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

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

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

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

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

Just to post the 2013 schedule of MOA PyroMusical Competition (fireworks display competition at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City). Do also take note of Tutubi's tips
on the event, venue, parking and how to take fireworks pictures at the bottom of the post.

Photo of silhouette cameraman who obstructed Tutubi's camera view during the 2nd PyroMusical Competition (then called Pyro Olympics) at SM Mall of Asia. The best place to take pictures of the even is on the rocks before the seawall where you can use a tripod with remote control

MOA PyroMusical Competition 2013 Schedule:

February 16:
Japan (Tamaya Kitahara) & Finland (Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd.)

February 23:
Taiwan (Yung Feng Fireworks) & Spain (Brunchu Pyro Experience)

March 2:
United Kingdom (Jubilee Fireworks Ltd.) & South Korea (Hwarang Fireworks Inc.)

March 9:
Italy (Ipon Fireworks S.R.L) & The Netherlands (Royal Fireworks)

March 16:
China (Liuyang New Year Fireworks Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) & Australia (Fireworkx Inc.)

March 23 (Closing Exhibition):
Canada (Fireworks Spectacular) & Philippines (Platinum Fireworks Inc.)

Tips:
1. get there early to reserve the best view in front of the crowd and also take pictures of the fireworks as if coming from the Manila Bay and not from the fireworks barges.
2. Park nearest the street or outside of MOA since it takes an awful lot of time to get out after the event finishes (reason why Tutubi never went back there)
3. How to take Fireworks pictures: Use a sturdy tripod and camera remote control and lots of patience. set camera to 5 or 10 seconds depending on your style, ISO 100 and aperture to around 5.6 but best to find the best settings beforehand on trial shots
to get what you prefer to be seen or get.
4. to avoid huge crowds, you can also book for a romantic dinner at a restaurant near SM MOA where you can view the fireworks display synchronized with music.

Related Posts:

2nd Pyro Olympics Pictures
MOA Eye: Giant Ferris Wheel of SM Mall of Asia

Labels: Events, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Pasay City

When speaking of giant ferris wheels, London has the London Eye and Singapore has the Singapore Flyer, Manila has MOA Eye, located at the SM Mall of Asia’s Amusement Park in Pasay City.

The giant ferris wheel at SM Mall of Asia, (at the time of construction) the largest ferris wheel in the Philippines (until the bigger one was constructed at the nearby Star City Complex), is 160-ft high with a diameter of 55 meters. It has 42 cabins in all, with 36 regular cabins and six VIP cabins, all fully air-conditioned.


MOA Eye ticket ride prices:
regular cabin: PhP150.00 (maximum of six passengers)
VIP cabins: PhP300.00 (with leather seats and heavily tinted for privacy)


You can reserve a VIP cabin on Valentines Day for a private, romantic dinner with food and wine (just reserve in advance, contact MOA Eye management through their published telephone contact number)

The best time to ride the MOA Eye (giant ferris wheel) is during Friday and Saturday nights to view colorful fireworks in Manila bay (but come early and expect long lines)

SM Mall of Asia Amusement Park entrance fee: none, as in free, pay only for the ride

SM Mall of Asia’s Amusement Park
Ferris Wheel ride duration/length: 10 minutes
MOA Eye Rates: Regular PhP150.00/VIP:PhP300.00
MOA Eye Schedule: open daily
Giant Ferris Wheel ride, giant observation wheel, big wheel
(have to confirm MOA Eye Holy week operating hours/schedule and other holidays (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday which usually fall in March or April), Christmas, New Years day, and All Saints/All Souls day) SM Mall of Asia Holy Week mall hours schedules

Labels: Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Pasay City, Theme Parks

Just a walk-by picture of the colorful sound and light show at the Ayala Triangle Garden held every night where you can see the trees at the popular Ayala Triangle park lit up with thousands of LED lights, laser lights that blink and smoke machines dancing to the tune of music (thank goodness, no Gangnam style yet)

a quick picture using iPhone, wasn't able to wait for more colorful sequence, perhaps a visit one of these days as this areas is just across Tutubi's office :P


Makati Festival of Lights:
Lights and Sounds show at the Ayala Triangle Garden
(free show, no entrance fee required)

