If you've heard, seen, read about it, there are numerous scams perpetuated by unscrupulous taxi drivers victimizing people in Manila airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)) from as simple as refusing to use the meter, charging exorbitant taxi fare, or even use of tampered taxi meters called batingting.

There are also three kinds of taxis in Manila airport: coupon taxis with fixed fare per destination, yellow airport taxis with fares almost double of regular taxis and the regular taxis that are usually the least trustworthy

Here are several ways to avoid Manila airport taxi scams:

1. Book Airport transfers to your hotel

Very easy but usually expensive, not for backpackers and budget travelers

2. Use your own car, a friend's car or hire one

Ask a friend/family to fetch you at the airport

Convenient but may be expensive and time consuming if your flight gets delayed

Drive yourself to the airport and use overnight parking in NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 2, NAIA Terminal 3
or alternatively Park N Fly, so you'll have a ready transport from the airport.

3. Airport Transfers via NAIA Airport Loop (Formerly NAIA Shuttle Bus)

Served by two fleets, one by HM Transport with buses labeled HM Transport Airport Loop and the other using white buses emblazoned with Airport loop, the shuttle buses can transfer you to all
NAIA terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 and also to Pasay/Taft/Rotonda if you want to take the bus or MRT and LRT-- the cheap way!


4. UBE Express Premium Bus

This premium bus service serves several fixed routes to Manila via Roxas Boulevard, Makati, Pasay/Rotonda/MRT/LRT, Pasay/Buendia/LRT and Entertainment City. Regular fare is PhP300 but offering promo of PhP150.00. This is a very good alternative if you want to avoid long taxi queues at the airport as you can book your trip in advance



This is also the same bus that can take you to Victory Liner bus terminal on EDSA, Five Star bus terminal in Pasay, and several Bus terminals in Pasay/Taft/LRT Buendia going to your destination.

5. Resorts World Manila Free Shuttle Service

If you hold a valid Resorts World membership card, you can hop in to their free shuttle of Resorts World at NAIA Terminal 3. It's easier to get an ordinary cab from there.

6. Citylink Bus to NAIA Terminal 3 to Eastwood City, Quezon City via C-5

Citylink bus serves the Newport City to Eastwood City route via C-5 to connect the two Megaworld projects. The bus passes by NAIA Terminal 3. Not available on Weekends though.

7. City buses from NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3

Ordinary (non-air-conditioned) and air-conditioned buses pass by the three terminals that can take you to various destinations in Metro Manila

8. Jeepneys in NAIA Terminal 3

These jeepneys ply the SM Mall of Asia or Baclaran -Nichols route. You can ride them near NAIA Terminal 3 if going to Nichols/Fort Bonifacion Gate 3 or across if you're going to Baclaran/Pasay/Taft/Rotonda/MRT/LRT area

9. Coupon Taxis

these are white-colored taxis with big luggage compartments. They charge fixed fee per destination and more expensive than ordinary taxis

10. Yellow Cab: the Yellow Airport Taxis

Colored taxis are dedication taxis for the airport with fares almost double the fare of ordinary taxis. Flag down rate is PhP70.00



Last Notes:

If you still took a taxi and got scammed:

Text NAIA : +63.917.839.6242
or call Customer Relations Center (CRC) +63.2.823.0669
Facebook and Twitter: naiamiaa

For complaints, you may contact the MIAA Hotline at +63.2.877.1111



Be safe!

Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Public Transportation, Travel Warnings

Here's good news to passengers to/from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA or simply Manila Airport)), besides the yellow taxis, coupon taxis, and car rentals, you may now take the premium bus from NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

UBE Express Fleet: 6 units for interim service, 42 units for permanent service by June 2016


Premium bus fare: PhP300.00 (this is premium guys, not economy. you can catch city buses to EDSA from NAIA Terminals, 1, 2 and 3)

Routes:

1. Makati CBD Stops: Glorietta 4, Glorietta 5, Ascott Hotel.

2. Roxas Boulevard stops: Midas Hotel, Hotel Jen, Manila Hotel, Mall of Asia, and the Entertainment City

Per the official Press Release:

"Each bus can accommodate 24 passengers and has large compartments for baggage.

The premium bus is equipped with closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV), Global Positioning System (GPS), and an on-board Wi-Fi facility.

Passengers who wish to take the premium bus may approach the transportation desk personnel at the arrival curbside area for assistance. An automated fare collection system will also be developed in the future to provide the option for advanced online booking.

The premium bus service has an LTFRB-approved flat rate of P300.

The buses will be manned by trained drivers and an on-board transport attendant, similar to an airline flight attendant."

Are you interested in taking this premium bus service from the Aiport or only if you have no choice.
that the taxi queue is too long?

Tip: you can link up this service with the point-to-point buses to Ortigas and Trinoma from Glorietta 5 too :)

How about letting GrabCar/GrabTaxi or Uber to serve airport passengers? Oh I remember, the car rental companies are controlled by shenanigans in the airport :(

Related posts:
Bus Terminals in Cubao
Bus Station in Pasay/Taft/LRT Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda

Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, Public Transportation

An attraction inside Manila Ocean Park where you can touch, interact, take pictures and even swim with sting rays, manta rays and sharks, Sharks and Rays Encounter is an educational experience for children.

the entrance to the attaction is near the main entrance, there are locker rooms to store your clothes and belongings if you want the actual wet encounters. Beside the attraction is Liquid Eat All You Can buffet


Entrance fee/admission is usually bundled with other attractions but you can also visit just this attraction. Free picture comes with wet encounter admission price.

Labels: Manila, Metro Manila

This was an actual Manila tour of Tutubi he "planned" for his Muslim guests recently which took them from Makati to Quiapo, Intramuros, Luneta and capped with Manila Bay Cruise all in a span of ten hours with little planning and decisions made on-the-fly, typical of Tutubi's spur-of-the-moment traveling style. The itinerary is, however, much too compressed, covered so much ground and ideal for travelers with only one day to spare, feel free to tweak to suit your preferences or just ask Tutubi.

Note: Tutubi doesn't really prepare an travel itinerary as he likes the thrill of discoveries of unplanned travel brings. This was a Saturday which means generally lighter traffic in Metro Manila. Tutubi has a car that's why he's fast for he knows how to navigate the inner streets, where to pass by, mostly avoiding streets where jeepneys (one primary cause of traffic in Manila) don't pass. Take a taxi to exactly follow the route and for faster travel instead of the jeepney. The itinerary route is also possible via public transportation.

8am Met up at Makati Hotel (Berjaya Hotel, which serves halal buffet breakfast)

8:10 Had Breakfast and shopping at Salcedo Weekend Market in Salcedo Village, Makati. Tutubi bought his favorite budbud kabog, his guests looked for halal breakfast, settled for vegetarian samosa at a Persian/Indian restaurant plus all variants of budbud kabog and suman.

Salcedo Weekend Market in Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati offers regional and international food specialties and delicacies. Open every Saturday from 6am to 2pm

9:am Left for Quiapo, Manila. passed by Osmena Highway (formerly called South Superhighway), right Quirino Avenue, left Paz Guanzon (just before Nagtahan Bridge), right Romualdez, cross Ayala Bridge, left to Carlos Palanca (formerly Echague) then park near Quinta Market (you can find "informal" parking attendants to guard your car on the street, PhP30.00 usual parking fee). Walked to Golden Mosque (you can take padyak or kuliglig for about PhP40.00)

9:45 Arrived at Golden Mosque (Tutubi's first time to get inside the Quiapo landmark) on Globo de Oro Street corner Gunao.

The interiors of Golden Mosque with columns and the mihrab, the semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla, facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and where Muslims should face when praying. The wall is called "qibla wall." The mosque is usually full during Jumuah prayers on a Friday

10:00 Had brunch at a nearby halal eatery to sample mostly Maranao dishes (mostly yellow in color) fish with spicy coconut sauce and palapa and bodhi (fish roe) fulshed down with Maranao coffee. The neighboring streets of Globo de Oro, Norzagaray, Bautista, Elizondo and Gunao surrounding the Golden Mosque are lined with restaurants serving halal food for the Muslims living and doing business in the area, mostly Maranao and Tausug. You can even find Muslim "wares and wear"e.g. abaya, hijab, malong.

