An update to the old post on Cubao that has become sort of provincial bus station hub in northern Metro Manila (that will soon be replaced with an integrated North Bus Station somewhere in Balintawak, Quezon City Area). This is different from Araneta Center Bus Station

Provinsial bus ban is not yet in effect. I don't agree with transferring them to Valenzuela. it's not the provincial buses that's causing traffic but private vehicles and city buses (too many of them even if not half full)


The information herein is painstakingly gathered by Tutubi whenever he shuttles between Makati and Quezon City (to assure you that the directions and map are highly accurate and latest). This post will also be updated regularly to reflect the latest information.

UPDATED: August 2016

How to Get to Cubao, Quezon City:

the fastest way to Cubao Quezon City are via the train lines where the bus stations are within walking distance from MRT Araneta Center - Cubao station (from Pasay, Paranaque) and LRT 2 Araneta Center Cubao station (from Marikina, Pasig, San Juan and Manila)

All northbound buses from the south of Metro Manila (including Bulacan province) pass by EDSA Cubao e.g. Fairview, Lagro, Novaliches, Meycauayan, Marilao, Navotas, Malabon, Letre, Monumento,

All southbound buses from north of Metro Manila (including Laguna and Cavite) pass by EDSA Cubao e.g. Balibago (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Pacita (San Pedro, Laguna), FTI, MIA (the buses that can take you to NAIA Terminal 2 or NAIA Terminal 1), Ayala/LRT/Leveriza, Baclaran, Mendez (Cavite, usually Erjohn and Almark),

List of Bus Terminals in Cubao, Quezon City:

Alps the Bus
Routes: Batangas (Lipa City, Lemery, Nasugbu, San Juan, Batangas City), Cubao - Estancia, Cubao - Mambusao (Iloilo), San Jose, Antique (ro-ro), Bicol, Alabang
Contact Number: +63.923.650.4654

Amihan

Baliwag Transit
Destination: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pampanga
Terminal: New York EDSA Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.912.3343

Barney Auto Lines
route: Quezon Province
Location: shares bus terminal with HM Transport on Monte de Piedad St.

Bicol Isarog (former site of RSL, Amihan)
Adet, Naga, Legazpi Albay

Cul Transport
(occupies the former terminal of Florida Bus on the EDSA Cubao northbound)
route: Samar

Daet Express

Dagupan Bus Line
Destination : Pangasinan and Baguio
Terminal : Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: +63.2.727.2330

Dimple Star

DLTB
routes: Sta. Cruz (Laguna)

Dominion Transit
Destination : Abra, La Union and Ilocos Sur
Terminal : southbound EDSA corner New York Street, Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: +63.2.741.4146

ES Transport

Five Star

Genesis Transport

German Espiritu Liner
Bus Terminal address: EDSA corner Justice Lourdes Paredes San Diego
in front of SM Hypermarket and Petron gas station

HM Transport
Destination : Sta. Cruz (Laguna) (passing through Calamba (Pansol)/Los Banos/Bay/Pila/Victoria
(Pagsanjan, famous for the falls, can be reached by a short jeepney commute from Sta Cruz. A little further, you'll pass by Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan towns)
Terminal : Southbound EDSA, Cubao Q.C. (near Victory Liner and pedestrian overpass)

Isarog Line

JAC Liner
Destination : Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA cor. Kamias St., Quezon City
Tel No: +63.2.682.5750

Lucena Lines
Routes: Lucena City, Quezon (including dalahican Pier to Marinduque)

Partas Transit
Destination : La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: +63.2.725.7303

Penafrancia Tours


Philtranco
Destination : Daet (Camarines Norte), Naga (Camarines Sur), Legazpi (Albay), Pilar/Donsol (Sorsogon), Rawis/Borongan/Guian/San Policarpio(Samar), Maasin/Ormoc (Leyte), Antique/Iloilo/Estancia (Panay), CDO, Davao
Terminal : southbound EDSA just below MRT Araneta Center - Cubao Station
Tel No: +63.2.911.2523; +63.2.725.7303
Tip: Try their Gold Service i.e. bus with restroom. They utilize the RO-RO (Roll-on, Roll-off) facility for trips to Visayas and Mindanao. Also provides bus transportation to/from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga from SM Megamall

RSL Transport
route: bicol

Superlines
route: bicol (Daet, Camarines Norte;)

Tritran Transit
Destination : Batangas, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
Tel. No: +63.2.925.1758

Raymond Transportation
Destination: Quezon (Infanta, Real), Bicol
Terminal: southbound EDSA, Quezon City (near Victory Liner)
Tel. No.: +63.2.492.6994

RM Liner
RORO Bus to Pandan, Antique
fare: PhP890.00 (ordinary non-aircon bus)
Bus terminal is across Petron EDSA

RORO Bus Transport, Inc.
Routes: Manila - Iloilo (also serves Palawan Puerto Princesa to El Nido via Roxas/Taytay)

Santrans
Routes: Bulacan (Calumpit, Norzagaray and San Jose del Monte (SJDM))

Silver Star
Tagbilaran, Bohol
Tacloban, Leyte
Cebu, Sorsogon

Solid North Transport
Bus terminal on EDSA southbound near Monte de Piedad
Destinations: Tarlac, Pangasinan and Pampanga (Dau)

Superlines
Destination : Daet, Camarines Norte
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City

Victory Liner
Destination : Alaminos, Baguio City, Bolinao, Dagupan City, Lingayen
Terminal : southbound EDSA, Cubao
Tel No: +63.2.727.4534
Tip: Try their luxury coach 29 seater with restroom (deluxe bus)

Note:
This blog is not in any way affiliated with any of these bus companies.

