Monday, March 23, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
I'm Off to Dumaguete... I'll be Back in a Jiffy!
The monicker of Dumaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental has the monicker of "The Land of Gentle People." It is somewhat true as the last time I was there with a friend we did not encounter any difficulty in exploring the city and to some extent the other parts of the province as everyone is willing to help their two visitors from the jungles of Manila. The locals are so proud with their homeland that they have countless of suggestions where we suppose to go and what we should try to eat.
I am anticipating this brief trip to Dumaguete to be an enjoyable and hassle-free one. I hope what I said will not jinx my trip in any way, hehehe!
I am anticipating this brief trip to Dumaguete to be an enjoyable and hassle-free one. I hope what I said will not jinx my trip in any way, hehehe!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
I'm Off to Dakak... I'll be Back in a Jiffy!
photos taken from Dakak's official website
It's summer! A number of surveys said that the #1 activity of Filipinos during the dry season is going to a beach with family, friends or both. Dakak Beach Resort near the city of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte is quite famous in the 1990's as it hosted a batch of Miss Universe beauties way back in 1994 when Manila hosted that prestigious beauty pageant. When I told my friends that I will go to Dakak most of them asked me if it still exists. Well, in the first place, would I go to an imaginary place like Neverland or the Atlantis? hehehe.
I can't say anything more about the beach resort as it would be my first time to go there. I don't really believe in what a brochure says as it is often sugar coated with adjectives that men use to court women. Anyway, here it is: (according to the official website of the resort)
"A timeless experience.........Imagine strolling on a pristine powdery white sand beach... looking across a beautifully shaped island cove stretching out to deeper blue waters. . .picture gazing a sunset horizon while lying on a hammock set under lush native trees, hearing the waves clash quietly against the shore. . . .only a few relaxing pleasure we have to offer.
Our resort boasts of 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, providing the ideal setting for a 750-meter private beach blanketed with powdery white sand.
Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed our resort's two pools, whilst providing the ultimate hideaway at a private open air Jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.
Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed our resort's two pools, whilst providing the ultimate hideaway at a private open air Jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.
Entertainment and culinary treats abound as well. Dine on freshly grilled seafoods, sample exotic Filipino dishes, continental cuisine and feast on an array of fresh fruits. Be treated to a cultural show or party the night away at Dakak Pirates bar or Fusion Disco.
Get the family involved in a group sport! Whether it be bowling, billiards, tennis, basketball or golf we're the resort that has it all."
Get the family involved in a group sport! Whether it be bowling, billiards, tennis, basketball or golf we're the resort that has it all."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
You Know You're a Flight Attendant When...
1. You can eat a 4 course meal standing at the kitchen counter
2. You search for a button to flush the toilet
3. You look for the "crew line" at the grocery store
4. You can pack for a 2 week trip to Europe in 1 roll-aboard
5. All of your pens have different hotel names on them
6. You NEVER unpack
7. You can recognize pilots by the backs of their heads-but not by their faces
8. You can tell from 70 yards away if a piece of luggage will fit in the overhead bin
9. You care about the local news in a city three states away
10. You can tie a neck scarf 36 ways
11. You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which pertain to vomit
12. You understand and actually use the 24-hour clock
13. You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin
14. You don't think in "months"-you think in "bid packs"
15. You always point with two fingers
16. You get a little too excited by certain types of ice
17. You stand at the front door and politely say "Buh-bye, thanks, have a nice day" when someone leaves your home
18. You can make a sentence using all of the following phrases: "At this time," "For your safety," "Feel free," and "As a reminder"
19. You know what's on the cover of the current issues of In Touch, Star, and People magazines
20. You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make sure the "gauge is in the green"
21. Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows
22. You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out where you are
23. You refer to cities by their airport codes
24. You actually understand every item on this list
25. Everytime the door bell rings you look up at the ceiling.
26. You change into you "galley shoes" to cook dinner at home!
27. You open your bathroom doors at home slowly incase someone forgot to lock it.
28. You only know 250 or 350 degrees on your home oven
29. When you ask your spouse when they will be coming home from work you ask for their "ETA"
30. You can spot out an airplane from the ground above and tell the other person what airline it is!
31. You go through each room at your friends place looking for magazines to read!
32. You bring home different grocery bags full of goodies that you can't get in your home town! and tell a story about it!
33. You know better NOT to date a pilot!
34. Your a fire fighter, a nurse, a security officer and a server all in one!
35. Your a GREAT multi - tasker!
36. You have mastered the art of walking very quickly down the aisle and not catching anyone's eye.
37. Your at a friends party and you start wiping your hands on their curtains.
38.You call for the car doors to be armed and cross checked before pulling away.
