HONG KONG: SNOOPY'S WORLD in SHATIN

HONG KONG: SNOOPY'S WORLD in SHATIN

With Joe Cool on his skateboard

It's cool to be with Joe Cool, the alter ego of Snoopy, in Snoopy's World.

Snoopy's World is another off-the-beaten-path destination in Hong Kong, the land of cool weather! 

Opened in 2000, Snoopy's World (also known as Snoopyland) is a small park where you can see for FREE more than sixty (60) different statues of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the "Peanuts" gang. Yes, there is NO ENTRANCE FEE to Snoopy's World.

Linus cooked something delicious

A word of caution though. This is not a place where you go to as your only destination in Sha Tin (also spelled Shatin) area. When we went there, we also climbed up to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery, and walked around/ window-shopped at IKEA Sha Tin and New Town Shopping Mall. 

So don’t expect too much from it. Visiting Snoopy's World, as they say, is just a break from shopping or if you have kids, it is a place for them to experience being with the "Peanuts" characters. 

At any rate, the kids and the kids-at-heart will love taking their pictures with Snoopy, Charlie Brown and others. 

Many people are not aware of this park which is located on the 3rd level podium of New Town Shopping Mall in Sha Tin, Hong Kong. There used to be two tennis courts in this area before being converted to Snoopy's World.

You can find Snoopy's World by walking through the New Town Plaza shopping mall, which can be accessed directly from the (East Rail Line) MTR Sha Tin station (Exit A). Just follow the signage to Snoopy's World or ask for directions to the 3rd level podium once you get to New Town Plaza mall.

You can enter the Snoopy's World through the Doghouse Entry which is actually Snoopy's house. Just like in the cartoon strip "Peanuts," you can see a big model of Snoopy leisurely enjoying the sunshine on the roof of his doghouse. TRIVIA: It is the largest outdoor model of Snoopy in the world.

The Entrance to Snoopy's World

Remember not to go on weekends when there are lots of people in Snoopy's World.

In the above picture is the school bus at the School Plaza of Peanuts Academy. In front the school bus are (from left) Sally Brown, Charlie Brown and Linus van Pelt.

Gathered grilling their marshmallows near the Boating Canal are 

(from left to right) Schroeder, 

Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Linus van Pelt.

Charlie Brown and Snoopy fishing along the bank of the Boating Canal

Entrance to Snoopy's World is FREE but in order to avail of the Canoe Ride along the Boating Canal, you need to present a receipt as proof of purchase of over a certain amount (HK$100, I think) from any of the shops in New Town Plaza mall. The Canoe Ride takes about 3 minutes. Take note that there are certain weight limitations in this ride. The ride is slow and during weekends, the queue to the Canoe Ride will be quite long. So, it is advisable to take the ride on a weekday.

"Peanuts" characters

The late cartoonist Charles Monroe Schulz created the "Snoopy" character in his cartoon serial "Peanuts" in 1950. He died in 2000, the same year when Snoopy's World opened in Sha Tin. 

Here are some of the famous "Peanuts" characters created by Charles Schulz:

1. Snoopy is Charlie Brown's lovable beagle (dog).

2. Woodstock, the yellow bird and Snoopy's best friend and side kick, is named after the famous rock festival.

3. Charlie Brown, the main character, is a lovable guy dominated by insecurities. He is meek, nervous and lacks self-confidence. He is unable to fly a kite, win a baseball game or kick a football. Aptly, the theme of the cartoon serial is "the great American unsuccess story."

4. Sally Brown is the younger sister of Charlie. She displays her being territorial by seizing her brother's bedroom or by making sure that no other woman ever lays eyes on Linus.

From Left: Peppermint Patty, Lucy van Pelt, Marcie, Woodstock, Snoopy,
Charlie Brown, Sally Brown and Linus van Pelt

5. Linus van Pelt is Charlie's blanket-toting best friend and Sally's love interest. His blanket is, literally and actually, his "security blanket."