Please call the bus company's contact numbers or visit their official website, if any, for current bus fares, trip schedules, chartered bus rates, reservations, freight (waybill) and other inquiries. Most of the bus companies operate additional trips in Holy Week, from Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday (when many people return to Manila)


Related posts:
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda

Green Star Express Star Toll, SCTEx

Labels: Public Transportation, Quezon City

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 :)

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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

Quezon Memorial Circle, in Tutubi's home city, is cool these last few months! In addition to the regular jogs around the Quezon Monument and Museum, the dance classes, Sunday mass at 7am, stalls selling clothes, rows of restaurants, Muslim worship during Islamic holidays (e.g. Eid Al-Fitr, end of Ramadan), Circle of Joy children's playground, Pedal and Paddle boat rides, bicycle rentals and bike tracks, dancing musical fountain, hassle-free, ample parking, zipline, and other activities and crowds especially on weekends.

UPDATED: April 2014

Then there's Circle of Fun, a theme park for families to enjoy bonding time!

the entrance gate of Circle of Fun, Tutubi was "caught" by "old school" security guards taking this picture but he just ignored them and walked away

Tutubi was not able to get the information as he was irked by the "old school" security guards for not allowing picture taking of the theme park even if he's just using an iPhone. Such old school mindset in this age of information. Tutubi has yet to actually enter Circle of Fun, though one of these days he will.

Circle of Fun Information:

Circle of Fun Entrance fee: PhP20.00
Senior Citizens/Children: PhP10.00
Children below 3 feet: free

Operating Hour Schedules: Tuesdays to Friday: 4pm to 10pm
Weekend schedules: 10am to 10pm
Monday: closed, except if it's a holiday (no information yet if open during Holy Week (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday usually March or April 17, 18, 19, 20, 2014), Christmas day, All Saints day, All Souls day)

Prices/Rates for Rides: varies, range from PhP30.00 to PhP50.00
Rides include boat rides, roller coaster (this is small, not the thriller type that can really turn your gut upside down)

Telephone Number/Contact Information: TBD
Official website/email address: TBD

At one time, Tutubi saw a Holcim family day celebration at Circle of Fun on a saturday morning (or was it Sunday?). Please try to get in touch with Circle of Fun directly by calling their published contact number for party inquiries, group tours, reservations and other information.

How to get there:

Commute: Buses on EDSA going to Fairview (and jeepneys from Manila) pass by Quezon Memorial Circle and Elliptical Road, alight in front of Quezon City Hall cross Elliptical road using the pedestrian underpass. You may also take MRT Quezon Avenue station then transfer to jeepneys going to Philcoa/Fairview/UP.

Driving directions to Quezon Memorial Circle: from Makati, easiest is via EDSA Cubao, take "ilalim" of EDSA/Kamuning flyover, turn right to East Avenue, enter Elliptical road and look for the park entrances slowly going into the inner lanes, one of them is in front of East Avenue and the other is right across Commonwealth Avenue. (P15.00 single entry parking fee for cars)

Labels: Metro Manila, Quezon City, Theme Parks

Quezon Memorial Circle used to be a scary place at night and just a jogger's place in the morning but lately there's been many improvements and added attractions like Paddle and Pedal (boat rides), Circle of Joy children's playground, Circle of Fun (ala carnival), various restaurants, bike rentals, tiangge stalls and there's this adventure: the zipline

there are now at least three ziplines in QC, the first one is at the La Mesa Ecopark, then another one at Circulo Verde in Libis, Quezon City and now this new attraction at Quezon City Circle.



Note that Tutubi has yet to try the zipline, height is about 20 meters, length is about 100 meters. safety? can't comment too so no reviews for now

Quezon City Memorial Circle Zipline Rates:
One way: PhP100.00
Two way: PhP150.00

Open daily from 8am to 9pm

no entrance fee at Quezon Memorial Circle
plenty of car parking spaces for PhP15 (cars/vans)

For an online map of Quezon Memorial Circle, click here. For directions and information on how to get there, click the link about if below.

Related Posts on Quezon City:
Quezon City Hall
Quezon Circle Monument

Labels: Adventure Tourism, Metro Manila, Quezon City

For quite some time, Tutubi wanted to visit the chess-themed restaurant of Pan de Amerikana in Marikina to play chess on its centerpiece giant chessboard but his plan, always don't materialize as it's quite far from his home in Quezon City.

Pan de Amerikana, however, opened a newer branch on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon (in addition to it's branches in Greenhills, San Juan and Makati Avenue) where it used an upside down house that attracts the attention of passersby to the Quezon City road dotted with restaurants and gardening/landscaping stores.

Tutubi went to Pan de Amerikana with his family for a hearty lunch of Marikina dishes e.g. everlasting, waknatoy and other Filipino specialties and also to check out the inverted house interiors.

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)



The restaurant's interiors also has a small prt of inverted living room with a piano

The star of the bakery/restaurant is Pan de Amerikana's giant pandesal that's as big as a loaf:



Review of Pan de Amerikana:

Food: nothing to rave about, rather ordinary but not bad also. The only lowdown was the banana con yelo with not so tender saba.
Price: unbelievably almost carideria price with dishes as low as PhP60 per order
Ambiance: nice inverted house setting, lots of chess tables and chess aficionados hanging out. No air-conditioning but the airy design and high ceiling makes up to effect wind circulation and ventilation of the place.

How to get to Pan De Amerikana:

Tutubi is not aware of any public transporation that passes directly on the segment of Katipunan is it's near a "rich" enclave. take taxis either from Cubao, MRT or Ortigas Station. For directions to Pan de Amerikana, from Makati, it's a straight drive on EDSA going to Quezon City, turn right to White Plains then left to Katipunan. Pan de Amerikana comes before Petron to your left and you won't reach the intersection of Boni Serrano.

Labels: Metro Manila, Quezon City, Quezon City Restaurants

It's such a funny coincidence when Tutubi heard Mike Hanopol sing "Laki sa Layaw (Jeproks)" on a lazy afternoon when the following day Inquirer Research published the origin of the word Jeproks used on the song.

Later that day, Tutubi went to the GSIS building in Pasay to attend a meeting and found out a close friend from Landbank also was present. In going home, he hitched a ride in his friends car since it's his coding day.

