Thoughts: Cebu Pacific to Launch Budget Long-Haul Flights in Q3 2013

     Wow!  Cebu Pacific will offer long-haul flights by the 3rd quarter of 2013.  I hear one of the flights includes Australia, and that info has been known to me since last year.  I wonder, though, what is taking so long to launch this new destination.  As for the others, expect flights to the Middle East, and perhaps London or Italy, too, where most of the OFWs are working.  And yes, 3rd quarter of 2013 is still far away but I'd better start saving money right now.

     Here's Cebu Pacific's press release quoted in full from their website:

Cebu Pacific to launch budget long-haul flights in Q3 2013

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) will commence long-haul flights in the 3rd quarter of 2013. The airline will lease up to 8 Airbus A330-300 aircraft to serve new markets beyond the range of CEB’s current fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

The Airbus A330 has a range of up to 11 hours which means CEB could serve markets such as Australia, Middle East, parts of Europe and the US. The aircraft is one of the most commonly used wide-body aircraft in operation today, given its highly reliable operating statistics.

“The A330-300 will give us the lowest cost per seat, allowing us to drive long-haul fares 35% lower than those currently offered by other airlines, and as much as 80% lower when CEB offers promo fares. This aircraft type is very well suited to the kind of network we want to build and the routes we want to launch,” said Lance Gokongwei, CEB President and CEO.

“We are exploring serving cities where large Filipino communities reside --- Europe, Middle East, Oceania and the USA. Data indicates that more than half of Filipinos deployed in these regions take multiple stops and connecting flights because no home carrier can fly them there non-stop,” added Gokongwei.

Gokongwei cited Saudi Arabia as an example, where only 165,000 passengers flew direct non-stop flights from Manila (Civil Aeronautics Board 2010 data), compared to 293,000 Filipinos deployed to Saudi Arabia in the same year. This means that nearly half of Filipinos who flew to Saudi Arabia in 2010 had to take multiple flights to get to their destination. With CEB’s long haul operations, the budget airline will provide more affordable, direct flight options to Filipinos overseas, a population estimated to be 11 million worldwide.

Since its inception in 1996, CEB has posted a good track record in stimulating short-haul travel of Filipinos working and residing overseas. Passenger traffic to and from Hong Kong, where a lot of Filipinos reside and work, grew by 88% since CEB started operating flights from Manila in 2001.

“We want to do the same for long-haul traffic --- offer the lowest fares possible and drive a significant increase on demand for air travel to regions outside of Asia. This is truly an exciting time for CEB as we continue to be of service to the 11 million strong global Filipinos, wherever they are in the world; and to their families back home,” Gokongwei said.

“As CEB develops long-haul routes and opens new destinations for a Philippine flag carrier, we will be creating an important enabler for increased trade, tourism and foreign investment.”

The airline currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 19 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. Its fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of 3.6 years – is one of the youngest aircraft fleets in Asia. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take an additional 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft.

CEB operates the most extensive network in the Philippines with 34 domestic destinations and hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. It also offers 19 international destinations, namely Bangkok, Beijing, Brunei, Busan, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Incheon (Seoul), Jakarta, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Osaka, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Singapore, Taipei and Xiamen.

Seat Sale - Air Philippines' Express Sale [Travel Period July to 30 Nov 2012]

     The Express Sale we've all been waiting from Air Philippines is finally here!  And I should say that I am a little disappointed with the sale for Singapore.

      I know that fuel prices are really, really high right now.  But a fuel surcharge of Php 3046 is a little off-putting, especially when the earliest travel dates are five months away.  Last year during their similar express sale in early January, I was able to book Manila-Singapore round trip tickets for only Php 3,600 (if I remember correctly; it could be lower).  Now, it costs Php 5,896.00.  Hmm.  Well, it is a little disappointing but it is still lower than PAL, and competitive with Cebu Pacific's sale fares.  After all, Cebu Pacific's fare for their Manila-Siem Reap flights costs about Php 5,300.00.  So, it's still okay, I guess.  Anyway, we should blame the high fuel cost for the higher fuel surcharge.

     But the domestic flights are okay.  It's less than Php 1,000 round trip, say for example, Manila to Tagbilaran.  Fuel surcharge for domestic is around Php 700.00 for flights originating from Manila.

     So, happy travel planning!

Screencap of the mock-booking I made for Singapore.

