How to commute from Legaspi Airport

How to commute from Legaspi Airport

Bicol is very near Manila. As a matter of fact, the plane ride from Manila to Legaspi will only take around 45 minutes. 

Transportation to the Legaspi Satellite Bus Terminal or other parts of Legaspi from the airport: 

• Tricycle
• Jeep
• Taxi
•  Van for hire
•  Hotel Coaster

Tricycle
  
Tricycles can be found inside the compound of the airport but their price ranges from Php 50 to Php 100. Keyword: Haggle. If they still insist on charging you that price then walk towards the gate of the airport. Outside the gate, you will find tricycles that charge from Php 20 to Php40 only, depending on how good your haggling skills are.

Jeep 

If you travel on a shoestring like me and you can manage to carry all you suitcases, then travel via jeepney like me where I only pay a fare of Php 8.00 going to the Central terminal in Legazpi.

How to find that jeepney?

Go out of the airport's gate and walk towards your left (Landmark is the anchor saying welcome to Albay.) then walk straight ahead. You will find a lot of jeepneys at the end of that road. Facing that road, ride the jeepney going to the left on the other side of the road (Yes, you have to cross the road) to go to the central terminal. Fare is only Php 8.00.

Taxi

Unfortunately, there are only five (5) taxi cabs at that time when we went to Legaspi. So they are hard to come by. They use taxi meter and they are clean, fast and the fare is cheap, even cheaper than fares charged by tricycles.

Van for hire

If you are a solo traveler, it is not practical to hire these vans but if you are in a group, consisting of at least ten (10) people then negotiate with them. Price ranges from Php 500 to several thousands depending on your agreement. I even had an experience when after almost all my co-passengers were gone, a van agreed to bring me to the terminal for only Php 20.00 o saan ka pa :-P!

Hotel Coaster 
  
This mode of transportation won't bring you to the terminal but to their respective hotels but at least it is free and you can ride a tricycle in front of the hotel. Tricycle along the highway or in Centro to the terminal would only be Php 8.00.

Enjoy your travels! Keep safe!

VILLAR FOUNDATION: Partners Anew with DZRH in Cleaning up Manila Bay

VILLAR FOUNDATION: Partners Anew with DZRH in Cleaning up Manila Bay

 
"The future of mankind can be assured only if we rediscover ways in which to live as a part of nature, not apart from her" - HRH The Prince of Wales addressing UN climate conference COP15, Copenhagen (December 2009)

Each one of us must do our share in protecting our environment. After all we only have one planet to live in. As what HRH Prince Philip said: "The conservation of nature, the proper care for the human environment and a general concern for the long-term future of the whole of our planet are absolutely vital if future generations are to have a chance to enjoy their existence on this earth."
 
Some people uses words without action and nothing is more hateful than that and there are others who silently act without any words. Imagine my happiness when I was introduce to the different projects of the Villar Foundation in 2012. Upon observing their various projects my faith was restored that rehabilitation of our environment can still be done if we act together. Villar Foundatio is continuing its partnership with DZRH’s ‘Makabagong Bayanihan Manila Bay Clean Up.” Last year, MISIS Cynthia Villar, Managing Director of the foundation, inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) represented by radio station DZRH in its Manila Bay Clean up drive.

In addition to the weekly clean up of Villar Foundation volunteers together with students and other volunteers they also recently conducted a clean up drive with DZRH.  According to Mrs. Cynthia Villar the more partners they work with, the better it will be for the environment. The last clean up of the foundation with DZRH was on August 25 last year.


The clean up covers the entire stretch of Manila Bay. The Villar Foundation will take charge of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism Area (LPPCHEA), the same site where they do their regular clean up. 

Also known as the Freedom Island, LPPCHRA is accessible from the Coastal Road. The target area will be the open beach areas facing out to the Manila Bay.

“We are pleased with the improvement that we are seeing at LPPCHEA. The number of truckloads of garbage that we are getting here has considerably decreased and we attribute that to our consistent clean up efforts,” cited Villar.

The Villar Foundation will be joined by at least 1,000 volunteers from schools, barangays, NGOs, socio-civic organizations, and other private individuals and groups. 

According to her, the days following a typhoon, are usually the period when most garbages have been collected from the area since wastes from as far away as Cavite are being dragged by the storm surge in the area. And the garbage takes weeks or even more than a month to be collected.