Schedule every 30 minutes starting at 6pm til around 10pm (not sure of this)
Show will end on December 31, 2012

How to get to Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City:

From MRT Ayala station, take a jeepney with signboard Washington, alight after passing by Ayala Triangle (the proper unloading zone) right after passing Ninoy Aquino Monument at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas

From MRT Buendia station, board buses with signboard Ayala/LRT/Leveriza, the conductor will shout Paseo/PBCOM, get off the bus then take the Ayala Avenue underpass to Ayala Triangle

From LRT Gil Puyat Station, board a bus with signboard Ayala/Rustans then alight when the conductor shouts Paseo/PBCOM, get off the bus then take the underpass to Ayala Triangle

driving directions to Ayala Triangle garden:

it's just the triangular lot/park bounded by Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas marked by three monuments at the corners: Sultan Kudarat, Gabriela Silang and Ninoy Aquino. Priave car owners may park at Gabriela Silang carpark (no idea on parking fee.rates) with entrance on Makati Avenue in front of the Peninsula Hotel.

Christmas pasyalan in Manila similar to Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong

Labels: Christmas, Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region

Was able to buy several coupons for this new attraction inside Manila Ocean Park driven by his curiosity with the 3D art "museum" where you can take wacky pictures with classic art pieces on display. Here's a nice "photo-op" place inside a small room with 3D art works painted by Korean artists.

Seri Fantasy World, Manila Ocean Park

Seri Fantasy World is theme park inside Manila Ocean Park

(photos taken using iPhone 4s, it's quite dark inside for photography, try using a flash as the place has white ceiling where you can bounce flash :)

the entrance of Seri Fantasy World (Seriland) on the left wing of Manila Ocean Park (after the escalator)

the floor of the "3D art museum" is an art by itself. can be appreciated from an angle just after entering the place

Help Luke Skywalker fight Darth Vader with your own light saber

the large tiger at a corner is a good spot for family portrait

Tutubi waited for this cute toddler to be on position to look as if he's about to be snatched by the giant Philippine Eagle. You can also try posing as a kung fu master with a cobra hands a la "Snake on the Eagle's Shadow" movie :)

Other artworks on display:
Floor is a river fed by a waterfalls with two wooden bridges
Manila City Hall
Chiaroscuro Amorsolo-like painting of a damsel taking a self-portrait with a mobile phone
Tumbang Preso (a native Filipino street game using flip-flops and tin can)
Fishermen with fishes off the picture and fishing net
farmer with carabao-pulled cart
Philippine Eagle
ET (the movie as in "ET phone home")
Forest Gump (with sitted on his bench waiting for the bus)
Star Wars (with Darth Vader and his light saber)
Mona Lisa (you can tear it off and the funny tickle finger)

Seri Fantasy World Entrance Fee: PhP150.00 (admission fee for each attraction)
You can bring cameras, even DSLR, and video cameras as it's really designed to be used for photo-sharing. Don't bother going there if you don't have a camera.

Other attractions of Seri Fantasy World:
3D Mirror Maze: P150
3D Theater (with several schedules every hour, one is a short film of dinosaurs)

Seri Fantasy World is open everyday, Monday - Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday - Sunday 10am to 8pm.

please contact Seri Fantasy World directly via their official website or published telephone contact numbers for inquiries, promos, vouchers, reservations, group tours, field trips et al

Related Posts:
How to get to Manila City Hall

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

Still another post for the upcoming celebration of Rizal's 150th birth anniversary, besides a visit to Rizal Park (Luneta), another place worth your the is the historic Fort Santiago, the fortress at the mouth of Pasig River that also served as prison of Jose Rizal before his execution on December 30, 1896.

Note: There will be a Rizaliana party at Fort Santiago on June 19 at 6pm with food courtesy of Illustrado and Adarna Restaurant. Free entrance if you can come in 19th century period Filipiniana costume, otherwise it's only P100 to join the party and evening of art, music, poetry and fireworks.

