BPI - Jollibee Promo, Dec. 2011 to Jan. 2012

After more than a month of waiting, BPI Express Credit had just released their Shop Anywhere Feast of Free Treats. Your charge slips/transaction receipts dated 01 December 2011 to 31 January 2012 are qualified to join. Redemption of your free Jollibee Treats starts on 14 December 2011 until 31 March 2012.

Required minimum single receipt transaction and corresponding Jollibee Treats are as follows:

Climbing Mt. Palay Palay in Cavite

Last Saturday, my climbing buddies and I embarked on our third day hike together at Mt. Pico de Loro in Maragondon, Cavite. After paying Php 20 each in DENR's Ternate office at around 7:30 am, we started our relaxed 4-hour ascent to the famous mountain summit of Cavite.

Compared to our 2 recent climbs (Maculot Rockies and Mt. Batulao), Pico de Loro is no easy feat. Although the trail is mostly covered by trees, the trail is long like in Batulao, plus it has its own version of assault areas. The intimidating parrot's beak, its signature rocky plateau near the summit, provides a challenge to rock climbers. Below are its technical specs from Pinoy Mountaineer website:

Trek to Taal Volcano in Batangas

Last Sunday, I took my family for a day trek of Taal volcano. This was triggered by the wish of my two sons to climb up to the summit of a volcano, after they have seen Mt. Mayon a few months ago. It also served as a preparation climb for them, since they are planning to climb Mt. Manalmon with me the following month.

We left early from Binan, Laguna, arriving in Tagaytay at around 7:00 am. In search of restaurant with the view of Taal lake, we ended up in Kaye Ryan Grill. We tried their breakfast set menus priced at Php 165 each. 

Manila Heritage Tour Thru Postage Stamps

I've been wanting to join the free Postal Heritage Tour offered by the Filipinas Stamp Collectors' Club (FSCC), represented by their passionate Vice-President Lawrence Chan. So when an opportunity arose to join their free tours every third Sunday of the month, I sent an email to Lawrence (l_rence_2003@yahoo.com) to sign up for his tour on 20 Nov. 2011.

I arrived at the fountain area of Liwasang Bonifacio by 12:15 pm, quite early from the scheduled 12:30-1:00 pm assembly time. Still tired from participating in the 10k run for Pasig River at MOA earlier that day, I wondered if I made the right decision to continue with the tour.

Emperor Spa in Binondo, Manila

With a full stomach yet tired and aching legs from previous day’s mountain climb, I continued on my walking tour of Binondo. This time, I was in the hunt for an inexpensive yet good massage. A helpful pedicab driver referred me to Emperor Spa along Soler Street, not far from 168 mall where Wife is doing some Christmas shopping.

Arriving at past 11:00 am in the spa, I was able to avail their early bird 20% discount from their regular Php 500 massage fee. If getting the services of their foreign expert (Chinese masseuse), I think the massage fee is Php 650. The lady at the counter gave me a key for my assigned locker, and instructed a staff to show me their locker and communal shower room at the second floor.

Climbing Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas

The following Saturday after we went to Mt. Maculot, we climbed Mt. Batulao to satisfy our thirst for mountain adventure. Sometimes I can't help but think that mountaineers are crazy masochists, spending time and money to push their bodies to their limit, just to see those great views from the top.

We started our adventure by driving to Evercrest Golf Club in Nasugbu, Batangas, picking up some of our companions along the way. After a quick breakfast in Jollibee, and a load of beverages from 7-11 store both in Tagaytay, we were all ready for another gruelling trek. 

Ang Tunay Beef House in Binondo

Part of my walking tour of Binondo is trying the old yet popular restaurants in the area. So when I felt like I could use some snack food later that Sunday morning, I went into a hunt for good old Binondo restaurants. I passed the Eng Bee Tim restaurant, but I’ve already tried dining on this fastfood-type Chinese restaurant. I saw some new and old-looking restaurants, but I avoided them after I saw their empty tables.