10:30 Took a padyak (human-powered tricycle or pedicab, fare: PhP10.00/person) to Quiapo Church after finding out the Lacson Underpass was closed for repairs).

the well-loved Quiapo Church is the center of the Black Nazarene procession annually held on January 9 and attended by millions of barefoot devotees.

Quiapo is the window to the soul of Manila and probably the Philippines. It's here where you can find Christians and Muslims living together in harmony, doing about business and daily grind. It's home to a famous Quiapo Church which is full of people on Fridays and also the Golden Mosque, where Muslims stop what they're doing to pray also on a Friday. It's also an area of ironies, where else can you find a Catholic Church surrounded by fortune tellers (manghuhula) and little stalls on the sidewalks selling herbal medicines (e.g. pito-pito, a concoction of seven herbs), amulets, anting-anting, katana (samurai swords), kris (Muslim royalty swords), balisong (butterfly knife) and the infamous pamparegla (sold in dark brown "lapad" bottles) which is a euphemism for abortifacient (abortion is illegal in the Philippines). It's also where you can find true Manila: gritty, grimy and non-pretentious.

Other places to see and visit in Quiapo include San Sebastian Church (a short jeepney ride away, take jeepneys on Hidalgo Street with signboards Balic-balic or Lealtad), San Miguel area (take San Miguel jeepneys near Quinta Market or Ilalim ng Tulay), the eyeglasses and optometrist haunt Paterno Street, the generator and power tools street of Evangelista, the fake ID/diploma/thesis/term papers/reaction paper/ street of Recto University, the iconic art deco buildings of Far Eastern University (FEU, where art works of several nationa artists can be found inside the campus), the Nakpil-Bautista house on Bautista Street (former home of Katipunan lakambini Gregoria de Jesus, and where the original painting of Juan Luna "The Parisian Life" used to hang)

Quiapo food trip destinations include Globe Lumpia (since 1953) on Gonzalo Puyat (formerly Raon, a favorite haunt of Tutubi for electronics (he's actually an electronics engineer by profession)), Excellente Ham (opened 1963) and Kim Chong Tin Hopia Factory (1927) on Carlos Palanca (formerly Echague, where stores selling home and kitchen wares can be found), Master Hopia on Villalobos Street, various regional food peddled on Hidalgo Street (the photographer's haven lined with camera shops) besides the Muslim halal restaurants near Golden Mosque (suggestions: bodhi, chicken papar (piaparan), arab spice roasted chicken, kabsa (arabian rice), beef rendang (Maranao style of Indonesian provenance), beef balbacua, pater rice (Maranao style binalot), chili and ginger), bakas (smoked whole tuna) in sticks and the quintessential Maranao spice called palapa (ingredients of toasted coconut, shallots, sakoreb/sakurab (native scallions)

11:00am Went to Intramuros via a jeepney. At the behest of his guests who wanted to try riding the jeepney, Tutubi called up his driver to proceed directly to Manila Cathedral and wait for them there. Tutubi and guests boarded a jeepney with signboard Quiapo - Pier and alighted at the corner of Antonio Luna and Andres Soriano (formerly Calle Real del Palacio) then walked to Fort Santiago (Entrance Fee/Admission: PhP75.00)

Fort Santiago, a Spanish fort near the mouth of Pasig River where once stood the palace Rajah Sulaiman, the Muslim ruler of Manila until the arrival of the Spaniards. The fort also once served as prison of Jose Rizal (the Philippine national hero, his last steps were imprinted on the road leading to Luneta (now Rizal Park) where he was executed by firing squad. There's also a bulwark facing Pasig River and a replica of Rizal's house in Calamba, Laguna serving as a museum.

11:30 Went out of Fort Santiago, looked around at a souvenir shop just outside Fort Santiago then proceeded to Plaza Roma in front of Manila Cathedral to look for a cochero and Intramuros Calesa Tour (calesa is a horse-drawn carriage) at a price of PhP350.00 for thirty minutes.

The calesa tour passed by these Intramuros landmarks: Manila Cathedral, Bahay Tsinoy (Filipino Chinese Museum), Memorare (Monument to the massacre during the Battle for Manila at the closing stage of World War II), Beaterio, Casa Manila (an old bahay na bato and museum, there's an entrance fee but Tutubi and his guests just requested the guard to enter the patio and take pictures), an old Japanese cannon seen from the walls, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), the the budget-friendly carinderias/eateries on the walls along Muralla with student patrons, Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT), Lyceum of the Philippines, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, the ruins of Interdencia then back to Manila Cathedral.

12:00 As it's lunch time, went to Shawarma Snack Center near Robinsons Place Malate on Salas Street. (Tutubi's guests were Muslims, that's why everything must be halal i.e. allowed to eat per the teachings of Islam). It's ironic that the restaurant ran out of shawarma, the only thing Tutubi wanted to eat there probably due to lunch time and he can't wait another 25 minutes for the next batch to be cooked, he ordered chicken tikka masala sandwich.

1:30pm Went to Rizal Park (Luneta) to see the Rizal Monument (near where Jose Rizal was shot and where his remains were buried permanently) and also the Kilometer Zero Marker (reference point of all kilometer markers all over the country). Also at Rizal Park is the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Lapu-lapu monument, Quirino Grandstand and near it are Manila Ocean Park (oceanarium and other activities and shows for families, especially children), Museong Pambata (Children's Museum, the US Embassy, and Manila Hotel, Philippine Normal University, LRT UN Avenue Station, Planetarium, National Museum and National Art Gallery.

2:30pm Went to Sun Cruises terminal in CCP Complex for the Manila Bay Cruise. Good thing there's still tables available as it's a reservation required. Booked the 4pm cruise. Visited and took pictures of the Coconut Palace (now the official residence of the Vice-President of the Philippines)

3:00pm Went to Harbor Square for some coffee and rest tired feet after the Manila sightseeing tour

4:00pm Boarded the Sun Cruises yacht for the Manila Bay Cruise

Manila Bay Cruise is operated by Sun Cruises, the operator of Corregidor Island Tours, cruise time is around one hour which involves going south all the way to SM Mall of Asia then back. You need to book in advance for your seats unless you're lucky like Tutubi who was able to buy tickets walk-in. Recommend the 5pm cruise time slot for the sunset or the later 6pm slot during Saturday to see the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) fireworks.

5:15pm Back at CCP Complex

6:00pm Arrived in Makati



Costs and Other details of Manila Sightseeing Tour and Food Trip:

Taxi fare from Makati to Quiapo is around PhP200.00
Golden Mosque entrance fee: none (visitors are requested to make donations)
Kuliglig ride to Golden Mosque: PhP40.00
Parking fee Quiapo: PhP30.00
Jeepney fare Quiapo to Intramuros: PhP8.00 (minimum fare, via jeepneys with signboard Pier)
Fort Santiago entrance fee: PhP75.00
Manila Bay Cruise: PhP550.00 with buffet lunch, PhP350.00 cruise only
Jeepney fare Intramuros to Rizal Park: PhP8.00 (via Quiapo jeepney)

How to Get to CCP Complex from Quiapo or Rizal Park? Just take a jeepney with signboard Vito Cruz (preferably via Taft Avenue), alight at Vito Cruz and take the orange shuttle jeepneys plying the CCP COmplex Route.

Related Posts:
How to Get to Quiapo
The Plant Where Quiapo Got Its Name
How to Get to Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila

Labels: Churches, Food Trips, Makati, Manila, Metro Manila, Mosques, Pasay City

The Golden Mosque is a landmark in Quiapo, Manila with its iconic gold dome, thus the name Golden Mosque. It was built in 1976 upon orders of then First Lady Imelda Marcos, in preparation for the visit of Libya's President Muammar al-Gaddafi (that was cancelled).

