Getting one ticket to Macao is absolutely a treat, but getting two? Now that sounds like a Jackpot.
Tourists can now relish a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ promo when purchasing a round-trip ticket from Air Macau for a limited-time offer.
Photo from Air Macau
The promo runs from April 10, 2023, until June 30, 2023. It is available for international tourists, Hongkong residents, and Taiwanese departing from Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam, with Macao as the Destination.
The promo is part of the Macao Government Tourism Office’s promotional campaign with Air Macao. The campaign is to persuade tourists to visit the city. With the ‘Buy One Take One’ ticket promo, the MGTO is also working closely with public transport operators to implement the “Macao Treat” program. The program entices tourists to stay longer by offering free return to tickets to those who stay overnight in Macao.
Macao, Macao | Photo from Unsplash
The program will cover most of the services, such as land transport via HK-MO Express, One Bus Hong Kong Macau and Eternal East Cross-Border Coach, and water transport via TruboJet and Cotai Water Jet.
An 18-year old highschool senior from Cebu, Simone Gabrielle Balaba, has reached the peak of her academic journey so far after putting in the effort in her studies and college applications.
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Balaba has been offered ₱55 million ($1.1 million) worth of scholarships from nine universities, namely Augustana College, Hawaii Pacific University, Hollins University, University of La Verne, Whitworth University, Knox College, Xavier University, DePaul University and Fisher College — all of which are situated in the United States.
She has long been dreaming of studying abroad despite the slender amount of opportunities given to students in general. The financial aid will generously cover all tuition fees and most of the expenses she would have to incur that would come with studying outside of the country.
Hollin’s Univeristy | Photo from Hollin’s University Facebook Page
The soon-to-be college freshman attended the small public school for brilliant students, Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) High School in Lapu-Lapu City. Balaba was a student in HUMSS and stated that she was not the typical STEM student with a number of achievements.
Balaba took to Facebook to ask for help from netizens to prepare her for moving to the United States. Despite the financial aid packages, she would have to spend on other matters outside of the tuition fees such as for transportation, textbooks, room and board, and more related to the financial realities of college.
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
Photo from Simone Gabrielle Balaba
The multiple opportunities that have been given to her is a testament to her hard work, as she proclaimed. She is thankful for the appreciation and words of encouragement that continue to motivate her to always do her best in her studies.
You may contact Simone Gabrielle Balaba through her Facebook page. She is actively looking for sponsors who can help her embark on the new chapters of her life.
A skywalk was demolished two weeks ago in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City. In order to make up for the infrastructure loss, a new one will be built in return in the same area.
Photo from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook Page
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sixth District Engineering Office’s head, Daisy Toledo, stated that the skywalk will be constructed to replace the one that was demolished last March 31 with an increased height of 5.33 meters, a bit higher than the previous 4.2 meters. ₱15 million will be allocated to the construction of the new skywalk from the DPWH Sixth District Engineering Office’s 2024 budget.
The demolition was deemed to be a need according to the Mandaue City Government for the safety of pedestrians and motorists because of the heavy damaged it incurred after one of the skywalk’s beams was hit by a refrigerated van. Worried locals put their uneasiness to Facebook, asking others to be careful when passing the area and encouraging the local government to do something about the casualty.
Photo from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook PagePhoto from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook PagePhoto from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook Page
Head of Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue Edwin Jumao-as, claimed that a skywalk is something Sudlon should have because it is important especially for students of the private academic institution St. Louis College-Cebu to be able to cross the street without being at risk, so a new one should be implemented.
Toledo suggested that the city should also put up signs on the new skywalk to warn and guide truck drivers, so it would not happen again.
Toledo also stated that they will be transparent about the project, offering citizens with issues or concerns to visit or call their district office.
Photo from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook PagePhoto from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook PagePhoto from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook PagePhoto from Mandaue City Public Information Office Facebook Page
Once again, every Juan can now book flights as low as ₱1 with Cebu Pacific!
Photo from Cebu Pacific Air
Cebu Pacific returns with another P1SO sale to book your favorite domestic and international flights. From Manila, travelers can fly to domestic destinations such as Boracay, Siargao, and Davao for only ₱1 base fare. The promo applies to international spots like Tokyo, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Bali.
The domestic flight one-way base fare includes a 7 kg hand-carry baggage allowance. However, the promo excludes the web admin fee, 12% VAT, terminal fees, and fuel surcharge.
Meanwhile, the international flight one-way base fare includes a 7kg hand-carry baggage allowance, exclusive of web admin fees for short haul and long haul flights, and a ₱550 international terminal fee and fuel surcharge.
