Hatsune Miku, Japan's 3D Hologram Rock Star

Do you believe that the newest rockstar in Japan is a hologram! Her name is 'Hatsune Miku'. She is a 3D animated hologram whose voice is power by a singing synthesizer application.

Miku has a long blue-green hair and likes to wear in pigtail. Her costume matches the school girl. She is a sining, digital avator created by the Japanese technology firm, Crypton Future Media that consumers can purchase and then program to perform any song on a computer.

She is a Vocaloid's voice syntesizer (a software that generates sounding sining by simply typing in the lyrics and music notes) The vocaloidism blog has more details about the software.

She performed her first 'live' concert in 2009 and has also traveled to Singapore on tour.

Hatsune Miku is a rising star in japan and across East asia. A few months ago, a 3D projection of Miku pranced around several stadium stages as part of a concert tour. Around 25,000 fans who fill stadium to watch her don't care that she isn't flesh and blood. Clazed fans have been buying all the tickets to her live concerts, which are presented with a 3D holographic technology.

A Moonlight Adventure with the Maiden of the Sea

Upon purchasing a P500 worth of ticket and a few hours of tour at the Oceanarium, we left the park at around 3pm and went back at 6:30 pm for the Maiden of the Sea. We were greeted by a line of excited groups, mostly with families and friends. I later realized it is an outdoor show. Having no clue of what to expect, I began imagining some cunning dolphin performances. At the entrance, we were given some disposable raincoats and were instructed to wear it during the show. Boy was I excited, there’s going to be some cool splashes after all!

 

Manila Ocean Park’s newest addition to its list of attractions, Acquatica is now open to public and its latest feature, “The Maiden of the Sea”.

Maiden of the Sea premiers at the Acquatica of Manila Ocean Park

Some few minutes before the show, we were surprise by a cluster of towering water fountains making its initial splash, giving us an obvious clue of what the raincoats are for. We hurriedly put those on!

And so the show begins with enchanting nature music, green shaft of lights and an impressive voice over. A group of young performers entered its way on the stage and started singing and dancing. Aha! A musical outdoor play! The story of The Maiden of the Sea is about a kingdom that has done harm to Mother Earth and was punished. Little kids will surely love the cast, aside from the "human" performers, what makes this show really appealing are the singing deep sea cartoon characters revealed brilliantly thru a 3D hologram with the help of some giant water screens. Well that speaks high-tech!

Watch this finale part of the Manila Ocean Park's Maiden of the Sea. You can view more scenes at youtube. It is a happy ending by the way!

Maiden of the Sea

After 30 minutes, we left our seats fortunately still dry. The pyro effects, the lights, the cute 3D characters, gigantic water fountains and the energy of the whole performance are all but amazing. I highly recommend Maiden of the Sea for families wanting to see a different kind of fun outdoor musical.   Hungry for food, we went back to the mall and had our dinner at the Makansutra.

Japan: A 3D Hologram that can sing. In Live Concert: Videos. Amazing Tech.

WorldWideTech. Francisco De Jesús.

Her name is Hatsune Miku. "She" an avatar, is actually a vocaloid, a program that synthesizes human speech to the point that it can sing.

A singing computer program, using holographic technology.

You can clearly see the  cyber-anime lass strutting her stuff as she's projected live onto a glass screen.

Hatsume Miku - World is Mine Live in HD

Hatsune Miku is a rising star in Japan and abroad, singing catchy J-pop that matches her blue-green hair. She's also a virtual avatar created by Crypton Media using Yamaha's Vocaloid voice synthesizer. That hasn't stopped her from amassing a legion of fans who really love her work. I mean really love it. Check out the crowd frantically waving glow-sticks and singing along...

Philippine Travel Mart's Opening: My Cheap Steal!

I have been anticipating this year's Philippine Travel Mart not only to get some good loads of DOT brochures and be aquainted on new destinations to watch out hopefully offering local adaptation of jamaica villas and istanbul holiday apartments that I'm longing to experience but also to check out different travel agencies like what I did during last year's PTM. This year I promised myself to get a good deal of tour packages for my scheduled travels in the coming months.

I arrived around 11am on it's opening day with a faintly body and quite a weak lungs as I have been sick for quite a few days and hasn't fully recovered yet. But I just can't afford to miss its opening day so I still pushed through. There are three important things not to be missed. First is my sister's Zest Air plane ticket for her return flight from Kalibo that must be booked exactly on our flight trip as well. Next would be an affordable  3 days 2 night accommodation for our Boracay trip. Lastly would be a tour package and rent out favorably villas in menorca type of accommodation for my Palawan trip next year along with mom, uncle and his wife. 

