Vacation Leave

Chasing Time at Gyeongbokgung Palace

2011-09-27T23:34:00.002+08:00

When our tour guide announced that our next stop would be Gyeongbokgung Palace, the weight that was gradually growing on my eyelids suddenly disappeared. Being a history buff, the magnificent structures of the Joseon Dynasty were on the top of my list of the must-sees in Seoul. However, my excitement quickly fizzled out when I looked at the window as the sun was about to start its descent.

Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds.

We arrived at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Compound at around 3:30 p.m. I was a bit disappointed that we did not alight at the Gwanghwamun Gate, the main and picturesque entrance of the complex. Instead, we took a peripheral access that fronts the National Folk Museum of Korea.

The National Folk Museum of Korea inside Gyeongbokgung Palace

The building that houses the museum is majestic. Built in 1972, the five-story structure was patterned after the Palsangjeon Hall at Beopjusa Temple. I would’ve really wanted to climb its grand staircase, but the clock was already getting impatient with us. I didn’t mind ditching the idea, though. Judging from the number of steps that I had to take to reach the top, I was pretty sure that my heart and lungs would give up on me midway through the climb.

Despite my decision not to flirt with cardiac arrest by testing my mettle on the grand staircase, my stamina was still surprisingly taxed -- inside the National Folk Museum of all places! Our tour guide only gave us 40 minutes to survey the thousands of artifacts that were on display inside the building. Doing that on a leisurely stroll is next to impossible. Thus, we brisk-walked our way through the whole collection! That was quite disappointing considering that the intricacies of some of the displays demand time and attention. I really would've wanted to go to the details of each exhibit which depicts the typical daily life in Korea during various periods.

An interesting exhibit inside the National Folk Museum of Korea

After mimicking the participants of the Amazing Race, we were allowed to catch our breaths on a leisurely stroll towards the Sinmumun Gate. As we made our way towards the exit, we chanced upon Hyangwon-jeong, one of the famous sites in Gyeongbokgung Palace that was built by King Jeongjo for his and his family’s relaxation. This garden features a small pond with a manmade islet that supports a beautiful two-story pavilion. The sight was so serene that I forgot that Ms. Julia was already making her way to the finish line!

Hyangwon-jeong garden inside Gyeongbokgung Palace

Upon exiting Gyeongbokgung Palace’s rear gate, we took a few minutes to take some pictures in front of the Blue House, the Head of State’s official residence. I would’ve wanted to stay behind and walk around the compound longer, but filial duty (and a laughable amount of Korean Won inside my wallet) made me decide to stick with the group.

South Korea's Blue House with Mt. Bukak on the background

If you plan on dedicating only a few measly hours for a tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, then you may want to revise your South Korea itinerary if you really want a serious engagement and experience of the place. The buildings' ornate and intricate designs alone would require more than just a glance to elicit a true and meaningful appreciation of the same. It is worth to note that Gyeongbokgung was the first and main palace that was built by the Joseon founder. Hence, it should not be surprising to know that the compound's layout has been conscientiously and beautifully designed to be fit for a visionary monarch. This historical tour guarantees a treat for the mind and the senses. The enormity of the compound demands that one dedicates at least half a day for this excursion.

The Sinmumun (rear) gate with a glimpse of Mt. Bukak

How to get there

Going to Gyeongbokgung Palace by train / subway is easy. You’ll find yourself right in front of the complex by taking subway line # 3, Gyeongbokgung station, exit 5. You may also take line #5, alighting at Ganghwamun Station’s exit 2. This would require a ten to fifteen-minute walk, though.

Pilgrims in Iloilo (Part 1: Cabatuan and Miagao Churches)

2011-07-10T14:58:00.001+08:00

Going to Iloilo is like going on a pilgrimage of sorts. It seems that in every corner of the city, God either has a little townhouse or a sprawling hacienda. The same can also be said of the entire province. It’s not surprising then that a considerable chunk of our digital camera’s memory stick is filled with photos of churches.

Iloilo International Airport

We landed at the newly-built Iloilo International Airport at around 5:45 a.m. Touchdown was initially scheduled at 6:15 a.m., but I guess the pilot was in a hurry to buy Piyaya for his breakfast. The sight and feel of the new terminal was both comforting and refreshing, a stark contrast to the decrepit building that was the city’s sorry excuse for an airport in Mandurriao. The new Iloilo Airport is 19 kilometers away from the city proper, just a short 30-minute taxi or jeepney ride.

Cabatuan Church

Our first stop was God’s mansion in Cabatuan. Built in 1734, the Parish of San Nicolas de Tolentino, more popularly known as Cabatuan Church, easily passes off as one of the grandest churches in the Philippines. It originally had six belfries. However, only two of them remain as the earthquake that rocked the province in 1948 destroyed many portions of the church, including the central dome. People familiar with southern European cathedrals or basilicas would easily recognize the similarity of their design with the Cabatuan Church. Its red brick walls mirror that of the picturesque churches in Italy.

Inside Cabatuan Church

At first, we thought that we wouldn’t have the opportunity to get a peek inside the church. Luckily, one of the lay ministers was kind enough to accommodate our request to pray and sit at one of the pews. The interior of the temple was cavernous. However, the atmosphere was very relaxed and serene. We spent around 15 minutes admiring the design and ornaments of Cabatuan church, some of which dates back centuries ago.

After genuflecting on the first place of worship that we set foot on in the province, we headed towards Iloilo City through a limousine-like jeepney locally known as passads. It was still early, so Gin and I decided to go out of the city again to take a look at a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site situated around 40 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital.

From afar, the Miag-ao Church seems unassuming. However, as we got closer, we noticed why it has been regarded by the UN body as one of the world’s most treasured gifts from the past.

Miagao Church

While the structure’s masterpiece is already evident in its unique baroque design, the carvings that adorn the façade of the structure are what probably separate Miagao Church, also known as The Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, from the rest. The art mainly consists of local flora, highlighting the evident tropical setting of the place. A sculpture of St. Christopher holding the Child Jesus can be seen in the stone canvass amidst the coconut and papaya trees. A statue of St. Thomas of Villanova adorns the center of the Miagao Church’s façade.

Corals, limestone, and egg whites were used to construct Miagao Church

One of the facts that make this structure remarkable is that no cement was ever used to construct it. The locals used only egg whites in gluing the limestone. Local silt and clay were also used, thereby giving it that unique rusty golden shade. Construction of the church began in 1787 and was finished a decade after. Aside from serving as a house of worship, Miagao Church also served as a fortress from pirates of frequented the area.

Inside Miagao Church

In contrast to the dark and commodious interior of Cabatuan Church, the mood and setting inside Miagao Church was light and welcoming. Sunlight freely enters the building, while air seemingly circulates without restriction despite the thick walls. The altar is elegantly adorned with gold carvings.

Miagao Church's Altar

It took us a while before we pulled ourselves up to our next destination. The breeze was so relaxing that we thought of dozing off for a while. However, we only had around 6 more hours of sunlight, so we decided to go back to the city to visit two more churches.

Alicia Hotel: A Good Budget Hotel in Legazpi City

2011-06-10T12:06:00.001+08:00

Budget Hotels in Legazpi City

When I was told that the rental of the private van that would take me from Gubat, Sorsogon to Legazpi City at 4:00 a.m. in the morning would cost 2,500, I immediately considered spending a night at a good, but inexpensive, hotel in Albay’s capital. I asked relatives and friends who are frequent visitors in Legazpi City if they know any cheap hotel in the place which could pass off for a three-star hotel, and all of them consistently gave me these three – Vista Al Mayon, Alicia Hotel, and Pepperland.

The ride from Sorgoson City to Legazpi City took an hour and a half. I was a bit worried then of the predicament that I was in. It’s already 8:30 p.m. and the rain started to taunt me into spending a night at the first inn that my eyes would chance upon. However, I was determined in spending a relaxing evening in Legazpi at a good budget hotel.

As luck would have it, the van that I took passes by Washington Drive where many airport hotels can be found. The first one that I checked was Vista Al Mayon. I nearly missed it because I was expecting it to be big. It turned out that it was just a pensionne house. They do have a pool, though, and the reception area is clean and cozy. Their single room costs P2,000.00 which quite met my budget. They also have free Wi-Fi and a computer unit for rent. I was about to book a room already, thinking that Alicia and Pepperland Hotel might have similar rates considering that they’re also located in the same area as Vista Al Mayon. However, I found out that my credit card would be of no use since they only accept cash.

Alicia Hotel along Washington Drive

I then hailed a tricycle en route to Alicia Hotel. Much to my surprise (and dismay), the ride took just about a minute as the place was just a few stone-throws away from Vista Al Mayon. The tricycle driver must have thought that I was extremely lazy.

Alicia Hotel's Lobby

Upon glancing at the well-decorated lobby of Alicia Hotel, I immediately told myself that their room rates are probably at least P500 more expensive than that in Vista Al Mayon as the former looks bigger and better than the latter. To my surprise, though, Alicia Hotel’s single room cost P1,950 only. They also have free breakfast and a free shuttle service, amenities which Vista Al Mayon do not offer. Wi-Fi is also free, but they don’t have computer units that could be used or are for rent. The fact that this Legazpi City budget hotel also accepts credit cards made my decision as to which hotel to book very easy.