This is the first time Tutubi was able to set foot inside the famous mosque, the largest mosque in Metro Manila. He has only seen it from the outside (even from the Pasig River where the golden dome can be seen).

picture of the entrance gate of Golden Mosque taken from inside the compound

Muslim prayer (salaat) times posted on the wall of the mosque

The mosque interiors with columns and the mihrab, the semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla, facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and where Muslims should face when praying. The wall is called "qibla wall." The mosque is usually full during Jumuah prayers on a Friday

Street scene outside Golden Mosque is a typical Manila sight


Golden Mosque details:
Address: Globo de Oro St., Quiapo, Manila
Telephone Number: no information on contact number and email address for other inquiries
Entrance Fee: none. you can donate any amount before exiting though an envelope handed out by guards at the gate. You should wear appropriate dress for men and women and also take off your shoes before entering the mosque.

How to Get there:

a map of Golden Mosque can be found here via OpenStreetMap

From LRT Carriedo Station, you can just walk passing by Carriedo, Hidalgo, Plaza Miranda (Quiapo Church), Quezon Boulevard, Quinta Market then Globo de Oro Street.

You can also get there via jeepneys going to Quiapo, alight on Quezon Blvd then walk to the mosque (you can also ride tricycles, padyak or kuliglig to get there)

If you have a car, you can park near Quinta Market where parking attendants (street parking) may charge you PhP20.00 up to PhP30.00 so that you have someone watch over your car while you're away.

Around the Golden Mosques are numerous restaurants serving halal food for the Muslim community including Tausug and Maranao cuisine e.g Moud's chicken halal (arab spice chicken), Junairah Halal Center (Maranao: pater/pastil rice, palapa, fish eggs (bodi), balbacua (bulalo flavored with turmeric)). This is a different post on its own as most people go there to buy DVDs but you can also find bargain Muslim wares from Mindanao.

Related Posts for Muslims:
Mosques in Manila
Halal Food in Tagaytay
Halal Food in Manila

Labels: Islam, Manila, Metro Manila, Mosques, National Capital Region

For people looking for cheap family bonding perya style, there's this "old school" carnival that may remind oldies of the defunct Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, Quezon City where you can have a day of fun trying out rides for kids and young at heart. Residents of nearby Quezon City, Pasig City, Cainta, San Mateo and Antipolo can drop by here.

Marikina Grand Carnival at Riverbanks Center:

a view of Marikina River, the Riverbanks park (a favorite of morning joggers and afternoon promenaders) and SM City Marikina. Note too the posts of the bridge of LRT 2 often seen on the news when monitoring Marikina River water levels during rainy season, typhoons and floods.

the Riverbanks Amphitheater where concerts are usually held as well as fireworks displays


the ferris wheel of Marikina Grand Carnival is not safe for very young children as it's not sealed. Try the MOA Eye at SM Mall of Asia for safer ride.



Marikina Grand Carnival Rides Rates and Ticket Prices:

Ferris Wheel PhP30.00
Octopus PhP40.00
Dragon Coaster PhP40.00
Horror Train PhP30.00
Vortex PhP40.00
Kiddie Slide PhP30.00
Caterpillar PhP30.00
Grand Safari PhP30.00
Kiddie Train PhP30.00
Super Bee PhP30.00

same rate for adults and children

Operating Hours:
Opens daily at 4pm (amusement park is opened yearly during the Christmas holiday season in Marikina)

How to Get to Marikina Riverbanks:

Driving directions from Makati, head towards EDSA then C-5 (either via BGC or via Kalayaan Avenue), you will pass by Libis but take the "ilalim" of the Katipunan flyover passing by Monasterio de Sta. Clara, turn right to Aurora Boulevard then take the flyover going to Marikina City proper to A. Bonifacio where the entrance to Riverbanks Center can be found. Lots of parking spaces available (parking fee of P45.00 flat rate)

How to commute to Marikina Riverbanks:

From Cubao, take jeepneys/FX with signboards SSS, Fortune, Parang, Calumpang or San Mateo.

Via LRT 2, get off at the Katipunan station and take the jeepney/FX SSS, Fortune, Parang, Calumpang.


Other places of interest to see in Marikina:
Marikina World of Butterflies
Marikorea
Worlds Biggest Shoe
Marikina Shoe Museum
Marikina Doll Museum

Other Family Fun places:
Circle of Fun
Sky Ranch Tagaytay

Labels: Marikina, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Theme Parks

This is Tutubi's personal list of Filipino restaurants he visits in Quezon City, with native restaurants at least and some Asian cuisine at most that caters to all budgets (except the exclusive and super expensive) from hole-in-the-wall, frugal food finds to "fun dining" place. Some were his own discoveries, while a few were from travel or food TV shows like GMA's Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, GMA News TV Pop Talk, Biyahe Ni Drew, Ang Pinaka, et al for your own version of Quezon City food trip.

As always, Tutubi paid for all his meals at these restaurants, no "pay to praise" posts here nor glowing reviews due to freebies or free meals. The list does not include native restaurants that has gone mainstream (too many branches) outside Quezon City.

If you know of other places, frugal food finds, vegetarian food, halal restaurants in Quezon City, or any recommendation, please leave a comment as Tutubi knows there are many others out there still waiting to be sampled:

List of Quezon City Restaurants (Native Filipino or Asian at most):


Alavar Seafood Grill and Restaurant (
Address: Timog Avenue, Quezon City
Remarks: try Zamboanga City's curacha and Alavar Sauce)

Aling Conching Native Chicken and Fast Food
Quezon Avenue
Remarks: closed down

Bagoong Club
Address: Scout Dr. Lazcano near corner Tomas Morato
Remarks: Bagoong themed
Specialties: different versions of bagoong, Bulalo with mongo,
Budget: PhP175.00 up

Carinderia Buffet
Address: V. Luna Avenue corner Mabilis Street, Diliman
Remarks: the cheapest buffet with native Filipino dishes
Budget: PhP149.00/person

Casa Naimas
Address: Tomas Morato near corner Kamuning
Remarks: Ilocos empanada and other Ilocano cuisine

Countryside Grill
Katipunan Avenue, Barangay Blue Ridge
Specialties: pork barbeque, crispy dinuguan, calderata

Dannylicious Barbeque
25 Rajah Matanda St., Project 4, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.440.7996
Specialty: pork barbeque
Remarks: frugal food find

Farinas Ilocos Empanada
Locations: West Avenue, Visayas Avenue
Specialties: Ilocos Empanada, Bagnet, Pinakbet
Remarks: frugal food find

Gayuma ni Maria
Address: 123 V. Luna Extension (Maginhawa Street), Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
Open 10am-11pm on Monday to Saturday; 10am-10pm on Sundays.
Telephone numbers: +6.32.441.4872; +63.921.681.8989

Jek's Kubo Bulalo at Ulo-ulo
Location: Maginhawa St. UP Teachers Village:
Specialties: bulalo

Kanin Club
UP-Ayala Technohub
Remarks: recommend the sinfully good crispy dinuguan
Budget: PhP300.00+

Lechon Capital of Quezon City
La Loma with lechon (roasted pigs) shops and restaurants led by Ping-ping Lechon

Little Quiapo
90 Malakas St, Brgy. Pinyahan (back of SSS)
Diliman, Quezon City
Specialties: palabok and halo-halo

Mang Jimmy's
Balara (near Balara Water Filtration Park)
Specialties: Tapa mix and sizzling pork sisig

Mang Jimmy's best-seller: the Tapa Mix served on a sizzling plate: yummy and tender at PhP120.00 per order


Mixxx CP3 Vigan's Best
Branches: Maginhawa Street and C.P. Garcia (Bulalo at Inihaw)
Remarks: Ilocano food e.g. Bulalo iloko, poqui-poqui, dinakdakan

Myrna's Bulalo Haus
Address: Tomas Morato corner Kamuning
Specialty: Bulalo (of course)

Nena's Special Bibingka and Restaurant
Address: Gen Romulo St., Cubao, Quezon City
Specialties: native filipino delicacies: bibingka, puto bumbong, puto kutsinta

