tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74613080604522556872024-03-19T20:31:33.696+08:00Kin's Ant Farmexplore the worldUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger605125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-15071662067049948322024-01-15T18:14:00.002+08:002024-01-15T18:14:24.090+08:00PrivacyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-1519860290130958192013-05-15T22:10:00.001+08:002013-05-15T22:10:09.416+08:00Lotus F1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaE_B5oLRiB8a0K8jVgYfqLHBRv0p_cz5nUo_zB0BHA_ZZkeQOU04QN3ZmCTCCMwLoEtoP6Wk9Nsgq_PQ56ZnyMFxYROUcXROHCc1GhSEqGSAhvqvFYmbaLNYG_z5jORdPaEQlO89CrU/s1600/Lotus+F1+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaE_B5oLRiB8a0K8jVgYfqLHBRv0p_cz5nUo_zB0BHA_ZZkeQOU04QN3ZmCTCCMwLoEtoP6Wk9Nsgq_PQ56ZnyMFxYROUcXROHCc1GhSEqGSAhvqvFYmbaLNYG_z5jORdPaEQlO89CrU/s640/Lotus+F1+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lotus F1 Team is in town. I missed the May 5 event where a local racer, Marlon Stockinger drove the Lotus F1 car around in the Quirino Grandstand and the Mall of Asia, but I spied the car being displayed in the new Greenbelt mall in Makati. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81nhzSwzKIVOl7lr2y58aHvxvU4dNBszMy5TmwsFikgWARNpy8ovPYPxPsMeGHB2w36XevlSqZ1Fc_Ieex8KGqTnft5mJ7YyXyvibzFzgQhnFAvsnD19tqX2XHnMdexlropmd3r9sG0w/s1600/Lotus+F1+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81nhzSwzKIVOl7lr2y58aHvxvU4dNBszMy5TmwsFikgWARNpy8ovPYPxPsMeGHB2w36XevlSqZ1Fc_Ieex8KGqTnft5mJ7YyXyvibzFzgQhnFAvsnD19tqX2XHnMdexlropmd3r9sG0w/s640/Lotus+F1+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKPT7w-HGeCJrT8Gsc_NP198Avdc6OFBsUA01g5Mfi2baJBT8CeyDV-7OtTThQRM0yKgrQldJFjcerYDv5ohz8S42NSAbRsjgcxgxYJoIHBc_nK_d99wprRBgE51IrBZNHW2r2J3Lrb8/s1600/Lotus+F1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKPT7w-HGeCJrT8Gsc_NP198Avdc6OFBsUA01g5Mfi2baJBT8CeyDV-7OtTThQRM0yKgrQldJFjcerYDv5ohz8S42NSAbRsjgcxgxYJoIHBc_nK_d99wprRBgE51IrBZNHW2r2J3Lrb8/s640/Lotus+F1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-10899615607063922162013-04-26T21:32:00.000+08:002013-04-26T21:32:02.566+08:00Tears in Rain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_JjJzMBGUwo?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of my favorite lines in a movie. This soliloquy was spoken by Roy Batty (played by Rutger Hauer), the replicant in <i>Blade Runner</i>. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This line wasn't originally on the script but Hauer improvised on it. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-75535836065429218672013-04-25T02:17:00.001+08:002013-04-25T02:17:09.996+08:00Aircraft De-icing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuIzxo70vSikvPpId126Xk0mJp1o-sDc9uH-lKWdnPiEsRwwt90VCZ-H_ghu9PRWS2nz5PjOGhalbuE-iqaMJNRzBnThIUkS2ys8xUEvGhK4DrUx6CSTTgkmM_QpL_buQ3FFZMMsDlvU/s1600/aircraft+deicing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuIzxo70vSikvPpId126Xk0mJp1o-sDc9uH-lKWdnPiEsRwwt90VCZ-H_ghu9PRWS2nz5PjOGhalbuE-iqaMJNRzBnThIUkS2ys8xUEvGhK4DrUx6CSTTgkmM_QpL_buQ3FFZMMsDlvU/s640/aircraft+deicing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No this is not Lt. Ellen Ripley's exoskeleton in Alien. It is just an aircraft de-icing equipment spraying de-icing fluid on the airplane.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was taken in Detroit-Wayne County Airport, during my from to Chicago-Midway about a Delta Canadair CJR900, last March. As you can see below, most of the airport was covered with snow and ice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaWAfpa1gRQ5LKaYwuptyycQR0mx0KDKeCD-BvcY68wAWfsj5hudGEOJ63cHw8MmssmlnkbrolxJd8aig_DoJ89Fb-8xrf7qV_I0hOlOyTQa90GGkCAf0TqL_qBPtp7PdxKA0a3pkbXA/s1600/Detroit+Airport+winter+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaWAfpa1gRQ5LKaYwuptyycQR0mx0KDKeCD-BvcY68wAWfsj5hudGEOJ63cHw8MmssmlnkbrolxJd8aig_DoJ89Fb-8xrf7qV_I0hOlOyTQa90GGkCAf0TqL_qBPtp7PdxKA0a3pkbXA/s640/Detroit+Airport+winter+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-80806062438332644792013-02-10T01:46:00.001+08:002013-02-10T01:49:03.412+08:00New Travel Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLw5nJaxcfx-Vo1ETluD0lyvrWwm2hH2j_Re0GeQuTm8KPhaavep7AqA7gk38MLI5Il6aDS1R63E9_gKOu9_ogNXc92wlJXvQ4p8GOgiwBl4WDD9zK9wAGcIFbfo0CSD-FyaFE-CFVI0/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-02-10+at+1.40.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLw5nJaxcfx-Vo1ETluD0lyvrWwm2hH2j_Re0GeQuTm8KPhaavep7AqA7gk38MLI5Il6aDS1R63E9_gKOu9_ogNXc92wlJXvQ4p8GOgiwBl4WDD9zK9wAGcIFbfo0CSD-FyaFE-CFVI0/s640/Screen+shot+2013-02-10+at+1.40.28+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd be moving all my travel posts to a dedicated travel blog, where I will post all my trip thoughts and experiences, photographs and videos. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please visit and bookmark the site Boarding Gate 101 [<a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/">www.boardinggate101.com</a>]. This blog will still exist, but I'd be posting personal stuff here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-43828310110143925492012-09-04T16:12:00.002+08:002012-09-04T16:12:59.565+08:00Philippine Public Holidays for 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Malacanang Palace just released the list of regular and special non-working holidays in the Philippines for 2013. Start planning your trips now!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January 1 - New Year </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 28 - Maundy Thursday </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 29 - Good Friday </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March 30 - Black Saturday </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 9 - Araw ng Kagitingan </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May 1 - Labor Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">June 12 - Independence Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 21 - Ninoy Aquino Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August 26 - National Heroes Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 1 - All Saints Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 30 - Bonifacio Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 24
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 25 - Christmas </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 30 - Rizal Day </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 31 - Last Day of the Year </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Special holiday:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 25 - EDSA Revolution (for all schools)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOZBsb0cptiyj07fV1S6a-OG_NRf_Hn4ilnovHVXDOUj3ynRjuh34_q1YTpBuEOaCWW122PPX8NQt83hn9q-5L9fwkWSW1JqPQjTCSqPKZwTX17SMfF22hgcJ0ssKxFWIX_m_xO5ZxN4/s1600/downtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCOZBsb0cptiyj07fV1S6a-OG_NRf_Hn4ilnovHVXDOUj3ynRjuh34_q1YTpBuEOaCWW122PPX8NQt83hn9q-5L9fwkWSW1JqPQjTCSqPKZwTX17SMfF22hgcJ0ssKxFWIX_m_xO5ZxN4/s640/downtime.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-76632905082159730632012-08-28T18:02:00.001+08:002012-08-28T18:02:27.515+08:00Authentic Thai Food in Manila<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPWM1qm8GFw/UDkZIvZgVfI/AAAAAAAAKs8/ht4qGuknumY/s1600/IMG_7900_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPWM1qm8GFw/UDkZIvZgVfI/AAAAAAAAKs8/ht4qGuknumY/s640/IMG_7900_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is for the hungry travelers who crave for authentic Thai food while in Manila. There's actually a place where you can get some: Thai Dara Bangkok Streetfood restaurant, operated by a Thai expat/chef. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WigQy0ZtGGA/UDkZKeg_dzI/AAAAAAAAKtE/NDP-mlNyf8A/s1600/IMG_7901_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WigQy0ZtGGA/UDkZKeg_dzI/AAAAAAAAKtE/NDP-mlNyf8A/s640/IMG_7901_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WigQy0ZtGGA/UDkZKeg_dzI/AAAAAAAAKtE/NDP-mlNyf8A/s1600/IMG_7901_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of choices to have, from the traditional tom yum soup, to (my favorite so far) pomelo salad with shrimps and squid, pad thai noodles (one of the best pad thai in Manila), spring rolls, and sassy fish (fried dory topped with spicy green mango salad).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF6zXzlPcTE/UDkZL66522I/AAAAAAAAKtM/KxwYLigiXK0/s1600/IMG_7902_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF6zXzlPcTE/UDkZL66522I/AAAAAAAAKtM/KxwYLigiXK0/s640/IMG_7902_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have two branches, one in Granada Street in Quezon City (just a few minutes from Greenhills; check Foursquare for map), and another one in Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig. The restaurant (I've visited the one in Granada Street) have a homey, cozy feel to it, and the prices are reasonable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[cross-posted from <a href="http://www.boardinggate101.com/" target="_blank">Boarding Gate 101</a>]</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-60272786921788629452012-08-07T13:36:00.001+08:002012-08-09T16:18:21.354+08:00PSA: Important Info During Disasters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7ZmVfbf9nM/UCNqdcNZoLI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/2KKIVrnIOkY/s1600/color-code-warning-signal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7ZmVfbf9nM/UCNqdcNZoLI/AAAAAAAAJ_A/2KKIVrnIOkY/s640/color-code-warning-signal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metro Manila is experiencing unusually heavy rains this week. Red Warning Signal was declared 1:25 PM August 7, 2012 over the metropolis. </span><i>Update: As of August 8, 8:50PM, PAGASA retains Yellow Warning over MM.expect moderate to heavy rainfall w/occasional intense rain in the next 2 hours.</i><b> </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Second Update: Alert warning terminated at 12:20 noon, Aug 9, 2012.</u></b></span><b><u> </u></b><b> </b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<iframe height="500" src="http://www.google.org/crisismap/a/google.com/2012-08-philippines-flood?hl=en&llbox=14.7928%2C14.5098%2C121.2068%2C120.9177&t=roadmap&layers=layer2%2Clayer1&promoted&embedded=true" style="border: 1px solid #ccc;" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Google People Finder
</b></span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.org/personfinder/2012-08-philippines-flood?small=yes&lang=en" style="border: dashed 2px #77c;" width="500"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some important info to remember and take note in case of emergencies:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council:</b></span><br />
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website:<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong><a href="http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">ndrrmc.gov.ph</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/NDRRMC_Opcen" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@NDRRMC_Open</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ndrrmc-Opcen/103742183037609" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ndrrmc-Opcen/103742183037609</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NDRRMC hotlines:<strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </strong>(02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668; +63917-8916322</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Twitter:</span><em style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <a href="https://twitter.com/MMDA" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@MMDA</a></em></span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Website: <a href="http://mmda.gov.ph/" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">mmda.gov.ph</a></span><br />
