Pasalubong: Vigan Royal Bibingka by Marsha's Delicacies
31 August 2011
It's part of Filipino culture when there's a trip to buy something for friends and family back home, called pasalubong. In Vigan, Ilocos Sur, there are numerous options for wanderers to buy and bring back home. Of course, you can't bring Vigan Empanada and sinanglao to Manila but there's Candon Kalamay along the way, the tinubong and there's Royal Bibingka made famous by Tongson's, the Home of Original Royal Bibingka
Tutubi saw Tongson's Royal Bibingka on Calle Crisologo but he opted to try the newer Marsha's Delicacies along the national highway in Bantay town,
the counter of marsha's delicacies
How does vigan royal bibingka taste like? it's not like your usual bibingka made from rice fluor (galapong) and it's consitency is nowhere near it. It's sticky, more like cassava pudding (budin) but no cassava.
Now, even if Tongson's Royal Bibingka is the original, some people claim Marsha's version is better, even others claim the relatively new The Sisters Royal Bibingka, located less than a kilometer from Marsha's, is the best.
Vigan Royal Bibingka, Marsha's version. a dozen of these comes in a box for PhP140.00
Be Tutubi's guest, which is the best Royal Bibingka of Vigan of them all: Tongson's Royal Bibingka, Marsha's Delicacies or The Sisters Royal Bibingka?
Tutubi's real question is why are they called royal bibingka? what's the history behind the sweet things? what's the secret ingredient of the secret royal bibingka recipe? is it because it goes well with...well...royal tru orange? :P
---
Royal Bibingka Prices: PhP80.00 small box; PhP 140.00 large box
Marsha's Delicacies
Address: Nat'l Highway, Brgy. Cabalanggan Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Telephone Number: +63.77.722.8119
GPS coordinates: N17 35 17.0 E120 25 08.5
Tutubi saw Tongson's Royal Bibingka on Calle Crisologo but he opted to try the newer Marsha's Delicacies along the national highway in Bantay town,
the counter of marsha's delicacies
How does vigan royal bibingka taste like? it's not like your usual bibingka made from rice fluor (galapong) and it's consitency is nowhere near it. It's sticky, more like cassava pudding (budin) but no cassava.
Now, even if Tongson's Royal Bibingka is the original, some people claim Marsha's version is better, even others claim the relatively new The Sisters Royal Bibingka, located less than a kilometer from Marsha's, is the best.
Vigan Royal Bibingka, Marsha's version. a dozen of these comes in a box for PhP140.00
Be Tutubi's guest, which is the best Royal Bibingka of Vigan of them all: Tongson's Royal Bibingka, Marsha's Delicacies or The Sisters Royal Bibingka?
Tutubi's real question is why are they called royal bibingka? what's the history behind the sweet things? what's the secret ingredient of the secret royal bibingka recipe? is it because it goes well with...well...royal tru orange? :P
---
Royal Bibingka Prices: PhP80.00 small box; PhP 140.00 large box
Marsha's Delicacies
Address: Nat'l Highway, Brgy. Cabalanggan Bantay, Ilocos Sur
Telephone Number: +63.77.722.8119
GPS coordinates: N17 35 17.0 E120 25 08.5
Labels: Delicacies, Ilocos Region, Ilocos Sur, Pasalubong, Vigan
posted by GingGoy @ 11:50 PM,
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Department of Tourism Secretary: Ramon Jimenez, Jr.
PNoy made the announcement for the replacement of resigned Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, the "backpacker-hater" afflicted with delusion on open skies as solution to PH's lack of tourist numbers, is now a marketing executive in the person of Ramon Jimenez, Jr.
With Alberto Lim, a really able businessman whose skills should've been put to use in other departments but not the DOT, out of the picture, would Ramon Jimenez really do well as tourism chief? Part of Sec. Alberto Lim's "achievements" are the ignominious tourism logo (copied from Polka's own logo), the Pilipinas Kayganda fiasco, the delusion but later proven inutile assertion that open skies policy will bring in busloads of tourists but was approved and seemed like nothing happened.
