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Great finds at the 19th Travel and Tour Expo

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Are you looking for travel deals? Cheap airfares? Packages for summer? Here are things you should expect when visiting the Travel & Tour Expo this weekend.

My calendar reminded me that February 17-19, 2012 are the dates for the PTAA Travel & Tour Expo 2012 at the SMX Convention Center. I’ve attended previous travel marts but this was the first time to attend PTAA’s hosted travel expo.

At around 10:30 am, we saw a long queue of people outside the SMX on the first day of the expo. I was not alone in marking that day. It’s a day to hunt for travel deals. For an entrance fee of Php 50.00, I got to roam around the booths offering international and domestic deals. But among the booths, the real winners were the airlines. People really lined up to buy fares from Cebu Pacific,AirphilExpress, PAL, Zest Air, and SEAIR.

Let’s start with the Philippines first. Here were deals that I found worth sharing:

  • 2GO Travel- 2Go consolidates shipping lines such as Negros Navigation, SuperFerry, SuperCat, and CEBU Ferries. They offer fares to Boracay from Batangas Port for Php 460.00 per way. When you visit their booth, you get a souvenir photo via their photobooth.
  • BATANES – Airfare: SEAIR offers Php 6,800 per way while SkyPasada offers Php 5,100 per way. A roundtrip ticket will cost you Php 13,600 for SEAIR and Php 10,200 for SkyPasada. But between the two, SEAIR has faster & safer flights. Travel Period is from June-October 2012.
  • BELLAROCCA- For high-end travelers, Bellarocca offers a 5Days, 4 Nights accommodation for Php 70,000. Travel Period: June- December 2012. 
  • CORON- For barkada trips, lowest that I found was that of Coron Tours and Travel for Php 4,380 per person for a group of 6. 
  • EL NIDO- Php 3,125 per person for a 3day-2 nights stay via Coron Tours and Travel. 
  • MISIBIS BAY- Php 20,888 for a 3days 2nights Junior Suite Deluxe accommodation (June-December 2012).
  • PUERTO PRINCESA- One Rover’s Place offers a package  for Php 3,750 per person for a 3day 2 nights accommodation with Underground River and City Tour. A twin sharing room costs Php 850 /night. 

The International Deals were worth checking out too. Their booth set-ups were also for photo-ops’ sake. Korea, Turkey, Malaysia, Macau, Guam, and Russia were some of the most eye-catching displays. 

  • AEROMEXICO- offers a package of $486/person (Php 20,412) for a group of 4 for a 6days/5 nights pilgrimage to the Church of Chimalistac, Barrio de San Angel, Convento del Carmen, Churrch of Santa Catarina, San Juan Bautista, Quarter Coyoacan, Basilica of Guadalupe, Church of San Miguel del Milagro, and the Basilica of our Lady of Ocotlan.
  • GUAM-When you visit their booth, don’t forget to have your photo taken. They have a contest via their Facebook.
  • INDIA- I visited their booth to get a free map for future reference. 
  • JETSTAR- This low-cost airline offers Manila to Singapore for $49/way (Php 2,058). It also flies to direct Manila to Darwin, Australia for $149/way (Php 6,258).
  • KOREA- Jeju Air offers a package to Korea for 4days, 3 nights worth $888/person (Php 37,296). Korea is actively campaigning for tourists to visit its Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea from May 12- August 12 ,2012 with the theme, “The Living Ocean and the Coast.”
  • MALDIVES- This is one of my dream beach destinations. But going to Kuramathi Island has a whooping price tag package of $ 1, 899/ per person (Php 79,758) for a 5days, 4 nights stay with airfare. 
  • RUSSIA- While roaming around, I found this booth worth taking a picture. It’s part of visualizing that someday, I’ll have my photo taken in Saint Petersburg with the real backdrop of The Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood or the Resurrection of Christ Church.

  • TIBET- Another interesting place worth exploring but it comes with an expensive price tag of $ 1,850/per person (Php 77,700) for an 11-day expedition. It includes a climb to Mt. Everest.
  • TURKEY- You get free maps here. 

Did I book? No. It’s one of those days that I wanted to do a window shopping. Nonetheless, I didn’t go empty-handed but got free maps. haha.

So if you’re visiting the travel expo, bring a large canvas bag, where you can put all the brochures and flyers. Or you can find free bags at SkyPasada, Resorts World booth or at the Malaysia booth. 

Batanes Diaries: Chill-out with Mineovaheng

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Dear Batanes, 

You hold so much uniqueness. You gave us a first impression that would surely last a life time. Our first day in your land of beauty was laidback yet fulfilling. I saw the simple life in Mahatao, drank from the fountain of youth, captured the rustic appeal of Diura, listened to the waves at the Chawa viewdeck and watched the sunset at Naidi Hills.