Booking for my sister's flight was quite fast and easy. Although not much of a discount (just Php500 cheaper compared to their rates online). I read a lot of people were quite disappointed that no airline company really gave out some big promos as compared to last year.

My uncle (joining me for my Palawan trip) was there for the PTM as well. We first scouted every booth in Palawan area hoping to find that one irresistible deal. After checking the first few booths, we stopped to see a couple of displayed photos and few minutes after, found ourselves talking to a man who we later found out is a tourism officer from Palawan's City Government, Mr. Rene Baylon. He enthusiastically talked to us about the many wonders of Palawan and the huge possibility of the upcoming outburst of tourists after the official announcement of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (yes we have a big chance to bag the title). He also told us about the new discoveries inside the Underground river such as crystal formations and a well-preserved fossil of a sea mammal of the Miocene Age. Wanting to know more, we grabbed that opportunity to ask as many questions as we could, of which he effortlessly replied. Thank God we found the right person to satisfy our inquiries.

Just a short minute after we parted ways, our eyes sparkled at the Php3,800 promo package. The lady manning the booth got our interests very quickly, however as we inquired about payment options, we found out that we have to pay everything on the spot or till the last day of the exhibit. The total package amounting to Php15,200 (good for 4). Our scheduled trip would still be next year so we obviously walked out that deal. The next booth however is selling a much lower package - Php2,500 but with no Honda Bay Tour.

But after doing the math with the travel agent adding the island hopping tour, she also gave us Php3,800 package/pax deal but good thing is, she allowed us to just pay 10% of the total package which is Php1500 and to just pay the 50% balance a month before the scheduled trip and the remaining balance when we get to Palawan. Now that I consider a good steal! The package includes roundtrip transfers from airport to the newly opened Marianne Pension Inn, 3D2N accommodation with breakfast, City Tour with snacks (Crocodile Farm, Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, Binuatan Weaving Center, Immaculate Cooncepcion Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, Baywalk, Iwahig Penal Farm and Butterfly Garden Souvenir Shop), Underground River Tour with Buffet Lunch, Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour with lunch, Travel Insurance, Licensed Tour Guide. No airfare included, but our plane tickets were all booked during Cebu Pacific's Piso Fare so that is another steal.

I wasn't able to get an affordable room rates for our Boracay trip. Guess I would just book when we get there. This year's PTM was bigger compared to last year's. More effort were given to showcase each region's offerings (costumes and free tastes, grander booths and more brochures) and a bigger venue.

Below are some photos captured during the said event:

cultural arts performance for the Folkloric Dance Competition 

New DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez at the 22nd Philippine Travel Mart

former DOT secretary Mark Lapid at the PTM

Participants

2011 Philippine Travel Mart: Schedule of Activities

September 2, 2011 (Friday)
8:15AM - 8:30AM     Ceremonial Opening (Entrance of Hall 3)
8:30AM - 9:30AM     Opening Program (stage Area)
9:30AM - 10:30AM   Foot Parade (Halls 3 and 4)
10:30AM-11:00AM   Presentation from the Department of Tourism (Stage Area)
11:00AM-11:30AM   Presentation from Philippine Airlines (Stage Area)
12:00NN-12:45PM    Presentation from the Department of Tourism (Stage Area)
12:00NN-05:00PM    Biyahe Info (Function Room 1)
12:45PM-01:00PM    Presentation from Citibank
01:00PM-01:30PM    Presentation from the Primer Group of Companies (Stage Area)
01:30PM-02:00PM    Presentation from TIEZA (Stage Area)
02:00PM-02:30PM    Presentation from Philippine Airlines (Stage Area)
03:00PM-08:00PM    Folkloric Dance Competition -College Level (Stage Area)

September 3, 2011 (Saturday)
9:55AM-11:00AM     Tourism Quiz Bee (Stage Area)
11:15AM-12:15PM    La Union Hour (Stage Area)
12:15PM-12:45PM    Presentation from the Primer Group of Companies (Stage Area)
01:00PM-02:00PM    Presentation from Province of Davao (Stage Area)
02:00PM-02:30PM    Presentation from TIEZA (Stage Area)
02:30PM-03:00PM    Presentation from Philippine Airlines (Stage Area)
03:00PM-04:00PM    Presentation from Province of Palawan (Stage Area)
04:00PM-04:45PM    Presentation from the Department of Tourism (Stage Area)
05:30PM-08:00PM    Bituin ng Kasuotang Pilipino (Stage Area)

