Palawan: Dos Palmas Island Resort Day Tour
30 April 2011
The popular Palawan beach resort that was scheduled to be visited by Tutubi and his friends but weren't able to because of an unforgettable event, five years later, they came back to Palawan and this time, they were able to see and experience the famous island beach resort that's sort of the flagship of Puerto Princesa City Honda Bay group of islands, particularly located on Arrecife Island.
map of dos palmas island resort and spa. You can walk around the island, rent a bike or use an ATV
Pictures of Dos Palmas Island Resort Day Trip:
the wharf where the boat docks to welcome guests to the music of the kulintang while schools of fishes can be seen below under the clear water
at high noon, it's unbearable to enjoy the fine white sand beach
The problem with day tours is that for quite an expensive price, you arrive at the resort around 10am, an unholy hour to take pictures and too hot even to enjoy the beach, and leave around 4pm where you also miss the golden lighting chased by photographers. You eat buffet lunch at 12nn and will rest about an hour, that leaves only a few hours really to enjoy the facilities, but the presence of his close friends more than made it memorable.
Buffet lunch is inclusive in the published Dos Palmas Day Tour rate, the food is typical hotel/resort food with soups (tasty chicken tinola), salads, main dishes and lots of desserts to fill your tummy.
Use of cottages during your day tour stay is free, beach towels are charged PhP50.00, snorkeling gears and fins are compliments of the resort (well and good, nice snorkeling and dive spot there with giant clams and colorful corals to be seen, but Tutubi forgot to bring his waterproof camera).
No information on cost of massage and spa facilities.
Souvenir t-shirts are priced at PhP280.00, just about right and not too touristy, like most of Palawan is, they don't seem to over-charge tourists in these things.
Dos Palmas Daytour rate: PhP2500.00 (Tutubi got it at a discounted day tour rate of PhP1800.00 (still too pricey for his budget-travel ways but he came here as a tourist with friends and not as a backpacker...)
Dos Palmas booking office is in downtown Puerto Princesa at the NCCC Mall
map of dos palmas island resort and spa. You can walk around the island, rent a bike or use an ATVPictures of Dos Palmas Island Resort Day Trip:
the wharf where the boat docks to welcome guests to the music of the kulintang while schools of fishes can be seen below under the clear water
at high noon, it's unbearable to enjoy the fine white sand beach
The problem with day tours is that for quite an expensive price, you arrive at the resort around 10am, an unholy hour to take pictures and too hot even to enjoy the beach, and leave around 4pm where you also miss the golden lighting chased by photographers. You eat buffet lunch at 12nn and will rest about an hour, that leaves only a few hours really to enjoy the facilities, but the presence of his close friends more than made it memorable.
Buffet lunch is inclusive in the published Dos Palmas Day Tour rate, the food is typical hotel/resort food with soups (tasty chicken tinola), salads, main dishes and lots of desserts to fill your tummy.
Use of cottages during your day tour stay is free, beach towels are charged PhP50.00, snorkeling gears and fins are compliments of the resort (well and good, nice snorkeling and dive spot there with giant clams and colorful corals to be seen, but Tutubi forgot to bring his waterproof camera).
No information on cost of massage and spa facilities.
Souvenir t-shirts are priced at PhP280.00, just about right and not too touristy, like most of Palawan is, they don't seem to over-charge tourists in these things.
Dos Palmas Daytour rate: PhP2500.00 (Tutubi got it at a discounted day tour rate of PhP1800.00 (still too pricey for his budget-travel ways but he came here as a tourist with friends and not as a backpacker...)
Dos Palmas booking office is in downtown Puerto Princesa at the NCCC Mall
Labels: Beaches, Mimaropa, Palawan, Palawan Resorts
posted by GingGoy @ 8:26 PM,
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Map of Manila Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) Toll Fee (Coastal Road to Kawit)
On May 1, the new R-1 Extension of the Manila Coastal Road to Kawit Cavite, now officially called Cavite Expressway or CavitEx will be opened to the motoring public.
With this new road, travel time from from Manila to Kawit (towns in Cavite) will now only be 20 minutes instead of an hour and a half and will de-congest Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Highway.
Map of Cavitex on OpenStreetMap
Cavitex Toll Fee/Rate: PhP64.00 for class 1, 129 for class 2 and 192 for Class 3 vehicles
According to several praise releases on TV, travel time from Zapote in Las Pinas to Kawit, Cavite will also be cut to just 8 minutes. The toll exit is just past Island Cove resort :P
UPDATED: May 2013
With this new road, travel time from from Manila to Kawit (towns in Cavite) will now only be 20 minutes instead of an hour and a half and will de-congest Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Highway.
Map of Cavitex on OpenStreetMapCavitex Toll Fee/Rate: PhP64.00 for class 1, 129 for class 2 and 192 for Class 3 vehicles
According to several praise releases on TV, travel time from Zapote in Las Pinas to Kawit, Cavite will also be cut to just 8 minutes. The toll exit is just past Island Cove resort :P
UPDATED: May 2013
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 7:49 PM,
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Laguna Lake Bamboo Rafting Fun in Paete Wawa Park
25 April 2011
A new facility currently enjoyed by locals of Paete, Laguna offers a ride on balsa (bamboo rafts) at the lakeshore park, called Wawa Park, where one can relax, enjoy the fresh air, eat snacks while floating on the waters of Laguna Lake.
Officially called Wawa Bayshore and Refreshment Park, it's a project of the local club of mandaragat (fishermen, fisherfolks and lakeshore community) and supported by the local government of Paete.
the entrance sign of the fishing wharf cum refreshment park
house on stilts with bamboo footpath
A small canteen, made of bamboo, serves sandwiches and refreshments (at mass market prices), but no fresh buko juice, something Tutubi suggested to the people manning the store, as well as other Paete delicacies and specialties like minani.
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed there, just family-oriented fun, a step in the right direction, actually.
Life vests, for safety, are available for free to boat riders and rafters. Note: Laguna Lake is actually shallow, only about a meter deep, and murky but does not stink like most people think.
Rates:
Entrance fee to enter the wharf (house on stilts) is a measly PhP5.00 while another PhP5.00 needed to board the bamboo rafts for 30 minutes.
To rent out the wharf either to just stay, eat or belt out songs on the videoke, you need to pay PhP20.00 for the first 3 hours plus PhP10.00 for every hour thereafter (rate per person).
To get a boat ride to tour you around Laguna Lake, it's PhP50.00 for the first 3 hours and PhP15.00 for every hour thereafter (per person rate).
Note, these rates do not distinguish between locals, tourists and even foreigners, and are actually cheap, so next time you drop by Paete, particularly early morning and late afternoon, you will find many people hanging out there.
Officially called Wawa Bayshore and Refreshment Park, it's a project of the local club of mandaragat (fishermen, fisherfolks and lakeshore community) and supported by the local government of Paete.
the entrance sign of the fishing wharf cum refreshment park
house on stilts with bamboo footpathA small canteen, made of bamboo, serves sandwiches and refreshments (at mass market prices), but no fresh buko juice, something Tutubi suggested to the people manning the store, as well as other Paete delicacies and specialties like minani.
Alcoholic drinks are not allowed there, just family-oriented fun, a step in the right direction, actually.
Life vests, for safety, are available for free to boat riders and rafters. Note: Laguna Lake is actually shallow, only about a meter deep, and murky but does not stink like most people think.