An officemate of his friend also rode with them and during terrible traffic in Malate, he interviewed Tutubi on personal stuff and started telling stories of childhood days when he learned Tutubi lives in the Munoz area of Quezon City, just a short ride from Project 8 where he spent his childhood days.

And what has Jeproks got to do withh this stuff? It turned out the term “jeproks,” widely used in the late 1960s and 1970s, from the song “Laki sa Layaw (Jeproks)” is a reversed version of “project.” The term refers to the youth (particularly the hippies) who came from the middle-to-low middle-income housing projects of the government (e.g., Project 2 and 3) through the People's Homesite and Housing Corporation (PHHC), the precursor of the National Housing Authority.

So much for the origin of Jeproks, now in relation to this Tutubi gives this information on How to get to Project X in Quezon City.

People in Manila, particularly in Quezon City, only see jeepneys plying the "Proj 2&3," "Proj 4," Proj 6," and "Proj 8"

Project 1: Now Roxas District
Project 2: area near Kamias/Anonas
Project 3: area near Kamias/Anonas
Project 4: area Near Cubao/Araneta Center/Katipunan
Project 5: area near Project 4
Project 6: the area behind SM City North EDSA
Project 7: presently Veterans Village bordering EDSA and Roosevelt Avenue
Project 8: area near Congressional Avenue

what are the Quezon City jeepney routes from Manila? Taking España and Welcome Rotonda (now Mabuhay Rotonda) as starting point, being the boundary of Manila and Quezon City and use the interactive map below to guide you. Tutubi lived for ten years in Sampaloc, Manila that's why he has a pretty good grasp of the jeepney routes that pass by España but the actual ends of the jeepney routes are missing or need a little tweaking, please leave a comment to complete.


Interactive map of Projects of Quezon City with Mabuhay Rotonda (lower left of frame) as reference point.

Project 1, now Roxas District, from Welcome Rotonda, drive on Quezon Avenue, then right to Scout Chuatoco [landmarks: St. Peter Funeral Homes and Pegasus] to Roxas District...

Project 2&3: two routes actually. The first route goes to E. Rodriguez, left to Tomas Morato, Right to Kamuning, cross EDSA, Kamias then right to Anonas...
Second is via Quezon Avenue, right to Timog, right to Tomas Morato, left to Kamuning, cross EDSA and then Kamias right to Anonas...

Project 4: Take E. Rodriguez, cross EDSA Cubao (Ibabaw) to Aurora Avenue, right to 20th Avenue(?)...

Project 6: cross to Quezon Avenue, left to West Avenue (actually a U-turn after Delta) cross EDSA (Paramount, actually right to EDSA, then U-turn), right to North Avenue (SM City North EDSA, Trinoma and MRT North Avenue Station), left Mindanao Avenue, right to Road 1, left to Visayas Avenue...

Project 7: takes similar route as Project 8 up to Del Pilar St and Roosevelt Avenue. Not so common route these days for jeepneys. They used to advertise SM City Annex after going inside Veterans Village but is actually misinformation as you need to cross EDSA to actually get to SM.

Project 8: Quezon Avenue, left to Roosevelt Avenue (actually a U-turn then right to Roosevelt (Landmark: Pantranco and Mercury Drug), cross EDSA to Congressional Avenue (right to EDSA, U-turn then right to Congressional. [Landmarks: Munoz Market, Walter Mart North EDSA and LRT 1 Roosevelt Station), left to Shorthorn (U-turn then right), Road 20 then General...

Lastly, there's another jeepney that regularly pass by Welcome Rotonda, the Fairview route that deserves mentioning here even if it's not a Project of PHHC. Fairview jeepneys take Qeuzon Avenue all the way to Circumferential Road, Quezon Memorial Circle and Quezon City Hall, right to Commonwealth Avenue, pass by PHILCOA, University Avenue (entrance to UP) and UP-Ayala Technohub, Tandang Sora flyover, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) all the way to SM Fairview.

related searches:
origin jeproks etymology. what does jeproks mean? meaning of jeproks, how to commute to Quezon City from Manila

Labels: Quezon City

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 nice, quiet church tucked inside Barangay West Triangle and near the home of Ninoy Aquino and former president Cory on Times St.

Tutubi posted the information as the church is the same church where Cory Aquino used to hear mass weekly due to its proximity to her home. It will probably be the same church where the "pasiyam" (nine days of traditional novena masses for the dead) of the late democracy icon may be observed. (You can expect to see the Aquino siblings, friends and relatives to gather here not only the popular Kris Aquino-Yap and her basketball player husband James Yap during the pa-siyam)

Photo of the interior of Church of Hearts of Jesus and Mary taken sometime in 2006

Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish not air-conditioned but is not hot either due to sufficient ventilation. It's a great location for weddings, in fact it's the most booked church for weddings in the Diocese of Cubao. Ample parking for guests and parishioners available on the streets of the subdivision.

Tutubi sometimes hear Sunday masses here with schedules even at 12 noon.

How to get to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish:

Address: Barangay West Tringle, Quezon City

Commute to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church: From MRT Quezon Avenue station, board a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and alight at the corner of Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake House) then walk towards your right for two blocks, left on Bulletin St then right Daily Mirror St where the church is located (access of Bulletin St sometimes is closed so it may sometimes be better to enter via West 4th St (opposite Scout Borromeo). It can also be reached by jeepneys bound for Fairview from Quiapo.

Driving directions to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish: From Makati, head towards EDSA going to Quezon City, make a U-turn under Quezon Avenue viaduct then turn right on Quezon Avenue. Turn right on Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake house are landmarks), left on Times St (the first corner after Quezon Avenue) right again on West 4th St, right on Bulletin St then left on Daily Mirror St. The parish is located just beside the barangay hall of West Triangle.

