Author: One Armed Wanderer

Ark Avilon Zoo

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
I’m pretty much sure that you’re familiar or at least have heard of Noah’s Ark story in the bible where Noah put pairs of animals in his Ark.  Well, there’s an interesting zoo in Pasig City, Philippines – the Ark Avilon Zoo.  Although this 2-storey Ark-shaped zoo is far from the real Noah’s Ark, still, it is one of the perfect places for kids and kids at heart to see animals up close.

Ark Avilon Zoo Location Map / How to get to Ark Avilon Zoo
Situated in Frontera Dr corner Road D, the zoo can be reached by foot from a nearby shopping center Tiendesitas.  Just right beside the zoo is Fun Ranch, an attraction complex for kids.


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Ark Avilon Rates
Regular rate is 300.00 Pesos
Children 3.5 ft. and below is 200.00 Pesos
20% discount for senior citizens and PWDs

Entrance area of the zoo

Zoo Hours
Ark Avilon is open everyday including holidays
Weekdays at 9:00 AM to 6: 00 PM
Weekends at 10 AM to 7:00 PM

The interior of the zoo is amazing. It seemed that the layout was carefully planned for a great “zoo” experience for kids and adults alike.  Although the birds are in rope perches, it’s a relief not to see them in cages.


The super friendly and cute Jenny the Bornean Orangutan


Old English Sheepdogs

More photos below:


Wild animals like Tiger, Panther and Puma also reside in the Ark.

Farm animals and some caged birds are in the second floor of the zoo.

Guests can also feed the animals (except for the wild ones lol)

Overall, the zoo is clean and well maintained. Animals seem to be loved and well taken care of.  Zookeepers and staff are friendly.. and not to mention my favorite animal – Jenny the Orangutan.  Being the Philippine’s first indoor zoo, Ark Avilon may lack real estate to accommodate huge animals like Giraf and Elephant, however the way the zoo let’s its guests interact with some of its animals makes the experience fun and memorable.

Mariposa Budget Hotel: Cheap and Decent Hotel in Cubao

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

If you are looking for a decent yet affordable hotel in Cubao, Quezon City, Mariposa Budget Hotel is the place.  Located in Stanford St. along Aurora Boulevard, this affordable lodging is walking distance from EDSA and is very accessible to malls (Gateway, Farmers Plaza and Isetann), convenience stores (7-11 and Ministop) fastfood restaurants (Jollibee and Chowking).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location Map


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Room Rates (Fridays) & weekends*
1,000 Pesos –  Standard room 12 hours stay
1,150 Pesos – Deluxe room 12 hours stay

Deluxe rooms include coffee, bath robe, personal care kit and hair dryer

Room Rates (Mondays- Thursdays)
Approximately 650 Pesos –  Standard room 12 hours stay
Approximately 750 Pesos – Deluxe room 12 hours stay

For the room availability and current prices, please visit and book HERE.

Value for Money
Given the rates and the decency of their rooms which are very clean and not to mention friendly staff, from the security guard to their front desk personnel, you’ll get the value for your money.

30 Stanford St., Cubao, Quezon City
Landline: +632-911-9133
Mobile: +63-0917-8278636
Email: [email protected]

Mariposa budget hotel in Quezon City
Cheap hotel in Quezon city, Mariposa Budget
Clean hotel in Quezon City
Cheap motel in Cubao Quezon City

Driver’s License Renewal Philippines

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Renewing your expired driver’s license is pretty fast.  The renewal process itself only takes less than 30 minutes but the drug and medical exam depends if there’s a number of applicants on queue.  I had my driver’s license renewed today at SM North EDSA LTO driver’s license renewal center.

Requirements

  • Expired Driver’s License – Note that renewal centers do not accept licenses that are already expired for more than two years. For such cases, the license holder must have their renewal in LTO main office.
  • Medical Exam  and Negative Drug and Results – In SM North EDSA, there’s a medical and drug testing center beside the renewal center.  Based from my experience, it took me almost 2 hours to undergo the medical and drug test process due to long queues of applicants.  The testing center opens at 9:00 AM and I was on time.  I would not recommend renewing your license on Fridays and during paypay due to long queues in the Medical and Drug testing center.
  • Ballpen – It would not be a good idea not to bring your pen with you.  Prior to the medical and drug exams and the renewal process itself, you have to fill-out a total of five pages of forms.

Steps

  • Have your medical and drug test exams.  You will have to surrender your expired license and pay 450.00 pesos for the exams.
  • Once you have the results on hand, you will be asked to proceed to LTO renewal center and will have to fill-out another form. They will then ask you if there are any changes on your information (address etc.). Any request in information costs additional 100.00 pesos.
  • You will have to wait for a few minutes for picture taking
  • Another few minutes of waiting and you will be called to proceed at the payment section.  Renewal fee costs 350 pesos and processing/computer fee is 67.63 pesos.
  • Another few minutes and you will be called for the release of your new license and receipt

Cost
Medical and Drug test: 450.00 Pesos
Renewal Fee: 350.00 Pesos
Computer Fee: 67.63 Pesos
Penalty: 150.00 Pesos (Penalty only applies to expired license holders)

Total: 1,017.63 Pesos

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About The Author

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Who is One Armed Wanderer?

One Armed Wanderer loves travelling and he features unique stays and beautiful destinations in the Philippines.

Born with a short left arm, it did not hinder him to continue traveling and exploring the Philippines. He may have limitations but he is using what was given to him.. feet to walk and wander.

E-Mail: [email protected]

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