyong
If you have a car, from Ayala Avenue, Makati, you can drive on Makati Avenue, cross Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge, right to Coronado, right to San Francisco, right
to Maysilo (rotonda), right to Boni (landmark: Petron) until you see Club Mwah on your right
From Quezon City, the easiest (but not usually the fastest) is via EDSA, right to Boni then make a U-Turn on Sikap Street, and look for CLub Mwah on your right
Club Mwah
Location Address: 3rd Floor, The Venue Tower, 652 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City
GPS Coordinate: N14 34 34.1 E121 02 17.4
Parking: ample parking at the building basement
Club Mwah Ticket Prices/Rates: PhP500/head
Telephone Number/Contact Number:
Official Website: www.clubmwah.com
reservation, group tours, private party, promos, discounts and other inquiries, please contact Club Mwah directly.
related posts:
How to get to Mandaluyong City Hall
Labels: Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Nightlife
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:51 PM,
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Holy Week Road Trip Itinerary/Route in Rizal, Laguna and Quezon Provinces
02 April 2012
Stuck in Metro Manila in Holy Week, like Tutubi and also allergic to malls and usual trips? Herewith is a suggested itinerary for a day or two around the so called Laguna Loop route:
Old Churches of Rizal (Visita Iglesia)
Baras Church
Morong Church
Tanay Church
after visiting Tanay Church, you can proceed to the giant Mother Mary shrine in Rizal in Sampaloc, Tanay near Camp Capinpin and Marcos Highway called Regina RICA
the shade under the giant statue can seat about 70 people. there's an adoration chapel insde the statue, the only place where picture taking is not allowed. guests are requested to dress modestly and keep quiet
Old Churches of Laguna (Visita Iglesia) with coordinates for your GPS:
Pakil Church: St. Peter of Alcantara Parish
Paete Church: St. James the Apostle Parish
Longos Church (Kalayaan): San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist)
Lumban Church
Pagsanjan Church: Our Lady of Guadalupe (not old though, it's reconstructed)
In Paete, you may opt to drive to the top of the hill for the Tatlong Krus,
similar to the biblical Three Crosses on Calvary Hill in Jerusalem
the three crosses taken about 6 years ago using Tutubi's then trusted Canon Ixus 30
After Reaching Pagsanjan, you can opt to turn left after passing Pagsanjan Church (Our Lady of Guadalupe) and Pagsanjan Municipal Hall towards Cavinti and Luisiana (where the old churches await) en route to Lucban (to vis) to visit Kamay ni Hesus, an already popular pilgrimage site on the hillsides of the Sierra Madre
From Lucban, you can drive back to Majayjay and Liliw where two old churches again await.
list of old churches in Laguna (from the northeast of Laguna de Bay (Laguna Lake))
Pakil Church, Paete church, Longos Church, Lumban Church, Cavinti Church, Luisiana Church, Magdalena Church, Majayjay Church (beautiful earthquake baroque), Liliw Church (red bricks), Sta. Cruz Church, Pila Church, Bay Church, Los Banos Church, Calamba Church (where Jose Rizal was baptized)
So many places to visit and explore, you really can't do it in a day, suggest an overnight somewhere probably in Paete, with the moving saints during the Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday Procession and the Dapit on Good Friday including the Mater Dolorosa, which won for Mariano Madrinan a Gold Medal in the
Estimated travel time, via the main roads, not the highway (Manila East Road)
conservative approximations:
Antipolo to Teresa, Rizal: 20 minutes
Pakil to Paete: 15 minutes
Paete to Longos, Kalayaan: 15 minutes
Lumban to Pagsanjan: 10 minutes
Pagsanjan to Lucban, Quezon : 1 hour
GPS coordinates/waypoints:
Tatlong Krus: N14 21 53.7 E121 29 32.8
Kamay ni Hesus: N14 06 00.5 E121 34 25.6
Pakil Church: N14 22 50.9 E121 28 44.7
Paete Church: N14 21 52.3 E121 28 54.4
Longos Church N14 20 25.0 E121 28 52.7
related post:
Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
Read more after the jump!
