Page 13 of 16

How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces from Manila

July 19, 2015 / 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.

How to Install COL Financial iPhone App

July 11, 2015 / 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.

SM Malls Holy Week Schedule 2015

March 30, 2015 / 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

Jollibee Happyplus Card

January 4, 2015 / 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

Luxasia Philippines Warehouse Sale 2014

May 15, 2014 / 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

SM Malls Holy Week Schedule 2014

April 13, 2014 / 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

Macaron at Mixin Bowl SM North EDSA

November 24, 2013 / 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
info@mixin.bowl.com

Brasas SM North EDSA, Latin American Streetfood

September 2, 2013 / One Armed Wanderer

Located at the 4th floor of The Block, Brasas is one of the newest and one of its kind restaurant in SM North EDSA. Perhaps the first restaurant to offer authentic Latin American cuisine in Manila. Brasas promises a taste of street food Latin American dining experience.Brasas’ limited real estate is compensated by its unique interior. High end wooden tables are perfectly positioned giving diners enough space to freely move. Walls are eye catching. There is a part in the area where a number of Portuguese and Spanish words are artistically written. The entire restaurant is also well lighted.

As first time diners in Brasas, I was shocked when there is a sign in the table saying “Please order at the counter.” We hurriedly went to the counter and one of the waiters handed us the menu. At the counter, you will see how they prepare these to die for Latin American cuisines. It amazes me that their chef is a Latina.

I ordered Carne Asada Platter, a charcoal grilled sliced beef sirloin with South American slaw, a single Patacones and Yellow Latin rice. The platter is also served with a Chimichurri sauce. My friend ordered Pollo Asado Platter, just the same thing with Carna Asada except for the grilled chicken. It took just about 15 minutes when our orders were served.

Carne Asada Platter is priced at 250.00 Php.

I immediately tasted the chargrilled beef the moment the platter was served. The beef is perfectly cooked, very tender and generously on top of the delicious Latin yellow rice. Because of its green color, Chimichurri intrigued me. Well, needless to say, its goes perfectly with the delicous chargrilled beef. For the side dish, Patacones, a yellow chip made of sliced green plantain serves as the appetizer. The healthy and fresh Latin slaw is also perfect!

Pollo Asado is priced at 210.00 Php

Latin Iced Tea is priced at 80 Php.

I also loved the Latin Iced Tea. I actually had two orders of this.

Since there is a wide array of authentic Latin American food in Brasas Menu, I would definitely come back to try their other dishes. Aside from this, with the price, serving is generous. The ambiance is good, except that I did not hear any music to set the mood of the diners. Customer service is also good. The counter lady and the servers were all accommodating. I would highly recommend Brasas!

Aside from The Block SM North EDSA, Brasas Philippines branches also include SM Aura Premier and The Podium.

Visit Brasas Facebook Page.

Trek to Pongas Falls Sagada Mountain Province

May 25, 2013 / One Armed Wanderer

After having a sumptuous breakfast at Bana’s Café, our tourist guide arrived for our first itenary for the day – Pongas falls. This Sagada tourist attraction is located in Ankileng, Southern part of the province. Travel time from Sagada proper to Ankileng is only 20 minutes via jeepney or van.

Rice field in Angkileng, Sagada, Mountan Province.
This is also the drop off area and the starting point of an hour trek to Pongas Falls.

From the drop off, the trek started. we passed by the scenic view of Angkileng Elementary School.

The trek continues through an approximately 30 meters hanging metal bridge. The bridge is heading the Angkileng rice terraces.

(left photo) Our tour guide Manuel and my friend Cathy

. Our tourist guide (left photo) was holding walking sticks which we’ll be needing on the latter part of the trek. We were all enjoying the refreshing surroundings of Ankileng rice terraces.

After a long and tiring yet refreshing walk in Ankileng rice terraces, we arrived at the village proper. We stopped over at a store to rest and had some drinks.

Few meters away from the store is the Ankileng Baranggay post. We paid for a registration fee of 10 Php each. The trek continued in uphill direction passing through the village with friendly locals.

After an exhausting uphill walk in the village, we were greeted by steep rocky trails.

(Left photo) My friends Len and Ejay.

(Right photo) Our tour guide and my friend Bert trying to climb a very steep trail. The trek includes narrow trail and steep cliffs which makes the experience challenging, exciting and a bit dangerous.

(Left Photo) Our tour guide kept on telling us that we’ll pass a highway before reaching the falls. We were all thinking that he was referring to the real highway but it was actually a cemented trail for trekkers. This highway is approximately 50 to 60 feet above the ground.

(Right Photo) Scenic view from the highway to Pongas Falls.

Spectacular view from the highest point of the highway. Who says that Rice Terraces can only be seen in Banaue?

At the end of the highway comes the scenic view of Pongas Falls.

Pongas falls perfectly creates a picture perfect scene.

Yes! The view is truly amazing but the trek doesn’t end here. We are yet to pass trough a rocky and slippery trail to get to the falls itself.

The real challenge faced me when I had to climb a 5 foot wall of rock perpendicular to the ground. Thanks to our tour guide and my friends for helping me out.

Finally, we arrived at the falls. The views are amazing. The sound that water creates while it pours and smashes to the ground is perfect and very relaxing. Rhythm that is way better than ones in ambient music. Well, the water is cold and clear too.

We had gone a looong way and reaching at this point was already fulfilling.

(Left photo) My friends wanted to climb more.

Okay, my friend Ejay was convincing me to climb.
I gave it a try and did it with his help. (Thanks Ejay)

We stayed in Pongas falls for about an hour and a half and headed back to the drop off site safely.The trek is truly an adventure, a test of one’s courage and determination. Despite of the challenging trek, it was really fulfilling that we all made it safely to the falls. The amazing landscapes on our way to the falls, friendly Ankileng locals, our wonderful tour guide, my very encouraging friends and of course the beauty of Pongas Falls make the experience thrilling, fun and memorable.

How to Get to Sagada from Manila

May 21, 2013 / One Armed Wanderer

If you are planning to visit Sagada, the most favored route from Manila to Sagada is via Baguio city.Manila to Sagada via Baguio City, Benguet
Take a bus ride from Manila heading to Baguio via Victory Liner. Victory Liner buses in Cubao, Quezon City departs every hour. Ticket fare is 445Php and travel time is 6 hours. It’s recommended to reserve your tickets especially during summer where too many tourists visit Baguio city.Upon arrival to Victory Liner Baguio terminal, take a cab and tell the driver that you are going to GL Trans bus terminal in Dangwa market. Cab fare is approximately 60Php and travel time from Victory Liner terminal to GL Trans terminal is about 20 minutes.

There are only 7 trips from Baguio to Sagada, first of which departs at 6:30 AM and succeeding trips depart every hour. Last trip is at 1:00 PM. Note that that most GL trans buses are non-air-conditioned.

GL Tans Bus Terminal, Baguio City

GL Trans Bus Liner Philippines – Baguio to Sagada Bus Schedule

Bus ride from Baguio to Sagada costs 220Php and travel time is approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on the weather condition. There are two stopovers during the entire trip where travelers can eat or go to the restroom. Since I missed the 11:30 AM trip, I took the last trip at 1:00 PM and arrived in Sagada at 6:00 PM. The travel was a breeze and the scenic views are truly a feast for the eyes.