UPDATED: February 2014

Fort Santiago Attractions and Amenities:

Rizal Shrine, Jose Rizal's Prison Cell, last steps of Jose Rizal cast in brass going to Luneta, Plaza Armas, old World War II era Japanese M4 Sherman tank, cafe and souvenir shop.

the gate of Fort Santiago, with moat in view, where you can see Santiago Matamoro, from whom the Spanish fort was named after. Picture taken with an iPhone 4 (darn, that if you have an SLR, you need to get a permit to shoot lest you get apprehended by the "guardia civil")



How to get to Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila:

For a reliable and updated map of Intramuros, you can visit OpenStreetMap for reference.

How to commute to Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila:

From Quezon City, the easiest way is to board jeepneys with signboard Quiapo/Pier (either from Project 2/3, Cubao, Fairview, Proj 8, Project 6) that pass by inside Intramuros (just request the driver to drop you off within walking distance of Fort Santiago)

From LRT, the nearest station is Central Station where you can walk to the foot of Quezon Bridge to ride the Pier jeepneys from Quiapo (or also from Carriedo Station where Pier jeepneys pass by Quiapo Church) Only minimum fare required.

Driving Directions to Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila:

From Makati, the easiest way is from Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue (Buendia) or Ayala Avenue is just drive towards Roxas Boulevard all the way to Anda Circle (roundabout) where you turn right to Soriano then left turn to Gen. Luna (Landmark: Palacio del Governador) just before reaching Manila Cathedral.

From Quezon City, you can get there easiest (but not fastest) via Quezon Avenue then Espana, Lerma and Quiapo, cross Quezon Bridge then turn right immediately after Quezon Bridge to Riverside Drive (that pass under MacArthur and Jones Bridge). When you see Manila Cathedral, Plaza Roma and Palacio del Governador, you can get off then walk to your right going to Fort Santiago.

Parking: an open car park is just beside the entrance gate of Fort Santiago with parking fee of PhP40 for cars. Intramuros, ins spite of it's tourist attraction tag, has very limited parking spaces though if you can't park there. There are parking lots at the old clam shell and also at the site of the old Ayuntamiento near Plaza Roma or street parking on General Luna and the area around Plaza Roma in front of Manila Cathedral.

Fort Santiago
Entrance Fee/Admission price: PhP75.00 adults; PhP50 children/students/teachers (valid IDs required); free entrance for disabled and senior citizens
Open Hours/Schedule: daily from 8am to 6pm including holidays
Coordinates: N14 35 39.1 E120 58 13.1 (handy for GPS device users)

For guided tours of Fort Santiago, educational tours and field trips, you can request from Intramuros Administration (where you also request a "permit to shoot" for professional photographers)

Warning: there still exists the stupid rule of security not allowing "big cameras" i.e. SLR/DSLR for taking pictures/photography inside Fort Santiago and Intramuros in general (unless you're a foreigner). Such medieval mind of security guards and of the Intramuros Administration tag SLRs are for professional photographers only.

Labels: Intramuros, Jose Rizal, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Spanish Forts

Tutubi visited the National Museum in Manila (officially the Museum of the Filipino People) in Rizal Park (Luneta) quite recently to tour his two friends from France and herewith are the latest information on the National Museum entrance fees and museum hours and contact numbers for educational field trips for schools, and group tours.

National Museum building entrance is on Finance road

Museum of the Filipino People (MFP)

Admission fees:
Adult PhP100.00
Senior Citizen PhP80.00
Student: PhP30.00

the neo-classical National Art gallery, the old Senate Building on P Burgos, Manila (bluish hue due to it taken inside Tutubi's heavily-tinted car

National Art Gallery (NAG)

Admission fees:
Adult PhP150.00
Senior Citizen PhP120.00
Student: PhP50.00

*Free admission usually in October due to International Museum Month :P


Museum group tour rates (51 guests and up)

Adult PhP80.00 (MFP) PhP55.00 (NAG) PhP120.00 (MFP + NAG)
Student PhP25.00 (MFP) PhP25.00 (NAG) PhP40.00 (MFP + NAG)

National Museum
Telephone Number: +63.2.527.0278
Museum Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 830am to 430pm.

(Reservations are accepted by the Museum Education Division (contact number +63.2.527.0278) from 830am to 430pm Mondays to Fridays only)

Photography at the National Museum

On taking pictures inside the National Museum (photography), it has slightly improved that they now allow taking pictures inside the museum except you cannot use flash (it's understandable sine some objects on display ma be sensitive to light) and that only small cameras are allowed. Bringing in of "big" cameras i.e. SLR and DSLR require special permits from the National Museum curator. Those people are still armed with archaic ideas that DSLRs are used exclusively by professional photographers.