Of course, Tutubi remembers him as generalizing backpackers leave waste anywhere they go.
For Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Tutubi hopes he fixes the DOT website first to be really informative, not just copy/pasted articles or written by copywriters who've never been to the places advertised. (Thank God there are bloggers who post updated information.)
Tutubi is also cynical of marketing guys, they usually don't adhere to the "truth in advertising" of PANA particularly larger than life detergent and skin whitening products. Marketing guys also put form before function and don't focus on the product. Tutubi believes even without a marketing genius, tourists will flock to the Philippines by word of mouth (or likes) if peace and order, infrastructure and readily available information and protection of environment can be developed and put in place.
Tutubi gives hims the benefit of the doubt though and wait til he opens his mouth on his plans for tourism development.
With Alberto Lim, a really able businessman whose skills should've been put to use in other departments but not the DOT, out of the picture, would Ramon Jimenez really do well as tourism chief? Part of Sec. Alberto Lim's "achievements" are the ignominious tourism logo (copied from Polka's own logo), the Pilipinas Kayganda fiasco, the delusion but later proven inutile assertion that open skies policy will bring in busloads of tourists but was approved and seemed like nothing happened.
Of course, Tutubi remembers him as generalizing backpackers leave waste anywhere they go.
For Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Tutubi hopes he fixes the DOT website first to be really informative, not just copy/pasted articles or written by copywriters who've never been to the places advertised. (Thank God there are bloggers who post updated information.)
Tutubi is also cynical of marketing guys, they usually don't adhere to the "truth in advertising" of PANA particularly larger than life detergent and skin whitening products. Marketing guys also put form before function and don't focus on the product. Tutubi believes even without a marketing genius, tourists will flock to the Philippines by word of mouth (or likes) if peace and order, infrastructure and readily available information and protection of environment can be developed and put in place.
Tutubi gives hims the benefit of the doubt though and wait til he opens his mouth on his plans for tourism development.
Labels: Tourism News
posted by GingGoy @ 11:06 PM,
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Solid North Transport Bus Line to Pangasinan and Tarlac
22 August 2011
Just a quick post for your information on Solid North Transport, a subsidiary of JAC Liner. Solid North transport's telephone numbers, routes as displayed on their terminal near Kamias Street in Quezon City (that Tutubi sees everyday on his way home)
Solid North Transport bus routes (Manila or more specifically from Cubao, Quezon City)
Manila to Pangasinan routes:
Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Carmen, Pangasinan
Basista, Pangasinan
Bayambang, Pangasinan
Malasiqui, Pangasinan
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
Manila to Tarlac routes
Camiling, Tarlac
Tarlac City, Tarlac
Manila to Pampanga route
Mabalacat, Pampanga (Dau Bus Terminal)
Solid North Transport terminal is on northbound EDSA, between Kamias and East Avenue near Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Number: +63.917.88NORTH (0917.886.6784)
please contact Solid North transport directly, no official website as of posting time (unlike parent JAC Liner, the first wifi bus) and email address for bus fares/ticket prices/reservations, trip schedules, waybill/freight charges and chartered bus rates.
Solid North Bus Line, Solid North transit, How to get to Tarlac, How to get to Pangasinan, How to commute to Tarlac, How to commute to Pangasinan
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
Araneta Bus Terminal
Solid North Transport bus routes (Manila or more specifically from Cubao, Quezon City)
Manila to Pangasinan routes:
Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
Carmen, Pangasinan
Basista, Pangasinan
Bayambang, Pangasinan
Malasiqui, Pangasinan
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
Manila to Tarlac routes
Camiling, Tarlac
Tarlac City, Tarlac
Manila to Pampanga route
Mabalacat, Pampanga (Dau Bus Terminal)
Solid North Transport terminal is on northbound EDSA, between Kamias and East Avenue near Cubao, Quezon City
Contact Number: +63.917.88NORTH (0917.886.6784)
please contact Solid North transport directly, no official website as of posting time (unlike parent JAC Liner, the first wifi bus) and email address for bus fares/ticket prices/reservations, trip schedules, waybill/freight charges and chartered bus rates.
