Aratilis: Sweet Memories of Childhood
27 September 2008
Almost every "promdi" (from the province) person Tutubi knows has vivid memories of this tree, growing wild in almost every nook and cranny of the Philippines, and climbed by children searcing for succulent red fruits resembling cherries. Children and adults love to taste it yet you'll never see it being sold at public markets probably due to its ubiquity.
In his own experience, aratilis "cherries," called mansanitas in the Visayas, are not sweet during rainy days unlike in hot, summer ones, quite bland actually. It's also not good to partake of it if it's overripe. Eat it with just the right ripeness and it's a sure winner.
a ripe fruit of aratilis with two green ones
Aratilis trees are not native to the Philippines, they came from Southern America, probably brought by the Spaniards by way of Mexico. This is similar to the abundance of the waterways-choking water hyacinths, erroneously called water lily by most Filipinos.
an aratilis tree somewhere in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija providing shade to a restaurant
According to Wikipedia:
"Muntingia calabura, the sole species in the genus Muntingia, is a flowering plant native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and western South America south to Peru and Bolivia. Common names include (English) Jamaican cherry, Panama berry, Singapore cherry, Strawberry tree; (Spanish) bolaina yamanaza, cacaniqua, capulín blanco, nigua, niguito, memizo or memiso; and (Filipino) aratilis, aratiles, manzanitas.
It is a small tree 7-12 meters tall with tiered and slightly drooping branches. It has serrated leaves 2.5-15 cm long and 1-6.5 cm wide. The flowers are small and white and gives rise to 1-1.5 cm light red fruit. The fruit is edible, sweet and juicy, and contains a large number of tiny (0.5 mm) yellow seeds."
Tutubi has a small aratilis tree at his rooftop garden that he's trying to turn into a butterfly garden.
How about you? Do you also have childhood memories of the aratilis?
In his own experience, aratilis "cherries," called mansanitas in the Visayas, are not sweet during rainy days unlike in hot, summer ones, quite bland actually. It's also not good to partake of it if it's overripe. Eat it with just the right ripeness and it's a sure winner.
a ripe fruit of aratilis with two green onesAratilis trees are not native to the Philippines, they came from Southern America, probably brought by the Spaniards by way of Mexico. This is similar to the abundance of the waterways-choking water hyacinths, erroneously called water lily by most Filipinos.
an aratilis tree somewhere in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija providing shade to a restaurantAccording to Wikipedia:
"Muntingia calabura, the sole species in the genus Muntingia, is a flowering plant native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and western South America south to Peru and Bolivia. Common names include (English) Jamaican cherry, Panama berry, Singapore cherry, Strawberry tree; (Spanish) bolaina yamanaza, cacaniqua, capulín blanco, nigua, niguito, memizo or memiso; and (Filipino) aratilis, aratiles, manzanitas.
It is a small tree 7-12 meters tall with tiered and slightly drooping branches. It has serrated leaves 2.5-15 cm long and 1-6.5 cm wide. The flowers are small and white and gives rise to 1-1.5 cm light red fruit. The fruit is edible, sweet and juicy, and contains a large number of tiny (0.5 mm) yellow seeds."
Tutubi has a small aratilis tree at his rooftop garden that he's trying to turn into a butterfly garden.
How about you? Do you also have childhood memories of the aratilis?
Labels: Fruits
posted by GingGoy @ 8:38 PM,
,
How to Get to Manila Airport: NAIA Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4: Map, Commute, Directions, Taxi Bus Fare
23 September 2008
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, formerly called Manila International Airport, serves as the official gateway to the Philippines. For information on first-time visitors to the Philippines and also for newbie flyers who're looking for information on how to get to the airport for your flight, Tutubi wrote down this guide based on his own personal knowledge.
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 1
Carriers: All International flights of Foreign Carriers
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 1:
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though).
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P280 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours), from Makati CBD is just around P150 (travel time around 20 minutes) while from Ermita and Malate districts of Manila it's about P250. Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions NAIA Terminal 1:
From EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes interchange and take the left-turn ramp/flyover to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Andrews Avenue) then left at the next intersection [Domestic Road, landmarks: Petron and Caltex] then another left on NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road) [landmark: Caltex gas station] then finally a right on Ninoy Aquino Avenue [landmarks: NAIA park on your right, Caltex to your left]. Head straight until you see the terminal ramps. There are direction signs along the way so you won't get lost.
From NAIA Terminal 1 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge more expensive than regular metered taxis (flagdown rate is P70.00) with P4 for every 300 meters.
In order to flag a metered taxi, upon exit look for the escalators going up to the departure area and hire a taxi that had just offloaded passengers.
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal)
Used exclusively by Philippine Airlines (PAL) for International and Domestic flights
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 2:
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though)
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P280 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours), Makati CBD is just around P150 (travel time around 20 minutes) while from Ermita and Malate districts of Manila it's about PhP250. Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions NAIA Terminal 2:
From EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes interchange and take the ramp/flyover going to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Andrews Avenue) then left at the next intersection (Domestic Road) [landmarks: Petron and Caltex] left on MIA Road (NAIA Road) [you'll see Nayong Pilipino on your left] until you see the terminal ramps. There are direction signs along the way so you won't get lost.
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night (it's safe due to presence of security guards)
From Terminal 2 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis (Coupon taxi) are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination e.g. P450.00 to Makati CBD)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge slightly more expensive than regular metered taxis (P70 flag down rate).
In order to flag a metered, upon exit look for the escalators going up to the departure area and hire a taxi that had just
offloaded passengers. (You may need to haggle here since some drivers may ask for additional fares on top of the meter or simply
ask for a fixed fare. Go for the next taxi if that's the case. This is especially true for foreigners)
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3
(Opened July 2008 and currently used by Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines)
Gates 131-134 of NAIA Terminal 3 are used for domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines
How to get to NAIA Terminal 3
Driving Directions to NAIA Terminal 3:
From Laguna and Batangas via SLEX, take the exit ramp in Nichols right after the SLEX toll gates, turn left towards Villamor Airbase then go around the rotonda infront of NAIA Terminal 3.
From the north via C5, drive towards Fort Bonifacio towards 5th Avenue where you drive all the way to Villamor Airbase (Nichols) until you see the rotonda and the entrance of terminal 3.
Alternately, from EDSA, take the flyover to airport road, turn right on Andrews Avenue (landmark: Caltex gas station), make a U-turn at the rotonda, then drive until you see the terminal in front of another roundabout.
Overnight Parking Fee at NAIA Terminal 3 Carpark: PhP50.00/night (it's safe due to presence of security guards)
There are no tubes used at Terminal 3 on deplaning for domestic travel. Passengers are required to board shuttle buses to and from the boarding gates.
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 3:
Option 1: Jeepneys plying the Nichols to SM Mall of Asia via Macapagal Avenue and Tramo route pass by Andrews Avenue in front of the terminal.
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport), alight on Airport Road then transfer to Nichols-bound jeeps.
Option 3: At EDSA Taft Rotonda (from MRT EDSA Station or LRT Taft Avenue station), board jeepneys with Nichols/Terminal 3 on the signboard.
