National Heroes Day Tribute to Emilio Jacinto: The Brains of the Katipunan
31 August 2009
The last Monday of August is a non-working holiday in the Philippines in celebration of National Heroes Day.
This day, Tutubi honors a man whose face used to be featured on the old 20 peso bill during the time of Pres. Marcos and also on the old 20 centavo coin: Emilio Jacinto
Emilio Jacinto was the young adviser of Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio and the acknowledged "Brains of the Katipunan" for having prepared many Katipunan documents including the constitution and the Kartilya ng Katipunan. He's known in Katipunan circle as Pingkian.
Short Biography and Trivia:
Birthday: December 15, 1875
Birthplace: Trozo, Manila
Father's Name: Mariano Jacinto
Mother's Name: Josefa Dizon
Death: April 16, 1899
Works:
Author of Kartilya ng Katipunan (Primer of the Katipunan)
The oath of the pledges: "Sa Mga Kababayan," "Pahayag," and "A La Patria"
Founder and editor of the Kalayaan, the newspaper of the Katipunan under the pen name Dimasilaw
In February 1898 during the Philippine Revolution, he was wounded in a skirmish with Spanish riflemen in Maimpis (a barrio of Magdalena town), brought to the Catholic Church of Magdalena but was denied refuge and treatment. He was taken instead to Santa Cruz Church where a doctor treated his wound. To evade capture by the Spaniards, he used a pass that belonged to Florentino Reyes, a Filipino spy captured before the Maimpis encounter.
Tutubi chanced upon an old forsaken maker of Emilio Jacinto on the national highway in Magdalena, Laguna commemorating the battle of Emilio Jacinto. Opposite the marker is Bahay ng Laguna, a museum dedicated to the former Laguna governor Felicissimo San Luis.
Emilio Jacinto was made the leader of the Katipunan in Laguna where he established his secret headquarters in the town of Majayjay. He died at a young age of 24 due to malaria.
Thought to ponder:
What makes a person a national hero? Legislation did not make one for there's really no Philippine law declaring a person as such; there's only popular acclaim, even in Jose Rizal's case.
This day, Tutubi honors a man whose face used to be featured on the old 20 peso bill during the time of Pres. Marcos and also on the old 20 centavo coin: Emilio Jacinto
Emilio Jacinto was the young adviser of Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio and the acknowledged "Brains of the Katipunan" for having prepared many Katipunan documents including the constitution and the Kartilya ng Katipunan. He's known in Katipunan circle as Pingkian.
Short Biography and Trivia:
Birthday: December 15, 1875
Birthplace: Trozo, Manila
Father's Name: Mariano Jacinto
Mother's Name: Josefa Dizon
Death: April 16, 1899
Works:
Author of Kartilya ng Katipunan (Primer of the Katipunan)
The oath of the pledges: "Sa Mga Kababayan," "Pahayag," and "A La Patria"
Founder and editor of the Kalayaan, the newspaper of the Katipunan under the pen name Dimasilaw
In February 1898 during the Philippine Revolution, he was wounded in a skirmish with Spanish riflemen in Maimpis (a barrio of Magdalena town), brought to the Catholic Church of Magdalena but was denied refuge and treatment. He was taken instead to Santa Cruz Church where a doctor treated his wound. To evade capture by the Spaniards, he used a pass that belonged to Florentino Reyes, a Filipino spy captured before the Maimpis encounter.
Tutubi chanced upon an old forsaken maker of Emilio Jacinto on the national highway in Magdalena, Laguna commemorating the battle of Emilio Jacinto. Opposite the marker is Bahay ng Laguna, a museum dedicated to the former Laguna governor Felicissimo San Luis.
Emilio Jacinto was made the leader of the Katipunan in Laguna where he established his secret headquarters in the town of Majayjay. He died at a young age of 24 due to malaria.
Thought to ponder:
What makes a person a national hero? Legislation did not make one for there's really no Philippine law declaring a person as such; there's only popular acclaim, even in Jose Rizal's case.
Labels: Calabarzon, History, Laguna, National Heroes, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:09 PM,
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Dapitan Church and Jose Rizal's Map of Mindanao
28 August 2009
Jose Rizal spent four years of exile in Dapitan where he engaged in religious debates about the Catholic faith with his beloved teacher in the Ateneo and yet he religiously attended mass at Dapitan church that stands at the center of the town whose patron is St. James the Apostle (the same patron saint of Paete, Laguna, Tutubi's hometown)
St. James Church in D apitan is not old, unlike the beautiful baroque churches made of adobe or coral stones scattered all over the Philippines, but its claim to fame, despite losing it's original design by people agnostic of architectural preservation, is that Jose Rizal used to hear mass regularly on Sunday mornings. A marker is even present near the end pews to highlight the fact.
Dapitan Church with a partial view of Jose Rizal's map of Mindanao
In front of church, is a small enclosed area that most visitors don't recognize as a map of Mindanao island that was built by Jose Rizal himself.
Sign reads "Mapa ng Mindanao Hinimo ni Jose Rizal"
Tutubi wanted to take picture of Mindanao map from the belfry for the whole image to be recognizable but it was undergoing renovation and off-limits to visitors.
a few meters from the church across the street is Casa Real where an NHI marker stands to remind people of its historical significance.
The historical marker reads: "This is the site of the Casa Real, official residence and administration building of the politico-military governor of the district. Here, Jose Rizal lived as an exile from July 17, 1892 to March 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine."
Further away from Casa Real is an old bahay na bato of Corazon de Dapitan Restaurant and Delicacies (Corazon de Dapitan literally means "Heart of Dapitan") that provokes a feeling of nostalgia of the Dapitan during Rizal's time.
Old "bahay na bato" turned into a restaurant named Corazon de Dapitan
Dapitan is a destination for lovers of history particularly those studying the Life and Works of Jose Rizal.
Tutubi recommends visiting Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte for the history fix should you find yourself on the beach of Dakak Beach Resort.
Related Posts:
Ilihan Hill
Rizal Dapitan Shrine
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
St. James Church in D apitan is not old, unlike the beautiful baroque churches made of adobe or coral stones scattered all over the Philippines, but its claim to fame, despite losing it's original design by people agnostic of architectural preservation, is that Jose Rizal used to hear mass regularly on Sunday mornings. A marker is even present near the end pews to highlight the fact.
Dapitan Church with a partial view of Jose Rizal's map of MindanaoIn front of church, is a small enclosed area that most visitors don't recognize as a map of Mindanao island that was built by Jose Rizal himself.
Sign reads "Mapa ng Mindanao Hinimo ni Jose Rizal"Tutubi wanted to take picture of Mindanao map from the belfry for the whole image to be recognizable but it was undergoing renovation and off-limits to visitors.
a few meters from the church across the street is Casa Real where an NHI marker stands to remind people of its historical significance.
The historical marker reads: "This is the site of the Casa Real, official residence and administration building of the politico-military governor of the district. Here, Jose Rizal lived as an exile from July 17, 1892 to March 1893 when he was transferred to Talisay, now the Rizal Dapitan Shrine."
Further away from Casa Real is an old bahay na bato of Corazon de Dapitan Restaurant and Delicacies (Corazon de Dapitan literally means "Heart of Dapitan") that provokes a feeling of nostalgia of the Dapitan during Rizal's time.
Old "bahay na bato" turned into a restaurant named Corazon de DapitanDapitan is a destination for lovers of history particularly those studying the Life and Works of Jose Rizal.
Tutubi recommends visiting Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte for the history fix should you find yourself on the beach of Dakak Beach Resort.