Labels: Churches, Cory Aquino, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

Tutubi doesn't have to break the news about the passing of Cory Aquino, he was saddened on hearing the news but he's really expecting it even if he wished it to occur at a much later date.

With an errand he did that took him driving along Quezon Avenue and before going home, he turned the wheels of his car right towards Times St. after passing Great Eastern Hotel (Aberdeen Court) and passed by Cory Aquino's home in West Triangle near The Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish where he found many people offering prayers.

The problem however was that he has no camera with him in his car, quite rare for him to be without one, except his iPhone 3G but with dying battery managed to snap a few pictures of the peaceful scene at Ninoy's Home.

a grieving visitor to Ninoy and Cory's home on Times St with tarpaulin banners on the gate
yellow flowers for Cory Aquino. Also visible is the marker for Ninoy Aquino

Before totally heading home, he dropped by Water Mart North EDSA to buy yellow ribbons to tie around his car's side mirrors and antenna.

For foreign readers, Cory Aquino is a former president of the Philippines, was the rallying figure of the bloodless "people power" revolution of 1986 that got rid of authoritarian regime of Pres. Marcos and ushered democracy.

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How to get to Times St. Brgy. West Triange, Quezon City:

Driving Directions: From makati, head towards EDSA northbound, choose "Ilalim" of Quezon Avenue to make a U-turn and turn right on Quezon Avenue (going to Welcome Rotonda). Turn right on Examiner St (the first street actually which used to cross with Quezon Avenue) then turn left on Times St (the first street on your left). You'll see the Cory Aquino's home with people and media people. Street parking is available since it's a four lane street.

Commute: From MRT Quezon Avenue Station, walk and ride a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and request the driver to drop you off in West Triangle particularly the street after passing by Great Eastern Hotel. Walk to the right then turn right again on Times St where it's located about 50 meters from the corner.

From Quiapo, you can ride jeepneys/buses going to Fairview and alight on Quezon Avenue's West Triangle, cross Quezon Avenue using the pedestrian overpass up to Times St where you turn left heading towards the house.

Labels: Cory Aquino, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

People living in Quezon City, or those just passing by Metro Manila's largest city's Cubao area, are mostly unaware and indifferent that Cubao used to be the seat of Quezon City government after the city was formed in 1939 by then president Manuel L. Quezon. It was at the northeastern corner of EDSA and Aurora Boulevard where the fledgling city rented a hospital made of wood.

The first mayor then of the city was Tomas Morato, from whom the street filled with restaurants was named after.

Picture of the original Quezon City Hall (from the official website of Quezon City). As posted on QC website, it's at the northeastern corner of EDSA and Aurora Boulevard which is now a vacant lot owned by National Bookstore

The blueprint of the city was master planned by Arch. Juan Arellano, later a National Artist for Architecture, with the four avenues (North, East, West and Timog) (strange, isn't it?) forming a diamond cut into four triangles by EDSA and Quezon Avenue and tipped with the Elliptical Road where the Quezon Memorial Circle stands.

For people applying for business permits, real property taxes (amelyar), birth certificates (as well as marriage, death and other certifications from civil registry), here's information on how to get there.

How to get to Quezon City Hall:

Commute to Quezon City Hall is easy via the MRT Quezon Avenue Station. Transfer to Philcoa, Fairview or UP-bound jeepney and alight in front of Quezon City Hall

Commuting from Quiapo, Manila, take jeepneys with signboard Fairview or Philcoa and drop off in front of the city hall (on your right) on Elliptical Road (you'll see Quezon Memorial ahead)

Driving directions to Quezon City Hall:

Those fortunate enough to have a car, you can get to the City Hall from Makati via northbound EDSA then turn right on East Avenue (take ilalim on reaching Kamuning/Kamias viaduct). You'll see Quezon City Hall on your right immediately after turning right on Elliptical Road (note: there's parking inside the city hall complex)

Labels: Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

Information posted for a friend of Tutubi nagging him for information on how to get to the new UP-Ayala TechnoHub on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Tutubi has never been there but he knows where it is so he posted the information for others out there who also want to go to the technological hub of hi-tech companies in the Philippines, a joint venture of the University of the Philippines and Ayala.



Interactive street map of Up-Ayala technoHub with Quezon Memorial Circle in view

How to get to UP-Ayala TechnoHub:

How to commute to UP-Ayala TechnoHub:

From MRT Quezon Avenue, board a jeepney with signboard Philcoa or Fairview and request the driver to drop you off in front of Technohub. Note Fairview-boud buses on EDSA will also pass by the place, some sort of mini-Trinoma


Directions to UP-Ayala TechnoHub:

From Makati, head towards EDSA Cubao then turn left on East Avenue, pass Quezon Circle, exit on Commonwealth Avenue then make a U-turn under the Tandang Sora flyover (not the first one as you're risking an accident due to its proximity making it dangerous. Tutubi has seen several accidents there already). UP-Ayala Technohub is the mall-like cluster of buildings on your right.

Labels: Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

To answer questions from people looking for accommodations and budget hotels near Manila Airport (officially Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)) to stay at for those who who have to wait for connecting flights or just to be comfortable striking distance from NAIA.

Note that the word "near" is relative and needs to be defined first for it to be used in this post and will not answer questions on "how far is this hotel" from the airport kind of thing. Tutubi will just use approximate travel time, not absolute distance from the airport terminals as reference.

Guide to Sleeping at Airports or near them?

The nearest hotel to NAIA Terminal 1 (International Airport) is located inside the airport terminal, on the fourth floor Terminal 1 beside Sampaguita lounge. Each of the twelve air-conditioned hotel rooms measures 3x3 meters, with double beds and private shower and toilet and can be had a room rate of US$19.00 (about PhP840.00) for 24 hours stay.

The nearest hotels to NAIA Terminal 3 are luxury Marriott Hotel, Maxim's Hotel, Remington Hotel and Belmont condotel and the planned Hamilton Hotel inside the spanking Newport City opposite the terminal on Andrew's Avenue. It's also very near to the other airport terminals.

