How to Exchange your Philippine Peso to Foreign Currency?

Thai Baht taken from Wikipedia

My friend, when will you go out of the country?  I’m sure you’re excited and prepared for your trip.  Do you have the pocket money you need with the currency of the country you’re going to?  Though you can do that at the airport before your flight, it is best that you have everything you need as sometimes, the currencies may no longer available or not enough.  Admit it, the rates inside our airport in the Philippines does not have the best rate.  To ensure that you have the currencies, here are some of the suggestions for you.

1. If you have savings account in any commercial bank, reserve the currencies you need.  Call the branch where you open your account at least a week before your departure so they can reserve the notes for you.  If this is not available, move to number 2.

2. Secure a Cash Card with Visa or MasterCard sign.  This is available in any established commercial banks.  If you have it, it means you can use your card to swipe and/or withdraw overseas if you need cash.  But do note that if you use your card in any machine overseas, corresponding charge will be deducted to your account.  Sometimes, aside from the usual overseas usage charge, additional charge will be paid by you.  Example of this is if you use your card in Thailand which they called ATM Fee worth THB 150.

HOW TO AVOID THE THB 150 ATM FEE IN THAILAND?  ANSWER: Look for any Citibank ATM and withdraw your money there.  I got this tip from this blog.  Unfortunately, Citibank do not have any ATM machines inside Suvarnabhumi Airport so you really need to roam around the city to look for one.  Look for Don’t Worry Just Travel blogsite to give you the list of Citibank ATM branches in Bangkok, Thailand.

Side note: I do not recommend to use your Credit Card or even your Cash Card to pay overseas.  Aside from additional fees you may incur (depending on your bank), sometimes they will charge you more.  It happened to me more than once in different countries!  That’s why I opt to transact in cash abroad either I have them before my trip or withdraw instead from any ATM Machines using my Cash Card.

3. Buy currencies at your most trusted money changer.  Money is their business.  Definitely they have most of the currencies available.  But make sure that you call them at least a week in advance to reserve the notes you need.  Two of the establishments I trust are Czarina’s and Sanry’s.  They have branches at some popular malls in the Philippines, specifically at Ayala Malls.  For Czarina’s, you can fill out their form online by clicking here.  As for Sanry’s, you may check their locations here.  Unfortunately, I do not have any contact number for any of their branches.

WHAT IF THEY DON’T HAVE THE FOREIGN CURRENCY YOU NEED?  ANSWER: Buy Dollars or Euros instead.  This is because they are the ones that can be exchanged anywhere in the world.  Example is if you will go to Vietnam.  Their Vietnamese Dong (VND) is not widely circulated.  So before you go to Vietnam, make sure you convert your Philippine Pesos to US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Euro or UK Pound and then exchange it to Dong once you arrive in Vietnam.

So my friend, prepare your money.  And don’t forget: Enjoying your hard-earned money does not mean you have to spend it all.  Save for the future, too.  To close this, let me inspire you with a quote which also describes my current goal:

“The thing I should wish to obtain from money would be leisure with security.”

– Bertrand Russell

Where Have I Been?

My friend, HI!!!!!  It’s been a long time since I created a post.  It was relatively odd that I don’t update my humble site even if I have been to so many beautiful scenery within my backyard, the Philippines.  I just like to catch up with you and make sure I have enough entry for the year (I just recently realized that I have not made any entry for 2015).

Aside from the usual routine I have on a daily basis – work, home, occassional socials here and there; I have enjoyed exploring these places:

February 2014: Banaue & Sagada, Mountain Province

Trio at Banaue Rice Terraces

Trying out my rusty rappeling skill at Cave Connection Tour (Lumiang & Sumaguing Cave) in Sagada

Strawberry Cafe – our favorite and highly-recommended restaurant in Sagada, Mountain Province

May 2014: Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Beautiful piece of paradise at Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

Waling-waling Eco-Village at Calaguas, Camarines Norte – your only option for non-camping accomodation on the island

August 2014: Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban, Quezon Province

With the family that adopted me illegally (hehehe!) – the Condicion Clan 😀

December 2014: Baguio City, Benguet

Raisin Bread shopping at Villa Cordillera Hotel inside Camp John Hay, Baguio City

February 2015: Puerto Princesa & El NIdo, Palawan

My favorite travel buddies at Puerto Princesa Underground River

Enjoying the crystal clear water and fine white sand at El Nido, Palawan

April 2015: Isla de Gigantes & Iloilo City, Iloilo

Spelunking with my new travel buddies at Bakwitan Cave, Gigantes Norte Island, Carles, Iloilo