Related Posts:
Ilihan Hill
Rizal Dapitan Shrine
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Labels: Churches, Dapitan, Jose Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula
posted by GingGoy @ 8:16 PM,
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Cebu to Davao Fare Promo of Philippine Airlines
27 August 2009
Air traffic's really high between southern cities of Cebu and Davao and even more with the latest promo fare of PAL for the Cebu to Davao flight
As announced on Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles newsletter:
CEBU to DAVAO
PHP1,088
One Way Economy Class Fare
PHP 4,888
One Way Business Class Fare
Selling and Ticketing: 28 August 2009 - 04 September 2009
Travel Period (Outbound): 01 September 2009 - 15 October 2009
Experience the comfort and safety of your flight, and ride
with PAL's young fleet of Airbus 330/343
BOOK & BUY at www.philippineairlines.com
* Non-refundable
* Rebooking is allowed at PHP 600 per sector
* Buy up is allowed
* Round-Trip airfare is also available
* Economy Class: no Miles and sector count towards Elite tier status qualification
* Business Class: will earn Miles and sector count towards Elite tier status qualification
* Economy Class tickets cannot be used in conjunction with an UpgradeTravel Certificate (UTC) or Service Class Upgrade AwardRedemption
* Exclusive of Aviation Security Fee (ASF)
* Travel Conditions apply
CALL PAL Reservations at: (632) 855-8888,
or (6332) 340-0191- Cebu, (82) 2264604 - Davao
VISIT PAL Ticket Office in your area, Click here for contact details.
Tip: you can now avail of this promo by using BancNet ATM card to book online
As announced on Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles newsletter:
CEBU to DAVAO
PHP1,088
One Way Economy Class Fare
PHP 4,888
One Way Business Class Fare
Selling and Ticketing: 28 August 2009 - 04 September 2009
Travel Period (Outbound): 01 September 2009 - 15 October 2009
Experience the comfort and safety of your flight, and ride
with PAL's young fleet of Airbus 330/343
BOOK & BUY at www.philippineairlines.com
* Non-refundable
* Rebooking is allowed at PHP 600 per sector
* Buy up is allowed
* Round-Trip airfare is also available
* Economy Class: no Miles and sector count towards Elite tier status qualification
* Business Class: will earn Miles and sector count towards Elite tier status qualification
* Economy Class tickets cannot be used in conjunction with an UpgradeTravel Certificate (UTC) or Service Class Upgrade AwardRedemption
* Exclusive of Aviation Security Fee (ASF)
* Travel Conditions apply
CALL PAL Reservations at: (632) 855-8888,
or (6332) 340-0191- Cebu, (82) 2264604 - Davao
VISIT PAL Ticket Office in your area, Click here for contact details.
Tip: you can now avail of this promo by using BancNet ATM card to book online
Labels: Philippine Airlines
posted by GingGoy @ 8:29 PM,
,
Seair Promo Fare to Batanes Round-Trip Tickets "Buy 1, Take 1"
One of the things Tutubi hopes to see someday is a dramatic decrease in round-trip ticket prices of Manila to Batanes route that he intends to take someday.
As some sort of answer to his wish, Seair will offer cheap flights to Batanes with their "buy 1, take 1" promo of Manila to Batanes flight tickets.
The cheap tickets to Batanes will be available on September 4 to 6, 2009 during the 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall for a PhP 14,344.00 all in. Travel and ticket validity period for the Batanes airfare promo is until October 15, 2009. (Note by Philippine standards, the fare to Batanes is really not affordable due to economies of scale but once traffic to the idyllic destination expands, lower fares will follow)
Manila to Basco, Batanes direct flights will be offered daily starting October 15, 2009.
SEAIR offers other flights from Manila to El Nido (Palawan), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Tablas (Romblon), Clark (Pampanga), Zamboanga, Jolo (Sulu), and Tawi-tawi. Flights from Boracay to Puerto Princesa, and Cebu to Caticlan are also available.
For details, inquiries and other promos, you may visit Seaair official website or call Seair Hotline at +63.2.849.0100 for more information.
---
Tutubi has never been to Batanes mainly due to scheduling woes and budget constraints particularly the still high price of airfare. He intends to visit the group of islands up north to fulfill his dream of visiting all of the Philippine provinces and major islands from Batanes to Tawi-tawi.
Related Post:
Batanes Accommodations
Seair Review
As some sort of answer to his wish, Seair will offer cheap flights to Batanes with their "buy 1, take 1" promo of Manila to Batanes flight tickets.
The cheap tickets to Batanes will be available on September 4 to 6, 2009 during the 20th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall for a PhP 14,344.00 all in. Travel and ticket validity period for the Batanes airfare promo is until October 15, 2009. (Note by Philippine standards, the fare to Batanes is really not affordable due to economies of scale but once traffic to the idyllic destination expands, lower fares will follow)
Manila to Basco, Batanes direct flights will be offered daily starting October 15, 2009.
SEAIR offers other flights from Manila to El Nido (Palawan), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Tablas (Romblon), Clark (Pampanga), Zamboanga, Jolo (Sulu), and Tawi-tawi. Flights from Boracay to Puerto Princesa, and Cebu to Caticlan are also available.
For details, inquiries and other promos, you may visit Seaair official website or call Seair Hotline at +63.2.849.0100 for more information.
---
Tutubi has never been to Batanes mainly due to scheduling woes and budget constraints particularly the still high price of airfare. He intends to visit the group of islands up north to fulfill his dream of visiting all of the Philippine provinces and major islands from Batanes to Tawi-tawi.
Related Post:
Batanes Accommodations
Seair Review
Labels: Airlines, Batanes, Cagayan Valley, Seair
posted by GingGoy @ 8:14 PM,
,
Dutdutan Tattoo Festival: Tattoos, Bikini Open, Concert at A.Venue, Makati
24 August 2009
Unknown to most Filipinos, pre-hispanic Filipinos, particularly in the Visayas, already practice the custom of tattooing their bodies to express a person's role and achievement in society. Men of that day have full-body tattoos while women on select parts of the body.
To celebrate the art of tattoos and freedom of expression, there will be the 2009 edition of Dutdutan Tattoo Festival to be held at A-venue Mall on Makati Avenue on September 18-19, 2009.
Date: September 18-19, 2009
Venue: Avenue Events Hall, 7829
Makati Ave. Makati City
Time: 11:00am - 12:00am
Dutdutan 2009 Ticket Price: P250.00
Dutdutan 2009 Schedule of Activities include Tattoo exhibition, bikini open, and a concert (Philippine Tattoo Export)
How to get to A.venue Mall, Makati:
Commute to A.venue from MRT Guadalupe station is via jeepneys with signboard Ayala-Guadalupe Ibabaw with terminal near Loyola Memorial Chapel on EDSA.
Alternatively, from LRT Taft Avenue Pedro Gil station, you can board jeepnesy going to Guadalupe (Ilalim), drop off at the corner of Makati Avenue and J.P.Rizal then transfer to the Ayala-bound jeepneys.
The Zapote - Ayala jeepneys at the corner of Zapote and J.P. Rizal also pass by the place but you need to do some walking back on Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan where A.Venue Mall is just about 50 meters away.
Directions to A.Venue
From eastbound Ayala Avenue or Buendia, turn left on Makati Avenue, drive past Kalayaan then turn right to enter A.venue Mall's parking lot.
From Manadaluyong, it's best to pass Makati Mandaluyong Bridge where the mall is less than a kilometer away.
From EDSA, Quezon City, take EDSA going to Makati, turn right to the access road after passing Gaudalupe bridge, left on J.P. Rizal St,. then left on Makati Avenue where A-Venue Mall is located.
To celebrate the art of tattoos and freedom of expression, there will be the 2009 edition of Dutdutan Tattoo Festival to be held at A-venue Mall on Makati Avenue on September 18-19, 2009.
Date: September 18-19, 2009
Venue: Avenue Events Hall, 7829
Makati Ave. Makati City
Time: 11:00am - 12:00am
Dutdutan 2009 Ticket Price: P250.00
Dutdutan 2009 Schedule of Activities include Tattoo exhibition, bikini open, and a concert (Philippine Tattoo Export)
How to get to A.venue Mall, Makati:
Commute to A.venue from MRT Guadalupe station is via jeepneys with signboard Ayala-Guadalupe Ibabaw with terminal near Loyola Memorial Chapel on EDSA.
Alternatively, from LRT Taft Avenue Pedro Gil station, you can board jeepnesy going to Guadalupe (Ilalim), drop off at the corner of Makati Avenue and J.P.Rizal then transfer to the Ayala-bound jeepneys.
The Zapote - Ayala jeepneys at the corner of Zapote and J.P. Rizal also pass by the place but you need to do some walking back on Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan where A.Venue Mall is just about 50 meters away.
