tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:33:06 +0000Filipino FoodHong Kong DisneylandZamboangaTagaytay AccommodationsSydneySamut-sariTarlac RestaurantsTo Infinity and BeyondFilipino-American WarMakati RestaurantHoly WeekSpanish FortsQuezon City RestaurantsPo Lin MonasteryLiving in the PhilippinesCaviteZamboanga AccommodationsPhotobloggingMabuhay MilesLa UnionFiestaTourist TrapsTheme ParksRizalSuperstitionsBulacan ResortsViaje del SolCatanduanesSamarDavao RegionChristmasSlumdog MillionaireZamboanga del NorteGolfPasig RiverLakesGregorio del PilarMisamis OrientalBridgesChinese New YearCagayan de OroImmigrationPasay CityRewardsBirdwatchingBulacan DirectionsFood TripsFilipino CuisinePAL ExpressSurfingRoads and HighwaysWater SportsPampanga RestaurantPaeteParksTarlac CityPublic TransportationFerriesBukidnonSeairSuperFerryFood TripSan PabloMadame TussaudsLeyte ResortsButterfliesIndiaRoutesCubaoAntiqueNew Years DayMonumentsPagudpudPhotojournalismRandom Acts of KindnessRizal RestaurantsBank NotesHow-to-Get-ThereAngonoTagaytay RestaurantsRiversCasinosMisamis OccidentalCebu AccommodationsSurigao del SurIsabela RestaurantsRizal ResortsMandaue CityPilgrimage SitesCamarines SurQuezon CityPhilippine HolidaysPhilippine GamesPasalubongUNESCODavao Del SurAuroraBenguetNational Capital RegionPangasinanResortsZoosOceanariumsNueva EcijaThailandPersonalSierra MadreQuiapoPhilippine HistoryMalaybalay CityIfugaoNueva VizcayaLeyte RestaurantsVisita IglesiaNightlifeWildlifeDamsNorth KoreaAustraliaPhilippine AirlinesBoracay ResortsAdvocaciesARMMBatanesCamilingWatchtowersGiant BuddhaCaptivating CapizMuseumsBoracayWisdom PathDagupanButterfly GardenPinoy PrideJoseSouthern TagalogVigan AccommodationsCebu PacificMountainsNorthern MindanaoMalaysiaDapitanDavao CityUniversitiesSex TourismFlowersIlocos SurAndres BonifacioIloiloButterfly WatchingCentral LuzonWestern VisayasPalawan ResortsFlora and FaunaAntonio LunaParanaque CityBeyond AsiaArchitecture1000 Places To See Before You DieHong KongSouthern LeyteAngeles CityCagayan ValleyEastern VisayasPhilippine VisaCavesNational Holidays in the PhilippinesHistorical ShrinesAirAsiaDive SitesShoppingCebu CityWaterfallsStatue SquareCebuTacloban CityJose RizalMalabonSpelunkingPampangaAlaminos CityBataan ResortsWalking TourBloggingRivers and LakesChurchesSeafoodRestaurantsSpasBusesNational Historical LandmarksLegendsCabanatuan CityTravel BloggingFolkloreFilipino TraditionsPipe OrgansVigan RestaurantsPhilippine RevolutionMetro ManilaLagunaBoardsportsQuezon ResortsExotic FoodDavao Del NorteMosquesNational Cultural TreasuresTravel InformationBeachesMarine ParksTravel WarningTravel TipsIlocos RegionSan JuanDelicaciesPasig CityMumbaiCharityLaguna Food TripHalloweenButuan CityMetro Manila ResortsPhilippine-American WarSignspottingEventsAirphil ExpressBanaueOrphanagesPangasinan Ilocos RegionOTOPHolidaysIt's More Fun in the PhilippinesJeepneysBicol CuisineInfographicsLighthousesBatangas RestaurantsBataanBinondoPhotographyVolcanoesCalabarzonBuddhismMakatiAdvisoriesla Union ResortsPuerto GaleraEmilio AguinaldoTawi-tawiNegros OrientalFloobydustLiteratureCebu RestaurantsStreet FoodCamarines NorteBangkokPancitRegion IIITagaytay CityTourism NewsZestAirIce CarvingHalal FoodZamboanga CityPromo FaresCentral VisayasLaguna RestaurantsGovernment OfficesManila BaySantiago CityAccommodationsFiestasIsabelaSingaporeWorld War IIZamboanga PeninsulaPateros AccomodationsAdventure TourismRailwaysLuzonLinksManila RestaurantsLucena CityOriental MindoroCuisineBatangas ResortsWax MuseumMandaluyong CityPhilippine PassportsAirlinesCarlos "Botong" FranciscoNational ArtistsDaetIloilo CityPalawan RestaurantsSurigao del NorteTravel WarningsPhilippine CuisineDumagueteCemeteriesBacolod CityGolf CoursesFootballAngeles City AccommodationsBulacanKalayaanTemplesBicolLandmarksWalking ToursLapu-Lapu CityPalawanOzamiz CityCordillera Administrative RegionAirportsTrekkingPagsanjanIlocosOpenStreetMapCaragaIndonesiaNueva Vizcaya AccommodationsSports TourismNgong Ping 360Vegetarian FoodLipa CityMountain ProvinceHistoryTravel GearNewsPre-Hispanic PhilippinesSiquijorAzkalsIsland-HoppingGapanAlbayZambalesQuezon RestaurantsMoney MattersCaramoanCordilleraLakbayanBaguio CityCaloocan CityIlocos NorteDavao ResortsEmilio JacintoMapsRantsDipologBaliMetro CebuFestivalsCory AquinoTalisayEcotourismAklanPhilippinesDivisoriaCelebritiesBicol RegionBirdsAntipolo CityTarlacBatangasManilaSorsogonHotels