Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA Terminal 3 finally opened its door for commercial flights this morning. The lucky Cebu Pacific flight bound for Caticlan is the first flight to use the controversial NAIA 3 at 5:10 am this morning.
Why controversial? The third terminal of the airport, the larger Terminal 3, is the newest terminal in the NAIA complex. Constructed starting 1997, the terminal is 98% complete as of 2006. It is one of the most controversial projects the Philippine government has gotten involved in, and in some cases is likened to a white elephant. Legal battles and red tape, especially international arbitration cases in both the United States and Singapore as a result of mismanagement of the project by the Estrada government, as well as technical and safety concerns, have delayed the opening several times. It is slated to officially open on June 30, 2008. - taken from wikipedia
The journey to the new airport will take 30 minutes per passenger to reach boarding area. There are guides to avoid passengers to get lost. I heard, a couple won a round trip ticket to Caticlan on NAIA 3 first operating day. Wow! They experienced first the NAIA 3 and they won round trip tickets to Caticlan. They are lucky indeed on their Boracay vacation.
Looking forward to see and experience NAIA Terminal 3 soon.
tourism NAIA Terminal 3
There were many times that I've read in forums good things about Trinoma. At first, I'm eager to see the place. It just so happened that my mom asked me for a favor to meet someone there in her behalf. Trinoma is in Quezon City, near SM North Edsa. From my place, I took a jeepney ride to MRT. Then took a ride to MRT, from Taft station to North station. The jeepney and MRT ride is estimated to be 30 minutes. I won't dare to ride a bus or bring a car, a 1 1/2 to 2 hours traffic would surely irritate me. Besides, MRT is the most convenient way to be there even if the long line to buy MRT ticket is such a hassle. It took me 10 minutes to bought my ticket. Whew!
Anyway, Trinoma at first glance it made me feel that I'm in Glorietta, Makati and some part of Trinoma reminds me of Alabang Town Center. Please correct me if I'm wrong, here are the pictures.



Trinoma
3rd World Pyro Olympics 2008 Winner
Posted by myglitch Labels: current events, news and info, tourismParente Fireworks bring their mastery and professionalism to any corner of the World, letting thousands upon thousands enthusiastic people admire real artful performances. They are using the world’s most innovative radio-controlled ignition system: the FIREMASTER.
The video below is the winning entry of Parente Fireworks last May 24, 2008 for 3rd World Pyro Olympics 2008.
See you on the 4th World Pyro Olympics! I hope there will be more participants than previous Pyro Olympics. Congratulations to Italy.
entertainment news and info 3rd World Pyro Olympics
Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River
Posted by myglitch Labels: news and info, pinoy big brother, tourismHave you watched PBB Teen Plus journey to the underground river, the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River? I've just posted two days ago an update article of the Seven New Wonders of Nature, I'm glad the local government of Palawan is promoting the underground river. Imagine, as I've wrote my first article regarding Tubbataha Reef, the Subterranean River was listed in 200th+ place, the underground river is now in top 77 (10th place) in 1 1/2 month of promotion of Mayor Edward Hagedorn.
He invited Pinoy Big Brother staff for them to see the beauty of 8.2km river under a mountain and the second longest in the world and drains into the South China Sea. The Subterranean River National Park is a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site just like . PBB flashed the website for televiewers to vote. Click here to vote, don't forget to confirm your email.
See for yourself a video from youtube.
Upon watching the island adventure and underground river boat ride of PBB, I remembered the time when we went in Huyup-Huyupan Cave in Bicol, there were lots of bats and stalagmites too. If the underground river has Holy Family, Huyup-Huyupan has Mama Mary and infant Jesus.
tourism Puerto Princesa underground river Palawan New 7 Wonders
My sister brought home a newspaper from the market, its not a popular newspaper but an article caught my attention. I was looking for the newspaper now but it was accidentanly thrown away by my niece. Anyway, the article states as far as I remember, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is urging Filipinos to vote for Mayon Volcano of Bicol as one of the "Seven New Wonders Of Nature".
I don't know if GMA is aware that Philippines have other entries for Seven New Wonders Of Nature other than Mayon Volcano such as Tubbataha Reef in Palawan, Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan. I don't have anything against GMA's intention of having Mayon Volcano to be included to Seven New Wonders of Nature but it would be better if she promote all four entries.
As of this writing, Tubbataha Reef is on 7th place (29th place last 3/10/08), Chocolate Hills on the 9th (42nd place last 3/10/08), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park on the 10th place and Mayon Volcano on the 31th place(not listed on top 77 last 3/10/08). Wow! Pinoy bloggers really did their assignments on promoting our entries. This article is a friendly reminder, I hope you could make a follow up article on Tubbataha Reef and other entries. December 31, 2008 (closing of votes) is seven months from now, I don't think we should stop but encourage more votes from Filipinos around the world. If you haven't vote yet, please vote now, don't forget to confirm your email otherwise your vote will not be counted. You could view the live ranking here.
Go, Pinoy!
Tubbataha Reef Mayon Volcano Chocolate Hills New 7 Wonders
In Kalaliman (deep), explore deep sea marine creatures such as stingray, guitar shark, tiger shark and other pating (shark) species. What made me stay at this place? I was fascinated with the giant stingray, the stingrays on the glass roof and of course, I love observing the school of fish.
I remember my English professor back in college asking us the plural form of fish. All of us got the wrong answer, we told her "Its easy, fishes". She said. that the plural form of fish is "school of fish". I told my kids about this, and they're in Kalaliman aquarium, swimming in group... school of fish.
Click image for larger view.