September 4, 2011 (Sunday)
09:00PM-10:00AM    Thanksgiving Mass (Stage Area)
10:15AM-12:00NN    Folkloric Dance Competition -HS Level (Stage Area)
12:00NN-12:30PM     Presentation from TIEZA (Stage Area)
12:30PM-03:00PM     Echo Chorale Competition-HS Level (Stage Area)
03:00PM-03:15PM     Ensogo Raffle (Stage Area)
03:30PM-04:15PM     Echo Chorale Competition-College Level (Stage Area)
04:15PM-04:30PM     Presentation from the Primer Group of Companies (Stage Area)
04:30PM-06:00PM     Echo Chorale Competition-College Level/ Announcement of Echo Chorale Competition Winners/ Awarding of Winners/ Presentation of Winners (Cultural Show and Echo Chorale) (Stage Area)
06:00PM onwards       Closing Ceremonies / Unveiling of the 23rd PTM Theme (Stage Area)              

22nd Philippine Travel Mart

Less than a month more to go and travel enthusiasts will reunite once again for the annual Philippine Travel Mart organized by Philtoa, an organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism. This year, PTM goes on its highly successful BIYAHE SALE NG BAYAN! A once-in-a-year OFFER that makes great adventures, trips and tours, bonding time with family and corporate outings so much more affordable! Great opportunity to book and buy tours, hotel accommodations, airfares, seafares, adventure tours and packages, health and wellness packages, travel packages to any destination in the Philippines generating tremendous turn-out of visitors and buyers! 22nd Philippine Travel Mart  will be using the Department of Tourism's Island Getaways as the official banner of Sale ng Bayan.

Cebu Pacific's booth during the 21st Philippine Travel Mart

Please take note that Day One, from 10am to 12pm, PTM will be open exclusively to corporate buyers. Foreign buyers as well as local corporate buyers and business associations are given the chance to visit, meet the exhibitors in PTM on an exclusive basis. The fair opens to the general public during lunch.

This 2011, Philippine Travel Mart will run from September 2-4 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

I've been waiting for this expo some few months back as I've already secured plane tickets (thanks to Cebu Pacific's Piso Sale) set to Boracay, Gensan and Palawan. I'm hoping I could get some cheap steals of tour packages because I'll be traveling with mom and I think a planned tour would be perfect for her. I only do D-I-Y's for solo or barkada trips.

So if you've been saving some bucks for your much needed travel escapades, now's the best time to be on the expo and better be there early because as far as my past experiences is concerned, thousands will be there! Check out last year's 21st Philippine Travel Mart where a whopping 143,535 people registered. So be armed and be informed. Now go Google your dream destination! :)

check out more of Phil. Travel Mart at Philtoa's website

Manila Ocean Park Mid-Year Savers Promo

Sharing with you another promo from Manila Ocean Park, Mid-Year Savers. Now families and friends can enjoy a package of 3 to 4 attractions with savings up to Php170 to Php250. Attractions include Sea Lion Show, Oceanarium, Fish Spa, Jellies and Glass Bottom Boat Ride.

This promo will run from July 9 to October 9, 2011.

Remembering Davao

Generally, when we hear the word Davao, first thing that comes to mind is Mt. Apo, Philippine's highest mountain, and the sweet smelly Durian. I first stepped into Davao during the 90's when my parents decided to land at Davao Airport instead of the usual GenSan route. It was the first year the clan decided to celebrate a grand reunion at the family's property in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. From Davao Airport, we went straight to Seagull Beach Resort where we had an overnight stay. I remember that drizzly night when mom woke me up because we all needed to transfer at a much higher ground because the sea water is gradually rising, it nearly touches the inside of the stilt cottage where we were staying.

Davao's Seagull Beach Resort during the 90's

Davao was also the first province that made me taste the variation of garlic and buttered chicken. For a then 11 year old like me who knew nothing about fried chicken other than Jollibee's chicken joy version, it was a mouthful delight and a wonderful young foodie experience. Garlic and butter chicken has then since became my favorite chicken dish.

Fast forward 2008 during my first solo trip to the province, my aunt and uncle tagged me along for a butt tiring 4 hour road trip from Koronadal to Davao. We ate our brunch at Kuya Ed enjoying an "eat all you can" for only Php99! This is definitely something a Manila bred girl can appreciate - good food for a good price!

Davao: Kuya Ed

Later that day, I met up with my cousin Charlene who was taking up Law at Ateneo de Davao. She gladly toured me (the La Sallian) inside her school (no competition!).

