Air Philippines Express First Anniversary Domestic Seat Sale [28 March until seats last]

     Air Philippines Express is having its First Anniversary Sale!  All domestic Airbus 320 destinations are on sale from today until seats last!  Hurry, it's only for Php 100.00, one-way.  100,000 seats are up for grab.

     Travel is from 01 June 2011 to 15 February 2012.

     Check our Airphils' website for details here - http://www.airphils.com/

Thoughts: Stressing Out on Our Singapore Trip

     For one reason or the other, I am quite stressed out.  I know that our Singapore trip is still 3 months away, but hey, the hotel prices in Singapore seem to have gone up exponentially.

     I've been to Singapore twice: first in 2008, then again in 2009.  The last time we were in Singapore in October 2009, the Marina Bay Sands was not yet complete, as well as the Universal Studios.  I vowed to return to Singapore once these two structures open.  But I chose to go to Bangkok, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Beijing last year.  I mean, it was only my second time in Bangkok and Hong Kong, and it was my first time to visit Taipei, Shenzhen and Beijing.  So, at the start of the year, I willed myself to book tickets to Singapore.  I waited for a seat sale of course.

Cebu Pacific's Seat Sale - Domestic Destionations at Php 1! [up to 28 March 2011 only]

Seat Sale Promo

Tumbang Presyo! Domestic & International Seat Sale Pick your favourite seat from as low as P200 Supersize your baggage! Pre-book and SAVE up to 50% Get insured in travel insurance. Choose from available domestic and international rooms with Hotels Get exclusive deals! Sign up for SeatSaleAlert!.

Domestic Flights

All Domestic Flights P 1

Sale Period: Up to Mar. 28, 2011 or until seats last     Travel Period: Jun.1 - Dec. 15, 2011

International Flights

Manila to Ho Chi Minh P 1,399

Sale Period: Up to Mar. 28, 2011 or until seats last     Travel Period: May 1 - Jul. 31, 2011

International Flights

Manila to Guangzhou P 1,399 Manila to Beijing or Shanghai P 1,899

Sale Period: Up to Mar. 28, 2011 or until seats last     Travel Period: Jul. 1 - Aug. 31, 2011

• Quoted fares are one way
• Limited availability.
• Fare are exclusive of government fees and taxes.
• All fares are exclusive of fuel surcharges. For Osaka, Japan surcharges will take effect on April 1, 2011.
• Fares are non-refundable.
• Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.
• Go Lite Fares are available upon booking for guests traveling without check-in baggage.
• Add P 100 to fare upon booking if traveling with check-in baggage.
• CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply.

Vietnam Travel Adventures - Day 1: Cu Chi Tunnels

     My friends were surprised when I told them that we had to wake up early for our Cu Chi Tunnels 1/2 day trip with the Sinh Tourist.  "How early?"  They asked me. I told them we needed to be at the Sinh Tourist office around 7:45 a.m.  Their faces just went blank.  After all, we just checked-in and it was 2 a.m. already.  We only had a couple of hours to sleep, and well, good luck to us.  

     Luckily, we all woke up on time, and we were even able to have our light breakfast at the hotel lobby.  I only researched where the eff is the Sinh Tourist office before we went down for breakfast.  I was banking on the computer and free internet inside our room.  As it turned out, the Sinh Tourist office is just less than a 5-minute walk away from our hotel.  In fact, the distance is less than 100 meters, as per Google maps.  

     I got our voucher from the Sinh Tourist office and we waited for 15 more minutes.  The bus was scheduled to depart at 8:15 a.m. Even thought it was so early in the morning, the Sinh Tourist was buzzing with activity; people were everywhere.  Some were fortunate to have seats inside the airconditioned office; others were standing outside.  Most of the clients of the tour office were caucasians.  There were only a handful of Asians, and there were some folks which I presume were Filipinos.  They were eating breakfast inside the office.  

     I took the time to browse through the shelves of tourist pamphlets.  I was most interested with their Saigon-Phomn Penh-Siem Reap-Saigon package.  I'd like to go back to Ho Cho Minh for that trip sometime.  Perhaps next year, around January or February when it is not that hot.