Thoughts: Puerto Princesa Underground River Named as One of the New 7 Wonders of the World

     A big yay to the Philippines!  Our very own natural wonder made it to the coveted New 7 Wonders of the World!  Congratulations!  Serious campaigning for voting worked!

     ETA: I didn't know that the voting was done via texting.  I'm very curious about it.  I mean, text votes?  Seriously.  The Philippines is at the forefront in terms of texting.  It's like, "pagbubuhat ng sariling bangko" as Filipinos love to vote for ourselves, or our representatives or anything which relates to the Philippines.  So, I guess, congratulations, Philippines, for winning by texting.  Love your own.  ;-)

    Here's the entire article lifted from the New 7 Wonders website:

PPUR officially confirmed as one of the New7Wonders of Nature

By Eamonn Fitzgerald on January 28, 2012 in Puerto Princesa Underground River

Manila/Philippines, Zurich/Switzerland: Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) is now confirmed as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Making the announcement in Manila, Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, congratulated the people of the Philippines for supporting their national finalist in the global campaign.

“When your very own President Aquino came out in support of the PPUR campaign, I knew that this country was taking the New7Wonders of Nature seriously,” said Weber. “Fans of PPUR all over the world responded to his call for action by voting in record numbers and today’s confirmation is the well-earned reward for this extraordinary display of enthusiasm,” he added.

Mr Weber was speaking during a meeting with Edward Hagedorn, Mayor of Puerto Princesa, Nardz Villafranca, PPUR campaign coordinator and Jean-Paul de la Fuente, New7Wonders Director. Subjects discussed included the arrangement of the Official Inauguration events and the implementation of the strategic plan for promoting PPUR using its title as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. 

“This confirmation is wonderful news for Puerto Princesa, and a great example of how now its more fun to be in the Philippines,” said Mayor Hagedorn. “World-wide exposure of our natural beauty on this level is critical both for tourism and for our image nationally and internationally.”

Puerto Princesa Underground River is located some 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa, on Palawan island in the Philippines. It consists of a limestone karst mountain landscape, several large chambers containing significant formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2 km. navigable underground river that winds through a cave before flowing directly into the West Philippine Sea. At the exit, a flawless lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge.

In alphabetical order, the provisional New7Wonders of Nature announced on 11 November 2011 are: Amazon, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain. Following Jeju Island, PPUR is the second to be confirmed on a preliminary basis, as New7Wonders has now completed the telephone voting validation in the Philippines. The remaining five provisional New7Wonders of Nature are currently undergoing the three steps of the verification process, namely the national voting validation, the global voting calculation confirmation by an independent audit firm, and the preparation and implementation of the Official Inauguration ceremonies.

Melaka Travel Adventures - Day 1: DIY Tour to A Famosa Fort, Maritime Museum and Others

     It made perfect sense to start our DIY walking tour from the Dutch Square going up to Stadthuys.  It was an easy climb, as the walkway uphill is paved, to St. Paul's Church and an easy descent from there to A Fomosa Fort.  Had we reversed our starting point, we would have to climb many, many stairs to reach St. Paul's.

Travel Tips: Taiwan's Free Half-day Tours for Transit Passengers

     A member of PEX posted a query in the Taiwan travel thread about what to do during a stopover in Taiwan with 3 to 4 hours to spare.  I said I think a visa is still required, unless exempted.  As for things to do, I really am not sure since Taipei is an hour away by bus from the Taoyuan International Airport.  What I do know is that Taiwan, as other countries, have free half-day tours for transit passengers courtesy of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau for transit passengers, but only for those with at least 7 hours to spare.

        I copied the mechanics from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau website below for quick reference:

Manila Chronicles: Winter Clothes Shopping at Terranova

N.B.
I do not own these photos.  I just screencapped them for reference.  Head to http://www.terranovastyle.com/ to see the originals.

     It's still winter in other parts of the world and you might be headed to Europe, Canada, the US, China, Japan or South Korea. So, you'd probably need winter clothes, right? Well, you're lucky since there are a lot of stores selling winter clothes at a discount, including Terranova this January. I've been to Terranova today and yet again, I bought a couple of light sweaters and some warmer cardigans. I am going to someplace cold, but not that cold; only Baguio cold, but usually, I love wearing light pullovers with skirts and jeans even in Manila. I mean, they're good for the office, too since it's usually cold because of air conditioning.

