Where to Stay in Batanes? Amboy Hometel Batanes Blog Review + Room Rates

Amboy Hometel Batanes

Since we are celebrating Jen’s birthday on our first day in Batanes, we wanted to book the best hotel in the province. Fundacion Pacita is probably the most beautiful and the most popular hotel in Batanes. However, the cheapest rate a night is around 9,000 Php. So it was not an option for us.  We searched through Agoda and decided to book Amboy Hometel Batanes for three reasons:  It has excellent reviews, it’s near to the beach, and its above mid-range rates which I personally think an indicator that is one among the best accommodations in Batanes.

Amboy Hometel Batanes
Amboy Hometel Batanes

Free Basco Airport Transfers

If you book a room at Amboy Hometel Batanes, they offer free airport transfers. A van will pick you up in Basco airport and will bring you to Amboy Hometel.

It was funny that I did not read the fine print of our booking via Agoda. I assumed that the booking did not include airport transfers and breakfast. When we arrived in Basco airport, we ignored the Amboy Hometel van and hailed a tricycle instead. The Amboy Hometel receptionist was surprised when we arrived on a tricycle and the van driver was there telling her that we did not show up in the airport. Lesson learned.. carefully read the fine print!


 Short Video of Amboy Hometel Batanes

Peaceful, Serene and Quiet Location

Located in Baranggay Chanarian in Basco, this Batanes accommodation is just a 5-minute van or tricycle away from Basco airport.

I must say that I was surprised the moment we arrived in Amboy Hometel. It’s surroundings is very peaceful and quiet. Jen and I personally love Amboy Hometel’s location as it is literally just across the beach. You get to enjoy the sea breeze in Amboy Hometel’s common area. There is also a garden for meditation or relaxation. Truly a perfect Batanes accommodation to those who want be away from the busy city life.

Beach across Amboy Hometel
Beach across Amboy Hometel

Well-Kept Batanes Accommodation

I should say that the entire property is very clean and well-kept. There are no signs of this accommodation being around for years already. I learned from our tour guide that the building where our room is located is actually the first and original building of Amboy Hometel. The structure and the surroundings looks relatively new.

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Amboy Hometel Rooms + Rates

Amboy Hometel has a total of 27 rooms named after the owner’s children, Sean and Jaden. All rooms at Amboy Hometel Batanes come with the following:

  • Air-conditioning unit
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Satellite TV
  • Toilet and Bath with hot and cold shower
  • usual toiletries
  • bath towels
  • slippers
  • hair dryer

If you are a couple, Amboy Hometel Batanes has a standard room for 2 with a matrimonial bed. At 3,500 Php, this is the cheapest room you can book in this Batanes hotel. The most expensive room costs 6,000 Php. This is beachfront room with balcony and high-end amenities.

Here is the complete list of room rates at Amboy Hometel:

[table id=9 /]

Tip:  I’m giving you huge savings on your Amboy Hometel room by booking HERE.

Jaden 2 - J2 Room at Amboy Homnetel Batanes
Jaden 2 – J2 Room at Amboy Homnetel Batanes

Our room is Jaden – J2, a standard room located on the 2nd level of Amboy Hometel’s Building A. The room comes with a matrimonial bed. The bed sheets, 4 pillows and 2 throw pillows are of good quality. There is a mini dresser and a vanity/work area.  The toilet and bath comes with a hot & cold shower. Overall, it’s very clean and well maintained.

Tip: If you are with a senior citizen, do not book a room located on the 2nd floor. Their stairs require huge steps and are not advisable to senior citizens or someone with mobility impairment.

Restaurant

This above mid-range Batanes accommodation has its own restaurant. They serve Filipino dishes such as beef kare-kare, nilagang bulalo, beef kaldereta and many more. Amboy Hometel is also a go to place of tourists who want to eat lobsters. Too bad, lobsters were scarce when we visited Batanes.

Restaurant
Restaurant

We enjoyed the breakfast buffet and we felt special as there was a reserved table for us in the restaurant. They served unlimited coffee, congee, scrambled eggs, longganisa, fried eggplant and rice for the complimentary breakfast buffet.

Friendly and Welcoming Staff

During our entire stay in Batanes, I should say that Ivatans are naturally kind and welcoming. Amboy Hometel’s staff did not disappoint. The receptionist and the rest of the staff are very friendly and welcoming. They truly know what customer service is!

