TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS CHRISTMAS HORSE BACK RIDING

MRT HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 24, 25, 30 & 31, 2011 AND JANUARY 1, 2012

MRT LINE 3 AND LRT LINE 1 & 2 HOLIDAY  SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 24, 25, 30 & 31,  2011 PLUS JANUARY 1, 2012

http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com/2011/12/mrt-holiday-schedule.html

 MRT LINE 3

• MRT-3 management will continue to implement its no inspection, no entry policy.
• Gift-wrapped items will also have to opened for inspection.
• Passengers will also not be allowed to bring in deadly weapons, bulky and long objects, food and drinks, inflated balloons, and flammable materials inside MRT3 premises. 
• Persons who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs will also be barred from entering the stations. 
• The management also asked its passengers to remain vigilant to avoid any untoward incidents. 

HAPPY HOLIDAY EVERYONE KEEP SAFE! GOD BLESS US ALL! PLEASE SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR ME TOO THAT I WILL BE 100% HEALTHY AGAIN THIS COMING 2012. WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! THANK YOU!~CHA

NO RETURN NO EXCHANGE POLICY -KARAPATAN MO IPAGLABAN MO

No Return, No Exchange
 

What is the legal basis of the prohibition on the “No Return, No Exchange” policy of business establishments? 

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, specifically Title III, Chapter 1, Rule 2, Section 7 of Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2, Series of 1993, the words “No Return, No Exchange”, or words to such effect shall not be written into the contract of sale, receipt of sales transaction, in any documents as evidence of sale, or anywhere in the store or business establishment. 

What is the rationale for this provision?

The prohibition is aimed to correct the misconception of a lot of consumers today that they do not have the right to return shoddy or defective goods or demand for remedies, in case of defective or imperfect service because of the “No Return, No Exchange” notice in the receipts or anywhere in the business establishments. 

Why is the presence of a “No Return, No Exchange” notice considered deceptive?

Such statement is considered deceptive because consumers may return or exchange the goods or avail of other remedies, in case of hidden faults or defects, or any charge the buyer was not aware of the time of purchase. By provision of law, sellers are obligated to honor their implied warranties and grant corresponding remedies to consumers. 

Can Business establishments still issue official receipts with the “No Return, No Exchange”?

The Plan has six-month objectives and three-year objectives. Business establishments with unused Official Receipts should erase or blot out the words “No Return, No Exchange” before issuing such receipts and henceforth, such words should no longer be printed in their receipts or anywhere in their business establishments.

If an item bought from store Y turns out to be more expensive than a similar item in store X, can the customer return the item and ask for a refund?

No. While consumers have the right to choose and make a canvass of prices, once a sale in done and the product has no defect, one cannot return the goods nor ask for a refund.

Can a store exercise only a policy of exchange but not refund?

Consumers are entitled to either an exchange or refund, as long as there is a defect in the quality of goods or imperfection in the service.

If the defect is due to mishandling on the part of the buyer, can he/she still return the item and demand and exchange or refund? 

No. The prohibition covers only hidden defects, shoddy goods or imperfect service.

If after buying a certain item, a customer changes his/her mind and wants to return said item. Can he/she invoke the prohibition on “No Return, No Exchange”? 

No, the prohibition is not an excuse for the consumer to return the goods because of a change of mind.

Is there a time limit within which a buyer may return defective products? 

There is no hard-and-fast rule on the period within which a customer may return the products he purchased. A rule of reason should, however, be observed, taking into consideration the nature of the item purchased and the express / implied warranties mandated by law, i.e. Consumer Act and the New Civil Code of the Philippines. 

Can a buyer return defective goods without the official receipt?

The Official Receipt is the best proof of purchase. However, he/she may still demand replacement or refund if he/she can prove that a defective item was bought from a certain store.

Can a store print in their invoices the statement “Exchange of Merchandise will not be accepted without a valid receipt or other evidence of purchase”? 

No, because there may be goods exclusively manufactured or sold by a company and there is no need to prove purchase of the item.

Can a store impose the condition that merchandise can only be exchanged once? 

No, because merchandise can be exchanged as many times, as long as the consumer chooses the option of replacement.

