New Years Eve Rant: Open Letter to Sec. Alberto Lim
31 December 2010
It's New Years eve and for several years, Tutubi vented off steam in the last day of the outgoing year to welcome the new year with a "clean" state of mind.
This won't be off-topic as it's a rant post and sort of an open letter to Sec. Alberto Lim, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. After this letter, it's time to move on...Happy New Year to all!
---
Dear Sec. Alberto Lim,
I don't doubt your sincerity to increase the number of tourists visiting the Philippines but I noticed your ideas on how you intend to do it won't really help you in your quest.
First, that "open skies" will bring in the tourist.
Is that so? Have you checked all foreign airlines entitlements to the Philippines? Are they all filled to the brim that they can't be accommodated or were they not used due to lack of passengers? Was this validated by the Civil Aeronautics Board who claim the opposite? It's due to lack of demand, demand that should be produced by the DOT and Filipinos, to bring the tourists, not the myth of "open skies"
Second, after the Luneta hostage taking fiasco, you brushed aside the effect and said "Hong Kong is a small market" now realizing that Hong Kong is part of China where growing number of tourists come from. The future of tourism is not from the US and Europe but from East Asia particularly China.
Third, you statement that struck Tutubi most that "Backpackers leave waste." Have to admit some backpackers leave waste but also your high-end tourists leave waste too, like those "educated" people inside SUVs throwing trash outside their window. Why is it that even with the presence of too many backpackers in Thailand, I saw the country as much cleaner than the Philippines, no urine-smelling places that Metro Manila reeks of. True backpackers and mountaineers adhere to the adage "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures" ethical mentality.
Fourth, "Backpackers don't spend enough" that clearly betrayed you just don't understand backpacking. Backpackers scrimp on expenses, don't stay at expensive hotels/resorts (like the one he developed in Palawan some time ago) for they only need a place to sleep and rest BUT they do stay longer that your "usual tourists" to stretch the most out of their money. And most of the time, the community benefits due to the fact that even homestay accommodations and public transportation are patronized by backpackers (compared to your usual tourists come in airconditioned buses and private tour vans). You don't know the true impact since they go straight to ordinary people and not the pockets of the moneyed few who own the resorts. They impact the economy and they come in droves that's why it's really, really foolish of you not to develop the Philippines as a backpacking destination.
Fifth, “maximize its potential of being an English-speaking nation.” That too old "come on" of the Philippines as an english-speaking nation. Aren't you aware that almost half of tourists ho stayed at Metro Manila hotels in 2009 were East Asians: Koreans, Japanese, Chinese (China and Hong Kong) and Taiwanese who don't speak English at all? Their number is steadily increasing and they don't care about the negative travel advisories issued by the western world led by the US and the UK who happen to experience terrorist attacks in their own backyard.
Focusing too much on English, like the DEPED, won't cut it as the world's economy is shifting to Asia. Thailand has problems in English yet visited by tourists many times over than the Philippines, most of them backpackers.
"Few visitors also got to experience the country's rich cultural heritage since there were not that many museums to put artefacts on display"
Really, Tutubi loves museums but most Filipinos don't. They only visit museums on a field trip where they get herded out of buses/vans into the museums. Did you know that annual visitors to the National Museum of the Philippines can be dwarfed by visitors of SM Mall of Asia in a day? As such, museums are in a sorry state made worst by very few visitors. Most museums in the Philippines forbid taking photographs, such a medieval prohibition that's no longer practiced in most countries.
With your kind of mindset that resulted to your insistence of the need for a new slogan and logo that resulted in a fiasco, all made with your approval, but turned to be a fiasco and embarrassment, expect Philippine Tourism to be just the same, or worse, than previous years-- lagging with South East Asian neighbors -- due to misplaced priorities and unfounded beliefs!
I know you already know/aware of these things, here are some "link loves" to refresh your memory or update you just in case you missed the news and writings about you, not the "praise releases" of your DOT henchmen including the incredulous claim on one of the "DOT Praise Releases" where it was mentioned that you "founded the Palawan Tourism Council, which is responsible for Palawan’s rise as a veritable tourist destination."
Lim and Palawan Tourism
Chinese The Future of PH Tourism
No Need for Open Skies
Open Sky won't solve the problem
Why open skies policy will fail PH tourim
Tourism Chief Represents Foreign Interests CA Told
Myths Behind Blue Skies
Cebu Tour Operators Hit DOT Moves
Lastly, try to get more people passionate about travel and really know our country. Heck, your people can't even put up a very informative tourism website with original articles (thank the bloggers for giving alternatives) and even registered a domain name very similar to a porn website.
Happy New Year, Mr. Secretary!
Wish you realize wrong moves you had last year and correct them in 2011 for PH to truly attain our country's true tourism potential.
Tutubi
I explore, therefore I blog!
This won't be off-topic as it's a rant post and sort of an open letter to Sec. Alberto Lim, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. After this letter, it's time to move on...Happy New Year to all!
---
Dear Sec. Alberto Lim,
I don't doubt your sincerity to increase the number of tourists visiting the Philippines but I noticed your ideas on how you intend to do it won't really help you in your quest.
First, that "open skies" will bring in the tourist.
Is that so? Have you checked all foreign airlines entitlements to the Philippines? Are they all filled to the brim that they can't be accommodated or were they not used due to lack of passengers? Was this validated by the Civil Aeronautics Board who claim the opposite? It's due to lack of demand, demand that should be produced by the DOT and Filipinos, to bring the tourists, not the myth of "open skies"
Second, after the Luneta hostage taking fiasco, you brushed aside the effect and said "Hong Kong is a small market" now realizing that Hong Kong is part of China where growing number of tourists come from. The future of tourism is not from the US and Europe but from East Asia particularly China.
