“It’s one thing to memorize the history of a Church, or even a city – but a river is different,” explains Anton Carag, certified Pinoy rafting Jedi. “If you don’t know how to read her, you’ll be in big trouble.”
Violently churning six seconds away is either the end of the Earth – or a giant washing machine. I white-knuckle my paddle, shoot him a swift glance and prepare to meet my maker. “Big trouble!” repeats Anton with a chuckle.
We plunge, paddle, curse, laugh and paddle even more as we cross the swells into calmer waters. In seconds the roaring river transforms into a gurgling rivulet of relaxation. The side-scrolling scenery is glorious to behold, adorned with dramatic cliffs, provocative fire-trees and flitting waterbirds. We are in the country’s next big rafting destination – Isabela’s Abuan River – and we love every dripping minute of it.
Cebu Pacific is now having a seat sale to China’s key cities - Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as Taipei in Taiwan on May 20, 2011. This is valid for travel from July 1 to September 30, 2011.
Seat sale starts at P1,499 from Manila to Taipei, and P1,999 from Manila to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. Cebu Pac has daily flight schedule from Manila to Shanghai and Taipei; and three times a week fight schedule from Manila to Beijing and Guangzhou.
Cebu Pacific also offers seat sale to 11 domestic travel destinations. Seats from Manila to Naga, Tuguegarao and San Jose for as low as P499, Manila to Bacolod and Iloilo available for P599, and Manila to Tacloban flights are as low as P699.
Cebu Pacific always gives its loyal clients the reason to enjoy traveling around the country and Asian countries. With their May Blowout Special Seat Sale that will run until May 16, 2011, Cebu Pac is giving four options to their patrons to travel domestic and international destinations from June 1 to November 30, 2011 with a very low travel fare.
For travel from June 1 to September 30, 2011, purchase P699 seats from Manila to Calbayog or Surigao. From Manila there will be thrice weekly to both Calbayog and Surigao.
For travel from July 1 to September 30, 2011, P649 seats are also available from Cebu to Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz, Pagadian or Surigao. Those coming from Manila can purchase P1,299 to Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz or Pagadian.
Cebu Pacific is now offering low seat sales in 9 top tourist destinations in the country from May 10-12, 2011. The 9 domestic destinations including Kalibo, Legazpi, Naga, Siargao, Palawan, Bohol, Dumaguete, Laoag and Tagbilaran with the range of P599-P699 per ticket.
The three-day seat sale covers travel days from July 1 to August 31, 2011, from Manila to Kalibo, Legazpi or Naga and it only cost P599 per seats (airfare ticket). CEB fly from Manila 17 times weekly to Kalibo, and thrice daily to Legazpi and Naga.
Rejoice all travel aficionados! Cebu Pacific will be having Piso Fare Promo on Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011) or until seats lasts. There will be more than 50,000 seats available for the said promo for travel January 1 to March 31, 2012.
Cebu Pacific offers P1 seats to all four international destinations from Clark. CEB flies from Clark to Hong Kong and Singapore daily, to Macau four times weekly, and to Bangkok twice weekly.
Summer vacation is always fun especially if you have something to share with your friends like key chains, toys and pictures of the places you visit. There was a website I saw in the internet where they offer personalized postcards.Unlike the usual postcard that has pictures of different scenery on it, the website NextDayFlyers.com gives the opportunity to their clients to personalized their
postcards by using their pictures on it or making it more colorful and exciting.
The website offers 24 hour printing process of full colored postcards and can deliver the following day. They offer different sizes like 4 x 6 postcards, 5 x 7 postcards, 5.375 x 8.375 postcards,6 x 9 postcards, 6 x 11 postcards and 8.5 x 11 postcards all corresponds to certain prices which is easy to the budget.
In line with the Holy Week break, Electrolux brings their mobile spa in North Luzon Express Way (NLEX) and South Luzon Express Way (SLEX) in selected Total Gas Station to cater to all commuters who is tired from long driving hours. The mobile spa can accommodate at least four commuters in every 15-30 minutes; they offer head and back massage to relieve back pains from long sitting and heat of the sun.