O'ini Taste of Kapampangan
Address: 63 Xavierville Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.238.2521; +63.927.931.7360; +63.947.554.5502

Pan de Amerikana
Location: Katipunan Avenue near Boni Serrano
Remarks: sports the inverted house design, with chess tables similar to
the original chess-themed Marikina restaurant

the inverted house cum restaurant has a real red range rover with functioning headlights (photo taken by Tutubi's friend using a newly-acquired Nikon D90)

Pares Mami House (Quezon City)
Address: Amoranto (Retiro) corner Dr. Alejos
Coordinates: 14°37'38"N 120°59'34"E

Partners Pares
Location: Roosevelt Ave, near the San Francisco bridge
and Quezon Avenue

Robina Chicken House
Munoz, Roosevelt Avenue
Remarks: in front of Munoz Market, serves roast chicken for more than 30 years already amidst all the competition

Rodic's Diner
Locations: University of the Philippines and Maginhawa Street, UP Teachers Village
Specialties: beef tapa (tapsilog)

Romulo Cafe
Address: Scout Tuason cor. Scout Dr. Lazcano Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.332.7275
Remarks: homey restaurant owned by the family of Carlos P. Romulo
Budget: PhP400.00 per head up

Sabroso's Lechon
Address: E. Rodriguez corner Tomas Morato
Specialty: pork lechon

Satti Grill House
Address: SM City Fairview food court
Quirino Avenue corner Regalado

Shabu-Shabu sa GW
Anonas Extension (between V. Luna and Kamias Road)
Telephone Number: +63.2.343.0178
Remarks: serves shabu-shabu with Filipino ingredients, featured on Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (June 9, 2013 episode)

Snackaroo
Matalino St. near Sulo Hotel

Spicy Tongue
Location: Timog Avenue
Specialties: Bicolano cuisine kinalas, laing/pinangat, bicol express et al

TatyStar Bakery
Address: 45 Anonas Extension, Brgy Sikatuna, Quezon City
Specialties: Toasted siopao (Naga specialty) (they even sell frozen tinuktok, sort of like laing)

The Alaskan Salmon Ulo Ulo House
98 D. Roces Avenue
Contact Number: +63.2.411.5391

Parilla
Address: Scout Reyes corner Scout Gandia Street
Specialties: Chicken Inasal, Kansi (Ilonggo version of Bulalo)

Umbul Satu Cuisine.
154 Maginhawa St.
UP Teachers Village
Status: The only halal restaurant in the area. Closed down 2012

Vieva Satti Haus
Address: 9 BMA Ave cor 94 Katinlad St., Tatalon, Quezon City
Telephone: +63.2.473.2591
Remarks: serves satti and other Tausug delicacies from Zamboanga. located near corner E. Rodriguez

Tutubi is not in any way connected with any of these restaurants/eateries listed here nor did he received freebies/free meals in exchange. For reservations and appointments, sample menu prices, events parties, please call the restaurant contact numbers or visit their official website.

Labels: Filipino Food, Metro Manila, Quezon City Restaurants

A never-ending question how to get to NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2 by public transportation, particularly commuting from EDSA by bus (yes, some people still prefer to take the slow bus) or the alternative way out of NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 if there are no airport taxi in sight.

The recommended option to get to Manila Airport Terminal 1 and 2, for those with very limited budget and the cheapest way to get there, is via the bus on EDSA with signboard MIA 611 Tambo which can be found even from Monumento end of EDSA in Caloocan City.

For reference, please click this map centered on EDSA Ayala Avenue and Magallanes. The map shown below, taken from OpenStreetMap, shows NAIA Terminal 1 (left) and NAIA Terminal 2 (right corner) and roads linking them to Roxas Blvd and EDSA. This same map can be browsed interactively here

Map of Manila Airport's NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 showing the main roads going there. Note that there's no MMDA number coding on these major roads too.

MIA 611 Tambo Bus route from EDSA Ayala Avenue:

These buses cross Pasay Road
Cross Magallanes (Pasong Tamo extension)
Cross Taft Avenue (Pasay Rotonda)
Cross Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard (Macapagal Avenue)
Go around SM Mall of Asia Globe (Rotonda)
Right Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard (Macapagal Avenue)
Right Seaside Drive
Cross Roxas Boulevard to NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road)
Cross Quirino Avenue
Cross Domestic Road [Old Nayong Pilipino]
Detour NAIA Terminal 1
Return to NAIA Road (MIA Road)
Left to Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Detour NAIA Terminal 2
Return to to Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Left NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road)
Cross Domestic road, Tambo Bridge and Quirino Avenue
Right Roxas Boulevard
Pass Redemptorist Road and Baclaran Church (National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
Right to EDSA towards return destination

From Quezon City, it's best to just take the LRT (via LRT EDSA Station) or the MRT (via MRT Taft Avenue Station) then ride a bus
with signboard MIA 611 Tambo

Getting Out of NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2:

From the arrival gates, you need to walk to the road where the buses are waiting for passengers. There are direction signs posted at the gates and you can always ask the security guards or information counters at Manila Airport lounges.

These buses will take you to several bus stations on EDSA, Taft, Rotonda including Victory Liner (on other side of EDSA, you need to cross a pedestrian bridge near EDSA Tramo (Aurora Boulevard), these buses go to Olongapo City, Zambales, Baguio City), best to take a taxi going there from Manila Airport terminal), DLTB (Batangas City), Five Star, Philtranco (Bicol routes), Dimple Star, Alfonso Liner, Gold Line Transit, Genesis Transport, Celyrosa, Ceres Transport,

If you're going to to get to Manila South Harbor (South Pier 15, SuperFerrry or 2Go ferry) or Manila North Harbor (North Pier 2, 4, 6, 8, etc, Romblon Shipping Lines, Negros Navigation etc) , you can ride the bus back to EDSA and alight at LRT Taft Avenue. Ride the LRT up to Carried Station then transfer to a jeep with signboard Pier. It will drop you near the gate of Manila South Harbor.

Note:

for those with private cars looking for driving directions, there's no MMDA number coding on the roads around the NAIA terminals including: NAIA Road, Domestic road, Andrews Avenue, Sales Street, Coastal Road.

Overnight Parking rates at NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2 is still PhP50.00. Day parking rates cost PhP35.00

Related Posts on Manila Airport:
How to Get to Manila Airport
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3
Hotels Near Manila Airport
Manila Airport Transfer

Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Travel Guides

Tutubi intends to again visit Manila Ocean Park, not the 3D art and Mirror Maze at Seri Fantasy World, but their other main attractions like the oceanarium/Aquarium and sea lion show.

Manila Ocean Park Entrance Fee/ Admission Prices/ Promos/ Discounts


Manila Ocean Park operates like a mall, you can enter the facilities and visit other park amenities (no movie theaters but there are 3D theaters here), restaurants besides the well publicized aquarium. There's no entrance fee to Manila Ocean Park except the main attractions where tickets are required prior to entry.

Manila Ocean Park Package Rates:

DEEP SEA RUSH 5 PhP550.00
Oceanarium, Sea Lion Show, Marine Life Habitat, Musical Fountain Show, Jellies Exhibit

SEA BREEZE EXPRESS 8 PhP700.00
Oceanarium, Sea Lion Show, Marine Life Habitat, Musical Fountain Show, Jellies Exhibit, All Star Bird Show, Birds of Prey Kingdom, Penguin Talk Show

PACIFIC SKY WONDER 9 PhP900.00
Oceanarium, Sea Lion Show, Marine Life Habitat, Musical Fountain Show, Jellies Exhibit, All Star Bird Show, Birds of Prey Kingdom, Penguin Talk Show, Trails to Antarctica

How to get to Manila Ocean Park

It's just a taxi ride away from LRT UN Avenue Station or a short jeepney ride away from LRT Carriedo Station (take jeepney going to Pier, alight near Manila Hotel then walk to Manila Ocean Park)

Manila Ocean Park Schedule

Labels: Manila, Metro Manila, Theme Parks

Tutubi got wind of the latest attraction in Pasig, from the ABS-CBN early morning show Umagang Kay Ganda, that will soon open on April 25, 2013 inside the sprawling Fronterra Verde, just beside Tiendesitas and Fun Ranch.

