Malabon Tour, Food Trip and Old, Heritage Houses
26 October 2007
Malabon, a former visita of Tondo and called Tambobong before it was changed to Malabon, (in)famous for the floods and the high stainless steel padyak (pedicabs) was the recent conquest of Tutubi, where he joined an event aptly called "Halina Lusungin Natin ang Malabon" organized by people with pride of place in their hometown
The tour's designated meeting place was Pescadores Restaurant (pescadores means fishermen in Spanish) at the corner of Letre Road and Dagat-dagatan Avenue, where a hearty lunch was served gratis to all guests. Notable of the food served were the unique patis-flavored adobo (usual adobo recipes use toyo (soy sauce) and not patis (fish sauce)) and Pancit Malabon, the eponymous comfort food of the city closely related to pancit luglug and pancit palabok.
After a brief introduction, the group was arranged into more manageable groupings and proceeded in convoy to our destination.
On passing the bridge, Tutubi was able to snap a photo of Asilo de Huérfanos (Asylum of Orphans) made of adobe. It was at Asilo de Huerfanos where the newspaper of the Philippine Revolution and subsequently of the Philippine-American War, the Antonio Luna-guided La Independencia, was said to be first printed as displayed on the newspaper's masthead. (In reality, this was just to mislead the Spanish authorities, the printing press was located in a clandestine location in Manila, the same printing press of the earlier La Libertad (Kalayaan) paper ordered closed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo).
Picture of Asilo de Huérfanos taken through the tinted window of the van
The group first visited the San Bartolome church with its Greek-style columns and saw the ghastly renovations being done that practically erased the original features of the heritage church.
Across the street is Betsy's Cake House to have a taste of their broas, soft and delicious unique to malabon though quite pricey (for the penny-pinching Tutubi) at P17.50 a piece. The works of a contemporary of Fernando Amorsolo (a Philippine National Artist in painting), silent artist Serafin Serna, were on display with his conservative style of painting.
Betsy's Broas
Concepcion Church
After a short pilgrimage to Concepcion Church, with it's large ceiling paintings, a tour of old heritage houses ensued, first with the Dionisio house (still beautiful but unoccupied), the beautifully preserved Borja House, the sinking Gonzales House that features adaptive re-use of floodwater turned into a lagoon teeming with fish, and three Luna houses, one of which has a ceiling painting by Fernando Amorsolo. (The group weren't able to enter the house where Amorsolo's painting is present due to the owner's request not to be disturbed owing to a recent stroke). Nearby is also Dolor's Kakanin famous for their sapin-sapin.
Dionisio House
Borja House in front of Concepcion Church
Luna House, with a ceiling painting of Fernando Amorsolo
Gonzales House dated 1877, notice the half-submerged window and the 1877 date prominently displayed
Old Spanish heritage houses of Malabon, like typical bahay na bato (stone houses) architecture, are usually two-storey structures. The ground floor is made up of brick stones or adobe while the second floor made of wood. Use of capiz (a kind of mother of pearl) on large windows to allow light to enter the room (Capiz is to the Philippines; Paper is to the Japanese) aided by high ceilings, ventanillas (small windows) or wood balusters permit efficient air circulation and ventilation suited for the tropical climate of the Philippines. The floorings on the first floor are usually made of piedra china (Chinese granite) and the wooden, balustered stairs usually narra or mulawin. Walls and ceilings are mostly made of wood adorned with highly detailed designs reminiscent of a genteel bygone era.
A detour at Angel Cacnio house and gallery, housing various works of art by Angel Cacnio and his son Ferdie Cacnio, later spiced by an inside look at the famous Rufina Patis Factory introduced the guests to the hidden gems of the city.
A visit to the Martinez house, a short walk from Rufina Patis Factory where the guests were treated to a feast of Malabon specialties: pancit malabon, sumpia (how people of Malabon call their fried lumpia), puto sulot (a uniquely Malabon dessert made of glutinous rice), bibingka (rice cake that Tutubi found to taste better than Ferino's bibingka), puto bumbong (violet-colored glutinous rice steam-cooked in bamboo tubes served with grated coconuts and margarine), pichi-pichi (yellow, translucent, steamed grated cassava (or cassava flour) served with grated coconuts), kikiam (que-kiam), and tamarind-looking camachile biscuits.
After the Patis saga, an encounter with the oldest existing house in Malabon, the 1861 semi-submerged Raymundo house on the banks of Malabon River, which in reality used to be a strait separating the islands of Malabon and Navotas before a man-made activity that changed the geomorphology of the place, called reclamation, took place.
Raymundo House 1861
the Raymundo house from outside
The original Raymundo house original shown in the picture with a grand staircase. the first floor of the house is now submerged
The last stop of the tour was at Bahay Parokyano an art gallery catering to Malabon's grassroots artists.
Malabon has indeed many heritage houses needed to be preserved for posterity, various food unique to the city and historical sites that need to be promoted. It's such a shame the local government hasn't been promoting their city to the full potential and do away with the "mala-venice sa baha" image.
Tutubi and his friends extend their gratitude to the organizers of this event: Richard, Monchet et al.
For more pictures of Malabon, you may visit Richard's Multiply site.
How to get to Malabon:
Commute: In Monumento, accessible to buses on EDSA, or LRT Monumento station, there are jeepneys plying Malabon via Letre road to take you to the city proper and also pass by Pescadores Restaurant.
driving directions by car from EDSA going to Monumento, take Samson Road and go straight until you see the fork on the road (Letre Road), you'll see Pescadores Restaurant on the left.
The tour's designated meeting place was Pescadores Restaurant (pescadores means fishermen in Spanish) at the corner of Letre Road and Dagat-dagatan Avenue, where a hearty lunch was served gratis to all guests. Notable of the food served were the unique patis-flavored adobo (usual adobo recipes use toyo (soy sauce) and not patis (fish sauce)) and Pancit Malabon, the eponymous comfort food of the city closely related to pancit luglug and pancit palabok.
After a brief introduction, the group was arranged into more manageable groupings and proceeded in convoy to our destination.
On passing the bridge, Tutubi was able to snap a photo of Asilo de Huérfanos (Asylum of Orphans) made of adobe. It was at Asilo de Huerfanos where the newspaper of the Philippine Revolution and subsequently of the Philippine-American War, the Antonio Luna-guided La Independencia, was said to be first printed as displayed on the newspaper's masthead. (In reality, this was just to mislead the Spanish authorities, the printing press was located in a clandestine location in Manila, the same printing press of the earlier La Libertad (Kalayaan) paper ordered closed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo).
Picture of Asilo de Huérfanos taken through the tinted window of the vanThe group first visited the San Bartolome church with its Greek-style columns and saw the ghastly renovations being done that practically erased the original features of the heritage church.
Across the street is Betsy's Cake House to have a taste of their broas, soft and delicious unique to malabon though quite pricey (for the penny-pinching Tutubi) at P17.50 a piece. The works of a contemporary of Fernando Amorsolo (a Philippine National Artist in painting), silent artist Serafin Serna, were on display with his conservative style of painting.
Betsy's Broas 
Concepcion ChurchAfter a short pilgrimage to Concepcion Church, with it's large ceiling paintings, a tour of old heritage houses ensued, first with the Dionisio house (still beautiful but unoccupied), the beautifully preserved Borja House, the sinking Gonzales House that features adaptive re-use of floodwater turned into a lagoon teeming with fish, and three Luna houses, one of which has a ceiling painting by Fernando Amorsolo. (The group weren't able to enter the house where Amorsolo's painting is present due to the owner's request not to be disturbed owing to a recent stroke). Nearby is also Dolor's Kakanin famous for their sapin-sapin.
