Say you have enough money for a weekend trip within the country. Where would you go: Boracay, Palawan or Basilan?

Boracay
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there’s a reason why people want to go to Boracay. Those who haven’t been there wants to go at least once, and those who have wants to go back. Apart from the fine white sand and crystal blue waters, Boracay has plenty of activities to keep everybody occupied. It has a distinct party vibe, yet it’s laid back enough for people who just want to relax. Why wouldn’t you want to go to Boracay?

Palawan
Said to be the last frontier, Palawan is nature at its finest. Proclaimed as a national reserve, the whole island is virtually unspoilt nature. It may not be as lively as Boracay, but the magnificence of its limestone rocks, subterranean river, coral reefs and their flora and fauna greatly surpasses that little island off Aklan. Do you go to Coron with its spectacular underwater treasures? To Puerto Princessa with its underground river? Or perhaps to El Nido for some much needed quiet time beside the sea?

Basilan
A tiny island in Mindanao, the mere mention of Basilan brings to mind the group Abu Sayyaf whose infamous acts included the kidnapping and beheading of foreign tourists from Palawan and known for its supposed ties with the Al Quaeda. Their location, local economy and previous warfare in the area made Basilan a destination off the beaten path. However, its proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia gave Basilan a unique cultural blend. Beyond the stilt houses and the underdevelopment you’d glimpse upon a slice of paradise: beaches as white as Boracay and Palawan minus the tourist. But is it worth the trek and the possible threat to your safety (or your parent’s sanity)?

Where would you go? You can log your votes through the poll at my blog’s sidebar. Feel free to state the reason for your choice in the comments area

Popularity: 17% [?]

While everybody headed out of Manila to spend Holy Week at the beach or shopping overseas, I stayed in Manila. Hardly anyone I know (well, the partyphiles anyway) wanted to stay in Manila during Lent because they all know Manila would be dead and deserted. And that’s why I wanted to stay in Manila.

Luneta

 
Manila without traffic is heaven. It’s so great to drive around — my friends picked me up at 3:00 pm, and we were at Quiapo by 3:20. That’s where we encountered the traffic, Quiapo Church. There were too many jeepneys and all of them waiting for passengers. Once we got past the traffic, the roads were virtually empty again.

Nazuna and Jose

 
The destination was Luneta, but we decided to check if Fort Santiago was open. We entered Intramuros and we were able to have a running tour of the walled city as the road between San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral was closed to vehicular traffic. To our disappointment, Fort Santiago was closed. We drove on to Rizal Park.

Err, hero’s walk? This pathway was lined by busts notable people in the Philippine’s history.

 
We parked at the Quirino Grandstand, right in front of the entrance to the Manila Ocean Park. We would’ve gone inside (and escaped the sun and the heat), but we decided to put off the visit until the entire complex is finished. The field across the grandstand was filled with people flying kites. The kites made me remember the times we went to the cemetery during All Saint’s Day. We made our way to Kilometer 0, the starting point for all kilometer markers around the Philippines.

Avril at the entrance to the Chinese Garden

 
I was instantly reminded of the first time I encountered this marker. It was the starting and end point of this race I unwittingly signed up for almost four years ago. That was also the last time I remembered being, rather, passing through Rizal Park.

Bananacue!

 
I’ve always thought that Luneta was just that strip of land between Roxas Boulevard and Mabini. It turns out that Rizal Park starts from Taft Avenue (where that bas relief map of the Philippines is) up to the Quirino Grandstand. Not only that, there’s also several gardens within the complex: the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Manila Orchidarium, and the Artist’s Haven. Unfortunately, they were all closed, so we just walked around Luneta, enjoying our bananacue, green mangoes with bagoong and C2 iced tea.

The Rizal Monument

 
When we got tired, we made our way back to the car and decided to check if the Paco Park was open. It wasn’t, so we decided to go to the CCP complex instead. If it was a regular day, we woulnd’t even thought to go to Paco park or even go near Taft Avenue. Because there weren’t many cars on the road, it was joy to drive around Manila. We also realized that in between us three, we can manage to navigate around this city.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines

 
Tired from our walk around Luneta and not wanting to brave the heat again, we just drove around the CCP complex, then headed home. This trip made me realize that though I can find my way around Manila, I never really stopped to see what this city has to offer. I have been to most malls in Metro Manila, but I haven’t really gone beyond that. Well, that’s going to change. I promised myself that I will explore Manila more this year, and I’m making sure I would. Now, where should I go next week?