Photo from Cebu Pacific Air
You better book your flights now since the sale is only until April 19, 2023. The promo’s travel period is from August 21, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
This is the future of transport, and it is within our reach! We are living in times of innovation and progress.
Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.
Mobility company Futran Philippines Inc. introduces podcars — a green concept of transportation. Company president Jose Christopher “Joey” Fornier II has come to an agreement with Mandaue City’s Local Government Unit, Mayor Jonas Cortes for the feasibility study together of the said concept to feature the very first sustainable people-mover project in the country.
Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.
However, a suspended and elevated transport-system is not new to other countries, with Germany as the first to have run it. Along with China and Japan, it is widely used by the public with a daily ridership of thousands and has been proven to be safe and reliable.
Fornier emphasized Mandaue City as one of the fastest growing cities in Cebu, stating that he believes it is a good choice because it is also a green city: remaining sustainable with its progressiveness, fitting the said green concept.
The mayor voiced out the city’s commitment to further developing the city without compromising the needs of the future generation, therefore they agreed to explore the mass transport system project which is aimed to be environmentally-friendly.
Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.
With that in mind, the podcar will be powered by solar energy. It will be elevated so its beams could have access to the sun and run smoothly.
Despite its placement, it can easily blend into the city and not interfere with the existing heavy traffic below and can even minimize traffic congestion, making the streets less busy. Mandaue City has been having a traffic problem that is worsening.
The feasibility study has taken effect upon the signing and the research will run for six months. Should the need arise, the process can be extended to another half a year.
Photo from Futran Philippines Inc.
Once the feasibility study is finished, Fornier stated that they can finally plan where to implement the system — the deployment as well as its stations.
A Singapore-based Filipino Software engineer named Denz Del Villar developed a web app that can track the places that you’ve been in the Philippines. He uses ReactJS and chatGPT to work on the web app.
Photo from denzdelvillar on Instagram
What is My Philippines Travel Level?
The web app helps users see how well they have traveled the Philippines. The web app was inspired by a Japanese version.
Photo from Chang Felisco Cruz
How to Use The App
Once you open the web app, you will see a map divided into 82 Philippine provinces. Users have to click on an area and choose the appropriate level of travel.
Each level represents how long you’ve been staying in one area. Here are the different levels and their representation:
Lived there – you spent a huge part of your life in that location.
Stayed there – you slept at least a night in that location.
Visited there – you spent a few hours exploring the location.
Alighted there – you just dropped off for a short stopover, layover, or transfer.
Passed there – you passed by that location but did not set foot.
Never been there – you need to travel there soon.
Users’ total scores will be updated accordingly. You can even save the images to share with your friends online. If you want to try the app out yourself, click here.
The web app is a fun way to look back at all the places in the Philippines that you’ve visited. It is also an excellent reminder to finally explore all the other provinces in the country. Brb, I’ll be busy tracking my Philippine adventure!
Lord Of The Rings has made such an impact on viewers to the point that anything similar to references regarding the show, is both encouraged and enjoyed. Die hard fans of the TV program everywhere dream about rewatching the whole series again for the very first time. Sad to say, what we can only indulge in anything near to that experience is to complete reruns, form theories, purchase merch, and many more. But would a LOTR-influenced walking app suffice?
Photo from Unsplash
This app, currently taking over LOTR TikTok overnight, is called “Fantasy Hike”. Fantasy Hike reimagines the pilgrimage of the fellowship, in accordance to their travels all across the Shire up until Mount Doom, and counts each and every step of the way. Comparing it to the actual (albeit purely fictional) distance of the books and movies. In retrospect, it is now possible (to attempt) to walk to Mordor, using Fantasy Hike.
Photo from App StorePhoto from App Store
You can use the app in whatever way you could possibly imagine, as long as you’re getting that cardio and moving as much as possible. All these will be added up and shown as your progress towards Mordor through these steps you’ve taken. Making you realize the extent of how much our poor friends Frodo and Sam had to travel to just get rid of that cursed ring. Praise be to these hobbits!
How it actually works is that it lets you accept quests, such as walking with a companion (other users), and will tally up every step you’ve taken on this fictional world, showing you just how gut-wrenching the journey to Mount Doom is. It even goes as far as estimating your time of arrival based on statistics and pacing of your movement.
With how far it actually is in the books, expect it to be grueling, and most especially time-consuming. It may take weeks, months, might be even years to reach the final stop.
Fantasy Hike’s goal is to make you get up and get fit, while making it fun and interesting. So get your lazy self out of your bed and download Fantasy Hike from the Appstore right now!