It's a living museum featuring freshwater fishes and river monsters on display in water tanks


here's a video of Las Farolas The Fish World from Umagang Kay Ganda

Tutubi called up Las Farolas The Fish World published contact number and got these information:

Entrance Fee/Admission Prices: PhP400.00/person; P350.00 for children 12 years old and below
Operating Hours: Open daily from 9am to 7pm

Photography is not allowed inside the exhibit area, no taking pictures using DSLR/SLR cameras, point and shoot cams and even mobile phones. Taking Videos/videography not allowed too (unless you have permit as always)

Las Farolas The Fish World
Location: Frontera Verde, Bo. Ugong, Pasig, PH.
Telephone Number: +63.2.826.8162; +63.2.820.3013
Fax: +63.2.820.3863

Please call Las Farolas The Wish World contact number, official website, twitter and facebook pages for information
on group tours, entrance fee promos, discounts and corporate sponsorships

How to get there:
G Liner and RRCG buses from Manila via Ortigas Avenue passes by Frontera Verde at the corner of C5 and Ortigas Avenue, you need to walk there as it's quite a long walk or flag a taxi to take you there if it's raining or too hot for you.

The place place can be reached by taxi from LRT 2 Katipunan Station or MRT Ortigas Avenue station

as always, this blog is not affiliated in any way with Las Farolas The Wish World in Pasig City. Tutubi has not been there and will post review of Las Farolas The Wish World when he's visits the place. (hope they offer discount vouchers here so the peso-pinching Tutubi can visit)

Labels: Metro Manila, Museums, Pasig City, Wildlife

Manila's jeepney route is a chaotic mix of routes that overlap, with no central site with information on all the routes, not even the the Land Transportation Office doesn't have one, typical of Philippine government offices who're not doing their jobs right or efficiently yet demand bonuses and salary increase every time.

Tutubi, during his student years in the University Belt, and being an electronics engineering student, frequented Quiapo and explored it's nooks and crannies and has a still working knowledge of the place.

As a start, here's a screenshot of a detailed map of Quiapo Church, Manila made possible by OpenStreetMap. For an online map, click here



Places to See in Quiapo, Manila:

Quiapo Church: fortune tellers, pamparegla (abortifacients), agimat, anting-anting, talismans, herbal medicines (e.g. pito-pito),
Plaza Miranda
Golden Mosque
San Sebastian Church
Nakpil - Bautista House
Quinta Market: native crafts and souvenirs at low prices (be prepared to haggle)

Quiapo Major Streets, Landmarks, Shopping Tips and Attractions

Quezon Boulevard: balisong, swords (kris, kampilan), tools (agaw sunog), motorcycles, helmets, bikes, used CD, toys, surplus appliances
Raon Street (Gonzalo Puyat): Electronics shops, parts and repair service centers
Evangelista St: Power generators, pumps
Pedro Paterno St: cheap yet quality eyeglasses (value for money optometrists and eyewear shops)
Hidalgo St: cameras, photography equipment (includes Padre Garcia Street)
Arlegui/Villalobos
Carlos Palanca
Carriedo (near LRT Carriedo Station, SM Clearance Outlet and Isetann)
Soler, Bilibid Viejo, S.H. Loyola,

Foodie Destinations in Quiapo (Frugal Food Finds)

Globe Lumpia on Raon st (at the
Ma Mon Luk mami and siopao
Moud's Chicken Halal on Globo de Oro St.

Quiapo Jeepney Routes

This is an attempt to document all the jeepney routes that pass by Quiapo, strategically located at the heart of Manila crossed by Quezon Boulevard, bounded by the districts of Sta. Cruz to the west, San Miguel to the east, Ermita to the south (Pasig River crossed by Quezon Bridge) and Sampaloc to the north. Landmarks are enclosed in square brackets:

Quiapo - Pasig: Quezon Blvd coming from under Quiapo Bridge, right to C.M. Recto, left to Legarda [Mendiola, Nagtahan Bridge], Ramon Magsaysay Blvd, right to V. Mapa, left to Shaw Boulevard [Kalentong, EDSA Shaw Boulevard Station, Crossing, EDSA Central], Pasig Simbahan

Quiapo - Balic-balic: Hidalgo Street [ from San Sebastian Church] right to , left to Legarda, left to Earnshaw (Bustillos)[Bustillos Church], [Funeraria Oro], [Nagtahan Flyover] right G. Tuazon up to the Balic-balic terminal.

Quiapo - Dapitan: Quezon Boulevard, [Central Market, Manila City Jail], [UST], [Dangwa] right turn Mayon St [Dapitan Arcade] right Laong Laan for the return trip to Quiapo (both Dapitan and Laong Laan are one-way streets)

Quiapo - Blumentritt Dimasalang: Quezon Boulevard, [Central Market, Manila City Jail], [UST], Dimasalang Street [Dangwa], Blumentritt [Blumentritt Market, Chinese General Hospital, Manila North Cemetery]

Quiapo - Project 2-3: Quezon Blvd, right to Lerma, left to Espana [UST, Forbes/Lacson, Trabajo (M. Dela Fuente), Vicente Cruz, PNR Espana Station, Maceda, Blumentritt], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], right E. Rodriguez [Quezon Institute (QI)] left Tomas Morato [gasoline station], right Kamuning cross EDSA [MRT GMA-Kamuning station], Kamias Road

Quiapo - Project 4: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma, Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], right E. Rodriguez [Quezon Institute (QI)] all the way to EDSA Cubao [MRT Araneta Center-Cubao Station, LRT 2 Cubao Station, Farmer's Market, Project 4

Quiapo - Project 6: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma, left Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], left West Avenue (a U-turn on Quezon Avenue), EDSA U-turn [SM City North EDSA, Trinoma, MRT North Avenue station, (note: bus conductors on EDSA call this corner Paramount], right North Avenue [SM The Block], left Mindanao Avenue [Veterans Golf Course] PAGASA

Quiapo - Project 7: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma, left Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], left Roosevelt (actually a U-turn on Quezon Avenue), right Del Pilar [Veteran's Village/Project 7, SM City Annex] (no more sightings of this jeepney route for quite some time)

Quiapo - Project 8: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma, left Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], left Roosevelt (actually a U-turn on Quezon Avenue), right EDSA [Munoz Market, Walter Mart North EDSA] U-turn, right Congressional Avenue, left Shorthorn, Road 20, General Avenue

Quiapo - Cubao: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma [FEU], Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda], right E. Rodriguez [Quezon Institute (QI)] all the way to EDSA Cubao [MRT Araneta Center-Cubao Station, LRT 2 Cubao Station, Farmer's Market, Gateway Mall, SM, Plaza Fair, Isetann, Ali Mall, Cubao Bus Terminal]

Quiapo - Cubao via Sta. Mesa: Quezon Blvd, right C.M. Recto, left Legarda [Bustillos, Nagtahan Bridge], Ramon Magsaysay Blvd [SM City Sta. Mesa (SM Centerpoint)], Aurora Boulevard all the way to EDSA Cubao [MRT Araneta Center-Cubao Station, LRT 2 Cubao Station, Farmer's Market, Gateway Mall, SM, Plaza Fair, Isetann]

Quiapo - Fairview: Quezon Blvd, right Lerma, left Espana [UST], Quezon Avenue [Mabuhay/Welcome Rotonda, MRT Quezon Avenue Station] Elliptical Road (Circle)[ Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City Hall], right Commonwealth Avenue [SM City Fairview]

Quiapo - Lealtad: Hidalgo Street, left Bautista Street (Barbosa), right S.H. Loyola (Lealtad) . this route takes the (Lepanto) for the return trip due to S.H. Loyola is a one-way street.