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Family Savings Auto Loan launched their drive safety campaign and it kicked off in Tagaytay City with the help of Mayor Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino. The campaign aims to promote safety precuations in driving which it is the main concern market of BPI Family Savings Auto Loans.
(Jose Teodoro "TG" Limcaoco, BPI Family Savings Bank President)
(David Sarmiento Jr. SVP, Auto and Motorcycle Loans, BPI Family Savings Bank)
With BPI Family Savings Bank President Jose Teodoro "TG" Limcaoco and David Sarmiento Jr. Senior Vice President of Auto and Motorcycle Loans of BPI Family Savings Bank and other BPI members and partners they installed road signs in major areas in Tagaytay City. The signage reminds motorist to drive safety and to be responsible on the road. According to Mr Sarmiento the Tagaytay City kick off was just only the beginning of a their bigger campaign to promote safety driving. They are looking forward to work with other local government units (LGUs) and even government agencies like the MMDA and LTO and even their vehicle providers and partners.
In celebration of the 20 years, BPI Family Savings Bank Auto Loans now introduces their motorcycle loan and it was in partnership with Honda. With the 27 % increase in 2010 they are now looking forward to target more clients now that auto loan clients can now do transaction online for BPI website www.bpi.com.ph.
In Calle Real (Iloilo City) there was a famous Siopao House that caught my attention. The name of the Siopao House is Roberto’s, pero unusual name for a siopao and eatery where the board signs outside doesn’t indicate that it is a restaurant. I thought the long line outside Roberto’s is a line for lottery but what amazed me is that everyone is crazy about their siopao, and yes I am one of the converts.
Located in the ground floor of the 80 year old Javellana Building in Basa Street in Calle Real in Iloilo City Roberto’s offers wide range of dishes including their famous siopao that doesn’t need a siopao sauce.
I ordered Jumbo Siopao, it cost 39 pesos and its fillings are chicken and pork adobo. Unlike the usual chicken and pork adobo that is oily and sour because of the vinegar, the fillings of the Jumbo Siopao is sweet and tender and best with chili sauce or ketchup. I admit it I had two.
Aside from the Jumbo Siopao, Roberto’s is serving King Siopao (Ham, Chicken and Pork Adobo), which is bigger than the Jumbo Siopao and cost P55. But that is not the main attraction in Roberto’s. They have a siopao they called “Queen Siopao” that is seasonal, meaning it is sold in Roberto’s on a certain date. What made Queen Siopao special? Aside from the Bacon, Chicken and Pork Adobo fillings that only cost P59, is size of the siopao that is equivalent to 3 Jumbo Siopao that is worth sharing for 2-3 persons.
For those going to Iloilo City, one of the restaurants you should visit is the Roberto’s Siopao House. I’m sure you will fall in love with their food and hope you’ll be lucky to avail their famous Queen Siopao.
One of the services that Mines View Park Hotel is to provide their guests a shuttle for transportation/service to any area in Baguio City where they wanted to visit and it is part of the packages they provide. During our stay in Baguio City, Mines View Park Hotel provides us a ride going to Strawberry Farm, Ukay Ukay (main city) and Good Shepherds Store and walk our way to Mines View Park.
It was first time to visit Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad and quoting the Taho (Sweetened Soy Bean Curd) Vendor, “Matutupad na ang pangarap ninyo” and yes I came true from Farmville that I waited for 2-3 hours before harvesting strawberries, I saw the actual farm of strawberries but like in Farmville no fruits yet. But I tried the strawberry taho where instead the usual caramel and sago its caramelized strawberries to topped the soy bean curd. It’s P20 per cup, there’s also strawberry ice cream that is P15 pesos per cone. In Strawberry Farm they also sell strawberry wines (3 bottles for P100) and fresh vegetables and fruits that is very cheap and affordable.
