Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

Posted on March 25, 2013 - by Vic

DEVOTIONAL TOURS OF METRO MANILA via MRT/LRT CITY RAIL TOURS or MOTORBIKE

Go on a daylong devotional tour of religious and historical churches around metro manila this holy week starting Holy Monday up to Maundy Thursday and Immerse yourself  of the city’s church attractions and solemnity by the newest mode of doing your Visita Iglesia around the city in a day by MotorBike.

 

Seasoned travel writer , Vic Albornoz Lactaoen takes visitors on a day long pilgrimage by motorbike from one church to anotherand make a religious stop along the way to do your 14 stations of the cross along these landmark churches of Metro Manilastarting from the Monasterio de Santa Clara in Katipunan near the University belt of Quezon City. A P1,000 per pax for the bike ride to cover the church donations, helmet rental, parkingfee,gasoline and guided tour assistance in the visits to theseinteresting sites, along the route.

This religious bike trip is ideal for those on a  short visit and limited stay in the city. Pick up and Drop off from your hotel orany mall near the MRT/LRT Train station can also be arranged.Check our website at viclactaoen.com or add us at facebook or twitter. For further inquirires contact VIC @ 0926 9475847(globe) or 09078978432

 

Devotional City Tour Itenerary

1st Stop- Meeting point at Krispy Kreme Gateway station AranetaCenter Cubao to go to Monasterio de Sta Clara in Katipunan  – Get acquainted with a quick and easy crash course on  Philippine religious history through one of the surviving city monastery in Manila today.

2nd Stop-Church of the Risen Lord, UP Campus- The first round church in the country with the altar in the middle. National Aritst Leandro Locsin did the architecture with another National artist doing the paintings around the church. A visit at one of the oldest structures in the State University

3rd Stop Christ the King at Green Meadows, Kaatipunan- You may want to do the Station of the Cross in this Church or any of the Church we plan to visit along the way.

4th Stop Church of Padre Pio along Libis,East Wood – Ideal for those with illness or petitions  for good health.

5th Stop Immaculate Heart of Mary New York Cubao,

6th StopChrist the King Church along E. Rodriguez)

7th StopOur Lady of Mount Carmel & Monastery of the Pink Sisters Gillmore Avenue.

8th Stop Sto Domingo Church Quezon Avenue

9th Stop San Sebastian Church Marvel at the steel architecture

10th Stop San Beda Church. Contemplate with the Benedictine Monks.

11th Stop St Jude along JP Laurel Street in the San Miguel District near Malacanang,  Manila

12th Stop San Agustin Church  Church, Intramuros, Manila

13th Stop Malate Church

14TH Stop Baclaran Church End of Visita Iglesia We leisurelywalk or take a jeep to this church once we align from the Pasay Taft last station.

15.RETURN TO YOUR RESPECTIVE HOTEL.

PLEASE NOTE: a) Stops will be subject to traffic situation during the trip beyond our control.

b)Wear Comfortable walking shoes for both male & female. Dress appropriately.

Cotton Tee shirt for men and collaredsleeves for women .

c) Bring small Towel and Folding fan as it might be hot during the trip

d) Please bring An 8 ounce bottled wateras temperature can go up during the holy week.

e) Group should agree which church will they will make the station of the cross, It normally    takes 1  hour to 2 hours to make the 14 station of the cross.

f) In observance of holy week, there will only be one Meal stop at a Jollibee or Max Restaurant

where bangus meal or tuna pie with pineapple juice is recommended and easily available.g) Please contact orgainizerat 0926-947-5847(Globe) or 0907-897-8432(Smart)

Posted on March 25, 2013 - by Vic

METRO MANILA MRT/LRT CITY RAIL TOURS

Immerse yourself in the culture, food and history of the city by the newest mode of seeing Metro Manila and its environs in one day or even less. This is the best way that answers the questions you’d ask a Filipino friend who lived in Manila, which places are really worth seeing? Walk the talk, written by a seasoned world  traveller himself, Vic Lactaoen takes visitors on a quick ride on the MRT, LRT on the Purple, Blue or Yellow Line from end to end and make an interesting stop along the wayincluding landmarks  of the city like the Tutuban train station in Divisoria, historic Intramuros and entertaining  Malate in Manila;Corporate life along Ayala Avenue in modern Makati City and a look at typical government offices along Quezon Avenue, in bureaucratic Quezon City. A P100 per pax train pass for the train fare and P100++ for the jeepney fare to cover the train and jeepney rides, visit to interesting sites, and a taste of the peculiar street food along the route for the adventurous and and P500/pax for the guided tour. The trip is ideal for those on a  short visit and limited stay in the city. Pick up and Drop off from your hotel or any mall near the MRT/LRT Train station. Other TOURS are also available upon request just ask Vic. Check our website at www. viclactaoen.com or add usat facebook   or twitter. Happy travel.