Carnaza Island is a 174 hectares (430 acres) turtle-shaped island located north of the mainland Cebu in the Philippines. The island is bordered on all sides by the Visayan Sea, and is part of Daanbantayan, Cebu.
Experience this undeniably gorgeous paradise in Northern Cebu, the Carnaza Island, for less than ₱1000!
Budget
₱424 (₱212 /way) – Airconditioned bus from North Bus Terminal to Tapilon Port in Daanbantayan. Travel time is 4 hours.
₱300 (₱150 /way) – Boat going to Carnaza Island. Travel time is 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a pump boat for ₱7,000 roundtrip which can carry around 25-30 people.
₱200 /head – Entrance fee at Carnaza Eco Park with access to Skull Cove.
₱100 (₱200 /room) – Room rate per night, good for 2pax.
…so that’s a total of ₱1,024 and you’ll already get to experience this paradise!
TRAVEL TIPS: – The more friends, the cheaper you have to pay for the boat ride. – Bring food and drinks – Bring powerbank and extra batteries – Bring tent and other beddings – Leave no trace
Other information
Food available in the area
• Note, if there’s really a lot of people, food would always be out of stock. Better to bring your own and have it cooked there. • Barbecue – Prices starts at ₱10. Very Affordable! • Noodles – ₱15 Only • Milo and Coffee – ₱10 Only • Cooking for your food – ₱300 Unlimited in one cooking
Rates
• Entrance fee: ₱200 per head • Tent: Regular Season – ₱100(Offered by the Staff of Carnaza Eco Park). Peak Season – P300(These are the tents offered by the none staff of Carnaza Eco Park) • Room Rates: ₱200 per night, good for 2pax.
– There are 20 standard rooms (woodshed) of the same size and type. You may bring your own camping tents as well.
Carnaza Eco Park
• For overnights: Walk-ins are welcome, but given the island’s popularity now, it’s recommended to make a booking first. • Contact numbers: 0936-731-6495 / 0999-860-9761 / 0936-731-6495 • Social:Facebook Page • Email:[email protected]
How to get there?
Head on to Cebu North Bus Terminal and ride the bus bound for Maya-Bagay or you can simply ask and conductor around the bus terminal and tell them that you’re going to Tapilon Port. Travel time is around 4 hours and fare is ₱212 (airconditioned bus). Take the first trip if you’ll be only doing day tour in Carnaza Island.
Once you arrive at Tapilon Port, ride a boat going to Carnaza Island (₱150 per way). First trip is at 7am-10am but it would actually depend on the condition of the sea. When we got there its low-tide, so the first trip will be at 10am and departs by 1pm. So we rented a pump boat instead (since were only doing a day tour) for ₱7,000 roundtrip it can carry around 25-30 people. Tapilon Port to Carnaza Island travel time is 2 hours.
The information above are based on the experience shared by travel blogger DAVE JAN DEQUITO.
Sun’s out in Cebu and we’re desperately wanting to beat the heat — where to this summer?
Bantayan is probably among the first ones that came to your head, and we can’t really blame you. The island seems to never run out of good beaches; it is rich when it comes to talks on the most alluring waters with the finest white sand. Baigad Lagoon Beach has become one of many after its history of careful restorations.
Photo from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook Page
It stands out from the rest because it really is how you would picture a tropical paradise: a hammock connected to palm trees, pristine ivory sand that greets your toes, sparkling aqua blue waters, and wooden furnishings.
Let us see why you should stop by Baigan Lagoon Beach when you go island hopping.
Beach therapy? You’ll get it
Because it is a lagoon, it is isolated from the rest of the island. Meaning it is remote and a lot less crowded than the other beaches in the island. Enjoy solitude with just your companions by immersing in its crystal blue waters or swinging on the hammocks in peace. No beach trip is ever complete without a meal or two. Or more. If eating is your way of relaxing, then you can have a picnic-like setting with its benches which have white umbrellas to protect you from the sun.
Photo from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook Page
Complete provisions to seas the day
Worry not, Baigad Lagoon Beach has everything you need to make you feel comfortable. The place is scattered with places to sit, tables to eat your meals on (or put your round of drinks on), hammocks for the fulfilling typical beach experience, and umbrellas if you do not want to get a sunburn.
The environment also remains clean because there is an environmental fee. Trash collection and disposal is done every now and then, so you best bet that most of the time the beach just looks like how you would imagine heaven on earth is like if it were on a lagoon. This means their restroom as well, since that is a problem for many.
If safety is your concern, lifeguards are on the lookout everywhere. They can also provide you with life vests if it makes you feel more secure.
