Manila Day 1

I'm a little OC when it comes to planning so I really armed myself with step by step things to do but what really happened was far from my plans. We just went with the flow.

We have an early flight bound to Manila. We arrived around 8 AM. In my plan, we're supposed to do the city tour directly but we were so tired that as soon as we reach FGH, we slept and woke up around 11 AM just in time for lunch. Our stomach was growling that we opt to eat at the nearest possible venue - Robinson's Manila, a walk away from FGH.

1 Lunch at Robinson's Manila



After our not so satisfying lunch, we then consult our map for our next target. Unfortunately, we don't know where we are that we had to ask Manong guard for directions. We rode jeepney to Luneta park.

2 Luneta Park



3 Intramuros

We don't know how to get there. Then a Kalesa passed by. The Manong Kuchero was shouting "Intramuros". After asking the fare which we thought Php 50 for all of us, we agreed. The Manong Kuchero was so cordial and nice. He even told histories of the place. When we rode off, we were surprised that when we handed him Php 50, he said Php 250 in all saying Php 50 for each. Waaaaaa! With a heavy heart, we paid him Php 250.  The ride was not worth it considering we were cramped in that Kalesa and it's like a stone-throw away from Luneta.

Lesson learned: Ask and negotiate clearly.



 



Intramuros was jam-packed when we arrived. The entrance fee was PHP 75. We were given a booklet with the map of the place and a numbered sites to visit. I never thought that Intramuros was that big. I was in awe.



4 Manila Cathedral (Not sure! We just pass this on our way to the jeepney stop for Ocean Park!)



5 Quirino Grandstand

Just across Luneta Park. We were wondering why we didn't go there first before Intramuros.



6 Ocean Park: Oceanarium

Finally, Ocean Park at the back of Quirino Grandstand. It was late and we're on tight budget so we only bought the Oceanarium ticket for PHP 400.



 

6 Ocean Park: Dancing Jellies

Migo got intrigued with the Dancing Jellies that he urged me to come see them for PHP 150 entrance. Being a supportive girlfriend, I reluctantly agreed. I don't like jellies that much.



We went home very tired at around 6 PM. We slept then had dinner at a nearby restaurant. Actually, FGH is situated at what some called the red light district. The street was fully alive at night.

7 Dinner at Bistro Remedios





8 Roxas Boulevard

We were so full we decided to walk our fullness away.



9 Plaza

On our way back, we decided to take another route back to the pension house. There we met I-don't-know him but we still have our picture taken. Haha! We also bought cup noodles and some stuff at 7 Eleven.



10 Dreamland

Before we retired that night, we had our group calculation of expenses. We were aghast of the total amount we spent that day so we agreed to be more thrift the next day.

Silver Birthday in Manila

I thought it's cool to celebrate my silver birthday on travel so thru AirPhilExpress' Php 100sale, I and 3 of my friends book a flight to Manila last May, dates between my birthday from August 19 to August 22, 2011.Being a first timer, I am both excited and anxious. I don't really want to go there without basic info so I researched a lot about the places we plan to visit and stay (Manila, Metro Manila, Malate and Laguna).

What I prepared:
1. Maps of the place
2. Transportation
3. Accommodation
4. Itinerary

Before the date of departure to Manila, I printed maps of the City of Manila, Malate and Laguna from Google maps. We brought laptop also for the same purpose.

Accommodation:
Deciding where to stay was difficult. I have lots of considerations. I need the place to be safe, accessible and cheap. Thru Google, I bump into Ivan Henares' post about backpackers accommodation in Manila. Reading the post and comments, my mind is closing in on a Malate area pension house.

We stayed at Friendly's Guest House. It was not the first choice actually, Malate Pensione was. I have no regrets though for changing since FGH caters most of our needs also. We might try MP on our next travel to Manila soon.

How to reach FGH at NAIA Terminal 3:
3 options:
a. Fixed Rate Taxi (Php 530)
b. Metered Yellow Taxi (Php 70 flagdown, Php 4 per km, the same in Cebu's airport yellow taxi)
c. Bus

We picked the 2nd option because of our things. I would have wanted to try the Bus but majority of my companions choose taxi. I seat in front and hand the taxi driver the printed map of Malate bearing the address of FGH. The taxi driver was quite nice. I was a little disappointed for not being able to chat with him much,  uncomfortable speaking Tagalog. It was funny because he mistake me for a Korean. Toinks! Total meter upon reaching FGH was Php 320. We gave the exact amount. He offered his number to us in case we'd like to text him for taxi on our departure.

