Planning our Trip to Legazpi-Donsol April 2012 (1)

My friends and I were thinking where we want to go this summmer. Our choices were somewhere north. Subic? Hhhhmm.. Anawangin, possible.. Or just somewhere near Metro Manila. Maan mentioned about Loreland Beach Resort in Antipolo.  Well ok... But we also thought of somewhere south of Luzon.  Somewhere in Bicol. Yes! Perfect! There are so many things in store for us. Volcano, beaches, seafoods, fireflies and butanding!  Ok, our next problem is how we will get there. Choices.
Rent a van. (around  PhP25K for 3 days all-in). 
PNR. Philippine National Railways.
There is Bicol Express (departs daily at 6:30 pm from Tutuban) and a newly-added services MLD (Mayon Limited Deluxe) and MLO (Mayon Limited Ordinary) which extends the train lines route from Naga, the currecnt destination, to Polangui and Ligao in Albay.  MLD and MLO have the same route but difffent configurations.  MLD have three-airconditioned coaches with executive reclining seats while MLO have 3-cars fitted with electric fan-ventilated coaches and non-reclining seats.  The one-way fare for MLD is PhP 716.00 for Naga and PhP 768.00 for Ligao while that of MLO is PhP 416.00 and PhP 491 for Naga and Ligao, respectively.  These additional services departs from Tutuban station at 8:30 PM and arrives in Naga at 5:45am, in Polangui at 6:50 am, in Ligao at 7:00 am the next day.
Below are the schedules and train stations:

(click image for a larger view)






Of course, there's the Bicol express which departs from Tutuban at an earlier time of 6:30 pm.
Detailed schedule below:

(click image for a larger view)

Bicol express fare:

(click image for a larger view)






You can contact the Reservations Desk thruTel. (+63-2) 319-0044 & 48 for booking.
Their online booking procedure is underway.
Well, we thought the running time of 10 hrs and 30 minutes will be too long.
So, we will just take the plane.  Fortunately, there is a promo fare at the time we were looking for a viable transportation to Legazpi.  We got a two-way fare promo from Manila-Legazpi-Manila for PhP 3,357.00/pax.  And running time is only 1 hr and 30 minutes.  Whew! That saves a lot of time.

Ok now. We have the plane ticket, yey.  I am now searching the net for our 3D/2N itinerary. Well, looks like it will be just 2D/1N because we will be leaving Legazpi early morning on our way back to Manila.

Links:
http://www.pnr.gov.ph/schedules.htm

June Festivals

June 12, 2011

Kawit, Cavite / Nationwide

113^th Philippines Independence Day

The re-enactment of the proclamation of Philippine Independence and flag raising at the balcony of the Aguinaldo mansion.

This year’s theme is : Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan

 Activities:

TBA

June 19, 2011

Calamba, Laguna / Nationwide

150^th Birth Anniversary of Jose Rizal

In memory of the birthday of Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero

This year’s theme is : Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan

Activities:To be posted...

Rizal Monument Photo Contest

.

Varekai

I have always wanted to watch Cirque de Soleil performances. At long last, they will be performing here in Manila! I think this is a great opportunity to watch there here in the Philippines. It is much better because you don't have to go outside the country to be able to watch their shows.

About Varekai

Varekai- an extraordinary world.  A world where something else is possible.  It means "wherever" in the Romany language.  This production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai.

Varekai's Acts

Flight of Icarus-a young man performs astounding dives and contortions in the net that holds him captive.

Water Meteors - With metal meteors attached to the ends, three young acrobats whirl ropes high above their heads.  They perform impressive acrobatic figures at the same time.

Triple Trapeze - Four young women perform a series of striking acrobatic moves, displaying grace, sensuality and impeccable timing from their trapeze on high.

Russian Swings -Acrobats are hurled high into the air,alighting on their partners’ crossed wrists or on a landing canvas which are propelled by two Russian swings. In feats of outstanding audacity, the acrobats even soar from one moving swing to the other.

Aerial Straps - Two flyers suspended by wrist straps glide gracefully above the stage, performing original acrobatic figures in a synchronized display of precision and power. With a double strap, the two artists meld midair, becoming one in a series of striking acrobatic silhouettes.

Handbalancing on canes- a young woman balances on a series of strategically placed canes.

Aerial hoop- A young woman performs a series of movements while suspended high above the stage or flying through the air on her hoop.

