Travel Ballers

Traveling abroad soon? Save yourself the trouble of explaining and just point! Travel ballers for sale. 100 Philippine pesos each :) 

Contact: +639175135646 / +639189678104 / +639258678104
Email: johnalmeda@gmail.com

Available in Blue, Pink, Yellow and Orange. We can also make other colors with a minimum order. 

3 days in dumaguete and siquijor

DAY 1

0710 AM    Depart for Dumaguete on Cebu Pacific Flight 625

0825 AM    Arrive at Dumaguete (Sibulan Airport) and transfer to Hotel Essencia

                  * Free Pick-Up at the Airport

0845 AM    Arrive at Hotel Essencia and Check In

                  *Early Check-in depends on availability of rooms

*we were hungry, so after a little rest, we went on to eat.

1100 AM    Brunch at Kri Restaurant

1330 NN     Dessert at Sans Rival

                  Walk around dumaguete city

1600 PM     Rest at Hotel

1900 PM     Dinner at Hayahay Restaurant

2100 PM     Massage at Hotel Essencia

2200 PM     Bed time

DAY 2

0700 AM     Wake up and bathroom time

0800 AM     Breakfast at hotel

0900 AM     Tour of Silliman University

1015 AM     Depart for siquijor via Fastcraft

1130 AM     Arrive at siquijor, rent a multicab or a tricycle to go around town

1700 PM     Depart for dumaguete via RORO

1900 PM     Arrive at dumaguete, walk to Rizal ave. and eat "tempura"

2000 PM     Dinner at Cafe Antonio

2200 PM     Bed time

DAY 3

0700 AM     Wake up and bathroom time

0800 AM     Breakfast at hotel
0900 AM     Church at Dumaguete Cathedral

1000 AM     Visit the Bellfry Tower and Quezon Park
1100 AM     Lunch at 2 Story Kitchen

1230 PM     Return to hotel to rest (Request for late checkout)
1400 PM     Check out for flight to Manila
1645 PM     Depart for Manila on Cebu Pacific Flight 630

the Philippines so far..

My Lakbayan grade is B!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Another 3 day Holiday!!!! :) Set your vacations..

Proclamation No. 629, s. 2013

Published: August 1, 2013. Latest update: August 1, 2013.

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 629

DECLARING FRIDAY, 9 AUGUST 2013, AS A REGULAR HOLIDAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY IN OBSERVANCE OF EID’L FITR (FEAST OF RAMADHAN)

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) as a regular holiday throughout the country;

WHEREAS, Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting;

WHEREAS, to promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr; and

WHEREAS, in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday throughout the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan). The Eid’l Fitr Prayer shall be performed depending on the result of the moon-sighting activity on 7 August 2013.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 1st day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:
(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.Executive Secretary

Source: Official Gazette

Singapore Hostels

So this year, I went to Singapore three times and stayed at different hostels in the Chinatown area.

Here is a review of the hostels I stayed at.

1. Matchbox Concept Hostel

    39 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069716

    +65 6423 0237

    pillowtalk@matchbox.sg

Of the three hostels. this was the farthest from the MRT Station (Chinatown). But it was also closest to the Maxwell food center.

Beds - big enough, lighted, a bit messy. It was like a bed in a capsule hotel, except for one side open.
Bathroom - One big bathroom for everyone, which was clean and big. The cubicles included the toilet and the shower. Shampoo and liquid soap were provided in the cublicles.
Common Areas - unfortunately, they had overbooked the time we stayed, so they put the other guests in the common areas and closed them.
Reception - quite small, probably could sit about 4 guests. You have to take off your shoes when after the reception area.
Internet Access - Wifi is provided in the hostel.
Staff - they were accommodating but were understaffed.
Breakfast - included the basics, bread, spread and coffee served at the 2nd floor, no tables are provided though.
Surrounding Areas - Pubs and Clubs usually filled with expatriates.
Price: 30USD


2. Adler Hostel

    259 South Bridge Rd S058808 

    +65 6226 0173

    contact@adlerintl.com

The closest of the three to the MRT station.

