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