Dionisio House
Borja House in front of Concepcion Church
Luna House, with a ceiling painting of Fernando Amorsolo
Gonzales House dated 1877, notice the half-submerged window and the 1877 date prominently displayedOld Spanish heritage houses of Malabon, like typical bahay na bato (stone houses) architecture, are usually two-storey structures. The ground floor is made up of brick stones or adobe while the second floor made of wood. Use of capiz (a kind of mother of pearl) on large windows to allow light to enter the room (Capiz is to the Philippines; Paper is to the Japanese) aided by high ceilings, ventanillas (small windows) or wood balusters permit efficient air circulation and ventilation suited for the tropical climate of the Philippines. The floorings on the first floor are usually made of piedra china (Chinese granite) and the wooden, balustered stairs usually narra or mulawin. Walls and ceilings are mostly made of wood adorned with highly detailed designs reminiscent of a genteel bygone era.
A detour at Angel Cacnio house and gallery, housing various works of art by Angel Cacnio and his son Ferdie Cacnio, later spiced by an inside look at the famous Rufina Patis Factory introduced the guests to the hidden gems of the city.
A visit to the Martinez house, a short walk from Rufina Patis Factory where the guests were treated to a feast of Malabon specialties: pancit malabon, sumpia (how people of Malabon call their fried lumpia), puto sulot (a uniquely Malabon dessert made of glutinous rice), bibingka (rice cake that Tutubi found to taste better than Ferino's bibingka), puto bumbong (violet-colored glutinous rice steam-cooked in bamboo tubes served with grated coconuts and margarine), pichi-pichi (yellow, translucent, steamed grated cassava (or cassava flour) served with grated coconuts), kikiam (que-kiam), and tamarind-looking camachile biscuits.
After the Patis saga, an encounter with the oldest existing house in Malabon, the 1861 semi-submerged Raymundo house on the banks of Malabon River, which in reality used to be a strait separating the islands of Malabon and Navotas before a man-made activity that changed the geomorphology of the place, called reclamation, took place.
Raymundo House 1861
the Raymundo house from outside
The original Raymundo house original shown in the picture with a grand staircase. the first floor of the house is now submergedThe last stop of the tour was at Bahay Parokyano an art gallery catering to Malabon's grassroots artists.
Malabon has indeed many heritage houses needed to be preserved for posterity, various food unique to the city and historical sites that need to be promoted. It's such a shame the local government hasn't been promoting their city to the full potential and do away with the "mala-venice sa baha" image.
Tutubi and his friends extend their gratitude to the organizers of this event: Richard, Monchet et al.
For more pictures of Malabon, you may visit Richard's Multiply site.
How to get to Malabon:
Commute: In Monumento, accessible to buses on EDSA, or LRT Monumento station, there are jeepneys plying Malabon via Letre road to take you to the city proper and also pass by Pescadores Restaurant.
driving directions by car from EDSA going to Monumento, take Samson Road and go straight until you see the fork on the road (Letre Road), you'll see Pescadores Restaurant on the left.
Labels: Architecture, Malabon, Metro Manila, National Capital Region
posted by GingGoy @ 9:38 PM,
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Pinoy Big Brother, George Orwell and Burma Connection
23 October 2007
Though not a fan of the popular show on Kapamilya TV, Tutubi was able to take these pictures of Pinoy Big Brother house on three locations shown below. He doesn't find it entertaining watching a bunch of "eye candies" sleeping and living inside a house full of cameras to simulate "reality," the still present flimsy gimmick of the network to create "reel" love teams and the apparent lack of transparency in the effect of the text votes on who will next be evicted
Ok, but what about the title?
During the oppressive rule of the British in Burma, Eric Arthur Blair was a member of the British Imperial Police Force in Burma in the 1920s. Eric left Burma and decided to become a writer using the pseudonym George Orwell. His first novel was titled "Burmese Days." One of his later novel, the futuristic "1984," tells of a dystopian society watched carefully by Big Brother-- the omniscient, omnipresent head of the oppressive government.
The phrase Big Brother is now used to refer to any oppressive and/or invasive surveillance.
Recent documents made public by Scotland Yard identified George Orwell also got under the Big Brother surveillance due to his alleged leftist leanings.
The writer Emma Larkin published "Finding George Orwell in Burma," where she noted that Orwell's Big Brother is still watching when she made the journey to Burma-- even in present day Myanmar!
Pinoy Big Brother is the Philippine version of the popular Endemol TV show.
A drive 'n' snap, crappy picture of Pinoy Big Brother house in front of ABS-CBN in Quezon City where many people strike a pose in front of
The house on Governor's Island, Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan where the housemates spent some time in one of PBB's seasons.
a photo of the Big Brother house clone, Pinoy Big Water, in Liliw, Laguna during the Tsinelas Festival
Tags: Pinoy Big Brother, Pinoy Big Brother House, Big Brother, George Orwell,
Ok, but what about the title?
During the oppressive rule of the British in Burma, Eric Arthur Blair was a member of the British Imperial Police Force in Burma in the 1920s. Eric left Burma and decided to become a writer using the pseudonym George Orwell. His first novel was titled "Burmese Days." One of his later novel, the futuristic "1984," tells of a dystopian society watched carefully by Big Brother-- the omniscient, omnipresent head of the oppressive government.
The phrase Big Brother is now used to refer to any oppressive and/or invasive surveillance.
Recent documents made public by Scotland Yard identified George Orwell also got under the Big Brother surveillance due to his alleged leftist leanings.
The writer Emma Larkin published "Finding George Orwell in Burma," where she noted that Orwell's Big Brother is still watching when she made the journey to Burma-- even in present day Myanmar!
Pinoy Big Brother is the Philippine version of the popular Endemol TV show.
A drive 'n' snap, crappy picture of Pinoy Big Brother house in front of ABS-CBN in Quezon City where many people strike a pose in front of
The house on Governor's Island, Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan where the housemates spent some time in one of PBB's seasons.
a photo of the Big Brother house clone, Pinoy Big Water, in Liliw, Laguna during the Tsinelas FestivalTags: Pinoy Big Brother, Pinoy Big Brother House, Big Brother, George Orwell,
Labels: Photoblogging
posted by GingGoy @ 9:35 PM,
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Quezon Memorial Circle, Shrine and Monument
19 October 2007
The Quezon Memorial Shrine, a monument built in honor of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, located inside the rotunda at the heart of the city named after the former president with "edifice complex," is a tallest landmark of Metro Manila's biggest city.
The shrine is inside a circle that also hosts a bicycle rental, picnic ground, skating rink, various pocket parks, shopping stalls, various restaurants (Tropical Hut, Max's), food stalls and the World Peace Bell.
Many health buffs jog around the monument in the morning, others prefer to play badminton while a group dance their flabs away. During Eid al-Fitr, many Muslims congregate here to celebrate end of Ramadan.
Trivia:
Designed by architect Federico Ilustre
Height is 66 meters representing the age of Quezon when he died (of tuberculosis while in exile in the US during the 2nd World War)
3 pylons represent the Philippines' 3 island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
3 Angels at the top of the pylons holding sampaguita garlands designed by Francesco Riccardo Monti (who also has works in Far Eastern University (FEU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Metropolitan Theater, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Sto. Domingo Church)
Inside the monument is a museum with old photos and memorabilias of the former president and his catafalque. His remains were transfered to the shrine from Manila North Cemetery.
Three angels sculpture by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti
night picture of the monument
the circle is near Quezon City Hall
Quezon Memorial Museum is open to the public free of charge, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:30am to 5pm
How to get to Quezon Memorial Circle:
Commute:
Jeepneys plying Fairview or Philcoa in Manila will pass by the place. Drop off in front of Quezon City hall and cross the circle going there (the pedestrian underpass will soon be completed) Buses on EDSA going to Fairview. The nearest MRT station is Quezon Avenue.
The shrine is inside a circle that also hosts a bicycle rental, picnic ground, skating rink, various pocket parks, shopping stalls, various restaurants (Tropical Hut, Max's), food stalls and the World Peace Bell.