Ateneo de Davao University

Strolling along the main streets of Davao is far beyond compare if you get yourself stuck in the streets of Manila for one obvious reason, Davao city is CLEAN. The air is clean, the water is clean...the place in general is clean, no wonder it was awarded as "The Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines" (Highly urbanized category).  

The Marco Polo

We both met our uncle and aunt at People's Park situated at the very heart of the city. It's open for public, free of charge. One thing distinct about this park is that it boasts  large sculptures made by the Mindanaon artist Kublai Millan representing indigenous groups in Southern Mindanao. I wished I could have stayed long enough to see and admire its lights during the night.  

People's Park: sculpture made by Kublai Millan

The photos below were captured by my younger brother who just happened to tour the rest of Davao last month (inggit mode!) Let me share a few of those pictures here:

Deca Wakeboard Park

Samal Island

Monfort Bat Cave

more photos at The Walking Tripod

I really want to see Davao again. I heard a lot of new interesting places to explore and activities to enjoy. Hopefully on my next Mindanao trip...

South Cotabato: T'nalak Festival 2011 Schedule

Experience the grandest showcase of rich cultural fabrics of Southern Mindanao with the upcoming T'nalak Festival 2011 this July 12 - 18, 2011.

T'boli Women wearing t'nalak

I've seen the festival twice, the solo trips I made during 2008 and 2010 made me love my province even more. It was truly a fascinating experience being immersed in the rich living heritage and colorful spectrum of Philippine culture, cuisine and crafts.


For those who will be going to the festival, expect to see interesting exhibits (feast your eyes with amazing crafts, indigenous plants and beadworks and make sure you bring home souvenir pieces), the food (get ready to savor on the local's freshest produce especially the infamous durian) and all those nights of parties, competitions and pageantries that makes the week long celebration uniquely Mindanaoan in spirit.

T'nalak Fabrics

Get ready to experience festival that brings locals and tourists together. 

tentative schedule (source)

July 12:
Ceremonial Opening (Regional Trade Expo 2011,South Cotabato Agro Industrial Fair 2011 and Battle of the Band/Beerfest) 

July 13:
Opening Parade
Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Street Dancing Competition
T'nalak Festival Opening Program (Field Mass Dance Competition, Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Street Dancing Showdown)
Cheerdance Competition

July 14:
Photographer's Day (Workshop, Photo Competition and Exhibit)
South Cotabato Calvacade of Songs and Dance

July 15:
Indoor and Outdoor Sports Events
Concert

July 16:

Motocross
Mutya ng South Cotabato

July 17:
Motocross
Dayon sa South Cotabato - A Night with the Governor (Balikbayan Night)

July 18:
T'nalak Festival Parade: (Madal Be' Lan, Kasagayan A Lalan)
T'nalak Festival Anniversary Program: (Street Dancing Competition)
Hip Hop Competition
Disco sa Kalye (Sinadya sa Dalan)
Luces in the Sky

continuing events:
July 12-18 Hip Hop Competition
July 4-18 South Cotabato Regional Trade Expo
July 13-16 Seket Kuda (Horse Fighting)
July 14-18 Bahay Kubo Competitions
July 15-17 Marbel Practical Shooting Association
July 12-18 Battle of the Bands/Beerfest
July 12-18 Indoor and Outdoor Sports Event

View last year's event: T'nalak Festival 2010 Photos and Video

So if you think as if no time is ever right to visit Mindanao, I say forget the nightly news, book a flight down south and come enjoy the T'nalak Festival. 

Fun Summer Rides at Splash Island

To make up for the lost leisure time in our recent Pagudpod trip, we decided to continue our water adventure this time at Splash Island.

Some few weeks ago, I treated my recently graduated siblings and cousin to some good Splash Island adventure, the largest water park in the Philippines. With help from Ebay's kuponan, I was able to secure tickets between 50-70% discount! Hurray to Ebay and Splash Island for that budget friendly summer gift. 

Splash Island video

Regular tickets cost about Php500 but I was able to buy a ticket worth Php250 including bbq meal for me and 3 student tickets worth Php150 only! True enough, nothing compares to the thrill of finding a steal :) I told my friend MC regarding Ebay's  uber low offer and secured her tickets as well.

Splash Island is just a swift 20 minute ride from our house but surprisingly, it's my first time to see the place! Trying to avoid a heavy crowd, we went there on a weekday and wholla, 24 buses all filled with Jollibee employees and their families welcomed us at the entrance. I got a bit upset but there's nothing much we can do. Then the initial dismay was instantly changed to excitement as we were greeted by groups of Polynesian dancers.