manila ocean park pinoy tourism
By this time, I should be on my way home from out of town vacation from La Union Beach and Baguio. We decided to postponed the planned vacation to prioritize school expenses, my kids suggested to visit Manila Ocean Park instead. I really need a day-off from household chores since I don't have yaya now and hardly find time to blog. Anyway, you can click the images to view the larger images.
Manila Ocean Park is the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines located at the back of Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila. Experience a wide variety of species, such as sharks, fish and invertebrates indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The image at right is the lobby. Entrance fee is php 400 and php 350 for children. Discounts are available for senior citizens, students and Manila residents. You may call (632)567-2309 for further inquiries.
The Oceanarium is divided into five main sections: Agos (Flow), Bahura (Reef), Laot (Fishing Ground), Buhay Na Karagatan (The Living Ocean) and Kalaliman (The Deep). You may click the section link for more information and wonderful images of each part of Manila Ocean Park. You can see more "touch screen" educational and information machine inside the oceanarium like the image at right. I found it impressive and try a few search.
Journey inside the Oceanarium can take about 2 hours. Ozeano Restaurant is located at the 2nd floor of the Oceanarium. Many find the food expensive but they didn't know that Ozeano is owned by Tamayo's Ozeano Philippines. I wonder if its the same with Tamayo Company who offers catering services to wedding and have office at the back of Manila Cathedral. If it is, I'm sure that the food is superb and the price is reasonable. If you're on a budget, there are also kiosks and other fastfood stalls outside Manila Ocean Park. Food and drinks are not allowed inside, including smoking.
You will see the Souveneir Shop after you exit Ozeano Restaurant. Just like any theme park, there are stuffed toys, shirts, umbrellas, toys, mugs with Manila Ocean Park prints. I guess, when the theme park is complete, there will be more souveneir stuff here.
When we exit Manila Ocean Park, we noticed this big billboard. Discover the marine world's vast resources. Enjoy the funfilled learning experience. -President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
I asked my children if they enjoyed Oceanarium. Kuya told me why there were no squids and turtles. Bitin daw. My second son agreed and suggested to go to SM Mall Of Asia. And our fun was finally complete...
manila ocean park tourism
Bahura (means reef) is the second main section of Manila Ocean Park after Agos (flow). Bahura features fascinating sea creatures in the Philippine coral reefs. It is dark in here, flash of camera inside the oceanarium should be off at all times. Flash might stress the fish. I'm amazed in this part because many marine creatures I haven't seen before can be found here such as the giant japanese spider crab, (the body is twice or thrice bigger than a human head), razorfish, reef stone fish, Singapore shrimp goby, spotted garden eel, titan triggerfish, chambered nautilus, blue spotted ribbontail ray (pagi or stingray), bamboo shark (the eggs of bambo shark can also be seen) and many more.
Remember the animated movie Nemo? I love Dory, I don't know the fish specie so I simply call it Dory. And of course, I love Nemo, the clown fish. I first saw clown fish in Club Paradise in Palawan and this was the second time I saw again a clown fish in action. Click thumbnails to view the larger and better images.


manila ocean park tourism
Manila Ocean Park begins the marine journey at Agos (filipino word of flow), learn about the natural flow of water from land to see. Agos features the artificial falls and various african orchids. Click thumbnails for better view of the images.

