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Flying Away for the Revelry this January?

While December and Holy Week is considered as peak season for Philippine air travel, January is the month of the big festivities: The Black Nazarene of Manila, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and the rest of Aklan Province, Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo. As expected, thousands of festival lovers, tourists, devotees and the curious take their pilgrimage in the annual revelries all throughout the archipelago. If you like to dance with the crowd and be merry this January without the pain in your wallet for the airfare, here are some alternatives that you may seek in hunting the cheapest fares for your next fiesta. I’ll be particular with the three big Visayan festivities since going here really requires some effort.

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo (13-15 January 2012)

The country’s oldest Mardi Gras is conveniently located in an island full of primary and secondary airports. Kalibo itself has international connections from Asian nations. However, most likely the fare for the dates has already skyrocketed.

• Caticlan (Boracay) Airport  – If you’d check the fares for Kalibo on the dates mentioned, it’s already way expensive for a frugal backpacker to enjoy. Anyhow, an alternative to Kalibo is the ever popular Caticlan Airport, the gateway to Boracay. It’s about an hour or two from Kalibo, Fare costs more than a hundred pesos. The con side is, it’s a popular tourist destination and fares tend to skyrocket quickly.
• Roxas Airport – If Caticlan has gone beyond your limit, fly to Capiz instead via Roxas City. There are daily flights here with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, although only once a day. You’d be surprised how cheap the fare is, despite being near Kalibo (only an hour and a half away!).
• Iloilo Airport – If the morning flights aren’t the best option for you, take Iloilo Airport instead. It has a lot of flights coming in to and from Manila, Cebu and Davao. The downside here is that it is a 4 hour ride from the city to Kalibo and costs more or less P200+. Also, the last bus departs around 4-6PM.
• Bacolod-Silay Airport - Perhaps this is the farthest option from Aklan, if Iloilo’s fares have gone expensive. But most likely it wouldn’t.

Sinulog in Cebu (13-15 January 2012)

Sinulog Festival

Undeniably the biggest street dancing all in the name of Santo Niño de Cebú, this attracts not only tourists and paparazzi, but also devotees in their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica. Crowd can swell up at Cebu, from a city of 700,000 inhabitants into two million over the weekend.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the country’s secondary gateway to the world. There are a lot of international flights coming in and out of this airport. Also, a multitude of flights coming in and out of Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod and among others, although during Sinulog time, it fills up to the brim. It has a lot of flights, but it has a lot of people—hence, expensive.

Cebu’s con is that the nearest alternative airport is some six hours away by bus, 30 minutes by plane—either through Bacolod or Dumaguete.

Another alternative would be Tagbilaran City in Bohol, although like Caticlan for Boracay, the fares easily skyrocket. Ferry routes aren’t a problem though since Tagbilaran and Cebu route is served daily and regularly. Alternative ports from Bohol such as Tubigon and Talibon may be an option as well.

If you’re visiting Sinulog, plan ahead.

Dinagyang in Iloilo (20-22 January 2012)

Iloilo Airport

Iloilo’s biggest fiesta, the annual mardi-gras of fast-paced choreography and riotous drum beating and throbbing city center makes it a popular festival. Because of its strategic location, it is very accessible and to alternative airports in the region. You can find affordable alternatives in case flights to Iloilo have gone sky high:

Dinagyang Festival

• Bacolod-Silay Airport in nearby Bacolod City/Silay City. Bacolod is just an hour fastcraft ride to Iloilo. This is the usual alternative airport that most Ilonggos used when fares at Iloilo has gone expensive. Ferry rate for one way fare usually is pegged more or less P300+, but there are promos for round trip tickets. Flights here are plentiful as well; more alternatives depending on what time you leave or arrive. Con side, if you are sea sick and fast craft operates from 6AM to 5PM daily (don’t worry, there are three fastcraft ferry companies serving it!)
• Roxas Airport – the second nearest airport at Iloilo. Only two and a half hours by bus to and from Iloilo City. Downside is the limited flight.
• Kalibo and Caticlan (Boracay) Airports – four to five hours away from Iloilo City, it is another alternative airport. Downside—these are popular destinations, hence fares can go high all of a sudden.

Dinagyang Festival

There are more reasons to celebrate this coming January. There are a lot of ways to reach your destination and enjoy the revelry and shout “Hala Bira!” and “Pit Senyor!”

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Downtown Marawi City from Mindanao State University

“Even most MSU students don’t dare to go to ‘town,’” a Maranao friend of mine once said.

Marawi City has been hampered with so much negative publicity in the Philippine mainstream that for the people of the lowlands, the only thing that makes them go there would be enrolling or visiting at Mindanao State University—never mind the rest of the city! People are too scared to venture out to the streets of the Maranao city.