I was lead to the room by a very accommodating bell boy who assured me that there are many tricycles and jeepneys that pass by the Alicia Hotel’s vicinity in case I would want to go around Legazpi’s night spots. Upon entering my room, I was delighted to see a single bed that could easily accommodate two persons. In other words, it was bigger than I thought. The room was cozy and well-lighted. Visual entertainment was in the form of a standard 14-inch TV set. It’s small by today’s standards, but the reception of the cable channels was commendable.

Alicia Hotel's Bedroom (Single)

The bathroom met my demands as far as cleanliness is concerned. Size is another matter, though. It was difficult to move around considering that everything inside it was closely placed to each other. But it wasn’t much of a bother for me as long as everything is tidy. The fact that the shower’s hot-and-cold feature was working already made up for its misgivings as to its size.

For a hotel that can be considered as cheap or relatively inexpensive, it’s surprising to know that Alicia Hotel has a pool. It’s not that big, but still very inviting nonetheless. A mini garden near the pool also provides guests a spot in this Legazpi hotel where they can enjoy the breeze while sipping a hot cup or coffee or going through one of the dailies that can be borrowed from the front desk.

Alicia Hotel, Legazpi's Swimming Pool

I wasn’t about to let the evening pass without going around the city. Thus, despite the rains, I hailed a tricycle and went to Embarcadero, Legazpi’s newest attraction by the sea. The ride took only around 10 minutes, but cost me P50.00. Many of the stores were already closed when I arrived at the place around 9:30 p.m. However, the security guard told me that the place is generally open until the wee hours of the morning, especially the restaurants.

Late evening stroll at Legazpi City's Embarcadero

Bedtime came in early (for my standards) for me as the bed and the comforter easily made my body go into rest mode. My 5:00 a.m. wake up call came promptly, and I was on my way to the airport by 6:00 a.m. for Cebu Pacific’s first flight to Manila. I did not avail of the free airport shuttle as the other guests that were supposed to take the same were not yet ready. The security guard easily hailed a tricycle for me. To my surprise, the ride took only about 2 minutes! I would have walked my way to the airport had I known that it was just around the corner of Alicia Hotel.

Alicia Hotel is very near the Legazpi City Airport

Considering the price, I would give Alicia Hotel a score of 8/10. It’s definitely one of the best cheap/budget hotels in Legazpi City that is located near the airport.

South Korea Theme Parks: Everland and Lotte World (Day 3, Part 2)

2011-05-25T09:05:00.001+08:00

Everland Resort

Everland Resort is said to be South Korea’s response to Tokyo’s Disneyland and its neighbors’ lavish theme parks. This is not entirely correct, though. Everland first opened its doors to Korean familes in 1976. It wouldn’t be until 7 years later that Disney would put up and open its first theme park outside the United States. Thus, it could be argued that this Korean family gem is the catalyst that caused theme parks to sprout around the region.

The excitement among the young ones and the uhmmm “young once” were very glaring when the sight of the park first came to view. However, such thrill was later on dampened – literally. Rain clouds followed our bus from the strawberry farm to this part of Yongin City. By the time we were able to enter the park, all of us were already wrapped with plastic rain coats that the park gave us.

Cable Car Ride at Everland

Before we were allowed to roam around the theme park by ourselves, our guide first lead us to Safari World. Some of us nearly weren’t able to go with her, though, as cold feet brought about by fear of a cable car ride (instead of the cold weather) made them froze on the platform. Luckily, their fear of being left out or lost is stronger than their fear of heights. Needless to say, everybody survived our first “unofficial” Everland ride :)

Animal Counter at Everland's Safari World

Now back to Safari World. The line was long, suggesting that this attraction is a must-see. I wasn’t exactly sure as to what we would be seeing or experiencing inside this mini zoo. But judging from the animal counter, we would be laying our eyes to many four-legged creatures.

Everland Safari World's main star is definitely
smarter than your average bear

At first, I thought that we would be seeing the animals from afar like in Sentosa’s Night Safari. But we were delighted to be wrong. First to grace our cameras at only several inches away was the king of the jungle with his harems. It was an incredible encounter considering that they were only a few rulers away from the bus window. Tigers also roamed around the mini-African landscape. We also saw ligers! In case you don’t know, ligers are the result of the union between a lion and a tiger. Now who would’ve thought that that’s possible. But the mammal that stole the show and our hearts were the well-trained bears that seem to have traces of Yogi’s DNA as they were definitely smarter than your average bears.

T-Express: Steepest Wooden Rollder Coaster
in the World

After the 10-minute ride around Everland’s Safari World, we were towed by our guide towards the Four Seasons Garden. As expected, my mom was delighted by the sight of flowers that carpeted the grounds. They’re definitely a Korean attraction, especially the tulips which were already in season. Ironically, the background of such relaxing and lovely sight was the heart-wrenching wooden roller coaster called the T-Express which is said to be the steepest in the world. It also ranks 6th in terms of length. Bordering the gardens are houses and structures that mirror those in Holland. Fountains and sculptures from the Renaissance period also adorned a good portion of Everland’s European Adventure section.

The park is divided into five zones that have their own distinct themes: Zoo-Topia, European Adventure, Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure. Unfortunately, we were only able to roam around the first three. My preoccupation in finding the lone money changer in the park may have caused me to miss some of the finer details in the map that would’ve lead us to the last two sections. We were even surprised that there was a water park inside Everland! The lucky ones who were able to find their way to Carribean Bay told us that that the Wild River ride was worth the long lines! Oh well…

Cinderella hour for us came quite early as we were set to depart for Seoul Tower at 5:30 p.m. While we were waiting at the Global Fair, Ms. Julia told us that she would be making some changes in our itinerary due to the weather. Instead going to Seoul Tower, we were headed instead to another theme park – Lotte World.

Lotte World

Lotte World Adventure Indoor Theme Park

While it may not be as big as Everland, Lotte World is still a sight to behold and a recreational center definitely worth visiting. Some even prefer the latter over the former due to its proximity and accessibility, being located right in the heart of Seoul. It is divided into two sections – Magic Island (outdoor park) and Lotte World Adventure (indoor). Due to the inclement weather, we were only confined to the indoor section of the theme park.

In case you’re into superlatives, Lotte World hosts the world’s largest indoor theme park. Ironically, we were only given about an hour to roam around the massive complex. Thus, we only contented ourselves in exploring the 3rd level of the building. The indoor rides were not as hair-raising as their outdoor counterparts, but they were already enough to cause our hearts to work overtime. Of course, weak-kneed excursionists would delight in the slow-moving balloon ride which will give you a spectacular panoramic view of Lotte World Adventure.

View from the balloon ride at Lotte World's Indoor
Theme Park

Our 1-hour sojourn to Lotte World Adventure did not allow us to explore the other rides and amenities of the complex, which include a skating rink, movie houses, and even a hotel. However, our weary bodies made us already thankful that our second theme park visit for the day ended a bit early. But I really would’ve wanted to take that chilly, but relaxing stroll around Seokchonhosu Lake at Magic Island. Oh well, at least I have one more reason to go back to Korea :)

Everland Admission Fees (Daytime / Nighttime):

Adult: W30,000 / W24,000
Teenager: W25,000 / W22,000
Children: W22,000 / W20,000

*Nighttime rate starts at 5:00 p.m.

Lotte World Admission Fees (Morning / Afternoon / Evening):

Adult: W26,000 / W22,000 / W15,500
Teenager: W23,000 / W19,000 / W13,500
Children: W20,000 / W16,000 / W11,500

*Afternoon rate starts at 4:00 p.m.
Evening rate starts at 7:00 p.m.

Directions to Everland and Lotte World

How to go to Everland Resort by bus:

There's a bus that goes straight to Everland at Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and at Seoul Nambu Terminal. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

How to get to Lotte World by Train / Subway or Bus:

Going to Lotte World is easy and convenient by subway/train as there is a direct access to the station. Take subway line 2 and 8 to Jamsil Station (Exit No. 4).

South Korea Vacation: Kim Chi-Making, Hanboks, and Strawberries (Day 3, Part 1)

2011-05-24T00:39:00.004+08:00

Day 3 of our South Korea itinerary was all about bringing out the inner child in us. The teens and the tweens in our group were anticipating this part of the tour since the first day we set foot in the country. I am not a big fan of theme parks, let alone the rides therein that seemed to have been made and meant to test how fast you can control that sphincter in your body which is closely associated with the 7th planet of the solar system (if you know what I mean). But since I can’t dissuade them from flirting with cardiac arrest, not to mention that we’ve already paid for it, I squeezed out every ounce of enthusiasm that I have for scary rides.

Scary Ride at Everland

Of course, there was that calm before the storm. The first order of the day was a visit at a strawberry farm. Clouds were hovering around the city since the sun woke up. Of course, that meant that the 15 degree Celsius forecast for the day missed its mark by about 6-7 degrees. It was freezing!

Before we went to the tents where the strawberries were to be picked, we were first lead to a place where Kim Chi was being made. The kitchen lesson was interesting, although I’m not quite sure if I got the mixture right since I was juggling between pressing the shutter and putting spicy sauce on a cabbage (or was it lettuce?).

Kim Chi-making

After a futile attempt at a career in the kitchen, we were then taken to a small Korean hut where a good number of Hanboks (local traditional costumes) were available for photo-op purposes. Being a fan of Korean TV series featuring the days of old in this part of North Asia, my mom immediately grabbed the opportunity of trying every costume that she could get her hands on. The same interest was exhibited by almost all of the women in the group. As expected, the men were relegated to the menial task of taking their pictures.

