Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

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!

Posted on February 12, 2011 - by Vic

Paradise Regained at Amanpulo

This piece of travel story is one of my favorite trips that I made last year and look forward to doing it again soon. As the plane circles the virgin island of Amanpulo in Palawan, passengers look out the window, admiring the coral reef 300 meters from the shore. The waters sparkle in dazzling shades of blue and turquoise, bordered by immaculate white sand. These are just few of the sights that make Amanpulo, a private island in Pamilican and part of the Cuyo Islands, a world class wonder. One of the most popular of the Aman resorts in the world, this piece of paradise offers the ultimate beach vacation. Boasting a pristine beachfront that could put any postcard to shame, Amanpulo allows any lucky visitor to experience unrivaled luxury in a perfectly private retreat.

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Posted on July 28, 2010 - by Vic

Biking around Boracay

There is a saying among hard core bikers that the bicycle is a transport of delight. In Boracay, whether you are easing from one resort to another, through Puka shell beach going down the main road all the way to Manoc-Manoc, there is no better way to travel around the island. In the places that I have rode a bicycle, most especially in China and other places in Southeast Asia, I was frequently amazed at the level of trust placed in me by the local people from the cities, towns and communities that I have crossed, simply because I was riding a bicycle. I think trust leads to hospitality, on a pure practical level, but it is also key to kinship and understanding. And in these modern times, when we can be at least familiar with so much of the area from where we seat, this is one of the greatest goals of travel.

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Posted on February 5, 2010 - by Vic

Laid Back Bukidnon

Valentines in Bukidnon? Why not? Up until we left for the province, I didn’t have the slightest idea how people spent there Valentine holidays in this province. Nor how Malaybalay was, since the last time I came over four years ago on a hurried sunrise to sundown visit.

“Hindi ba delikado dun kuya?(Isn’t it safe there sir?) my trusted and loyal housemate asked when he learned I would be traveling to Mindanao. I guess the situation is similar to foreigners who have never been to the Philippines and have nothing to base their impression on but what they see on CNN. I wasn’t too worried though. Anything can happen anywhere if it is meant. I have to admit that I knew very little about the province. Save for its mountainous terrain and endless trees, the guidebooks nor didn’t the internet travel websites say much about this only landlocked province in Mindanao, 8.294 square meter province in the heartland of Mindanao. Together with my photographer, Robert we flew in to Cagayan de Oro for Bukidnon for a three – day tour of wandering, sightseeing and unguided bliss.

Cagayan De Oro City is your entry point by air to reach Malaybalay City, Bukidnon’s capital and one of two cities that the province has. There are no direct flights to Bukidnon, but the province has several private airstrips used by agricultural and corporate planes. It is about two hours’ drive from Cagayan de Oro Airport. Upon arrival to Malaybalay, we were met by our guide and host representative, Ruth and Juliet, two “motherly” women who saw to it that the visit wouldn’t have any glitches along the way.
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