The old-looking restaurant I saw with many Chinese patrons at past 10:00 am is Ang Tunay Beef House along Gandara Street. Judging by the number of customers they have at this lean hour, they must be very good, so I entered the restaurant. On the right wall, I saw a framed old newspaper clipping of the restaurant’s review, which reinforced my big expectation from the restaurant.

Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo

One of the iconic churches in Manila is the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila. I usually pass it whenever I find myself in Ongpin St., but failed to enter it. Last Sunday after dropping my wife at 168 Mall for some Christmas shopping, I decided to a mini walking tour of Binondo district, starting with its church.

The original Binondo Church was constructed last 1596, but was destroyed during the Chinese revolt in 1603. Rebuilt in 1614 and named Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, it is where the first Filipino saint Lorenzo Ruiz served as sacristan, whom the church is now officially named.

Climbing Mt. Maculot's Rockies in Batangas

I like to keep myself fit, but I don't like to go to the gym, nor do I want to do running despite its popularity now. At the same time, I want to explore new places and experience nature, so trekking in a mountain is the best option for me. Its quite an expensive hobby (transportation, gears, and trek guides), but life is short so we just have to enjoy it, right?

So when I saw a mountain climbing tour schedule at Travel Adventours' website, I booked a tour with them for a Saturday climb, while I'm free from teaching this semestral break. I chose Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas (See photo above, where the left peak is its rockies). 

Sensations Spa in Pulilan, Bulacan

I dropped my wife at SM Baliwag last Monday to meet her high school batchmates. While waiting for her and the rest of our group on their shopping, I decided to get a relaxing massage. I've thought about the spa in the NE supermarket compound nearby, but I remember their rates to be quite expensive. So I decided to try the Sensations Spa in Pulilan, beside the Max's Restaurant near the highway's major intersection. Taking a 12-minute jeepney ride to the site, I left the car at SM's parking lot, where parking space is a prime commodity on a weekend.

The spa is located on the second floor of a 2-storey building, where the first floor is obviously having renovations. The entrance is at the back, and I have to go around the balcony to see their entrance door facing the road. Upon opening the door, the comfortable lounge area above is a bit of a surprise, something I don't expect to a spa located in the area.

Razon's Halo-Halo in Baliwag, Bulacan

Our latest experience on their halo-halo:

Last Sunday afternoon, 01 April 2012, we ordered 6 halo-halo in to-go cups on our way to Manila. I was disappointed to see and taste the observations below:

1. The portion size is smaller now, less ice, banana, and milk on their mix.
2. The shaved ice are bigger and coarser, not the powdery-ice they serve before.

When we asked the girl on the counter about our observations, she blamed the ice shaver, no apologies nor promise to fix the issues on our next visit.

My verdict? They just lost me and my family as a customer. We used to keep coming back to the place because of the quality of their halo-halo. Now their signature item have deteriorated in quality, not much difference with an ordinary halo-halo on roadside stalls. They should have just increased the selling price from Php 65, and I'll be happy to pay more due to inflation, but please don't cut back on quality.

I would only return to the place if I get first hand info that they revert back to the previous portion size and quality of ice.
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My original (Nov. 2011) post below:

About half of the time whenever we visit my in-laws in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, we usually drop by the famous Halo-Halo of Razon's at their Baliwag branch. Its a small place with very basic furnitures and minimal decor or ambience, but perfect for a brief rest especially when driving in a hot weather.

Halo-halo is a Filipino food mixture of crushed ice, milk, leche flan (custard), ube jam, pinipig, and sweetened fruits (saba banana, jackfruit, beans, kaong, nata de coco, garbanzos, macapuno coconut strings, sweet potato, jelly, tapioca, etc.). Thais also have a similar version with additional herbs, judging from the taste of their halo-halo.

A Live Soft Shell Turtle

Over the weekend at my in-laws' place in Bulacan, a nephew showed to me a turtle they caught in the nearby river. When I saw the amphibian animal, it seems similar to the turtles that are sold to Asian restaurants that has turtle on their menus.

The teenage boys that caught the turtle found the animal turned upside down along the bank of the river. It was very tired trying to get to its natural bearing but to no avail. I'm estimating its weight to be at least half a kilogram, with about a foot in length. Its carapace is more leathery than hard shell, and it has web feet, similar to ducks' feet.