Breathtaking view at Cabugao Island, Carles, Iloilo

With my best friends Roger and Emer at Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, also known as Jaro Church at Jaro, Iloilo City, Iloilo

So, why am I not blogging about it?  Well, I read soooo many travel blogs providing all the nitty gritty details of the places I visited!  To tell you honestly, I was quite indimidated and awestruck with the completeness of their entry and they created it way before I visited the place.  So, what will I offer more? – that is the question that is still stuck in my hard coconut shelled brain.  My insecurities led me to have a creative block.  But the optimist in me says, “Take it as a challenge”.  The carefree side of me says, ” Go ahead.  Blog away what’s in your head”.  Therefore, I will try my best to offer other insights and share to you my exact thoughts and things I think will help you.  Anyway, that’s what friendship is for, right?  You need to be open with each other.

I miss you my blog and my friend.  I will try to get in touch more often. 😉

-Tinakits-

SINGAPORE ON A BUDGET: Food and Shopping

The best Hainanese Chicken Rice with Milo Dinosaur – two must-try popular food in Singapore

My friend, we are not only travellers.  We are also shopaholics and a hungry bunch, too.  In Singapore, we can also have our food and shopping adventure without damaging our pockets.  Here are my experiences on my recent Singapore getaway.

FOOD: Hawkers!!!

Maxwell Food Center at Chinatown. It’s just right across the Pagoda

Singapore is also a place to fulfill your gastronomical adventures and hawker centers offer the best and cheapest option to taste the different flavors the country has to offer.  Depending on the food you will eat, you will spend around SGD 3 to 10 a meal per person.  For drinks, it ranges from SGD 0.90 to 3.  That is cheaper compared to eating at fast food joints or restaurants which may cost SGD 20 or more.

Long line at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Center. Home of the best chicken rice for SGD 5 only!

As for desserts, walk on any street and look for any cart that sells ice cream sandwiched in wafer for only SGD 1.20.

The popular ice cream wafer at the streets of Singapore

To know more about the location of different hawker centers in SG, go to this website.

SHOPPING: go to street markets or grocery stores

Shopping for souvenirs at Chinatown

Singapore is a mall rats wonderland!  There so many malls in this country full of shops catering to your different liking but may cost you an arm and a leg, or even your kidney or liver.  But if you want to save money, go to street markets instead.  I highly recommend that you go to Chinatown with 3 streets full of sellers of knick knacks of everything.

For SGD 10, you can buy either of the following:

• 3 to 4 pieces of souvenir t-shirts
• 4 to 6 pieces of ref magnets (depending on its size and material)
• 6 pieces of key chains
• 3 pieces of accordion fan
• 3 to 6 pieces of wallets for ladies (depending on its size and material)
• 3 to 4 pieces of table display (depending on its size and material, again)
• 3 to 4 pieces of paper weights
• 3 to 6 pieces of lucky charms (depending on its size)

But if you want to bring along some flavors of Singapore with you, go to any grocery stores for a more budget-friendly option.  A bottle of their popular Kaya spread costs SGD 2 to 5 dollars depending on its size and brand.  Buy chocolates, cup noodles or chips that are not available in the Philippines for SGD 0.50 – 8 depending on its brand and size.

Hope I help you save on your upcoming Singapore adventure.  So my friend, enjoy your vacation and don’t forget to buy me a pack of flavored Yakult (priced at SGD 3.10).  Hihihi!

A pack of Yakult with two original flavors, one Grape, Orange & Green Apple flavors.  Available only in Singapore for SGD 3.10

 

*Tinakits*

 

SINGAPORE ON A BUDGET: Transportation

Singapore has one of the most efficient train stations

My friend, now you have an idea where to go, it’s now time to plan on the mode of transportation to visit all the places on your list.  Since you will be in a foreign land, here’s my tip on how you can save in roaming around Singapore.

Avail of the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

Two different kinds of Singapore Tourist Pass (STP). We availed of the red one. Image taken from Singapore Tourist Pass website.

Once you arrive at Changi Airport, look for the ticketing booth where you can purchase their tourist transportation card known as Singapore Tourist Pass.  The great thing about this is you can avail of unlimited MRT ride, no deposit required, reloadable, good for 5 years (nice one if you are a frequent SG visitor), and with freebies!!!