Seat Sale: Philippine Airlines' ASEAN PAL Promo

     I haven't checked out this promo yet by PAL, since I've just received a tweet about this 3 minutes ago, but it covers Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and Vietnam.  

     Happy travel planning!

     ETA:  Yup, I've done my math and this is in fact a good deal.

Seat Sale: Cebu Pacific - Angkor Wat? Cambodia!

     Finally, my prayers have been answered. Cebu Pacific is offering, for the first time, flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Yehey!

     I've been mock-booking and the total fare with 15k baggage is around Php 5300 (it's a bit high, but remember, the cost of fuel now is high, too). Travel period is from 19 April 2012 to 31 May 2012. Go grab a seat now!

     ETA:  Yup, again, no one seems keen on going with me to Cambodia.  But I really, really want to go.  Sadness.

Thoughts: Philippine Airlines, Asia's First, is Up for Sale!

     For some weird reasons, the blog post I made yesterday was not saved.  That is totally weird!  I've even read the post I made online after I published it.

     Anyway, I will try to recreate the post I made, so here it goes:

     For the past year, the rumor mills have been busy spreading word that Philippine Airlines, Asia's First, is up for sale.  Apparently, PLDT's Manny Pangilinan is keen on acquiring the Lucio Tan-led PAL.  Well, as it turns out, even Ramon Ang of San Miguel is in talks for a possible purchase.And, just yesterday, Lucio Tan confirmed that PAL is up for sale.  You can read the news article here: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/01/22/12/lucio-tan-confirms-pal-sale

     Ever since it was rumored that talks were being held for the sale of PAL, I am one of those who believe the same to have a ring of truth to it.  After all, PAL just had a mass lay-off of its employees as it tried to have its services, like catering, etc., outsourced.  And, not to mention the newest ruling on the PALEA case.  Really, it was a no-brainer for PAL to smooth out all the rough edges before buyers seriously take interest in PAL.  I mean, really, who would want to buy a business with many legal problems?  In the end, the buyer may not be willing to be embroiled in the numerous labor case involving PAL and its employees, past or present.  Well, the buyer may end up paying for all those multi-million legal claims if it is not careful.  

     Whatever may happen to PAL, I am quite excited about it.  Maybe, a change of management can propel PAL back into its glory days.

Thoughts: It is a Holiday Tomorrow, 23 January 2012

     Yes, tomorrow there is no work and no classes because the President declared 23 January 2012 as a holiday. Why? Because the President has Chinese blood in his veins and perhaps he also wants to mark his presidency with his own set of holidays. And yes, it's for the coming Chinese new year, that is why.

     I am not opposed to holidays. In fact, I love holidays. Probably because I go to the office every week day so I get suffocated sometimes that I am always in search for a break. However, this country has too much holidays. Really. Well, it's good for local tourism but not so for the business sector. But, maybe that is one of the reasons why it's allegedly fun in the Philippines...we all have a lot of days to play!

     Anyway, I am off to watch Katy Perry's concert at SM Mall of Asia with my family (yes, I bought 2 more tickets), so let me greet you guys in advance, Happy Chinese New Year!

Thoughts: I won a Katy Perry Ticket from @FlyPAL's iLoveMyPAL Twitter Promo

     Philippine Airlines had a fun Twitter game yesterday.  As prize, they gave out 100 silver tickets for Katy Perry's concert at SM Mall of Asia tomorrow. I know, right?  That's a great prize.

    The rules were simple.  Only one tweet per person per hour, from 13:00 to 22:00 (last tweet at 22:59) will qualify.  2 or more tweets per hour will disqualify your entries.  

• Mention @flyPAL
• Complete the sentence 
  "I love My PAL because ___ (Answer the question "Why do you love Philippine Airlines?"
• Include the following hashtags 
  #iLovePAL #PALgivesKatPerryTix
  
  

      I've been seeing the game on my timeline since yesterday after lunch.  But I was really not interested with it as I was still at work and I could not be bothered to read the mechanics and join.  When I got home,  I was surprised to see the game still on-going.  So, almost 2 hours before the end of the hourly game, I joined; both entries I made were almost at the close of the voting hours.  I won on the last voting hour, my entry just made it through.  Then, I forgot all about it, not even knowing I won.  Apparently, the winners for the last voting hour was announced around 3:00 am or something. So, I was really surprised to know that I won!  I won!  Me, who never really wins at raffles!  Imagine that!  