39.you answer your phone by saying "Hi its ..... at "position"
40. when you try and put the foot brake on your shopping cart.
41.When releasing your seatbelt in the car, you try to 'lift the top portion of the buckle and pull apart" and are confused when you can't find it.
42. When sitting in the backseat of your friends car, you check the seat pocket for garbage.
43. when your friends or family ask what time it is, you ask in what time zone!
44. When you're really tired and are staying in for the night, you tell you're friends you're 'slam-clicking'.
45. you remember the hotel phone numbers better than your home phone number.
46. You see rubbish dropped on the floor in your own home and instead of bending down to pick it up, you kick it under the sofa.
47. You have 400 mobile numbers in your adress book of crew you still wanted to meet up with....but when you finally get the time and browes for numbers you cannot put their faces and names together!
48. You locate all the exits when on public transport and learn the door operations.
49. You are standing in an elevator in your hotel and cant remember what floor you're supposed to go to, or what your room number is.
50. You can never make definite plans, otherwise you know you'll be delayed/called out, for sure!
51. You can't help saying goodbye to friends or anyone without sounding patronising... "b'bye now.. bye!
52. when you've finished your dinner you throw the dirty plate in the cupboard and kick the door shut.
53. If you check your breast pocket for a pen when you are going to write a shopping list at home.
54. You automatically uncross your legs, sit back, and fold your arms across your lap when you hear an engine rev up, whether you're a passenger on a flight that day or just in the car!
55. Every time someone ask's a question your reply is ... 'Just bear with me, or standby...
56. when ur going out from the hotel on a layover u smile and greet ppl u meet in the lifts... and ur not even in uniform! lol
57. You take out one blanket from the overhead bin or closet....and you hide it behind your back, running fast so no one sees it so you can use it!!!!
58. You know the water gague is showing empty and you grab a bottle of water and start washing your hands!
59. You spin around in the aft galley and yell, i love my job, i love my job....
60. You carry around ultra concentrated spray for the smells that come out of the lavoratory to protect you and your fellow co-workers!
61. You carry around a sharpie marker!
62. You work 18 hour days then go home and start cleaning up after someone else!
63. You have soo much time off you have 2 jobs!
64. Your dead heading on a flight and your sleeping and you wake up when they say "doors for departure and cross check" or when you hear the high low chimes in the cabin!
65. You tell people to turn off their cellphones or ipods.
66. If someone is smoking you show them the sign and remind them not to smoke!
67. You are ready to shop when you get to your destination!
68. You get so use to standing up while eating you don't even look for a chair anymore.
69. You hate people that slam their doors and call them slam-clickers!
70. You have soo many pictures, you don't know what album to start with and what pictures belong where anymore!
71. You don't like long walks at the beach anymore, cause all you do is walk the ocean, but 36,000FT above!
72. you stuff your cell phone in your bra while out clubbing in case you get a call from crew sked
73. you have mastered the art of putting on makeup in the car/bus/subway
74. you carry in your purse a stain-remover pencil at all times
75. you apologize for everything
76. you are no longer disgusted at stepping in dog poo: you've seen worse...trust me!
77. you appreciate time at home more than anyone else
78. when you ask someone a question, you stick your ear in their face and put your hand around it in order to hear better
79. you've developed an interest for astrology, and constantly ask "what's your sign?"
80. you're a pro of small talk and specialize in four categories: children, mortgages, divorces, and your in-laws
81. you've got a bunch of old worthless coins from the pre-Euro era
82. you bring your big suitcase on a one-day layover to get your groceries!
83. you know how to create a gourmet fondue using jersey milk bars, stale crew fruit, plastic cutlery and china from the business class cabin.
84. you bring home some passenger meal trays and wash them, then fill them with your own food and heat it up on board during your next flight!
85. you're dead-heading and you offer to place other passengers' luggage in the overhead bins, or bring them blankets.
86. you keep your crew tags visible when you are dead-heading, so that the flight attendants will know you are crew and offer you free food/booze.