Directions to A.Venue
From eastbound Ayala Avenue or Buendia, turn left on Makati Avenue, drive past Kalayaan then turn right to enter A.venue Mall's parking lot.
From Manadaluyong, it's best to pass Makati Mandaluyong Bridge where the mall is less than a kilometer away.
From EDSA, Quezon City, take EDSA going to Makati, turn right to the access road after passing Gaudalupe bridge, left on J.P. Rizal St,. then left on Makati Avenue where A-Venue Mall is located.
posted by GingGoy @ 7:34 PM,
,
No Credit Card? Book Your Flights Online Using ATM Card
22 August 2009
For people without a credit card, like Tutubi (and proud of it), who want to book flights and sometimes avail of low fare promos, you may now use your BancNet ATM card to book flights of Philippine Airlines.
How to book online? Just follow this simple procedure:
1. Log on to the official website of Philippine Airlines
2. Select your desired flight
3. Enter passenger details
4. Choose BancNet as mode of payment
5. Select your bank on the dropdown list
6. Enter your card number and ATM PIN
7. Print the confirmation email and e-ticket
No registration required but you may have to show the ATM card used in booking or at least a photocopy of the ATM card if it's not your own ATM card for security purposes.
Limitation: Online booking with ATM card limited to domestic flights only probably due to use of dollar currency in international flights (no forex conversion).
Note, according to Tutubi's sources, Cebu Pacific first signed up with BancNet to for the online payment facility but Philippine Airlines beat them to it by going live ahead of their fiercest rival.
As of posting time, Cardholders of the following BancNet member banks can use the online facility:
• Allied Bank
• Asia United Bank
• China Bank
• Chinatrust Bank
• Citystate Savings Bank
• Metrobank
• PBCom
• Philtrust
• PNB (Philippine National Bank)
• Postal Bank
• RCBC
• RCBC Savings
• Robinsons Savings Bank
• Security Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Sterling Bank of Asia
If your bank is not listed above, inquire at your own bank for the facility or open a new account at the bank of your choice. This is great for those having difficulty of getting a credit card.
No news yet if you can book flights for other carriers like Seair, ZestAir or other regional budget airlines e.g. Tiger Airways, and AirAsia.
How to book online? Just follow this simple procedure:
1. Log on to the official website of Philippine Airlines
2. Select your desired flight
3. Enter passenger details
4. Choose BancNet as mode of payment
5. Select your bank on the dropdown list
6. Enter your card number and ATM PIN
7. Print the confirmation email and e-ticket
No registration required but you may have to show the ATM card used in booking or at least a photocopy of the ATM card if it's not your own ATM card for security purposes.
Limitation: Online booking with ATM card limited to domestic flights only probably due to use of dollar currency in international flights (no forex conversion).
Note, according to Tutubi's sources, Cebu Pacific first signed up with BancNet to for the online payment facility but Philippine Airlines beat them to it by going live ahead of their fiercest rival.
As of posting time, Cardholders of the following BancNet member banks can use the online facility:
• Allied Bank
• Asia United Bank
• China Bank
• Chinatrust Bank
• Citystate Savings Bank
• Metrobank
• PBCom
• Philtrust
• PNB (Philippine National Bank)
• Postal Bank
• RCBC
• RCBC Savings
• Robinsons Savings Bank
• Security Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Sterling Bank of Asia
If your bank is not listed above, inquire at your own bank for the facility or open a new account at the bank of your choice. This is great for those having difficulty of getting a credit card.
No news yet if you can book flights for other carriers like Seair, ZestAir or other regional budget airlines e.g. Tiger Airways, and AirAsia.
Labels: Airlines, Philippine Airlines
posted by GingGoy @ 9:22 PM,
,
Blue Mountains Tour: Wentworth Falls Trek
20 August 2009
Tutubi's penultimate day of his 7D/6N stay in Sydney was spent on a tour of Blue Mountains National Park, a few hours drive or bus ride from Sydney and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The route to Blue Mountains passed by the site of the Sydney Olympics 2000 and the first part of Blue Mountains tour itinerary was the trek to Wentworth Falls, only one of Blue Mountains National Park's numerous waterfalls.
Trek down Wentworth Falls is easy with marked trails some with steel railings and concrete steps. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and practice safety tips even if it's a relatively easy trek.
on the ridge of Blue Mountains National Park Tunnel View Lookout
Several viewpoints were visited including the one below where the last viewdeck located at the top end of the falls can be seen filled with curious tourists and also giving the viewer scale of Wentworth Falls' height.
Wentworth falls is a nice waterfalls but you can't swim in the falls' basin during winter unlike in most waterfalls of the tropics that are really inviting for a refreshing dip. Swimming is only for those with wetsuits plus the trail is more for usual tourists than backpackers looking for unspoiled places.
Why's the national named Blue Mountains? Well, the mountains really blue-colored caused by the mist that came from the abundance of eucalytus trees emitting the mist giving the mountain it's natural blue hue.
The Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site under natural criteria due to its outstanding universal value. Its eucalypt forest, swamps, wetlands and grasslands are home to to a long list of endemic Australian flora and flora.
Upcoming:
The world famous Three Sisters rock formation of Blue Mountains National Park and Scenic World cable car ride.
The route to Blue Mountains passed by the site of the Sydney Olympics 2000 and the first part of Blue Mountains tour itinerary was the trek to Wentworth Falls, only one of Blue Mountains National Park's numerous waterfalls.
Trek down Wentworth Falls is easy with marked trails some with steel railings and concrete steps. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and practice safety tips even if it's a relatively easy trek.
on the ridge of Blue Mountains National Park Tunnel View LookoutSeveral viewpoints were visited including the one below where the last viewdeck located at the top end of the falls can be seen filled with curious tourists and also giving the viewer scale of Wentworth Falls' height.
Wentworth falls is a nice waterfalls but you can't swim in the falls' basin during winter unlike in most waterfalls of the tropics that are really inviting for a refreshing dip. Swimming is only for those with wetsuits plus the trail is more for usual tourists than backpackers looking for unspoiled places.
Why's the national named Blue Mountains? Well, the mountains really blue-colored caused by the mist that came from the abundance of eucalytus trees emitting the mist giving the mountain it's natural blue hue.
The Blue Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site under natural criteria due to its outstanding universal value. Its eucalypt forest, swamps, wetlands and grasslands are home to to a long list of endemic Australian flora and flora.
Upcoming:
The world famous Three Sisters rock formation of Blue Mountains National Park and Scenic World cable car ride.
Labels: Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by GingGoy @ 9:20 PM,
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Giant Meat-Eating Pitcher Plant Found in Palawan's Mt. Victoria
19 August 2009
Tutubi, ever curious and inquisitive, is fond of exotic flora and fauna. A few years ago, even in his peso-pinching ways, he impulsively bought a small pitcher plant offered to him for fifty pesos while waiting for a friend at Mcdonalds at the corner of EDSA and Quezon Avenue (near Manila Seedling Bank)
The pitcher plant was a small specimen with pitchers approximately an inch in diameter at the mouth and 2 inches deep pockets. Since Tutubi didn't know how to actually grow and take care of the pitcher plant except hope that mosquitoes come there to be trapped, the pitcher plant died a few days later probably due to "hunger." Sadly, Tutubi wasn't able to take better pictures of it due to his busy schedule.
The pitcher plant Tutubi kept for a few days was minuscule compared the newly-discovered pitcher plant species with pitchers large enough to trap and digest a rat. The only larger species of pitcher plant can be found in the island of Borneo named Nepenthes rajah.
The new rat-eating plant species, discovered in 2007 but formally introduced this year by the trio of Stewart McPherson, Alastair Robinson and Volker Heinrich, was christened with the scientific name Nepenthes attenboroughii, in honor of British naturalist Richard Attenborough. It was discovered on the slopes of remote Mt. Victoria in the Philippines western province of Palawan.
Another reason for intrepid explorers to visit Palawan, dubbed the Philippines last frontier, where new species of plants and animals are waiting to be discovered.
Sources:
CNN, Inquirer.net, Times Online
The pitcher plant was a small specimen with pitchers approximately an inch in diameter at the mouth and 2 inches deep pockets. Since Tutubi didn't know how to actually grow and take care of the pitcher plant except hope that mosquitoes come there to be trapped, the pitcher plant died a few days later probably due to "hunger." Sadly, Tutubi wasn't able to take better pictures of it due to his busy schedule.