Ukay-ukay is one of the main attractions in Baguio City it is located along Session Road I manage to buy two jackets for P500, thanks to our driver who told us we can bargain lower that the usual price. Its usual price is around P300 each so I got both 100 pesos less, maybe I can do work more on my “tawaran” abilities soon in ukay ukay stores here in Manila.
Mines View Park is the third area we visited in Baguio City, it’s a 10 minute walk away from the Mines View Park Hotel. It’s main attraction in the close view of the Cordillera Mountains and Baguio products such as silverwares, wood carvings and knitted clothes created by the Baguio residents. Aside from the sceneries and products, I suggest that don’t missed to take pictures of you with the Cordilleran natives in the other side of Mines View Park, per picture it cost P10, aside from photo souvenir you will be bringing home is the help you can give through your donations for their Senior Citizen Projects.
Lastly, everyone should not missed the Good Shepherd Store near the Mines View Park where you can buy food products such as Peanut Brittle, Ube, Choco Flakes, Jellies, and other preserved food products on a very affordable price. For every purchase in the store it helps to raised funds for the projects and activities of the congregation of the Religious of the Good Shepherd which supports majority of the natives and families in Baguio City.
Those were some of the areas you can visit in Baguio City which Mines View Park Hotel offers transportation services to their guests.
Mines View Park Hotel
Address: 1 Apostol St. Outlook Drive, Baguio City
Telephone Number: (074) 442-1559 (Baguio City)
(02) 372-3984 local 133 (Manila)
Mobile Number: (+63)922-888-6392
Fax Number: (074)424-1088
Located in the Outlook Drive few meters away from Mines View Park and Good Shepherd’s Store in Baguio City, Mines View Park Hotel is a good option for those who wanted to have a quiet place and enjoy the cool breeze of the Cordillera lushes without the noise of the main city just pure nature and silence. I was given a chance to try the service of Mines View Park Hotel located in 1 Apostol St. Outlook Drive which is a former ancestral home restored and another building beside it was built that has 2-3 bed per rooms that has a beautiful view of the Benguet Mountains and no air conditioning facility just the cool breeze of Bagiuo that gives the ventilation to all the rooms so that only fresh air will freely go in and out of the areas.
The main building also has a function area where corporate guests can hold their meetings, and activities it has a capacity of 100 to 150 guests, while for small group meetings there is a Board Room that can accommodate 12-15 guests, the area has free Wi-Fi. Mines View Park Hotel can actually help to customize activities for particular functions such as for team buildings which in the case of the bloggers who were invited to we had a yoga activity, bibingcrepe making and palm reading. And they can arrange a transportation service for those who wanted to go like in Strawberry Farm, Good Shepherds, Ukay-ukay, Burnham Park, SM, Mines View Park and others. All activities can be arranged with the operations team of Mines View Park Hotel.
The other building that holds the rooms for the guests also has wireless connection, and has a gym, spa, salon and spa that is open until 9pm. Each rooms has a flat screen TV, cabinets, drawers, refrigerators, and a comfort room that has 24 hours hot and cold water. It also has Al Fresco Verandas located in the 2nd and 4th floor where they can enjoy the view of the Benguet Mountains and cool breeze of Baguio.
Three things I like in the Mines View Park Hotel is that it uses the cool breeze of Bagiuo for room ventilations which it is healthy, second the not so formal type of hotel to make it more appealing to those who visited the place having a home-comfy feel that people will enjoy and lastly most of those who goes to Bagiuo aside from the usual going to certain areas like park, ukay-ukay and others we wanted to break away from the noisy sound of the city where we came from and from there Mines View Park Hotel offers this opportunity for us to enjoy the silence and appreciate nature and the best way to relax from the stressful work. Mines View Park Hotel is good options for those who will be visiting Baguio this semestral break, Christmas and next year’s summer and with 27 rooms available it can accommodate volumes of guests who wanted to relax and enjoy the beautiful mountains of the Cordillera.
It was open in 2006 and has Dick Balajadia as the Hotel President and Gillette Garcia as the Vice President for Operations.