6. Lucy van Pelt, Linus' older sister, is a bossy and crabby (irritable) girl. 

7. Schroeder is a piano-playing character, Lucy's love interest, admirer of the great classical pianist-composer Ludwig van Bethoven and Charlie's second best friend after Linus. Schroeder has short blond hair. He almost always wears a striped shirt and either black or blue shorts. He is commonly seen playing his toy piano. His address is 1770 James Street, which is easy to remember for him because the number 1770 is Beethoven's birth year. Beethoven was a lifelong bachelor, and Schroeder feels he must emulate every aspect of his idol's life. Schroeder's constant refusal of Lucy's love is a constant theme in the cartoon serial. 

8. Marcie is the bespectacled character, best friend to tomboy Peppermint Patty (Patricia Reichardt), and displays romantic interest on Charlie Brown.

9. Franklin is the African-American boy who became a friend of Charlie Brown.

Along Peanuts boulevard in the Mini town area, you can see various buildings like the post office, bank and that of Brown Bros. which, as you will notice, has shown cracks probably caused by that girl in the above picture. Hahahaha!

Here, Charlie Brown is sitting on a couch watching TV . . . with me. 

Opening hours: from 10 am to 8 pm (Monday to Sunday). Gate closes at 7:45 pm. 

Enjoy!

HONG KONG: 10,000 BUDDHAS in SHATIN

HONG KONG: 10,000 BUDDHAS in SHATIN

For those of you looking for off-the-trail tourist attractions in Hong Kong, you can go to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Shatin district. 

It is a famous Buddhist monastery located on the mountain behind Shatin Pai Tau Village near the Shatin station of the East Rail Line of the  Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Hong Kong.

This place is near IKEA Shatin. We dropped by IKEA Shatin after our visit to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery.

It was founded in 1949 by the Reverend Yuet Kai, a devout Buddhist layman who dedicated the last years of his life to constructing a temple containing nearly 13,000 statues of Buddha, and completed in 1957. 

There are no resident monks in this monastery. The ones managing this monastery are laypersons.

The monastery is divided into upper and lower portions. The whole complex occupies over eight hectares. In this complex are five temples, four pavilions, one pagoda and one veranda.

The main building of the monastery is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple which has more than 12,800 pieces of Buddha statues (in different postures) placed on the walls. 

The immortal body of Rev. Yuet Kai is located in the central portion of the temple.

The climb to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery is not for everybody though. 

You should have strong knees to climb the path up to the 10,000 Buddhas Temple. 

Juice mi aside from parang bundok ang aakyatin mo, aba may blessings pa nang pumunta kami doon. Yes! Inulan kami! Kaya ayun kesa 45 minutes inabot kami ng 2 hours bago namin naakyat ang tuktok ng bundok, pero naman sulit talaga!

At first, we got lost and took the wrong way because we missed the very small signage pointing to the direction of 10,000 Buddhas Monastery (see the above picture). 

We found ourselves climbing the cemetery (which has an escalator from the ground level) beside the Monastery. So, better take note of that "signage."

Tipid guide to collecting the McDonald’s Despicable Me Minions

Tipid guide to collecting the McDonald’s Despicable Me Minions

Photo by abkdvanessa

Everybody has gone loco over McDonalds collectible toys again! For sure, you'll gain several pounds just trying to complete your collections! 

Hey, you! Yes, you! You ought to watch what you eat even if you want to collect all of the nine (9) Despicable Me toys collectibles. Too much of everything is bad.

I still vividly recall when I was trying to complete my toy collection in the past, I ate nothing but McDonalds meals from morning 'til night and I ended up gaining several extra pounds and that is sooooo bad!

McDonalds store in Vizayas Avenue offers breakfast Happy Meals which can go for as low as Php77 - Hamdesal with orange juice. For sure, everyone now wants to go or live in that area! (NOTE: I heard other McDonalds stores now offer Hamdesal with orange juice.)

Nine (9) multiply by seventy seven pesos (Php77.00) equals six hundred ninety three pesos (Php693.00) for nine (9) minions.

You shouldn't buy (and eat!) all of those meals in one sitting though because nine (9) servings of the Burger McDo Happy Meal add up to 3510 calories, which are significantly more than the recommended 1940 calories per day for women and 2550 for men.

