Things to do before going on a trip abroad

(Source)

 

Going out of the country for the first time? Here are a few travel essentials before heading to the airport.

1. Make copies of documents. Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa instead of carrying them around. It is also wise if you email yourself copies of your passport, visa, birth certificate and driver's license in case you lose both the original and copy of your passport. Access to your essential travel documents will just be a click away when the need arises. Too late? Click here for the steps on what to do for when you lost your passport in a foreign country.

2. Enroll your bills online. Take a hassle free vacation by thinking less of the bills you left behind. Having a credit card, although not a necessity, is helpful when traveling abroad. Bills can be taken cared of without you being in the country thanks to auto-debit.

3. Label your memory cards. Aside from being a storage of photos, memory cards are also storage for data. Insert a note in those cards with your essential information such as your name, contact number, and email address. Losing your camera means goodbye to all those vacation photos. Hence, with means to identify and contact you, a good samaritan might return the camera or the memory card back. Already lost it? Click here to read more about this.

If you have more ideas, please take time to leave a comment.

Why pay for the horrendously expensive excess baggage fee when you can pay less?

(Source )

 

As we all know, airlines set a limit to the amount of baggages that we can take with us on an airplane. Generally, they follow the following guidelines as limitations. International flights allow two pieces of baggages weighing no more than 50 lbs each, while domestic flights only allow baggages not exceeeding 15 kgs for check-in. Considering that we Filipinos love to bring home pasalubongs (gifts), those numbers are obviously not much.

Sending luggages as excess baggage is not practical as airlines charge a lot if you exceed the free baggage allowance. Balikbayans usually face this dilemma when they go home to the province and are faced with a different baggage allowance by the domestic airlines.

To minimize on cost, the solution is to send them as "unaccompanied baggage." This means that you will have to send your luggages as airfreight with the airline at a rate that is way cheaper than paying for the excess. Contact your airline for the exact location of their Cargo Services.

If lucky, your bags could be sent on the same flight that you will be on. This might not always be the case, especially if you deposit your luggage just before your flight. The key is to deposit them much earlier than your own flight. That way, they will be waiting for you at your destination. 

A small detour is all that it takes.

 

Tip: PAL's Cargo Service is located just outside the Centennial Terminal, between NAIA Terminal 1 and 2.

Travel for Free!

"Sayang ang miles" was the dialogue in a commercial ad of a local credit card company years ago. I can't help but recall those words when I finally was able to redeem a round-trip award ticket for myself. 

So, how did I do it?

 

Step 1: Enroll to all mileage programs available. I honestly never thought that I would come to the point that I would be redeeming miles. Much more redeeming an award ticket for an international flight. But as far as I can remember, I would always enroll myself to the airlines' mileage program before buying a ticket. I did not reap the benefits immediately, but receiveing the membership card in the mail was exciting nevertheless.

Step 2: Use Partner Hotels/Services. It was luck when my company sent me for business abroad and belittled us to a partner hotel. It didn't hurt also when my stay was entended. Three months stay or ninety nights converted to miles was a very great deal. That meant more miles!

Step 3: Fly. Whenever given a chance, choose an airline that flies under the same mileage program.  Sayang ang Miles (Every mile counts).

Step 4: Redeem. I never thought that redeeming my miles would be easy. I redeemed mine in less than 5 minutes. The moment my boss approved my leave, I immediately checked the available low-fare flights online and right then and there redeemed my free tickets. In a few minutes, I received my e-tickets on my email. It was so easy, I was giddy from happiness the rest of the day.

 

Airlines have different guidelines and/or miles requirement for redemption of an award ticket. In my case with Delta, my 60,000 miles plus $59 (tax) will be flying me to Los Angeles tomorrow. Good luck and see you in the skies!

 

Batanes: Your very own Heaven on Earth

Heaven on Earth fittingly describes Batanes. Not known to many but it is the number one travel destination to seasoned Philippine travellers.

Visitors will literally forget that they are in the Philippines even before their plane lands.

