Explore - Philippines - Manila to Mindanao 4 of 4 - BBC Travel Documentary

Explore - Philippines - Manila to Mindanao 3 of 4 - BBC Travel Documentary

Explore - Philippines - Manila to Mindanao 2 of 4 - BBC Travel Documentary

Explore - Philippines - Manila to Mindanao 1 of 4 - BBC Travel Documentary

The idiot's guide to planning a surprise romantic mini break

Surprise your loved one with more than a sorry-looking red rose this Valentine's Day and whisk them off for a romantic getaway instead. Here's your failsafe (and economical) guide to creating the perfect mini break. 

Getting time off work: this is make or break issue number one. To make a mini break worthwhile, you'll probably need to take a few days out of the office. Your boss might have agreed your holiday request, but what about the other half? Discreetly call their workplace and ask if they can take leave. Make sure it is kept secret, though. 

Budget: review your financial situation. Make a list of the things you'll need to pay for and estimate how much they might cost, including food and drink, excursions, transport, etc. Then compare with your budget and be realistic when you start shopping. Your partner won't appreciate the gesture half as much if they discover you've wiped the joint bank account or gone over your overdraft. 

Transport: hang on, does your loved one have a phobia of flying? Don't see your partner balled up with fear unnecessarily. Would it be better to travel by coach? Or sail across on a ferry? If you are flying, don't forget transport to the airport. Save on costly airport parking fees by taking the bus to Gatwick, rather than leave your car. Many bus companies have some incredible deals. 

Location: remember you are planning a romantic trip when you are choosing your destination. Coinciding your trip with a European football match, for example, won't impress most ladies. Guaranteed. Think about the places you've both talked about seeing: Paris, Venice, Prague, Bupapest... Now, what can you afford? 

Accommodation: it doesn't have to be five star, use your common sense and check out reviews before booking. Establish where the hotel is located in relation to the rest of the city to avoid expensive taxi journeys throughout your trip. Some websites offer flight and hotel package deals, with airport transfers included, which are well worth investigating. Other sites allow you to use supermarket loyalty card points to fully or partly pay. 

Packing: by this point, you might need to tell your partner that they're going on a trip, however, for the ultra confident, you could try and pack on their behalf. Remember important things like contact lenses, phone charger and toiletries. Mentally run through the trip to work out what sort of clothing and shoes will be required. Don't forget a camera. 

Unveiling the surprise: if you've been successful in keeping the trip a secret thus far, congratulations. You are clearly skilled enough in deception and underhand activities that you can find your own way to reveal the trip. 

Basking in the glory: by following the tips above, your loved is bound to be so impressed, that'll you'll be able to bask smugly in the glory for quite a considerable time. What's nicer than pleasing your loved one and earning brownie points in the process?


About the Author:
Peter Daniel writes article for Easy Bus and for more information on bus to Gatwick service he recommends you to visit: http://www.easybus.co.uk/

Travel Eco Friendly: 7 Quick Tips for Making Your Travel Plans More Environmentally Friendly by Jamie Jefferson

If you have led your family to live a greener lifestyle over the past year, it's only fitting that you give your vacation a green makeover as well. 

People are becoming more and more environmentally conscious, so it's no wonder that eco-friendly family vacations are growing in popularity. 

Eco-friendly vacations are affordable and fit a wide range of tastes. By adjusting your schedule, making a few important choices and thinking with an environmentally friendly perspective, you can have a vacation that leaves less of an impression on Mother Earth. Here are 7 quick tips for a more environmentally friendly vacation: 

1. Unplug. Traveling eco-friendly starts before you leave the house. Your home uses a lot of power even when you aren't there because of appliances that are left plugged in. Before you leave on your trip, be sure to unplug any unnecessary appliances such as your television, your computer and even your washer and dryer. 

2. Configure your Furnace or AC. Turn off your heating and cooling system, if possible. If you live in an area where your pipes would freeze, or if you have pets that need climate control while you are gone, be sure to learn how to program your AC and heater so they aren't running continuously while you are gone. Set some of your lights on a timer for security purposes. You'll save money and save power as well. 

3. Fly direct. If you are flying to your vacation destination, try to find a direct flight from your home airport to your destination. Airplanes use a lot of fuel when they land and take off. By flying direct, you'll be saving on the fuel that is distributed into the air. You're also voting with your dollars and encouraging the airline to have more direct flights. 

4. Purchase Carbon Offset Credits. You can also opt for Carbon Off-set credits to offset the fuel used in your flight. Ask your airline if it offers a carbon off-set program. If not, you can always buy credits from a separate company. The company will use that money to fund renewable energy products or plant trees. 