Amboy Hometel Tours & Services

Apart from being a promising Batanes accomodation, Amboy Hometel also offers Batanes tours. Here are their tour rates:

[table id=10 /]

Amboy Hometel Batanes

  • Address: Brgy. Chanarian, Basco, Batanes
  • E-Mail: [email protected]
  • Contact numbers: 09178717361 / 09209103494
  • Online booking (discounted rates) HERE

 

 

 

13 Things To Do In Vigan Aside From Walking Along Calle Crisologo

Vigan
Vigan City is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is one among the new 7 wonder cities
of the world. This historic city is also listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites making it as a must see tourist destination in the Philippines.

 

Calle Crisologo, also known as Mena Crisologo, is undoubtedly the most popular travel destination in Vigan City. Walking along the street brings you back in the period of Philippine Spanish colonial era. I was amazed that the local government of Vigan was able to maintain and preserve the old houses/structure along this famous street.

 

If you are travelling to Vigan, aside from walking along the Instagram worthy Crisologo street, here are 13 things you can do in the city:

 

1.  Visit Crisologo Museum

 

This century old structure is the ancestral home of the Crisologos, a prominent political family inVigan. This home was turned into museum after the assassination of a then congressman Floro Crisologo in 1970.

 

Crisologo Mansion in vigan ilocos

 

I was lucky to meet Ms.Remy, daughter of Mr.Floro Crisologo. She welcomes tourists visiting the
museum.

 

There is no entrance fee but they accept donations for the maintenance of the museum.

 

2. Explore the city in Kalesa (Karitela)

 

You will definitely miss half of your Vigan adventure if you will not ride a Kalesa (Karitela).  Kalesa is a horse-drawn carriage used during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines.  Up to this day, Kalesas can be seen anywhere in Vigan City.

 

There is a Kalesa bay/parking area right in front of the capitol. The At 150 Pesos per hour, You can basically tour the entire city in a Kalesa. Coach drivers will bring you to one tourist destination to another.

3 Visit Bantay Bell Tower

 

Built in 1951, Bantay Bell Tower and the Bantay Church (St. Augustine Church) is actually 10 minutes away from the city proper. One can see the panoramic view of Vigan in this historical tower. I learned from the local that this tower saved Vigan against possible enemies as it used to be the people’s tower during the Spanish and Japanese era.

 

Bantay Bell Tower Vigan Ilocos

4. Visit Pagburnayan and Learn How Burnays are Made

 

Jars made in Vigan are called “Burnay” and visiting the “Pagburnayan” (a place where these jars are made) makes the Vigan trip more interesting.  Pagburnayan started during the Spanish precolonial period when Chinese immigrants came to Vigan. Due to the high quality of Burnays, these are also being exported abroad.

 

clay pottery vigan tour
I was very lucky to be assisted by one of the potter and had a chance to take a look how Burnays are made, from mixing the clay, molding and cooking the pots.

 

5. Learn History in Syquia Mansion

According to the tour guide, this mansion was originally the ancestral of home of President Elpidio Quirino’s wife,  Dona Alicia Quirino. This well-preserved ancestral home used to be the venue of some of President Elpidio Quirino’s functions during his administration.

 

The very accommodating and knowledgeable tour guide will let you travel in time when visiting the mansion. When I visited Syquian Mansion, I joined a group of students touring the mansion.

 

Entrance Fee: 20 Pesos

6.  Visit Baluarte ni Chavit Singson

Thank you to the former Ilocos Governor and Baluarte owner Mr.Chavit Singson for opening is property to the public. This must visit place in the city is the home of various animal species from other countries and from the Philippines.  Unlike other zoos, there is an area in Baluarte where animals can freely roam around.

 

Baluerte Singson Philippines

 

An interactive animal show is held every afternoon. There is also a an animal museum which is the newest addition in the 20-hectare property of Mr.Chavit Singson.

 

Entrance Fee: Free

 

7. Experience Heritage River Cruise along Mestizo River

This is another Vigan tourist destination that I just discovered during my 2nd day in the city. This 45 minute heritage river cruise will bring tourists to the historical timeline of Vigan.  The entire cruise is along the historical Mestizo river where 5 stations are situated.  It was very interesting that there is a recorded narrator and music playing during the cruise.