     Well, my dilemma now is this.  I don't even like Katy Perry and I don't like going to concerts.  But my  mother does.  I joined thinking if I win, I'd give her the ticket.  But she can't go on her own, you know.  So I have to buy a silver ticket which is around Php 1500 plus VAT and service charge (almost 1700).  There goes away my money.  Haha! [ETA: I bought 2 more silver tickets]

     Anyway, whether I am a fan of Katy Perry is immaterial.  It won't take away the fact that I've won and that I'm so happy to have won!  Thanks, @FlyPAL!  I hope your contests will continue to have simple, no-fuss rules!  Thanks again!

     Oh, my winning entry is this: I love My PAL @flyPAL because PAL'S FAs are cute and they serve you w/a smile! #iLovePAL #PALgivesKatyPerryTix

     Yay!

Seat Sale Air Philippines Chinese New Year Promos

     Check Air Philippines' Facebook page for details or their website at http://www.airphilexpress.com/.

     Happy trip planning!

Nat Geo: About Taiwan - The Emperor's Treasures

     On-air now at National Geographic is a feature on Taiwan's imperial treasures, entitled, Inside the Emperor's Treasure.  And I'm trying to live-blog it!

     Qianlong was an emperor of China who believed that his legacy was to preserve China's arts and treasures.  He commissioned a catalogue of their treasures which took 16 years to finish.  He was truly devoted to the arts and collected a lot of artworks himself.

     The feature now shows the National Palace Museum which I visited when I first came to Taiwan.  How did the treasures come to Taiwan and how those artifacts survived?  I too, wonder, having seen those intricate ivory carvings, the jade cabbage, and the emperor's curio, among others, myself.

     Apparently, after the last emperor of China, these treasures became state-owned and beginning 1925, were displayed in public.  But due to wars, the treasures were moved from Beijing to Shanghai and other places.  There were treasure escorts then who protected the treasures, and after the defeat of the Japanese, these were returned to Nanjing.  However, after some years, the Nationalists moved the treasures to Taiwan.  And they survived!

     The treasures were first exhibited to the public in 1965 at the National Palace Museum.  Renovated in 2007, it has 3 floors, 29 galleries and hundreds of cases.  It's huge.

     Apparently, innovation was key to please Qianlong, like a vase in a vase.  I remember our tour guide saying that.  The treasures must be unique.  And gosh!  I've seen the ivory ball with many spheres within a sphere when I was there!

    Hey, who knew Qianlong made his own mark even on the masters' works, be it painting, poetry or other arts!  Amazing.

    To make sure these priceless objects remain preserved, humidity and temperature is closely monitored.  Plus, there is maximum security to prevent pilferage.  However, how about security from acts of God, like earthquakes?  Of course, they have measures for that.  The scrolls are anchored, as well as those on display inconspicuously, usually the most precious ones.

    Then again, the Museum has to battle time, and the battle is even more special with the 10,000 paintings and calligraphy it houses.  And so, these delicate treasures are lovingly restored and handled with utmost care.  

     To be relevant in the 21st century, a branch is being made in the south of Taiwan, a modern edifice at that, but it will focus on Asian art and culture.

    Well, the treasures are also made into 3d for a virtual museum; for maximum fun and so you'd know how it looks if you can't go to Taiwan yourself to see the treasures in real-time.

     That's it.  The episode has now come to an end.  So, if you ever visit Taiwan, don't forget to go to the National Palace Museum and see for yourself the emperor's treasures.     

 

   

Seat Sale - Air Asia Has Arrived in Sydney, Australia

(The FA, second from the left, seems to be having quite a "fun" in Sydney.  Very provocative. LOL.)

     Guess you already know that while Air Asia has pulled out their Europe and India flights, it recently added Sydney to its service.  Yes, Air Asia will start to fly to Sydney, Australia!

     To promote its new route, there's a seat sale for their Sydney flights.  Check out Air Asia's website for more info.

Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have Arrived in Sydney. Booking Period : 19 January 2012 - 22 January 2012 Travel Period : 1 April 2012 - 27 October 2012 Travel Notes - Advanced booking required. - Fares are not available during embargo period.

Show flights from  Show All
Fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (LCC Terminal), Kuala Lumpur to:
International	All-in-fare from
Operated By AirAsia X		Economy seats	Premium seats
Sydney		PHP 4365	PHP 29179

Cebu Pacific's #JuanForFun [20 January 2012 at 12:01 A.M.]