5. Consider all your travel options. Look into taking the train instead of an airplane. Riding on the train can be a fun experience for the whole family. Not only will you be using less fuel but it will be a trip that your children will remember for years to come. 

6. Rent a hybrid. When you arrive at your destination, rent a hybrid car to get you from place to place or take public transportation. 

7. Stay at eco-friendly hotels. When searching for a place to stay, ask about the hotel's eco-friendly policies. Many major chains are practicing recycling, using non-toxic cleaning products or replacing regular light bulbs with energy efficient ones. By asking, you are letting the hotel industry know that you care about these issues. You can find independent eco-friendly hotels by searching online. The Green Hotels Association has a list of environmentally friendly vacation spots. 

Eco-friendly vacations are easily within your reach if you do some simple research. You don't have to visit the middle of rainforest to be environmentally friendly. You can get an eco-friendly vacation by simply making better choices for your travel options. 


Source: ArticleCity
Visit the author's web site at:
http://www.susies-travel-coupons.com

Halsema Highway, Philippines listed as one of the Most Dangerous Roads in the World

Halsema Highway, Philippines

Magnificent but dangerous road on the island of Luzon. Apart from the unpaved parts of the roads, landslides and big stones you can be stopped by the clouds.

To see the full list of the  Most Dangerous Roads in the World CLICK THIS.

Handling Lost Luggage

The joy a traveler offer feels after purchasing cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms often dims if his or her luggage does not arrive at his destination.



The following is what should be done if you find yourself in this situation:
·       After determining your checked bags have not arrived go directly to the airline’s baggage services department.
·       Pull out your baggage tags which the airline will need to track your missing bags.
·       Be prepared to answer questions about your luggage color, brand and type.  You should mention any other distinguishing features, such as a brightly colored strap or distinctive tags.
·       The airline employee will give you a reference number.  You will be given a phone number to call to check the status of your luggage as well as a baggage tracking website.  Typically customers are able to get more information by calling the airline phone number.
·       Ask the airline representative if the airline will give you money to purchase essentials, such as a change of clothes and toiletries until your bags show up.  Most airlines will not offer this unless you ask.
·       Check the airline’s tracking website and call the airline directly every day to get an update on your lost luggage.  You may find that your bag has arrived at your destination airport but no one has bothered to call and let you know.


Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Author: Steve Robinson

A Guide to Airport Parking by Michelle Blackmore

If you are driving yourself to the airport then the chances are you will need to book airport parking. Thing is, there’s also a chance you just don’t know what type of parking to book, and what type of parking best suits your needs. 

So here is a guide to what type of airport parking is available, what it’s called, what sort of service you get and how the prices differ and why. All in all the ultimate guide to airport parking. 

Meet and Greet Airport Parking 

This type of parking at the airport is when you drive to the airport’s arrivals/departures drop off area. It is also sometimes referred to as Valet Parking. Here you are met by the parking company driver who then takes your car to the car park for you. This leaves you to make your way directly into the airport terminal. It’s a very quick service. Avoids any hanging around. You do not need to drive to a remote car park away from the airport. You do not need to use a courtesy bus to make your way to the airport having dropped your car off. 

Just like, if you were dropping off a friend at the airport, you drive right up to the airport, unload and off you go - this is what customers of Meet and Greet parking benefit from. 

This type of parking is ideal for everyone. In fact most travellers, having used the service rarely use any other type of parking afterwards. It’s especially good if travelling with heavy baggage, sports equipment etc. Families find it ideal as they don’t have to worry about getting children in and out of a car onto a bus (usually the bus won’t have child seats, and it’s a case of them on your lap). Equally, the service is good for the elderly or those with limited mobility for the same reasons. 

It is a little more expensive than traditional airport parking, however you don’t have to add an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time as you drive straight to the airport, not an off-site car park. 

Valet Parking 

This is exactly the same as Meet and Greet parking – see above – it is just sometimes referred to as Valet parking. 

Chauffer Parking 

Again, this is simply another name for essentially what is Meet and Greet parking, as described above. 

Airport Hotels With Parking 

This type of airport parking is when you book your parking along with a night at an airport hotel. You drive to the hotel, you meet your parking company driver, they take your car to their car park, whilst you check-in at the hotel. You spend the night before you fly at the hotel (sometimes you can choose to stay the night after you fly back into the UK instead of the night before). The following day you make your way, usually a short walk, into the airport to check-in for your flight. 

Park & Fly and Park & Stay Parking 

These are other names/terms used for Airport Hotels with Parking. 

