This is a rant post, usually posted before the year ends for the Department of Tourism, now it's the turn of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Tutubi flew to Singapore recently via Philippine Airlines to attend a security seminar at a hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore's premier shopping strip.

This post details Tutubi's encounter with an immigration officer at NAIA Terminal 2 on December 10, 2012 at around 4am:

Tutubi arrived early before 4am for his 620am PAL flight. There was no queue yet at the NAIA Terminal 2 entrance gate. He went straight to pay the international travel tax (PhP1620.00) then waited just a few minutes to at the PAL check in counter. This was a breeze since he also doesn't have any check-in baggage, just his 40 liter backpack that's half-full (or half-empty :) then paid the airport terminal fee (PhP550.00, sometimes called airport tax or departure tax).

The next part was the irritating part where Tutubi queued at counter 6 of Immigration counter, and as he's using a new passport, he asked Tutubi for his old passport but he replied he lost his old one with several stamps of countries he's visited. The expressionless immigration officer asked where he's working, how long, where he's staying in Singapore, Tutubi answered them all, then the officer requested for his company ID to which he obliged.

The officer looked at his ID for about a minute then returned Tutubi's documents to him without stamping his passport and instead directed him to the "immigration police" at the back where some people are being questioned, calling someone or waiting for something instead of their flight.

The "immigration police" asked Tutubi the same set of questions earlier asked by the immigration officer to which he gave the same answers. Then the immigration police requested him to show more proof of his trip telling him he needs to show more so as to avoid writing a letter to the commissioner to request permission to leave (even if his flight is just two hours away very early in the morning, imagine the hassle of just trying to prove you're just going to be a tourist and you need to set an appointment with the commissioner) like the other people in the area were doing. He showed the telegraphic transfer of his company to the seminar organizer but the "immigration police" told him it indicated only his company name and purpose (of course it's under his company name), the "immigration police" asked for more information, it's good that he has the hotel confirmation in his name (together with his two office mates who went ahead two days before to explore Singapore) plus the company email trail in his iPhone. The "immigration police" asked him what other countries he's visited and for how long to which he replied: "Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand twice, India and Australia with three weeks the longest" and now brought his passport and immigration card back to counter six where a brief conversation with the immigration officer ensued.

Tutubi was called again by the immigration officer, sans a smile, sorry, nor apologetic tone for the "false positive," then even had the temerity to berate Tutubi with a grumbling tone but later stamped his passport.

Tutubi boarded his flight on schedule, the same Philippine Airlines flight with the whole Philippine Azkals team set to play (and lose) against the (now champion) Singapore Lions in the AFC

Now, this is the problem with the POEA Overseas Employment Administration, the OEC system needs an overhaul and also the people of the DFA, BI, and POEA seem to be conspiring to make life much harder for OFWs and tourists.

There are reminders at the airport not to harass immigration officers but first and foremost that should be displayed near the immigration counters is for immigration officers not to harass OFW/OCW, tourists and other visitors, after all, they're there to serve, not to make lives of other people miserable

to the Bureau of Immigration: if you can identify the immigration officer at NAIA terminal 2, December 10, 2012 at counter 6, he doesn't know how to smile even if there are many prominent signs at NAIA that says: We take the extra smile.

This tale of Tutubi is nothing compared to other OCW/OFW OEC woes and exit clearance processing nightmares. For sure there are gazillions more horror stories of legitimate tourists harassed by immigration officers out there. If an OFW has a very limited vacation time, at least one day will be spent just to request an OEC at POEA offices plus the expenses, additional worry and hassle for those just wishing to be home on a holiday. If Tutubi's an OFW, he'll just opt to pay travel tax and airport terminal fee just to get back the day spent to process/request the OEC at POEA, if it's possible even with just a waiver (at least consider this for stable countries instead of requiring companies to include a repatriation clause in employment contracts).

the original intent of the OEC is fine but there must be other ways to improve the process, but as always, most government officials don't really care to even take steps to improve it, even enjoy wielding "God-like" powers against overseas foreign workers and ordinary Filipinos whom they should be serving.

If you're an OFW or a tourist with your own woeful tale, please comment below and share to friends and contacts



Related Posts:

How to apply for POEA OEC (Exit clearance) online
OEC (overseas employment certificate) application requirements

Labels: OFW, Rants

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

usually sold near churches in the Christmas season, puto bumbong is gelatinous rice of purple color steamed in bamboo tubes then served on banana leaves with grated coconut, butter and sugar.

Have you ever wondered why the puto bumbong is purple color?


You will usually say it's due to the violet food coloring added to the rice part of recipe but the truth is this: original, authentic puto bumbong recipe uses a variety of black rice that gives it the purple color and the unique taste.



typical puto bumbong you buy on the roadsides now are made from glutinous rice (malagkit) and mixed with food color for that purple color. So how would you know the authentic from the fake one? ask the vendor or you can guess from the price.

Pirurutong rice variety is a tad expensive than malagkit therefore the "immitation" is cheaper than the authentic one, and in taste, there's a slightly different texture/consistency if you use pirurutong. go figure it out as describing in words is not easy

related post:

Gourmet Rice varieties of the Cordilleras

Labels: Christmas, Filipino Food

In this age of busy-bodies and technology, we often overlook special, quality time with family and friends. By quality time, it’s not just being with them but really being with them where you bond, update each other, tell stories, share problems, and not be disturbed and pre-occupied with mobile phones and gadgets

In these times, I spend quality time at home, or somewhere in roadtrips taking care not to be busy with work or with my phone.

When I want to dine out, or book out-of-town trips, I use my BPI credit card for the payment (either with card or my BPI e-Credit for online transactions). This same card I use to gas up at Petron gas stations where I get rebates thus making road trips cheaper.

In spending quality time with friends and family, do it now and everyday as if it’s your last day on earth. For you’ll never know when you or love ones with leave this earth.

You may want to view my own cool "so happy together" video invite to my love ones by clicking this link

My mother died just last month after ten months of battle with liver cirrhosis. Before the discovery, I paid for trips of both my parents to Bolinao, Pangasinan besides other personal and company trips that made her happy, for i know I inherited the "itchy feet syndrome" from both my parents.

Besides spending quality time, try to say and make your love ones feel how much you love them, for, again, you’ll never know the time or you’ll never have the chance to say what you need to say.