CHIC-BOY Restaurant in Central Mall

The name of the restaurant "Chic-Boy" seems cheap, no "class" or does not ring a bell. But we noticed that its almost full of customers at 11:30 am, so perhaps they are good. Hungry after grocery shopping at the newly-opened Central Mall in Binan City, we decided to give this new restaurant a try. By the way, their name came from combining two words -- chicken and "baboy", the latter a Filipino term for pig or pork. 

As we entered the restaurant, the ambience and menu reminded us of the Mang Inasal chain of grilled chicken restaurants. We ordered a half grilled chicken at Php 120, a grilled pork belly with unlimited rice at Php 99, an iced lemon tea and a sauteed kangkong (water spinach) in garlic both at Php 25 each. Guests can order 1 whole grilled chicken for only Php 210, which is a steal considering its Cebu-style taste, yet priced like Andok's chicken.

Thanks for the 100,000 Hits

A big Thank You to all the readers of this blog, whether regular readers or who just stumbled on this once when "googling" a topic. After 138 posts eliciting 300+ comments, this 568-day old blog had just garnered 100,000 hits from over 45,000 visitors, who have read this blog from 128 countries around the world. As expected, Philippines top the number of visitors, followed by US, Singapore, Canada, and Hongkong. 

English is the major language used by this blog's visitors, followed by Filipino, and a far third is German. Majority of the readers use Firefox as browser, closely followed by Chrome users, then Internet Explorer (IE). There is a debatable study released in Yahoo News before that in general, those who use internet browser other than IE are more intelligent, so I'm sure the readers of this blog belong to the smarter group of the world's population, hehe.

Steve Jobs of Apple Inc.

Today, the tech world mourns the death of Steve Jobs, one of the most influential and iconic person in current history. Below is a photo of Steve Jobs that appears now on Apple Inc.'s website, a company he co-founded in 1976.

I first learned of Steve Jobs during college in 1990, when we are discussing the competition between Apple and IBM on one of our management subjects. Back then, our impression of him is a maverick or unconventional type of person, yet he cannot beat the Watsons of IBM in the market share of the computing world. In 1985, he was even pushed out of the company he co-founded.

Angono Petroglyphs in Binangonan

What are petroglyphs? They are pictogram images or symbols created by removing part of a rock surface by incising, picking, carving, and abrading. In other words, rock carvings. Petroglyphs are found world-wide, and are often associated with prehistoric people.

The word comes from the Greek words petro meaning "stone", and glyphein meaning "to carve". The oldest petroglyphs are found in Azerbaijan and Ukraine, carved between 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

Not many Filipinos are aware that we also have post-Stone Age petroglyphs, situated in the boundary of Angono and Binangonan in Rizal province. Our national artist from Angono, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, had accidentally seen it on March 1965 while resting in a rock shelter in the company of boy scouts.

Above photo with turtle and lizard pictograms is a portion of the Angono petroglyphs. Below are other rock carvings believed to be depicting a healing ritual of the early people, where a human figure is surrounded by shamans and other people.

SMS or Text Scam by Sam Mendoza

Last Friday, I received 2 SMS or text messages from a Philippine mobile number 0906-4314621. Introducing herself as Sam, this 22-year old lady from Bacolod City asked for help, to be able to apply for a job in Manila. She seems to be desperate for help, as she is willing to offer anything, with a website (www.livealife.tk) to support her cry for assistance.

Upon checking the given website, I was surprised to see a nice looking young lady in a graduation photo, complete with a shortened resume, transcript of records, diploma, etc on the sidebar. On the left side is a longer version of her sad story, and readers will surely take pity on her experiences and current condition. It ends with a note as follows:

Hinagdanan Cave and Other Bohol Sights

On our last day in Bohol, I woke up early to check for bargains and/or unusual offerings on their wet market. This is perhaps my "off-the-beaten-track" style that separates me from other travellers and tourists, which also allows me to get a glimpse of the local culture. I did the same exercise in Palawan, Davao, Legazpi, Dumaguete, and other areas I visit whenever I have the opportunity. That morning, I went to the Tagbilaran City market, beside Island City Mall, with the Dao bus terminal behind it.

