Surprisingly, this year’s iPhones launch is earlier compared to the launch of iPhone’s previous iterations in the Philippines.
Currently, there are no information yet regarding the postpaid plans and prepaid handset prices. In the meantime, you may register your interest and pre-order the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus on the link below.
Smart Postpaid subscribers that are currently on a retention may also register. Those who are still within their contract, there is still no information yet regarding the Smart’s wipe out program.
Major upgrades of the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus
3D Touch
12MP iSight Camera
Faster Touch ID and Processor
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reopened the Pasig River Ferry service last April 11, 2014. Considering one of the Philippine government’s major problems-heavy traffic in Metro Manila, reopening of this once abandoned and forgotten ferry service aims to provide commuters an alternative means of transportation.
MMDA Pasig River Ferry Personnel
Riding the Pasig River Ferry and seeing the Pasig River on a different perspective is one item on my bucket list for 2015. It feels great that that finally I’ll be experiencing what it’s like traveling the city on a boat!
Pasig River Ferry Stations
Pinagbuhatan, Pasig
San Joaquin, Pasig
Guadalupe, Makati
Hulo, Mandaluyong
Valenzuela, Makati
Lambingan, Manila
Sta.Ana, Manila
P.U.P., Manila
Lawton, Ermita, Manila
Escolta, Manila
Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, Manila
Being the nearest station from EDSA, I started my Pasig River ferry experience in Guadalupe station.
Facade of Guadalupe ferry station
Trip Schedule
I arrived at station at around 12:00 PM and the clerk informed me that the next trip going to Intramuros, Manila is at 12:30 PM. Unfortunately, there is no information on the exact time ferries arrive in the stations. I assume that there is an interval of at least an hour to an hour and a half between trips. First trip starts at 6:00 AM and the last trip is at 4:15 PM.
Fares
Fares range from 30 Php to 95 Php. Unless you take a jeepney, riding a ferry is definitely cheaper (and faster!) than taxis, Uber and Grabcar.
Pasig River Ferry Fare Matrix at Guadalupe ferry Station
Guadalupe to Plaza Miranda in Intramuros Manila costs 50 Php
Guadalupe Ferry Station
The station itself is decent but can only accommodate a small number of waiting passengers. There is a TV and electric fans in the station.
While waiting for the ferry, I was expecting that there would be a number of passengers arriving in the station. I felt a bit saddened that only few people patronize the Pasig River Ferry service.
Inside Guadalupe ferry station
There are only seven of us in this 20-sitter ferry.
The trip started at exactly 12:30 PM. I felt like a kid again for being too excited on this ferry ride.
MMDA ferry approaching Guadalupe station. I just realized that MMDA’s ferries are not identical. I was riding in a smaller white ferry.
Guadalupe bridge and the billboards
There is indeed no heavy traffic in Pasig River. Well, except for water lilies that sometimes blocks the way.
Our Lady of the Abandond Parish
Hulo Ferry Station
Factory along Hulo
Simply shows how progressive Manila is and…
shows that there are still many struggling for a better life. Kids do not deserve this.
Lambingan Ferry Station
Sta. Ana Ferry Station
It’s such a relief to see that there are still green areas along Pasig River and..
at the same time saddening to see countless factories along the river.
PUP Ferry Station
Few minutes after leaving the PUP ferry station, PSGs and coastguards escorted the ferry. This is to ensure the safety of the Malacanang Palace. When we are approaching the palace, the ferry slows down to give respect to the home of the highest ranking government official of the country.
I was really amazed by the beauty of Malacanang. Unfortunately, due to security reasons, passengers are prohibited from taking photos and videos of the beautiful palace.
Quezon Bridge
Another factory
Escolta, Manila
Manila post office
MMDA personnel both in the station and the ferry are very kind and welcoming. They are well trained and they know what customer service is.
After 40 minutes, the ferry arrived at Plaza Mexico, the last station of the Pasig River Ferry service.
Plaza Mexico, Intramuros
I enjoyed the ferry ride. I was actually expecting to see tons of garbage and not to mention experience a foul-smelling river. Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC) continuous effort in rehabilitating the river definitely contributed to the waste reduction of the river. Also, I was surprised that the smell of the river is tolerable.