Quiapo - San Miguel: the jeepney going to Malacanang and St. Jude starts at Quinta Market Globo de Oro [Golden Mosque]

Quiapo - Punta Sta Ana: Quezon Blvd, right C.M. Recto, left Legarda [Nagtahan Bridge], Ramon Magsaysay Blvd [Stop and Shop, PUP], right V. Mapa, right New Panaderos (Kalentong), right Felix Manalo [after The Market Place/Arellano University/Puregold Kalentong and before Lambingan Bridge]

Quiapo - Divisoria - North Harbor: Sales St, left to C.M. Recto [Aranque Market, Tutuban Center], Divisoria right up to Radial Road and North Harbor (Pier)

Quiapo Ilalim jeepneys make a U-turn under Quezon Bridge that's why it's Ilalim (Filipino word for "under").

Quiapo Pier jeepneys cross Quezon Bridge then turn right at the foot towards Intramuros, pass by Bureau of Immigration, Manila Cathedral, out into Anda Circle, the entrance of South Harbor (Pier), Manila Hotel (and the way to Manila Ocean Park) then turn left on Burgos St [Manila Planetarium, old Senate Building, now National Art Gallery, Manila City Hall, Mehan Garden, Lawton/Liwasang Bonifacio, Park N Ride,Metropolitan Theater (The Met)] back to Quezon Bridge and Quiapo.

Pasay Taft Libertad Baclaran just pass by Taft Avenue up to Baclaran passing by Remedios Taft PGH; Vito Cruz and Buendia (Sen. Gil Puyat)

Jeepneys with Mabini signboards cross Quezon Bridge then turn right on Burgos St, left going to Rizal Park (Luneta) right on T.M. Kalaw then left Mabini St (this is a one-way street, M.H. del Pilar serves the return trips) up to either Harrison Plaza/ Vito Cruz, Libertad or Baclaran (this is one way to commute to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for passport applications and renewals)

Those with Taft on their signboards cross Quezon Bridge and will traverse Taft Avenue up to the farthest one posted on the signboard which can be: Kalaw, Herran (Pedro Gil), Remedios, PGH (Philippine General Hospital), Vito Cruz (Pablo Ocampo), Buendia (Gil Puyat), Libertad, EDSA Rotonda, and Baclaran.

Quiapo -Kalaw jeeps cross Quezon Bridge [Lawton/Liwasang Bonifacio, Post Office Building, Manila City Hall], proceed under Lagusnilad Bridge to Taft Avenue [Philippine Normal University (PNU), Sta. Isabel College, the old site of Jai Alai Building (demolished on the order of heritage-blind former Manila mayor Lito Atienza), Masagana Department Store] then turn right on T.M. Kalaw then right on Burgos St in the middle of Rizal Park/Luneta, going back to Manila City Hall, Metropolitan Theater, Quezon Bridge and back in Quiapo.

Bus Lines passing by Quiapo, Manila:

PVP Liner Route (Manila to Ayala Avenue, Makati): Quiapo Church, Manila City Hall, Taft Avenue, right Osmena Highway, left Gil Puyat (Buendia), right Makati Avenue, right Ayala Avenue

G Liner (Manila to Cainta Rizal via Ortigas, San Juan): Quiapo, (Northbound Quezon Boulevard), right C.M. Recto Avenue, left to Legarda [Mendiola, CEU], pass Bustillos [Jollibee], pass Lacson (Gov. Forbes0 flyover, Ramon Magsaysay Blvd, right Araneta Avenue [SM City Sta. Mesa], left N. Domingo, right ORtigas Avenue, pass Greenhills Shopping Center, cross EDSA Ortigas flyover [POEA, Robinsons Galleria, Corinthians, MRT Ortigas Avenue Station], pass Frontera Verde, Tiendesitas, cross C5 (IPI), cross Ortigas Bridge and Rosario Bridge, right Imelda Avenue [cainta junction] to Cainta town proper

RRCG Transport (Manila to Taytay, Rizal via Ortigas, San Juan): Quiapo, (Northbound Quezon Boulevard), right C.M. Recto Avenue, left to Legarda [Mendiola, CEU], pass Bustillos [Jollibee], pass Lacson (Gov. Forbes0 flyover, Ramon Magsaysay Blvd, right Araneta Avenue [SM City Sta. Mesa], left N. Domingo, right ORtigas Avenue, pass Greenhills Shopping Center, cross EDSA Ortigas flyover [POEA, Robinsons Galleria, Corinthians, MRT Ortigas Avenue Station], pass Frontera Verde, Tiendesitas, cross C5 (IPI), cross Ortigas Bridge and Rosario Bridge, pass cainta Junction, left to Tikling then to SM Taytay then Taytay town proper

Notes:

Square Brackets [] are used to denote landmarks on this page to distinguish them from streets, avenues and boulevards. The ends of the route may be inaccurate particularly those going to the exact streets of Quezon City but the main roads traversed are all accurate as fas as Tutubi's knowledge and actual experience.

Related Posts:

How to Get to Manila City Hall
How to get to Fort Santiago
Jose Rizal and the Streets of Sampaloc, Manila
How to Get to US Embassy Manila
How to Get to Divisoria

Labels: Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Public Transportation, Quiapo

In the days of yore, Metro Manila used to be a ghost town during Holy Week, all malls were closed and TV stations, if not broadcasting, showed movie/series marathons of Ten Commandments, The Passion of the Christ, Seventh Heaven or anything pre-programmed yet without or very few advertisements except the required station IDs by NTC

This post lists down what's closed and what's not during Holy Week in Metro Manila and places within three hours of travel time for city dwellers stuck in Manila.

Holy Week Scenario in Manila

SM Malls are closed in Holy Week (on Holy Thursday and Good Friday and open on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, March 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2013) except the restaurants around SM Mall of Asia. Same situation with Trinoma, Greenbelt, Glorietta, Eastwood Mall, Walter Mart, Power Plant Mall, UP-Ayala Technohub, Shangri-la Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Robinsons Malls, Serendra, Market! Market! Alabang Town Center, Tiendesitas, Ali Mall, 168 Mall, Lucky China Town Mall, Gateway Mall, Shangri-la Plaza, The Podium, Ever Gotesco

The only shopping mall open on Maundy Thursday is Newport Mall in Resorts Manila Manila in front of NAIA Terminal 3

LRT, LRT2 and MRT shuts down on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, resumes operation on Monday, April 1, 2013


List of Recommended Things to do in Metro Manila/Places to Visit Within the City

Visit Rizal Park and Intramuros (both of which are open whole year round, can't close them, that's why)

On Holy Thursday, do a Manila Visita Iglesia

Visit Manila Ocean Park, open all day during Holy Week

On Easter Sunday, come with the whole family to Star City open only a day in holy week.

For the curious, pay a visit to Quiapo Church to look for newly-blessed talismans, amulets, charms, and agimat sold in the church vicinity on Good Friday



Suggested Things to Do and Places to Visit Within Three Hours Travel Time from Manila:

Participate in the Alay Lakad to Antipolo Church by walking on Ortigas Avenue all the way towards the popular Catholic pilgrimage site (and car blessings)

Bring family with kids to Enchanted Kingdom (only on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday).

Enchanted Kingdom is open on March 30 and March 31 only from 11am to 9pm

Go Wakeboard in Nuvali in Sta. Rosa then cool down later in Tagaytay (Sky Ranch is an option though not recommended place at this time, there may be too many people with very limited parking spaces and heavy traffic)

Go on a roadtrip around Rizal and Laguna

Witness live crucifixion in Cutud, Pampanga

Visit the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacao

Do a Visita Iglesia in Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite or Batangas

Make a pilgrimage trip to the Giant Mother Mary statue in Tanay, Rizal or the giant Jesus statue at
Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban Quezon.

the giant statue of Mama Mary at Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal

If you can't stand the heat of summer, particularly on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, just stay at home, take a bath from time to time, turn on the electric fan/aircon and the TV.

Just don't forget the true meaning of Lent and you'll be fine :P

Holy Week Travel Tip: withdraw money from ATM as early as possible to avoid long lines or offline ATM out of cash. All banks are closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday and banking services will resume only on April 1. Banks in malls (e.g. BDO, Chinabank, Bank of the Philippine Islands(BPI), Metrobank, PNB, RCBC, Landbank, Robinsons Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Security Bank, UCPB) possibly have only ATM online. Expect lots of off-line ATMs due to out of cash scenarios.