Option 3: There's a direct bus to Terminal 3 via C5 from Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City via Fort Bonifacio going to Newport City in front of Terminal 3, operated by Citylink Coach Services (Citylink Business Class is emblazoned on the side of the bus, the same company providing The Fort bus service).
Option 4: The best yet most expensive, take a cab all the way to the airport terminal. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P220 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours) and from Makati CBD is just around P110 (travel time around 20 minutes). Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
From Terminal 3 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge P70 for the first 500 meters and P4 for the every succeeding 300 meters and P4 for every two minutes of waiting time.
Metered taxi from MGE and EMP are available at the far right end.
In order to flag a metered, upon exit head straight towards Andrews avenue where metered taxis are queued up. Note that taxi drivers here always try to negotiate a rate and not use the meter.
You can also ride the jeepney going to Mall of Asia via Tramo and Macapagal Avenue or drop off at Aurora Boulevard then transfer to an EDSA-bound bus to your destination.
How to Get to Manila Domestic Airport (alternately Manila Domestic Terminal (MDT))
Carriers: all domestic flights Seair (South East Asian Airlines, usually misspelled as Sea air), ZestAir (formerly Asian Spirit)
How to commute to Manila Domestic Terminal:
Of all airport terminals in Manila, this is the most commuter-friendly where public transportation is readily available. You can immediately board a bus to EDSA or a jeep to Baclaran just a few steps outside the terminal.
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though)
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P220 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours) and from Makati CBD is just around P110 (travel time around 20 minutes). Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions to Manila Domestic Airport:
From Quezon City via EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes and take the left-turning ramp/flyover to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Edwards Avenue) then left at the next intersection (Domestic Road) [landmarks: Petron and Caltex gas stations]. Continue until you see the Domestic Airport on your left.
Free Shuttle bus transfers to the various Manila airport terminals:
Unlike other large airports (e.g. Hong Kong), where terminals are linked by dedicated rails, Manila's 4 terminals are now serviced by free shuttle service should you need to transfer to another terminal to catch a connecting flight.
On arrival terminal 1, turn right on leaving the arrivals hall and the shuttle stop is about fifty meters in front of you.
At Terminal 2 (PAL terminal), exit arrival hall and the stop is about one hundred meters and a little to the right.
A large blue and white sign makes it impossible to miss. The driver said the circuit takes about thirty minutes.
At Terminal 3 arrival exit, the shuttle queue is just a little to the right, about 20 meters from the door exits.
Airport Terminal Fees, Tourist Traps and other Information:
NAIA Terminal Fee: P550.00 for international flights
NAIA Terminal Fee: P200 for domestic flights (now included in your plane tickets)
(Terminal Fee is synonymous to airport tax)
ATMs are available at Terminals 1 and 2, and 3
Money changers are present in all terminals but usually sell Pesos at higher rates (usually by one or two pesos more) than those outside and buy dollars a peso or two less than the present exchange rate.
For taxis, you may need to haggle with some drivers who ask for additional fares on top of the meter or simply ask for a fixed fare (kontrata). Proceed to the next taxi if that's the case. This specially true to foreigners.
Regular Taxi fares in Manila comes with a P40 flagdown rate (plus P10 mandated in addition to the flagdown to offset rising fuel costs) the first 500 meters plus P3.50 for every 300 meters and P3.50 for every two minutes waiting time (or idle time in heavy traffic).
If you intend to drive your own car to catch your flight, you may opt to park your car at Park n Fly where a shuttle service can take and fetch you at the airport. Rates are P10/hour with minimum of 24 hours.
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night or PhP35 day rate.
Free Wireless Internet (Wifi) at the waiting area of NAIA Terminal 2
If you can't figure out the directions given, you may refer to this map of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and immediate vicinity.
Important Telephone Numbers:
Manila International Aiport Authority (MIAA)
+63.2.877.1109 Connecting all Departments
+63.2.877.1111 Emergency/Complaints Assistance Center
+63.2.877.1120 NAIA Terminal 1 Flight Information
+63.2.877.1130 NAIA Terminal 2 Flight Information
+63.2.832.3566 Manila Domestic Airport (Old Domestic Terminal)
SMS: +63.2.917.839.6242 (TextNAIA)
Airport Police +63.2.877.1101 local 3939
Via SMS/Text Message: send your text message to TEXNAIA (0917-8395242)
Hotels near Manila Airport (as well as Inns, Pension Houses, Lodges)
Manila Airport Hotel (within NAIA near Terminal 1)
Philippine Village Hotel
Marriot Hotel (in front of Terminal 3)
Kabayan Hotel
Hotels in Makati and Taguig (The Fort) are generally near the airport, about P120 taxi fare (metered) to various hotels e.g. Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, New World Hotel, The Peninsula Manila, Dusit Hotel, Sommerset, Best Western Astor, City Garden Hotel, et al
Should you know of other ways to commute to the airport terminals, please leave a comment for Tutubi to update the information contained herein.
Reference Exchange Rate: US$1=P41.00 and 1 Euro = P68 (Philippine Peso) )
Tags: NAIA Terminal Fee
Related Posts:
Airport Terminal Fees
Hotels near Manila Airport
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 3
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2
Citylink Bus
Skyway to NAIA Airport
UPDATED: April 2013
WARNING:
Don't even think of cracking a bomb joke at the airport. Filipinos may have a sense of humor but bomb jokes can make you miss your flight and get you in serious trouble with the police and airport security people.
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 1
Carriers: All International flights of Foreign Carriers
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 1:
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though).
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P280 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours), from Makati CBD is just around P150 (travel time around 20 minutes) while from Ermita and Malate districts of Manila it's about P250. Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions NAIA Terminal 1:
From EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes interchange and take the left-turn ramp/flyover to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Andrews Avenue) then left at the next intersection [Domestic Road, landmarks: Petron and Caltex] then another left on NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road) [landmark: Caltex gas station] then finally a right on Ninoy Aquino Avenue [landmarks: NAIA park on your right, Caltex to your left]. Head straight until you see the terminal ramps. There are direction signs along the way so you won't get lost.
From NAIA Terminal 1 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge more expensive than regular metered taxis (flagdown rate is P70.00) with P4 for every 300 meters.
In order to flag a metered taxi, upon exit look for the escalators going up to the departure area and hire a taxi that had just offloaded passengers.
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 2 (Centennial Terminal)
Used exclusively by Philippine Airlines (PAL) for International and Domestic flights
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 2:
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though)
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P280 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours), Makati CBD is just around P150 (travel time around 20 minutes) while from Ermita and Malate districts of Manila it's about PhP250. Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions NAIA Terminal 2:
From EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes interchange and take the ramp/flyover going to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Andrews Avenue) then left at the next intersection (Domestic Road) [landmarks: Petron and Caltex] left on MIA Road (NAIA Road) [you'll see Nayong Pilipino on your left] until you see the terminal ramps. There are direction signs along the way so you won't get lost.
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night (it's safe due to presence of security guards)
From Terminal 2 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis (Coupon taxi) are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination e.g. P450.00 to Makati CBD)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge slightly more expensive than regular metered taxis (P70 flag down rate).