On-site Short Stay Parking 

On-site means the car park is in the grounds of the airport. So, if you are only away for the day then this is a consideration. However, be aware that any on-site parking is costly as you are on the grounds of the airport. The car park is usually operated by the airport.

Off-site Short Stay Parking 

This car park will be located a few miles away from the airport and will be run by an independent parking firm. It will involve you driving to the car park and then using the courtesy bus back to the airport. As the car park is short stay it will be for parking for a day or two. This option of short stay parking is usually cheaper than an on-site car park but you will need to allow about an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time in order to park, wait for the next available bus and the 5 – 10 minute journey back to the airport. 

On-site Long Stay Parking 

The On-site car park will be in the grounds of the airport. This car park is for use of a few days. Charges are higher than those by an off-site car park as you are paying for the privilege of parking on-site. 

Off-Site Long Stay Parking 

This type of car park is for parking durations of more than a few days, up to weeks away. The cost will be considerably cheaper than an on-site car park. Most airports have a large choice of independent car parking operators offering this service. Do be aware that by using an off-site car park you will need to use the car park’s courtesy bus to get from the car park to the airport. They usually run every 15 minutes and take around 5-10 minutes. It’s best to allow around 30-45 minutes extra to your journey in getting to the airport for check-in. 

Airport Park & Ride Parking 

This is actually the same as described for off-site parking, you ‘park’ in the car park and you ‘ride’ back to the airport on the courtesy bus. It’s simply a different term sometimes used to describe parking. 

Top Tips When Booking Parking at the Airport 

Here’s a tip – always pre-book your airport parking, and always try to book online. This way you will secure the very best prices for your parking. 

•If you book only a day or two before you travel you’ll pay more than you have too. 

•If however you are left with no choice but to book on the day you are travelling, always call the company you want to book with. Same day online bookings cannot be processed.


Source: ArticleCity
Michelle Blackmore is an experienced traveller and contributor tohttp://www.helpmetravel.co.uk airport parking website, the airport parking price comparison site helping travellers compare airport car parking prices.

Philippine Eagle, Crucifixion and Jeepney

Pictures that manifest Philippine culture.

Philippine Eagle

 Crucifixion

Jeepney

Sagada as one of the 5 Asia's Most Overlooked Cities (CNNgo.com)

5 of the Asia's Most Overlooked Cities 

by CNNgo.com

1. Kogoshima, Japan

2. Chengdu, China

3. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

4. Daegu, South Korea

5. Sagada, Philippines

Sagada, Philippines - The Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines are practically a national symbol, synonymous with the Chocolate Hills and ube ice cream. But apart from the rice terraces there is little to see and do at Banaue.

Enter Sagada, a quiet town deep in the Mountain Province. The rice terraces at Sagada may be smaller than those of Banaue but is still photogenic and, better yet, there's plenty to do around town to keep you occupied for a day or two. Sagada’s hanging coffins (coffins with mummified bodies hanging in a cave) leave quite an impression, while adrenalin junkies won’t want to pass up the opportunity to hike at the Bomod-Ok falls or venture into the town’s eerily beautiful caves.

Source: CNNgo

San Joaquin church, Philippine (Unseen Asia: 25 of Asia's most overlooked destinations by CNN)

In a province crammed with Spanish colonial monuments, you'd hardly think that a little church tucked away in a sleepy town would cause a stir. 


Wrong. The little-known San Joaquin Church in the Filipino province of Iloilo is a shocker. Instead of limestone bricks and Virgin Marys, its bass relief disquietingly depicts a bloody battle scene, complete with rifle action and men jostled off horses.

The only church in the Philippines with a “military theme,” the San Joaquin Church was erected in 1869 to commemorate how the Spanish thrashed the Moors in the Battle of Tetuan.

The church stands in the seaside town of Iloilo, which has one of the most gorgeous sea coasts in the Visayas. A flight from Manila to Iloilo takes an hour and most of the city’s destinations are accessible with a Jeepney.

Read more: CNNgo.com 

Mount Pinatubo Listed as one of the 5 spectacular volcanoes worth visiting by CNN

List of the 5 spectacular volcanoes worth visiting by CNNgo.

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Hallasan, South Korea

Mount Aso, Japan

Mount Pinatubo, Philippines

Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Pinatubo didn't only recover admirably from its catastrophic explosion in 1991, it's cashed in on the disaster as a prime extreme sports location.

In 1991, Mount Pinatubo made headlines for producing the second-largest volcanic eruption in the century, which caused the world temperature to drop by 0.9 °F, the death of more than 800 people and some US$250 million in property losses.