Their wet market is spacious with high ceiling. However, it shows signs of neglect with the fading paint jobs, rusty steel bars, etc. Inside the market its quite dark, and many stalls are vacant, reducing the usual vibe and noise you can expect on a market. Fruits like mangoes are less expensive yet bigger than in Manila, but they are too heavy to bring home.

Bohol Countryside Tour and Food Trip

After our morning tour in Antequera and Maribojoc towns, we picked up our friends A & E from Tagbilaran Airport at 11:00 am, before we proceeded to the usual countryside tour in Bohol. Our first stop is the Blood Compact site in Barangay Bool, along the main road which is still a part of Tagbilaran City.

"Sandugo" or blood compact is the native custom of the early Filipinos when formalizing treaties or act of friendship based on respect and equality. The two main characters would make a cut on their hand or arm, pour the blood on a cup which may also contain wine, then they both drink that liquid mixture. It is believed that the first blood compact between two races was done by Cebu's chieftain Rajah Humabon and the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, before the latter was killed by Lapu-Lapu in 1521.

Mag-aso Falls and Punta Cruz Watchtower

On our second day in Bohol, we visited the attractions in Antequera and Maribojoc towns, at least 30 minutes drive northwest of Tagbilaran City. Our first destination in our morning itinerary is the Mag-Aso Falls in Antequera.

To get there, visitors can ride the public utility vehicles from Tagbilaran to Antequera, but the trips seem infrequent, as we have not seen any jeep or mini-bus plying the route during our trip. Upon arriving at the town center's church and market area, tricycles can be hired to take visitors to the waterfalls, only 1.5 km in a narrow road. In our case, we hired the car services of Paul Incon in addition to the usual countryside tour.

Bohol's Century-Old Churches

Being one of the first islands occupied by the Spaniards who brought Christianity as a tool to enslave the Filipino people, Bohol is among the Visayas provinces that possess many old churches in the country. 

I've read a story that Boholanos fed and treated the American soldiers well, so that they will spare the Bohol churches from air strikes, when they flushed out the Japanese forces. If Manila have done the same, the country's capital city could have avoided being flattened by US bombings toward the end of the war in 1945.

The first century-old church we visited in Bohol is the neo-gothic style church of Our Lady of Assumption in Dauis, Panglao island. Built with coral stones, lime, and egg white in 1863-1879 under the supervision of Recoletos priests, it was said to be a miraculous church. 

During an attack of Moro pirates in the town, the townsfolk were entrapped inside the church for their safety, but without any provisions. Then water gushed out from the altar's floor to provide drinking water to the people. The well is still there, producing water up to this day.

Bohol Beach Club and Dao Diamond Hotel

Using our fifth and last batch of Air Phils P88 promo ticket this year, my wife, 3-year old son, and I went to Bohol ten days ago. Spending only Php 642 for all 3 round trip tickets paid last February, it would be foolish not to use the tickets, when current promo RT airfares now would set you back Php 900 each person, due to fuel surcharges and website convenience fees.

We were picked up by Dao Diamond Hotel's van for a 10-minute trip from Tagbilaran Airport to the hotel. Good thing that they allowed us to check-in at past 11:00 am without extra charge, although standard check-in time for hotels is 2:00 pm. 

Complementing the staff in front desk are the 25 deaf-mute staff assigned as bellmen, room attendant, and food attendants. In a way, guests are indirectly helping them earn a living by staying at the hotel. Below are the photos of their mini lobby and pool area.

The Pili Nut

Have you ever wondered how the delectable pili nut is being produced? Here's a photo of a pili tree taken from pinoytrees.blogspot.com.

The pili tree grows only on the tropical countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines. However, it is only in the Philippines' Bicol region where its commercially farmed.