Many health buffs jog around the monument in the morning, others prefer to play badminton while a group dance their flabs away. During Eid al-Fitr, many Muslims congregate here to celebrate end of Ramadan.
Trivia:
Designed by architect Federico Ilustre
Height is 66 meters representing the age of Quezon when he died (of tuberculosis while in exile in the US during the 2nd World War)
3 pylons represent the Philippines' 3 island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
3 Angels at the top of the pylons holding sampaguita garlands designed by Francesco Riccardo Monti (who also has works in Far Eastern University (FEU), University of Santo Tomas (UST), Metropolitan Theater, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Sto. Domingo Church)
Inside the monument is a museum with old photos and memorabilias of the former president and his catafalque. His remains were transfered to the shrine from Manila North Cemetery.
Three angels sculpture by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti
night picture of the monumentthe circle is near Quezon City Hall
Quezon Memorial Museum is open to the public free of charge, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8:30am to 5pm
How to get to Quezon Memorial Circle:
Commute:
Jeepneys plying Fairview or Philcoa in Manila will pass by the place. Drop off in front of Quezon City hall and cross the circle going there (the pedestrian underpass will soon be completed) Buses on EDSA going to Fairview. The nearest MRT station is Quezon Avenue.
Labels: Monuments, Philippines, Quezon City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:05 PM,
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Manila Ocean Park: An Oceanarium Entrance Fee/Admission Rates
18 October 2007
Tutubi, the skeptical type when it comes to press releases when he was disappointed on the absence of oceanarium announced during the construction of Mall of Asia (MOA), is now excited on the impending opening of Manila's own oceanarium, called Manila Ocean Park, that's set to rival, even upstage, Singapore's Underwater World, Hong Kong Ocean Park, Bangkok, Thailand's's Siam Ocean World and KL's Aquaria (Malaysia), all four Tutubi wasn't able to visit due to his priority over things of historic and cultural attractions. The only close one he has was his visit to Subic's Ocean Adventure
According to the press release and video shown on TV, the park is divided into several sections: rainforest-themed Agos (flow) with an aritifical waterfalls, Bahura (reef) with its artificial reef, Laot (fishing ground), Kalaliman (the deep) with deep-sea fishes and creatures like barracudas, sharks and rays. No whale sharks are to be featured there so you have to visit Donsol for the whale shark interaction (Tutubi's most cherished experience in 2003 that he's yet to post in this blog). The main attraction is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved glass walls.
Entrance fee, as reported, cost P350 for students, and P400 for regular patrons. US$1 is around P42 as of this time so this is much cheaper than Underwater World Singapore's Sg$19.90, HK Ocean Park's HK$195 and even against Siam Ocean World's 450 Baht admission charge.
With all the attractions and the affordable price, expect Tutubi to be one of the first one to troop there once it's open.
The whole facility, once completed, will also have a hotel and mall right in the heart of the old city of Manila near Rizal Park.
Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. whose parent company is currently operating four oceanariums in China.
UPDATE: Manila Ocean Park opened on March 1, 2013
Telephone: +63.2.400.0604; +63.2.400.0681; +63.2.400.0691
Fax: +63.2.400.0732
Entrance Fees: PhP400 for adults (about $10)
PhP 350 for children
How to get to Manila Ocean Park:
For those awaiting the opening in December this year, the oceanarium can be reached, commute way, just as you would come to Rizal Park (Luneta) since it's just just behind Quirino Grandstand. The nearest LRT station is UN Avenue. Jeepneys plying Taft Avenue is also near but those passing through Mabini and M.H. Del Pilar in Malate are nearer the place.
Directions by car/taxi, same as going to Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.
Will post Manila Ocean Park pictures once Tutubi visits the place :P
UPDATE Manila Ocean Park opened on March 1, 2008. Tutubi's Manila Ocean Park pictures/photos of the place coming soon...regarding taking pictures and photography, SLR/DSLR cameras are allowed provided no flash is used.
Manila Ocean Park Holy Week Schedules:
Manila Ocean Park will be open over the Lenten holidays, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. March 20 - 23, 2008
Related Post:
Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay
According to the press release and video shown on TV, the park is divided into several sections: rainforest-themed Agos (flow) with an aritifical waterfalls, Bahura (reef) with its artificial reef, Laot (fishing ground), Kalaliman (the deep) with deep-sea fishes and creatures like barracudas, sharks and rays. No whale sharks are to be featured there so you have to visit Donsol for the whale shark interaction (Tutubi's most cherished experience in 2003 that he's yet to post in this blog). The main attraction is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved glass walls.
Entrance fee, as reported, cost P350 for students, and P400 for regular patrons. US$1 is around P42 as of this time so this is much cheaper than Underwater World Singapore's Sg$19.90, HK Ocean Park's HK$195 and even against Siam Ocean World's 450 Baht admission charge.
With all the attractions and the affordable price, expect Tutubi to be one of the first one to troop there once it's open.
The whole facility, once completed, will also have a hotel and mall right in the heart of the old city of Manila near Rizal Park.
Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. whose parent company is currently operating four oceanariums in China.
UPDATE: Manila Ocean Park opened on March 1, 2013
Telephone: +63.2.400.0604; +63.2.400.0681; +63.2.400.0691
Fax: +63.2.400.0732
Entrance Fees: PhP400 for adults (about $10)
PhP 350 for children
How to get to Manila Ocean Park:
For those awaiting the opening in December this year, the oceanarium can be reached, commute way, just as you would come to Rizal Park (Luneta) since it's just just behind Quirino Grandstand. The nearest LRT station is UN Avenue. Jeepneys plying Taft Avenue is also near but those passing through Mabini and M.H. Del Pilar in Malate are nearer the place.
Directions by car/taxi, same as going to Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park.
Will post Manila Ocean Park pictures once Tutubi visits the place :P
UPDATE Manila Ocean Park opened on March 1, 2008. Tutubi's Manila Ocean Park pictures/photos of the place coming soon...regarding taking pictures and photography, SLR/DSLR cameras are allowed provided no flash is used.
Manila Ocean Park Holy Week Schedules:
Manila Ocean Park will be open over the Lenten holidays, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. March 20 - 23, 2008
Related Post:
Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay
Labels: Manila, Marine Parks, Metro Manila
posted by GingGoy @ 9:48 PM,
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More Than A Hundred Islands Tour and Resorts in Pangasinan
15 October 2007
Pangasinan, a province whose name was derived from asin (salt) due to its salt-making industry, more popularly known for its bangus and the Hundred Islands National Park, a cluster of more than a hundred islands off the city of Alaminos in Lingayen Gulf got a brief visit from Tutubi
After the Dagupan bangus overload, a sidetrip to the market for the famed Alaminos longganiza, a so-so lunch at Maxine By The Sea Lodge and Restaurant (not recommended, food is not "pwede na" for the price), a trip to the Hundred Islands National Park for a three-hour boat ride, sadly, due to limited time, weren't able to get wet and wild :(
Pictures as usual:
One of the group's boat anchored on Governor's Island
View of some of the islands on the viewdeck of Governor's Island and in front of Pinoy Big Brother House
the cavernous hole of the so called Cathedral Island (didn't have a lens hood for this one, sorry)
Quezon island teeming with people frolicking on the beach. The island is only one of the three islands with facilities like decks, toilets and picnic sheds. The other two are Governor's Island and Children's Island with bathrooms, camping and sleeping areas.
Quezon Island Bridge to nearby island
+island+cave.jpg)
A view from inside the cave of Cuenco (PADI) Island. Also a nice camping site.
Quite a crappy picture but it includes one of Tutubi's target destination: the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
It's also in Hundred Islands and nearby Bolinao where giant clams (Tridacna gigas) can be found.