The pitcher plant Tutubi kept for a few days was minuscule compared the newly-discovered pitcher plant species with pitchers large enough to trap and digest a rat. The only larger species of pitcher plant can be found in the island of Borneo named Nepenthes rajah.
The new rat-eating plant species, discovered in 2007 but formally introduced this year by the trio of Stewart McPherson, Alastair Robinson and Volker Heinrich, was christened with the scientific name Nepenthes attenboroughii, in honor of British naturalist Richard Attenborough. It was discovered on the slopes of remote Mt. Victoria in the Philippines western province of Palawan.
Another reason for intrepid explorers to visit Palawan, dubbed the Philippines last frontier, where new species of plants and animals are waiting to be discovered.
Sources:
CNN, Inquirer.net, Times Online
Labels: Flora and Fauna, Mimaropa, Palawan, Southern Tagalog
posted by GingGoy @ 9:03 PM,
,
Negros Navigation Ferry Promo Fare to Visayas and Mindanao
18 August 2009
For people who can't afford to go home to their loved ones in the Visayas and Mindanao by flying, here comes cheap fares to Visayas and Mindanao courtesy of Negros Navigation
Promo fares for boats and ferries are more suited for families with low budget and excess baggage that can be really expensive if they want to fly ny of the local budget carriers.
The latest promo by Negros Navigation offers cheap fares to Visayas for as low as P477.00 all in and to Mindanao for only P677.00 all in. Tickets are also available for Manila to Cebu, Manila to Zamboanga and Manila to Tagbilaran or any other major seaport such as Coron, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Iloilo, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa and Roxas.
Promo fare tickets, dubbed the Weekend Crazy Sale, are up for grabs by booking from August 21 to 23, 2009 with ticket departures from August 28 to September 30.
For bookings, inquiries, trip schedules, cargo and tickets please call Negros Navigation Hotline via this telephone number: +63.2.554.8777 or visit Negros Navigation's official website.
For those wo already booked their NENACO tickets, you can catch their ferries at Manila North Harbor Pier 2
Note: Tutubi can't post a review of Negros Navigation for he has yet to ride their ferry. In fact, he was only able to take the long ferry twice: the first one was the overnight ferry from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) via Cebu Ferries and the slow boat from Manila to New Washington, Aklan (near Kalibo)
Promo fares for boats and ferries are more suited for families with low budget and excess baggage that can be really expensive if they want to fly ny of the local budget carriers.
The latest promo by Negros Navigation offers cheap fares to Visayas for as low as P477.00 all in and to Mindanao for only P677.00 all in. Tickets are also available for Manila to Cebu, Manila to Zamboanga and Manila to Tagbilaran or any other major seaport such as Coron, Dipolog, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Iloilo, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa and Roxas.
Promo fare tickets, dubbed the Weekend Crazy Sale, are up for grabs by booking from August 21 to 23, 2009 with ticket departures from August 28 to September 30.
For bookings, inquiries, trip schedules, cargo and tickets please call Negros Navigation Hotline via this telephone number: +63.2.554.8777 or visit Negros Navigation's official website.
For those wo already booked their NENACO tickets, you can catch their ferries at Manila North Harbor Pier 2
Note: Tutubi can't post a review of Negros Navigation for he has yet to ride their ferry. In fact, he was only able to take the long ferry twice: the first one was the overnight ferry from Cebu to Cagayan de Oro (CDO) via Cebu Ferries and the slow boat from Manila to New Washington, Aklan (near Kalibo)
Labels: Ferries
posted by GingGoy @ 9:20 PM,
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The Amazing Free-Flight Bird Show of Taronga Zoo
14 August 2009
With over 800 species of birds in Australia, indigenous and endemic to the Australian ecosystem, Taronga Zoo's a perfect place for "birdwatching" in Sydney with the zoo's large collection of bird species in huge cages plus an amazing free flight bird show in the afternoon
Tutubi, a frustrated birdwatcher, arrived a little late at the bird show venue due to his return trips to the lair of the evasive tasmanian devil, a nocturnal creature that evaded him like the duck-billed platypus. Arriving late has it's advantage that he was able to position himself standing on the rim of the open amphitheater thus was able to move to get close to the action or a "bird's eye view" of the place.
Taronga Zoo's amphitheater for the free flight bird show
The free flight bird show was an interactive one that required audience participation to volunteer for various simple tasks like standing still at a certain part of the amphitheater or holding high a coin for birds to snatch. One of the first act was a an australian owl that landed on a volunteer girls arm when signaled by the bird trainer/host.
an australian masked owl about to land on the little girls arm
this little girl was brave enough to volunteer to be the target of this australian owl that perched on her arm
Taronga zoo's amphitheater with Sidney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the background
Succeeding acts were fly over by a wedge-tailed eagle while another show by Jojo and Jasper, a pair of galahs (rose-breasted cockatoos), wowed the audience when they snatched coins held by a volunteer but returned them to the volunteer when instructed to do so by the trainer. Other performing stars of the show were andean condors, black-breasted buzzard and black kites.
the coin-snatching cockatoo freely flying over the crowd
It's a good thing that Tutubi's strategy to stand on the outer end of the amphitheater enabled him to get close to the trainer and volunteers for close-up photos of the birds in flight.
Taronga's birds were so well-trained that they didn't try to escape; what's more they didn't try to eat the dragonfly, Tutubi, for their afternoon snack :P
Tutubi, a frustrated birdwatcher, arrived a little late at the bird show venue due to his return trips to the lair of the evasive tasmanian devil, a nocturnal creature that evaded him like the duck-billed platypus. Arriving late has it's advantage that he was able to position himself standing on the rim of the open amphitheater thus was able to move to get close to the action or a "bird's eye view" of the place.
Taronga Zoo's amphitheater for the free flight bird showThe free flight bird show was an interactive one that required audience participation to volunteer for various simple tasks like standing still at a certain part of the amphitheater or holding high a coin for birds to snatch. One of the first act was a an australian owl that landed on a volunteer girls arm when signaled by the bird trainer/host.
an australian masked owl about to land on the little girls arm
this little girl was brave enough to volunteer to be the target of this australian owl that perched on her arm
Taronga zoo's amphitheater with Sidney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the backgroundSucceeding acts were fly over by a wedge-tailed eagle while another show by Jojo and Jasper, a pair of galahs (rose-breasted cockatoos), wowed the audience when they snatched coins held by a volunteer but returned them to the volunteer when instructed to do so by the trainer. Other performing stars of the show were andean condors, black-breasted buzzard and black kites.
the coin-snatching cockatoo freely flying over the crowdIt's a good thing that Tutubi's strategy to stand on the outer end of the amphitheater enabled him to get close to the trainer and volunteers for close-up photos of the birds in flight.
Taronga's birds were so well-trained that they didn't try to escape; what's more they didn't try to eat the dragonfly, Tutubi, for their afternoon snack :P
Labels: Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by GingGoy @ 9:35 PM,
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The Kangaroos of Taronga Zoo
10 August 2009
Even if Sydney Wildlife World, a local zoo in Sydney, is just beside Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour, Tutubi didn't bother to enter the animal facility due to his plan of taking the ferry the following day in Circular Quay to get to Taronga Zoo across the harbour.
There were many reasons why he decided to visit Taronga Zoo: numerous unique Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, emus, tasmanian devils, wombats, platypuses in open living quarters (even the numerous venomous snakes of Australia) simulating natural habitats and not in cramped cages, but the most compelling of them all is probably the most famous symbol of Australia found even on the country's national emblem-- the kangaroo.
Photos of Kangaroos in Taronga Zoo:
this kangaroo stopped eating carrots and posed for Tutubi
a red kangaroo (sign says it's a tree kangaroo since it can climb trees)
a kangaroo couple looked back at Tutubi for a photo-op
kangaroo in "attack formation" about 3 meters from Tutubi
another couple inside the "walk-in" kangaroo enclosure of Taronga Zoo
It's just too bad that Tutubi wasn't able to actually see and photograph a mother kangaroo with a joey in her pocket, probably because Taronga Zookeepers nurture young joeys elsewhere instead of letting kangaroo moms rear them.