“Clean up plays a big factor but in the long run, we really need to discipline the people and make them aware of the consequences of their indiscriminate throwing and dumping of garbage. The immense flooding that we have experienced in recent years should send a clear signal already of the environmental degradation of Manila Bay and other waterways in our country,” added Villar. 

As per the MoA, MBC or DZRH will lead the Manila Bay Cleanup project along the coastline of Manila Bay from Navotas to Bacoor, Cavite “to help promote any and all efforts in relation to the promotion of sustainable ecosystem of Manila Bay”.

The clean up activities will take place from 7am to 11am onwards and the garbage collected will be turned over to appropriate government solid waste collector in the area.

“The Villar Foundation and DZRH agree that this is a joint cooperative undertaking, but more importantly, it is a major public service activity that shall help contribute to the promotion of a livable, healthier and ecological sustainable Manila Bay,” cited the MoA.

Villar has been vocal about her strong support for the protection of Manila Bay. To recall on March 16 last year, she filed a petition for Writ of Kalikasan against a Manila Bay reclamation project that is seen to cause catastrophic flooding in the area. The Supreme Court granted her petition and issued a Writ of Kalikasan on April 10.

“We will continue to support campaigns or drives to protect Manila Bay and neighboring areas including LPPCHEA. Moreover, we will continue to oppose projects that will cause damage and destruction to the bay and nearby cities,” cited Villar. If carried out, the Manila Bay reclamation project that Villar is opposing is seen to cause severe flooding in numerous barangays -- 11 in Parañaque, 37 in Bacoor and 17 in Las Piñas.

For more details about the projects and programs of the Villar Foundation, please visit www.villarfoundation.org or follow www.twitter.com/VFoundationInc.

Goldilocks Coupon: Download and Print

Goldilocks Coupon: Download and Print

Here is a great deal from Goldilocks this 2013! Download and print the coupon below to avail of awesome discounts for your favorite meals and merienda combos at Goldilocks. Yummy start for an awesome year!

Enjoy!!

JELLY-G: Delicious Thai Milk Tea

JELLY-G: Delicious Thai Milk Tea 
 
Bangkok and Ayutthaya are two of my favorite places in the world. In fact, I love anything Thai, from Durian chips ( to die for!!), Tamarind, Tom-Yum-Goong (Thai: ต้มยำกุ้ง, IPA: [tôm jam kûŋ) to Thai Milk tea (Thai: ชาเย็น). 

A lot of small coffee/tea shops can be found all over Thailand. But we observed that unlike in the Philippines, Thai people like their iced tea on the go and take it with them in a small plastic bag with the straw sticking out. Very few people sit at shops and drink it leisurely. In fact, many shops have no place to sit.

In Thailand, they call Thai Milk Tea as"cha-yen”.  Cha-Yen is a cold drink made from strongly-brewed black tea enhanced with ingredients like orange blossom, star anise, and crushed tamarind seed, as well as sweetened condensed milk are mixed with the tea, then a tablespoon of evaporated milk or half-and-half is floated on top. Some Thai chef uses sugar and half-and-half to make cha yen while other Thai chef uses condensed milk and half evaporated milk. No matter which combination you choose, there’s no other beverage that works as well with the foods of Thailand.

Maybe not a lot of people know that nothing works to neutralize the blistering heat of Thai food than a cold Thai Milk Tea. My brother and I come to love the taste of this cool treat while vacationing in Bangkok, Thailand. So you could just imagine our happiness when we were invited to try this cool Thai Milk Tea place called Jelly-G in Shaw Zentrum 500 at Shaw Boulevard the other day.

Jelly G lets you sip in an indulging cup of smooth milky layers beautifully blended with tea’s hint of deep amber color. When your cup of drink seems a less than-inspired concoction, why not make the switch to a healthier option with better, more imaginative taste? Let these crazy-good milk tea inventions tickle your taste buds for a change and experience another of Thailand’s gift to humanity. They also offer thick toasts as combination to the refreshing Thai drinks.

Jelly-G Milk Tea is the only premier drink brand in the Philippines that serves authentic, creamy and perfectly blended Thai Milk Tea.  Every Jelly-G Thai Milk Tea uses freshly steeped tea leaves daily mixed with all-natural ingredients like Arabica Coffee, Pure Australian Milk Chocolate and puree from fresh fruits with its signature grass jelly intensifying the richness of Jelly-G drinks.

Remember, don't forget to drink this super sweet, lightly spiced beverage to calm sizzling hot Thai foods. 