So what now, you can invite your family, friends, and love ones to spend a "so happy together" moment with you by making your own make your own version of the video using this cool Facebook app



Note: This is an advertorial

Labels: Advertorials

Just for your information to avoid confusion on the new MMDA bus segregation scheme devised by MMDA chairman Tolentino to lessen traffic on EDSA- Metro Manila's main thoroughfare that will start implementation today

EDSA Bus Segregation Scheme basically separates the loading/unloading bays for buses with designated stops for Bus A (red), Bus B (blue) and Bus C (all stops possible)


the details of the new MMDA bus segregation scheme (source: MMDA website)

EDSA Bus A bus stops (painted red)

Northbound:

Magallanes, Buendia, Guadalupe, Shaw Boulevard, SM Megamall, Boni Serrano, Cubao Farmers, and Ermin Garcia.

Southbound: Ermin Garcia, Arayat Cubao, VV Soliven, Connecticut, Shaw Starmall, Guadalupe, Buendia Avenue, and Mantrade.

EDSA Bus B bus stops (painted blue)

Northbound:

Ayala Avenue, Estrella, Pioneer/Boni, SM Megamall, Ortigas Avenue, Main Avenue, and Baliwag/5 Star.

Southbound:

Kamuning, Monte de Piedad, Main Avenue, POEA Ortigas, Pioneer/Boni, Estrella, and Ayala Avenue.

Related Posts:
MMDA Number Coding

Note:
Tutubi has a pending post on EDSA bus routes long sitting idle in his Drafts folder. perhaps he'll revisit it one of these days :)

Labels: Public Transportation

Subic has a new 18 hole Golf Course, aptly named Subic Golf Course and what a simple nice way to promote it by giving away 1 round of golf if you stay at any accredited subic freeport hotel:

Subic Freeport’s tourism, hotel and tourism companies calls it: “Stay in a Hotel in Subic, Play a round of golf for free!”

Subic Leisure World Inc. President and CEO Benjamin John Defensor III said all tourists who stay at their accredited hotels can play a free round of golf at the Subic Golf Course.

Accredited hotels with complimentary free round of golf:
Venezia Hotel
White Rock Waterpark
Subic Homes Apartelle
Mango Valley
The Terrace Hotel
Bayfront Hotel
Seorabeol
Playa Papagayo Beach Inn

no details of promotion period given though

Related posts:

How to get to Subic Bay

Labels: Hotels and Resorts, Subic

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

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


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

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

How to get to Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City:

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

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

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

driving directions to Ayala Triangle garden:

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

Christmas pasyalan in Manila similar to Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong

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

A childhood favorite street food of Tutubi, long planned to be blogged but not quite til now, is this obnoxious smelling yet delightfully satisfying bibingka recipe variant of Laguna where duck eggs are mixed with abnoy (spoiled eggs) and cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves where it emits an obnoxious aroma.

One memorable event Tutubi regarding this Laguna delicacy is in Lingga, Pila where his friends cooked them for their group who found the smell too much to endure yet devoured the bibingka itlog in seconds right after they were served.

the bibingkang itlog is usually sold on the streets of Paete and neighboring towns but probably made in Sta. Cruz and Victoria (where the duck industry flourishes). This version is not the best though as you can see holes in them due to added flour or other extenders

The bibingkang itlog vendor at Sta. Cruz Public Market, Tutubi's suki where you can sample difference levels of obnoxiousness before you buy, you can even buy those without the rotten smell/taste but it's not the exotic type Tutubi longs for

The Bibingkang itlog (puro) has slightly yellowish color and not much holes. Costs around PhP100 per pie. You can buy them at the public markets of Lumban, Sta. Cruz, Pila and other towns

Bibingkang Itlog is best served with spicy vinegar and to make it authentic street food, sold on banana leaves, and eaten with toothpicks (as shown on the top picture). Bibingkang itlog though, like other exotic food, requires an acquired taste to enjoy it otherwise it's like a Fear Factor challenge. This is easier to ingest though than the more exotic and challenging bibingkang abnoy of Pateros, made wholly from abnoy (bugok na itlog ng itik) but fried (like torta) then dipped in spicy vinegar.

---
other Bibingka Posts:
Bibingka Galapong
Tita's Delight Bibingka of Tanauan, Batangas
Vigan Royal Bibingka

Other future posts of Tutubi just on his drafts folders for ages now :)

Bibingkang Hipon of Paete
Mandaue Bibingka
Bibingkang Abnoy of Pateros

Labels: Calabarzon, Exotic Food, Laguna, Laguna Food Trip, Southern Tagalog

One of Tutubi's first adventures when he got "itchy feet" ten years ago was a tour of Ilocos from Vigan, Laoag and Pagudpud in 2002 when Pagudpud was not as commercialized as it is now.

Just last week, some of his officemates asked him how to get to Pagudpud from Laoag Airport as against the longer "how to get to Pagudpud by bus from Manila" as they're taking a Manila to Laoag flight. Here's the information he gave them

How to Get to Pagudpud from Laoag Airport:
(fresh pictures to follow once supplied by Tutubi's friends (hope they're of publishable quality too)

Manila to Laoag by air

Flights from Manila to Laoag are available from Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines (Tutubi's officemates took PAL with only two flight schedules to choose from: early in the morning and late in the evening)

From Laoag Airport, board a jeepney (or alternatively a tricycle) to take you to Laoag City proper (jeepney fare is PhP60.00) request the driver to drop you off where the Claveria, Cagayan-bound bus/van passes by.

(Tutubi's officemates eventually had contacts with a van-for-hire/van rental in Laoag who took took for a tour of Ilocos Norte by visiting Paoay, Bangui Wind Farm (no, they're not windmills) up to pagudpud)

Take the bus with signboard Claveria and request the bus conductor to drop you off in Pagudpud side of the national near the white beach (locals call this Centro, near Pagudpud public market and Pagudpud Town Hall)

In summary:

Laoag Airport to Laoag City proper jeepney fare: PhP60.00
Laoag to Pagudpud fare: PhP70.00
Laoag to Pagudpud travel time: just about 1.5 hours

note: due to the sheer "how log does it take to travel from Manila to pagudpud" by land (commute by bus or private car, Tutubi knows why it's called Pagudpud: pagod na, pudpud pa! :P

How far is Bangui from Pagudpud? With the distance of Pagudpud from Manila, the kilometer count does not matter anymore as when you get to Pagudpud, you're pagud na, pudpud pa ;P
---

perhaps Tutubi will write Pagudpud guides on the following someday once he gets his blogging groove back:

Pagudpud Travel Guide

How to Get to Pagudpud from Vigan
How to Get to Pagudpud from Manila
How to Get to Pagudpud from Baguio
How to Commute to Pagudpud by bus

Labels: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Region, Pagudpud

Home to the Loay River Cruise, the lost Loay Watchtower (that Tutubi tried but failed to visit) and the Clarin ancestral house, the Santisima Trinidad Parish of Loay, Bohol is a lesser-known old church in Bohol as it's also not located on the main highway.