Since we stayed in Singapore for a total of 4 days, we availed of the STP+ with unlimited ride for 3 consecutive days which was priced at SGD 30 that we fully maximized.  That saved us the hassle of getting in line just to purchase cards every time we travel.  The best thing about availing the card is you will also have free FunVee Open Top Bus Tour and one-day bubble jet ride that you can avail depending on the duration of the card you chose which is great to roam and see the exciting city of Singapore.  That’s another saving again!

On our fourth day, we just reloaded SGD 10 on our card which is more than enough so we can ride the MRT going to other attractions and back to Changi Airport.

REMINDER: Most of the MRT Station opens at 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM and bus operates from 5:30 AM till midnight only.  Make sure you will plan your tours within the period mentioned.  If in case MRT or buses are no longer available, your only option is to hire a cab which is very expensive.

For more information about Singapore Tourist Pass, click on here.  To know more about their very efficient MRT, click on here.

Tip on how to save money going to Universal Studio

Inside RWS8 bus going Resorts World Sentosa where Universal Studios is located

I am sure that one of the reasons why you want to go to Singapore is to visit the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) Theme Park.  Since I gave you an idea on how to save money in purchasing tickets going there, I can also give you a tip how you can save going to USS.

The nearest MRT Station going there is MRT Harbour Front.  Once you go down at that station, you will arrive at the ground floor of Vivo City Mall.  Instead of taking the Sentosa Express going USS which is SGD 4, go out of the mall and board on bus with the sign RWS8 that will take you to Resorts World Sentosa where USS is located.  This is only for SGD 2.  As for going back to your hotel, you can now avail of the Sentosa Express for free that will take you back to Vivo City and to the MRT station.  Hehehe!

This is the third part of my “Singapore On A Budget” blog series.  Wait for my last post on how to save more on your upcoming Singapore trip.

*Tinakits*

SINGAPORE ON A BUDGET: Discounted Rates & Free Sights

B looking at the Singapore Opera House beside Helix Bridge. One of the free sights you can enjoy in Singapore

My friend, what are the places you want to visit in Singapore?  I’m sure you have a lot on your mind but you’re very concern how you can spend less on your tours.  Here are some of tips I can give you based on my experience during my recent trip.

Save on tickets to different attractions in Singapore

Enjoying my discounted entrance fee to Universal Studios Singapore 🙂

How?  Go to Cebu Air Travel and Tours!  From their name, you will know that it is own and operated by Filipinos.  It is located at Lucky Plaza Mall in Orchard Road, a popular hangout place of Filipinos living and working in Singapore.  This travel agency offers discounted rates and packages to all Singapore attractions and more.  We availed of our tickets to Universal Studios Singapore (USS) for only SGD 69 which includes SGD 5 meal voucher and SGD 5 shopping credits to any of the stores inside USS.  The original price of Universal Studio ticket online is SGD 79 without any freebie.  So that gave us a saving of SGD 10!

Since they don’t accept ticket reservations, you need to go to their office which you can do on your first day in Singapore to purchase them.  They are open from 10:00 AM till 7:00 PM daily.

Cebu Air Travel & Tours calling card

For more information of their long list of promotions, visit their Facebook page by clicking here.  (P.S.  I was not paid by Cebu Air Travel and Tour to promote them.  My blog is purely out of experience and research – Tinakits)

Visit free sights in Singapore

There’s so many shows and attractions you can visit in Singapore but with charge.  But if you really want to visit popular places and know more about the country, you can visit these areas for free.  Here are some suggestions:

• Merlion Statue

Tourist shot at the Merlion

• Helix Bridge

Passing thourgh Helix Bridge, you will also have a great view of the Singapore Flyer, Opera House and Marina Bay Sands

• Fullerton Hotel and Raffles Hotel (just look around the area, okay)

Fullerton Hotel – a member of the Historic Hotels Worldwide

• Cavenagh Bridge

Cavenagh Bridge – just infront of the Fullerton Hotel

• Stamford Raffles statue

Crossing Cavenagh Bridge, you will see the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore

• Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple at Chinatown – Singapore’s oldest Hindu Temple

• Blue Tooth Relic

B outside of the Pagoda Temple at Chinatown where the Blue Tooth Relic is located.

• Esplanade (the Durian-like building)

Can be seen near the Merlion Statue (CTO)

• Fountain of Wealth at Suntec City Mall

CTO

• Gardens by the Bay (sightseeing)

Catch the lazer and light show here during weekends at 8:00 PM

• Ion Orchard Mall

Colorful statues along Ion Orchard Mall

This is the second part of my “Singapore On A Budget” blog post.  Wait for my other posts about my tips to save on your SG trip!