Cruise Fee: 150 Php

My Youtube video of heritage river cruise  – Click here

8. Watch the Beautiful Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

Unknown to many, Vigan’s Plaza Salcedo showcases its dancing fountain every night which usually starts around 7:30 PM and lasts for about 30 minutes. I must admit that I haven’t really witnessed any dancing fountain show, but I was really amazed seeing the extravagant dancing fountain of Plaza Salcedo.

My Youtube video of Plaza Salcedo’s dancing fountain – Click here

9. Watch Vigan’s Traditional Loomweavers

Ilocos region’s traditional woven product is known as abel. These are beautifully handcrafted colorful cloth made of cotton or what they call in Ilocos Sur as “sagut”. The abel industry started during the early Spanish occupation in Ilocos and is still being practiced up to this day. One of the popular abel weaving factories in Vigan is Rowilda’s loomweaving.

10. Visit the old Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail Turned Museum

 

This centuries old  Ilocos Sur provincial jail was also the birthplace of President Elpidio Quirinio. This is probably the newest tourist attraction in Vigan City as it was just opened to the public earlier in 2015. The museum showcases the rich history of Ilocandia.

 

Jail museum vigan city

 

12. Spend The Night in a Spanish-Filipiniana Themed Hotel

 

There are numerous hotels in Vigan City most of which are Spanish-Filipiniana themed. During my 4 day and 3 night stay in Vigan, I spent my 2 nights in the beautiful Hotel Felicidad. The hotel is just a block away from Calle Crisologo.

If you are visiting Vigan, especially during weekends, I highly suggest to reserve/book ahead of time as hotels easily gets fully booked. You can book your Vigan hotel here.

 

13.  Experience Vigan locals’ Hospitality and Honesty

Along with Davao City and Iloilo city,  I’m definitely placing Vigan on my top 3 friendliest places I’ve been to.

During my first day in Vigan, I was walking along Calle Crisologo when a local suddenly invites me for a merienda. I was really surprised that I was not really expecting that a stranger would invite me to join him and his friends for a merienda. I latter found out that the kind-hearted man owns various businesses along Calle Crisologo.

Later that day, unconsciously dropped my phone and realized that I lost it when I was already riding a Karitela on my way to Bell Tower Church. JR, the Karitela driver, was  kind enough to help me call my number and talked to the person who found my phone. Few minutes later, it was returned to me. The guy who found my phone did not ask anything in return.

NLEX Toll Rates 2016

North Luzon Expressway or NLEX serves as the gateway from Manila to various provinces in the Central Luzon region in the Pilippines.If you are travelling from Manila, below are the NLEX toll fees from Balintawak tollgate:

Note that the toll rates are as of December 26, 2015. 
nlex balintawak toll fees

Below are the latest and complete NLEX toll fee rates as per Tollways Management Corporation website


Class 1 Vehicles
These are for Cars and Jeepneys. Prices are inclusive of VAT and are in Philippine Peso.

Class 2 Vehicles
These are toll prices for Buses and Trucks

Class 3 Vehicles

Note that the prices are as of December 26, 2015. There have been news that the Metro Pacific Investments Corp (MPIC) has filled a petition for toll rates increase. The rates in this post will be updated if in case there will be changes.

2GO Travel Experience, Batangas Port to Caticlan Jetty Port Boracay

2go to boracay

Since I wanted to experience traveling on a vessel, I considered taking 2GO Travel instead of a plane to my 5-day Western Visayas adventure.  As usual, I didn’t had any concrete plans on my adventure. All I wanted was to visit and explore Iloilo City, Roxas City and Boracay.  Perhaps, also visit Antique and Aklan if I’ll have extra time.  I checked the travel 2GO Travel website and the fastest way to go to Western Visayas is via Batangas Port to Caticlan Port in Aklan. This route is popular to tourists visiting Boracay.

Tip: Book your discounted Boracay hotel or accommodation HERE.

2GO Travel Time

Manila Port to Iloilo City –  20 hours
Batangas Port to Roxas City – 12 hours
Batangas Port to Caticlan, Aklan  (Boracay) – 10 hours

Related Blog Posts:

Henann Prime Beach Resort at Station 1 Boracay – Premier Room Review

7 Reasons why Hennan Prime Beach Resort is a perfect hotel for your Boracay Trip

2GO Travel website has an online booking facility which makes booking easier and faster. Since I wanted to avail a PWD discount, I opted to buy my ticket on a 2GO outlet.