87. you keep all your creams/perfumes/cosmetics in small pots and bottles so that they pass security cause you know its has to be under 100ML
88. You hear your cell phone ring even when it's not ringing
89. you bid flights according to the hotel at a destination, and not necessarily the destination itself
90. your fruits and veggies at home always go bad because you're always away
*taken from a group page in multiply.com
2. You search for a button to flush the toilet
3. You look for the "crew line" at the grocery store
4. You can pack for a 2 week trip to Europe in 1 roll-aboard
5. All of your pens have different hotel names on them
6. You NEVER unpack
7. You can recognize pilots by the backs of their heads-but not by their faces
8. You can tell from 70 yards away if a piece of luggage will fit in the overhead bin
9. You care about the local news in a city three states away
10. You can tie a neck scarf 36 ways
11. You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which pertain to vomit
12. You understand and actually use the 24-hour clock
13. You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin
14. You don't think in "months"-you think in "bid packs"
15. You always point with two fingers
16. You get a little too excited by certain types of ice
17. You stand at the front door and politely say "Buh-bye, thanks, have a nice day" when someone leaves your home
18. You can make a sentence using all of the following phrases: "At this time," "For your safety," "Feel free," and "As a reminder"
19. You know what's on the cover of the current issues of In Touch, Star, and People magazines
20. You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make sure the "gauge is in the green"
21. Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows
22. You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out where you are
23. You refer to cities by their airport codes
24. You actually understand every item on this list
25. Everytime the door bell rings you look up at the ceiling.
26. You change into you "galley shoes" to cook dinner at home!
27. You open your bathroom doors at home slowly incase someone forgot to lock it.
28. You only know 250 or 350 degrees on your home oven
29. When you ask your spouse when they will be coming home from work you ask for their "ETA"
30. You can spot out an airplane from the ground above and tell the other person what airline it is!
31. You go through each room at your friends place looking for magazines to read!
32. You bring home different grocery bags full of goodies that you can't get in your home town! and tell a story about it!
33. You know better NOT to date a pilot!
34. Your a fire fighter, a nurse, a security officer and a server all in one!
35. Your a GREAT multi - tasker!
36. You have mastered the art of walking very quickly down the aisle and not catching anyone's eye.
37. Your at a friends party and you start wiping your hands on their curtains.
38.You call for the car doors to be armed and cross checked before pulling away.
39.you answer your phone by saying "Hi its ..... at "position"
40. when you try and put the foot brake on your shopping cart.
41.When releasing your seatbelt in the car, you try to 'lift the top portion of the buckle and pull apart" and are confused when you can't find it.
42. When sitting in the backseat of your friends car, you check the seat pocket for garbage.
43. when your friends or family ask what time it is, you ask in what time zone!
44. When you're really tired and are staying in for the night, you tell you're friends you're 'slam-clicking'.
45. you remember the hotel phone numbers better than your home phone number.
46. You see rubbish dropped on the floor in your own home and instead of bending down to pick it up, you kick it under the sofa.
47. You have 400 mobile numbers in your adress book of crew you still wanted to meet up with....but when you finally get the time and browes for numbers you cannot put their faces and names together!
48. You locate all the exits when on public transport and learn the door operations.
49. You are standing in an elevator in your hotel and cant remember what floor you're supposed to go to, or what your room number is.
50. You can never make definite plans, otherwise you know you'll be delayed/called out, for sure!
51. You can't help saying goodbye to friends or anyone without sounding patronising... "b'bye now.. bye!
52. when you've finished your dinner you throw the dirty plate in the cupboard and kick the door shut.
53. If you check your breast pocket for a pen when you are going to write a shopping list at home.
54. You automatically uncross your legs, sit back, and fold your arms across your lap when you hear an engine rev up, whether you're a passenger on a flight that day or just in the car!
55. Every time someone ask's a question your reply is ... 'Just bear with me, or standby...
56. when ur going out from the hotel on a layover u smile and greet ppl u meet in the lifts... and ur not even in uniform! lol
57. You take out one blanket from the overhead bin or closet....and you hide it behind your back, running fast so no one sees it so you can use it!!!!
58. You know the water gague is showing empty and you grab a bottle of water and start washing your hands!
59. You spin around in the aft galley and yell, i love my job, i love my job....
60. You carry around ultra concentrated spray for the smells that come out of the lavoratory to protect you and your fellow co-workers!
61. You carry around a sharpie marker!
62. You work 18 hour days then go home and start cleaning up after someone else!
63. You have soo much time off you have 2 jobs!
64. Your dead heading on a flight and your sleeping and you wake up when they say "doors for departure and cross check" or when you hear the high low chimes in the cabin!
65. You tell people to turn off their cellphones or ipods.
66. If someone is smoking you show them the sign and remind them not to smoke!
67. You are ready to shop when you get to your destination!
68. You get so use to standing up while eating you don't even look for a chair anymore.
69. You hate people that slam their doors and call them slam-clickers!
70. You have soo many pictures, you don't know what album to start with and what pictures belong where anymore!
71. You don't like long walks at the beach anymore, cause all you do is walk the ocean, but 36,000FT above!
72. you stuff your cell phone in your bra while out clubbing in case you get a call from crew sked
73. you have mastered the art of putting on makeup in the car/bus/subway
74. you carry in your purse a stain-remover pencil at all times
75. you apologize for everything
76. you are no longer disgusted at stepping in dog poo: you've seen worse...trust me!