Splash Island Polynesian dancers

Before trying to look for a cool spot to stay, we secured our valuables at their locker area (Php100 fee per locker). MC tied the keychain into her right arm throughout the day making it much easier for us getting and putting our things back and forth.

Splash Island - Balsa River

Luckily, we were able to get a long table near Agos Grandes as most of the tables were already occupied by Jollibee employees, ugh! These tables are free but they also have open and airconditioned huts that are priced Php500-Php600/day. Immediately after applying the much needed sunblock, we dipped ourselves to the Balsa River (schedule: 8am-5pm) since it's the first attraction to open. It's good for those chilax moments where you just basically put yourself on top of a balsa and let the water current control your flow.

After the gentle drift, we armed ourselves for our first real ride of the day - the Tausug Trails.

This attraction schedules to open between 10:30am-12pm and 2:30-3:30pm. Before going up the stairs, you need to bring with you the rubber balsa that seats 2 people. We lined up just to get these balsas and carried them all the way to the top! Whew, stress! We took off from the left side and I partnered with MC's mom. It was a fun enjoyable ride, nothing really scary but there's still the adrenaline rush. It's a good thrill ride even for adults who are scared to try other rides.

balsas of Tausug Trails

I rode on the Tausug Trails twice with my youngest sister on the second attempt. Afterwards we braved the waves of Agos Grandes. And since there were crowds of swimmers everywhere, it was crazy fun with those in the middle part of the giant pool having the time of their life laughing and splashing those riding the zipline crossing the Harbor and Agos Grande. Of course there are the big waves that we find it difficult to get into the 3ft, imagine that's just 3ft! Also with the sand to warm your feet, it definitely felt like swimming in the beach! Plus the music played by a live band really gave that outdoor summery feel, totally love it, pool party it is!

Behaved Agos Grandes with zipline above

The waves in Agos Grande can be enjoyed between 9am-10:30am, 1:30pm-2:30pm and 4:30-5pm. 

Then comes lunch time! MC and I took care of each of our family's meals and bought each one 2 sticks of barbeque and plain rice priced at Php70 with bottles of water at Php40. Right after lunch the younger ones wanted to ride the Magellan's drop. I said no since they've just finished eating and that they might upset their stomach. Alas, they're just too excited to even heed my advice.  So off they went to Magellan's Drop while we contended ourselves roaming around the park. Few minutes after, we decided to ride the Big Bam Boo, specifically the shortest but scariest among the 3 tubes, and oh boy it was "the ride" where I blurted out my most powerful scream! The shortest but loudest Aaaagh!!! *Splash*

Big Bam Boo

Big Bam Boo is a covered tunnel that slides straight to the pool, made me remember my Jungle Log Jam Ride at Enchanted Kingdom where it felt like my soul dived much faster than my body! Big Bam Boo is open between 10:30am-12pm and 2-30pm-3:30pm.

After that quick scary drop, we walked straight to the most famous and highest solo ride in Splash Island, the Magellan's Drop. I was so damn scared at first, the look of having to drop face first really gave me the cringe. However, when I started going down, it actually felt fun! I truly enjoyed the slide. I just didn't realize beforehand the splashes to hit my face while going down for I was wearing my contacts then. Thankfully they never left my eyes, lol! 

Splash Island's Magellan's Drop

Magellan's Drop is open between 12pm-1:30pm and 3:30pm-4:30pm.

Then off to our next ride, the Rio Montañosa. However, we delayed the ride upon seeing the long queue so we decided to have a short merienda instead! :) Prior to the change of management, there were the big players like Jollibee and Kenny Rogers but now grilled Bbq meals can be seen almost anywhere. The Fiesta sa Pulo houses Tiki Island Grill, Sizzlers, Mongolian Buffett and other stalls where you can buy siomai, nachos, ice scramble, Purefood hotdog sandwiches etc.

After a short stroll and some few dips in Agos Grandes and Balsa River, we headed back to our much anticipated ride, the Rio Montañosa. Since it was nearing past 4pm, getting in line was a breeze, literally and figuratively as there were just 3 groups ahead of us and getting on top literally gave us that chill from the cold air breeze! And so 5 of us braved the heights and the spin, the ride was something both families and barkada thrill seekers can truly enjoy.  Tawa lang kami ng tawa pero nahilo pa din ako after! Then back for the second round! May 3rd round pa sana since wala naman ng line pero we have to stop as we needed to change since we asked to be fetch at exactly 6pm.

way to Magellan's Drop, King Pilipit and Rio Montañosa

Rio Montañosa is open between 12pm-1:30pm and 3:30pm-4:30pm.

