Viva Manila: A Carlos Celdran Downtown Tour

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Carlos Celdran is Filipino tour guide, cultural activist and performer artist (from Wikipedia). I would agree to this. I attended his tour and he was a great tour guide. I am supporting his petition about the Torre being built that would destroy the beauty of Rizal Park. Lastly, I saw him sing a song at the Miramar hotel. He is very famous for his Rabbit Ears headband.

Reminders from Mr. Celdran at MMDA Safety Park

He has been offering tours to the people, both foreigners and locals, to appreciate the beauty and rich culture of the Philippines. Some of his famous tours are: Intramuros Tour, Binondo Tour, Imelda CCP Tour.

We joined the 2^nd Viva Manila Tour last September 8, 2013. Although it rained, it doesn’t stop us to continue the tour and enjoy the magnificent downtown manila. We had a walk tour around Padre Faura, Malate, U.N Avenue, Roxas Blvd. and Ermita. You will learn a lot of fun facts from Carlos. It’s a FREE TOUR, which makes it more FUN.

We discovered this free tour in his Fan Page in Facebook. Here is a sample post that he has.

Some of the facts, I remembered:

1. Imelda Marcos established MMDA. She’s the Queen of MMDA ( Acts like a governor)
2. MMDA top position is not as important as before. (Janitor of the mayors)
3. Imelda is the brain of why Edsa existed.
4. She’s also responsible for the commercialization of the Harrison Park.
5. Ermita was named after the word HERMIT ( I forgot why, forgive me)
6. Carlos lived at the Miramar Hotel and watched the 9-11 news there.

JadeVine's Sign for our tour group 

The flow of the VIVAMANILA Downtown Manila Tour

Visit and educate yourself at the MMDA Safety Park 

Jeepney Ride to Mabini St.

Visit an art museum ( Maria Closa: Arts Primities Antiques)

Visit a 1945 store (Tesoro’s)Visit a Hotel [Lotus]

Visit Solidaridad Bookstore ( unfortunately, the store owner didn’t open for us)

Visit a famous bakery – Hizon’s

Visit HIRAYA Gallery

Free Pika-Pika food from JadeVine c/o Manila City Hall

 Visit Miramar Hotel for their Art Deco 

Group Picture in Luneta/ Rizal Park

My Latest Luneta Pic without any building behind.

  

The whole trip lasted for 3 hours, but it was really worth it. You’ll appreciate how beautiful Manila is. I fell in love with the rich cultural heritage that still exists. After the trip, it made me realize that there are still more places to visit around Manila. I hope that more people can visit these places.

I can't hide my happiness because Carlos Celdran re tweeted, favorited and liked my photo in Twitter and Instagram :) I know he's the admin of his own account and not just any person. :)

I will post our experiences for each destination we been to throughout this trip. I would just like to share to you a glimpse of what a VIVA Manila tour is. Watch out for the next Viva Manila tour on the 3rd week of October.

Enjoy!

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Explorer Tours Vietnam

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It’s been a while since my last entry in this blog. I would share to you my bad experience when it comes to travel agency in Vietnam. If you see "Explorer Tours Vietnam", Do not book there. They have so many bad reviews already.

It was my first time in Vietnam and we really want to go to Ha Long Bay. We booked for a private tour w/ private cruise so we can have control with our time. We have to pay a fortune for this one [$150 per person] Yes, It’s quite expensive but we have no choice. It was a bad decision to choose this Travel Agency.

Sadly, there was a storm so we have to cancel our trip there. The night before we arrived Hanoi, the travel agent informed us that our trip was cancelled. They suggested that we try this other tour [ Tam Coc – Ha Long Bay on Land]. So we did, because we really don’t have any choice. Our Hanoi experience was destroyed by this travel agency.

What annoyed me during that time are the ff:

1. They informed us late about the cancellation of our trip [7pm], we’re already in the airport. I sent an email for suggestions, they replied late. We just change the tour to tam coc, even if it’s so expensive and seems not worth it ( so we won’t waste our stay in Hanoi)
2. Original time of Pick-up from our Hotel : 6am; They said, since we confirmed late, 8am.  But they arrived in our hotel: 11AM!!
3.  Based from our tour guide, there’s no such thing as the driver of a particular car didn’t agree to anything ( the travel agency told us that, the car that was supposed to be our car for the tour decline, so they have to look for another car with a higher fee.)
4. The travel agency guy is so arrogant. Keeps on saying, he’s already there, but we have to wait for so long.

If you Google them, here are some of the posts you can see.

DO NOT BOOK YOUR TOURS WITH EXPLORERS TOURS VIETNAM. Do not be fooled, they have so many websites with different names. 

If you try to goggle Explorer Tours Vietnam Tripadvisor in Google, you'll read a lot of stories from other tourists. I hope you’ll not experience the same misfortune that we encountered during our stay.