The nearest hotel to NAIA Terminal 2 used to be the government-owned Philippine Village Hotel but is closed indefinitely.

UPDATED: June 2014

List of hotels in "nearness order" from the airport:

About 30 minutes or less from all NAIA Terminals (within five kilometers from the airport)

Wine Museum Hotel (Aurora Blvd (formerly Tramo St))
Nichols Airport Hotel (in front of Pearl Plaza Mall on Quirino Avenue)
RAF Mansion (Roxas Blvd)
Heritage Hotel at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard
Networld Hotel (Roxas Boulevard)
Traders Hotel Manila (Roxas Boulevard)
Radisson Hotel Manila Bay and Regent Manila Bay (under contruction) within SM Mall of Asia complex
Microtel Inns and Suites within SM Mall of Asia complex
Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza (CCP Complex, Pasay City)
Hotels and (seedy) Motels in Pasay at the corner of EDSA and F.B. Harrisson St. not recommended for tourists unless you're looking for some "action" and hassles
Kabayan Hotel Pasay on EDSA near Corner Taft Avenue, walking distance from MRT and LRT Stations (remarks: accessible by public transportation)
Solaire Resorts and Casino at the PAGCOR Entertainment City

30 minutes to an hour from Manila Airport:

Makati Avenue corner Ayala Avenue at night with view of Makati Shangri-La Hotel and The Peninsula Manila, (picture taken through dirty glass window using Canon 300D in slow shutter)

Hotels in Makati e.g. Shangri-La Makati (Ayala corner Makati Avenue), The Peninsula Manila (Ayala corner Makati Avenue), Dusit Thani Hotel (EDSA near Ayala Center), Hotel Intercontinental (Ayala Avenue near corner EDSA), The Ascott (formerly Oakwood at the Glorietta Mall complex), Holiday Inn Manila, Fairmont Hotel, Best Western Astor (Makati Avenue near Kalayaan), Great Eastern Hotel (Makati Avenue near Kalayaan), Fairmont Makati Hot, Renaissance Makati City Hotel, Sommerset Olympia Makati (Makati Avenue), Mandarin Oriental (Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas), Makati Palace Hotel, Jupiter Suites,
St. Giles Hotel, Riverview Apratelle, Robelle Hotel (J.P. Rizal St),

Hotels in Fort Bonifacio (The Fort or Bonifacio Global City (BGC)), Taguig City e.g. Shangri-la at The Fort and Grand Hyatt Hotel (both under construction), Best Western Premier F1 Hotel, Seda Hotel BGC, The Fort Budget Hotel, Global City Hotel (Luxe Residences), Kukun Hotel,

Hotels in Mandaluyong City e.g. Go Hotel (EDSA beside Forum Robinsons Pioneer), Richville Hotel (EDSA near Crossing/Shaw Blvd), New Horizon Hotel (EDSA corner Boni Avenue), EDSA Shangri-la Hotel (beside SM Megamall), Lancaster Hotel (Shaw Blvd), The Legend Villas (Pioneer St.) and Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing.

Hotels in Pasig City Ortigas Center e.g. Discovery Suites, Linden Suites Hotel, Richmonde Plaza Hotel (San Miguel Avenue), Astoria Plaza (Jose Maria Escriva Drive), budget-friendly Tune Hotels on Shaw Boulevard near EDSA Crossing.

The Flower Group Motels in Pasig City on Shaw Boulevard and Kapitolyo area (again, not recommended for usual tourists and family vacations)

Budget Hotels in Manila (Malate and Ermita districts) (can be reached in less than an hour but unpredictable) e.g. Century Park Hotel (P. Ocampo near Harrison Plaza and SM), Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila (Pedro Gil Corner MH Del Pilar), Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel (UN Avenue), Bayview Park Hotel (across US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard), G Hotel (boutique hotel on Roxas Boulevard), Midland Plaza Hotel, Manila Diamond Hotel (with Free Internet Access in all rooms, Roxas Boulevard), Palm Plaza Hotel (Pedro Gil corner M Adriatico St), Pan Pacific Manila (M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets , Malate), Manila Hotel (Roxas Boulevard), Hotel Intramuros de Manila (Cabildo corner Urdaneta, Intramuros), Manila Grand Opera House Hotel (Sta. Cruz, Manila)

An hour or two from Manila Airport:

Hotels in Quezon City (it's a big city north of the airport so be forewarned) e.g. Eurotel Araneta Center, Sulo Hotel, Great Eastern Hotel (Quezon Avenue), Hotel Rembrandt (Tomas Morato), Imperial Palace Suites Hotel (Timog corner Tomas Morato), Tri-Place Hotel, Nice Hotel, Astrotel (Cubao), Gran Prix Hotel

Notes:
List mostly on five star, four star or three star hotel accommodations, even budget hotels
No information on the cheapest room rates available.
Please visit official websites for inquiries and reservations.
Travel time is based on taxi travel from the airport and will be much less on lean times i.e. late night, dawn and early mornings.

A typical dawn trip of Tutubi from Quezon City to the airport takes about an hour via EDSA and costs PhP300.00 on the taxi meter fare. Metered taxi fare from the airport to Makati CBD is just around PhP150.00 (a little over US$3)

This site does not offer online booking nor promo room rates, it's just a rough guide to hotels near Manila airport for your reference so as not to be misled by other websites on the distance of your chosen hotel from your airport disregarding practical travel times and normal traffic situations.

Related Posts
Manila Airport Guide
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3
Airport Terminal Fees
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2

Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 1, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 2, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 3, Hotel Near NAIA Terminal 4, Hotel near old Manila Domestic Airport Terminal

Labels: Airports, Hotels, Makati, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Quezon City

A favorite church of the well-heeled for weddings, baptism and other events, tucked in an gated community of Greenmeadows subdivion in Quezon, very near Eastwood City, Libis, is the Christ The King Parish.