Kangaroo Trivia:
Young kangaroos are called Joey (that's why Tutubi sometimes call his friend Joey a kangaroo :)
A group of kangaroos is called a mob (when you're "attacked" by a group of kangaroos, you're most likely "mobbed.")
Kangaroos, like wallabies, belong to a group of mammals called marsupials distinguished by the females equipped with a pouch, called marsupium, in which they carry their young.
The smaller types of kangaroos are called wallabies
The word Kangaroo came from the aborigine word that means "I don't know." This came about when English explorers asked aborigines about the name of the bizarre animal standing on two legs with a pouch for babies. Since the aborigine didn't understand what the white men were asking, they simply replied "kangaroo."
Should you ask questions that Tutubi doesn't know the answer to, like the evolution of the kangaroo, expect him to reply: kangaroo!
Related Posts on Sydney, Australia:
Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House,
Luminous Festival: Sydney Opera House in Colour!
There were many reasons why he decided to visit Taronga Zoo: numerous unique Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, emus, tasmanian devils, wombats, platypuses in open living quarters (even the numerous venomous snakes of Australia) simulating natural habitats and not in cramped cages, but the most compelling of them all is probably the most famous symbol of Australia found even on the country's national emblem-- the kangaroo.
Photos of Kangaroos in Taronga Zoo:
this kangaroo stopped eating carrots and posed for Tutubi
a red kangaroo (sign says it's a tree kangaroo since it can climb trees)
a kangaroo couple looked back at Tutubi for a photo-op
kangaroo in "attack formation" about 3 meters from Tutubi
another couple inside the "walk-in" kangaroo enclosure of Taronga ZooIt's just too bad that Tutubi wasn't able to actually see and photograph a mother kangaroo with a joey in her pocket, probably because Taronga Zookeepers nurture young joeys elsewhere instead of letting kangaroo moms rear them.
Kangaroo Trivia:
Young kangaroos are called Joey (that's why Tutubi sometimes call his friend Joey a kangaroo :)
A group of kangaroos is called a mob (when you're "attacked" by a group of kangaroos, you're most likely "mobbed.")
Kangaroos, like wallabies, belong to a group of mammals called marsupials distinguished by the females equipped with a pouch, called marsupium, in which they carry their young.
The smaller types of kangaroos are called wallabies
The word Kangaroo came from the aborigine word that means "I don't know." This came about when English explorers asked aborigines about the name of the bizarre animal standing on two legs with a pouch for babies. Since the aborigine didn't understand what the white men were asking, they simply replied "kangaroo."
Should you ask questions that Tutubi doesn't know the answer to, like the evolution of the kangaroo, expect him to reply: kangaroo!
Related Posts on Sydney, Australia:
Crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Opera House,
Luminous Festival: Sydney Opera House in Colour!
Labels: Australia, Beyond Asia, Sydney
posted by GingGoy @ 11:59 PM,
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A Visit to Jose Rizal Shrine in Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte
07 August 2009
A trip to Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte won't really be complete without paying a courtesy visit to the estate of Jose Rizal, Philippine National hero, who once lived on exile in Dapitan.
It was during the period from June 1892 to July 31, 1896 that Jose Rizal spent years of his life as a physician where he treated many eye patients including that of his mother; an engineer, even without formal training, managed to design and build a water system that provided water to Dapitan (that awed modern day engineers due to lack of tools during his time); an educator where he founded a school for boys (one of his students was Jose Caancan who came all the way from Paete, Laguna); a businessman engaged in hemp, copra and log trading; agriculturist by planting various trees in his Talisay estate. All these in addition to being a linguist (fluent in 22 languages), inventor, scientist and artist.
photo of Rizal's house in Dapitan (yeah, NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo should be informed that those NHI markers obstruct the view). The woman in white, not a nun but a member of a Rizalist sect worshiping Rizal as a God doing, does volunteer work in maintaining the shrine.
Rizal described his life in Dapitan in a letter to his Austrian friend Ferdinand Blumentritt dated Dec. 19, 1893:
"I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses; one square, another hexagonal, and a third octagonal, all of bamboo, wood and nipa. In the square house we live, my mother, sister Trinidad, a nephew and I; in the octagonal live my boys or some good youngsters whom I teach arithmetic, Spanish and English; and in the hexagonal live my chickens. From my house I hear the murmur of a crystal clear brook which comes from the high rocks ; I see the seashore , the sea where I have small boats, two canoes or barotos, as they say here. I have many fruit trees, mangoes, lanzones, guayabanos, baluno, nangka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats,etc. I rise early - at five - visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people and put them in movement. At half-past seven we breakfast with tea, pastries, cheese, sweetmeats, etc. Later I treat my poor patients who come to my land; I dress, I go to the town in my baroto, treat the people there, and return at 12 when my luncheon awaits me. Then I teach the boys until 4 P.M. and devote the after- noon to agriculture. I spend the night reading and studying."
Casa Redonda, the hexagonal house of Rizal where his chickens lived (lucky chickens)
Casa Cuadrada, the square house of Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City
Significant events of Jose Rizal's Exile in Dapitan:
Sept. 21, 1892 Rizal received his lottery winnings, via the mail boat Butuan, for second prize of P20,000.00. His share of the "lotto" winnings was P6,200.00, P2000 of which he gave to his father, P200 to his friend Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong and the rest he used to buy the land in Talisay that he developed. It should be noted that Jose Rizal had no vices, except playing the lottery.
The aborted duel with a Frenchman named Juan Lardet due to a business deal. Mr. Lardet wrote a Dapitan merchant about the deal that was forwarded to Rizal who was instantly angered as it's an affront to his integrity. The duel didn't materialize due to the intercession of Spanish Captain Carnicero on Mr. Lardet due to his knowledge of Rizal's expertise on martial arts especially fencing and pistol shooting, making the Frenchman the underdog in the field of honor.
Fr. Sanchez, Rizal's favorite teacher at the Ateneo, visited him in another effort to bring him back to the Catholic fold; it again ended in failure. Fr. Sanchez was the only priest to publicly defend the Noli Me Tangere in public.
The Jose Rizal Pastells debate on religion occurred during this time where the Jesuit priest Fr. Pastells tried to win back Rizal to the Catholic faith. In spite of this, Rizal still heard mass at Dapitan Church but with his own variant of enlightened Catholicism.
Pablo Mercado, whose real name was Florencio Namanan, was sent by Recollect Friars in a secret mission to spy on Rizal in order to incriminate him for revolutionary activities. He never succeeded in his mission as Rizal figured him out early on (it's not an assasination attempt on Rizal, but merely an espionage mission)
Due to his earlier successful stint as an eye doctor in Hong Kong, Mr. Taufer accompanied by his stepdaughter Josephine Bracken visited him for an eye operation. Josephine Bracken later became his wife (though they never really had a church wedding nor a civil wedding due to refusal by the friars and civil authorities, Rizal and Josephine had a son who died shortly after birth due to miscarriage).
Perhaps the most significant event that occurred in Dapitan was the visit by Pio Valenzuela (from whom Valenzuela City of Metro Manila was named after), a member of the secret society of the Katipunan founded by Andres Bonifacio, where Rizal was presented the plan of the Katipunan to which he decided not to support arguing that the people should wait for the right time to launch a revolution and avert shedding of blood. He also didn't approve of the Katipunan's plan to rescue him as it would reflect negatively on his word of honor.
A pool of water that comprise Jose Rizal's aqueduct that supplied potable water to Dapitan, a feat of water works engineering well ahead of his time according to modern day enngineers
The Mi Retiro Rock, a large rock in Talisay where Rizal enjoyed watching sunsets. He also wrote a poem titled "Mi Retiro" on this rock.
Notes:
Rizal Shrine is maintained by the National Historical Institute. The Shrine coumpound is always open and provided with a security guard. A museum is also inside the shrine that's closed on Mondays. Volunteer shrine tour guides and photographers are present at the gate. A tour of this shrine is included at Dapitan tour packages and field trips by Buklod and Dakak Park and Beach Resort. Contact number of the shrine to be posted once available. Rizal Shrine entrance fee: None (it's free)
How to get there:
Rizal Shrine is just a short tricycle ride away from "The Shrine City of Dapitan" proper. The closest airport is Dipolog Airport where you ride a tricycle to Dipolog Transport Terminal then a bus to Dapitan City. Travel time is just less than an hour.