Third, you statement that struck Tutubi most that "Backpackers leave waste." Have to admit some backpackers leave waste but also your high-end tourists leave waste too, like those "educated" people inside SUVs throwing trash outside their window. Why is it that even with the presence of too many backpackers in Thailand, I saw the country as much cleaner than the Philippines, no urine-smelling places that Metro Manila reeks of. True backpackers and mountaineers adhere to the adage "Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures" ethical mentality.
Fourth, "Backpackers don't spend enough" that clearly betrayed you just don't understand backpacking. Backpackers scrimp on expenses, don't stay at expensive hotels/resorts (like the one he developed in Palawan some time ago) for they only need a place to sleep and rest BUT they do stay longer that your "usual tourists" to stretch the most out of their money. And most of the time, the community benefits due to the fact that even homestay accommodations and public transportation are patronized by backpackers (compared to your usual tourists come in airconditioned buses and private tour vans). You don't know the true impact since they go straight to ordinary people and not the pockets of the moneyed few who own the resorts. They impact the economy and they come in droves that's why it's really, really foolish of you not to develop the Philippines as a backpacking destination.
Fifth, “maximize its potential of being an English-speaking nation.” That too old "come on" of the Philippines as an english-speaking nation. Aren't you aware that almost half of tourists ho stayed at Metro Manila hotels in 2009 were East Asians: Koreans, Japanese, Chinese (China and Hong Kong) and Taiwanese who don't speak English at all? Their number is steadily increasing and they don't care about the negative travel advisories issued by the western world led by the US and the UK who happen to experience terrorist attacks in their own backyard.
Focusing too much on English, like the DEPED, won't cut it as the world's economy is shifting to Asia. Thailand has problems in English yet visited by tourists many times over than the Philippines, most of them backpackers.
"Few visitors also got to experience the country's rich cultural heritage since there were not that many museums to put artefacts on display"
Really, Tutubi loves museums but most Filipinos don't. They only visit museums on a field trip where they get herded out of buses/vans into the museums. Did you know that annual visitors to the National Museum of the Philippines can be dwarfed by visitors of SM Mall of Asia in a day? As such, museums are in a sorry state made worst by very few visitors. Most museums in the Philippines forbid taking photographs, such a medieval prohibition that's no longer practiced in most countries.
With your kind of mindset that resulted to your insistence of the need for a new slogan and logo that resulted in a fiasco, all made with your approval, but turned to be a fiasco and embarrassment, expect Philippine Tourism to be just the same, or worse, than previous years-- lagging with South East Asian neighbors -- due to misplaced priorities and unfounded beliefs!
I know you already know/aware of these things, here are some "link loves" to refresh your memory or update you just in case you missed the news and writings about you, not the "praise releases" of your DOT henchmen including the incredulous claim on one of the "DOT Praise Releases" where it was mentioned that you "founded the Palawan Tourism Council, which is responsible for Palawan’s rise as a veritable tourist destination."
Lim and Palawan Tourism
Chinese The Future of PH Tourism
No Need for Open Skies
Open Sky won't solve the problem
Why open skies policy will fail PH tourim
Tourism Chief Represents Foreign Interests CA Told
Myths Behind Blue Skies
Cebu Tour Operators Hit DOT Moves
Lastly, try to get more people passionate about travel and really know our country. Heck, your people can't even put up a very informative tourism website with original articles (thank the bloggers for giving alternatives) and even registered a domain name very similar to a porn website.
Happy New Year, Mr. Secretary!
Wish you realize wrong moves you had last year and correct them in 2011 for PH to truly attain our country's true tourism potential.
Tutubi
I explore, therefore I blog!
Labels: Floobydust
posted by GingGoy @ 11:59 PM,
,
New Year Countdown Parties Fireworks: Manila Makati and Quezon City
26 December 2010
Tutubi's looking for a list of New Years Eve party for the countdown to 2011. At the top of his head, here's the initial list of places to be on December 31, 2010 to party the night away with concerts and fireworks.
Musical Dancing Fountain at Manila's Rizal Park (Luneta) near the Central Lagoon
SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City
Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Republiq Bar at Newport Mall (Newport City and Resorts World Manila that Tutubi visited recently where he watched Kaos the Musical). Concert Only, no fireworks display due to proximity to NAIA Terminal 3
There's a traditional new years countdown party at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue (front of The Peninsula Manila and Shangri-la Hotel where you can enjoy new years eve buffet promos) but was not held in 2009.
Too, bad, no information yet for SM City North EDSA and Trinoma, 5 minutes away from Tutubi and where he can see the pyrotechnics from home.
So where will you be on New Years eve, partying or just at home?
Musical Dancing Fountain at Manila's Rizal Park (Luneta) near the Central Lagoon
SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay City
Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Republiq Bar at Newport Mall (Newport City and Resorts World Manila that Tutubi visited recently where he watched Kaos the Musical). Concert Only, no fireworks display due to proximity to NAIA Terminal 3
There's a traditional new years countdown party at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue (front of The Peninsula Manila and Shangri-la Hotel where you can enjoy new years eve buffet promos) but was not held in 2009.
Too, bad, no information yet for SM City North EDSA and Trinoma, 5 minutes away from Tutubi and where he can see the pyrotechnics from home.
So where will you be on New Years eve, partying or just at home?
Labels: New Years Day
posted by GingGoy @ 9:44 PM,
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National Non-working Holidays 2011, Long Weekends & MMDA Number Coding
You may have seen the list of regular holidays for 2011 on other blogs but this blog post is about the recently announced Proclamation 84 making this list official where it officially says goodbye to holiday economics of PGMA...back to regular holiday schedules.
