Our 4-hour road trip to Batangas definitely put a strain on us, to the point that we wanted to stay an extra night in the resort just so we could rest. But of course, we couldn't. Though it was refreshing to know that we were extending our weekend getaway in one of the nice hotels down south. And so three toll ways and three hours later, we arrived at Microtel South Forbes.
Commuting is such a hassle here in the Philippines. Long lines, unsure departure times, and needing to go to the terminal just to buy tickets in advance are a common experience for travelers and passengers.
Especially with the holidays just around the corner, it's good to know that commuters can now enjoy stress-free travels out of town with online bus and boat reservations that lets passengers choose seats for free, claim a variety of freebies, and earn points. Payment options include credit/debit card via Paypal, 7-Eleven, all major banks, and the most common payment centers.
I've been recently married, and one of the ID's that I can instantly apply for is the PHL Postal ID. I've never applied for one before, so it was timely for me to get the newly improved version using my new surname. And so last month, I applied at Allimall in Cubao since the closest branch from our house went through some technical issues at the time of my visit.
PHLPost will no longer release old versions of the postal ID (the laminated ones), as they've opted to change the material of the card to avoid illegal printing. According to PHLPost, added security measures have been instilled in the ID to further secure the integrity of one's identity and to eliminate fraudulent transactions. The Improved Postal ID has been infused with improved physical and biometrics-based security features such as the QR code (which also shows a hologram and ghost image), and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). It is now accepted as a valid government-issued identification document.
My husband and I decided to book this Pasay lodging at the last minute, to forego the stress of having to travel from Quezon City with a big luggage in tow. Good thing it was perfectly situated in the city, as it was just a short drive to the airport (NAIA 3), and a short walk to SM Mall of Asia. The location itself is one of the reasons why Golden Phoenix Hotel became my favorite accommodation in Manila.
There are plenty of food establishments in Quezon City alone, so you definitely won't run out of options. But if there's a certain area in town that you shouldn't miss out on, then that would be the eateries along Mother Ignacia Avenue. I live just a few minutes from the locale, so I decided to check out the nearby food joints with my friend Sarah, and soon discovered 2 LAZCANO.
I always come prepared when I travel. And I also make sure that I have my first-aid kit and my over-the-counter medicine with me at all times. Of course, I also pack ready-to-eat snacks for emergency purposes. But on normal days, are you prepared to tackle any disaster-related situation when one finally strikes? Well, I am!
We all know that disaster strikes when we least expect it. The question is, are you willing to get caught in the storm unprepared? As for me, I don't want to take any chances. You can actually make a contingency plan by building your own "Grab Bag" for starters. A Grab Bag consists of basic items that should last you for at least 2 days. These essentials should be able to cover you until conditions (bad weather and other disaster-related cases) are safer.
It's always an enriching experience whenever I join Familiarization Tours. Not only do I get the chance to meet like-minded individuals, I also get to learn more about the locale, its culture, traditions and significant sites. And having been invited to explore Bataan for two days made me appreciate my country more.
A lot has happened since my last travel in April. I was so preoccupied with a lot of things (my wedding, my family's visit from the US, and my operation), that it was difficult for me to find time to blog. And to make matters worse, just a mere week before I would walk down the aisle, a health problem turned up. But God was really good to me, as my condition didn't worsen through the 4 weeks that had me running errands. Of course, I was a bit sad when my doctor advised us to cancel our honeymoon in El Nido, to lessen the risks on my end. But nothing mattered more to me than to be well and fit until my scheduled surgery. As I write this, I'm already 2 weeks post-op. I'm also happy to be recovering this fast, and to be sitting up again. Finally, I can share some of the photos from our travel-inspired, civil wedding.
I feel immensely fortunate to live in an age where freedom is now every Filipino's right to embrace. It makes me feel more grateful of the men and women who fought and sacrificed their lives, so that future generations will continue to experience a better life. I owe my present to those who've went to battle in the past, especially to the honorable war soldiers of Bataan.
Booking an airplane ticket and getting freebies with it is quite rare these days, especially with our choice of low cost carriers in the Philippines (i.e. Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, PAL Express), where food, seats and specialty items are paid at an additional cost. But have you tried booking for a round trip bus ticket that offered extra stuff without any charges? You bet it exists, and it can be found via Biyaheroes -- a website that lets you book and choose your bus seats. With Biyaheroes, you’ll no longer experience long lines and unsure departure times. You won’t even need to visit any of the partner bus terminals just to reserve your tickets because you can do it all online!
Good news, travel bugs! Traveling to the "Land of the Rising Sun" is now made more affordable with the latest international offering from Jetstar Japan. Japan's largest low cost carrier (LCC) has finally come to Manila. They’ve recently announced that they would start offering their low-fare services from three of their Japanese ports (Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya), which will fly direct to and fro Manila. These three Manila routes will begin their operations at NAIA Terminal 1 starting mid-March.
2015 has been a rollercoaster of emotions: physically, mentally and financially. Nevertheless, I tried for the bad things to never get the best of me. Thankfully, I was still blessed with a few travels this year, some of which have helped rejuvenate my weary soul.
Siem Reap, Cambodia (May 2015)
This year, I am grateful for old and new friends who I've met on the road and who've kept me sane. I am thankful for the people who've been around, especially when things got a little too difficult for me to handle.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
