2014 Jan: Philippines: Tuguegarao: Callao Cave, Penablanca

How to get there: Take a tricycle going to Penablanca terminal (as the locals say, "parkingan") going to Iguig.  There are 2 options, take a tricycle going to the port for the boat ride or take a tricycle directly going to the cave.  From our research, it would cost 500php for a special trip, we tried to huddle, but the cheapest we can get is 700php for a direct tricycle ride.  It is almost less than 40 minutes ride going up, until we reach the gates.  It is a safe trip, but the only scary thing I notice is there is landslide on a side of the mountain, where the road was limited to an alternate passage of the vehicles.   

As a new policy of the cave officials, no guide no tour.  It started with 183 steps going up to reach the entrance of the cave. 

1^st Chamber known as Aviary because Nido birds are staying there and now getting they are tying to prohibit those getting the bird’s nest.  

  

Passage going to the small chapel is already easily accessible as it is already flattened and in concrete.

2^nd chamber is “Divine”, this is the chapel area. 

3^rd chamber is “Dark”.  Simple concrete stairs are built to easily reach Chambers 4 and 5.

4^th chamber is “Cream”, there is rock formation that looks like 3 scoops of ice cream.

rock formation above the chapel

5^th chamber is the “Jungle”, there are rock formation of mushroom, king kong and rice terraces.  You'll also see the forest and greenery area.

Chambers 6 and 7 are slightly difficult to reach at first, but still accessible with a help of a guide.  (difficulty level? Sagada is much challenging, so I say, Callao is much friendly).  You’ll see there rock formation of merlion and motor boat.

Looks like Chamber 7 is the lowest point but also the closest from its opening on the ceiling.

2014 Jan: Philippines: 3 Churches to Visit in Tuguegarao

Iguig Calvary Hills and St. James the Apostle Parish

How to get there:

Take a tricycle (10ph/pax) going to Don Domingo Van Terminal. Take the van going to Iguig (25ph/pax) its about 30 minutes, remind the driver to drop you off on Calvary, because we missed it even if we have reminded the driver and the conductor.  So we have to walk back by around 10 minutes.  From the main street, we walked another 10 minutes inside a smaller street.

Behind the cross is the river - The Cagayan River, also known as the Rio Grande de Cagayan, is the longest and largest river in the Philippine Archipelago. [Reference]

We were welcomed by an old brick church (feels like the one from Fr. Adriane's drama). This is St. James the Apostle Parish.  They say that the place became one of the pilgrim sites specifically during holy week.

Going back: 

Find your way back to the main road, vans going back to city centre with sign boards "Tuguegarao City" will be passing by.

Saints Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral

Located in Rizal Street.  It is another made of brick church.  On our visit, they are still restoring the church and noticed that they allowed shops inside the church grounds.

Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat

How to get there:  Take a tricycle going to “parkingan” (parking area, terminal) going to Piat.  Take the van and it will take less than an hour to reach town of Piat.

2014 Jan: Philippines: Tuguegarao: Holiday Plaza Hotel

Arrival in Tuguegarao Airport
Flight from Manila to Tuguegarao took only 60 minutes.  Since it is only a national airport, do not expect much, there is no conveyor belt and if you are just travelling in short time no need to check-in your things (grab that seat sale!).

For airport transfer, there are tricycles or better yet ask your hotel if they offer airport transfer service. 

Accommodation: Holiday Plaza Hotel

Hotel lobby is very stylish, from the seats, to mirrors, wall decors, to chandeliers and clocks.

Itinerary: Iloilo, Philippines

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do in Iloilo?

Day 1

Museo Iloilo

Jaro Cathedral

Angelicum

Calle Real

Smallville

Day 2

Molo Church

Miag-ao Church

Guimbal Church

2014 Jan: Philippines: Iloilo: Days Hotel

Where to stay in Iloilo?

I prefer the boutique hotels in Smallville area, but these are pretty much new so they still have fewer reviews online and much are not yet found on printed maps.  If you stay here, there is unending night parties on the streets.

We also considered Sarabia Manor Hotel & Convention Center, but decided to stay in Days Hotel Iloilo.

Price: Above Average. 110USD for Classic Deluxe Room 

2014 Jan: Philippines: 7 tasted restaurants in Iloilo

Tibiao Bakery

Food: 8 out of 10

Value: Affordable

Atmosphere: 7 out of 10

Food: Chicken Mami with Egg (37php), Ham Sandwich

Feels like Pan De Manila inside because of the brick wall.  They are very generous on vegetables and ingredients for the soup.  It tastes so good as well.  It is commendable that they served the sandwich hot and yummy.