For everyone who wants to collect all nine (9) minions from McDonald's Philippines, let not this blind you to eat non-stop at McDonalds. You ought to balance it out. Remember who would play with the minions if you are already dead from eating too much.

Sadly, even if you do collect all nine (9) of the minions released by McDonalds here in the Philippines, your collection won't be truly complete until you manage to snag the six (6) other minions being offered by McDonalds Australia and the US. Two (2) evil minions - Purple Minion Babbler and Purple Minion Giggling - and four (4) minions - Jerry Whistle, Phil Jelly Whistle, Tom Babbler and Carl Rocket Skateboard - won't be made available here in the Philippines.

Despicable Me 2 will start screening on July 3.  I wish someone from the movie marketing department invite me to the movie premiere!

Here is the movie Tagalog trailer!

Genres: Animated Film

Synopsis:

Gru is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal. (From IMDB)

Voice Cast:

Steve Carell - Gru
Russell Brand - Dr. Nefario
Miranda Cosgrove - Margo
Al Pacino - a villain
Moises Arias - Antonio
Kristen Wiig - Miss Hattie

Directed by: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud

Note: Prices may change without prior notice. This is not a paid post.

Piso Fare 2014 flight: Juan Million Thanks!

Piso Fare 2014 flight: Juan Million Thanks!

Cebu Pacific Piso fare treat to their 1,000,000 Facebook Fans and counting!LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR PROMO UPDATES 

Cebu Pacific is having a Juan Million Thanks! Piso Fare seat sale.

The budget airline launches its newest Piso Fare for all of its Domestic destinations and P100 to all International destinations. This promo is a treat for its 1,000,000 Facebook fans.

The fare promo is being held from June 30 to July 1, 2013 or until seats lasts. The travel period is from Jan. 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

Promo fares for all domestic and international flights are exclusive of fuel surcharge, terminal fees, travel tax, etc.

Hurry Up! Visit www.cebupacificair.com to avail of the Cebu Pacific Juan Million Thanks! Piso Fare 2013.

The Great Greenbelt Shopping Race is on!

The Great Greenbelt Shopping Race is on!

Greenbelt shoppers rejoice! Greenbelt is giving away two pairs of Stella Luna shoes weekly starting from June 29 to July 14, 2013. Joining the race is simple!

This promo is open to all shoppers!  The Great Greenbelt Shopping Race digital game activity with electronic raffle draw.  Participants will get a chance to win 2 pairs of Stella Luna shoes weekly! At the end of the promo, grand prize winners will be picked thru an electronic raffle for a chance to win prizes!   

M E C H A N I C S:

1. Just log on to Facebook and like the official Greenbelt Fan Page,
2. Follow @ilovegreenbelt on Instagram
3. Carry out the designated tasks of each of the participating merchants. 
4. Take a picture while doing the task
5. Post and tag @ilovegreenbelt on Instagram and use the hashtag #GreenbeltShoppingRace so your entries can be counted! 
6. Weekly, we will release the list of tasks to be done. For more information on the weekly participating stores, go to http://www.facebook.com/Greenbelt.AyalaMalls  

QUALIFICATIONS/DISQUALIFICATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS:  

1. The promotion is open to all 18 years old and above at the time of the launch of the promo and who has a valid and active Facebook and Instagram account. 
2. Those qualified and interested to join must search and follow the directions for joining found in Greenbelt page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Greenbelt.AyalaMalls) 
3. Promotion period is from June 29 to July 14, 2013 only.   

HOW TO WIN:  

1. All Participants who have successfully finished the tasks and uploaded their photos will have the chance to win the special weekly prizes and the grand prize.
2. Participants who have done the given tasks and followed the steps are qualified to win the weekly prize on the same week that they joined the contest. 
3. If a Participant has multiple photo entries, only one (1) of his or her photos can win. 
4. Five (5) weekly winners will be chosen thru an electronic raffle draw from all qualified photo entries (those who liked the page, followed the Instagram account, and did the tasks). Each winner will take home 2 pairs of Stella Luna shoes. 
5. In the grand draw 5 lucky winners will be picked via an electronic raffle draw.  