Slippery surface (Body skating): Darting and sliding on a specially designed surface, the artists fling and catch each other, creating an illusion of skating.

Icarian games-

An ancient discipline of the circus arts rarely seen in today’s contemporary circus culture, returns to centre stage. Steeped in tradition, this act is generally presented by members of the same family. In tribute to this custom, the Icarians along with other acrobats synthesize in this spectacular display of human juggling. The human body becomes catapult and catcher in an elaborate, explosive and highly choreographed presentation of strength, balance and agility.

Georgian Dance - This act takes its inspiration from a long tradition of resistance in the Republic of Georgia, where inhabitants took to battle with numerous invaders over the centuries. The movements of the dancers recall the Georgians’ struggles against powers that sought to dominate their land. Endurance, precision and more than a hint of frenzy mark this act.

Juggling - A juggling virtuoso, manipulates bowling pins, soccer balls, hats and ping-pong balls with his hands, feet, head and even his mouth.

Clowns - No circus show would be complete without clowns! Joanna and Steven amuse the audience with an act that’s simply absurd.

Ticket Prices

                             Seat Plan

 What is Tapis Rouge?
      Tapis Rouge offers a warm welcome and generous hospitality in a unique, surprising, and playfully inventive setting dedicated only to your enjoyment.

      One hour before the show and during intermission, Tapis Rouge takes you in the sensational world of Cirque du Soleil.


     The Tapis Rouge VIP experience includes:

•       Preferred Seating
•       Reserved Parking
•       Access to the Tapis Rouge suite via an exclusive entrance one hour before the show and during intermission.
•       An array of mouth-watering hors d' oeuvres, fine wines and refreshments followed by desserts during intermission.
•       Unique multimedia entertainment and original music in a stunning decor with a relaxed atmosphere.
•        A Tapis Rouge souvenir
•        A souvenir program
•        Priority purchasing of Cirque du Soleil merchandise in the Tapis Rouge Boutique.
•        Private restrooms and terrace.

 Show Schedules

Children

The children's discount applies to children 2 to 12 years old. Children under 2 years old are permitted to attend for free, but must remain seated on a parent's lap at all times.

Children are not permitted to be left unattended on the site of Cirque du Soleil. Tickets purchased for children must have an adult seated beside.

Senior Citizens

Are there senior citizen discounts?

Yes. There is a 20% discount for citizens of the Philippines who are at least 60 years of age. Please refer to the terms and conditions below in order to avail of the discount.

How can one avail of senior citizen discounts?

Upon payment of the desired ticket online, the senior citizen's discount will be given in the form of a cash rebate at the Cirque du Soleil Box Office / Ticketing Counter on site. Please note that the discount may only be redeemed on the date of the chosen Varekai show indicated on the purchased ticket of the senior citizen availing of the discount.

In addition, the 20% senior citizen discount is only for the benefit of the senior citizen and will not be given to the senior citizen's companions or other family members.

Here is the step-by-step procedure on how to avail of the 20% senior citizen discount:

1) On the day of the senior citizen's chosen Varekai show as specified on the purchased ticket online, proceed to the Cirque du Soleil Box Office / Ticketing Counter on site.
2) Fill up the necessary form indicating the name of the senior citizen, age, gender, address, date of birth and serial number of the purchased ticket or voucher.
3) Present the original senior citizen's identification card issued by the Head Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
4) Authorized Cirque du Soleil or Hoopla, Inc. representatives will verify the authenticity of the presented senior citizen's ID.
5) Upon verification of eligibility, the said representatives will then issue the corresponding cash refund.
6) Senior citizens will then affix their signature on the refund form to acknowledge receipt of the cash rebate.

-Convenience fees and delivery fees apply.

( Photos and some content taken from Cirque du Soleil website)

Links:

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

http://www.hoopla.ph/

  

 

The Day I Started My Own Blog

Why Blog?
I used to write my thoughts in a personal journal.
It's just an ordinary paper notebook.
Now, I'm going high tech!
I am writing my thoughts in a so called "blog" using a
gadget called notebook
where you don''t need a ball point pen.
But I guess it's much more complicated.
You need an internet connection,
you need to log-in to a "portal" where you will compose your blog.

Still figuring out my how my blog site will look like..
what "gadgets" will I add..
What will I write next?

This is my first post. :)