77. you appreciate time at home more than anyone else
78. when you ask someone a question, you stick your ear in their face and put your hand around it in order to hear better
79. you've developed an interest for astrology, and constantly ask "what's your sign?"
80. you're a pro of small talk and specialize in four categories: children, mortgages, divorces, and your in-laws
81. you've got a bunch of old worthless coins from the pre-Euro era
82. you bring your big suitcase on a one-day layover to get your groceries!
83. you know how to create a gourmet fondue using jersey milk bars, stale crew fruit, plastic cutlery and china from the business class cabin.
84. you bring home some passenger meal trays and wash them, then fill them with your own food and heat it up on board during your next flight!
85. you're dead-heading and you offer to place other passengers' luggage in the overhead bins, or bring them blankets.
86. you keep your crew tags visible when you are dead-heading, so that the flight attendants will know you are crew and offer you free food/booze.
87. you keep all your creams/perfumes/cosmetics in small pots and bottles so that they pass security cause you know its has to be under 100ML
88. You hear your cell phone ring even when it's not ringing
89. you bid flights according to the hotel at a destination, and not necessarily the destination itself
90. your fruits and veggies at home always go bad because you're always away
*taken from a group page in multiply.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Zest Air : A Review
An Airbus A320 parked at the tarmac of Mactan-Cebu International AirportMany of my friends are asking me about Zest Air, whether it is a new airline or it is reliable or if the fares are cheap and it is safe to ride in their airplanes. Zest Air is much more commonly known before as Asian Spirit. I happen to ride in one of Asian Spirit's plane last summer to Baguio City and I'm just glad that we landed safely in one of their decades old Dash-7 aircraft which even triggered my allergic rhinitis due to the aircraft's very dusty interior.
It's a good thing that Zest Air now operates only brand new turboprop planes and for the first time they acquired an Airbus plane as they are now expanding their routes. I happen to experience riding in their first Airbus A320 aircraft last December 2008 and the following are some of my rants and little praises for Zest Air.
* What a relief to finally see the Old Domestic Terminal with just several passengers. As far as I can remember even when I'm just about 4 years old on our way to Iloilo that the terminal is always full of passengers as it is the sole terminal of Philippine Airlines for all its domestic destinations. During the 1980's even at 2AM the Old Domestic Terminal is a bustling building because of people taking the "Bulilit Flights" of Philippine Airlines. Cebu Pacific Air outgrew the terminal and is now enjoying the vast space at Terminal 3.
* Check-in was fast. The flight was delayed by about 30 mins. but it is tolerable as it is the busy holiday season. No aerobridge when you board the aircraft as the terminal does not have them.
* I was assigned to seat 5A (I always request for a window seat) but inside the aircraft the flight attendants transferred all the passengers to occupy the middle part of the plane to distribute the weight & balance thing as the flight is just 1/3 full. In the end I was transferred to an aisle seat and I completely blame it on the check-in counter girl as it is her duty to distribute the passengers accordingly because she knows beforehand that we are only 50+ who will take that flight.
* I initially thought that their first Airbus A320 aircraft is brand new but I was wrong the very second I entered the aircraft just because of the smell... Yes, I know how a brand new airplane smells like. It didn't smell like a brand new airplane at all. Aside from that, the seats are not new as there is a cover on the back of the seat where a personal entertainment system of its previous owner might be placed. Then I saw the passenger safety information card, if you look closely on the picture below there is just a sticker of Zest Air covering the words JetBlue. I therefore conclude at that time that U.S.-based JetBlue Airways is the original owner of the aircraft. A funny thing is that it contains a Spanish translation targeted for the Hispanic passengers of JetBlue. I hope by now Zest Air replaced those safety cards as I think it is not that costly for an airline to print those cards so it can display their official company colors rather than the design which is only intended for JetBlue. If they want they can put a Filipino translation to replace the Spanish translation as it is more practical for a Philippines-based airline.
It's a good thing that Zest Air now operates only brand new turboprop planes and for the first time they acquired an Airbus plane as they are now expanding their routes. I happen to experience riding in their first Airbus A320 aircraft last December 2008 and the following are some of my rants and little praises for Zest Air.
* What a relief to finally see the Old Domestic Terminal with just several passengers. As far as I can remember even when I'm just about 4 years old on our way to Iloilo that the terminal is always full of passengers as it is the sole terminal of Philippine Airlines for all its domestic destinations. During the 1980's even at 2AM the Old Domestic Terminal is a bustling building because of people taking the "Bulilit Flights" of Philippine Airlines. Cebu Pacific Air outgrew the terminal and is now enjoying the vast space at Terminal 3.