     Finally, at exactly 8:15 a.m. (9:15 on my watch), the bus arrived.  What do you know?  It was on time.  Yay for us.  We quickly climbed aboard the bus and we had seat assignments.  We were seated a few seats in front of the middle section.  My friends and I were excited...to sleep on the bus, lol!  It was not hard to do, really.  First, the bus was cruising at a very slow pace, coupled with the congested streets.  It was a Friday, a workday, at rush hour, so what do we expect?  But I think I fell asleep after we passed by a Jollibee branch somewhere.

     I think we travelled for at least 2 hours, and I woke up some 20 minute before we arrived at the Cu Chi tunnels.  Before I forgot, we shelled out VND 80,000.00 each for the entrance.  

 

Of course I've seen a jackfruit tree before; we also have it in the Philippines.

This one, though has so many fruits!

     So, what happened over at Cu Chi tunnels?  Not so much, really.  The place is a forested area, and we were shown the ingenious booby traps laid by the guerilla against the American forces during the war.  There were some demonstrations, and we we shown some of the tunnels used by the guerilla.  The original entrance to the tunnels was too tiny; almost just the size of a shoe box, but the Vietnamese, being slender and light on their foot, easily fits into the tunnel.  I could never fit inside those entrance, but some were dug out to accommodate tourists, like us.

 Apparently, this is a bomb crater.

There are a lot of these houses of some sort.

Booby traps.

 

Step on it and metal spikes would be waiting to pierce your flesh.

 Tinhe (did I get his name right?), our guide, explains the tunnel system.

Yup, we went inside the tunnel.

We got out in a similar tunnel.

      The most fun part came when were asked if we want to go down a tunnel.  Of course, we knew before hand that the tunnels were widened for tourists, so we went ahead.  Told my friends to let the others go in first so we wouldn't bother people behind us.  We queued at the entrance; it was steep going down.  Tinhe, our guide, explained to us that there are several exits; 20 meters, 50 meters, 70 meters, or something.  My friends and I decided that we'll get out at the first exit.  So, we were waiting patiently for our turn, like, for more than 5 minutes already, but the line was not moving.  We wondered why.  

     Let me tell you first how we were lined up.  The first to go down the stairs were the caucasians.  They were not so old; perhaps, around 40ish; some were 50ish.  At the end of the line were the Asians, like us.  Perhaps, the caucasians were enthusiastic to go down the tunnel and maybe, the Asians were bidding their time.  In all fairness, most of the Asians in our group were females; there were only at least 3 Asian males.  Some more than 5 minutes passed, and the caucasians climbed back from where they went down, despite the clear warning that once you go down you cannot come back.  Well, it's because people were still on a queue at the stairs, so it'll make it hard for those coming down if someone would force their way up.  The stairs were steep and narrow.  I think, there were at least 5 or 6 people who came up, all caucasians, except for one Asian male who was around 50ish.

     We finally got down the stairs and we saw a big room where most of the caucasians were standing.  They have not proceeded in entering the narrow tunnel; they were clearly bidding their time, perhaps, trying to gain some confidence.  We just went ahead, downwards.  First, I must tell you that I took off my glasses and it was dark.  There was only a candle light at a distance, then nothing else.  There was a caucasian man in front of us, directly behind my female friend.  Behind her was my male friend and I was the last.  Behind me were 4 or 5 female Asians, Singaporeans, I believe.  

     Anyway, I was yelling at my male friend that I couldn't see anything. My vision is 300/300 so I'm handicapped without my glasses in the dark.  My friends were both giving me directions because they know I'm the clumsy one.  Honestly, it was not hard to walk inside the tunnel; I just couldn't see anything.  I'm 5'6 but I only needed to bend my back down a bit, like a semi-duck walk stance, but I didn't need to crawl.  The caucasian in front was having a hard time and he barely fit into the tunnel; he was almost on all fours.  My female friend who was much more smaller, was almost walking upright. There was a portion in the tunnel where we needed to sit on the ground and drop ourselves to the lower ground.  It was at least a 2 feet clearance. I heard the Asian ladies in the back kinda on panic mode, so I waited for the first one to come near me and I told her to hold onto my hand so I could lead her safely to the point where they need to sit down and jump.  Then, we got out of the tunnel!  Yay!  But we had a picture taking first.  Lol!