Source:DTI Philippines

BUS GOING TO VIGAN

PARTAS
Address: 816 Aurora Boulevard corner P. Bernardo St., Cubao 1109 Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 725-1740
Destination: Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province, Vigan in Ilocos Sur Province, Baguio in Benguet Province

DOMINION BUS LINES
Address: New York Street, Cubao, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 741-4146, 731-4180
Destination: San Fernando City in La Union Province, Vigan in Ilocos Sur Province and Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province

FARIÑAS TRANS
Address: Laong Laan corner M dela Fuente Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 743-8582
Destination: Vigan in Ilocos Sur Province and Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province

MARIA DE LEON
Address: Gelinos Street 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 731-4907
Destination: Vigan City in Ilocos Sur Province, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte Province

PHILIPPINE RABBIT BUS LINES, INC.
Address: 819 Oroquieta Street 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 734-9836
Destination: Angeles City in Pampanga Province, Tarlac City in Tarlac Province, Sta. Cruz in Zambales Province, Alaminos City and Bolinao in Pangasinan Province, Baguio in Benguet Province, San Fernando in La Union Province, Vigan in Ilocos Province, Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province

VIRON TRANSIT
Address: 1209 Blumentritt Cor. Dapitan St., Sampaloc 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 741-0405
Destination: Manaoag in Pangasinan Province, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur Province

VIGAN KALESA TOUR-VILLA ANGELA HERITAGE HOUSE

 

Manong kutsero brought me to the old house called Villa Angela Heritage House where the local movie “Maruja” was filmed.

Villa Angela Heritage House personifies the charm of old world Vigan. It is located along Quirino Boulevard.  Gobernadorcillo Agapito B. Florendo had it built in 1870 in a 2,000 square meter property.

Upon entering the garden of Villa Angela, you will see a wooden carriage, said to have been used by Irene Marcos, daughter of former President Ferdinand Marcos. It was allegedly used to transport her to Sta. Monica Cathedral in Ilocos Norte on her wedding in 1983.

Villa Angela counts among its visitors Hollywood actor Tom Cruise. This heritage house is said to be where Tom Cruise stayed in 1989 while he was filming Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July. A picture of him with the owner hangs in one of the main rooms.

Villa Angela’s living room area has huge windows made of capiz or windowglass shells. There visitors can rest in big, old wooden chairs called butaka while imagining listening to the victrola (old phonograph) or giant harp that decorate the living room together with antique oil lamps and jars.

In the dining room or comedor, visitors will also see many antique dining and kitchen objects like copper pots, porcelain and china ware. There is even a huge old jar that was used to keep food fresh or chilled, much like a refrigerator.

Effort has been made in each room to keep the ambiance of the old Spanish period. That’s why Villa Angela has been used also for the filming of the movie “Jose Rizal.”
 

Villa Angela is opened to the public, as venue for weddings, birthdays, baptismal parties, workshops, meetings and other important gatherings. They specialize in catering traditional Ilocano food to guests and participants.

They are now also a bed and breakfast hotel. All the rooms are air-conditioned, with private baths and cable television. Breakfast is included in the rates. Guest  may choose to stay in the rooms with verandas and four-poster canopy beds.

Note: This is not a paid post. The author is a travel blogger and her passion is traveling on a shoe string. The Villa Angela tour is one of her stop during her kalesa tour.

VIGAN KALESA TOUR:Burnay Factory

VIGAN KALESA TOUR:Burnay Factory

My visit to the Burnay Factory in Vigan is one of the best ever experience I had in Vigan.

The Burnay Factory (earthen jar or pottery) at Barangay Pagburnayan, Vigan City is one of the best keep secrets of Vigan!

Hundreds of Burnay (earthen jar or pottery) is on display at the grounds of the factory.

If you find yourself  in Vigan, don't you miss this place.

Nothing compares in seeing the earthen jars in person. 

I tried to make an earthen jar to no avail, so I just pose for posterity with the earthen jar made by the son of the owner. It is said that pottery making calms the mind and promotes relaxation so you better try it if you have time.

It is more fun in the Philippines! Visit and enjoy pottery making at the Burnay Factory in Vigan.

VIGAN KALESA TOUR- BELL TOWER AND ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH

VIGAN KALESA TOUR- BELL TOWER AND ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH

St. Augustine Church

After my tour around Padre Burgos house we went to Bantay Bell Tower and St. Augustine Church.