Related Post:
Museums in the Philippines

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National Museum entrance fee, national art gallery entrance fee, national museum hours, how to get to national museum manila, driving directions to national museum, how to commute to National museum

Labels: Manila, Metro Manila, Museums, National Capital Region

Tutubi often pass by Malabon Zoo when he visits his brother living in barangay Acacia but he's never really been inside the famous private zoo owned by Manny Tongco. This post is for the information of people wishing to go to Malabon Zoo which is near Monumento area of Caloocan.

Tutubi wanted to personally visit it to see for himself even if he's brother warned him that there's less to see there with more fishes and less animals (orangutans, bengal tigers, burmese pythons, deers et al). (sometimes: bad, negative remarks or comments are just the result of a bad day and probably the exception and improves over time)

For Pictures of Malabon Zoo, you may visit this blog post of Traveler on Foot

How to get to Malabon Zoo:

street map to Malabon Zoo (Open Street Map). It's just EDSA, Monumento, MacArthur then Potrero Elem. School and you're there

Commute to Malabon Zoo from Makati or anywhere on EDSA is very easy (but slow) just by boarding buses with signboard UE/Letre. Those buses pass right in front of Malabon Zoo. Fastest way is to take MRT, get off at North Avenue station then board the UE/Letre bus.

From LRT Monumento, you can walk towards Manila Central University (MCU, near Rosendo Simon St.) then board the UE/Letre/Navotas bus or just ride the jeepneys with Malabon Acacia signboards.

To get back, you need to walk towards Potrero Elementary School on MacArthur Highway to board a bus to Makati/MRT/LRT. You can also walk towards del Monte to board jeepneys going to LRT/Monumento then take a bus or LRT from there.


Driving directions to Malabon Zoo:

From Makati, take EDSA all the way to Monumento by to exit to MacArthur Highway, left to Pinagtipunan Circle (landmark: Potrero Elementary School) then left to Gov. Pascual Avenue where Malabon Zoo entrance gate can be found very near the corner to your left. Parking is just on the street.

Malabon Zoo and Aquarium
Address: # 1 Gov. Pascual, Barrio Potrero, Malabon
Entrance Fee: PhP 150.00
Zoo hours: 8am to 5:30pm (open daily)
Telephone Number: +63.2.361.3064; +63.2.361.3083
official website: none

Call Malabon Zoo contact number for inquiries, entrance fees, kiddie parties, events, group tours et al.

Malabon Zoo and Aquarium Dinosaur Museum, Tropical rainforest
how much is Malabon zoo entrance fee? Malabon Zoo contact number
Future posts: How to get to Manila Zoo, How to get to Avilon Zoo

Labels: Malabon, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Zoos

Today's National Heroes Day celebrating the 147th birthday of the Katipunan's founder but today's post will feature his second wife, Gregoria de Jesus, nicknamed Oriang (or Oryang).

Tutubi's personal encounter with Oriang occured at the Nakpil-Bautista house turned museum in Quiapo, Manila where you can see Gregoria de Jesus' memorabilia plus a short biography of the heroine posted on a wall in one of the museum's rooms.

Gregoria de Jesus' memorabilia inside Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, an old "bahay na bato" in Quiapo, Manila

Andres' courtship of Oryang lasted only six months and it's no secret history that the parents of Oryang did not approve of her affair with Andres Bonifacio, a mason and widower whose first wife was a leper. Oryang's parents tried to separate the two even to the point of keeping her against her will in their house, but as history shows, they ended up together.

as posted on the wall of Bahay Nakpil-Bautista house:

"Gregoria de Jesus and Andres Bonifacio were married in March 1893 in Binondo Church. The simple Catholic ceremony took place at the insistence of Oriang's parents and was witnessed by Restituto Javier and his wife, Benita Rodriguez.

The following week, at the home of their godparents, the couple said their wedding vows again, this time in Katipunan rites. A celebratory dinner took place attended by close friends. Among the guests were, Pio Valenzuela, Santiago Turiano, Ramon Basa, Marina Dizon, Josefa and Trining Rizal.