* Check-in was fast. The flight was delayed by about 30 mins. but it is tolerable as it is the busy holiday season. No aerobridge when you board the aircraft as the terminal does not have them.
* I was assigned to seat 5A (I always request for a window seat) but inside the aircraft the flight attendants transferred all the passengers to occupy the middle part of the plane to distribute the weight & balance thing as the flight is just 1/3 full. In the end I was transferred to an aisle seat and I completely blame it on the check-in counter girl as it is her duty to distribute the passengers accordingly because she knows beforehand that we are only 50+ who will take that flight.
* I initially thought that their first Airbus A320 aircraft is brand new but I was wrong the very second I entered the aircraft just because of the smell... Yes, I know how a brand new airplane smells like. It didn't smell like a brand new airplane at all. Aside from that, the seats are not new as there is a cover on the back of the seat where a personal entertainment system of its previous owner might be placed. Then I saw the passenger safety information card, if you look closely on the picture below there is just a sticker of Zest Air covering the words JetBlue. I therefore conclude at that time that U.S.-based JetBlue Airways is the original owner of the aircraft. A funny thing is that it contains a Spanish translation targeted for the Hispanic passengers of JetBlue. I hope by now Zest Air replaced those safety cards as I think it is not that costly for an airline to print those cards so it can display their official company colors rather than the design which is only intended for JetBlue. If they want they can put a Filipino translation to replace the Spanish translation as it is more practical for a Philippines-based airline.
* Inflight service is quite good. I don't know if Zest Air is calling itself a budget airline as the flight attendants pass newspapers just like what legacy carriers offer. And then I was even more surprised when they offer refreshments of either mineral water or Zest-O juice drinks (Zest Air's majority owner is also the chairman and president of Zest-O Corp.).
* The flight ended in a smooth landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. When it is time to deplane I was dumbfounded to know that we need to walk all the way to the terminal as Zest Air does not use the aerobridges which Mactan Airport obviously have unlike its terminal in Manila. I don't know why, maybe because the other gates with an aerobridge are reserved for other airlines or Zest Air just does not want to pay extra to access an aerobridge. Oh well, the weather is good at that time and I need a little exercise anyway.
* On the flight back to Manila it is such an inconvenience to passengers when only 1 check-in counter is open to accommodate all of us passengers. I'm still on queue 30 mins. before the official departure time and I found out that the flight is only half-full. It didn't stop there as the flight was delayed for 2 hours and they only announced it way past our scheduled departure time.
* For the inflight service back to Manila almost everything is the same as my previous flight.
Would I fly with Zest Air again? Why not? I had also bad experiences with Cebu Pacific, SEAIR and Philippine Airlines. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BAD EXPERIENCE AND A BAD AIRLINE. If Zest Air would not improve their Airbus service then that would be a different story and I would tell you again about it here in my blog. It's a good start that they are now operating with newer planes to all of their flights.
* The flight ended in a smooth landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. When it is time to deplane I was dumbfounded to know that we need to walk all the way to the terminal as Zest Air does not use the aerobridges which Mactan Airport obviously have unlike its terminal in Manila. I don't know why, maybe because the other gates with an aerobridge are reserved for other airlines or Zest Air just does not want to pay extra to access an aerobridge. Oh well, the weather is good at that time and I need a little exercise anyway.
* On the flight back to Manila it is such an inconvenience to passengers when only 1 check-in counter is open to accommodate all of us passengers. I'm still on queue 30 mins. before the official departure time and I found out that the flight is only half-full. It didn't stop there as the flight was delayed for 2 hours and they only announced it way past our scheduled departure time.
* For the inflight service back to Manila almost everything is the same as my previous flight.
Would I fly with Zest Air again? Why not? I had also bad experiences with Cebu Pacific, SEAIR and Philippine Airlines. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BAD EXPERIENCE AND A BAD AIRLINE. If Zest Air would not improve their Airbus service then that would be a different story and I would tell you again about it here in my blog. It's a good start that they are now operating with newer planes to all of their flights.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Love Couchsurfing!
I think that CouchSurfing (CS) is a genius idea for all sort of travelers. I have made several wonderful friends in Indonesia and here in the Philippines because of CouchSurfing. Some of my CS friends showed me their town/city and served as my tour guide and translator as well. The only thing that I have yet to do to comply with the mission of this project is to actually surf someone's couch.