Their culture is different. They bury their dead surprisingly like the Vikings. The people speak a different language. Their houses look different. If you are a Lord of the Rings follower, you will love the place. The weather is different. If you are anal with following a schedule, this is not the place for you. There, the weather rules. It is not typically tropical. It is the only place in the country that experiences four seasons. It is closer to Taiwan than Manila. It's topography is likened to Scotland, Ireland and New Zealand due to its windswept hills and boulder-hemmed shores. You will forget your sanity and start singing "The Hills are alive... " like a crazy person.

Getting there:

Seair (http://flyseair.com/) flies twice daily to Basco, Batanes. To minimize on cost (one way costs Php 7,039.20) watch out for promos that Seair regularly gives away -- Feb and Sept, for half the price during the Philippine Travel Tour Expo and the Philippine Travel Mart, and for various discounts year-round online.

Topography: 

The hills come alive in Batanes. The terrain is picturesque at every turn. No explanation needed for it is heaven on earth.

 

 

Architecture:

If unique architecture is what interests you, then there is Sabtang Island. It has most of the traditional houses intact and in perfect condition. As they say, it is a place that exists in another time. Ivatan houses are made of lime and stone. This to withstand the strongest typhoon. The walls are meter-thicked, while the roofs are foot-thicked made of cogon. To get to Sabtang, take an Ivana-bound jeepney/van from Basco (first trip is at 530am for Php30/35) and get off at Ivana Port. There are three fallowas that service the Ivana and Sabtang Port (first trip from Ivana is at 6-630am and the last trip from Sabtang is at 1pm). Make sure to inform the boat captain if you intend to have him wait for you.

Historic:

History buffs will not be disappointed because there are four 200-year old churches worth visiting: Santo Domingo in Basco, San Jose in Ivana, San Carlos in Mahatao and San Vicente on Sabtang. Chavayan church in Sabtang is the only one left of its kind - thick cogon-thatched roof. The village of Chavayan itself is a UNESCO World Heritage nominated site for its preserved traditional set up.

 

Archaeological Attraction:

When there is good weather, rejoice! Head to Ivuhos Island and create your own adventure à la Indiana Jones. In Ivuhos Island, you will find boat-shaped burial markers. The burial sites are marked with stones which are laid down to the shape of the local boat "tataya," with a pit carved in the middle from limestone bedrock. It is said that only Vikings are known to have made boat-shaped burial markers.  

Weather:

However strong the materials used, there, the weather is king. A testament to this is the village that was wiped out by a great tidal wave back in the day. It is now called "The Sung Sung Ruins" or ghost town by some. Though it is said that the best time to go to Batanes is during the summer months, it is to be borne in mind, that the season has nothing to do with it when bad luck comes your way because the weather rules in this part of the country. We visited on October but were graced with sunny weather the whole time. Nevertheless, be prepared to have your schedule derailed.

Beaches:

Batanes Islands is situated between the Balintang Channel and the Bashi Channel, where South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean merge. It is no surprise that its shores are so ruggedly beautiful. On the way to the northern part of Batan Island, you will encounter beautiful boulder-hemmed shoures by the road side. Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang Island, meanwhile, is an example of how the ocean is wild in this part of the country. An arch was naturally formed by the rough waves of the sea.

Transportation:

There are a few public vehicles plying its streets. In fact, only at the airport will you find a line of tricycles waiting for passengers. Because the province is so small, the locals ride their own bicycles to get to one place to another. However if you plan on touring the island, there are a number of jeepneys and/or vans for hire. Also, most resorts have motorcycles for rent. While for the budget conscious, tricycles are available for charter at a minimal fee (Php 150/hour in Basco & Php 900/half day in Sabtang). To get from one island to another, Ivatans use the "falowa." Its round bottom makes the journey smoother despite the big waves in Batanes.

 

Accommodation:

Finding a place to stay is not hard, but be sure to book ahead during peak season (summer months).  There are a number of resorts and lodging houses scattered around the town of Basco. Fundacion Pacita is one such place with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. It was the home of internationally acclaimed artist Pacita Abad. The government-run Ivatan Lodge, meanwhile,  is the favorite of backpackers. For just Php 200/night, it is sufficient for the no frills kind. Clean and Safe.   