That same night, Oriang was admitted into the Katipunan. She became the first woamn to be full-pledged member and chose the code name "Lakambini" meaning muse or first lady."

It is noteworthy that they claimed Andres Bonifacio and Gregoria de Jesus were married in Binondo Church but no actual church records were found to corroborate this claim that's why there's a suspicion that they were married under assumed names.

When Andres Bonifacio was arrested by Aguinaldo's men in the mountains of Cavite led by Col. Agapito Bonzon (or Yntong Bonzon), Yntong attempted to rape her on several occasions. (noted historian Ambeth Ocampo postulated in his book that Gregoria de Jesus was indeed raped if you read between the lines of the official transcripts of Bonifacio's trial).

With the execution of her husband Andres Bonifacio leaving her widowed, Oriang later married Julio Nakpil, another Katipunero and gifted with eight children. Her family lived in a a house in Quiapo owned by Dr. Ariston Bautista and his wife Petrona Nakpil that is now turned into a museum called Bahay Nakpil-Bautista on Bautista St., Quiapo, Manila.

Inside Bahay Nakpil-Bautista is also "Sampung Aral ni Oriang...

1. Igalang at mahalin ang magulang pagka’t ito ang pangalawang Dios sa lupa.
2. Alalahanin tuwina ang mga banal na aral ng mga bayani na nasawi dahil sa pag-ibig sa bayan.
3. Huwag magaksaya ng panahon ng di pamarisan.
4. Pagsikapang magkaroon ng anomang karunungan na tumutugon sa kanyang hilig upang paki-nabangan ng bayan.
5. Ang kabaitan ay alalahaning isang malaking kayamanan.
6. Igalang ang mga gurong nagpapamulat ng isip pagka’t kung utang sa magulang ang pagiging tao ay utang naman sa nagturo ang pagpapakatao.
7. Iligtas ang api sa panganib.
8. Matakot sa kasaysayan pagka’t walang lihim na di nahahayag.
9. Kapag napagingatan ang kasamaan ay doon manggagaling ang malaking karangalan.
10. Sikapin ang ikapagkakaisa ng lahat at ika uunlad ng bayan upang huwag magkaroon ng sagabal ang kasarinlan."

Take note of the eight counsel translated as “Fear history, for there's no secret that will remain secret.”

Cavite, then, was not so kind to Andres Bonifacio: Emilio Aguinaldo, Daniel Tirona (who insulted him after the rigged election in Tejeros) and the most evil of them all-- Col. Yntong Bonzon, who divested Oryang of her personal belongings, including her wedding ring, and forced her to go up a room to rape her. Whether raped or just attempted, Col. Yntong Bonzon never paid for the crime, proof that the culture of impunity of the powers that be already existed then as it is now.

Labels: History, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region

Due to the looming shopping season that's called Christmas, many people will flock to the sprawling Divisoria "Shopping Complex" in Manila to buy gifts and clothes and what-have-yous at bargain prices but with too much effort and throngs of people to contend with.

This is a guide for first-timers for directions to Divisoria as well as answer the oft-asked question: How to Commute to Divisoria:

Main Street of Divisoria: Claro M. Recto Avenue (C.M. Recto, formerly Azcarraga) that's cut by the following streets: Reina Regente, Soler St., Juan Luna, Ylaya, Tabora, Carmen Planas (formerly), Sto. Cristo

Interactive Map of Divisoria from OpenStreetMap Philippines:



Commuting to Divisoria? You have lots of options of Divisoria Jeepney Routes
(as recalled by Tutubi, there may be other routes available, please feel free to leave a comment)

MCU - Divisoria (Terminal on A. Rivera St.) Route: EDSA Manila Central University (MCU), Monumento, Rizal Avenue (Avenida), Abad Santos, right to C.M. Recto

Blumentritt - Divisoria (Terminal on A. Rivera St.): From Leonor Rivera, right to New Antipolo, left to Felix Huertas [SM San Lazaro], right to Quericada [Rizal Avenue, San Lazaro Hospital] left Abad Santos, right Mayhaligue, left Antonio Rivera [Seng Guan Temple]

