SLEX and Skyway's Astronomical Toll Rates

On 26 April 2011, new toll rates from Magallanes/C5 to Alabang will take effect, both in Elevated (Skyway) and At-Grade (lower) sections. For Class 1 vehicles, below will be the new toll rates, including the 12% eVAT as of 01 October 2011.

Elevated/Skyway Section:

Makati - Bicutan                                   72

Makati - Sucat                                    118

Makati - Alabang                                 164

At-Grade/Lower Section:

Magallanes/C5 - Bicutan/Merville            49

Magallanes/C5 - Sucat                          84

Magallanes/C5 - Alabang                     118

Bicutan - Sucat                                     34

Bicutan - Alabang                                  69

Sucat - Alabang                                    34

On my calculation, it will be a 23% increase on Skyway, while it will be a whopping 63% increase on lower section, both from current toll rates. Plus the 350% increase on SLEX toll rates from Alabang to Calamba, and you will understand why the South Luzon motorists are complaining on these insane toll rates. Add 12% on the toll rates below to include eVAT.

Symphony of Lights in Avenue of Stars

After my visit on HK Space Museum, I decided to see again the Symphony of Lights, since its almost 8:00 pm. I also like to hear the English version of the narrator during Wednesdays, so I proceeded to the viewing deck area in front of the HK Cultural Centre and Clock Tower.

Sam Tung Uk Museum in Hong Kong

About 200m from Tsuen Wan station of MTR is the Sam Tung Uk Museum. I was planning to check a shop on this end of Tsuen Wan line one afternoon. But when I saw a this direction of museum within the MTR station, I decided to see it first to maximize my visit in this HK area, although its outside of the tourism radar.

The museum showcases the Tsuen Wan community from the 1920s, their way of life, and the various industries that thrived on the area. Above is the entrance of the museum, without any fee. I saw a batch of students also entering the museum, perhaps as part of their school curriculum.

Food Trip in Hong Kong

The welcome fruit, chocolate, and tea at the hotel.

My first dinner on my second stay at HK is also my first time to taste an imported escargot (snail) aside from the dark "kuhol" or snail of the Philippines. This was followed by a fish flounder with scallop seafood sauce which has superb taste, but I was not able to take a photo. The food is part of the HK$628 buffet at the hotel, since I'm quite tired to dine out after my arrival. Good thing that my HK trip is on business, so I don't have to worry about food expenses.

Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery in HK

Under a light drizzle at 7:00 am of Saturday morning, I braved the 16 C outdoor temperature of Hong Kong, just to see the Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery at Diamond Hill. Their brochure says its "serenity in the midst of urban hustle and bustle", and they are absolutely correct.

Hong Kong Space Museum

I have always been curious to see what is inside the big spherical building below which is visible from my hotel along Salisbury Road in TST District of Hong Kong. I found out later that it is the Hong Kong's Space Museum, sandwiched by the HK Convention Center and Museum of Arts.