 

Food:

Although a favorite destination of some of the most high-profile individuals of the country, surprisingly, Batanes has few restaurants. Canteens and cafeterias nevertheless have mushroomed everywhere. Backpackers usually head to the SDC Canteen run by the Dominican Sisters, where a meal costs for about Php 50. For your last night, you may want to splurge and try Casa Napoli's home-made pizza (Php 300).

 

People:

If that has not convinced you still, maybe the people will. Though naturally shy, they will not hesitate to help visitors.  If safety is a concern, worry no more because the province has zero to none crime rate.

 

  

 A place that exists in another time. Dream it or Live it. Your choice.

   

Basco Contacts:

♦ Accommodation
◊ Ivatan Lodge (Php 200/pax)
Elisa A. Castillo - 0930-8511884

♦ tricycle charter (Php 150/hour)
◊ Glenn - 0919-9854506

Sabtang Contacts:

♦ Accommodation
◊ Chavayan Homestay (Php100/pax)
Harold Gabotero or Alejandro Havana
◊ Heritage House (Php 150/folding bed; Php 600/room, good for 2pax)
Glo - 0908-3997873

♦ tricycle charter (Php 950/half day)
◊ Edwin Hubalde - 0918-3694083

♦ van charter (Php 1500)
◊ Rudy Grecha - 0908-5607833

♦ tour guide (Php 500)
◊ Emilio Fedel (BCTA) - 0921-5201265
◊ Rudy Grecha - 0908-5607833

*** Click here for our itinerary and here for an accounting of our expenses.

Expenses for Batanes Trip (2010)

		Individual Expense	Group of 2
Day 1
	Taxi to airport	110
	Terminal Fee	200
	Tricycle to lodging house	15	30
	bfast	45
	Lunch	17
	Tricycle  charter (2.5 hours)	184.5	375
	h20	34
	Lodging House	200
	Tricycle charter (2 hours)	150	300
	Dinner	62
	TOTAL	1017.5
Day 2
	bfast	32
	Lunch	30
	Diura Entrance Fee	50
	cup noodle for driver at honesty café	20
	Dinner (1/2 cup rice, brought delata)	7.5
	Tricycle charter (8 hours)	500	1000
	Lodging House	200
	TOTAL	839.5
Day 3
	Van to Ivana Port	30
	Boat to Sabtang	50
	Sabtang Conservation Fee	100
	Tricycle charter (1/2 day)	500	1000
	bfast & lunch	250
	Boat to Ivana	50
	Jeep to Basco	25
	Dinner (1/2 cup rice, brought delata)	7.5
	Lodging House	200
	TOTAL	1212.5
Day 4
	bfast (1/2 cup rice, brought delata)	7.5
	Lunch (1/2 cup rice, brought delata)	7.5
	Tricycle charter (2.5 hours)	112.5	225
	Pasalubong (Gifts)	325
	Dinner (Pizza)	110	320/3
	Lodging House	200
	TOTAL	762.5
Day 5
	Tricycle to airport (plus P10 tip)	20	40
	Taxi to office	110
	TOTAL	130
	RT Airfare (with 50% discount)	6927.3
	TOTAL (without airfare)	3962
	TOTAL EXPENSE (in PhP)	10889.3

Photo Wednesday: Be Inspired

 

 

 

(Source)

 

 

 

Suggested Itinerary for Batanes

 

Batanes is the destination that many people dream to visit but few get to see. Its geographical location, unpredictable weather condition, and expensive airline fare keep most tourists away. It is also for those reasons that Batanes kept its old-world splendor.

Travellers to this Heaven on Earth are rewarded to friendly people and  a culture different from the rest of the country. Find out how, here.