Solid North Bus Line, Solid North transit, How to get to Tarlac, How to get to Pangasinan, How to commute to Tarlac, How to commute to Pangasinan
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
Araneta Bus Terminal
Labels: Buses, Public Transportation
posted by GingGoy @ 8:09 PM,
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North Korea: Diamond Mountain Cruise (Mt. Kumgang) via Yanji, China
21 August 2011
Looking for a true off-the-beaten-track destination in Asia? Try North Korea, the most reclusive country in Asia, which recently re-opened the internationally famous Diamond Mountain tours, locally known as Mount Kumgang, via the Yanji City in China and the North Korean city of Rason as gateway.
Diamond Mountain tours by North Korea welcomes all tourists from all nations who will enter via the Chinese city of Yanji, drive three hours' by road to the North Korean port city of Rason, and then cruise down the east coast by ship to Kumgang near the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas (the 38th parallel)
Visa on Entry:
North Korean VISA required to enter (but definitely a Chinese tourist visa as you need to enter China with a VISA)
Cruise Price: no definite cost yet, only suggested around 2000 yuan (US$310) per passenger for an all-inclusive, five-day trip.
Restrictions and Limitations:
Visitors must book with approved travel agents and remain in their tour guides' company throughout. Mobile phones must be left behind in China :(
If you're looking for different kind of trip, this one may be for you :P
---
Mount Kumgang Tour, Diamond Mountain Cruise, Rason, North Korea,
Diamond Mountain tours by North Korea welcomes all tourists from all nations who will enter via the Chinese city of Yanji, drive three hours' by road to the North Korean port city of Rason, and then cruise down the east coast by ship to Kumgang near the Demilitarized Zone dividing the Koreas (the 38th parallel)
Visa on Entry:
North Korean VISA required to enter (but definitely a Chinese tourist visa as you need to enter China with a VISA)
Cruise Price: no definite cost yet, only suggested around 2000 yuan (US$310) per passenger for an all-inclusive, five-day trip.
Restrictions and Limitations:
Visitors must book with approved travel agents and remain in their tour guides' company throughout. Mobile phones must be left behind in China :(
If you're looking for different kind of trip, this one may be for you :P
---
Mount Kumgang Tour, Diamond Mountain Cruise, Rason, North Korea,
Labels: North Korea
posted by GingGoy @ 11:31 PM,
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Panguil River Eco-park (Piit Resort) Pangil, Laguna
14 August 2011
A now getting popular cold water resort, formerly called Piit resort in Pangil, Laguna, once visited by Tutubi many moons ago, got much development and funding from the World bank, yet managed to preserve the pristine state of Panguil River, fed by Ambon-ambon Falls upstream, and empties into Laguna de Bay.
Several times Tutubi wanted to re-visit the now developed Piit Resort, the chance came with a rare time his entire family was complete in Paete, Laguna and where the plan to visit Pangil River Eco-park (Piit Resort) became a reality. Tutubi and his family arrived at Piit Resort around 11am, on several tricycles (PhP80.00 per tricycle), and left shortly around 1pm, barely enough time to wander around, take pictures but too focused on his "mini-me" frolicking on the cold water of the nature resort surrounded with lush greens, trees, birds and butterflies from Sierra Madre mountain range.
