Transport

Becak

Jogja Transit: The Becak

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment

Getting around Yogyakarta’s tropical heat can be tiring, just like here in the Philippines. The most convenient way in getting around Kota Jogja (dowtown area) would rather be a very similar solution to what Filipinos do in urban areas and villages—the becak (pronounced as be-chak). If Filipinos have the sidecar or de padyak or traysikad, Indonesians have the becak—and also known as a cultural icon of this Southeast Asian country.

Becak

Becak is a cycle rickshaw, manually powered, and can accommodate mostly two passengers. Unlike the de padyak, the Indonesian version has the passengers in front, while the driver is behind pedalling the bicycle.

(more…)

Read More

Good Morning Lakbay! Traveling from Manila to Lucban

Bernardo Arellano III Leave a comment
To Lucban!

Well, I guess I was excited back then. It was my first time going to Lucban for Pahiyas Festival. The feast that I could only see on telly or on books. I’ve seen Sinulog, Dinagyang and Masskara for countless times already but this crowning jewel of Quezon Province’s feasts is something that I would look forward into. Such colourful and attractive feast has made me like a bee, attracted to the colour of the kipings and revelry. It was my first time going there and I’ll be commuting. May 15 is a notorious date to any commuter or motorist going south, as horrific stories of traffic jams linger. But I dared!

Which is which?

I called in the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office and sought advise on what’s the best route going to Lucban. My friends from Quezon and the tourism people have a unanimous answer: Go Laguna-Pagsanjan instead!

Here’s why:

(more…)

Read More