 

JellyG branches:

• Ground Floor, Shaw Zentrum 500 Shaw Boulevard
• Food Choices, Glorietta 4 
• 3rd Level Activity Center Market!Market! 
• Food Choices, Alabang Town Center Activity Center 
• MarQuee Mall Ground Level 
• Robinsons Metro East 3rd Level
• SM Marikina 2nd Level, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall 
• 3rd Level, Festival Super mall

UNIQLO: Winners of Holiday Treat Announced

UNIQLO: Winners of Holiday Treat Announced

Photo shows (from left): Jasmin Cruz, Assistant Marketing Manager of Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc.; DTI representative Jheric Saracho; and UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia Store Manager Tanaka Takatoshi during the draw held at the UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia.

UNIQLO, a global apparel brand known for its philosophy of not following trends yet allowing people to express themselves through its unique clothing line, announced recently the names of the winners of its recent “Wish Tree” holiday treat for its loyal shoppers.

The complete list of winners of the UNIQLO “Wish Tree” holiday promo can now be viewed at UNIQLO Philippines’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/uniqlo.ph.

The promo started last November 30 and allowed shoppers at UNIQLO’s two stores in the Philippines—SM Mall of Asia and SM City North EDSA—to choose their desired “wish list” and hang them at the specially-designed UNIQLO tree located at each store.

To win their wish list, shoppers only need to purchase any UNIQLO item such as the Ultra Light Down, Heattech, Heattech Micro Fleece or Micro Fleece products.

The special “wish list” created by UNIQLO for the “Wish Tree” campaign promo includes a free buffet meal for a family of 4 at Vikings Buffet Restaurant located at SM Mall of Asia, IMAX movie tickets, and a shopping spree at UNIQLO worth P5,000 for a family of 4 people.

A total of Ten (10) winners of Vikings family buffet meal and IMAX movie tickets were drawn from both the SM Mall of Asia and SM City North EDSA stores while 8 winners were drawn from both stores who will win the UNIQLO shopping spree.

Present during the raffle draw were Assistant Marketing Manager of Fast Retailing Philippines, Inc., Ms. Jasmin Cruz; Trade and Industry Development Analyst of the Department of Trade and Industry-National Capital Region (DTI-NCR), Mr. Jheric Saracho, who supervised the draw, and Mr. Tanaka Takatoshi, UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia Store Manager.

UNIQLO first store in the Philippines is located at the 2nd Floor, Main Mall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, while the second store is located at the SM City North EDSA The Block in Quezon City. UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia store is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. while UNIQLO SM City North EDSA The Block is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 9111 Series of 2012.

For more about UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com.ph or the UNIQLO Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/uniqlo.ph.

FREE INTERNET AND COFFEE: iZone-iHUB Philippines Beacon of Innovation

FREE INTERNET AND COFFEE: iZone-iHUB Philippines Beacon of Innovation 

Attention: Students, out-of-school youth, parents, teachers, anyone and everyone who believe they have the talent but lack the resources. Here's a piece of good news for you!
                 

You can now use the facilities of iZone-iHUB, the first technology research center in the Philippines that accommodates technology-driven individuals who want their potential to be nurtured and developed absolutely free. iZone-iHUB Center is located at the Penthouse of a building in Ortigas. If you have the talent, a project and you want somebody to help you develop and finance your project then you should present it to the shakers and movers of  iZone-iHUB Center. This can be your chance to develop further and monetize your project.

“Focus on the Goal not the Road to get there, because the “road to success” is always under construction” - Dan Pen

What is iZone-iHUB Center?

iZone-iHUB Center is an online community that provides Pinoy techies and innovative individuals a room for collaboration. It aims to encourage knowledge sharing among those who have the passion for Information Technology. This place is great. iZone-iHUB Center gives you the freedom to use the office space for collaborating with your fellow techies absolutely free.

                                     
Location:

iZone-iHUB offers a central location of its facilities to techies and individuals who would want to have a place where they can collaborate with fellow techies and innovators to come up with projects that can probably be the next big thing to come after Facebook. Office Location of iZone-iHUB is at the 12th Floor (Penthouse) of Agustin I Building, #28 F. Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Avenue, Ortigas Business Center, Pasig City 1605.

Operating Hours:

The facility operates from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They accommodate not just techies but just about everyone who has projects aimed for global distribution.  

What they offer?