In order to flag a metered, upon exit look for the escalators going up to the departure area and hire a taxi that had just
offloaded passengers. (You may need to haggle here since some drivers may ask for additional fares on top of the meter or simply
ask for a fixed fare. Go for the next taxi if that's the case. This is especially true for foreigners)
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3
(Opened July 2008 and currently used by Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines)
Gates 131-134 of NAIA Terminal 3 are used for domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air PhilippinesHow to get to NAIA Terminal 3
Driving Directions to NAIA Terminal 3:
From Laguna and Batangas via SLEX, take the exit ramp in Nichols right after the SLEX toll gates, turn left towards Villamor Airbase then go around the rotonda infront of NAIA Terminal 3.
From the north via C5, drive towards Fort Bonifacio towards 5th Avenue where you drive all the way to Villamor Airbase (Nichols) until you see the rotonda and the entrance of terminal 3.
Alternately, from EDSA, take the flyover to airport road, turn right on Andrews Avenue (landmark: Caltex gas station), make a U-turn at the rotonda, then drive until you see the terminal in front of another roundabout.
Overnight Parking Fee at NAIA Terminal 3 Carpark: PhP50.00/night (it's safe due to presence of security guards)
There are no tubes used at Terminal 3 on deplaning for domestic travel. Passengers are required to board shuttle buses to and from the boarding gates.How to commute to NAIA Terminal 3:
Option 1: Jeepneys plying the Nichols to SM Mall of Asia via Macapagal Avenue and Tramo route pass by Andrews Avenue in front of the terminal.
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport), alight on Airport Road then transfer to Nichols-bound jeeps.
Option 3: At EDSA Taft Rotonda (from MRT EDSA Station or LRT Taft Avenue station), board jeepneys with Nichols/Terminal 3 on the signboard.
Option 3: There's a direct bus to Terminal 3 via C5 from Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City via Fort Bonifacio going to Newport City in front of Terminal 3, operated by Citylink Coach Services (Citylink Business Class is emblazoned on the side of the bus, the same company providing The Fort bus service).
Option 4: The best yet most expensive, take a cab all the way to the airport terminal. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P220 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours) and from Makati CBD is just around P110 (travel time around 20 minutes). Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
From Terminal 3 to your destination on deplaning:
Airport Taxis are available at the exit gates (expensive and charge a fixed rate based on destination)
Metered taxis (yellow cabs) available right of exit gates charge P70 for the first 500 meters and P4 for the every succeeding 300 meters and P4 for every two minutes of waiting time.
Metered taxi from MGE and EMP are available at the far right end.
In order to flag a metered, upon exit head straight towards Andrews avenue where metered taxis are queued up. Note that taxi drivers here always try to negotiate a rate and not use the meter.
You can also ride the jeepney going to Mall of Asia via Tramo and Macapagal Avenue or drop off at Aurora Boulevard then transfer to an EDSA-bound bus to your destination.
How to Get to Manila Domestic Airport (alternately Manila Domestic Terminal (MDT))
Carriers: all domestic flights Seair (South East Asian Airlines, usually misspelled as Sea air), ZestAir (formerly Asian Spirit)
How to commute to Manila Domestic Terminal:
Of all airport terminals in Manila, this is the most commuter-friendly where public transportation is readily available. You can immediately board a bus to EDSA or a jeep to Baclaran just a few steps outside the terminal.
Option 1: There are jeepneys going to the terminal in Baclaran (you may take the LRT and get off at Baclaran terminal).
Option 2: On EDSA, wait for buses with signboards MIA (as in Manila International Airport) that pass by the terminal (you need to walk though)
Option 3: Take a taxi all the way to the airport. From Quezon City Munoz, taxi fare at night is just P220 (trip takes about 40 minutes on lean hours) and from Makati CBD is just around P110 (travel time around 20 minutes). Taxi fare goes up in heavy traffic though.
Driving Directions to Manila Domestic Airport:
From Quezon City via EDSA, drive towards Makati, past Magallanes and take the left-turning ramp/flyover to Aurora Boulevard. Turn right at the end (Edwards Avenue) then left at the next intersection (Domestic Road) [landmarks: Petron and Caltex gas stations]. Continue until you see the Domestic Airport on your left.
Free Shuttle bus transfers to the various Manila airport terminals:
Unlike other large airports (e.g. Hong Kong), where terminals are linked by dedicated rails, Manila's 4 terminals are now serviced by free shuttle service should you need to transfer to another terminal to catch a connecting flight.
On arrival terminal 1, turn right on leaving the arrivals hall and the shuttle stop is about fifty meters in front of you.
At Terminal 2 (PAL terminal), exit arrival hall and the stop is about one hundred meters and a little to the right.
A large blue and white sign makes it impossible to miss. The driver said the circuit takes about thirty minutes.
At Terminal 3 arrival exit, the shuttle queue is just a little to the right, about 20 meters from the door exits.
Airport Terminal Fees, Tourist Traps and other Information:
NAIA Terminal Fee: P550.00 for international flights
NAIA Terminal Fee: P200 for domestic flights (now included in your plane tickets)
(Terminal Fee is synonymous to airport tax)
ATMs are available at Terminals 1 and 2, and 3
Money changers are present in all terminals but usually sell Pesos at higher rates (usually by one or two pesos more) than those outside and buy dollars a peso or two less than the present exchange rate.
For taxis, you may need to haggle with some drivers who ask for additional fares on top of the meter or simply ask for a fixed fare (kontrata). Proceed to the next taxi if that's the case. This specially true to foreigners.
Regular Taxi fares in Manila comes with a P40 flagdown rate (plus P10 mandated in addition to the flagdown to offset rising fuel costs) the first 500 meters plus P3.50 for every 300 meters and P3.50 for every two minutes waiting time (or idle time in heavy traffic).
If you intend to drive your own car to catch your flight, you may opt to park your car at Park n Fly where a shuttle service can take and fetch you at the airport. Rates are P10/hour with minimum of 24 hours.
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2: PhP50.00/night or PhP35 day rate.
Free Wireless Internet (Wifi) at the waiting area of NAIA Terminal 2
If you can't figure out the directions given, you may refer to this map of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and immediate vicinity.
Important Telephone Numbers:
Manila International Aiport Authority (MIAA)
+63.2.877.1109 Connecting all Departments
+63.2.877.1111 Emergency/Complaints Assistance Center
+63.2.877.1120 NAIA Terminal 1 Flight Information
+63.2.877.1130 NAIA Terminal 2 Flight Information
+63.2.832.3566 Manila Domestic Airport (Old Domestic Terminal)
SMS: +63.2.917.839.6242 (TextNAIA)
Airport Police +63.2.877.1101 local 3939
Via SMS/Text Message: send your text message to TEXNAIA (0917-8395242)
Hotels near Manila Airport (as well as Inns, Pension Houses, Lodges)
Manila Airport Hotel (within NAIA near Terminal 1)
Philippine Village Hotel
Marriot Hotel (in front of Terminal 3)
Kabayan Hotel
Hotels in Makati and Taguig (The Fort) are generally near the airport, about P120 taxi fare (metered) to various hotels e.g. Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Intercontinental, Makati Shangri-la Hotel, New World Hotel, The Peninsula Manila, Dusit Hotel, Sommerset, Best Western Astor, City Garden Hotel, et al
Should you know of other ways to commute to the airport terminals, please leave a comment for Tutubi to update the information contained herein.