*Tinakits*

SINGAPORE ON A BUDGET: Accomodation

Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the Merlion – two iconic landmarks in Singapore

My friend, what was the most expensive vacation you have ever had? Though we allot more than enough money for vacation, we still want to save since we still need to spend for the upcoming holidays and have enough fund for any emergencies.  Spending for vacation SHOULD ONLY BE just a portion of our savings.

Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries/cities to be in.  But in my recent trip there, I was surprised that I spent less compared to what I planned for.

Is it possible to at least minimize spendings if you go to Singapore and still have a fun and memorable trip?  ABSOLUTELY!  Again, I did it DIY-style.  Aside from waiting for airline ticket sale, here are some of the tips I can give you so you can save on your future Singapore getaway:

ACCOMODATION – stay in dormitories, hostels or inns

Hotels in Singapore are notorious to be very expensive especially those located at the city center.  So once you book your flight, immediately scout for a place to stay in.  Establishments provide discounts especially if you book with them months ahead of your planned vacation.  Discounts can also be availed even if you opt to book via booking websites like Agoda, Hotels.com or booking.com for as long as you book with them in advance.  Choose a place that is not in the center of the city but rather those that are still accessible to transportations and near key areas.

Dormitories are the cheapest option for your place to stay in.  But if you want to have privacy, choose a hostel or inn instead.  Just don’t expect too much on them.  Some do not have any windows on their rooms, some have no free breakfast, may offer free hot and cold drinks instead and may only offer shared toilet and bath.  The most important thing is, the place is near any MRT station or bus stop for accessibility and the rooms are clean for hygienic purposes.  As for safety, Singapore is one of the safest country with low crime rate.

My experience at Superb Hostel in Bugis

Facade of Superb Hostel in the evening

I got to know about this place via booking.com but I did not book there.  Instead, I looked for their website and exchange emails with them.  Even if I sent a message during wee hours of the morning, they will immediately reply to you.  As in just a few minutes after you sent it!

During check-in, their officer named Ronnie always have a welcoming smile and even make suggestions on the best places to go to.  In providing directions on how to go to different attractions, Ronnie will also provide you a map to show you how to go to those places.

The room we have was very basic and small.  Not bad for a discounted rate of SGD 70 per night.  It has a small TV with only local channels in it, a double deck bed with pillows, bed sheet and blanket, air conditioner and smoke detector.  It does not even have a window!  Anyway, we don’t even mind since we spent most of our time outside.

Superb Hostel is just a 3-minute walk from Bugis MRT station and Victoria Street Bus terminal, near hospital, convenience store, malls, Mosque (if you’re a Muslim), Catholic Church (if you’re a Catholic), and bus going Johor Bahru in Malaysia.  Very ideal if you also plan to go to Legoland in Malaysia like I do.

Helpful map provided by Ronnie to get to Superb Hostel

This is part one of my Singapore On A Budget blog post.  For more information about Superb Hostel, please visit their website at http://superbhostel.com/.

 

*Tinakits*

FUN AND AMAZING SHOW AT GLORIA’S FANTASYLAND

Welcome to Gloria’s Fantasyland!!!

My friend, do you like theme parks?  I do.  Theme parks are big playgrounds that everybody at any age bracket can and will enjoy.  This is where we forget our age and go back to when we were kids playing at a nearby lot and have the grandest time ever! Usually, this happy place are located in an urban area.  But the one B and I visited has a very odd location.

Yup!  I am talking about Gloria’s Fantasyland in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, in the island of Mindanao.  Yes, Dapitan is a city but it is not like Manila for it still has the provincial vibe, very quiet and laidback.  The first reaction that I have is it might not be at par with Enchanted Kingdom in our place in Laguna and its name was a reminder on one of our country’s forgettable President.  But, we were surprised that Gloria’s Fantasyland can definitely compete with its counterpart.

Gloria’s Fantasyland is located at Gloria de Dapitan Complex, Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

B and I availed of our free pass with unlimited ride to the park as part of the package we availed at Dakak.  On our first day at the resort, we decided to avail of it.  So we coordinated with the reception to ride their free shuttle service.  The park opens at around late in the afternoon.  Quite odd for me because I am used to enjoy being at the park in the morning till evening.

Gloria’s Fantasyland is smaller compared to its counterpart.  But the rides were different and you will really enjoy all of it.  For us, the best attraction there was their Horror House.  It was really scary!