Rates:
Entrance fee to enter the wharf (house on stilts) is a measly PhP5.00 while another PhP5.00 needed to board the bamboo rafts for 30 minutes.
To rent out the wharf either to just stay, eat or belt out songs on the videoke, you need to pay PhP20.00 for the first 3 hours plus PhP10.00 for every hour thereafter (rate per person).
To get a boat ride to tour you around Laguna Lake, it's PhP50.00 for the first 3 hours and PhP15.00 for every hour thereafter (per person rate).
Note, these rates do not distinguish between locals, tourists and even foreigners, and are actually cheap, so next time you drop by Paete, particularly early morning and late afternoon, you will find many people hanging out there.
Labels: Calabarzon, Laguna, Lakes, Paete
posted by GingGoy @ 6:09 PM,
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How to Get to Manila Zoo: Entrance Fee, Map, Commute, Directions
Just to answer a question on some commenters asking "how to get to Manila Zoo" on Tutubi's other posts, instead of answering endlessly on the post, these directions and How-to will more than suffice. Please read thoroughly before asking and hitting the comments, most commenters though are too lazy tor read and ask questions with answers already present on the blog post if only they bothered to read.
the resident and lonely elephant Mali, about 40 years old which gained fame due to being alone for many years now
Manila Zoo Entrance Fee, Admission prices:
Adults: PhP100.00/head
Children below 4 feet in Height: PhP60.00
Children 2 years old and below: PhP60.00
Residents of Manila with valid ID: PhP50.00
How to get to Manila Zoo:
How to commute to Manila Zoo:
Via LRT 1, the nearest station is Quirino Avenue where you can actually walk westward (towards Baywalk) about 300 meters. From MRT, you can get there via MRT Taft Avenue Station (or North Avenue Station in the future). From LRT 2, you can transfer to LRT 1 at Recto Station then connect to LRT Doroteo Jose station.
Jeepneys from Quezon City passing by Espana and Quiapo, take jeepneys with sighboard Harrisson/Vito Cruz and Mabini. Just request the driver to drop you off in front. This is the same for jeepneys on Rizal Avenue (Avenida) and Sta. Cruz.
From Baclaran, you can take the LRT and get off at Quirino Avenue station or better, just ride a jeep to Quiapo/Sta. Cruz/Divisoria with Mabini on the signboard (never the ones with Taft as they don't pass by in front of the zoo)
Driving directions to Manila Zoo:
From Makati (or those from Laguna, Batangas, Quezon Province, take SLEX), you can drive down to Osmena Highway, left to Quirino Avenue then left to Adriatico Street (landmark: children's playground or formerly Paraiso ng Batang Maynila) where you can see Manila Zoo on your right. There's lots of parking spaces there (no idea on parking fees though). Beside Manila Zoo is Harrison Plaza
From Cavite, head towards Aguinaldo Highway, Manila-Cavite Expressway Roxas Boulevard then turn right to Quirino Avenue (landmark: Ospital ng Maynila) then right to Adriatico to Manila Zoo entrance gate and parking.
From Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas, best to go there via Radial Road, Delpan Bridge then Roxas Boulevard, left to Quirino Avenue then right to Adriatico.
Manila Zoo:
Entrance Fee/Admission Prices/Tickets: PhP100.00 (PhP60.00 children below 4 ft in height). Fifty percent discount for Manila residents with valid IDs.
Address: Quirino Avenue corner M. Adiatico St. Manila
Telephone Number: +632.400.1884;
Zoo Hours: 8am to 5pm daily (no information if they're open in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. They're open on Christmas day and New Years Day and probably other holidays)
Kinder Zoo:
all in rate: PhP250.00
Entrance fee: P100.00
zipline, wall climbing
Boat ride: PhP60.00/boat for 30 minutes (up to 5 persons/boat)
some animals to be seen in Manila Zoo:
elephant, tigers, lion, giraffe (none), snakes, cobra, deer, goat, rabbits, peacocks, hippopotamus, monkeys, fishes,
bringing of food is allowed. there are eateries inside offering snacks and meals (tapsilog) inside plus souvenir shops
Manila Zoo Entrance Fee, Admission prices:
Adults: PhP100.00/head
Children below 4 feet in Height: PhP60.00
Children 2 years old and below: PhP60.00
Residents of Manila with valid ID: PhP50.00
How to get to Manila Zoo:
How to commute to Manila Zoo:
Via LRT 1, the nearest station is Quirino Avenue where you can actually walk westward (towards Baywalk) about 300 meters. From MRT, you can get there via MRT Taft Avenue Station (or North Avenue Station in the future). From LRT 2, you can transfer to LRT 1 at Recto Station then connect to LRT Doroteo Jose station.
Jeepneys from Quezon City passing by Espana and Quiapo, take jeepneys with sighboard Harrisson/Vito Cruz and Mabini. Just request the driver to drop you off in front. This is the same for jeepneys on Rizal Avenue (Avenida) and Sta. Cruz.
From Baclaran, you can take the LRT and get off at Quirino Avenue station or better, just ride a jeep to Quiapo/Sta. Cruz/Divisoria with Mabini on the signboard (never the ones with Taft as they don't pass by in front of the zoo)
Driving directions to Manila Zoo:
From Makati (or those from Laguna, Batangas, Quezon Province, take SLEX), you can drive down to Osmena Highway, left to Quirino Avenue then left to Adriatico Street (landmark: children's playground or formerly Paraiso ng Batang Maynila) where you can see Manila Zoo on your right. There's lots of parking spaces there (no idea on parking fees though). Beside Manila Zoo is Harrison Plaza
From Cavite, head towards Aguinaldo Highway, Manila-Cavite Expressway Roxas Boulevard then turn right to Quirino Avenue (landmark: Ospital ng Maynila) then right to Adriatico to Manila Zoo entrance gate and parking.
From Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas, best to go there via Radial Road, Delpan Bridge then Roxas Boulevard, left to Quirino Avenue then right to Adriatico.
Manila Zoo:
Entrance Fee/Admission Prices/Tickets: PhP100.00 (PhP60.00 children below 4 ft in height). Fifty percent discount for Manila residents with valid IDs.
Address: Quirino Avenue corner M. Adiatico St. Manila
Telephone Number: +632.400.1884;
Zoo Hours: 8am to 5pm daily (no information if they're open in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. They're open on Christmas day and New Years Day and probably other holidays)
Kinder Zoo:
all in rate: PhP250.00
Entrance fee: P100.00
zipline, wall climbing
Boat ride: PhP60.00/boat for 30 minutes (up to 5 persons/boat)
some animals to be seen in Manila Zoo:
elephant, tigers, lion, giraffe (none), snakes, cobra, deer, goat, rabbits, peacocks, hippopotamus, monkeys, fishes,
bringing of food is allowed. there are eateries inside offering snacks and meals (tapsilog) inside plus souvenir shops
Labels: Manila, Metro Manila, Zoos
posted by GingGoy @ 6:04 PM,
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Blog Traffic Heavier than EDSA Traffic this Holy Week
24 April 2011
Sorry, folks! It seems that blog traffic this last Holy Week was too heavy that the headers and pictures of this site consumed the free bandwidth of Photobucket but at least the site is still accessible due to unlimited bandwidth of Google Blogger, and gratis at that
Tutubi went home to Quezon City on Holy Wednesday last week and avoided heavy traffic of EDSA northbound particularly the traffic prone Cubao area. He passed by his usual route going to Makati via Mandaluyong, San Juan then Araneta Avenue.