Reference Exchange Rate: US$1=P41.00 and 1 Euro = P68 (Philippine Peso) )
Tags: NAIA Terminal Fee
Related Posts:
Airport Terminal Fees
Hotels near Manila Airport
How to commute to NAIA Terminal 3
Overnight Parking at NAIA Terminal 2
Citylink Bus
Skyway to NAIA Airport
UPDATED: April 2013
Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Pasay City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM,
,
The AirPhil Delayed Flight Experience
There were only two instances when Tutubi flew via Air Philippines, the first one was the tragic Palawan trip, and the second, his recent flight to Ozamiz City, being the only carrier servicing the Manila to Ozamiz route.
Air Philippines, with carrier code 2P (Cebu Pacific has carrier code of 5J, Philippine Airlines uses PR), has daily flights to Ozamiz City, with codes 2P997 and PPS998 departing Manila at 10am, ETA Ozamiz at 11:30am. Return flights to Manila flies at 12nn and ETA at 1:30pm.
This schedule, Tutubi learned the hard way, is prone to delays and flight cancellations, like what he experienced. (A friend recommended to try flying to Cagayan de Oro but the bus going to Misamis Oriental will pass by trouble areas of Lanao del Norte particularly the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan going to Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur)
On September 11, an ominous date to fly, Tutubi arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 to catch his flight to Ozamiz City. It took just about an hour by taxi from Quezon City to the controversial airport terminal, his first time actually to see it. Since it was still early, he took his breakfast at Gonuts Donuts before proceeding to gate 131 for boarding.
After the usual safety instructions on boarding, the Boeing 737-300 plane taxied to the runway and already poised to fly when the captain announced there's technical problem with the airplane and thus had to return to the terminal where technicians checked the airplane if it's still airworthy.
Parked Boeing 737 of Air Philippines taken while Tutubi is waiting to deplane
Sadly, the technicians gave it a "red light" and requested all passengers to deplane and wait for a replacement plane, a plane from Puerto Princesa, so it means someone else's flight was cancelled/delayed that day to make up for the slack. It's better this way, safe, than an actual failure during take-off, flight and landing.
In fairness, Air Philippines served all their passengers lunch right at the terminal and at 1pm, boarded the new plane to Ozamiz City. The flight took about 90 minutes and touched down at Ozamiz Airport at 2:30pm. Tutubi breezed through arrival since he has no checked-in baggage, went to the toiltet, then looked for a waiting vehicle drove him straight to Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, his actual destination, about 90 minutes travel time. (Don't worry, there were no MILF in Zamboanga del Sur, only MI, short for minyong igat!)
When Tutubi asked his companion if flights to Ozamiz are usually delayed, his companion replied that out of fifteen times to Ozamiz, 8 were delayed and two were canceled. It seems, this route, without competition, is not well taken care of by Air Philippines. That'll be until Cebu Pacific starts to compete in November this year.
---
Note: Cebu Pacific will start servicing the route starting November. PAL Express also offered Cebu to Ozamiz City flights a few weeks ago.
Information on Air Philippines:
Official website: http://www.airphilippines.com
Air Philippines charges for excess baggage is now P100/kilogram.
Each passenger is allocated 10 kilos of check-in luggage.
Air Philippines flights use NAIA Terminal 3
The aircraft used is a Boeing 737-300 configured with 21 rows and 5 columns (except the exit rows)
Air Philippines, with carrier code 2P (Cebu Pacific has carrier code of 5J, Philippine Airlines uses PR), has daily flights to Ozamiz City, with codes 2P997 and PPS998 departing Manila at 10am, ETA Ozamiz at 11:30am. Return flights to Manila flies at 12nn and ETA at 1:30pm.
This schedule, Tutubi learned the hard way, is prone to delays and flight cancellations, like what he experienced. (A friend recommended to try flying to Cagayan de Oro but the bus going to Misamis Oriental will pass by trouble areas of Lanao del Norte particularly the towns of Kauswagan and Kolambugan going to Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur)
On September 11, an ominous date to fly, Tutubi arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 to catch his flight to Ozamiz City. It took just about an hour by taxi from Quezon City to the controversial airport terminal, his first time actually to see it. Since it was still early, he took his breakfast at Gonuts Donuts before proceeding to gate 131 for boarding.
After the usual safety instructions on boarding, the Boeing 737-300 plane taxied to the runway and already poised to fly when the captain announced there's technical problem with the airplane and thus had to return to the terminal where technicians checked the airplane if it's still airworthy.
Parked Boeing 737 of Air Philippines taken while Tutubi is waiting to deplaneSadly, the technicians gave it a "red light" and requested all passengers to deplane and wait for a replacement plane, a plane from Puerto Princesa, so it means someone else's flight was cancelled/delayed that day to make up for the slack. It's better this way, safe, than an actual failure during take-off, flight and landing.
In fairness, Air Philippines served all their passengers lunch right at the terminal and at 1pm, boarded the new plane to Ozamiz City. The flight took about 90 minutes and touched down at Ozamiz Airport at 2:30pm. Tutubi breezed through arrival since he has no checked-in baggage, went to the toiltet, then looked for a waiting vehicle drove him straight to Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, his actual destination, about 90 minutes travel time. (Don't worry, there were no MILF in Zamboanga del Sur, only MI, short for minyong igat!)
When Tutubi asked his companion if flights to Ozamiz are usually delayed, his companion replied that out of fifteen times to Ozamiz, 8 were delayed and two were canceled. It seems, this route, without competition, is not well taken care of by Air Philippines. That'll be until Cebu Pacific starts to compete in November this year.
---
Note: Cebu Pacific will start servicing the route starting November. PAL Express also offered Cebu to Ozamiz City flights a few weeks ago.
Information on Air Philippines:
Official website: http://www.airphilippines.com
Air Philippines charges for excess baggage is now P100/kilogram.
Each passenger is allocated 10 kilos of check-in luggage.
Air Philippines flights use NAIA Terminal 3
The aircraft used is a Boeing 737-300 configured with 21 rows and 5 columns (except the exit rows)
Labels: Airlines
posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM,
,
Beyond Ozamiz: Explore Misamis Occidental
20 September 2008
On visiting Ozamiz City, you'll realize that the province of Misamis Occidental holds much promise upon deplaning at Ozamiz Airport with various tourist attractions prominently advertised at the arrival area, sadly, no information available on the Internet, thus this post to give some insights on what to expect and places to visit the next time Tutubi gets the chance to visit the place again
The Department of Tourism lists several places to see (tourist sites) in Misamis Ocidental. Some information also available at Misamis Occidental's official website.
The province's hidden gem seems to be Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP), recommended by a local to Tutubi but didn't have the time to visit even if it's said to be just a mere 15 minutes away from Ozamiz City pier.