But as you know, the fun never stopped there. Though your island is far from the party atmosphere, the winners of SEAIR’s Batanes Winter Bloggers’ tour still had the chance to chill-out.

We went to Shanedel’s Inn to check out the online world. Thanks to Tita Dely Milan who allowed us to use their wifi. Of course, we wanted to buy some food or drinks as a way of saying, “Thank you” for the free wifi. And then, we saw this bottle with red liquid on it. The label reads Mineovaheng but it was pronounced as [minyo-va-hang].

I learned that your mineovaheng is made of fermented sugar cane and yapo (natural yeast from blackwood tree). Tita Dely said that it was just newly fermented from Itbud, Uyugan. She showed us another wine bottle which was a lot older.

Of course, we tried to taste both wine to compare. The newly fermented one was a bit sweeter with a taste of vinegar. The older one had that “kick taste”. It had a stronger taste than the newer wine.

For the guys, they liked the older Mineovaheng. But for me, I liked the newer one. And when I looked closer at the bottle, it says 20% alcohol compared to the older with 5.78%.

But don’t worry, we didn’t get drunk. It was just pure fun to get a taste of your wine.

With Tita Dely Milan, her grandson and granddaughter, and the group

Till here,

Trip@dora

***Batanes Diaries are series of posts of my experiences in Batanes. This is my way of encouraging you guys to get to know one of the best places in the Philippines. Special Thanks to South East Asian Airlines for bringing us to Batanes as part of the Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest. And for the warm hospitality, my utmost gratitude to Tita Lydia Roberto of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Hiro’s Cafe, and to DOT Region 2 director Bless Diwa for the assistance.

Batanes Diaries: The four remarkable people I met in Batanes

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Photo by Izah Morales

Dear Batanes,

You hold wonders beyond compare. But more than the rolling hills and the raging waves crashing against the boulders, your treasures lie on your people. We felt the warmth of your people even if it was the winter season. Their smiles welcomed us like we were members of their family.

LOLA IDA

In Ivana, we met Lola Florestida Estrella, who inherited the House of Dakay, the oldest stone house in Batanes built in 1887.

Photo by Izah Morales

I was humbled when we went inside her home. The old woman was sitting beside her bed, which has no foam but only a blanket.

She welcomed us even if she was not that feeling well. It must be the cold weather that caused her cough and flu. She smiled while telling us stories about her family and her famous abode.

photo by izah morales

Though a native of Batanes, she was born in Silay, Negros Occidental in 1926, when her parents were still working as farmers in a sugar cane plantation. But in 1935, her family returned to Batanes. Her father Jose Estrella was better known as Dakay. The name was derived from the word parakay, which means glowing under the sun.

Lola Ida shared that she eats kamote (root crop), which makes her strong. She was alone when we arrived, so I asked, “Sino po ang kasama ninyo sa bahay?” (Who’s living with you in this house?)

She replied, “Kasama ko ang kapatid ko pero sa kabila sya nakatira.” (My sister is looking after me but she lives at the other house.) As much as I wanted to ask more questions, I decided to just keep it and let her rest. We had our photo taken with her and bade her goodbye.

Photo by Joseph Dy

From L-R: Mike Lim, Gay Emami (ThePinayTravelJunkie.com), Leon Pangilinan Jr. (Wanderinglion), Lola Ida, Journeying James, Trip@dora, and Bless Manuel (Travelistas.org). Photo by Joseph Dy.

If ever you visit her, a little something, would be a big help for her daily needs.

LOLO MARIANO

In Chavayan, we met Lolo Mariano, a 71 year-old tukap-maker. He was braiding a bunch of abaca in his home when we arrived.

Tukap sa Dutao is their local slippers, which they use in sea and in land. He has been weaving the abaca to make it a tukap since 1954. We fondly called them Chavayanas (sounded like Havaianas). Lolo Mariano is one of the skilled and talented treasures of Batanes.

Matilde Hostallero

While walking in Chavayan, we decided to quench our thirst in a small hut, where we met Matilde Hostallero.

She sells fresh buko juice for Php 15.00. We were handing the money but she did not let us pay and considered us as her guests. Thank you Nay Matilde.

Photo by Izah Morales

It was in her hut where we found the finished Tukap.

Photo by Izah Morales

Special thanks to ThePinayTravelJunkie for being the model

After awhile, Nay Matilde accompanied us to their home, where her father Lolo Marcelo Hostallero lives. Nay Matilde devotes her time to earning a living and looking after her aged father.