To be honest, I have reservations and concerns about meeting and staying with or hosting strangers in my home although my initial doubts changed and the fears disappeared when I met Sita and Haru in Bali, Indonesia and Benny together with other CS members in Jakarta, Indonesia. CS is for any traveler with an open mind and would love to meet new friends and enjoys learning about and experience other cultures. A wonderful time can be guaranteed as long as you have common sense as with anything involving meeting strangers. Who knows, these strangers can be your lifelong friends or even your soulmate.
CouchSurfing FAQs:
Q: What is Couchsurfing?
A: According to wikipedia, it is an Internet-based, international hospitality service and it is currently the largest hospitality exchange network. Members use the website to coordinate contacts and home accommodation (couch-surfing) with other network members around the world.
Q: How it works?
A: Memberships in the organization is free and is obtained simply by registering on the website. The core activity of the organization is exchange of accommodation. Acting as a host, a member offers the possibility of accommodation at his or her leisure. Acting as a surfer (guest), a traveller may search for and request for accommodation at his or her destination. Accommodation is entirely consensual between the host and the surfer and the duration, nature and terms of the surfer's stay are generally worked out in advance to the convenience of both parties.
Q: Do I recommend it to other travelers?
A: Definitely! Although you should carefully choose whom to stay for the night or several nights.
Q: Have I used the website to sleep in other people's house?
A: I have an issue when it regards to security so I haven't yet tried to couchsurf in other traveler's home. In my recent trip to Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia I used the website to try to find locals who could show me more about their city/town. I enjoyed every minute of being with other couchsurfers.
A: According to wikipedia, it is an Internet-based, international hospitality service and it is currently the largest hospitality exchange network. Members use the website to coordinate contacts and home accommodation (couch-surfing) with other network members around the world.
Q: How it works?
A: Memberships in the organization is free and is obtained simply by registering on the website. The core activity of the organization is exchange of accommodation. Acting as a host, a member offers the possibility of accommodation at his or her leisure. Acting as a surfer (guest), a traveller may search for and request for accommodation at his or her destination. Accommodation is entirely consensual between the host and the surfer and the duration, nature and terms of the surfer's stay are generally worked out in advance to the convenience of both parties.
Q: Do I recommend it to other travelers?
A: Definitely! Although you should carefully choose whom to stay for the night or several nights.
Q: Have I used the website to sleep in other people's house?
A: I have an issue when it regards to security so I haven't yet tried to couchsurf in other traveler's home. In my recent trip to Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia I used the website to try to find locals who could show me more about their city/town. I enjoyed every minute of being with other couchsurfers.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Free Seats Up for Grabs! Thank You Air Asia!
This is an annual event for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Air Asia. Enjoy free seats to all Air Asia destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia and of course the Philippines. This seat sale starts NOW!
To enjoy this promo all you have to pay is the Administration Fee. As far as the routes Clark-Kuala Lumpur-Clark and Clark-Kota Kinabalu-Clark are concerned they will just amount to 1,000+ pesos. Meanwhile, destinations originating from Kuala Lumpur to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia or Vietnam will range from 1,000 pesos to 4,000 pesos roundtrip. If you have an Australian visa then this is the cheapest airline in the world going to Perth, Brisbane or Melbourne from the Philippines.
This is an impulse buying thing because it is too good to resist that you don't have the luxury to think if you will fall prey to this seat sale but the beauty behind this seat sale is that you will have all the time in the world to plan for your chosen trip as you have at least 6 months to spend for planning your itinerary and budgeting for your chosen trip.
To enjoy this promo all you have to pay is the Administration Fee. As far as the routes Clark-Kuala Lumpur-Clark and Clark-Kota Kinabalu-Clark are concerned they will just amount to 1,000+ pesos. Meanwhile, destinations originating from Kuala Lumpur to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia or Vietnam will range from 1,000 pesos to 4,000 pesos roundtrip. If you have an Australian visa then this is the cheapest airline in the world going to Perth, Brisbane or Melbourne from the Philippines.
This is an impulse buying thing because it is too good to resist that you don't have the luxury to think if you will fall prey to this seat sale but the beauty behind this seat sale is that you will have all the time in the world to plan for your chosen trip as you have at least 6 months to spend for planning your itinerary and budgeting for your chosen trip.
Just book! Plan later!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'm Off to Surigao & Butuan... I'll be Back in a Jiffy
This Surigao trip would be just short, it is so short that I have no time to go to Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines. I learned to surf when I was in Bali, Indonesia last year and I definitely would love to try it again in Siargao but due to time constraints I will not visit that island even it is only a 3-hr. boat ride away from Surigao City. I would really want to brush up my surfing skills if there's any left after 6 months of its hibernation. Nevertheless, it would be my first time in Surigao City so I am still excited. Thank you Cebu Pacific Air for offering an almost FREE seat last December 24, 2008. A one way ticket during the promo just cost Php 28 nett to any Philippine destination being served by the airline.