Hanboks

Ms. Julia then whisked us to long white tents where the strawberries were to be picked. We were only allowed to pick 5, but it seems that many were arithmetically-challenged that day. I caught some doing some multiplication instead of simple addition in arriving at the prescribed number :)

Korean Strawberry Farm

Lunch came just in time as my tummy was already screaming persecution. The food was, as always, sumptuous. I told Gin before I left Manila that I will probably be losing a few pounds because of the endless walking that we would most likely be doing in Korea. But I was dead wrong. Judging by the effort that I was exerting every morning in buttoning my pants, I lost nothing and gained something!

Bulgogi lunch. Unlimited meat!

And now for the main event -- Everland and Lotte World! (Click on article link)

Soul Searching in Seoul: Day 2 - Nami Island

2011-04-26T21:19:00.003+08:00

Our 2nd day in South Korea started early. Really early. We got our wake up call at around 5:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. Manila time!). Ms. Julia required us to be at the lobby before 7:00 a.m. along with our luggage. I was expecting only a handful from our group that would be able to make it at the appointed time. But lo and behold, almost everybody was packed and ready to go 15 minutes before time! After a hearty breakfast at the Paradise Hotel, we proceeded to our first destination.

Nami Island

God’s Little Garden by the Han

If you’ve watched the popular Korean TV drama, “Endless Love 2: Winter Sonata,” then you’ll probably know what Nami Island is all about. Most of the romantic scenes were shot here, featuring the island’s beauty during autumn and winter. While my mom would have wanted to see the place packed with snow as it had been in the TV drama series, we were instead treated to Nami Island’s springtime splendor.

Our trip to Nami Island (also called Namisum or Namiseom)from Incheon took around an hour and a half. Travelling from Seoul to this garden pot takes only about an hour as it is only 63 kilometers away from the capital. Upon reaching the Gaepyong Wharf, we were whisked by our guide to the ferry as the leaf-like island is situated in the middle of Cheongpyung Lake. The placid cross took only about five minutes.

Nami Island's Tall White Pines

I was immediately smitten by the island’s beauty upon alighting the boat. While Nami boasts of no mountains or hills, it is blessed with trees that could rival Seoul’s skyscrapers in making an earnest stretch for the heavens. Contrary to what some say that it could only be appreciated if one has watched Winter Sonata, Nami Island is a sight to behold sans the TV drama. One need only to have eyes, bespectacled or otherwise, in order to willingly nod to the claim that the place has been carefully sculpted by nature.

Walking through the Namiseom’s main pathway is like strolling down a hall walled by tall White Pines and birches and decked by trunks and leaves that roof passersby from the sun. It is simply magnificent. Treats for the eyes, and for the soul as well, could be found along the way. Nature lovers, and lovers in the strict and simple sense of the word, would delight in the beguiling blend of the elements.

One of Namisum's mode of transportation

For those who would want to spare the soles of their shoes for a later stroll in the city, nature-friendly walking aids can be rented for a minimal fee. I didn’t resort to one, though, as I was already happy enough to slowly discover every corner of the island by foot. I was even lucky enough to come across a squirrel (or at least that’s what I think it was) jumping from one tree to another.

I would have loved to spend a whole day in Nami Island, but our tour guide only gave us 2 hours to go around this garden by the Han. For those who are not chained to a tour package, a stay at one of the island’s cottages could provide a good retreat from the city hustle. You don’t have to worry about amenities. Nami Island offers the essentials that a traveler usually needs or demands – souvenir shops, money changers, and great places to eat.

Cherry Blossoms at Full Bloom in Namiseom

How to Get to Nami Island by Bus or Public Transportation

A quarter of a day wasn’t enough for me to really feed my senses of all the scenic spots that Nami Island has to offer. That’s why before I left Namisum, I made some inquiries as to how one could go about visiting the place by public transportation. The easiest way to go to Nami Island by bus is through Namisum, Inc.’s shuttles. Its Seoul office is located at Insa-dong. The buses are parked at the nearby Topgol / Pagoda Park. Getting to the Namisum Seoul office and the bus stop / pick-up point is easy. Via subway, take line 1 and go to Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station. Exit 1 or 3 will lead you towards the pick-up point or Naminara Republic’s Seoul embassy (office).

The shuttle bus departs Insa-dong at 9:30 a.m. Make sure that you make a reservation first either via phone (+82-2-753-1247) or e-mail (namibus@naminara.com). The roundtrip fare costs KRW 15,000 or around Php600. Not bad at all. The drop off point would be at Gapyeong Wharf. This is also the meeting point for the return trip to Seoul at 4:00 p.m.

For other information on how to go to Nami Island from Seoul by public bus in case the Naminara shuttles are already fully booked, you may visit http://www.ti21.co.kr/ (East Seoul Terminal).

Nami Island draws around 1.5 - 2 million visitors each year. Needless to say, a trip to South Korea would never be complete without gracing the grounds of Naminara Republic.

Soul Searching in Seoul: Day 1 - The Best and the Worst

2011-04-24T15:01:00.002+08:00

It has been a long and lingering wish of mine, especially of late, that my 100th plane ride would be on a legacy airline. That wishful thought was almost certain to remain within the confines of my mind, given that the next flights that Gin and I were able to book involved budget carriers Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific. However, by some twist of fate, that fancy of mine was granted life! Flying on an airline that has more than 5 inches of leg room is already something for somebody who made Cebu Pacific the airline of choice (my wallet’s choice, to be exact). But to fly on a 5-star, Star Alliance-member, and Skytrax 2010 Airline of the Year awardee is pure and simple bliss! Never mind that I’m traveling economy. As long as I have been unbound from Airbus A320s and other single-aisle aircrafts, I’m already near Nirvana.

Asiana Airlines

My Incheon-Seoul, South Korea trip came about due to mom’s addiction to Korean telenovelas. I’m not really a fan of them, but I must admit that I have been chained to the TV before by some of it. The first (and only) Korean TV/drama series that I was able to watch from episode 1 to eternity was Endless Love 2: Winter Sonata. I’m not sure if there was really endless love there, but there sure was an endless crying from episode ten to end. But for some reason, I got stuck to it (probably due to pity as the lead star was close to being dehydrated from continuous crying). So in a way, this trip would be a treat since one of the sites where we will be taken to would be Nami Island, the place where the poignant scenes of Winter Sonata were shot. This would also be the first time that I will be travelling on a guided tour courtesy of Rakso Air Travel and Tours. Rakso is one of the few travel agencies which specializes in Korean tours/vacations. The travel agency's Ms. Melai Makasaieb was also very helpful in facilitating and processing my South Korean Visa application.

That relaxing South Korea trip that I had in mind started out ironically stressful. We left the house at around 9:00 a.m., thinking that we have enough elbow room for our 12:45 p.m. flight. However, it turned out that a good portion of Roxas Boulevard was closed. Things turned a little bit chaotic once we stepped in at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Just recently, the NAIA Terminal 1 has been voted by travelers as the fifth worst airport in the world. Imagine that! I was first indignant about it, opining that the survey or the ones who took it did not know what they were talking about. But after just spending a few minutes inside the terminal, I began to realize why it was branded as “a bombed out ruin.”

NAIA Terminal 1: One of the worst airports in the world (allegedly)

We entered the airport at around 9:45 a.m. By the time we reached the waiting lounge/gate, it was already 12:05 p.m.! The line leading to the check-in counter was very long. But that wasn’t the mold in the cake. What really ticked the bomb inside my head were the long lines at the immigration counters! It was terrible! The line resembled tape worms knotting their bodies to each other! There were many empty counters. While I’m sure the persons manning the same needed a break, airport and immigration officials should have prepared for such a contingency, especially since the holiday season demands reasonable foresight in managing the lines. We spent almost two hours just to have our passports stamped!

Our stress levels dropped dramatically upon boarding the aircraft. The seats at Asiana Airline’s Airbus A330 was comfortable enough to induce some sleep, even if it’s economy. At chow time, we were made to choose between chicken and seafood. Not much of a choice, but they already satisfied my palate.

Chicken meal at Asiana's Manila-Incheon economy section

The in-flight entertainment was superb. A touch-screen LCD graced each of the seats, letting us choose which among the various shows in the 40 channels that were available would keep us company all throughout the 3-hour and 30-minute flight to Incheon. I chose Ms. Jolie :)

Excellent in-flight entertainment options

At touchdown, we came to see why the Incheon International Airport was voted as the 2009 Skytrax best airport in the world. The contrast was not that hard to notice, especially since we just had a harrowing experience at Asia’s worst airport just a few hours ago. The Incheon air terminal was an architecture to behold, both from the inside and from the out. I really hope that Philippine air transport officials would take notice of how far we have been left behind by our Asian neighbors in terms of building and maintaining world-class air terminals that would really inspire both locals and foreigners alike to say, “Mabuhay!,” upon touchdown. Our air facilities at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport has a lot of potential. Authorities should not hesitate in phasing out NAIA and opening up a grand and modern air terminal in Clark, Pampanga. Nobody builds airports right at the heart of the capital anymore. A quick glance at the addresses of the air terminals in the region would readily show that they are around 40-60 minutes away from the main city.