Quiapo - Divisoria - North Harbor: From Quiapo Qeuzon Blvd, right to right to Evangelista St, left to C.M. Recto Avenue up to Radial Road and North Harbor Manila

San Juan - Divisoria: N Domingo, right to V. Mapa, left Magsaysay Blvd, CM Recto

Baclaran - Divisoria: (via Taft Avenue) Baclaran Taft Avenue, pass Manila City Hall (SM City Manila), Jones Bridge, Paredes St, pass Binondo Church, Juan Luna St (return route from there)

Cubao to Divisoria: Aurora Blvd., Ramon Magsaysay, Legarda [Nagtahan Bridge, Bustillos and Mendiola], right to CM Recto Avenue

Gastambide to Divisoria: Morayta (terminal near PRC, FEU Espana, Lerma), right to CM Recto and Soler St. (terminal near 168 Mall)

Balut to Divisoria
Gasak to Divisoria
Sangandaan to Divisoria (via Abad Santos)
Navotas to Divisoria via Gasak

Marikina to Divisoria bus route operated by Marikina Auto Line from the SSS Village - Divisoria Route

How to get to Divisoria via LRT and MRT

From LRT 1 Doroteo Jose Station, walk towards C.M. Recto and board Divisoria-bound jeeps

via LRT 2: Alight at the end of the LRT line i.e. Recto Station then board Divisoria-bound jeeps. This is the fastest way to get there from people from Rizal province via Antipolo and Marikina. If not, you can get to Divisoria via Cubao.

via MRT: at Taft Avenue Station, board jeepneys bound for Divisoria on Taft Avenue.

From Makati: board a jeepney on Buendia/Gil Puyat going (a bus to LRT/Leveriza if you're on Ayala Avenue) to Cartimar/LRT/Taft Avenue then transfer to a Divisoria-bound jeepney or FX

Divisoria via Pasig River Ferry: board the Pasig River Ferry at your own convenient terminal and get off at Escolta Station. Transfer to a Divisoria-bound jeepney at the foot of Jones Bridge, get off on Juan Luna St. then walk towards CM. Recto

Divisoria via PNR (Philippine National Railways) can be reached from any PNR train station as far as Binan, Laguna or Alabang Muntinlupa where the last station in Tutuban is just behind Tutuban Center Mall

From Manila Airport (NAIA) to Divisoria:

The fastest and easiest is to flag an airport taxi (if you can get one)

From NAIA Terminal 1 and 2, board the buses or jeepneys going to Baclaran then transfer to jeepneys going to Divisoria

From NAIA Terminal 3: board the shuttle bus to LRT Taft Avenue then transfer to a jeepney bound for Divisoria on Taft Avenue (ot take the LRT up to Doroteo Jose station then transfer to a Divisoria Bound jeepney)

Other Places to See/Visit in Divisoria: shopping malls et al:

168 Shopping Mall
Tutuban Center
Meisic Mall
Divisoria Mall
Juan Luna Plaza
Andres Bonifacio Monument
Philippine National Railways (PNR) Tutuban Station

Sto. Nino de Tondo Church
Binondo Church
Chinatown: Ongpin St, Carvajal St (fruits), Paredes, Escolta
Seng Guan Temple (Chinese temple on A. Rivera)

Where to eat in Divisoria: restaurants, eateries et al

Divisoria food trip? there are lots of eateries you can find there but there notable food stalls in front of Tutuban Center Mall, and at the food court of 168 Mall (e.g. Chariya's Thai Kitchen, Aldrino's Bibingka, Inasal Republic Express, Greenwich, Manook Pinoy Peyborits, Namit Gid (Ilongo), Veggie To Go (vegetarian restaurant), Karate Kid Japanese fastfood). One of Tutubi's favorite is Kean's Fried Siopao on the street at the back of 168 Mall near corner Juan Luna.

Hotels and accommodations near Divisoria:

Binondo Suites Hotel
Manila Hotel (just a short taxi ride away, like other hotels, inns, pension houses in Malate, Manila)
Manila Opera House Hotel and Casino (Rizal Avenue corner Doroteo Jose (just beside LRT Doroteo Jose Station)
Nice Hotel on Recto
other seedy motels on C.M. Recto Avenue

Lastly, most of the time, commenters will ask questions with information already posted above. Please read thoroughly before hitting the publish comments button. It will save your time and that of Tutubi.


