The rest of the trip continues in the next posts :)
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
2018 Calayan Adventure: Day 01 - Traveling to Calayan Island (Manila-Tuguegarao-Claveria)
31 March 2018
Traveling to Calayan Island is a journey in itself. This post covers the trip from Manila to Tuguegarao, then to Claveria. We stayed overnight at a resort in Claveria because boats to Calayan only travel in the morning and at the very latest, noon.
The rest of the trip continues in the next posts :)
The rest of the trip continues in the next posts :)
Hayabusa Back to the Earth at the National Planetarium
09 May 2017
Today marked the start of the new show schedule for the week at the National Planetarium. Last week, we were fortunate that we were able to watch "Journey to a Billion Suns" twice in a day when the National Planetarium released the news that they were extending their free entrance policy for the month of May.
Though we missed the first two showings of "A Planet for Goldilocks" we were just in time to watch the show, "Hayabusa Back to the Earth".
Today marked the start of the new show schedule for the week at the National Planetarium. Last week, we were fortunate that we were able to watch "Journey to a Billion Suns" twice in a day when the National Planetarium released the news that they were extending their free entrance policy for the month of May. Though we missed the first two showings of "A Planet for Goldilocks" we were just in time to watch the show, "Hayabusa Back to the Earth".
Our first trip to UP Town Center
07 April 2017
Another food craving for Rodic's Tapsilog yielded a surprise trip to UP Town Center. Whenever we pass by the area, Patrick always wishes to visit the new shopping destination but we've always run out of time. Today, he finally fulfilled his wish and we spent about three hours just walking around the place and visiting the shops.
Another food craving for Rodic's Tapsilog yielded a surprise trip to UP Town Center. Whenever we pass by the area, Patrick always wishes to visit the new shopping destination but we've always run out of time. Today, he finally fulfilled his wish and we spent about three hours just walking around the place and visiting the shops.Manila Ocean Park 2016: Symphony Evening Show
13 October 2016
We are nearing the end of these posts about Manila Ocean Park. Our last attraction for the day was the Symphony Evening Show. It is a musical show featuring huge water fountains that shoot water straight up in the air, light displays on water and fire and fireworks.
The last show started at 7:15PM, although there was one before that at 630PM. It lasts around 30 minutes.
We are nearing the end of these posts about Manila Ocean Park. Our last attraction for the day was the Symphony Evening Show. It is a musical show featuring huge water fountains that shoot water straight up in the air, light displays on water and fire and fireworks.The last show started at 7:15PM, although there was one before that at 630PM. It lasts around 30 minutes.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The World of Creepy Crawlies
13 October 2016
We now arrived at the World of Creepy Crawlies from the Jellies Exhibit. So, from the 2nd Floor, we just took the escalator to go down, past the stores and another Food Court. At first, I didn't want to go to this attraction because I just had the fright of my life at the All-Star Bird Show and I was still reeling from it. I didn't want to subject myself to seeing more reptiles up close. Dana, also didn't want to go in if I didn't want to.
But, this was part of the package we paid for and I felt that it would be a waste if we didn't go. So, mustering my strength and courage, we all trooped in :)
Funny enough, we took around 30 minutes to go through all the creatures in this exhibit, despite our fear of some of the animals.
The World of Creepy Crawlies opens at 10AM (M-F) or 9AM (Sat, Sun and Holidays) and last entry is at 6:15PM.
But, this was part of the package we paid for and I felt that it would be a waste if we didn't go. So, mustering my strength and courage, we all trooped in :)
Funny enough, we took around 30 minutes to go through all the creatures in this exhibit, despite our fear of some of the animals.
The World of Creepy Crawlies opens at 10AM (M-F) or 9AM (Sat, Sun and Holidays) and last entry is at 6:15PM.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Jellies Exhibit
13 October 2016
This attraction opens at 10AM (M-F) and 9AM (Sat, Sun and Holidays) and closes at 7PM. Last entry is at 6:15PM.
We spent around 15 minutes touring the place. On hindsight, this is perfect for your last attraction because it kind of calms you down and lets you slow down from the other exhilarating and exciting attractions. It's the perfect thing to wind down your day.
Manila Ocean Park 2016 : The Birds of Prey Kingdom
13 October 2016
By the time we arrived at the Birds of Prey Kingdom, it was already 5:00PM and most of the students on their field trip have gone home. That meant there were no more long lines at the entrance :) This attraction was actually the first thing you'll come across when you enter Manila Ocean Park so it's inevitable that people will start with this attraction. Coming from the All-Bird Show, I didn't really know what to expect (again!) so I was nervous about entering. But, wow! You'll be surprised when you get inside :)
The Birds of Prey Kingdom features Brahminy Kites or Lawin in Tagalog. They are perched on a hanging bridge over the Manila Bay and they are free to fly around the area. You'll see them in action and can even be up close and personal with them :) We took 10 minutes here.