According to the billboard, MOAP, located in Sinacaban town, is "a 15 minute ride from Ozamiz City. For only P130 per person, you can watch and even feed the rescued dolphins, feed the fish, snorkel, kayak, SCUBA dive and do a lot more activities.
MOAP Dolphin Island Amenities:
Dolphin Island Entrance: P130/pax only discounted rate for locals (P250/pax regular rate; including boat fare; children below 7 yrs old pay P15)
SCUBA Diving P1000/dive (inquire for more details)
Snorkeling: P50/hour Kayaking P100/hour
Room rates:
Suite: P2000/night (2 pax, extra bed P300)
Family: P2000/night (6 pax, extra bed P200)
Dormitory: P250/pax/night (14 pax capacity)
For reservations: contact 0927 262 2756 or 0921 248 5858
or email moap_hotel@yahoo.com"
Other Tourist Spots in Misamis Occidental:
Fort Triunfo in Ozamiz City
Ozamiz City Cathedral with its pipe organ
Old Church of Jimenez
Ciriaco Pastrano Hanging Bridge
Hoyohoy Highland Park (Tangub City)
Oklahoma Beach Resort
Tourist Trap:
at Ozamiz Airport, try not to eat the nearby restaurants (e.g. Noynoy's) inside the airport complex. Food is expensive as in more expensive than usual Manila prices, Tutubi called it highway robbery for such simple dishes ordered.
Misamis can be an alternative tourism gateway to Mindanao if given the chance with proper promotion and development of other tourism infrastructure.
Where to stay in Misamis Occidental:
accommodations in Ozamis City
Other Information:
Misamis Occidental is subdivided into 3 cities Oroquieta City, Ozamiz City, Tangub City and 14 towns/municipalities
Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Concepcion, Don Victoriano Chiongbian (Don Marano Marcos), Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban, and Tudela
How to get to Misamis Occidental:
Ozamiz Airport Terminal fee is the usual P20.00 for small provincial airports.
Flights to Misamis Occidental are via Ozamiz City from Manila serviced by Air Philippines and PAL Express (code-share with AirPhils) with daily flights but prone to delays. Cebu Pacific Flights wil be available in November 2008. Flights from Cebu to Ozamiz started just last September 14, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Buses from Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Zamboanga City and Dipolog also service the city's commuters. There are are regular ferry scheduled trips from Mukas, Kolambugan town of Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay for about 30 minutes travel time.
The Department of Tourism lists several places to see (tourist sites) in Misamis Ocidental. Some information also available at Misamis Occidental's official website.
The province's hidden gem seems to be Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP), recommended by a local to Tutubi but didn't have the time to visit even if it's said to be just a mere 15 minutes away from Ozamiz City pier.
According to the billboard, MOAP, located in Sinacaban town, is "a 15 minute ride from Ozamiz City. For only P130 per person, you can watch and even feed the rescued dolphins, feed the fish, snorkel, kayak, SCUBA dive and do a lot more activities.
MOAP Dolphin Island Amenities:
Dolphin Island Entrance: P130/pax only discounted rate for locals (P250/pax regular rate; including boat fare; children below 7 yrs old pay P15)
SCUBA Diving P1000/dive (inquire for more details)
Snorkeling: P50/hour Kayaking P100/hour
Room rates:
Suite: P2000/night (2 pax, extra bed P300)
Family: P2000/night (6 pax, extra bed P200)
Dormitory: P250/pax/night (14 pax capacity)
For reservations: contact 0927 262 2756 or 0921 248 5858
or email moap_hotel@yahoo.com"
Other Tourist Spots in Misamis Occidental:
Fort Triunfo in Ozamiz City
Ozamiz City Cathedral with its pipe organ
Old Church of Jimenez
Ciriaco Pastrano Hanging Bridge
Hoyohoy Highland Park (Tangub City)
Oklahoma Beach Resort
Tourist Trap:
at Ozamiz Airport, try not to eat the nearby restaurants (e.g. Noynoy's) inside the airport complex. Food is expensive as in more expensive than usual Manila prices, Tutubi called it highway robbery for such simple dishes ordered.
Misamis can be an alternative tourism gateway to Mindanao if given the chance with proper promotion and development of other tourism infrastructure.
Where to stay in Misamis Occidental:
accommodations in Ozamis City
Other Information:
Misamis Occidental is subdivided into 3 cities Oroquieta City, Ozamiz City, Tangub City and 14 towns/municipalities
Aloran, Baliangao, Bonifacio, Calamba, Clarin, Concepcion, Don Victoriano Chiongbian (Don Marano Marcos), Jimenez, Lopez Jaena, Panaon, Plaridel, Sapang Dalaga, Sinacaban, and Tudela
How to get to Misamis Occidental:
Ozamiz Airport Terminal fee is the usual P20.00 for small provincial airports.Flights to Misamis Occidental are via Ozamiz City from Manila serviced by Air Philippines and PAL Express (code-share with AirPhils) with daily flights but prone to delays. Cebu Pacific Flights wil be available in November 2008. Flights from Cebu to Ozamiz started just last September 14, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Buses from Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Zamboanga City and Dipolog also service the city's commuters. There are are regular ferry scheduled trips from Mukas, Kolambugan town of Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay for about 30 minutes travel time.
Labels: Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Travel Guides
posted by GingGoy @ 9:39 PM,
,
Accommodations in Ozamiz City: Hotels, Pension Houses, Inns, Lodges
Looking for a place to stay in Ozamiz City? Since there were not much information posted online, Tutubi was able to gather this list given by a local whom he contacted to help him find a nice hotel in the city in Misamis Occidental. The addresses and actual locations of the places are easy to find due to the concentration of the hotels at or near the city center, walking distance from each other or a short tricycle ride away.
Ozamis City Hotels:
Asian Hotel
Capistrano corner Parojinog Sts
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1424
Hilbon Hotel
Don Anselmo Bernad Ave
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0351
Plaza Beatriz Hotel
Port Road
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1394
Palace Hotel
Rizal Ave. corner Juan Luna St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0573
Park Hotel
Valconcha St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0573
Royal Garden Hotel
Burgos St.
Official Website: http://www.royalgardenotel.com
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0008; +63.88.521-2888; +63.88.521-2889
Remarks: Tutubi stayed here during his visit to Ozamis City, Sept.11, 2008. Rooms were large but there's a limited time
to take a hot shower at 6am-8am and 6pm to 8pm. It's near Shopper's Plaza shopping mall.
lobby of Royal Garden Hotel (distortion apparent in tutubi's lens at wide angle)
Ozamis City Pension Houses:
67th Boulevard Pension House
Cebedo St. (In front of Banco de Oro)
Badong Pension House
Abanil
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1631
Soriano Pension House
Mabini Ext.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1114
Ozamiz City Tourist Inns and Lodges:
Minerva Tourist Inn
Washington St
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0065
Holiday Tourist Inn
Cebedo corner Blumentritt St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0073
Sky Lodge
Rizal Avenue
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0425
Naomi's Tourist Inn (Naomi’s Lodging House)
Bañadero Highway
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0024
Country Lodge
Ledesma Extension
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0472
Please call the indicated telephone numbers for other inquiries, reservations and room rates. Reviews and photos as well as feeback will be posted when available.