Erroneous School Textbooks

My first-year high school son and I have been discussing about Philippine geography one afternoon, when our topic led into his narration of towns and cities under the National Capital Region (NCR). He enumerated 16 towns and cities, but missed Erap's town of San Juan. He's adamant that there is no San Juan City in Metro Manila, as he referred on their history book below.

I cannot believe that such a famous town will be missed by the book's 2 authors, proofreaders, and the book's publishing team. But when my son showed me the book's page no. 10 with the list of NCR towns and cities, I was disappointed with the absence of San Juan City on the list.

Kulo Blasphemous Art Exhibit at CCP

Lifted from various internet sources:

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) closed down on Tuesday the main gallery where the controversial “Kulo” art exhibit is on display. In a statement, the CCP said threats to persons and property influenced the management’s decision to close down the gallery.

One of the artworks displayed in the gallery — artist Mideo Cruz’s piece, a mixed-media collage called “Poleteismo” — was criticized as “blasphemous” and then vandalized last week. According to local news reports, the controversial art exhibit includes images and statues such as:

1. A wooden replica of male genital in front of Jesus Christ image.
2. An image of Christ wherein his eyes had been darkened by ink.
3. Crucifix with condom.
4. Religious pictures beside women underwear models.
5. Seated Christ statue with red ball on His nose and a semi mickey mouse ears.

BPI - Jollibee Promo 12 Aug. to 02 Nov. 2011

The last BPI credit card promo with Chowking had just ended last 07 August 2011, after a week's extension. Now BPI in celebration of their 160th year anniversary has their food promo with Jollibee, from 12 August to 02 November 2011, with redemption period until 01 January 2012.

To qualify, cardholder should use his/her BPI Express Credit card or BPI Express Teller ATM card via Express Payment System (E.P.S.) for a minimum single purchase transaction of Php 2,000, Php 6,000, or Php 12,000 at any merchant. Transaction should be approved through a Point-of-Sale card terminal, so online or internet purchases are disqualified.

Gun Show at Megamall

Like the Alfred Nobel's dynamite, the gun was invented to cause body harm. It was never meant to be used to promote peace. However, the Philippine government accepts the fact that they can never guarantee protection to the civilian population, hence they allow people to own licensed firearms. 

So after checking some trade books at the book fair on the 5th floor of SM Megamall, I transferred to the gun show next door, after our good friend JC paid our Php 80 entrance fee per person. It was my second time to see a gun show, and I was surprised on the huge turnout, the number of guns, accessories, and related products.

Camiguin's Attractions and Lanzones Festival

Out of my 12 remaining "must visit" local places on my list, Camiguin is definitely on the top three. This small island province is blessed with many natural attractions, historical sites, good food, and warm people. Its a complete tourist destination by itself. So let me narrate in detail why I would love to visit Camiguin.

White Sand Beaches

I'm a sucker for white sand beaches. I could stay in a beach the whole day, just admiring the cyan blue water splashing gentle waves on the white sand shore, inviting me for a refreshing dip, or lulling me to sleep on a hammock shaded by a tree. A relaxing massage on the beach, a cold beer in hand with freshly-cooked seafoods, or just chatting with friends, are also good ideas to pass away the time on the beach. Camiguin has Mantigue and White islands to satisfy that beach bumming urge.

Lignon Hill and Embarcadero Mall in Legazpi

Lignon Hill in Legazpi City, Albay offers an elevated and one of the best views of the majestic Mayon volcano. It is very near the airport, and its beside the city's wildlife park. 

However to avoid inconveniencing the joggers, they only allow vehicles to enter the hill's summit between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and also after 6:00 pm. If you don't want the strenuous walk uphill, you can ask a habal-habal (motorcycle) to take you at the top for Php 20.

Villa Amada Hotel & Colonial Grill in Albay

Hotels and pension houses in Legazpi City are generally more expensive, than their counterparts in Puerto Princesa, Davao, Cebu, and other popular local destinations. Fortunately, I was able to find a nice budget hotel in the neighboring Daraga town. We stayed one night in Villa Amada Hotel along Rizal St., which is less than 10 minutes by car from the airport.

