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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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This is EDSA. Nope. this is not the place were my phone was stolen. I don't have a photo of the area.

It was Saturday morning, 7th of May 2011, at Manila’s busiest thoroughfare, EDSA. Southbound lane at the loading and unloading area just across our office at EDSA Central. It was one heck of a humid morning. My office-mates/colleagues have already alighted a Ayala Ibabaw-bound bus. I am waiting for my bus bound for Dasmarinas, Cavite. I have kept away my important belongings in my bag: wallet, my cellphone, and my ID. My headphone was inside my shirt. I do this everytime I’m on that area–just for safety. For numerous times my important belongings have been stolen, I need to be vigilant. Yet the following unfortunate scenario happened…

EDSA-Estrella Southbound Bus Stop

Then came the bus bound for Cavite. I walked towards it. In front of me was a woman and a big man who disembarked first. Then, I alighted the bus. The man and the woman were arguing with the conductor and the driver. I dunno what were they fighting for but they were coming down the bus. All of a sudden, a surge of five men went towards the door and pushed me hard against the door. I was crushed by two conflicting forces whom they were making a rowdy and scandalous scenario that “they were in a hurry.” At that instance, I knew I was being robbed. My focus shifted towards controlling the rowdy bunch but I felt that my cellphone was being stolen at that time, since my phone was connected to my hidden headset. When I felt it, I suddenly screamed, “Hoy, cellphone ko! Cellphone ko! Asan na?!” (Hey, my mobile phone! Where is it?!). Then the rowdy bunch let go of the door and dispersed in the crowd. I managed to pull one of them but I opted not to inspect his bag–they were in a group. Too risky…they may attack and stab me to death. I just let them go. The crowd, they were just standing, probably afraid or doesn’t seem to care at all.

EDSA-Estrella in Makati

After that, I reported the incident to the nearest police station (which was a few meters away). Even though those thieves wouldn’t be captured and my phone wouldn’t be retrieved, (or even trust the police in solving the crime, if you thought so) I think it is still the best way for us citizens to mitigate and fight crime and hopefully wouldn’t happen to others. And so, I therefore conclude, the Ipit Gang was behind my unfortunate fate.

And as for me, I lost my phone and I continued my life. I’ve done everything, even if I was alert. Yet safety was still the utmost priority. Never mind the phone, I value my life more. And for thousands of commuters like I, lets be vigilant.

Here are some tips on how to be safe on commuting or taking public transport in Manila:

• Put valuable things on your bag and not on your pockets.
• Bring your bag in front of yourself.
• Watch your surroundings for any suspicious people on the move.
• Go on  well lighted area.
• Don’t show off your latest iPod, Blackberry or any precious belongings on the street.
• Be vigilant. Huwag tatanga-tanga.
• If possible, have yourself accompanied.
• And if the inevitable comes, its better to surrender your belongings rather than fight them–especially when they attack in groups.
• After the incident, report it to the police immediately.

This is the reality of living in a big mega-city mired with overcrowding and poverty. Tourists and local commuters alike should always practice vigilance at all times.

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Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark), Pampanga

It was my first time using Diosdado Macapagal International Airport or more known as Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK) on my flight back from Cebú from Sinulog Festival. The first question of a first timer commuter is: How do I get out of the airport? I have been here a few years ago, but just until the waiting area. We walked from CM Recto Highway (near UP Pampanga) and it was a bit far from the airport terminal itself. Given the time constraint (I have work at Manila by 11PM, I arrived Clark at 7PM and Manila is almost a hundred kilometers away!) I have to leave as soon as possible. Now here are some of the options on how to get out of Clark Airport and head on to Angeles or Manila:

Arriving at Clark Airport, getting me baggage

1. Taxi – It is probably the most expensive option of them all. The taxis charge for P400+ or so from the airport terminal to at least Dau Bus Terminal in Mabalacat. If you have some extra cash to shell-out, this is the most convenient.
2. Bus – There is a direct bus trip from Clark Airport to Manila (Cubao-Pasay) via EDSA non-stop. There is a counter at the arrival area, you can just buy your tickets from there. By far this is the most convenient for Manila-bound passengers since there wouldn’t be any hassle of stopping over and picking-up passengers. The fare though is double the price of an air-conditioned bus bound for Manila from Dau, around PhP300.00 (almost US$7.00). Yet I do recommend this for those who aren’t that cash-strapped and wanted to go to Manila ASAP.
3. Aircon jeepney + bus for Manila or wherever – For PhP50.00 (almost US$1.00), you can manage to get out of Clark Airport through an air-conditioned jeepneys and have you dropped either at SM City Clark, Main Gate, Balibago Angeles City or ultimately Dau Bus Terminal at Mabalacat if you are bound for Manila or northern cities such as Baguio or Vigan. This is the best option for cash strapped passengers like I was. Dau to Manila on an airconditioned bus costs around PhP150.00 (US$3.00).

And if Manila or any northern or central Luzon destination is your ultimate place to go, Dau Bus Terminal in the town of Mabalacat, Pampanga is the hub for most bus companies. You can almost virtually go anywhere through here for any Central Luzon destination, Baguio or Ilocandia.

At Clark Airport's tarmac

Given that Clark is the next big thing in aviation in the Philippines, I wish the government would now start improving the public transport system in this area. The controversial North Rail and NLEX may be a great help yet Clark is still far for most Metro Manileños. I think Clark is in a good start.

The New Clark International Airport Terminal--still not open

And as for me, looks like I’ll be using Clark in a few months time. Given that it is the hub for low-cost carriers, I’ll give it a try next time. This time, the question is: “How do I get there?”

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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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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.