The St. Augustine Church is the oldest church in Region 1.  It is a beautiful old church with a glorious maroon and white façade.

 

This is where the original Panday movies by the late FPJ was shot according to manong kutsero.

Manong Kutsero (carriage driver) brought me to Bantay the next town after Vigan. There you will find the Bantay Bell Tower. Towering over the town, the Bantay Bell Tower is a sight to behold, standing separately over a hilltop next to the equally beautiful St. Augustine Parish Church.

The bell tower original structure was built by Augustinian Missionaries in 1591, most likely as a part of the parish church nearby.  It was made of bricks, rocks, and a mixture of seashells and sugar cane. There are hardly any renovations done to the structure, except for the repairs of the stairs inside the tower.

The bell tower stands on the tallest point in town.  It was used as a watch tower during the Spanish colonial period.  That's the reason why the tower is named “bantay” which in Ilocano means “mountain” and “guard.”

Climbing up the second level of the belfry is no problem, but going up the third level may take a bit more guts. The wooden stairs are new, but the rickety sound and the tall open windows may trigger a heart attack to the weak. But mind you the views from both levels are absolutely breath-taking.  The bell tower provides a good view of the town and the mountain in the horizon.

The bell tower is also quite popular because according to manong kutsero because it is the  location of the film- Panday by the late Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ)

The next time you find yourself in Vigan, ride a kalesa ( horse carriage) and tour the different glorious locations of the province.

VIGAN KALESA TOUR PART THREE- FR. BURGOS MUSEUM

VIGAN KALESA TOUR PART THREE- FR. BURGOS MUSEUM

Our next kalesa stop is the nearby Padre Burgos Museum. Entrance fee is ten (Php 10) pesos. The museum is managed by staff from the National Museum. You can either explore the artifacts yourself or have a guide join you free of charge.

The Burgos Museum is open the entire week except for Mondays and holidays. Museum hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
                                                 
Fr. Burgos Museum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur is a two-storey ancestral house of the martyr-priest Padre Jose Burgos. The house was built in 1788 and owned by his grandparents Don Juan Gonzales and Doña Florentina Gascon. Despite the limited funds of the city, the museum has maintained its 19th century interior and its well-preserved kitchen.

                           

Antique collections and dioramas of local historical events can be found here along with a hall of fame for the Ilocano heroes and achievers.

                                                          Earthen Jars from yesteryears.       

                   This is their rain gears! The ever reliable salakot and rain coat with gasera.

                                

Fr. Jose Burgos museum contains his memorabilia along with an excellent collection of archaeological and ethnological finds such as a series of paintings dating back to Basi Revolt and records of the native reactions to colonialism.

The hot and cold water dispenser of Fr. Jose Burgos' Family

This is the flat iron during Fr. Jose Burgos time. It was my first time to see a round flat iron like this:-)

Where to stay?

There are numerous options for accommodation in Vigan. Prices are very reasonable, typically around P 2500 pesos for a descent accommodations. Cheaper accommodation is available. The Villa Angela Heritage Hotel offers a good antique feel, but there are numerous quality options.

How to get there?

By plane via PAL. Upon landing in Laoag City visit Fort Ilocandia and enjoy the swimming pool and amenities they offer. Take a bus or hire a vehicle to take you to Vigan city which is about two (2) hours away.

By bus from Manila (about 8 hours).

Partas Transportation Co. Inc., located at #816 Aurora Boulevard, corner Arayat, Cubao, Quezon City. Buses leave Manila every hour.

Air-conditioned Bus Fare is P600. For more info call 724-98-20/ 725-17-40.

Other buses

Tip: Go to San Fernando, La Union first and enjoy the San Juan Surf Beach then get a bus to Vigan which takes 2-3 hours. Ask a local as to where the bus station is located.

How many days should I stay?

Overnight if you arrive early is sufficient to see most of the sights.

Tips and Comments 

• Bagnet is delicious in Vigan. 
• Buy at the local market it is cheaper there! 
• I personally like the design of the shirts at Casa Rica.
• You could haggle with the kutchero so don't be afraid to make tawad hindi tuwad ha ha ha! Joke!