Beds - Like Matchbox, the beds are like those in capsule hotels, with one side open that you could close with a curtain. Lockers by the way are tucked inside your small "capsule."
Bathroom - Bathrooms are separated by gender, with the male toilet in the 2nd floor, while the female toilet is located at the 1st floor. Also like Matchbox, the cubicles included the toilet and the shower in the same area.
Common Areas - I didn't notice any common area aside from the dining area and the reception, but with a big reception, I guess that would do.
Reception - Big reception area connected to the dining area. Limited time. they usually go home. and come back at around 6:30 AM.
Internet Access - A computer is available at the reception and Wifi is provided in the hostel.
Staff - the staff were accommodating. They even bring some local delicacies to go with your breakfast.
Breakfast - Included the basics, bread, spread and coffee, the hostel staff also brings a few local delicacies to go with your breakfast.

Surrounding Areas - On the main st. close to the temple and chinatown stores.

Price: 45USD

3. Ruscksack Inn

    52 Temple Street, Singapore 059672, Singapore

In terms of location, this is in the middle of the 2 other hostels, but for, they had the best staff.

Beds - The beds here are the typical hostel beds, double decks without any cover. The passageways are kind of small inside the rooms. Lockers are located outside the room.
Bathroom - Bathrooms are mixed. the Shower and Laundry room on the 2nd floor is kind of small with little room for your clothes. The toilet on the 2nd floor is located across the hall, wherein you would need to pass by the regular building hallway (passage way for 3rd floor and up offices).
Common Areas - They have a big dining room compared to others, plus the fact that they utilize the side street, with tables outside for breakfast or drinks during the day and night.
Reception - Small reception area connected to the dining area.You have to take off your shoes when after the reception area. Other travel bookings and needs are available here. 24hours.
Internet Access - Computers are available at the reception and Wifi is provided in the hostel.
Staff - They have a great staff to complement the hostel. They also give great advice.
Breakfast - Included the basics, bread, spread and coffee.
Surrounding Areas - Close to the train station, and the Chinatown stores. Also close to Mcdonalds.
Price: 25USD

Depending on your needs, you could go to either of the three and you'll have a great time.

Batanes in 3 Days

Day 1

0600     Depart for Basco, Batanes on PALexpress Flight 2P084
0750     Arrival at Basco Airport, Transfer to Hotel (5 mins by foot)

Arrival area of the Basco Airport

0815     Arrive at DDD Habitat Hotel, Check-in 

Aircon room for only 1,200 Pesos/night
Fan room at 600 Pesos/night

0845     Rent a Bike at Amboy's located along Abad St.
             *bike rental fee is 25 Pesos/hour for a maximum of 250 Pesos/day

My bike in front of the Honesty Coffee Shop

0900     Bike thru the towns of Batan Island (Basco, Mahatao and Ivana, about 15 kms. one way)
             *Alternatively, you can get a day tour for 1,000-1,500 Pesos for a Van, a more comfortable way of seeing Batan Island with less time, include the Malboro Country, Valugan Boulder Beach and Fundacion Pacita in the itinerary if renting a van.

Things to see along Basco-Mahatao-Ivana Road:
     1. Mahatao view deck
     2. Mahatao Church
     3. House of Dakay
     4. Ivana Church
     5. Honesty Coffee

You can have lunch at Vatang Grill along the national road in San Vicente, Ivana.

Viands cost between 130-300 Pesos/dish

After a long day biking, I'm sure you'll be happy to just rest and sleep at the Hotel. :)
If you're in the mood for dinner, at around 4PM, the fish vendors will be selling their catch at Abad st., you can get lobsters and fish at a very cheap price and have it cooked at the hotel.

Day 2

0400     Bathroom and Breakfast (if you want to have breakfast at the hotel, be sure to tell them a day in advance, breakfast costs 150 Pesos)
0445     Wait for a Jeep at Castillejos St., 5 seconds walk from DDD Habitat to go to Ivana Port, if you miss the jeep, it would be better to do the Sabtang Tour on your 3rd day.
0545     Arrive at Ivana Port

Boat rides costs 75 Pesos/way

0600     Wait for the Boat, St. Thomas(smaller) or Sta. Ines (bigger). Write your name on the passenger manifest before boarding and then board. Payment is collected when you arrive at Sabtang island.
0645     Arrival at Sabtang Island
             The Sabtang Tourism Office collects 200 Pesos/person as an environmental charge
             Should you have no reservation, there are tricycles within the port that will offer you a tour of Sabtang Island. (800 Pesos for 2 towns, the lighthouse and beach, 1,500 Pesos for 4 towns, the lighthouse and beach.)