UPDATE:   

It's official, it's a seat sale!

PISO Fare on ALL local and international destinations and it starts NOW!

Travel Period is from June 1 to December 15, 2012. 

But geez, it's really hard to penetrate Cebu Pacific's website as of now.  Really, really congested.  Oh well.

     Via Twitter and Facebook, Cebu Pacific posted a teaser on their upcoming promo for 20 January 2012 which it called, #JuanForFun.  Details will follow at exactly 12:01 am tomorrow.  

     This is possibly for a seat sale promo.  Usually, the super seat sales by Cebu Pacific starts at around 12 midnight, much like the big sale of Air Asia.  Probably, this is for a Piso fare, or for a super seat sale for travel from May 2012 onwards.

     On the other hand, it may just be for a game, like the Fly One, Fly All, Fly Free contest of Cebu Pacific last year.  I checked my blog and I found that it was launched early January last year, 12 January 2011 to be exact.  

     Anyway, I am hoping that this # JuanForFun is a seat sale promo.  *fingers crossed*

     Stay tuned, stay up late!
     

Philippine's New Tourism Slogan 2.0 - It's More Fun in the Philippines

     Yet again, this country has a new tourism slogan: "It's More Fun in the Philippines!"  This came a year after the failed "Pilipinas Kay Ganda" slogan.  For some reasons, the Department of Tourism of this administration wants to leave their own touch in the country's tourism slogan, but the new one still does not work for me.

    "It's More Fun in the Philippines," as netizens have pointed out, is quite a copy of Switzerland's tourism campaign several years back, even before my mother was born: "It's More Fun in Switzerland."  And because this administration hates "copycats" (remember, a member of the Supreme Court was set up for impeachment for failure to make appropriate footnotes on a much-publicized decision), should it not place the appropriate attribution? Such as:

     It's More Fun in the Philippines! [See Tourism Campaign of Switzerland in 1951 entitled, "It's More Fun in Switzerland.]

     Really, I think the administration should make the proper citations, right?  Well, they can always say they have no intention to copy since they did not know it was already used by Switzerland.  But, really.  Have these officials thought about our own neighbor's special tv programs promoting their tourism? The "Fun Taiwan" (10 seasons now, or more) and its offshoot, the "Fun Taiwan Challenge" (2 seasons) and are shown in TLC and/or Discovery?  These shows market tourism in Taiwan, in cooperation and with support from the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.  It's not their tourism slogan, which is Taiwan the Heart of Asia (Touch Your Heart?), but it is still their tourism campaign and sadly, it's quite similar to our new slogan.  Well, but it's more fun in the Philippines, these administration people will argue.   

      Intentional copying or not, that is not the more disturbing part.  What is quite shocking is the lack of oomph in this slogan.  It's like a petulant child's (or a stuck-up tween's) protestation that he/she is cuter than his/her classmate/friend.  "It's not like Switzerland's or Taiwan's campaigns because it IS more fun in the Philippines, like ever!  Eleventy!"  Lol.

     I really don't know why the former slogan, "Wow Philippines" had to go.  Besides, it is easier to cram on souvenir items having only a few letters unlike the "It's More Fun in the Philippines" slogan. The newest slogan itself is quite long, and I have an issue on the use of the qualifier.  If it is more fun in here, then is there a place which is most fun?  Also, it's easy to poke fun of the newest slogan.  Just think about it.  "It's More Fun in the Phillippines..." then place your statement afterwards, like, "...because the traffic is so much worse!"  Just saying.  Also, I'm not so impressed that the new slogan is activity-centered.  It is the Philippines' natural beauty, culture and its heritage that we're supposed to be marketing, not having fun.  I mean, what kind of fun?

     Well, as I said, Wow Philippines is great and it is very effective and simple. I mean, why change something that works just so you could call something your own?  Very, very selfish.  Anyway, whatever floats their boat.

     Coming up with a slogan is one thing, but marketing the country is another.  I hope the administration can come up with a better marketing strategy for tourism.  At least, get some infomercials on cable channels such as Discovery, TLC and Nat Geo. Get the message across; don't be stingy on information, okay?

   

Thoughts - Air Asia X's Soon-To-Be Ex Destinations (London, Paris, Delhi and Mumbai)

     Earlier this week, I read a quite disturbing article from Channel News Asia about Air Asia X, the sister company of Air Asia which caters to long haul flights.  Apparently, Air Asia will suspend its London, France and India flights due to soaring taxes and fuel prices, among other things.  The 

Mumbai and Delhi routes will cease on January 31 and March 22, respectively while routes to London and Paris will end on March 30 and March 31 respectively.  