Incheon International Airport

Ms. Julia Lee, our tour guide, met us at the arrival’s area. I was curious as to how cold it was outside. Upon stepping out of the airport, I had a rude awakening of how cold 8 degrees centigrade was actually like. My ordinary jacket felt like a thin undershirt! We stopped by at a nearby restaurant for a sumptuous Bulgogi dinner before heading towards our temporary billeting in Incheon.

Authentic Korean Bulgogi!

The Bellevue Manila

2011-01-09T23:56:00.003+08:00

When my sister told me that she and her fiancé will be billeted at the Bellevue Hotel for their wedding, I wondered why the name didn’t immediately light the bulb above my head. I guess I’m one of those who aren’t really familiar with the Alabang area, given the distance and the horrendous traffic jams that the road leading to it is notorious for.

Bellevue Manila's main chandelier

I was initially disappointed with their choice, considering that the original plan was for us to stay with her at one of my favorite hotels in the metro – Sofitel. But after browsing through the Net for info and photos of the Bellevue Manila, I discovered that the change wasn’t actually a bringdown.

We received our first hello from the staff at Bellevue’s old tower entrance. The old lobby was kind of small, but it was warm and charming. My sister then led us to another passageway leading to the new wing of the hotel. There was no congruence in the design of the respective lobbies of the two buildings, but the new one was more elegant and was still cozy enough to make the guests feel welcome.

The Executive Suite of the Bellevue Manila was fairly big. At 61 square meters, honeymooners might already think that a space like this is already spacious enough to pattern their first abode. The first thing that I checked out, as with every hotel that I visit or check in to, was the bed. I immediately jumped on to it, unmindful of the fact that I was slated to be the floor manager for the evening (meaning the lucky one designated to sleep on the floor). The pillow made me want to wink more than forty, but I immediately jumped out of the trance as my mom was already frowning at the mess that I’ve started to create.

The Bellevue Manila's King size bed

The size of the bathroom was surprisingly big. In fact, it was even larger than most of the standard rooms that I’ve seen in Hong Kong. A huge see-through glass adorns the wall adjacent to the tub. Although blinds cover the whole length thereof, paranoia-inspired thoughts of forgetting to close the covers while sitting on the toilet bowl made me cringe a bit.

While the bedroom could easily fit 5 people, I entertained the thought of sleeping at the receiving area or sala as it was quite big. However, the bride and the groom were pulling an all-nighter, ironing out the remaining details of their wedding the following day, so I decided to stick to the original plan.

I got up early the next day to go back home to get my sister and Gin. Too bad I wasn’t able to try their breakfast buffet. But judging from the picture of The Bellevue Manila’s Café d’Asie, as well as the length of time which took my mom and sister to finish their meal, I think that it can rival the dining rooms of the other five-star hotels that are known for its sumptuous meals.

Cafe d'Asie

Overall, I think The Bellevue Manila does live up to its billing as the premier hotel in Alabang. It is an excellent choice for those who might want to have an out-of-Manila experience without leaving the advantages or comforts of city life behind. Couples who have chosen the romantic Fernbrook Gardens as the venue of their wedding will also realize that the Bellevue Manila is the best place to run to after the reception as it is only 10-15 minutes away.

Air Asia Philippines to Fly in August 2011

2010-12-18T13:12:00.007+08:00

Sorry Cebu Pacific, but it seems that there will be another “Juan” that would be dotting the Philippine skies soon.

Air Asia, the world’s largest budget carrier, has recently struck a deal with Filipino businessmen to form an affiliate in the Philippines. The first Air Asia Philippines flight is expected to take off by August of 2011. No pronouncement has been made yet if the new carrier will be using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 as its hub in the country. Reports say that the company is considering either Subic or Clark as its base.

Air Asia currently uses the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport for its Clark-Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu flights.

The news of Air Asia Philippines’ entry elates many Filipino travelers, especially backpackers, since Air Asia is known for its very cheap airfares. Just last year, I was able to book a flight to Kuala Lumpur for only PhP 1068 (all in)! I wouldn’t be surprised if the cost of a Hong Kong trip next year will be cheaper than the regular Royce Chocolate box that I usually buy for Gin on our monthsaries :)

The deal between Air Asia boss Tony Fernandez and his Filipino counterparts, led by Antonio Cojuangco, comes at a time when the Philippine government is seriously mulling in opening the country’s skies to foreign carriers. The local air industry has recently been plagued by a serious labor dispute that threatened to ground Philippine Airlines. President Benigno Aquino III has been very vocal and consistent in expressing his interest in adopting an open skies policy to ensure that all routes will be served sufficiently.

While Air Asia Philippines’ entry in the country will definitely benefit passengers, there are concerns that it might cause the downsizing, or even the closure, of some local players. Philippine Airlines had admitted a few months back that it is losing its dominance in the market to budget carriers. In order to keep up with the trend in the industry, PAL owner Lucio Tan recently launched his own budget airline, Airphil Express.

Even though I’m for open skies, I wouldn’t want the country’s local carriers to fold up. But there’s reasonable ground to believe that there’s plenty of room for other carriers to fly around Philippine skies. As Tony Fernandez had opined, the market in the Philippines is very small compared to what it should be. The operation of Air Asia Philippines is also expected to haul in more tourists to the country’s scenic spots which many believe are not being advertised aggressively abroad by the local carriers and the Department of Tourism.

KooL in Kuala Lumpur (Part 2: Genting Highlands)

2010-11-18T13:59:00.004+08:00

We were supposed to start our second day in Kuala Lumpur by sneaking out of the hotel while the sun and the roosters were still experiencing REM. Unfortunately, our alarm clock wasn’t loud enough to kick us out of bed before the rest of Malaysia did. We usually rely on caffeine to shake the drowsiness away from our heads, but mild panic substituted for coffee that day.

Genting Highlands

Resort World’s Genting Highlands was the highlight of our Saturday itinerary, so there was no way that we’ll allow ourselves to miss the 9:30 a.m. bus to the mountain resort. We took a bath as if there was a water ration and skipped breakfast in order to make it to the Pasar Seni station by 8:00 a.m. where we would be taking the LRT to Putra Gombak. Instead of taking the monorail interchange to the former, we decided to renege on our previous resolve not to take the taxi. Kuala Lumpur cab drivers are known to have Alzheimer’s disease when it comes to remembering that they have a taxi meter and that they are required to use it. As expected, our driver did not use his and just asked us to pay MYR5.00 for the 5-minute ride. Oh well…

Trouble in the Clouds

We arrived at Putra Gombak 20 minutes before our scheduled departure. It was a good thing that we already bought our tickets a day before as the 9:30am trip appeared to have already been fully booked as early as 8:00 a.m. The bus driver seemed to be in a hurry. We left the terminal on time and sped off like crazy on the highway.

After negotiating our way through the zigzagging road towards Genting, we finally reached the place where the passengers would board the cable cars en route to the theme park. Gin and I were very excited to board the world’s fastest cable car. Theresa, though, was less enthusiastic about it. I don’t know what prayer she may have mumbled the other night, but her wish to be spared of riding through the clouds were answered as we were informed that the cable cars were under maintenance. Bummer.

Indoor and Outdoor Theme Parks

We were hauled to another bus that would take us to the theme park. The ride took around 20 minutes only. Upon alighting the bus, we noticed that it was much colder outside than it was in the bus! The outdoor resort was not as big as we had imagined it to be, but the indoor park, along with the highland’s row of hotels, were enormous. It was so big that it took us about 40 minutes just to find the restaurant where we were supposed to eat!

Our MYR50 Go Genting tickets gave us an option to either have a free lunch buffet at the Coffee Terrace or have a free entrance at the outdoor resort. Since many of the blogs what we’ve visited suggested the former, we decided to appease our hunger thinking that we could still enter the outdoor theme park without making any payment.

The endless rows of plates and pans did not disappoint us. We ate about almost every available dish from each corner that catered to a specific cuisine, missing only a few variety of sushis and, ironically, the Malaysian national dish. After an hour of trying to gauge the capacity of our stomach, we finally waved the white flag.

We again mimicked a lost hamster by going about aimlessly through the maze of halls and escalators towards the indoor theme park. Gin and Theresa wanted to check out if there were good bargains at some shops that sell signature items. Except for the MYR80 Diesel sandals that we saw earlier, there weren’t any good finds that could’ve graced our e-bay page.

Go Genting Boo Boo

After circling the indoor resort, we decided to savor the cool Genting Highland breeze by strolling around the outdoor theme park. However, much to our surprise, we found out that we have to pay for an entrance fee! We thought all the while that we could freely roam around in any and every corner of the complex upon the mistaken impression that the stub or option was for the rides and not for the entrance. Had we been better informed, we would’ve definitely chosen the free outdoor theme park stub of our Go Genting tickets instead of the free lunch buffet! As the tickets cost MYR50, we decided to just go back to the city and scour through bargains at Chinatown.

Before we boarded the bus to KL Sentral, we decided to fill our tanks with a few ml of caffeine. Gin and I have always talked about visiting a Starbucks branch in each and every country that we’ll find ourselves in. Lucky for me, it was Gin’s turn to pick up the tab. Our three venti mocha fraps cost her around MYR50 or Php700. Ouch! :)

KooL in Kuala Lumpur (Part 1: Petronas Towers, Central Market, Merdeka Square)

2010-09-28T21:31:00.002+08:00

Every time Gin and I pass by the international check-in counters at the NAIA Terminal 3 on our way to the domestic section, we always say to ourselves that there will come a time when we will be lining up in that part of the airport. Well, after more than a year of wishing and preparing for that moment, the day that we will be flying abroad finally came.