Mines View Park Hotel Address: 1 Apostol St. Outlook Drive, Baguio City Telephone Number: (074) 442-1559 (Baguio City) (02) 372-3984 local 133 (Manila) Mobile Number: (+63)922-888-6392 Fax Number: (074)424-1088
July 31, Manila – The Philippine Tourism Authority (Philtoa) in support with the projects of Department of Tourism (DOT) releases the list of the Top Emerging Destinations in the Philippines for 2010 at the Jellies, Manila Ocean Park. Cesar Cruz, President of Philtoa reveals the names of the 2010 destination spot in the country.
(DOT Usec. Enteng Romano with PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz)
For Luzon: Laoag and Dagupan (Region I), for their heritage sites, and beaches; La Trinidad Valley (CAR), for its magnificent strawberry fields, vegetable terraces and cut flower industry; Zambales (Region III), a multifaceted destination for beach holidays, Mango agri-tourism and sports adventure activities; San Juan, Batangas (Region IV-A) can easily boast endless beautiful beaches and stylized type of resorts; Marinduque (Region IV-B) with its world class resort and rich cultural traditions; Sorsogon of Bicol ( Region V) which is synonymous to eco-tourism activities like whale interaction and firefly tour.
In Visayas: Silay City (Region VI), for its preserved ancestral houses and rich culinary heritage and newly constructed world class airport; Danao in Bohol ( Region VII), the new eco-adventure mecca complemented by nearby white sand beaches and the nature’s wonders of the “Chocolate hills” and tarsier; The island destinations of Northern Samar ( Region VIII) with its pristine beach areas, rich flora and fauna and iconic natural land formation.
In Mindanao: The Island Garden City of Samal (Region XI), for its paradise-like coves and beaches, eco-adventure sites and activities; Cagayan De Oro ( Region X), not only as gate way to the northern part of Mindanao but also caters to city based-adventure activities; Butuan City (Region XIII) of Caraga is historical mecca of the Philippines with good access to Agusan marshlands and surfing capital of Siargao; Sarangani (Region XII) can always pull a surprise with its beautiful coastlines, diverse cultural heritage and aqua tourism activities; Dapitan City (Region IX) of Zamboanga del Sur, holds one of the historical treasures of Dr Jose Rizal complemented by its rustic surroundings and thriving aqua culture industry.
Emerging Destinations fact sheets
The list is included at the Biyahe Exchange Program that will focus on the business agenda between corporate buyers and travel sellers where the country’s tourism will benefit in promoting travel destinations and regional products for both Filipinos and international travelers. The Biyahe Exchange Program is part of the 21st Travel Mart at the SM Megatrade Halls on September 3-5, 2010 where the main goal is to market top tourist destinations in the country and help local and foreign investors discover business plans and possibilities. The expo will also help travel aficionados to discover special packages that is fit for the budget such as discounted tours and hotels for their usual 3-day events/travels with their friends.
List of the packages presented by Philtoa
(DOT Usec Enteng Romano)
The event was graced by the DOT Under Secretary Vicente “Enteng” Romano III who handles the tourism planning and promotions in the department and he is happy with the support that Philtoa is giving to them and for the country.
WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 3 Star accommodations at the luxurious Artista Boracay Resort on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.
Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 3 Star Accommodations at the Artista Boracay Resort
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila Domestic Airport
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sino ba ang hindi mahilig kumain lalo na kung ang hinanda sa harap mo yung tipong wala nang tayuan sa mesa dahil sa sobrang sarap. Ito ang naranasan naming mga bloggers matapos ang Keso de Gallo event ng Kraft Eden Cheese na ginawa sa Bacolor Pampanga sa San Guillermo Church noong Christmas Eve na kung saan after ng Misa de Gallo ay tumungo kami papuntang Angeles City sa Pampanga para bisitahin si Chef Claude Tayag at ang kanyang may bahay na si Ms. Mary Ann Quidoc-Tayag na isa namang columnist ng The Philippine Star sa kanilang bahay/restaurant na ang pangalan ay Bale Dutung. Welcome drink nila Chef Claude and Ma'am Mary Ann sa mga bloggers at sa mga members ng Kraft. Freshly squeeze orange and combined with manggo at ang ice made of sweetened manggo puree. Chef Claude's famous chocolate batirol with pinipig and nicholas (cookies). Something to warm our stomach sa malamig na umaga sa Pampanga, and it really warms our belly kasi sa secret spice na sinama niya sa drink na ito.