UPDATE: this church was badly damaged during the earthquake of October 15, 2013

Parish of the Holy Trinity, Loay, Bohol (Loay Church):

Santisima Trinidad Church of Loay Bohol facade with the belltower

A National Historical Institute (NHI, now NHCP) narrates the history of Holy Trinity Church as built in the 1822, convent in 1838, bell tower in 1865. A certain Fr. Leon Inchausti served in this parish, a martyr of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) who was canonized as a saint in 1999. A good example of Filipino-Spanish architecture and declared a National Historical Landmark in 2003.

the tromphe l'oeil paintings on the ceiling, typical of Bohol's old churches

the neo-classicial altar of Loay Church

besides the double-facade and the historic link to a saint, the church also has an old pipe organ and can be reached via the stairs to the choir loft.

---
no information on mass schedules, telephone contact numbers
simbahan santisima trinidad loay bohol, parish holy trinity church loay bohol

Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Churches, National Historical Landmarks, Visita Iglesia

For the information of many readers to get to know bus fares to Vigan, Ilocos Sur or
Laoag, Ilocos Norte, herewith is the latest information on Partas bus that serves the two capital cities of the Ilocos provinces.

Similar to Victory Liner deluxe bus to Baguio and Philtranco deluxe buses to Bicol, Partas deluxe buses are 27 seater (Victory Liner 29 seaters) with comfort rooms/restroom on board but you need to be at Partas bus terminal to get a seat, no reserved seat nor advance tickets similar to Victory Liner.

Partas Bus Terminal
816 Aurora Boulevard corner P. Bernardo St., Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila
How to get to Partas bus terminal: it's accessible via MRT Cubao station or any jeep from manila with signboard Cubao or Project 4

map of Partas bus terminal in Cubao (it's on Aurora Avenue near Arayat Market)

Partas Transit Bus Destinations
Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province, Vigan in Ilocos Sur Province, Baguio in Benguet Province

Telephone Number: +63.2.727.8278 (PARTAS8)

Partas bus Cubao Terminal
Partas trip schedules:


Partas Bus Pasay terminal
Reservations: +63.2.725.7303; +63.2.725.1740; +63.2.725.1756

map Partas Bus station on EDSA Pasay (Malibay is at the corner of EDSA (northbound) and Tramo just near the Tramo flyover

Partas Transit Pasay bus trip schedule

Pasay to Vigan 7pm and 9pm
Pasay to Laoag 6pm and 8pm

Map of Partas Cubao Bus Terminal: here
Map of Partas Pasay Bus Terminal: here

Please call Partas contact number (no information on Partas official website) for promos, current bus fares, freight/waybill, chartered bus rates, ticket reservations
or ticket prices.

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

Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

The town of Loboc, famous for the Loboc River Cruise and the Loboc Boys Choir, also is home to the Church of San Pedro, the second oldest church in Bohol. Original structure was built in 1602, burned, and a stronger one built in place 1638.

The bell tower of Loboc Church is located a few meters from the church, quite similar to the earthquake baroque architecture of Ilocos churches.

Update: This old stone church was badly damaged by the earthquake of October 15, 2013

St. Peter Church, Loboc, Bohol:



How to get to Loboc, Bohol:
jeepneys with signboard Loboc are available in Tagbilaran near the cathedral. travel time is about 30 minutes. How far? Loboc is about 21 kilometers from Tagbilaran

no information yet on Sunday mass schedules (English), contact numbers and telephone numbers

Parish of St. Peter, Loboc, Bohol
San Pedro Church, Loboc Church

Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Churches

Tutubi recently looked for information on how to get to Taguig City Hall but surprisingly found none. He got there using Open Street Map and shuttle service rides from Market! Market! in Bonifacion Global City.

Here's the information he's imparting to you if you're looking to apply for business permits in Taguig City Hall, marriage licenses, birth certificates, NBI/police clearance, or claim drivers licenses due to traffic violation tickets.

How to Get to Taguig City Hall:

Map of Taguig City Hall here via OpenStreetMap.

How to Commute to Taguig City Hall

From Pateros: ride a jeepney with signboard with Bicutan or B. Bayan

From MRT Ayala Avenue Station (Makati): take a The Fort Bus to Market! Market! then take the FX/GTExpress going to Taguig City Hall via Signal Village

From MRT Guadalupe Station (Makati): ride a jeepney to Market! Market near Jollibee and McDonalds (minimum fare currently P8) then ride the shuttle service to Taguig City Hall

From Pasig City, either jeepneys from Pasig- Palengke or Pasig Simbahan going to Taguig via Pateros pass by Taguig City Hall

Driving Directions to Taguig City Hall:

The best route to Taguig City Hall is via C5 where you take C5-Palar Service road (ilalim) on Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (G-5) then take Levi B. Mariano Avenue
then right to Gen Luna until you see Taguig City Hall to your right after passing by Puregold Taguig. If you're from SLEX, you can get to C5-Palar Service road when
you see the Petron Diego Silang gas station then right to Levi B. Mariano Avenue; if you're from the north (e.g. Quezon City), you take the service road after passing by the overpass of McKinley Hill.

notes:
Some time ago, when you you pay Taguig traffic violation ticket (at The Fort Bonifacio Global City, for example) or get your confiscated drivers license, you proceed to Tauig Hall of Justice in Upper Bicutan near PUP Taguig campus and and in front of Camp Bagong Diwa.