Old Churches of Rizal (Visita Iglesia)
Baras Church
Morong Church
Tanay Church
after visiting Tanay Church, you can proceed to the giant Mother Mary shrine in Rizal in Sampaloc, Tanay near Camp Capinpin and Marcos Highway called Regina RICA
the shade under the giant statue can seat about 70 people. there's an adoration chapel insde the statue, the only place where picture taking is not allowed. guests are requested to dress modestly and keep quietOld Churches of Laguna (Visita Iglesia) with coordinates for your GPS:
Pakil Church: St. Peter of Alcantara Parish
Paete Church: St. James the Apostle Parish
Longos Church (Kalayaan): San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist)
Lumban Church
Pagsanjan Church: Our Lady of Guadalupe (not old though, it's reconstructed)
In Paete, you may opt to drive to the top of the hill for the Tatlong Krus,
similar to the biblical Three Crosses on Calvary Hill in Jerusalem
the three crosses taken about 6 years ago using Tutubi's then trusted Canon Ixus 30After Reaching Pagsanjan, you can opt to turn left after passing Pagsanjan Church (Our Lady of Guadalupe) and Pagsanjan Municipal Hall towards Cavinti and Luisiana (where the old churches await) en route to Lucban (to vis) to visit Kamay ni Hesus, an already popular pilgrimage site on the hillsides of the Sierra Madre
From Lucban, you can drive back to Majayjay and Liliw where two old churches again await.
list of old churches in Laguna (from the northeast of Laguna de Bay (Laguna Lake))
Pakil Church, Paete church, Longos Church, Lumban Church, Cavinti Church, Luisiana Church, Magdalena Church, Majayjay Church (beautiful earthquake baroque), Liliw Church (red bricks), Sta. Cruz Church, Pila Church, Bay Church, Los Banos Church, Calamba Church (where Jose Rizal was baptized)
So many places to visit and explore, you really can't do it in a day, suggest an overnight somewhere probably in Paete, with the moving saints during the Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday Procession and the Dapit on Good Friday including the Mater Dolorosa, which won for Mariano Madrinan a Gold Medal in the
Estimated travel time, via the main roads, not the highway (Manila East Road)
conservative approximations:
Antipolo to Teresa, Rizal: 20 minutes
Pakil to Paete: 15 minutes
Paete to Longos, Kalayaan: 15 minutes
Lumban to Pagsanjan: 10 minutes
Pagsanjan to Lucban, Quezon : 1 hour
GPS coordinates/waypoints:
Tatlong Krus: N14 21 53.7 E121 29 32.8
Kamay ni Hesus: N14 06 00.5 E121 34 25.6
Pakil Church: N14 22 50.9 E121 28 44.7
Paete Church: N14 21 52.3 E121 28 54.4
Longos Church N14 20 25.0 E121 28 52.7
related post:
Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
Labels: Calabarzon, Holy Week, Laguna, Pilgrimage Sites, Quezon, Rizal, Southern Tagalog
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:35 PM,
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The Old Stone Church of Paracale, Camarines Norte
01 April 2012
In the "gold rush" town of Paracale that sits on gold (whose gold was alleged to be by an ex-president), stands the old stone Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), which is celebrating its 400th anniversary.
the Drive-by photo of Paracale Church's facade:
the facade of Paracale Church, made of adobe blocks and facing towards the sea, as always, i.e. east guarding the town from marauders and slave traders of yore (picture taken around 5pm)
Tutubi merely took a drive-by picture of the old church and was not able to enter to see, document how the altar and read about the history of the catholic edifice and probably old retablo (tableau) but had to leave in a haste so as not get caought at night passing by the zigzag road between Atimonan and Pagbilao, Quezon on the way to Manila
Paracale is a gateway port to Maculabo Island and the Calaguas Group of Islands, home to Mahabang Buhangin, about 1.5 hours away from Paracale port.
---
Paracale Church
GPS Coordinate: N14 16 46.1 E122 47 14.6
How to get to Paracale, Camarines Norte
Commute to Paracale, there's a Superlines terminal near Paracale Church that has trips to the capital town of Daet, Camarines Norte. You can get to Paracale from Manila by boarding a bus of Superlines, Amihan Lines or Daet Express that pass by the northern towns of Sta. Elena, Capalonga, Labo and Jose Panganiban (fare: PhP500.00 approximately) but request the conductor to drop you off at a junction called Bato Balani in Jose Panganiban town. At Bato Balani, ride a tricycle to Paracale (fare: PhP20.00)
There's an ATM owned by Rural Bank of Paracale that dispenses gold, not cold cash (as it's April 1 :)
If you want some sort of Visita Iglesia Camarines Norte you can also try Saint Peter's Parish Church (Vinzons Church), Parish of St. John, the Evangelist (Labo Church), (Capalonga Church, not really old but it's home to the venerated Black Nazarene).