Almost two decades on, the cities surrounding Mount Pinatubo are feeding off tourism generated by the legendary eruption.

Angeles City offers extreme trekking and off-road driving packages off Pinatubo's lahar flows, which are giant mudflows of volcanic materials. The city also offers parachuting, skydiving and aerial tours for around US$55 per person.


Source: Yahoo Philippines. To read the whole column click this.

DOT Official Website

• 
  

• Choose Philippines 

• (http://choosephils.com)

This is the new and improve website of the Department of Tourism. Read articles about food, events, and culture. Watch captivating pictures of the country. And be updated about the schedule of the different fiestas all over the region.

Possible connection of San Sebastian Church to Eiffel Tower.

In 1970, Ocampo published a finding that a famed and legendary architect visited Manila to either refute or confirm reports that an all steel church in Asia had been designed by Gustave Eiffel. Loh Ming Pei, is a Chinese- American architect widely regarded as a master of modern architecture. After inspecting San Sebastian Church, Pei is purported to have made the pronouncement that the metal fixtures and overall structure of San Sebastian bore Eiffel design inclinations.

Official catalogues of Eiffel make reference to the design and exportation in 1875 of pre-fabricated steel pieces for a church to be built in Manila.

First built in 1621, San Sebastian Church suffered much destruction, having been down in 1651 when it was originally made of wood, bamboo and nipa, and then heavily damaged by earthquakes in 1859, 1863, and 1880 after it was rebuilt every time. This led to one Father Esteban Martinez’s decision to have it constructed of imported steel in pre-fabricated pieces that would make it earthquake-resistant. 

Metro Manila 2011 - The Philippines

Look at Philippines now! Let this video convince you of the fact the that country is growing. At first I thought this is Dubai, but think again this is Philippines. Far from what we thought that this country is a 3rd world country.

Choose Your Beach, Choose Philippines Ad

Still not convinced? Watch this video about the Philippine beaches. Let this video amaze of the numerous white sand beaches that are located all over the country.

Choose Your Festival, Choose Philippines Ad

Filipinos are known to be hospitable and friendly individuals. Here are some of the Fiestas all over the country that will truly make you smile. 

Choose Philippines

NAIA (No. 5 Worst Airport in the World)

In the website (http://sleepinginairports.net), our NAIA International Airport has been voted as No. 5 in the worst airport in the world and No. 1 in Asia. NAIA or Ninoy Aquino International Airport hosts all international flights except those from PAL, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Nippon Airways.

1. Paris Charles de Gaulle,  France
2. ParisBeauvais, France
3. Moscow Sheremetyevo, Russia
4. Los Angeles airport, USA
5. NAIA, Philippines

One reviewer said that NAIA: “It has to be experienced to be believed. Think of a bombed out ruin and you'll get some idea. It's like a cattle yard only worse. Toilets filthy. No seating once you get thru customs [maybe 40 seats for a thousand passengers].”

And one acknowledges that “there is hope at this airport if you go to Terminal 3 where it is clean, spacious and has Internet connection.”

Inquirer.net quoted Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel Honrado: "We are aware of the deficiencies. We really appreciate the comments and we're trying to correct these things. But please understand that this will take time."

Honrado also asked critics of Terminal 1 to visit the 30-year-old terminal and take note of the improvements such as efforts to renovate the restrooms, reports Inquirer.net. He added that international flights will be moved to Terminal 3 in the next few years but that they are likely to retain Terminal 1 for "spillover" flights.

Tarsier: The Littlest Alien || Trailer

A cuddly-looking creature with soft, grayish-fur; about 100 millimeters in height; with rat-like tail which is longer than the body and bat-like ears, the Tarsier (Locally called the maomag). It thrives mostly in secondary dense forests with a diet of crickets, beetles, termites and other insects as well as small animals like lizards, frogs, and even small birds but has almost no natural enemies in the wild. Furthermore, this nocturnal creature has the unique ability of being able to turn its head 180 degrees as well as to jump backward with precision. Yet ironically, is listed as one of the country’s threatened species.

Interesting to note: 

They commit suicide during captivity due to trauma from touching and loud noise.

Source: Philippine Tarsier Foundation Inc.

Taal Volcano

Once upon a time, the Taal Volcano was a large volcano, in fact was one of the largest volcanoes in the world, towering 18,000 feet up in the sky. Now, it is the world’s smallest active volcano, only about 700 meters high.


One can travel from Manila by land to Taal by going through Tagaytay. With the spectacular view from Tagaytay, the Taal Volcano can be seen. 