Please don't request Tutubi for some sort of analysis and reaction paper to Jose Rizal's life in Dapitan. He doesn't tolerate laziness of some students looking for shortcuts. Jose Rizal won't be proud of you for sure.
Related Posts:
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Jose Rizal's Grave in Paco Cemetery
Jose Rizal in UST
It was during the period from June 1892 to July 31, 1896 that Jose Rizal spent years of his life as a physician where he treated many eye patients including that of his mother; an engineer, even without formal training, managed to design and build a water system that provided water to Dapitan (that awed modern day engineers due to lack of tools during his time); an educator where he founded a school for boys (one of his students was Jose Caancan who came all the way from Paete, Laguna); a businessman engaged in hemp, copra and log trading; agriculturist by planting various trees in his Talisay estate. All these in addition to being a linguist (fluent in 22 languages), inventor, scientist and artist.
photo of Rizal's house in Dapitan (yeah, NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo should be informed that those NHI markers obstruct the view). The woman in white, not a nun but a member of a Rizalist sect worshiping Rizal as a God doing, does volunteer work in maintaining the shrine.Rizal described his life in Dapitan in a letter to his Austrian friend Ferdinand Blumentritt dated Dec. 19, 1893:
"I shall tell you how we live here. I have three houses; one square, another hexagonal, and a third octagonal, all of bamboo, wood and nipa. In the square house we live, my mother, sister Trinidad, a nephew and I; in the octagonal live my boys or some good youngsters whom I teach arithmetic, Spanish and English; and in the hexagonal live my chickens. From my house I hear the murmur of a crystal clear brook which comes from the high rocks ; I see the seashore , the sea where I have small boats, two canoes or barotos, as they say here. I have many fruit trees, mangoes, lanzones, guayabanos, baluno, nangka, etc. I have rabbits, dogs, cats,etc. I rise early - at five - visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people and put them in movement. At half-past seven we breakfast with tea, pastries, cheese, sweetmeats, etc. Later I treat my poor patients who come to my land; I dress, I go to the town in my baroto, treat the people there, and return at 12 when my luncheon awaits me. Then I teach the boys until 4 P.M. and devote the after- noon to agriculture. I spend the night reading and studying."
Casa Redonda, the hexagonal house of Rizal where his chickens lived (lucky chickens)
Casa Cuadrada, the square house of Rizal Shrine, Dapitan CitySignificant events of Jose Rizal's Exile in Dapitan:
Sept. 21, 1892 Rizal received his lottery winnings, via the mail boat Butuan, for second prize of P20,000.00. His share of the "lotto" winnings was P6,200.00, P2000 of which he gave to his father, P200 to his friend Jose Maria Basa in Hong Kong and the rest he used to buy the land in Talisay that he developed. It should be noted that Jose Rizal had no vices, except playing the lottery.
The aborted duel with a Frenchman named Juan Lardet due to a business deal. Mr. Lardet wrote a Dapitan merchant about the deal that was forwarded to Rizal who was instantly angered as it's an affront to his integrity. The duel didn't materialize due to the intercession of Spanish Captain Carnicero on Mr. Lardet due to his knowledge of Rizal's expertise on martial arts especially fencing and pistol shooting, making the Frenchman the underdog in the field of honor.
Fr. Sanchez, Rizal's favorite teacher at the Ateneo, visited him in another effort to bring him back to the Catholic fold; it again ended in failure. Fr. Sanchez was the only priest to publicly defend the Noli Me Tangere in public.
The Jose Rizal Pastells debate on religion occurred during this time where the Jesuit priest Fr. Pastells tried to win back Rizal to the Catholic faith. In spite of this, Rizal still heard mass at Dapitan Church but with his own variant of enlightened Catholicism.
Pablo Mercado, whose real name was Florencio Namanan, was sent by Recollect Friars in a secret mission to spy on Rizal in order to incriminate him for revolutionary activities. He never succeeded in his mission as Rizal figured him out early on (it's not an assasination attempt on Rizal, but merely an espionage mission)
Due to his earlier successful stint as an eye doctor in Hong Kong, Mr. Taufer accompanied by his stepdaughter Josephine Bracken visited him for an eye operation. Josephine Bracken later became his wife (though they never really had a church wedding nor a civil wedding due to refusal by the friars and civil authorities, Rizal and Josephine had a son who died shortly after birth due to miscarriage).
Perhaps the most significant event that occurred in Dapitan was the visit by Pio Valenzuela (from whom Valenzuela City of Metro Manila was named after), a member of the secret society of the Katipunan founded by Andres Bonifacio, where Rizal was presented the plan of the Katipunan to which he decided not to support arguing that the people should wait for the right time to launch a revolution and avert shedding of blood. He also didn't approve of the Katipunan's plan to rescue him as it would reflect negatively on his word of honor.
A pool of water that comprise Jose Rizal's aqueduct that supplied potable water to Dapitan, a feat of water works engineering well ahead of his time according to modern day enngineers
The Mi Retiro Rock, a large rock in Talisay where Rizal enjoyed watching sunsets. He also wrote a poem titled "Mi Retiro" on this rock.Notes:
Rizal Shrine is maintained by the National Historical Institute. The Shrine coumpound is always open and provided with a security guard. A museum is also inside the shrine that's closed on Mondays. Volunteer shrine tour guides and photographers are present at the gate. A tour of this shrine is included at Dapitan tour packages and field trips by Buklod and Dakak Park and Beach Resort. Contact number of the shrine to be posted once available. Rizal Shrine entrance fee: None (it's free)
How to get there:
Rizal Shrine is just a short tricycle ride away from "The Shrine City of Dapitan" proper. The closest airport is Dipolog Airport where you ride a tricycle to Dipolog Transport Terminal then a bus to Dapitan City. Travel time is just less than an hour.
Please don't request Tutubi for some sort of analysis and reaction paper to Jose Rizal's life in Dapitan. He doesn't tolerate laziness of some students looking for shortcuts. Jose Rizal won't be proud of you for sure.
Related Posts:
Jose Rizal in Hong Kong
Jose Rizal's Grave in Paco Cemetery
Jose Rizal in UST
Labels: Dapitan, Historical Shrines, History, Jose Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula
posted by GingGoy @ 8:30 PM,
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Travel Warning: Bangkok Airport Duty Free Shopping Scam
06 August 2009
Officially called Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2006. Bangkok Airport received several scandals the largest of which was the takeover of the airport by anti-government protesters for a week. Less minor "bangkok airport scandals" are airport taxis with "broken meters" and reports of loss baggage.
Recently, reports of alleged extortion committed against foreign tourists, mostly Europeans, accused of stealing items while browsing items inside the sprawling duty-free shops of Bangkok Airport.
The scam victims will be arrested on trumped up charges and planted evidence and made to cough up huge amounts of money in exchange for their freedom or dropping of the cases against them.
How to avoid these scammers? Don't browse items inside the duty-free shops or probably ignore them altogether.
Tutubi doesn't like to go dutyfree shopping except in Singapore's Changi Airport for electronics and digital camera and stuff. It's a financial drain, potential headache of excess baggage charges and customs harassment.
Thailand is a nice place to visit and like other places, be forewarned of travel warnings and tourist traps. Just be on guard always and you'll be alright. Tutubi's been there twice and intends to return probably to backpack Northern Thailand destinations someday.
To know more of Tutubi's (mis)adventures, you may click the Thailand link above or the Thailand label below this post.
Recently, reports of alleged extortion committed against foreign tourists, mostly Europeans, accused of stealing items while browsing items inside the sprawling duty-free shops of Bangkok Airport.
The scam victims will be arrested on trumped up charges and planted evidence and made to cough up huge amounts of money in exchange for their freedom or dropping of the cases against them.
How to avoid these scammers? Don't browse items inside the duty-free shops or probably ignore them altogether.
Tutubi doesn't like to go dutyfree shopping except in Singapore's Changi Airport for electronics and digital camera and stuff. It's a financial drain, potential headache of excess baggage charges and customs harassment.