The scariest Horror House I have been to!!!

I will let the pictures do the talking.

Their fountain with lights along the entrance of the park

Po paid a visit. Hehe!

Roatating swing? Hehe! Forgot what it’s called 😀

My first ever bull ride. Though I failed, it was fun!

B and I took their Happy Journey Ride wherein we ride a moving car while we gun down monsters with our laser guns. A first in our country 🙂

Corkscrew! Their exciting roller coaster – my favorite 🙂

Another thing that sets this place different from other theme parks in the country is their show located at the Centerstage.  Just what the name implies, it is big stage located at the center of the park.  During our visit, it showcase talented teenagers dancing gracefully and doing acrobatic stunts to the delight of everybody.  I was so awestruck by their performance that I only took one photo.  Darn!  But I tell you, these talented kids are indeed world-class!!!

Talented kids during their show at the Centerstage. BRAVO!!!

Gloria’s Fantasyland is located at Sunset Boulevard, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.  For more information about the park, go to their website by clicking here or visiting their Facebook page here.

*Tinakits*

DAKAK PARK AND BEACH RESORT: A Surprise at Dapitan City

Dakak Park and Beach Resort

My friend, when you were a kid, where do you wish to go?  We both want to go to Disney and any other fun theme parks overseas.   But sometimes, we were influenced with what we usually see on TV on the things we want to have or the places we want to go to.  Yup! Television is powerful.  That is why I also want to go to Dakak Beach Resort because of its commercial I always saw on the noontime show my family watched before. That is one of the reasons why B and I chose to go to Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao for our annual summer getaway.

When I booked a discounted flight with Philippine Airlines going Dipolog City, the gateway to Dapitan City & Dakak.  We stayed at Dapitan City for a day and stayed at Dakak Park and Beach Resort for 2 nights.

Based on their website and Facebook page, their package already includes hotel pick-up and drop off and one-day pass to their sister park named Gloria Fantasyland.  Since we stayed at Home Sweet Home by the Bay, we arranged that they pick us up there.

The Php 5,500 per day Dakak ‘Ta Bay package given to us was expensive compared to the resorts we availed in most of our trips.  We were somewhat forced to avail of that package for our contact said it was their cheapest, only to find out that they have a cheaper room.  Anyway, we got we have paid for and more because it includes free buffet breakfast daily, can use their swimming pools and Jacuzzi, free one-day pass to Gloria Fantasyland, and the surrounding area of our private villa was quiet but near their restaurants and pool area:

Our room from the outside.

We got our own cable TV. We only have 2 channels available, ABS-CBN and HBO Asia.  We’re not complaining though.

Separate beds – one single and one king-size, plus an extra mattress.  I think 4 people can sleep here.

We got our own rack, separate lavatory and personal fridge inside the bathroom. Shower area and toilet were separated with curtains.

The pools evoke fun that we maximized it and swam there for 2 days:

Slides! Watch your kids closely here for the water is 7 feet deep in this pool.

This is fun!!!

With fountains at the center and surrounding areas of the pool. This has a separate section for kids.

Third pool with man-made falls, only 5-foot deep.

B enjoyed dipping at one the pools after swimming on the beach.

The area was serene since the resort was far from the city center:

Pagodas in the middle of the resort which serve as their Function Rooms.

Serenity at the beach.

And the beach was heavenly! The sand was fine, water was calm and clear and the atmosphere was serene!  Perfect area to unwind and forget the busy work life we have back in Manila:

Peaceful afternoon

Relaxing at the beach underneath a tree.

We noticed that the waters were always calm.  Maybe because the beach is surrounded by cliffs and mountains which breaks the waves.  It is ideal if you want to swim at calm waters.  There is no stones at the beach nor at sea which means you can walk barefoot here.  The sand is cold to the feet, which is similar to the sands in Boracay, even if the sun is beaming hot .

Fine sands of Dakak.

Beach activities like kayaking, banana boat ride, jetski, and other activities were available for an additional fee which we did not asked nor availed since we want to relax and not do any strenuous activity.  But we did availed of their zipline adventure for Php 500 which includes a free 30-minute horseback ride going to the starting point. They claimed that they have the longest zipline in the country, and I guess they were right.  I think it took us more than a minute for us to land on the other end.  It was scary at first for our starting area was very high.  But once you’re released, you will enjoy the fresh breeze and the scenery of the mountains, its forest and the sea.

Our ride going to the Zipline area.