Related Holy Week Posts/lent/semana santa/lenten season:

Enchanted Kingdom Holy Week Schedule
MMDA Number Coding in Holy Week

Labels: Holy Week, Metro Manila

When the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP, formerly National Historical Institute (NHI)) launched the Jose Rizal @150 Heritage Trail Project, Tutubi wasn't able to get even a Rizal passport (you need to get it at the DOT) and though he has been to most of the sites mentioned there to be visited, he didn't bother to re-visit just to get a stamp.

Now here comes the celebration of the 150th birthday of Andres Bonifacio that will culminate on Bonifacio Day, as knows how to get to all the places associated with Andres Bonifacio in Metro Manila (one particular site is within 10 minutes from his home).

Now, he will secure first the Byaheng Bonifacio brochure then visit the sites in Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig and Quezon City taking public transportation, then he will visit the site in Rodriguez Rizal then finally probably a road trip to Cavite with Scarlett (Tutubi's Toyota Innova, can you guess the color? :)

Andres Bonifacio depicted not in the usual (and false) bolo and red trousers

Herewith are the official mechanics, list of sites including "how to get there" information to the sites copied ad verbatim from the official website of the Department of Tourism (hey, government works are not covered by copyright and this is also a press release :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mechanics

In celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on 30 November 2013, The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) cordially invite the public to rediscover and visit the sites associated with Bonifacio’s life.

Be a Bonifacio Pilgrim! Complete the Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan

Visit the sites featured in the Bonifacio @ 150 brochures and paste your photos taken at the sites provided. The first 100 participants to complete shall receive a token and a Byaheng Bonifacio: Byaheng Bayani ng Bayan certificate, subject to validation by the NHCP. All finishers will receive a Ka- Byahe ni Bonifacio certificate.

Bonifacio @ 150 Brochures are available at the following offices:

1. National Historical Commission – Office of the Historic Sites and Education Division
2. Department of Tourism – Information Office
3. Department of Tourism – Regional Offices

Eligibility:

The competition is open to all domestic and international tourists. Organizers, sponsors and members of the Bonifacio @ 150 Technical Working Group Committee / Organizing Committee are not eligible to join.

Redemption of Prizes:

A. The token and certificate may be claimed at the office of the National Historic Sites and Education Division, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita Manila.
Tel. nos.: (02)254-7482 or (02)523-1019
Email Address: hsed@nhcp.gov.ph

B. Winners shall shoulder all cost they will incur in claiming their prize.

C. When claiming their prize, winners must present to the authorized NHCP representative the completed brochure and a valid ID with name, address, photo and signature.

D. Winners should claim their prizes within sixty (60) days from receipt of notification; otherwise, the prizes will be forfeited in favor of the Philippine government.


Direction for Manila Trail

1. Tutuban, Manila
Tutuban Mall, C.M. Recto Ave., Manila

How to get there:

If taking public transportation:
Via LRT 1 : Alight at Doroteo Jose Station, walk towards CM Recto then ride jeepneys going to Divisoria.

Via LRT2: Alight at Recto Station ride jeepneys going to Divisoria

Via Jeepneys: Jeepneys plying Baclaran- Divisoria/ Cubao to Divisoria pass by Tutuban Mall area

Parking, Dining stops and comfort rooms are available at Tutuban Mall.

2. KKK Foundation Site
El Cano cor. Recto Ave., Manila

How to get there:

If taking public transportation:
Via LRT 1 : Alight at Doroteo Jose Station, walk towards CM Recto then ride jeepneys going to Divisoria.

Via LRT2: Alight at Recto Station ride jeepneys going to Divisoria

Via Jeepneys: Jeepneys plying Baclaran- Divisoria/ Cubao to Divisoria pass by Tutuban Mall area

Taxis are also available going to the area.

The area is near Tutuban Mall. Best to park in Tutuban Mall then just walk towards El Cano Street. Dining stops and comfort rooms are available at Tutuban Mall.

3. Binondo Church, Manila
Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila

How to get there:

If taking public transportation:
Via LRT 1: Alight at Central Station, walk towards the Jones bridge area, ride jeepneys or FX going to Divisoria which passes in front of the church

Via Jeepneys: Jeepneys plying Baclaran- Divisoria pass by the church

Taxis are also available going to the area.

Tips: Best to park along the streets or pay parking areas around the church. Dining stops with comfort rooms are available at Ongpin St and other streets near the church.


4. Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine, Quezon City
Seminary Road, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City

How to get there:

Taxis are available going to the area. Tricycles are available along Congressional Avenue going to the site.

Parking available within the park.

No dining and rest stops available near the area. The location is next to the Pugad Lawin High School and Quezon City General Hospital. The Shrine is open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

5. Krus na Ligas, Quezon City

How to get there:

UP Ikot jeepneys are available going to the area then board a tricycle going to the barangay hall.

Taxis are also available going to the area.

Tips: Street parking only.

6. Pinaglabanan Shrine, San Juan City
Pinaglabanan St., San Juan City

How to get there:
From Recto, buses are available going to Ortigas, alight at Pinaglabanan St. in San Juan. Jeeps are available going to the site.

From Ortigas, ride a bus going to Quiapo, alight at Pinaglabanan st in San Juan City.

Tips: Parking and comfort rooms are available on-site. The Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine is open daily. The Museo ng Katipunan is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 Am – 4:00 PM.


7. Hagdang Bato, Mandaluyong
Hagdang Bato Barangay Center, A. Bonifacio St., Mandaluyong City

How to get there:
Jeepneys from Kalentong, Quiapo and Pasig passes by Shaw Boulevard. Alight at Bonifacio St. Tricycles are available going to the Hagdang Bato Barangay Center.

Street parking available for buses, small vehicles can park at the barangay center. Comfort rooms available at the barangay hall.


8.Pasig Catholic Church/ Valentin Cruz Marker, Pasig City
Caruncho Avenue, (MH del Pilar St.,) Pasig City

If taking public transportation:

Via MRT (1): Alight at Ortigas Station , walk towards Robinson’s Galleria, FX and jeepneys going to Pasig Bayan are available. The Church and the Marker are within the town center.

Via MRT (2): Alight at Shaw Boulevard Station, FX and jeepneys going to Pasig bayan are available. The Church and the Marker are within the town center.

Via Jeepneys/ FX: Jeepneys and FX plying Quiapo-Pasig Bayan that passes by Shaw Boulevard are available. Church and the Marker are within the town center.
Parking, Dining stops and comfort rooms are available in the area of Pasig Bayan.


16. Pamitinan Caves
Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal

If taking public transportation:

From Cubao, buses, jeepneys and FX vans are available going to Rodriguez. From the town center, tricycles can bring you to the site.

A designated parking area, registration office and comfort rooms are available at the area. Dining stops are available around the town of Rodriguez.

Visitors need to pay environmental fess (P2.00) upon entrance to the park.
CAVITE TRAIL

9. Imus Plaza, Imus, Cavite
Tirona St., Poblacion, Imus, Cavite

How to get there:

If taking public transportation:

Buses bound for Dasmariñas passes by the Imus junction. From there, jeepneys and tricycles are available going to the Imus Plaza.

Street parking around the plaza, Dining stops are available near the plaza. Comfort rooms available at the Imus City Municipal Hall.


10. Tribunal, Noveleta, Cavite
Gen. Antonio St., Poblacion, Noveleta, Cavite

If taking public transportation:

Buses bound for Cavite City passes by the Noveleta Municipal Hall. Walk towards the tribunal located at the back of the municipal building.

Street parking near the municipal hall, Dining stops are available in the area. Comfort rooms available at the Noveleta Municipal Hall.

Open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. No entrance fee.