Pictures of Panguil River Eco-park, Pangil Laguna (formerly Piit Resort):
Panguil River Eco-park's clean river and river-side cottages with the hanging bridge on the background
Panguil River Eco-park has a ncie receiving area, clean restrooms, a 20 meter hanging bridge, kiddie swimming pool, a dam/spillway, cottages for rent, a gazebo for events (e.g. weddings, debut), a one kilometer trail to Ambon-ambon Falls (Tutubi intends to visit this next summer), camp sites and a police station nearby. Other activities besides swimming, and family picnic includes white water river tubing (using car wheel interiors to drift on the white water of Panguil River).
the kiddie pool is the recommended palce for kids to have some water fun, not on the spillway
the 20 meter long hanging bridge provides a nice photo-op and birds eye view of Panguil River
the spillway is the fun place to cool down, probably filled with people during summer but solely for Tutubi's family when he got there. Beware of the dangerous part of the spillway (the left side, not shown on the picture)
Tutubi's wishlist nest summer, he's wants to visit all of Laguna's waterfalls before he gets too old to visit them
Next summer, a visit to Ambon-ambon falls is in the offing. There's also a hidden falls there while neighboring Famy and Siniloan towns get the most attention from mountaineers and mountain climbers due to the presence of five waterfalls of Mt. Romelo including Buruwisan, Batya-batya and Sampaloc Falls.
---
Suggestion: since there already is a dam, the untapped water power can be harnessed to generate electric power by building a micro-hydroelectric power plant. It can supply electricity to the resort, a source of clean, renewable energy, even to Pangil town to power up street lighting, for example, saves people's money.
To be also more eco-friendly, why not educate people against the use of plastic bags/styropor inside the resort, not just on waste segregation. Pangil can also emulate the move of Paete to ban the use of plastic bags.
WARNING:
the dam and spillway is a nice area to play around but danger lurks on the spillway canal where the outlet has no grills. Just one "faux pas" or a slip can result to serious injury or death. Pangil local government should construct grills at the mouth of the spillway to avoid accidents, don't wait for the day this warning becomes a reality. Flash floods can also occur anytime during rainy season, stay at the kiddie pool if there are vulnerable children with you in case there's heavy rain.
Panguil River Eco-park Entrance Fee:
Day rate (6am to 6pm): PhP40.00
Night Rate (6pm to 6am): PhP80.00
Overnight rate (more than 12 hours but not more than 24 hours): PhP100.00
Camping fees:
2 days/1 night camping fee per person: PhP160.00
3D/2N: PhP240.00
Other fees and charges:
trekking to biak-na-bato/ambon-ambon falls (tour guide): PhP60.00
environmental fee: PhP1.00
development fee: PhP1.00
cottage rental rates:
small house/cottage: PhP200.00
big house: PhP400.00
Other information:
parking area inside the resort. there are no restaurants but you can bring your own food. there's a sari-sari store inside plus vendors selling different stuff outside like fresh buko.
How to get to Panguil River Eco-park, Pangil, Laguna
From Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (LRT Buendia station), ride a Green Star Express bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (or an HM Transport bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna from EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City) (Bus fare fare is around PhP140.00). In Sta. Cruz (Pagsawitan or at the Jam bus terminal), transfer to a jeepney bound for Siniloan (jeepney fare is around PhP30.00), drop off in Pangil town then ride a tricycle to Piit (sitio Piit or barangay piit as how locals call the place).
Alternate route via Rizal Province, ride Tanay-bound jeepneys at EDSA Central terminal. In Tanay, Rizal, transfer to a Siniloan-bound jeepney. In Siniloan public market, either take a jeepney bound to Sta. Cruz then a tricycle in Pangil or negotiate with a tricycle driver to take you there directly.
You may also take a Raymond Transportation bus to Infanta/Real Quezon, drop off at the Siniloan/Famy junction on Manila East Road then take tricycle to Piit.
Driving directions to Panguil River Eco-park:
If you have a GPS navigator, Piit resort is present on OpenStreetMap (added by Tutubi). The service road going to Piit is linked to Manila East Road, do not enter Siniloan nor Pangil town proper. There's a sign visible on the highway after passing the junction of Siniloan, Famy and Mabitac.