Almost ready 😐

Success! Here’s my certificate 🙂

If you’re hungry, they have the Bamboo Restaurant that serves Filipino and international cuisines.  This is also the venue for their buffet breakfast and is facing the beach.

B at the juice and bread area of Bamboo Restaurant’s Breakfast Buffet.

 

So many food to choose from! Yum :p

Us enjoying our hearty meal overlooking the beach.

But if you have enough money, try their Italian Restaurant named Il Patio.

Il Patio Ristorante Italiano

Il Patio Ristorante Italiano is their fine dining restaurant.  It is surprising to know that there’s a semi-fine dining Italian Restaurant at the beach cause I was used to seeing crowded bars.  The price was quite heavy on the pocket but it was so worth it!  Their pizzas were cooked the traditional Italian way.  The pizza crust of our Margherita Pizza was soft and chewy.  We never ate any other pizza like that in Manila.  Their ravioli was al dente and full of cheese and basil inside.  The entire meal was so simple yet so full of fresh flavor of its ingredients!  So far, Il Patio is the best Italian Restaurant I have ever been!

Our Ravioli stuffed with cream cheese and basil, sauteed in butter, topped with simple tomato sauce. Delicious!

Pizza margherita – so simple but so delicious, too!

The resort was a surprise for me.  You can’t imagine that a quiet and laidback province like Zamboanga del Norte will have a world-class eco-resort hiding at the back of its mountains will full of modern amenities. Again, the fee we paid was super worth it!

Cheers to our successful summer getaway added on our list!

This is my second part of our Dapitan Tour. Wait for my last post about availing of our free tickets to Gloria’s Fantasyland.

 

-Tinakits-

DIPOLOG & DAPITAN CITY: The Peaceful Side of Mindanao

Tinakits in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte

My friend, how’s your summer?  I hope you have maximize this season to worship the sun more and explore our beautiful Philippines.  Have you even gone to one of your dream destination?  I hope you do.

Of all the major islands in the Philippines, Mindanao intrigues me most for I have not been to that place.  Though I almost booked a flight there, but I kept on holding back due to news of their unstable peace and order.  But last year in December, I took advantage of Philippine Airlines’ promotion on their flights going to Mindanao.  After trying my luck, discounted fares to Dipolog City was still available.  So I grabbed the chance and booked for 2 for me and B’s getaway for April 2014.  I grabbed this once because of the commercial I just watched on one of the popular noontime shows in our country where they show a beach that reminds me of my childhood. When I was still a kid and fond of watching Eat Bulaga, I kept on seeing Dakak Beach Resort’s commercial.  I recall that all of my sibling, including me, were amazed by its beauty and told ourselves that we will go there once we grow up.

Zamboanga Del Norte or ZaNorte is the largest province of Zamboanga Peninsula in terms of land area.  Tagged as the Gateway to Mindanao, this province is better known for its city named Dapitan – where our national hero was put on exile.

(NOTE:  Dr. Jose Rizal is the Philippines’ National Hero.  For more information about him, please click on here)

We first planned of hiring a tour guide since B and I were unfamiliar with the place.  We are also concern about our safety because of the impression that we have that Mindanao is not a safe place.  But we were wrong.  Dipolog and Dapitan City are so walkable, accessible and peaceful!

ACCOMODATION

Though the airport is in Dipolog City, the city of Dapitan has more to offer.  That is why we choose a place at Dapitan.  For us, we highly recommend Home Sweet Home by the Bay Pension House.

This place lived up to its “sweet” name. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! 🙂

The place is at the famous Sunset Boulevard facing the sea.  The building itself seems to be a big bungalow turned into a Pension House by Mr. and Mrs. Hamoy.  We arranged for an airport pick-up and it was the owner, Mrs. Linda Hamoy, who picked us up with her new Fortuner.

Their Reception/Guest Area

Their mini-Altar

Inside the house, you will feel that it was once a lovely home full of decorative plates of places in Asia and Europe.  It turns out that the Hamoy couple were once envoys of the Philippines to other countries!  Since B and I were both devoted Catholics, we highly appreciate the Marian image we saw. I love the garden and the lanai outside were you can sit and appreciate the instant view of the sea and its sunset.

View outside our Pension House

Upon arrival, B immediate test the softness of the bed 😀

Our own closet and cable TV. The door at the middle is our own bathroom with hot & cold shower

We chose the blue room which only cost us 1000 per night, including breakfast.  It was huge with a working aircon and our own clean bathroom with hot & cold shower.  Truly this place is a home away from home.  Mrs. Hamoy was so caring that we feel like she’s our aunt or our mother during our stay. The place and the warmth of their owner really deserves its sweet name.