FGH Landmarks:
If you see the following, this means your already near (walking distance):
1. Just around the corner: Robinson's Place Manila
2. Straight-Aheads: The Pan Pacific Hotel, Hotel 1632,Upstage(beside FGH), Cafe Adriatico
3. The other sides: Malate Church, Remedios Circle

What to expect:
1. The elevator was quite small. I think it can only accommodate at most 6 of "our-size" persons.
2. Friendly staffs. =)
3. Occupies 3rd, 4th and rooftop. Front desk is at 4th floor so go there first on your arrival.
4. The room was quite small. If you want luxurious room, don't be here. Beware of bedbugs also. We book 2 rooms 309 (Triple accomodation. Php 1200 per night for 3 person) and 317(Double-decker. Php 900 per night for 2 person). 309 was nice but 317 has bedbugs. Just ask the staff to change to other rooms if you're unlucky enough to picked a bed buggy room :D The girls were lucky for staying at 309 :D
5. It has common sala, terrace and kitchen at the rooftop.
6. You can cook your food at the common kitchen. Utensils are available. Just be kind enough to look after your mess. We saw one who cooks pasta. Free tea and coffee. For us, we bought cup noodles. We just boiled water plus free coffee, our brunch was cheap but life saving :D
7. Beer, soda and bottled water are not allowed at rooftop since they sell these. The price is just a little higher outside though so it's OK. If you really want to have your own drinks, you can have it in your room.
8. Most guest are foreigners. On our stay, we didn't see any other Filipinos. We saw Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Australian and British. We knew their nationalities from their conversations :D We never speak to them. LOL! Never worry because we had no harassment experience there. =)
9. Located at a red light district so pretty busy, especially at night. Be very wary every time. Don't bring too many stuffs while walking. Hold on to your purses as much as possible. Lucky for us, we didn't encounter any tough times there. =)
10. FGH is nice. I'll gladly recommend it.

Itinerary:
Day 1 (Jill's Day) - It's Jill's first time in Manila too. We had lunch at Robinson's Place Manila. Visited Luneta Park, Intramuros and Ocean Park. We were so exhausted around 7 PM that we decided to rest until 10 PM. We had dinner at Bistro Remedios, walking distance only. Then walk around Roxas Blvd until Malate Church. Took another way to familiarize the place. Bought cup noodles at 7 Eleven. I noticed 7 Elevens are pretty abundant there, almost every 3 corners, Starbucks also. Slept almost 3 AM :D

Day 2 (My Silver Birthday) - Had brunch at Roof top around 10 AM. Send off Raffy to Domestic Airport by 11 AM thru taxi. Total fare is Php 152.00. From airport, took a jeep to MRT, fare Php 8. Then took LRT to Gil Puyat station(fare Php 15) where buses to Laguna are stationed. Enchanted Kingdom til 7 PM. We planned to dine at MOA. Due to traffic, a friend suggested we took off at Dela Rosa, Makati instead and have our dinner there. We planned to visit Makati the day before but because of exhaustion exchanged it to a dinner at Bistro Remedios and walk at Roxas Blvd. We rode off at Dela Rosa, went CR then surprised to have Migo holding a cake (Thanks Migo and Jojo! LOL!). We met a friend at Makati Ayala (Gurla! Love the gift!). Decided to had dinner at Mercato at The Fort, Global City, Taguig. Slept at around 3 AM again :P

Day 3 (Mass) - On a friend's offer, we had an early FGH checkout. He offered to let us stay at his brother's condo on the last day of our stay in Manila. We were exhilarated since we can save Php 400 each :D He was also our guide for the day! Yahoo! Our plan was to visit Chinatown, Divisoria and Quiapo. It rained when we reached Makati City at around 1 PM so we discard our plan went to Green Hills instead. We met another friend at Robinson's Galleria. Had chika until 3 PM. Decided to attend mass at Edsa Shrine. Left for Green Hills for shopping at around 6 PM. Shopping until 8 PM. Had dinner at Wendy's, MOA. Was at Jojo's condo by 11 PM. Slept until 1:30 AM while others watched 49 days.

Day 4 (Bye Bye Manila)- At Airport by 2:30 AM. Ready for boarding at 3 AM. Departure to Cebu is at 4:15 AM. Due to rain, we took off a little late. Arrived Cebu at around 6:45 AM. I was so exhausted that my head ached. My plan not to take a day off failed.