Read more after the jump!
the Drive-by photo of Paracale Church's facade:
the facade of Paracale Church, made of adobe blocks and facing towards the sea, as always, i.e. east guarding the town from marauders and slave traders of yore (picture taken around 5pm)Tutubi merely took a drive-by picture of the old church and was not able to enter to see, document how the altar and read about the history of the catholic edifice and probably old retablo (tableau) but had to leave in a haste so as not get caought at night passing by the zigzag road between Atimonan and Pagbilao, Quezon on the way to Manila
Paracale is a gateway port to Maculabo Island and the Calaguas Group of Islands, home to Mahabang Buhangin, about 1.5 hours away from Paracale port.
---
Paracale Church
GPS Coordinate: N14 16 46.1 E122 47 14.6
How to get to Paracale, Camarines Norte
Commute to Paracale, there's a Superlines terminal near Paracale Church that has trips to the capital town of Daet, Camarines Norte. You can get to Paracale from Manila by boarding a bus of Superlines, Amihan Lines or Daet Express that pass by the northern towns of Sta. Elena, Capalonga, Labo and Jose Panganiban (fare: PhP500.00 approximately) but request the conductor to drop you off at a junction called Bato Balani in Jose Panganiban town. At Bato Balani, ride a tricycle to Paracale (fare: PhP20.00)
There's an ATM owned by Rural Bank of Paracale that dispenses gold, not cold cash (as it's April 1 :)
If you want some sort of Visita Iglesia Camarines Norte you can also try Saint Peter's Parish Church (Vinzons Church), Parish of St. John, the Evangelist (Labo Church), (Capalonga Church, not really old but it's home to the venerated Black Nazarene).
Labels: Bicol Region, Camarines Norte, Churches, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:45 PM,
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Camarines Norte: Mining Gold Mines of Paracale
31 March 2012
A trip to the "gold rush" town of Paracale, camarines Norte is incomplete without a visit to a gold mine with rails and mine tunnel full of gold orejavascript:void(0)
Tutubi asked a friend how to get to an abandoned mine on the hills of Paracale but, due to the usual lack of time, with a trip on a habal-habal up the mountains, and the danger of encounter with the "pogi," he deferred the gold mine tour. (this is different from the Mining in Surigao del Norte)
He, however, was able to witness actual gold mining activities on the hill at the mouth of the river of Paracale with houses on stilts precariously perched on the hillside with sand bags and noticeable gold panning activity.
the good and bad of mining, not so evident here but this small town has lots of moneyed small time miners needing "recreation" and also still using dangerous mining practice utilizing mercury (asoge/asogue in Filipino/Tagalog). You can find mercury being sold in a tiangge here. You can also find pure gold being sold here, around PhP2000.00/gram...that's 24 karat gold at very low price straight from the miners themselves.
what did Tutubi actually explore in Paracale, Camarines Norte?
later...
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi asked a friend how to get to an abandoned mine on the hills of Paracale but, due to the usual lack of time, with a trip on a habal-habal up the mountains, and the danger of encounter with the "pogi," he deferred the gold mine tour. (this is different from the Mining in Surigao del Norte)
He, however, was able to witness actual gold mining activities on the hill at the mouth of the river of Paracale with houses on stilts precariously perched on the hillside with sand bags and noticeable gold panning activity.
the good and bad of mining, not so evident here but this small town has lots of moneyed small time miners needing "recreation" and also still using dangerous mining practice utilizing mercury (asoge/asogue in Filipino/Tagalog). You can find mercury being sold in a tiangge here. You can also find pure gold being sold here, around PhP2000.00/gram...that's 24 karat gold at very low price straight from the miners themselves.
what did Tutubi actually explore in Paracale, Camarines Norte?
later...