•  2 grand prize winners will receive 10 Stella Luna shoes each  
•  1 grand prize winner will receive a P30,000 shopping spree
•  2 grand prize winners will receive each receive a travel package to Bellevue Resort Bohol  

CUT OFF DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS:  

6. Weekly winners can only win once, but they are also qualified to win the grand prize. 
7. For those who have not won the weekly prize, don't worry you will still have the chance to win in the grand draw!   

PRIZES TO BE WON:  

Weekly Prizes: 

•  Ten (10) Stella Luna shoes will be given away to 5 winners every Monday, for 2 weeks.

Announcement of weekly winners will start on July 8, 2013. 

The 4 grand prize winners for the Great Greenbelt Shopping Race will be given: 

•  2 grand prize winners will receive 10 Stella Luna shoes  
•  1 grand prize winner will receive P30,000 shopping spree 
•  1 grand prize winner will receive a Bellevue Resort Bohol travel package 

All prizes are non-transferable and not convertible to cash. 5. Winners shall pay for 20% withholding tax for prizes exceeding Php10,000 and other expenses that will be incurred in relation to the prize shall be shouldered by the winner. 

Cut-off Dates Time Raffling and Announcement of winners Time:

• 5 Weekly Winners  July 6, 2013 (Saturday) 9:00 pm July 8, 2013 (Monday) 1:00 -3:00 pm
• 5 Weekly Winners July 14, 2013 (Sunday) 9:00 pm July 15, 2013 (Monday) 1:00 -3:00 pm 
• 5 Grand Winners July 14, 2013 (Sunday) 9:00 pm July 15, 2013 (Monday) 1:00 -3:00 pm 

PROCEDURE IN THE NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS AND REDEMPTION OF PRIZES: 

1. Winners will be notified by a telephone call and registered mail. The list of winners will be posted in Greenbelt’s Facebook page. 
2. Winners should send a private message to the official Facebook fan page of Greenbelt Philippines with the ff details:     

•  Complete name                
•  Mailing address                
•  Email address               
• Contact number                
• Account URLs for Facebook and Instagram (for verification)   

3. Winners who do not reply within sixty (60) calendar days of announcement will forfeit their prizes. 

4. Winners must claim their prize at the 5th Floor, Ayala Land Office, Glorietta 4, Makati City. 

5. Declared winners must present the notice sent by registered mail and two (2) valid IDs with picture (e.g. driver's license, passport, company/school ID) to verify the winner’s identity.  

6. Provincial winners must email or fax a copy of two valid IDs with picture (e.g. driver's license, passport, company/school ID), each bearing the same name registered in the Facebook App, together with their mailing address.  

7. For the grand draw, in the event that winner is drawn twice, winner will get the price with the higher value. 

8. Prizes must be claimed within 60 days from his/ her receipt of the notice; the prize shall be forfeited in favor of Ayala Land, Inc.  

OTHER GUIDELINES: 

1. By joining this promotion, participant warrants and certifies that he/she has read the full mechanics of the Promotions and that he/she agrees to abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the promotion mechanics. Failure to agree to and abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the mechanics shall disqualify such Participant from participating in this promotion. 

2. By participating in the promotion, participants are deemed voluntary and have given their full consent in joining and agree to grant Ayala Land, Inc., the ownership and the right to use or publish the names and photo entries at anytime in its promo announcements, Facebook page, and/or advertising materials, without need of compensation. 

3. By joining the contest, the participant gives Ayala Land, Inc. the exclusive rights over the materials submitted, including, but not limited to the right to reproduce, exhibit or publish the images and/or for promotional purposes, displaying the prints and videos in a public venue, the internet or publish the prints or otherwise use the submitted materials for the purpose of promoting the competition or any by-product event arising from the competition.  

4. Employees of Ayala Malls (Ayala Land Inc), their merchants,  CAT Digital, Inc., (the “Organizers of the Promotion”), and its agencies, their affiliates, subsidiaries, and their relatives up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity are disqualified from joining the promo.

Hurry Join now!