Coordinates: N14 24 48.5 E121 28 49.1
Click online map here.
you may also be looking for these:
How to get to Pangil, laguna, How to get to Piit Resort, Pangil Laguna
How to get to Piit Resort, Panguil River Eco-park entrance fees, cottage fees,
room rates
Several times Tutubi wanted to re-visit the now developed Piit Resort, the chance came with a rare time his entire family was complete in Paete, Laguna and where the plan to visit Pangil River Eco-park (Piit Resort) became a reality. Tutubi and his family arrived at Piit Resort around 11am, on several tricycles (PhP80.00 per tricycle), and left shortly around 1pm, barely enough time to wander around, take pictures but too focused on his "mini-me" frolicking on the cold water of the nature resort surrounded with lush greens, trees, birds and butterflies from Sierra Madre mountain range.
Pictures of Panguil River Eco-park, Pangil Laguna (formerly Piit Resort):
Panguil River Eco-park's clean river and river-side cottages with the hanging bridge on the background
Panguil River Eco-park has a ncie receiving area, clean restrooms, a 20 meter hanging bridge, kiddie swimming pool, a dam/spillway, cottages for rent, a gazebo for events (e.g. weddings, debut), a one kilometer trail to Ambon-ambon Falls (Tutubi intends to visit this next summer), camp sites and a police station nearby. Other activities besides swimming, and family picnic includes white water river tubing (using car wheel interiors to drift on the white water of Panguil River).
the kiddie pool is the recommended palce for kids to have some water fun, not on the spillway
the 20 meter long hanging bridge provides a nice photo-op and birds eye view of Panguil River
the spillway is the fun place to cool down, probably filled with people during summer but solely for Tutubi's family when he got there. Beware of the dangerous part of the spillway (the left side, not shown on the picture)
Tutubi's wishlist nest summer, he's wants to visit all of Laguna's waterfalls before he gets too old to visit them
Next summer, a visit to Ambon-ambon falls is in the offing. There's also a hidden falls there while neighboring Famy and Siniloan towns get the most attention from mountaineers and mountain climbers due to the presence of five waterfalls of Mt. Romelo including Buruwisan, Batya-batya and Sampaloc Falls.
---
Suggestion: since there already is a dam, the untapped water power can be harnessed to generate electric power by building a micro-hydroelectric power plant. It can supply electricity to the resort, a source of clean, renewable energy, even to Pangil town to power up street lighting, for example, saves people's money.
To be also more eco-friendly, why not educate people against the use of plastic bags/styropor inside the resort, not just on waste segregation. Pangil can also emulate the move of Paete to ban the use of plastic bags.
WARNING:
the dam and spillway is a nice area to play around but danger lurks on the spillway canal where the outlet has no grills. Just one "faux pas" or a slip can result to serious injury or death. Pangil local government should construct grills at the mouth of the spillway to avoid accidents, don't wait for the day this warning becomes a reality. Flash floods can also occur anytime during rainy season, stay at the kiddie pool if there are vulnerable children with you in case there's heavy rain.
Panguil River Eco-park Entrance Fee:
Day rate (6am to 6pm): PhP40.00
Night Rate (6pm to 6am): PhP80.00
Overnight rate (more than 12 hours but not more than 24 hours): PhP100.00
Camping fees:
2 days/1 night camping fee per person: PhP160.00
3D/2N: PhP240.00
Other fees and charges:
trekking to biak-na-bato/ambon-ambon falls (tour guide): PhP60.00
environmental fee: PhP1.00
development fee: PhP1.00
cottage rental rates:
small house/cottage: PhP200.00
big house: PhP400.00
Other information:
parking area inside the resort. there are no restaurants but you can bring your own food. there's a sari-sari store inside plus vendors selling different stuff outside like fresh buko.