How to get to The Fort, How to Get to McKinley Hill, How to get to Fort Bonifacio, How to get to Bonifacio Global City, How to Get to Libingan ng mga Bayani, How to get to American Cemetery, How to get to Heritage Park, taguig city hall website, how to get to global city taguig, taguig city hall google map, taguig city hall contact number

Labels: Taguig City

Pancit Batil Patung (or batil patong) is Tuguegarao’s version of stir fried noodles topped with a fried egg topping (the patung or patong) and served with a siding of egg drop soup (called batil) plus soy sauce, spicy vinegar, and lots of raw onions.

G&B's version of Pancit Batil Patong (Solano, Nueva Vizcaya)

Rapsatodits' version of Pancit Batil Patung (take out version thus it still has no sauce and the spices mixed with it

the unique texture of the noodles and the siding and raw spices make this noodle dish unique from other regional pancit recipe specialties.

If you're looking for pancit batil patong in Manila, there's Rapsatodits restaurant on Roosevelt avenue near Frisco (between Sto. Nino St and M.H. del Pilar in front of EastWest Bank) for only P60/order good for 2-3 persons already unless you have a big tummy. there's also the special order for P80 with lots of toppings but Tutubi has yet to try it.

where is the best pancit batil patong recipe available? Tuguegaran, Cagayan? Kalinga?
or nearby places?

if you know of other places in metro manila serving this dish, please drop a note :P

you may be looking for:
pancit batil patung recipe, pansit batil patong recipe. batil patung in quezon city
pancit batil patung isabela, best pancit batil patung tuguegarao,

Labels: Filipino Cuisine, Filipino Food, Pancit

This is the information of devoted Catholics looking for images, statues of San Pedro Calungsod in Paete, Laguna (Tutubi's hometown).

The Society of Jesus (SJ), commonly known as Jesuits commissioned Paete master wood carver Justino Cagayat, Jr. (Paloy) to carve the official statue of Pedro Calungsod for his canonization.

The price of Pedro Calungsod statues is mostly based on length measurements and material used and ranges from eight inches (worth PhP350.00) to four-feet tall (cost of PhP4,000.00), made of either resin or wood.

Resin images and statues are cheaper since they're made from moulds unlike wood and also if they're natural wood finish, varnish or colored paint complete with encarna false hair, eyes, eyebrows and eye lashes.

Paloy Cagayat's wood carving shop is on J.V. Quesada St, the main road of Paete leading to the town plaza and Paete Church where most wood carving shops, souvenir stores and handcrafts retailers are. You can inquire there to look for wholesale contacts and prices. religious images in Tayuman, Manila and Quiapo are usually made in Paete if not from Betis Guagua Pampanga.

will post contact details, telephone numbers, email address and official websites of wood carvers and wood carving shops once available.

San Pedro Calugsod is the second Filipino saint, after San Lorenzo Ruiz

you may be looking for:
wood carving paete prices, how much statue of san pedro calungsod, from where is the hometown of pedro calungsod, visayas martyr, miracles, pedrocito, pedrosito

Labels: Paete

Puto, recipe whose main ingredient is rice (what else) and sugar and cooked by steaming, has many variants including the simple puto calasiao (pangasinan), puto polo (of valenzuela), puto binan (laguna) and the puto of marikina (origin related to polo).

Puto Manapla though is quite similar to the sayongsong of Surigao where the aroma and flavor of banana leaves is evident.

Puto Manapla of Negros Occidental:



question: why is puto and dinuguan always paired together?

Labels: Negros Occidental, Pasalubong

For years we've been hearing about planned construction of roads and rail lines and other means to effect faster travel in the Philippines but turned out to be mere "drawings" like for example that uber-expensive and corruption-ridden NorthRail (another "legacy" of the "great" Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) and super-delayed SLEx-NLEx road connectors (SMC-led Skyway and MVP-led PNR tracks) and the that was recently approved but will have to wait for 2016 the soonest.

The Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway undoubtedly improved travel time up north to Baguio and Subic but the TPLEx will further reduce the travel time forward from Tarlac as it connects to SCTEx to Pangasinan and Rosario, La Union, just before you either choose Kennon Road or Marcos Highway going up Baguio City

As of the moment we still can't find the definitive TPLEx map but thrice Tutubi found road construction near the end of SCTEx and a flyover near the Tarlac -Cabanatuan Road (an detour Tutubi loves to take just to avoid traffic of Tarlac and pass by Victoria, Paniqui and Pura towns).

Here's a picture of a flyover construction taken about three months ago that will give you hope that TPLEx is really being constructed and not another grand "drawing"


according to the DPWH website:

"Project Description :

88.58 kilometer, 2-lane expressway from Tarlac City, Tarlac to Rosario, La Union (Phase I)
Project Components:
main expressway
2 viaducts
8 interchanges
2 central toll plaza
1 toll operations center building
12 bridges
63 underpasses
Phase II will be widening to 4 lanes when Phase I capacity reaches 25,000 vehicles per day"

TPLEx map from DPWH website showing the route map and major towns, cities and intersections

Imagine the reduction of travel time from Manila to Baguio from 6 hours to about 3.5 hours as you don't have to pass by the traffic-prone and tricycle-laden MacArthur Highway. Ilocos Region is also possible to be driven by Tutubi when this opens to the public.

Will update this post then Tutubi gets hold of a TPLEx map and probably TPLEx toll fees and rates, toll gates and exits once finished.

TARGET COMPLETION of TPLEx Phase 1 in in May 2013.

Related Post:
SCTEx Map/Toll Fee

Labels: Roads and Highways

Here in the Philippines, no part of the chicken goes to waste, there's Grilled Chicken Feet, grilled chicken head (ulo), grilled chicken blood (betamax), grilled chicken intestines (isaw) among others.


A fairly common street food in Paete, Laguna and in other parts of the Philippines (e.g. Davao) but not common in Manila, grilled bato-bato is technically chicken spleen, a non-vital organ in vertebrates that functions like a blood filter. Spleen is connected to the liver and heart of chicken but never sold separately in the metro from the two.

Grilled Chicken Spleen:


So probably now you know that these grilled "balls" are now? Best served with spicy sauce and hot off the grill!

Labels: Street Food

Back in the early days of per minute mobile phone call charges, Tutubi would use up a PhP300.00 call card in just one call, and at about PhP7.50/minute, and it's still not enough. He would call at least twice a week.

