Travel and Shopping Info

All Time Beauty Tips from Sam Levenson

2011-09-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

---Sam Levenson

To travel is to get educated

2011-04-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

If travel could be affordable, it's the best way to get oneself educated - people, food, language, culture, those are just some of the things you learn through travelling. It's learning by experience and what can be better than that.

I wish we could all have the chance to travel some more.

Singapore floods

2010-06-17T03:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe when I heard that Orchard Street in Singapore is flooded. The news says that between 7 up to 9 a.m. 100 milliters of rain fell, the equivalent of 1 whole month of rainfall. What happened? I also heard that the construction boom may have been too encouraging that regulatory issues may have been overlooked. And let us not forget that this is another classic example of the effects of climate change.

The model in efficiency. That is how I remember Singapore. Today, however, I have reasons to doubt. Obviously, the much vaunted proficiency may now have acquired some loopholes.

Cool Tagaytay

2010-01-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

If you need to cool down and Baguio is too far, try Tagaytay. Just around the corner, accessible and you need not spend too much.

Local travel must No 1- Boracay

2010-01-18T01:53:00.000-08:00

Visit Boracay soon. Yes, before it totally retrogresses. It would be a pity if you will not be able to sample its gorgeous sandy white beaches, or feel the energy that is exclusive to the place, and if only for the food and of course the fantastic sights. If the unabated neglect for proper waste disposal go on, pretty soon, Boracay will just fade into a big wasteland. So while there is still time GO!

Travels' Blast from the Past

2009-08-23T02:29:00.000-07:00

Had been busy rummaging thru my memento boxes and found some old pictures which I share here: --> taken in front of Lucky Plaza in Singapore.

The other over theeeer --> At the Bangkok Airport waiting for my ride to Phuket. Peace!

The other one was taken by the beach (though the beach is not visible) ---> Penang

A Wish for a Good Voyage

2009-08-02T19:37:00.001-07:00

As Ex-President Cory Aquino embarks on her travel to the great beyond, I wish her good voyage. I am sure it will be a quick one. After all, she was a truly good person, I believe. As her daughter Kris Aquino narrated on tv, she is quite sure, Senator Benigno Aquino, Cory's husband, will be at the gates of Heaven to happily welcome her.

Farewell, Cory. We're quite sure, you will have a happy heavenly life!!!

The time is NOW

2009-01-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile. I will not rationalize. Just beg for a little understanding to the few who come once in a while to peek, if there's anything new.

Today is the 11th day of January, 2009. Time to get our gears going. Some say this will be a year of hard work for everyone, except perhaps for those born with wealth on their beds. So I am assuming that with global economic downturn each and everyone of us need to shake a leg, get out of the stupor (if we are in that mode).

Whatever it is you plan to do this year, just do it. Sounds like a rubbershoe commercial, I know, but that's how it's going to be. Go, go go! Anywhere, but stepping backwards.

My daughter asked me what I want to do this year, if there was no question for money, and I said I would love to travel. That should be exciting she beamed. She said that the next step is to make that thought a reality. Life needs to be lived and there shouldn't be any more reason why that has to happen tomorrow.

To you all, I wish only the best.

Friends, friends, friends

2008-10-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Friends I met through my travels, two Japanese guys, lady is from New Zealand and the man in green is from Australia.

Taken way back, I am not sure if in Bangkok or Phuket - and being posted here as a picture note.

Two for three travel freebie

2008-09-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Planning off for a much needed vacation?

If the travel bug has finally bitten you and currently preparing for an itinerary and looking for the luxurious type of accommodations, read here.

And it so happened that your hotel budget is just good for 2 days but would love to extend another day, check this site out. Gives you good information on the world's leading five-star hotels and the freebies or discounts they bestow on their loyal customers.

BTW, no one paid me to write this travel tip.

Thanks.

Friends I met through my travels

2008-07-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

My travels gave me the lovely opportunity to make some friends. I met many interesting and kind hearted friends from Singapore, Korea, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, the United States and New Zealand. Every year, my U.S. principal which had regional offices in Singapore organize a sales, marketing cum R&R in different Southeast Asian countries. It was a time to enjoy the fruits of our labor so to speak, or the hard truth that some failed to meet their numbers uuhhmm :-)

I must admit I had my moments but there were unsuccessful years as well. Over all, the experiences made me richer, having to share each other's triumphs and you know what:-)

So here are some of the photos, I have managed to upload so far. I realize they are not travel photos in the real sense of the word. But I am on to upload those that provide a view. Hopefully I can do that soon.