2011 Non-Working Holidays and Long Weekends
The regular holidays include Jan. 1 (Saturday) as New Year’s Day;
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday);
Holy Week 2011:
Maundy Thursday – April 21
Good Friday – April 22
Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday)
National Heroes Day – Aug. 29 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – Nov. 30 (Wednesday);
Christmas Day – Dec. 25 (Sunday)
Rizal Day – Dec. 30 (Friday)
Special non-working holidays 2011:
Ninoy Aquino Day – Aug. 21 (Sunday)
All Saints’ Day – Nov. 1 (Tuesday)
Last Day of the Year – Dec. 31 (Saturday)
Declared special holiday for all schools is the EDSA Revolution
anniversary on Feb. 25, which falls on a Friday (no classes)
The Islam feast of Eid’l Adha (end of the hajj or pilgimage to Mecca)
shall be celebrated as a national holiday besides Eid' Fitr (end of
Ramadan for Muslims)
Note: MMDA number coding is suspended during the holidays mentioned above. Number coding in Makati though needs to be confirmed as they operate the so-called Republic of Makati, thus no number coding suspension, not even a number coding window of 10am to 3pm as implemented almost anywhere in Metro Manila
All in all, there are less long weekends in 2011 in the time of P-Noy compared with PGMA...I miss PGMA, but only for this one :P
2011 Non-Working Holidays and Long Weekends
The regular holidays include Jan. 1 (Saturday) as New Year’s Day;
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Saturday);
Holy Week 2011:
Maundy Thursday – April 21
Good Friday – April 22
Labor Day – May 1 (Sunday)
Independence Day – June 12 (Sunday)
National Heroes Day – Aug. 29 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – Nov. 30 (Wednesday);
Christmas Day – Dec. 25 (Sunday)
Rizal Day – Dec. 30 (Friday)
Special non-working holidays 2011:
Ninoy Aquino Day – Aug. 21 (Sunday)
All Saints’ Day – Nov. 1 (Tuesday)
Last Day of the Year – Dec. 31 (Saturday)
Declared special holiday for all schools is the EDSA Revolution
anniversary on Feb. 25, which falls on a Friday (no classes)
The Islam feast of Eid’l Adha (end of the hajj or pilgimage to Mecca)
shall be celebrated as a national holiday besides Eid' Fitr (end of
Ramadan for Muslims)
Note: MMDA number coding is suspended during the holidays mentioned above. Number coding in Makati though needs to be confirmed as they operate the so-called Republic of Makati, thus no number coding suspension, not even a number coding window of 10am to 3pm as implemented almost anywhere in Metro Manila
All in all, there are less long weekends in 2011 in the time of P-Noy compared with PGMA...I miss PGMA, but only for this one :P
posted by GingGoy @ 9:30 PM,
,
Buying Fireworks/Firecrackers? How to Get to Bocaue, Bulacan:Commute Directions
A few friends recently asked Tutubi how to get to Bocaue, Bulacan, people willing to dive a few kilometers north of Manila just to buy firecrackers and fireworks on sale at various stores and stalls littered on the highway of Bocaue, known as the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines.
Map of Bocaue, Bulacan (Open Street Map...of course)
How to get to Bocaue, Bulacan:
Commute to Bocaue, Bulacan is easiest from MRT North Avenue station where you catch FX and vans to Marilao (usually SM Marilao) at Trinoma Transport Terminal or SM Transport Terminal then transfer to a jeepney that will take you to Bocaue.
Driving directions to Bocaue, Bulacan:
From EDSA Makati, head towards Quezon City, take NLEX and exit at Bocaue exit to get to Bocaue town proper. You can also drive to Monumento to pass by Valenzuela and Marilao via MacArthur Highway all the way to Bocaue.
Besides firecrackers at cheap prices before New Years Day, there's also the famous Bocaue River Festival every first Sunday of July (where the infamous Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy occured)
Map of Bocaue, Bulacan (Open Street Map...of course)
How to get to Bocaue, Bulacan:
Commute to Bocaue, Bulacan is easiest from MRT North Avenue station where you catch FX and vans to Marilao (usually SM Marilao) at Trinoma Transport Terminal or SM Transport Terminal then transfer to a jeepney that will take you to Bocaue.
Driving directions to Bocaue, Bulacan:
From EDSA Makati, head towards Quezon City, take NLEX and exit at Bocaue exit to get to Bocaue town proper. You can also drive to Monumento to pass by Valenzuela and Marilao via MacArthur Highway all the way to Bocaue.
Besides firecrackers at cheap prices before New Years Day, there's also the famous Bocaue River Festival every first Sunday of July (where the infamous Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy occured)
Labels: Bulacan Directions
posted by GingGoy @ 8:13 PM,
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Bypass Turbina Traffic: Calamba, Sto. Tomas (ACTEx or SLEX - StarToll Road)
21 December 2010
For a few months now, the SLEx - Startoll road was completed but not opened to driving public due to safety certifications (and probably waiting for the new SLEx toll fee increase.
Last Wednesday, on the eve of Tutubi's trip to The City of Seven Lakes, he heard the news about the opening of the new toll road that bypasses traffic prone Barangay Turbina, Calamba, that takes motorists straight to Sto. Tomas, batangas in front of the gates of Light Industry and Science Park (LISP).
The next day, Tutubi visited the City of Seven lakes and instead of taking SLEX Batangas exit, drove straight ahead using the new ACTEx Toll Road 3 and got the chance to draw the map of the new road to Open Street Map (shown below, yeah, Tutubi not only explores new places, he maps unmapped areas for tourists and explorers too besides providing trip information).
Map of ACTEx (Alabang - Calamba - Sto. Tomas Expressway)
Map of ACTEx (Alabang Calamba Sto. Tomas Expressway) showing Sto. Tomas exit and LISP
Tutubi recommends taking this new route to Batangas, Quezon and Bicol provinces to significantly cut travel time by about 30 minutes e.g. travel time from Trinoma in Quezon City to San Pablo, Laguna via EDSA and ACTEx is now just 2 hours.