The report is quoted below:

 AirAsia X to cut Europe routes, India flights

Posted: 12 January 2012 1905 hrs 

KUALA LUMPUR: The long-haul unit of Asian budget carrier AirAsia said Thursday it would suspend services to Paris and London and cut India flights in a bid to rein in costs.

The Malaysia-based airline cited global economic uncertainty, soaring taxes and higher jet fuel prices for the move, adding it would redeploy its fleet to profitable Asian and Australian routes.

The airline, a unit of AirAsia, will cease services to Mumbai and Delhi from January 31 and March 22, respectively while routes to London and Paris will end on March 30 and March 31 respectively.

The London route was launched in 2009, Mumbai and Delhi in 2010 and Paris in 2011. London and Paris were the only European routes the airline services.

AirAsia X's successful sister airline AirAsia handles regional Asian routes under four hours' flight time.

AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said the changes would boost the carrier's bottom line, refocusing its network "on markets where it can build a leadership position in 2012."

"We intend to concentrate capacity in our core markets of Australasia, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea where we have built up stable, profitable routes within an infrastructure that supports low cost services," he said.

Azran blamed high jet fuel costs and weak passenger demand from Europe as among a host of factors compromising its efforts to offer low fares to the continent.

He blamed the weakened demand on "the current economic situation together with exorbitant government taxes."

"The implementation of the emissions trading scheme and the escalating air passenger duty taxes in UK, which will rise yet again in April 2012, forced our decision to withdraw our services to Europe," he added.

Azran said the Delhi and Mumbai routes were cut because of rising "airport and handling charges" and visa restrictions hampering travel between India and Malaysia.

AirAsia X was launched in 2007. Richard Branson's Virgin Group has a 20 percent stake in the airline.

Last month flag carrier Malaysia Airlines said it would cut routes in Asia and axe flights to some global destinations such as to Rome and Johannesburg as it tries to return to profit.

      And so, I wouldn't get the chance to fly to London, France, Delhi, and Mumbai, too, via Air Asia X.  It sucks!  I've been meaning to go to Europe an India and honestly, I've been mulling the idea for 2 years now (India for way longer).  It saddens me, really.  Moreover, there are a lot  who bought sale tickets last year for travel this year.  I wonder if they'll get a refund.  Sadness.

     Anyway, now, the only option I have for India is via Philippine Airlines.  Thank God that I still have a choice.

The Year That Was 2011

     I've been blessed this year; I truly am.  Travel-wise, 2011 had been amazing, and I was able to go to not only to a lot of local destinations but to several countries as well.

     These are the places I visited in 2011:

Philippines

 1.  Baguio in May

2. Tagaytay in June and September

3.  Bataan in August

4.  Boracay in December

Asia 

 1.  Vietnam in March

2.   Taiwan in April

3.  Singapore and  Malaysia in June/July

      Obviously, I have not started writing about most destinations as listed. But I will really, really try my best to finish everything.  Hopefully.

     So, for now, thank you dear readers for putting up with me for the whole year!  Please bear with me for another year.

 

Melaka Adventures 2011: Day 1 - DIY Tour at St. Paul's Church

Yup, it's a lighthouse on the chapel's tower.

     Of course, by 2 p.m., I was looking more and more wasted.  It was hot and I looked like a roasting pig.  My mother wanted to buy souvenirs right away and I was like, "agad-agad?"  I mean, we just set foot in Malacca for no more than 2 hours and she wanted to go souvenir shopping right away.  But I wanted to take a nap and it was futile gallivanting around Melaka because the sun's rays were making me as red as the Dutch Square.  I eventually won, so we headed back to the hotel and I was able to take a bath and nap.

Melaka Adventures 2011: Day 1 - DIY Tour to the Dutch Square

     Melaka is everything I imagined it to be: steeped in history, vibrant, and beautiful. It truly deserves its inclusion in the UNESCO's World Heritage List.  History tells us the Straight of Malacca was a gateway for trade and commerce during colonial times.  With this, Malacca became a target of conquests and was colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.  Their presence shaped what is now known as Melaka, which assimilated with the local, as well as the Peranakan culture.  And this East-meets-West influence is evident in Melaka's architecture and edifices.