Thailand is a nice place to visit and like other places, be forewarned of travel warnings and tourist traps. Just be on guard always and you'll be alright. Tutubi's been there twice and intends to return probably to backpack Northern Thailand destinations someday.
To know more of Tutubi's (mis)adventures, you may click the Thailand link above or the Thailand label below this post.
posted by GingGoy @ 8:01 PM,
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Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish, Quezon City
05 August 2009
A nice, quiet church tucked inside Barangay West Triangle and near the home of Ninoy Aquino and former president Cory on Times St.
Tutubi posted the information as the church is the same church where Cory Aquino used to hear mass weekly due to its proximity to her home. It will probably be the same church where the "pasiyam" (nine days of traditional novena masses for the dead) of the late democracy icon may be observed. (You can expect to see the Aquino siblings, friends and relatives to gather here not only the popular Kris Aquino-Yap and her basketball player husband James Yap during the pa-siyam)
Photo of the interior of Church of Hearts of Jesus and Mary taken sometime in 2006
Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish not air-conditioned but is not hot either due to sufficient ventilation. It's a great location for weddings, in fact it's the most booked church for weddings in the Diocese of Cubao. Ample parking for guests and parishioners available on the streets of the subdivision.
Tutubi sometimes hear Sunday masses here with schedules even at 12 noon.
How to get to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish:
Address: Barangay West Tringle, Quezon City
Commute to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church: From MRT Quezon Avenue station, board a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and alight at the corner of Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake House) then walk towards your right for two blocks, left on Bulletin St then right Daily Mirror St where the church is located (access of Bulletin St sometimes is closed so it may sometimes be better to enter via West 4th St (opposite Scout Borromeo). It can also be reached by jeepneys bound for Fairview from Quiapo.
Driving directions to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish: From Makati, head towards EDSA going to Quezon City, make a U-turn under Quezon Avenue viaduct then turn right on Quezon Avenue. Turn right on Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake house are landmarks), left on Times St (the first corner after Quezon Avenue) right again on West 4th St, right on Bulletin St then left on Daily Mirror St. The parish is located just beside the barangay hall of West Triangle.
Tutubi posted the information as the church is the same church where Cory Aquino used to hear mass weekly due to its proximity to her home. It will probably be the same church where the "pasiyam" (nine days of traditional novena masses for the dead) of the late democracy icon may be observed. (You can expect to see the Aquino siblings, friends and relatives to gather here not only the popular Kris Aquino-Yap and her basketball player husband James Yap during the pa-siyam)
Photo of the interior of Church of Hearts of Jesus and Mary taken sometime in 2006Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish not air-conditioned but is not hot either due to sufficient ventilation. It's a great location for weddings, in fact it's the most booked church for weddings in the Diocese of Cubao. Ample parking for guests and parishioners available on the streets of the subdivision.
Tutubi sometimes hear Sunday masses here with schedules even at 12 noon.
How to get to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish:
Address: Barangay West Tringle, Quezon City
Commute to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church: From MRT Quezon Avenue station, board a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and alight at the corner of Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake House) then walk towards your right for two blocks, left on Bulletin St then right Daily Mirror St where the church is located (access of Bulletin St sometimes is closed so it may sometimes be better to enter via West 4th St (opposite Scout Borromeo). It can also be reached by jeepneys bound for Fairview from Quiapo.
Driving directions to Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish: From Makati, head towards EDSA going to Quezon City, make a U-turn under Quezon Avenue viaduct then turn right on Quezon Avenue. Turn right on Examiner St (McDonalds and Pancake house are landmarks), left on Times St (the first corner after Quezon Avenue) right again on West 4th St, right on Bulletin St then left on Daily Mirror St. The parish is located just beside the barangay hall of West Triangle.
Labels: Churches, Cory Aquino, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City
posted by GingGoy @ 9:38 PM,
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Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals to the Philippines
Good news for businessmen and tourists from China to the Philippines! The Bureau of Immigration recently loosened the restriction for Chinese nationals to enter the Philippines without visas and remain for seven days.
As of now, the only foreign nationals allowed into the Philippines without visas for three weeks are citizens of the nine other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) i.e. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei.
The new immigration rules has exempted from the visa requirement the citizens of China with valid visas issued by the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada or the European Union.
Note: Filipinos need to secure Visa from Chinese Embassy prior to going to China. Visa-free travel, rather Visa on entry, is only valid for travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
Source: Bureau of Immigration
As of now, the only foreign nationals allowed into the Philippines without visas for three weeks are citizens of the nine other member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) i.e. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Brunei.
The new immigration rules has exempted from the visa requirement the citizens of China with valid visas issued by the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada or the European Union.
Note: Filipinos need to secure Visa from Chinese Embassy prior to going to China. Visa-free travel, rather Visa on entry, is only valid for travel to Hong Kong and Macau.
Source: Bureau of Immigration
Labels: Philippine Visa
posted by GingGoy @ 8:34 PM,
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Cory Aquino's Last Passage on Ayala Avenue
03 August 2009
It's an auspicious day for Tutubi. It was raining when he left home but on arriving in Makati, the rain clouds left and let the sun shine on Ayala Avenue.
With the transfer or Cory Aquino's funeral wake from La Salle Greenhills in San Juan to Manila Cathedral to pass by Makati, the expected shower of yellow confetti on the plain-housewife-turned-president who drove away a dictator and re-installed democracy.
It was around 11:30am when Tutubi walked from his office to the "rally" point in order to get a very good vantage point. It's just too bad that he wasn't able to bring his DSLR camera and instead settled for the Olympus Stylus 850SW (a waterproof one, but lacking in optical quality).
Herewith are photos of Cory Aquino's "funeral" on Ayala Avenue, the country's financial center, Tita Cory's last passage on the avenue where the monument of his husband is located.
The crowd of Makati: the last time they converged here was in 2001 that ushered in the reign of now President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The president, aided by bootlickers in the House of Representatives, wanted to amend the 1987 Constitution, which is a legacy of Cory Aquino.
Video of Cory Aquino's "funeral" on Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Cory Aquino's hearse stopped in front of Philippine Stock Exchange building when 3 Hail Mary's were prayed and the anthemic "Bayan Ko," was sang with hands in the familiar "L" sign (Laban) of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.
Tita Cory's funeral hearse with honor guards
Cory Aquino's flag-draped wooden coffin, just about 2 meters from Tutubi
Crowd estimated at around 25,000 people, including foreigners, who came down from the skycrapers and offices before noon and converged at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo De Roxas, where the Ninoy Aquino Monument is located.
The intersection at the center of Makati Central Business District (Makati CBD) is a popular rally site for anti-government demonstrations.
Cory's yellow ribbons in front of the Philippine national flag
Note:
Cory Aquino was not a perfect president. She has her own mistakes and shortcomings but she also didn't have the lust for power and greed. She could've prolonged her stay in power as she came from a revolutionary government, but instead gifted the Filipino not just the restoration of democracy but also the 1987 Constitution that the present administration of PGMA and her minions are trying to amend to suit their own, and not the Filipino people's ends.
All photos were taken with Tutubi's hand held high, with so little room to adjust. Olympus Stylus 850SW (Imagine how it would've been if he had used his Nikon D80 to shoot this event)
Related Posts:
Cory Aquino's Home on Times St.
Cory Aquino Funeral Route
President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
With the transfer or Cory Aquino's funeral wake from La Salle Greenhills in San Juan to Manila Cathedral to pass by Makati, the expected shower of yellow confetti on the plain-housewife-turned-president who drove away a dictator and re-installed democracy.
It was around 11:30am when Tutubi walked from his office to the "rally" point in order to get a very good vantage point. It's just too bad that he wasn't able to bring his DSLR camera and instead settled for the Olympus Stylus 850SW (a waterproof one, but lacking in optical quality).
Herewith are photos of Cory Aquino's "funeral" on Ayala Avenue, the country's financial center, Tita Cory's last passage on the avenue where the monument of his husband is located.
The crowd of Makati: the last time they converged here was in 2001 that ushered in the reign of now President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The president, aided by bootlickers in the House of Representatives, wanted to amend the 1987 Constitution, which is a legacy of Cory Aquino.