The Birds of Prey Kingdom opens at 1030AM and last entry is at 5:30PM.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The All-Star Bird Show
13 October 2016
After 2 hours and a half of walking around and visiting 5 different attractions at the Manila Ocean Park, and after a 30 minute break, we headed to the All-Star Bird Show around 4:00
PM and was surprised that not many people were watching. I suppose birds aren't as interesting as the Sea Lions :) But, we did enjoy it and had an extra surprise at the end too :)
Catch The All-Star Bird Show: 1:15PM and 4:15PM. It lasts about 20 minutes.
After 2 hours and a half of walking around and visiting 5 different attractions at the Manila Ocean Park, and after a 30 minute break, we headed to the All-Star Bird Show around 4:00PM and was surprised that not many people were watching. I suppose birds aren't as interesting as the Sea Lions :) But, we did enjoy it and had an extra surprise at the end too :)
Catch The All-Star Bird Show: 1:15PM and 4:15PM. It lasts about 20 minutes.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum
13 October 2016
We only found out that we'd be going to the "Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum" when we bought our tickets. Apparently, the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and this was the replacement attraction. We weren't told why the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and for how long. I haven't heard of this exhibit before so it was a pleasant experience when we got to see everything it had to offer. This exhibit showcases the toy collection of Yexel Sebastian, including his own life-sized reproductions of popular TV and Movie characters.
The Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum opens at 10AM and last entry is at 6:15PM.
We took around 30 minutes to finish the attraction. But you can definitely stay longer if you have the time.
We only found out that we'd be going to the "Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum" when we bought our tickets. Apparently, the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and this was the replacement attraction. We weren't told why the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and for how long. I haven't heard of this exhibit before so it was a pleasant experience when we got to see everything it had to offer. This exhibit showcases the toy collection of Yexel Sebastian, including his own life-sized reproductions of popular TV and Movie characters.The Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum opens at 10AM and last entry is at 6:15PM.
We took around 30 minutes to finish the attraction. But you can definitely stay longer if you have the time.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: Trails to Antarctica
13 October 2016
Our next stop happened to be the Trails to Antarctica, but technically, it wasn't on our list. However, we needed to pass through this hallway to get to the other side (took us 5 minutes). This hallway showcases the Penguin Exhibit and leads to the Snow Village. You'll actually see the hallway being divided into two lanes as you walk further.
The 'Trails to Antarctica" is open 10AM to 8PM (M-F) and 9AM to 8PM (Sat, Sun and Holidays). Last entry is at 7:15PM
Our next stop happened to be the Trails to Antarctica, but technically, it wasn't on our list. However, we needed to pass through this hallway to get to the other side (took us 5 minutes). This hallway showcases the Penguin Exhibit and leads to the Snow Village. You'll actually see the hallway being divided into two lanes as you walk further.The 'Trails to Antarctica" is open 10AM to 8PM (M-F) and 9AM to 8PM (Sat, Sun and Holidays). Last entry is at 7:15PM
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Back of the House
13 October 2016
The Back of the House is a "behind-the-scenes" look at how Manila Ocean Park operates. This is where you'll learn how animals are taken care of, how the water from the Manila Bay is filtered to make it suitable for marine operations.
It may not seem interesting at first because you don't really know what's going on, so a walk-through may take you only around 5 minutes. But this attraction is actually very educational. I just wish that someone was there to explain things to us as we went around.
It opens at 11AM and last entry is at 5:30PM.
The Back of the House is a "behind-the-scenes" look at how Manila Ocean Park operates. This is where you'll learn how animals are taken care of, how the water from the Manila Bay is filtered to make it suitable for marine operations. It may not seem interesting at first because you don't really know what's going on, so a walk-through may take you only around 5 minutes. But this attraction is actually very educational. I just wish that someone was there to explain things to us as we went around.
It opens at 11AM and last entry is at 5:30PM.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Fish Spa
13 October 2016
From the Oceanarium, you take the stairs to reach the 2/F to get to the Fish Spa. The Fish Spa is an attraction where you dip your feet into a pool of doctor fishes and leave them to feed off of the dead skin cells on your feet. The Fish Spa is only available with the Sea Breeze (P750 for 11 attractions) and Marine Voyage (P990 for 13 attractions) packages.
You can take as long as you want here and maximize the opportunity.
Visitors can try it out from 10AM to 7PM (M-F) and 9AM to 7PM during Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
From the Oceanarium, you take the stairs to reach the 2/F to get to the Fish Spa. The Fish Spa is an attraction where you dip your feet into a pool of doctor fishes and leave them to feed off of the dead skin cells on your feet. The Fish Spa is only available with the Sea Breeze (P750 for 11 attractions) and Marine Voyage (P990 for 13 attractions) packages. You can take as long as you want here and maximize the opportunity.