Related Posts:

Andres Bonifacio Monument
168 Mall
Tutuban Center
Manila Shopping Guide

Labels: Divisoria, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Shopping

A new weekend market in town held every Saturday morning at Centris Walk organized by Sidcor, the same minds behind the Lung Center Sunday Market that's been attracting well-heeled shoppers to the Lung Center of the Philippines compound, the Centris Weekend Market is still on infancy stage that when Tutubi checked it out recently, there were only a few food stalls, a native handicraft tents and the usual tiangge you'll find in the metro.

Centris Walk with a little help from Photohop blur tool. That's the problem with point and shoot cameras, you can't set the aperture to add bokeh

On closer scrutiny and interviews by Tutubi with the stall keepers, they're the same stores you'll see at the Lung center the following day and some also have concurrent presence down south in Makati's Salcedo Weekend Market (but not much in Legazpi Sunday market due to it's more upmarket clientele).



What can you find at Centris Weekend Market? Tutubi bought kakanin (puto, sapin-sapin and kutsinta), asked around for some cordillera coffee (sagada, benguet and kalinga) at Republika de Kapay plus some healthy finds at Uncle George's gourmet breads.


price list of cordilerra coffee at Republika de Kapay
Madam Q's Empanada Ti Ilocos with Ilocos delicacies including empanada, bagnet and vigan longganisa

Centris Walk has the potential to develop in time as it has lots of FREE parking slots available (even stall rentals for those with entrepreneurial spirit), something it has to its advantage over the Lung Center Sunday Market and probably the looming Christmas season when Christmas bazaars sprout all over the place.

This weekend market will form part of Tutubi's routine as Tutubi Jr. loves to walk like a drunkard under Centris Walk's giant mushrooms, wander in the playground, ride the train and carousel. The bump cars and laser extreme are not yet operational.

Centris Walk weekend market is open from 6am til 2pm every Saturday. Lots of restaurants are also already open at Centris Walk: Shakeys, Pho Hoa, Tutti Frutti frozen yoghurt, Coffee Bean and tea Leaf, Jack's Loft, Italiannis, Pancake House, Zong, Claw Daddy Crab House and American Grill, Asya, My Thai Kitchen et al to satisfy your food trip curiosity.

How to get to Eton Centris Walk:

Centris Walk is connected to MRT Quezon Avenue station via Centris Station mall. For those commuting, it can be reached from Quiapo via Fairview-bound jeepneys. For Makati, any northbound bus on EDSA can be taken (e.g. Monumento, Novaliches, Malanday except those going to Fairview (they turn right to East Avenue and won't pass by EDSA corner Quezon Avenue).


Other weekend markets in Metro Manila for your food trip in one place urges:

Salcedo Weekend Market, Makati (Saturday)
Legazpi Weekend Market, Makati (Sundays in San Lorenzo Village, visited many times but unposted here)
Lung Center Sunday Market, Quezon Avenue, QC
Banchetto on Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (Friday Night to Saturday morning)
Manila Shopping Guide

Labels: Food Trip, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City, Shopping

A silent witness to numerous political rallies held at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, the heart of the Philippines' financial capital and, unknown to many Makati people, the intersection of the two runways of the former Nielson Airport (yes, Makati CBD used to be an airport).

Ninoy Aquino was murdered as he was about to deplane on the tarmac of Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983, now named after him as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). His murder so incensed the Filipino people to intensify the fight against the sitting dictator that fueled the People Power Revolution of 1986 (EDSA bloodless revolt) and catapulted Cory Aquino to the presidency. His picture can also be seen on the five hundred peso bill (P500).

Ninoy Aquino Monument in Photos:

A dragonfly's eye view of the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de roxas, with Ninoy Aquino monument in view as well as The Enterprise Center and BPI Building at the corners.

Ninoy Aquino Monument, with Insular Life Building, Philamlife Tower, PSBank Tower, Paseo Center, BPI Card Center Building, Equitable Bank Tower and Lepanto Building providing a modern backdrop of skyscrapers.

Ninoy Aquino Monument (with people to add scale) during Makati's Caracol Festival in January.