How to get to Panguil River Eco-park, Pangil, Laguna
From Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (LRT Buendia station), ride a Green Star Express bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (or an HM Transport bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna from EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City) (Bus fare fare is around PhP140.00). In Sta. Cruz (Pagsawitan or at the Jam bus terminal), transfer to a jeepney bound for Siniloan (jeepney fare is around PhP30.00), drop off in Pangil town then ride a tricycle to Piit (sitio Piit or barangay piit as how locals call the place).
Alternate route via Rizal Province, ride Tanay-bound jeepneys at EDSA Central terminal. In Tanay, Rizal, transfer to a Siniloan-bound jeepney. In Siniloan public market, either take a jeepney bound to Sta. Cruz then a tricycle in Pangil or negotiate with a tricycle driver to take you there directly.
You may also take a Raymond Transportation bus to Infanta/Real Quezon, drop off at the Siniloan/Famy junction on Manila East Road then take tricycle to Piit.
Driving directions to Panguil River Eco-park:
If you have a GPS navigator, Piit resort is present on OpenStreetMap (added by Tutubi). The service road going to Piit is linked to Manila East Road, do not enter Siniloan nor Pangil town proper. There's a sign visible on the highway after passing the junction of Siniloan, Famy and Mabitac.
Coordinates: N14 24 48.5 E121 28 49.1
Click online map here.
you may also be looking for these:
How to get to Pangil, laguna, How to get to Piit Resort, Pangil Laguna
How to get to Piit Resort, Panguil River Eco-park entrance fees, cottage fees,
room rates
Labels: Calabarzon, Ecotourism, Laguna, Laguna Resorts, Rivers, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 8:31 PM,
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Lonely Planet Philippines: Not the Best Travel Guide Book
08 August 2011
If you happen to see tourists, whether usual or backpacker, most of the time you'll see them holding in one of their hands a Lonely Planet Philippines Guide book and discussing places with other people around.
In April 2004, Tutubi he met a French writer (writing a book about Bollywood) on a boat from Mumbai's Gateway of India en route to the World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island. He and the Frenchman became online friends kept in touch through email and telling stories and ideas.
Tutubi invited his french friend to come next to the Philippines and he in turn invited Tutubi to his home in Provence, France, south of Paris.
A few months ago, Tutubi's friend flew from France to Manila and made true his promise to come after almost 7 years.
He and his wife planned to visit Dumaguete City, but the plan was delayed due to lost baggage in transit, fault of their airline.
Lonely Planet helped them a lot during this time but turned out unreliable in Manila, of all places.
When they decided to stay in Manila for two days, not part of their original plan, but merely to meet Tutubi, Tutubi offered to tour them around several places in Manila including: Microtel Inn where they stayed, Mall of Asia for some Filipino food, Rizal Park, National Museum, Harbour Center (for seafood lunch), Intramuros and Fort Santiago (where they got acquainted and fell in "love" with Jose Rizal), San Agustin Church, Silahis Arts and Crafts for souvenir shopping, Malate for barhopping et al
You know how Lonely Planet Philippines travel guide book fared?
The Malate bars and restaurants recommended there are no longer extant. One was already a high-rise condominium unit. Imagine Lonely Planet editorial staff missed with years of constructing the condo tower? Another bar near Remedios and Adriatico was no longer there. Costs of beer was pegged at PhP25.00...gosh...it's been years when beer was sold in Malate bars at that price.
When Tutubi examined the guide book, he thought of Camarines Norte. To his surprise, Lonely Planet only has a few very short paragraphs about the province. No mention even of the getting popular in recent years that is Calaguas Island.
So what's his assessment and review of Lonely Planet Philippines?
Seems Lonely Planet Philippines only get a minor updates or none at all but churn out new editions without really updating places and information. Lots of outdated infos present that even some reason out due to delays from writing to editing to actual printing but can you explain recommended establishments now occupied by towering condominiums that took years to construct?