By the way, the trip, food and even the bangus/longganisa pasalubong were paid for by Tutubi's company :P
For details on accommodations, rates including resorts and rooms for backpacking and budget travelers, click here. Information on snorkeling, diving and other water-sports equipment rental and telephone numbers. Not much information on cheap resorts though.
Where to Stay in Hundred Islands Resorts and Hotels:
Helden Resthouse
Hundred Islands Pension House
Maxine by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
Rose Plaza Inn
S&R Homestead
Seaside Haven (LS Marina 100)
Ted's by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
The Hundred Islands Resort Hotel
Villa Milagros Pension House
Vista de las Islas Hotel & Restaurant
How to get to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan:
Commute: Victory Liner in Cubao and Pasay has buses going to Alaminos City. Trip is about 5 hours. In Alaminos, hire a tricycle to take you to Lucap pier where you'll hire boats for the island-hopping trip.
Related Posts on Pangasinan:
Alaminos Longganiza
Our Lady of Manaoag
Dagupan Bangus, Dagupena Restaurant
After the Dagupan bangus overload, a sidetrip to the market for the famed Alaminos longganiza, a so-so lunch at Maxine By The Sea Lodge and Restaurant (not recommended, food is not "pwede na" for the price), a trip to the Hundred Islands National Park for a three-hour boat ride, sadly, due to limited time, weren't able to get wet and wild :(
Pictures as usual:
One of the group's boat anchored on Governor's Island
View of some of the islands on the viewdeck of Governor's Island and in front of Pinoy Big Brother House
the cavernous hole of the so called Cathedral Island (didn't have a lens hood for this one, sorry)
Quezon island teeming with people frolicking on the beach. The island is only one of the three islands with facilities like decks, toilets and picnic sheds. The other two are Governor's Island and Children's Island with bathrooms, camping and sleeping areas.
Quezon Island Bridge to nearby island+island+cave.jpg)
A view from inside the cave of Cuenco (PADI) Island. Also a nice camping site.
Quite a crappy picture but it includes one of Tutubi's target destination: the Cape Bolinao LighthouseIt's also in Hundred Islands and nearby Bolinao where giant clams (Tridacna gigas) can be found.
By the way, the trip, food and even the bangus/longganisa pasalubong were paid for by Tutubi's company :P
For details on accommodations, rates including resorts and rooms for backpacking and budget travelers, click here. Information on snorkeling, diving and other water-sports equipment rental and telephone numbers. Not much information on cheap resorts though.
Where to Stay in Hundred Islands Resorts and Hotels:
Helden Resthouse
Hundred Islands Pension House
Maxine by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
Rose Plaza Inn
S&R Homestead
Seaside Haven (LS Marina 100)
Ted's by the Sea Lodge and Restaurant
The Hundred Islands Resort Hotel
Villa Milagros Pension House
Vista de las Islas Hotel & Restaurant
How to get to Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Pangasinan:
Commute: Victory Liner in Cubao and Pasay has buses going to Alaminos City. Trip is about 5 hours. In Alaminos, hire a tricycle to take you to Lucap pier where you'll hire boats for the island-hopping trip.
Related Posts on Pangasinan:
Alaminos Longganiza
Our Lady of Manaoag
Dagupan Bangus, Dagupena Restaurant
Labels: Alaminos City, Beaches, Island-Hopping, Pangasinan
posted by GingGoy @ 9:34 PM,
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The Toothpick Longganiza of Alaminos, Pangasinan
14 October 2007
Longganisa, a Filipino version of sausage from a mixture of ground pork, spices, vinegar, and tons of garlic stuffed inside pig intestines as casing, and where every region of the Philippines has their own unique recipe and ingredients to give it a distinct taste.
Pictures of longganiza at Alaminos market. Alaminos' version of the sausage uses toothpicks instead of tying the open ends or using a thread.
"Those who love sausage and obey the law should not watch either being made," quote attributed to Otto von Bismarck, is so true. Tutubi, however, respects those making sausages for a decent living while resents those making the law who call themselves "honorable" men-- all they know is pork barrel!
Back to longganisa topic, other notable variants are Vigan longganisa with their suka (vinegar), Pampanga-style (also the skinless ones), the oregano-laced Lucban, Quezon (available at Buddy's Restaurants in Makati), and the finger-sized ones from Guinobatan, Albay if you happen to visit Mayon Volcano, available at the Legazpi airport restaurant.
Q: Where can we find the Philippines' best longganisa?
Pictures of longganiza at Alaminos market. Alaminos' version of the sausage uses toothpicks instead of tying the open ends or using a thread.
"Those who love sausage and obey the law should not watch either being made," quote attributed to Otto von Bismarck, is so true. Tutubi, however, respects those making sausages for a decent living while resents those making the law who call themselves "honorable" men-- all they know is pork barrel!
Back to longganisa topic, other notable variants are Vigan longganisa with their suka (vinegar), Pampanga-style (also the skinless ones), the oregano-laced Lucban, Quezon (available at Buddy's Restaurants in Makati), and the finger-sized ones from Guinobatan, Albay if you happen to visit Mayon Volcano, available at the Legazpi airport restaurant.
Q: Where can we find the Philippines' best longganisa?
Labels: Filipino Food, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan
posted by GingGoy @ 12:46 PM,
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Dagupan and Bonuan Bangus Belly Overload in Pangasinan
11 October 2007
After the some delay in Tarlac due to a direction-challenged colleague, passed by miles and miles of roads dotted with bangus (milkfish) fisheries and where “Guilon Guilon” or harvesting of the world famous Bonuan bangus can be witnessed, Tutubi finally reached his destination for the day in Dagupan City, and checked it at Star Plaza Hotel strategically located on the banks of the river. (This could have been a good nightscape picture but it was raining for two nights)
Twin sharing room at Star Plaza Hotel
As expected when in this city famous for the tastiest variety of bangus (milkfish), the Philippines' national fish, breakfast served offered choices of longganisa (Filipino sausages), tocino (sweet marinated pork) and boneless bangus (in ordinary and spicy). Being not like the usual Filipino averse to hot and spicy food, Tutubi opted for the spicy one that isn't really spicy at all. The bangus is just basted with a mild chili sauce similar to tabasco and preferred to be de-boned due to its being bony.
Bangsilog, a typical Filipino portmanteau breakfast consisting of boneless bangus, sinangag (garlic fried rice) and pritong itlog (fried egg) with tomatoes on the side.
In the evening, the group had dinner at Matutina Restaurant in Bonuan, Dagupan where they feasted on various seafoods e.g. nilasing na hipon ("drunken" shrimp) and calamares (fried squid with batter), in a nice ambiance though quite expensive.
The following was the seminar where Tutubi was the last speaker (a slot he inherited due to resignation of one of his colleagues) and where his colleagues aver there were so many pretty Dagupeñas in attendance. In between breaks and meals, he washed down his thirst with soda, something he normally doesn't do these days.
Hurrying out of the hotel right after the seminar, made a quick pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag in Manaog town before heading to another feast in another famous restaurant in Calasiao town: Dagupeña Restaurant in San Miguel, Calasiao. The restaurant, which was quaint and homey with capiz windows and kawai chairs, started out as an eatery in 1928 owned by Ignacia Bernal.
Interiors of Dagupeña Restaurant(below). Was only able to take pictures of this and not the food, again, due to fear of not being able to eat what's served. Highly recommend this restaurant for a sampling of Pangasinan cuisine aside from not being too pricey.
The menu served for the night included: honey mustard bangus belly (recommended. wish to have their recipe for this one), tarragon honeyed crabs, fried hito (catfish) with buro (fermented fish paste), sinigang sa miso na hipon (prawns in Filipino style broth with miso), rellenong alimasag (stuffed crabs),and the house specialty binagoongang pata (pork knuckles with shrimp paste). Don't also forget to buy and sample Calasiao's famous puto (rice cakes).