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MMDA metrobase hotline: 136</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flooding control: 882-4177, 882-0925</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PAGASA (Weather bureau)</span></b></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">pagasa.dost.gov.ph</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/dost_pagasa" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@dost_pagasa</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PAGASA hotline: (02) 433-8526</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red Cross:</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">If you need to be rescued, call 143 and 527-0000. Put a white blanket outside your house so that rescuers can easily locate where you are (Philippine Red Cross)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><b>Coast Guard:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Hotline: 0917-PCGDOTC (0917-7243682)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b>Department of Social Welfare and Development (Relief Efforts)</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Website: <a href="http://dswd.gov.ph/" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">dswd.gov.ph</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/DSWDserve" style="border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">@DSWDserve</a></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></em>Trunkline: Tel. (632)931-81-01 to 07</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Google Crisis Response</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.google.org/intl/en/crisisresponse/2012-08-philippines-flood.html">http://www.google.org/intl/en/crisisresponse/2012-08-philippines-flood.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philippine Government Portal</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gov.ph/government-information-during-natural-disasters/" target="_blank">http://www.gov.ph/government-information-during-natural-disasters/ </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b>Ninoy Aquino International Airport</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">PUBLIC AFF DEPT.- 8535998, 8230669, 8230998; or TEXNAIA- 09178396242</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b>Meralco:</b> 16211</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><b>Project NOAH </b>web portal is located at </span><a href="http://noah.dost.gov.ph/" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border: 0px; color: #4f8794; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">noah.dost.gov.ph</a><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">.</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-22119845536139474732012-07-19T01:15:00.000+08:002012-07-19T01:15:09.876+08:00A Sunday in the Mind Museum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWsf0NoibsBZZLzalo8YIt3boZw80NrfxgslsvVDboNZQl_juwRwKTRHAbGMJcZE_tbR5ldPQS08aQyBKDO1Qw8xV_iXZwpukvgszINmHzoCmYkBNe_sQ-v2cr6mG1niN5UdJtjYjFN4/s1600/P7147357_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWsf0NoibsBZZLzalo8YIt3boZw80NrfxgslsvVDboNZQl_juwRwKTRHAbGMJcZE_tbR5ldPQS08aQyBKDO1Qw8xV_iXZwpukvgszINmHzoCmYkBNe_sQ-v2cr6mG1niN5UdJtjYjFN4/s640/P7147357_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mind Museum is a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">brand spanking new facility</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> aimed mostly for kids and kids-at-heart who have the inkling for science. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located at the bustling Bonifacio business district in Taguig, Metro Manila, the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">museum</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - the most modern-looking I've seen in the Philippines - has five interactive galleries: Story of the Universe (astronomy and cosmology), Story of Earth (geology and paleontology), Story of Life (biology and life sciences), Story of the Atom (physics and chemistry) and Story of Technology. These galleries have about 250 interactive exhibits that allow hands-on discovery and learning.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht96rBmw8JqZXZxiph2bmLEjWG4sIJ1UbpyU-NiTuN4_18vjbkqROH5qYTEI_pil6MA3g1Nvlc3SvWoLgHDK7dFTGh0_dvwKbSFOmQIntf0H6y8jPkDfceNSCXegmjXJQC-fOAdtlTSGM/s1600/P7147302_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht96rBmw8JqZXZxiph2bmLEjWG4sIJ1UbpyU-NiTuN4_18vjbkqROH5qYTEI_pil6MA3g1Nvlc3SvWoLgHDK7dFTGh0_dvwKbSFOmQIntf0H6y8jPkDfceNSCXegmjXJQC-fOAdtlTSGM/s640/P7147302_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visitors entering the exhibit area are greeted by a robot who gives introductions about the displays. The Hall of Philippine Science is the first area after the lobby, and on it are museum pieces that are localized to the Philippines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Knocv5-1Y8ZeZQfT-zJaTBWOi84aogMRz4DALSKXL35Mvy7eFNXzpZ0DkbrmZPNqL85CoX3GfaFFnYwepjsL034x4b1UxGEqpswQrKWQQGEibOQYn5Q3Mz5WkgJuiXyFqcYeVmgjBOA/s1600/P7147343_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Knocv5-1Y8ZeZQfT-zJaTBWOi84aogMRz4DALSKXL35Mvy7eFNXzpZ0DkbrmZPNqL85CoX3GfaFFnYwepjsL034x4b1UxGEqpswQrKWQQGEibOQYn5Q3Mz5WkgJuiXyFqcYeVmgjBOA/s400/P7147343_1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At various intervals during the day several shows are conducted, including a 3D film viewing on the geological formation of the Philippine islands (they'll give you a pair of 3D glasses when you enter the theater), as well as a feature on asteroids and comets at the planetarium. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around the planetarium astronomy-related pieces are displayed: an orrery of the Solar system, a full-sized astronomer suit, and a diorama of the Mars surface complete with rovers that can be controlled by the viewer via a remote control. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The highlight of the museum can be found in the Earth gallery: a full-sized cast of a dinasaur, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, complete with mounds of fossilized dinosaur poop (called coprolites). There is also a paleontology and geology section replete with fossils, rocks and petrified wood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is also a full-scale model of a <i>butanding</i> (or whale shark, which can be found in the Philippines) dangling in the ceiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LjaDfCbTVagdWx4Vt3ynQRER4g3t53FeDeueYpMZlsQZpMP1HLfKmkdZsASox8JvM8ngsLVY6yiCe8dgLnOIgPyHnmF7zvpd-dYbYMJJ5gxZ8lbI0WO-iwtAI51fu1rKdvMwWKCqUaM/s1600/P7147440_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LjaDfCbTVagdWx4Vt3ynQRER4g3t53FeDeueYpMZlsQZpMP1HLfKmkdZsASox8JvM8ngsLVY6yiCe8dgLnOIgPyHnmF7zvpd-dYbYMJJ5gxZ8lbI0WO-iwtAI51fu1rKdvMwWKCqUaM/s640/P7147440_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E6EJxiYZmk6CuKCRHCpiVqoLvoxnpin0I2gzic8P2MLNS_zZkD8oE4q7d6vbx7ITOLFD_2GL1mwuIAlmPgojuVGhexuEEZcOA9eec_3kSrb4DnNb8HII8nlXtN4icmTl2mqBRWaDi-M/s1600/P7147433_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E6EJxiYZmk6CuKCRHCpiVqoLvoxnpin0I2gzic8P2MLNS_zZkD8oE4q7d6vbx7ITOLFD_2GL1mwuIAlmPgojuVGhexuEEZcOA9eec_3kSrb4DnNb8HII8nlXtN4icmTl2mqBRWaDi-M/s400/P7147433_1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Among the interactive pieces that will surely capture a kid's imagination are the van de Graaf generator, a working model of the Gutenberg press, a green laser with mirrors, and a Geiger counter paired with robotic manipulator arm that is holding a radioactive Cesium sample. You'd hear the clicks in the counter as you maneuver the radioactive sample to and from the detector (the display is encased in glass, for safety reasons).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To wrap up, the Mind Museum is a fun way to spend a weekend and learn something while doing it. It's something Dr. Sheldon Cooper might enjoy too. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Useful Info: </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Website: </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.themindmuseum.org/">http://www.themindmuseum.org</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How to get there: </b>The museum is at J.Y.Campos Park in 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. There is no public transportation going to the area so you may have to take a cab to get here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh6V2OwD5lyJwg5JePUJsVE4VDozWgmZxI1GTNcmxHXNrOkX3Wzpf4g1h8K7VTaIEoOsg_QdhRJkaKrHaUOOg6SSHiJG_kQOeWIu_mg1RSSJYy-RaaxM4G3Hw7bOtwmNf7_VateCk_Ik/s1600/P7147428_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfh6V2OwD5lyJwg5JePUJsVE4VDozWgmZxI1GTNcmxHXNrOkX3Wzpf4g1h8K7VTaIEoOsg_QdhRJkaKrHaUOOg6SSHiJG_kQOeWIu_mg1RSSJYy-RaaxM4G3Hw7bOtwmNf7_VateCk_Ik/s400/P7147428_1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: can be purchased online or at the gate (limited number). You may opt for an all-day pass (adults PhP 750) or 3-hr slots (9am-12n, 12n-3pm, 3pm-6pm, and 6pm-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays, adults for P600). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>pics, from top:</i></b> the T-Rex, the museum from the outside, an astronaut suit, a hair-raising experience for the kids with the van de Graaf generator, the robotic manipulator arm with a Cesium sample, the Mars rover.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-5387528482689581072012-05-28T14:24:00.000+08:002012-05-28T14:24:21.999+08:00National Flag Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjakpd-nP7Ldtoa73JG0O_A59E97rYoZnyvn35PlFwS10MGT79OgS3P_MUXoMWy9IY6o6I7HEVHmaZQTwOFbwnUd-zmh5kW2u0seYs6iCJreAhD8JAXc2rui4lQgnQMQMNr27hSlU6QrM/s1600/P3210498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjakpd-nP7Ldtoa73JG0O_A59E97rYoZnyvn35PlFwS10MGT79OgS3P_MUXoMWy9IY6o6I7HEVHmaZQTwOFbwnUd-zmh5kW2u0seYs6iCJreAhD8JAXc2rui4lQgnQMQMNr27hSlU6QrM/s640/P3210498.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Philippines is celebrating National Flag Day today. On this day in 1898, Filipino patriots engaged the Spanish colonizers in a gun battle in Imus, Cavite. Known as the Battle of Alapan, the fight resulted to a Filipino victory and presages the start of broader revolution against Spain. It was also on this day that the Philippine flag was hoisted for the first time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-18982332786615169062012-05-12T03:21:00.001+08:002012-05-12T16:48:03.721+08:00Survivor Caramoan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb-clX6X9za2iKhXtMGc-7M7o4IEGZhwQx5DY0mIUA3KyXr9zMYhsbEO0Y00rdzYL3P8Fr4AbAKp9PLHDfhzxY15XzGsQtF0woT8l0qAmDbsz4Vld0nz_6uMJa36-XlrsRGBQj-sQljY/s1600/caramoan+pano+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb-clX6X9za2iKhXtMGc-7M7o4IEGZhwQx5DY0mIUA3KyXr9zMYhsbEO0Y00rdzYL3P8Fr4AbAKp9PLHDfhzxY15XzGsQtF0woT8l0qAmDbsz4Vld0nz_6uMJa36-XlrsRGBQj-sQljY/s640/caramoan+pano+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an 11-hour train ride aboard the <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2012/05/bicol-express.html" target="_blank">Bicol Express</a> to Naga City, a 50-km bus ride to San Jose, a tricycle ride to the jetty, 3 hours on a <i>banca </i>to the town of Caramoan, another jeepney ride, then one more hour aboard an outrigger, these are the views that were rewarded to us: islands with white, pristine beaches amid karst formations that jute out of an azure sea. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnLGroHCz6hLh-sqJmp2nHbkxdFzciLFXCOGQxO0RnkepQAljsooFf-2tFx0eTq18hIx59GyVVpxu_1JWrGrM2MEeeuiH6f4vdGt7mU-92AiCZBWRXEuAEcV905MtM1-aMLfLyTwsCdE/s1600/P4276810_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnLGroHCz6hLh-sqJmp2nHbkxdFzciLFXCOGQxO0RnkepQAljsooFf-2tFx0eTq18hIx59GyVVpxu_1JWrGrM2MEeeuiH6f4vdGt7mU-92AiCZBWRXEuAEcV905MtM1-aMLfLyTwsCdE/s640/P4276810_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20Ou2kKPQz88vTRv06SWBfckgSUBexWU-3ZH8NYAlFmEeGfits1Y-oZ2T0tD6LLAcEHAJcc0Ifz-9HyU1-TcVCrXn_L4e4j2KuuGi8FEsMz0-BDTqYmt5fNMbsMJfthvE5Hg0l_-fK7g/s1600/town+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20Ou2kKPQz88vTRv06SWBfckgSUBexWU-3ZH8NYAlFmEeGfits1Y-oZ2T0tD6LLAcEHAJcc0Ifz-9HyU1-TcVCrXn_L4e4j2KuuGi8FEsMz0-BDTqYmt5fNMbsMJfthvE5Hg0l_-fK7g/s400/town+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caramoan is a town located in a peninsula in the Bicol region, south of Manila. It became famous when the producers of the reality show <i>Survivor USA</i> pick the islands around the town to be the location for the shoot. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite its claim to fame, Caramoan is still a sleepy fishing town, with a dearth of hotels and tourist facilities (which is a good thing). When me and my friends decided to go to the town, we didn't have a clue on where to stay; what we have is just a vague set of instructions on how to get there. Luckily for us, we were able to chat with a group of tourists from Manila who introduced us to their guide, who then set us up with accommodations, boat rentals and guides. Since there aren't so many hotels in the town, we were billeted to a home of a local who rents out rooms to tourists. This was my first time to do a home stay. We take our meals in a restaurant that serve home-cooked, authentic Bikolano dishes, like <i>bicol express </i>and <i>kinunot</i> (minced manta rays cooked in coconut milk, moringa and spices). It was as authentic as it gets. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFQVodY_EpFDXCX-csKBpDioTsAHNOmvef3lCdYvQzaSQnvG7o_JquAQO6pRHpSWdYp00nyDcawDaITfBAlufd1cYmHWt2elfcSe28qzssjW34uM33O-JONTfCbrYKKC-ST0LnB7oc2A/s1600/P4286871_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFQVodY_EpFDXCX-csKBpDioTsAHNOmvef3lCdYvQzaSQnvG7o_JquAQO6pRHpSWdYp00nyDcawDaITfBAlufd1cYmHWt2elfcSe28qzssjW34uM33O-JONTfCbrYKKC-ST0LnB7oc2A/s640/P4286871_2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a few hours after arriving we met up with our guide (who is also the one who drives the motorized <i>banca</i>), who took us to a small group of islands located at the eastern side of the town. These islands are the main location of the <i>Survivor USA</i> shoot. In fact, many of the islands there were off-limits to the public, so we contented ourselves of admiring them at a distance. That does not mean that there aren't any left. One island that we've been too has a cliff overlooking the cove, and opposite it is a lagoon that houses a 3-foot long milkfish that apparently got marooned there many years ago. It was difficult to climb to the top of the cliff because of the sharp rocks and the almost vertical incline, but it was worth it. The view (second pic from top) was simply stunning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar-HVEdQN2yiJ95Vot92bNt_iNi6gi5EgScz9QgVvUHc6KkozquP25uOF2IbTpJnZTPq_YJ38DMpSF5Y1un-1ry9XthsTYqW3WtSE9vLR4znPa-20Pd-zfRjLdmDgPSGF9keo8lVSATc/s1600/P4286867_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar-HVEdQN2yiJ95Vot92bNt_iNi6gi5EgScz9QgVvUHc6KkozquP25uOF2IbTpJnZTPq_YJ38DMpSF5Y1un-1ry9XthsTYqW3WtSE9vLR4znPa-20Pd-zfRjLdmDgPSGF9keo8lVSATc/s400/P4286867_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our second day was spent traipsing from one island to another aboard our motorired outrigger. One of the islands that we visited has swarms of stingless jellyfish swimming around; you can hold them in your hand without getting nasty welts later on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunch was taken in another island with a long white sand beach and nipa huts built along a small clearing. We feasted on crabs, pork adobo, and salted eggs and tomato, and washed them down with fresh young coconut water. We then worked on our tan by frolicking on the beach and taking a dip at the blue sea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6IOycxqZXEtVTn_LYL3b5tnVt1rl-eWoQ_TTE7Kg0hl-JogqKmNDwTo5Jy11quLmYrnNcLgx8q9MvlY5iw2IANVzZ1JUsC03bYh2uDreMcTAZZpXDUVdkBYwuipE8p5BfpM1ZNSHf9Y/s1600/P4286937_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6IOycxqZXEtVTn_LYL3b5tnVt1rl-eWoQ_TTE7Kg0hl-JogqKmNDwTo5Jy11quLmYrnNcLgx8q9MvlY5iw2IANVzZ1JUsC03bYh2uDreMcTAZZpXDUVdkBYwuipE8p5BfpM1ZNSHf9Y/s640/P4286937_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We visited a few more islands that are as unique as the other: the one with a mangrove forest on it; the one with a mile-long sand bar and floating cottages (but we did not see the sandbar as it was high tide); a few with private beaches on them; and another one where we got shooed away by guards in speedboats - the island was apparently another location for the TV show and is off-limits to visitors.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also did a bit of snorkeling. Some of the reefs show a bit of leaching, but we've seen that some have started growing corals again. I had fun diving into the water and gathering horned starfishes from the reefs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The village where we are has a no-karaoke-after-10:30pm policy, a brilliant ordinance that should be emulated in every town in the country, so the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> nights were spent low-key - with just a bottle of San Miguel or two at the restaurant, a chat, and a walk along the main street while enjoying sight of Milky Way in the black, clear skies. Reception from the cell sites are also spotty (no Globe signal from that part of the town), so no Facebook and Twitter either. Three days in a place like that - with home-cooked meals, nice white beaches, clear skies and fresh air, and the most picturesque view at this side of the country - can do wonders to jaded city slickers like us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRP51Krf93oTiad3bWI9P_Rtt-iXEoG8gyQDFDesonj9_7Vah2oOWVQ_TX4MV06yoPFyJhHHnE4uFHGdRYS0_WiMkdW7V4TpdnJxFz4LzkTfvIwIrpMaQ5fok-c2km7OMLeS8E2TzwxrU/s1600/P4287017_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRP51Krf93oTiad3bWI9P_Rtt-iXEoG8gyQDFDesonj9_7Vah2oOWVQ_TX4MV06yoPFyJhHHnE4uFHGdRYS0_WiMkdW7V4TpdnJxFz4LzkTfvIwIrpMaQ5fok-c2km7OMLeS8E2TzwxrU/s640/P4287017_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How to Get There:</b> Take a bus or train to Naga City from Manila (or plane, either to Naga airport or Legazpi City), then another bus to San Jose. From San Jose, take a jeepney or tricycle to the jetty where you can take a 2-hour boat ride to Caramoan town. The land route to Caramoan is not recommended. You may also take a ro-ro to Caramoan from Sagnay port. If you need a guide and accomodations, contact Rodel (+63.912.687.1654). He can arrange everything, from transportation, home-stays, food and <i>banca</i> rental. We paid PhP 2500 per person for 2 nights 3 days all in, including food, <i>banca</i>, room rental, and transport to/from the pier. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>pics, from top:</i> a panorama shot of a beach; overlooking the limestone cliffs; the sleepy fishing village; the islands where they are shooting Survivor USA; a motorized <i>banca</i> on a beach; me jumping into the clear, blue waters of Caramoan. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-73419642237517501452012-05-10T23:01:00.001+08:002012-05-11T22:23:09.624+08:00Stand Up Against China's Bullying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LewZSh6pfRVwQsxtAc51my9Fixr5dKkFbEgfhYNHn6jZGR5jO5EFF3LHx9vuv0TE6ZAWvHkbQvtgipj0s6m4JN90-AkTz3FC86glnx45dl-RXF68DuA51vapKOacks-rTKbxizfYLE4/s1600/82_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LewZSh6pfRVwQsxtAc51my9Fixr5dKkFbEgfhYNHn6jZGR5jO5EFF3LHx9vuv0TE6ZAWvHkbQvtgipj0s6m4JN90-AkTz3FC86glnx45dl-RXF68DuA51vapKOacks-rTKbxizfYLE4/s640/82_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not a normal post in my blog but this is an issue that is important to me and to the Philippines. Tomorrow, May 11, 2012, will be the global day of action against China's bullying in the West Philippine Sea. I urge visitors of this blog to join the protest and stand up against attempts to illegally expropriate what is legally a Philippine territory.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protest in Manila will happen in front of China embassy in Gil Puyat Ave. Makati, 12 noon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember what happened in 1989: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Asl8nZ1oxP2qSiRywHYyvGskRmqf3M-Tnmd03pF3Rnj0n3QkfNjLUgSRxvxjEePI8sN3KH8xGdPOv2jesjRkYYgTaMGjIR4B24K0l45OFr2V4Rvs7BsSiK0vv4nXNa6zunLrZRdbfPQ/s1600/tiananmen-square-1989-tank-man-china-close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Asl8nZ1oxP2qSiRywHYyvGskRmqf3M-Tnmd03pF3Rnj0n3QkfNjLUgSRxvxjEePI8sN3KH8xGdPOv2jesjRkYYgTaMGjIR4B24K0l45OFr2V4Rvs7BsSiK0vv4nXNa6zunLrZRdbfPQ/s640/tiananmen-square-1989-tank-man-china-close-up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there is no 9-dash line on this old Philippine map:
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwoL5cae1rTNs6lB6tJplcdVVWpXHwoBp37Sn8M-0jkGW1jTrGgwbroWrnsNTZi9tBXCR9h8w7HZzol8B2wo4W_mtxYwgdYX9TNlahq47TQIXsv2efoOpiLMF1m3ITdP5xObU83tdTnM/s1600/6581710_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwoL5cae1rTNs6lB6tJplcdVVWpXHwoBp37Sn8M-0jkGW1jTrGgwbroWrnsNTZi9tBXCR9h8w7HZzol8B2wo4W_mtxYwgdYX9TNlahq47TQIXsv2efoOpiLMF1m3ITdP5xObU83tdTnM/s640/6581710_n.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-34782007309335658812012-05-10T03:30:00.005+08:002012-05-10T03:30:55.649+08:00Bicol Express<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNbcWqDvBJB_R55MrgS_82Gk8tFJgZA7id2eIvz_HCN-r274ZRFNgZb-cbdn-m9sqn0G5_Ig9XWTuZDILn7Qm__3WyoKAZ2-2iRBJUGp0Fy1wjL9ODOobakMRMsUzC5m31SHmdpor3QE/s1600/IMG_7259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNbcWqDvBJB_R55MrgS_82Gk8tFJgZA7id2eIvz_HCN-r274ZRFNgZb-cbdn-m9sqn0G5_Ig9XWTuZDILn7Qm__3WyoKAZ2-2iRBJUGp0Fy1wjL9ODOobakMRMsUzC5m31SHmdpor3QE/s640/IMG_7259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and my friends, bound for Caramoan in Camarines Sur, decided to try the train service between Manila and Naga City (then Naga to Caramoan via bus and boat) since it was recently reopened by the Philippine National Railways.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bicol Express, as the service is called, has a rich history that goes back all the way to 1875. PNR was called <i>Ferrocarilles de Manila-Dagupan </i>then, and it first served the Manila to Dagupan route to the north. A line going south to Bicol region was later established, in 1931.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was excited because it would be my first train ride in the Philippines (not including the mass rail transit systems in the metropolis), and the first that would take more than an hour. According to the website, the trip to Naga would take about 10 hours: from 6pm to 4am the next day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyrcezwHQANzMMNFEnJeUm77d9YMNMsYGSsgXy3cEwPnnRlEt0mLVLBcehL22H3LKY-o7Vk8qcayQcxOuZU2Xk8lffW21cS1I49E-7tRAJCJzoIgE6dqlq-ZFjF9JQkh_dV3AZAxPNG8/s1600/P4266734_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyrcezwHQANzMMNFEnJeUm77d9YMNMsYGSsgXy3cEwPnnRlEt0mLVLBcehL22H3LKY-o7Vk8qcayQcxOuZU2Xk8lffW21cS1I49E-7tRAJCJzoIgE6dqlq-ZFjF9JQkh_dV3AZAxPNG8/s640/P4266734_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hardest part of our journey using the Bicol Express was actually the one with the shortest leg: the trip from the LRT 2 Station in Recto going to the PNR station in Tutuban, Manila. The distance between the two is just a few kilometers but it means passing through a very crowded market area in Recto/Divisoria and along some squatters colonies that might be unnerving for someone who's not a local. We have several options to do this: either take a jeepney to Divisoria and walk to Tutuban from there, or take a cab, which we figured would be difficult to get in Recto. So we took the third option: a </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kuliglig</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - an improvised kludge of a tricycle that uses a pumpboat engine. They can be found right next to the Recto station, waiting for passengers. We negotiated with the driver (PhP 100 for 2), who took us through side streets and along squatter colonies to bring us to the train station.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8it_zFCJh-ghWWnUyuo-0H9-w81r1EjxF6iD94NJ5PCpzIFq6gcaDCUcP3OBXXfyEw7PuYsybX6hyphenhyphenWMAyNvVIdHHezUz2Jvi6t_7wUyrjX-O90OhOwyovy7ngzoyttP-pYuiPKFl3Im0/s1600/IMG_7230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8it_zFCJh-ghWWnUyuo-0H9-w81r1EjxF6iD94NJ5PCpzIFq6gcaDCUcP3OBXXfyEw7PuYsybX6hyphenhyphenWMAyNvVIdHHezUz2Jvi6t_7wUyrjX-O90OhOwyovy7ngzoyttP-pYuiPKFl3Im0/s320/IMG_7230.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">Initially I called up PNR to reserve tickets for the trip. They only have 2 trunkline numbers for reservations and it is kind of difficult to get through. I managed, and I was able to talk to an operator, who sounded like a typical bored bureaucrat. He took our names and the details of our departure and told me that I will receive a confirmation call within 2 days. I didn't; the reservation system is tedious anyway. You need to buy the tickets 2 days before the trip, in Tutuban, from 2pm to 5pm only. Since I can't go during the weekday, we gambled and said that we will just get the tickets on the day of the trip. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">The tickets aren't expensive: PhP 665 for a sleeper (This means that you'll have a bunk bed to sleep on, and there are 4 beds to a cabin. T</span><span style="text-align: justify;">he executive sleeper, for about a thousand pesos, will give you a room with a single bed, but it is not available in our train.