One Armed Wanderer

Ifugao
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- Solo Travels

Banaue Tour Guide and One Day Tour Itinerary

Posted on October 4, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

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.

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Ifugao
...
- Solo Travels

Batad Rice Terraces in Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines

Posted on October 4, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

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.

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Ifugao
...
- Solo Travels

Travel Banaue, Ifugao on a Budget

Posted on October 4, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

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.

For the complete itinerary of our tour with Martin, please visit my post – Banaue, Ifugao Tour Guide and One Day Tour Itinerary.

Ifugao
...
- Solo Travels

How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces from Manila

Posted on July 19, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

If you are planning to visit the postcard perfect views of Banaue’s rice terraces, the only way to get to Banaue from Manila is via land transportation. There is no direct plane flights from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao province.

Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines

Batad Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines

The only bus lines catering direct trips from Manila to Banaue is Ohayami Transit.

How to get to Ohayami Trans

Ohayami trans is located along Lacson road and is near España.

If you are coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just inform the airport cab that you will be going to Ohayami trans along Lacson avenue corner Fajardo St. in Manila City.

Trip Schedules from Manila to Banaue
During off-peak season, there is only 1 to 2 trips from Manila to Banaue which departs at 10:00 PM.
During peak season and Fridays, there are numerous trips where the first bus also departs at 9:00 PM

Bus Trip schedule during peak season

Fare

One way trip costs 450 Pesos. It is highly recommended to reserve a ticket and your way back to Manila. There were instances, especially during peak seasons, that trips from Banaue to Manila easily get fully booked.

What to expect
Ohayami buses are quite smaller than the usual buses travelling long trips. I find the seats quite small compared with that of other provincial tourist buses in the Philippines.

The trip from Manila to Banaue is 8 to 9 hours which includes 2 stopovers. The first stopover is in San Miguel, Bulacan and the second one is in Nueva Vizcaya. Passengers are given ample time to have their snacks and take restroom breaks during these stopovers.

As for the safety, I should say that the bus trip is very safe. There are two drivers during the entire trip. The first one will drive during the first half of the trip and the other one on the remaining hours of the trip. Being seated at the back of the driver, I witnessed how careful they were during the entire trip.

How to get to the Banaue Rice Terraces from Ohayami bus terminal in Banaue

Once you arrive in Banaue, the Banaue Rice terraces is 2.1 km from the Ohayami trans bus terminal. You can walk from the terminal to get to the terraces or you can simply wait for tricycles or jeepneys leading you the Banaue town proper.

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How to Install COL Financial iPhone App

Posted on July 11, 2015December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

If you have a COL financial account and owns an iPhone, you can now enjoy trading stocks using your phone without visiting COL Financial’s desktop site.

Note that the COL Financial mobile application is not available in Apple App Store.

Below are the steps on how to install the COL mobile app:

Open Safari or any browser on your iPhone

Go to Col Financial’s desktop site, type https://www.colfinancial.com

Log-in using your User ID and password

Once logged-in, tap “Downloads”

Tap the highlighted icon as shown below.

Tap “Add to Home Screen”

You will be directed to another page. simply tap “Add”.

You will then see the COL Financial iOS mobile app installed in your device. Happy investing!

If you are an Android user, the Col Financial mobile app is also available in the COL Financial’s “Downloads” section.

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SM Malls Holy Week Schedule 2015

Posted on March 30, 2015December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

Below is the Holy Week 2015 schedule of SM Malls – Philippine’s largest chain of shopping malls.

April 2, 2015 (Maundy Thursday) – All Malls Closed, except SM Baguio which will operate from 10 AM to 10 PM and SM Mall of Asia verandah restaurants and SM by the Bay at regular operating hours

April 3, 2015 (Good Friday) – All Malls Closed, except for SM Baguio which will operate from 10 AM to 10 PM and SM Mall of Asia verandah restaurants and SM by the Bay at regular operating hours

April 4, 2015 (Black Saturday) – Regular Mall hours

April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday) – Regular Mall hours

Here’s the complete list of SM Supermalls:

SM City Bacolod
SM City Bacoor
SM City Baguio
SM City Baliwag
SM City Batangas
SM City Bicutan
SM City Cagayan De Oro
SM City Calamba
SM City Cebu
SM City Clark
SM City Consolacion
SM City Dasmariñas
SM City Davao
SM City Fairview
SM City General Santos
SM City IloIlo
SM Lanang Premier
SM Center Las Piñas
SM City Lipa
SM City Lucena
SM Mall of Asia
SM City Manila
SM City Marilao
SM City Marikina
SM City Masinag
SM Megamall
SM Center Molino
SM Center Muntinlupa
SM City Naga
SM City North EDSA
SM City Novaliches
SM City Olongapo
SM City Pampanga
SM Center Pasig
SM City Rosales
SM City Rosario
SM City San Fernando Downtown
SM City San Lazaro
SM City San Pablo
SM Southmall
SM City Sta. Mesa
SM City Santa Rosa
SM City Sucat
SM City Tarlac
SM City Taytay
SM Center Valenzuela

Food

Jollibee Happyplus Card

Posted on January 4, 2015December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

Jollibee, a 100% Filipino fast food chain operatd by Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) is undoubtedly the number 1 fastfood chain in the country. Aside from Jollibee, JFC also operates Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal.

Quick Info: The company is also publicly listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange with stock sticker symbol – JFC.

If you are a fan of Jollibee or any of the stores under JFC, the company launched its customer loyalty card back in 2012, the “Happyplus” cash payments and rewards. It is a reloadable digital wallet that can be used across all JFC’s food chains. Apart from this, you also earn a “happypoint” for every 50 Php spend. These happypoints are good as cash and can be used at any JFC’s food chains.

Happy plus card powered by BPI is also accepted in Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Caltex.

For Caltex, 1 point is earned for every 100 Php spend.

How to get a Happyplus card
Just inform the cashier at any Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal store that you will be buying a Happyplus card. The card is priced at only 100 Php. To register, you will be given a membership kit where you will have to fill-out a short form that you will submit to the cashier. Alternatively, you can also register at the Happyplus website.

In my case, it was last year when I was offered this card when I was eating at Jollibee SM Valenzuela.

How to load
Just inform that cashier that you will load your Happyplus card. Minumum load is 100 Php and maximum is 10,000 Php.

How to check balance
You can check your balance via the NFC machine readers located in the cashier of any establishments under JFC.

NFC machine reader powered by BPI

The machine will also display your points balance

Quick Info: NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 cm distance (source: GSMarena)

How to pay using the Happyplus card
Once the cashier has punched your order, just simply tap your card at the NFC machine.

The screen will then display “Transaction Completed”, your current balance and points.

Your current balance (HappyLoad), points balance (HappyPts) and points earned (HappyPts) are also displayed on the receipt.

I highly recomment to register your card on Happyplus website. Aside from your account details, the site will also keep you posted on the promotions and perks of being a happlyplus card holder.

Advantages of Happyplus card

Points! Easy to earn unlike with other loyalty cards.

Cashless purchase

Online access to your account

Promotions

Disadvantage of Happyplus card

Limited to JFC establishments

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Luxasia Philippines Warehouse Sale 2014

Posted on May 15, 2014December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

Luxasia is the largest distributor of high-end beauty products and perfumes in Singapore. Its presence in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia,Thailand, Vietnam and of course the Philippines probably makes the Luxasia brand the largest distributor of perfumes in Asia. So don’t be surprised if you see a small sticker saying “Distributed by Luxasia Phil” when you buy perfumes in SM malls.

Among Lexasia’s portfolio are brands such as Thierry Mugler, Issey Miyake, Bvlgari, Esprit, Davidoff, Lacoste, Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs etc.

Being a fragrance fanatic, I was extremely happy to know to that Luxasia Philippines is having a 3-day warehouse sale. Thanks to The Net Group Philippines Facebook page for the advert about the sale.

I took the chance to visit their warehouse sale in Regalong Pambahay, Pioneer, Mandaluyong hoping that there would good deals for my favorite juices.