With tummies full, the group called it a night to rest while eagerly awaiting the following day's island-hopping adventure in Alaminos.
Continued on Hundred Islands island-hopping post.
Notes:
Star Plaza Hotel A.B. Fernandez Avenue (+63-75-5234888)
Official website here.
Other "where to eat" places: Silverio's, Matutina, Dawel, Alimango
Pasalubong Bonuan Boneless Bangus can be bought at cheaper prices at CBN Bonuan Boneless Bangus km 381 beside Petron gas station along the highway.
Note also one of the best boneless bangus available near Manila is at LZM Restaurant in Silang, Cavite on the old highway near Riviera Golf and Country Club.
How to get to Dagupan, Pangasinan
Commuting to Dagupan is easy. Several buses have terminals of Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner and Five Star. In Dagupan, you can take jeepneys and tricycles around the city.
Other information on Dagupan travel and tourist spots will be appreciated. Tutubi's planning an official return trip there soon.
Twin sharing room at Star Plaza HotelAs expected when in this city famous for the tastiest variety of bangus (milkfish), the Philippines' national fish, breakfast served offered choices of longganisa (Filipino sausages), tocino (sweet marinated pork) and boneless bangus (in ordinary and spicy). Being not like the usual Filipino averse to hot and spicy food, Tutubi opted for the spicy one that isn't really spicy at all. The bangus is just basted with a mild chili sauce similar to tabasco and preferred to be de-boned due to its being bony.
Bangsilog, a typical Filipino portmanteau breakfast consisting of boneless bangus, sinangag (garlic fried rice) and pritong itlog (fried egg) with tomatoes on the side.In the evening, the group had dinner at Matutina Restaurant in Bonuan, Dagupan where they feasted on various seafoods e.g. nilasing na hipon ("drunken" shrimp) and calamares (fried squid with batter), in a nice ambiance though quite expensive.
The following was the seminar where Tutubi was the last speaker (a slot he inherited due to resignation of one of his colleagues) and where his colleagues aver there were so many pretty Dagupeñas in attendance. In between breaks and meals, he washed down his thirst with soda, something he normally doesn't do these days.
Hurrying out of the hotel right after the seminar, made a quick pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag in Manaog town before heading to another feast in another famous restaurant in Calasiao town: Dagupeña Restaurant in San Miguel, Calasiao. The restaurant, which was quaint and homey with capiz windows and kawai chairs, started out as an eatery in 1928 owned by Ignacia Bernal. Interiors of Dagupeña Restaurant(below). Was only able to take pictures of this and not the food, again, due to fear of not being able to eat what's served. Highly recommend this restaurant for a sampling of Pangasinan cuisine aside from not being too pricey.
The menu served for the night included: honey mustard bangus belly (recommended. wish to have their recipe for this one), tarragon honeyed crabs, fried hito (catfish) with buro (fermented fish paste), sinigang sa miso na hipon (prawns in Filipino style broth with miso), rellenong alimasag (stuffed crabs),and the house specialty binagoongang pata (pork knuckles with shrimp paste). Don't also forget to buy and sample Calasiao's famous puto (rice cakes).
With tummies full, the group called it a night to rest while eagerly awaiting the following day's island-hopping adventure in Alaminos.
Continued on Hundred Islands island-hopping post.
Notes:
Star Plaza Hotel A.B. Fernandez Avenue (+63-75-5234888)
Official website here.
Other "where to eat" places: Silverio's, Matutina, Dawel, Alimango
Pasalubong Bonuan Boneless Bangus can be bought at cheaper prices at CBN Bonuan Boneless Bangus km 381 beside Petron gas station along the highway.
Note also one of the best boneless bangus available near Manila is at LZM Restaurant in Silang, Cavite on the old highway near Riviera Golf and Country Club.
How to get to Dagupan, Pangasinan
Commuting to Dagupan is easy. Several buses have terminals of Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner and Five Star. In Dagupan, you can take jeepneys and tricycles around the city.
Other information on Dagupan travel and tourist spots will be appreciated. Tutubi's planning an official return trip there soon.
Labels: Dagupan, Food Trip, Pangasinan Ilocos Region
posted by GingGoy @ 11:04 PM,
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Tarlac Tour Through the Car Window
In just another unexpected turn of events, Tutubi was commissioned to deliver a talk in a company-sponsored seminar in Dagupan with only a few days notice. Being used to the arrangement, he just shrugged it off, prepared the powerpoint slides but wasn't able to prepare for possible sidetrips and itineraries of the opportunity.
The following Friday, Tutubi and his colleagues boarded a van on the way to Dagupan and passed many interesting places where people only see outside their car window.
The cruise at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) was a breeze and took the exit at the end of the highway.
On passing Capas town, a town made famous by the infamous Death March of World War II from where the endpoint is now the Capas National Shrine while in Sta. Juliana, also in Capas is the most popular jump-off point for trekking Mt. Pinatubo as well the presence of an Aeta community and Korean-owned Pinatubo Spa.
On reaching Tarlac City, caught sight of the Hacienda Luisita, owned by the powerful Cojuanco clan, and the site of recent bloody encounters of the peasants and military. From a distance, the old monument of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino that used to stand at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in Makati. Nearby are vintage tanks, airplanes, howitzers and other military ordnance at the Armed Forces Museum inside the Philippine Army Base, Camp Aquino (formerly called Camp Ord).
Feeling hunger pangs, decided to stop and partook lunch at Vilmar Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant open since 1956, on the highway at the corner of the road leading to Camiling. There they feasted on Filipino fare of longganisa (native sausages), pork skewers, adobo pusit (squid), stinking buro isda (fermented fish), kilawin, lechon (roasted pig) with a serving of Lita's pastillas for dessert. (Tutubi didn't take pictures of the food for fear that there'll be nothing left to eat if he took photos). Now satiated, proceeded to take the road going to the town of Camiling known in history as the hometown of Carlos P. Romulo, who became president of the United Nations General Assembly and chairman of the United Nations Security Council (Read also "The Fooling of America")
One of the daughters of Camiling, Leonor Rivera, was one of Jose Rizal's girlfriends and sweetheart for more than ten years. She was immortalized by Rizal in his novel Noli Me Tangere as Maria Clara. The Maria Clara Museum houses the memories of their love that never was.
The Camiling River looked inviting for some water fun like rafting that reminded Tutubi of his riverine adventures of his childhood while the ruins of Camiling church gave the idea of the immensity of the place of worship before the conflagration that destroyesd the heritage structure.
Tutubi's empty gaze outside the car window was interrupted when the driver made a wrong turn and had to ask for directions going to Dagupan but they finally their way to their destination famous for the tastiest variety of bangus (milkfish): the Philippines national fish!
Coming Up:
Bonuan Boneless Bangus, Dagupan food finds and a sidetrip to more than a hundred islands in Alaminos :)
Related Post:
Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)
The following Friday, Tutubi and his colleagues boarded a van on the way to Dagupan and passed many interesting places where people only see outside their car window.
The cruise at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) was a breeze and took the exit at the end of the highway.
On passing Capas town, a town made famous by the infamous Death March of World War II from where the endpoint is now the Capas National Shrine while in Sta. Juliana, also in Capas is the most popular jump-off point for trekking Mt. Pinatubo as well the presence of an Aeta community and Korean-owned Pinatubo Spa.
On reaching Tarlac City, caught sight of the Hacienda Luisita, owned by the powerful Cojuanco clan, and the site of recent bloody encounters of the peasants and military. From a distance, the old monument of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino that used to stand at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas in Makati. Nearby are vintage tanks, airplanes, howitzers and other military ordnance at the Armed Forces Museum inside the Philippine Army Base, Camp Aquino (formerly called Camp Ord).