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize5Z71jZ3gXNrJLdtHjHpAyrHEK1v8jhrlMfinOi1ZdSuSBeW6iQqCZq5sexV2w4dGiWV53LHmHhfkl-xIxb8Rim89__Y_Z2Qxad_G0YRec6o-EBOrRK5MGXUfWC1Wj_rnA90H2vQgsI/s1600/IMG_7251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEize5Z71jZ3gXNrJLdtHjHpAyrHEK1v8jhrlMfinOi1ZdSuSBeW6iQqCZq5sexV2w4dGiWV53LHmHhfkl-xIxb8Rim89__Y_Z2Qxad_G0YRec6o-EBOrRK5MGXUfWC1Wj_rnA90H2vQgsI/s320/IMG_7251.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The ticketing is not automated. The cashier takes a long time to write the stubs, and it took us about an hour to get the tickets. We were advised to bring food and drinks aboard, as there are no restaurants or stores in the cars. With about an hour to kill, we went to the nearby Tutuban mall to get an early dinner and buy provisions. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">blue-colored </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">train itself - No. 611 - is a bit old and looks rundown from the outside. It still has some Japanese markings and instructions on it, a vestige from the country who donated the cars to the PNR. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">One thing I noticed: They installed screens on the windows, accordingly, to protect the passengers from mischievous squatters living along the tracks who made it a sport to hurl rocks and other unmentionable stuff to passing trains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The cabins are adequate. The bunk beds are positioned opposite of each other, each with a curtain for privacy, and a light. The top bunks are accessible via a collapsible ladder. There is also a shelf on the top bunk where you can put your luggage. There's a toilet at the end of each car. They are clean, but water pressure is not good so they flow out in trickle. The car where the sleepers are is air-conditioned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Surprisingly, the train left on time. Starting from Tutuban station, it passes through several stations in Metro Manila, then to the towns of Calamba, San Pablo, Lucena, and Hondagua all the way to Naga City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The ride feels like you were sailing on a rough sea, but it is not unpleasant, unless you have a history of motion sickness. If so, you might need to take Bonamine before boarding. Around midnight passengers would start withdrawing to their beds so there's not much to do except catch a nap. The screeching of the brakes from an occasional stop can be a bit jarring and could wake you up if you're a light sleeper.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic07vX54Jtk4NN63ahWFsURhIJKVA1QtCeWHgkpvbAF2LeKeOSWli9P5mzkbOGKQ80PkVNiaIdV5DTQlrwRVYVU8-L0NcijrCOCay86tc-o6y_2SBmochfbdHvSnShZ_qYAuMhU9aSMJE/s1600/P4266736_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic07vX54Jtk4NN63ahWFsURhIJKVA1QtCeWHgkpvbAF2LeKeOSWli9P5mzkbOGKQ80PkVNiaIdV5DTQlrwRVYVU8-L0NcijrCOCay86tc-o6y_2SBmochfbdHvSnShZ_qYAuMhU9aSMJE/s640/P4266736_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The journey though, took more than 10 hours, as we arrived in Naga around 5 am. This is partly because we have to stop halfway during the trip so they can repair something (all the lights went out and we stopped for about 30 minutes). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all I would say that it wasn't an unpleasant experience. Compared to the alternative - a 10-hour bus ride amid the traffic and the frequent bus stops - taking the train is better, as you'd have the chance to sleep and wake up in the your destination a bit fresh. The cabins and beds are OK, and there's a minimum set of comfort that you get from the service.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Useful info:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PNR Website: <a href="http://www.pnr.gov.ph/" target="_blank">http://www.pnr.gov.ph</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reservations: 02.319.0048 and 41</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_National_Railways" target="_blank">PNR on Wikipedia</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How to Get to Tutuban Station:</b> You can either take the LRT 2 (Purple Line) all the way to Recto station, and take a jeepney (or you can walk) to Divisoria/Tutuban area. The station is just behind Tutuban mall. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may also take a <i>kuliglig</i> tricycle from the LRT 2 station that will bring you directly to Tutuban station. If you are taking the LRT Line 1 (Yellow Line), get off D. Jose station and take a jeepney at the corner of Rizal and Recto Avenue.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>pics, from top:</b> the 611 Bicol Express train, the hallway of the car; the lobby of the PNR Tutuban Station; the wash room; the cab and the bunk beds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-68094923064700434062012-05-08T16:26:00.000+08:002012-05-08T17:50:21.207+08:00Caveat Emptor: Disadvantages of Taking a Budget Airline<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a big fan of budget airlines. As I stated before, Low-Cost Carriers - as they are also known - democratized travel and made backpacking within reach to thousands of budding travelers. But, as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn5PZgmSPLI" target="_blank">that infamous brawl in NAIA Terminal 3</a> has shown, taking a budget airline can have its disadvantages. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some things that can make you do a Claudine Barreto to the unfortunate schmo taking a video beside the luggage carousel:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyOZ9olfId-hhRRwK2bUfR45CyfdVVVxOwqfo0FMQyiNGF5nbsCIKleyijKa6XqiETJ2DKQYic_gxtA2T72eqfxunD8YBA4RsgbsA4q8LHvuvy2xr24btpNA3445o5aVJ9KK4wAF684/s1600/IMG_6888_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyOZ9olfId-hhRRwK2bUfR45CyfdVVVxOwqfo0FMQyiNGF5nbsCIKleyijKa6XqiETJ2DKQYic_gxtA2T72eqfxunD8YBA4RsgbsA4q8LHvuvy2xr24btpNA3445o5aVJ9KK4wAF684/s400/IMG_6888_1.jpg" width="400" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You get what you pay for. </b>Sure, the fares are cheap; where else can you book a flight to a foreign destination for as little as $40? But there is a caveat to this - you pay for everything else. You want a choice window seat? pay a few more dollars. Want refreshments on board? Pay up. You don't get caviar <i>h'ordeuvres</i> seating in the Y-class of a budget airline. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The ungodly hours.</b> To save money most budget carriers operate red eye flights - they depart late at night and arrive at the destination at the wee hours in the morning - to take advantage of cheaper airport fees. That means most public transportation no longer operate when you arrive at your destination, so that the money you save from cheaper tickets might be gone because you have to take a cab going to your hostel. Or you may have to sleep in the airport itself and wait for dawn. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Inflexible ticket options.</b> Budget airlines often have no option for changing your itinerary. Missing a flight means booking a new (and often more expensive) ticket. Tickets bought on sale, most likely than not, can't be changed or they charge you with re-booking fees that are just as expensive as booking a new flight. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Indifferent Staff.</b> Again to save money, budget airlines often train their staff to multi-task. Flight attendants might also have to man the boarding gates, clean the interior, go around the plane selling you souvenir items, serve you a beverage that cost as much as 3x compared to if bought in 7-11, and try to fit in an over-sized luggage that somebody insists can be a carry-on. It would be no surprise that the staff is overworked, and can be indifferent to the passengers. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No inflight entertainment.</b> Unless you brought your iPad with you, entertaining yourself on a four-hour flight would only be limited to eavesdropping on the heated conversation between the FA and that annoying passenger who doesn't know the meaning of "low-cost carrier" </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Being nickle-and-dimed.</b> Budget airlines operate on razon-thin profit margins (so I'm told) so they take every opportunity to earn money. They charge all these creatively-named fees on unsuspecting passengers to earn more: Convenience fee. Web check in fee. Fuel surcharges. Currency conversion fee. and the list goes on. One budget airline is even considering fees for using the toilet. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>That feeling of being like in a bus.</b> A crowded bus with seats made for children. In rush hour. With colicky babies bawling behind you. And you just try to zone out the claustrophobic feeling by upping your iPod's volume so that you won't go postal on the annoying guy beside you who's hogging the arm rest. Yeah, that feeling.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With these, why are budget airlines still popular? It is inherent to the travelers to have a bit of masochism in them to endure all these? Is price solely the determining factor in booking a flight, that a small indignity gets trumped by the half-priced fare? Or have we, travelers, already developed a Zen-like detachment to every bit of discomfort that we encounter when we travel? </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, all I think of is the white beach and the rum-and-Coke at the end of my destination, and the armrest hogger beside me will be miles away.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Budget airline reviews:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/airline-review-airasia.html" target="_blank">AirAsia</a></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/airline-review-tiger-airways.html" target="_blank">Tiger Airways</a></span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- ZestAir</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-63491750817746755342012-05-04T15:39:00.000+08:002012-05-04T15:40:49.655+08:00Mt. Mayon from the Window Seat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk4P55AuqVswFjvN4ikFn74uIaBUBMC0AZcRL1M3zUWiBib15tKq2_W4nbG5ckme9slU3mhis-JWqPoU4Kwh6TesNtYfIgT0hO7t81WeRJfDGmjCyrTccSXSEeSiUU8MmhZzP4IwZAS8/s1600/P4307281_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk4P55AuqVswFjvN4ikFn74uIaBUBMC0AZcRL1M3zUWiBib15tKq2_W4nbG5ckme9slU3mhis-JWqPoU4Kwh6TesNtYfIgT0hO7t81WeRJfDGmjCyrTccSXSEeSiUU8MmhZzP4IwZAS8/s640/P4307281_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is why I love taking the window seat as much as I can - the views can be spectacular sometimes. Views such as this: the 2,463-meter Mayon volcano peeking through the clouds as the Zest Air A319 I was flying was climbing to cruising altitude. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is the city of Legazpi just as the plane is banking to the right moments after takeoff. Mayon is to my right. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmksszPDbDoATmkkqjiJxVCqnELfSoNonpfOPJs33qrFR479kjUpdaQI7EpS_TApvpl4W0BRTR7_Z-1XCzxLPl2kFqw-C8_-TLm25aGoFK3De4jGR9X5XfhBBv9Tkrj1vbCrYsxSVVAsc/s1600/P4307278_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmksszPDbDoATmkkqjiJxVCqnELfSoNonpfOPJs33qrFR479kjUpdaQI7EpS_TApvpl4W0BRTR7_Z-1XCzxLPl2kFqw-C8_-TLm25aGoFK3De4jGR9X5XfhBBv9Tkrj1vbCrYsxSVVAsc/s640/P4307278_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-22653994676120876902012-05-03T17:21:00.000+08:002012-05-03T17:21:05.252+08:00Majestic Mayon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uEMKOrT0gBoNIAuS0Ah78IEYrDOQHf31vYbsB_lVEyG0GIiNsC4ZNPU1tsDLf8pbBJBeVFZFQrPOSRzqGQrEwivHsSDvNIQlWyADNxBTYFPqsZfmlxCw_Iaf8-03NKhu8QGw_5HycvY/s1600/mayon+volcano+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uEMKOrT0gBoNIAuS0Ah78IEYrDOQHf31vYbsB_lVEyG0GIiNsC4ZNPU1tsDLf8pbBJBeVFZFQrPOSRzqGQrEwivHsSDvNIQlWyADNxBTYFPqsZfmlxCw_Iaf8-03NKhu8QGw_5HycvY/s640/mayon+volcano+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I was a kid the first thing that comes to my mind when talking about places to visit in the Philippines was the <b>Mayon Volcano</b>. Its perfect conical shape, along with the ruins of Cagsawa Church - which was buried in lava flows during the 1814 eruption - are among the quintessential <i>magandang tanawin sa Pilipinas</i> (beautiful views of the Philippines) that are discussed in our books in elementary school. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is usually described as "majestic," and when I first saw it (while we were on a boat from Caramoan), I felt that the adjective was apt - standing alone on a verdant plain, wisping smoke from the apex of its iconic cone.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nj9Vuc_pcQNvnij4tPzn8nxPRwYL22qEWUGNjO9zq6ulNx4VmDeMBO2wRej6J4eQucaH-3O-ilT4pcVx_wSeb8-0hTcznOn72vJHBfInOeCMnaY-4YjuBtr6-7IMuKZODDspfIrDPTk/s1600/zest+mayon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nj9Vuc_pcQNvnij4tPzn8nxPRwYL22qEWUGNjO9zq6ulNx4VmDeMBO2wRej6J4eQucaH-3O-ilT4pcVx_wSeb8-0hTcznOn72vJHBfInOeCMnaY-4YjuBtr6-7IMuKZODDspfIrDPTk/s640/zest+mayon+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0QaOmkgXKyurQfFA3AvCb2YSb8u11iWGZvfl5P8XycKXTmcl24SSxwzNXyJ8ykbCBFjAggc1ddNJbK0zMOu4uJ9QH0hLCbhV5JI09WG5gTCgN5BRHZu8c-uEuu4ktoBrn68vcBlDN3Q/s1600/P4307241_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0QaOmkgXKyurQfFA3AvCb2YSb8u11iWGZvfl5P8XycKXTmcl24SSxwzNXyJ8ykbCBFjAggc1ddNJbK0zMOu4uJ9QH0hLCbhV5JI09WG5gTCgN5BRHZu8c-uEuu4ktoBrn68vcBlDN3Q/s400/P4307241_1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mount Mayon, as it is also known, is located in Legazpi City in Albay province, about 40 minutes away from Manila by plane (or 12 hours by train and bus; more on that later). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is considered to be the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted about 48 times in the last 400 years, the most </span><a href="http://scienceinthephilippines.blogspot.co.uk/2009/12/one-of-philippines-most-active-volcano.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">recent one was in 2010-11</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. There is usually a danger zone that is off-limits to visitors around the volcano, especially during its restive state, but I've heard that some tourists were able to climb up the volcano with the help of local guides.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best location to view the volcano is from the summit of Lingnon Hill. The local government developed the area into a park, and at the summit you can find a viewing area (with restaurants and all) that offers a 360-degree view of Legazpi City, Mayon and the sea on the other side. One of the stalls in the Lingnon park offers all-terrain vehicles that you can rent and ride near the base of the volcano, but since we have a flight to catch in the afternoon, we regretfully declined. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2eniVH-XFb4nP-7V8Rh0If8gdVSMrem8p_fB03jiTdpEqEETTCnqUV_tlMZvYmxsYS-xOF8b91ZbPKfhq6dAStigpiVJPVnpV77XFzSYTXwNadzL5NHDPpC5xPeYE0OeDGbYalzHYt4/s1600/P4307224_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2eniVH-XFb4nP-7V8Rh0If8gdVSMrem8p_fB03jiTdpEqEETTCnqUV_tlMZvYmxsYS-xOF8b91ZbPKfhq6dAStigpiVJPVnpV77XFzSYTXwNadzL5NHDPpC5xPeYE0OeDGbYalzHYt4/s640/P4307224_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Lignon Hill the next stop would be the <b>ruins of Cagsawa</b>, which is located in the adjacent town of Daraga, 8 kilometers from Legazpi. You can take a tricycle from Lingnon to go there (fare is about PhP 100). </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The baroque-styled church, built by Franciscan friars in 1724 to replace the one burned by Dutch pirates in 1636, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">was buried during the 1814 eruption</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Today only the belfry and parts of the walls are visible. Humongous rocks the size of washing machines are also visible in the ruins, a grim reminder of the destructive power of the majestic Mayon. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How to get there:</b> Legazpi is accessible via plane, bus or train (to Naga City then take a bus or van from there). From the town center Lingnon Hill is a few minutes ride via tricycles. Daraga, where the Cagsawa ruins is located, is about 20 minutes from Legazpi by tricycle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Pics, from top:</i> the majestic Mayon volcano, with smoke visible from its apex; Mayon as seen from the Legazpi Airport; boulders flung by Mayon during the 1814 eruption; the ruins of Cagsawa Church</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-37625862077341150042012-04-22T15:43:00.000+08:002012-05-03T16:01:40.022+08:00Jetskiing in Canyon Cove<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMih59FPE1lq1v1mm4q5cbviEss5gwslUiH03j6RgSTt8Jo1Ttzls_DwQ3rv73mZ3Pi6ckcjlwpxTeB9bRbnGsqHI_rZ24A40d5m-NYfOS4qlvPfD95nnAj9LOzcz5yoU7NZQa13bAnY/s1600/P4206712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMih59FPE1lq1v1mm4q5cbviEss5gwslUiH03j6RgSTt8Jo1Ttzls_DwQ3rv73mZ3Pi6ckcjlwpxTeB9bRbnGsqHI_rZ24A40d5m-NYfOS4qlvPfD95nnAj9LOzcz5yoU7NZQa13bAnY/s640/P4206712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Canyon Cove is a typical beach resort, located in Nasugbu,Batangas, about 3 hours away from Manila. It is where my company held its annual summer outing during the weekend. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoiioiqcIn1qIxMsXvpDFshy6mUsuNOMFQNoGoD0e_1i_5Kzz5NMUmBdmvznzXKK9xcJZvDVblioJZ_3Iq6jCe3xKSbLp6IyFFXJEQEmuS2jBC_zBBwRqMQ7OlP3dzlG05Q8HolpQwDQ/s1600/P4206666_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoiioiqcIn1qIxMsXvpDFshy6mUsuNOMFQNoGoD0e_1i_5Kzz5NMUmBdmvznzXKK9xcJZvDVblioJZ_3Iq6jCe3xKSbLp6IyFFXJEQEmuS2jBC_zBBwRqMQ7OlP3dzlG05Q8HolpQwDQ/s640/P4206666_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a <i>de rigueur</i> for beach resorts, it has a huge pool area, a cluster of buildings for guest accommodations, and the beach, which faces West Philippine Sea and is protected by a cove. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An implement of equipment are available for the guests, including a banana boat, several kayaks, and jet skis. The latter is something I haven't tried yet, so I saw the perfect opportunity to ride in one. Since it was my first time, an instructor rode with me; I was also allowed to take one more passenger. The 20-minute ride (which set me back PhP 2000) was exhilarating, as there were big waves in the sea and the jet ski would lurch and jump over them when I slice through. It was like riding in a scooter, only that it was on a sea and I'm wearing a lifejacket instead of a helmet.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UXnACcmuK0KKd3Pf-0aZ-hgN07jo2_Uuf6QS1HC9cjIWoIQMV-DJXAc2A2hvNj6tEsXZDq-_4Gb0hg_E8gG3MosHSGeSrKlR0YT2r1iGS8WEK-gmAnVaZWifVqxbvU_UVDYYKLWoIXU/s1600/P4206681_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UXnACcmuK0KKd3Pf-0aZ-hgN07jo2_Uuf6QS1HC9cjIWoIQMV-DJXAc2A2hvNj6tEsXZDq-_4Gb0hg_E8gG3MosHSGeSrKlR0YT2r1iGS8WEK-gmAnVaZWifVqxbvU_UVDYYKLWoIXU/s640/P4206681_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it was in the middle of the summer the resort was packed, mostly by employees of companies who are doing team-building activities in the place. I'm not exactly a big fan of beach resorts, but the day's activities were fun. </span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-68162961629026039062012-04-15T02:15:00.000+08:002012-04-15T02:19:22.516+08:00Swimming with Sharks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZbEL0ozHYKZm63A9sWIq-ootgKVneqSpi4DxQdJgVz81-XtExlr_zGOAOaXMndGIaAm19BpGme4wp-9T58K3ve-hBDkI2_wdr8Eh1nGGE2iasYtd5dniPTXFFr7e_UbOIPbnTz_4OVg/s1600/P3236254_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZbEL0ozHYKZm63A9sWIq-ootgKVneqSpi4DxQdJgVz81-XtExlr_zGOAOaXMndGIaAm19BpGme4wp-9T58K3ve-hBDkI2_wdr8Eh1nGGE2iasYtd5dniPTXFFr7e_UbOIPbnTz_4OVg/s640/P3236254_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Day Two of my Langkawi escapade is another trip to a marine park in Pulau Payar, an island about 35 kilometers from the main island of Kedah. The trip aboard a catamaran-type boat from the Kedah jetty took about 45 minutes. Our boat docked on a coral platform about 500 meters from the beach where we unloaded our baggage. The trip to the island is not very pleasant, just because of a bunch of rowdy Chinese tourists playing cards while on the boat (which continued during downtime at the platform).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAUADL0U-gUhwGIldkte9NDZiZ7mj8fbohvB9jW-Fd0tIWg1q8Qa8HSFLlyA9G7nCGSSHropMXufihL8hMK0fGDsGtNVZ6iuZmskstcT4AS5x7CDU1_F-FeT7P0cCGxIHSrQnrsyVK-0/s1600/P3236267_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAUADL0U-gUhwGIldkte9NDZiZ7mj8fbohvB9jW-Fd0tIWg1q8Qa8HSFLlyA9G7nCGSSHropMXufihL8hMK0fGDsGtNVZ6iuZmskstcT4AS5x7CDU1_F-FeT7P0cCGxIHSrQnrsyVK-0/s400/P3236267_1.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The platform served as a launchpad for snorkeling around the corals, and as a commissary where we had our lunch</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is also an underwater viewing deck below the platform, accessible via a flight of stairs. Here you can observe the corals and fishes swimming about. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is kind of difficult to skin dive because we were required to put on lifejackets while snorkeling, but the fishes are quite familiar to tourists and are easy to attract by feeding them with bits of bread. I noticed the corals were bleached, and not as impressive compared to the marine parks that I've been to, like the one in </span><a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/search/label/Dive%20and%20Trek" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Bauan, Batangas</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or in </span><a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2008/11/island-paradise.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Siete Pecados in Coron</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAbnTu0I4yrMUk0WiaJqBr0KWdl_vjp-f_x8FAJT1cmShOviJ6-sLbaRMe9Eja6zfL9NxftXibZ43oyROCyPWMaKvb6NUddUKv6GjeYxR7rGv2-nDqfEkAyA1g-62jEc_OnycpqHe5OI/s1600/P3236257_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAbnTu0I4yrMUk0WiaJqBr0KWdl_vjp-f_x8FAJT1cmShOviJ6-sLbaRMe9Eja6zfL9NxftXibZ43oyROCyPWMaKvb6NUddUKv6GjeYxR7rGv2-nDqfEkAyA1g-62jEc_OnycpqHe5OI/s640/P3236257_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the platform we snorkeled to the beach, against the current strong and amidst the stings of sea lice as we got near. The beach was pristine, with white sand and lots of jungle bowers affording us some shade from the hot mid-day sun. We relaxed for a bit on the lounge chairs by the beach, trading stories and admiring the view on the distance. After geting a healthy dose of UV rays, we swam back just in time for lunch, which was served buffet style.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YczTNPyvYrFiV91o7z8Ghn6xQYQ-QB9LODK_IpTFcvFCfYJTScWjF-eKvxcpnZcBkBgWBdFU8VoKYlNpyrhHzmFRlZ4HsWK9FwWkDow-wZNBD03KYVcF2VkpkYkDxjK4zTUCkHaeEcg/s1600/IMG_9621_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YczTNPyvYrFiV91o7z8Ghn6xQYQ-QB9LODK_IpTFcvFCfYJTScWjF-eKvxcpnZcBkBgWBdFU8VoKYlNpyrhHzmFRlZ4HsWK9FwWkDow-wZNBD03KYVcF2VkpkYkDxjK4zTUCkHaeEcg/s400/IMG_9621_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch we took another boat going to another beach on the other side of the island. The beach is a bit crowded, with lots of kids, tourists, and women in hijab swimming and floating about. The main attraction of this beach is shark feeding. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The baby sharks - between a foot and a foot and a half in length, freely swam among the tourists, occasionally nibbling on bits of bread being fed by tourists together with the other fishes attracted by the free food. It was fun chasing the sharks as they swam about, until I noticed that the water around near the beach smelled funny. That was then that I noticed that the shower/toilet building pipes drain directly to the beach which made me lose interest as fast as you can say "sewage." </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFMuA_IxHQx5kTPIOVa5P7NJ_LxTa-oFfu-EYM4wrPdTL20TPU1XnSxyFArjENeLOXMhF3RNPN6FypiXbu87IEomy1fFRdVtU7dRXW9W2BjtC_6eqGfpFQ4Y-reR0NTZbgrV7_n0pOPU/s1600/P3236273_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFMuA_IxHQx5kTPIOVa5P7NJ_LxTa-oFfu-EYM4wrPdTL20TPU1XnSxyFArjENeLOXMhF3RNPN6FypiXbu87IEomy1fFRdVtU7dRXW9W2BjtC_6eqGfpFQ4Y-reR0NTZbgrV7_n0pOPU/s320/P3236273_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then took the boat back to the platform and then spend the rest of the time taking pictures of the island and going down the observation deck to observe the fishes without getting wet again. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trip back was uneventful. We spent the 45 minutes on the boat napping (even the noisy tourists were quiet, we figured they were too tired to play cards and argue about incessantly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the jetty, we took the tourist bus that would bring us back to the hotel. Although we did not include it in out itinerary anymore, we can the Langkawi Eagle Statue - 12-meter high statue - from the jetty area. From the looks of it, I was glad that we did not pass by it he previous day. It looked like another <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2012/02/tourist-traps.html" target="_blank">tourist trap</a>. And a huge one at that. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMBIIxCy6KrY-Re9EKRMvQi3bVJYIGazNOknC81YAEstQ0P5F0D4fNWL3cWrEMQeKq7YaM5yhV0cSIN_erRgYnVqlCKkbc9QAU951DCgppQd99Z2PYqnlrt3eAVNBXDKpL8zaTybtg9Y/s1600/P3236250_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMBIIxCy6KrY-Re9EKRMvQi3bVJYIGazNOknC81YAEstQ0P5F0D4fNWL3cWrEMQeKq7YaM5yhV0cSIN_erRgYnVqlCKkbc9QAU951DCgppQd99Z2PYqnlrt3eAVNBXDKpL8zaTybtg9Y/s320/P3236250_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got back in <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2012/03/hotel-review-four-points-by-sheraton.html" target="_blank">Four Points resort</a> with just enough time to tidy up and change back to our boardies and catch the sunset while walking along the beach. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hit the infinity pool afterwards, lazing about until the sun totally set, which signaled the time for dinner and a beer or two. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>pics, from top: </i>Pulau Payar as seen from the platform; a swarm of fish attracted by free food; the beach; one of the baby sharks swimming past us; the underwater view deck of the platform; the jetty in Kedah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YczTNPyvYrFiV91o7z8Ghn6xQYQ-QB9LODK_IpTFcvFCfYJTScWjF-eKvxcpnZcBkBgWBdFU8VoKYlNpyrhHzmFRlZ4HsWK9FwWkDow-wZNBD03KYVcF2VkpkYkDxjK4zTUCkHaeEcg/s1600/IMG_9621_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFMuA_IxHQx5kTPIOVa5P7NJ_LxTa-oFfu-EYM4wrPdTL20TPU1XnSxyFArjENeLOXMhF3RNPN6FypiXbu87IEomy1fFRdVtU7dRXW9W2BjtC_6eqGfpFQ4Y-reR0NTZbgrV7_n0pOPU/s1600/P3236273_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-67775936470399313272012-04-07T00:55:00.003+08:002012-04-07T00:55:44.187+08:00708 Meters Above Sea Level<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPofQcnGHAM9FAZgfuClopK9Xtz-Bj1U6EJ4KKH4s9IRcW4m-Ly0q0tFMm1yDc4Nl7A6oOhQm_zq1IOVNAy7zMb-tpiFUF7ANJ2byznCKM3JKi6WSeVFdDqfzClPVVyribkREN5Wy8fQ/s1600/P3226190_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPofQcnGHAM9FAZgfuClopK9Xtz-Bj1U6EJ4KKH4s9IRcW4m-Ly0q0tFMm1yDc4Nl7A6oOhQm_zq1IOVNAy7zMb-tpiFUF7ANJ2byznCKM3JKi6WSeVFdDqfzClPVVyribkREN5Wy8fQ/s640/P3226190_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seven hundred eight meters above sea level. That's how high the top station of the Langkawi Cable Car is, and in lieu of my tradition of visiting the tallest skyscraper of every city I'm in, getting to the top is as good as being in the viewing deck of a supertall. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Riding the cable car all the way to the top and taking a walk on the Langkawi Sky Bridge were the highlights of the afternoon on my first day in the island. We skipped some of the touristy places the guide suggested, such as the eagle statue on Eagle Square, and went directly to the base station right after lunch. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheSCXAhxHYxiPCQNETNrTLPhAVULu2k7EOvJa7LmbscDdV6RJH01Imr9boEoE-xdH-K6aZn0yvn3OWTHXTPkcjJB0vr6X8akho29B0-tORNE-ct8GRIH9ZnuFwrGYo4LTBfIxzpQxPv8/s1600/P3226205_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheSCXAhxHYxiPCQNETNrTLPhAVULu2k7EOvJa7LmbscDdV6RJH01Imr9boEoE-xdH-K6aZn0yvn3OWTHXTPkcjJB0vr6X8akho29B0-tORNE-ct8GRIH9ZnuFwrGYo4LTBfIxzpQxPv8/s640/P3226205_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Langkawi Cable Car is about 15 minutes from the airport. Its total length is 2.2 kilometers, with 3 stations, terminating on the peak of Gunung Machinchang. At its steepest, it has a gradient of 42 degrees.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The middle station is about 1.7 kilometers from the base and has an elevation of 650 meters above sea level. Hanging from the 6-person gondola affords one of a view overlooking the harbor on one side, and the forest and the waterfalls on the other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_NzMglhu_jCHmXiRdP-ztyqfS2LWFPNlQW5ISzZrfs1XJj6oOebd_MHYG0znmykGLW_q0PahV51-fMNom_MVi61HgmZTdpqoPPgq2O7PI0jDhb4RKwjYBGfNjRG5OyEJqeyD-8u5iuw/s1600/P3226207_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_NzMglhu_jCHmXiRdP-ztyqfS2LWFPNlQW5ISzZrfs1XJj6oOebd_MHYG0znmykGLW_q0PahV51-fMNom_MVi61HgmZTdpqoPPgq2O7PI0jDhb4RKwjYBGfNjRG5OyEJqeyD-8u5iuw/s640/P3226207_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The top station is about 700 meters above sea level. It is connected to the Langkawi Sky Bridge - a curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge about 125 meters in length. Another viewing deck, located at the peak of the mountain, is also accessible from the top station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9mV4edmzJ1QgoyojiZzFmkA2gp2X1gAjsQcHHht8GIi0zq9m7FMcpqCwUYu4C0ekXwO98ujsxuxmm2YoFWqeqlSv4jaz6t6T1vLc1Nkv1tWhWr1ILZLLqGwgj-zEk7BaikJYN8GEj-8/s1600/P3226214_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9mV4edmzJ1QgoyojiZzFmkA2gp2X1gAjsQcHHht8GIi0zq9m7FMcpqCwUYu4C0ekXwO98ujsxuxmm2YoFWqeqlSv4jaz6t6T1vLc1Nkv1tWhWr1ILZLLqGwgj-zEk7BaikJYN8GEj-8/s640/P3226214_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sky bridge is impressive in a sense that they were built to span the top of the mountains, giving a rather vertigo-inducing view of the limestone cliffs and forests below it. Adding to the thrill is that fact that the bridge sways if there are enough people traversing it at the same time. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPNoTmzEOLPbVaPLIgy1Xa6aafrbwDd-Jtwo5lxcLCVl2THRascx_G3HM6dXWmA5REkqRTi-gmhYgmE_KQHWy8BfPH1c1NbTi5vFIfIm-K9hnTXa4TlCyUAAMQdCiOUvmQIHPfljr9io/s1600/P3226215_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPNoTmzEOLPbVaPLIgy1Xa6aafrbwDd-Jtwo5lxcLCVl2THRascx_G3HM6dXWmA5REkqRTi-gmhYgmE_KQHWy8BfPH1c1NbTi5vFIfIm-K9hnTXa4TlCyUAAMQdCiOUvmQIHPfljr9io/s640/P3226215_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The admission price for the cable car is RM22, and it is open until 6 pm. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-4670066377147566782012-04-06T02:09:00.002+08:002012-04-07T01:03:00.750+08:00Hungry Eagles and Kleptomaniac Macaques<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2mp3lnpVWvDbD44Ldnjzx0zFIBoD9UuAIHLO1oNXxEyPr70tM4QkYeI6vt54r9icV1PA7WnNOst50w86q7TZLmsW48saLfOueLi1dmEyGNylrrVrSvTxj6TOo9J8QU8NNkNcyyVQ4IQ/s1600/P3226046_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2mp3lnpVWvDbD44Ldnjzx0zFIBoD9UuAIHLO1oNXxEyPr70tM4QkYeI6vt54r9icV1PA7WnNOst50w86q7TZLmsW48saLfOueLi1dmEyGNylrrVrSvTxj6TOo9J8QU8NNkNcyyVQ4IQ/s640/P3226046_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia is not the usual backpacking trip, but rather an indulgent getaway of sorts with my friends. Me and my companions eschewed the backpacker hostels that I normally get billeted in; instead, we booked our rooms at a Sheraton resort (<a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2012/03/hotel-review-four-points-by-sheraton.html" target="_blank">review here</a>). All of our sightseeing activities were arranged through a tour operator too. I was in the island for three days but the tours were done in two, which made those days packed with activities. This post covers the first half of Day 1. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQRB-voIoOombX3t1O6KAEu2GLS8hoOnRutFID_VV5Hxyx5Q35xHYEY-65FCEewXDaW3j-S6frIhisEAcF4VflZ-mdPlyY5R8oGNhVCTCxb6h0mhIOUoBp87jJUx5YwjQVHhOrjbZQzQ/s1600/P3226073_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQRB-voIoOombX3t1O6KAEu2GLS8hoOnRutFID_VV5Hxyx5Q35xHYEY-65FCEewXDaW3j-S6frIhisEAcF4VflZ-mdPlyY5R8oGNhVCTCxb6h0mhIOUoBp87jJUx5YwjQVHhOrjbZQzQ/s640/P3226073_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eagles and Macaques </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh from a red-eye flight from Manila and spending 6 hours in the Kuala Lumpur budget terminal to wait for my flight, we set out for our first day activities right after breakfast. We were immediately whisked to the pier on a Mercedes-Benz C120 (the tour includes a chauffeured car for a whole day) where we took a boat that would take us around the islands (which number ninety-nine) in Andaman Sea surrounding Langkawi. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop is the Dayang Bunting marble geoforest park, the main attraction of which are the marauding macaques and the freshwater lake that is accessible by a short hike through a forest. Beside the lake is a wooden platform supported by plastic pontoons that bathers can use to jump into the water. The lake reminded me of Coron's <a href="http://kintoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/kayangan-lake.html" target="_blank">Kayangan</a>, although the latter's water is clearer and cleaner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0S6KUpldcPlgXXDhOXKxm1oSmp9SmoUPnXxiPGepWw-XEEb8HahQfE5re5Yu-DHuZnoSN-Cqko_1h1YX4rNuhmCeJwLz2sqoXuDn82G8-at-0F6qlj3L1T-zcucjPc-gLEqzgB63I8g/s1600/P3226109_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0S6KUpldcPlgXXDhOXKxm1oSmp9SmoUPnXxiPGepWw-XEEb8HahQfE5re5Yu-DHuZnoSN-Cqko_1h1YX4rNuhmCeJwLz2sqoXuDn82G8-at-0F6qlj3L1T-zcucjPc-gLEqzgB63I8g/s640/P3226109_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After admiring the limestone cliffs and karst formations that rise from the aquamarine waters, we took a detour to another island where the sea eagles live. The boatman threw bucketsful of raw chicken to the water, and one by one the eagles swoop in to feed on the floating carcasses. It was an impressive sight, and an opportunity to use my camera's sequential shooting mode to capture the graceful creatures dive-bombing for chicken meat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnwvGHeY0FZsStXQwvIMiSXrBJw8NLhWMP2B4Dd4Rby8cB0WpUVShFZ245Dj8_OQvcfXk0mrFZSiwF6IMcvjfZJ1yIfxqqFdc9p_0Qf9_oU7y6RWJ2ORVCjGj8IYpjtD3sARE_lznz_I/s1600/P3226168_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnwvGHeY0FZsStXQwvIMiSXrBJw8NLhWMP2B4Dd4Rby8cB0WpUVShFZ245Dj8_OQvcfXk0mrFZSiwF6IMcvjfZJ1yIfxqqFdc9p_0Qf9_oU7y6RWJ2ORVCjGj8IYpjtD3sARE_lznz_I/s640/P3226168_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFo5M4hEVl5CJgEPPfOxJ8Z4NFTmY9ftJm5_MaYMC1_xnTLE6Qx12jBbTlPPCzWKkQAy6cNXKRUYTv1NOi9QZenIDOdEYk3zHKsI_KJKGNe9VPAkadieUBYlWaw7EP_gCqG9ZaLQwsTI/s1600/P3226154_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFo5M4hEVl5CJgEPPfOxJ8Z4NFTmY9ftJm5_MaYMC1_xnTLE6Qx12jBbTlPPCzWKkQAy6cNXKRUYTv1NOi9QZenIDOdEYk3zHKsI_KJKGNe9VPAkadieUBYlWaw7EP_gCqG9ZaLQwsTI/s320/P3226154_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the eagles got their fill we set out to another island, called Beras Basah. The island, which has a nice white sand beach, is a popular stop, and there were scores of tourists already frolicking on the beach when we arrive. It also has its gang of kleptomaniac macaques roaming around the beach that steal food from unsuspecting tourists. We saw one monkey snatch a can of Coke from a table, ran with it and started quaffing on the soda when he was in a safe distance. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then spent the next hour lounging around the beach, getting a tan, taking pictures and watching people go about, all the while keeping a wary eye the monkeys to guard against their thieving ways. We were afraid that they might snatch our bags and ran away with our precious pictures. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of observations: one, we were still able to get 3G signal on our phones while on this island, so we were able to check in on Foursquare while we were on the beach. Second, I didn't realize how conservative of a society Malaysia is until I saw some women bathing in their <i>hijabs</i>. Third, I noticed that the sky was covered by a patina of haze that kind of made it grayish blue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole island is kind of touristy, and I can't help compare it to Coron or Puerto Princesa back home (the latter were better in sights, I think, but the infrastructure of Langkawi is more developed). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHhaTva8ovJNGD5cDu6Ycp6LBofFYcCIB-JCHqp9ExoN9oAeywKvwWRTr4FVLnMXVt802uYDC6jx1kYtk9jlhkqbeLkPckmqZalS5B9t0D8hDScbeGR9LftmTW46_08Us8DsQTU3B4x8/s1600/P3226172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHhaTva8ovJNGD5cDu6Ycp6LBofFYcCIB-JCHqp9ExoN9oAeywKvwWRTr4FVLnMXVt802uYDC6jx1kYtk9jlhkqbeLkPckmqZalS5B9t0D8hDScbeGR9LftmTW46_08Us8DsQTU3B4x8/s640/P3226172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was well past lunchtime when our boatman signaled to us that we should be heading back to the main island for our lunch and to continue with the tour. Grudgingly we left, taking snapshots of the beach as the boat trudged back. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>pics, from top:</i> karst formation looming in the horizon; me jumping on to the lake; an eagle swoops in to snatch its lunch; a gaggle of tourists camwhoring on the beach; a macaque nursing its baby; the beach of Beras Basah. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-19818322597033421242012-03-31T04:29:00.001+08:002012-03-31T04:29:39.129+08:00KLIA Ekpres: Fastest Way to Downtown KL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcs_7D6rTol4RQVTNRBxe7qsJYu_Il2CqlkvtjOabXfH6rwN2Ybzvkz5aGxjt4mpo4ESCM24fbhhQS1jkxVdynfqxA_l9Z8X2sp0tsiwaf4NfeKCKaSAzsk7YCjsgOYMKYdF3ZujWfHQ/s1600/P3246393_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcs_7D6rTol4RQVTNRBxe7qsJYu_Il2CqlkvtjOabXfH6rwN2Ybzvkz5aGxjt4mpo4ESCM24fbhhQS1jkxVdynfqxA_l9Z8X2sp0tsiwaf4NfeKCKaSAzsk7YCjsgOYMKYdF3ZujWfHQ/s640/P3246393_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the airport is fifty kilometers away, the fastest way to go to downtown Kuala Lumpur from the airport (either from the main terminal or from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal) is the KLIA Ekspres, a high-speed rail service. The trains - with top speed of 176 km/h - terminate in KL Sentral, the main transportation hub in the city. It takes about 28 minutes for the trains to get from one end to the other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note that passengers from the LCCT will have to take a bus first (Bus No. 1, in front of Domestic Arrival area) to Salak Tinggi station and board the train from there. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours, and shuttle buses leave for/from LCCT every 20 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passengers coming from the main KLIA terminal will board the train from there. The fare is RM 22 for round-trip journey. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2Q_32SuFhNn2zO_4CAe1IWJt9pxllUe53_NUKhTCz5_2jCsHHyQPx6evf_VJo9bRpCh7H9qvtIc5j7u3-wBv5QMG1onr0urqa72zVvi2c3ia0fFHUnsF3eI1ht8N1FAx6tOHwB7pQJw/s1600/P3246400_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2Q_32SuFhNn2zO_4CAe1IWJt9pxllUe53_NUKhTCz5_2jCsHHyQPx6evf_VJo9bRpCh7H9qvtIc5j7u3-wBv5QMG1onr0urqa72zVvi2c3ia0fFHUnsF3eI1ht8N1FAx6tOHwB7pQJw/s640/P3246400_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The train also passes through Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, so if you're interested to see the planned city slated to be the administrative center of Malaysia, you may alight at Putrajaya Sentral station (fare: RM 5.50 one way). Cyberjaya is the "Silicon Valley" of Malaysia and is located adjacent to Putrajaya. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf2WCaycWrimdTZoa_UtbDa-EiRM-W-19tF7x9hGwLwkg1JUZIPs58gdyW0uyTde6vrrLCgUwopkWYmV13ZJVZRM5ZmkmKo0Jw_Gc81pNA0yje5LTJQaLUGw1DAYGxTt2d8Gl5hSZJ9Q/s1600/IMG_7067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf2WCaycWrimdTZoa_UtbDa-EiRM-W-19tF7x9hGwLwkg1JUZIPs58gdyW0uyTde6vrrLCgUwopkWYmV13ZJVZRM5ZmkmKo0Jw_Gc81pNA0yje5LTJQaLUGw1DAYGxTt2d8Gl5hSZJ9Q/s640/IMG_7067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Operating Hours:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First train from KLIA: 0720 hours</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last train from KLIA: 0030 hours</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First train from KL Sentral: 0433 hours </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last train from KL Sentral: 0003 hours</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Website:</b> <a href="http://www.kliaekspres.com/erlsb/default.aspx">http://www.kliaekspres.com/erlsb/default.aspx</a></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-12048711911042197622012-03-29T21:15:00.000+08:002012-03-29T21:15:41.221+08:00Hotel Review: Four Points By Sheraton Langkawi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRFhLPTi88jiIjc7ByTIllo7EI_J7XBN9iwJmnkRQh2PxnDflYyRcD0oYCUQWUHIpHTvpvcNw_joKjorjZKjwQchNP0hhulOOYh0Y_qPxUrgTOIWgYk0Li7RH4wUhdHhRNVoxUeqpurs/s1600/P3236339_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRFhLPTi88jiIjc7ByTIllo7EI_J7XBN9iwJmnkRQh2PxnDflYyRcD0oYCUQWUHIpHTvpvcNw_joKjorjZKjwQchNP0hhulOOYh0Y_qPxUrgTOIWgYk0Li7RH4wUhdHhRNVoxUeqpurs/s640/P3236339_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a9kgJiTPRDvmaIA6LP6LJ0hR6wI4j34ixM36tEJDYdAaPQ4dvIqni1ISPdX3eN84hgVSZ-reqHECSBZUNynE1HWJ3Zk4DDzjQPa2FJppsG3T67Sa6nj5I3gpOouQvrExW_CoJT6Ri-w/s1600/P3236304_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8a9kgJiTPRDvmaIA6LP6LJ0hR6wI4j34ixM36tEJDYdAaPQ4dvIqni1ISPdX3eN84hgVSZ-reqHECSBZUNynE1HWJ3Zk4DDzjQPa2FJppsG3T67Sa6nj5I3gpOouQvrExW_CoJT6Ri-w/s320/P3236304_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Four Points by Sheraton Langkawi Resort was my my temporary domicile for three days during my weekend trip to Langkawi, Malaysia. The beachfront resort, located just five minutes away from Langkawi International Airport, is a cluster of buildings composed of the reception area and lounge, the Eatery, two three-story buildings housing the guest rooms, a pool area with kid's pool and (the largest) infinity in the island, and another building housing the fitness area. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Rooms </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rooms are large and spacious. I shared one with my friend so we got the one with double beds. Linens and sheets were replaced daily, and the room has a slew of amenities: toiletries, an LCD television, a minibar, and even a veranda that opens to the ocean view. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3vyi9lbp7fIGDrbp5PFWLoDahUIcH26PFlxBn2IjhdmdF0EAuG2Gus0tu5LqvfuUgL9XICrL3rd3EsZ-z5B9dFXoCp3vGypBIkGgPfjCK7QK8jBpdGMloEGp0Qp32ruvuZfV3_EihGc/s1600/P3236313_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3vyi9lbp7fIGDrbp5PFWLoDahUIcH26PFlxBn2IjhdmdF0EAuG2Gus0tu5LqvfuUgL9XICrL3rd3EsZ-z5B9dFXoCp3vGypBIkGgPfjCK7QK8jBpdGMloEGp0Qp32ruvuZfV3_EihGc/s200/P3236313_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Amenities</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most visible is the pool area, which includes an infinity pool complete with parasols and lounge chairs and a kid's pool nearby. Beside the shower area is the fitness center equipped with gym machines. The gym is open 24 hours, but the pool is only available until 8 pm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pool area is an excellent vantage point for watching the sunset. From the pool one can access the wide white-sand beach (but I think it's a made up beach, with the white sand imported from somewhere). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiILbFk1Kq-jrH0_cJXEf8GmEidVGsH0Gt-RrEqQ2GS9hSPQOw8CrfnJO6K3Tz2UYdt0QvGr5_dajOweYQBY0UeZTCebyAL_vZqCAT3eim58RjyiZxKyFBn7lhhVvEV2X7bP8Vkhi5NI/s1600/IMG_6981_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiILbFk1Kq-jrH0_cJXEf8GmEidVGsH0Gt-RrEqQ2GS9hSPQOw8CrfnJO6K3Tz2UYdt0QvGr5_dajOweYQBY0UeZTCebyAL_vZqCAT3eim58RjyiZxKyFBn7lhhVvEV2X7bP8Vkhi5NI/s200/IMG_6981_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The free WiFi access is excellent; the signal is very strong that I can even connect while strolling out on the beach. Wired internet connection, on the other hand, is not free. I find that weird because at this time most devices have WiFi instead of RJ-45 jacks. </span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Staff</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The staff is very friendly and attentive. They assisted us booking the tours around the island, and even gave us a round of free drinks when there was a mixed-up with the bill one time during dinner. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbrtalcqvAbNGBeckKW2Hg2NSqmvpw7BXgP85x6y9qhAWmcxZX0i93A8BjgXmP7uXB1XTH1TMF_SPTdmdwpNUkAKnmJY6aOTDor2o0qCR2yOWzFYwW03l3lyWp93y6e6ej8BW-9l4TVs/s1600/IMG_6978_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbrtalcqvAbNGBeckKW2Hg2NSqmvpw7BXgP85x6y9qhAWmcxZX0i93A8BjgXmP7uXB1XTH1TMF_SPTdmdwpNUkAKnmJY6aOTDor2o0qCR2yOWzFYwW03l3lyWp93y6e6ej8BW-9l4TVs/s200/IMG_6978_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bar/Restaurants</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is one restaurant and one bar in the resort. The former is called The Eatery, and this is also where the buffet breakfast is served. Choices for breakfast are varied, with the usual Continental fare available and some Malaysian dishes too. Ditto for dining options, and the prices are not steep. Dinner with a main course and drink would set you back around RM 50. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVbtia8WueiUCf027s0q5l1Oo-fQ58cQAsWr4C9Nruqdyuht-4Jp3eOx3tvkikv3pSidrK4_-otgr4uC7G0CbZkz2SScCVIQun9x9SvLYN3cq0KcfgLu0ZIREhDW7ras2oNPJZT_-bC4/s1600/IMG_6982_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVbtia8WueiUCf027s0q5l1Oo-fQ58cQAsWr4C9Nruqdyuht-4Jp3eOx3tvkikv3pSidrK4_-otgr4uC7G0CbZkz2SScCVIQun9x9SvLYN3cq0KcfgLu0ZIREhDW7ras2oNPJZT_-bC4/s200/IMG_6982_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bar, located near the reception area, is called Wrapped. We haven't had the chance to get drinks here but we did have that excellent Langkawi Swing - a vodka-based concoction - at The Eatery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Price</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The room (with double beds) set us back RM 360 a night. I don't have any basis to compare it to other resorts in Langkawi but it is in line with my expectations on resorts such as this. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwpvhgWWF8pFvT1GT-Oiy9H6jQ8pTpOwsc3dpQD5hZhNkAvXXGdBdWw0jB6-dg74N3c6xqGxeoHgktM-UZJRDRz8xMGmsELp6uZrRSWTFCdGOAdn35RgVFy1yEJFGM3kb0zjv0zFR1s0/s1600/P3236298_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwpvhgWWF8pFvT1GT-Oiy9H6jQ8pTpOwsc3dpQD5hZhNkAvXXGdBdWw0jB6-dg74N3c6xqGxeoHgktM-UZJRDRz8xMGmsELp6uZrRSWTFCdGOAdn35RgVFy1yEJFGM3kb0zjv0zFR1s0/s200/P3236298_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ambiance</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ambiance is as tropical resorts go, although I find that the decor of the rooms and the common areas to be too minimalist. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We came during the F1 Grand Prix season in Kuala Lumpur, so there aren't so many guests in the resort (or in the island for that matter), so the place is not so crowded. After traveling so many times staying in hostels, staying in a resort like this is a welcome change though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-WB8kUtgKdc2LfmWZuoft767VRFzIwTzUfMJVh1RPlf27jcBLK4FCTyDGykZyg0M35EkrXv-T12gV_H349aQWZxw1QCDRw_aV-4LFIaHjERwW12hjqO7lFFT3DN9RbkwIqMzKQCpJus/s1600/IMG_6976_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-WB8kUtgKdc2LfmWZuoft767VRFzIwTzUfMJVh1RPlf27jcBLK4FCTyDGykZyg0M35EkrXv-T12gV_H349aQWZxw1QCDRw_aV-4LFIaHjERwW12hjqO7lFFT3DN9RbkwIqMzKQCpJus/s640/IMG_6976_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Useful Info:</b> <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3621" target="_blank">website</a> and contact nos:(60)(4) 955 6888</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-10539167173402368912012-03-28T19:03:00.000+08:002012-03-28T19:22:37.675+08:00Airline Review: AirAsia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3q1Z_vU65llygUAsyMyy2N2Jli6nnHKDbcNAxfI9xCW1n_t8WTSd6gOen4BYBR6bPy-T45DQAnDmm_NPBBq2VDcXzOqvSVCj25qR4IGFWOTlmB4VUeVTutRtRRvEeP_45oUm4LtTVs/s1600/IMG_7019_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW3q1Z_vU65llygUAsyMyy2N2Jli6nnHKDbcNAxfI9xCW1n_t8WTSd6gOen4BYBR6bPy-T45DQAnDmm_NPBBq2VDcXzOqvSVCj25qR4IGFWOTlmB4VUeVTutRtRRvEeP_45oUm4LtTVs/s640/IMG_7019_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My trip to Langkawi, Malaysia was also my third time to fly using AirAsia, a budget carrier based in Kuala Lumpur. The airline uses the Low Cost Carrier Terminal of the KLIA as its hub for international and domestic flights within Malaysia. Langkawi was my first domestic destination with AirAsia, as previously I've taken it both times going to and from Singapore.