NUNI and NUNU ADVENTURES

Zen Rock Garden at Ryoan-ji

2008-04-02T16:46:00.003+08:00

Temple of the peaceful dragon, better known as the Ryoan-ji Temple is in the northwest section of Kyoto, not far from Kinkakuji.

When we entered the temple grounds, we strolled past the beautiful Kyoyochi ("mirror shaped") Pond. This pond was created in the 12th century. It is home to many waterbirds, and until recently to many Mandarin ducks - so much so that the pond was generally known amongst Japanese as "Oshidori ike" - the pond of mandarin ducks. They say that Oshidori ducks only choose one mate during their life so if the partner bird dies, the duck never mates with other birds. How romantic!=)

Kyoyochi Pond

posing as ducks in the pond =P

leading to the rock garden

Ryoan-ji is famous for its Zen Garden. It is actually a very simple rock garden, consisting of nothing but white gravel, sand, and 15 rocks. This rock garden, however, is considered to be one of the absolute masterpieces of Japanese culture.

Why? The garden is constructed in the "dry landscape" style called Karesansui. The garden contains 15 rocks arranged on the surface of white pebbles in such a manner that visitors can see only 14 of them at once, no matter what angle the garden is viewed from. It is said that only when you attain spiritual enlightenment as a result of deep Zen meditation, can you see the last invisible stone. Interesting,eh?

When Nunu and I were there we didn't know this fact so we were wondering why a lot of people were staring so intently into the rock garden! I wasn't able to take pictures of it too.

Check out this link for a photo of the rock garden:

http://www.taleofgenji.org/ryoanji.html

I learned later on that it can't be photographed in its entirety, the dimensions would drive any photographer mad! To my untrained eye at that time, it was just a simple, charming rock garden. I should have paid more attention.

The Kuri or monk's quarters in Ryoanji is also interesting. It is attached to the Hojo by a wide wooden corridor. The Hojo is the Abbot's quarters.The Hojo has 6 tatami matted rooms each of which open onto the wide veranda that surrounds the building.

Hmmm...nice!

Next: more of Japan!

Trying out the Japanese nightlife

2008-04-01T21:33:00.002+08:00

When traveling to another country, we make sure to check out one of the most important activities in modern history - the nightlife! A city is not really a city without one, right? And the best people to show you around are the locals, of course!

And so we met up with friends of a friend; two pretty and exciting Japanese girls to help us paint the town red ;)

the gang

bar entrance

We had to ask the waiter for a picture with him!

outside the bar

looking for another bar

uhmmm...too much saki? or beer?

After A-bar, we can't find another bar to go to as they were all crowded. And since we were in Japan, we had to try the karaoke bars! So we went karaoke bar hopping instead. We had so much fun, thanks to the girls! =)

you won't believe this - there were tagalog songs in the list!

Kagarii rocks!

Nunu and Kumi

Next: Tokyo, Ryoan-ji

Kyoto Imperial Palace

2008-03-22T20:18:00.001+08:00

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.

The palace complex is enclosed by a long wall and consists of several palaces, gates, halls and gardens.The Sento Imperial Palace is one of them.

Nunu and I chanced upon this castle while looking for another castle; I don't remember anymore which castle we were originally looking for though. We were arguing while entering the complex and I was blaming him for making me walk for miles just to go to the wrong place!

We made an old Japanese guy (sitting in one of the benches) take this picture

This place is huge with several gates. Nunu and I got lost and eventually found Macdonalds outside the complex, where we stayed for a long time just to rest and eat. =P

Next: night-out in Kyoto

Nijo Castle - shoguns and ninjas

2008-03-20T19:56:00.001+08:00

When I first saw the Nijo Castle, images of ninja's and shoguns played in my mind. The Nijō Castle has two concentric rings of fortifications, both consisting of a wall and a wide moat - making it the perfect venue for hollywood action movies showing life in imperial Japan.

The Ninomaru Palace (literally means second castle) inside the Nijo Castle is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them - obviously a security measure against intruders.

When the floor is trod upon, the cramps under it move up and down, creating friction between the nails and the cramps which hold them in place,causing the floor to squeak, thus the name Nightingale Floor.

Next: Imperial Palace

The Golden Pavillion

2008-03-07T14:52:00.003+08:00

One of my favorite temples in Japan is Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji or The Golden Pavillion Temple.