Last Wednesday, on the eve of Tutubi's trip to The City of Seven Lakes, he heard the news about the opening of the new toll road that bypasses traffic prone Barangay Turbina, Calamba, that takes motorists straight to Sto. Tomas, batangas in front of the gates of Light Industry and Science Park (LISP).
The next day, Tutubi visited the City of Seven lakes and instead of taking SLEX Batangas exit, drove straight ahead using the new ACTEx Toll Road 3 and got the chance to draw the map of the new road to Open Street Map (shown below, yeah, Tutubi not only explores new places, he maps unmapped areas for tourists and explorers too besides providing trip information).
Map of ACTEx (Alabang - Calamba - Sto. Tomas Expressway)
Map of ACTEx (Alabang Calamba Sto. Tomas Expressway) showing Sto. Tomas exit and LISP
Tutubi recommends taking this new route to Batangas, Quezon and Bicol provinces to significantly cut travel time by about 30 minutes e.g. travel time from Trinoma in Quezon City to San Pablo, Laguna via EDSA and ACTEx is now just 2 hours.
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 10:24 PM,
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Family Bonding Places Suggestions for Christmas and New Years Day
20 December 2010
For family bonding away from the usual malls on Christmas and New Years Day, plenty of places to visit and while away the time with the last suggestion for the really meaningful one.
1. Rizal Park, the normal pasyalan of old had to make way to ever expanding malls but this one has a new entertainment with the rejuvenated colorful dancing fountain at night.
2. Manila Ocean park pair this with Luneta, walking distance away, and you have a different kind of Christmas trip.
3. Quezon Memorial Circle, not just for morning joggers exercises, there are several restaurants in Quezon Memorial Circle e.g. Serye, Max's, Bacolod Chicken Inasal, Tropical Hut and lots of eateries nearby. There's also Circle of Fun with fun rides for the kids and the young-at-heart.
4. Star City at CCP Complex with their rides for the whole family.
5. Enchanted Kingdom, not literally in Metro Manila but quite near so included here, the theme park that still enchants the whole family.
6. Greenhills Shopping Center with bargains at the bazaar and the moving Christmas display that used to attract hordes of people to the defunct COD in Cubao.
7. Watch Kaos the Musical at Resorts World Manila with the whole family even if it hurts a little for your pocket at P988 ticket prices (starting).
8. Tiendesitas, Fun Ranch and Ark or Avilon in Pasig City
9. Support the Filipino movie industry by watching any Metro Manila Film Festival entry at your favorite theaters.
10. For a really meaningful holiday season, visit any orphanage or charitable institution and share your blessings. It's the best way really to celebrate the holidays with the less fortunate...for a change!
No information if the zoos will be open on December 25 and January 1 so you have to take off Malabon Zoo, Manila Zoo and Avilon Zoo on the list. SM mall hours are usually 12nn to 9pm while similar schedules for Trinoma, Eastwood Mall, Bonifacio High Street and other popular malls.
1. Rizal Park, the normal pasyalan of old had to make way to ever expanding malls but this one has a new entertainment with the rejuvenated colorful dancing fountain at night.
2. Manila Ocean park pair this with Luneta, walking distance away, and you have a different kind of Christmas trip.
3. Quezon Memorial Circle, not just for morning joggers exercises, there are several restaurants in Quezon Memorial Circle e.g. Serye, Max's, Bacolod Chicken Inasal, Tropical Hut and lots of eateries nearby. There's also Circle of Fun with fun rides for the kids and the young-at-heart.
4. Star City at CCP Complex with their rides for the whole family.
5. Enchanted Kingdom, not literally in Metro Manila but quite near so included here, the theme park that still enchants the whole family.
6. Greenhills Shopping Center with bargains at the bazaar and the moving Christmas display that used to attract hordes of people to the defunct COD in Cubao.
7. Watch Kaos the Musical at Resorts World Manila with the whole family even if it hurts a little for your pocket at P988 ticket prices (starting).
8. Tiendesitas, Fun Ranch and Ark or Avilon in Pasig City
9. Support the Filipino movie industry by watching any Metro Manila Film Festival entry at your favorite theaters.
10. For a really meaningful holiday season, visit any orphanage or charitable institution and share your blessings. It's the best way really to celebrate the holidays with the less fortunate...for a change!
No information if the zoos will be open on December 25 and January 1 so you have to take off Malabon Zoo, Manila Zoo and Avilon Zoo on the list. SM mall hours are usually 12nn to 9pm while similar schedules for Trinoma, Eastwood Mall, Bonifacio High Street and other popular malls.
Labels: Christmas
posted by GingGoy @ 10:35 PM,
,
From Batanes to Tawi-tawi...
Of all the seventy-nine provinces of the Philippines, Tutubi already set foot and explored more than half of them and trying to explore the rest of the remaining half.
Batanes, the northernmost province of the country only seen on TV, read online or in magazines by Tutubi, has unique four seasons with rolling hills, enchanting seascapes and the enduring, unique culture of the Ivatans waiting to be witnessed and experienced. The beautiful and enigmatic island has yet to be visited, explored and mapped by Tutubi, the budget traveler, explorer and Open Street Map contributor that he is, mainly due to airfare cost constraints.
Tutubi's ultimate dream of exploring all the Philippine provinces is captured by the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga's opening song that used to say "Mula Aparri hanggang Jolo," later changed to "mula Batanes hanggang Jolo" which is still incomplete due to the fact that the southernmost province of the archipelago is Tawi-tawi so it should be "Mula Batanes hanggang Tawi-tawi" to be geographically and politically correct.
With the Batanes trip to come true in case Tutubi bags SEAIR's free trip to Batanes contest, Tutubi can make it "Mula Batanes hanggang Zamboanga" from the present "mula Pagudpud hanggang Zamboanga" then slowly work on his wish to make it: "mula Batanes hanggang Tawi-tawi." Setting foot on Batanes will not only let Tutubi share the beauty of Batanes to his blog readers, he intends to also create the GPS map of the province to be shared online with other tourists and explorers.
