Philippine Travel Notes

Hmm, with that title am starting to sound like a textbook hehe! I better be, if only for us travelers to start realizing (and perhaps tell other travelers) what should and should not be present for us to enjoy a pesky bus ride to wherever. And I take pleasure in picking the bus system inside Bonifacio Global City (BGC) also called Fort Bonifacio, also called The Fort, and at least one of you I know insists I call it Taguig. Sus! Anyway, I have lately been a constant passenger of these buses inside the fort, not because I like them but because I have no choice! Ikaw na tumira sa condo unit na walang kalakip na parking slot where you pay hefty sums for a mere few hours of parking in the very same building where you live hehe! I have observed time and again though, that in general, getting into and out of these buses are very orderly compared to anywhere else in this country. And to think, most passengers that ride these buses are youngsters who work at call centers, BPOs and other corpor

I had already a rough note on this topic re my hectic 1 week stay in Metro Manila (golly, I now consider myself a visitor) with that “smoking ban” in place. However, recent news have 'again' superseded me, so I had to make some little tweaks here and there in what I had to say. So, puffing travelers, listen up and listen well esp if you’re going to Metro Manila. Ban As far as I can remember, at least in QC, smoking has been banned in enclosed public places as early as before I finished college. Hint: si Cory ang commencement speaker namin (her first ever), so you’ll know how long it has been. Smoking Usually refers to people who puff cigarettes and cigars. It does not consider the smoke belching buses, cars, trucks and even private vehicles ALL OVER Metro Manila. Hey, do I hear anyone mentioning Baguio? OMG yes! It does not also consider your neighbors even as far as three blocks away burning trash that they have just swept from their yard – composed mostly of plastic b

I have been a regular in this place when I was still a Metro Manila resident (which was not long ago yet). I love the “ambulance” (ambiance) and the proximity to convenient cheap eatables without being inside a mall but just steps away from it. Add in the nostalgic loyalty that once in my life, for most of my college life at Diliman anyway, Trellis has been my favorite hang-out for food and drinks, over at their original branch behind the City Hall. So, a fortnight ago or so, I was happy to learn that a high-school friend decided to host some quick get together a.k.a his birthday celebration at the restaurant. Yep, at the Market Market area inside Bonifacio Global City. All was fine with me, until we ordered beer! And for whatever wrath the heavens may have cast upon earth that evening… it seemed everything was directed to ensure my discomfort and inconvenience. Ah, I cant think of a ‘better negative term’, if at all there is such a thing. But yes, the kalangitan seemed to have

There has been that debate on the MRT fares for a time now, right? And I even had my take on that in this note , remember? Well, here is a real deal experience… I enjoyed a fine dinner with family over at Cyma in Trinoma. And after that, I told everyone (we’re all from different parts of QC) I’d be fine going home to my temporary abode of 1 week over at BGC. Even boasted that the MRT and the Fort Bonifacio Buses were a great and convenient combination. Alas, When I reached the North Avenue Station, the last train had just departed. Damn! So, I went down to EDSA and looked for a bus that would take me to Makati. There was plenty, and I even had a hard time choosing what I thought was cleanest and most comfortable. Still too many choices, so I hopped on one that had a lot of window seats vacant. Nice looong trip. It was like flying from Manila to Taipei – in terms of time consumed, I mean, when it was just from Trinoma to SM Makati. BUT, the fare was P35. Yes, THIRTY FIVE PESOS when that

If there was that extra “S” in Bicol , it has gone a missing from the 'CUSTOMER' over at the SM Food Court – in Makati, no less! Oh well…

What do you do when you seem to have had enough, and getting bored at your usual TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) drinking sprees with officemates? I don’t know with you, but as for me, I observed around and asked my people what it is/was that they’re fond about outside of the office. And I discovered two of the boys enjoy and religiously monitor the horse races. Of course they’re not concerned about the horses per se; they are fond of betting on which number will come out so they can rake in some winnings! Thus, one Friday evening we went to watch how this thing is done the Filipino way and where! Of course that was partly because, in there (as advised by our suddenly excited colleagues), we can still grab our “beer of preference” plus that fabled fried chicken cooked “Savory Style” – oh yes, your fathers will remember that famous restaurant. Target venue: The Sta. Ana Racetrack in Makati! Warning and reminder: If you think this is just another so-so place, jump to the last three paragrap

Yes, that is the Philippine National Railways’ good old and almost forgotten service, the Metro-Tren (or however this government wants to call it now). We all know it is still there, and we all know it may still be there for years to come, but has anyone of you taken that ride lately? Hmm, am almost sure of the majority’s answer! So I did go for a ride once again after almost three decades – if only for me to say that I have taken that ride recently! Hint: while you can read in many news articles that the government is upgrading this service into a more “acceptable” conveyance, as of now this is a “take-it-or-leave-it” mode of transportation. With that, I mean, for majority of commuters, you either muster the courage to ride in it or go via another mode. We’ll get to the specifics as I go on… Decided to start my “starlight express” tour at the Pasay Road Station since that is what I have seen most of my lowly life. The station is old since it has already been there for as long as I can