Mindanao Islamic Center from Downtown Marawi

Not minding the “scare tactics,” I went on exploring the urban core of Marawi City. My first taste was, finding my Maranao friend in the middle of Banggolo district, the commercial center of the city, by tricycle.

Bangolo Commercial District

My first taste of Marawi’s air—it was cool. Actually a bit chilly since it was raining at that time. Blogger friend Doc Wends and I took the tricycle that took us all the way to Banggolo on an Eid Ul’Adha holiday. Marawi was really a different world. Streets that wind the slopes of the rolling hills, it reminds me of either Baguio’s congested back-door commercial districts or Tagaytay’s Mendez Junction, although bigger.

Maranao Youth On Parade at Marawi

The city itself is—a bit disorganized and unplanned. The Americans, who occupied Marawi, didn’t made effort to lay out plans for the old Dansalan, so the roads grew out of traditional and ancient roads that radiate to almost everywhere.

Downtown Dansalan (Marawi) From Afar

Yet unlike the rest of the Philippine cities, Marawi’s skyline is dominated with so much minarets and domes of big mosques—almost everywhere in the city!

Anda saya so? Where is…?

“Anda saya so Pacasum Square yo?” (Where’s Pacasum Square?)

Gomisa Avenue - The Main Commercial Road of Marawi City (in Latin and Jawi)

In the relentless search of Pacasum Square, I had a taste of downtown Marawi City that is known to locals as Banggolo.

To Padian, Marawi's Public Market

The area is like a one big Quiapo, although lesser people and less dense. A bit rundown yet vibrant, Banggolo serves as the commercial hub of Marawi City. Its main road, Gomisa Avenue or Quezon Avenue, is where most of the commercial establishments are located here, especially Marawi’s Public Market called Padian.

Mindanao Islamic Center from Downtown Marawi

Mindanao Islamic Center and the Incomplete Minaret

The dome and the loudspeaker

Over the horizon, the Ma’ahad Jamio Mindanao Al-Islamie or Mindanao Islamic Center mosque dominates its skylines, along with other minarets and masjids of the city. Within the area, several madrassahs (Islamic religious schools), toril (Koran reading center) and yes, mosques, live side to side with shops that goes from food to merchandise, to DVDs and all the way to the expensive antiquities that the Maranao people produce.

Arab Influence

Finally, we found Ate Karimah, our guide in our stay in Lanao! And that morning, we’ve tasted the first of the Maranao delicacies!

The Night is Young…and there was silence

Minarets dominate the skyline of downtown Marawi

Instead of sleeping in Mindandao State University, I spent my night at the only lodging house within downtown Marawi City, since it was a relative of our guide. Most of the visitors wouldn’t even think of sleeping here “since you are a stranger in a different world” as what they say. Well, I was given the biggest room although the comfort room is a common one—but I was the only visitor in the house.

One of Marawi's Minarets

That night was the first time that I saw Marawi City fall asleep very early. Just after the isha’a or the evening prayer, commercial establishments close. A bit of vehicular traffic but not too buzzing. The call for prayer dominates the atmosphere.

The usual traffic at Marawi's Downtown

“La Ilalah…” the muezzin called.

And an hour later, there was silence—you can virtually hear a pin drop! The downtown was asleep. Marawi was asleep.

One of the several religious schools in Marawi

Forms of “night entertainment” and alcoholic beverages are not allowed here. And so, I sleep early. Good thing though I was tired with the whole day trip.

Healthy living!

It wasn’t the church bells or my phone that became my alarm. It was the early morning call for prayer or fajr. It was still dark, around 5AM. The people woke up early. After that, something very interesting happened.

Gomisa Avenue Early in the Morning

All of a sudden, Gomisa Avenue turned into a joggers’ paradise! After the prayer, people in either Western or Muslim attire jog the main avenue of the city. Instead of vehicles, it was full of joggers. A good way to start your cool mornings in Marawi!

Gomisa Avenue

I still got a lot to write about Marawi. I only spent overnight but the place itself exudes stories.

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Laiya Beach at Sunset

It was a much unexpected outing. Our boss from Los Angeles came into town and of course, would like to get a taste of the Philippine sun and sand. After browsing and inquiring several beach resorts near Manila, we finally decided to head for Laiya, the last beach frontier in Batangas. I read and heard rave reviews about this new fun place under the sun, and I was simply curious about it. In fact, I haven’t been here! ‘Twas my opportunity to conquer this Batangueño treasure, even if it hurts my budget for July.

Laiya is located some 20 kilometers away from the heritage town proper of San Juan de Bolbok in southeastern Batangas, bordering already the province of Quezon in the east. It was an outdoor campers’ secret. Its relative isolation and inaccessibility has preserved many of its laidback assets. It was only recently when the government has constructed good roads from the town proper that made this several kilometer long cream-white sand beach more accessible to tourists.