Have a great weekend to you all!
my itinerary
Have a great weekend to you all!
my itineraryTuesday, February 3, 2009
Pre-Summer Seat Sale
Cebu Pacific Air and Zest Air have their own versions of seat sales. The images below said it all so I don't need to further explain here in this post. They are both applicable for domestic travel.
Seat Sale from Cebu Pacific Air
Seat Sale from Zest Air
Seat Sale from Cebu Pacific Air
Seat Sale from Zest Air
16th Travel Tour Expo
Calling all travel bargain hunters in the Philippines. The 16th edition of the Travel Tour Expo (TTE) being organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will take place on February 6, 7 and 8 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
I went to this event for the last 3 years and I was treated to a number of packages for local and regional destinations being offered by travel agencies and airlines. I hope this year would be better in terms of choices and of course the price. Example, for those who are Boracay bound for the summer you will find many resort operators who will have their own booths like One MGM Boracay, Patio Pacific and Microtel Inn & Suites. South East Asian Airlines (Seair) will be offering a "Buy 1, Take 2" promotion for its Busuanga and Boracay roundtrip tickets while a "Buy 1, Take 1" promo will be available for the Batanes route.
Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said the TTE is an essential element in the government's drive to market the Philippines as a leading Asian tourist destination. There will be more than 200 travel and tourism companies from the Philippines and abroad which will participate in the country's biggest travel and tourism expo.
With the theme "Travel in Style," the event features two segments - lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and well products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.
Established in 1979, the PTAA is the country's biggest grouping of tourism related companies.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
44 Places to go in 2009: Boracay
The New York Times released a list of 44 recommended places to visit in 2009. Thank you for my blogger friend Dong Ho for breaking this news. It is exhilarating to know that the #1 island destination of the Philippines is included in the list. Here is the description of Boracay according to the article:
"The next Phuket? The island of Boracay -known for its emerald water, white sand beaches and glassy lagoons- may be just that. Less than an hour from Manila by plane, this small, four-mile-long island has long been a destination of wealthy Filipinos. Now, a new breed of South Beach-style hotels is broadening the island's appeal. The Tides, a chic boutique hotel, has quickly become the pool-and-party spot for the Philippine jet set. And later this year, a Shangri-La hotel opens with 219 rooms and villas and a 61,000-square-foot spa on a private bay."
All Filipinos should be generally happy with this news. But, I just can't help to notice the first sentence of the description. Boracay should not be described comparing another great island, which is Phuket. Boracay has its own qualities and charm and so as Phuket. It is also an honor to be paired with very well known destinations like Chicago, Hawaii, Vienna etc. and at the same time "exotic" destinations like Bhutan, Zambia and Kazakhstan.
Boracay is also categorized under the "Luxury" section of the list rather than the "Frugal" section where Las Vegas and Buffalo, New York were batched. Come to think of it, for a Filipino point of view, it may be somewhat true as sometimes it is cheaper to buy a Manila-Hong Kong package tour rather than a Manila-Boracay package tour (well, it all depends on the season of course). As far as I am concerned my last trip to Boracay is almost a giveaway, it cost me only 4,300 pesos for a roundtrip airfare via PAL Express, 3 nights accommodation at Escondido Resort, 3 breakfasts and roundtrip airport transfer. You just need to know where to get cheap deals and when to go.
Boracay is also categorized under the "Luxury" section of the list rather than the "Frugal" section where Las Vegas and Buffalo, New York were batched. Come to think of it, for a Filipino point of view, it may be somewhat true as sometimes it is cheaper to buy a Manila-Hong Kong package tour rather than a Manila-Boracay package tour (well, it all depends on the season of course). As far as I am concerned my last trip to Boracay is almost a giveaway, it cost me only 4,300 pesos for a roundtrip airfare via PAL Express, 3 nights accommodation at Escondido Resort, 3 breakfasts and roundtrip airport transfer. You just need to know where to get cheap deals and when to go.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
PINK Sand Beach Anyone? I'm Off to Zamboanga
This would be my first time to set foot in Asia's Latin City... Zamboanga. Many would be a fan of white sand beaches but do you know that there is also a pink sand beach? The sand of the Great Santa Cruz Island, in its natural state is uniquely "pinkish." It is a coloration effect of pulverized rare red organ-pie coral from erosion mixed in with the white sand.