• Free unlimited access to WiFi
• Free flowing coffee ( I love the cappucino flavor at their office)
• Office space amenities ( LED PC, Aircon, Lights etc.)
• Safety 
• Security
• Free advise and assistance from experts and consultants of iZone-iHUB for your projects whether they can actually be monetized or developed further.

What’s the catch? 

There is no catch! iZone-iHUB just wants to offer its place to techie Filipino who would want to have a place they can call a second home away from their homes.

AIM:

• To serve as incubators for start up projects under the pseudo of Information Technology (IT) to be exposed to commercialization targeting a global market.

MISSION: To nourish and cultivate the minds of bright and creative individuals by letting them discover their ultimate potential in the field of Information Technology.


Here are the steps:
1.      Pack your gadgets together with your creative mind and outstanding development skills.
2.      Bring a valid Identification Card.
3.      Proceed to iZone-iHUB Center.

4.      Release all of your creative juices, brainstorm, and work with people who share the          same interests as you!

Endless opportunities and possibilities are being offered by iZone-iHUB to the technology community! 

CONTEST

iZone-iHUB has an on-going contest where individuals or groups can win as much as fifty thousand pesos ( Php 50,000) worth of prizes. By submitting their innovative projects to iZone-iHUB, the founder Daniel S. Peña Sr. (born on August 10, 1945) is a Hispanic-American businessman, who is a well-known business magnate and investor, Entrepreneur, Business Success Coach for High Performers. Founder of QLA methodology! And World Traveler! He has 40 plus years of experience dealing with businesses and start ups entrepreneur, mentor, and business coach, born in Jacksonville, Florida. Under his wings, you will be ensured that your project will go to greater heights. You have an opportunity for your project to be commercialized or monetized under iZone-iHUB and also at the same time you get to win the prize.

                                  
 iZone-iHUB will have a grand launch on January 18, 2013, where IT leaders and IT enthusiasts can fully grasp what are the activities lined up for the year 2013 followed by the Techno Summit on February 16, 2013. Highlight of this event would be the twenty four (24) hour Hackathon event where participants from Colleges, Universities and Professional sector would be able to work as a team or as an individual and compete in developing an innovative project within the 24 hour window, participants would also have the opportunity to have this project exposed by presenting it on the event hall. Both events will be graced by renowned individuals under the technology industry with the likes of Representative Angelo B. Palmones.

Remember, do not believe those lies that you amount to nothing. If people tell you that you cannot do these or that. Don't believe them. Like Dan Pena, you too can turn ”you can't's” into ”How Can I’s” and prove the nay-Sayers wrong. 

Excelsior!

Disclaimer: I am not in any way connected to iZone-iHUB. 

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE: List of School with No Classes

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE: List of School with No Classes
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the suspension of classes in schools located along the route of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene during the Feast of Quiapo district this Wednesday.
 
Classes are suspended in the following schools: 

• Manila High School
• Victoriano Mapa High School
• Apolinario Mabini Elementary School
• Geronimo Santiago Elementary School
• Ramon Avancena High School
• Manila Science High School 
• Araullo High School
• Colegio de San Juan de Letran
• Adamson University
• University of the East (Manila)
• Mapua Institute of Technology
• Far Eastern University
• University of  Sto.Tomas
• San Beda College 
• UE Manila  

Regular classes will resume on Thursday, January 10, 2013.
 
The suspension includes not only classes but also office work in their respective institutions.
For its part, Mapua clarified that it will only be suspending classes on that day, but not office work. "No classes on Wednesday, 9 Jan. 2013, for Intramuros campus only," it will be a “regular working day for all employees.” Mapua said on its Twitter account.

Photos: Collin Yap

MMDA ADVISORY: 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene

MMDA ADVISORY: 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene

Attention: To all mamanata, tourist and motorist be wise, plan your alternate route now. 

This advisory pertains to the Traslacion 2013 Procession of the Black Nazarene to be held on January 9, 2013 at Quiapo Church and the highlight of the celebration is the Grand Procession that will start at Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) at about 7:00 AM onwards. As we all know, this procession is always a blockbuster and hold the record for the longest procession ever in the history of the annual religious festival. Last year, 2012, it took 22 hours, a “wheel-less” carriage, a broken rope, and a frenzied mob to bring the Black Nazarene from the Quirino Grandstand early Monday to the Quiapo Church at around 6 a.m. the following day.  

If you are one of the people I listed below, please don't go for your own good. In a sea of people, even if you want to protect whoever is beside you, it will be impossible to do that. Plus there's a possibility that cellphone signals will be shut off again. Yes, you read it right, No cellphone signals along Nazarene procession route.