From Batanes to Tawi-tawi and every province in between
With Batanes on top of Tutubi's wish list of places to be and be seen.
From Batanes to Tawi-tawi, with Batanes as the country's crown;
And from SEAIR's plane, Tutubi will shout, "Batanes, I'm coming down!"
Interactive map of Batanes main island has no details of streets and coordinates of places to visit. If and when visits Batanes, Tutubi can add detail to make it routable and navigable by GPS and online users just what he's done to the online map Paete, Laguna and other unmapped places he has recently visited
"I explore, therefore I blog...and map!"
---
To know more about SEAIR, you may visit SEAIR official website or their Facebook Fan Page
Batanes, the northernmost province of the country only seen on TV, read online or in magazines by Tutubi, has unique four seasons with rolling hills, enchanting seascapes and the enduring, unique culture of the Ivatans waiting to be witnessed and experienced. The beautiful and enigmatic island has yet to be visited, explored and mapped by Tutubi, the budget traveler, explorer and Open Street Map contributor that he is, mainly due to airfare cost constraints.
Tutubi's ultimate dream of exploring all the Philippine provinces is captured by the popular noontime show Eat Bulaga's opening song that used to say "Mula Aparri hanggang Jolo," later changed to "mula Batanes hanggang Jolo" which is still incomplete due to the fact that the southernmost province of the archipelago is Tawi-tawi so it should be "Mula Batanes hanggang Tawi-tawi" to be geographically and politically correct.
With the Batanes trip to come true in case Tutubi bags SEAIR's free trip to Batanes contest, Tutubi can make it "Mula Batanes hanggang Zamboanga" from the present "mula Pagudpud hanggang Zamboanga" then slowly work on his wish to make it: "mula Batanes hanggang Tawi-tawi." Setting foot on Batanes will not only let Tutubi share the beauty of Batanes to his blog readers, he intends to also create the GPS map of the province to be shared online with other tourists and explorers.
From Batanes to Tawi-tawi and every province in between
With Batanes on top of Tutubi's wish list of places to be and be seen.
From Batanes to Tawi-tawi, with Batanes as the country's crown;
And from SEAIR's plane, Tutubi will shout, "Batanes, I'm coming down!"
Interactive map of Batanes main island has no details of streets and coordinates of places to visit. If and when visits Batanes, Tutubi can add detail to make it routable and navigable by GPS and online users just what he's done to the online map Paete, Laguna and other unmapped places he has recently visited
"I explore, therefore I blog...and map!"
---
To know more about SEAIR, you may visit SEAIR official website or their Facebook Fan Page
Labels: Floobydust
posted by GingGoy @ 10:10 PM,
,
A Taste of Pancit Buko in UCPB Makati
16 December 2010
There's the usual pancit canton, bihon, miki, lomi, chami, the regional pansit variations like pancit bato of Bicol particularly from Bato, Camarines Sur, Pancit hab-hab of Lucban, Quezon, pancit cabagan of Cagayan Valley from Cabagan town, and batil patung in Tuguegarao.
then there's a not-so-common pancit recipe where buko (young coconut) strips are used instead of noodles made from rice, wheat or what-have-yous...
Tutubi knows about pancit buko for a long time but was able sample it only recently through the information from a friend working at Cocobank (UCPB) head office on Makati Avenue (in front of Mandarin Hotel)
pancit buko is just that, young coconut in place of noodles using typical pancit recipes
The pancit buko at Cocobank's cafeteria on the 11th floor of UCPB Building merely costs PhP24.00/order, a true frugal food find in the country's financial district. The price though is too cheap for the tasty and flavorful pancit that looks like chop suey or stir-fried vegetables (guisado) at first glance.
If you want, you can make your own pancit buko with inexpensive buko at public markets or try to sample it first at UCPB in Makati i.e. if you know someone working there as it's only for Cocobank employees. (Tutubi also recommends Cocobank sandwich, something like french toast, ham and...uh-hmm...buko strips)
Should you know of canteens, restaurants, eateries offering this dish, please hit the Post a comment button below.
then there's a not-so-common pancit recipe where buko (young coconut) strips are used instead of noodles made from rice, wheat or what-have-yous...
Tutubi knows about pancit buko for a long time but was able sample it only recently through the information from a friend working at Cocobank (UCPB) head office on Makati Avenue (in front of Mandarin Hotel)
pancit buko is just that, young coconut in place of noodles using typical pancit recipesThe pancit buko at Cocobank's cafeteria on the 11th floor of UCPB Building merely costs PhP24.00/order, a true frugal food find in the country's financial district. The price though is too cheap for the tasty and flavorful pancit that looks like chop suey or stir-fried vegetables (guisado) at first glance.
If you want, you can make your own pancit buko with inexpensive buko at public markets or try to sample it first at UCPB in Makati i.e. if you know someone working there as it's only for Cocobank employees. (Tutubi also recommends Cocobank sandwich, something like french toast, ham and...uh-hmm...buko strips)
Should you know of canteens, restaurants, eateries offering this dish, please hit the Post a comment button below.
Labels: Filipino Food, Pancit
posted by GingGoy @ 9:51 PM,
,
Broas: Pasalubong Lucban Quezon
15 December 2010
Just a quick post on a Quezon specialty that doesn't really need an introduction: broas (lady finger) that Tutubi loves for refrigerator cake recipe than graham crackers.
broas up close and personal...
Tutubi Jr. loves broas, due to its usual sweet cookie taste toddlers love...you can buy broas almost everywhere even at malls in Manila but the pasalubong tradition is just one thing...a medium size can of broas costs around P180.00 in Quezon particularly in Lucban.
broas up close and personal...Tutubi Jr. loves broas, due to its usual sweet cookie taste toddlers love...you can buy broas almost everywhere even at malls in Manila but the pasalubong tradition is just one thing...a medium size can of broas costs around P180.00 in Quezon particularly in Lucban.