The Giant arapaima looks like aruana to me and its really huge. I think they belong to same species. The second image is the top view of giant arapaima. The beautiful landscape features artificial waterfalls, wooden stairs, various african orchids and of course, marine creatures.
You can also find here the Touch Pool wherein you can touch the blue and brown starfish. Don't remove them from water. I had a small chat with the employee there, I told her that I brought home blue starfish from Laia, Batangas years ago and place it in coleman jug but forgot to leave open the cover. When I opened it at home, it was color gray and dead. My mistake, I should have not took it home in the first place.
Other marine creatures that can be found here are electric eel, tawny nurse shark, alligator gar and other small fish.
tourism manila ocean park
I was born and grew up in Manila and seldom made vacations during my younger years. A business managed by my father added to the reasons why, it was impossible for him to leave for a couple of days for a family vacation. As I grew up, I want to explore more the beautiful places in the Philippines. I've mentioned several times on this blog that I don't want to be a tourist on my beloved country.
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands covering a land area of 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.). Main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capital is Manila. Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
This is my blog's special page, I'll be updating this page to add more blog post links. I personally took the pictures, please don't make me sad by stealing them. I have pictures (from my previous escapades) that I want to scan and post it here. Sorry, I don't have digicam at that time. Since its summer and school vacation, I'm sure there will be more addition to this page. Mabuhay!
Club Paradise In Coron Palawan
Minor Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception
Nuestra Senora De Salvacion
Our Lady Of Manaoag In Tagaytay
Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
Shrine Of Jesus, The Way, The Truth And The Life
Shrine Of Nuestra Senora De Guia
San Agustin Church
St Vincent De Paul Church
Sta Cruz Church
A View From Lignon Hill
Mayon Volcano Now After Reming
Vote Tubbataha Reef For Seven New Wonders Of Nature
What's Behind Joroan Shrine
Manila Ocean Park
Peoples Park In Sky
Where's Cagsawa Ruins Park
pinoy tourism
Remember my article "What's Behind Joroan Shrine"? Click the link for you to find out what was it behind the Joroan Shrine. Joroan Shrine is where the image of Nuestra Senora De Salvacion also located. According to my brother, when they speak of Joroan, they were also referring to Nuestra Senora De Salvacion. Joroan was known in Bicol because of her image and title as Nuestra SeƱora de Salvacion.
Every year, specially during the whole month of August until September, devotees from all over Bicol Region visit the shrine. The last Saturday of August is traditionally held as a special day of pilgrimage. During the vesper of the last Friday, devotees in buses and jeepneys from other provinces of Bicol are coming to the shrine of Blessed Virgin in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.



technorati: christianity tourism
Vote Tubbataha Reef For Seven New Wonders Of Nature
Posted by myglitch Labels: line of anything, tourism
This is just one of our endangered species that can be found in Tubbataha Reef in Palawan. Tubbataha is nominated for the "New Seven Wonders of Nature".
Tubbataha is a reef ecosystem made up of two atolls located in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It is a sanctuary for marine life. The reefs lie on the Cagayan Ridge, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes which starts from the north at the Sultana Shoal and ends in the south at the San Miguel Islands. It is located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 80 nautical miles southwest of Cagayancillo. Taken from here.Currently, Tubbataha Reef is on the 29th place. Voting will continue until December 31, 2008. Although we still have plenty of time, glitchline is joining the campaign of pinoy bloggers, calling all filipinos to vote for Tubbataha Reef as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
On the other hand, Chocolate Hills of Bohol is also nominated on its 42th place as of this time and Mayon Volcano of Bicol. After voting, link is provided on the page to invite your relatives and friends to vote. Please inform them of Tubbataha Reef of Palawan, Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Mayon Volcano of Bicol. Although Mayon Volcano is currently not in top 77 nominees, Mayon Volcano after typhoon Reming is still beautiful because of its perfect cone. Please vote now.
Thank you, Ambo for the encouraging article. Mabuhay!
technorati: pinoy tourism tubbataha