and ResortsIslandsGuimarasCamiguinHotelsTyphoonsLeyteBoholFruitsMetro TagaytayBoracay RestaurantsSagadaBasilanSubicFloraSeaportsNegros OccidentalNational ParksViganLeyte AccommodationsOFWIslamSpecialtiesTravel GuidesAdvertorialsTian Tan BuddhaAgusan Del NorteRants and RavesTaguig CityEmbassiesCultureMallsMarikinaFrugal Food FindPundaquitArtSurigao del Sur ResortsLegazpi CityOrmocLaguna ResortsGuitarPaterosMimaropaFaunaPuerto PrincesaIntramurosSurvivorEastern SamarCorregidorMindanaoLas PinasLifestyleQuezonNational HeroesDonsolYour source of independent reviews and unbiased information about the Philippines, Asia and Beyond!http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/noreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)Blogger1020125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2190707275830800964Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:03:00 +00002013-06-17T16:09:07.248+08:00CalabarzonFilipino FoodCaviteFeatured on various TV shows as serving "very good" and "to-die-for" halo-halo, a Filipino dessert of various sweet ingredients mixed with shaved ice and milk, it litterally means "mix-mix" and is one of Filipinos favorite desserts during the hot summer months. Tutubi, when he visited the town of Kawit, also passed by Barangay Digman in Bacoor town to sample this famous ice concoction named http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/06/review-original-digman-halo-halo-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-9172378447569244589Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:19:00 +00002013-06-17T11:30:43.744+08:00Northern MindanaoMisamis OrientalAirportsThe new Laguindingan Airport is not in Cagayan de Oro City unlike the old Lumbia Airport which it replaced. In fact, it's west of CDO where you need to budget at least an hour travel time to/from the airport. Here's a guide how to get to Laguindingan Airport from Cagayan de Oro and vice versa. Map of Laguindingan Airport (via OpenStreetMap) showing the neighboring town of Alubijid. Going right http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/06/cagayan-de-oro-laguindingan-airport.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1216322163729790350Sun, 09 Jun 2013 12:47:00 +00002013-06-17T10:35:55.104+08:00Metro ManilaQuezon City RestaurantsFilipino FoodThis is Tutubi's personal list of Filipino restaurants he visits in Quezon City, with native restaurants at least and some Asian cuisine at most that caters to all budgets (except the exclusive and super expensive) from hole-in-the-wall, frugal food finds to "fun dining" place. Some were his own discoveries, while a few were from travel or food TV shows like GMA's Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, GMA Newshttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/06/native-filipino-restaurants-in-quezon.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-575767809823599244Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:55:00 +00002013-06-10T15:57:50.886+08:00LeyteBeachesIslandsEastern VisayasWhat would you do with three hours to spare in a place where you have to leave and probably not re-visit again in the near future? Well, maximize the stay, go out and explore, of course! This was what Tutubi did when he visited Bato, Leyte, having heard of the Cuatro Islas, part of the towns of Inopacan and Hindang, north of Bato town, one late afternoon. Tutubi asked around Inopacan Barangay http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/06/leyte-island-hopping-cuatro-islas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-3572283688981548523Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:33:00 +00002013-06-03T16:19:51.613+08:00Hotels and ResortsBatangasCalabarzonBeachesBatangas ResortsOne of the more expensive beach resorts in Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas, Estrellas de Mendoza playa Resort has probably the most number of hotel rooms in the area that can accommodate big company summer outings and even conventions, more than the more expensive Acuatico Beach Resort who also has its own infinity pool. Tutubi first visited Laiya Beach in 2005, at Laiya Cocogrove, on the http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/06/estrellas-de-mendoza-playa-resort-laiya.