• pregnant women
• elderly
• sick
• has an ongoing medical treatment
• Parents are advised not to bring children.
• If you're joining or just watching the procession, don't show up drunk.

ROUTE: 

• From Quirino Grandstand (Luneta)
• right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos
• left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge
• right Palanca,thru under Quezon Bridge
• left Quezon Blvd.
• right Fraternal
• right Vergara
• left Duque de Alba
• left Castillejos
• left farnecio
• right Arlegui
• left Nepomuceno
• left Aguila
• right Carcer
• right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen
• left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat
• left Guzman
• right Hidalgo
• left Barbosa
• right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge
• right Palanca
• right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church.

 
AFFECTED AREAS DURING PROCESSION AND EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC:
 
1. Stretch of Roxas Blvd./Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to TM Kalaw north and southbound lane.
2. Southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Recto to Palanca (subway-isetan Recto)
3. Stretch of Lerma from P.Campa to Quezon Blvd.
4. Taft Ave./Finance (westbound lane).
5. Lagusnilad/P.Burgos (westbound lane).
6. P.Burgos/Taft Ave (Freedom Triangle-northbound lane).
7. Villegas/N.A Lopez.
8. 25th Street/Bonifacio Drive (southbound lane).

ROAD CLOSURE:
 
1. JANUARY 8, 2013 - 8:00 AM, katigbak Drive and South Drive will be closed to traffic.
2. at 4:00 AM, January 9, 2013, southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo), from Andalucia/Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and España/P.Campa/Lerma shall be closed to traffic for Public Utility vehicles (PUV) only.
3. At 5:00 AM total closure for all types of vehicles shall be implemented.

North Area  starting at 5:00 AM
 
1. P Campa/España
2. Nicanor Reyes/España
3. Andalucia/Fugoso
3. Recto/Issetan (Service Road)
4. Raon/Evangelista

South Area starting at 6:00 AM
 
1. Ma. Orosa/P.Burgos
2. Lagusnilad/P.Burgos
3. Taft/Finance/Westbound
4. A. Villegas/Taft Ave. (LRT)
5. 25th Street/Bonifacio Drive
6. N.A. Lopez/A. Villegas
7. Anda Circle/Bonifacio Drive
8. Gen. Luna/P.Burgos
9. Roxas Blvd. TM Kalaw
10. katigbak/Roxas Blvd.
 

RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES
 
1. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of España shall turn right P.Campa,left Andalucia,right Fugoso,left T.Mapua to point of destination.
2. All PUJs/light vehicles coming from España intending to proceed to South Pier Zone turn left Nicanor Reyes,right Recto straight to JAS,left Reina Regente take Jones Bridge,right Magallanes Drive to point of destination.
3. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive southbound shall turn right Roberto S. Oca St.,left Delgado,left 25th St.,left Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or shall take right to A. Soriano to magallanes Drive,right P.Burgos,go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.
4. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of P.Burgos shall take TM Kalaw,left Taft Ave.,right A Villegas,right Quezon Bridge to point of destination (NOTE: northbound of Quezon Blvd. is open to traffic).
5. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound or Roxas Blvd. from P.Ocampo to P.Burgos shall turn right TM Kalaw left Taft Ave. to point of destination.
6. All PUJs plying Monumento-Gasak-Recto intending to utilize Andalucia thru Recto shall turn right Oroqueta to point of origin.
7. All vehicles coming fromLegarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.
8. All vehicles using Taft Ave. northbound shall turn right A. Villegas (Arroceros) right Quezon Bridge to point of destination.
9. All heavy vehicles/Cargo Trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmeña, Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via AH Lacson to Capulong (vise versa).
10. All motorist intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilize the stretch of AH Lacson to Nagtahan (vise versa) or to utilize stretch of Road-10 to Roxas Blvd. (vise versa) to point of destination.
11. All buses coming from eastern part of Manila particularly G-Liner/RRCG utilizing Legarda shall turn right Palanca to Quiapo Ilalim to point of destination.
12. All buses coming from Taft. going to Fairview shall right UN Ave. up to Otis left Nagtahan go straight AH Lacson,right España to point of origin.
13. All buses coming southern part of Manila Laguna & Cavite utilizing taft Ave. are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and allowed only up to Remedios St. right San Marcelino back to point of Origin. #mmda

Special thanks to sir Collin Sarthou Yap for the pictures.