High tides and good vibes? Baigad Lagoon Beach is the place for you.
Photo from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook PagePhoto from Baigad Lagoon Beach Facebook Page
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
DAY USE:
₱150 pax
Children 6 and below are free
₱50 off for PWD, senior citizens, and Bantayan locals with IDs
Group discounts are applicable, 10 pax is 1 pax free, 15 is 2 pax free, and 20 is 3 pax free
Exact location: Baigad Lagoon Beach, Baigad, Bantayan Island, Cebu
BY BUS: From the Cebu City North Bus Terminal (within SM City vicinity), ride on a bus bound to Hagnaya Port. Then ride on a ferry bound for the port in Santa Fe. Once there, you can take a boat to Baigad Lagoon Beach.
BY BOAT: From Bantayan Island, the beach is accessible by boat, just request to be sent to Baigad Lagoon Beach. There is no walkable road to access the location. Boat fee is ₱100 per pax, round-trip
Eighty, Gutsy, and Thriving are the exact three words describing these two amazing 81-year-old best friends.
Some people think that fun stops in old age. However, for Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip, old age is when adventures really begin—traveling the globe at 81? Now that is wild.
Photo from aroundtheworldat80 on Instagram
Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip’s friendship goes way back. They met during a medical mission in Zambia. Hamby was a photographer, while Hazelip was a doctor. And guess what? They have been friends for 23 years.
Because of their love for traveling, Hazelip suggested going on an epic around-the-world adventure in 2021 for 80 days.
According to Hazelip’s blog entry, they both are in good health, so they decided to travel together. She also added that it was going to be incredibly fun to see the world.
When Covid Struck
Unfortunately, the two best friend’s travel plans were shelved when the pandemic struck. As a result, most of their planned destinations had many travel restrictions.
Photo from aroundtheworldat80 on Instagram
“Of course, COVID put a stop to the around the world at 80’, but er were determined that COVID was not canceling our plans for around the world,”
HAZELIP WROTE IN HER BLOCK. SHE ALSO EMPHASIZED THAT THEY DID NOT CANCEL BUT DELAYED THEIR TRIP.
Moreover, the storm had a silver lining. Since they postponed their trip to 2023, they were able to go to Antarctica, which was one of the original places on their list.
Sailing Through The Rough Seas
Hamby and Hazelip recounted how they had to fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, to climb aboard a ship that went through the Drake Passage to get to the South Shetland Islands.
The traveling duo explained how the ship was made to withstand icebergs and up to 50 feet waves. But, they did not expect that they would be sailing through the rough seas.
“The first two-and-a-half days were spent going through the Drake Passage, and we can confirm that we experienced the full ‘Drake Shake.’”, the two best friends wrote.
Photo from aroundtheworldat80 on Instagram
You might think they’ve given up after a few rough seas, but you are mistaken. The duo’s rocky sea journey was deemed “worth it” after they set foot on the magnificent Arctic.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Grandmas
From Antarctica, the two grannies went to the famous Easter Island in Chile. They visited the Statue Heads, interacted with the friendly locals, and ate some delicious fresh fish.
They said goodbye to Chile and headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hambly and Hazelip also explained that Argentina was a substitute for Peru. They noted that they canceled their Peru trip because of the growing political violence.
Their stay in Buenos Aires was indeed a dream. They witnessed a Tango show, feasted on delectable Argentinian steaks, and visited the Recoleta Cemetery.
Photo from aroundtheworldat80 on Instagram
The incredible best friends were able to travel to 18 countries and all seven continents during their 80-day trip. A physician and a photographer accompanied them. Furthermore, their other adventures were a Husky sleigh ride in the Arctic Circle, the Northern Lights in Lapland, The Roman Colosseum, and other historical places in Europe.
They also headed to the island of Zanzibar in Africa, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the skyscrapers in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji in Honshu, and the temples of Bali.
The traveling duo’s last location was Australia. They toured around Sydney and even went on a yacht cruise that passed through the Great Barrier Reef.
80 days at 82 in 2024
As I’ve said, the real adventure begins in old age. Hazelip revealed that they are planning yet another trip in 2024. “We are planning another trip, So it’s going to be something when we’re 82 in 2024”, Hazelip expressed.
Hazelip shared a piece of advice during an interview. The 81-year-old urges people to get up, step out of their comfort zone, make plans, and live. She also emphasized that age is indeed just a number.
Who said traveling is only for the young? It is perfect for those people who are young at heart. So show this write-up to your best friend and tell them, “If Hambly and Hazelip can do it at 81, why not we?