I’m no environmentalist, but experiencing the Pasig River Ferry ride and seeing the river and its surroundings was an eye opener. The ferry ride is not just about being an alternative mode of transportation, it is also a wake up call that we are all responsible in taking good care of the environment.
If you regularly use Uber, don’t you know that Uber riders get rated too?
Aside from us riders giving rating to drivers,they also provide ratings to the rider every after end of trip. Unlike with Grabcar, both rider and driver are given the opportunity to rate one another after each trip. According to Uber, this is to ensure that “the most respectful riders and drivers are using user”.
Logo is owned by Uber
How do I know my Uber rating?
To know your rating, just follow the steps below (iPhone Uber app):
Open Uber app
Tap the profile icon on the topmost left of the application
Tap HELP
You will be directed to a page containing your last Uber ride. Just locate and tap “Account”
Tap “I’d like to know my rating”
Just tap “Submit”. There will be a pop-up window stating that Uber received your request and they will notify you via e-mail.
An Uber customer care representative will email you containing your rating. Upon request, e-mail usually arrives 5 to 15 minutes.
If you are an Android user, same process applies if you want to know your Uber rider rating.
Note that Uber in the Philippines is currently available on Metro Manila areas only. If you are traveling Manila, Uber Manila is the safest and most convenient ride. Currently, Uber is also cheaper than taxis and Grabcar.
Fiesta Market is the newest food hub in Solenad 3, Nuvali. It offers a wide array of Filipino and Asian food at very affordable prices. The place is a high-end food court type like that of BGC’s Market Market. The area is very clean and well-maintained.
Facade of the Ayala Malls’ Solenad 3 Fiesta Market
Fiesta Market is just few steps away from Solenad 3 free parking spaces
Apart from the exciting retail shops, Solenad 3 features its environment friendly and beautiful landscapes
Activity area in Solenad 3
If you are visiting Nuvali and looking for the best place to eat healthy yet affordable Filipino food, Pixie’s Sinugba in Fiesta market is a must visit place!
Pixies Sinugba’s specialty is the inihaw na bangus or grilled milkfish. Sinugba means “Grilled” in Bisaya so expect something very special and very Pinoy on their version of the inihaw na Bangus.
Very friendly and welcoming staff of Pixie’s Sinugba. You will also see how they prepare and cook your order.
Pixie’s Inihaw na boneless Bangus (Sinugbang Bangus)
They serve this freshly grilled boneless bangus in a long box with foil. I should say that this is the best inihaw na bangus I’ve ever tasted. The Bangus is stuffed with onions, garlic, tomatoes and other spices make this even more delicious. And not to mention that Pixie’s Sinugba foods are also MSG free. Truly a healthy food choice!
Grilled Tuna Panga is such a delight
Apart from mouthwatering and healthy inihaw na Bangus, they also have a number of healthy viands on their menu. I could not recommend any specific food on their list as everything is really healthy and delicious!
Pixie’s Sinugba Menu (Please click to enlarge)
If you live nearby Nuvali, Pixie’s Sinugba in Solenad 3 also caters deliveries.
All I wanted was to see the famous Banaue Rice terraces and the beautiful Batad Rice Terraces. I packed my backpack and headed to Ohayami Bus station in Manila without any concrete plans on my Banaue adventure.
I was lucky enough that I was seated next to a beautiful backpacker from Spain. Like me, she did not have any lodge/hotel bookings yet and do not have any contacts in Banaue. We then agreed to travel Banaue together.
When we arrived in Banaue, everyone in the bus had tour services waiting from them in the bus station. Since Jana and I didn’t have any reservations, we just decided to walk to the town proper. We were grateful that Martin, a local tricycle driver/tour guide approached us and offered to tour us around Banaue.