Visitors can try it out from 10AM to 7PM (M-F) and 9AM to 7PM during Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Oceanarium
13 October 2016
So, the first attraction that we visited was the Oceanarium. The Oceanarium is one of the world's best public aquariums with over 14,000 marine creatures from the Philippines and South East Asia. It has several sections, including its main attraction - a 25 meter long, 220° curved walkway tunnel - where you can see marine creatures all around you (left, right and above) as you traverse the tunnel.
It opens at 10AM and last entry is at 7:15PM. Because of the size, it may take you an hour or more to fully appreciate everything here.
So, the first attraction that we visited was the Oceanarium. The Oceanarium is one of the world's best public aquariums with over 14,000 marine creatures from the Philippines and South East Asia. It has several sections, including its main attraction - a 25 meter long, 220° curved walkway tunnel - where you can see marine creatures all around you (left, right and above) as you traverse the tunnel.It opens at 10AM and last entry is at 7:15PM. Because of the size, it may take you an hour or more to fully appreciate everything here.
The Manila Ocean Park Chronicles: The Different Attractions for the Sea Breeze Promo Package and other info
13 October 2016
When I learned that Manila Ocean Park recently offered a Birthday Madness promo that entitles the birthday celebrant to free entrance to the park provided he/she comes with 3 paying companions, I immediately went to their website to find out more details. There were two packages available: Sea Breeze Express (P750 for 11 attractions) and "Marine Voyage" (P990 for 13 attractions). Trails to Antarctica - The Penguin Exhibit and the Christmas Village are the only two added attractions for the Marine Voyage package.
We chose the Sea Breeze Express Package and went on my actual birthdate, although according to the rules, I could have gone anytime during my birth month. How I wish I could use the privilege over and over instead of just one time :) hahaha All you have to do is go to the ticket counter and present your valid credentials (I used my birth certificate) and buy your tickets for either package (Sea Breeze or Marine Voyage).
Anyway, here are the attractions that were part of the package:
Anytime Attractions: This means you can go anytime at your discretion. You can do them in any order, but will be limited to one entry per attraction only.
Outdoor Shows: These are live shows that are held outside. They follow a strict schedule although you may choose when to come depending on your time. Although, I suspect that if there are educational field trips scheduled, management tries to encourage you to stick to the schedule that they allot for you. For instance, when we got our list of attractions, they encircled 3PM for the Sea Lion Show, 4:15PM for the All-Star Bird Show and 7:15PM for the Symphony Evening Show. We actually missed the 3PM show and wanted to go into the 5PM show but the line was too long because of the students on a field trip. So we weren't able to see that show.
Given that this was the first time we're going to set foot at the Manila Ocean Park, we really didn't have any idea what to do first or how long it will take for us to fully appreciate each attraction. So, in the next posts, I'll give you an idea of what to see or do in each attraction and how long it took us to go around. Hopefully, you'll get to plan your trip better than we did this first time :)
At the entrance, you'll find this Guide Map and Wrist Band Checker. I suggest you take a picture of the Guide Map so you know where to go. They didn't give us a brochure or a map to help us get around the place. There are signs though, but in our case, where we're planning as we go along, it was kind of hard to plan ahead.
The Wrist Band Checker is there to let you know if you're qualified for that particular attraction. However, the wrist band checkers that we've tried where either broken or offline. They do give you a list of attractions that you're qualified for when you pay for your tickets, so don't lose that.
There's also this huge photo standee where you can take a souvenir photo of your Manila Ocean Park adventure.
Now on to the Oceanarium! :)
When I learned that Manila Ocean Park recently offered a Birthday Madness promo that entitles the birthday celebrant to free entrance to the park provided he/she comes with 3 paying companions, I immediately went to their website to find out more details. There were two packages available: Sea Breeze Express (P750 for 11 attractions) and "Marine Voyage" (P990 for 13 attractions). Trails to Antarctica - The Penguin Exhibit and the Christmas Village are the only two added attractions for the Marine Voyage package.
We chose the Sea Breeze Express Package and went on my actual birthdate, although according to the rules, I could have gone anytime during my birth month. How I wish I could use the privilege over and over instead of just one time :) hahaha All you have to do is go to the ticket counter and present your valid credentials (I used my birth certificate) and buy your tickets for either package (Sea Breeze or Marine Voyage).
 |
| At the Ticket Booth |
Anytime Attractions: This means you can go anytime at your discretion. You can do them in any order, but will be limited to one entry per attraction only.