Kuala Lumpur wasn’t exactly our dream destination. However, dirt-cheap airfares to that part of the globe enticed us to forget Bangkok or Hong Kong. We initially booked our tickets at Air Asia for only P1068 roundtrip (no kidding). However, due to lack of uhmm parental consent, we forfeited 3 opportunities and decided to wait until the right time comes.

After effortlessly securing the nod of Ginny’s sister as our willing and able chaperone, we finally bit the next promo that came our way. Quite surprisingly, it turned out that Cebu Pacific’s latest offer at that time was a P4,000+ roundtrip vacation to the Malaysian capital. Talk about a fated destination :)

Resort World Manila

Our 8:55 p.m. flight was scheduled on a Thursday. We nearly missed our flight as we took an ill-advised stroll at Newport’s Republiq after we checked in. It was literally a photo-finish brisk walk towards the boarding gate! We tried to catch a few winks during the flight, but as usual, the in-flight games blew the natural adhesive away from our eyes as we scoured our wallets and pockets for the “show-me” games.

KL-LCCT

Our plane landed 15 minutes ahead of schedule at around 12:15 a.m. We made a quick walk towards the airport in order to catch the last Star Shuttle bus. Our mini dash was cut short by the long but quick-moving lines at the immigration counter. It was there that I realized that Malaysia is indeed truly Asia as people from different parts of the continent made up most of the queues.

KL-LCCT Immigration Counter

After exchanging a few thousand pesos at the 24-hour money changer booth at the KL-LCCT, we proceeded to Star Shuttle's booth and bought 20-Ringgit (MYR) tickets to Radius International Hotel. Upon arriving at the bus platform, we were greeted by the bus boy in Filipino! It turned out that he has Filipino roots as his father is from Palawan.

Decent Thee-Star Hotel

The bus left around 2:00 a.m. and was only half-full. We arrived at the Bukit Bintang area an hour later. We encountered some minor check-in problems as the person manning the front desk thought that we were booked for only one night. After verifying our Asia Web Direct voucher, she immediately gave us our keycard and we proceeded to our room.

Radius International Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Radius International Hotel is a fairly decent three-star hotel. Its location is superb as it is situated in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping and tourist area. The building could use some renovation, but it was already fine for our taste.

Early Morning Stroll Towards Petronas

After an hour and a half of sleep, we tested our footwear’s mettle by taking the 20-minute walk from our hotel towards KLCC where the Petronas Twin Towers stand. It was still dark at 7:00 a.m. We thought that we would already be encountering many locals by then, but the streets were still rather empty.

Jalan Sultan Ismail

Upon arrival at the towers, we were greeted by a fairly long line at the entrance of the Skybridge. We had to line up early as the tickets to the viewing deck are only limited. After two hours of waiting in line, we finally got our 15-minute opportunity to see Kuala Lumpur several thousand feet above the ground. The view was spectacular. Although we weren’t at the pinnacle of the structure, the Skybridge still provided us with a panoramic view of the city. It was definitely worth the wait.

View of the KLCC Park From the Skybridge

KL Monorail Joyride

After having a Malaysian breakfast at Suria’s foodcourt, we headed back by foot towards the hotel to rest for a while. Gin and I then tried Kuala Lumpur’s famed monorail towards Bukit Nanas and took the interchange to Dang Wangi RapidKL station enroute to Putra Gombak where we will be buying our Go Genting tickets for the next day. Travelling via mass transit in KL was a breeze! Riding on a fully-packed monorail was a scary experience, though, as we felt like the train was just hanging unsteadily on the concrete rails.

KL Monorail

Our next stop for the afternoon was Central Market for an early pasalubong shopping. We again took the mass transit and alighted at Pasar Seni station. From there, we strolled along the river that divides Merdeka Square from the Central Market area. The shopping area is housed in a two-storey light blue building. Everything is a bargain here. We were able to buy key chains for only 1 ringgit a piece. It was a great buy considering that the same items cost twice or thrice as much in the malls.

Merdeka Square

After completing our pasalubong hauls, we then proceeded to Dataran Merdeka for some photo ops. The most noticeable structure in the area is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a Mughal-style building which originally housed the colonial masters of Malaysia. The magnificent structure is a sight to behold at night as it is laced with luminous blue streaks. Facing the building is the Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) and the Royal Selangor Club.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Our night stroll was cut short by a light drizzle that made us dash to the nearest LRT station. Theresa’s legs and feet were already crying bloody murder, so we decided to forego our KLCC itinerary and headed back to the hotel. We tried to fill our tummies first at KFC and McDonald’s, but they weren’t serving rice at that time so we ended up having our dinner at Secret Recipe.

Cebu is Sweeter the 4th Time Around

2010-08-12T16:22:00.017+08:00

I don’t know what it is in Cebu that made Gin say that it’s her favorite city outside of Manila. Maybe it’s because Cebu mirrors Manila, minus the latter’s imperfections. Maybe it’s because everything still seems simple and laidback in this place despite the ever expanding urban landscape around the city. Whatever her reasons might be, I’m one with her in regarding the queen city of the south as a place that I’ll never grow tired of visiting due to a very special reason – this is the place where Gin and I officially became a couple :)

I went to Gin’s home at around 5:00am (late as usual) so that we could go together to the airport for our 8:00 a.m. flight. Going to the airport on a Sunday was a breeze. We arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 fifteen minutes before 6. This was our first time to leave the car at the airport’s overnight parking area as we usually entrust it to the guys at Park N Fly. We didn’t encounter any problem at the check-in desk and we left Manila on time. I wanted to catch some sleep during the flight, but the one-inch legroom made that 40 winks elusive. It’s either the plane shrunk or I just got bigger.

Honey, I shrunk the plane!

Good Cabbies

Upon arriving at Cebu, we proceeded to the Arrival’s area to line up at the taxi stand. Unlike at the NAIA, getting an ordinary metered taxi in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is easy and convenient. Our previous encounters with the city’s taxi drivers were horrendous, though. There were times when the meter shuffled digits so fast that it made me wonder whether the device was displaying the fare or the odometer. In this particular visit, however, the drivers were honest and courteous. They even went the extra mile in providing me with contact numbers or suggestions on how to get a cab in the area around Marco Polo Plaza Cebu.

Answered Prayer!

Our first stop was the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño for the 11:30 a.m. mass. This was the focal point of the day for me as it was here when Gin finally became my girlfriend! :) I guess it is only fitting for me to receive her nod in this church. Back in 2009 during our second visit to this basilica, we looked for a vacant pew where we could rest for a while. After having caught our breath, Gin knelt down to pray. As my knees are missing a few ligaments, I decided to remain seated. In the middle of my silent conversation with God, my eyes shifted to Gin. I looked at her for a long time. It was at this point when I told The Big Boss of my hope and wish that the girl kneeling in front of me would become my partner in every crime that I intend to commit in this lifetime. Nakulitan na siguro si Lord sa akin kaya He finally gave me His nod after 1 year and 8 months of trying to win Gin’s heart he he :)

Sto. Nino Church Altar

Bo’s Original

We then went to Ayala Center’s The Terraces for lunch at Mesa. We were quite lucky to have the place virtually to ourselves as there were only about 5 persons having lunch in the place. This doesn’t mean that Mesa’s dishes aren’t pleasing to the tongue, though. Their sisig with egg tasted good, while the hito flakes with green mango was interesting to the pallet.

Mesa Restaurant

After our hearty meal, we strolled around for a few minutes to give our tummies a time to make some space for coffee :) Gin and I have been craving for Bo’s coffee for quite some time now and it’s a delight to know that we’ll be satisfying our craving at the coffee shop’s city of origin! I’m not exactly a fan of Bo’s Coffee since the ones that I’ve had in its Manila branches tasted quite bitter. But the Mocha frap that we’ve had here tasted different. It was sweet and blended very well. Our first sip almost made us forget Starbucks! Well, almost :)

Bo's Coffee Club Cebu

After a good and relaxing time at the Ayala Center, we went to SM North for CNT’s famed lechon. We’ve been told that Alejo’s tastes better. However, one of the taxi drivers that we were able to talk to said that we had to pre-order our lechon and that they’re only open from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Hence, we decided to opt for what seems to be the Cebu’s second best.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Blu Bar and Grill

With the sun already getting ready to hit the sack, we headed to Marco Polo Plaza Cebu for a quiet and relaxing dinner at the Blu Bar. I was initially quite apprehensive in having our dinner date at the Marco Polo as it is quite far from the city center. However, the hotel’s Blu Bar and Grill has a fantastic view of the city as it sits right at the top of the building. Thinking that Gin would very likely enjoy the ambiance and the view, I decided to brave it out and stick to my original plan and choice.

Blu Bar and Grill

True enough, Marco Polo Hotel’s Blu Bar lived up to its billing. Not only did it gave us a fantastic panorama of Cebu, we were also served by the restaurant’s warm and friendly staff. It was truly a romantic evening, indeed :) We wanted to stay longer, but we had a 10:40 p.m. flight to catch.