To most people, they know the reason why Tutubi posted these pictures here on this date but for some, the oblivious and the not in-the-know, August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day, a national holiday (that fell on a Saturday) that's a non-working holiday for people who have work on Saturdays.

people on Ayala Avenue during the funeral of Cory Aquino, Ninoy's wife, former president, and the mother of President Noynoy Aquino. The image of Ninoy Aquino is shown on the flags.

Note that the monument you see now in Makati is not the original one, the old monument can now be found in Hacienda Luisita in Concepcion, Tarlac.

Labels: Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, National Heroes

Tutubi has been passing in and out mostly in NAIA Terminal 3 due to it's terminal use by Cebu Pacific but taking a taxi pick up service at home either by MGE or EMP at dawn (in contrast with most of his peers who regularly use the expensive service of Park N Fly)

This time, he flew out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal) when he was booked to fly out by Philippine Airlines (PAL) and also he didn't call a taxi at 4am but instead drove his car and parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2.

Here's Tutubi's take (review) of NAIA Parking based on his own experience:


He parked at Car Park 2 of NAIA Terminal 2 since it's the first one after passing through the security gate, but it's a wrong choice, he later learned. It's farther that Car Park 1, has a staircase that is difficult for those with heavy baggage in tow, unlike Tutubi with his usual backpack and camera bag that require no check-in luggage that allows him to save precious time on deplaning since there's no checked-in baggage to wait to unload on the airport baggage carousel. You also can't take the trolleys/push carts to Car Park 2 to load in your car so you either have to carry them down the stairs or get you car and go back to arrival area (if you have a companion to wait for you, same scenario if you're alone going to the departure area)

This is the previous parking fee of PhP50.00/night but now it's PhP300/night overnight parking fee which is a bit cheaper than Park N Fly rates but with minimal security besides being an open carpark)

UPDATED February 2014

Regular Pay Parking Fee: P35.00 (daily flat rate for cars and jeeps)
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 2: PhP300.00/night (effective December 1, 2013)

Tutubi's Tips:

For NAIA Terminal 2, try Car Park 1 so as not to commit the same mistake as Tutubi. (For Manila Domestic Airport, the carpark is across the terminal so you either use the pedestrian overpass or risk life and limb to cross Domestic Road; for NAIA Terminal 3, there's only one carpark so you just choose the closer parking slot to the security guard post.)

If you're driving alone, you won't be able to drop your baggage at the departure area before parking. There's an escalator at the arrival area but it's always not in service so you need to haul your baggage up to the departure area. Such inconvenience!

On entering the parking lot, inform the guard at the parking entrance of your intention to park overnight. You will be handed a log book for you to write down your name contact numbers, vehicle make, plate number and destination.

Take your parking stub with you, don't leave it inside your vehicle, for security's sake.

Practice common safety and security common sense: hide all gadgets visible through the window (for Tutubi it's his Garmin GPS and iPod connected to his car's head unit (car stereo that he opted to take with him on his trip)

The car park's are all open parking style, lift your windshield wipers on hot sunny days to avoid deformation of the rubber wipers. If you park under a tree for more shade, you risk bird droppings, you may use car covers for extra protection.

If you're going there just to pick up someone, you may avail of free parking at nearby fast food restaurants or even gasoline stations then drive there only when contacted.

Finally, is it safe to park there overnight? Of course, Tutubi observed it himself for quite some time before he tried it. Lots of roaming security guards on duty and just think that it's an airport where security is really a premium.

Other useful information:

Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 1: PhP 300.00/night
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 3: PhP 300.00/night
Overnight Parking NAIA Terminal 4 (old Manila Domestic Airport Terminal): PhP 300.00/night
Terminal Fee: PhP 200.00 for domestic departures; PhP550.00 for international travel
Also: long term parking manila airport


As you can see, all the airport terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airports have the same parking fees due to a common management-- the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Related Posts and Tags:

Manila Airport Guide
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3Hotels near Manila Airport
Airport Terminal Fees
Driving Directions to NAIA terminal 2, How to Commute to NAIA Terminal 2, How to get to NAIA Terminal 2, long term parking rates

Coming Up:
Clark Airport (Diosdado Macapagal Internation Airport, DMIA)
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Davao International Airport
Iloilo International Airport

Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Paranaque City