Imagine my surprise when after getting into the cab, the yellow metered taxi driver said that the fare going to my place in Sta. Mesa would cost me P550. I asked the driver ‘Isn’t this supposed to be a metered taxi?’ I don’t know if he heard me or just pretended not to hear because he just went ahead and called his dispatcher using their on-taxi radio. He confirmed with his dispatcher that we will be paying P550. I was about to argue some more but the significant other told me to just let it be.

Now, the fare going to my place only costs about P140. Even if you double that or even triple it, I shouldn’t be paying anything more than P420. But really, that’s beside the point. If you’re gonna tell the world that you’re strictly a metered taxi and that although you cost a few pennies more than the usual taxi, then for Pete’s sake stick to the program. Be a frigging metered taxi and make sure your drivers don’t become mercenaries preying on tired passengers. We already have a lot of those! For all the good publicity that this yellow metered taxis is given, this really isn’t good for PAL heck, it’s not even good for the country’s tourism.

What’s really frustrating about this is that, it’s not just the taxi driver who’s doing the scamming, even the airport operator is in on it too. Which makes one wonder what kind of controls the owner of this PAL accredited taxi service is doing to monitor their operation, or do they even have one?

I see all those stickers on the windshield of those yellow metered taxis in PAL and I can’t help but think BS. Just another one of those despicable practices that ruin the Philippines travel experience. I really hope the management of this yellow metered taxi in PAL Centennial Airport looks into this. These guys are giving the Philippines a bad name.

By the way, if you’re gonna look into this, the yellow sticker on the windshield says 336 and the time we took that taxi was around 4:00 AM (Nov. 12, 2009) going to Sta. Mesa. And yes, I actually heard the driver talking to the guy in dispatch and them agreeing to the amount. The driver didn’t even give me a receipt.

Anyway, for those travelers looking to hire one of these yellow metered taxis, the prudent thing to do would be to insure with the dispatch that the driver will be using the taxi meter. I know you shouldn’t have to do this given that that’s what their supposed to do, but it seems you can not trust people these days to do what they’re supposed to do. So better make sure so you don’t get the kind of drama that I had.

I’m pretty sure that this is an isolated incident, but the fact that the taxi driver connived with the dispatcher, there is most assuredly a practice of this sort going on. I just hope their management looks into this ASAP.

Featured Photo from www.liveinthephilippines.com

The Cebu Pacific Air One Peso Promo is one of my favorite promos of Cebu Pacific but this is easily filled up. I’m not sure if it’s already available now but for sure by midnight tonight, all those seats will go on sale! Go crazy, buy your ticket now.

Take note however that flights will be from June 15, 2010 until September 30, 2010. Oh, and take note, this is still exclusive of government taxes and administration fees. Nevertheless, this is bound to be really, really cheap! Hurry!

Featured Photo courtesy of carabaopower

It's not just the beach!

With the currently unpredictable weather here in this country, I am thinking of going somewhere more sunny, somewhere beyond the 7,107 islands of the Philippines. You know, somewhere like Bondi Beach; that very popular beach in the land down under. I’d probably have to apply for an Austrailian visa, but that’s a very small thing to hurdle. Besides, it’s not like I’m gonna apply for a working visa. God knows how difficult getting one of those can be. I’ve heard a lot of heartbreaking stories about applying for those things.

In my case, a simple tourist visa will do just fine.

I’m sure that there are other beaches outside the country that are probably more sunnier or more exotic than Bondi Beach but something about this particular beach appeals to me. Maybe it’s just the things that I’ve read; like how many movies have been made in this beach, or maybe it’s just the simple fact that a few friends who are living in Sydney have offered to shoulder all my expenses when I’m there, saying that all I had to do was show up. That, I have to say, is a very tempting offer.

Cost of Going To Bondi Beach

However, I do have to pay for my transportation expenses though which means that I will have to shell out around US$1,000 (inclusive of taxes) for the round trip fare if I decide to fly via Philippine Airlines. Too bad that Cebu Pacific doesn’t have a flight to Sydney just yet. I’m sure it would be a lot more inexpensive. But I have I do have a lot of time still to come up with that money. I just have to lessen some of my expenses here and there.

Oh well, anyone can dream.

Featured Photo courtesy of Taro Taylor

Going To Sohoton Cove

And I thought I’m through with Surigao, turns out I still have a million reasons, nay, a million jellyfishes to return to. After my Siargao adventure, I told myself that it’s time to head north, to explore the other parts of Palawan, the so-called Final Frontier. Sohoton was supposed to be one of my destinations in Surigao, but I thought it’s just another cove, another body of water. You know, like been there, done that.