On Holy Thursday in going home to Paete, Laguna, he again encountered unecessary heavy traffic along Teresa, Rizal near Teresa Church and Teresa Public Market. No particular event, accident or activity, just a less than kilometer long stretch of Manila East Road manned by stupid policemen merely waving their hands commanding drivers to go but didn't bother to remove the obstacles blocking the road. Less than a kilometer and yet took more than 30 minutes to traverse. Traffic Police and local government of Teresa Rizal should be hanged were it not Holy Week.
This blog's visitors for Holy Week was simply overwhelming with people from all over looking for travel information on this blog (that earned a PR5 PageRank from Google, btw, some months ago.
Anyway, the pictures will resume to be displayed soon after this blog's bandwidth allocation get reset or Tutubi will edit the header to be less heavy and for the blog to load much faster.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Tutubi went home to Quezon City on Holy Wednesday last week and avoided heavy traffic of EDSA northbound particularly the traffic prone Cubao area. He passed by his usual route going to Makati via Mandaluyong, San Juan then Araneta Avenue.
On Holy Thursday in going home to Paete, Laguna, he again encountered unecessary heavy traffic along Teresa, Rizal near Teresa Church and Teresa Public Market. No particular event, accident or activity, just a less than kilometer long stretch of Manila East Road manned by stupid policemen merely waving their hands commanding drivers to go but didn't bother to remove the obstacles blocking the road. Less than a kilometer and yet took more than 30 minutes to traverse. Traffic Police and local government of Teresa Rizal should be hanged were it not Holy Week.
This blog's visitors for Holy Week was simply overwhelming with people from all over looking for travel information on this blog (that earned a PR5 PageRank from Google, btw, some months ago.Anyway, the pictures will resume to be displayed soon after this blog's bandwidth allocation get reset or Tutubi will edit the header to be less heavy and for the blog to load much faster.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Labels: Blogging
posted by GingGoy @ 9:49 PM,
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Quo Vadis, Tutubi?
19 April 2011
Just a quick post on Tutubi's whereabouts during the Holy Week break: nice faraway beach? high up in the mountains? doing a Visita Iglesia? in a foreign trip?
nope, he'll just be home in Paete, Laguna, the way he used to be. He has only been away from home in Holy Week thrice in his life, one was due to W.O.R.K. and the other two were for family reasons.
See how it's like to spend Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
Should you ever find yourself roaming Tutubi's hometown, you might probably catch him...unless of course you know how he looks like! :P
Be safe and Happy Easter in advance!
nope, he'll just be home in Paete, Laguna, the way he used to be. He has only been away from home in Holy Week thrice in his life, one was due to W.O.R.K. and the other two were for family reasons.
See how it's like to spend Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
Should you ever find yourself roaming Tutubi's hometown, you might probably catch him...unless of course you know how he looks like! :P
Be safe and Happy Easter in advance!
Labels: Personal
posted by GingGoy @ 7:58 PM,
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Bus Stations/Terminals in Pasay Taft Rotonda EDSA LRT/MRT
17 April 2011
Public Transportation Bus Terminals in Pasay, Taft Avenue corner EDSA, popularly known as EDSA Rotonda (rotunda referring to the no loner extant roundabout), accessible via LRT EDSA Station, MRT Taft Avenue Station, buses on EDSA and jeepneys passing by Taft Avenue from Baclaran or Manila.
List of Provincial Bus Terminals in the area serving various destinations:
---
Alfonso Liner
Bus to Cavite and Batangas
Location: EDSA north-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 120°59'53"E
BLTB (Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Company)
Remarks: closed. Just for history's sake. beside Victory Liner, EDSA south-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'19"N 121°0'27"E
Ceres Tours, Ceres Liner, Ceres Transport, Ceres Express Bus Terminal
Address: Taft Avenue, north-bound
Remark: beside Rotonda Hotel
Coordinates: 14°32'11"N 121°0'1"E
CUL Transport
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'21"E
Dimple Star
DLTB
Remarks: BLTB re-born by DMMW?
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'22"E
ES Transport
EDSA
Bus to Bicol region
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'15"E
Ferdinand Liner
Address: Taft Avenue
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'1"E
Five Star Bus
Pangasinan,Dau,Tarlac,Nueva Ecija,Baguio, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan
Address: Aurora Boulevard (formerly Tramo)
Coordinates: 14°32'11"N 121°0'13"E
Genesis Bus
Buses to Mariveles, Bataan
EDSA corner Taft Avenue behind Hotel Sogo and McDonalds
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'3"E
Gold Line Bus Company
Bus Route: Sorsogon
Address: EDSA
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 120°59'56"E
Jeepney Terminal and FX/Vans
Jeepney routes: Alabang, Muntinlupa; Bicutan, Taguig
Location: Taft Avenue south-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'21"N 121°0'1"E
JVH Transport Terminal
Bus route: Bicol (Sorsogon; Tabaco, Albay)
EDSA Southbound
Coordinates: 14°32'18"N 121°0'14"E
Partas Transportation
Bus routes/destinations: Ilocos, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Coordinates: 14°32'15"N 121°0'13"E
Philtranco
EDSA northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'16"E
Saulog Transit
Remarks: Daily trips to Olongapo, Baguio City, Tarlac, Cavite City, Mendez and Tagaytay City. Former Royal Eagle Terminal
Location: Taft Avenue northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'1"E
Silver Star
Remarks: at the old Inland Trailways Terminal
EDSA northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'22"E
Victory Liner Pasay Terminal (EDSA Malibay)
Daily trips to: Zambales (Olongapo, Iba, Sta. Cruz), Baguio City,
Tuguegarao City, Bulacan (Malolos, Calumpit), Pampanga (Apalit), Tarlac City, Pangasinan (Bolinao, Alaminos, Dagupan), Camiling (Tarlac)
EDSA southbound
Coordinates: 14°32'21"N 121°0'25"E
Please call the bus company's contact numbers or visit their official website, if any, for current fares, trip schedules, chartered bus rates, reservations, freight (waybill) and other inquiries. Most of these bus companies have special trips to handle peak periods during holidays and long weekends in Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Hole Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday), All Saints day, All Souls Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
How to Get to Pasay Rotonda:
you can get there via MRT Taft Avenue Station or LRT EDSA Station. From Quezon City, Quaiapo or Sta. Cruz, you can take jeepneys with signboard Pasay/Taft/Rotonda
trivia: rotonda area in Pasay was used as location shoot for the motorcycle chase scene of the Hollywood movie Bourne Legacy
Related posts:
Cubao Araneta Bus Terminal
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft Buendia
List of Provincial Bus Terminals in the area serving various destinations:
---
Alfonso Liner
Bus to Cavite and Batangas
Location: EDSA north-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 120°59'53"E
BLTB (Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Company)
Remarks: closed. Just for history's sake. beside Victory Liner, EDSA south-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'19"N 121°0'27"E
Ceres Tours, Ceres Liner, Ceres Transport, Ceres Express Bus Terminal
Address: Taft Avenue, north-bound
Remark: beside Rotonda Hotel
Coordinates: 14°32'11"N 121°0'1"E
CUL Transport
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'21"E
Dimple Star
DLTB
Remarks: BLTB re-born by DMMW?