Labels: Bicol Region, Camarines Norte
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:45 PM,
, links to this post
Trinoma Holy Week Mall Hours: Closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday
29 March 2012
Tutubi lives just 5 minutes away from SM City North EDSA and Trinoma. He's also about to spend his second Holy Week in QC in a span of 5 years where Metro Manila used to look like a deserted city until recently
herewith is Trinoma Mall hours on Holy Week
April 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- CLOSED
April 6, 2012: Good Friday -- CLOSED
April 7, 2012: Black Saturday-- OPEN 10am to 10pm
April 8, 2012: Easter Sunday -- OPEN 10am to 10pm
this same mall hour schedule is the same for Marquee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga, Market! Market! in Taguig, Ayala Center in Cebu and Abreeza Mall, Davao City
Related Posts:
Ayala Malls Holy Week 2011 Schedule
LRT, LRT2 and MRT Holy Week Schedule
Manila Ocean park Holy Week Schedule
Read more after the jump!
herewith is Trinoma Mall hours on Holy Week
April 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- CLOSED
April 6, 2012: Good Friday -- CLOSED
April 7, 2012: Black Saturday-- OPEN 10am to 10pm
April 8, 2012: Easter Sunday -- OPEN 10am to 10pm
this same mall hour schedule is the same for Marquee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga, Market! Market! in Taguig, Ayala Center in Cebu and Abreeza Mall, Davao City
Related Posts:
Ayala Malls Holy Week 2011 Schedule
LRT, LRT2 and MRT Holy Week Schedule
Manila Ocean park Holy Week Schedule
Labels: Holy Week
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:07 PM,
, links to this post
SM Holy Week Mall Hours: Only SM Baguio is Open
Tutubi has friends going to Baguio this Holy Week while he's anticipating his second Holy Week in Manila.
A look at SM Schedules for Holy Week 2012 reveals the same mall hours as previous years with only SM Baguio operating to cater to tourists influx in the summer capital.
SM Mall Hours on Holy Week (except SM City Baguio which is open on regular schedule)
April 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- CLOSED
April 6, 2012: Good Friday -- CLOSED
April 7, 2012: Black Saturday-- OPEN 10am to 10pm
April 8, 2012: Easter Sunday -- OPEN 10am to 10pm
Related Posts:
SM Holy Week Mall Hours
Manila Ocean park Holy Week Schedule
Read more after the jump!
A look at SM Schedules for Holy Week 2012 reveals the same mall hours as previous years with only SM Baguio operating to cater to tourists influx in the summer capital.
SM Mall Hours on Holy Week (except SM City Baguio which is open on regular schedule)
April 5, 2012: Holy Thursday -- CLOSED
April 6, 2012: Good Friday -- CLOSED
April 7, 2012: Black Saturday-- OPEN 10am to 10pm
April 8, 2012: Easter Sunday -- OPEN 10am to 10pm
Related Posts:
SM Holy Week Mall Hours
Manila Ocean park Holy Week Schedule
Labels: Holy Week
posted by backpacking philippines @ 7:59 PM,
, links to this post
Taal Volcano via Club Balai Isabel Resort Talisay Batangas
22 March 2012
The venue of his company's planning session was held at this premier resort club located in Talisay, Batangas that's a very good jump-off point to Taal Volcano Crater Trek
Club Balai Isabel: Resort in Talisay, Batangas:
a typical balai at club balai isabel named after national heroes, particularly those from Batangas province
the hotel room where Tutubi stayed at is in Balai Malvar, with two double size beds, hot and cold shower (no bath tubs, bidet not tabo), a kitchen/mini-bar, and a 32 inch LCD TV
Tutubi saw two swimming pools, one is this large one near the lakeshore. Due to lack of time, Tutubi wasn't able to swim here, just took a few minutes to take pictures before they departed back to Manila
early morning view of Tall Volcano and Taal Lake where fishermen/boatmen rait for passengers to ferry to the island inside Taal Lake where the crater is located. Note that the crater-like feature is not actually a crater. Taal Volcano has many craters but not this one
Club Balai Isabel Review and Comments
Club balai Isabel room rates are not cheap, prices of accommodations run in to more than PhP5000/room. Buffet food served to Tutubi deserves no raves bordering on rants where they can't even serve good crispy tawilis. People are courteous too. Restaurant bar is available only up to 12mn, something Tutubi's group do not want for they usually stay way beyond 12mn.
It's best to go there via SLEX, Startoll route rather than risk the steep curves of Ligaya Drive in Tagaytay.
---
Just contact Club Balai Isabel directly for promos, discounts, latest room rates and list of facilities plus inquiries on meetings, conventions, day tour rates, corporate parties, events and weddings (this is the venue of the wedding of Oyo Boy Sotto and Kristine Hermosa, gossiped some people).