The Golden Pavillion is a three-story building on the grounds of the temple. The top two stories of the pavilion are covered with pure gold leaf because it functions as a shariden - housing the relics of the Buddha. The pavilion is set in a magnificent Japanese strolling garden (kaiyū-shiki)and there's a beautiful pond in front of it called Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond). It is said that the many islands and stones on the pond represent the Buddhist creation story.

The pavilion was burned down by a monk in 1950, who then attempted suicide on the hill behind the building. He survived but during the investigation his mother was called in to talk to the police. Strangely, on her way home, she committed suicide by jumping from her train into a river valley. The monk was sentenced to seven years in prison and eventually died of illness in 1956. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, a book written by Yukio Mishima's (in 1956) recreates the story behind these events.

book stall within the temple grounds

Here you have to throw a coin into the offering box, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, bow deeply once more and pray for a few seconds. If the coin lands into the bowl in the center, your prayer is granted!

Purification fountain. You're supposed to take one of the ladles provided, fill it with fresh water and rinse both your hands and transfer the water into your cupped hand, rinse your mouth and spit the water beside the fountain. This is a ritual we didn't know then so we skipped it. Haha!

Next: Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its Zen garden

Kyoto Part 2

2008-03-05T14:06:00.001+08:00

Our next stop in Kyoto is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, Shimogamo.

Within Shimogamo is a famous sub-shrine called Kamomioya - jinja. It literally means the “Shrine of the Meeting of the Rivers,” as it stands near the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers. It is dedicated to Tamayori-hime, the mother of Japan’s first mythic emperor, Jimmu. She is revered for her naijo no ko, the fact that she helped her son with his great endeavor of establishing the dynasty (naijo no ko, helping husband or son along, was the highest position women could aspire for in old Japan).

Structures typically found at Japanese temples are the main hall, the lecture hall, pagodas, gates, bells, and cemeteries.

It was New Year's day when we visited so there were a lot of preparations going on - and a lot of tourists too.

temple's gate

the main hall

near the main hall

I think this is the lecture hall

There were a lot of stalls just right outside the temple. They sell all sorts of stuff, from saki to okonomiyaki to traditional Japanese clothing to strange toys. The air was very festive as this is where most Japanese spend New Year's eve.Of course, Nunu loved it so much because the entire place smelled like food!

saki!!!

Nunu looking for more food

It was getting too cold for us so we decided to go back to our hotel and rest for a bit. I'll show you more pictures later! =)

Next: more shrines and temples! I just can't get enough of them =P

Kyoto - the most beautiful city in Japan

2008-03-01T19:10:00.001+08:00

We're back!!! As promised, here's the continuation of our Kyoto adventure! Thanks to Vicki for inspiring me to write again =)

Kyoto is just the most beautiful city I have ever seen. I loved it so much that we had to go there twice.

Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area. It is nestled among mountains in Western Honshu and if you fly straight to the Kansai/Osaka Airport, it is very easy to reach. It is less than 30 minutes away by train.

With its 2000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and architecture intact, it is for me, the best preserved city in the world. It is also modern, chic, and urban. Kyoto Station is proof of that - the second-largest in Japan, it has a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, department store, and a lot of restaurants under one steel and glass roof. Kyoto's municipal bus network and subway systems are extensive and confusing.

Kyoto Station

We got one-day/two-day bus pass when we were there but a combined unlimited train and bus pass are also available. There are English buses for tourists everywhere though, so it is easy to go around. You can even rent a bicycle if you want.

There are also a lot of hotels and budget inns for tourists with low budgets like me and Nunu! Econo Inn Discount Hotel (for backpackers) has Western-style private rooms and all of them have bathtubs (tiny but okay), air-conditioners and TV. They also offer discounted room rates if you stay for more than 1 night. Nunu and I loved it here because it's cheap and clean! =)

Our modest hotel room in Kyoto

Our view

view from the other side

Temples and Shrines

The walk through a forest of bamboo to Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso (a traditional house) in Arashiyama Park is something that Nunu kept on talking about months after we have arrived home.

bamboo forest

some picture Nunu took while bicycling around

Japanese shop inside the park

Japanese cemetery

Sanjusangen-do is one of a kind. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall. Unfortunately, they don't allow cameras inside the temple. But I'm telling you, the statues inside were simply breathtaking! Check out this link for pictures inside the temple:

http://www.taleofgenji.org/sanjusangendo.html

don't be fooled; it looks sunny but it's actually neg 5 degrees!