I learned a lot on this trip. I will surely make detailed blog for each day. I hope I could document everything well =)


Money Matters:
Day 1
200 Airport Fee Mactan Airport
107 (320/3 pax)Taxi: From NAIA to FGH
400 (1200 per night/3 pax) FGH Room Good for 3! Double decker!
99 Lunch at Max, Robinson's Manila
8 Jeep from Robinson's Manila to Luneta
50 Kalesa Ride from Luneta to Intramuros
75 Intramuros Entrance Fee
20 Drinks at Intramuros
8 Jeep from Intramuros to Luneta
400 Oceanarium Entrance at Ocean Park
105 Snacks
150 Dancing Jellies Entrance at Ocean Park
30 (150/5 pax) Taxi from Ocean park to FGH
300 (1546/5 pax) Yummy dinner at Bistro Remedios just a walk away from FGH
118.50 Groceries for our breakfast (Noodles, Water and Etc.)
Total: PHP 2070.50


Day 2
  30 Taxi from FGH to NAIA
8 Jeep from NAIA to MRT
15 To Gil Puyat
57 Bus Fare to Walter Mart, Laguna
89 Lunch
8.25 Tricycle to Enchanted Kingdom
500  Enchanted Kingdom Entrance
80 Ekstreme Ride
199 Space Shuttle Picture
98 Pizza Snacks
11.25 Tricycle to Target Mall
57 Bus to Manila
100 Dinner at Mercato, Centrale

43 (175/4 pax) Taxi from Fort, Taguig to FGH

Total: PHP 1295.50

Day 3

   21 FGH to Makati (85/4 pax)

  19 Makati to Edsa Shrine Bus Fare

104 Lunch

    8 Robinson's Galleria to Green Hills

  25 FX from Green Hills to Mega Mall

  23 Bus from Mega Mall to MOA

  26 (130/5 pax) Taxi from MOA to Makati

  50 Snacks

265 Krispy Kreme Pasalubong

Total: PHP 541

Day 4

  37.5 To NAIA from Makati (150/4)

200  Terminal Fee

  60 Coffee

  35 Water

Total: PHP 332.50

Summary:

Day 1 Total: PHP 2070.50 (accommodation included)

Day 2 Total: PHP 1295.50
                      PHP 385.00 (accomodation)
Day 3 Total: PHP   541.00 (no accomodation, stayed at Jojo's)
Day 4 Total: PHP   332.50
Grand Total: PHP 4624.50

Travel Audit

Due to my time-bound goal 30.30.5 inspired by the Sole Sisters, I made an audit of the places I've been in and outside Cebu and places in and outside Philippines.

I've been to 19 places in Cebu.

1 Alcoy
2 Badian
3 Bantayan
4 Catmon
5 Consolacion
6 Daanbantayan
7 Dalaguete
8 Danao
9 Liloan
10 Madridejos
11 Matutinao
12 Minglanilla
13 Moalboal
14 Pinamungajan
15 Samboan
16 San Fernando
17 San Francisco
18 Sibonga
19 Sta. Fe

I've been to 7 provinces in the Philippines.

1 Cagayan De Oro City,Misamis Oriental 2008 with Chooks
2 Bohol 2009 with Exec
3 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental 2010 with Madam & Co.
4 Metro Manila 2011 with Girls
5 Sta. Rosa, Laguna 2011 with Girls
6 Camiguin 2011 with Exec
7 Bukidnon 2011 with Exec

I haven't been outside Philippines yet.

So where am I in my 30.30.5 target?
Before that let me tell you something about my target :D
Well, 30.30.5 means I have to go to 30 places in Cebu, 30 provinces in the Philippines and 5 countries before I turn 30! Weeeeee! I'am 25 now so I have 5 years to complete my target. :)

Therefore, as of the moment I lacked
11 places in Cebu
23 places in the Philippines
5 countries

To be able to meet my target, I need to have at least 5 places in the Philippines every year and at least 1 country per year. I wonder if I really could meet this goal. This might be just so-so to others but not to me. But I'll persevere :D

Your help is very much welcome too :D

For that, here is my travel plans next year. I'm crossing my fingers on this :D

1. Iloilo City – January 21 – 23 (1st Quarter)
2. Baguio, Tagaytay – April 28 – May 1 (2nd Quarter)
3. Bacolod City – October 26 – 28 (4th Quarter)
4. Siquijor – November 30 – December 2 (4th Quarter)
5. Singapore – August 18 – 27 (Leave for dates: 22, 23, 24 ) (3rd Quarter)

Wish me luck! :D

Villa Isabella: The Team Traveler's Haven

Located at Samboan, approximately 4 hours away from Cebu City is a resort small but comfortable enough for a relaxing and enjoyable trip with your friends. The pink cottages are like cotton-candies against the blue sea and the skyline. I like the view of the skyline the most. The clouds, the sea,  and the water. They fit perfectly like a portrait on a painter's canvass. And don't you ever miss the sunset. it was my first time to be out on the beach as the sun cast it's orangey color, and it was perfect. I never had that kind of amazement before. Pure bliss!