Laiya Bancas

Laiya’s major asset is its white sand beach which stretches several kilometers uninterrupted with towering green mountains that serve as a backdrop. Just behind the mountains are Malabrigo and the town of Lobo. Its relative distance of approximately more or less than 150 kilometers and seemingly confusing road network leading there is all part of the challenge getting there…like assaulting the summit to be rewarded with a great view.

Laiya Beach People

Indeed, by the time we reached our accommodation (Casa Remo Apartelle Laiya) and settled in, my girl officemates went to the beach, despite the weekend crowd. I went to sleep and eventually woke up to get a glimpse of Laiya by sunset.

Laiya and Mount Dildig by Sunset

The mountains of Batangas

While walking at Laiya’s beach at around twilight, I was able to talk to two Laiya natives, both of them are fisherfolks whom because of the full moon and low tide, prefers to fish near the shore. They told me that Laiya doesn’t have electricity until recently. It was isolated, far from the town and was pristine. Most of the people here back then were involved in fisheries and only backpackers were able to reach it. It was very laidback and as early as 6 PM, you wouldn’t hear any noise coming from the neighbors. Like any provincial community, they know each other well—some of them are even relatives. But when Laiya was discovered, most of the resorts and real estate developments were from the “dayos” or migrants from Manila. Although some Laiya natives were benefited by real estate and tourism development in Laiya, some of them still opt to stay in their traditional lifestyle.

Fisherman at Laiya

Speaking with the original locals really makes going to places different. I tend to appreciate it more if I merge into local flavors. Laiya itself is simply not just a beautiful beach taken for granted, but a place facing an ever-changing world.

Footprints in the sand

Even in a very short visit, I was able to enjoy myself at Laiya (despite getting wasted that night though, haha!) together with my officemates and appreciating this far-away beauty. I need to rush since I got a flight that afternoon to Davao, singing in tune of “…straight from San Juan, Lipa, and then Laiya to NAIA!”

Twilight at Laiya

Commuters Guide on How to Get to Laiya, and out?

I went to Laiya along with my officemates with a rented van. However, I was able to take note of the commuting instructions that was provided to me by the locals. Getting to Laiya is not as easy as it seems, since it may take several transfers before reaching the place itself. Here’s a tip on how to get there:

• From Manila (either in Cubao or LRT-Buendia Bus Station hubs), take a bus bound for Lipa. The fastest way would be Lipa (CALABARZON, ACTEX) which heads to Lipa non-stop. It is an hour to an hour and a half ride from Manila (depending on traffic). Fare costs around P145 to P150+.
• From Lipa Bus Stop to San Sebastian Cathedral, take a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the jeepneys bound for San Juan and Padre Garcia. Fare is about P10 per person.
• From Lipa, take a jeepney near San Sebastian Cathedral bound for San Juan. The fare is about P50 all the way to San Juan town proper. The jeepney will pass by the town centers of Padre Garcia and Rosario. It is about an hour commute with about more than 40 kilometers to travel. Jeepney terminal in San Juan is located just several meters from the public market.
• From San Juan town proper, take a jeepney to Laiya (last trip is around 5PM). Fare costs P30 more or less, depending on where in Laiya specifically you would be staying. It is a 30-minute commute from the town proper. Laiya Proper (Laiya Aplaya, Laiya Ibabao, Hugom, etc). Take note though, frequency of public transport here is quite few. Longer waiting times expected. 
• Another alternative is to take a tricycle from Laiya or to Laiya-Hugom area which may cost you more or less P60.

View Manila to Laiya and back in a larger map

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To Lucban!

Well, I guess I was excited back then. It was my first time going to Lucban for Pahiyas Festival. The feast that I could only see on telly or on books. I’ve seen Sinulog, Dinagyang and Masskara for countless times already but this crowning jewel of Quezon Province’s feasts is something that I would look forward into. Such colourful and attractive feast has made me like a bee, attracted to the colour of the kipings and revelry. It was my first time going there and I’ll be commuting. May 15 is a notorious date to any commuter or motorist going south, as horrific stories of traffic jams linger. But I dared!

Which is which?

I called in the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office and sought advise on what’s the best route going to Lucban. My friends from Quezon and the tourism people have a unanimous answer: Go Laguna-Pagsanjan instead!

Here’s why:

The Notorious Traffic at Lucban

1. We all know that Lucban is in Quezon Province and the main route is through Maharlika Highway which passes through San Pablo City in Laguna and towns of Tiaong, Sariyaya, Candelaria and of course Lucena City, the kabisera. Well, they’ve warned me of the infamous traffic that said to have spanned all the way to Laguna (San Pablo). Reason: Tiaong and Sariyaya have their own version of Pahiyas fiesta. Expect traffic that may last for hours for the whole day. Commuters and motorists are advised to avoid the Maharlika Highway route unless visiting the affected towns or necessary. Much better if mapa-aga na lang kayo pumunta ng Bicol o Lucena.
2. The Laguna Route, which passes by Santa Cruz and Pagsanjan, is the easiest and fastest way to go to Lucban. Besides that there are no feasts in this side, the distance to Manila is much closer. It only takes an hour or less to travel by jeepney from Santa Cruz to Pagsanjan.