Don't move yet, taking another picture!

My turn ;)

Thanks to Aves' mom for telling us about Sanjusangen-do, it is beautiful.

drinking station

still in Sanjusangen-do

Nunu's tired and cold already

You know what, I'm getting tired too. Maybe we can walk again tomorrow? We still have to visit a lot of temples so we have to conserve our energies. =P

I promise, I will post more pictures soon! I promise! =PPP

Next: Shimogamo, Golden Pavillion, etc...

Japan adventure I (Osaka)

2008-02-06T21:07:00.001+08:00

It took us a long time to do this. We've been extremely "busy" for the past few weeks, that's why. Finally, here are some of our pictures from Japan!!!

We entered Japan through Osaka (Kansai Airport). A ticket to Kansai Airport from Manila (NAIA) is about a few thousand pesos cheaper than a ticket to Narita (we got ours for around Php25000 through Phil Airlines or PAL), including taxes already. So you might want to consider flying there instead. It's also easier to book a ticket and hotel.

Osaka is part of the Kansai region. In the Kansai region, you have many interesting cities that are only about an hour away from each other. These cities are Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Hiroshima is a little bit further away.

From Kansai Airport to Osaka

Osaka

If you're looking to eat well, watch Japan's most interesting bands, and visit a few penguins while you're at it, Osaka is the place to be. Japan's second largest city is known as an excellent place to eat. Be sure to try the okonomiyaki and takoyaki. It is also the city where most of the country's comedians and musicians come from and is home to Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums.

right outside our Ryokan (traditional inn)

We stayed in a Ryokan and this is our humble room (very Japanese!, right?). The owner used to work with Filipino seamen and so he is very friendly towards us.

Yay! drinking my green tea in lotus position ;)

Kaiyukan Aquarium

the biggest ferris wheel

Penguins outdoors!

fishes in the aquarium

Shark!

Shark's egg?

jelly fish

Other places worthy of visit are Universal Studios, the hip Amemura district, shopping at Namba Parks, and Umeda Sky Building.

Osaka mall

Osaka is an industrial city where most factories and manufacturing houses are. They say it's the nation's commercial district and Japan's "gourmet kitchen" or food capital. True enough, there were shopping malls in every corner and bargains everywhere!!! We stayed there for a few days and headed to Kyoto, which is just 30 mins away by train.

This guy helped us find our way through Japan's huge and confusing railway system!He doesn't speak English well but we got by through hand signals and Nunu's "little" Japanese =P

Japanese MRT!

Next: Off to KYOTO (our favorite city in Japan)

Happy New Year!

2008-01-14T18:24:00.001+08:00

We haven't written a new post for more than a month now due to a lot of things; mostly due to the Christmas holiday preparation and our trip to Japan for the New Year.

We just arrived a week ago and we have fabulous pictures and wonderful stories about Japan to share with all of you!!!

Watch out for Nunu's first post about Japan soon! =)

Happy New Year, everyone!

Saigon!

2007-12-05T20:57:00.001+08:00

I learned a valuable lesson in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh). Before getting a massage, verify first if you want a masseuse or a masseur. On our second day in Saigon, I and two of my girl friends, were very excited to try their massage parlors and spa - so we hopped at the nearest and most affordable one near our hotel area. It looked decent and nice and since the staff don't really speak English, we were just getting by through "hand talk."

After choosing the massages we wanted, we were led up to the second floor of the building and some women helped us settle into a dimly-lighted room. They asked us to strip and so we did. We were lying down on the beds (face down) and getting ready for our massages when two people entered and started to massage us. I didn't know what to say when I realized that the person massaging me was a guy! I mean, in ordinary circumstances, I would have been delighted to experience that (*uhmmm*) but what happened was just totally unexpected!

It was too late to react. I looked at another friend on the next bed and saw her staring at me too! We started talking in tagalog (so they won't understand) and we were just cracking up. It was hilarious but disconcerting at the same time. So for you women out there, ask first before you get a massage in Vietnam ;) Ohh, and make sure you don't choose the head to toe massage like we did. =(((

Aside from what happened though, SAIGON was a beautiful experience. Here are some interesting pictures:

walk/bike in the park

Notre Dame Cathedral?

high-end mall

tree-lined streets

funny signage

try the cyclo, it's the best way to go around town

familiar name?