Tutubi attended a wedding there last year but only remembered to post it here due to the recent sad news about the demise of Francis Magalona, more popularly known as Francis M., a gifted artist, nationalist, and composer who died today after a few months fight with leukenia. Tutubi received the news from his officemates who's a friend of Maxene Magalona, one of Francis' eight children.

the altar of the Christ the King Church
the pipe organ of the parish

The wake of Francis Magalona will be held at the chapel of Christ the King Church, that's why he posted information on how to get there. Note that there's limited parking space inside the compound but probably you can park on the street.

How to get to Christ the King Parish:

Commuting to the church is not easy for no public transport pass by the exclusive subdivision. for Driving directions, it's in Greenmeadows, near Ortigas Avenue. The closest you can get there by public tranport are the Rosario-bound jeepneys from Robinsons Galleria or Rizal-bound jeepneys from EDSA Central but you need to walk quite a distance from C5 if you can't flag a taxi.

Directions from Greenhills, drive towards EDSA on Ortigas Avenue then turn left on Greenmeadows, the traffic light after Lanuza and before you reach C5 (tiendesitas). It's about a kilometer from there.

From UP via C5, drive past Eastwood City, Libis and turn right when you see Jollibee where you'll see the church about 500 meters from the corner of C5.

Labels: Churches, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

A favorite haunt of Tutubi on Sunday mornings being just a fifteen-minute drive away or two short jeepney rides from home, the grounds of the Lung Center of the Philippines, with it's shady trees, come alive bustling with activity with food stalls, tiangge and dry goods for sale with regional specialties and products from almost every corner of the Philippines.

Shopping at the sunday market has become a routine for people near the area to shop for their food supplies for a week to cook at home. Various fish, seafood, meats, organic produce, vegetables, herbs and spices (e.g wheat grass, basil, thyme,) , regional specialties and exotic stuff can be found here at a cost lower than Manila's gigantic malls.

Many people asked Tutubi (a wannabe history buff) why the sunday market is called Sidcor, well, it's called Sidcor since in the 90's it used to be located at Sidcor Plaza, where the no-longer-extant Sidcor Resort also used to be, at the corner of EDSA and Main Avenue, the present site of Makro Cubao.

Sidcor Organic Market finds and more:


Kalamay and sinukmani, both rice-based desserts (kakanin)

an assortment of kakanin for sale

For lovers of organic stuff, lettuce packs at 3 for P100. For comparison, similar items at SM malls cost P60/each making these organic greens about 50% cheaper.

Tamales P5/each (small)
or the complete tamales meal at P50 but turned out much of the volume you see were just banana leaves

Live Frogs P250/kilo, people of Paete call them palakang kabakab, cooked by Kapampangans into betute. The French also eat frog legs or what they call "les cuisses de grenouilles."

eggs of Bayawak (water monitor lizard) P130 each (this is not recommended as the bayawak is an endangered species, therefore protected...there are live bayawak on display at the Protected Animals and Wildlife Rescue Center (PAWB Mini-Zoo) inside the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife just across the Lung Center)


Live Dalag (Mudfish) P200/kilo. This specimen weighs 1.5 kgs and is about 30 centimeters long

sinukmani and kalamay (rice cake) P10/slice

Yacon (great for diabetics): P40/kilo (if you want cheaper at P20/kilo or less at wholesale price, look for them on the highway of Nueva Vizcaya particularly Bambang and the cold, upland town of Kasibu)

lato/arosep (seaweed): P120/kilogram

Vigan Empanada: P60/pc, not worth it though, still recommend the authentic ones at Vigan's plaza

Fresh curacha flown from Zamboanga City

Curacha, (sea crabs) endemic to the waters of Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-tawi at PhP550.00/kilo (about $11/kg), expensive, yes, but it's the only place Tutubi has seen the sinfully delicious crustaceans outside Zamboanga City. It's already a steal in these low cost of living Philippine islands.

With various food finds and delicacies present, the Lung Center Sunday Market easily answers the question on where to find hard-to-find items, long before the Salcedo Weekend Market and the Legaspi Sunday Market came to be. The latter two were said to be inspired by the original Sidcor Organic Market in Cubao. The three weekend markets, plus Market! Market in Taguig City and Tiendesitas in Pasig City recommended stops for tourists, locals and foreigners, wishing to sample Philippine cuisine and food specialties without actually going to the actual places.

Lastly, should you happen to get there, note that Lung Center's specialty dish is the exotic BOPIS!

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Lung Center Sunday Market (Sidcor)
Lung Center Compound, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Open from 6am up to 1pm, Sunday
Parking Fee of P20 for first 8 hours, P5 every hour thereafter

Tip: Use the second gate when parking to avoid the long queue of vehicles entering the first gate. More spacious parking at the left side than those on the right side though farther from the flea market and tiangge stalls.

How to get to Lung Center of the Philippines:

Commute: From MRT Quezon Avenue station, best to hire a cab or if you feel like really commuting, board a bus or jeepney bound for Fairview/Lagro/Philcoa or UP and drop off in front of the Lung Center of the Philippines. (this is opposite the pedestrian entrance of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center) also on Quezon Avenue. From Manila, jeepneys and buses with signboard Fairview, Lagro and Philcoa all pass by the place. From LRT Monumento station (good for those coming from Cavite), you need to board buses going to Baclaran or Cubao then alight on Quezon Avenue before transferring to a Fairview-bound jeep or bus.

Driving Directions to Lung Center:

1. if you have a car, from Makati or SLEX, take EDSA going to Quezon City, right turn on Quezon Avenue (ilalim) then enter the hospital entrance gate about 300 meters from the corner of Agham road (the first traffic lights after EDSA). You need to pay a minimal parking fee.

2. From NLEX, it's best to take EDSA then North Avenue, passing by SM North EDSA and Trinoma Mall, right turn on Agham Road (pass by the neo-classical building Office of the Ombudsman, Philippine Science High School (PSHS or pisay) and Manila Seedling Bank) then left turn again on Quezon Avenue to reach the center.