Floyd's Famous BBQ

Food: 7 out of 10

Value: Affordable

Atmosphere: 7 out of 10

Order: Country Sausage Meal, hot chocolate, four season’s juice

The one in Atrium closes early, but the one near Small Ville area stays open late in the evening since it is place for late drinking.

2014 Jan: Philippines: 5 Churches to Visit in Iloilo

Jaro Cathedral (Our Lady of the Candles National Shrine)

Take a jeepney with “Jaro Ikot” as a signboard, drop by the corner of E Lopez St, before the jeepney takes right turn at Graciano Lopez Jaena Park and walk to the church’s entrance gates.  Otherwise the “Ikot” means it will still go to other areas before returning to the park, and passing the front area of the church.

I would say, “where modern meets the old architecture”.  The 2 bell towers are newly constructed and the front walls of the church are being restored with cements.

The walls and good looking ceilings in the church are newly painted with green, blue and yellow.

2014 Jan: Philippines: Iloilo: In My Eyes

Airport

From Manila it is about an hour and 15 minutes away to reach Iloilo International Airport.  Yes, you read it right “international” and it speaks for itself.  Part of Region 6 (Western Visayas), it looks better than other local airport terminal in other provinces. No need to walk in tarmacs but instead has a decent connecting bridge.  Rotating belt is powered and working well.  The transport going to the city is organized too.

Airport Transfer

Two options are available, take metered taxi (flag down rate is 40php) or take a van going to city proper (SM City Iloilo terminal) for an affordable fare of 50php.  From the mall, you can take jeepney going to different areas in the city.

In your return to the airport, you can take the same van for higher fare of 70php.  There is also SM Traveler's Lounge where you can leave your luggage at the Baggage Counter for only 30ph, then, spend your remaining hours buying pasalubong (returning presents).

Itinerary: Beijing, China

Travel Date: Nov 19-24 2013

Accommodation: Where to stay in Beijing?
Ibis Beijing Capital Airport Hotel 
No.2 Tianzhu Middle Street, Airport &
New Int´l Exhibition Center, Beijing,

Spring Time Hostel
South West Corner of Dongsi Subway Station (Exit. D)
Building AB, Gongjian Dayuan, Dong Si Xi Da Jie, Dongcheng district, Beijing, 100010

Temperature
Mean Temperature: 19-Nov: 1.9, 20-Nov: 3.7, 21-Nov: 4, 22-Nov: 4.8, 23-Nov: 7.2, 24-Nov: 6.9
Max Temperature: 23-Nov: 16

Minimum Temperature: 19-Nov: -5

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do in Beijing?
Wed:
-Diaoyutai Gingko Avenue 
-Tianamen Square
-Forbidden City
-At night: Wangfujing, The Egg

Thu:
-Muntianyu Tour
-At Night: Olympic Village (Bird’s Nest, Water Cube outside)

Fri:
-Omiyage Shopping
-Jingshan Park
-Qianmen Street

Sat:
-Temple of Heaven
-Antique Shop
-Free Time/Preparation to the Airport

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: Going Back to the Airport

We are undecided if we can take a cab or train. 

There are sections when we can’t help but take stairs and its hard for us to carry luggage on it, so we decided to take a cab.  Looks like taxis are not stopping, there were about 3 drivers who declined us, for the reason that they don’t want to carry heavy luggage.

So we went back to Entrance G, take Line 6 to Chongyangmen.  Transfer to Line 2 for Dongzhimen.  Just to prevent us from being away from each other, we decided to always take the car behind the train driver, so he can see that we are difficulty on getting in or off the train. 

Even if you are having difficulty in carrying your bags on the stairs, make sure not to leave them.. I have a heavier bag and we carried it halfway the stairs.  As we are to return to the lower area to get back the second bag, there is a sudden rush of people that get off from the train, so I told her to return to secure the first bag.  I went up carrying the second bag, after the flow of people.  She told me that she can’t leave the first bag since she saw two men in black that is starring at my bag. 