At Php 3,600 nett per night for a 2-bedroom accommodation, its still expensive for a stingy traveller like me. But upon entering our connecting rooms with a double bed and 2 single beds, I think its a good deal compared with the other local hotels in the same category. Even my kids commented that we are like in a de luxe hotel in Manila.

Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay

The most visited tourist attraction in Albay is the Cagsawa Ruins. It used to be a church on a separate town of Cagsawa, but was buried by Mayon volcano's destructive eruption in 01 February 1814. The whole town was buried with about 15,000 residents, including an estimated 1,200 people who took refuge inside the Cagsawa church. Since that catastrophic year on their town's history, the remaining Cagsawa survivors decided to include Cagsawa as part of the municipality of Daraga.

From Tabaco church, we travelled back on the way to Daraga. Along the way, we saw many "padyak" bicycles ferrying people between Tabaco and Malilipot town. According to our driver, this is the country's padyak capital, where this particular mode of transportation had started before it spread out on Manila and other places.

Waway's Restaurant & Bigg's Diner in Albay

Our first meal in Bicol region, is at their famous Waway's Restaurant along Penaranda St. in Legazpi City. This restaurant is highly recommended on the internet reviews, due to their authentic Bicolano dishes at affordable prices. We arrived at almost 12:00 noon, and it looked like an early lunch wedding function had just ended.

I was expecting a carinderia ambience (open air, cramped dining area, basic furnitures, etc.), but I was surprised that they are like a regular restaurant. The place is air conditioned, nice furnishings, and dining tables even have tablecloths instead of linoleum. Their only difference with a regular restaurant is the "turo-turo" style of ordering, or by pointing your preferred food on what they have prepared on the counter.

Tabaco Church in Tabaco City, Albay

As I like to see century-old churches, we did a quick tour of San Juan Bautista church in Tabaco City, Albay. Its on the main road across the city hall, another evidence of the Spanish colonial governance, wherein the church and the state are one and the same.

Just like the other churches on this region, the church was constructed using volcanic materials between 1864-1879. The first church was constructed in 1616, but was later destroyed by Mayon volcano's most destructive eruption in 1814.

Mayon Planetarium in Tabaco City, Albay

After a heavy lunch in Waways, we proceeded to the Mayon Planetarium in Tabaco, Albay. Its about 1 hour trip from Legazpi City. We passed bridges and residential areas which showed boulders and volcanic debris from previous volcanic eruptions. 

We also passed the town of Malilipot, the main source of nice abaca bags sold in Manila and abroad. After a long climb to the zigzagging road with stations of the cross, we finally saw the signature dome of a planetarium.

The Mayon Planetarium is situated on the "waistline" of the volcano, or midway to its summit. This is the closest thing you can get to the volcano's crater. Near the site is where PAGASA's seismological instruments are installed to monitor the volcano's activity. 

Based on Mayon volcano's known eruption history, the planetarium's site was never hit by lava flows, so its just appropriate to build the complex on this side of the volcano. There used to be a Mayon Skyline Hotel on the same area, but its not operational now.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay

After checking the Daraga Church here, we proceeded to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig, Albay. Its about 15 km. from Legazpi City, and 15-20 minutes drive.

We passed well-paved roads with views of rice fields and a lot of trees, mostly the pili trees, where their famous pili nut come from. Our van driver also pointed to us the planned site for the bigger Legazpi airport in a large rice field. A few minutes later, we turned left on this fork on the road.

Car parts troubles that waste gas money

Here's a very helpful article lifted from Phil. Daily Inquirer's Motoring Section's issue yesterday, penned by Tessa Salazar.

So you’ve become a fuel-efficient driver, but is your car a fuel-efficient machine? Remember, one cannot work without the other.

Here’s a look at what could make or break your car’s fuel efficiency, as revealed by acknowledged motoring experts Ferman Lao of Speedlab, Quezon Avenue; Olson Camacho of West Avenue, Quezon City; Deanna Sclar (author of “Auto Repair for Dummies”); and Dan and Judy Ramsey (who wrote “Teach Yourself Visually: Car Care Maintenance”).