---
If you've visited CLub Balai Isabel or visited an event where you left your business card or contact details at agenst of Club Balai Isabel, expect a call text from their marketing officers that you "won" free accommodations in Club Balai Isabel or Boracay and even abroad, it's a marketing scheme to avail of club memberships plus RCI memberships for timeshares. it's not a scam but you need to attend a 90 minute presentation where they'll persuade you to sign up on the spot due to a promo valid on that day only.
Tutubi got one of these calls but turned it down for he already knows tha "modus operandi" of the marketing people, besides, he has not time to attend and go to their office on Makati avenue
---
Related Posts:
Taal Volcano Crater Trek
How to get to Tagaytay
Read more after the jump!
Club Balai Isabel: Resort in Talisay, Batangas:
a typical balai at club balai isabel named after national heroes, particularly those from Batangas province
the hotel room where Tutubi stayed at is in Balai Malvar, with two double size beds, hot and cold shower (no bath tubs, bidet not tabo), a kitchen/mini-bar, and a 32 inch LCD TV
Tutubi saw two swimming pools, one is this large one near the lakeshore. Due to lack of time, Tutubi wasn't able to swim here, just took a few minutes to take pictures before they departed back to Manila
early morning view of Tall Volcano and Taal Lake where fishermen/boatmen rait for passengers to ferry to the island inside Taal Lake where the crater is located. Note that the crater-like feature is not actually a crater. Taal Volcano has many craters but not this oneClub Balai Isabel Review and Comments
Club balai Isabel room rates are not cheap, prices of accommodations run in to more than PhP5000/room. Buffet food served to Tutubi deserves no raves bordering on rants where they can't even serve good crispy tawilis. People are courteous too. Restaurant bar is available only up to 12mn, something Tutubi's group do not want for they usually stay way beyond 12mn.
It's best to go there via SLEX, Startoll route rather than risk the steep curves of Ligaya Drive in Tagaytay.
---
Just contact Club Balai Isabel directly for promos, discounts, latest room rates and list of facilities plus inquiries on meetings, conventions, day tour rates, corporate parties, events and weddings (this is the venue of the wedding of Oyo Boy Sotto and Kristine Hermosa, gossiped some people).
---
If you've visited CLub Balai Isabel or visited an event where you left your business card or contact details at agenst of Club Balai Isabel, expect a call text from their marketing officers that you "won" free accommodations in Club Balai Isabel or Boracay and even abroad, it's a marketing scheme to avail of club memberships plus RCI memberships for timeshares. it's not a scam but you need to attend a 90 minute presentation where they'll persuade you to sign up on the spot due to a promo valid on that day only.
Tutubi got one of these calls but turned it down for he already knows tha "modus operandi" of the marketing people, besides, he has not time to attend and go to their office on Makati avenue
---
Related Posts:
Taal Volcano Crater Trek
How to get to Tagaytay
Labels: Batangas, Batangas Resorts, Calabarzon, Lakes, Volcanoes
posted by backpacking philippines @ 11:12 PM,
, links to this post
Tourist Visa for Indian Nationals/ Visa-Free Entry for Visitors from China
20 March 2012
The Department of Tourism recently announced new policies on visa-free stay in the Philippines for a list of 166 countries plus amended the rules for visitors from China and India.
Chinese Nationals are now allowed to stay for 30 days visa-free provided they join a group tour arranged by a Department of tourism-accredited travel agency.
For visitors from India, a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa will be given.
These visa reforms were intended to increase tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
Do you think this will work? Tutubi thinks just a little, for as long as the basics are in place and tourists really, really want to come here, even if the visa requirements are restrictive, tourists will come...
related post:
Indian Visa
Read more after the jump!
Chinese Nationals are now allowed to stay for 30 days visa-free provided they join a group tour arranged by a Department of tourism-accredited travel agency.
For visitors from India, a 14-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals who have a valid American, Japan, Australia, Canadian, Shengen, Singapore, or United Kingdom visa will be given.
These visa reforms were intended to increase tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
Do you think this will work? Tutubi thinks just a little, for as long as the basics are in place and tourists really, really want to come here, even if the visa requirements are restrictive, tourists will come...
related post:
Indian Visa
Labels: Philippine Visa
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:26 PM,
, links to this post