The best travel guides on your destination is not Lonely Planet, not Jens Peters, but explorers who've been there recently, and just hope and pray that they're travel bloggers who post about their conquests on their blogs with the latest information and updates plus respond to every comment/inquiry/question with promptness.
In April 2004, Tutubi he met a French writer (writing a book about Bollywood) on a boat from Mumbai's Gateway of India en route to the World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island. He and the Frenchman became online friends kept in touch through email and telling stories and ideas.
Tutubi invited his french friend to come next to the Philippines and he in turn invited Tutubi to his home in Provence, France, south of Paris.
A few months ago, Tutubi's friend flew from France to Manila and made true his promise to come after almost 7 years.
He and his wife planned to visit Dumaguete City, but the plan was delayed due to lost baggage in transit, fault of their airline.
Lonely Planet helped them a lot during this time but turned out unreliable in Manila, of all places.
When they decided to stay in Manila for two days, not part of their original plan, but merely to meet Tutubi, Tutubi offered to tour them around several places in Manila including: Microtel Inn where they stayed, Mall of Asia for some Filipino food, Rizal Park, National Museum, Harbour Center (for seafood lunch), Intramuros and Fort Santiago (where they got acquainted and fell in "love" with Jose Rizal), San Agustin Church, Silahis Arts and Crafts for souvenir shopping, Malate for barhopping et al
You know how Lonely Planet Philippines travel guide book fared?
The Malate bars and restaurants recommended there are no longer extant. One was already a high-rise condominium unit. Imagine Lonely Planet editorial staff missed with years of constructing the condo tower? Another bar near Remedios and Adriatico was no longer there. Costs of beer was pegged at PhP25.00...gosh...it's been years when beer was sold in Malate bars at that price.
When Tutubi examined the guide book, he thought of Camarines Norte. To his surprise, Lonely Planet only has a few very short paragraphs about the province. No mention even of the getting popular in recent years that is Calaguas Island.
So what's his assessment and review of Lonely Planet Philippines?
Seems Lonely Planet Philippines only get a minor updates or none at all but churn out new editions without really updating places and information. Lots of outdated infos present that even some reason out due to delays from writing to editing to actual printing but can you explain recommended establishments now occupied by towering condominiums that took years to construct?
The best travel guides on your destination is not Lonely Planet, not Jens Peters, but explorers who've been there recently, and just hope and pray that they're travel bloggers who post about their conquests on their blogs with the latest information and updates plus respond to every comment/inquiry/question with promptness.
Labels: Travel Tips
posted by GingGoy @ 8:25 PM,
,
Kapit Tuko for Sale? Geckos High Prices, Unverified Cure but Illegal
03 August 2011
It's not a rumor but actually true that the lowly philippine gecko, locally called tuko as onomatopoeia from the sound they make, is fetching tens of thousands of pesos offered by illegal wildlife traders and traffickers.
kapit tuko caught on camera by Tutubi inside the duck walk tunnel on Corregidor Island (what is the scientific name of gecko/tuko?)
Why the geckos are fetching high prices for the underground black market of the wild animals, not limited to Aranque Market in Manila or Cartimar in Pasay City, some say it's due to it's use in Chinese medicine as cure for AIDS (particularly the gecko's tongue), while some claim it can even cure cancer.
Some even claim that the real reason for the high demand is that some pharmaceutical companies are doing research on the invisible super glue of the tuko on it's feet that enable them to cling to vertical surfaces without falling off (from where the slang phrase kapit tuko got its meaning)
Note that capturing/trading/buying/selling of wild animals, including geckos are illegal, particularly protected and endangered species. You can be jailed for trading or selling them.
Lastly, to give some sort of political significance, at least Sen. Miguel Zubiri was honorable enough to resign from his post as senator of the Republic of the Philippines. He may be a beneficiary of the election cheating in 2007 but give him the benefit of the doubt that he has a hand in the "Maguindanao massacre" of 2004 and 2007 national elections.