So obviously we went on the easier one.

A long and winding road to Pahiyas

Bus Arriving at Santa Cruz Laguna

Travel Log:

• 15 May 2010 | 02:30AM – My friend and I arrived at the Green Star bus terminal at Taft Avenue corner Buendia in Pasay City. It was too early. The guard told us that the first trip leaves the terminal by 3:30AM. So we went to KFC and have our late midnight snack/early breakfast.

Note: There are several bus companies that serve Manila-Santa Cruz route: Green Star (Pasay City terminal/Aircon bus), HM Transport (Cubao Bus Terminal/Aircon bus) and Calamba Megatrans (Alabang Bus Terminal/Ordinary/Non-Air Conditioned bus).

• 15 May 2010 | 03:00AM – The bus is parked and calling in for passengers. Good! We sat comfortably.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:15AM – Whoa! Was there a group booking. A bunch of excursionists went into the bus…At this rate, we’ll be leaving early! The bus is almost full…5 minutes later, the last seat was occupied.
• 15 May 2010 | 03:30AM – We left Pasay and bound for Santa Cruz
• 15 May 2010 | 03:45AM – We have encountered traffic somewhere between Bicutan and Sucat. Skyway construction on-going. We were stuck in the traffic for 30 minutes…ang aga naman ng trapik sa SLEX!
• 15 May 2010 | 04:20AM – We finally made it out of the traffic but saw this huge fire engulfing some houses in Muntinlupa. Only later to find out that it was one of the worst fire disasters in Muntinlupa City.
• 15 May 2010 | 05:00AM – Finally, we reached Calamba City. Ang aga ng trapik dito! The narrow roads and on-going developments (there is a SM mall being constructed near the public market. Good luck for the traffic though).
• 15 May 2010 | 05:30AM – We were in College, Laguna (UPLB junction)
• 15 May 2010 | 05:45AM – We passed by the town of Pila. For the first time, I saw the old houses and heritage buildings in this town. I’m planning to go back here sometime soon.
• 15 May 2010 | 06:15AM – Finally, we reached Santa Cruz. We have to take a ride through a jeepney (a big one) to Lucban. At pila ng bigas ang scenario! The bus stops over at the junction where Lucban-bound jeepneys are parked. Just tell the conductor to advise you to bring you to the jeepney terminal. Most likely, the bus conductor would mention it anyway.

Jeepney bound for Lucban

And those who dared! I wish I was there, hehe!

• 15 May 2010 | 06:20AM – We left Santa Cruz and passed by Pagsanjan. Off we go up in the mountains between Laguna and Quezon Provinces.

Pagsanjan Gate

The Long and Winding Road from Pagsanjan to Lucban

Passing by Pagsanjan Church

• >> Note: Nakakatakot ang daanan! The jeepney was full to the brim, and we have people on the rooftop! The curves were sharp and ravine is just beyond the road gutter!Yet, fear was replaced with appreciation of nature and the sun rising in the east. The air was cool and crisp. May nagpa-andar ba ng aircon? The cool air would remain all the way to Lucban for the rest of the day! Sarap naman! Refreshing!
• 15 May 2010 | 06:40AM – Passed by the town of Cavinti in Laguna

Luisiana Plaza

• 15 May 2010 | 06:50AM – Passed by the town of Luisiana in Laguna (take note of the pronunciation: “Luwisyana”…you might thought its the State of Louisiana in US).

Inside the jeepney

• 15 May 2010 | 07:00AM – Crossed the border of Quezon and Laguna! Yehey! And Mount Banahaw welcomes us!

Bawal na ang Jeepney sa loob ng bayan ng Lucban! Tricycles line up for passengers bound for Lucban's town proper

• 15 May 2010 | 07:15AM – Junction Lucban. Jeepneys are not allowed to enter the town proper. Nagsisimula na! So we rode a tricycle that brought us all the way to San Luis Obispo Parish Church (or Lucban Church). We were just in time for the first activity of the day: The religious procession!

Procession of San Isidro Labrador at Lucban

Its just the start of my Pahiyas de Lucban experience…something that I wouldn’t forget! Mga wala kaming tulog pero nagsisimula pa lang ang araw namin.