I didn’t know what possessed me, it maybe the fear of missing out on something that prompted me to search for pictures of Sohoton. And boy was I glad I did.

True, Sohoton is just another cove to the uninformed, but these massive number of jellyfishes (not sure if this is the correct plural term for jellyfish, but I’m sure you get what I mean) would surely beg to disagree.

From what I’ve read, Between the months of January – September, these non-sting jellyfishes would congregate in the Sohoton cove and one could actually swim with them. I could imagine that it must feel like swimming in a bowl of jelly. But since I haven’t done it, I have to experience it firsthand.

So to Sohoton I shall go. But since I’m going there during my Christmas break, I just hope that they somehow deviate from their pattern and stay in the area until the christmas season.

ooOoo

Photo from gadgetcrave.com

On a sidetone, I am really looking forward to Christmas. My treasurer, the significant other has declared that my christmas present under the christmas tree will contain no less than a DSLR. Oh joy! I’ll finally graduate from my trustee ol’ point-and-shoot cam to a more sophisticated one. I was supposed to buy a second hand Canon 450D DSLR but the SO wouldn’t have any of it. She wants me to have a camera that nobody has ever touched yet. Awww.

Now I’m really, really excited. Christmas can’t come fast enough. I wonder what Canon model she’ll get me? A Canon 7D perhaps? Too expensive I know, but you know what, far stranger things have happened.

Related Posts:

• Sohoton National Park | beyond visible impression – Sohoton National Park. just few of the images that i created during the visit of The Traveling Light Collective team to Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park. snbnp1. feel the thrill while following the monkey trail from Protected Area …

• Sohoton Cove and Bucas Grande in Caraga declared protected areas … – Sohoton Cove and Bucas Grande in Caraga declared protected areas.

See Cebu Pacific Air’s press release below;

P888 seat sale to all domestic destinations!

Have a blast with our ‘Go Lite’ seat sale for only P888 to any domestic destination starting now until October 12, 2009 for travel from November 1 to December 31, 2009.

Our seat sale covers the best and remaining holidays of the year, top that with flights to 32 domestic destinations from Manila, Clark, Cebu and Davao.

We also have 20 direct flights from Cebu to key destinations in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, and Clark.

Book your P888 flight now via www.cebupacificair.com and pay through CEB ticketing offices, online with your credit card or Bancnet debit card, via ATM or over the counter in partner banks. This new option in our website is specifically for those who have no credit cards or prefer to pay in cash.

My first roadtrip was all because of a girl– my mother. I was only 14 years old then in my 2nd year of high school when she sent me on an errand to deliver a package for my grandfather. The problem was we were living in South Cotabato then and my grandfather’s place is in Butuan, Agusan Del Norte. Check out the map below to see how far that is. I would tell you all about that trip some other time. Suffice it to say that, that was the first solo road trip I did.

Click on Mindanao Map to Enlarge

In between that time until the present, life happened. I went through the motions of living and never thought about road trips again. That is until I became an addict.

Before I really sank my teeth into blogging, or traveling, I had one migraine-inducing addiction. No, I didn’t have to pierce my skin with a needle or puff the magic dragon, I just park my butt on the sofa and turn on my DVD player. I would watch movies non-stop, sometimes watching 5 movies in a row!

I guess that was my escape from a life that’s very ordinary.

Then something happened that reunited me with my wanderlust.

During my college days, I was one of those idealistic college boys who thought they could solve the world’s problem by taking to the streets. One of my heroes then was the guy everyone considered to be the world’s truest revolutionary. His name was Ernesto Guevarra De La Serna, more popularly known by tshirt makers and the world over by the name Che Guevarra. Yes that’s the guy.

I was then into one of my movie marathons when I started watching a DVD that a friend highly recommended. The movie’s title was Diarios De Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries). I didn’t know what it was about at the time, but after watching the movie, I felt that I would no longer be content spending hours on my couch while the world passes me by. My wanderlust had returned.

Alright, too much segue there. Since I’ve been writing all about road trips these days as a filler for my next trip, here are four very good movies about road trips that I really enjoyed. I hope you get the chance to watch them.

The Motorcycle Diaries is an adaptation of a journal written by Ernesto “Che” Guevara de la Serna when he was 23 years old. He and his friend, Alberto Granado are typical college students who, seeking fun and adventure before graduation, decide to travel across Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela in order to do their medical residency at a leper colony. Beginning as a buddy/road movie in which Ernesto and Alberto are looking for chicks, fun and adventure before they must grow up and have a more serious life. As is said in the film itself, it’s about “two lives running parallel for a while.” The two best friends start off with the same goals and aspirations, but by the time the film is over, it’s clear what each man’s destiny has become. Written by bondish, <via IMDB>

This movie starred Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrigo De La serna. By the way, this movie won an Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 2004.