Manila City Tour Itenerary

1st Stop(Ayala Station) Ayala Museum – Get acquainted with a quick and easy crash course on  Philippine history through the museum’s diorama presentation from the original Malay inhabitants and other people who have filtered the island  both genetically and culturally  including, Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Spanish, British, Dutch and Americans – a hodgepodge of what is truly Asia, as the an airline advertisement would lay claim to.

 

2nd Stop(Central Terminal Station)Old Manila – A look at the old city as you alight from Manila’s Central Station.(P30.00 byPadyak/P300 by Calesa/20 minutes by walking)

 

3rd Stop Back to Central Station to ride the public Jeep toBinondo, Chinatown(P9.00). Optional: Dimsum Chinese lunch at President Restaurant along Ongpin Street or Gloria Maris Dim Sum and Noodles known for delicious snacks. (P30.00 byPadyak /20 minutes by walking)

 

4th Stop (Carriedo or Central Station to EDSA TafftStation) change train to Ayala Station) We walk a few meters from the station to ride the Bus to Bonifacio Global City)passing through  McKinley Road where gated neighbourhood Forbes park is the first planned residential community in Makati City designed by the Ayala Family and is also residences for Business tycoons, Embassies and expats in the country. Get off at Market-Market. Roam around the area for a look feel and taste of how the locals of the area live. Ride the bus to Ayala Terminal.

 

5th Stop(Ayala Station to North Avenue)Jeepney ride to Quezon Circle, where the remains of Commonwealth President Manuel Luis Quezon, 4th president of the republic  is buried.

 

6th Stop(North Avenue to Araneta Center Cubao) We take aleisurely walk to nearby Araneta commercial center including a look at the Coliseum where many historical events have takenplace including well known concerts by famous singers and other numerous popular celebrities. A walk through Marikina Shoe Expo our own version of the “Greenwhich Village” where one can have their tattoos done by local tattoo artists. You can also do some quick shopping and snacks in this area as we go around.

 

7th Stop(Araneta Center Cubao to Quirino Station) If we finish before 5pm, we again head back to Malate, Manila or toRoxas Boulevard, were we can enjoy to view the famousManila Bay Sunset over your favorite cocktails or San Miguel beer, the local beer brand to cap your tour of Manila by day. End of M/LRT tour. Spend the evening shooting the breeze at the bay area or head back to your hotel for an early evening dinner or a night cap of a memorable evening in Manila.RETURN TO YOUR RESPECTIVE HOTEL.

 

PLEASE NOTE: a) Stops will be subject to train traffic situation beyond our control.

b) There are un-announced train route failures were passengers will have to resort tocommuting by air-conditionedbuses or FX based on the next tour itinerary at

pax expense.

c) An 8 ounce bottled water will be provided  complimentary by the tour organizers.

 

Have a Pleasant Journey.

Posted on May 31, 2012 - by Vic

METRO MANILA CITY RAIL TOURS

Immerse yourself in the culture, food and history of the city by the newest mode of seeing the city of Manila and its environs in one day. Ride on the MRT, LRT on the Purple or Yellow Line from end to end and make an interesting stop along the way including landmarks of the city like Tutuban train station in Divisoria, historic Intramuros and nightlife in Malate in Manila; Ayala Avenue in modern Makati and government offices of Quezon Avenue, a look at the future through the cyberpark along Eastwood in Quezon City. P500 per pax for the one day train fare and jeepney fare plus P500 for the guided tour along the MRT stops to cover the rides, short visits to interesting sites, and taste of peculiar street food along the route. Ideal for those on a short visit and limited stay in the city. Pick up and Drop off from your hotel or mall location.

For more information, drop me a line at +63926-947-5847 or vicalact@yahoo.com.