FREE ENTRANCE: Giordano Monster’s University

FREE ENTRANCE: Giordano Monster’s University 

Giordano Philippines is inviting you to get a taste of what it’s like to participate in Monsters University’s Freshman Fair when it opens its wrought iron gates. Experience being in the world’s best scare university, don Mike Wazikowski’s shoes and attend Giordano’s Monsters University Fair on June 29 to 30, 2013 at the TriNoma Activity Center and July 6 and 7, 2013 at Mega Mall A Showcase Area. Fun and freebies await you. No tuition fee required! Entrance is free for all!  Yes, kids and kids-at-heart are all welcome!

Mike Wazikowski on his way to school

Take a stroll around the booth area with friends and family.  Participate in various games and activities that will test your brain, brawn and scare-ability.  Win special prizes and display that Monsters University pride!

At the Giordano Monsters University Fair, several fun-filled games are in store for you.  Test your mental speed with a playtime of 2Fuse at the first gaming station called Screamology.  Combine numbers with similar colored cubes in 60 seconds.

Do you think you are athletic enough to compete at The Field of Screams?  This second gaming station allows sports buffs to size up their fitness and agility with XBOX Kinect Sports.  Find out if you can make it into the varsity team or if you need more training.

If you are into music, then the third gaming station called School of Rawr,is perfect for you.  Amp up the volume and explore your musical prowess with the Guitar Hero.  Compete for the highest score and earn the bragging rights as Monsters University’s primo rock star.

Want a more pensive, subdued setting?  Train your brain with Twinoo at Monster 101, the fair’s fourth gaming booth.  Sit back, and let logic and art come together in this classroom-type station.  Put those thinking caps on and show everybody why it’s cool to be a nerd. 

Conquer the challenges and complete your report card stamps to claim your Monsters University freebie.   Exclusive Giordano Monsters University merchandise like printed tees, hoodies and polo shirts will also be available for purchase during the event.

 Free face painting!

 You could even have your favorite monster character painted on your hand!

Mike Wazikowski tattoo

Come and join us for some monster fun! Rawwwwr!

BUDDHA-BAR: Drink, dine, party and drive in style in a brand new Jaguar XF 2014

BUDDHA-BAR: Drink, dine, party and drive in style in a brand new Jaguar XF 2014

Drink, dine, party and drive in style in a brand new Jaguar XF 2014 as Buddha-Bar Manila and DJ Ravin present "Buddha-Bar XV'

Partyphiles have reasons to celebrate in style and win a luxury Jaguar car as well when Buddha-Bar Manila launched the 15th edition of its iconic Buddha-Bar CDs on June 28, 2013. Aptly titled Buddha-Bar XV, the album differs from its past incarnations as this new one pays tribute of sorts to Russia, that most enigmatic and enchanting of countries in Northern Eurasia.

All the CDs in the Buddha-Bar collection were mixed by DJ Ravin, the Mauritius-born DJ who went on to become a big name in the Paris club scene. DJ Ravin played his first sets at Buddha-Bar in 1997, and since then has collaborated with the said famous celebrity haunt for the Buddha-Bar CD collection released by George V Records exclusively for Buddha-Bar, all of which bear DJ Ravin’s trademark fusion style.

Buddha-Bar and DJ Ravin’s latest offering, Buddha-Bar XV features different artists and Russia’s musical flavors, all at once sweet and mesmerizing. Buddha-Bar XV comes in double CDs, the first one leaning towards acoustic with such artists as Steppe, Listening Bliss, YasmineHamdam, and Thor while the second focuses more on electronic music with tunes from artists like Dim Vach and Seanbay, as mixed, of course, by DJ Ravin.

But then again, Manila’s stylish set do not only got the chance to party all night long with DJ Ravin at the June 28 Manila launch of Buddha-Bar XV. Lucky winners brought home an iconic French luxury brand bag, one (1) PRADA and BVLGARI sunnies from Sun Glass Hut and a Boracay Trip for two (2) with air fare and hotel accommodations.

On the same night, Buddha-Bar Manila also launched its “DRINK. DINE. DRIVE” promo. The prize at stake is a brand new Jaguar XF 2014. Every Php 5000 single receipt purchase from July 1, 2013 to January 31, 2014 enables a customer a chance to drive home a brand new Jaguar XF 2014.