There were a couple of rides and attraction I didn't try like the Water Wahoo and Curl of the Orient since they're intended for kids and the King Pilipit dahil feeling ko mahihilo lang ako dun, lol! My siblings enjoyed King Pilipit the best but also said Big Bam Boo was the scariest - I couldn't agree more!

The only thing we didn't like about Splash Island was the little flow of water in the shower area, probably because it's near closing time, but I'm not sure. The sunset provided a dramatic backdrop in Agos Grandes as the Polynesian dancers swing their body to the beat for the last time.

We left Splash Island with an unforgettable wet and wild experience. The red sunburn it left me was definitely worth it, haha! Thank you Splash Island, the smile and grin I had on my face was such a precious souvenir. Memorable talaga mga rides niyo! 

more photos at The Walking Tripod

Splash Island is located at Southwoods Ecocentrum in Binan, Laguna and opens at 8am-6pm.

North Luzon: Travel Video

Let me share with you this travel video to end our North Luzon series. Our beloved Philippines is indeed blessed with fantastic sceneries and it's inspiring me more to go on further adventures and experience our country's majestic outdoors. We had fun feel good getaway and it shows in the video :)

5 Day Itinerary: North Luzon Road Trip Adventure

This is an overview of the specific places we've been to during our 5 day North Luzon trip.

Day 1: Baguio day tour (Part 1)

• Burnham Park
• Session Road
• Baguio Cathedral
• Good Taste
• Botanical Park
• Wright Park
• The Mansion
• Mines View Park
• Good Shepherd

Day 2: Baguio day tour (Part 2)

with Leah and MC at Tam-awan Village, Baguio

• Tam-awan Village
• Arko ni Apo
• BenCab Museum: On Meeting the Master
• O' Mai Khan
• Visiting Bell Church
• Fresh Strawberry Harvest
• Lourdes Grotto

Day 3: Baguio to Vigan

Sam Milby on Samsung's float during Grand Float Parade

• Enjoying Grand Float Parade of Panagbenga Festival
• Hello Vigan

Day 4: Vigan - Laoag - Pagudpod

day trippers with the Bengal Tiger of Baluarte

• Simbaan a Bassit
• Crisologo Museum
• Heritage Village
• Baluarte
• Pagburnayan
• Bantay Bell Tower and Church
• St. Paul Cathedral
• Pagudpod

Day 5: Pagudpod to Laoag to Manila

morning at Pagudpod

• Morning Swim at Saud Beach
• Sinking Bell Tower
• Laoag Airport
• NAIA Terminal 3

It's fun doing this North Luzon itinerary with your group of friends - celebrating the youthful spirit of outdoor travel, enjoying the rush of getting out, moving on, going far and away. On tight Budget? Click here to read my travel tips on where you can save during a North Luzon Trip.

North Luzon: 5 Cities, 5 Days for only Php5,000

There must have been something amusing about the number 5 during my recent out of town trip. Working harder for my annual pension plan payment, I was geared to be wearing my tipid mode hat for this 5 day trip up north. Luckily, I ended up using less than my target budget. With only Php5,000 this trip covers Baguio, Benguet, Vigan, Laoag and Pagudpud leg with the Panagbenga Festival Grand Float Parade as the trip’s highlight. So how in the world did I manage to work within that budget? Here are my saving tips for those planning to travel to North Luzon:

Instead of staying in expensive hotels or resorts, choose to stay in transient homes/homestay, especially if you'll be out touring the vicinity most of the time.

Hotels in Baguio are expensive, especially during the Panagbenga season. We stayed at a house with a newly built basement that they rent to tourists. It has 3 rooms with common kitchen, sala, dining, heater, utensils and a water dispenser. We paid Php300/pax per night. We have the whole studio type basement all to ourselves. The place is clean and has nice homey touch. It’s so new that we were told we were the second visitors to rent the place. Plus the owners were also very welcoming and friendly and the house is a few steps away from Lourdes Grotto.