If you've been to Boracay, the first thing you will notice is the sand. They're almost the same, fine and white sand. The only difference is... you can't walk barefooted on Palawan sand at noon when the sun is high. Sand in Boracay is always cold.
I love nature... I love beach... I love the feeling of sand on my feet, walking and smell the sea breeze. Whew! Its summer again in the Philippines, school vacation and most family will take their vacation. I've been to Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan last year. Too bad that I'm active to moblog and not to "real" blogging. It didn't cross my mind that someday, I'll be needing more pictures to show the world the beauty of Palawan.A mere 60 minutes by plane southwest from Manila, and another 60 minutes ride by land and by sea is the 19-hectare island of Dimakya, home to Club Paradise. This island resort, blessed with 700 meters stretch of sun kissed talcum soft white beach and turqoise waters, serves as a sanctuary to a wide array of unique flora and fauna. - taken from Club Paradise website
We took the Asian Spirit flight, from Manila to Busuanga (Coron). Their price are much better compared to other airlines and they have once a day, 5 days a week Manila - Busuanga -Manila flight. There is also a Php 200.00 terminal fee to pay in Manila, a Php 10.00 terminal fee at Busuanga, and a Php 150.00 charge for ground transportation, via jeepney, from the Busuanga airport into Coron town. 

See the evidence? They never get tired. We've just finished swimming, dressed already and waiting for dinner at 7pm but insisted on playing on the sand. LOL
We've stayed at Seaview Deluxe Cottage fronting the Sunrise beach and you can see "Islang Walang Lang-Aw", a small beautiful island and a romantic getaway. The water current of the beach in our place is not ideal for swimming but a good place to explore. From the cottage via wooden bridge is the best place to snorkle, delight your eyes with beautiful underwater sea creatures, see Nemo in action. After seeing the map, I just learned now that the area is prohibited from swimming and snorkling, it is the protected area for dugong.
Click here to view Dimakya Island's map. Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a boat away from the island. How come I didn't know that? There are many activities you can explore at Club Paradise... billiards, table tennis and dart boards are available at the club house at noon time. I got excited when I saw James Patterson's picture at the club house' bulletin board, he's my favorite author. He was there few years ago. Sayang!
If you don't want to miss any news back home or office, make sure that you are using smart sim. My cellphone is useless with globe simcard in the island. You can buy a smart sim at Aqua Sports Center for php 300.
I'm hoping someday that I could come back and explore more places in Palawan. I don't want to be a tourist in my own country.
tourism pinoy
Its pretty normal in the Philippines that filipinos will go home to their respective provinces because Holy Week is almost a week long vacation and holiday. Good thing that Philippine Airlines came up with their promo to help filipinos lessen their expenses.
Philippine Airlines had extended their P88 promo for the coming Lenten season, the promo dubbed as "Holy Week Special" is valid from March 21 to March 22, Good Friday and Black Saturday respectively. They've already started selling the tickets at PAL ticket offices and accredited travel agents until February 15, 2008 only.
Covered by the promo are all PAL flights between Manila and Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban, Tagbilaran and Zamboanga. Prior to this promo they also have the "Seat All You Can" promotion last month that drew a strong market response prompting them to have another promo. The promo "Seat All You Can" is a companion scheme requiring passengers to buy a full fare ticket (valid for one year) and the chance to purchase a second ticket for P88 (valid from February 6 to March 12, 2008) each way on selected domestic flights.
For more details on these two promotions, you can call the 24-hour PAL reservation at (02) 855-8888. Better to purchase your tickets early.
news and info pinoy christianity
People’s Park in the Sky is located in Mt. Gonzales, Tagaytay City overlooking the whole of Tagaytay and the neighboring provinces. This is used to be called "Palace In The Sky" during the late President Ferdinand Marcos regime. I've seen the Taal Volcano in different areas in Tagaytay, no doubt that this is the best place that offers the best view of Taal Volcano.
Thinking for a quick getaway from Manila? Summer is approaching, I can feel the hot weather already in Manila. We think of Tagaytay as an alternative to Baguio because of its weather, it is nearer from Manila and can get there in less travel time. More pictures after the jump. 









I haven't been near the Taal Volcano, looking forward to it soon!
pinoy philippine places
If I wasn't mistaken, the last time I've been to the Shrine of Our Lady Of Manaoag in Dagupan was year 1990. That was 17 years ago. I didn't know that there is also a replica of Our Lady Of Manaog in Tierra de Maria, Home Of Meditation And Enrichment in Tagaytay near The Japanese Garden. More pictures after the jump.