Feeling hunger pangs, decided to stop and partook lunch at Vilmar Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant open since 1956, on the highway at the corner of the road leading to Camiling. There they feasted on Filipino fare of longganisa (native sausages), pork skewers, adobo pusit (squid), stinking buro isda (fermented fish), kilawin, lechon (roasted pig) with a serving of Lita's pastillas for dessert. (Tutubi didn't take pictures of the food for fear that there'll be nothing left to eat if he took photos). Now satiated, proceeded to take the road going to the town of Camiling known in history as the hometown of Carlos P. Romulo, who became president of the United Nations General Assembly and chairman of the United Nations Security Council (Read also "The Fooling of America")
One of the daughters of Camiling, Leonor Rivera, was one of Jose Rizal's girlfriends and sweetheart for more than ten years. She was immortalized by Rizal in his novel Noli Me Tangere as Maria Clara. The Maria Clara Museum houses the memories of their love that never was.
The Camiling River looked inviting for some water fun like rafting that reminded Tutubi of his riverine adventures of his childhood while the ruins of Camiling church gave the idea of the immensity of the place of worship before the conflagration that destroyesd the heritage structure.
Tutubi's empty gaze outside the car window was interrupted when the driver made a wrong turn and had to ask for directions going to Dagupan but they finally their way to their destination famous for the tastiest variety of bangus (milkfish): the Philippines national fish!
Coming Up:
Bonuan Boneless Bangus, Dagupan food finds and a sidetrip to more than a hundred islands in Alaminos :)
Related Post:
Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)
Labels: Camiling, Tarlac, Tarlac City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
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Smokey Mountain No More!
09 October 2007
About two weeks ago, Tutubi visited his brother-in-law (husband of his elder sister) confined at Manila Doctors Hospital on United Nations Avenue in Manila, where his parents and sister also dropped by to deliver to Tutubi his annual supply of sweet lanzones Paete.
After the brief visit and a tiklis of lanzones in tow, they headed off to Malabon to deliver again lanzones to another brother living there. The driver decided to traverse Roxas Blvd up to Bonifacio Drive
and Delpan bridge and came face-to-face with a familiar, once infamous site known as Smokey Mountain that currently has a new face and offer a ray of hope to Manila's poorest of the poor...
About 8 yearsa go, Tutubi always passed by Smokey Mountain when it was still a mountain of burnt garbage. He never saw the notorious mountain in its heyday.
This video from YouTube, shot by Romeo Candido, is a timely one to remind us of the struggle of the poor to escape the tight embrace of poverty.
How to go to Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila:
By car from Roxas Blvd, traverse Bonifacio drive passing through Delpan Bridge until you reach the site.
Tags: Smokey Mountain, 菲律賓, 菲律宾, 필리핀, フィリピン, Filippine, Philippinen, Filipinas, Filippijnen
After the brief visit and a tiklis of lanzones in tow, they headed off to Malabon to deliver again lanzones to another brother living there. The driver decided to traverse Roxas Blvd up to Bonifacio Drive
and Delpan bridge and came face-to-face with a familiar, once infamous site known as Smokey Mountain that currently has a new face and offer a ray of hope to Manila's poorest of the poor...
About 8 yearsa go, Tutubi always passed by Smokey Mountain when it was still a mountain of burnt garbage. He never saw the notorious mountain in its heyday.
This video from YouTube, shot by Romeo Candido, is a timely one to remind us of the struggle of the poor to escape the tight embrace of poverty.
How to go to Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila:
By car from Roxas Blvd, traverse Bonifacio drive passing through Delpan Bridge until you reach the site.
Tags: Smokey Mountain, 菲律賓, 菲律宾, 필리핀, フィリピン, Filippine, Philippinen, Filipinas, Filippijnen
Labels: Manila, Philippines
posted by GingGoy @ 9:55 PM,
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The Sweetest Lanzones (Langsat (Lansium Domesticum)
06 October 2007
Known as langsat in Malaysia from where it originated, lanzones is a fruit that grows abundantly on the slopes of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Luzon, particularly Laguna province, in the volcanic island of Camiguin (that also have the Lanzones Festival) and various provinces of Mindanao.Lanzones trees are slender and has only a single trunk growing to about 10 to 20 meters tall (picture above). The fruit has an acidic taste and bitter seeds but the translucent flesh can be very sweet when ripe.
In eating lanzones, it's always best to select the fruit already detached from the stem since it means it's ripe therefore sweeter than the ones left connected to the stem. Don't also bite the seed since it's very bitter. Big ones also mean lager seed; go for the medium sized fruit.
Tutubi, in his childhood, got to to experience trekking up the slopes of Mt. Humarap, the hill fronting Paete, Laguna, and part of Sierra Madre mountain to harvest lanzones. He still cherishes the thrill of actually going up and eating fallen lanzones fruits held by his shirt.
Lanzones peelings, when dried, are burned by some people in Laguna to drive away mosquitoes. This may be a cheap alternative to de-fogging and fumigation against dengue-carrying, diurnal mosquitoes (Aedes aegypto and Aedes albopictus) and malaria-carrying, nocturnal anopheles. ((Tutubi used to do this in their small plot of kaingin in Paete)
freshly harvested lanzones by Tutubi in a basket
Picture of lanzones showing innardsWhere can you find the sweetest lanzones there is? Tutubi doesn't have to be asked. He'll swear it's the variety found in his hometown. He's tasted samples from around Laguna, Sulu (currently sold in Metro Manila), and from Camiguin (but not the ones with less seeds in Bangkok, Thailand).
In fact, a few years ago, people asked specifically for Paete's lanzones and not from Laguna due to the inexplicable succulence of the variety. It's just that the fruit is not commercially cultivated in Paete, reason why you can't find them in commercial quantities. Lanzones also spoil rapidly making it inappropriate for export to other countries.
Even the legend of lanzones' magical change from a poisoned fruit to a sweet sensation is attributed to the artistic town of Laguna.
Ang Alamat ng Lanzones (The Legend of Lanzones) depicted at Paete's Wawa Park
Tutubi may, however, change his mind on which is the sweetest if anyone of the readers can give him a sample of the sweetest kind! :P
Lazones is also known in other countries as langsat, lansa, langseh, langsep, lanzon, lanzone, lansone, longkong and kokosan
posted by GingGoy @ 11:09 AM,
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Hong Kong Shopping Guide and Tips
04 October 2007
Not in his usual itinerary, Tutubi visited various shopping malls and markets looking for souvenirs and other uniquely Hong Kong stuff.
Herewith are the shopping guide, information and tips he accumulated:
Lusting for these international brands for cheap prices and discounts:
Adidas, Bally, Bauhaus, The Body Shop, Calvin Klein, City Chain, Columbia Sportswear Company, Esprit, Evita Peroni, Folli Follie, Giordano, Joy and Peace, Kingkow, Design Accesories, K-Swiss, Lafuma, La Compagnie Des Petits, Last Call, Laura Ashley, Lens Crafters, Le Saunda, Levi's, Lids, MaBelle, MiRabell, Moiselle, New Balance, Nike, Optical 88, Polo Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Rabeanco, Rockport, Samsonite, Seven 7, Timberland, Time + Style, Viviene Tam and other factory outlets and stores.
Citygate Outlets, located on Lantau Island, is the first and only outlet mall in Hong Kong, featuring international brand names offering huge discounts from 30% to 70% all year round for cheap, best-value-for-every-dollar-spent bargains. It serves also as the gateway to various attractions in Tung Chung, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 and AsiaWorld-Expo. (wonder if there're similar outlet stores in Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, and KL)
Address: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau
Enquiry hotline: 2109 2933
How to go to Citygate Outlets:
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit C, next to Ngong Ping 360. It can also be reached by a short taxi or bus ride from the Chek Lap Kok Airport (great while waiting for a connecting flight at HKIA)
For those looking for cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, batteries, and other photography equipment, there are many camera shops in Hong Kong offering about a little cheaper than those stores on Hidalgo (in Quiapo, Manila).