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7273122451908768112Mon, 27 May 2013 13:09:00 +00002013-06-03T16:19:09.841+08:00BatangasCalabarzonTravel GuidesBeachesThinking of going to the beach of Laiya, San Juan, Batangas? Herewith is the latest information and the best way to commute by bus going there. Tutubi re-visited this once secret beach recently and is providing the information should you wish to stay at a beach resort there from the expensive Acuatico beach Resort, Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort, Les Caraibes Beach Resort to a private camp http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/how-to-get-to-laiya-san-juan-batangas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7477358428483681228Sun, 26 May 2013 14:57:00 +00002013-05-29T13:14:46.177+08:00BusesPublic TransportationIn the proud city of Makati controlled for decades by the Binay Dynasty, traffic is getting worse with no major investment to alleviate it nor improve public transportation (except for the e-jeepney), a private company comes in to picture to try to bring the level of public transportation to first world standards. Green Frog company is bringing in hybrid buses from China to ply the route http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/makati-green-frog-bus-route-map-via-gil.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-571623824786904385Sun, 26 May 2013 13:17:00 +00002013-05-28T21:51:17.981+08:00BloggingTen years, one month and a few days ago during the glory days of Yahoogroups, Tutubi, together with Ferdz (of Ironwulf and Barok (adikkk Holy Week travelers and now the blogger behind Byaheng Barok) and Manny Gaerlan formed the explore-philippines Yahoogroups that served as a group to share travel stories, tips and information. It was only three years later, a few months after the Palawan http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/7-years-secrets-to-travel-blogging-tips.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-6334913462384219028Tue, 21 May 2013 12:11:00 +00002013-05-22T15:24:58.422+08:00FloobydustTaipei recently released satellite records that their fishermen were fishing at these coordinates "122° 55' E 19° 59 N" when they were chased by the Philippine Coast Guard and killed one of them. But where exactly is the area? Google Maps to the rescue: Tutubi plotted the coordinates on Google Maps and look at the resulting image map: The scene of the crime happened southeast of Batanes Group http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/location-map-where-coast-guard-killed.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-378494352626092641Thu, 16 May 2013 13:54:00 +00002013-05-21T14:56:15.935+08:00AccommodationsLeyte AccommodationsBato is a small town in Leyte, on the western side of Leyte island facing Bohol and Cebu. There are no big hotels there but there several lodges and pension houses. Here's Tutubi's simple accommodation in Bato, Leyte at Holy Child Pensionne where he spent a night and served as his base for exploring in Canigao Island Matalom and the so called Cuatro Islas of Hindang Review: Holy Child Pensionnehttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/holy-child-pensionne-accommodations-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-9137594446816108607Tue, 14 May 2013 12:10:00 +00002013-05-21T14:17:09.501+08:00MallsOn the rush to SM Aura Premier opening on May 17 and catch Carrie Bradshaw i.e. Sarah Jessica Parker gracing the event? Here are the various routes to take to SM Aura Premier at the Fort for you information How to get How to Get to SM Aura Premier at the Fort: For starters, here's an online street map of SM Aura Premier at the Fort, click here For driving directions, just follow the route http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/how-to-get-to-sm-aura-map-commute.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-1858069511378301642Mon, 13 May 2013 12:39:00 +00002013-05-17T17:40:41.822+08:00Roads and HighwaysThe 300 meter long tunnel along Ternate-Nasugbu Road, bored through Mt. Pico de Loro at the boundary of Nasugbu, Batangas and Ternate, Cavite will soon be open to motorists. Besides connecting the two neighboring provinces plus the resort towns of Nasugbu and Ternate, it will also lessen travel time to Nasugbu and Western batangas by about an hour and decongest Tagaytay City and spur tourism http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/ternate-nasugbu-tunnel-map-and-opening.