Transportation fare:

Okay, for those budget-conscious or just plain cheap, here are the fares:

• Pasay City to Santa Cruz, Laguna (Air-conditioned bus) – PhP149.00 (US$3.00)
• Santa Cruz, Laguna to Lucban, Quezon (jeepney) – PhP45.00 (US$1.00)

More photos here:

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An Epic Struggle: Inside Manila's MRT on a rush hour

Saturday, 28 February 2010. 5:45PM Manila Time. Ayala MRT Station – It was rush hour (on a Saturday ha!) and the northbound MRT was late for more than 5 minutes. Obviously, if the train is late, passengers-in-waiting increase. I was running out of time, so I forced myself to get into a jam-packed MRT and went to Ortigas. A lot of foul words are hurling inside the MRT as people still struggle to push themselves in already full MRT. Kulang na lang sarsa, we are packed and smelled like sardines!

6PM Manila Time, Shaw MRT Station – I thought there would be many passengers that would go out of Shaw Boulevard Station. I was wrong. Instead, it went towards the extreme of kissing your fellow passenger beside you or the door. The driver may have lost patience because of so many people forcing themselves to come in. He then said in a firm tone, “sa susunod na lang po na tren ang iba. Next train na lang po ang iba!” But his plea fell on deaf (and stupid) ears. The train closed its door and moved towards Ortigas. Bueno, viva sardinas!

6:05PM Manila Time, Ortigas MRT Station – Time for me to alight the train…but goodness, it was a struggle! Passengers who are alighting the train find themselves in a verbal tussle of “excuse me’s, paraan po, lalabas, and pu**** i**s” Some maintained their courteous stance. Others lost their patience—and I was about to lose mine as well. For crying out loud, why are the incoming passengers not allowing the outgoing passengers to alight first! Paraanin mo muna ang bababa bago sumakay! But no, they insisted in staying in their places and not budge till kingdom come! I shouted “makikiraan lang po, may lalabas, pwede ba?” But like the driver, it fell on deaf (and stupid) ears. I have no other choice but to force myself out. I don’t care whether someone from these people would be hurt. Wala na akong paki-alam kung may masaktan pa. I need to get out of the train before the door closes. I shouted ‘excuse me, makikiraan po’ while struggling myself to get out. In a jiffy, I got out! Fresh air…FINALLY! Sorry na lang sa mga nabangga. Alangan na magbayad pa ako ng panibagong ticket galing Santolan! It’s just a matter of survival—this is just one example of an art that any city dweller in Manila should practise and memorize by heart—the art of combat commuting.

MRT Taft Avenue Station Platform

While most of us blame the government of the commuters’ struggle, this is not unique in Manila or in the Philippines. Have you seen the train passenger pushers in rush hour Tokyo subway? How about in Mexico City and the rest of megalopolises in this planet? That is really indeed a facet of life living in a metropolis of 12 million (urgh…almost 20 million including suburbia.) Nagkataon lang talaga na hindi maayos ang urban planning sa Metro Manila, lalo na sa public transport sector.

If you indeed would like to live in Manila, you have to learn the art of combat commuting. Nope, this is not about turning yourself into Jason Ivler…but impose your right as a commuter, maintain your controlled aggressiveness (take note: controlled…huwag maging Jason Ivler ng mga komyuter!) and assert your right to get out of the train…or loading a bus. Living in a big metro makes the competitiveness within us. After all, this is a “jungle of concrete trees and asphalt trails.”

MRT Taft Avenue Station Crowd

Combat commuting is not all about getting into a brawl or being rude with your fellow commuter, this also incorporate changing of the mindset. Yes, the government lacked foresight in urban planning (alas Manila and Ondoy), we can complain to the authorities, but reality bites—it takes time for a bloody government project to move ahead! Since that is the case, the only thing we can do is TO DEAL WITH IT.

MRT at EDSA-North Avenue

In the case of the MRT, if you are really maarte, then taking a taxi is not an option either—especially during rush hours. For women, good for them because they have their own coach…but if they opted to go in the unisex coaches, like a soldier preparing for war…they have to prepare for the worse, and better watch out for pick-pockers and animals called Maniacis Hubris!

Courteous?

Commuting in Metro Manila is like a battlefield. A lot of soldiers…umm commuters, are out there–competing with “prime seats” and “managing to go home.” But unlike the real battlefield where soldiers have alliances, in commuting, you are the General of the Army…and the army is yourself!

The only tips that I can give you are these:

• Watch out for orcs called magnanakaw. They don’t worship anyone. That’s why, secure your belongings like an OC.
• Observe. Try to observe the attitude of the commuters and formulate a solution. Parang problem solving lang yan.
• Assert your right as always, but try to manage your aggressiveness as well. Delikado na kung sumobra, di ba Marlene?
• Eat a light snack before going on a long ride home (heavy meal if going to work). Kahit yung Hong Kong-style fried noodles with siomai, oks na yun!
• Lastly and most importantly, patience. It pays off. Bawal mainitin ang ulo sa Maynila, or else…

MRT on a rush - Araneta Center Cubao Station

Living in a megalopolis is already a challenge, and one of its aspects is traveling within the city. Metro Manila is one giant battlefield that we all have to deal with. While our policymakers are making “improvements” in our public transport (and their pockets), we have to make a way in order to survive this concrete jungle. I suggest you have to learn “The Art of Combat Commuting.”