Beautiful colors of the setting sun at Sunset Boulevard just right across our place

RIZAL IN DAPITAN

Touring the city is very easy.  Their common mode of transportation is the tricycle with a minimum rate of 7 pesos.  But the very first place we visit was just a few walks away from our hotel and that is the Punta de Desembarco de Rizal.

Depicting Rizal’s landing on the shores of Dapitan City

It is said that this was the landing place of Rizal when he was sent by the Spaniards for his exile.  They chose this place due to the presence of Jesuits.

After waiting and riding a tricycle, we went to Rizal Shrine.

B and I at Rizal’s Shrine

This is place that Rizal bought with the money he won from the lottery.  He built his clinic, house and water system here.  Our guide (we forgot his name) was very knowledgeable and friendly.  Though we learned a lot from him, the place needs to be taken care of more especially their building which houses their museum.  It seems that the Department of Tourism and its local Government left this place out.

Casa Redondo – The octagonal clinic of Rizal

Rizal’s House

The mini water dam made by Rizal. It is still working but they turned it off since the water is already polluted

Mi Retiro Rock – The rock where Rizal and his wife, Josephine Bracken, usually have their sweet moments

Next was to go to the City Plaza to see the Mindanao Map made by Rizal.  When we went to that place, we can only see the grass map but the tags were no longer visible.  Again, another evidence of a forgotten heritage.  After this, we just turn around and visited St. James Cathedral.

St. James Cathedral

This was the place where Rizal stands in one corner and hear Mass every Sunday. I love old churches! I love the place even more when we saw a friendly beagle roaming at the altar.  She approached us when B called him!

The friendly female beagle inside the cathedral

After saying our thanksgiving prayer, we roamed around to see Casa Real which is at the side of the church.  We thought we can go inside but it turns out that it was close and now being used as a Government office.

Our next agenda is to buy pasalubong.  Based on some blogs we read, Spanish Sardines are the best at ZaNorte.  Montaño’s Sardines is a popular one but it is located in Dipolog. When we asked tricycle drivers to take us there, they asked for a huge price.  When we asked Mrs. Linda for it, she volunteered to take us there for free!  She said she will also go to that city so it’s not a hassle.  AWW!!! She was so sweet!

DIPOLOG CITY’S SARDINES

Montaño Spanish-style Sardines of Dipolog City

Mrs. Linda Hamoy dropped us at where we can buy the famous Spanish Sardines.  Prices here varies depending on the kind of sardines you will buy.  If you buy in bulk, they will provide a box for you so it can be easily checked in at the airport without the worry of breaking the glass bottle.

So many sardines to choose from

After buying one box each, we took a bus to go back to Home Sweet Home and call it a day.

CONCLUSION

Dapitan is a very safe city.  The place is laid back that you will be relaxed with its serenity.  The people were charming and helpful that the negative impression that I have with the island of Mindanao disappeared in an instant. Thanks to the warmth of the Bisayas in Zamboanga most especially to Mrs. Linda Hamoy.

This is just the first part of our Dapitan tour.  Wait for my next post about our beach getaway.  Again, I am more than willing to answer your questions about our experience in Dapitan City.

 

 

-Tinakits-

BOHOL: Beauty After Tragedy

Enjoying our Loboc River Cruise in Bohol

My friend, what do you consider in travelling?  Well, we always consider our budget, the place that has all the activities that you want to do and the convenience.  Those are the usual reasons.  But for the travel plan I did recently, I also consider helping out our fellowmen.

Bohol is one of the places in the Philippines I visited a few times and never get tired of it.  I went there with friends and will always go back there if ever asked again.  So when my sister Thess and her son EJ asked me if we can go there for my sister’s birthday, I did not hesitate and availed of the promotion that Air Asia has to Tagbilaran.  I booked it together with my partner B and my mother so all 5 of us will go to that wonderful place in Visayas on March 2014.  I booked our tickets last May 2013, a few months before Bohol suffered the damages brought about by a strong earthquake.