 Guerilla mannequins.

These are bombs, not vases.

  Slippers!

 Tourists can experience live-action firing of heavy weapons for a fee.

Film showing about Vietnam and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This was our last activity before we went back to our tour bus.

     Over-all, I'd say that the Cu Chi Tunnel experience was great, only if it wasn't that humid.  It was fun, and the bottled water the tour guide gave us really helped a lot.  Oh, we were given some roasted, or perhaps boiled tapioca with salt, sugar and sesame seeds, if I remember correctly.  It only reminded me of home.  We also have tapioca at home, only that we call it cassava or kamoteng-kahoy.

     We travalled back to Ho Chi Minh and I slept for most of the time.  I woke up when we were near Jollibee again.  And, for the nth time, I marveled at how slow the driver was driving.

Asian Travel Adventures: Ho Chi Minh City - Airports, Hotel and Tour Arrangements

     The last trip I had, before Ho Chi Minh City, was in Beijing, China, last November 2010.  I am quite fortunate to have been able to embark on another Asian travel four months after.  It also means, again, that I am running low in savings.  I think that I haven't hit the penniless stage just yet, so, for now, I am indulging in trips abroad and I have upcoming trips to Taiwan next month and to Singapore in July. 

     That being said, I swore that I would not spend too much money in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).  I wanted to save some dollars for my Taiwan trip; after all, I had this belief that I would be spending less in HCMC because I had friends who'd be travelling with me and with whom I could share the hotel cost.

Asian Travel Adventures - Back from Ho Chi Minh City: Midnight Flights and Bright Lights

    

     One of the crazy schemes of Cebu Pacific to offset their low-cost mantra is flight scheduling in the dead of the night...Really, it'd make Howard Wolowitz's mother to holler, "At this unholy hour?!"  Well, whatever you save in booking your flight you spend for an extra night at the hotel, unless you choose to stay over at the airport waiting for the sun to rise.  Anyway, that was what happened in our Ho Chi Minh flight last Thursday with Cebu Pacific.  I mean, late flight and extra day at the hotel.  We departed from NAIA Terminal 3 at 23:00, and we arrived in Ho Chi Minh at 00:30 (GMT +7), with a one hour difference between Manila and Ho Chi Minh. By the time we exited the Arrival Hall of the Ta Son Nhat International Airport, I was already tired.  However, few of the good things about late night flights include the chance to use less of your treasured vacation leaves at work and to see the pretty dazzling lights of the city from the plane.  Every time the cabin lights are dimmed to give the passengers a better view of the city we're about to reach, I will almost always start to sing to myself Bright Lights by Matchbox Twenty - 

Thoughts - Blogging from Ho Chi Minh

     This is our last day here. We are supposed to do a city tour on our own in a little while. We will depart by 1am tomorrow. Till then.

Thoughts: Ways to Help the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Operations

     I have always admired Japan.  It is the one country that I truly wanted to visit because of its history, its people and its culture.  In fact, I've been wanting to apply for a Japanese scholarship for years because I really want to immerse myself in the Japanese culture which I find fascinating.  Since I have not set out applying for a scholarship, I've been aiming to visit Japan since last year.  I wanted to go and see the sakura this year but I deferred my plans for fall to see the foliage.  Despite the recent triple woes faced by Japan, the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, I still want to go to Japan.  I will probably push through with my fall travel plans if God allows it. 