True to the luxury vehicle brand’s tagline, "Desired by Many, Exclusive by Choice," the Jaguar XF 2014 is a top-of-the-line acquisition equipped with the new and efficient 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbocharged diesel-S engine. Other than its fuel-efficiency feature, the 2014 Jaguar XF also comes with a Smart Key System with Keyless start, a Dynamic Sports Mode, a high-end security feature such as Pedestrian Contact Sensing and a stunning range of supple leather and contemporary veneers.

The Jaguar XF is a combination of its renowned flair for style and luxury with modern technological innovation and sporting performance.

Part of a Paris-based international franchise, Buddha-Bar Manila is a hotspot that is all the rage nowadays among Manila’s stylish set and party-loving denizens. Proud of its rich lifestyle heritage and formidable celebrity following, Buddha-Bar Manila goes the extra mile as it understands its patrons’ desire to have a good time while enjoying fantastic food and talk with friends and dancing to the music as they party the night away.

That and more transpired as Buddha-Bar Manila played host to Buddha-Bar XV’s album launch with DJ Ravin on June 28. A post party extravaganza dubbed as “Fete de la Musique” follows the launch in partnership with the French Embassy and Alliance Francaise de Manille. It was, needless to say, an event not to be missed.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. For reservations, call +632 8566859/+632 8566709. You can also reach them at info@buddhabarmanila.com or like and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @BuddhaBarMNL

VICTORY LINER BUS SCHEDULES AND FARES - BAGUIO TERMINAL

VICTORY LINER BUS SCHEDULES AND FARES

BAGUIO TERMINAL

• BAGUIO to PASAY

                                               FARE                                                                      FARE
             TIME          AIRCON         DELUXE          ||      TIME            AIRCON       DELUXE
          12:20 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    12:40 P.M.          P445.00
          01:00 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    01:20 P.M.          P445.00
          01:10 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    02:00 P.M.          P445.00
          02:00 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    02:40 P.M.          P445.00
          03:00 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    03:40 P.M.          P445.00
          04:20 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    04:40 P.M.          P445.00
          05:40 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    05:40 P.M.          P445.00
          06:40 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    06:20 P.M.          P445.00
          07:40 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    07:00 P.M.          P445.00
          08:20 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    07:40 P.M.          P445.00
          09:00 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    08:30 P.M.          P445.00
          09:40 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    09:30 P.M.          P445.00
          10:20 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    10:00 P.M.                                   P715.00
          11:00 A.M.        P455.00                                ||    10:20 P.M.          P445.00
          11:10 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    11:10 P.M.                                   P715.00
          12:10 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    11:40 P.M.          P445.00

• BAGUIO to CUBAO

          12:00 A.M.        P445.00             P715.00      ||    12:40 P.M.          P445.00
          12:40 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    01:40 P.M.          P445.00
          01:10 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    02:20 P.M.          P445.00
          01:30 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    03:20 P.M.          P445.00
          02:30 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    04:20 P.M.          P445.00
          03:30 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    05:20 P.M.          P445.00
          04:40 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    06:00 P.M.          P445.00
          05:20 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    06:40 P.M.          P445.00
          06:20 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    07:20 P.M.          P445.00
          07:20 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    08:00 P.M.          P445.00
          08:00 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    09:00 P.M.          P445.00
          08:40 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    10:00 P.M.          P445.00
          09:20 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    10:10 P.M.                                   P715.00
          09:40 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    10:40 P.M.          P445.00
          10:00 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    11:10 P.M.                                   P715.00                       
          10:10 A.M.                                 P715.00       ||    
          10:40 A.M.        P445.00                                ||
          11:40 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    

• BAGUIO to CALOOCAN

          02:00 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    01:00 P.M.          P445.00

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          11:20 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    05:00 P.M.          P445.00

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• BAGUIO to EARNSHAW (SAMPALOC)

          04:00 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    12:00 P.M.          P450.00

          06:00 A.M.        P445.00                                ||    04:00 P.M.          P450.00

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JAPAN EMBASSY: NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

JAPAN EMBASSY: NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Don't be fooled by false news that have been circulating regarding the Japanese visa for Filipinos. The news mentioned that Japan has lifted its visa requirement for Filipino citizens.