Here's their contact detail:

Merchant Name: Explorer Tours Vietnam

Address: 85 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: (844)39.230.713 

Fax: (844)39.230.835

Email: explorertours@yahoo.com

My suggestion:

1.       Book a tour through your hotel.

2.       Book a tour when you arrive in Vietnam.

3.       Always have a back-up plan of traveling by yourself. You can try hiring local tour guides [triip.me]

Would I still go back to Hanoi, Vietnam?

My answer is: Of course! I haven’t been to Ha Long Bay L I would really love to explore other places in Vietnam. In my next post, I’ll share to you our itinerary for this expensive trip J

P.S the cost of our Tam Coc Tour = $110 per person and we didn’t see the beauty of the place because we arrived late and the rain is already heavy.

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Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

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The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is now on its 4th year. More countries are joining now to the competition as compare to the previous years.

This year would be my first time to watch the pyromusical. My friends and I would be on the Gold section. We are planning to watch on March 16, 2013 ( China and Australia Presentation). I'm still planning to watch other presentation for free, so I have to look for good view around MOA that provides free access :)

Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2013 will still be at Mall of Asia ( By the Bay Area). 

The show would start at 7:30 PM, however guests with tickets can enter the venue as early as 4-5PM. 

The Philippines is not part of the competition since our country is hosting the competition. However, The Philippines still perform and showcase our talents when it comes to Pyromusical.

These are the list of winners from the previous Philippine International Pyromusical Competition:

2010:

Champion: United Kingdom

1^st Runner Up: Australia

2^nd Runner Up: Japan

2011:

Champion: China

1^st Runner Up: United Kingdom

2^nd Runner Up: Japan

2012:

Champion: Canada

1^st Runner Up: Finland

2^nd Runner Up: Netherlands

Here is the List of Participants for each Saturday of February - March:

THE MAP

Map of MOA for the 4th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

In my opinion, the price for the show is a bit expensive. I tried to look for some promos available for tickets to the Pyromusical :)

Customers may redeem the ticket one day before or on the date of the show from 10:00AM to 5:00PM at designated Ensogo ticket redemption booths. (North area near IMAX)For more info on redemption.

Tickets can be redeemed on the date of the show from 10:00AM to 5:00PM at designated MetroDeal ticket redemption booths.

Claiming of tickets starts at 10:00AM on each Saturday event at the CashCashPinoy counter at the SM Mall of Asia grounds near IMAX theater

Read the deal here: Dinner Cruise

Any problem going home? :)

Worry no more! there are many FX( Going to different parts of Manila) 

Check out the list of PUJ and FX Here: Metro Manila Directions

For more information, you can visit their 

Facebook Page(Official): http://www.facebook.com/PyroPhilippines

Website: http://www.pyrophilippines.com/

*Photos are from the official facebook account of PIPC

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SkyScanner Review

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Skyscanner is very popular when it comes to showing the user the details about different flights. It also includes the cost of the fare, the travel time, etc.

Skyscanner also has an application for both iP hone/iTouch/iPad and Android Phone users. It’s a free app, but requires an internet ( Mobile Network or Wifi). They also have it on Web. 

What can the Skyscanner offer?

• Gives you details about actual flight details.
• It would show you the cheapest available fare for your  desired destination.
•  It shows different inclusion of your preferred airlines.
• Gives you the convenience of not checking all the different airline sites one by one.
•  It includes both Domestic and International airline options

I have been using this application since I started to love traveling. It provides me the opportunity to weigh the pros and cons of choosing different airlines.  It also allows me to purchase tickets at a very affordable price.

I really recommend this application for you guys!

First, since it’s a free app, it would costs you anything but the space (10MB). 

Second, You would save time for looking for affordable rates.

Third, they also include hotel and car rental search

For more information you can visit their

Website : http://www.skyscanner.com.ph/

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/SkyscannerPhilippines

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Island Souvenirs Cebu

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Sinulog, a celebration made for Sto.Nino, is one of the most visited festival here in the Philippines. Visitors would expect Parades, street parties, Sto.Nino blessing, native dances, and the likes.

Visitors must know that the prices during Sinulog would increase. 20-50% for hotel rates, according to one travel blogger I met during the trade fair. Airfare Tickets would also increase! You should better buy your tickets early! :D

SINULOG SHIRT

Never forget to buy Sinulog shirt, or at least a Cebu shirt! This would become handy during Street parties during the Sinulog day itself!

I suggest, you buy to Island Souvenir, SM, Robinsons, Ayala. They have a lot of designs you can choose from.

ISLAND SOUVENIRS

• They are very popular in selling Souvenir shirt to tourist. You can purchase personalized shirt, sinulog shirts, cebu shirts, cebu delicacies, refrigerator magnet, key chain, and baller.
• There are two branches in Cebu that i know: Near Magellan's Cross and Ayala Mall

• Personalized shirt
• This is around 200-300 pesos with free 10 letters. I'm not sure if the word "CEBU" is already part of the 10 letter limit. Any letter beyond 10, you have to pay for it. 
• It would take around 15-20 minutes before you can have it
• In comparison with the Boracay branch, I can say that this store in Cebu offered so many products and finishes the order fast. ( I remembered that it would take around 1 day to make a personalized shirt in boracay.)