Want to go around Manila but don’t have a car? Or do you want to live on the edge and brave Manila’s transport system? I found a nifty guide on getting around Manila by public transport. This guide lists various tourist attractions around Manila and would definitely would be useful even to locals like me.

Popularity: 17% [?]

My common sense may have deserted me when I was onboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J527 and 5J528, but my friend’s dad didn’t and he bought Cebu Pacific’s mini flexi-tripod. I managed to succesfully pester Anna to meet up so we can compare the two tripods.

All I can say is that I am glad that I bought the original Joby Gorillapod. After seeing, feeling and trying the cheap imitation, I was relieved that I invested on my tripod.

The Original Gorillapod in grey, the Cebu Pacific Mini flexi-tripod in orange

 
At first glance they really look similar. Same size, same design. The flexi-tripod (a.k.a. Goofypod in some countries. What the heck?), can copy any position the Gorillapod can. It also comes with that clip thing to attach the camera to the tripod. And it comes in colors! (I bought my Gorillapod before they came out with the colored version. Boo!)

Bent over

 
That’s where the similarity ends, though. When handling the Gorillapod, one of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s pretty hard to position the legs. Not because it’s not flexible, but because it’s (for lack of better word), tight. In contrast, the flexi-tripod is very very loose. Think of it this way: the flexi tripod moves like a graceful dancer, while the Gorillapod is dacing the robot.

With my antique A70 loaded with 4 AA-size battery

 
This, however, plays a factor on how stable the tripods are. The Gorillapod with its strong joints, as well as its grips makes it a really stable tripod. The rubber grips of the flexi-tripod, on the other hand, is very smooth, which makes it prone to slipping. Don’t get me wrong, you *can* still use the tripod; it’s not totally useless. I was able to put my rather heavy Canon Powershot A70 on it and it managed to stay upright. I doubt that I would use it if I’m to attach the tripod to a chair back or a winebottle.

In the end, I am not regretting my decision to shell out Php1,400 for my Joby Gorillapod. Afterall, I am getting quality for that price. The flexi-tripod can be used as a regular tripod, but you don’t buy a Gorillapod-like tripod just to use it in the conventional way, right?

Anything you can do, I can do as well. Though not necessarily better.

 
You don’t have to get onboard a Cebu Pacific flight to buy this flexi-tripod. I was at Quiapo last Saturday and saw similar tripods being sold at the photography shops around Hidalgo. The point and shoot version sells for Php 450, while the SLR version costs Php 1,800 at Henry’s Cam (fronting SM Carriedo). Remember, you get what you pay for.

Popularity: 29% [?]

The hype about the Airbus A380 may have subsided, but it’s certainly not forgotten. Not by me anyway. After all that fanfare with Singapore Airlines’ A380, Emirates, the second airline set to receive the super jumbo is relatively quiet about is first commercial flight.

Searching for news about its maiden flight led me to ArabianBusiness.com’s article:

Emirates Airline will make its first commercial flight using the Airbus A380 super jumbo on October 1 this year on a direct flight to New York.

A search on the airline’s own e-booking website reveals that the 8.30am flight, EK201 from Dubai to New York, will be an A380. The earlier flight that day, and the same flight on the previous day, are still listed as Boeing 777-300ER flights.

Source: ArabianBusiness.com

Checking Emirate’s website, flight EK201 from Dubai International to John F. Kennedy International Airport will be an A380. It seems first class is already filled, or may be reserved as it’s marked at Unavailable. Seats are still available for Business and Economy.

Like Singapore Airlines, Emirates’ first class passengers will enjoy privacy in their own suites.

The new private suite is fully equipped with individual storage, a coat closet, vanity desk and personal mini bar. The extra-large seat reclines to become a fully flat bed, and the 23″ wide-screen LCD screen features over 600 channels of ice entertainment.