Note: a map of Ozamiz City is hard to find online. Even wikimapia doesn't have high-resolution pictures of the place.
Ozamis City Hotels:
Asian Hotel
Capistrano corner Parojinog Sts
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1424
Hilbon Hotel
Don Anselmo Bernad Ave
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0351
Plaza Beatriz Hotel
Port Road
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1394
Palace Hotel
Rizal Ave. corner Juan Luna St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0573
Park Hotel
Valconcha St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0573
Royal Garden Hotel
Burgos St.
Official Website: http://www.royalgardenotel.com
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0008; +63.88.521-2888; +63.88.521-2889
Remarks: Tutubi stayed here during his visit to Ozamis City, Sept.11, 2008. Rooms were large but there's a limited time
to take a hot shower at 6am-8am and 6pm to 8pm. It's near Shopper's Plaza shopping mall.
lobby of Royal Garden Hotel (distortion apparent in tutubi's lens at wide angle)Ozamis City Pension Houses:
67th Boulevard Pension House
Cebedo St. (In front of Banco de Oro)
Badong Pension House
Abanil
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1631
Soriano Pension House
Mabini Ext.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.1114
Ozamiz City Tourist Inns and Lodges:
Minerva Tourist Inn
Washington St
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0065
Holiday Tourist Inn
Cebedo corner Blumentritt St.
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0073
Sky Lodge
Rizal Avenue
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0425
Naomi's Tourist Inn (Naomi’s Lodging House)
Bañadero Highway
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0024
Country Lodge
Ledesma Extension
Telephone Number: +63.88.521.0472
Please call the indicated telephone numbers for other inquiries, reservations and room rates. Reviews and photos as well as feeback will be posted when available.
Note: a map of Ozamiz City is hard to find online. Even wikimapia doesn't have high-resolution pictures of the place.
Labels: Accommodations, Hotels and Resorts, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamiz City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:52 PM,
,
Ozamiz City's Old Spanish Fortress, Cotta Triunfo and Virgin of the Cotta
16 September 2008
The most visited tourist spot in Ozamiz City, a city strategically located at the mouth of Panguil Bay, and the larger Iligan Bay in Northern Mindanao, is an old Spanish Fort named Fuerte del la Concepcion y del Triunfo, more commonly known as Fort Triunfo.
The main gate of Fort Triunfo, sometimes referred as Fort Santiago, quite confusing since Fort Santiago is mostly identified with Intramuros in Manila
The National Historical Institute (NHI) Marker states:
Fuerte del la Concepcion y del Triunfo
"Made of coral stone, rectangular-shaped with four bulwarks: San Fernando, San Jose, Santiago at San Ignatio, 1756, base of the Philippine Constabulary at the time of the Americans and the Japanese. Destroyed by earthquake of 1955. It's where Our Lady of Immaculate Conception was enshrined called Virgin Mary, Virgin of the Fort, venerated and visited by devotees on July 16. Repaired 2002. Declared as National Historical Landmark, 13 March 2002"
the ramp leading to bastion of San Ignatio and where a modern lighthouse stands
Gate of the fort in color, note the use of St. James (San Santiago) riding on a horse
Inside Fort triunfo is a museum (not much on display except sample coral stones used in original construction of the fortress, plus some antiques), the old armory, a Subanen tribal house, and also Lanao and Maguindanao traditional huts.
the museum building inside the fort, not much on display though
outside the wall facing Panguil bay is the image of the Virgin of the Cotta, venerated by Catholics , and also a popular pilgrimage site
A small shrine outside the walls venerating Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion y Triunfo or sometimes the Blessed Virgin of the Cotta of Misamis.
The fort underwent major repairs, some parts, as claimed were not even on the original plan plus the addition of a lighthouse.
From outside the fort, you can get views of Bukagan Hill, where large bells were installed, Cotta Beach, a popular "dipping" spot for the locals.
Fort Triunfo Entrance Fee: P5.00
Note: If you're looking for other ancient Spanish forts, there's Fort Santiago and Intramuros in Manila as well as Fort San Antonio Abad, Cebu's Fort San Pedro as well as its namesake fort in Iloilo, Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City, Palawan's Fort Cuyo, Fort Cagayancillo and Fort Culion and Fort Taytay, Fort Victoria in Iligan City, and Fort San Felipe in Cavite City. Note also the small walled City in Jolo, Sulu and the small fort of Pamilacan Island in Bohol.
How to get there:
Flights to Ozamiz City from Manila are serviced by Air Philippines and PAL Express (code-share with AirPhils) with daily flights but prone to delays. Cebu Pacific Flights wil be available in November 2008. Flights from Cebu to Ozamiz started just last Sunday, September 14, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Cotta and Fort Triunfo can be reached from Ozamiz City Airport via a short tricycle ride (fare: P50/person). Buses from Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Zamboanga City and Dipolog also service the city's commuters. There are are regular ferry scheduled trips from Mukas, Kolambugan town of Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay for about 30 minutes travel time.
The main gate of Fort Triunfo, sometimes referred as Fort Santiago, quite confusing since Fort Santiago is mostly identified with Intramuros in ManilaThe National Historical Institute (NHI) Marker states:
Fuerte del la Concepcion y del Triunfo
"Made of coral stone, rectangular-shaped with four bulwarks: San Fernando, San Jose, Santiago at San Ignatio, 1756, base of the Philippine Constabulary at the time of the Americans and the Japanese. Destroyed by earthquake of 1955. It's where Our Lady of Immaculate Conception was enshrined called Virgin Mary, Virgin of the Fort, venerated and visited by devotees on July 16. Repaired 2002. Declared as National Historical Landmark, 13 March 2002"
the ramp leading to bastion of San Ignatio and where a modern lighthouse stands
Gate of the fort in color, note the use of St. James (San Santiago) riding on a horseInside Fort triunfo is a museum (not much on display except sample coral stones used in original construction of the fortress, plus some antiques), the old armory, a Subanen tribal house, and also Lanao and Maguindanao traditional huts.
the museum building inside the fort, not much on display though
outside the wall facing Panguil bay is the image of the Virgin of the Cotta, venerated by Catholics , and also a popular pilgrimage siteA small shrine outside the walls venerating Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion y Triunfo or sometimes the Blessed Virgin of the Cotta of Misamis.
The fort underwent major repairs, some parts, as claimed were not even on the original plan plus the addition of a lighthouse.
From outside the fort, you can get views of Bukagan Hill, where large bells were installed, Cotta Beach, a popular "dipping" spot for the locals.
Fort Triunfo Entrance Fee: P5.00
Note: If you're looking for other ancient Spanish forts, there's Fort Santiago and Intramuros in Manila as well as Fort San Antonio Abad, Cebu's Fort San Pedro as well as its namesake fort in Iloilo, Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City, Palawan's Fort Cuyo, Fort Cagayancillo and Fort Culion and Fort Taytay, Fort Victoria in Iligan City, and Fort San Felipe in Cavite City. Note also the small walled City in Jolo, Sulu and the small fort of Pamilacan Island in Bohol.