Dadapilan

Hotels in Vigan can range from Php2,600+  for a room good for 4. We stayed overnight in Dadapilan, an ancestral house recommended by my cousin's friend where we rented 2 rooms and paid about Php300 each with breakfast included. The house is a tourist spot in itself, showcasing old and antique furniture and pictures of the prominent family who actually owned the house. (Update: Ate Malot clarified that the house is not open as a homestay business). We were just lucky to have someone know someone in Vigan. :)

Rlyn's Homestay

Resort rates in Pagudpud that are good for 4 are priced as much as Php5,000+ during peak season. Good thing ate Malot of Dadapilan recommended Rlyns Homestay. We asked tricycle drivers if they know the place and good thing they do. Their rooms are priced at Php1000 per night (with breakfast served) and could accommodate up to 4 in each room. I think they have 5 available rooms (some with aircon). We stayed at a non-aircon room with a double size bed and 1 double deck bed and it's still pretty much airy at night. We didn't miss the aircon as we had enough of the chill in Baguio. We asked if they could prepare us meal for dinner since there weren't really much affordable resto to choose from within that area. And so we only paid Php300/pax with dinner and breakfast included! The homestay is located just in front of Saud Public Beach where entrance is a relatively cheap price of only Php10. We went there off peak season and we have the beach all to ourselves the whole morning.

Instead of buying the Php750 deluxe bus ticket of Victory Liner (the one with extra leg room, wi-fi, snacks and nonstop ride), we decided to buy the ticket of their regular air con bus. We left Cubao station at 1:45am sharp and arrived in Baguio at 7 in the morning, a swift 5 hour ride. Plus for someone like me who gets chilled easily, I didn't need the extra space since the cold aircon breeze could quickly get into me so I opted for the much more enclosed spot which by the way is still too cold for me. I won't be surfing while on the road since I will be sleeping anyway. I didn’t have the problem of going to comfort rooms since the bus stopped twice for 15minutes per stop. It’s really wise to leave Manila by night since it saves time from traffic.

Was able to save on transportation cost especially during taxi rides since I get to divide the fare by 4. Note though that I traveled with my friend MC, my cousin Leah and her 5 year old son Cocoy.

On average our food costs about Php50-Php70 per meal. When we dined into Good Taste and O’Mai Khan, we took home the left overs for our dinner. All of us aren’t really big eaters thus the savings. It’s also a good thing my cousin bought her homemade pesto and other foods we ate during our stay in Baguio. We didn’t have to buy our breakfast the day they arrived. We also bought with us our preferred brand of gano coffee and with the availability of water dispenser on our homestays, we can drink hot delicious coffee for free!

Here's my detailed expenses of our 5 day North Luzon trip starting from Victory Liner Bus Station in Cubao:

Day 0
Victory Liner bus ticket to Baguio (regular aircon) - Php420
Late Dinner at Jolibee - Php40

Day 1
Transportation (taxi/jeep shared by 2) - Php148
Homestay (for 2 nights) - Php600
McDonalds breakfast - Php90
lunch at Good Taste (daming leftovers, good for dinner na!) - Php91
photo-op with the Igorot Tribe at Php10/Igorot (Php60 shared by me and MC) - Php30
Good Shepherd strawberry jam - Php150

Day 2
Breakfast - free from my cousin's pasalubong
Tam-awan Village entrance - Php50
BenCab entrance - Php100
Transportation (taxi/jeep shared by 4) - Php85
Strawberry picking (Php300 per kilo shared by 4) - Php75
lunch at O'Mai Khan (Php738 shared by 4) - Php184.25
Dinner - from left over pasalubong and O'Mai Khan

Day 3:
breakfast - free from leftovers and baon
Jeep to plaza - Php 8
lunch at Chowking - Php100
Jeep to Lourdes Grotto - Php8
Taxi to Partas Terminal (Php90 shared by 4) - Php22.50
Jollibee - Php71
Partas Bus to Vigan - Php294

Day 4:
Vigan homestay (inclusive of breakfast) - Php300
Baluarte photo with Bengal tiger (Php100 shared by 4) - Php25
Baluarte tip (Php50 shared by 4) - Php12.50 
Kalesa ride for 2 hours (Php300 shared by 4) - Php75
lunch at McDonalds - Php114.50
Partas Bus to Laoag - Php 121
Ordinary non aircon bus to Pagudpod - Php60
Tricycle to Rlyns Homestay (Php40 shared by 2) - Php20
dinner at Rlyn's - Php50

Day 5:
Entrance to Saud Public Beach - P10
Ryln's Homestay (inclusive of breakfast) - Php250
Tricycle to Bus stop - Php20
Bus to Laoag - Php60
Tricycle to Jollibee (Php20 shared by 2) - Php10
Lunch at Jollibee - Php92
Tricycle to Laoag Airport (Php 100 shared by 4) - Php25
Plane ticket to Manila via Cebu Pacific - Php868
Terminal Fee - Php40
Shuttle Bus to LRT station - Php 20
Bus to Laguna - Php35
Tricycle - Php25

Day 0 - Php460
Day 1 - Php1109
Day 2 - Php494.25
Day 3 - Php503.50
Day 4 - Php778
Day 5 - Php1,455

Grand Total: Php4,799!!!