View from Marco Polo Cebu's Blu Bar and Grill

What an amazing and wonderful day it was!

Banana Leaf Asian Cafe

2010-08-02T22:01:00.000+08:00

If you’re in the habit of taking a stroll in the restaurant rows of the numerous malls around the metro, you’ll notice that a good number of them are catering to a specific type of cuisine, most of which are Asian. Of course, Chinese restaurants dominate the gustatory landscape of Manila, just as Chinese goods are dominating the shopping landscape of just about every nook and cranny in the country. Coming in at a distant second are Thai dishes which many locals are starting to find grow fond of despite its spicy aftertaste. Dotting the rest of the dining areas are plates from neighboring Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and even India.

Trying each and every menu that our neighbors in Southeast Asia have to offer may be a daunting (and expensive) task. Getting familiar with our local dishes alone can already be challenging. Heck, I can’t even remember the name of the last Filipino dish that I bought from a local eatery!

Having all the different menus in Southeast Asia brought and cooked in just one restaurant would definitely make our task of dipping our tongue around region easier. It’s therefore a delight to know that Banana Leaf Asian Café have all of these dishes in just one roof.

The Banana Leaf Asian Café’s branch that Gin and I went to for our usual Friday date was the one at Robinson’s Place Ermita. Most of the tables were already taken, but we were lucky to be seated at a cozy corner. The first thing that surprised me was the price. For a restaurant that made it to Philippine Tatler’s list of best restaurants in the Philippines, one would really be amazed to be able to order a dish that’s cheaper than a Big Mac meal. (Click here for Banana Leaf’s menu)

We ordered three of Banana Leaf’s bestsellers under the Appetizer section: Chicken Satay (P128), Deep Fried Pandan Chicken (P168), and Crispy Spring Rolls Thai Style (P118). Even though they’re denominated as “starters,” the dishes that we’ve ordered could already pass up for a main course. The serving was generous and unusually fast.

As expected and as attested to by Philippine Tatler, the food tasted great! Of the three, the Chicken Satay took my heart away. Gin picked the the Spring Rolls, but it didn’t get my mouth watering as it turned out that it was stuffed with veggies instead of meat! But it tasted good just the same. She was right on the Dalandan Juice, though, as it lived up to her billing as something that’s worth to try.

Overall, we were greatly satisfied with our time in Banana Leaf Asian Café. The food was great, and the ambiance was still cozy enough to warm our dinner date despite the fact that the place was almost packed. We give Banana Leaf a score of 8 out of 10 :)

The Scorecard:

Food: 8/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Value for money: 9/10

Service: 9/10

Cleanliness: 8/10

Toilet: N/A

Rolling the Hills in Bohol (Sagbayan Peak and Chocolate Hills)

2010-03-23T11:59:00.001+08:00

Whenever Gin and I stumble upon blogs, magazines, or newspapers that feature the island of Bohol, we notice that they are always replete with superlatives as to how beautiful it is. It would not be surprising, then, if many are beguiled by those words and lure them to this part of the world where many consider as God’s little hideaway in the Pacific.

Although we are easy to please when it comes to nature’s sensory treats, we were quite apprehensive if Bohol is really like paradise as many are claiming to be. Indeed, our first step to the island did not impress us that much since the sea portal (Tubigon) of the province is not that grand compared to its neighboring islands, especially Cebu. But while the harbor may have curled our eyebrows a bit, the first locals that we encountered plucked the bend from our brows and placed a curve on our lips instead.

The People

We were told that Boholanos are generally friendly and very accommodating. We noticed this when we were still in the ferry as some of the passengers gladly answered our queries regarding their place. That blew our worries away as it was our first time in the province. We didn’t let our guards down when we conversed with some locals in the harbor, though. But our weariness proved to be baseless as we observed that their sincerity is genuine. One local dispelled our worries of being swindled or shortchanged by aptly saying that, “hindi po ito Manila.” Indeed, Bohol is anything but Manila.

As expected, our driver cum tour guide was easy to be with. He had difficulties conversing with us in Tagalog, though, but we didn’t mind as we were more concerned with the driver’s trustworthiness than his aptitude in speaking to us in our language/dialect. We felt very comfortable with him from the start even though his car’s aircon conked out.

Sagbayan Peak

Our first stop was Sagbayan Peak. It is here where you’ll first get a glimpse of the famous hills. This recreation area is a good alternative to the observation hill in Carmen as the latter can get very crowded, especially in the mid mornings and afternoons. Some tourists tend to skip this site as they think that they’ll get a better view of the hills in the Chocolate Hills Complex. However, this is not exactly an accurate assessment. One would still have a spectacular view of the Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan even if it’s quite from a distance. The resort has a platform or gazebo that gives a 360-degree perspective of the area where the hills are scattered.

As can be seen from above, Sagbayan Peak gives the best viewpoint as far as the hills and the coastline is concerned. You could even see the Cebu skyline via a large telescope that you could operate for only P10.00. The recreation center is a wonder in itself and can stand alone even without the hills. It is highly recommended for nature-trekkers and for people who want a serene place for rest, reflection, or relaxation. The resort also keeps a tarsier.

Chocolate Hills Complex

Of course, many consider the observation hill in Carmen as providing the best vantage point when it comes to communing with the Chocolate Hills. Before you could see the hills up close, you would have to climb a dizzying 214-step staircase that leads to the deck. For fitness buffs, the climb can be a treat in itself. But for those who already categorize walking from the parking lot to the office building as “strenuous,” going up the hill can be a daunting task. Being associated with the latter class, I was already taxing my lungs to its full capacity halfway through the task. After several minutes of complaining, I finally made it up the hill.

Perseverance, as they say, is greatly rewarded. Such is the case with the climb in the Chocolate Hills Complex. Upon reaching the top, you can indulge yourself to a spectacular panoramic view of the perfectly-shaped mounds. Sagbayan Peak provides a similar view, but not as close and as (nearly) perfect as this one in Carmen. Almost all photos of the hills that you usually see in postcards are taken from this place.

Nobody knows how the hills came about. If the local folklore is to be believed, these unusual geological wonders were the mud that two giants from long ago threw at each other during a fight. Geologists offer a less colorful theory, though, saying that they are the result of the mixture of marine limestone and clay. I didn’t bother to count each and every hill in the vicinity as I would be risking a premature visit to my ophthalmologist (or maybe a psychiatrist) if I do so. Besides, I’m not keen on refuting the claim that there are exactly 1,268 hills in the area.
If you’re taking the tour from Tagbilaran, the Chocolate Hills Complex will probably be your last stop. But if you’ll be starting from Tubigon, it might be your second stop after Sagbayan Peak. It’s best to climb up the observation hill early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bohol via the Cebu-Tubigon Route

2010-03-08T10:21:00.002+08:00

When the obsessive-compulsive in me jacks out of its box, it usually nudges me to plan our out of town trips to the detail. Bohol was not supposed to be an exception. Of late, though, Gin and I had been experiencing a drought when it comes to having spare hours. Hence, we ended up planning our one-day, central Visayas trip only 3 days before our departure.

This didn’t prevent us from successfully booking our Cebu-Tagbilaran ferry tickets in advance, though. We were also able to find a good driver/guide that would meet us at the Tagbilaran port. However, disaster struck just a day before our trip when SuperCat sent a notice that it was cancelling its March 6 trip due to technical problems. The news shook me for a while as our itinerary depended on our ferry trip.

I immediately called the other two fast craft companies that are plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route. Unfortunately, both Weesam and Oceanjet informed me that their morning trips to Bohol were already fully booked on the date that we’re supposed to go there. Because of this, I informed our driver/guide that we would be cancelling our reservations for his van/service. He tried to save our trip by suggesting that we take a ferry instead to Tubigon. I entertained the idea, but still cancelled his services as I was still apprehensive in taking an alternative route.

Upon arriving at Cebu, we immediately rushed to Pier 1 to book a ferry trip to Tubigon. There are two ferries that service the Cebu-Tubigon route in Pier 1. We chose the 7:00 a.m. trip of Lite Shipping since we weren’t able to find the new ticket booth of MV Starcraft.

Despite the fact that the ship we took sailed painfully slow, we were happy to know that the trip would only take around two hours as Tubigon is the closest port of the island from Cebu. A fast craft trip to Tagbilaran is 1 hour and 40 minutes long. Most people, especially tourists, know only about the latter route. However, the locals prefer going to Bohol via Tubigon as it is the fastest and cheapest way to the island. A regular ferry ride to Tubigon costs around P120-P170, while going there via a 45-minute fast craft ride would only cause you to shell out around P200-P270 pesos. This beats the P400-P500 ticket price of Oceanjet, SuperCat, and Weesam for the Cebu-Tagbilaran journey.
The trip was very relaxing. As it was March, the summer weather tamed the waves. It was smooth sailing all the way. By 9:00 a.m., the municipality of Tubigon was already in sight. The port is not that grand, but it was clean and did not litter with people trying to jostle up for passengers that may want to rent a van or look for a tour guide. The only drawback in going to Bohol via Tubigon is that it is still an hour away from the provincial capital. Renting a van (with driver) also costs more in Tubigon than in Tagbilaran. One reason for this is that there’s only one association that regulates the car/van rental services in the area, thereby making the rates fixed and uniform.