Then came Sun Cellular with its unlimited call and text per month at a monthly cost just about the cost of his one call card/call. Sun Cellular's unlimited-call service shaved off a huge chunk of Tutubi's "OpEx" when he got his first Sun Cellular prepaid number.

A few months later Tutubi decided to apply for a postpaid line at Sun Cellular, from being a prepaid user, to avoid inconvenience of topping up as it's become a regular routine. He specifically applied for a special number with his name on it (using the old 4x3 keypad), free of charge, and still maintains it up to this day.

In a few months, Tutubi promoted his Sun Cellular postpaid as his primary line for business as he noticed many of his contacts also prefer to talk freely sans worries of high phone bills or used up load. He relegated his prepaid "other network" number as his personal, backup number.

Several additions were made to Sun Cellular over the years, with their 3G service, Tutubi availed of the USB modem dongle then renewed it after two years lock-in period with a pocket wi-fi router. Sun Broadband has been his only Internet provider, he disconnected his landline-based DSL, and used Sun Broadband for his blogging activities and other Internet connection needs even when he's on the road: driving or traveling.

Sun postpaid bundled together with his Sun Broadband cost only PhP1249.00 per month, his main phone and Internet provider.

He also noticed that signal coverage is now wider, even with 3G access which used to be limited to Metro Manila, compared to its early years. Dropped call rates and call completion rate have also improved vastly and now with its acquisition by Smart, expects it to gain improvements in all fronts.

For Tutubi, a certified "sun worshipper" for years, Sun Cellular is one of Tutubi his good choices.

BackpackingPhilippines.com, the blog, for the last four years, is actually powered by Sun Cellular!


Note: This is an advertorial

Labels: Advertorials

As many of you who've been to Bohol most likely experienced the popular Loboc River Cruise where tourists dined on a catamaran cruising on the pristine Loboc River while serenaded with singers belting out pop to country to sometimes strange repertoire.

This one though takes tourists on a cruise along the same river at night where you'll see the (in)famous Loboc Bridge, other bridges, houses, buildings, trees and the waterfalls lit up with colorful lights-- with the cool evening breeze setting the romantic mood over dinner.

Loboc River Night Cruise

the quay where the Loboc River ends and starts is just near the Loboc Tourism complex

coconut trees using backlight of multiple, alternating colors

the quay in symmetry with a serene water of Loboc River as some sort of reflecting pool


the (in)famous Loboc Bridge suddenly became a multi-million peso lighting fixture

you'll be serenaded with a rondalla in the only stop-over with ladies and kids

Loboc River Night Cruise:
rates: PhP350.00/person inclusive of buffet dinner and boat ride

How to get to Loboc from Tagbilaran, Bohol:
You can ride a jeepney near Tagbilaran Cathedral to take you there directly. you can only book your Loboc River Cruise tours with one of the accredited Loboc boat tour operators


Related Bohol Posts:
Loay River Cruise
Anda White Beach
Bohol Car/Van Rental Rates
Bohol Itinerary

Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Rivers

Looking for nice, cheap place to stay in Banaue? Look no further, herewith is a list of accommodations in Banaue (hotels, inns, lodges, pension houses) that you can inquire from to reserve a place to stay, some with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Banaue Accommodations: Hotels, Inns, Lodges, Pension Houses:
See also How to Get to Banaue

Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel
Telephone Number: +63.2.524.2513; +63.2.524.2495
Remarks: Government-owned and operated. Facilities: restaurant, swimming pool, large parking lot, cultural presentations. With backpacker accommodations (dormitory type rooms) at budget prices

Batad Pension and Restaurant
Mobile: +63.921.737.1745

Cristina Inn
Telephone Number: +63.906.977.3771

Fairview Inn
Telephone Number: +63.919.424.8201
Email Address: dictrebolledo@yahoo.com.ph
Remarks: near Banaue Hotel and the post office

Foreigner's Inn

Greenview Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4021; +63.920.540.4225

Halfway Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4082; +63.919.614.2266
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Hillside Inn and Restaurant
Telephone Number: +63.919.379.9599; +63.905.769.9796

Las Vegas Restaurant and Lodge
Room rates: PhP250.00/person
Remarks: hostels with kitchen for guests who wish to cook their own food; free wi-fi Internet at the restaurant/bar and nightlife

Native Village Inn

People's Lodge
Telephone Number: +63.74.386.4014; +63.919.532.5605
Remarks: near the market and Banaue Tourism office

Ramon's Homestay (Batad)
Contact Number: +63.927.678.3932; +63.918.243.9827
Remarks: has learning and cultural center about Ifugao life

Rita's Mount View Inn and Restaurant
Telephone Number: +63.910.842.3076

Samson's Homestay.
Remarks: Inside the Batad Village

Sanafe Lodge
Room Rate: PhP600.00 for single rooms
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Spring Village
Telephone Number: +63.916.927.9623
Remarks: large parking area

Simon's Inn
Telephone Number: +63.919.261.9566

Stairway Restaurant and Lodge
Remarks: restaurant with a view of Banaue Rice Terraces

Uyami’s Green View Lodge

Waterfall Side Inn

Tutubi is not in any way affiliated with any of these Banaue accommodations. Please contact the banaue hotel directly through published contact numbers, email address or official websites for inquiries, reservations, group tours, bookings, room rates, promos and cultural show schedules. You may contact Batad Tourist Information office for more information and contact persons at telephone number +63.905.397.2317

You can also leave comments about the places or give updates/reviews when available

*with thanks to R (who went to banaue recently) for providing the list (hope you send the pictures too :)

Related Posts on Banaue, Ifugao:
Banaue Rice Terraces on Peso Bill
Sagada Map, Travel guide
How to Get to Banaue
Bontoc Museum

banaue hotels, where to stay in batad, hotel accommodations in banaue rice terraces, banaue hotel with a view, banaue lodge, banaue pension house, banaue inn, backpacker accommodations in banaue, cheap banaue hotel, banaue hotel room rates, place to stay in banaue for family, 3d/2n, 2d/1n,

Labels: Accommodations, Banaue, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ifugao

As foreigners discovered that every part of chickens is eaten in the Philippines, from the head to feet, gizzards and intestines. here's the grilled chickn feet called Adidas in Philippine street food lingo, a reference to Adidas as the product with three stripes logo.


