2010 August: Singapore: Sentosa Adventure on the Last Day

Travel Date: August 16, 2010 Destination: Sentosa, Singapore This is our last day in Singapore. In Vivo City, we took our breakfast at Toast Box. Then we find our way to the ticket booth for the Jewel Cable Car. The ticket costs 26sgd if you are going to Mount Faber before going to Sentosa. But if you wanted to go straight to Sentosa Island, you can get the 24sgd one-way ticket. Four years ago, as far as I can remember these cars are in different colors. Now, all the cars were painted in black. The trip was just so smooth, no more shakings as you get closer to the cable post or cable station. You would also see Hard Rock Hotel from above. We arrived there before noon and the weather is just so hot.Few more steps and we reached the tram terminal, we took a tram ride that will take us to the Palawan Beach – where Southern Most Point of Continental Asia is found. We took another tram to go on the other side of the island for the Siloso Beach. To return to the main island, we took the monorail. For our last minute (or should I say, last hour) shopping, we went to Vivo City and Funan Mall.

Postcards collected after 4 days

We had our final dinner in Lau Pa Sat. We arrived at the Budget Terminal almost an hour and half before our flight – we are now leaving Singapore!

Thanks to my travel mates Kath and Reg, to our hosts Kim and Darwin (and Ariel), to our college friends Wally, Diane and Ratz and the rest of the Singaporeans who helped us with the directions to reach our destinations safe and sound.

2010 August: Singapore: Universal Studio Singapore

Travel Date: August 14, 2010
Destination: Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa

From Purple Lane: Harbourfront station, find the Resort World Shuttle Bus (RW8). Not sure if it is 1 or 2sgd, but the return trip to Vivo City is just free. Buy your Universal Studios online tickets earlier because when we check it, most of the days are already sold-out. The place opens at 10am. Don’t forget to take the photo with the Globe and the Hollywood signage at the back of the gates. Exchange your online ticket to get your Retail and Food Voucher (discount of 5sgd). There is no security measure in USS. No checking of bags as we go through the gates. In Hollywood area, we took lunch in Mel’s Drive-In – classic 1950’s American restaurant that serves rocket sauce burgers, fish and chicken sandwiches. Not much fun in the Hollywood Theatre that shows “Monster Rock” concert. They had Dracula and Mummy who dance and sing. In New York area, we watched how Director Spielberg adds special effects in his movies. Nice experience, real fire, water sprinkles, cold temperature, strong winds and the strong floor shake/drop completes the show. Don’t fail to watch the Rockafella Streetboys as they perform outside the World Premier building in NY area. We saw Chris Cruz and Nicko Manalo. Some of my friends were able to catch Meynard Marcellano (based on their FB photos). We passed by the Sci-Fi City as most of the attractions are still closed. Accelerator, Battlestar Galactica Human (Red) and Cylon (Blue) are different roller coasters that will twist, turn and propel you in the air – even if it is open, I’ll never try this! Revenge of the Mummy in Ancient Egypt area – was the highlight of my USS trip. It is a rollercoaster in the dark, with fire, heat and video effects. Don’t worry about your bags, camera or phones, there are locker bins in the area that are free for the first 30mins. Water World is the one I’ve been wanting to see in USS, and it did not disappoint me. Nice stunts and effects. There is a sprinkle and splash area that you could choose from. We also tried Canopy Flyer in The Lost World area. You’ll be seating and your feet are just suspended. Get the back seat – for more excitement, so you’ll never see the direction on which side you will be thrown – there goes the surprise! Far Far Away’s castle is like the Disney castle. The Shrek 4-D Adventure is much better than the Mickey’s Philharmagic Show, it is my first time to experience that even my seat is moving and shaking as the character in the movie is running and falling. Donkey Live show is just so amazing, I mean how can a cartoon video follow the live conversation with the audience in an instant. The voice is obviously easy to create, but not for the video. In Madagascar, we watched the Penguins and other characters singing and dancing on the streets. We also tried the carousel – King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round. Got the following collectibles and apparel in the US Store in the Hollywood area. The attractions close at 7pm, but the area is still open until late night. There is also a Hershey’s store where you can find Reese and some other chocolates. You can opt to go straight to the Songs of the Sea, if you have not yet seen it. For us, we choose to go back to Vivo City, we ate at The Asian Kitchen and the crab meat is just so delicious.

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 3

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 3

On our 3rd day, we find a place were we can sip hot tea or coffee. I can still remember the song from one of the houses there - Michael Buble’s Coming Back Home. That day was our third and last day in Sagada. Yes, we are going back to Manila.

But before that, we still have a Walking Tour. We saw St. Mary’s Episcopal church.