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Monumento, one of the few places in Metro Manila that earned its name as a hub and a bustling commercial center. Lagi nating dinadaanan ang Monumento ni Gat Andres Bonifacio pero di natin napapansin na isa ito sa mga pinakadakilang monumento sa ating republika. For most of us, Monumento in the northern Metro Manila city of Caloocan serves as a landmark for shopping and for those who would like to go up in Central and Northern Luzon since buses and jeepneys pass by this busy thoroughfare at the intersection of Rizal Avenue Extension, MacArthur Highway, Letre and the historical EDSA. This is Caloocan’s most famous landmark.

Bonifacio Monument, Monumento, Caloocan City, Metro Manila

The statues made of bronze was made by Guillermo Tolentino, a renowned artist who also created the Oblation of University of the Philippines. It was erected in 1933 and served as a colossal yet majestic  I wonder, how would Bonifacio feels seeing his monument in the middle of a bustling roundabout?

Aside that right now that the country is celebrating his birthday (ironically not his day of martyrdom unlike other Filipino heroes, thoughts later), this is one way of commemorating Lolo Andres Bonifacio and the Katipuneros, the supremo of the revolutionary group Katipunan (a secret society that initiated a massive rebellion during the Philippine war for independence against the Spaniards) which eventually lead to the country’s independence from the three centuries of Don Quixote’s rule from 1896 to 1898.

Hub

This certain place in Caloocan is so called because of the imposing monument dedicated to the Supremo of the Katipunan. It is indeed Caloocan’s most well-known landmark which greets visitors from the north bound for Metro Manila.

The LRT Yellow Line at Monumento Station bound for Baclaran

And because the monument greets the visitors and people coming from the north, it became a hub for virtually almost anything to Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela area), and Northern and Central Luzon. A transport hub that is.

Victory Liner Caloocan Bus Terminal

Here are some of the public transport terminals that are located in Monumento, Caloocan area:

1. LRT Monumento Station – the northern end of the classic Light Railway Transit Yellow Line (Line 1) which runs from Baclaran in Parañaque, passing through the heart of Manila and towards Monumento. This station indeed is the terminus for those who live in northern Metro Manila and beyond. And just below it are the jeepneys and buses…
2. Bus stations – Most predominant of the provincial bus stations would be Victory Liner. This is one of their terminals where you can ride a bus going to Malolos, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Olongapo and Baguio. There are other bus stations surrounding the Monumento area…pero wala akong time para libutin ang buong Monumento, hehe!
3. Bus stop – Buses that ply EDSA to Malanday, Letre/Sangandaan pass by here. You can also catch up Pacita-Laguna and Dasmariñas-Cavite bound buses here too in rare occasions. Monumento is the bus hub for those who are bound for Caloocan City proper in Sangangdaan/Dagat-Dagatan and Malanday.
4. Jeepney hub – Like any other hubs in Metro Manila, this is the main hub for CAMANAVA (or CAloocan, MAlabon, NAvotas and VAlenzuela Cities) area. Jeepneys bound for Malabon Bayan pass by Letre and Puregold while those who are bound to the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Salambao in Obando can take a jeepney just behind the Victory Lines bus terminal in Caloocan.
5. Soon to be Northrail – when the controversial Northrail would be finished, Caloocan would serve as its main dropping point (not Tutuban in EDSA) just a few meters from Monumento…The question is, when will it be finished and are there any more anomalies left?

View Larger Map

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EDSA Traffic

A lot of us are taking for granted the sign “Keep Ticket for Inspection” in the buses or even in its tickets. Let’s not be hypocrites here, sinisiksik natin yung tiket kung saan saan o di kaya itatapon na lang kasi parang basura ang mga ito. It’s a hassle but given the nature of buses in Metro Manila which of “come and go situation,” most of them don’t issue those very detailed tickets unlike those who serve on provincial routes. That recycled ticket is the most important thing that you posses upon riding a bus…so keep your tickets until you’ve reached your destination. Here are some of the tips and consequences on keeping or not keeping your bus tickets. It’s in Filipino.