3. From Manila, it's just a "straight" drive from Quiapo's Quezon Boulevard, Lerma, Espana, pass by Welcome Rotonda, to reach Quezon Avenue where the center is just near Elliptical Road and Quezon Memorial Circle.

4. From SLEX or Rizal province via C5, drive straight on C5 then Katipunan Avenue to pass by Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) campus, turn left on C.P. Garcia (the University of the Philippines campus), right on Commonwealth avenue to make a U-turn going to Elliptical Road (Quezon Circle) then Quezon Avenue where you need to take a U-turn again to get to the other side.

For a vicinity and road map of Lung Center, click here. Beside the Lung Center of the Philippines is the National Kidney Institute of the Philippines (NKI).

Other notable landmarks and interesting places nearby are the Quezon Memorial Circle (Quezon City Circle), Quezon City Hall, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Office of the Ombudsman (yeah, that dysfunctional government agency who can't seem to go after allies of the administration...ranting :P), Philippine Science High School, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Philcoa (Philippine Coconut Authority), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical and Space Administration or PAGASA Science Garden (with its Planetarium), Veterans Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, University of the Philippines (UP), Philippine Heart Center, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Childrens Medical Center (PCMC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), LTFRB, NIA, NPO, Manila Seedling Bank, Trinoma Mall, and SM City North EDSA.

Related Posts:
Manila Shopping Guide
Tiendesitas
Salcedo Weekend Market
Manila Seedling Bank,
SM City North EDSA and Trinoma Mall
Quezon Memorial Circle

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

A fitting landmark to welcome the New Year, a photo of Welcome Rotonda, now called Mabuhay Rotonda, located at the boundary of the City of Manila and Quezon City, also marks the end-points of four major streets: España Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue and Mayon St.

picture of the rotonda (roundabout) taken from Quezon City side (Canon Ixus 30). The monuments back is Espana Boulevard leading to Quiapo

History of Welcome Rotonda (now Mabuhay Rotonda)

Architect Luciano V. Aquino designed and built the structure from piles of marble in 1948 during the term of Mayor Ponciano Bernardo when Quezon City was declared the new capital of the Philippines. It was renamed Mabuhay Rotonda in 1995 to reflect a more Filipino name (Mabuhay means Long Live in Filipino), during the term of Mayor Ismael Mathay.

The roundabout is a declared freedom park where demonstrations and rallies can be held. When Tutubi passed by, activists displayed banners calling for the resumption of the GRP-MILF peace talks. Who wouldn't want peace?

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How to get there:

Commuting to Welcome Rotonda is easy, jeepneys from Manila going to Quezon City with signbords Cubao, Project 2-3, Project 4, Project 6, Project 7, Project 8, and Lagro/Fairview pass by the imposing landmark. From MRT stations of Quezon Avenue, North Avenue, GMA-Kamuning and Cubao, jeepneys going to Quiapo pass by the intersection.

From Mabuhay Rotonda, at the corner of Kanlaon and Quezon Avenue, jeepneys with signboards Mayon will take you to Dapitan Arcade up to A. Bonifacio and San Francisco del Monte (Frisco) intersection.

Driving Directions: the rotonda (roundabout) can be reached easily from EDSA Cubao via E. Rodriguez, from Quiapo via Espana, from NLEX/Frisco/A. Bonifacio via Mayon and from Quezon Memorial Circle via Quezon Avenue.

Nearby landmarks include PLDT (with its transmission tower), Welcome Supermarket, United Doctors Medical Center (UDMC) and Grand Inihaw.

Lastly, for a road map of Welcome Rotonda, click here

Related Post:
Quezon Memorial Circle

Labels: Landmarks, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

Tutubi wrote earlier how he celebrates Christmas: stay at home; but this time, due to the arrival of his parents from the province, he had to change his annual routine and treated his parents at the mall

He arrived at SM City North EDSA shortly before 10am, the regular opening time of SM malls while his parents came with his sister around 11:30am, just in time for lunch where his parents wished to eat at Pizza Hut Bistro.

SM City North EDSA. (picture taken from Trinoma using Tutubi's new toy: Olympus Stylus 850SW)

After lunch, his parents requested to watch movies shown during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), a time where only Filipino films are shown in theaters. They chose "Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat" billed by Ai-ai delas Alas. Tutubi and his sister decided not to enter the moviehouse due to so many people and opted instead to tour the newly-opened The Annex whose opening made SM City North EDSA-- the biggest in the Philippines and now the third largest mall in the world in terms of leaseable area with the Main mall building, SM The Block, SM Cyberzone and The Annex combined.

When showtime was over, Tutubi and his sister hurried back to Cinema 8 to fetch their parents and walked to the adjoining The Block, browsed through sale at Mango and acceeded to their mother's request to eat at Razon's Halo-halo for their pancit luglug.


Trinoma activity center where many families spent Christmas

This time, they crossed the new-constructed pedestrian overpass to Trinoma and ate at Razons while Tutubi ordered sotanghon soup at Reyes Barbeque

The return walk to SM was too much already for his mother, suffering from arthritis, but managed to inch her way to SM Cyberzone carpark.

Tutubi played Santa Claus that day to his parents and made their simple wishes come true!

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How to get to Trinoma Mall:

Commute to Trinoma: The fastest way to Trinoma is via the MRT where North Avenue station is linked conveniently. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.

Driving directions to Trinoma:

Driving to Trinoma is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss.

Trinoma Parking Fees:
P30 first 4 hours; P10 every hour thereafter
P200 lost parking Ticket

Tip: avoid the Mindanao Carpark especially for newbie drivers. It's too narrow passage way and dark. Choose North Parking if available.

How to get to SM City North EDSA:

Commute to SM City North EDSA: The fastest way to SM City North EDSA is via the MRT where North Avenue station where it's a 5 minutes walk away. From Manila, you can get there by boarding jeepeneys with Project 6 signboards.