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'22"E
ES Transport
EDSA
Bus to Bicol region
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'15"E
Ferdinand Liner
Address: Taft Avenue
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'1"E
Five Star Bus
Pangasinan,Dau,Tarlac,Nueva Ecija,Baguio, Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan
Address: Aurora Boulevard (formerly Tramo)
Coordinates: 14°32'11"N 121°0'13"E
Genesis Bus
Buses to Mariveles, Bataan
EDSA corner Taft Avenue behind Hotel Sogo and McDonalds
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'3"E
Gold Line Bus Company
Bus Route: Sorsogon
Address: EDSA
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 120°59'56"E
Jeepney Terminal and FX/Vans
Jeepney routes: Alabang, Muntinlupa; Bicutan, Taguig
Location: Taft Avenue south-bound
Coordinates: 14°32'21"N 121°0'1"E
JVH Transport Terminal
Bus route: Bicol (Sorsogon; Tabaco, Albay)
EDSA Southbound
Coordinates: 14°32'18"N 121°0'14"E
Partas Transportation
Bus routes/destinations: Ilocos, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Coordinates: 14°32'15"N 121°0'13"E
Philtranco
EDSA northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'16"E
Saulog Transit
Remarks: Daily trips to Olongapo, Baguio City, Tarlac, Cavite City, Mendez and Tagaytay City. Former Royal Eagle Terminal
Location: Taft Avenue northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'10"N 121°0'1"E
Silver Star
Remarks: at the old Inland Trailways Terminal
EDSA northbound
Coordinates: 14°32'14"N 121°0'22"E
Victory Liner Pasay Terminal (EDSA Malibay)
Daily trips to: Zambales (Olongapo, Iba, Sta. Cruz), Baguio City,
Tuguegarao City, Bulacan (Malolos, Calumpit), Pampanga (Apalit), Tarlac City, Pangasinan (Bolinao, Alaminos, Dagupan), Camiling (Tarlac)
EDSA southbound
Coordinates: 14°32'21"N 121°0'25"E
Please call the bus company's contact numbers or visit their official website, if any, for current fares, trip schedules, chartered bus rates, reservations, freight (waybill) and other inquiries. Most of these bus companies have special trips to handle peak periods during holidays and long weekends in Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Hole Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday), All Saints day, All Souls Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
How to Get to Pasay Rotonda:
you can get there via MRT Taft Avenue Station or LRT EDSA Station. From Quezon City, Quaiapo or Sta. Cruz, you can take jeepneys with signboard Pasay/Taft/Rotonda
trivia: rotonda area in Pasay was used as location shoot for the motorcycle chase scene of the Hollywood movie Bourne Legacy
Related posts:
Cubao Araneta Bus Terminal
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft Buendia
Labels: Public Transportation
posted by GingGoy @ 9:42 PM,
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Bus Terminals/Stations in Pasay Taft LRT Buendia (Gil Puyat)
Public Transportation Bus Terminals in Pasay, Taft Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue accessible via LRT Gil Puyat Station and jeepneys passing by Taft Avenue from Baclaran or Manila.
List of Provincial Bus Terminals in the area serving various destinations:
---
Batangas Express
Bus route: Batangas City
Bus station between JAM Transit and Green Star Express
BBL Trans
Bus to Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna and Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Coordinates: 14°33'18"N 120°59'47"E
Ceres Transport bus to Batangas Port
Bus fare to Tanauan, Batangas: PhP96.00
Bus fare to Batangas Port: around PhP200.00
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'47"E
Grand Star bus to Tagkawayan, Quezon
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Green Star Express
Bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna via ((Pansol) Calamba, Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila)
Telephone Number:
Bus fare to Sta. Cruz, Laguna: PhP140.50
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
JAC Liner
Taft Avenue, north-bound
remarks: free Wi-fi Internet bus
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'48"E
Bus Fare to San Pablo City, Laguna: PhP127.00
to Lucena City, Quezon: PHP210.00
to Marinduque (including Terminal fee and RORO Fee at Dalahican Port): PhP880.00
JAM Transit
Bus to Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Taft Avenue, north-bound
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Lucena Lines
Taft Avenue west-bound
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'47"E
RRCG Bus to Batangas City via Calabarzon Tambo Exit, Calabarzon Balagtas Exit, and Lipa - Tanauan
Remark: beside Atrium Suites Hotel, Taft Avenue eastbound
Coordinates: 14°33'13"N 120°59'48"E
South Star Bus to Lucena, Quezon
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Tritran
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
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 these bus companies have special trips to handle peak periods during holidays and long weekends in Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Hole Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday), All Saints day, All Souls Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Related posts:
Cubao Araneta Bus Terminal
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
List of Provincial Bus Terminals in the area serving various destinations:
---
Batangas Express
Bus route: Batangas City
Bus station between JAM Transit and Green Star Express
BBL Trans
Bus to Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna and Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Coordinates: 14°33'18"N 120°59'47"E
Ceres Transport bus to Batangas Port
Bus fare to Tanauan, Batangas: PhP96.00
Bus fare to Batangas Port: around PhP200.00
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'47"E
Grand Star bus to Tagkawayan, Quezon
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Green Star Express
Bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna via ((Pansol) Calamba, Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila)
Telephone Number:
Bus fare to Sta. Cruz, Laguna: PhP140.50
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
JAC Liner
Taft Avenue, north-bound
remarks: free Wi-fi Internet bus
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'48"E
Bus Fare to San Pablo City, Laguna: PhP127.00
to Lucena City, Quezon: PHP210.00
to Marinduque (including Terminal fee and RORO Fee at Dalahican Port): PhP880.00
JAM Transit
Bus to Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Taft Avenue, north-bound
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Lucena Lines
Taft Avenue west-bound
Coordinates: 14°33'15"N 120°59'47"E
RRCG Bus to Batangas City via Calabarzon Tambo Exit, Calabarzon Balagtas Exit, and Lipa - Tanauan
Remark: beside Atrium Suites Hotel, Taft Avenue eastbound
Coordinates: 14°33'13"N 120°59'48"E
South Star Bus to Lucena, Quezon
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
Tritran
Coordinates: 14°33'8"N 120°59'52"E
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 these bus companies have special trips to handle peak periods during holidays and long weekends in Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Hole Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday), All Saints day, All Souls Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Related posts:
Cubao Araneta Bus Terminal
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
Labels: Public Transportation
posted by GingGoy @ 9:36 PM,
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Palawan: Accommodations and Beach Resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa
16 April 2011
Unknown to many, Sabang is just a sitio of Puerto Princesa City and not a town in itself in Palawan. It has a nice fine white sand beach yet it's best known as the gateway to the world-famous Palawan Underground River (or the Puerto Princesa Subterraanean River National Park).
(click the link to find out how to get to puerto princesa underground river)
Before the list of Sabang Beach Resorts, herewith is the list of things to do in Sabang, Palawan to justify your overnight stay there:
Besides the Palawan Underground river, there's also the Ugong Rock spelunking and zipline, Monkey Trail/Jungle Trail, Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, the Sabang Waterfalls, and a Buddhist Temple to visit in Sabang.
the beach of Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
the beach where boats going to Palawan Underground River wait for passengers
The list of accommodations and beach resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa collected from their official websites or from pictures of signages taken by Tutubi in Sabang:
Balay Balay Travel Lodge
Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa
+63.905.255.9727; +63.920.608.9946
Remarks: Front of Tourist Assistance and Information Center, the Mister
Donut kiosk and public toilets.