 

Day 1 (North of Batan Island)

AM
545am - flight to Basco
730am - arrive Basco
735am - check-in at lodging house
830am - bfast
930am - start tour
- Valugan Boulder Beach
- Japanese Tunnel
- Fundacion Pacita
- Tukon Radar Station
- Tukon Church
- Basco Idjang
1230pm - Back to town proper

PM
1pm - lunch
130pm - back at the lodging house
3pm - start tour
- Rolling Hills
- Naidi Hills/Basco Lighthouse
5pm - wait for sunset at the Basco Lighthouse
6pm - dinner

 

Day 2 (South of Batan Island)

AM
830am - bfast
930am - start tour
- Chanarian Viewdeck
- Mahatao Church
- White Beach
- Diura Fishing Village/Crystal Cave
- Racuh-a-Payaman (Marlboro Country)

PM
12nn - lunch (bring packed lunch) at Racuh-a- Payaman
130pm - continue with tour
- Imnajbu (Stone Houses)
- Uyugan/Sungsung Ruins (ghost Town)
- Ivana/Honest Coffee House/House of Dakay/Spanish Bridge
- Basco LIghthouse
5pm - wait for sunset at the Basco Lighthouse
6pm - dinner

 

Day 3 (Sabtang Island)

AM
530am - off to Ivana Port
7am - off to Sabtang Island
730am - arrive Sabtang Island
8am - bfast at Heritage House
830am - start tour
- Chamantad-Tinian Viewpoint
- Lime Kilns
- Barrio Savidug (Vernacular Houses)
- Barrio Chavayan (UNESCO Nominated Site)
- Nakabuang Beach/Murung Beach (Ahau Arch)
- Sabtang Lighthouse

PM
12nn - lunch at Heritage House
1pm - back to Ivana Port
115pm - off to Basco
6pm - dinner

 

Day 4 (Basco Town)

AM
8am - explore town of Basco
830am - bfast
930am - back to Rolling Hills
1130 - souvenir shopping

PM
1230pm - lunch
1pm - back to lodging house
4pm - visit Port of Basco
5pm - wait for sunset at the nearby beach
7pm - dinner at Casa Napoli

 

Day 5

AM
630am - off to Basco Airport
745am - flight back to Manila
 

 *** Travellers may opt to remove Day 4 from their itineraries.
 *** Click here for an accounting of our expenses.

 

Help! Lost My Passport while vacationing!

Lost your Philippine passport while in the US of A? Don't panic. This does not mean that you will have to be stuck all your life in a strange country. Nor should you rejoice yet. This will not give you an excuse to stay indefinitely in the Land of Milk and Honey. ;)

If you cannot track it down. You will need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate before your intended flight schedule. Follow these steps:

 

Step 1: File a police report. Having a police report handy will make it easier once you get to the embassy to report the loss or to request for a replacement passport and/or issuance of a travel document.

Step 2: Pay a visit to the Philippine embassy or consulate. You will need to fill-up a form. To certify the veracity of the loss, present a notarized affidavit of loss. To prove your identity, you may present any of the following forms of identification: copy of birth certificate, marriage contract or other documents such as Philippine driver's license, baptismal certificate, voter's affidavit or Professional Regulatory Commission Card. Expect a few days for processing.

Step 3: Allow extra time at the airport. Although airport security are assumed to be familiar with travel documents in lieu of passports, you will never know when you encounter an ignorant, ego-tripping official. Extra security measures could significantly derail your schedule, so cross the gates early. It is better to be safe than risk missing your flight.

Step 4: Report loss of visa to the US embassy. As a precautionary measure, send an email to the Fraud Prevention Unit of the US embassy in Manila (fpmmanila@state.gov) with the following relevant info (1. Full name, 2. Passport Number, 3. Date of Birth, 4. Place of Birth, 5. Address in the US, 6. Email address, 7. Circumstances of loss) and attach therein: 1. Travel Document issued by the Philippine embassy or consulate, 2. Affidavit of Loss issued by the Philippine embassy or consulate, and 3. Copy of Passport.

You can find the list of Philippine Embassies, here.

Bahá’í House of Worship

 

Called "The Dawning Place", this Bahá'í Temple, is now considered a tourist destination because of its intricate lace-like design and beautiful architecture.

The picture from the guide-book enticed me to see it personally. Located in Wilmette in Illinois, the visit turned out to be all worth it. I got to see a one-of-a kind structure and got to know an entirely new religion. Before the trip, I never even heard of Bahá'í. To think that a small community is alleged to exist in the Philippines.