How to go there

Go to South Bus Terminal took a Ceres bus to Bato via Barili. Asked the driver to drop you at Samboan Medical Clinic and Laboratory. Walk a little until you found a bamboo gate that say's "Private property. No Entry." That's the gate to Villa Isabella. The gate is beside a big house with a store. If you're not confident enough, just asked a local. I personally suggest don't go there alone. It's nice but it can be a little lonely. We we're the only guests there. Maybe due to it's far proximity to the city, traveler's find it hard to appreciate it. 

I don't know the actual fare since we had stop over at Alegria. A rough estimate would be PHP 172 since Cebu to Alegria is PHP 134 then Alegria to Samboan is PHP 38. 

The Place

"Villa Isabella: The Team Traveler's Haven". When you're on a team outing, you will surely enjoy this place. It's like having your own private resort. The resort has A videoke place that lets you sing 2 songs for Php 5. You will only have to list the songs. You pay after. You can sing until 10 PM only. It has a mini-bar plus canteen. I don't know if they serve food because we brought our own food. For the meat, fish and some others, we bought it in the local market. I am not in-charge of the market. I will surely ask Ryan to feature it in his blog one of these days. So might as well check it there. He was the one in-charge of the market and foods. I knew this place from scouring the net. Stumbled on it's Facebook page. The numbers are not updated that's why didn't pick this place.  

Here are the updated contact numbers:

0921-200-2327 Look for Obiso

261-2877

Rooms costs PHP 1500. We had 2. It costs the same but 1 is bigger than the other. The girl's room has 3 beds and the guys has 2 bed. It both has its own CR. I think that room is the family room. I never asked though. Both rooms has an extension room with a screen walling. It has chairs and table also. We put our foods their. Talking with the care taker, he mentioned about a room that cost PHP 1200. I was kind of regretful that I didn't ask for it to be opened so that I could take some pictures and post it here. Maybe next time I'll visit a resort, I will surely capture everything in my cam and blog about it. It surely will be beneficial.

About the Beach

The beach front is stony but I like that they are smooth. The shore on the sea wall beside the Resort is sandy. Don't miss to check it out. Night swimming is very ideal there since the beach is so well lighted. 

View of the entire resort

Our dining table.

Shoreline.

Cottage.

Cottage near the videoke area.

Room 1: Girls Room

Room 2: Boys Room

Inside Boys Room. 2 beds with own CR.

Extension of boy's room.

Kitchen Door.

Common Kitchen. We borrowed some utensils here.

The Detour leading to Villa Isabella, Samboan

The Plan:

05:30 - 06:00 AM Rendezvous at South Bus Terminal

06:30 - Departure to Alegria (Batong Malunhaw)

09:30 - Batong Malunhaw

11:00 and beyond - Enjoy!

Actual:

05:30 - 06:00 AM Rendezvous at South Bus Terminal

07:00 - Departure to Alegria ( Batong Malunhaw )

10:30 - Batong Malunhaw 

Unfortunately,Batong Malunhaw is under renovation. The group made a unanimous decision to go to Samboan over Badian not knowing that it's still 2 towns away. Alegria. Malabuyoc. Ginatilan. Samboan. Actually, we're counting on the transportation, whichever comes first, bound to Badian or Samboan, that's our pick. Lucky for us, a Ceres bus liner bound to Bato pass by. Yahoo! We're on our way to Samboan with a faint hope that Villa Isabella, one of the candidate resort for the trip is actually fit for accommodation. I actually prayed hard.