My Travel Personality

2008-06-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Your Travel Personality Is: The Sophisticate

You're well educated and cultured, and the places you travel to reflect that.
You appreciate the best art, food, architecture, and local flavor.
A true traveler, you are destined to be multi-lingual and very worldly.

What's Your Travel Personality?

My First Newbie Travel

2008-06-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

My first travel abroad was Singapore. Together with an office mate, we were sent by our bosses to attend a sales and marketing conference held annually for all product distributors of our principal. It is a large and old American company and its Southeast Asian home office was Singapore.

What struck me first about Singapore is its Changi Airport. Reputed to be a one of a kind of place in terms of efficiency and discipline, I was truly impressed. The efficient manner in which they conducted their airport business was something worth emulating, if not copy. Note that as soon as you check in with their Immigration, a tour catalogue was immediately handed over.

Susie, one my Singaporean hosts asked me to bring her a specific kind of white wine which I remember her saying I should get only from the Singapore Duty Free. "It's not readily available outside, the airport", she warned. And so off was I to fulfill her wish.

One thing I noticed though through my subsequent stay, and this was way back then (I don't know if it remains prevalent), my kind or people who belonged to my race was almost always assumed to be an OFW aka domestic helper. It's not that I find that offensive. On the contrary, I found it amusing. For always, they'd feel they have insulted me with such an assumption and thus, appear to be instantly apologetic and consequently beams me an oh so ever sweet grin as soon as I tell them I am not. You prejudiced a_ _ h _ _ le, I mutter quietly.

And you know, what's truly offensive me is the fact that these OFW's, everybody now considers, a hero also receive these undeserved condescending attitude from, guess? Our own kababayans, that's who. Especially at the airport. Can't these petty bourgoise kind understand that our OFW's display these over the top kind of loud and ecstatic actions because of the rare times they get to travel back home. I have seen it happen at the flight check-in lines. Aargghh!!!

Back to Singapore, I get carried away you know. But yes, Singapore. My first trip's got me to see their impressive Zoo, the orchid and crocodile farms, the Yacht Club, riding the cable cars on the way to Sentosa, and lots of cool dining places.

I hope to scan or re-shoot my travel photos in the hope that I could all journalize them here. For posterity. Might be useful for my future grandchildren. They can get to see a glimpse of how their Grandma lived :-)

Frendz Resort

2008-06-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

One of the many services one can utilize to go and see Boracay is Frendz Resort.

"Frendz Resort is only a two minute walk from the central white beach, of Boracay Island Philippines. Fully renovated in december 2006, we are minutes walk from all the great bars and restos, and party zone. Frendz is under Australian mangement.
It is very close to all the main bars resto, and entertainment areas, as well as the newly opened resto mall area. The resort itself is of native construction but provides western standard bathrooms etc. Our private rooms all have cable tv queen beds, ensuite, and verandah, all set around a tropical garden. We have a bar/resto on site, wifi and internet access.

Our rooms range from air-conditioned bungalows, standard bungalows to large family bungalows all with large verandahs. We also have for the budget traveler, our backpacker rooms, with shared bath etc. Deluxe rooms feature hot water, air/con, cable TV, bar refs etc. Standard bungalows all have cable tv, ensuite, and private verandahs.

The resort is set in tropical gardens around a central bar and resto area, with a TV and Pool table, nightly happy hour for our thirsty guests. We pride ourselves on our food all great at reasonable prices. The resort is owned and manage by an Australian and his Filipino wife. Frendz has friendly helpful staff who make frendz a fun filled resort. We have WI-FI too."

To find out more about this service see here.

"Philippines 7,107 Islands - Nature - Adventure - Culture -"

2008-04-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

Philippine Travel Guide

2008-04-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

"This Philippine travel destinations guide gives you an overview of popular tourist spots in the Philippines. On each of the featured tourist destination in this travel guide, you will find places of interest on each destination, things to do and how to get there. We have included a page of travel tips, a list of interesting Philippine festivals and a map of the Philippines for your reference.

Communication and getting around the country is easy since most Filipinos understand and speak English. Mobile phones are available everywhere. Also, foreign currency can easily be converted into Philippine Peso and all major credit cards are accepted in major establishments".

See the complete Guide here.

Philippine Fiesta Celebrations

2008-04-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

Philippine Fiesta in January

Feast of the Black Nazarene - held every 9th of January in Quiapo, Manila. Devotees of that number in the thousands flock around the life-size statue of the Black Nazarene (Jesus Christ) as it inches across the streets packed with devotees around Quiapo church. Devotees attribute many miracles to this 400 year old image which was brought to the the Philippines from Mexico in the 7th century.