I should probably publish a list of Street Food in the Philippines soon :P

Labels: Street Food

Looking forward to a long weekend in October? Some websites/blogs already announced it but October 26, 2012 non-working holiday is now official per Proclamation 488 series of 2012.

October 26, 2012 Holiday: Yes, per official proclamation 488 series of 2012

List of Holidays 2013

It is the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) who will inform the Office of the President on which day the Islamic holiday will fall whether October 26 or October 27, depending on the lunar calendar.

Eidul Adha, the feast of sacrifice, an important Islam holiday, marks the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God.


Related Posts on Islam/Muslim Holidays:
List of Mosques
List of Holidays 2013

Eid'l Adha Muslim Holidays Philippines, Islam, October 26 Public Holiday, October 26 long weekend 2012

Labels: Islam

A friend of Tutubi recently visited Singapore and made a side-trip to neighboring Malaysia for the newly-opened Legoland Malaysia. Herewith is the information on entrance fees to Legoland Malaysia for your information

Legoland Malaysia Entrance Fee/Admission/Ticket Prices

Ticket Reg. price Online (7-Days Advance Booking)
1-Day Ticket Adult (12-59) RM 140 RM 105
1-Day Ticket Child (3-11) RM 110 RM 75
1-Day Ticket Senior (60+) RM 110 RM 75

1 RM = PhP14 (approximate exchange rate for Malaysian ringgit vs Philippine peso)

Tutubi has an upcoming trip to Singapore, he'll probably visit it too if he has the time :P

Labels: Malaysia

Just a heads up on the latest 2Go Travel Ferry promo fares that you or anyone you know may need. (Tutubi gives his "kasambahay" an annual round-trip fare to Cebu as part of her benefits) either a Cebu Pacific , ZestAir or 2Go ferry fare depending on her choice)

2Go Travel Crazy Christmas Sale

2Go Travel Ferry companies include the following:

Negros Navigation, SuperFerry, SuperCat, Cebu Ferries

Ferry Fares Promo Manila to Visayas (or vice-versa): PhP488.00
Ferry Fares Promo Manila to Mindanao (or vice-versa): PhP788.00

(outlet service fee not included. non-refundable but rebookable subject to
applicable fees and fare difference)

Selling period: September 21 - 24, 2012
Travel Period: November 15 - December 15, 2012

free baggage allowance: 75 kilograms (wonder how much excess baggage fees/charges?)

for ticket booking/reservations, please call 2go travel contact number at +63.2.528.7000 of visit 2go travel official website at http://www.2go.com.ph

2Go Ferry terminal is at Pier 15 Manila South Harbor

tags:

Supercat ferry promo fare, Cebu Ferries promo fare, 2go ferry ticket prices,
SuperFerry, Negros Navigation promo fare, SuperFerry promo fare

Labels: Ferries

Latest information for those wishing to cross from Cebu to Bohol via ferry or vice versa.

Cebu to Bohol Ferry Schedules and fares



Oceanjet
Weesam Express
SuperCat

Please get in touch with OceanJet, Weesam Express or SuperCat through their official website or calling their telephone number for inquiries, promo fares, freight, ticket reservations and other information

Labels: Ferries, Public Transportation

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

Seri Fantasy World, Manila Ocean Park

Seri Fantasy World is theme park inside Manila Ocean Park

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

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

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

Help Luke Skywalker fight Darth Vader with your own light saber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:
How to get to Manila City Hall

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

Tutubi visited Solano, Nueva Vizcaya a few months ago and verified with his friend the presence of jeepneys going to Banaue via Lagawe town.

Recently, another friend of his visited Banaue and gave Tutubi an updated information on "how to get to Banaue, Ifugao" via public transportation for the Banaue Rice Terraces and experience the living traditions that made it to the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Banaue Rice terraces featured on the old one thousand peso bill

How to Get to Banaue, Ifugao

Tutubi was able to visit Banaue Rice Terraces years ago in a trip with Ironwulf but only for a very, very limited time.

How to Commute to Banaue by bus from Manila:

UPDATE: Autobus and Florida Bus Lines no longer serve the Manila to Banaue route

Ohayami Trans bus to Banaue now serves the route with the same
travel time of 8-9 hours
Bus fare to Banaue: PhP450.00
Trip Schedules: daily, First trip at 9pm, second (last regular trip) at 10pm. Extra trips during peak periods
Bus terminal is at the corner of J. Fajardo and Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes) in Sampaloc, Manila (near UST)
You can reserve your bus ticket seat at their official website or calling
Ohayami Trans contact number
Manila: +63.927.649.3055; +63.2.516.0501
Ifugao: +63.917.561.7344
Email address: ohayami@ohayamitrans.com

How to Get to Banaue from Baguio City

just hop on a bus to Baguio (e.g. Victory Liner) take a taxi to Ohayami Trans terminal then ride a bus to Banaue.

How to get to Banaue via Solano, Nueva Vizcaya:

Ride a bus to Solano, Nueva Vizcaya with buses of Victory Liner, GV Florida, Baliwag Transit or any bus going to Tuguegarao or Isabela.

via Solano, Nueva Vizcaya

Alight in Solano town of Nueva Vizcaya near a gas station where the jeepneys wait for passengers. Board a jeepney with signboard Lagawe (Ifugao). In Lagawe, ride another jeep to Banaue. Total travel time by 2 jeepney rides is 4-5 hours

via Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya

Victory Liner bus fare from EDSA, Kamias bus terminal is PhP349.00. At Bagabag junction you can ride the jeepney to banawe rice terraces

For driving directions to Banaue if you have your own car, you're really adventurous if you want this but it's not recommended at night if it's also your first time to go there and also for SUVs and pick-ups, not sedans.

You can try this Manila - Banaue route:
Manila -NLEX -SCTEX - right Tarlac - La Paz road - Cabanatuan - Talavera - Munoz - San Jose - Sta. Fe - Aritao - Bambang - Bayombong - Solano - turn left to the road going to Banaue before you reach Bagabag - Lamut - Lagawe - Banaue (Ifugao)


you may also be looking for

Bus to banaue rice terraces, driving directions to Banaue, route to banaue rice terraces, how to get to banaue rice terraces

Labels: Banaue, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ifugao, UNESCO

In addition to Bohol Kalamay, peanut kisses is one pasalubong traditionally identified with Bohol. There is, however, a "quite" new challenger in town: Peanut Kisses. How would you compare the two?