In Mong Kok (Kowloon), there's the Ladies' Market on Fa Yuen and Tung Choi Streets (near St. Edward and Mong Kok MTR stations) selling ladies shoes, cosmetics, clothes and accessories with prices comparable to Manila's 168 Mall e.g. a pair of ladies shoes costs around HK$60. Haggling is hard here plus the vendors don't seem to like inquiries, particularly frugal Filipinos in perpetual search for the cheapest prices.
Flower Market road also in Mong Kok (and near Newton Kowloon) is the Flower Market and near the Yuen Po Bird garden
For people in search of items made of "imperial gem," the Jade market at at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street, west of Nathan Road. To go there: Yau Ma Tei MTR exit C, walk along Nathan Road until you reach Kansu. (Read more about jade here)
If you're a vacationing Filipino or OFW hankering for things from home, try Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road in Central.
As a general observation, Hong Kong shopkeepers are rude. They welcome other people with condescending look similar to what Tutubi ranted about during his Singapore travel. The shopkeepers will stop short of shooing you away if they sense you're not going to buy their stuff after they quoted you touristy prices (a tourist trap haven again. This is not the same in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia)
Related Posts:
Backpacking Hong Kong
Hong Kong City Tour
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong in Philippine History
OFWs in Hong Kong
Duk Ling: A Free Tour of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Cruise
A Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path
Herewith are the shopping guide, information and tips he accumulated:
Lusting for these international brands for cheap prices and discounts:
Adidas, Bally, Bauhaus, The Body Shop, Calvin Klein, City Chain, Columbia Sportswear Company, Esprit, Evita Peroni, Folli Follie, Giordano, Joy and Peace, Kingkow, Design Accesories, K-Swiss, Lafuma, La Compagnie Des Petits, Last Call, Laura Ashley, Lens Crafters, Le Saunda, Levi's, Lids, MaBelle, MiRabell, Moiselle, New Balance, Nike, Optical 88, Polo Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Rabeanco, Rockport, Samsonite, Seven 7, Timberland, Time + Style, Viviene Tam and other factory outlets and stores.Citygate Outlets, located on Lantau Island, is the first and only outlet mall in Hong Kong, featuring international brand names offering huge discounts from 30% to 70% all year round for cheap, best-value-for-every-dollar-spent bargains. It serves also as the gateway to various attractions in Tung Chung, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 and AsiaWorld-Expo. (wonder if there're similar outlet stores in Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore, and KL)
Address: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau
Enquiry hotline: 2109 2933
How to go to Citygate Outlets:
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit C, next to Ngong Ping 360. It can also be reached by a short taxi or bus ride from the Chek Lap Kok Airport (great while waiting for a connecting flight at HKIA)
For those looking for cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, batteries, and other photography equipment, there are many camera shops in Hong Kong offering about a little cheaper than those stores on Hidalgo (in Quiapo, Manila).
In Mong Kok (Kowloon), there's the Ladies' Market on Fa Yuen and Tung Choi Streets (near St. Edward and Mong Kok MTR stations) selling ladies shoes, cosmetics, clothes and accessories with prices comparable to Manila's 168 Mall e.g. a pair of ladies shoes costs around HK$60. Haggling is hard here plus the vendors don't seem to like inquiries, particularly frugal Filipinos in perpetual search for the cheapest prices.
Flower Market road also in Mong Kok (and near Newton Kowloon) is the Flower Market and near the Yuen Po Bird gardenFor people in search of items made of "imperial gem," the Jade market at at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street, west of Nathan Road. To go there: Yau Ma Tei MTR exit C, walk along Nathan Road until you reach Kansu. (Read more about jade here)
If you're a vacationing Filipino or OFW hankering for things from home, try Worldwide Plaza on Des Voeux Road in Central.
As a general observation, Hong Kong shopkeepers are rude. They welcome other people with condescending look similar to what Tutubi ranted about during his Singapore travel. The shopkeepers will stop short of shooing you away if they sense you're not going to buy their stuff after they quoted you touristy prices (a tourist trap haven again. This is not the same in Thailand, Philippines, and Malaysia)
Related Posts:
Backpacking Hong Kong
Hong Kong City Tour
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong in Philippine History
OFWs in Hong Kong
Duk Ling: A Free Tour of Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Cruise
A Symphony of Lights
Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Wisdom Path
Labels: Hong Kong
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
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Gateway Mall, Cubao Araneta Center Bus Terminal
01 October 2007
According to an old legend, there was a hill inhabited by mangkukulam (witches), and that a kuba (hunchback) lived there. People passing by the place would say, "kuba, o" upon seeing the hunchback, "Kuba, o" was later shortened to Kubao and the name stuck.
But that is just an apocryphal story. Some historians attribute the name of Cubao to a "lubluban ng kalabaw" (where carabaos dip). Cubao's place in history is that it's the seat of power in the country when Quezon City was made the capital of the Philippines.
What's true, however, is that exactly 32 years ago, Araneta Coliseum played host to the historic “Thrilla in Manila” match between heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Muhamad Ali won the fight via a 14th round TKO. He pocketed $6 million for the fight, while Frazier got $3 million richer. (it is for this reason a mall was named after Muhammad Ali: Ali Mall)
Crappy "Drive-by" Photos of Cubao
Gateway Mall, touted as "like no other mall in the world," is one of Tutubi's favorite places to watch movies besides Ayala's Glorietta/Greenbelt/Trinoma cinemas. Recommends Gateway Cineplex's Cinema 10 with lazyboy seats inclusive of popcorn and drinks for a price, of course!
Cubao used to be visited by Tutubi solely for the mega-branch of National Bookstore
a crappy camera phone picture of the big dome at night
Never mind if the pictures, shot through a car window, are less appealing :(
Miscellaneous Travel Information:
Hotels in Cubao are Eurotel, Kabayan Hotel, Hotel Sogo with its distinctive red building, Nice Hotel near Arayat Market, Confiado Appartelle and Gran Prix Hotel at the Victory Liner terminal (some are really nice and cheap hotels there)
Also see: Cubao Expo/Marikina Shoe Expo where you can tour the artsy side of Cubao and eat at the authentic Italian restaurant Bellini's.
Aling Nena's Bibingka still stands also from way back in the 1960s.
How to get to Cubao:
Cubao is a transportation hub of Metro Manila. It can be reached via the MRT and LRT Line 2. Various jeepney (e.g. Angono, Quiapo, et al) and bus terminals are present there that ferries passengers to almost any point in Luzon.