2GO kiosk at Robinson’s Forum, Mandaluyong City. At a discounted price, I paid 1,074 Php for a tourist class accommodation of Batangas to Caticlan trip. The regular rate of Batangas Port to Caticlan is at 1,200+ Php.

The trip was supposedly at 9 PM the same day I bought the ticket. An hour after my ticket purchase, I received an SMS from 2GO that the trip is cancelled. I had to return to the kiosk and had my trip rescheduled at 10 AM the next day.


Since I was very excited, I arrived at Batangas Terminal II way too early than the vessels’ scheduled departure.

batangas pier terminal 2
Didn’t know that there are also other shipping lines in the port. I met a group of tourists taking a vessel heading to Sibuyan Island.

batangas port terminal fee
After strolling outside the terminal. I decided to come inside the waiting area. Well, the terminal fee of  30 Php is much cheaper than NAIA’s. There are various food stalls inside the 2-storey  air conditioned terminal. Overall, the area is well maintained.

batangas port terminal waiting area
My backpack is my travel buddy.

2GO Vessel SAP5 Voy 242
At 8:30 AM – an hour and a half before the departure, someone from 2GO announced that travelers can now board in the vessel. Before boarding, 2GO security officials will ask passengers to fall in line, drop their baggage and stay away for at least a meter from the baggages.  It felt weird until I saw sniffing dogs checking each and every baggage.

As we enter the vessel, we were greeted by the very accommodating and friendly 2GO staff. I should say that 2GO knows what customer service is. I was even accompanied by a 2GO staff to my assigned area.

2GO Travel Accommodations – Batangas to Caticlan (Boracay) Trip

For this vessel (SAP5 Voy 242), there are only 2 types of accommodations, the Tourist Class and the Value Class.


Tourist Class Accommodation 
The area is fully air conditioned. In fact, it is very cold in the area. Beds do not have linens, there is a linen station in the area where you can claim your linens. Bunk beds in tourist class accommodation also offer a bit more privacy than that of Value Class.


2go tourist class accommodation to boracay
Luckily, I was assigned on the lower deck. I bet it would be very uncomfortable if you travel alone and will take the upper deck.

2go accommodation tv
My bed is also perfectly situated in the corner. It is near the TV too!

life vests 2go safe travel
While waiting for the 10:00 AM departure, a very informative video clip about safety precautions and what to do during emergencies are shown in the TV. I was surprised that there are actually 3 kinds of life vests provided in each bed in the vessel!

backpacker bed 2go

Value Class Accommodation
This is an open air area where travelers can enjoy the wind and smell of the sea. I do not recommend staying in Value class if you are travelling on a daytime as it may get hot in this place when there’s no wind during noon. However, this is a perfect accommodation if you are after the fresh sea air.

cheap 2go accommodation to boracay
Bunk beds are less private. Unlike with Tourist class’, beds do not have partition.

value class accommodation 2go vessel

Facilities
There is an air conditioned lobby where travelers can relax during the trip. Also located in the lobby is a mini store and a concierge.
lobby 2go vessel boracay

I had my lunch and snack at Horizon Cafe and Restaurant. Too bad that I was not able to take photos of the cafe. My lunch costed 190 Php (3pcs. Pork Barbecue, mixed veggies, rice and Mango shake) and 70 Php for snacks (malagkit with sago and soda in can).
2go horizon cafe and restaurant

Island Fiesta Grill is my favorite spot in the vessel. It has a viewing deck where travelers can enjoy the beauty of sea while the ship is cruising. There is a mini bar for those who love to drink and socialize with other travels. Also, this is the only spot where smoking is allowed.
viewing deck 2go travel

Beautiful view of the sea
view from 2go viewing deck

Island Fiesta transforms into a party place when the sun sets.
pary deck 2go ship

The not so party people travelers (that includes me! lol) watching the party people dance and enjoy. It felt like I’m in Boracay already as everyone in the viewing deck was partying.
island fiesta pary 2go travel

The vessel anchored for a stopover at Odiongan, Romblon at around 6:00 PM and left for Caticlan after 45 minutes. We were suppose to arrive at Caticlan Jetty port at around 8:00 PM, exactly 10 hours of travel from Batangas port.  However, there was a delay as there was a vessel congestion in Caticlan jetty port. We arrived at 9:30 PM instead.