In Vietnam, you have to leave your passports at the hotel reception. It was weird but that's the way they do it there. We met a lot of expats (British and French guys, mostly)and Filipinos too. We went to a bar called Acoustic Cafe ( the dorques, Nunu's band played there) and it was FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

NEXT: JAPAN!!!

Makati Standoff: Coup d'etat?

2007-11-29T21:46:00.002+08:00

The standoff in Makati has ended. A lot of my friends and learners (I teach English to French, Italians, Germans) had been texting and emailing me about it. Well, it's nothing serious, really. Antonio Trillanes IV had been arrested, together with his cohorts. There's a curfew until 12MN today, just to stabilize the situation. It will be business as usual by tomorrow.

Visit this link for more updates about Manila and the Philippines:

http://www.inquirer.net/

Breakfast in HK

2007-11-26T20:29:00.003+08:00

As I was walking back home last night, I saw a new ad from McDonalds and I was agog about this new product. I'm not really a fastfood fan (not anymore, especially since Nunu cooks really well!) but their marketing strategies amaze me. They adapt to the culture of any country and they're really good in doing so.

Just look at this meal from McDonald's HongKong:

Ham and egg with noodles!!!

From HK to Shenzen, China

2007-11-16T17:00:00.001+08:00

Take the KCR East Rail from Hung Hom in Kowloon to Lo Wu, the last station at the border of Hong Kong and China. The KCR ride takes roughly half an hour.

At Lo Wu, you would have to stand in long lines at Hong Kong immigration counters. After crossing the Hong Kong immigration counters, you have to walk towards the Chinese immigration counters (few meters). However, to enter China, you need a visa. A five-day visa for Shenzhen is easily obtained for 150 HKD (for Filipinos) at the China Visa office in the same building.

The visa office opens at 8am. Obtaining a visa takes 15-30 minutes (depends on how long the line is) and you need to stand in another line to cross the Chinese immigration counter. Expect a total of 1.0 to 1.5 hours to cross the Hong Kong and Chinese immigration counters.

There is a big shopping complex right in front of Lo Wu train station (where Nunu and I got stuck).

You could either shop, eat, or go to tourist attractions like Windows of the World and Chinese Folk Culture Villages. These attractions are next to each other and are around 15 km away from Lo Wu. You can hail a cab to reach these destinations; just make sure that you have the name and address written in a piece of paper. They don't speak English there and the few people who do (guides) ask for payment.

Nunu is sad that we are leaving China already

Next: Off to Saigon(Ho Chi Minh), Vietnam!

Hong Kong

2007-11-03T22:18:00.001+08:00

the double-decker bus in HK

You might get a bit bored in Macau if you're not a gambler so we recommend you take the ferry to Hong Kong which is less than 90 minutes away by ferry. You can also take a helicopter (expensive) if you're filthy rich. But since we're not, we decided to take the ferry. It was around P800 ($19US) for a one way ticket. By the way, you don't need a visa for HK/Macau if you have a Philippine passport.

Hong Kong is more expensive than Macau (especially cigarettes and transportation). So keep that in mind. If you have pesos with you, you might be able to find a decent exchange rate around Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai.

*Nunu says to check exchange rates before travelling so you don't get ripped off. Try www.oanda.com.

In Hong Kong, there many things to do. Here's a top 10 list:

1) go shopping in Ladies Market of Mongkok (a very crowded place)
2) take the tram to The Peak
3) have a few drinks and party in Lang Kwai Fong
4) take the ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island
5) buy Royce chocolates at City Super in Times Square, Wanchai
6) check out Stanley Market
7) go to Disneyland!
8) try the local food
9) enjoy the cityscape from the midlevels
10) go shopping in Shenzhen and go there by train.

NEXT: How to go to Shenzen from Hong Kong

Our charming MACAU trip

2007-10-09T22:43:00.001+08:00

We landed in Macau Airport through a thick bed of fog. I instantly felt like we were far away from home even though the flight was a mere hour and a half. Not only was the weather different but so were the architecture, the signs (English/Cantonese/Portugese), and the general atmoshere.