The experts (seismologist) say that the Volcano may erupt anytime now. They advised the local residents to evacuate from their residents. At the evacuation centers in Talisay, San Nicolas and Tagaytay City were down from 88 families to just 14 families. The DSWD said that they are still providing relief goods to the evacuees and that they may have to compel the families to evacuate.


Last April 19, 2011, the Philvolcs recorded six volcanic quakes and issued a alert level 2 indicating that anytime the volcano may erupt.


Water for Elephants

Hundreds of Dolphins Stray into Philippine Bay

Who are the persons behind Pinoy church designs? 04/20/11 (GMA News)

ANC Executive Class features Albay (Part 1 of 2)

ANC Executive Class features Albay (Part 2 of 2)

A World I Never Made

Tagbilaran City, Bohol (Holy Tricycles)

After watching the report of Marc Logan in TV Patrol about the tricycles in Tagbilaran City being posted with verses and sayings about religion, this makes me think if this will be followed by the different local government in the Philippines, there might be less road accidents. They said that this is one of the requirements for the city government to issue license for them to drive around the city.


Tagbilaran City is the gateway to Bohol, where you can find Chocolate Hills that is composed of hundreds of small mountain and their main tourist attraction. It can be reached though ship, fast craft and airplane. Many foreigners and local tourists visit this place annually making it as one of the most competitive cities in the Philippines. 


In the report, Marc Logan asked the tricycle drivers if they can understand what the verses all about, some answered correctly and some failed. Although not all really understand why they are required to post such verses in the tricycles, some of them understand. This means that with the risks surrounding one when travelling, one can expect at least the driver is always guided by the Lord therefore less chance that mishaps might happen while on the road.

Donsol - Whale Shark Capital of the World

Are you familiar with the animal that scares people when swimming in the sea when in fact it only eats planktons and seaweeds?

The answer is whale shark; it is not scary as it may sound. They just feed on microorganisms like planktons, algae, protozoan and seaweed, considered as a gentle creature of the sea.

One good news about them is that the smallest living whale shark was found in the Philippines, particularly in Donsol (a first class municipality of Sorsogon). It was recorded in Donsol Municipal Tourism Office. A size of 15 feet, this whale shark is considered as the smallest of its kind. On the record, the largest whale shark ever recorded was in Baba Island, Pakistan measuring 12.56 meters and weighing 21.5 tons.

WWF-Philippines Vice President Jose Maria Lorenzo said that the team freed the shark from the rope that was tied around its tail, documented, measured, and transferred it to a big plastic bag to allow it to swim freely. Less than three hours later it was released to the sea.

(In 2004, Time Magazine declared swimming with whale sharks in Donsol as the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia” and today Donsol is the “Whale Shark Capital of the World” and a world class tourist destination). Source: Enriched Magazine.

How to Ride the Jeepney in the Philippines

Watch this video! Learn from the true blue Filipinos on how to ride a jeepney. This is specially dedicated to foreigners who are not use in riding a jeepney. Jeepney is considered the most common public transportation in the Philippines. From Luzon to Mindanao you can find jeepney roaming around to find passengers to transport to their destinations.


They are left by the US Military in the country during the World War II. There are many surplus jeepneys at the end of the war, they were either given or sold to Filipinos. Due to Filipinos ingenuity, they stripped down the parts and added roofs to accommodate many passengers. 

Motorcycle: Safety 1st

            It is a craze; everyone is enjoying the ride of a motorcycle. It is easy to maneuver, low cost, and can get you places you never been without being stuck in traffic. But haven’t you notice that 1/3 of every motorcycle accident, the single vehicle is involved? Why is that, for the basic reason that motorcycle is prone to accident because of its unprotected sides and some due of the carelessness of the driver. Some even consider it as a death machine because death is mostly the result of a single vehicle accident. One must comprehend that when riding a motorcycle, he should wear safety gears like helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and others to prevent fatal injuries. Remember that street is not racing circuit for you to race; it is just a place use for transporting people or things.

            An estimate of one-third of every motorcycle accident was single vehicle accident, according to data. Do not blame the weather; almost 98% of the motorcycle accident does not involved weather issue. And mostly, the rider involved in the accident is always without a license, without registration and with license revoked.  For safety purposes, please use safety helmet, jacket, gloves, and other safety gears because these are proven equipment that reduce injuries to the rider in time of trouble.

            Next time when you want to stroll around your place observe proper gears, and traffic rules, and never be in a hurry. Take note of the intersection, it is where the accident happens like when the other driver doesn’t observe traffic rules or when he is in a hurry.