One Day Banaue Tour Itinerary
Price: 800 Pesos
Tricycle Service and tour guide to the following destinations: Batad Rice Terraces
Tappiya Falls
Bangaan Rice Terraces Viewing Area
Banaue View Deck
Native Village
6:50 AM – We left Banaue Proper
7:00 AM – Martin showed us a mini rice terraces
7:40 AM – We arrived at Batad Junction and started trekking to Batad Saddle and Batad Rice Terraces view deck
8:10 AM – We arrived at Batad Rice Terraces view deck
A short video of Batad Rice Terraces
The amphitheater-like terraces
8:30 AM – We started trekking from the view deck to Tappiya Falls
Trekkers exploring the beauty of Batad
Simply beautiful
10:00 AM – We arrived at Tappiya Falls which is literally hiding behind the mountain of Batad Rice Terraces. Couldn’t believe that I was able to survive trekking entire stretch of the Batad Rice Terraces.
I was really amazed by the clear waters of Tappiya falls
10:30 AM – We left Tappiya falls and tekked back to Batad Rice Terraces Viewing Deck
One of the resting place from a very challenging uphill trek from Tappiya falls
A tourist with her lovely puppy on their way to Tappiya falls
Our tour guide Martin, me and Janna.. We were all exhausted!
1:00 PM -After 2 and a half hour trek, we finally arrived at the Batad Rice Terraces view deck
A video of Jana and I resting after a tirig trek from Tappiya Falls
1:30 PM – We left Batad Rice Terraces view deck and trekked back to Batad Saddle and Junction
2:30 PM – We arrived at Batad Junction
3:00 PM – Martin brought us to Bangaan Rice Terraces
Bangaan Rice Terraces
3:15 PM – We left Bangaan Rice Terraces and headed back to Banaue Proper
4:00 PM – We arrived at Banaue Proper, BanaueView Deck
Banaue Rice Terraces View Deck
Photo opportunity with the locals
A short video of me and Jana in the viewing deck
The postcard perfect view of the Banaue Rice Terraces
4:20 PM – We left the Banaue Rice Terraces View deck
4:40 PM – Arrived at the Native Village
Native Village is a mini park showcasing Ifugao culture. Few meters away from the village is Native Village Inn. A one of a kid accommodation where guests get to experience sleeping in a Nipa Hut. I would definitely check-in here when I visit Banaue again.
View of Banaue Rice Terraces from Native Village Inn
There are Nipa Huts in the village showcasing the traditional Ifugao home and furnitures
Martin shows Jana how this native Filipino instrument is played
Martin Explains Ifugao culture
Accommodation at Native Village Inn
Lovely flowers are everywhere in the village
Me and my Banaue travel buddy – Jana
Carving beside the door of a Nipa Hut
Janna heading back to the tricycle
5:30 PM – We returned to the lodge/hotel
Martin is not Banaue tourism office accredited service/guide but we opted to avail his offer as it is cheaper and more convenient compared to joining a package tour. We were very lucky that Martin is very accommodating, honest and kind.
Batad Rice Terraces is one among the five terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras inscribed in the UNESCO World heritage. Built around 2,000 years ago, this breathtaking site is a must see when you are travelling to the Philippines.
Located 18 km. (mi) from Banaue, Batad, home of the breathtaking Batad Rice Terraces is 1 hour and 30 minute tricycle ride to Batad junction.
Captured this wonderful moment of a group of friends while I was on a tricycle back ride to Batad Saddle
Alternatively, you can take jeepneys from Banaue to Batad junction. Note that the Batad junction is the farthest place motorized vehicles can reach. From junction, one must trek 3 km downhill to reach the place they call as Batad Saddle.
The trek from the Batad saddle to the viewing deck is quite challenging for first time trekkers and to those who are unfit (I’m guilty of this.lol). The trek includes countless downhill steps and steep paths. Needless to say, the uphill trek going back to the Saddle from the terraces is more challenging. It took us an hour to reach Batad town proper from the Batad Junction.
Jana and our tour guide Martin on a very steep downhill path to Batad Saddle
There are parts of the trail with cemented pathways
Downhill path to Batad proper
Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the challenging trails from the saddle to the Batad town proper. I was very grateful during the trek as my Banaue travel buddy – Jana and our tour guide Martin were very supportive.
Upon reaching the Batad town proper, tourists must register and pay 50 pesos environmental fee.