Classic Bohol Pasalubong/Specialty: Peanut Kisses

Peanut Kisses is advertised as peanut and egg white cookies

The relatively new Pasalubong/Specialty: Star Peanuts
Star Peanuts is tagged as Peanut meringue clusters

in a "nutshell," peanut kisses is shaped like Hershey's Kisses, more crunchier and sweeter than Star Peanuts. Star Peanuts are more like star-shaped meringue, and more chewable.

It really depends on the one buying for it's a really subjective topic.

Solution: Tutubi bought both of them :P


Where to buy pasalubong in Bohol:

Tagbilaran airport, at several Bohol Malls: BQ Mall, Island City Mall,

Other related Bohol posts:

Bohol Kalamay
Bohol: Ancient Cave Art

Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Pasalubong

Cylindrical rice cakes usually peddled to bus passengers by ambulant vendors and sold as pasalubong, espasol is a Laguna specialty made from malagkit (glutinous rice), buko (youg coconut), pinipig (rice crispies) and sugar, rolled in rice flour and wrapped in paper.



Espasol Recipe ingredients:

malagkit, buko, pinipig, sugar

Where can you buy the best espasol in town? look for it in the town of Nagcarlan, Laguna, near the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. You can see the espasol made in several factories.

espasol recipe, how to make espasol, ingredients, laguna pasalubong, laguna specialties, laguna delicacies

Other Laguna Specialties:

Kinulob na Itik
Buko Pie
Minani
Bibingka Galapong

Labels: Laguna, Laguna Food Trip, Pasalubong

Even if you're a fan of unplanned travels, it's always helpful to know in advance when to go even if you don't where you're going.

Here's a recently released list of national holidays in the Philippines by President Noynoy Aquino.

there's also the second Monday of May which falls on May 13, 2013 as national election day, enshrined in the Constitution (it's not a holiday but it's a non-working day, overtime pay applies per DOLE rules)

Dates for Muslim holidays of Eid’l Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eidul Adha still to be determined

Note: not much long weekends in 2013, be mindful of Department and Labor and Employment (DOLE) pay rules for national holidays include full pay, 200% of daily wage (double pay) or overtime pay)

Source: official website of the Office of the President
Proclamation No. 459, s. 2012

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 459

DECLARING THE REGULAR HOLIDAYS, SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS, AND SPECIAL HOLIDAY (FOR ALL SCHOOLS) FOR THE YEAR 2013

A. Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day Maundy Thursday Good Friday Araw ng Kagitingan	January 1 (Tuesday) March 28 March 29 April 9 (Tuesday)
Labor Day Independence Day National Heroes Day Bonifacio Day Christmas Day Rizal Day	May 1 (Wednesday) June 12 (Wednesday) August 26 (Last Monday of August) November 30 (Saturday) December 25 (Wednesday) December 30 (Monday)
B. Special (Non-Working) Days
Black Saturday Ninoy Aquino Day All Saints Day Additional special (non-working) days	March 30 August 21 (Wednesday) November 1 (Friday) November 2 (Saturday) December 24 (Tuesday) December 31 (Tuesday)
C. Special Holiday (for all schools)
EDSA Revolution Anniversary	February 25 (Monday)

List of national holidays philippines 2013, public holidays 2013, long weekends
holy week 2013 schedule long weekend

Labels: National Holidays in the Philippines

This will be particularly useful for those booked in flights flying out of Clark Airport or those staying overnight to watch the early morning Clark Hot Air Baloon Festival every February

List of Angeles City Hotels near Clark Airport (DMIA) based on Open Street Map:

Inside Clark Freeport Zone:

Hotel Stotsenberg
Oxford Hotel
Holiday Inn
Montevista Villa
Clark Hostel
Clark Hotel
Widus Resort Casino

Hotels on Fields Avenue, Angeles City (less than thirty minutes away)

Oasis Hotel
Clarkton Hotel
Savannah Hotel
Perimeter Hotel
Lewis Grand Hotel
Brass Knob Hotel
Angeles Beach Club Hotel

other Angeles City Hotels/Motels/Inns

Swagman Hotel
Hana Hotel
Henson Ville Court (Motel?)
Orchid Inn
Valentino's
Patio Inn
Priest House

Note: this list is not yet complete. If you're aware of any cheap hotel rooms, room rates, please leave a comment.

Please get in touch with the hotel's official website, call published telephone numbers/hotline/contact number for hotel booking inquiries, reservations, discounts, promos, weddings, events, conferences or other information

Related Posts on Clark Airport and Angeles City:

How to Get to Clark Airport
Driving directions to clark airport, disdado macapagal international airport
clark airport terminal fee (P550.00)

Labels: Angeles City, Angeles City Accommodations

Picture this: You were made to visit a Tagaytay hotel's website advertising its hotel rooms has a magnificent vista of Taa; Volcano. You book your hotel room then waited for the big day to check in at the hotel

On your hotel check-in day upon opening the window, you didn't see Taal Volcano as advertised but were advised by hotel staff to proceed to the hotel cafeteria or a somewhere to look at the view you originally intended to buy.

here's a list (initial) of Tagaytay Hotels with a view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake

Taal Vista Hotel (not cheap hotel but get discounts using SM Advantage Card)
The Lake Hotel
The Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Summit Ridge Hotel (tallest hotel in Tagaytay, near Robinsons Tagaytay)
Bali Village Hotel
Residence Inn
Venus Taj Hotel
Tagaytay Highlands Golf and Country Club (select rooms only)
Park View Hotel
8 Suites
Windy Ridge Hotel
The Theodore Hotel
The Inn At Cliffhouse
Tagaytay Econo Inn
Joaquin's Bed & Breakfast
Discovery Country Suites
Andanita Taj Hotel

Hotels with no vista al taal:
One Tagaytay Place

Note: this list is not yet complete. If you're aware of any, including particular information on hotel room numbers and types, please leave a comment.