Balay Balay Travel Lodge, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Bambua Nature Park and Resort
Mobile Contact Number: +63.916.263.3208
Landline Number: +63.48.434.3887
official website: http://www.bambua-palawan.com
remarks: backpacker friendly budget rooms here, lodging type (shared
bathrooms) for PhP200.00/night. English, Tagalog and German
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City
Palawan – Philippines
Tel: +63.48.723.0889
Cell: +63.917.826.9989
official website: http://www.daluyonresort.com
Mary's Beach Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Roberts Resort (Roberts Restaurant and Cottages)
Remarks: walking distance from the parking lot and tourist information center. Good enough all you can eat lunch buffet for only PhP200.00 on the beachfront (price is reasonable and you don't have to wait for your order against ala carte after the Palawan Underground River Tour)
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
remarks: the most expensive resort with 5 star hotel facilities and 5 star resort prices too, as expected, on Sabang Beach with room rates starting $150/night. look elsewhere for cheap accommodations :P
Taraw Beach Cottages and Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Contact Number: +63.927.450.2984
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/03/palawan-how-to-get-to-el-nido-from.html
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
There are other beach resorts on Sabang Beach offering cheap cottages that Tutubi might have missed. Please feel free to leave comments. Tutubi intends to go back to Palawan and stay in Sabang that's why he collected the information. Please call the resort's published telephone numbers for inquiries, room rates, reservations, entrance fees, day trips and other questions. As always, Tutubi is in no way connected with any of these resort establishments.
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
In Puerto Princesa, the public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
At San Jose New Market, you can ride jeepneys, buses and vans to several points of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa to Sabang jeepneys
fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours)
Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
Related Posts:
How to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
How to get to El Nido, Palawan
Palawan Eco-tourism
Puerto Princesa Airport
Sabang Accommodations, Where to Stay in Sabang
(click the link to find out how to get to puerto princesa underground river)
Before the list of Sabang Beach Resorts, herewith is the list of things to do in Sabang, Palawan to justify your overnight stay there:
Besides the Palawan Underground river, there's also the Ugong Rock spelunking and zipline, Monkey Trail/Jungle Trail, Mangrove Paddleboat Tour, the Sabang Waterfalls, and a Buddhist Temple to visit in Sabang.
the beach of Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
the beach where boats going to Palawan Underground River wait for passengers
The list of accommodations and beach resorts in Sabang, Puerto Princesa collected from their official websites or from pictures of signages taken by Tutubi in Sabang:
Balay Balay Travel Lodge
Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa
+63.905.255.9727; +63.920.608.9946
Remarks: Front of Tourist Assistance and Information Center, the Mister
Donut kiosk and public toilets.
Balay Balay Travel Lodge, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, PalawanBambua Nature Park and Resort
Mobile Contact Number: +63.916.263.3208
Landline Number: +63.48.434.3887
official website: http://www.bambua-palawan.com
remarks: backpacker friendly budget rooms here, lodging type (shared
bathrooms) for PhP200.00/night. English, Tagalog and German
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa City
Palawan – Philippines
Tel: +63.48.723.0889
Cell: +63.917.826.9989
official website: http://www.daluyonresort.com
Mary's Beach Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Roberts Resort (Roberts Restaurant and Cottages)
Remarks: walking distance from the parking lot and tourist information center. Good enough all you can eat lunch buffet for only PhP200.00 on the beachfront (price is reasonable and you don't have to wait for your order against ala carte after the Palawan Underground River Tour)
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
remarks: the most expensive resort with 5 star hotel facilities and 5 star resort prices too, as expected, on Sabang Beach with room rates starting $150/night. look elsewhere for cheap accommodations :P
Taraw Beach Cottages and Resort
Sabang, Puerto Princesa City
Contact Number: +63.927.450.2984
http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/03/palawan-how-to-get-to-el-nido-from.html
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
There are other beach resorts on Sabang Beach offering cheap cottages that Tutubi might have missed. Please feel free to leave comments. Tutubi intends to go back to Palawan and stay in Sabang that's why he collected the information. Please call the resort's published telephone numbers for inquiries, room rates, reservations, entrance fees, day trips and other questions. As always, Tutubi is in no way connected with any of these resort establishments.
How to get to Sabang, Palawan:
In Puerto Princesa, the public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
At San Jose New Market, you can ride jeepneys, buses and vans to several points of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa to Sabang jeepneys
fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours)
Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
Related Posts:
How to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
How to get to El Nido, Palawan
Palawan Eco-tourism
Puerto Princesa Airport
Sabang Accommodations, Where to Stay in Sabang
Labels: Beaches, Mimaropa, Palawan, Palawan Resorts, Puerto Princesa
posted by GingGoy @ 11:12 PM,
,
Zipline at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Rates
Just a quick post, as seen on Jessica Soho, there's a zipline at SM Mall of Asia grounds that costs just PhP150.00/person. No idea of the length and where exactly it is but Tutubi may one day go there, quite far from his home base in QC, not this holy week though as all malls don't open on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
This may have been featured by other travel bloggers but new to him. he has lost his enthusiasm with ziplines (sometimes called flying foxes) as they seemed to have sprouted almost everywhere, typical Filipino "gaya-gaya, puto maya" fashion.
No need to click to expand...as Tutubi said, this is a quick post. :P
This may have been featured by other travel bloggers but new to him. he has lost his enthusiasm with ziplines (sometimes called flying foxes) as they seemed to have sprouted almost everywhere, typical Filipino "gaya-gaya, puto maya" fashion.
No need to click to expand...as Tutubi said, this is a quick post. :P
Labels: Adventure Tourism
posted by GingGoy @ 9:37 PM,
,
Resorts World Manila Holy Week Schedule: Genting, Newport Mall Hours
Information provided by Tutubi's friend at Resorts World Manila. Newport Mall will be open on Holy Thursday, closed on Good Friday, open on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday unlike SM and other malls closed on Holy Thursday.
"Resorts World Manila Holy Week Holiday Schedule
Please be advised of Resorts World Manila’s holiday schedules:
Gaming areas on the first and second floors will be closed from 6am of March 29 until 12nn of March 30.
The Genting Club gaming area, on the other hand, will maintain regular operating hours.
Passion and Ginzadon will have regular operating hours throughout the week.
Newport Mall Hours Holy Week 2013:
Maundy Thursday March 28, 2013: Open from 12nn to 12mn
Good Friday March 29, 2013: Closed
Black Saturday March 30, 2013: Closed
Easter Sunday March 31, 2013: Open from 10am to 10pm
related post:
How to Get to Resorts World Manila
Newport Mall Hours Holy Week 2013, Genting Club Holy Week
"Resorts World Manila Holy Week Holiday Schedule
Please be advised of Resorts World Manila’s holiday schedules:
Gaming areas on the first and second floors will be closed from 6am of March 29 until 12nn of March 30.
The Genting Club gaming area, on the other hand, will maintain regular operating hours.
Passion and Ginzadon will have regular operating hours throughout the week.
Newport Mall Hours Holy Week 2013:
Maundy Thursday March 28, 2013: Open from 12nn to 12mn
Good Friday March 29, 2013: Closed
Black Saturday March 30, 2013: Closed
Easter Sunday March 31, 2013: Open from 10am to 10pm
related post:
How to Get to Resorts World Manila
Newport Mall Hours Holy Week 2013, Genting Club Holy Week
posted by GingGoy @ 9:10 PM,
,
Makati Number Coding Holy Week Suspended on April 14, 15, 16, 17, 18?