Posted on April 10, 2012 - by admin

NLEX Launches New Motorist Assistance Program

The onset of the Holy Week marks the start of the Summer holidays and the hottest time of the year, certainly the happy season there is and without doubt, one of  the most stressful holidays of all especially if one takes charge of driving to your choice hotspots or vacation destinations this summer season.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and Tollways Management Corporation(TMC) which are subsidiaries of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation(MPTC),  have launched their latest Motorist Assistance Program dubbed “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” where a series of motoring assistance program have been launched in response to the heavy influx of motorists during the Lenten season to enjoy safe and hassle-free travel with a package of motoring assistance services.  and corresponding complimentary services have been lined up for the added convenience of the travelling public.

The motoring  public should not get caught up in the escalating mad rush frenzy.”The motoring assistance program is precisely our answer to the needs of motorists during heavy traffic on holidays,” according to Ramon Fernandez, MPTC president and CEO. “We always run the extra mile to excite our customers,”he added. “ The Safe Trip Mo, Sago Ko” program was born out of MPTC’s desire to exceed our customer’s expectations,” added Manila Tollway Corporation’s president and CEO Rodrigo Franco. He disclosed that “all ten tollway service facilities or service gas station along the NLEX AND S There are certain places along the NLEX and SCTEX as well as motorist assistance camps have offered full cooperation for the project.   The “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” will be carried out in in collaboration with Smart, Shell Petron, Shell of Asia, Caltex, Total, GStar, The Lakeshore, Megas Station and Janburlai. For motorists who might encounter  engine problems along the route, program partners like Petron, Shell or NLEX motor patrol teams are distributing location guide maps which provides emergency road assistance information and mechanic personnel who can identify the trouble of your vehicle.

These facilities vowed to provide free Wi-Fi for laptop, iPad and mobile phone(in eight NLEX selected stations), free charging for all types of mobile phones, free refreshments and other product samples from coolers and personal assistance from SMSK authorities. “These are surely innovations in our services that exceed our customers’ expectations” Fernandez pointed out. In addition, they will extend first aid in mobile medical clinics, emergency trouble shooting on all vehicles and towing for class 1 vehicles to the nearest exit. Twelve service stations will be available to the public; nine fo them along NEX; one at SFEX; and two assistance camps at SCTEX. To ensure public security, the TMC will deploy more patrol teams for quick response to emergency situations. The toll road operators also highlighted the deployment of ambulant tellers at the toll plazas to facilitate transactions and inform the motorists about the express payment scheme. Nine ambulant tellers will be assigned in Balintawak, eight in Mindanao Avenue and 10 in Dau the TMC said. The motorist assistance program kicks off on Holy Wednesday (April 4) until Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9) from 7am to 9pm daily. For assistance and inquiries, motorists may call the NLEX hotlines (02) 3-5000 and (02) 580-8910 or (0920) 96-SCTEX(728-39) for SCTEX. Nlex IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON Twitter for regular updates, just follow @nlextraffic or like the Facebook page “Travel on Great Roads”.   “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko,” is a program where motorists can enliven their journeys to their destinations with the assurance of a safe and hassle free driving experience.  Either way, motorists and the travelling public is assured of a safe and convenient journey to their final destination before one gets embroiled and jack up to the festive holiday vibes on the road.  A safe and enjoyable journey to everybody!

Posted on March 10, 2011 - by Vic

Island hopping Adventure in Surigao

Text and Photographs by Vic Albornoz Lactaoen

I wanted to cleanse myself of Metro Manila and all the sordid things in life it hosts – ceaseless yakkity-yak of politics, corruption and daily bombardments on our collective consciousness of images on television of stern-looking bespectacled military –like crooks masquerading as public servants, among other weird offerings on broadcast media.

Friends have long told me of this paradisiacal group of islands called Surigao which is in the northeastern tip of Mindanao. And in my previous visits, I’ve always never tired of coming back to Surigao feeling like there’s always something new to visit and look forward to. After throwing some t-shirts and shorts into my travel bag, I took off to the wild blue yonder.

When the Almighty created His world, He must have had visions of how He wanted it to be, and most of what this vision was is embodied in Surigao. It’s a place of untouched natural splendor. From its pristine white sandy beaches to its lush tropical forests, from its hilly enclaves and lagoons with warm and shallow surroundings to its coral reefs and lakes, Surigao is truly an island paradise, perhaps the most beautiful in the Caraga administrative region.