Loboc Church Ruins – sad to see a damaged sacred place 😦

Dauis Church – one of my favorite churches in Bohol. Now it is being reconstructed and not yet open to the public

After the earthquake and seeing the damages in Bohol and its neighboring provinces, all 5 of us worried if we will still enjoy our vacation.  I also thought if my family and B will still see the same glorious sceneries and churches I have enjoyed numerous times.  We thought of backing out.  Then again, tourism is their main source of income.  Although our family donated some for the victims of earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan, I guess promoting their Tourism is one way of helping them.  So I continued searching for a place to stay in and arrange the countryside and island tour I did before.

ACCOMODATION

Playa Blanca de Asteria at Panglao, Bohol

If you are looking for a cheap place to stay in near the pristine beach of Panglao, Bohol; I highly recommend Playa Blanca de Asteria which is very near the beach.  We only got one room for the 5 of us for Php 3,100 a night which includes 2 beds where each bed can occupy 2 adults, 1 extra mattress, aircon, our own toilet and bathroom, and a small fridge.  If you want a cheaper option, they have a fan room or kubo for only Php 800 a night. I contacted the very accommodating Ms. Aster Alegrado via email (aster_blessing@yahoo.com) and texted her, too (+63 920 353 5708).

Our gorgeous view from our room

TOURS AND FEES

B in the middle of the road at Bilar Man-made Forest at Bilar, Bohol

For convenience, Ms. Aster offer us their tour services, too.  Their roundtrip airport pick-up/drop off plus Bohol Countryside Tour is Php 4,300 which includes, driver’s fee, van rental, gasoline and parking fee.  As for the entrance fees to our Countryside Tour like in Tarsier Conservation Area, Prony the Python Area, Chocolate Hills viewing deck, Butterfly Sanctuary, Hanging Bridge and Loboc River Cruise with lunch, allot Php 960 per person for it.

Cute little Tarsier at Tarsier Conservation Area

Don’t worry, there is no fees to the Blood Compact Site and seeing Dauis Church and Baclayon Church.  If you want a side trip to Bohol Bee Farm, just add Php 500 for it.

Enjoying my sister’s birthday treat at Bohol Bee Farm

 

For Island tour which includes going to Balicasag Island, Virgin Island and dolphin watching, the cost is Php 1,800 which includes boatman fee, gasoline, and boat rental.  The prices mentioned is already for the 5 of us.

As always, I enjoyed snorkeling at the pristine sanctuary near Balicasag Island in Bohol

Enjoying fresh coconut water in the middle of the sea at Virgin Island, Bohol

In total, here’s our fees for the tour plus accommodation:

Php 9,300   –   One room with aircon for 4 days and 3 nights good for 5 people at Php 3,100 per night

4,300   –   Countryside Tour

500  –   Bohol Bee Farm side trip

1,800  –   Dolphin watching & island tour

Php 15,900 – TOTAL

÷                5 – Number of pax

Php 3,180 – Room and tour fees per person

+         960 – Entrance Fees and Loboc River Cruise w/ lunch

Php 4,140 – Total Fee per person for 4 days, 3 nights

 

POSITIVITY AFTER TRAGEDY

Our funny tour guide at Butterfly Farm in Bohol

I will not further explain the places we visited.  In fact, these were all explained by other bloggers.  But what I can tell you is this, Bohol is more wonderful after the earthquake!  Take it from me 😉

B and the Chocolate Hills at Carmen, Bohol

Yes, their gloriously old churches were ruined, their roads may need constructions, their Chocolate Hills Viewing Deck may need to be reconstructed, but their positivity is still alive.  When I went to the Butterfly Sanctuary, we went there on our own without a guide.  But when we went there last March, we have a guide and was very funny.  During our Island Tour, our boatman was very helpful and stating his experiences with the friendly dolphins.  During our snorkeling activity at Balicasag Island, our guide was helpful, encouraging us to swim further to see the colorful fishes and corals on their sanctuary.  And as always, the Boholanos were the warmest people I have ever encountered!  Every time you pass by them, they always have a smile on their faces as if they never encountered any tragedy.  You will see them working hard and dedicated to their job which I see with our guides.  They remain to be optimistic despite some decline in their Tourism.  They are still accomodating and have the spirit to rise to the challenges!  It warms my heart to see role models in this province.  Yes, we may have paid more than other bloggers have spent on their trips, but I am more than willing to shell out more for our kababayans in Bohol to help them rise up because they are working hard for it and they deserve more of it.

Romantic full moon lighting the waters of Panglao Island

So my friend, if you are thinking of a place to visit this summer, visit Bohol and you will learn something from them.  Not only about the history, not only about their cute Trasiers, but also with their character of never giving up and retaining their positivity to rise up from disaster.

 

-Tinakits-