Signs in Portugese and Chinese

After breezing through customs Nuni and I looked for transportation to the city. There are several ways to get to the city center:

take the cab

take the AP1 bus

make friends with a fellow country(wo)man and take the scenic route to the city

Nuni by the bay

Note: if you have Patacas or HK dollars bring them with you. You don't want to change money at the airport.

From the airport you should take the AP1 bus. But since Macau is so small you can afford to be adventurous and find your way to the city using any bus. We befriended a Filipina woman who had been there before. She took us to a bus stop just outside the main avenue San Ma Lo. It was a 20 minute walk (longer because we were carrying our bags) through some hilly neighborhoods.

Buses in Macau are quite cheap. You pay a flat fee to get where you want to go and they don't go for more than 20 Patacas. You can get a map of the bus routes and the city at the airport. When you get to the city you'll probably be getting around on foot, bus, and taxi.

Me after a good meal

Accomodation

There are several affordable (P1200-P1800) hotels in the San Ma Lo area. Have a walk around and you shouldn't have much trouble finding one. We stayed at Hotel Nam Tin in the heart of the city for only 1400 pesos/night(approx). The location is nice and it's near the trendy part of the city.

Hotel Nam Tin(Travende da prande Grande N4)

Restaurants

We didn't get to eat at Fernando's but apparently it's one of the best in Macau.

There are many things to do in Macau and I think they can be done in a matter of days. Casinos await all you gamblers out there and at the same time there are many historical sites to be visited. The area around San Ma Lo is very charming, especially at night and I highly recommend you go for a stroll around here and look for a good gelato stand.

yummy gelato!

Charming fusion of the old and the modern

Nuni and I spent a little less than 48 hours in Macau. It was good enough for us and we felt we had done all that we'd wanted to do so we decided to set off for Hong Kong...

Clean and lovely city

Now this...

ANNOYING things about nuni. Oooopsss...it's livi's fault!

This is in response to Nuni's annoying entry

Nuni didn't pack a good pair of walking shoes. Plus I take bigger strides when I walk. Often she'd lag behind. Tsk tsk.

I thought we could've spent our money a bit more wisely. Sometimes we ate at overpriced restaurants (because nuni wanted to) and didn't get enough street food even though all the streets smelled like food. =PPP

Nuni behind a huge closed church door in Macau

If you have questions about Macau, you can leave us a comment here or email:nuniadventures@gmail.com.

NEXT: Our Hong Kong Adventure!

5 Annoying Things about Nunu (A modified version of Livi’s tag)

2007-10-09T13:24:00.001+08:00

This is in response to Livi and Ruy's tag

It’s true; you get to discover a lot about the person you travel with. I learned the value of this statement when Nunu and I went to Macau and Hong Kong a few months ago. It was our first out-of-the-country trip as a couple and it was the week of my birthday too (so you can just imagine how I was sooo looking forward to the trip…).

Well, here are some of the not-so-good (read: ANNOYING!) experiences and discoveries I had to endure because of him:

1.Nunu likes to walk. He likes to explore the city by foot and he can walk for miles without getting tired. Now, I like to explore and walk as well but I can hardly keep up with his long strides. I like to walk leisurely while he likes to rush. He is also 6’3 tall and I’m only 5’2 so - go figure! Anyway, I ended up getting calluses and corns (ewww) in my feet because of too much walking. That was the most annoying thing that ever happened to me in a foreign country.

2.Nunu doesn’t have good memory. We arrived in Macau the day before my big day. Guess what? The following day, he almost forgot it was my birthday! We were on our way to the ferry terminal (en route to HK), when he stopped dead on his tracks to say: Oh my, it’s your birthday today!

3.Nunu doesn’t like following instructions. We decided to go to Shenzhen, China from HK and we took the train to the border. We didn’t know where to get our visas so I asked one of the guards. The guard (who doesn’t speak English) pointed to the immigration counter and told me to fall in line. I told Nunu to do the same but he mumbled something about “what he read in a magazine” and started going around the place looking for something. I didn’t really have a choice so I followed him, the whole time asking him about why we are doing such a thing. Anyway, to make the long story short, we ended up going about in circles, only to realize (after 30 minutes) that the place he was looking for is on the other side of the border.