Labels: Pasalubong, Quezon
posted by GingGoy @ 9:40 PM,
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The Buko Halo-halo and "Halal" Pancit Hab-hab at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas, Quezon
13 December 2010
A popular restaurant in Quezon is Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Tayabas, with sister restaurant in the town of Bay, Laguna, featuring floating restaurant where dining tables rest on bamboo rafts in the middle of a fish pond teeming with fishes.
The floating restaurant, just a few minutes away from Tayabas City proper on the road going to Lucban and Kamay ni Hesus, is a favorite stop-over for people passing by the area not just during the Pahiyas fiesta.
the floating bahay kubo as dining area of the popular Tayabas Restaurant
On his first time to set foot on the restaurant, resort and hotel compound, Tutubi ordered buko halo-halo for dessert after buying pasalubong and Quezon delicacies on Calle Budin plus a bilao of pancit hab-hab for his driver that he forgot to call during lunch but managed to find an eatery nearby.
With praises for Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay, Laguna, the halo-halo at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Tayabas (Price: P80.00) sadly didn't deserve praise. It was too sugary and wanting in creaminess while the beans were not cooked right. Even the shaved ice of common halo-halo stands at the corner of most small towns can beat it. The malauhog buko, however, saved it from "eternal damnation" or rate it at par with the famous-ye-not-really-good Taleng's halo-halo of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
the buko halo-halo with malauhog buko
The pancit hab-hab, ordered by Tutubi for his driver due to instant recognition on the menu, was later deemed haram (forbidden) by his companion, who confessed that he's a Muslim convert, thus eating anything with pork (Pancit hab-hab is always topped with pork lechon) is not halal (permitted by Islam faith).
Another boo-boo that followed was when Tutubi missed the old brick Malagonlong Bridge due to the usual presence of unreliable and ignorant locals and his laziness to input the coordinates on his Garmin GPS navigator prior to the trip.
A so-so meryenda at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan and not finding a destination due to laziness nearly spoiled his day. Only his positive attitude, somewhat, saved the rest of his day!
---
disclaimer: note that the halo-halo does not represent all of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan's menu but don't blame Tutubi if you ordered the halo-halo and didn't like it too.
The floating restaurant, just a few minutes away from Tayabas City proper on the road going to Lucban and Kamay ni Hesus, is a favorite stop-over for people passing by the area not just during the Pahiyas fiesta.
the floating bahay kubo as dining area of the popular Tayabas RestaurantOn his first time to set foot on the restaurant, resort and hotel compound, Tutubi ordered buko halo-halo for dessert after buying pasalubong and Quezon delicacies on Calle Budin plus a bilao of pancit hab-hab for his driver that he forgot to call during lunch but managed to find an eatery nearby.
With praises for Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Bay, Laguna, the halo-halo at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan sa Tayabas (Price: P80.00) sadly didn't deserve praise. It was too sugary and wanting in creaminess while the beans were not cooked right. Even the shaved ice of common halo-halo stands at the corner of most small towns can beat it. The malauhog buko, however, saved it from "eternal damnation" or rate it at par with the famous-ye-not-really-good Taleng's halo-halo of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
the buko halo-halo with malauhog bukoThe pancit hab-hab, ordered by Tutubi for his driver due to instant recognition on the menu, was later deemed haram (forbidden) by his companion, who confessed that he's a Muslim convert, thus eating anything with pork (Pancit hab-hab is always topped with pork lechon) is not halal (permitted by Islam faith).
Another boo-boo that followed was when Tutubi missed the old brick Malagonlong Bridge due to the usual presence of unreliable and ignorant locals and his laziness to input the coordinates on his Garmin GPS navigator prior to the trip.
A so-so meryenda at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan and not finding a destination due to laziness nearly spoiled his day. Only his positive attitude, somewhat, saved the rest of his day!
---
disclaimer: note that the halo-halo does not represent all of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan's menu but don't blame Tutubi if you ordered the halo-halo and didn't like it too.
Labels: Quezon Restaurants
posted by GingGoy @ 9:44 PM,
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How to get to Resorts World Manila: Map, Commute, Directions, Parking
For people looking for information on "How to get to Resorts World Manila" or Newport City in Pasay City, look no further. Questions regarding "How to commute to Resorts World Manila" will be answered as well as driving directions for those with their own vehicle.
Map of Resorts World Manila here from OpenStreetMap.
Resorts World Manila is Part of Newport City, a project of Megaworld where you can also findMaxims Hotel and Casino, Remington Hotel, Marriott Hotel Manila, Newport Entertainment and Commercial Center (Newport Mall where Republiq bar is located) and the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Directions to Resorts World Manila:
From EDSA, Makati, head to Magallanes flyover, left to SLEX, right to Sales St (the flyover of Fort Bonifacio, Nichols and Villamor Airbase), right to Andrews Avenue where you'll see Newport City to your right (just across NAIA Terminal 3)
From Cavite via Coastal Road, turn right to NAIA Road (old MIA road), left to Domestic Road (you'll see the old Manila Domestic Airport Terminal), right to Andrew's Avenue followed by a U-turn around the rotonda (roundabout) right after passing NAIA Terminal 3, then turn right to enter Newport City.
