The Traveler's Notebook

Visita Iglesia

2018-03-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

If you're planning to go on Visita Iglesia this year, here's a list of churches around the metro:

1. Manila Cathedral
Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

2. San Agustin Church
General Luna St, Manila, Metro Manila

3. Redemptorist Church
Redemptorist Road, Baclaran, Parañaque, 1702 Kalakhang Maynila

4. Ermita Church
Antonio Flores St, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila

5. Remedios Church (Malate Church)
2000 M. H. Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila

6. Our Lady of Sorrows
2130 F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

7. Shrine of Jesus Church
Coral Way, Pasay, Metro Manila

I don't own this photo. No copyright infringement intended.

If you want to level-up, here's another list:

1. Manila Cathedral

Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

2. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao
41 Lantana St, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila

3. San Agustin Church

General Luna St, Manila, Metro Manila

4. San Roque Cathedral Parish
A. Mabini St, Poblacion, Caloocan, 1400 Metro Manila

5. The Cathedral Parish Of St. Andrew
448 Quirino Ave, Parañaque, 1700 Metro Manila

6. San Sebastian Church
Pasaje del Carmen St, Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila

7. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
363 Quezon Blvd, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila

If you're in Cebu, here are the top 7 churches you must visit:

I don't own this photo. No copyright infringement intended.

1. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
Mabini Street, Cebu City, Cebu 6000

2. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City, Cebu

3. Redemptorist Church
Queen's Rd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

4. Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod
Cebu City, Cebu

5. The Archdiocesan Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
242 Dionisio Jakosalem St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

6. San Nicolas De Tolentino Parish Church
70 Candido Padilla St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

7. Santo Tomas de Villanueva Parish
Cebu S Rd, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

Our Port, The Airport

2012-05-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

I could not think of a better topic to share since last night, my mind has been thinking a lot of things for the past few days while I worry so much that it has been a long time since my last post.

I hope you guys enjoy reading and get some useful information about my blog as it is the main reason why I put up this one.

Okay, now I have one important topic in mind. Let's get started.

Airports. We have plenty of them here in the country and there are things we should remember. The most important is, never crack a bomb joke inside the airport as this will be taken seriously and it could be grounds for detention or even incarceration. I don't know how it started, but I get the impression that everyone is serious inside the airport. You can't be just cracking any stupid joke like that or face humiliation.

NAIA Terminal 3 - Terminal Fee Collection Booth

Before you can get inside, you have to prepare your ticket and a valid identification card. If you can't flash it, then sorry but they are just doing their job to make everyone secured. Why? Can't criminals have a valid ID? Aside from security, at least there is a valid proof of identity that you are indeed the person printed in the ticket. That make sense to stolen tickets, right?

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Once you pass through the initial security check, there is a final check that you have to remove your shoes, belt, watch, mobile phones should be in your carry on bag and other metallic objects that you have. It's a security thing and for the safety of every traveler. Prepare the exact amount for the terminal fee, it will be swift for everyone.

Read the signs. It is very important and never be too shy to ask if you are lost.

Welcome to Tacloban!

2012-05-25T18:16:00.001-07:00

If you want to know more about the heritage of the Waray-Waray, then it is time for you to visit Tacloban City.

One of the interesting place is the San Juanico Bridge, it connects Samar and Leyte. It is still one of the beautiful bridge in the country.

When in Leyte:
1. Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum
2. People Center & Library
3. Taste the best Lomi in town at Felisa's Cafe
4. Magsaysay Boulevard
5. MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park
6. Madonna of Japan
7. Calvary Hill
8. Baluarte Beach

Tacloban is the home of Pintados Festival. It's an annual cultural-religious celebration held every June 29. The festival was organized in honor of Sr. Santo Niño (Child Jesus).

Cebu! The Queen City of the South

2012-05-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

Explore the Queen City of the South!

They have the best tasting lechon and experience eating at Larsian's, located near the Fuente Circle. You will find yourself craving for more when you get to taste the Cebuano's version of pork barbecue.

Magellan's Cross

Here are the tourist spots you should never miss when you're in Cebu:

1. Basilica del Santo Niño

2. Magellan's Cross

3. Cebu Taoist Temple

4. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

5. Fort San Pedro
6. Casa Gorordo Museum
7. Cathedral Museum of Cebu
8. Temple of Leah

Most of the places above are within the city and accessible by taxi or public transportation.

Passport Information (updated)

2012-05-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

In the Name of the Traveler

Does it really matter if your name is misspelled in your ticket? The answer is a big yes. It matters especially international flights. Immigration officers are very keen on details and it could be one of the reasons for denied entry.

I do not own this photo. If you are the rightful owner you may request removal.

Errors in our itinerary usually occur when we book our flights in a rush and we don't read all the reminders posted on the website or we get our ticket agents. We should always take that moment to check before we click the final confirmation button or even leave the ticket counters.
Here are some tips:

1. Use all-caps for your complete name.
2. If you're booking a trip for someone else, ask them for the complete name and date of birth.
3. Read the text box carefully. Often times we get errors on the first name, last name and middle name - they get mixed up.
4. The name should be the same as reflected in the passport or valid ID.
5. Don't hurry. The system has a built-in idle time trigger that will ask you if you need more time.