I arrived early and was surprised by the number of shoppers in the area. The sales team were very friendly and accommodating. What’s more surprising are the discounted prices! Issey Miyake’s L’eau D’Issey Pour Homme is at 50+% off and is priced at only 2,200 Pesos. I even overheard some shoppers ranting about Davidoff Cool Water being sold out just few minutes right after the warehouse opened.

Most of the items on sale are gift sets (perfume with small tubes shower gel, after shave etc.) price ranging from 2,900 Pesos to 3,200 Pesos. Both Bvlgari Aqva Marine and Issey Miyake Sport gift sets are at 3,200 Pesos.

Sorry for the blurred photo.

By the way, there are also tons of frags and cosmetics for women. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry that I just grabbed 2 Isseys and did not get the chance to take photos of the items in the warehouse.

Thank you Luxasia!

Come and visit Luxasia’s The great Luxury Sale and grab your favorite juices at a discounted price! 🙂

Luxasia website

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SM Malls Holy Week Schedule 2014

Posted on April 13, 2014December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

The country’s largest chain of shopping malls – SM Malls, has released its Holy Week 2014 Mall Schedule.

April 17, 2013 (Maundy Thursday) – Mall Closed
April 18, 2013 (Good Friday) – Mall Closed
April 19, 2013 (Black Saturday) – Regular hours
April 20, 2013 (Easter Sunday) – Regular hours

Below is the complete list of SM Supermalls:

SM Center Valenzuela

Food
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- Uncategorized

Macaron at Mixin Bowl SM North EDSA

Posted on November 24, 2013December 28, 2015by One Armed Wanderer

Mixin Bowl Cafe just recently opened at SM North EDSA Sky Garden. This one of a kind hang out place serves premium hot and cold beverages and to die for pastries – one of which is French Marcarons.

The place is a bit small and can accommodate up to 25 guests including the tables in its open air area. Despite of its limited real estate, the modern and cozy interior makes the place looks high end and expensive.

We were lucky to meet the owner of the place – Ms.Tet. She was nice and even shared a couple of information about macarons. Well, macarons are often mistaken by Filipinos as the Pinoy meringue or even macaroons. Macarons are totally different as they are actually French-meringue pastry varying in colors and flavors. By the way, Mixin Bowl’s macarons are authentic and 100% Parisian.

Since it is my first time to try macarons, I did not really expect that it would match its pretty appearance with its delightful taste. The shell and the cookie of the macaroons is a bit soft and very delicate. It slowly melts into your mouth while satisfying your tastebuds with its rich and unique flavor. According to the owner, this what makes Mixin Bowl’s premium macarons different from other macaroons around the metro.

Mixin Bowl’s macaron premium flavors – Rose, Pistachio, Espresso and Salted Caramel.

Pistachio – a white chocolate pistachio ganache

Rose – Iranian rose syrup gentlyflavors a delicate buttercream

Salted Caramel – smooth golden caramel salted with flakes of French sea salt

Espresso – a strong espresso buttercream

My friend and I ordered a dozen of macarons, Café Latte and Mocha Frapuccino. I personally liked Pistachio and Salted Caramel. The filling screams intense flavor and makes you want to take another bite. The sweetness is not too strong and is just perfect with hot coffee.

While we were enjoying the macaroons, to our surprise, Ms.Tet handed us a plate of Mixin Bowl’s Mochi donuts for free. (PS. Thank you Ms.Tet!)

Mixin Bowl’s Cream Cheese and Nutella doughnuts are unique and delicious! Ms.Tet told me that the dough is actually made of wheat. That makes these Mochi doughnuts not just mouth-watering but also a healthy choice of dessert.

Mixin Bowl Menu
Macaron – 45Php
Café Emericano – 85Php
Café Latte – 90Php
Cappucino – 105Php
Mochi Doughnut – Cream Cheese – 39Php
Swiss Meringue – 39Php

I would definitely recommend Mixin Bowl. The ambiance, service and of course the macarons and Mochi doughnuts are good. I have yet to try other macaroon places, but so far, I have already set my standards to that of Mixin Bowl’s delicious and premium macarons.

Contact Mixin’ Bowl
Sky Garden,
SM City North EDSA
Quezon City

For reservations call or e-mail:
(632) 464-9338
[email protected]