The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines would like to clarify to the public that Japan has not lifted the visa requirement for Filipino citizens contrary to recent reports. However, Japan has opened multiple-entry visas to Filipinos. Japan will continue to accept and deliver visa applications for Japan through accredited agencies.

For details about the visa application and issuance of multiple-entry visa, please refer to the information at:

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new visa/multientryvisa.html

KIM CHIU: Loses Mother to Aneurysm

KIM CHIU: Loses Mother to Aneurysm

Popular actress Kim Chiu's ma died last Sunday, June 23, 2013. She is 50 years old.  Kim Chiu together with Xian Lim went to Cebu last Tuesday, June 25, 2013 to mourn the death of Kim's mother, who died after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Kim Chiu’s mother reportedly suffered a heart attack and fell in a coma. She was pronounced dead Sunday due to a ruptured brain aneurysm.

According to reports, Kim Chiu's family and relatives gathered last night to pay their respects and honor the late Louella Yap Chiu, whose remains were placed at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, Cebu CIty.

Two men in black guarded the entrance of the chapel. 

The father of actress Kim Chiu, William Chiu Jr., defended the Kapamilya star after she had to leave the country earlier  today despite the death of her mother Louella Yap Chiu.

Chiu’s father said Kim would have wanted to stay for the wake, but she and her sister Lakam had to fly to Thailand today, Wednesday, June 26, 2013  to shoot a commercial which was negotiated two years ago.

He said her daughter will try to convince the product owner and advertisers to let her return to Cebu sooner so she can pay her last respects to her mother.

Louella Yap Chiu will be laid to rest on Saturday, June 29,2013 at CemPark in Banilad, Cebu City.

Kim Chiu’s father said the burial date can't be moved because they have already consulted a feng shui expert on the matter, and that the next best date for her burial will fall on July 5, 2013. William Chiu Jr said Kim left Cebu with a very heavy heart. Last April, Kim visited her father who has another family in Romblon.

Kim and her father were reunited recently after not communicating for five years. According to Kim's father, he and his daughter are still catching up with each other.

He also set the facts straight and defended the actress from allegations that she never cared for her ailing mom.

He said Kim and her family only knew about the whereabouts of her mother when she was already suffering from an illness.

Chiu’s mother reportedly asked her caretakers not to contact Kim and her siblings despite her condition, but the caretakers eventually contacted Kim when her mother slipped into a coma.

Chiu’s father said that when Kim learned about the condition of her mother, she immediately came home to Cebu to visit her.

"She would arrive every dawn and return to Manila in the morning for work and back again here in Cebu," the actress’ father said.

He added that Kim would talk to her mother in the intensive care unit (ICU) as if she was listening.

“Kim was her mother's favorite. It was painful for Kim,” he said.

He recalled that Kim wanted her mother to recover so that she can stay with the actress in Manila.

Relatives and fans of the actress continue to visit the wake of her mother in Cebu.

Kim and her siblings grew up with their paternal grandmother since their parents had separated.

Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu is the real name of Kim Chiu.

Last night, she posted in her Instagram (chinitaprincess): “Life is full of surprises.”

Earlier she posted in her Twitter (@KimChiuOFFICIAL), “Sana panaginip lang ito.” (I wish this was just a dream.)

Support for Kim filled social networking sites Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as fans expressed their sympathy and offered prayers for her and her family. 

Among those who posted condolences in her Twitter account were Rico Hizon, a Filipino anchor of the BBC. Hizon twitted: “My deepest condolences and prayers to @prinsesachinita and her family.”

If you could still remember, Kim Chiu was a 16 year old student of Cherish School, a private school for children of Filipino-Chinese families in Cebu City when she shot to fame by winning the top spot in the reality ABS-CBN’s reality series Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 2006.

She later moved to Manila to embark on a career in movies and teleseries in ABS-CBN.

Kim Chiu's latest teleserye, Ina, Kapatid, Anak, where she starred with the new girl friend – Maja Salvador – of her former boyfriend Gerald Anderson just ended last week.

Anderson was Kims runner-up in the popular PBB Teen Edition in 2006./Correspondents Carine M. Asutilla and Michelle Joy L. Padayhag

Source: Abs-cbn TV news