EDSA 102: Keep Your Tickets for Inspection tips and consequences, or else bahala ka sa buhay mo:

1. Laging mapagmasid. Pinapa-alahanan ko po sa mga kababayan ko pong komyuter, na laging maging mapagmasid…hindi lang sa mga walang-hiyang magnanakaw at iswitik sa tabi nyo, pati na rin sa mga kundoktor ng bus na sinasakyan nyo. Sa Kamaynilaan, di nag-iisyu ang mga bus ng mga detalyadong ticket nang tulad sa mga provincial buses, barko o eroplano. Come and go operation kasi sila at ito’y naaangkop sa mando na nasa EDSA.
2. Kung may barya, bayaran mo na lang ng smaller bills o barya. Mas maganda kung mga bente, sinkwenta o barya sinsilyos ang ipambabayad nyo. Lalo na’t sa umaga para wala nang hassle ng sukli. Pero kung wala…basahin ang susunod na tips.
3. Kung walang panukli ang konduktor, pasabi sa kanya na pirmahan nya sa likod (natural na pinipirmahan talaga ng mga kundoktor ang tiket kung wala pa silang panukli) ng tiket.
4. Magpapansin na kay manong konduktor. Kung alam mo nang puno na ang bus at medyo malapit ka na sa destinasyon mo…magsimula ka nang magpapansin sa konduktor. Paalalahanan mo ang kanyang obligasyon sayo na meron pa syang dapat isukli sayo. Huwag kang parating umasa na maalala ka nya, lalo na kung punong-puno ang bus! Napapagod na rin sila sa dami ng pasahero.
5. Kung may kasama ka, sabihin mo sa kanya na iremind ka nya na may sukli ka pang dapat kunin kay manong konduktor.
6. Huwag itapon ang tiket. Simple lang naman ang hinihiling sa inyo ng bus company, huwag itapon para sa inspeksyon…may nakasulat na nga sa tiket na “Keep Ticket for Inspection,” meron pa nyan sa mga naka-paskil sa mga dingding ng bus. Kaya pagbigay sayo ni konduktor, huwag itapon o iipit sa mga kasingit-singitan ng upuan o gawing wrapper ng pinagnguyaang babol gum! Kasi ganito ang mangyayaring scenario kung itatapon mo ang bus ticket mo:
   1. Magbabayad ka uli kung mag-iinspeksyon na ang supervisor ng mga konduktor at nahuli kang walang tiket. Huwag ka nang magtaka kung bakit magbabayad ka ng doble…ang linaw ng nakasulat sa tiket…minsan maliit nga lang!
   2. At kung wala kang tiket at walang inspeksyon na nangyari at may nangyaring masama o di kanais-nais tulad ng di ka nasuklian ng konduktor o aksidente, wala kang patunay na ikaw ay nakasakay sa bus at mahihirapan kang makagawa ng transaksyon sa bus company.

7. At ang pinakaimportante sa lahat…huwag maging tanga o magmukhang tanga! Huwag isisi ang lahat sa konduktor, may kasalanan ka din kumbakit di mo nakuha ang sukli mo. Responsibilidad mo din ang pagsakay sa isang pampublikong sasakyan.

A bus line plying Lawton-Cavite/Batangas

At kung umalis na at di pa naibigay sa’yo ang sukli…just hold and keep your ticket (kung andyan pa ang ticket) at pumunta ka sa garahe nila sa kung sa anong kanayunan pa yan. Karapatan mo din na makuha ang iyong sukli mula sa bus company, basta may patunay lang na may obligasyon sila sa’yo…Dun nyo marerealize na, napakaimportante pala ng tiket sa buhay ng isang commuter!

EDSA-Crossing (EDSA-Shaw Blvd Junction), Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

We can clamour LTFRB and the bus companies to have their ticketing system upgraded for theirs and our convenience. Konting dagdag lang sa puhunan ng pagbili ng mga kompyuterized na ticketing machines. But as of now, we have to deal what is given to us as of the moment…and as simple as keeping your ticket for possible inspection is as important as riding yourself to your next destination.

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NAIA Terminal 2

If NAIA Terminal 3 was difficult to access through public transportation, NAIA’s Terminal 2 (also known as the Centennial Airport) and Terminal 1 (old NAIA International Airport) are otherwise, very very accessible…in fact, it is s0 intertwined directly with Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare…EDSA! In spirit of helping the Filipino people and foreigners alike, I would like to share my knowledge (limited though) on how to get in and out of NAIA Terminals 1 & 2 without taking the cab or making hatid-sundo (bring-fetch) with your friends or loved ones.

NAIA Terminal 2 Concourse

Terminal 2: The Philippine Flag Carrier’s Hub

Standing on whatwas the old Manila International Airport (MIA), NAIA Terminal 2 was c finished in 1998 (hence the name “Centennial Terminal) and started operating in 1999. This is Philippine Airlines’ terminal and major hub in Manila. All of international and domestic operations of the flag carrier in Manila are here.

With approximately 75,000 square meter terminal, it boasts of being modern and glassy. Natural light comes in the terminal.

And guess what, NAIA’s Terminal 2 are served by buses from EDSA. Going here or away from here is as easy as pie.

Coming from Quezon City or Makati, just take the bus with a sign “MIA 6-11″ southbound. It’ll just go directly all the way to NAIA Terminal 2 and even Terminal 1. It’ll pass by just meters away from the terminals…so it’s just a short walk from the departure or arrival entrances.