Rolling Hills of Sabtang

Chavayan Town, where you could buy authentic Vacul

The only remaining church with cogon roof (Chavayan Town)

Sabtang Lighhouse

Lunch is optional at 300 Pesos/person, served beachside, make sure you reserve with the tour guide before the tour

1300     Arrive at Sabtang Port for ferry back to Batan Island
1330     Arrive at Ivana Port
             If prior arrangements have been made, you can go around southern Batan Island including the Malboro Hills, Vayugan Boulder Beach, Fundacion Pacita and PAG-ASA weather station. Otherwise, ride a jeepney to Basco (27 Pesos) and rest until sunset and dinner at the Basco Lighthouse.
             *Jeep passes in front of
1400     Rest at DDD Habitat
1645     Walk to the Basco lighthouse to see the sunset and have dinner at the bunker cafe (reservations needed)

Basco Lighthouse

 

Bunker Cafe (Reservations needed, they really won't accommodate you if you don't have one)

The Sunset at Basco Lighthouse

1945     Head back to the hotel to rest

Day 3

1000     Go to Church

1200     Lunch at Shanedels or Batanes Seaside Resort or Octagon (please make prior arrangements)

1400     If you did not take the south Batan tour on your second day, now is the time to take it (Malboro Hills, Vayugan Boulder Beach, Fundacion Pacita and PAG-ASA weather station)

1800     Dinner at Pension Ivatan for some local dishes. (refrain from eating coconut crabs as they are endagered.

2000     Rest for the night or drinks at shanedels or octagon

Day 4

0500     Dress up and pack your bags for your return flight.
0600     Head towards the Airport, 5 mins walk
0810     Flight to Manila via PAL Express

I missed some of the attractions deliberately to be sure that I would go back to Batanes.

Some Tips for Osaka and Kyoto

General tips:

Get the Icoca / Haruka Card. It has a 2 way airport Transfer worth 4000 Yen and 1500 Yen balance on your card, 500 Yen deposit for the card for only 4000 Yen. The Airport Transfer can drop you off at Kobe, Kyoto or Osaka. The 1500 balance can be used for local train services in the said areas. Shoud you decide to refund the 500 Yen deposit, there is a small charge of about 210 Yen deductible from the deposit.

 Trains are always on time. Be sure to arrive earlier than departure time.

Ask a lot, the people there are all friendly. :)

Kyoto:

There are numerous temples in the area, be sure to select which of them you want to see try to travel in a linear way. some of the more popular temples are: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion), Fushimi Inari Shrine (temple of thousands of Torii Gates) and the Kiyomizu Dera (The oldest and biggest Temple). There are other temples in the area, you just need to know what you want to see. 

Food:

Budget: Nakau Restaurant, there's one just across the Kyoto Station

Market: Nishiki Market, this is where you'll find almost everything available to eat. Try their tofu donuts and green tea ice cream.

Rotoyaki: there's a restaurant inside the Kyoto station. it serves good sushi at a reasonable price of 137 Yen per plate. 

breakfast: Go to any convenience store and buy some onigiri, try their salmon onigiri.

To go around kyoto, it is more useful to use their buses as trains are rare. A one-day bus pass is 500 Yen, with this you can go to almost all the temples in Kyoto. 

Go to Gion to look for a Geisha. They tend to roam around during the night.

Osaka:

Sightseeing: 

Osaka Castle for some history and culture. 

Doutonburi as a road of restaurants and stores, you can find almost anything there or its surroundings, as well as the glico running man.

The Umeda Sky Building is also an attraction. you can go to the upper levels and see Osaka from a different perspective. There are also shops located within the area. 

Food:

The restaurants at doutonburi serve good food. For great okonomiyaki and takoyaki, go to the restaurant under the Glico running man. For great ramen, go to Ippudo Ramen near Shinsaibashi. 

Transportation is relatively easy. just use a 1-day train pass for 500 yen and your good to go, except for your night life, as train service end around 11-12 midnight. Take a taxi thereafter.