How to get there:
Flights to Ozamiz City from Manila are serviced by Air Philippines and PAL Express (code-share with AirPhils) with daily flights but prone to delays. Cebu Pacific Flights wil be available in November 2008. Flights from Cebu to Ozamiz started just last Sunday, September 14, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Cotta and Fort Triunfo can be reached from Ozamiz City Airport via a short tricycle ride (fare: P50/person). Buses from Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Zamboanga City and Dipolog also service the city's commuters. There are are regular ferry scheduled trips from Mukas, Kolambugan town of Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay for about 30 minutes travel time.
Labels: Lighthouses, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamiz City, Spanish Forts
posted by GingGoy @ 9:29 PM,
,
The Pipe Organ of Ozamiz City Cathedral
11 September 2008
A recent trip to Aurora town in Zamboanga del Sur, bordering Lanao del Norte, took Tutubi on a short tour of Ozamiz City, a bustling city of Misamis Occidental, took a surprising turn when he found the Ozamiz City cathedral looked very different from the pictures he saw on the Internet.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception's colorful facade, visible on the city's main road.
Ozamiz City Cathedral
the main altar and nave (oh, did you know that the cental walkway inside a church is called nave, while the aisles are those between rows of seats and between the pews and walls?)
the main attraction of the cathedral is not the newly-redesigned facade and interiors but actually the large pipe organ, claimed to be the second largest in the country and the only one in Mindanao, but not as grand as the world-acclaimed Bamboo Organ of Las Piñas built by Fr. Diego Cera
The cathedral draws the religious on pilgrimages and also attracts curious tourists looking to get a view of the Philippines' second largest pipe organ.
Note:
There will be an upcoming post on Ozamiz City attractions, hotels and the usual tips for this city with not so many online information available.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception's colorful facade, visible on the city's main road.
Ozamiz City Cathedral
the main altar and nave (oh, did you know that the cental walkway inside a church is called nave, while the aisles are those between rows of seats and between the pews and walls?)
the main attraction of the cathedral is not the newly-redesigned facade and interiors but actually the large pipe organ, claimed to be the second largest in the country and the only one in Mindanao, but not as grand as the world-acclaimed Bamboo Organ of Las Piñas built by Fr. Diego CeraThe cathedral draws the religious on pilgrimages and also attracts curious tourists looking to get a view of the Philippines' second largest pipe organ.
Note:
There will be an upcoming post on Ozamiz City attractions, hotels and the usual tips for this city with not so many online information available.
Labels: Churches, Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao, Ozamiz City, Pipe Organs
posted by GingGoy @ 11:51 PM,
,
The Glorified Tiangge of Tiendesitas
06 September 2008
A brief visit to the mall-like hospital known as Medical City on Ortigas Avenue was followed by lunch at the nearby Tiendesitas, an upscale cluster of huts with specific products, stalls and spaces according to a theme.
It's only Tutubi's second time at the place since it's not his interest to visit "snobbish" places like this, frequented by moneyed people and or tourists/balikbayan compared to the mass appeal of Greenhills Shopping Center, both owned by the same people.
On entering the place and parking his car, he proceeded to the Food Village near the entrance of the road of Frontera Verde, a quick scan of restaurants in front of him locked on to the ginataan ulang (freshwater prawn in coconut milk) with kamias (an endemic sour fruit) and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk, a Bicolano specialty).
Picture of the open-air village taken with Tutubi's new iPhone 3G
Ginataang Ulang (freshwater prawn in coconut milk) at P195 from Kinuron, quite expensive but worth it since it's not a usual fare in other Filipino restaurants. (iPhone 3G image quality at "macro mode" is not something to rave about
Before leaving the place, Tutubi intended to take photos of the facade and other villages but his trusty old Canon Ixus 30 point and shoot cam failed him by losing its battery juice. Being unplanned, he didn't bring his Nikon D80 :(
Despite Tutubi's comment on high prices, Tiendesitas, is a great place for foreign tourists and ex-pats to discover the best of the Philippines under one roof and offer safe and clean place to stroll even window shopping.
Information on Tiendesitas:
Dubbed the best Tiangge in Metro Manila is probably true to most people if you can stand the usually higher prices offered here, Tiendesitas is a cluster of large huts or open-air bahay kubo with evaporative condensing airconditioners.
Owned by the same people behind the Greenhills Shopping Center, Tiendesitas caters to the higher income bracket people due to the higher prices of goods but beter facilities and less people.
Villages inside Tiendesitas:
Furnishings Village: home furnitures, sofas, beds, of Filipino or Asian influences
Fashion Village: bags, shoes, t-shirts, mainly ladies' shopping similar to Grenhills
Delicacies Village: pasalubong from all over the Philippines under one roof
Food Village: restaurants offering various regional culinary specialties
Central Plaza: a performing stage for concerts surrounded with tables and chairs
People's Village: probably a lounge area, nothing to be found
Novelty Village: necklaces, trinkets, kakikayan et al
Antique Village: for lovers of old stuff even old coins and paper bills
Garden Village: for "green thumbs" and landscaping people
Pet Village: dogs, cats, birds, pet foods and other unusual pets for sale
Near Tiendesitas is the Ark of Avilon, an interactive zoo from the same owners of Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. (Entrance: P250.00)
If you're looking for other food trips and tiangge with less cash, better visit Salcedo Weekend Market in Makati on Saturday mornings, Legazpi market also in Makati, Lung Center Market on Sunday mornings, and Banchetto in Ortigas Center.
How to get to Tiendesitas, Pasig City:
Commute: There are jeepneys plying Cubao and Pasig City that pass by the place. From Manila and Sta. Mesa, G-Liner and RRCG buses pass by Ortigas Avenue but you need to walk towards Tiendesitas. Same route as jeepneys plying Pasig/Tanay (Rizal).
There are free shuttle rides from Greenhills Shopping Center, but Tutubi still needs to verify the schedule.
Driving Directions to Tiendesitas:
From Quezon City via C5, Tiendesitas is just near the corner of C5 and Ortigas Avenue, a palce called by commuters as IPI, but the entrance is the road shared by SM Hypermarket (Supercenter).
From QC via EDSA, take left on Ortigas Avenue via the flyover, drive straight until you see the Frontera Verde on your right and just on the takeoff of the flyover over C5. Tiendesitas is about 200 meters from there.
It's only Tutubi's second time at the place since it's not his interest to visit "snobbish" places like this, frequented by moneyed people and or tourists/balikbayan compared to the mass appeal of Greenhills Shopping Center, both owned by the same people.
On entering the place and parking his car, he proceeded to the Food Village near the entrance of the road of Frontera Verde, a quick scan of restaurants in front of him locked on to the ginataan ulang (freshwater prawn in coconut milk) with kamias (an endemic sour fruit) and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk, a Bicolano specialty).