- Oceanarium
- Fish Spa
- Jellies Exhibit
- World of Creepy Crawlies
- Birds of Prey Kingdom
- Back of the House
- Shark and Rays Dry Encounter (this was replaced by the Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum)
Outdoor Shows: These are live shows that are held outside. They follow a strict schedule although you may choose when to come depending on your time. Although, I suspect that if there are educational field trips scheduled, management tries to encourage you to stick to the schedule that they allot for you. For instance, when we got our list of attractions, they encircled 3PM for the Sea Lion Show, 4:15PM for the All-Star Bird Show and 7:15PM for the Symphony Evening Show. We actually missed the 3PM show and wanted to go into the 5PM show but the line was too long because of the students on a field trip. So we weren't able to see that show.
- Sea Lion Show - 11AM, 3 PM, 5 PM
- All Star Bird Show - 1:15 PM, 4:15 PM
- Symphony Evening Show - 6:30PM, 7:15PM
Penguin Talk Show: This is the only indoor show at the moment. Supposedly opens at 10AM and Last Show is at 6:30PM. But there's a note that you have to visit the venue for the actual schedule. We weren't able to go to this one as well. When we got there around 6PM, they said that the show was done.
Given that this was the first time we're going to set foot at the Manila Ocean Park, we really didn't have any idea what to do first or how long it will take for us to fully appreciate each attraction. So, in the next posts, I'll give you an idea of what to see or do in each attraction and how long it took us to go around. Hopefully, you'll get to plan your trip better than we did this first time :)
At the entrance, you'll find this Guide Map and Wrist Band Checker. I suggest you take a picture of the Guide Map so you know where to go. They didn't give us a brochure or a map to help us get around the place. There are signs though, but in our case, where we're planning as we go along, it was kind of hard to plan ahead.
The Wrist Band Checker is there to let you know if you're qualified for that particular attraction. However, the wrist band checkers that we've tried where either broken or offline. They do give you a list of attractions that you're qualified for when you pay for your tickets, so don't lose that.
Now on to the Oceanarium! :)
Walking around Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
12 October 2016
Today, we had a case of cabin fever and we hitched a ride with Patrick who had two events to attend to, both in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig. We normally don't get to go to this place because it's out of the way but the kids like walking along Bonifacio High Street whenever we get the chance. This time, Patrick dropped us off at the new Uptown Mall and we just walked around and checked it out :)
Today, we had a case of cabin fever and we hitched a ride with Patrick who had two events to attend to, both in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig. We normally don't get to go to this place because it's out of the way but the kids like walking along Bonifacio High Street whenever we get the chance. This time, Patrick dropped us off at the new Uptown Mall and we just walked around and checked it out :)Our 3-day sample itinerary during our 2016 Baguio Trip
Driving Directions from Baguio to Manila via Marcos Highway
30 September 2016
There are three main roads in and out of Baguio: Kennon Road, Palispis Highway (also known as Marcos Highway) and Naguilian Road. If you're coming from Manila via the SCTEX and the TPLEX, Kennon Road and Marcos Highway are the routes that you can choose to pass through to get to Baguio. Naguilian Road is ideal if you're passing through the coastal MacArthur Highway.
During our Baguio trip, we drove on Kennon Road to get to Baguio but we were forced to take Marcos Highway on the return trip because Kennon Road was closed for repairs. Historically, Kennon Road gets closed down most often because of the threat of landslides especially during the rainy season. It's better to check advisories if you're planning your trip.
Dinner at Iguana's in Clark to cap off our Baguio Trip
28 September 2016
We knew that when we left Baguio around lunchtime, it would probably be dinner time when we reached Clark. That meant having the opportunity to dine at our favorite restaurant in Clark - Iguana's Authentic Mexican Food.
We knew that when we left Baguio around lunchtime, it would probably be dinner time when we reached Clark. That meant having the opportunity to dine at our favorite restaurant in Clark - Iguana's Authentic Mexican Food.
The mind-boggling night market at Harrison Road, Baguio City
27 September 2016
To say that we've had a full day today was an understatement. Our last stop was the night market along Harrison Road which is open from 9PM until 1AM. From our dinner at the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant, we parked our car along Session Road and simply walked to get to Harrison Road. The aroma of cooking food and the buzz from the energy of the people shopping along the stretch of road were enough to get us excited!
To say that we've had a full day today was an understatement. Our last stop was the night market along Harrison Road which is open from 9PM until 1AM. From our dinner at the Good Taste Cafe and Restaurant, we parked our car along Session Road and simply walked to get to Harrison Road. The aroma of cooking food and the buzz from the energy of the people shopping along the stretch of road were enough to get us excited!Visiting Baguio is not complete without Ube Jam from Good Shepherd
27 September 2016
The kids burned off all their energy playing at the Mini Golf and the playground next to it. On our way back to our hotel to rest before dinner, we thought of passing by the Good Shepherd Mountain Maid Training Center to check if we can buy our favorite ube jam because our trip to Baguio wouldn't be complete if we didn't get some :) With time to spare (it took us 30 minutes), we reached Good Shepherd.
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