Where to Park at Resorts World Manila:
Covered parking fees at Newport Mall is PhP45.00 for the first three hours and PhP15.00/hour thereafter (Limited number of slots here though and quite expensive). There's an open parking (beside McDonalds) but no updated information on carpark rates and overnight parking fees (overnight parking fee at NAIA Terminal 3 is just PhP50.00/night but very limited slots unlike at NAIA Terminal 2)
How to commute to Resorts World Manila:
For members (like Tutubi), at various points in Metro Manila (Manila, Quezon City, Pasig City and Pasay City (SM Mall of Asia)), you can hop in at any 24/7 free shuttle service of Resorts World Manila posted on their official website, you can just go there and wait for the official shuttle service to avoid hassle of commuting. If you're not a member, you'll be allowed to ride the shuttle only once for your convenience (just become a member later, no membership fees required, just fill out an application form and present a valid ID)
From LRT 1 EDSA Station or MRT Taft Avenue Station, you can ride the shuttle service to NAIA Terminal 3 near McDonalds and Sogo Hotel to get there. Fare is a flat PhP20.00 per person with trip schedules every thirty minutes from 6am to 11pm.
From SM Mall of Asia, the jeepneys plying the Nichols route via Baclaran pass by NAIA Terminal 3 but you need to cross Andrews Avenue so it's not recommended. The return trip to MOA from Nichols can drop you off in front of Resorts World Manila, Newport City and the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
From Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, you may take Citylink bus that pass by C5 (fare: P38.00). Both Eastwood City and Newport City are Megaworld projects, thus the bus link provided by guess who :P
Map of Resorts World Manila here from OpenStreetMap.
Resorts World Manila is Part of Newport City, a project of Megaworld where you can also findMaxims Hotel and Casino, Remington Hotel, Marriott Hotel Manila, Newport Entertainment and Commercial Center (Newport Mall where Republiq bar is located) and the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Directions to Resorts World Manila:
From EDSA, Makati, head to Magallanes flyover, left to SLEX, right to Sales St (the flyover of Fort Bonifacio, Nichols and Villamor Airbase), right to Andrews Avenue where you'll see Newport City to your right (just across NAIA Terminal 3)
From Cavite via Coastal Road, turn right to NAIA Road (old MIA road), left to Domestic Road (you'll see the old Manila Domestic Airport Terminal), right to Andrew's Avenue followed by a U-turn around the rotonda (roundabout) right after passing NAIA Terminal 3, then turn right to enter Newport City.
Where to Park at Resorts World Manila:
Covered parking fees at Newport Mall is PhP45.00 for the first three hours and PhP15.00/hour thereafter (Limited number of slots here though and quite expensive). There's an open parking (beside McDonalds) but no updated information on carpark rates and overnight parking fees (overnight parking fee at NAIA Terminal 3 is just PhP50.00/night but very limited slots unlike at NAIA Terminal 2)
How to commute to Resorts World Manila:
For members (like Tutubi), at various points in Metro Manila (Manila, Quezon City, Pasig City and Pasay City (SM Mall of Asia)), you can hop in at any 24/7 free shuttle service of Resorts World Manila posted on their official website, you can just go there and wait for the official shuttle service to avoid hassle of commuting. If you're not a member, you'll be allowed to ride the shuttle only once for your convenience (just become a member later, no membership fees required, just fill out an application form and present a valid ID)
From LRT 1 EDSA Station or MRT Taft Avenue Station, you can ride the shuttle service to NAIA Terminal 3 near McDonalds and Sogo Hotel to get there. Fare is a flat PhP20.00 per person with trip schedules every thirty minutes from 6am to 11pm.
From SM Mall of Asia, the jeepneys plying the Nichols route via Baclaran pass by NAIA Terminal 3 but you need to cross Andrews Avenue so it's not recommended. The return trip to MOA from Nichols can drop you off in front of Resorts World Manila, Newport City and the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
From Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City, you may take Citylink bus that pass by C5 (fare: P38.00). Both Eastwood City and Newport City are Megaworld projects, thus the bus link provided by guess who :P
Labels: Hotels and Resorts, Pasay City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:19 PM,
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Pasalubong Shopping on Calle Budin, Tayabas, Quezon
09 December 2010
A portion of Jacinto St. between A.M. Regidor and Legaspi Streets is the so called Calle Budin of Tayabas, Quezon where you can buy budin (cassava pudding) and other Quezon specialties e.g. broas (ladyfingers), nilupak, pancit hab-hab (pancit lucban) noodles, tikoy, Lucban longganisa (pork sausage Lucban style), pinagong, sometimes pinais, lambanog (plain and flavored) as well as pasalubong products from nearby Laguna towns e.g. espasol, puto seko, shing-a-ling, uraro et al.
Photos of Tayabas' Calle Budin (Cassava Pudding Street, Olympus 1050SW):
Calle Budin sign at the corner of Legaspi and jacinto St.
you cannot park your car on Kalye Budin for it's too narrow or the house owner won't let you, park along Legazpi or Regidor
take your pick on Quezon pasalubong shopping at one store visited by Tutubi
Tutubi hurriedly bought 5 budin at a cost of P28.00/piece (good for 2-3 persons), a large can of Campville broas at P140.00, a small pack of Campita's tikoy at P40 each, plus a small bottle of lambanog (distilled coconut wine).
---
Kalye Budin
Tayabas Pasalubong Shopping
Coordinates: N14°1'32" E121°35'38"
Photos of Tayabas' Calle Budin (Cassava Pudding Street, Olympus 1050SW):
Calle Budin sign at the corner of Legaspi and jacinto St.
you cannot park your car on Kalye Budin for it's too narrow or the house owner won't let you, park along Legazpi or Regidor
take your pick on Quezon pasalubong shopping at one store visited by TutubiTutubi hurriedly bought 5 budin at a cost of P28.00/piece (good for 2-3 persons), a large can of Campville broas at P140.00, a small pack of Campita's tikoy at P40 each, plus a small bottle of lambanog (distilled coconut wine).