     A day trip to Melaka from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur is ample but an overnight stay is encouraged.  Although it is easy to navigate the streets, and one could round up most attractions in an afternoon, still, staying at one of the Peranakan heritage mansions-turned-inns/hotels in Melaka should not be missed.  It'll give you a glimpse of the past and a chance to immerse yourself with Peranakan culture, at least on the superficial level.  Aesthetically, these Peranakan hotels will most likely not disappoint.  

     Anyway, once we settled into our hotel, the Courtyard @ Hereen, we immediately got out into the streets in search for an ATM machine to withdraw some badly needed Malaysia currency.  Apparently, the nearest ATM is quite a walk away; at least 10 to 15 minutes on foot, past the "Welcome to Melaka" sign.  But it was the best place to start our walking DIY tour of Melaka.

    It was a Sunday so there were too many vehicles and the traffic was end-to-end.  Our first destination was just a few steps from the bank were we withdrew our money, the Church of Saint Francis Xavier. 

     This church is neo-gothic, with two tower spires.  It reminds me a little of Manila's famous gothic church, the Basilica of San Sebastian.  However, unlike the San Sebastian towers which has huge conical spires with little spires on the sides, there are only small conical spires at the topmost part of the towers of St. Francis Church.

     There is also another interesting fact about the St. Francis Church.  It seems to be leaning that no matter how hard I try to photograph it, it always look slanted.

See, it's a bit slanted.

          Just across the church is the "Welcome to Melaka" sign, the start of the red-hued buildings (light maroon of some sorts).

     We walked along the red corridor as shown above, since it was in the middle of the afternoon and therefore, hot, but it didn't take us long to reach the Dutch Square.

     If you don't like the color red, then you will have to set aside your color abomination and pretend that everything you see is not your least favorite color.  The red tones will be repeated throughout, up to the Stadthuys.  So, better buck up.

     The first of the red-hued buildings at the Dutch Square is the Youth Museum.  We didn't enter the museum.  I was not up for it, but I took photos of it outside.

     Up next is the Melaka Art Gallery which  is on the same building as the Youth Museum; only this one is facing the Queen Victoria fountain.  

     Beside the Art Gallery is the Christ Church of Melaka.  Unlike the Church of St. Francis Xavier which is Catholic, the Christ Church is Protestant (Anglican), and is red all-over outside.  Apparently, this was built in the 18th century, in 1753 as inscribed, by no less than the Dutch based on, well, Dutch architecture.  

     The Queen Victoria fountain lies in front of the Christ Church.  It was so, so good to sit around the fountain as it gave a quick cool-down; a relief from the humidity.  Many kids were playing in the fountain and I wanted to dip my feet in the cool waters, too.  Anyway, while the fountain is located in the Dutch Square, or Red Square, this one is Dutch.  Rather, it was built in commemoration of the Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee ascension to the British throne.

 See the Dutch windmill in the background?

Anyway, this kid seems to want to take a dip.

The tip of the fountain is so ornate and pretty!

     Of course, the Clock Tower is essential in this square so everyone will always know the time.  Yup, four clock-faces on all four sides.
   

     Just beside the Christ Church is another red-hued building, the famed Stadthuys.  As difficult to decipher its pronunciation, this building is imposing in itself with intimidating red walls and glaring white windows.  It is easier to refer to it as the Dutch town hall where the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor once resided than to say its Dutch name.

      Stadthuys is now a museum which charges a minimal fee.  We didn't go inside.  To reach the museum, just climb uphill and you will get a better view of the square and its surrounding areas.

     While the Dutch Square is packed with attractions and souvenir stalls and colorful-but-bordering-on -being-garishly-decorated rickshaws or pedicabs, it is considerably small.  Like this small.

     Over-all, the Dutch Square is littered with tourists, vendors and rickshaws on weekends but it remains impressive.  It is still a must see.

Melaka Adventures 2011: Day 1 - From Singapore to Melaka ,

      HAPPY NEW YEAR!

     This is my first post for 2012 and it is unbearably long for most, so do forgive me.

     One of the downsides at staying in Singapore is the high price for 4 and 5 stars accommodation.  As I have said a couple of posts back, I am willing to stay at cheaper hotels and hostels but not if I am travelling with my mother.  I mean, shouldn't we give our parents all the luxury and comfort we can afford?  However, with this mindset, I knew that I couldn't stay one night more at Singapore so I planned a side trip to Melaka, Malaysia.  Anyway, it was like hitting two birds in one stone: 1) I saved on accommodation; and 2) I was able to take my mother to two countries, not just one.