Some of the Bus Terminals in Cubao:
AMIHAN
BALIWAG TRANSIT
Destination: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pampanga
Terminal: New York EDSA Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 912-3343
Cul Transport
(occupies the former terminal of Florida Bus on the EDSA Cubao northbound)
route: Samar
DAGUPAN BUS LINE
Destination : Pangasinan and Baguio
Terminal : Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 727-2330
DIMPLE STAR TRANSPORT
Destination: Iloilo via Antique and Mindoro Island
DOMINION TRANSIT
Destination : Abra, La Union and Ilocos Sur
Terminal : New York Street, Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 741-4146
ES TRANSPORT
FIVE STAR
GENESIS TRANSPORT
HM TRANSPORT
Destination : Sta. Cruz (Laguna) (passing through Calamba (Pansol)/Los Banos/Bay/Pila/Victoria
(Pagsanjan, famous for the falls, can be reached by a short jeepney commute from Sta Cruz. A little further, you'll pass by Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan towns)
Terminal : Southbound EDSA, Cubao Q.C. (near Victory Liner and pedestrian overpass. another one (Green Star) on Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat/Buendia, Pasay City)
ISAROG LINE
JAC LINER
Destination : Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA cor. Kamias St., Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)682-5750
LUCENA LINES
PARTAS TRANSIT
Destination : La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: +63.2.725.7303
PENAFRANCIA TOURS
PHILTRANCO
Destination : Daet (Camarines Norte), Naga (Camarines Sur), Legazpi (Albay), Pilar/Donsol (Sorsogon), Rawis/Borongan/Guian/San Policarpio(Samar), Maasin/Ormoc (Leyte), Antique/Iloilo/Estancia (Panay), CDO, Davao
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
New Terminal on EDSA just below MRT Cubao Station (site of old Alibangbang/Bangbang Alley)
Tel No: +63.2911.2523; 913-566663; 725-7303
Tip: Try their Gold Service i.e. bus with restroom. They utilize the RO-RO (Roll-on, Roll-off) facility for trips to Visayas and Mindanao. Also provides bus transportation to/from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIC) in Clark, Pampanga
RSL TRANSPORT
SUPERLINES
TRITRAN TRANSIT
Destination : Batangas, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
Tel. No: +63.2.925.1758
RAYMOND TRANSPORTATION
Destination: Quezon (Infanta, Real), Bicol
Terminal: EDSA, Quezon City (near Victory Liner)
Tel. No.: +63.2.492.6994
Solid North Transport
Shares JAC Liner terminal near Kamias and EDSA northsbound with destinations: Tarlac, Pangasinan and Pampanga
SUPERLINES
Destination : Daet, Camarines Norte
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
VICTORY LINER
Destination : Alaminos, Baguio City, Bolinao, Dagupan City, Lingayen
Terminal : EDSA, Cubao
Tel No: +63.2.727.4534
Tip: Try their luxury coach 29 seater with restroom (deluxe bus)
If you're looking to find answers to "how to commute to" or "manila to ???" or "how to get to" places, just leave a comment
UPDATED: MARCH 2013
Please call the bus company's contact numbers or visit their official website, if any, for current bus fares, trip schedules, chartered bus rates, reservations, freight (waybill) and other inquiries. Most of the bus companies operate additional trips in Holy Week, from Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday (when many people return to Manila)
Related posts:
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
you may be looking for cubao aranet bus terminal, gateway mall, ali mall, farmers plaza, shopwise, hotel/motel cubao
how to get to cubao quezon city
But that is just an apocryphal story. Some historians attribute the name of Cubao to a "lubluban ng kalabaw" (where carabaos dip). Cubao's place in history is that it's the seat of power in the country when Quezon City was made the capital of the Philippines.
What's true, however, is that exactly 32 years ago, Araneta Coliseum played host to the historic “Thrilla in Manila” match between heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Muhamad Ali won the fight via a 14th round TKO. He pocketed $6 million for the fight, while Frazier got $3 million richer. (it is for this reason a mall was named after Muhammad Ali: Ali Mall)
Crappy "Drive-by" Photos of Cubao
Gateway Mall, touted as "like no other mall in the world," is one of Tutubi's favorite places to watch movies besides Ayala's Glorietta/Greenbelt/Trinoma cinemas. Recommends Gateway Cineplex's Cinema 10 with lazyboy seats inclusive of popcorn and drinks for a price, of course!Cubao used to be visited by Tutubi solely for the mega-branch of National Bookstore
a crappy camera phone picture of the big dome at nightNever mind if the pictures, shot through a car window, are less appealing :(
Miscellaneous Travel Information:
Hotels in Cubao are Eurotel, Kabayan Hotel, Hotel Sogo with its distinctive red building, Nice Hotel near Arayat Market, Confiado Appartelle and Gran Prix Hotel at the Victory Liner terminal (some are really nice and cheap hotels there)
Also see: Cubao Expo/Marikina Shoe Expo where you can tour the artsy side of Cubao and eat at the authentic Italian restaurant Bellini's.
Aling Nena's Bibingka still stands also from way back in the 1960s.
How to get to Cubao:
Cubao is a transportation hub of Metro Manila. It can be reached via the MRT and LRT Line 2. Various jeepney (e.g. Angono, Quiapo, et al) and bus terminals are present there that ferries passengers to almost any point in Luzon.
Some of the Bus Terminals in Cubao:
AMIHAN
BALIWAG TRANSIT
Destination: Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Cagayan, Tarlac, Pampanga
Terminal: New York EDSA Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 912-3343
Cul Transport
(occupies the former terminal of Florida Bus on the EDSA Cubao northbound)
route: Samar
DAGUPAN BUS LINE
Destination : Pangasinan and Baguio
Terminal : Cubao, Quezon City
Tel No: 727-2330
DIMPLE STAR TRANSPORT
Destination: Iloilo via Antique and Mindoro Island
DOMINION TRANSIT
Destination : Abra, La Union and Ilocos Sur
Terminal : New York Street, Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: 741-4146
ES TRANSPORT
FIVE STAR
GENESIS TRANSPORT
HM TRANSPORT
Destination : Sta. Cruz (Laguna) (passing through Calamba (Pansol)/Los Banos/Bay/Pila/Victoria
(Pagsanjan, famous for the falls, can be reached by a short jeepney commute from Sta Cruz. A little further, you'll pass by Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan towns)
Terminal : Southbound EDSA, Cubao Q.C. (near Victory Liner and pedestrian overpass. another one (Green Star) on Taft Avenue near corner Gil Puyat/Buendia, Pasay City)
ISAROG LINE
JAC LINER
Destination : Laguna, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA cor. Kamias St., Quezon City
Tel No: 63(2)682-5750
LUCENA LINES
PARTAS TRANSIT
Destination : La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
Tel No: +63.2.725.7303
PENAFRANCIA TOURS
PHILTRANCO
Destination : Daet (Camarines Norte), Naga (Camarines Sur), Legazpi (Albay), Pilar/Donsol (Sorsogon), Rawis/Borongan/Guian/San Policarpio(Samar), Maasin/Ormoc (Leyte), Antique/Iloilo/Estancia (Panay), CDO, Davao
Terminal : 816 Aurora Boulevard cor. Arayat St., Cubao, Q.C.
New Terminal on EDSA just below MRT Cubao Station (site of old Alibangbang/Bangbang Alley)
Tel No: +63.2911.2523; 913-566663; 725-7303
Tip: Try their Gold Service i.e. bus with restroom. They utilize the RO-RO (Roll-on, Roll-off) facility for trips to Visayas and Mindanao. Also provides bus transportation to/from Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIC) in Clark, Pampanga
RSL TRANSPORT
SUPERLINES
TRITRAN TRANSIT
Destination : Batangas, Quezon
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
Tel. No: +63.2.925.1758
RAYMOND TRANSPORTATION
Destination: Quezon (Infanta, Real), Bicol
Terminal: EDSA, Quezon City (near Victory Liner)
Tel. No.: +63.2.492.6994
Solid North Transport
Shares JAC Liner terminal near Kamias and EDSA northsbound with destinations: Tarlac, Pangasinan and Pampanga
SUPERLINES
Destination : Daet, Camarines Norte
Terminal : EDSA, Quezon City
VICTORY LINER
Destination : Alaminos, Baguio City, Bolinao, Dagupan City, Lingayen
Terminal : EDSA, Cubao
Tel No: +63.2.727.4534
Tip: Try their luxury coach 29 seater with restroom (deluxe bus)
If you're looking to find answers to "how to commute to" or "manila to ???" or "how to get to" places, just leave a comment
UPDATED: MARCH 2013
Please call the bus company's contact numbers or visit their official website, if any, for current bus fares, trip schedules, chartered bus rates, reservations, freight (waybill) and other inquiries. Most of the bus companies operate additional trips in Holy Week, from Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday (when many people return to Manila)
Related posts:
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft corner Buendia
Bus Stations in Pasay Taft EDSA Rotonda
you may be looking for cubao aranet bus terminal, gateway mall, ali mall, farmers plaza, shopwise, hotel/motel cubao
how to get to cubao quezon city
Labels: Buses, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Public Transportation, Quezon City
posted by GingGoy @ 10:12 PM,
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