This is the majestic 50 foot image of Mary, Mother Of God, Queen Of Heaven And Earth

At the foot of the giant Mama Mary, a wishing well and a place for lighting your candles

The life size replica of Our Lady Of Manaoag


My bestfriend always telling me how solemn Tierra De Maria is. She never been in The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Manaoag in Dagupan. I agree with her. If you're on your way to catch a good view of Taal Volcano, don't forget to drop by Tierra De Maria.

pinoy philippine places christianity
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After Philippines local election last 2007, when Honorable Alfredo Lim won the mayoralty race, the famous Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard within Manila jurisdiction, all the establishments along the baywalk were gone because of the Manila City ordinance implemented again by Mayor Alfredo Lim. Many got sad including me because what was left now was the beautiful lamp posts that were installed during Mayor Lito Atienza's term. All the establishments in Plaza Raha Sulayman were also gone, including my favorite coffee shop where my friends and I stayed after a night out ordering kapeng barako or chocolat-eh, best combined with an order of pandesal with kesong puti. Well, those were the happy days of Baywalk in Malate.
A close relative who worked as a manager in Dampa informed me that they will open a branch to the "new" baywalk. My kids and I had a chance to see how it looked..jpg)
It is located at the back of SM Mall Of Asia where you can enjoy strolling around the baywalk, the sea air breeze and the convenience of the MOA's security guards roving around. Take note: vendors and beggars are no where in sight..jpg)
This is the perfect place to watch the fireworks display every Fridays, Saturdays and special occasions at 7:00pm..jpg)
Night out with your friends or family? Many restaurants and bars are open already and there are some more establishments opening soon. Goodbye to the disposable cups, plates, spoons and forks used by mostly all establishments at the old baywalk. I supposed many couples will celebrate their Valentine's Day here next month.
philippine places pinoy
Food trip! A friend came from Camiguin...
CAMIGUIN is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. kilometers. It lies 10 kilometers off the coast of the Province of Misamis Oriental. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, CAMIGUIN forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao.Camiguin is one of the best destination for scuba divers from different parts of the world. That's why my friend came from there, his hobby is scuba diving and his second time to Camiguin. And look what he gave me as "pasalubong". Two boxes of Pastel. :-)
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Pastel is soft, sweet bun with varied fillings. They were bought from VJANDEP Bakeshop. The pastel is a native delicacy and can also be categorized as dessert because of its sweetness, it is now identified with Camiguin Island that every tourist never goes home without tasting the famous bun. The filling choices are cheese, langka, macapuno, mango, pineapple, ube, and regular yema. I believed, the pastel I got was yema, it was really delicious, I just don't know if it was special or the regular yema. They also have other filling "by order": durian, guava, strawberry, chocolate and special yema. If I wasn't mistaken, Korina Sanchez of Rated K featured the famous pastel bun of Camiguin.
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I thought I was only dreaming seeing this beautiful view with my own two eyes. The week long Bicol vacation was indeed a good idea and seeing such a wonderful place made it worthwhile. I'm thankful that I brought along my children to made them see the beauty of the Philippines. I don't want them to become strangers on our own country.
life nature pinoy travel
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In February 1, 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and sent lava flows cascading down its sides. The townspeople of Cagsawa fled to the church where they perished when it was engulfed in the fiery flows. Only the church tower remains as a memorial. Cagsawa Park Ruins is the number one tourist attraction in Bicol while viewing the famous Mayon Volcano. I've seen the beauty of the park thrice, visiting Bicol without seeing the Cagsawa Park make your vacation incomplete. I make it a point to visit Cagsawa after every vacation I made. Souveneirs and gift items were available at the entrance, there was even a resort inside the park. This image shows how it used to be.After mudflow caused by typhoon Reming last December of 2006... the Cagsawa Ruins Park was nothing to visit anymore as of this writing. The park was full of black sands, bulldozers and backhoe around to sweep off the sands. It's hard to drive to get near the church. It's like a motorcross track! I almost want to walk to get a better shot of the Cagsawa, but its almost impossible since there are dead ends of the sand trail. I just hope that the local Government rehabilitate first the major destination in Bicol. The picture below shows the Cagsawa Church now. :-(
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