     Planning a side trip to Melaka, however, was a little stressful.  I mean, I had to pick from all sorts of coach services from Singapore to Melaka.  And there are many to choose from.  To help me narrow the options, I referred to this website, Journey Malaysia, which I also used in booking our coach service from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and back in 2008.  It has a list of bus operators not only for SG-Melaka, SG-Kuala Lumpur, but likewise for different regions within Malaysia and even to Brunei!  

     After carefully choosing and thoroughly researching, I settled with Luxury Tours & Travel since they offer an 8:00 am coach service to Melaka; one of the earliest.  I bought tickets via its website and I paid SGD 62 for two persons.  Believe me when I say that booking coach tickets in Malaysia going to Singapore is usually cheaper than booking the other way around.  In Malaysia, the price for a seat might be the same, say 31, but in Malaysian Ringgit.  The same is true booking train tickets between SG and Malaysia.

     My plan going to Melaka had a hitch.  I couldn't find a coach service that will leave Melaka around lunchtime going back to Singapore, prompting me to email a cancellation notice for our hotel in Melaka.  Most coaches I found leave Melaka after lunch, and that was back in late June 2011.  I was afraid of missing the check-in time for our flight back to Manila since most tour operators time the bus travel from 3 to 5 hours depending on border traffic.  But the staff at the Courtyard @ Hereen was helpful and booked us tickets for Melaka to Singapore for departure at 11:00 a.m.  The cost per ticket was RM 22 via Melaka 707 Express. Just now, I checked the Journey Malaysia website and saw that Delima Express now offers an 11:00 am bus trip to Singapore for SGD 16.80.

     So, everything was settled, and we went to Melaka without a hitch!  First, we took a cab from Resorts World to Concorde Hotel where the Luxury Tours & Travel is located. Then, we waited for our departure time and I was too happy to know that there were only a handful of us.  In choosing tickets, it's best to get the first seats in front if your coach to Malaysia is a double-decker.  Sitting in front gives one an unobstructed view.  For the weary ones, there's a tv; like an in-flight tv in front of your seat.  To hear the sounds, you have to rest your head against the seat.  Relaxed mode.

     What they wouldn't tell you, though, is that an hour of travel time is allocated for waiting in traffic for border crossing and departure/arrival procedures.  The buses lining to take passengers at  the immigration going out of Singapore were unbelievably numerous, creating a very long line.  Almost a kilometer; no joke.  There were at least 30 buses or even more waiting in line.  Good thing our bus driver was quick-witted.  He spoke with another Luxury Tours & Travel bus near the head of the line to let us board their bus so we'd finish faster.  We got an okay so our bus got out of line, moved towards the first bus, went down and raced along the highway on foot to catch the first bus.  It was a thrill, actually, with people on the other buses looking at us incredulously, wishing they could do the same.  They probably should have done the same since we got out fast at the immigration.  

 At the Immigration, Singapore

Buses going to Malaysia from Singapore

      We had to go back to our bus and we proceeded to the Malaysian Immigration where I found myself nervous since we had a biometric fingerprint scan (both index fingers).  I mean, they have a copy of my prints on their database, in digital form.  What if someone stole it for evil means?  Yes, I love fiction, and from my reasoning, I've read way too many international espionage movies, but really, I find the fingerprint scan a very strict security policy.  It was comforting, on second thought, but unnerving still.

     Anyway, we had a stopover for lunch and we ate Hainese chicken rice, which I found myself eating almost everyday while in Singapore and in Malaysia.  I think we had at least 30 to 40 minutes of stopover then it rained, like heavily, with the clouds all dark and ominous.  I thought we'd be having bad weather throughout the day but I was proven wrong.  When we arrived in Melaka, it was hot and humid.

     The bus deposited us in front of our hotel, the Courtyard @ Hereen since the driver and the guide were very helpful and it appeared that the hotel was on the way going out of Melaka.  Apparently, Melaka's roads are one-way on certain times of the week and the bus had to pass by there.  However, since it was traffic and the road was so, so narrow, we had to hustle going down.  Then it was bye-bye bus and hello, Courtyard @ Hereen!

Melaka traffic jam on a weekend