Picture of the open-air village taken with Tutubi's new iPhone 3G
Ginataang Ulang (freshwater prawn in coconut milk) at P195 from Kinuron, quite expensive but worth it since it's not a usual fare in other Filipino restaurants. (iPhone 3G image quality at "macro mode" is not something to rave aboutBefore leaving the place, Tutubi intended to take photos of the facade and other villages but his trusty old Canon Ixus 30 point and shoot cam failed him by losing its battery juice. Being unplanned, he didn't bring his Nikon D80 :(
Despite Tutubi's comment on high prices, Tiendesitas, is a great place for foreign tourists and ex-pats to discover the best of the Philippines under one roof and offer safe and clean place to stroll even window shopping.
Information on Tiendesitas:
Dubbed the best Tiangge in Metro Manila is probably true to most people if you can stand the usually higher prices offered here, Tiendesitas is a cluster of large huts or open-air bahay kubo with evaporative condensing airconditioners.
Owned by the same people behind the Greenhills Shopping Center, Tiendesitas caters to the higher income bracket people due to the higher prices of goods but beter facilities and less people.
Villages inside Tiendesitas:
Furnishings Village: home furnitures, sofas, beds, of Filipino or Asian influences
Fashion Village: bags, shoes, t-shirts, mainly ladies' shopping similar to Grenhills
Delicacies Village: pasalubong from all over the Philippines under one roof
Food Village: restaurants offering various regional culinary specialties
Central Plaza: a performing stage for concerts surrounded with tables and chairs
People's Village: probably a lounge area, nothing to be found
Novelty Village: necklaces, trinkets, kakikayan et al
Antique Village: for lovers of old stuff even old coins and paper bills
Garden Village: for "green thumbs" and landscaping people
Pet Village: dogs, cats, birds, pet foods and other unusual pets for sale
Near Tiendesitas is the Ark of Avilon, an interactive zoo from the same owners of Avilon Zoo in Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. (Entrance: P250.00)
If you're looking for other food trips and tiangge with less cash, better visit Salcedo Weekend Market in Makati on Saturday mornings, Legazpi market also in Makati, Lung Center Market on Sunday mornings, and Banchetto in Ortigas Center.
How to get to Tiendesitas, Pasig City:
Commute: There are jeepneys plying Cubao and Pasig City that pass by the place. From Manila and Sta. Mesa, G-Liner and RRCG buses pass by Ortigas Avenue but you need to walk towards Tiendesitas. Same route as jeepneys plying Pasig/Tanay (Rizal).
There are free shuttle rides from Greenhills Shopping Center, but Tutubi still needs to verify the schedule.
Driving Directions to Tiendesitas:
From Quezon City via C5, Tiendesitas is just near the corner of C5 and Ortigas Avenue, a palce called by commuters as IPI, but the entrance is the road shared by SM Hypermarket (Supercenter).
From QC via EDSA, take left on Ortigas Avenue via the flyover, drive straight until you see the Frontera Verde on your right and just on the takeoff of the flyover over C5. Tiendesitas is about 200 meters from there.
Labels: Metro Manila, Pasig City, Shopping
posted by GingGoy @ 9:59 PM,
,
Chami "Festival" in Lucena
02 September 2008
People say you've never been to a place if you've never seen the sights, imbibed the culture and ate the food of the place you visited. With this in mind on a recent visit to Lucena City, a highly-urbanized city in Quezon Province about 120 kilometers south of Manila, was highlighted by a sampling of the city's signature dish: the chami, the local version of pancit, the ubiquitous Filipino comfort food.
Armed with tips from fellow frugal food trippers, Tutubi hied off to Lucena City and searched for Granja Panciteria, Restaurant and Fastfood at the corner of Granja St and Leon Guinto, a corner away from Buddy's Lucena branch, and hastily ordered the famous dish wherein a festival, held every merry month of May to celebrate the thriving industry spawned by the dish, called Pasayahan sa Lucena.
sign of Granja Panciteria with telephone number displayed
chami, a single order for just P35, a small price to pay for a satisfying, filling meal with sinful chicharon
If nearby Lucban town is famous for the pancit habhab, sometimes called pancit Lucban, lomi in Batangas, then chami is it for Lucena.
Chami is made from locally made noodles cooked the usual pancit ways added with condiments and spices. Granja's version comes with chicharon toppings, a single serving, cost of P35, is too much for Tutubi who had just finished a hearty lunch.
How to get to Lucena City, Quezon:
Commute: Buses to Lucena City are available at Lucena Lines, N dela Rosa and Jac Liner with terminals on EDSA Cubao, Quezon City or Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (LRT) in Pasay City. Travel time is about 3.5 hours to 5hrs depending on traffic.
Driving directions to Lucena City
From Makati, head towards SLEX and take Batangas exit (second to the last one of SLEX). Along the way you'll see Shell Turbina, Angel's Nest Drive-inn Hotel, Carmelray, Rose and Grace. Turn left tt the junction in Sto. Tomas and pass by Laguna town of Alaminos, the city of seven lakes in San Pablo then Quezon province starting with Tiaong (to the left after the boundary arch is the entrance of Villa Escudero, now called Hacienda Escudero), Candelaria, Sariaya. You will see another junction where you turn right (straight ahead leads to Tayabas) then finally Lucena City. Lucena is about 120 kms from Manila.
There are alternate routes via StarToll and Lipa and the route via Rizal and Laguna via the Manila East Road.
Armed with tips from fellow frugal food trippers, Tutubi hied off to Lucena City and searched for Granja Panciteria, Restaurant and Fastfood at the corner of Granja St and Leon Guinto, a corner away from Buddy's Lucena branch, and hastily ordered the famous dish wherein a festival, held every merry month of May to celebrate the thriving industry spawned by the dish, called Pasayahan sa Lucena.
sign of Granja Panciteria with telephone number displayed
chami, a single order for just P35, a small price to pay for a satisfying, filling meal with sinful chicharonIf nearby Lucban town is famous for the pancit habhab, sometimes called pancit Lucban, lomi in Batangas, then chami is it for Lucena.
Chami is made from locally made noodles cooked the usual pancit ways added with condiments and spices. Granja's version comes with chicharon toppings, a single serving, cost of P35, is too much for Tutubi who had just finished a hearty lunch.
How to get to Lucena City, Quezon:
Commute: Buses to Lucena City are available at Lucena Lines, N dela Rosa and Jac Liner with terminals on EDSA Cubao, Quezon City or Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat (LRT) in Pasay City. Travel time is about 3.5 hours to 5hrs depending on traffic.
Driving directions to Lucena City
From Makati, head towards SLEX and take Batangas exit (second to the last one of SLEX). Along the way you'll see Shell Turbina, Angel's Nest Drive-inn Hotel, Carmelray, Rose and Grace. Turn left tt the junction in Sto. Tomas and pass by Laguna town of Alaminos, the city of seven lakes in San Pablo then Quezon province starting with Tiaong (to the left after the boundary arch is the entrance of Villa Escudero, now called Hacienda Escudero), Candelaria, Sariaya. You will see another junction where you turn right (straight ahead leads to Tayabas) then finally Lucena City. Lucena is about 120 kms from Manila.
There are alternate routes via StarToll and Lipa and the route via Rizal and Laguna via the Manila East Road.
Labels: Calabarzon, Filipino Food, Lucena City, Quezon, Quezon Restaurants, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:44 PM,
,