13 April 2011
If driving to Makati, like Tutubi, is part of your daily grind, you know how hard it is to commute to Makati on your coding days thus you wake up early just to get to the office before 7am and not get issued a number coding ticket violation by the MAPSA/MAPA yellow boys of Makati.
UPDATED April 2014
This coming Holy Week, particularly April 14 to April 16, 2014 (Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) if your coding day falls on any of this and you expect number coding suspension in Makati, you're in for the usual bad news that the "republic of Makati" suspended number coding only on there days
April 14, 2014 Holy Monday 7am-7pm
April 15, 2014 Holy Tuesday 7am-7pm
April 16, 2014 Holy Wednesday 7am-7pm
April 17, 2014 Holy Thursday Suspended, no number coding
April 18, 2014 Good Friday Suspended, no number coding
Warning: if you're using a new car with no car license plates, MAPA will use the last digit on your LTO conduction sticker. this rule applies only in Makati :)
You can only pass by the Makati segments of C5, EDSA and Osmena Highway without worrying about a traffic violation ticket for number coding violation during Holy Week, something you can't do during ordinary days outside the number coding window of MMDA.
people working during Holy week in Makati will benefit, MMDA Number Coding UVVRP si already suspended from march 28 and 29, expect it not to be so in Makati Republic due to the sheer volume of vehicles that pass by Makati CBD everyday and yet the Binay royal family is not doing any thing to relieve Makati residents and employees from the traffic problem.
Related Posts:
MMDA Number Coding Holy Week
MMDA Number Coding
UPDATED April 2014
This coming Holy Week, particularly April 14 to April 16, 2014 (Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) if your coding day falls on any of this and you expect number coding suspension in Makati, you're in for the usual bad news that the "republic of Makati" suspended number coding only on there days
April 14, 2014 Holy Monday 7am-7pm
April 15, 2014 Holy Tuesday 7am-7pm
April 16, 2014 Holy Wednesday 7am-7pm
April 17, 2014 Holy Thursday Suspended, no number coding
April 18, 2014 Good Friday Suspended, no number coding
Warning: if you're using a new car with no car license plates, MAPA will use the last digit on your LTO conduction sticker. this rule applies only in Makati :)
You can only pass by the Makati segments of C5, EDSA and Osmena Highway without worrying about a traffic violation ticket for number coding violation during Holy Week, something you can't do during ordinary days outside the number coding window of MMDA.
people working during Holy week in Makati will benefit, MMDA Number Coding UVVRP si already suspended from march 28 and 29, expect it not to be so in Makati Republic due to the sheer volume of vehicles that pass by Makati CBD everyday and yet the Binay royal family is not doing any thing to relieve Makati residents and employees from the traffic problem.
Related Posts:
MMDA Number Coding Holy Week
MMDA Number Coding
Labels: Holy Week
posted by GingGoy @ 10:29 PM,
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Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar "Heritage" Resort in Bagac, Bataan
12 April 2011
As already hinted on the previous blog post, Tutubi joined his company summer outing at the still under construction "heritage resort" of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar where he treated his family to a weekend in the luxury resort merely two weeks after he treated them in Tagaytay.
The location shoot of some of GMA7's soap operas in Pictures:
Casa Jaen, an old mansion from Jaen, Nueva Ecija, visible on the "reflecting pool" in front of the old house
Casa Meycauayan, Tutubi's weekend getaway home, is an old house from Meycauayan, Bulacan with three rooms on the second floor.
Tutubi's room with 2 King sized beds and two extra beds. No idea about the room rates but Tutubi merely paid PhP1425.00/night price for each of his 4 extra persons
the bathroom of one room of Casa Meycauayan with a bathtub and hot and cold shower
Tutubi's independent Reviews, Recommendations and Comments on Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort, Bagac, Bataan:
1. For those with children, there's no highchair for your babies/toddlers at the restaurant.
2. Avoid ordering beef dishes. Tutubi ordered bulalo for lunch on his first day and it was a disappointment. No marrowy goodness and the beef was almost rubber-like. The beef mechado for dinner later was both tender and rubbery i.e. inconsistent.
3. Their escabeche maya-maya was a winner with large servings good for 3-4 persons (recommended) and life-saver due to the disappointing. bulalo. Usual dishes on the menu costs PhP300 and up and good for 3-4 persons. Nothing to rave about other food here, just so-so.
4. Daing na Bangus during breakfast was just fried milkfish, not even marinated with the usual vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic.
4. Buffet food for company summer outing was too limited. Company size of 40 persons and yet the prepared food was not enough for 40 pax. This happened in 3 out of four buffet meals which should have been all-you-can-eat (a primary requirement in all of his company outings) that turned out to be eat-what-your-officemates-were-not-able-to-eat; breakfast didn't turn out like that when some skipped breakfast and merely stayed in bed longer due to hangovers or lost sleep.
Cultural show during dinner where guests were serenaded with Kundimans and fold dances. benefit of the community tha provided jobs to local highly evident. The local artist, from Paete, Laguna, turned out to be a classmate of Tutubi's septuagenarian father.
the swimming pool with green water and rocks simulating a "sapa" of one's childhood.
La Piscina, the resort's swimming pool made like a stream with rocks is only four-feet deep, good for families and toddlers, but Tutubi prefers something deeper and probably an infinity pool.
The nearby beach of Bagac has fine gray sand but the waters may be a dangerous when waves come. Depth of beach water falls drastically after a few meters, evident from the color of the water from light blue to dark blue.
Bathrooms equipped with hot and cold showers and bathtub, quite roomy but slippery wooden flooring (you're in an old house with no original modern bathroom amenities, remember?)
Safety deposit boxes in rooms but no instructions were posted on how to set the PIN, thus Tutubi didn't bother to use it.
No in-room telephone lines installed, it's difficult if you need help for room service, you need to go out to the front office, quite a walk (or a mobile phone call away), but what if it's too hot or it's raining?
Staff were courteous though as the resort is managed by Genesis Hotels but there was no dedicated account officer/coordinator to handle Tutubi's company's needs, something sorely lacking and a regular at all hotels and resorts he's visited involving company events. What if you're having your dream wedding/debut there? Tutubi's officemates had to coordinate with front office who were also busy attending to other guests (from MacroAsia) and some daytrip tourists.
Check-in and Check out hassles:
Imagine Tutubi got delayed in leaving the resort due to unusual problems encountered by his other officemates e.g. overused towels and missing bathroom mats that his officemates denied, probably due to improper inventory. This is the first time Tutubi encountered problems like this...again-- overused towels, only at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar!
Overall Review of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:
Honestly, Tutubi enjoyed his stay at las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar simply because he was with his family in such a luxurious place, but the "heritage resort" lacks the feel of other high-end resorts that Tutubi has visited, despite his being a budget traveler. The resort though is still under construction where probably more towns will lose priceless old heritage houses to be transplanted here.
More photos of Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar Heritage Resort soon along with Tutubi's take on transfer of "heritage conservation."
Related Post:
Beach Resorts in Bagac, Bataan
Las casas de acuzar day tour rate/entrance fee: PhP1250.00/person
room rates: varies but it's not cheap
The location shoot of some of GMA7's soap operas in Pictures:
Casa Jaen, an old mansion from Jaen, Nueva Ecija, visible on the "reflecting pool" in front of the old house
Casa Meycauayan, Tutubi's weekend getaway home, is an old house from Meycauayan, Bulacan with three rooms on the second floor.