Driving directions to SM City North EDSA:

Driving to SM City North EDSA is easy coming from Makati since it's just a north-bound drive on EDSA and located just the the last MRT station so it's hard to miss after passing Trinoma.

SM City North EDSA Parking Fees:
Covered parking: P30 flat rate
Open Parking: P15 flat rate
Free Parking for motorcycles

For those taking a taxi at SM City, if there are too many people waiting for cabs, try to flag them down near the Bago-bantay tricycle terminal or at the other end of SM Cyberzone.

Eversince Trinoma opened at the so-called North Triangle, foot traffic at SM City North EDSA, one the most profitable mall of the SM Group, dropped.

Which is better, SM City North EDSA or Trinoma? It depends.

SM Cinemas vs Trinoma Movie Theaters: Tutubi just loves to watch movies at Ayala Malls (Trinoma, Glorietta and Greenbelt) due to the smaller theaters, sometimes with THX encoding, and more ergonomic seats with coasters (the same qualities he loves at Gateway Mall Cinemas in Cubao)

For pay parking, SM stands out, due to lower pricing, better design and availability of parking slots.

for groceries, Landmark department store have tad lower prices (read: a few centavos lower than same items) than SM Supermarket and Save More for the same item (except those labeled SM Bonus, of course). Tipping is not allowed at Landmark while it's ok for SM Supermarket should you request help in pushing your shopping carts to your car at the pick up point.

SM Department Store vs Trinoma's Crossings: Crossings has more upscale finds and better customer service than SM. The latter though has more items on sale. There's free gift-wrapping at both department stores.

For medicines and prescription drugs, SM only has South Star drug while Trinoma boasts of Mercury Drug...have you ever wondered why there are no Mercury Drugstores at SM malls? It's some sort of trivia :P

Trinoma has a nice garden roofdeck frequented by "park goers" and possibly the reason why SM decided to build their own rooftop garden (unfinished as of posting time).

Want to watch colorful pyrotechnics or practice fireworks photography? SM City North EDSA has them on schedule every Saturday night at 7pm while Trinoma fireworks show will commence an hour later at 8pm.

Transport terminals:

From Trinoma and MRT North Avenue Station, there are jeepneys that will take you to the University of the Philippines (UP), Project 6, Muñoz (Muñoz Market and Walter Mart Nort EDSA), West Avenue, Pag-asa, St. James, Tandang Sora, NIA, fx/vans/GTExpress to Marilao, San Fernando and other places in Bulacan and Pampanga. Tricycles are also available to take you to Veterans Village and Bago-bantay.

For a road map of SM City North EDSA and Trinoma (which means Triangle North of Makati), click here

Labels: Malls, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City

From one of his numerous travel-related yahoogroups, an email invitation to be part of the new Katutubo Festival (katutubo means native or indigenous) at the AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City. Tutubi invited fellow bloggers Sidney and Estan, but, too bad, due to short notice, didn't make it.

The email invite, sent just a few days before the event said:

"An INVITATION from KUYOG, the United Natives Movement
October 13, 2008

Dear Ka-KUYOG:

In celebration of the TRIBAL MONTH (October), KUYOG, the United Natives Movement will launch for the first time an activity in Quezon City that will pay homage, give importance, honor and respect to our indigenous roots through the Sandiwang Bayan KATUTUBO FESTIVAL isang pagdiriwang at pagtitipon para sa mga Katutubo on October 17-19, 2008 at the AANI Herbal Garden and Livelihood Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City.

Activities will include WORKSHOPS & LECTURES on KATUTUBO WAY OF LIFE (hunting, fishing, gathering, agriculture, handicrafts, trade, language) thru FOOD, MUSIC, MOVEMENTS, FASHION SHOW and SPORTS, PUBLIC FORUM on the indigenous question: PARA KANINO ANG KAUNLARAN? Lupa, Kalikasan at Karapatan ng mga Katutubo, Ipaglaban! FILMSHOWINGS, STORY TELLINGS, ALIBATA LESSONS, TRADE FAIR OF KATUTUBO ARTS AND CRAFTS, MUSIC JAMMING with KUYOG ARTISTS (Joey Ayala at ang Bagong Lumad) & CELEBRITIES, a tribute to the late National Artist LUCRESIA KASILAG, KATUTUBO ARTS & CRAFTS DEMOS, MUSIC INSTRUMENTS MAKING, TRIBAL CAMPS AND GATHERINGS. All these will entice the public to EXPERIENCE INTERACTIVE CULTURAL TRADITIONS...LIVE!"

Pictures, only a few due to Tutubi's lazy fingers and further spoiled by a slight drizzle:

concerts of various musicians during the day, There's a Joey Ayala live at night but Tutubi can't make it

probably some sort of offering by the natives to appease the gods.

too bad, tribal dances were held the day before, a Friday, something Tutubi would love to cover, what you see are stalls selling tribal gear and stuffs

a trade fair is present at the place where various products from around the Philippines are sold.

After taking a few photos, Tutubi went on a shopping spree, bought a couple of bags for his nephews and nieces, well ahead of Christmas, nachos from Talavera, pancit bato noodles from Bicol, macapuno rice cake puto from Albay and various other delicacies. He even bought a nice reusable bag rather than have them all stuffed in non-biodegrable plastic bags that's so unfriendly to the environment.

Katutubo Festival runs from October 17-19, 2008 so if you happen to read this on time, you can still catch it.

Tutubi advocates the rights of indigenous people, in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, of which the Philippines is a signatory, but falls short of its implementation. Respect of rights of indigenous people is the way to understanding and peace, not just in the troubled south, but in the whole country.

Lastly, for the nth time, please stop calling ancient Filipino writing alibata, it should really be called Baybayin.

How to get to the festival grounds, just see the post on Quezon Memorial Circle.

Labels: Festivals, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City