CLICK HERE FOR PASSPORT APPLICATION TIPS

The Kid is a Traveler

2012-05-21T18:26:00.002-07:00

Its been a while since my last post. I hope you guys missed me so dearly. I cannot think of a better topic today but I worry a lot because it seems like I have been busy doing important things and I forgot my social obligation. Funny? I hope it is.

Apparently, I have the time to use the laptop because I introduced the mp3 player to my son. He finds it amusing right now and he is not disturbing me at this point. He is busy listening to my own jogging playlist and putting his imagination on the bricks that he is playing right now. Then suddenly, I realized that the music he is listening might not be appropriate, so I am now downloading children's song.

Our Trip to Surigao

Traveling with a tyke like Sebastian can be stressful because he thinks that the airport is a playground. He would go almost all over the place and check on us from time to time if we are still waiting for our boarding call. Mind you, it is not safe to let them roam around by themselves because we never know they could be kidnapped. Kids could be a good organ donor. Let your kid wear something that you can easily recognize him, if you want to exaggerate and you are techie, you can attach a GPS tracking device to your kid. Although I have been planning to buy a customized dog tag for him with our names engraved and our contact numbers, not that I am expecting this to happen. Travelers should always be prepared.

We usually bring snacks for him and at least a couple of bottles for his milk and water to keep him hydrated. If you can bring a handy toy to keep him busy, go for it. Simple toys that aren't messy and please avoid the ones with small detachable parts, for sure it will fall apart, then you give yourself the problem of picking it most of the time. Sorry but we don't have a uniformed nanny to mind our kid. We can't afford one and besides, our Sebastian is like a tamed wolf. That's another story.

Waiting for our flight to Surigao.

Lucky for us because he is not afraid to fly. It might be because he started flying when he was 2 months old. He even got a commendation from a foreigner who was sitting before us. He was surprised to see an infant that never cried during the entire flight. "He will be a pilot someday", he said. One of the best compliment, but of course flattering.

Always have your kids vitamins, medications and other important stuff ready. Diapers and wet wipes should never be missing in action. These are the basic needs when traveling, because sometimes we can't find the brand that our kids are endorsing, right?

More about traveling with kids on my future posts. Have a great day everyone!

Depart of Traveling Guide

2012-04-18T03:15:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, it is more economical if we design our own tour package. This way we can save more, learn more, do more and bring more souvenir items. When planning for a travel, I usually use my own style and I call it DEPART or Destination, Expenses, Purpose, Activity, Resources and Time.

It is very important that we look for a destination that is cost effective and will definitely work for you. You cannot just go somewhere if your resources cannot afford to meet their standard daily expenses. Selecting for the best destination could be a difficult task, however if you list down your choices and screen your best destination by using DEPART, then the task is more easier.

Traveling is considered educational to most of us because we learn new things not only in haggling skills, self navigation, exploring history, learning new traditions and gaining new friends. Most of the things I mentioned does not necessarily require you to spend a dime. Make a list of the things you need to bring and control yourself from buying bath essentials or other grooming stuff at your point of destination. It might be expensive and sometimes if you travel far off the advance places or cities, you will not be able to get the brand of your choice. Stick to what you have and improvise. If you go on a city tour, then most likely you will get the experience of their way of living. Seeing yourself cruise around the place is another adventure and the fear of getting lost is always part of the package.

Purpose of the trip is also important and you should know your destination so you can manage your expectations.

Check out for great activities and remember to consult with the locals, you could get an exclusive insider tip. Don't show-off too much so that you will get an extra discount if they look at you as a simple traveler.

Resources can be funds for this trip and information to your point of destination. You should check out the local website if they have certain rules that you really have to take note of. Just in case they have a very strong dislike to public smoking.

Always get the best time for your trip. Although most carriers offers a cheap fare on flights departing early or late in the evening, its up to you if you can stay at the airport for a while or if you are on a backpacking adventure, explore the city first while waiting for the front desk to allow check-in. Managing our time will give more convenience and less hassle or stress. It is one thing that we should always put with high value, avoid stress and be proactive.

Now, are you ready to DEPART?

A Journey of A Thousand Mile, Begins Here

2012-04-18T02:15:00.002-07:00

Now before we venture into something deeper about traveling, let me remind you that I have not covered half of the world, however my experiences in travel might spark something or perhaps get a new idea on traveling with all the convenient aspects secured.

Sunset at Boracay

The Wild River of Cagayan de Oro

Bangkok Trip

One common factor that most of us really think is that traveling is expensive and only for those who can afford to put their money into waste. We should never regard traveling as a waste of money or even expensive. It gives you more than what you expect and sometimes if you are smart, you spend less because your objective is to explore and not to shop galore.

Summer Capital of the Philippines

Fontana Water Park, Clark, Pampanga

Bring a nice and handy camera whenever you embark on an adventure. You take with you only the best moments captured in digital form that will help you create a story if you are a blogger.

Iloilo International Airport

Samal Island

More tips to come and I hope you visit me frequently. I would appreciate if you can share my site to others.

Ciao!