Tutubi's room with 2 King sized beds and two extra beds. No idea about the room rates but Tutubi merely paid PhP1425.00/night price for each of his 4 extra persons
the bathroom of one room of Casa Meycauayan with a bathtub and hot and cold showerTutubi's independent Reviews, Recommendations and Comments on Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Resort, Bagac, Bataan:
1. For those with children, there's no highchair for your babies/toddlers at the restaurant.
2. Avoid ordering beef dishes. Tutubi ordered bulalo for lunch on his first day and it was a disappointment. No marrowy goodness and the beef was almost rubber-like. The beef mechado for dinner later was both tender and rubbery i.e. inconsistent.
3. Their escabeche maya-maya was a winner with large servings good for 3-4 persons (recommended) and life-saver due to the disappointing. bulalo. Usual dishes on the menu costs PhP300 and up and good for 3-4 persons. Nothing to rave about other food here, just so-so.
4. Daing na Bangus during breakfast was just fried milkfish, not even marinated with the usual vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic.
4. Buffet food for company summer outing was too limited. Company size of 40 persons and yet the prepared food was not enough for 40 pax. This happened in 3 out of four buffet meals which should have been all-you-can-eat (a primary requirement in all of his company outings) that turned out to be eat-what-your-officemates-were-not-able-to-eat; breakfast didn't turn out like that when some skipped breakfast and merely stayed in bed longer due to hangovers or lost sleep.
Cultural show during dinner where guests were serenaded with Kundimans and fold dances. benefit of the community tha provided jobs to local highly evident. The local artist, from Paete, Laguna, turned out to be a classmate of Tutubi's septuagenarian father.
the swimming pool with green water and rocks simulating a "sapa" of one's childhood.La Piscina, the resort's swimming pool made like a stream with rocks is only four-feet deep, good for families and toddlers, but Tutubi prefers something deeper and probably an infinity pool.
The nearby beach of Bagac has fine gray sand but the waters may be a dangerous when waves come. Depth of beach water falls drastically after a few meters, evident from the color of the water from light blue to dark blue.
Bathrooms equipped with hot and cold showers and bathtub, quite roomy but slippery wooden flooring (you're in an old house with no original modern bathroom amenities, remember?)
Safety deposit boxes in rooms but no instructions were posted on how to set the PIN, thus Tutubi didn't bother to use it.
No in-room telephone lines installed, it's difficult if you need help for room service, you need to go out to the front office, quite a walk (or a mobile phone call away), but what if it's too hot or it's raining?
Staff were courteous though as the resort is managed by Genesis Hotels but there was no dedicated account officer/coordinator to handle Tutubi's company's needs, something sorely lacking and a regular at all hotels and resorts he's visited involving company events. What if you're having your dream wedding/debut there? Tutubi's officemates had to coordinate with front office who were also busy attending to other guests (from MacroAsia) and some daytrip tourists.
Check-in and Check out hassles:
Imagine Tutubi got delayed in leaving the resort due to unusual problems encountered by his other officemates e.g. overused towels and missing bathroom mats that his officemates denied, probably due to improper inventory. This is the first time Tutubi encountered problems like this...again-- overused towels, only at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar!
Overall Review of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar:
Honestly, Tutubi enjoyed his stay at las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar simply because he was with his family in such a luxurious place, but the "heritage resort" lacks the feel of other high-end resorts that Tutubi has visited, despite his being a budget traveler. The resort though is still under construction where probably more towns will lose priceless old heritage houses to be transplanted here.
More photos of Las Casas Filipinas Acuzar Heritage Resort soon along with Tutubi's take on transfer of "heritage conservation."
Related Post:
Beach Resorts in Bagac, Bataan
Las casas de acuzar day tour rate/entrance fee: PhP1250.00/person
room rates: varies but it's not cheap
Labels: Bataan, Bataan Resorts, Central Luzon, Hotels and Resorts
posted by GingGoy @ 7:41 PM,
,
Bataan Death March Km 0 Marker Bagac
09 April 2011
Tutubi went on a company summer outing in Bagac, Bataan just last week at a controversial "heritage" resort along with his parents where he also took them, to their surprise, to the towering Dambana ng Kagitingan on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan before taking them to the HM Transport bus terminal in Cubao.
Along the fork of the road leading to Bagac town proper is a relatively unnoticed and forgotten historical marker on one of the two spots where the Bataan Death March historically started (the one is in Mariveles Bataan, the town at the tip of Bataan Peninsula near the fortress Island of Corregidor).
This is Tutubi's post on the anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March which started on April 9, 1942, the historic Fall of Bataan.
old picture of Bataan Death March, survivors called themselves the Battling Bastards of Bataan after the United States abandoned them (Gen. MacArthur escaped to Australia from Corregidor, right?)
the people pass by on the fork oblivious of the historical importance of the marker. From Balanga, the right road leads to Bagac town proper, the (Bagac Church) and the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar; the left road leads to Montemar Beach Club and other Bagac beach resorts. (Marker coordinates: N14 35 58.0 E120 23 41.3)
Bataan Death March trail (the whole route is marked by milestones, km 0 shown here):
1a. March start in Bagac Bataan to Balanga along the present Balanga-Bagac Road
1b. March start from Mariveles, Bataan to Balanga along Bataan Provincial Highway and join with the Bagac group (distance: 30 km)
2. Bataan Provincial highway to San Fernando Train station in Pampanga (distance: 53 km)
3. train ride from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac (48 km in cramped train cars)
4. Marched again from Capas train station to the concentration camp (distance: 12 km)
5. Endpoint: Camp O'Donell now known as Capas National Shrine (where a list of prisoners-of-war, The Battling Bastards of Bataan, who made it alive to the camp can be found)
Note: some peole claim the many wicked soldiers of Death March were Koreans conscripted into the Japan Imperial Army. Note that Korea was part of the Empire of Japan during the World War II.
Tutubi will someday visit the other Kilometer Zero marker of the Death March plus the trains stations in San Fernando, Pampanga and Capas, Tarlac to finish the World War II historical trail (along with a Bataan Death March Route Map, in Japanese: Batān Shi no Kōshin (バターン死の行進?). There's also the Bataan Death March Marathon Run event some years ago but not sure if still held this year.).
Along the fork of the road leading to Bagac town proper is a relatively unnoticed and forgotten historical marker on one of the two spots where the Bataan Death March historically started (the one is in Mariveles Bataan, the town at the tip of Bataan Peninsula near the fortress Island of Corregidor).
This is Tutubi's post on the anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March which started on April 9, 1942, the historic Fall of Bataan.
old picture of Bataan Death March, survivors called themselves the Battling Bastards of Bataan after the United States abandoned them (Gen. MacArthur escaped to Australia from Corregidor, right?)
the people pass by on the fork oblivious of the historical importance of the marker. From Balanga, the right road leads to Bagac town proper, the (Bagac Church) and the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar; the left road leads to Montemar Beach Club and other Bagac beach resorts. (Marker coordinates: N14 35 58.0 E120 23 41.3)Bataan Death March trail (the whole route is marked by milestones, km 0 shown here):
1a. March start in Bagac Bataan to Balanga along the present Balanga-Bagac Road
1b. March start from Mariveles, Bataan to Balanga along Bataan Provincial Highway and join with the Bagac group (distance: 30 km)
2. Bataan Provincial highway to San Fernando Train station in Pampanga (distance: 53 km)
3. train ride from San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac (48 km in cramped train cars)
4. Marched again from Capas train station to the concentration camp (distance: 12 km)
5. Endpoint: Camp O'Donell now known as Capas National Shrine (where a list of prisoners-of-war, The Battling Bastards of Bataan, who made it alive to the camp can be found)
Note: some peole claim the many wicked soldiers of Death March were Koreans conscripted into the Japan Imperial Army. Note that Korea was part of the Empire of Japan during the World War II.