4. Nunu is a bitch! =P When we arrived in Shenzhen (after paying 150 HK dollars for the visa), we didn’t know where to go. Everything was in Chinese! But we already prepared for this eventuality so I made sure that I had with me a cut-out from a magazine – giving instructions on where to go. Nunu had this cut-out on his pocket and lost it. You heard that right, he LOST it. So, we ended up staying in one mall and going back to HK after a few hours. Isn’t that a great way to visit another country?

5.Nunu is a hard-headed fatcat. On our way back to Manila, we had to go back to Macau from HK. We rode the ferry again and from the Macau terminal, planned to get the bus to the Macau Airport. Our ferry got delayed so when we arrived in the Macau terminal, I told Nunu to just get the cab. He said no, insisting that we can take the bus instead. I told him that we can’t risk it because we don’t know where the bus stop is exactly or what time it will arrive. He said we can just wait right there (where all the buses stops) and wait for the AP1 bus (that’s the bus to the airport). I told him: “Are you sure this is where the bus stops?” He said: “Yes.” I said, “Are you sure this is a good idea?” He said, with all certainty: “Yes.” OK. So we waited. And waited. Finally, the AP1 bus came and just when we were ready to ride it, the driver asked where we are going and said “No, this is not the bus” in his broken English. We waited for another bus just to get a stupid stare from the driver when we said: “Airport?” Apparently, the driver doesn’t speak English at all. Ending: We lined up for a taxi and ran to the departure area of the Macau Airport. We made it there 10 minutes before it closed. We were lucky.

I’m supposed to write about the annoying things about myself but Nunu and I decided to write about the annoying things about each other while traveling instead. So, wait for his reply (he will write his version) and let’s see how annoying that could be – for me! Ha! =PPP

Clark Airport - the "better" alternative (Part 2)

2007-09-30T21:43:00.001+08:00

Before reading this post, read the first part: Clark Airport - the better alternative Part I

I was really amazed by the beautiful landscape from Manila to Clark, while cruising along the North Luzon Expressway. It has definitely improved since the last time I flew from Clark Airport two years and a half ago. The roads are first-rate and the green countryside is absolutely refreshing to the eyes. I didn’t even realize that almost two hours had passed until I saw us approach the main gate of Clark Air Base.

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Transportation is a major consideration when flying from Clark Airport. For people from Metro Manila, you have three options:

1.Have someone drive you to the Clark Airport. This is the best option if you have your own car and if someone can drive you there. From the North Luzon Expressway, exit through Dau Exit (83A), turn left at McArthur Highway, turn right at the Manuel A. Roxas Ave. passing the Bayanihan Park, and go straight ahead passing the Clark Main Gate. It should only take one hour and a half to two hours and a half (max) to get there (Of course, depending on traffic conditions).

2.Take the PHILTRANCO shuttle services from SM Megamall. There are scheduled trips to Clark Airport everyday, though they are not very reliable. The terminal is at the back of Building A, across Watsons and BPI bank. There is a booth there (at the waiting shed), where you can pay the P300 fee per person (one-way).

You can check out the Philtranco website at www.philtranco.com.ph. Here are the scheduled trips, based on their website:

AIRPORT SCHEDULE
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport
Manila - Pampanga
TO: Clark , Pampanga FROM: MegaMall

Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun

0700 AM
1100 AM
1200 NN
0800 PM*

Tue/Thu/Sat

0700 AM
1100 AM
1200 NN

WARNING: Philtranco is not very reliable. They change the bus schedules everyday. When you try to call the numbers posted on their website, they just keep ringing! I hope the management of Philtranco will address this problem soon.

On our way to Macau last September, we went to Megamall at around 10AM, hoping to catch the bus at 11AM. We were astounded to know that the bus already left at 9AM and that the next bus won’t leave until 1230PM! Our flight was at 330PM, so we have to be at the airport at least 2 hours before that. We ended up renting a cab for 2,500 pesos. We were lucky to meet a few more people who shared the cab ride with us that day, so we ended up paying 450 pesos each only.

3.Commute to Dau, Angeles. If you are really on a tight budget and you don’t mind taking the bus – this is the best option for you. From any northbound bus lines (like Victory Liner and Dangwa), get off the Dau-Mabalacat Bus Terminal, proceed to the MacArthur Highway, and take a Checkpoint –Dau PUJ (jeepney), straight for the Clark Main Gate. I heard that there are cabs in the terminal too, so after getting off the bus, you can simply get a cab straight to the Clark airport. We are actually planning to try this out next time. ;)

Going back to Manila from Clark airport is not a problem since Philtranco shuttles are usually on stand-by at the airport. There are resorts and hotels within Clark as well, in case you decide to stay for the night. I saw some car rental agencies in the airport too.