Please get in touch with the hotel's official website, call published telephone numbers/hotline/contact number for hotel booking inquiries, room rates, reservations, discounts, promos, weddings, events, conferences or other information

Related Posts on Tagaytay:
How to Get to Tagaytay
Good Shepherd Tagaytay
Tagaytay Zipline
Tagaytay Picnic Grove Entrance Fee
Mahogany Market

Labels: Tagaytay Accommodations, Tagaytay City

According to Malacanang, August 20, 2012 is not yet declared a public holiday, only August 21 and August 27 have been declared public holidays for now

Malacanang is still waiting for confirmation from our Muslim brothers observing the moon for the proper date to observe the end of the Islamic holiday to end the fasting month of Ramadan

If August 20 is declared a public holiday, August will have two long weekends

stay tuned for updates

Labels: Floobydust

Just for the information of locals and travellers to Sta. Rosa, laguna, Batangas (Lemery and Batangas City), Quezon (Lucena) and Marinduque, here's Jam Liner bus information for you

Jam Liner bus routes and destinations:

Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Binan, Laguna
Cabuyao, Laguna
Lipa, Batangas
Batangas City
Lemery, Batangas
Lucena, Quezon (Integrated Transport Terminal)
Dalahican Pier, Lucena, Quezon (if you're going to Marinduque)

Jam Liner Telephone number: +63.917.526.0008

Jam Liner bus terminal/stations:

EDSA-Kamuning flyover (South-bound EDSA corner Kamuning), refer to map here via Open StreetMap

For information on Jam liner bus schedules, first and last trips, travel time, waybill/freight/shipping charges, bus fares, ticket reservations, chartered buses and promos, please contact Jam Liner telephone number of visit their official website or facebook page.

Related Posts:
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
Araneta Bus Terminal

Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

Just to make it easier to people to apply new passports, passport renewals or other DFA services, you can now go to the malls, alternative to DFA Consular Office near SM Mall of Asia or other regional offices.

UPDATED September 2013

DFA Consular Offices Passport Processing/Renewal/New Applications:

SM Megamall
7/F Building C, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
DFA Passport Appointment Online: http://megamall.passport.com.ph

Robinsons Galleria
DFA Passport Appointment Online: http://galleria.passport.com.ph

SM Manila (behind Manila City Hall)
DFA Passport Appointment Online: http://manila.passport.com.ph

Alabang Town Center (4/F)
10am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, (Saturday and Sunday?)
DFA-NCR South

Pacific Mall, Cebu
Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga
MarQuee Mall, Angeles City
DFA Legaspi Pacific Mall, Legazpi City, Albay


DFA Consular Offices Soon:

Metro Gaisano Alabang, Metro Manila
Robinsons Lipa, Batangas
Robinsons Bacolod,
Robinsons Dumaguete
Robinsons General Santos
SM Baguio
SM Davao

Operating Hours and Schedules: open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays.
Open half-days on Sundays for claiming of passports only

To schedule an appointment passport applications/renewal, applicants may log on to www.passport.com.ph or www.megamall.passport.com.ph or call (02) 737-1000 (DFA Hotline)

Passport fee: P950 for regular processing; P1,200 for expedited processing (rush passport). Either call DFA hotline for passport appointments or schedule one online

Related Posts


DFA Hotline
How to Apply Passport
How to Renew Philippine Passport

Labels: Philippine Passports

Here's a "spam" comment this blog received a couple of times last summer inviting Tutubi for a promo overnight stay at Canyon Cove Beach Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas. He was supposed to stay there for the planned company outing but was scrapped.

As a policy of this blog, it's really hard to steer clear and be tempted to just accept. As of the moment, there's no sponsored post nor paid reviews not freebies from hotels, resorts and restaurants.

To other bloggers, it's ok if you accept freebies and sponsored posts as long as you declare them, unlike some mainstream media writers and bloggers receiving payola part of a a misleading system :(

"Good day!
Im XX from Teletech Marketing Communication Inc.. We are the Marketing arm of Canyon Cove Beach Club Resort in Nasugbu Batangas. i want to invite you in our summer promotion..

TWO NIGHTS Complimentary overnight stay in a Superior room at the Canyon Cove, Nasugbu Batangas good for three person. It can also accommodate up to 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children for an overnight stay in 2 superior room using those 2 complimentary certificate. FREE breakfast for two person and, (3) certificates in Pool Side Cabana or Cottage, (5) free day tour certificates and up to 30% discounts in their rooms, restaurants and sports facilities for only Php 7,500 (Summer Promo)...

You'll get a membership card that will last for in May 2013. The good thing about this is it's TRANSFERABLE, you can share it to your friends including the full package of benefits.


Canyon Cove Beach Club Resort Benefits:

I. ROOMS:
• Two (2) Complimentary certificates at a Superior Room with set breakfast good for two persons. Room is good for two adults with 2 children below 12 yrs of age OR 3 adults. Excess person or child is at P800 sharing the same room. Valid only from Sundays to Thursdays bookings.
• A 20% discount on room rates based on published rates during Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays. Membership card has to be presented upon check in to avail of the discount.
• A 30% discount on room rates based on published rates from Sundays to Thursdays check in excluding holidays. Membership card has to be presented upon check in to avail of the discount.

II. RESTAURANTS AND BANQUETS:
• A 20% discount on total food and beverage bill for 1 to 10 people dining. Membership card has to be presented.
• A 10% discount on total food and beverage bill for 10 and up number of persons dining.
• One (1) Complimentary certificate for a welcome drink for one person. Valid at the Resort’s restaurant. Limited to non-alcoholic drinks and one certificate per table.
• One (1) Complimentary certificate for a buffet lunch for one person, with a group of 5 persons dining. Valid on Saturdays and Sundays buffet lunch only.
• Two (2) Certificates for a P5,000 discount voucher to be used in any function bookings with a revenue of P75,000. One certificate per function and has to be surrendered prior to final arrangements and payments.

III. FACILITIES:
• Three (3) certificates for FREE use of Cabana for a Day Tour. Only one certificate may be used per visit.
• Five (5) certificates for complimentary Day Tour for one person. Can be used all at one given day.
• A 20% discount on Day Tour fees, valid for a maximum of 5 persons only. Day Tour fees at P800 per person which includes P300 food; beverage consumables at the restaurant.
• A 20% discount on Sports facilities and services.

I'm the one responsible for ur booking in the resort if ever..

XX XXXX
TELE TECH MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS INC."

---
canyon cove daytour rate, canyon cove official website, how to get to canyon cove nasugby batangas, canyon cove promo fare, summer outing, 3/d/2n rates, charges, hotline, driving directions to canyon cove beach club