 

 

Faith

Bahá'ís believe that everyone is part of one human race and every revealed religion is a gift to humankind from the one Eternal God. They believe that humanity is one family created by God and promote the unity of mankind and the establishment of peace in the world.

History

It all started in Persia (now Iran) by Mírza Husayn-'Alí in the 1800s during the Ottoman Empire. In the United States, the Bahá'í Faith was first mentioned in 1893 by a Presbyterian Missionary at the Word Parliament of Religions held during the Columbian Exposition in Chicago until it eventually spread across the country.

Temple

Planning started in 1903, but construction began only in 1920 and was not completed until 1953. The domed structure has nine sides. The lacy pattern of the temple is made out of special concrete consisting of quartz and white cement. The auditorium is open to the public for free. It seats 1,191 and stands 138 feet from the floor to the apex of the inside dome. Other Houses of Worship are located at Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany; Kampala, Uganda; Sidney, Australia; Panama City, Panama; New Delhi, India; and Apia, Western Samoa.

 

 

There are nine inscriptions carved above the entrance and nine more appearing in the alcoves. One inscription made an impression on me the most and that is: "The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens." Bottomline: World peace. They say travel is one great way to learn, well that was one great lesson. A lesson that we all should learn and live by.

 

 

The Bahá'í House of Worship
100 Linden Avenue
Wilmette, Illinois 60091
www.bahaiitemple.org

Visiting Hours:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm (between Oct. 1 and Apr. 30)
10:00 am - 8:00 pm (between May 1 and Sept 30)

 

 

** Out of respect, I did not take pictures inside the temple.

 

The Best of Chicago: Museums and more

Enjoy Chicago  without having to line up for tickets with City Pass. You can get it online or at the first attraction you visit. Ideal for weekend travelers who wish to see the best of Chicago in a short span of time. For those who has a week to spare, there is no need to rush getting from one attraction to another as the tickets are valid for nine days from the date bought. It includes general admission plus a few perks to five wonderful Chicago attractions.

 

Shedd Aquarium

Enjoy VIP treatment to all the exhibits plus a 4-D experience in Fantasea. Experience an Amazon flooded forest in Amazon Rising, a 360-degree tour of the reef in Carribean Reef, meet dapper-looking penguins and lots of fishes in the Ocenarium and do a face-off with sharks with the Philippine coral reef in the background in Wild Reef. All of this is possible in Shedd Aquarium.

 

 

 

The Field Museum

Meet Sue, the largest, most complete, and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found. Get access to an Underground Adventure, and get to know the secrets of mummies.

 

 

 

Adler Planetarium

Be a star and travel across space. Watch not one but two theater shows. Ad Astra Per Aspera.. reach for the stars!

 

 

Museum of Science & Industry

Learn science hands-on from this expansive 14-acre museum. Fly an airplane - try a flight stimulator inside a real plane inside the museum. Experience the unique Omnimax show. There is always something new to see and do at the Museum of Science and Industry. After covering the whole museum, go outside. There is a beautiful pond with a great view.

 

 

 

Skydeck Chicago or John Hancock Observatory

Indulge in the picturesque Chicago skyline tour and free coffee in the John Hancock Observatory. You may choose between Skydeck Chicago and the John Hancock Observatory.

 

 

Surely, there is more to Chicago than these five attractions. But then again, it provides a great list to add to ones itinerary. Plus, you can always sight-see in between. City Pass tickets are available at $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3 to 11. Verdict: Good deal. Check out the Chicago Skyline from different vantage points, here.

 

 

 

Note: This is not a paid advertisement.

 

 

Photo Wednesday: Rush

I apologize for being remiss in posting any entry on this blog for the past month. Been busy with work and a bit of family r & r. Work will still be busy for the next few months, so I apologize in advance.