Sinulog Festival - celebrated every 3rd week of January in Cebu City. This Philippine fiesta in Visayas region celebrates Cebu's patron saint, the Santo Niño (Child Christ). This week long event is marked by processions, street dancing and parades. This fiesta is a local version of the Mardi gras.

Ati-Atihan Festival - fiesta starts from the16th to the 22nd of January in Kalibo, Aklan. Revelers masquerading as Negritos in colorful costumes, dance to the beat of drums while chanting "Hala Bira!" in preparation to the Sunday procession in honor of the Santo Niño.

See more here.

First See the Philippines Here

2008-04-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Explore the Philippines first through You Tube.

Explore the Philippines via You Tube

2008-04-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Another You Tube presentation of the Philippines as a Travel destination.

Travel and Tour the Philippines through You Tube

2008-04-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

You Tube takes you to Philippine get-away.

Pan Pacific Hotel Manila

2008-03-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

Pan Pacific Manila Hotel is the first and finest luxury hotel in the Philippines that delivers the promise of royal treatment by providing all guests with impeccable 'Butler Service' - a unique concept of consolidated services associated with the utmost personalised care.

Located at the heart of the historical and cultural district of Malate in Manila, Pan Pacific Manila Hotel is just a short drive from the city's convention, exhibition and business centres. It is just 8 kilometers away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

A business hotel, designed to offer a comfortable abode to business travellers with its excellent facilities and service, it has 236 all-executive rooms and 7 spacious function rooms that cater to the accurate needs of the most demanding clientele.

Entertainment, shopping

This 17-story hotel lies in the middle of tourist shops, galleries, international restaurants, and bars, and is 2 blocks from a large shopping mall. The historic Intramuros district is 2 km (1.5 miles) away.

Butler service for all

Unpacking and packing, in-room ironing, shopping, and shoeshine are included in the complimentary butler service. The hotel also has a swimming pool, rooftop lounge/garden, and conference facilities.

City or bay views

The 236 guestrooms have views over Manila Bay or the city. Furnished with armchairs and large desks, guestrooms include marble bathrooms with bathrobes, complimentary bath salts, and bottled water.

DOT: Philippine Travel Tax Primer for Filipino Overseas Travellers, Visitors, Balikbayans and OFW Dependents

2008-03-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

Philippine Travel Tax Primer for Filipino Overseas Travellers, Visitors, Balikbayans and OFW Dependents

Travel Tax
Imposed by the Philippine government to Filipino citizens, Permanent residents, Non-residents who stay in the country for more than a year but plan to leave the country irrespective of the issuance place of the air ticket. Non-residents such as Balikbayans/Filipino immigrants from other countries are not covered by the travel tax if they stay in the country for less than one year.

Purpose
Travel taxes collected by the Philippine government are remitted to the following government institutions to help fund or execute their tourism programs. These offices are the: Philippine Tourism Authority, National Parks Development Committee, National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, Commission on Higher Education and the Government General Fund.

Current Travel Tax Rate (As of March 2004)
For First Class Passengers
Full Rate = P2700
Standard Reduced rate = P1350
OFW Dependent = P400

For Economy Class Passenger
Full Rate = P1620
Standard Reduced Rate = P810
OFW Dependents = P300

Travel taxes are not imposed on Overseas Filipino Workers but make sure OEC is obtained before leaving the Philippines.

Travel Tax Exemption
The following are exempted from paying Travel Tax
1. Foreign diplomatic representatives
2. Employees of the United Nations
3. United States Military Personnel including dependents
4. Other US Nationals wherein airfares had been paid by US Government
5. Filipino Overseas Contract Workers
6. International Carrier Crew
7. Filipino PR assigned abroad unless their stay there is less than one year
8. Philippine Foreign Service personnel assigned abroad
9. Philippine Government Employees during official travel
10.Grantees of Foreign Government funded trips
11. Infants two years below
12. Personnel of Philippine Offices of multinational companies
13. Those authorized by the Republic of the Philippines (Office of the President)

Availment of Standard Reduced Travel Tax Rate
Minors from 2 - 12 years old
Filipino Journalists
Those Authorized by the Republic of the Philippines

Availment of Privileged Reduced Travel Tax (for OFWs only)
Legitimate spouse of Overseas Filipino Worker
Legitimate unmarried children of Overseas Filipino Workers 21 years old below

Requirements To Avail
1. Valid Passport
2. For government officials and/or employees, Certification from concerned Government Office
3. OEC for OFWs
4. Birth certificate or Marriage contract for Dependents and minors
5. For service crew, Certification from the Air Transport Office
6. For Journalists, Certification from his Editor

Please check with the Philippine Tourism offices for an updated list of requirements.