Tutubi will someday visit the other Kilometer Zero marker of the Death March plus the trains stations in San Fernando, Pampanga and Capas, Tarlac to finish the World War II historical trail (along with a Bataan Death March Route Map, in Japanese: Batān Shi no Kōshin (バターン死の行進?). There's also the Bataan Death March Marathon Run event some years ago but not sure if still held this year.).
Labels: Bataan, History, World War II
posted by GingGoy @ 1:30 AM,
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Skyway Toll Fees: Makati, NAIA, Bicutan, Sucat, Alabang Extension
For months not the construction of the Skyway Extension from Bicutan to Alabang made the lives of motorists miserable with heavy traffic, but starting today, Skyway Extension will be open a month before schedule.
Current skyway toll charges are at PhP85 for class 1 vehicles, PhP170 for class 2 and P255 for class 3 but only up to Bicutan.
May of Metro Manila Skyway from Makati to Alabang:
Skyway Toll Rates starting April 20, 2011:
Class 1:
Makati to Bicutan: PhP75.00
Makati to Sucat: PhP122.00
Makati to Alabang: PhP169.00
Airport road to Bicutan: PhP50.00 (Andrews Avenue near NAIA Terminal 3)
Airport road to Alabang: PhP144.00
Skyway length (distance) from Makati tojavascript:void(0) Bicutan: 10 kilometers
Total length of Skyway including Extension: Makati to Alabang: 16.88 kilometers
Cars that enter Skyway from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 ramp will be charged a toll rate of P50 instead of P75.
CMMTC will stop collecting fees from Skyway toll plaza at Skyway. You will pay the toll fees at the Skyway’s Bicutan, Sucat and Alabang exits.
Current skyway toll charges are at PhP85 for class 1 vehicles, PhP170 for class 2 and P255 for class 3 but only up to Bicutan.
May of Metro Manila Skyway from Makati to Alabang:
Skyway Toll Rates starting April 20, 2011:
Class 1:
Makati to Bicutan: PhP75.00
Makati to Sucat: PhP122.00
Makati to Alabang: PhP169.00
Airport road to Bicutan: PhP50.00 (Andrews Avenue near NAIA Terminal 3)
Airport road to Alabang: PhP144.00
Skyway length (distance) from Makati tojavascript:void(0) Bicutan: 10 kilometers
Total length of Skyway including Extension: Makati to Alabang: 16.88 kilometers
Cars that enter Skyway from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 ramp will be charged a toll rate of P50 instead of P75.
CMMTC will stop collecting fees from Skyway toll plaza at Skyway. You will pay the toll fees at the Skyway’s Bicutan, Sucat and Alabang exits.
Labels: Roads and Highways
posted by GingGoy @ 1:28 AM,
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: Palawan Underground River Tour
02 April 2011
Tutubi visited Puerto Princesa five years ago to do a Palawan Underground River tour but didn't materialize, as the trip turned to a tragedy and had to return to Manila the morrow to grieve and bury his friend.
On his return trip, however, he made the Palawan Underground River tour that started with a visit to the Palawan Underground River Booking Office on Rizal Avenue right after visiting a resort on Honda Bay to reserve his slot.
The day, his group left their "hideout" in Puerto Princesa and went to Sabang, Puerto Princesa and scheduled a boat trip to the world-famous Palawan Underground River (also called Puerto Princesa Subterranean River).
Pictures of Palawan Underground River Tour:
Tutubi's boat that took his group to Palawan Undergroung River. trip only took about 15 minutes
a boat ride at Palawan Underground River consists of 7 people, including the driver. life vests and hardhats required for the cave tour for the usual safety precautions (you don't need them but just to be safe)
the dark and dingy interiors of Palawan Underground River is really not scary. Just don't create much movement so your boat won't tip over.
The boatman doubles as tour guide who narrates funny stories to brighten up the dark (and scary to some) underground river and cave. Stalactites (limestone formations from the cave ceiling going down), stalagmites (formations on the ground going up) and columns (formations joining the ground and ceiling) were given descriptive names and stories.
Palawan underground river tour allows you to see amazing formations called stalactites, stalagmites and columns
an interesting stalactite formation called Sharon Stone
The 45 minutes tour of the longest navigable river in the world was a pleasant experience that Tutubi vowed to return there again probably with Tutubi Jr. and his grandparents, if Tutubi's budget can accommodate them all.
Palawan Underground River is one of Palawan's pride inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage sites, the other one being Tubbataha Reef. Recent news also trumpeted an amazing discovery in some unexplored chambers of the cave where fossils of extinct animals that existed at least 20 million years ago before civilization came on earth were unearthed by a team of Italian scientists who condected the scientific survey, as revealed by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
Coming Up: Palawan Underground River Tour Tips for the "cheapest Palawan Underground River package tour" you can have with the latest Palawan Underground River rates and bus, jeepney fares from Puerto Princesa.
Related posts on Palawan:
Puerto Princesa Airport
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
How to Get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
On his return trip, however, he made the Palawan Underground River tour that started with a visit to the Palawan Underground River Booking Office on Rizal Avenue right after visiting a resort on Honda Bay to reserve his slot.
The day, his group left their "hideout" in Puerto Princesa and went to Sabang, Puerto Princesa and scheduled a boat trip to the world-famous Palawan Underground River (also called Puerto Princesa Subterranean River).
Pictures of Palawan Underground River Tour:
Tutubi's boat that took his group to Palawan Undergroung River. trip only took about 15 minutes
a boat ride at Palawan Underground River consists of 7 people, including the driver. life vests and hardhats required for the cave tour for the usual safety precautions (you don't need them but just to be safe)
the dark and dingy interiors of Palawan Underground River is really not scary. Just don't create much movement so your boat won't tip over. The boatman doubles as tour guide who narrates funny stories to brighten up the dark (and scary to some) underground river and cave. Stalactites (limestone formations from the cave ceiling going down), stalagmites (formations on the ground going up) and columns (formations joining the ground and ceiling) were given descriptive names and stories.
Palawan underground river tour allows you to see amazing formations called stalactites, stalagmites and columns
an interesting stalactite formation called Sharon StoneThe 45 minutes tour of the longest navigable river in the world was a pleasant experience that Tutubi vowed to return there again probably with Tutubi Jr. and his grandparents, if Tutubi's budget can accommodate them all.
Palawan Underground River is one of Palawan's pride inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage sites, the other one being Tubbataha Reef. Recent news also trumpeted an amazing discovery in some unexplored chambers of the cave where fossils of extinct animals that existed at least 20 million years ago before civilization came on earth were unearthed by a team of Italian scientists who condected the scientific survey, as revealed by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
Coming Up: Palawan Underground River Tour Tips for the "cheapest Palawan Underground River package tour" you can have with the latest Palawan Underground River rates and bus, jeepney fares from Puerto Princesa.
Related posts on Palawan:
Puerto Princesa Airport
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
How to Get to Puerto Princesa Underground River
Labels: Caves, Mimaropa, Palawan, Rivers, Southern Tagalog, UNESCO
posted by GingGoy @ 8:14 PM,
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