• Cebu Delicacies
• They have Peanut Kisses, Otap, Dried mangoes, Candies, Dangit, Pusit, and the likes. 
• It's a bit more expensive as compare to other stores, however, you can have the convenience of not travelling from different places. (You'll never know that the Gas or taxi fare you consume or pay is much more expensive then buying here in a One stop shop)
• If you have an Enjoy Card ( Discount Card), you can avail a 10% Discount. --- Make sure to present it before giving the payment, because they have to write some details at a different paper. 

• Sinulog and Cebu Shirt
• Price : 259 to 799, depends on the design and color of the shirt. 
• This is something unique that I saw from this store. You'll only have to pay 50 pesos, and they'll make alterations in you shirt. 

Sample of Alterations 

I can't wait for the next Sinulog Expereince! Pit Senyor!! See you! 

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TRAVEL EXPO 2013

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Travel Expo 2013

If you are interested in having discount in your travel plans, then this TRAVEL EXPO 2013 is perfect for you.

Travel Expo is an annual event for travel enthusiasts and for Travel related companies. This is a way to create interaction for both parties. It’s a win-win situation, where the customers gets discounts, while the companies would have sales.

This would be my 2^nd time to attend a travel fair, after the Philippine Travel Fair event last 2012 at SMX. That event was full of brochures from different places, discounts, freebies, and the likes. The entrance ticket that I paid for is very worth it J

TRAVEL EXPO 2013

SMX Convention CenterHall 1, 2, 3, 4 and Function Room 5

February 15 – 17, 2013

Ticket Price:

Php 50.00

Php 25.00 – Senior Citizens

What to Expect?

• Government Agencies  showcasing different tourist destinations in their region J
• Airfare discounts from different Airlines ( Domestic and International)
•  Hotels, Travel Agencies, Tourist Attractions giving discounts, Promos and Add Ons.
• Raffle and Contests from the Organizers
• Huge number of Attendees.

Note: Most of the discounts and Promos are only available during the event. So better decide right away! :D

Travel Expo 2013 is also offering the Travel expo 2013 booklet. Each booklet would costs you around Php 200.00.

What’s inside the Travel Expo 2013 Booklet?

1. 2 complimentary tickets( Worth 50 pesos each)
2. Cruise, Airlines, Hotels, and Resorts Discount Coupons and Promos
3. Free Gifts from different establishment

Here are some samples of the coupons inside the booklet 

List of Establishments with Promos and Discounts in this booklet

Complimentary Tickets

Where to Buy?

PTAA Office located at 12^th Floor of EGI Tower, Gil Puyat Ave. cor Taft Avenue.

How to go there?

• Ride the LRT go to Gil Puyat Station :)
•  From Moa – Ride a  Jeep going to Buendia
•  From Taft Avenue ( UN/ Pedro Gil/Quirino/ Vito Cruz) – Jeep going to Baclaran and go down, at Gil Puyat Ave.

I’m planning to go there on Friday because I think some of the discounts and promos have a limited number. Also, If in case, I plan of going back, at least there’s still 2 days left for me.

Some Tips before going to the Travel Fair:

•  Bring Cash, just in case, your Credit Card doesn't work
•  Plan your itinerary ahead; this would include the venue and the date of your departure.
•  Bring a Backpack or a Bag for your flyers and brochure.
• Don't be shy to ask for information about the travel.
• Bring Calling Cards, because some establishments have contests 

For more information, you can visit the following :

Travel Tour Facebook Account

Travel Tour Expo Fan Page

Website

 See you there! :)

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Cebu Pacific and Zest Air Prepaid Baggage

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Every time a traveler visits a tourist destination, you can't blame him/her to have an overweight baggage by the time that person would check-in his/her baggage.

Good thing, Cebu Pacific has this Prepaid Baggage service, in which you can add more weight for your check in baggage.

Excess Baggage Rate:

Zest Air:

Domestic = Php 150.00/kg (includes VAT)

International = Php 450.00/kg (includes VAT)

Cebu Pacific:

Domestic = Php 400.00/kg ( +12% VAT)

International = Php 600.00/kg ( +12% VAT)

Dubai = Php 1500.00/ kg

How much is the Prepaid Baggage? 

For ZEST AIR

For CEBU PACIFIC

We must remember that we can only purchase prepaid baggage 4 Hours before the Departure time.

How to Avail the Prepaid Baggage?

For ZEST AIR

> You must go to a ticketing office and avail the Prepaid Baggage Service.

For Cebu Pacific

> You can use your Credit Card, and Go to Manage Booking Page, Call Center or Sales Office

NOTE: You can also avail the Prepaid Baggage when you are buying your ticket. To avoid inconvenience, try too foresee your expected baggage weight after all the souvenirs,etc. :)

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