Source: Emirates’ Website

What the heck is ice entertainment?

The Emirates A380 will be configured to carry 489 passengers for Ultra Long Range flights (3 classes), 517 passengers for Long Range flights (3 class) and 600 passengers for Medium Range flights (2 class).

Popularity: 23% [?]

Donsol, Sorsogon about 540 kilometers from Manila. Like most provinces in the Bicol region, it can be reached by plane (via Legaspi) or by bus.

By Plane:
Philippine Airlines flies daily to Legaspi. PR277 from Manila departs at 7:00 am, arriving in Legaspi at 8:05 am. The flight back to Manila, PR278 leaves Legaspi at 8:45 am, arriving at 9:50 am.

Cebu Pacific has two flights to Legaspi. Flight 5J325 (M/W/F) departs Manila at 7:10 am, and arrives in Legaspi at 8:05 am. The flight back, 5J326 (M/W/F) leaves Legaspi at 8:35 am and gets to Manila by 9:30 am. Starting April 3, 2008, these two flights will be departing at a later time and will be operating daily (source: Cebu Pacific website). 5J325 will be flying daily, departing Manila at 8:25 am arriving 9:20 am. Likewise, 5J326 will also commence its daily flights, departing Legaspi at 9:50 am and arriving in Manila at 10:45 am.

Flight 5J327 flies daily leaving Manila at 12:45 am, arriving in Legaspi at 1:40 pm. The flight back, 5J328 leaves at 2:10 pm, arriving in Manila at 3:05 pm.

At the airport, you will be approached by people hawking private transfers to your resort. A van usually costs Php1,500 from Legaspi to Donsol. If you’re a big group, this is a good alternative. If you want to rough it, turn down the people offering you a van, and head out of the airport. There are always tricycles milling around. Ask the tricycle driver to take you to the transport terminal. The fare is Php50 since it’s a special trip.

At the terminal, look for the van headed for Donsol (it’s clearly marked, don’t worry). The van wouldn’t leave until it’s full. If you’re one of the first there, you can tell the barker to reserve your seat while you get a bite to eat or to buy snacks to munch on during the ride. The van ride to Donsol is about an hour and a half from Legaspi, through a very long and very winding road going up and down the mountains. Don’t worry, the road is smoothly paved. The van fare is Php60, and will be collected by before you leave the terminal.

When you reach the Donsol town proper, you can ask the van driver to drop you off at your resort for an additional fee. A fair amount would be Php20.

To get to the airport from Donsol, ride the van from the Donsol town proper. The same cost applies, but there’s a longer wait for passengers headed for Legaspi. The route back to the Legaspi terminal passes through the airport, so if you’ve no plans of sight seeing in Legaspi, just ask your driver to drop you off at the airport.

By Bus:
Several bus companies go to Legaspi and Sorsogon from Cubao or Pasay. Travel time from Manila to Legaspi is about 10 hours, and costs approximately Php650 one way. Philtranco has buses plying the Manila – Bicol route daily, with busses that go all the way to Donsol. Head on to Philtranco’s website for their schedule.

Getting out of Donsol

From Donsol, you can go further south to Sorsogon or take the ferry going to Masbate from Pilar. If you’re headed for Cebu, you can try the Pilar – Masbate – Cebu route. From Donsol, make your way to the town of Pilar. There are daily boats going to Masbate leaving at 5:00 am, 8:00 am, 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm. Fare costs Php360 one-way. From Masbate, vessel M/V Asia Indonesia goes to Cebu every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6:00 pm. There are several classes in the boat: 2nd class (Php 480), Tourist Class (Php 883), Cabin (Php 1,390) and Presidential Suite (Php 1,719). All fares are per person and excludes taxes (about Php45).

If I remember correctly, travel time from Donsol to Pilar is 30 minutes, Pilar to Masbate is 2 hours and Masbate to Cebu is 10 hours.

Happy tripping!

Popularity: 42% [?]

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The Bottom Line
Upcoming travel should not force you to live in the future — live in the moment.