How to avail of Travel Tax refund- Must Present
1. Unused Ticket
2. Non-coverage Certification
3. Travel Tax Exemptions
4. Reduced Travel Tax

Identification cards accepted in claiming the refund check:
Passport, SSS ID, GSIS ID, Driver's License and Postal ID

All information available here are subject to your personal verification. To ensure complete accuracy please check with the Philippine Department of Tourism or refer to their website.

Amanpulo Pamalican Islands Philippines

2008-02-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Amanpulo

Amanpulo is an escape from the markings of mankind and is a dive into island life where nature has been unashamedly boastful. The island is secluded, being private, and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical island-retreat–pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. Amanpulo or, ‘peaceful island’, honours its island host, respecting the natural elements with a profoundly ‘South Seas’ interpretation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modelled on authentic bahay kubo dwellings, each with its own golf cart for island exploration.

This romantically remote island caters for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in paradise, and for those who seek an active agenda, involving a myriad of maritime adventures as well as tennis, a high-tec air-conditioned gym, and taking languid lengths in the resort’s 30m serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.

Set On Your Own Private Island And Only Accessible By Private Charter Flight Amanpulo Sits On Pamalican Island In The Philippines. Surrounded By Turquoise Waters And A Coral Reef Three Hundred Meters From The Shore. The Resort Provides A Variety Of Watersports - Especially Diving. Forty Casita*S Span This Island Offering Views From The Treetops Or Your Own Private Hideaway On The Edge Of The Powder Soft Sandy Beaches. Each Casita Houses A King Bed Spacious Bathroom With Separate Bath And Shower Plus Two Window Divans To Take In The Views. The Beach Club Is A Haven For Evening Bbq Or That Sunset Cocktail. Accommodation Is Always Subject To Charter Plane Availability. Flight Times Are Subject To Change Without Notice

Quick Facts

* Airline Desk * Children*S Playground
* Concierge * Currency Exchange
* Express Check In/Out * Gift Shop
* Lounge * Luggage Storage
* Non Smoking Rooms * Outdoor Parking

Low Price Guarantee is not Available for this Property

This hotel is listed as a convenience to you and may be booked online only.
All rates are for double occupancy per room, and are quoted on a nightly basis unless otherwise specified.
The hotel may charge additional fees for extra people, children, roll-away beds and incidentals. Some rates may require special identification.
A credit card is required to guarantee your reservation.
Your reservation is not pre-paid at the time of booking.

Satellite phones and Disasters

2007-09-05T00:22:00.001-07:00

What if a great big earthquake devastates all of Luzon or a catastrophic event like a regionwide-tsunami occurs in Mindanao or the Visayas... and all the landline connections conk out... cell sites suddenly stop from working? Not likely? Think again...

I read somewhere that during a disaster, everything that depends on infrastructure will not work. Forget mobile phones. Forget PDA's or wifis' or accessing ATM's.

Only a satellite phone can provide a direct voice to voice communication link during a disaster like Katrina perhaps, or the recent Asian tsunami.

The effects of global warming has finally dawned. Watch what's happening to the gulf states of the US. Typhoon signal level 5's occuring one after another in other parts of the world.

Is it time to rent a satellite phone?

Satellite phones can call landlines worldwide. It can call other satellite phones or do voice mail, can send SMS, or even make data calls. "Satellite calls are made through space. Earth stations and space-based backhaul routes phone call packets through space to downlinks or feeder links. Station to station calls can be routed directly through space with no downlink. As satellites leave the area of an earth base station the routing tables change and frames are forwarded to the next satellite just coming into view of the earth base station."

In the U.S. Motorola satellite phones are already being rented out just in case. Or to be better prepared to respond during emergencies.

Iridium Satellite, a service provider in the U.S claims 203,000 subscribers as of June 2007.

Locally, I believe Smart's beat Globe to the punch. It is now actively marketing its satellite phones to seafarers. This means that even at sea, seafarers can now be reached anytime, anyday.

Satellite phone handset made its first appearance in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. It was used by one of the villains in a scene set in Uganda. It was also featured frequently in another 2006 movie, Miami Vice.

But before deciding to get one, think about the cost. It is anything but cheap.

A different kind of Mesh

2007-08-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

What a mesh! Marikina City will soon enjoy the fruits of a wireless mesh network. And why not? Marikina has always been reputed to initiate things ahead of the rest. Trailblazing governance. That is Mayor Marides Fernando's style. And for good. Wasn't it long ago that Marikina was known to be working at being Little Singapore? More than a year ago I read about this article about Tropos offering mesh technology. Apparently, it has come to pass. I just hope come implementation time -- that it shall be to the benefit of the greater majority of Marikenos.