Category Archive: Travel Tips

Aug
22
2009

How to Get In and Out of Manila’s NAIA Terminal 1 & 2 On Tight Budget?

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August 22, 2009

NAIA Terminal 2

If NAIA Terminal 3 was difficult to access through public transportation, NAIA’s Terminal 2 (also known as the Centennial Airport) and Terminal 1 (old NAIA International Airport) are otherwise, very very accessible…in fact, it is s0 intertwined directly with Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare…EDSA! In spirit of helping the Filipino people and foreigners alike, I would like to share my knowledge (limited though) on how to get in and out of NAIA Terminals 1 & 2 without taking the cab or making hatid-sundo (bring-fetch) with your friends or loved ones. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: airport, International Airport, Manila, Metro Manila, NAIA, NAIA Terminal 1, NAIA Terminal 2, Philippine airport, public transport

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/08/22/how-to-get-in-and-out-of-manila%e2%80%99s-naia-terminal-1-2-on-tight-budget/

Jul
29
2009

Bewitching Roxas City Capiz!

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by Berniemack Arellano

July 29, 2009

Old Capiz Bridge over Pan-ay River

It may be the notion of generally most of the Filipinos. Saying Capiz is generalizing to poltergeists and “aswangs” and more carnivores, no thanks to media who brought stereotyping to this laidback beauty in northern Panay. Roxas City, the capital of the northern Panay province of Capiz, its the main agro-industrial hub of the province. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”, it is blessed by bountiful harvests from both the sea, rivers and the land.

The city of more than a hundred thousand souls, it has a swampy area in the northern area and a hilly section in the southern area. Panay River runs through the downtown, giving a romantic scene in the city. Daw wala man kahaladlukan man di! Media! (There’s nothing to fear here! Media!)

I took Ivan Henares (of Ivan Around Town [www.ivanhenares.com]) and his friend JQ Quesada for a quick trip to Capiz for a heritage tour. This city was formerly known as Capiz, known for its shell industry of Capiz and the hometown of the former President Manuel Roxas. Just a few kilometers away east is the largest church bell in the country. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: capiz, panay, Philippines, roxas, roxas city, travel, Visayas

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/07/29/bewitching-roxas-city-capiz/

Jul
11
2009

NAIA Terminal 3 Shuttle Now at Pasay Rotunda!

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by Berniemack Arellano

July 11, 2009

NAIA Loop Shuttle Bus

Good news for backpackers, cash-strapped passengers and commuters!

After long time of waiting, the NAIA Loop shuttle bus has a new terminal for commuters bound for Manila’s NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3. It is located at Pasay Rotunda at Pasay City.

No more jeepney rides to the terminal. Just go to Giselle’s Bus terminal, that is besides the McDonald’s and Chowking at Pasay Rotunda besides the north bound lanes of EDSA. It’s just a few meters away from the MRT & the LRT stations.

Trips going to NAIA Terminal 3 cost only P20.00.

Tags: airport, Commuters, Manila, NAIA, Pasay City, Pasay Rotunda, Philippines, shuttle to NAIA

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/07/11/naia-terminal-3-shuttle-now-at-pasay/

Apr
27
2009

Visita Iglesia Angeles City & San Fernando Pampanga

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by Berniemack Arellano

April 27, 2009

Inside Santo Rosario de Angeles Church

Last Palm Sunday, my friend texted to visit her at Pampanga. Sana nga nakapanood ako nung flagellation at crusifixion at Cutud but I have work on Good Friday. Like any place I go, I always look o something interesting and something that is not, hehe! Heritage tour again! Last year it was Batangas; this year, 2 provinces: Pampanga and Iloilo!

Okay, my original plan was to go at least 5 churches for Pampanga. Angeles, San Fernando, Bacolor, Betis and Apalit. But it was reduced to only just 4 because of the tremendous heat and time constraint. Again, when I do my trip, I do it in a backpacker’s way…commute! Now getting to Pampanga is as easy as pie, thanks to NLEX (North Luzon Expressway). Just an hour and a half, you’ll be in another world.