Gin, with all her haggling prowess, failed to bring down the digits to the P2,500 car rental rate that the association was charging. Rates in Tagbilaran are usually P500 cheaper since car rental/tour services abound in the city. Faced with the prospect of having to take a one-hour bus ride to Tagbilaran just to get a car that’s P500 cheaper, we decided to take the offer. We didn’t regret it, though, as our driver was very kind and accommodating. He also drove like Michael Schumacher which helped us visit more sites than one could usually do in a 7-hour sojourn.

Our 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tour led us to all the sites that we wanted to see: Sagbayon Peak, Chocolate Hills, the long hanging bridge, the man-made forest, the Tarsiers, Loboc River, Baclayon Church, and the blood compact site. Our driver also gladly acquiesced to my request that we drive around Tagbilaran before we head back to Tubigon for our 5:45 p.m. trip back to Cebu via MV Starcraft. Our business class tickets cost only P270. It was a bargain considering that a catamaran ride from Tagbilaran costs twice.

Dealing directly with the driver may save you a few hundred bucks. Our driver, Sancho Ranesis, drives a 1990 Mitsubishi Lancer. It’s still in good condition. He had a hard time speaking to us in Tagalog, though, but we didn’t mind as he was very friendly. If you’re interested in hiring his services, you may contact him at 09398140994.

MV Starcraft Schedule (Cebu-Bohol via Tubigon and vice versa)
Pier 1

Cebu to Tubigon, Bohol

5:45 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Tubigon to Cebu

7:00 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
5:45 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Rates (Plus P10 Terminal Fee):

Economy: P200
Tourist: P220
Business: P280

Manila Marriott Hotel

2009-11-21T14:14:00.000+08:00

When Marriott first made its footprint in Cebu, everybody was expecting that it would immediately carve a spot for its second Philippine chain in the capital. However, the management of one of the world’s best names in the hotel business seemed not too keen in immediately leaving its Visayan nest. It took more than a decade before they’ve decided to establish a niche in Manila.

Situated in the fast-developing and world class tourism complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is an oasis not just for the weary traveler, but also for locals who want an out-of-town experience without actually going out of town. Guests who will be checking in straight from the airport will be delighted to know that they will be spared of the metro’s horrendous traffic as the hotel is located just along the NAIA grounds, infront of Terminal 3.

The Sala

The first thing that you’ll notice upon entering the building is the lobby’s homey ambiance. It’s not as grand as Peninsula’s “The Lobby,” but Manila Marriott Hotel’s sala is definitely more welcoming and less formal. Instead of the reception desk, the centerpiece of the lobby is a bar whose backdrop is a teaser of the garden and golf course that neighbors the entertainment complex. If you’re not observant enough, you might even miss the check-in or concierge’s desk as it is partly hidden. The couches that abound in the lobby prod the guests to relax first before checking in, a noticeable departure from the typical arrangement or order of things in most hotels.

Accommodation

We were billeted in a deluxe room that resembles the one that we’ve been to in Marriott Bangkok. I guess the hotel has a standard design for each and every chain it has around the globe. There’s nothing much to rave about the room, except for the 40-inch Samsung flat screen display and a uniquely-designed bathroom that might tickle the fancy out of every voyeur as the wall dividing it and the room is made of plain, see-through glass. For those who are not that excited with the thought of having an aquarium-like experience when taking a bath, an electronically-controlled blind is just within reach to give you the privacy that you need. As for the bed and pillows, suffice it to say that it made me send a message to my boss that I would be reporting to work a few hours late.

Small But Charming

If you’re expecting a scuba-dive experience with Marriott Hotel Manila’s swimming pool, then you’re in for a disappointment. However, if what you’re after is just a relaxing dip and a date with the sun, then the pool area will definitely make you want to extend a day or two. The pool is just over 4-feet deep. It’s not that big, either. However, it does offer a panoramic view of the Makati and Ortigas skyline which provides a romantic or reflective backdrop at night. On the other hand, the Villamor Golf Club is the best vista when the sun is up. The 18-hole green will surely calm and relax your weary eyes from the grays that shade the metro.

Meat and More

One of the best ways to go around the world is to go around a multi-cuisine buffet table. Marriott Café offers the best dishes from the East, as well as from the West. Meat lovers will be delighted with the choices that are sprawled before them. Sadly, though, as with most hotels, it doesn’t offer the best pig dish in the world – lechon. But unlike most hotel café’s, Manila Marriott Hotel does not scrimp on expensive shrimps! It also has a delectable selection of cakes and other desserts that will make you forget your physician’s warning about diabetes.

For those who want their meat even bigger and tastier, a visit at the hotel’s Cru Steakhouse is in order. For those who just want to drink and groove all night, then the Velocity Bar is the right spot for you. Gin and I went there early in the evening for some killjoy drinks – plain, nutritious, non-alcoholic, out-of-the-box, grocery-grade MANGO JUICE. The fact that the area is meant for liquor-loving patrons made us quite apologetic and embarrassed of our order. Our bar experience was good and relaxing, though, especially since an excellent selection of Usher’s R&B masterpieces was being played in the background.

While the Manila Marriott Hotel is just a few weeks old, having only formally opened last November 12, 2009, it won’t be surprising if it becomes fully booked by December. The fact that the hotel is within a recreational complex makes it all the more enticing for those who want a taste of what the metro has to offer.

Cebu! Cebu!

2009-11-02T20:03:00.000+08:00

(Featured in Travel Plus' March-April issue)

Cebu has not earned the label “Queen City of the South” for nothing. If the Cebuanos and the thousands of Manileños who have visited it would be asked, I’m sure they’ll say that Cebu is the Queen City not just of the south, but of every direction that a compass could point to at this part of the world.

Exaggeration aside (or is it?), Cebu is definitely the most developed city in the Philippines after Manila. Some even say that it’s almost like a spitting image of the capital, except that it is less infested with pollution and traffic. I agree.

Concrete Rainbows

The first thing that would welcome you upon driving to the island is one of its bridges. In our case, it was the one built in honor of the late Chief Justice and Senate President, Marcelo B. Fernan. It’s one of the longest bridges in the country, and the second most picturesque after the San Juanico. The other concrete rainbow, the Mactan-Mandaue bridge, was built a few decades earlier. At the end of both bridges lies the port city of Mandaue. There’s nothing much to see there other than Henry Sy’s first and biggest Visayan model of his shoe box.

The first stop of our hour 5-hour Cebu sojourn is the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills Subdivision. It took us around 40 minutes to get there from Mactan (Cebu’s traffic is slowly rivaling that of Manila’s!). We were quite worried about this trip as the temple is a long walk from the subdivision gates. It’s a good thing our cab driver was cool to the idea that he’d be our transportation host for the rest of the afternoon (and for P400 only!).

Taoist Temple

Built in 1972 by the city’s Chinese-Filipino community, the structure resembles a typical oriental place of worship, albeit more ornate. Take a deep breath before attempting to reach its peak, though. The temple has 99 steps, a daunting number for those who are infatuated with escalators and elevators.

But the effort will be worth it, I assure you. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be treated to an exhilarating view of the city, Mactan Island, and nearby Bohol. The temple is situated 300 meters above sea level, so I’m sure you already have an idea how good the vista is at this part of town. The setting is quite romantic. Unfortunately for me, my partner is romantically-challenged (but I love her just the same  ). The fact that we were catching our breath from the steep climb may have also erased any possibility of a hallmark moment.

Magellan’s Cross

It’s already 4:00 p.m. and the sun was racing us to the ground. We hurried back to our waiting taxi and headed off to the downtown area. Daylight was fast dimming when we reached Magellan’s Cross. In case you might not know, this cross is the very one that Magellan planted on the island on April 14, 1521. The shrine is also the very spot where Rajah Humabon, Reyna Juana, and a few hundred of their followers were baptized by Fr. Pedro Valderama, making them the country’s first Christians.

The wooden cross that you’ll see in the shrine is actually just the casing. Inside it is the original cross. It was encased therein by the Augustinian priests as locals were chipping bits of the cross as it was widely believed to have miraculous qualities. Local folklore also has it that the cross is actually growing and that its present size is significantly bigger than the original one. A mural of the conversion and baptism can be seen on the ceiling of the chapel/pavilion that houses the cross.

The Sto. Niño

Right beside the shrine is the most important structure in Cebu City – the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño. Built in 1735, it is the oldest church in the country and the cradle of Catholicism in the region. It’s also the very spot where the image of the Sto. Niño was found unscathed after a fire gutted the structure which housed it. It underwent several constructions since it first stood in 1566. The church was originally made of wood, mud, and nipa.

As with Magellan’s Cross, the image of the Sto. Niño is the very one that the Portuguese conquistador gave to the royal couple of the island in 1521. The figure’s complexion turned dark, though, due to the fire that engulfed the small shrine that hosted when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in the city. Hundreds of pilgrims line up to pray before the image, while thousands flock around it during the annual Sinulog festival held every third week of January.

After praying before the basilica’s altar and the image of the Child Jesus, we headed off to Colon, the country’s oldest street. The sun already bade goodbye to us when we were looking for a pasalubong shop, so we went to the first grocery store that we saw (Metro Gaisano). Images of the plane leaving us flashed in my mind when we exited the store as people were jostling for taxis. Luckily, Gin was able to hale one down and one-upped the others to it. We arrived at the airport well ahead of our departure time and just before the pasalubong shops locked their danggits and dried mangoes for the rest of the day.