Memorable Lines:

“What we had in common – our restlessness, our impassioned spirits, and a love for the open road.”

“How is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world I never knew?”

Y Tu Mama También (Talk To Her) - Abandoned by their girlfriends for the summer, teenagers Tenoch and Julio meet the older Luisa at a wedding. Trying to be impressive, the friends tell Luisa they are headed on a road trip to a beautiful, secret beach called Boca del Cielo. Intrigued with their story and desperate to escape, Luisa asks if she can join them on their trip. Soon the three are headed out of Mexico City, making their way toward the fictional destination. Along the way, seduction, argument and the contrast of the trio against the harsh realities of the surrounding poverty ensue. Written by Sujit R. Varma <via IMDB>

Gael Garcia Bernal is again on this one, so is Diego Luna and Ana Lopez Mercado. Another Oscar nominee this one, 2001.

Memorable Lines

“Life is like the surf, so give yourself away like the sea.”

“Truth is cool but unattainable… the truth is totally amazing, but you can’t ever reach it.”

Into The Wild – Based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life. Written by Lisa Kelley <via IMDB>

Into The Wild stars Emile Hirsch (Speedracer), and even a short appearance by Kristine Stewart (Twilight). Nominated for an Oscar, 2007. Word of caution, this one’s a heartbreaker.

Memorable Lines

“I will miss you too, but you are wrong if you think that the joy of life comes principally from the joy of human relationships. God’s place is all around us, it is in everything and in anything we can experience. People just need to change the way they look at things.”

“It should not be denied that being footloose has always exhilarated us. It is associated in our minds with escape from history and oppression and law and irksome obligations. Absolute freedom. And the road has always led west.”

Road Trip – Josh and Tiffany have been together since they were kids. ENTER Beth, a sexy blonde going to college with Josh. One night, Josh and Beth hook up and make a videotape the same day that Josh plans to mail a video to Tiffany of him talking about college life. The wrong tape gets sent, forcing Josh, along with a few pals, to go to Austin, where Tiffany is, and stop her from seeing the tape. Full of laughs, you’ll be sure to enjoy Road Trip. Written by Zac Abrams <via IMDB>

This movie is hilarious. I still watch it every now and then and yet I still laugh all over again. Reunited me with Twisted Sisters. This was not nominated for an Oscar.

Memorable Lines

“Think about it Josh, you’re in college. The window of opportunity to drink and do drugs and take advantage of young girls is getting smaller by the day.”

Classic Conversation in the Movie

E.L.: Well, there are these rules that guys have, an understanding as to what exactly constitutes cheating. Take your situation for example: it’s not cheating. It’s never cheating when you’re in a different area code, not to mention a different state.

Kyle: That makes no sense.

E.L.: Hey, don’t look at me Kyle, OK, I didn’t make up the rules.

Rubin: No no, this is legit, I- I’ve actually read an article about this. There’s a whole bunch of them, it’s like- they’re like loopholes. Right, for argument’s sake, let’s say that you were sleeping with two girls at the same time, it- it wouldn’t be cheating because they would cancel each other out.

E.L.: Exactly. Or if, uh, you’re too wasted to remember- it is not cheating. Because if you can’t really remember it, it never really took place.

ENJOY THESE MOVIES!!

To make sure that your donations go directly to those who need them, you can donate directly to Red Cross Philippines by clicking on this link.

DONATE TO RED CROSS PHILIPPINES

Thank you.

With hundreds of thousands of passengers (maybe millions, who knows) going home to their cities and provinces during the week preceding the 25th, and especially more so on the 23rd and 24th of December, the airports are gonna be packed tighter than your favorite brand of sardines. It’s not a stretch to imagine that. Just how many airports are there in Manila, Cebu, and Davao? How many entrance gates (this is important)? And lastly how many are going home to their provinces?

If there’s one event during the year that needs intense and urgent preparations, its going home for Christmas. Marriage? Fuuu, no one’s ever prepared for that so don’t bother. Kidding.

Alright so here’s a few simple guidelines for your Christmas travel.