The unspoiled teardrop shaped island is the Shangri-La of adventure and nature lovers. It is also the surfing capital of the Philippines which is 800 kilometers southeast of Manila.

Surigao City is the capital of the province of Surigao del Norte, the entry point to northern Mindanao. It is a crowded, busy and developing city, with close beaches on the city’s “island barrangays” worth a beach enthusiast’s stay or visit. Though overlook, these island barangays are worth not just a day’s visit but a couple of days stay to experience Suriganon’s hospitality at its best!

There is a group of islands within easy day-tour reach of Surigao City. One can start off with Basul Island close to the Maharlika National Road, just a brief boat ride from the Maharlika Pier. Or you can go to Hikdop Island, 45 minutes away by a public pumpboat that leaves every morning. The island has good beaches and from here one can connect to Nonoc Island and start on a trek on the longest wooden bridge in the Philippines. This extraordinary 391 meter footbridge called the Cantiasay-San Pedro Foot Bridge, connects with Sibale Island. Conceived to ease movements and communications between two barangays, the bridge has transformed itself into a resting and promenade area, giving one the exhilarating experience and thrill of crossing two islands on foot.

But what made our visit to this island province a memorable one was our trip to nearby Zaragoza and the distant Pansukian Island. This is perhaps one of the few remaining destinations in the country where unquestionable hospitality is at its prime. Homestays are the penultimate mode of accommodations with “Bahay Turista” or Tourist Home, are the right address in the island. Where else can you find complimentary natural drinks of fresh coconut juice served in its natural shell upon arrival? Sometimes, if the locals are having fun-filled days, they even have “drink all you can” coconut – compliments of the islanders.

The island’s proximity to the Philippine Deep, coupled with the huge swells of the Pacific is what gives Siargao its world class waves, attracting surfers from all over the world. In fact one enamored surfer from Australia has begun building a resort in one popular surf spot called Cloud 9 in General Luna, not far from Pansukian. But as I’ve found out through the years, a visit to Siargao at nearly any time yields the same kind of exhalation.

Tourism has seeped its way into the area, thanks mostly to surfing (or no thanks depending on your perspective) but from the looks of it, modish restaurants, and spas are still along way coming. The developments in the island are mostly of the small-town variety and have not made a dent on Siargao’s homey charm. While making a name from surfing, it offers so much more, like charming islets, mangrove swamps, caves and some of the country’s best white sand beaches. What is truly wondrous about this place as I always enjoyed discovering to my every visit is that it has some of the very best of God’s gift to the country: coral reefs, powdery white sand beaches, lagoons with water colored an aquamarine hue so striking it seems to jump at your face, mangrove rivers, rice fields, rainforests, abundant marine resources, exotic flora and fauna.

The more luxurious accommodation can be had at neighboring Pansukian beach resort, dubbed by international design magazine as one of the best resorts in Asia. Each of the resort’s 10 guest cottages is put together in concrete, darkwood, treated bamboo and other natural materials as well in what can only be described as an amalgam of the best in Asian design. The cottages are roomy, with large beds, spacious bathrooms, and natural air-conditioning. The bigger rooms have a relaxing veranda. The resort gives you the impression that guests of the resort are mostly world-weary, well – traveled individuals who comes to the resort wanting nothing more than to kick off their shoes and walk barefoot through the soft silky white sands and of course visit the postcard-pretty islands nearby.

Here, one may find limestone rocks covered with foliage that spring from shimmering clear bluegreen waters as well as stingless jellyfish similar to those that can be found in Palau Islands in Micronesia .Diving through the surface of this underground lagoon where the sun’s rays rebound across the domed walls leaves even the most jaded beach bum breathless.

Food spread throughout my visit was all the freshest catch and ingredients of the day – move over organic farming! We had grilled seafood specialties, squids, kinilaw and the freshest crabs harvested in the island. All prepared by the island’s local cooks. Truly a meal, not to be forgotten!

Then there’s the island’s people – not just the local ones but fellow visitors, local surfers from all over the country, as well as foreign ones from as far as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, who have been touched by the island. To walk around and hear various calls of “when did you get in?” and “where are you staying?” to see the kids who only a few years back were smaller and are now tall young teens – adds to the enhancement of being there.

Once you’ve been touched by Siargao’s brand of magic, it is not hard to imagine how such a distant island has managed to capture your heart. With all these experiences, how can you leave the islands of Surigao? I’ll definitely come back to this Island of adventure!