A Good Tan in Mactan, Cebu

2009-10-24T16:23:00.000+08:00

If there’s one trip that I would label as “unforgettable,” it would definitely have to be this one.

Not only did we get our airfare to Cebu for free, it was also our first trip outside Manila. It also happened to be my 31st birthday. But the thing that really lit the candles of my cake and sparked the rest of my day was the fact that this was our very first date! :)

Although I already had everything planned, the day didn’t start flawlessly. In fact, it started terribly. We encountered turbulence even before we boarded the plane when we didn’t get to be at the check-in counter 45 minutes before our 6:35 a.m. flight. The lady manning the check-in desk refused to accept us as it was already 6:05 a.m. I wanted to argue our way to the boarding gate, but I decided to just save it for another day. Our zero-fare tickets ended up having a couple of zeroes more, only this time it was preceded by a different digit.

We left Manila at around 10:15 a.m. Gin and I originally planned to just sleep through the entire trip. However, Cebu Pacific’s in-flight game jolted our drowsiness away. We didn’t welcome the game at first, but we ended up as active participants and eventually won a water tumbler :)

We landed in Cebu an hour later. Cebu shares its airport with Mactan, the latter being the actual host of the facilities. Nothing much has changed in the airport. But it still remains to be a good and very efficient one. It’s even more tourist-friendly than NAIA as it has a tourist information desk with free brochures and maps of the city. There even was a time when it put to shame our airports here in Manila, well at least to the ones which served the domestic flights. That reign ended when Terminal 2’s construction was completed in 1998. And with Bacolod and Iloilo now having new air terminals, I think the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is already due for a facelift.

We didn’t immediately proceed to Cebu City. Our first stop of the day was at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa for lunch. Getting a taxi at Mactan-Cebu airport is easy. There are coupon cabs and metered ones. Taxi drivers in Mactan and Cebu are very courteous. Some would even chase you down to give you your change, even if it’s just a few pesos! I wish I could say the same for Manila’s cab drivers. The drive to Shangri-La took just 15 minutes. I’m glad to see that Mactan still retained some of its rural charms. However, urbanization is fast creeping in on the island. I hope the place won’t transform into another replica of the city proper.

I wanted our lunch date to be a bit grand as it was a special occasion, so we went to the hotel’s Aqua Restaurant for a buffet feast. After filling our tanks, we went around the hotel to give our tummies time to sort out the things that we’ve eaten. The facilities and the view at the resort were captivating. We were so absorbed with the sensory feast that we didn’t notice that it was already 2:00 p.m. Time was of the essence as we’re scheduled to go back to Manila by 8:45 p.m.

One thing I liked about the hotel staff, and about the Cebuanos in general, is that they’re very friendly. Upon seeing us waiting for a cab by the entrance, an employee offered us a ride at the hotel’s golf cart. It was a fun ride going to the hotel’s exit by the main road. We found a cab a few minutes later and headed to Cebu.

Playing Hide and Seek With Mayon Volcano (Part 1: Lignon Hill)

2009-02-21T16:33:00.000+08:00

The majestic Mayon volcano was in a playful mood when we landed in Legazpi City, teasing us all throughout the day as we pleaded for it to blow away its white shroud even for just a moment.

View from the Tarmac

Gin and I were expecting to be treated with a view of the world’s perfect cone upon stepping out of the plane. I even excitedly told her that we might even have a glimpse of it while we’re still in the air. However, we only saw lush vegetation and forests on our approach towards the airport. We were still combing the greens with our eyes for something interesting to see when we were nudged to our seat by a rough landing. It felt as if the pilot just dropped the plane on the runway like a bowling novice dropping a bowling ball on the lane. Gin begged to differ, though.

After stamping our first mark on the tarmac, I immediately tried to look for Mayon. At first, I thought I was just looking at the wrong direction. But after mimicking the possessed child in The Exorcist, my strained eyes and neck couldn’t find the volcano. While wondering as to where it is, I noticed a wide mound just below a band of clouds that hovered behind Lignon hill. I then realized that it was Mayon!

After passing by the tourist desk, we set out on foot to Lignon hill. We were told that it was just a 15-minute walk from the airport. But after five minutes of avoiding mud and potholes, we decided to just take a tricycle to the foot of our first stop.

Lignon Hill

Lignon Hill is the first accessible tourist attraction from the airport. It’s a favorite among first timers and locals alike as it gives one a good 360-degree view of the whole city, including a panoramic and unobstructed vista of Mt. Mayon. At first, the trek seemed easy as a paved road laces Lignon from head to foot. However, just 10 minutes through the climb, my knees were starting to remind me that they were missing a few ligaments. On the other hand, Gin was just taking it in stride (to think that I was the one in Nikes), going up on bends and inclines as if her Havaianas had wings on them. I ended up trailing her for most of the hike.

One thing that made our climb interestingly difficult was Legazpi’s fickle weather. We were initially thankful that the sun didn’t get out of bed immediately. After thanking the heavens for what seemed to be a sweat-free climb in view of the sun’s absence, the clouds played a trick on us by sprinkling us with rain on some stretches of our hike. Gin was saved from a second bath, thanks to her umbrella. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t bring one. While we shared her small piece of roof, I still ended up looking like I needed a spin drier.

The climb was worth it, though. Upon reaching Lignon’s peak, we were treated to a spectacular view of Legazpi City. The summit also seemed to be a very good viewing deck for Mayon hunters. Serving as Lignon Hill’s crown is a huge gazebo. The structure and the area around it are still undergoing construction and landscaping, so visitors have something to look forward to in the months to come.

While we were feasting on a sensory overload courtesy of the surrounding mountains and the Albay Gulf, the temperamental Mayon still wasn’t in the mood to give us a moment of its time, so we went down the Lignon mound with only pictures of a gray-shaded volcano. Before reaching the base, we took shelter on a nearby sari sari store as we were again threatened with a third bath. Coconuts littered the area. I was hoping for a buko shake. But after noticing the absence of electric posts, I gave up on the hope that the store has a blender. I just settled for a bottle of Pop Cola while Gin had a whole coconut for herse

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3

2009-01-19T21:22:00.000+08:00

I’ve been wanting to take a peek at the Philippine’s premier (or so they say) air terminal for the longest time since the contractor finished capping their imposing creation with a roof. Unfortunately, legal matters prevented its early inauguration. Everybody was afraid that rust would already check in at the mothballed terminal. It’s a good thing that the authorities were able to open it, albeit just 90-95% complete.

While the NAIA Terminal 3 is the largest airport in the country, I can’t say that it’s the most splendid. Aesthetically, it’s a bit wanting. I find Terminal 2 more charming, although it’s slowly showing signs of wear and tear. T3 didn’t even elicit in me that awe effect that Terminal 1 had when I first saw it. You may argue that airports don’t have to look grand as long as it functions well. But airports are the first thing that visitors see in the country where they’re sojourning. And with Filipinos being known to show everything that’s good and grand in their abode whenever they’re welcoming guests therein, it’s quite surprising to see that they didn’t seem to have given their best for that all-important first impression.

But in fairness to those who conceived the design of the terminal, it is spacious and passenger-friendly. To begin with, it has a number of entrances. Terminal 2 only has one, so you could just imagine the long line that slowly slithers in it. The number of check-in counters in T3 goes beyond the number of fingers, appendages, or protrusions in my body. In other words, it’s an unlimited resource. But for some reason, long queues greeted me and my special someone (hi, dear :) ) on our 6:35 a.m. flight to Cebu. We got left by the plane, but that’s another story.

The only bottleneck that we encountered in the building was in the final passenger and baggage check that borders the check-in area and the departure lounges. There were several x-ray machines available for use. However, for some reason, only one was utilized.

It’s comforting to know that a generous amount of floor area was devoted to gates and waiting lounges. There are even walkalators scattered in the area (a few more would be very much appreciated). A considerable amount of space has also been set aside for shops. Only a few stalls/commercial spaces were occupied, though. Maybe more would come in as the number of flights increases in the terminal.

As with the departure area, the arrival hall is expansive. Long waits at the baggage carousels are a rarity as the terminal features 7 huge ones. The hall also offers an area for the passengers’ waiting friends and relatives, a feature or distinction that the other two terminals do not have as they don’t allow non-passengers inside the building.

Getting a cab is easy. Airport metered cabs and coupon taxis are immediately available upon exiting the terminal. Coupon taxis have fixed rates for defined routes. They cost twice as much as their metered counterparts. Regular metered taxis also line the perimeter fence of the terminal. It’s just a short walk from the exit, but you’ll have to flex your muscles when you’re carrying many bags or luggage as the baggage carts cannot be brought beyond the waiting area.

While the terminal isn’t as enormous as Honk Kong’s Chek Lap Kok or as grand as Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, it’s comforting to know that we already have an airport that’s presentable and efficient. A trip to or via T3 is still a treat, considering what we’ve been asked to deal with a few years ago whenever we’re taking local flights (remember the old domestic terminal?). Be sure to bring along with you jackets and sweaters that are suitable for Baguio-like temperatures. This cavernous terminal can get extremely cold, especially during the early part of the morning. I learned that the hard way.

Useful/related links:

http://www.miaa.gov.ph/
http://www.cebupacificair.com/