Terminal 1: The Old Lady with a Historical Significance

NAIA Terminal 1

Perhaps, she may be the oldest among the three but she has more stories to tell than anyone…

NAIA Terminal 1 was finished in 1981, designed by renowned National Artist Architect Leandro Locsin. It became the international hub of most non-PAL (Philippine Airlines) flights. In other words, NAIA Terminal 1 serves international flights.

It has been a witness to Filipino’s undying spirit. At it’s tarmac near Gate 13, Senator Ninoy Aquino was shot dead by assassins probably of the Marcos administration whom he once criticized…that was 1983. The airport has seen the influx of overseas Filipino workers who ventured out to seek greener pastures for themselves and for their family.

Today, this 28 year old terminal serves as Manila’s prime gateway to the world…and in my opinion, I hope it gets rennovated too.

Now, getting in and out of here again is very easy. Just refer to Terminal 2 (MIA 6-11 buses/EDSA-bound) that passes by its accessway on the northern edge of the terminal. Just ask anyone from MIAA on where exactly it is located…but it’s not hard to find

Another thing though is that NAIA Terminal 1 is very accessible to jeepneys plying Baclaran-Sucat route and FX (Asian Utility Vehicles) plying Sucat (Parañaque) and Lawton (Manila).

These terminals served as our gateways. If you have anything to add up, feel free to put a comment here…it’ll be greatly appreciated.

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Old Capiz Bridge over Pan-ay River

It may be the notion of generally most of the Filipinos. Saying Capiz is generalizing to poltergeists and “aswangs” and more carnivores, no thanks to media who brought stereotyping to this laidback beauty in northern Panay. Roxas City, the capital of the northern Panay province of Capiz, its the main agro-industrial hub of the province. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines”, it is blessed by bountiful harvests from both the sea, rivers and the land.

The city of more than a hundred thousand souls, it has a swampy area in the northern area and a hilly section in the southern area. Panay River runs through the downtown, giving a romantic scene in the city. Daw wala man kahaladlukan man di! Media! (There’s nothing to fear here! Media!)

I took Ivan Henares (of Ivan Around Town [www.ivanhenares.com]) and his friend JQ Quesada for a quick trip to Capiz for a heritage tour. This city was formerly known as Capiz, known for its shell industry of Capiz and the hometown of the former President Manuel Roxas. Just a few kilometers away east is the largest church bell in the country.

Capiz Provincial Capitol and the Fish Fountain

Anyway, Ivan and JQ were craving for fresh seafoods so I brought them to Baybayan Plaza Seafood Stalls. And boy they’re into surprise. For then being Manileños, they were awed by the size and the price of the seafood, very affordable and delcious! Sulit!

Fresh seafoods (plus roasted pork liempo for variety, haha!) for lunch!

Eating Lunch by Baybay Beach

After that sumptuous meal, we head on to the city plaza in which the City Hall, the Cathedral of Immacualate Concepcion and the Capitol are all located in a plaza and a fountain with fish heads besides the river of Panay.

Plaza

The Plaza was busy under the searing afternoon sky. This is a very fine example of Spanish colonial administration over the Philippines. Basically the church and the state is here.

Cathedral of Immaculate Concepcion, Roxas City, Capiz

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion was painted blue in honor of their patron saint. The only thing that seperate the church and the state is the narrow Paseo de Catedral in which is lined up with retail stores.

El Puerto de Capiz or simply known as Capiz was the old name of Roxas City. The surrounding areas were said to be where Miguel Lopez de Legaspi settled after moving out of Cebu and before conquering Manila. Established in 1693, it became a city in 1951. It was changed to “Roxas City” in memory of it’s famed son, former Philippine president Manuel Acuña Roxas.

Just accross the city hall is the “Panubli-on” or the Roxas Museum. Built in 1910, it primarily served as a water storange tank. A good example of adaptive use. It is now a museum featuring the historical and cultural manifests of Capiz. Unfortunately, the museum was closed at that time, although managed to get a glimpse inside.

Downtown Roxas City and Cathedral

The 2nd leg of our journey in Capiz takes us at the site of the oldest Spanish settlement in the island of Panay. Site of the bell of enormous size.

More of Roxas City and Pan-ay, Capiz pictures:

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NAIA Loop Shuttle Bus

Good news for backpackers, cash-strapped passengers and commuters!

After long time of waiting, the NAIA Loop shuttle bus has a new terminal for commuters bound for Manila’s NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3. It is located at Pasay Rotunda at Pasay City.

No more jeepney rides to the terminal. Just go to Giselle’s Bus terminal, that is besides the McDonald’s and Chowking at Pasay Rotunda besides the north bound lanes of EDSA. It’s just a few meters away from the MRT & the LRT stations.

Trips going to NAIA Terminal 3 cost only P20.00.