---
Kalye Budin
Tayabas Pasalubong Shopping
Coordinates: N14°1'32" E121°35'38"
Labels: Calabarzon, Pasalubong, Quezon, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 8:42 PM,
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Quezon: Tayabas' Basilica of St. Michael The Archangel
07 December 2010
A large, beautiful and imposing church in Tayabas, Quezon, officially named the Minor Basilica of St. Michael de Archangel (San Miguel de Arcangel Basilica Menor or Tayabas Basilica for short) is a typical stop-over for Tutubi after visiting friends at Tayabas Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TMPC).
the imposing facade of Tayabas Basilica
the cavernous interiors of the minor basilica with the altar, apse in view
The National Historical Institute (NHI, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) marker states that the previous stone church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1743 and present structure was built afterwards with various improvements. The NHI marker further states that it's one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
The church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, thus the image of the angel on the church patio and the famous depiction of St. St. Michael The Archangel slaying the devil (which is made more famous on the label of a popular "stainless" gin maker).
the popular depiction of St. Michael the Archangel about to slay the devil
another popular church dedicated to the archangel can be found in San Miguel, Manila where a more dramatic representation of the San Miguel Arcanghel can be found.
Lastly, this is recommended stop for those planning for a Quezon Visita Iglesia itinerary during Holy Week.
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Minor Basilica of St. Michael The Archangel
Tayabas, Quezon
Coordinates: N14°1'33" E121°35'26
the imposing facade of Tayabas Basilica
the cavernous interiors of the minor basilica with the altar, apse in viewThe National Historical Institute (NHI, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) marker states that the previous stone church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1743 and present structure was built afterwards with various improvements. The NHI marker further states that it's one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines.
The church is dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, thus the image of the angel on the church patio and the famous depiction of St. St. Michael The Archangel slaying the devil (which is made more famous on the label of a popular "stainless" gin maker).
the popular depiction of St. Michael the Archangel about to slay the devil
another popular church dedicated to the archangel can be found in San Miguel, Manila where a more dramatic representation of the San Miguel Arcanghel can be found.
Lastly, this is recommended stop for those planning for a Quezon Visita Iglesia itinerary during Holy Week.
---
Minor Basilica of St. Michael The Archangel
Tayabas, Quezon
Coordinates: N14°1'33" E121°35'26
Labels: Calabarzon, Churches, Quezon, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:07 PM,
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Ilocos Sur Tour Itinerary and Tips?
02 December 2010
For those people following Tutubi on Facebook, they have a shot at suggesting to him where to go/visit, where to eat and where to stay.
this time, it's an upcoming visit to Ilocos Sur, to the town of Sta. Cruz to be exact, and Tutubi wanted to know several things before he goes there.
In the course of his research, he stumbled on this Ilocos Sur tourism video that mentioned several places that interest Tutubi
several places mentioned:
vigan heritage village, magsingal museum and belfry, syquia mansion, crisologo museum, archbishop palace, national museum padre burgos house, plaza burgos, plaza salcedo, besang pass, sundial tagudin, tirad pass gregorio del pilar (off-the-beaten path), gabriela silang memorial park in santa, sulvec watch tower narvacan, salomague port cabugao, imelda park san esteban, apatot beach san esteban, new kids farm santa, paraiso ni juan narvacan, santiago cove, santa view deck, sulvec beach narvacan, spanish watch tower san esteban, baluarte vigan
numerous things to see/witness:
tambourine in bantay, buri in san juan, abel vigan and santiago, pagburnayan vigan
several ilocos sur delicacies and specialties (all already tasted by Tutubi before except the opia where he can't find information)
longganisa, bagnet, tinubong, empanada, basi, candon calamay, opia, royal bibingka, pinakbet
visita iglesia of Ilocos Sur's churches sporting earthquake baroque architecture including the Church of Sta. Maria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
sta maria church, sta lucia church, sinait church, magsingal church st william the hermit, sta catalina church, san vicente church, simbaan a basit, bantay church nuestra senora de la caridad, st paul metropolitan cathedral vigan.
There's also mention of surfing in sabang and cabugao beach resort pug-os.
Just a reversal of roles here, what's your recommendation? After completing visitng several of these places in a span of two days, Tutubi will give a thumbs up or thumbs down for places listed above...
stay tuned!
this time, it's an upcoming visit to Ilocos Sur, to the town of Sta. Cruz to be exact, and Tutubi wanted to know several things before he goes there.
In the course of his research, he stumbled on this Ilocos Sur tourism video that mentioned several places that interest Tutubi
several places mentioned:
vigan heritage village, magsingal museum and belfry, syquia mansion, crisologo museum, archbishop palace, national museum padre burgos house, plaza burgos, plaza salcedo, besang pass, sundial tagudin, tirad pass gregorio del pilar (off-the-beaten path), gabriela silang memorial park in santa, sulvec watch tower narvacan, salomague port cabugao, imelda park san esteban, apatot beach san esteban, new kids farm santa, paraiso ni juan narvacan, santiago cove, santa view deck, sulvec beach narvacan, spanish watch tower san esteban, baluarte vigan
numerous things to see/witness:
tambourine in bantay, buri in san juan, abel vigan and santiago, pagburnayan vigan
several ilocos sur delicacies and specialties (all already tasted by Tutubi before except the opia where he can't find information)
longganisa, bagnet, tinubong, empanada, basi, candon calamay, opia, royal bibingka, pinakbet
visita iglesia of Ilocos Sur's churches sporting earthquake baroque architecture including the Church of Sta. Maria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
sta maria church, sta lucia church, sinait church, magsingal church st william the hermit, sta catalina church, san vicente church, simbaan a basit, bantay church nuestra senora de la caridad, st paul metropolitan cathedral vigan.
There's also mention of surfing in sabang and cabugao beach resort pug-os.
Just a reversal of roles here, what's your recommendation? After completing visitng several of these places in a span of two days, Tutubi will give a thumbs up or thumbs down for places listed above...
stay tuned!
Labels: Ilocos Region, Ilocos Sur
posted by GingGoy @ 10:52 PM,
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