LOLO MARCELO

Born on January 16, 1907, Lolo Marcelo Hostallero is known to be the oldest man in Batanes at 104 years old. He has 15 children but only 11 are living. I was surprised when I saw him weaving the nylon fishing twine into a fishing net. His daughter, Nay Matilde, said that his father’s eyes can still see clearly.

Photo by Izah Morales

Intrigued by the old man’s strength, I asked him, “Ano po ang sikreto para humaba ang buhay? Ano po ang kinakain nyo?” (What is the secret to long life? What food do you eat?) He replied, “Kamote, halaya at buko juice.”

Lolo Marcelo showed that old age is not a hindrance to living a full life.

Batanes, you’re blessed with these people. I thank God for letting me meet these inspiring people, whose lives are lived in simplicity and fullness.

Till here, 

Trip@dora

***Batanes Diaries are series of posts of my experiences in Batanes. This is my way of encouraging you guys to get to know one of the best places in the Philippines. Special Thanks to South East Asian Airlines for bringing us to Batanes as part of the Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest. And for the warm hospitality, my utmost gratitude to Tita Lydia Roberto of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Hiro’s Cafe, and to DOT Region 2 director Bless Diwa for the assistance.

Batanes Diaries: Speechless with Chamantad

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Dear Batanes, 

You made me speechless. The winds blew the words away as I struggled to stand firm on the ground. I was in awe as my eyes gazed at the rocky hill enclosing the turquoise waters. The Chamantad Viewpoint was a sight to behold. Pristine. 

The waves were not violent. The sea was at peace. I sat down after taking some photographs. The winds continued to give us chills. I closed my eyes and felt the breeze touching my face. Breathe in. Breathe out. Fresh air. Ahhh….this is peace.

Where is Chamantad Cove?

Before going to the town of Chavayan in Sabtang Island, you’ll pass by Chamantad Cove. You wouldn’t miss such a beauty. But you have to climb the slopes to see the cove. 

Until now, the memories were vivid. The photo of Chamantad Cove served as my phone’s wallpaper. I’ll be back Chamantad! I want to go down to the shores, put up a tent, spend the night (but I don’t know if camping is allowed), and see the sunrise. They say that sunrise in Sabtang Island is best seen in Chamantad Cove, which is one of the highest points in the island. That I’ve yet to see.

Till here, 

Trip@dora

***Batanes Diaries are series of posts of my experiences in Batanes. This is my way of encouraging you guys to get to know one of the best places in the Philippines. Special Thanks to South East Asian Airlines for bringing us to Batanes as part of the Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest. And for the warm hospitality, my utmost gratitude to Tita Lydia Roberto of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Hiro’s Cafe, and to DOT Region 2 director Bless Diwa for the assistance.

Batanes Diaries: “I never thought I’d do it but I did”

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Photo by Izah Morales

Dear Batanes,

It’s been eight months since you’ve shown me your captivating beauty. I wanted to share stories about your people and your grandeur. But whenever I reminisce and look at the photos, words ran out and I was just left with a blinking cursor on the screen. I guess the wonderful experiences were indescribable. Words weren’t enough to encapsulate everything. 

But right now, I’m typing these words as I felt happy once again when I saw the following photos taken in Morong Beach, Sabtang Island, Batanes.

I never thought I’ll do it. But I did. –Yes, I’m referring to the cartwheel, which I did after we ate a sumptuous lunch prepared by Mang Pinding Elesterio (I’ll write more in a separate post). Instead of swimming in the bone-chilling waters of Morong Beach, I did the cartwheel.

When I was a kid, I did cartwheels whenever I’m happy. I’m not a gymnast but there’s a sense of accomplishment when you can turn your body upside down and bounce back on the ground. Just like in life, we take risks, fall down, bounce back and stand up. 

My favorite quote of Mark Twain simply puts it: 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

And recently, the legend, Steve Jobs, left the world with remarkable and striking words:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs (1955-2011)

That’s why I live life to its fullest. The memories of you, Batanes, will remain forever. And you always remind me, that, yes, dreams do come true. We just have to believe and do something about it. 

Till here, 

Trip@dora

 

***Batanes Diaries are series of posts of my experiences in Batanes. This is my way of encouraging you guys to get to know one of the best places in the Philippines. Special Thanks to South East Asian Airlines for bringing us to Batanes as part of the Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest. And for the warm hospitality, my utmost gratitude to Tita Lydia Roberto of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Hiro’s Cafe, and to DOT Region 2 director Bless Diwa for the assistance.