Daraga Church in Daraga, Albay

After dropping our luggage to the hotel, we proceeded to the nearby Daraga Church, which is situated on a hill with a view of the majestic Mayon Volcano. Unfortunately, it was still cloudy that morning of our arrival, so Mayon's peak is barely visible on the photo below.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate) in Daraga was built in 1773. It served as temporary shelter of Cagsawa residents when their church was buried by volcanic debris during the volcano's deadly eruption last 1814. 

Cebu's Taboan Market, "ATM", Etc.

Do you know that Cebu has another "ATM"? No, its not the cash-dispensing automated teller machine. On the contrary, it functions as a cash-accepting machine, in exchange for dispensing purified water in "tingi" or smaller portion to a refillable water bottle. Below is a sample of Cebu's Automated Tubig (Water) machine, or ATM for short.

The ATM machine is popular to Cebu's masses, especially to those who live near or along its streets. It allows the people to buy purified water in Php 5 denomination to quench that thirst. Its one of the unique and modern-day attractions in Cebu, hehe.

Cebu Lechon, Larsian,Sutukil, Golden Cowrie

On the left side of Lapu-Lapu shrine in Mactan island is the Sutukil restaurant row, sharing the same beach and mangrove area of the shrine. "Sutukil" is sort of an acronym for 3 methods of cooking as follows: Sugba (grill), Tinola (soup), and Kinilaw (ceviche). These 3 cooking methods are usually employed on the seafood items purchased by customers for cooking by the establishments in the area.

The customers start with the purchase of the seafood items, with corresponding prices per kilogram. Seafood prices are quite expensive, almost like in Manila's dampa restaurants. Well, they should make profit as well after incurring rent and labor costs, but I think the items are still overpriced. Cooking charge is about Php 50 per 500 gm, to cover the cost of seasonings, gas, etc.

Fort San Pedro in Cebu City

Another must-see tourist site in Cebu is the historical Fort San Pedro, much like the Intramuros in Manila. Its the smallest and oldest fort in the country. Here's the facade of the triangular fort as seen from the public park.

On top of the entrance is an image of Sto. Nino (Infant Jesus). The arches on the top wall reflects the architectural design during that era.

Magellan's Cross & Sto. Nino Basilica in Cebu

The most recognized tourist site of Cebu City is the Magellan's Cross, housed in a small chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street (named after Magellan's Spanish name), just in front of the city hall. The small chapel built in 1834 receives many tourists and religious practitioners. It is also included on the city's official seal.

A sign below the cross claims that the original cross is encased inside the tindalo wooden cross that is found in the center of this chapel. This is to protect the original cross from people who chipped away parts of the cross for souvenir purposes or in the belief that the cross possesses miraculous powers. However, some people (including myself) believe that the original cross had been destroyed or had disappeared after Magellan's death, and the cross is a replica that was planted there by the Spaniards after they successfully colonized the Philippines.

Cebu's Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan Island

Our second destination after arriving in Mactan airport is the shrine of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan island. Here, the tourists will see the 20-ft. bronze statue of the first Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu, who repelled the foreign invaders headed by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who served under King Charles I of Spain.

That historical battle on 27 April 1521 happened on this mangrove beach below. Here, Datu Lapu-Lapu and his men fought a pre-dawn attack of Magellan's men, if my history teacher's account of the story is correct.

Taoist Temple at Cebu City

One of the tourist attractions in Cebu City is the Taoist Temple at Beverly Hills subdivision. Built in 1972 by the local Chinese community, most of its area is open to the public, except the prayer chambers. Its not accessible through jeepney or bus routes, so a taxicab is the best option to get there for tourists like us.

Prepare for an uphill climb to see the temple's beauty.

Penong's Grill, Luz Kinilaw, Kusina Dabaw

Our first dinner in Davao was spent in Penongs, a highly recommended barbecue chain of restaurants, with affordable menus. Think of Mang Inasal restaurants in mostly open-air dining area with unlimited rice meals, but with more menu items like bulalo and grilled seafoods. 