I never thought that the usual dinuguan na paborito kong iulam sa kanin ay iseserve lang as soup sa Bale Dutung, and the reason why I love Chef Claude's Dinuguan is that buo buo pa ng blood at beef ang meat na ginamit. With chili leaves and instead of vinegar ang ginamit pampaasim, he uses kamias.
Tamales, ham, Kraft Eden Cheese ground beef and chorizo on my plate heaven ang almusal talaga sa Bale Dutung nila Chef Claude Tayag.
Tamales and ground beef with corn, greenpeace, potato and cheese.
Suman, gawa sa malagkit na bigas na hinaluan ng gata at asukal at binalot sa dahon ng saging at ini-steam hanggang maluto. Minsan ginagawa rin ito sa punongkahoy at ubo. Sinasamahan ito ng latik or shredded coconut.
Kulang ang suman if hindi natin ito sasamahan ng mangga at coco jam na mas magpapasarap sa salty sweet ng sumang bulakta ito ang sabi ni Ma'am Mary Ann.
Bikong Pinipig with Latik - Nasanay tayo sa mga biko na gawa sa malagkit na bigas, pero ang ginawa ni Chef Claude ay biko na gawa sa pinipig with the same ingredients pero insted of malagkit ay pinalitan niya ito ng fresh pinipig.
Hindi sekreto para kay Chef Claude ang mga ingedients niya at mga pamamaraan nya sa pagluto kaya inilabas niya ang book niyang Food Tour na kung saan ibinabahagi niya sa lahat ng mga recipies niya. Because Women also Men love to play with kitchen utensils and sometimes can create good food like Chef Claude. Bukod sa mga niluluto ni Chef Claude ay gumagawa rin sila ni Ma'am Mary Ann ng mga condiments at mga spices tulad ng Aslam (vinegar na hinaluan ng sili, bawang at paminta), crab fat or aligue, chili sauce, balo balo, oriental sauces, pesto at inasal marinade where you can order from them.
With his secret ingredient para sa kanyang Chocolate baterol na medyo may spicy effect sa lalamunan, ang ginagamit niyang panghalo or baterol ay pinasadya niya.
To add up sa zen feel na restaurant nila Chef Claude may sculture ng isang tikbalang or pan (myth creature) sa may pond na kung saan ay bamboo na dinadaanan ng tubig to make it more relaxing.
Relazing ito ang mararamdaman mo pag nasa loob ka na ng Bale Dutung na kung saan hindi mo mamalayan na nasa loob ka ng isang subdivision sa gitna ng Angeles City Pampanga isang magandang getaway mula sa stressful work.
The visit at the Bale Dutung is made possible by Amor Maclang of Geisler Maclang Group, Jannet Toral of Digital Filipino Club and Alex Tacderas of Kraft Food Philippines.
For those who want to visit Bale Dutung to reserve for dining and buy their products please contact Mary Ann Quidoc-Tayag at telephone/fax number (+63)(45) 888.5163 or email them at mquidoctayag@yahoo.com. Bale Dutung is located at Villa Gloria Subdivision, Angeles City, Pampanga.
I am Flow Galindez, blogger and a proud advocate of UN World Food Programme Against Child Hunger and Protection. WFP's Bloggers Against Hunger Philippine Connector and MDG advocate. Also advocates for climate change and HIV/ AIDS awareness, education, child and women's rights. I also blog about entertainment, events, lifestyle, news, tech and gadgets, movies and theaters and foodie stuff--- Opinions expressed here are my own.