We reached Calvary Hills, Echo Valley and saw Hanging Coffins.


By 12:00nn, we bid goodbye to Sagada and took an ordinary bus going to Baguio. We passed by La Trinidad Benguet, and took off at Victory Liner Terminal by 6pm.


We quickly visit Baguio Cathedral, bought our pasalubongs and had our dinner in Gecko Restaurant.

By 8pm we left Baguio, and by 2am, we’re here again in the busy streets of Manila.

Thanks to Ced, Reg and the rest of the TF’s for your patience. For the record we were the last pair to arrive both on first day going to Bontoc and last day on going back to Manila. Major Pasaway Tandem. Finally, thanks Kim for inviting me on this trip.

Enjoyed and Conquered Sagada!

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 2

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 2

By 5am, we already reached Kiltepan Viewpoint, to wait for the sunrise. It is still too dark, so we had our mini bonfire.


By around 6.30am, we go back to the guest house to take our breakfast and bath. By 8.30am, were ready to depart for our Cave Adventure. There are 2 caves to visit. One option is to choose the Cave Connection Adventure - which is you will start from Lumiang Cave take the difficult path and you’ll go out in the Sumaging Cave. Travelers normally take 5 hours to complete this.

The second option is to just see the Lumiang Cave Entrance - where the coffins are displayed. Then take a jeepney going to Sumaging Cave. This is an easier path and will take only 3 hours. I think we were too slow as it took us almost 4-5 hours just to complete the easy path.

Wear swimsuit inside as you will pass a chest deep water. Though it was just almost 2 meters walk in a very cold water. For non-swimmers no need to be frightened.

There are 3 stages for the easy path - slippery, rocky and I forgot the other one, hehe! The first is slippery because of the mud on the rocks. Next, is still slippery and rocky, but now with lime stones. There is also a part when you need to remove your slippers or shoes.

The guides have their own lamps, but if you have difficulty on seeing in the dark, you better get yourself a headlamp. I got mine around 300php on Toby’s. The more led light much better, also yellow light is better than white light.

The famous rock formations are located in Sumaging Cave, thus I chose the easy path than the difficult one.

What I love on this challenge, I jump into the water holding a rope with no idea on how deep the water is. Plus, there is a short rappelling without any harness on the travelers. Note, you just need to believe in your guides and totally trust them.

It is expected that you’ll be a total mess, too dirty after caving - but don’t worry, there is a store outside the Sumaging Cave where you can wash your hands and feet for just 10-20php. For some, it is advisable to bring wet tissue for quick clean-up.


We took our late lunch and bath back in the guest house. Then we finally bought our pasalubongs and got to see the stores in Sagada. And for those addicted to net, yes, there are internet shops in Sagada for only 25-30php/hour.

We tried banana yoghurt in Yoghurt House. This is the place when me kuya, I asked for a service water in Tagalog. Then he replied in English - I think it is not safe to drink water from the faucet. My friend and I were stunned with how fluent they speak in English. Yes, English is their second language next to their local dialect. Some of them can’t even speak Filipino, but can converse with you in English.

By 5.30 we left town proper to see Sunset in Lake Danum, too bad were late. So instead, we watched sunset above the jeepney. Then we went to Lake Danum for our late dinner , bonfire and social discussion.

Before 10pm we went back to the guest house, just in time for the Sagada curfew.

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 1

2009 Feb: Sagada, Philippines: Day 1

Around 9pm, Friday, we took Cable Tours bus (Cable Tour Terminal, E. Rodriguez Avenue in front of Trinity College and Burger King) and left Manila. Don’t expect much on this bus, some of the seats were broken, air conditioner is not working well, plus the space is too small. It is like a baby bus, which will easily pass the small roads up north.

By 7am, we reached the Mountain Province. We stop for a while and see the site from Banaue Viewing Deck.

After passing the mountains from 3 hours, we reached Bontoc, where we took our brunch. By around 12nn, we finally reached Sagada.

Our group is divided into 2, we stayed in Alabama Inn and the other group stayed in George Guest House. After taking a rest for a while and having our lunch, that was also our chance to take a bath after the very long trip.

Then by around 2pm, we started our trek on Banga-an Rice Terraces. Based on Kuya Elmer (President of the Sagada Guides), the entrance fee we pay goes to the cemented pathways along the terraces.

At the end of the trek, we reached Bomod-ok Big Falls. Here, travelers were allowed to take a bath. Just be careful on the jumping/diving into the water.

By 5.30pm, we find our way back because it is difficult to walk in the terraces when it is dark.

After dinner and bath, we already sleep cause we need to wake-up by 4am the next day.