If you are going to Boracay or anywhere in Western Visayas, and you want adventure, I highly recommend taking 2GO Travel. It is definitely cheaper and a good alternative to flying. The travel is obviously longer than taking a plane but cruising in the sea, meeting new friends and experiencing 2GO’s superb customer service is definitely worth the 10-hour extraordinary journey.

Christmas Attraction: Policarpio Street In Mandaluyong City

policarpio street

It was Friday evening at work and I was really looking forward for the weekend. As I checked MMDA traffic app, it was no surprise that there was a heavy traffic along EDSA.  Since I did not want to get stuck in traffic on my way home, I decided to kill time and thought of a nearby place where I could wander . Since I work in Mandaluyong area and I’ve read about the festival of Christmas lights in Policarpio street, I hurriedly googled where exactly the place is. I asked a friend/office mate if he wants to see Policarpio street, he said yes and we immediately left to visit the place.

Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong City Location Map

How to get to Policarpio Street
Since it was our first time to visit Policarpio street, we Google map where exactly the place is. We took a Kalentong bound jeepney ride from MRT Boni southbound station. Luckily, the jeepney dropped us in the Policarpio corner Primo Cruz.

pasko sa policarpio, mandaluyong city
Policarpio street in Barangay Zuniga, Mandaluyong City is known for its houses’ yearly display of Christmas lights and decorations. It’s truly “Pasko Pasko Sa Policarpio!”

home with christmas lights in policarpio
This home is also known as the “House of Santa Claus” for its wide array of Santa decors.

Christmas themed home at policarpio st., mandaluyong city
Everyone wants to have their photo taken in this  home.

christmas santa claus display
Closer look at the Santas in this beautiful home.

commercial establishment in policarpio street
Didn’t know that there is a commercial establishment in Policarpio Street.

futuristic home policarpio street
This modern house offers sightseers a futuristic feel.

home covered with christmas lights
This home has the most impressive display of Christmas lights.

belen christmas policarpio
A house with huge Belen.

Food Trip at Policarpio Street
If you want to eat something while seeing the grand display of Christmas lights and decors, there are numerous food stalls in Policarpio street. Most of which offer Pinoy street foods.

friend policarpio street
A good friend/officemate Ariel and the food stalls in Policarpio

food stall policarpio in mandaluyong
More food stalls in Policarpio Street

isaw and hotdog
Hotdogs and Isaw.

I must admit that I’m not really a fan of Christmas lights but seeing Policarpio street’s festival of lights was amazing. I was not surprised why this street has become one of Mandaluyong’s tourist attraction every Christmas season. Thanks to the homeowners of Policarpio for opening their street to the public and showcasing grand display of Christmas lights and decors.

Dapitan Arcade, A Place to Buy Cheap Yet Quality Christmas Decors

If you are looking for affordable yet export quality Christmas decorations, Dapitan Arcade is probably the best place to visit. Unlike Divisoria, it is definitely easier and safer to get around Dapitan Arcade. Given it’s small area, you can stroll around in this place in less than an hour.
santa clause at dapitan arcade

Location

Dapitan Corner Kanlaon St., Laurges, Quezon City, Philippines

Parking
It is highly recommended to visit early in the morning as there are only a few parking spaces in the area.

Tip: Conveniently visit Dapitan Arcade by not worrying about parking. I’m giving you 100 Pesos off each of your first 2 Uber rides. Just uset promo code ‘edp1000ue‘ to sign up.  Details here:

Apart from Christmas decors, Dapitan Arcade also has a wide array of items to offer including ceramics, kitchenwares, clay pots and items made of rattan.
ceramic stores in dapitan arcade
Ceramic stores in Dapitan Arcade
dapitan street quezon city
Dapitan Street

Unfortunately, we visited the place on a holiday and the main building of Dapitan Arcade where stalls are located was closed. However, we were lucky that stalls on the streets were most of the Christmas decors are sold were open. These stalls are offering items from small Christmas ornaments to human sized Santa Claus. Depending on your bargaining skills, you can get discounts on already reasonable prices of the items in Dapitan Arcade.