11:00 - Departure to Samboan ( Villa Isabella )

11:30 - Villa Isabella

I don't know how they were able to know where Villa Isabella is located. I was just joining the crowd when they took off the bus. We walked a dirt road unto a dilapidated sign, that says "This way to Villa Isabella". The group were divided as to where the sign is pointing. In my mind, "Gosh! This is so like a horror trip. Waaaah!" Then we saw a back gate that leads to the pink cottages that looks exactly like the one we saw on Facebook. I feel a little relief. We went inside when no one answered our call. Waaaaa! Not long after, a middle-aged man appeared saying he would call the care taker. I thanked God for the discovery of the place and prayed again that all would be OK. Everyone was tired and hungry to transfer and look for another place again. The care taker took longer so we decided to do things ourselves. Some went to the market. The others were content with chatting and feeling the sea breeze. I went to check out the place and took some pictures. Some prepared lunch. When the care taker arrived, I was a little uneasy chanting my prayers silently again. I was so happy we got the place. We had 2 rooms each cost PHP 1500. They were huge so we were considering of getting one room only but the care taker insist. We took 2. it was only the day after that we realized it was the best decision to get the 2 rooms.

Up Next: Villa Isabella: The Groupie Traveler's Haven

Planning an escapade

To start the plan, I usually start with choosing the target destination. Special criteria, it should not be in my "been to" lists. I'm counting my footprints in every places, so variety is a must.

Overnight

After the destination, I then scoured the net for an affordable accommodation in that area. Maximum limit per pax for an overnight accommodation should be Php 250. Anything greater is a no-no most especially if it's a group escapade. The cheaper, the better. Usually people stay up all night and if they sleep, they rarely sleep comfortably so getting an expensive one is not practical.

If I can't find a suitable accommodation on the net, if I'm with adventurous people, I usually suggest we just look for a place there. If I'm not, I just proposed to change the target destination.

Day Only

After, the itinerary comes next. It's important for me to know what to do and expect on an escapade to align my choice of clothing. 

Both Day and Overnight

Foods! I hate planning this one. Usually on a day escapade, I always settle for lechon manok, siomai, lumpia, pancit, fruits, drinks and junkies. For overnight, I don't know how to cook so I usually leave this to the experts :D I just asked them their price to be included in the expenses :D I want to be a backpacker so I will need to learn how to cook alone. Maybe soon! :D

Money and Budgeting

I don't usually keep the money :D I have a tendency to compensate on things myself in case of deficiency. I hate asking people money :(( So, like foods I leave it to someone I think is bold enough to do the honor of collecting, paying and budgeting :D

As a whole, I only like to plan and put things together. Which I think makes me unfit to be a backpacker yet. Because if you are a backpacker, you do things alone. :D

I am a late-bloomer in travel. I just found my passion recently. So I think I still have lots of things to learn. :)

Private Pool/Beach Resthouse (for special gatherings)

Disclaimer: Copied from Istorya.net.
Commercial purpose, for the benefit of those that cannot open Istorya.net :D

For Rent Private Beach Resthouse w/ Swimming Pool
Location: Car-Car City, Cebu

Ideal for:

Team Building
Wedding Receptions
Birthday Party
Reunion
Group/Family Gatherings

Included during your stay:

1 Aircoditioned Room w/ CR [2 double deck, 1 single bed]
1 Colored TV (Sala)
1 Ref (if you want to store your beverage, meat, etc.)
1 Mineral Water Dispenser (free 1 Container mineral water)
1 Cordless Telephone (can call cebu city)
Kitchenware (kotselyo, luwag, kaldero, kaha)
Diningware (plato, kutsara, tinidor, baso)
Beach front grilling
Swimming Pool w/ artificial falls (Artificial falls is not available all the time)
Fully fenced and secured
Fully Exclusive (one group at a time)
Huge Sala w/ 2 sets of SOFA
1 Caretaker (assist on CHECK-IN and CHECK-OUT only)

Rates:

Monday to Thursday : Php 3,000
Friday to Sunday : Php 3,500

(Check-In Time is 12 NOON, Check-out Time is 12 Noon)

WE ONLY ACCEPTS OVERNIGHT USE.. NO DAY USE....
WE ONLY ACCEPTS OVERNIGHT USE.. NO DAY USE....
WE ONLY ACCEPTS OVERNIGHT USE.. NO DAY USE....
WE ONLY ACCEPTS OVERNIGHT USE.. NO DAY USE....

NOTE: Only 20 persons are FREE for the actual rate. P50/head will be charged excess of 20 persons.

Others:

Extra Airconditioned Room w/ Kingsize Bed & Double Deck (P1,000)
KTV w/ Microphone (P500)
Billiard (P500)
Three Burner Gas Range (P100)
Beer Stallion [Red Horse, Colt45] (P25/bottle)
House Party (Sounds/Lights/Talents) - Price depends on your requirements

Here's the pics (Pasensya namo dili profesional shot)

Entrance



Sala



Dining



Room





Pool



Beach



Sketch




For bookings and reservations:

Contact me at this #s:

0922-8906441 (sun)