Video of Cory Aquino's "funeral" on Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Cory Aquino's hearse stopped in front of Philippine Stock Exchange building when 3 Hail Mary's were prayed and the anthemic "Bayan Ko," was sang with hands in the familiar "L" sign (Laban) of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.
Tita Cory's funeral hearse with honor guards
Cory Aquino's flag-draped wooden coffin, just about 2 meters from Tutubi
Crowd estimated at around 25,000 people, including foreigners, who came down from the skycrapers and offices before noon and converged at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo De Roxas, where the Ninoy Aquino Monument is located.
The intersection at the center of Makati Central Business District (Makati CBD) is a popular rally site for anti-government demonstrations.
Cory's yellow ribbons in front of the Philippine national flag
Note:
Cory Aquino was not a perfect president. She has her own mistakes and shortcomings but she also didn't have the lust for power and greed. She could've prolonged her stay in power as she came from a revolutionary government, but instead gifted the Filipino not just the restoration of democracy but also the 1987 Constitution that the present administration of PGMA and her minions are trying to amend to suit their own, and not the Filipino people's ends.
All photos were taken with Tutubi's hand held high, with so little room to adjust. Olympus Stylus 850SW (Imagine how it would've been if he had used his Nikon D80 to shoot this event)
Related Posts:
Cory Aquino's Home on Times St.
Cory Aquino Funeral Route
President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
Labels: Cory Aquino, Makati, Metro Manila, National Capital Region
posted by GingGoy @ 12:45 PM,
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Cory Aquino Funeral Route: Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park
02 August 2009
For those wishing to catch a glimpse of beloved former president Cory Aquino who'll be transferred from La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral tomorrow Monday and pass by Makati's Ayala Avenue where it's expected to rain yellow confetti, you can catch a glimpse of Cory's hearse on Wednesday from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial park
Cory Aquino's funeral will follow this route from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park:
Manila Cathedral to Roxas Boulevard,
left to Quirino Avenue,
right to SLEx
exit at Sucat
right on Sucat Road
left to enter Manila Memorial Park
If you can't visualize it, here's an interactive route map of Intramuros from OpenStreetMap Philippines. You can trace the funeral route from Manila cathedral here:
Funeral Mass schedule at Manila Cathedral is on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, declared a special non-working holiday by Malacanang. No idea yet on the time of funeral march going to Manila Memorial Park.
Tutubi has seen the tomb of Ninoy Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park which is a very simple one. Cory's remains will be buried next to Ninoy's tomb there. Space is very limited and it's better to just wait on the side of the roads where the funeral march will pass. DOn't press your luck unless you're really a VIP or with an official media ID to personally see Cory's burial. Expect humongous traffic jam on Wednesday August 5 too.
Don't expect to be able to park near Manila Cathedral as it's cleared of parked vehicles. One of the best vantage points I see here is at the LRT Quirino Avenue Station on Wednesday :P
Related Posts:
Cory Aquino on Ayala Avenue
Driving Directions to Manila Cathedral
Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
Cory Aquino's funeral will follow this route from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park:
Manila Cathedral to Roxas Boulevard,
left to Quirino Avenue,
right to SLEx
exit at Sucat
right on Sucat Road
left to enter Manila Memorial Park
If you can't visualize it, here's an interactive route map of Intramuros from OpenStreetMap Philippines. You can trace the funeral route from Manila cathedral here:
Funeral Mass schedule at Manila Cathedral is on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, declared a special non-working holiday by Malacanang. No idea yet on the time of funeral march going to Manila Memorial Park.
Tutubi has seen the tomb of Ninoy Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park which is a very simple one. Cory's remains will be buried next to Ninoy's tomb there. Space is very limited and it's better to just wait on the side of the roads where the funeral march will pass. DOn't press your luck unless you're really a VIP or with an official media ID to personally see Cory's burial. Expect humongous traffic jam on Wednesday August 5 too.
Don't expect to be able to park near Manila Cathedral as it's cleared of parked vehicles. One of the best vantage points I see here is at the LRT Quirino Avenue Station on Wednesday :P
Related Posts:
Cory Aquino on Ayala Avenue
Driving Directions to Manila Cathedral
Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino
Labels: Cory Aquino
posted by GingGoy @ 11:02 PM,
,
Yellow Ribbons for Cory's Home on Times St, West Triangle, Quezon City
01 August 2009
Tutubi doesn't have to break the news about the passing of Cory Aquino, he was saddened on hearing the news but he's really expecting it even if he wished it to occur at a much later date.
With an errand he did that took him driving along Quezon Avenue and before going home, he turned the wheels of his car right towards Times St. after passing Great Eastern Hotel (Aberdeen Court) and passed by Cory Aquino's home in West Triangle near The Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish where he found many people offering prayers.
The problem however was that he has no camera with him in his car, quite rare for him to be without one, except his iPhone 3G but with dying battery managed to snap a few pictures of the peaceful scene at Ninoy's Home.
a grieving visitor to Ninoy and Cory's home on Times St with tarpaulin banners on the gate
yellow flowers for Cory Aquino. Also visible is the marker for Ninoy Aquino
Before totally heading home, he dropped by Water Mart North EDSA to buy yellow ribbons to tie around his car's side mirrors and antenna.
For foreign readers, Cory Aquino is a former president of the Philippines, was the rallying figure of the bloodless "people power" revolution of 1986 that got rid of authoritarian regime of Pres. Marcos and ushered democracy.
---
How to get to Times St. Brgy. West Triange, Quezon City:
Driving Directions: From makati, head towards EDSA northbound, choose "Ilalim" of Quezon Avenue to make a U-turn and turn right on Quezon Avenue (going to Welcome Rotonda). Turn right on Examiner St (the first street actually which used to cross with Quezon Avenue) then turn left on Times St (the first street on your left). You'll see the Cory Aquino's home with people and media people. Street parking is available since it's a four lane street.
Commute: From MRT Quezon Avenue Station, walk and ride a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and request the driver to drop you off in West Triangle particularly the street after passing by Great Eastern Hotel. Walk to the right then turn right again on Times St where it's located about 50 meters from the corner.
From Quiapo, you can ride jeepneys/buses going to Fairview and alight on Quezon Avenue's West Triangle, cross Quezon Avenue using the pedestrian overpass up to Times St where you turn left heading towards the house.
With an errand he did that took him driving along Quezon Avenue and before going home, he turned the wheels of his car right towards Times St. after passing Great Eastern Hotel (Aberdeen Court) and passed by Cory Aquino's home in West Triangle near The Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish where he found many people offering prayers.
The problem however was that he has no camera with him in his car, quite rare for him to be without one, except his iPhone 3G but with dying battery managed to snap a few pictures of the peaceful scene at Ninoy's Home.
a grieving visitor to Ninoy and Cory's home on Times St with tarpaulin banners on the gate
yellow flowers for Cory Aquino. Also visible is the marker for Ninoy AquinoBefore totally heading home, he dropped by Water Mart North EDSA to buy yellow ribbons to tie around his car's side mirrors and antenna.
For foreign readers, Cory Aquino is a former president of the Philippines, was the rallying figure of the bloodless "people power" revolution of 1986 that got rid of authoritarian regime of Pres. Marcos and ushered democracy.
---
How to get to Times St. Brgy. West Triange, Quezon City:
Driving Directions: From makati, head towards EDSA northbound, choose "Ilalim" of Quezon Avenue to make a U-turn and turn right on Quezon Avenue (going to Welcome Rotonda). Turn right on Examiner St (the first street actually which used to cross with Quezon Avenue) then turn left on Times St (the first street on your left). You'll see the Cory Aquino's home with people and media people. Street parking is available since it's a four lane street.
Commute: From MRT Quezon Avenue Station, walk and ride a jeepney going to Pantranco or Quiapo and request the driver to drop you off in West Triangle particularly the street after passing by Great Eastern Hotel. Walk to the right then turn right again on Times St where it's located about 50 meters from the corner.
From Quiapo, you can ride jeepneys/buses going to Fairview and alight on Quezon Avenue's West Triangle, cross Quezon Avenue using the pedestrian overpass up to Times St where you turn left heading towards the house.
Labels: Cory Aquino, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Quezon City
posted by GingGoy @ 8:24 PM,
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