11. Tejeros Convention Site, Rosario, Cavite
Gen. Trias Drive, Brgy. Tejeros, Rosario, Cavite

If taking public transportation:

Buses bound for Ternate/ Naic/ Maragondon passes by the Tejeros junction. From there, ride jeepneys or baby buses bound for SM Rosario or Cavite City which passes by the Tejeros Convention Site.

Parking and comfort rooms are available at the building compound. Dining stop at nearby SM Rosario.

12. Pinagbarilan, Indang, Cavite
Brgy. Limbon, Indang, Cavite

If taking public transportation:

Buses bound for Indang are available in Baclaran. Alight at the town center of Indang, tricycles are vailable going to the site.

Street parking only. Dining stop available at the Indang town proper.

13. Casa Hacienda de Naic, Naic, Cavite
Brgy. C. Nazareno, Poblacion, Naic, Cavite

If taking public transportation:
Buses bound for Ternate/ Naic/ Maragondon passes by the Naic junction. From there, ride jeepneys, baby buses or tricycles going to the town plaza. The Casa Hacienda is just a few minutes walk away.

Parking and comfort rooms available at the town plaza area. Dining stops are available around town.

Open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. No entrance fee.

14. Trial House, Maragondon, Cavite
Col. Riel St., (Poblacion), Maragondon, Cavite

If taking public transportation:
Buses bound for Ternate/ Naic/ Maragondon passes by the Maragondon junction (Brgy. Garita). From there, ride jeepneys or tricycles going to the town plaza. The Trial House is just some few minutes walk away from the public market.

Street parking only. Comfort rooms available at the Shrine. Dining stops are available around town.

Open daily from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. No entrance fee.


15. Execution Site, Maragondon, Cavite
Mt. Nagpatong, Maragondon, Cavite

No public transportation going to the site. Because of the all-weather road, private vehicles are best to use during dry months but at a certain point only. Hiking is best going to the site [about one (1)hour].

Tourists are advised to coordinate with local guides at the Local Government of Maragondon before proceeding to the site.

Labels: Andres Bonifacio, Cavite, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Metro Manila, National Heroes, Pasig City, Quezon City, Rizal, San Juan

For those who want to visit Bonifacio Global City (for the young), The Fort (for the almost young), Fort Bonifacio (for the young once), or Fort William McKinley (for those gifted with old age), herewith are simple directions to get you there.

How to Get to Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

The fastest way to get to BGC is via the MRT (where you can take from SM City North EDSA or Trinoma in Quezon City or at MRT Taft Avenue)

From MRT Ayala Avenue Station, you can walk towards McKinley Street to ride the Fort Bus (fare is minimum only)

from Eastwood City, Libis, you can ride Citylink bus via C-5 to take you to Petron and McKinley Hill (C-5)

The Fort Bus Route:

the fort Bus has three routes: East Route, West Route and Central where you cam find route maps to get around BGC
(route maps of The Fort Bus courtesy of Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation). BGC is a private property being developed by Ayala Company (if you plan to photograph buildings, you need a permit to shoot pictures there)

The Fort Bus Central route Map

The Fort Bus East route Map

The Fort Bus West route Map

Driving directions to Bonifacio Global City, Taguig:

From Quezon City, it's easiest via EDSA, up to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) where you take the U-turn slot then turn right to Kalayaan Avenue (note this short strip is part of Makati where there's no Number Coding window) then straight ahead is 32nd Avenue and you can see St Luke's Medical Center to your left.

There's no Number Coding in Taguig, except for C5 and EDSA where you have MMDA Number coding window from 10am to 3pm

major roads:
McKinley Parkway, 32th Street, 26th Street (connects to C5), 5th Avenue (connects to Lawton Avenue up to Villamor Airbase, Gate 3, even NAIA Terminal 3), 11th Avenue

minor roads:
Rizal Drive, 1st avenue, 2nd avenue, 3rd avenue, 4th avenue, 6th avenue, 7th avenue, 8th avenue, 9th avenue, 10th avenue, 12th avenue, 23rd Street, 24th Street, 25th Street, 27th Street, 28th Street, 29th Street, 30th Street, 31st Street, 32nd Street, 33rd Street, 34th Street, 35th Street, 36th Street, 37th Street, 38th Street, 39th Street,

Places to visit in Bonifacio Global City:

Market! Market! shopping mall with Transport Terminal (jeepneys, buses, FX, shuttle service, taxi), One Parklane, Crossroads and Bonifacio High Street Central, Serendra, Bonifacio Stopover, The Fort Entertainment Center, R.O.X, Condominiums (Serendra, Bonifacio Ridge, Bellagio, Pacific Plaza, Essensa, Kensington, Blue Sapphire, Regent Parkway, Luxe Residences, South of Market, Infinity, Arya, The Meranti, Aston) , Turf BGC, Mercato Centrale, SM Aura Premier , S&R Shopping Center, MC Home Depot, BMW, Lexus, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Mini, Mind Museum, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, St. Luke's Medical Center Global City (with free shuttle to Makati Ayala Avenue and MRT for patients and companions), STI and Global City Innovative College), and international schools (Japanese School, British School, and International School Manila), St. Michael’s Church, Every Nation International HQ Campus, NBC Tent, Pier One, The Fort Square, The Fort Strip, KarFort, Encore, Prince of Jaipur, STI (Systems Technology Institute), Korea Culture Exchange, British School Manila, Manila Japanese School, International School Manila

Gasoline stations: Petron and Shell

Where to Eat in Bonifacio Global City (restaurants):

this is the single drawback of BGC vs Makati CBD (central business district). BGC has no equivalent for Makati's jollijeep where you eat buy cheap food for breakfast, lunch, dinner or meryenda. (You can however post recommended restaurants in Bonifacio Global City here)

Fort Bonifacio Hotels

Offices:

Deutsche Bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, HSBC, Tetra Pak Phils. Inc, Del Monte Philippines, Sunlife, Splash, BASF

Buildings in Bonifacio Global City
Pacific Plaza Towers, Trion Towers, Net One, Bonifacio Technology Center, Icon Plaza, HSBC, Globe Telecom, The Icon, Avant at the Fort,

how to get to st lukes global city, how to get to fort bonifacio,

Labels: Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Taguig City

With the now hot topic of horsemeat scandal in Europe where some products labeled as beef were found laden with horsemeat while some are actually mislabeled completely as beef. Horse meat eating is taboo in the United States and the United Kingdom but not in the Philippines, it's not illegal, where it's eaten regularly in some areas, and considered exotic food if not an aprhodisiac (the usual tag that's actually unfounded) for most delicacies). Horsemeat is also eaten in some parts of France and regularly sold in the Netherlands, Mexico, Argentina, Sardinia and in Asia, the top consumers are China, Japan and Mongolia.

Now if you're not the type who won't mind tasting horsemeat and actually have the guts to try and taste how horsemeat tastes like, there are two areas where you can buy horse meat: Malabon and Parañaque.

Can you stand to taste horse meat, considered as delicacies and sometimes exotic food in some cultures yet a taboo to some like the Americans and the British

It's not a secret that Malabon horse meat selling is a norm. You can find them at various Malabon Public Markets sold at meat shops labeled as Malabon Tapang Kabayo. The horse meat source are said to come from horse breeders in Quezon and Batangas as well as disabled horses in race tracks.

There's a lingering rumor, and believed to be true, that one of the best tapsilog in Metro Manila, particularly on the tapsilogan strip on Quirino Avenue in Don Galo, Parañaque City is not serving beef tapa but actually tapang kabayo (cured horsemeat) to customers for decades now that gives it a unique taste, flavor and texture different from tapang baka (cured beef).

There's a blog dedicated to eating horse meat and promotes it as low fat, low in cholesterol and high in iron. Horsemeat is also claimed as the secret to long life of the people of Sardinia and some people of Malabon who consume it regularly.

What's your take on this? Is it ok to eat horse meat? The issue in Europe is actually of deception where consumers were deceived into eating horse meat. Filipino culture does not prohibit eating horse meat, what's actually illegal is eating carabao meat, due to Erap's only law.

Want some kind of horse meat food trip?

Labels: Delicacies, Exotic Food, Malabon, Metro Manila, Paranaque City