     Perhaps, I am indebted to the Japanese people because they offered so much in terms of technology, films, anime, manga, toys and hobbies, scientific breakthroughs, scholarships, relief aid to those in need, among others.  I want to help them somehow, in some little ways that I can.  Well, helping their economy bounce back is one.  I love Japanese products, and I patronize their cosmetics, health and beauty items, especially Shiseido's Tsubaki shampoo and conditioner, and DHC.  I also love buying their manga and those cute plushies, and of course, Hello Kitty.  I think, I can also help traveling to Japan when most people would dare not to, although it's still more than half a year away, in the fall, and by that time, Japan will probably be on track in its recovery.  But I am also aware that Japan needs our help right now where it matters the most.  So, I donated to the Japan Red Cross via Google - Japan Crisis Center today.  While it may be a minuscule amount, it was sincerely given and with prayers, too.  I know people have already made their contributions in any way they can and if you want to help, here are some ways to do it:

1.  Google Japan Crisis Response - http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

     If you have a Google account, you can donate to the Japanese Red Cross, Unicef, Save the Children and International Medical Corps.

2. For more information on where to go on Twitter to donate or get information, in Japanese and in English, visit - http://blog.twitter.jp/2011/03/blog-post_12.html

3.  For more information on donating to the Red Cross on Facebook - http://www.causes.com/campaigns/154523

4. Philippine Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

5.  Yahoo has linked websites where you can make donations - http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help

     It includes the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Global Giving and Shelterbox, among others.

     These are only some of the organizations which set-up donations for Japan.  Even if Japan may be a prosperous, first world country with the 3rd largest economy, the magnanimity of the destruction and loss of lives caused by the earthquake and tsunami cannot be undermined.  I hope we can all send a prayer or two, or perhaps, some aid to those afflicted by the earthquake and tsunami.

Thoughts: Updates

     I haven't been making much entries regarding travel the past few weeks.  I think, I still need to finish one last article regarding my Beijing trip, which is just 1/3 of the way through.  As for my supposed research for my upcoming trip to Ho Chi Mihn this week, well, let's just say that I've been so lazy to do any.  As of today, I'm kinda in a calm panic mode; the moment where I  think I strive best.  I don't know, but it seems that the Holy Spirit comes to me when I'm on a rush.  Guess, I derive inspiration from some crazy outpouring of adrenaline whenever I'm on a pinch.

      Nonetheless, I must gather all information about Ho Chi Mihn: where to exchange currency; where to eat; where to shop, etc.  That being said, I remember now that I have to send an email to the hotel I booked earlier this month to reconfirm our reservation.  I have loads to do, and I must do it before I leave for Vietnam.

     Wish me luck!

Prayers for Japan

     I was at the office, working, when a huge quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.9, hit Japan., later on upgraded to 8.8.  It was 2:46 pm in Japan; in the Philippines, it was 1:46 pm.  First came the twitter updates (I monitor earthquake twitter acounts, like USGS).  Reading the tweets, I felt a wave of fear rush into me.  Fear for the safety of the people in Japan affected by the earthquakes, fear that the sea may be building tsunamis, fear for the repercussions of the quake.  Then I found a streaming site for NHK. Then I had to watch, in utter helplessness, how tsunamis ravaged the coastal areas of Japan.  Tsunamis moved swiftly; very swiftly.  Water rushed into the coast; then into the lands, destroying neatly lined farmlands, washing away houses, buildings and cars.  OMG!

   
    It was not mere sympathy that I felt right there and then.  I felt strong empathy, too.  Watching the tsunami destroys large areas in Japan in real time, made me feel so helpless.  I only had to imagine myself running away from the tsunami.  I can't outrun it; worse, the people in those areas must not have been able to run, too.

     Over in Tokyo, I was amazed at the orderly and calm movement of the people.  Their demeanor is telling: they're at least prepared in one way or the other.  And the relief and evacuation efforts were prompt in the metro.  It only shows that they're prepared for any disaster that may strike, and their preparedness is really helping.  People neatly lined at the taxi, bus and phone services. 

     Before I forget, I watched Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 early last year or late 2009.  I couldn't remember when. And I couldn't help but remember that anime by Noitama when a very strong earthquake rocked Japan.  For one, the anime was set in the very near future, 2012.  And for another, the anime was realistic.    

     I can only pray for Japan and its people.  Stay safe, seek shelter.  I'll help in the praying for you.