Migz Zubiri is not a kapit tuko, in a world full of despicable, kapit tuko and balimbing politicians. those despicable politicians should be the ones hunted down to extinction!
kapit tuko caught on camera by Tutubi inside the duck walk tunnel on Corregidor Island (what is the scientific name of gecko/tuko?)Why the geckos are fetching high prices for the underground black market of the wild animals, not limited to Aranque Market in Manila or Cartimar in Pasay City, some say it's due to it's use in Chinese medicine as cure for AIDS (particularly the gecko's tongue), while some claim it can even cure cancer.
Some even claim that the real reason for the high demand is that some pharmaceutical companies are doing research on the invisible super glue of the tuko on it's feet that enable them to cling to vertical surfaces without falling off (from where the slang phrase kapit tuko got its meaning)
Note that capturing/trading/buying/selling of wild animals, including geckos are illegal, particularly protected and endangered species. You can be jailed for trading or selling them.
Lastly, to give some sort of political significance, at least Sen. Miguel Zubiri was honorable enough to resign from his post as senator of the Republic of the Philippines. He may be a beneficiary of the election cheating in 2007 but give him the benefit of the doubt that he has a hand in the "Maguindanao massacre" of 2004 and 2007 national elections.
Migz Zubiri is not a kapit tuko, in a world full of despicable, kapit tuko and balimbing politicians. those despicable politicians should be the ones hunted down to extinction!
Labels: Wildlife
posted by GingGoy @ 8:07 PM,
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Villa Margarita Hotel, Davao near Abreeza Mall
01 August 2011
Just a quick post on a nice, small hotel in Davao where Tutubi stayed at for a few hours during his last trip to Davao City. It's a hotel near from Davao International Airport, merely 15 minutes, near the flyover on J.P. Laurel Avenue in Lanang district.
Villa Margarita Hotel
Room rate: P1425.00/night, twin sharing Standard room with hot and cold shower. The standard room as pictured on Villa Margarita's official website is exactly the way saw it during Tutubi's visit, no need for his own photo.
No restaurants within walking distance of the hotel when Tutubi checked in, except the ones owned by the hotel, but that changed immediately with the recent opening of Ayala Center Davao...err... Abreeza Mall (that will definitely choke Davao City traffic on J.P. Laurel Avenue)
Con: The complimentary breakfast, at least the daing na bangus, was forgettable though. It was just fried without the usual marinating with vinegar, garlic and pepper.
Villa Margarita Hotel
Address:
J. P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
Philippines
Telephone: +63(82)221-5674 to 75
Fax: +63(82)226-2968
Mobile: +63(922)890-0844
Email: sales@villamargaritahotel.com
Please call Villa Margarita contact numbers for inquiries, reservations, events and room rates.
Villa Margarita Hotel
Room rate: P1425.00/night, twin sharing Standard room with hot and cold shower. The standard room as pictured on Villa Margarita's official website is exactly the way saw it during Tutubi's visit, no need for his own photo.
No restaurants within walking distance of the hotel when Tutubi checked in, except the ones owned by the hotel, but that changed immediately with the recent opening of Ayala Center Davao...err... Abreeza Mall (that will definitely choke Davao City traffic on J.P. Laurel Avenue)
Con: The complimentary breakfast, at least the daing na bangus, was forgettable though. It was just fried without the usual marinating with vinegar, garlic and pepper.
Villa Margarita Hotel
Address:
J. P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City
Philippines
Telephone: +63(82)221-5674 to 75
Fax: +63(82)226-2968
Mobile: +63(922)890-0844
Email: sales@villamargaritahotel.com
Please call Villa Margarita contact numbers for inquiries, reservations, events and room rates.
Labels: Accommodations, Davao City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:57 PM,
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