Schedule
Dapitan Arcade opens daily at 9:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM.
Prices of Christmas Decors
Small Christmas tree ornaments are sold at 100 Php for 3 pieces. Life size Santas can go as high as 6,000 Php. Christmas trees proces depend on the size, quality and color. The cheapest one I’ve seen (5 foot Christmas tree) is priced at 5,000 Php.
electronic santa claus home decor philippines
Electronic Santa Claus
cheap santa claus home decors
More Santas
dapitan street christmas decorations
The street of Dapitan
cheap christmas decorations
quezon city decors where to buy
Here are some of the items we bought at Dapitan Arcade…
cheap christmas tree ornament philippines
Christmas tree ornament. 3 pieces for 100Php.
paper mache santa
Hanging Santa with balloons. 400Php
small red christmas tree dapitan arcade
Small Christmas tree made of paper mache. 600Php
santa snow globe philippines
Snow globe for 300Php
Compared to malls, shopping in Dapitan Arcade may be uncomfortable for some. But given the affordable prices plus one’s bargaining skills, you’ll definitely save a hefty amount of money when shopping for Christmas decors at Dapitan Arcade.

iPhone 6s and 6s Plus Launch in The Philippines

Smart Telecommunications has recently announced on its official Facebook page that iPhone 6s and 6s Plus release date will be on November 6, 2015.

iPhone 6s and 6s plus rose gold smart telecom

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.

iPhone 6s/6s Plus Smart Postpaid

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

Pasig River Ferry Ride

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.

pasig river ferry

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.

guadalupe ferry station in makati

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.



fare matrix guadalupe bus ferry station

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

mmda ferry boat ride

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.

guadalupe pasig river billboards

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 view from 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 abandoned parish mandaluyong
Our Lady of the Abandond Parish
hulo pasig river ferry station
Hulo Ferry Station

Factory along Hulo

Simply shows how progressive Manila is and…

pasig river kids swimming
shows that there are still many struggling for a better life. Kids do not deserve this.
lambingan pasig ferry station
Lambingan Ferry Station

pasig ferry sta.ana station
Sta. Ana Ferry Station
It’s such a relief to see that there are still green areas along Pasig River and..
factory in pasig river
at the same time saddening to see countless factories along the river.

 pup ferry station mmda

PUP Ferry Station

coastguard malacanang palace

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 old building pasig river

Escolta, Manila
post office philippines pasig river
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 station in intramuros

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.

Uber Rider? Find Out Your Rating!

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

 iphone uber application

Tap the profile icon on the topmost left of the application

open uber rider profile iphone

Tap HELP
uber help iphone app

You will be directed to a page containing your last Uber ride. Just locate and tap “Account”

account opening uber

Tap “I’d like to know my rating”
passenger rating uber

Just tap “Submit”. There will be a pop-up window stating that Uber received your request and they will notify you via e-mail.

rider rating request in uber

An Uber customer care representative will email you containing your rating. Upon request, e-mail usually arrives 5 to 15 minutes.

uber passenger rating email

 If you are an Android user, same process applies if you want to know your Uber rider rating.

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Pixie’s Sinugba, Healthy and Affordable Food in Solenad 3 Nuvali

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.

fiesta market solenad 3 nuvali
Facade of the Ayala Malls’ Solenad 3 Fiesta Market 
foodcourt in nuvali solenad 3
Fiesta Market, Hawker’s market inspired food court 
Fiesta Market is just few steps away from Solenad 3 free parking spaces
solenad 3 green
Apart from the exciting retail shops, Solenad 3 features its environment friendly and beautiful landscapes
nuvali solenad 3 activity area
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.

pixie's sinugba healthy restaurant nuvali
Pixie’s Sinugba, Fiesta Market in Solenad 3 Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
pixie's sinugba staff in nuvali
Very friendly and welcoming staff of Pixie’s Sinugba. You will also see how they prepare and cook your order. 
inihaw na bangus healthy food nuvali
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!
panga ng tuna nuvali
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)

pixie's sinugba hawker's market nuvali

If you live nearby Nuvali, Pixie’s Sinugba in Solenad 3 also caters deliveries.

Delivery Contact Numbers:

0917 4697708

0929 2843692

049 5741475 

Pixie’s Sinugba Solenad 3 Nuvali facebook Page

Pixie’s Sinugba Website