Service is fast on their Sta. Ana St. branch, inspite of many diners that night. Waiters automatically serve complimentary bulalo soup and cold water to all their customers.

Royale House Hotel in Davao

During our 3D2N stay in Davao City, we stayed at Royale Pension House which is along C.M. Recto St. near the San Pedro Cathedral and Davao City Hall. It is also walking distance to the People's Park, though we didn't have time to see it. C.M. Recto is a one-way street, so our usual route in going back to the hotel is from San Pedro St. The jeep route no. 4 pass thru C.M. Recto after making rounds in Magsaysay Avenue and Quezon Boulevard. Many other jeepney routes and taxicabs pass the hotel, so transportation is never a problem.

Fastfoods like Chowking and Jollibee are just 5-minute walk through the Rizal Extension. There is also an NCCC Express Supermarket nearby. There is a night market along San Pedro St. if you fancy ukay ukay clothes, streetfoods, and pirated DVDs. The Bankerohan Market is a 5-minute ride on the jeepneys that pass the San Pedro St.

Hagimit Falls & Kaputian Beach, Samal Island

After our visit in Monfort Bat Caves, we asked our tricycle driver if she could take us to Hagimit Falls in Penaplata district, for an additional Php 200 fare. We checked first the arrival time of next Island Express bus that will bring us to Kaputian district, so that we'll know how much time we can spend at this locally famous waterfalls.

If I remember it correctly, the entrance fee in Hagimit Falls is Php 30/pax. Its quite far from the main road, so a vehicle is recommended to visit the area. Again, habal-habal is the more common form of transportation to this place.

Monfort Bat Cave in Samal Island, Davao City

Day 2 of our Davao tour was spent on the Island Garden City of Samal or IGACOS for short. Our first destination on the island is the Monfort Bat Cave which provides shelter to at least 1.8 million fruit bats, as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

From Magsaysay Avenue at downtown, we boarded the Island City Express bus for Php 30 fare/person up to the Babak district.  The mini-bus boards a Ro-Ro vessel, owned by the same company, along with other vehicles and boat passengers. 

Upon arriving at Babak pier, we rented a tricycle that will take us on the northwest portion of the island and back to the pier for Php 250 after minimal haggling with the female trike driver. Habal-habal should be less expensive and faster, but there are four of us including 2 kids, so its not an option. 

Davao Crocodile Park & Tribu Mindanawan

This is the last itinerary on Day 1 of our Davao DIY tour, which is near the city center. After riding the passenger van from Malagos, we took a taxicab to the Crocodile Park inside a subdivision. Entrance fee is Php 150 for adults and half price for kids. The fee includes free entrance to the butterfly center across the street, and to the Tribu Mindanawan cultural village and show.

The show at Davao Crocodile Park starts at 4:00 pm during weekends. It starts with a mini-bird show, followed by a yellow python, and an orangutan named Carlo. Afterwards, its the big croc Pangil splashing water to the spectators, feeding frenzy, and tightrope acts of 2 men above the crocs' area until 5:00 pm. 

Phil. Eagle Center in Malagos, Davao City

After our buffet lunch in Malagos Garden Resort, we proceeded to the Phil. Eagle Center, about 2-3 km farther uphill if my estimate is correct. Tricycle fare is only Php 10 per person from the Puentespinas' garden resort.

Entrance fee is Php 50 for adults, while its Php 30 for those 18 years old or younger. There is a snack store and souvenir shop on the center, where proceeds benefit the protection of the endangered Philippine eagle species. The relaxing lotus pond below with large koi fishes and a footbridge above it welcomes the visitors.

Malagos Garden Resort's Bird Show in Davao

Two weeks ago, I took my wife and 2 boys at Malagos Garden Resort in Davao City. The highlight of the visit there is the interactive bird show during Sundays at 10:30 am, which lasts for 45 minutes. Entrance fee for adults is Php 125, while its Php 100 for kids. Adding Php 150 to the entrance fee entitles a customer to avail of their lunch buffet, which is not bad for its price.

Near the entrance of the garden resort is their playground with a tower on the middle.