Next, we headed to transfer to Airport Express station.  After the exit, we bought another single journey ticket going to Terminal 2 for 25 cyn (150php, 2013).  There is only 1 coffee shop at 1F Departure. We roam around VIP lounge and restaurant area at the 3F and decided to grab our dinner at Pizza Hut on B1 (on the same level are KFC and Starbucks). 

Check-in counter for 5J673 opened late at 9:30pm.  Seems that they no longer allow group check-in for bags even if you bought it at the same confirmation number.  Next, find your way to the Gates, there is a Health Check counter. Prepare your departure card, passport and boarding pass for the Immigration counter.  Next, consume your mineral water and surrender the bottle before the film security check (x-ray).  With a tray, you'll be requested to remove your camera and computer from your bag and individual should not be wearing his jacket.  Prepare for a long body security check.

On the way, only 2 duty free shops are working (souvenirs, jade, tea, and perfumes). 

Finally, another waiting game but at least there are seats now.  Look for the yellow sign in between seats and you can find the power sockets for you to use.

Here is my list of comments:

1.  Not sure if T2 is a budget terminal, but there are only few selection of restaurants.

2. Airport taxis are scam.

3. Warm water for toilet use are still cold during cold season (unlike Japan).

4. Designated power sockets along the waiting area is much appreciated. 

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: After Taste

I used to like Chinese food, but possibly not on this trip.  It may have been not the best experience, but hope to see and taste better in the future.

Restaurant inside Temple of Heaven

Food: 5 out of 10

Value: Affordable

Atmosphere: 6 out of 10

Orders: egg and tomato soup, unlimited dumplings



rbt Tea Cafe (Asian Restaurant)

Location: 180 Xidan N St Xicheng, Beijing (http://en.rbt.com.cn/index.php)

Food: 6 out of 10

Value: Affordable (52cyn =320php)

Atmosphere: 8 out of 10

Orders: beef and fish cakes

We're not able to enjoy the beef because it is too raw and we're not able to chew it.  Thus, we ended up loving the fish cakes, but that is tasty.

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

Subway: Line 5, Tiantandongmen Station, Exit A1

From some of my search, the entrance is 2cyn.  But we paid 30 rm, it’s an all-in ticket to get inside the secured areas.  We get in Temple of Heaven and Echo Wall, but when we wanted to return on the Temple of Heaven, they still needed another ticket, good thing that we did not go the third building so we still have spare ticket.  There are unending visitors on these places. 

Exit A1 from Tiantandongmen Station, these park is superb greenery even at early winter weather.  Seems that the area is not just visited by foreign visitors but most locals enjoy the area as well.  There are those exercising and practicing different types of recreation.  Most stuff their selling are souvenirs for visitors and for kid’s entertainment, like selling fan and ball, thing used in kick games and big ribbons for gymnastics.

empty branches under the sun 

Temple of Heaven inside is a hollow temple from the inside but has intricate design and paintings.

Moving towards the Echo Wall, they have already set ropes to give distance on the visitors from the wall.  Thus, echoing is no longer obvious - which should not be the case if they still want visitors to come by for its true purpose.

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: Jingshan Park

From Dongsi we took a bus going to Jingshan Park, make sure to study the routes before taking a bus so you'll not get lost.

The focal point is the artificial hill Jingshan, literally "Prospect Hill".  [Reference]

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: City Lights - Night 02

Subway Line 8 (Olympic Special Line): get off at Olympic Green Station Exit D, to visit Xin'ao Shopping Centre for dinner.

Take upstairs going to road area, walk towards south direction, look for Nest or Ling Long Pagoda (which is hard to miss).

These area are inside guarded village.  No need for entrance fee but they are requiring the visitors to pass x-ray scanners.

National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

2013 Nov: China: Beijing: Conquering the Wall

We left the hotel by 7:30, and pick-up other tourists along the way.  We left the city at around 8:00.  It's a long two hour ride without traffic passing the tree plantation and mountainous area of Beijing.  Finally, we arrived at Mutianyu section on Great Wall of China. 

Tour buses stayed at Park #4, then we walked passing Park #3, #2, #1.  We were given our entrance tickets and paid an extra 80yuan (480php) each for open cable car going up and tobonggan going down.  The last portion of the cable car is a bit scary because the cliff is to deep and dark that I was not able to see the ground clearly. 

It is around 8 km (Mutianyu) walk from the cable exit/tobonggan (Tower 6) to Tower 11.  If you want to see the old walls go towards right direction for Tower 1.

Tobongan (Left), Open Cable Car (Right)