Dau Bus Terminal

From Cubao terminal to Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga, it cost me around 120+ Philippine Pesos (PhP120+/-) with Victory Liner, air conditioned bound. Take note to ask the dispatchers if the bus you’ll be taking will stop at Dau. Other way is that you could stop at San Fernando Pampanga via Olongapo, Bataan or Zambales-bound buses. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Angeles, Churches, Pampanga, Philippines, San Fernando

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/04/27/visita-iglesia-angeles-city-san-fernando-pampanga/

Mar
30
2009

How to Get In and Out of Manila’s NAIA Terminal 3 On Tight Budget?

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by Berniemack Arellano

March 30, 2009

Getting here is already a tedious task. Lucky for you if you have the budget of paying the yellow airport cabs or metered taxi cabs or even the luxury of airport shuttle or your own private car or taga-hatid-sundo in Filipino.

Well given that as of now NAIA Terminal-3, the newest terminal in Ninoy Aquino International Airport of Manila, Philippines, is the hub of the giant low cost carrier Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Airlines’ subsidiaries such as PAL Express and Air Philippines, most cash-strapped passengers go here to embark or disembark on their respective flights. So how do you make it more budget friendly for these budget travelers who in turn will have to pay two hundred pesos (PhP200.00) for the terminal fee for domestic flights alone? Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: airport, airport bus service in Manila, Bus serive, commuting, Manila, Manila International Airport, NAIA, Philippines, Transit

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2009/03/30/naia-terminal-3-transit/

Oct
24
2008

Terror Paranoia Over Camera in Metro Manila

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by Berniemack Arellano

October 24, 2008

“Sir bawal pong magpapiktyur dito. Bawal piktyuran ang Malacanang.” (Sir, picture taking is not allowed. Taking a picture of Malacanang is not allowed.) This is what the man in uniform told us when we were riding the Pasig River Ferry last month as we were attempting to take a picture of the palace by the river which symbolizes the country’s power. I just couldn’t get the logic of why people are not allowed to take the picture of this palace that has been displayed in the twenty peso bill? And guess what, Malacanang is just one of them here in Metro Manila.

After September 11 attacks in the United States and the Rizal Day Bombings, the Western world was shrouded with paranoia that a terrorist attack may occur any time and anywhere. Well, we are living in a “world of terror” as Dubya Bush said, so we need some protection. Security was beefed up in several places especially in public transport terminals, light rail train stations, shopping malls, airports and the likes. The power of security guards with their so-called “Magic Stick” upon entering an establishment became a norm and opening up your carry-on bag is a must. As what they say “refusal for inspection denies entry and subject for investigation.” Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: cameras, Manila, Philippines, terrorism, travel reflection, Travel Tips

Permanent link to this article: http://habagatcentral.com/2008/10/24/terror-paranoia-over-camera-in-metro-manila/

Oct
11
2008

Citylights Shine Like Diamonds: The Tops of Cebu

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by Berniemack Arellano

October 11, 2008

View from the Tops

“Parked car, this night sky makes city lights shine like diamonds”

-”First of Summer” by UrbanDub

Ever wonder where Gabby Alipe of Urbandub got this inspiration? Actually, this is the “lover’s nest” of Cebu. Well, most of those who are dating go here. With its cool mountain breeze and a vista unequaled in the metro, seeing all the way to Bohol and even Leyte.

The Tops would be the ultimate choice of the romantics and those who just want to cool off from the busy life down at the city. I remember going there first time. It was daylight. The vista of Metro Cebu and Mactan Island was awesome. Just wait till night comes.

The Tops sits on the 2,000 foot ridge overviewing Metro Cebu, Mactan Island and beyond. Its quite far and isolated for local Cebuano standards because of its inaccessibility to public transportation despite good roads. By night time, city lights do shine like diamonds. During Christmas, New Year and Sinulog season, fireworks abound the city, creating that fantasy world for the lovers and for the whole family. Read the rest of this entry »