In Detail
If you are about to go on a trip or long overdue vacation, your excitement is growing to a fever pitch. Today, it will hit such heights that it might be difficult for you to get any real work done. Upcoming travel should not force you to live in the future, however. There are things you need to deal with in the here and now. So try to snap out of the clouds today. Plow through the work and stay focused, You’ll be free to explore and relax soon enough!

But I like daydreaming and floating in the clouds!

I guess I will be receiving my bills today. I hate Mondays.

Or maybe I should just stop checking Friendster at 2 in the morning. Or stop checking Friendster altogether.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Here’s a list of your other accommodation options when you go to Donsol for the whale shark interaction. These are listed on the official Donsol tourism brochure.

Amor Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
E-mail: rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com / info_amorbeachresort@yahoo.com
Contact No. +63 9095181150
Contact: Razyl Amor

Vitton Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
E-mail: vittonbeachresort@yahoo.com
Contact No. +63 9279126313 / +63 9216904399
Contact: Nora Morales
(Nina’s note: Vitton is located right beside the tourist center. Very convenient since you don’t have to wake up too early for the Butanding watch, and the boats would dock right at the resort’s beach afterwards. I’ve been inside the resort and it looks really nice.)

Woodland Beach Resort
Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. 0920 863 0191 (+63 920 863 0191 for international callers)
Contact: Maricho Bigayan

Apuyan Residential Inn
Tres Maria, Donsol, Sorsogon

Inday Tourist Inn & Lodge
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

Santiago Tourist Inn
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

Hernandez Guest & Pension House
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

For Department of Tourism accredited homestays, please get in touch with Ms. Irma Jimenez (mobile: +63 906 7625955) of the Donsol Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA).

Popularity: 28% [?]

Accommodation plays a role in your overall trip experience. Whether you’re staying at your hotel/hostel/guesthouse/b&b/resort the whole day or just sleeping there, it would still impact how your general feeling about the place. I guess one of the reasons why I enjoyed my Donsol trip so much was because of the overall feel and the lovely people at the Amor Farm Beach Resort.

 
One of Donsol’s first resort, Amor Farm Beach Resort is listed as Lonely Planet as its second choice. LP describes Amor as: “right next to the vistors centre, this is a peaceful place, albeit not quite as well kept as Woodland.” They’re right about it being a peaceful place, but it seems the tourist center has moved, because it’s now a 5-minute walk from Amor.

Yay for clean bathrooms! (I had my share of memorable toilets, and this is one of the rare toilets I can remember in a very positive light)

The resort is very rustic, very natural and very Filipino. The cottages have thatched roof, the rooms are spotless and the staff are very friendly. The resort is filled with greens, save for the basketball court (which used to be a place to dry their palay). Amor also has a restaurant serving good Filipino and western dishes at reasonable prices.

Left your book at home? Amor has some reading materials you can borrow.

 
Amor’s restaurant also serves as the resort’s common area. There is a TV (which seemed to be always tuned to ABS-CBN — kapamilya sila!), a a component (for videoke, perhaps?), a table laden with books and magazines from around the world (Harry Potter in French, anyone?). If you’re traveling alone and looking to chat up with other travelers, just hang out at the restaurant and you’ll surely find someone to talk to.

The ever wonderful Agnes who welcomed us with open arms *drama* It’s really the people at Amor that made this stay so enjoyable.

 
Being listed in the Lonely Planet Philippines meant that most travels head to Amor Beach Resort when traveling in Donsol. If you’re going during the peak season (December – May for Donsol), better book a room beforehand because they fill up very quickly. When we were there, a room would only be unoccupied for less than an hour (just enough time for the housekeeping crew to do their job) before a new guest would settle in. Amor is the accomodation of choice for plenty of travelers who has gone butanding watching in Donsol. It’s also my choice.

I saw a frog there one evening *cringe*

 
Amor Farm Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile: +63 9095181150
E-mail: rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com / info_amorbeachresort@yahoo.com

Room rates (as of December 2009)
AC Room with hot & cold shower – Php 1,800
AC Room (standard) – Php 1,700
Fan Room – Php 1,000 / 1,300
Fan Room with hot & cold shower – Php 1,400
ALL rooms are with ensuite bathroom and veranda overlooking the beach.

Popularity: 42% [?]