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-4520182970692552398Sun, 12 May 2013 15:08:00 +00002013-05-14T11:10:12.814+08:00LeyteLeyte ResortsBeachesIslandsEastern VisayasCanigao Island is a small island with fish sanctuary, surrounded by white sand beach and beach resort run by the local government of Matalom, Leyte. The island was visited by Tutubi as a sidetrip, where his friends from nearby town of Bato took him just to have lunch. The island can be reached from the town of Bato by short southbound jeepney ride from Bato transport terminal then a short boat http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/camp-and-day-tour-at-canigao-island.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-849298819211517908Sat, 11 May 2013 13:55:00 +00002013-05-14T09:57:15.933+08:00FerriesPublic Transportationfor those looking for the latest information on sea travel by boat to/from Bato Leyte to Cebu City or Ubay, Bohol, herewith are the latest shipping/ferry companies serving the route to Bato, Leyte from the nearby islands of Cebu and Bohol for you backpacking itinerary. Overnight ferry trips saves on accommodations cost as you spend the night at sea while only paying the ferry fare. ticket http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/bato-leyte-to-cebuubay-bohol-ferry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5809572718944687811Fri, 10 May 2013 12:53:00 +00002013-05-12T19:46:36.163+08:00FloobydustGoing to the mall on Election day after voting? Herewith is the SM Mall schedule on May 13 (Monday) Please make your vote count where it matters most for the benefit of our country and all, not your own pocket for just a day yet suffer for three years or longer. You probably know what I mean If you didn't vote, you have no right to complain about elected officials, except if you were in http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/election-day-sm-mall-hours-on-may-13.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7623384369060784153Wed, 01 May 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-05-02T18:16:29.013+08:00CalabarzonTravel GuidesLagunaWaterfallsProbably the second most famous waterfall in Laguna is Taytay Falls in Majayjay, next only to the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls. This falls was visited by Tutubi thrice in the past, when digital cameras were not yet the "in" thing, including a birthday treat to his now departed mother, giving it some sort of nostalgic value to the sentimental Tutubi. This travel guide to Taytay falls is for thosehttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/laguna-how-to-get-to-taytay-falls.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-4154575983842145794Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +00002013-05-06T13:29:06.846+08:00Just a seat sale alert from Cebu Pacific on May 1, 2013 Add caption Cebu Pacific Piso Fare/Seat Sale Fares Dubbed May Juan is Labor Day! Seat Sale Fares: P1 on all Philippine Destinations P100 on all international destinations Sale period: May 1 - May 3, 2013 No Information on travel period Book your flights early to get the Cebu Pacific Piso fare promo and fly almost for free to http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/05/cebu-pacific-piso-fare-promoseat-sale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8807419468470065190Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +00002013-05-06T13:37:03.551+08:00EcotourismSpelunkingCalabarzonTravel GuidesCavesLagunaTutubi first read about this new cave when he read a news article about the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which classified a certain Kwebang Puti in Cavinti, Laguna as Cave Class 1 but no information can be found online about it until news spread from Tutubi's friends in Paete, Laguna who were able to visit it a three weeks ago. The information and picture posted http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/travel-guide-cavinti-underground-river.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-5200779678482713274Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-05-02T14:30:13.306+08:00National Capital RegionMetro ManilaTravel GuidesAirportsA never-ending question how to get to NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2 by public transportation, particularly commuting from EDSA by bus (yes, some people still prefer to take the slow bus) or the alternative way out of NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 if there are no airport taxi in sight. The recommended option to get to Manila Airport Terminal 1 and 2, for those with very limited budget and http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/how-to-get-to-naia-terminal-1-and-2-map.