1. Book and book early. When I say early, I mean now, yes, while it’s still September. There are a lot of advantages for booking this early;
> If you’re working, you can advise your boss early and he’ll be very happy that you gave him ample time to reshuffle resources. I should know. (hmm..)
> There are still plenty of flights available you can choose what date and what time– hassle free.
> When you book this early, you can avail of the many Christmas Promo flights, like the Cebu Pacific Air Christmas Promo. Trust me on this one. Try being stubborn and book your tickets two weeks before Christmas and you’ll either;
>>>get the highest ticket price known to man,
>>>get the worst schedule ever,
>>>and if you’re not very lucky, you’re not getting any. Hmm that didn’t come out right, I mean you won’t be able to get any ticket AT ALL coz everything’s fully booked.

2. Be at the airport a full 2 hours before your domestic flight. If you’re going out of the country, be at the airport a full 3 hours before your scheduled flight. The queue in getting into the airport is so long you think it’s the biblical times all over again and Moses is out in front. It’s not hard to imagine getting stuck in that queue line for an hour. There are going to be queues everywhere so better be there very, very early.

3. If you can swing it, wear slippers (or slip-ons), and jeans without belts. lol. Airport security is just crazy these days. One of the things that I really hate is having to take off my shoes and my belt and put it through the xray machine. I was even thinking evil thoughts one day and wanted to step on cat poo just to let them smell my annoyance (I didn’t though). But seriously, youll see that this will actually save you a few wrinkles (and time too).

4. Bring an MP3 player or a portable DVD player (if you’re rich) or a book. It’s the Christmas season, and during this time, God loves to test our patience with flight delays just to see if we can still ‘give love on christmas day’ when you’re stranded in the airport. Having these things will help you pass the time. It’s a good way to meet cute bored girls/guys too. Use your imagination on this one.

5. Never forget to bring a jacket or anything that will warm you up. Airports can be quite cold and even if you’re travelling at noon, there’s no telling that your flight’s gonna be cancelled.

Oh well, that’s all for now. All these things are at the top of my head so if you have other Christmas Season travel tips, leave a comment!

I’m not gonna make such a huge post out of this. Here’s the press release from Cebu Pacific.

________________________________

Christmas comes early in Cebu Pacific
Travel this Nov-Dec for only P888

We’re bringing Christmas early to Filipinos with an P888 ‘Go Lite’ seat sale to any domestic destination starting now until September 30, 2009 for travel beginning November 1 until December 31, 2009.

Our seat sale covers all domestic destinations, including sought-after tourist spots such as Kalibo (Boracay), Busuanga and Puerto Princesa (Palawan) and Siargao.

Book your flights via www.cebupacificair.com and pay through CEB ticketing offices, online with your credit card or Bancnet debit card, via ATM or over the counter in partner banks. This new option in our website is specifically for those who have no credit cards or prefer to pay in cash.

So hurry, now’s your chance to have that out-of-town Christmas party with your friends and family or go on a leisure holiday before the Christmas rush!

Reason #1 – The Weather

This goes without saying. The Philippines is a tropical island which means that we have sunshine all year long. True there are the occasional typhoons here and there but these are usually concentrated in certain parts of the country. With all the information available on the weather, it should be relatively easy to target areas in the country where there’s no typhoon. If you’re cooped up in a European country where it’s always cold, the abundance of sun here will be a very welcome change.

Reason #2 – The People

I don’t think you’ll find any other country in Asia where people are more welcoming towards foreigners. We’ve had lots of experience with foreigners staying (some even overstayed) in the islands since the 1800’s. Seriously though, people here always have that ready smile and a pathological desire to please visitors. You only have to attend one of our barrio fiestas to experience this.

Reason #3 – The Language

No, not our Filipino language, although it’s pretty lyrical in its own right, I’m talking about our second language which is English. Unless you go to the hinterlands, people you meet will always know how to speak English, not fluently perhaps but nothing that a few artful gesticulations and sign language can’t augment.

Reason #4 – The Cost of Living

Beer = $0.40/bottle
Cigarettes = $0.80/pack
McDonalds set meal = $2.50
Movies = $3.00
DVD = $0.60 .lol but true

Reason #5 – Domestic Travel

There are still islands in the country that are not accessible via plane, but there are always alternative sometimes exotic ways of going to these places that they become attractions/adventures unto themselves. Have you heard of the habal-habal? No? Well, that’s another reason to visit our country.

These days plane fares for domestic destinations in the Philippines have been hitting all time lows courtesy of Cebu Pacific Airlines. You can check them out at Cebupacificair.com.

There are 7,107 more reasons to visit my country. I could probably go on and on about why this country should be at the top of your must-travel destinations but that would be spoiling the fun. Some things you have to discover for yourself.