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Online Booking and Price</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyOZ9olfId-hhRRwK2bUfR45CyfdVVVxOwqfo0FMQyiNGF5nbsCIKleyijKa6XqiETJ2DKQYic_gxtA2T72eqfxunD8YBA4RsgbsA4q8LHvuvy2xr24btpNA3445o5aVJ9KK4wAF684/s1600/IMG_6888_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KyOZ9olfId-hhRRwK2bUfR45CyfdVVVxOwqfo0FMQyiNGF5nbsCIKleyijKa6XqiETJ2DKQYic_gxtA2T72eqfxunD8YBA4RsgbsA4q8LHvuvy2xr24btpNA3445o5aVJ9KK4wAF684/s320/IMG_6888_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I booked the flights online through their <a href="http://www.airasia.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">website</a>, and the round-trip ticket to Langkawi from KL set me back around RM250, including fuel surcharges and fees (such as web booking and airport fees). It could have been cheaper had I availed of the seat sale, which I missed by about a week. Payment is done using credit card, although there is also an option top pay using a debit card. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AirAsia recently introduced a frequent flyer program called BIG but I haven't applied for one yet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cabin and Amenities</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because it is a low cost carrier, cabin amenities in AirAsia are few. The seats were laid out in 3-3 configuration, in a single-aisle Airbus A320 aircraft. Legroom is a bit cramped and the seats are upholstered in black and red faux leather. It has a flight magazine named Travel 3Sixty that you can read to ignore the person in front of you who's just reclined his seat and is crushing your knees. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ETq4_CrIh4dtLeU6od6dq1PP6HuswHZIzNcESKc4PiOoJrAz6owhNGkInhWLldIpWmIfPxcB9ONcTYdtqoK4_5ooTBtQGTaXU7KR4Pvx49RCr9wmEKJ7sm9Nud3YiC9Hi4Jmaa1Csk4/s1600/IMG_6891_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ETq4_CrIh4dtLeU6od6dq1PP6HuswHZIzNcESKc4PiOoJrAz6owhNGkInhWLldIpWmIfPxcB9ONcTYdtqoK4_5ooTBtQGTaXU7KR4Pvx49RCr9wmEKJ7sm9Nud3YiC9Hi4Jmaa1Csk4/s320/IMG_6891_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The airline does have food and drinks on board, mostly Malaysian/South Asian cooked fare such as nasi lemak (RM 13), tandoori (RM9) and chicken biryani (RM 13). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had the cheesecake on my flight back, and it was so-so in quality. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drinks range from sodas (RM 6) to teas (RM 5 for a cup of Twinnings breakfast tea). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Langkawi is a duty-free area, duty-free goods can be bought onboard. They also have merchandise for last minute shopping, such as branded deck of cards, keychains and toys.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz57fvwdrLD-Sy7daxGTRE54P8sG-juXCNvKonusaWInFqWiBRD19wNYskKcF-mydWs44DqcJDRbq2ZHiZv_Qpy0Z4tDYy0b6OQDDaP2F_j1816EdGT6SOKTn6uFQz4wgz6q041l-NBjo/s1600/IMG_7022_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz57fvwdrLD-Sy7daxGTRE54P8sG-juXCNvKonusaWInFqWiBRD19wNYskKcF-mydWs44DqcJDRbq2ZHiZv_Qpy0Z4tDYy0b6OQDDaP2F_j1816EdGT6SOKTn6uFQz4wgz6q041l-NBjo/s320/IMG_7022_1.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Schedule</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took the earliest flight - 7:25 am - to be able to get to the island as soon as I can. Passengers have the option of checking in online, which I did. Upon checking in online you will be prompted to print the boarding passes. You will also have the option to have it sent to you via email and SMS (they will send you the link to a barcode that you can then use at the airport kiosk to scan and print the boarding passes). </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is also an AirAsia iPhone app but I did not have the opportunity to use it for booking or check in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AirAsia is efficient and prompt with the schedule. Boarding was very quick and the plane did not spend much time sitting on the tarmac before taking off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Useful info</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AirAsia, including its subsidiaries, serves around 400 destinations around Asia. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">website:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> airasia.com</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-20364366956411904332012-03-07T17:23:00.000+08:002012-03-07T17:23:25.152+08:00Instagram It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_aDy413nVlSz7V2trgCRCkckx9Lnx0WOHDBL2zeBvZmtM6WYrmSIo4-dZietCwPnivuEd-qvDTca7Nix0k1aRJ8yHfn2EtUoLMQ6LcaBW67O7qlakCQHmxF4SN63vQ2XR29-VP003NQ/s1600/A8BF198E-AD80-450C-98C7-C548B2102F74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_aDy413nVlSz7V2trgCRCkckx9Lnx0WOHDBL2zeBvZmtM6WYrmSIo4-dZietCwPnivuEd-qvDTca7Nix0k1aRJ8yHfn2EtUoLMQ6LcaBW67O7qlakCQHmxF4SN63vQ2XR29-VP003NQ/s400/A8BF198E-AD80-450C-98C7-C548B2102F74.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYb7fa2VDvs9i8dwSs4_aef5ycSMfl8ZjFKClMtlASyq2a7Nck0ZVObJluNWv6G6VyRTjuoHWz-HqWCm_Vsg6oszVwLqTd0h-AwNGRiv1W9hMtn_yIb1v5D71Tlz7uEXYB2lGgRUg-0/s1600/E979B5E5-F899-4C3F-8070-35EB2C6D4F71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYb7fa2VDvs9i8dwSs4_aef5ycSMfl8ZjFKClMtlASyq2a7Nck0ZVObJluNWv6G6VyRTjuoHWz-HqWCm_Vsg6oszVwLqTd0h-AwNGRiv1W9hMtn_yIb1v5D71Tlz7uEXYB2lGgRUg-0/s200/E979B5E5-F899-4C3F-8070-35EB2C6D4F71.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wop1_SUQakvtFscqkyqKGGaNyF_stvNmIghwWyq3ZTWIcsSTnLubFE387E-YoiNukoaAJkBrIouqV8uIoVrSf_g4ukTJKAtFc7cuZP3786CteLSqgtH0Fo1l9973bUFEWh7bFr7W8Ac/s1600/8541BED1-6EC1-419D-AF38-8C4EC83FCD3E.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Wop1_SUQakvtFscqkyqKGGaNyF_stvNmIghwWyq3ZTWIcsSTnLubFE387E-YoiNukoaAJkBrIouqV8uIoVrSf_g4ukTJKAtFc7cuZP3786CteLSqgtH0Fo1l9973bUFEWh7bFr7W8Ac/s200/8541BED1-6EC1-419D-AF38-8C4EC83FCD3E.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYb7fa2VDvs9i8dwSs4_aef5ycSMfl8ZjFKClMtlASyq2a7Nck0ZVObJluNWv6G6VyRTjuoHWz-HqWCm_Vsg6oszVwLqTd0h-AwNGRiv1W9hMtn_yIb1v5D71Tlz7uEXYB2lGgRUg-0/s1600/E979B5E5-F899-4C3F-8070-35EB2C6D4F71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_aDy413nVlSz7V2trgCRCkckx9Lnx0WOHDBL2zeBvZmtM6WYrmSIo4-dZietCwPnivuEd-qvDTca7Nix0k1aRJ8yHfn2EtUoLMQ6LcaBW67O7qlakCQHmxF4SN63vQ2XR29-VP003NQ/s1600/A8BF198E-AD80-450C-98C7-C548B2102F74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmr7GYuQ_rWtiWresm0ntBoNYNVWmGuyCe-N_rbeMZYmv4Q4_T0q5Jp1ZXzn4i4ErPu5kJr74EdZFgs7QrItxg7TNzrjjbCLqFsxaFIzXpPXAucm8dVCY56xeeRAUl0nTBfrTXz5nDDg/s1600/72A97AE9-2385-4BA2-993C-45F9B4EEF993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYb7fa2VDvs9i8dwSs4_aef5ycSMfl8ZjFKClMtlASyq2a7Nck0ZVObJluNWv6G6VyRTjuoHWz-HqWCm_Vsg6oszVwLqTd0h-AwNGRiv1W9hMtn_yIb1v5D71Tlz7uEXYB2lGgRUg-0/s1600/E979B5E5-F899-4C3F-8070-35EB2C6D4F71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevYb7fa2VDvs9i8dwSs4_aef5ycSMfl8ZjFKClMtlASyq2a7Nck0ZVObJluNWv6G6VyRTjuoHWz-HqWCm_Vsg6oszVwLqTd0h-AwNGRiv1W9hMtn_yIb1v5D71Tlz7uEXYB2lGgRUg-0/s1600/E979B5E5-F899-4C3F-8070-35EB2C6D4F71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will be two more weeks before my next trip, and during the travel downtime I'm uploading my travel pictures to the mobile site Instagram (and had fun applying various filters to them). Here are some of those I've uploaded to the site. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmr7GYuQ_rWtiWresm0ntBoNYNVWmGuyCe-N_rbeMZYmv4Q4_T0q5Jp1ZXzn4i4ErPu5kJr74EdZFgs7QrItxg7TNzrjjbCLqFsxaFIzXpPXAucm8dVCY56xeeRAUl0nTBfrTXz5nDDg/s1600/72A97AE9-2385-4BA2-993C-45F9B4EEF993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmr7GYuQ_rWtiWresm0ntBoNYNVWmGuyCe-N_rbeMZYmv4Q4_T0q5Jp1ZXzn4i4ErPu5kJr74EdZFgs7QrItxg7TNzrjjbCLqFsxaFIzXpPXAucm8dVCY56xeeRAUl0nTBfrTXz5nDDg/s200/72A97AE9-2385-4BA2-993C-45F9B4EEF993.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9EwMIMLbGHiMiC9WQ8VqTLNxNSDuQhIv46ZXp9ihcHp5HJBtBxpaP6nWLgwucyBlhOhK1SbzKVktayrCavEAros_0EWcOJ884cpGPE0UP-_vDzBloDKnjvNiHmFxm4VuRo2LqTKBzB4/s1600/5A6DAE76-8CAD-4607-85F6-6542FFA56D04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9EwMIMLbGHiMiC9WQ8VqTLNxNSDuQhIv46ZXp9ihcHp5HJBtBxpaP6nWLgwucyBlhOhK1SbzKVktayrCavEAros_0EWcOJ884cpGPE0UP-_vDzBloDKnjvNiHmFxm4VuRo2LqTKBzB4/s200/5A6DAE76-8CAD-4607-85F6-6542FFA56D04.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clockwise, from top: the Chrysler Building in New York; the volcanoes of Camiguin as seen from the sea; downtown St. Louis and the Busch Stadium as seen from the Gateway Arch; the flagellants of Cutud, San Fernando during Holy Week; bikes in Central Park </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461308060452255687.post-23306732312375485882012-02-16T02:49:00.000+08:002012-02-16T02:53:46.800+08:00Tourist Traps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYatfRzDGVnbukmuC_4oSu-W6KDSlheTjJyR_ASR5lNkzu99g15eCNpbdvZl4AxDq85xZEyFJ5R5zTLsEWxtbS8AeabmKv5Tez7Mw4AxeSp55uNpf-Yf_ncaHhoaV5u5TcUg7iEmEQ5Y/s1600/photo+3+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYatfRzDGVnbukmuC_4oSu-W6KDSlheTjJyR_ASR5lNkzu99g15eCNpbdvZl4AxDq85xZEyFJ5R5zTLsEWxtbS8AeabmKv5Tez7Mw4AxeSp55uNpf-Yf_ncaHhoaV5u5TcUg7iEmEQ5Y/s200/photo+3+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dWl60xf8xuoqbcNXqdKk8iZirnxaU5huKCJ3hTxQnA5HlVZx5WJRmpscpSVJBB8_aJfSygR7NqAZsN_i6Wwd1uyp4-ROxMZH7Iky0D2iy23k8VYSq2lCO-mc78okW_gKwCBTIB5APtQ/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dWl60xf8xuoqbcNXqdKk8iZirnxaU5huKCJ3hTxQnA5HlVZx5WJRmpscpSVJBB8_aJfSygR7NqAZsN_i6Wwd1uyp4-ROxMZH7Iky0D2iy23k8VYSq2lCO-mc78okW_gKwCBTIB5APtQ/s200/photo+4+(1).JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ewOQo_7YqFIL8w4UJUlekEZF8ToxpJHO9GFRC9znzsjJigZqhWD8efHMFrM1wI7RaOopwbWUaToOrOYP_mFNNSjkKbHfauHDmp76s30ZZtFF_YMjFDQF2Rmw9C8SnWuU9AiBzKvUyc0/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ewOQo_7YqFIL8w4UJUlekEZF8ToxpJHO9GFRC9znzsjJigZqhWD8efHMFrM1wI7RaOopwbWUaToOrOYP_mFNNSjkKbHfauHDmp76s30ZZtFF_YMjFDQF2Rmw9C8SnWuU9AiBzKvUyc0/s320/photo+2+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlDjMhy-a8fBrCzXHDo51-D2SWKN_oWfkcBZtt67yGlEI3kopu8tK4L5YfQXjKXNWXclb8Ub9i-k5D1QxrxFUBQX-Tdhvi8ss-ukVFU1ecHa-jQww4R7DL0Jh80rtxbkvz6nPHYhz9M4/s1600/photo+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlDjMhy-a8fBrCzXHDo51-D2SWKN_oWfkcBZtt67yGlEI3kopu8tK4L5YfQXjKXNWXclb8Ub9i-k5D1QxrxFUBQX-Tdhvi8ss-ukVFU1ecHa-jQww4R7DL0Jh80rtxbkvz6nPHYhz9M4/s200/photo+11.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tourist trap is to travelers as fatty french fries are to health buffs: something that you avoid, but sometimes you indulge on it just for the "taste" of it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like fries, tourist traps - attractions that were only built with tourists in mind - are readily available and something that you'll encounter often as you travel around. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As most are easily recognizable, you're most likely to visit it and have a snapshot of you taken with it on the background, like the Merlion statue in Singapore's Marina, after which there's nothing else to do but to watch other travelers fall for the same trap. Others may just be worth visiting because they become part of the story to be told when you're back home, like the notorious Patpong district of Bangkok and its pingpong girls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While gorging too much french fries is ultimately bad for your six-pack, indulging too much on tourist traps will distract you from experiencing the "real" place. So, like they say, consume sparingly!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>pics, clockwise from top: Bruce Lee statue on Avenue of the Stars in Hong Kong; the Merlion statue in Singapore; the signs beckon in Patpong district in Bangkok; the man-made Siloso Beach in Sentosa, Singapore</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0