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-4481895957741263274Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +00002013-04-25T13:21:45.357+08:00ShoppingJust to post an event organized by the 98B Community (twitter: @98B_Community ) to bring back the memories and former glory of Manila's Escolta Street, once the center of business of the country, starting at bringing back commerce to the once vibrant street. SaturdayMarket@ESCOLTA Information and poster "Let's us all visit the SaturdayMarket@ESCOLTA this April 27, 2013. It will open at 9AM. http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/manila-saturday-market-escolta-first.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-8782685035256252224Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-04-25T13:01:21.021+08:00FloobydustHere's a bit of good news (though the cynical Tutubi doubts if it can be implemented soon just like the much delayed SLEX-NLEX connector roads or the already scrapped NorthRail) where a high-speed rail to/from Clark Airport to link it with Metro Manila. It's a proposed Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project by Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) finance the $3-http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/manila-to-clark-airport-bullet-train.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-2017694219691475993Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-04-22T15:11:00.950+08:00CalabarzonBeachesBatangas ResortsIs there any thing to see and do in Lobo, Batangas besides a short visit to Faro de Punta Malabrigo (Malabrigo Lighthouse)? An officemate of Tutubi is from Lobo and swears there's white sand beach there, in a place unknown to Metro Manila denizens for a fun beach place. Lobo's shoreline is actually rocky and/or pebble beaches except that part occupied by Gerthel Beach Resort. You can actually http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/beach-resorts-in-lobo-batangas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7947710632804558363Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-04-22T15:10:39.658+08:00BusesPublic TransportationTutubi was just gassing up Scarlett at Petron gas station on southbound EDSA, Cubao when he caught sight of the small bus terminal carved out at the opposite corner just next to Cypress Bomanite. He took a through the windshield picture of the cramped bus garage where a parked bus going to Antique can be seen. RM Liner Bus Fare (Cubao to Pandan, Antique): PhP890.00 Travel Time: 14 hours RM http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/rm-liner-roro-bus-to-antiqueiloilo-fare.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-3677309638640874041Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 +00002013-04-22T15:11:44.355+08:00OTOPPangasinanCentral LuzonThere are claims that the Hollywood movies Lord of the Rings ("The Felloswhip of the Ring," "The Two Towers," "The Return of the King") used swords forged not in the fires of Mordor but in the fires of the northern town of Pozzorubio, Pangasinan. This claim is also made for the Braveheart (Mel Gibson) and Batman Begins (Christian Bale) using old jeepney leaf springs (called molye in Tagalog) andhttp://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/hollywood-movie-blacksmiths-swords-made.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28766426.post-7154593409532586320Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +00002013-04-19T10:17:11.441+08:00Metro ManilaManilaTheme ParksTutubi intends to again visit Manila Ocean Park, not the 3D art and Mirror Maze at Seri Fantasy World, but their other main attractions like the oceanarium/Aquarium and sea lion show. Manila Ocean Park Entrance Fee/ Admission Prices/ Promos/ Discounts Manila Ocean Park operates like a mall, you can enter the facilities and visit other park amenities (no movie theaters but there are 3D http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2013/04/manila-ocean-park-entrance-fee-rates.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (backpacking philippines)0