Aside from Santa Cruz Island you will not be able to find any pink sand beach here in Asia as it is very rare that if you want to find other pink sand beaches you must go to Hawaii, Greece or in the Caribbean.
Why is Zamboanga City dubbed as Asia's Latin City? The major language of the locals is known as Chavacano which is based on 70% Spanish words and the remaining 30% from Tagalog, Cebuano and other Philippine languages. It may also be because of the similarity of the traditions with Spain, particularly the patroness Our Lady of the Pillar which is also the Patroness of Spain.
Aside from Santa Cruz Island you will not be able to find any pink sand beach here in Asia as it is very rare that if you want to find other pink sand beaches you must go to Hawaii, Greece or in the Caribbean.
Why is Zamboanga City dubbed as Asia's Latin City? The major language of the locals is known as Chavacano which is based on 70% Spanish words and the remaining 30% from Tagalog, Cebuano and other Philippine languages. It may also be because of the similarity of the traditions with Spain, particularly the patroness Our Lady of the Pillar which is also the Patroness of Spain.
*picture taken from www.zamboanga.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Zest Air All Year Round Fares
Zest Air (former Asian Spirit Airlines) is once again active in their marketing strategy as they released their all year round OKS fares in time for the Chinese New Year celebration. These one-way fares are applicable for flights originating/terminating in Manila.
Php688 ALL-IN for Busuanga, Marinduque, San Jose (Mindoro) and Cebu sectors
Php988 ALL-IN for Caticlan (Boracay), Calbayog, Catarman and Virac sectors
I know that Boracay fanatics will be very happy with this fares as I get a lot of questions from my friends regarding the price of Boracay flights for the months of April and May.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What 2009 May Bring
I love the year 2008 as it brought me to many wonderful places within and outside of the 7,107 islands of the
The past year also made me to explore more my beautiful country. After my 6-province journey in
I always believe that many parts of the region of
Lastly, thank you Cebu Pacific Air for the almost FREE seats last December 24, 2008, because of that my travels for the 1st quarter of 2009 are already in the drawing board. How can I resist a round-trip travel anywhere within the Philippines for just over $1.
I wish all avid travelers and would be avid travelers more journeys and adventure to come in 2009!
Monday, January 19, 2009
What Will I Remember of 2008
Traveling always brought me endless pleasure and many life changing experiences which I always want to reminisce over and over. I’ve been to many new places in and out of the 7,107 islands of the
More than the beauty of what a place might offer are the experiences that you may want your memory to retain forever so you can tell your family, friends and would be children and grandchildren. So now, before amnesia sets in what 2008 brought that made it as my best traveling year (so far), I would like to chronicle here in my blog just some of it which are still vivid in my memory. The following are in random order as they are all memorable in their own right.
Bantayan Island, Cebu (January 2008)
I consider Bantayan
Ogtong Beach in Bantayan
Bus ride from Tacloban City, Leyte to Daraga, Albay (April 2008)
I never thought that I would ride the bus ride of my life in Tacloban
San Juanico Bridge connecting Leyte & Samar provinces
Near disaster in Hanoi, Vietnam (April 2008)
Me and my travel buddy in
Halong Bay in Vietnam
Couchsurfing friends in Bali & Jakarta (August 2008)
I will feature in one of my future posts why I think that founder of couchsurfing.com is a genius. Avid travelers will benefit from this idea. I made several friends during my trip in the "island of the gods" and in Jakarta. Haru, Sita, Benny, Kristin and Anita made my Indonesia trip extra super special. No professional tourguide can replace them as they all showed me and my buddy the true side of Bali and Jakarta.
Bali
Good and bad taxi drivers
Taxi drivers can either make your trip pleasant or they can be your worst nightmare. All of us who use this kind of transportation know what I mean so I need not explain any further. In my opinion, the best taxi drivers in this country are all in Baguio City and Davao City. It is disappointing to know that the bad taxi drivers are lurking almost anywhere outside of those cities.
Meeting new friends in General Santos City (November 2008)
I didn't expect that buying a blogger-themed T-shirt would come with a friend. I am really fortunate to meet Rosilie and her husband when I went to Gensan. I seemed that I am one of their relative because that is the kind of hospitality they gave me during my brief stay.
Free travels (last quarter of 2008)
Never in my wildest dream would I expect an airline to giveaway 100% FREE tickets to anyone who booked a flight last September 18. Up to now I am still grateful to Cebu Pacific Air because I, my family and several friends went to Cebu, Butuan, Davao, Legaspi, General Santos, Iloilo and Roxas City for FREE!
And now, I only pray that 2009 will bring me to more new places and meet new friends!
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