The majestic amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces
Short video of the Batad Rice Terraces from viewing deck
Selfie with the beautiful Batad Rice Terraces
Viewing deck
Despite the grueling trek, seeing the postcard perfect view of the Batad Rice Terraces is such a relief. There is a viewing area where tourists can simply relax and take photos of the breathtaking rice terraces.
Getting Around Batad
There are no vehicles in Batad. Getting around means trekking and walking around in this beautiful town.
Martin, our tour guide and Jana
Some tourits exploring Batad Rice Terraces
Green is relaxing
Rice Terraces is also known as “Hagdan hagdang Palayan” in Filipino
There are lodges in the area if you want to spend the night in this magnificent place. Most of the lodges are situated where guests can enjoy the perfect view of Batad Rice Terraces. Since there are no cellular signal in Batad, this is the perfect place to those who would like disconnect and reflect.
After enjoying the breathtaking views of Batad Rice Terraces, we trekked from the viewing deck to Tappiya falls.
Banuaue in Ifugao Province, Philippines is the home of the beautiful Bangaan, Banaue and the majestic Batad Rice Terraces.
The amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
The famous Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
Bangaan Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
If you are a budget solo traveler or with a group of 2 to 3 persons, the best and cheapest way to explore Banaue is via motorized tricycle.
Motorized tricycles are a common means of passenger transport everywhere in the Philippines, except on busy major highways and very busy city streets, where they are used as public utility vehicles either plying a set route or for-hire.
Since I didn’t had any inn/hotel reservations and did not avail any tour package prior to my trip to Banaue, I was clueless how would things turn out when I arrive in Banaue. Luckily, my bus seatmate (from Manila to Banaue) who is also a solo traveler did not have any reservations. We partnered and decided to explore Banaue together.
Me and my Banaue travel buddy- Jana, a solo traveler from Spain
Finding The Perfect Service Around Banaue
When we arrived in Banaue proper, we asked some locals where to find inns in the area. We were advised to walk to the town proper where inns and tourism office are located . While walking, there was a tricycle driver (his name is Martin) who approached us and offered to take us to the Banaue center where most of the inns are located. He offered the ride for free and later offered if he can be be our guide during our stay in Banaue. He initially offered 800 Pesos to drive us around Banaue.
Martin, Banaue tour guide
Just to make sure that we are getting the best deal, Jana and I decided to visit the Banaue tourism office to check the rates.
Option A
Price: 600 Peso tour / person
Two way trip (Banaue proper – Batad)
transportation (van)
Pro: cheap
Con: you will join a group of tourists, thus will only have a limited time and will not have the freedom to stop anytime you want
The tourism officer also informed us that if we are not joining the tour and will rent for a two way tourism accredited tricycle service (Banaue proper to Batad) it would cost us 1000 Pesos. Once we reach Batad, we will have to pay another 600 Pesos each for the guide who will accompany us to the Batad rice terraces. Note that the price varies on the guide. The tourism officer advised that these are government accredited transportation services and guides and we may opt to avail offers outside the tourism office.
Option B
Price: 1000 Pesos (for tricycle) + 600 Pesos per person (tour guide to Batad Rice Terraces)
Two way trip (Banaue proper – Batad)
transportation (tricycle)
Pro: Tourism accredited service/guides
Con: Pricey as it would cost us 2,200 Pesos (1,000 for tricycle + 1,200 for guide to Batad rice terraces)
Banaue Tourism Officer
Since Jana and I are on a budget travel, considering the price and the perks of having your own service, we decided to take Martin’s offer. His 800 Peso offer to drive us around Banaue is way cheaper than 1000 Peso rate which will only include two way Banaue proper-Batad transportation.
Option C (Martin’s Offer)
transportation (tricycle)
Drive and tour us around Banaue’s Rice Terraces (includes Batad Rice terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces)
Price: 800 Pesos
Pro: Cheap, you will not have to follow the timelines of a package tour
Con: Arranging a tour with a non-accredited service/guide may be risky . In Martin’s case, Jana and I felt safe and really enjoyed the tour.
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