TERMINAL FEE and TRAVEL TAX

Another major consideration when deciding to fly from Clark is the TAX. You need to prepare 550 pesos for the terminal fee ($11 US dollars) and another 1,600 pesos (approximately) for travel tax (Filipino nationals only). You can only pay in cash so make sure that you still have Philippine pesos when you get there.

Clark is currently being developed and there are no money changers and/or ATMs in the area yet. I heard that this will change very soon though. There are, however, a couple of stalls like Smokey’s, Pizza Hut, Jolibee, Mrs. Fields, etc. where you can buy food. There is a café inside the airport too. A small duty-free shop is also available.

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For me, the best thing about my most recent trip to Clark was my trip back to Manila (from Macau). Shortly before the plane touched down at the Clark Airport, I looked out the window and was stunned by the beautiful view of the countryside. It was nowhere near what you would see when landing from NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila). There were no crowded areas or houses and buildings stacked together. No smog. It was just all green with clusters of roofs dotting the scenery. The horizon was clear and the clouds were soft, white, and fluffy.

A guy, clearly a balikbayan from Macau or HK, muttered something like: “See, the Philippines is really wonderful. I think Filipinos should go to other countries more - for them to appreciate the beauty of this country.”

At 5PM, Nunu and I were ready to go home. We took the Philtranco shuttle ride back to Manila. It was getting dark already and I can see the sunset from my bus window. The red orange sun was inching its way below the horizon, and the dark clouds hovered around it. The silhouette of the countryside was simply breathtaking! At that moment, I wanted to open the windows and breathe the fresh, clean, evening air. I wanted to take pictures but I didn't have enough memory in my camera anymore. I felt like I was still in a foreign land and this is the first time I have been to this place.

Essentially, I felt like a tourist in my own country. There were two Swiss guys beside us and I heard one of them say: “Beautiful! I thought Manila is polluted and dirty.”

I have never been so proud of the Philippines until that time. To the people in-charge of the developments in the Clark area, keep up the good work! =)

NEXT: Our trip to MACAU!

Clark Airport – the “better” alternative

2007-09-29T23:07:00.001+08:00

A few denizens know about the interesting international (and domestic) trips (read: affordable and pleasant) that some airlines in Clark airport provide. OK, maybe a lot of people know about them BUT they either think it’s too far from Manila or that the planes are simply life-threatening.

Well, here are a few myth busters:

1. The Clark International Airport (also known as: Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) is actually just one hour and a half (subject to traffic conditions) away from Metro Manila. Surely, a lot of people don’t know this: In the next 10 years, it will be the premier gateway of the Philippines to the rest of the world. To know more about the developments in Clark, check out the official website at:

http://www.clarkairport.com/frame.php

2. Airlines that operate in Clark are actually safe and pleasurable. Tiger Airways offer friendly and agreeable flights (not to mention, cheap!) to Macau, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), and Singapore almost daily.

Visit their site at:
http://www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php

3. If you are not convinced and still thinks that low-cost airlines are too fantastic to believe, know that this is a world-wide phenomena. Check out the business model here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-cost_carrier

Proceed by knowing more about these airlines here:

• http://www.tigerairways.com/about/company-overview.php

• http://www.airasia.com/

• http://us.flyasiana.com/

4. Even Cebu Pacific offers domestic flights to and from the Clark Airport now.

For detailed flight information, visit: http://www.clarkairport.com/frame.php

Let me just get some facts straight: Clark airport or the government did not pay nuni to write this blog. Tiger Airways or other airlines operating from Clark did not give nuni money to patronize them either (though nuni really hopes that they will!=P).

Why is nuni writing this then? Because nuni (and her friend, nunu) wants to promote an alternative (a better one) to people who want to travel outside the Philippines but don’t have enough budget to do so.

There is so much to see and learn out there. It is time for Filipinos to explore South East Asia and the world. It is also time for people outside the Philippines to see and experience the beauty and diversity of the Filipino nation.

As someone famous once said: “Traveling is like reading a book. And those who do not travel read only a page.”

NEXT: Some things to consider before flying from Clark Airport (transport, taxes, etc.)…