 

 

(Photo: Roxas Boulevard, Manila, 2009)

A Journey across the Pacific in Aquarium of the Pacific

  

Experience the Pacific Ocean without getting wet in one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Aquarium of the Pacific is located at Long Beach in sunny California. This is what will greet you as you approach the oceanarium. Viewed from above, the sea is already a beauty to behold. Brace yourself as it is more splendid underwater. 

  

 

Wear comfortable footwear as the aquarium is quite expansive in area. It is divided into three main galleries representing three regions of the Pacific Ocean: Southern California/Baja, Northern Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific. 

Southern California/Baja  

[caption id="attachment_3093" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that California Sea Lions swallow rocks to help them to dive underwater? It is said that the stones may also aid them in digestion or kill internal parasites."][/caption]

 

 Northern Pacific  

[caption id="attachment_3096" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="Did you know that Sea Stars have tube feet that act as suction cups or that Sea anemones secrete sticky substance? All are strategies to keep them from floating away."][/caption]

 

Tropical Pacific  

[caption id="attachment_3097" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that most of the ocean is in total darkness?"][/caption]

 

   

[caption id="attachment_3098" align="aligncenter" width="491" caption="Did you know that beyond their beauty, corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide?"][/caption]

 

  

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that coral skeletons are used as bone substitutes in reconstructive surgery?"][/caption]

 

Open Ocean  

[caption id="attachment_3101" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that sea jellies have no eyes and no brain?"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_3100" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that depending on the species, sea jellies may have up to 800 tentacles?"][/caption]

 

Kids remember things when they are having fun. Inside the outdoor Explorers Cove they will have a chance to interact with the animals and have fun at the same time. It will be an expeience of a lifetime when they get to touch the ocean's ultimate predator in Shark Lagoon and hand feed birds with a small cup of nectar inside the Lorikeet Forest. Age restrictions do not apply.   

  

 

  

[caption id="attachment_3104" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="Did you know that not all sharks are scary and dangerous?"][/caption]

 

  

[caption id="attachment_3105" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Did you know that sharks are important links to the ocean food chain?"][/caption]

 

Journey across the pacific inside the Aquarium of the Pacific. Take a stroll amidst the coconut trees after being enchanted by the underwater world. 

  

 

I was in awe like a child when I visited the world-class oceanarium back in 2005.  I will be taking my 2 year old nephew and 4 year old niece at the Manila Ocean Park this coming weekend. I'm so excited! It would be a joy to see their happy faces again after one long year. 

  

  

Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.aquariumofpacific.org 

  

Hours of Operation:
9:00am to 6:oopm daily  

  

Source: Aquarium of the Pacific Passport Book 

Photo Wednesday: Reach Out

 

 Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.
- Carl Sandburg

 

I bet both the boy and the seal felt the joy when the other reached out. The young man went home moulded by nature, and the seal moulded by man.  

Reach out to someone today.

 

 

(Photo: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, 2005)

A sneek peak to Appalachian life at the Humpback Rock

 

Another sidetrip along the parkway is the Humpback Rock Mountain Farm. It is located at milepost 5.8 on the Blueridge Parkway. The farm serves as an outdoor museum, reminiscent of an 1800s Southern America mountain farm. Most if not all of the buildings in the farm were relocated from nearby locations.

 

 

 

 

 Inside the cabin you will see old knick-knacks on display, such as a small bed, a wooden crib, an old-fashioned mouse trap, a spinning wheel, a witch broom, and a home-made doll made from corn husks. The cabin is not fitted with indoor plumbing. You will learn that Appalachian life is a little backward as compared to the rest of 19th century America. Isolation is seen as one major reason, hence, the construction of the Blueridge Parkway.

 

 

 

 

Throw your cares away and be a hillbilly (but certainly not stupid) for a day. Take a pick of your spot and enjoy the breeze while listening to bluegrass music.

 

 

The best time to visit is during the summer months when the cabin and the outbuildings are open and when costumed rangers demonstrate early mountain life.

 

 

 

A visit to this mountain farm opened my eyes to how some of the early mountain settlers lived in America. I didn't know about Appalachian Culture apart from stories of the hillbillies from the movies and books. Indeed, it is a great place to learn about another culture that is totally different from the America we now know.