Baguio Accommodation:
Homestay at Queen of Angel St. near Lourdes Grotto
contact ate yas (owner) at 09159932508

Pagudpod Accommodation:
Rlyns Homestay
infront of Public Saud Beach
09185698886 / 09179386116

Morning Swim at Saud Beach,Pagudpud

Since we didn't had the chance to swim after we arrived in Pagudpud, we decided to wake up early for the morning swim as we planned to leave the homestay at 9am sharp. I woke up at around 5am, however it's still really dark outside. So I patiently waited and checked back again by 5:30am, still no light. But we started to ready ourselves and went to the beach at exactly 6am. We could still clearly see the quarter moon and the morning sun hiding from below the mountains. Excited to swim, we dropped our stuff at a nearby beachrock. From Saud Beach, one could see the famous Bangui Windmills surrounded by the morning mist from a distance. The view is breathtaking!

Since we went there on the last day of February, which is generally off peak season, we have the whole beach for ourselves! Our morning swim made us see from a short distance local fishermen working on their caught fishes.

Sadly, we only swum in less than two hours, which is obviously too short of a time for us to lazily lounge on the beach and have more fun in the sun. *sigh* It felt so hard to pull myself from the beautiful view. But that's okay, we'll surely get back and make up for the lost leisure time!

Bus Pagudpod - Laoag route

Sinking Bell Tower

We left Pagudpud at around 10 in the morning and arrived in Laoag just in time for a quick lunch. Before getting a tricycle to get us to Laoag Airport, we stopped by the famous Sinking Bell Tower, walking distance from Jollibee. The tower is sinking about an inch into the ground every year with half of its front door buried deep into the ground. After we got the shots we needed, we cramped ourselves into a typical small local tricycle and drive down about 15-20 minutes to Laoag International Airport.

More pictures at The Walking Tripod /

Bye Vigan, Hello Pagudpud!

Our 2 hour Kalesa Tour ended in Plaza Salcedo right in front of St. Paul Cathedral. We paid Php300 and had a quick dinner at McDonalds, just beside the cathedral. There are also a number of good local restaurants you can choose from in Vigan such as Cafe Leona, Epectos Bar and Grill, Cindy's, Hambre, Tessie's, Uno Grille and Los Majitos. And yes aside from McDonalds, there's also Jollibee and Greenwich.  

Dadapilan, Center for Ilokano Studies

After lunch, we went back to our lodge, the Dadapilan and bid farewell to Ate Malot for the warm welcome and hearty breakfast meal. Our accommodation fee is an affordable Php 300 including breakfast. Their area is just a few blocks away from Heritage Village and a stone throws away from Simbaan a Bassit and an internet shop :)

We left off and made our way to Partas Terminal heading to Laoag. It was an hour and a half trip and paid Php121 for the bus ticket (air conditioned). From Partas Terminal in Laoag, we quickly rode a tricycle to take us to the terminal bus going to Pagudpud. The ticket cost a cheaper Php60 but unlike Partas, the bus we rode was just ordinary and crampy. But heck, we enjoyed the 2 hour trip anyway with gorgeous views to feast on!

On the Road to Pagudpud

Our trip going from a historical tour in Vigan was such an "amazing race" experience. We moved swiftly and wasted no time dashing up and down the buses and tricycles of Vigan and Laoag, all while carrying huge backpacks full of bottles of strawberry jams we bought from Baguio! Yup, I know stressful! The whole amazing race drama made us want to get a day of full body massage.

Just after an hour on the road, I started seeing beautiful stretches of powdery sand, sparkling blue waters, and vibrant orange boats. I immediately transfered to a window seat to capture those gorgeous views. And then minutes after, we saw a line of towering Bangui windmills. The last drop off point was at a building after the municipal hall. From there we rode 2 tricycles at Php40 each (tricycles here like those in Laoag are pretty small!) and stopped by at Rlyns Homestay. Since we'll be leaving early the next day, we opted to just stay at a homestay/transcient house located right in front of Saud Public Beach. When all things are set, I immediately went straight to beach to capture the glorious sunset in Pagudpod beach. Since the beach in front of our lodging is not owned by any private resort, the entrance fee is a cheap Php10.

  view more photos at The Walking Tripod.