Credit cards are not bad at all if you use them wisely.You must be responsible in managing your cards and it takes discipline also.You must pay your card as it comes due (straight payment) in order not to overspend.If there are available zero percent purchase items grab them; this is the only time that you will make your instalment payments.There are a lot of freebies offered by the credit card companies just to attract cardholders to swipe their cards.I’ll share with you the freebies we already enjoyed with our credit cards.With HSBC, you will get a free any Starbucks drinks (tall) for purchases worth Php2,000, redemption must be claimed within a month after the purchase date.Another is the HSBC Mabuhay Miles Program where you can convert your card points into miles to avail of the free air fare from the Philippine Airlines (PAL), you need 8000 miles to have a round trip domestic fare per individual. There are other HSBC reward programs like rebates at Caltex, zero percent plans and a lot more.
While in BPI Credit Cards, you’ll get free meals at Jollibee for purchases worth Php2,000, Php6,000 and Php12,000.There are also a lot of gift certificates if you claim your card points.
I had a great weekend last three weeks ago with hubby because we had our very first trip ever as a couple; a trip to the capital of the Palawan Island, Puerto Princesa.
We had our complimentary air fares from Philippine Airlines as a reward by HSBC thru its Mabuhay Miles promo. The flight to Puerto Princesa has lesser turbulence than the return to Manila. The view at the plane’s window is captivating not to mention it’s my first airplane ride!You’ll see the Taal Volcano passing through the Batangas province.It’s a nice experience at the plane.
We had our accommodation at the Microtel Resort Hotel which is 20-30 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa airport.The resort is very nice!It’s clean, the staffs are helpful and kind, the beach view is relaxing! The rooms are very comforting too.The white sand beach is quite unusual for me because there are Mangroves in it.It’s not the swimming type though if you’re courageous you can swim through it at few meters more.The resort has its own pool and restaurant.
Hotel Lobby
On our first day, we had the Underground River tour and it took us two hours or more to reach the Sabang beach.There is one stopover along the way if you need to pee or have a snack; there are also some views to see -- the traditional dwellings of their natives and the Carst Mountain. Upon arrival at the Sabang beach, we had our buffet lunch which is inclusive in the tour package.The food is good.The beach has white sand and the waves are huge.We took a lot of pictures there.After an hour of rest, we headed at the Sabang pier which just 5 mins from the lunch venue.From the pier, it took us 20-30 mins boat ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park which is the entrance to the Underground River. From the shoreline, it will take another 10-15mins trek to see the mouth of the river. Just be careful with the monkeys along the trek. There are lots of tourists when we arrived there; 10 boats passed by before our turn.We were geared with life vest and helmet. It’s very dark inside the Underground River; we only have the spotlight as a source of light.There are bats flying around inside the river which might cause the foul odor.The view inside the cave is amazing; it’s huge!You’ll be amazed with God’s creation! It’s definitely a new wonder of the world; so register your vote now at www.new7wonders.com or text PPUR at 2861.
above: Sabang Beach
above: mouth of the Underground River
After that long trip, we had our first dinner at the resort’s resto and we ordered Charcoal Grilled Suran and Garlic rice.I love the Suran, it’s a new fish meal discovery!
On the following day, we explored the city’s tourist spots.We went to the following: Puerto Princesa Bay, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Plaza Cuertal where the 143 American soldiers were burned by the Japanese colony, Tiangge-tiangge where you can shop for souvenir items, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center where you can see the crocodile farm and the Nature Park where you can experience the wildlife, Mitra’s Ranch where you can see the landscape of Puerto Princesa, Baker’s Hill which is known for its freshly pastries and breads, and lastly, the Binuatan Creation Showroom where you can experience handloom weaving.
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
Plaza Cuertal
view at Mitra's Ranch
We definitely enjoyed our stay in Palawan and a chance to encounter with its priceless nature!
Well, it’s time to catch up! Let me share with you my adventures at the coastlines of Morong, Bataan and the historical landmark at the Dambana ng Kagitingan.
On April of this year, we held our teambuilding activity at the Coral View Resort, Morong, Bataan but before proceeding to the resort we had a side trip at the well-known Dambana ng Kagitingan. Travel time from the City of San Fernando (P) to Mt. Samat then to the Coral View is approximately three hours. I was quite dizzy with the roads to Morong because there are lots of sharp curves and zigzag roads. I guess it’s scary to travel at night or during heavy rains.
In the Dambana ng Kagitingan, we paid an entrance fee of P20.00 each and P30.00 for the service vehicle; this includes entrance to the museum. Another entrance fee was also collected at the Mt. Samat Memorial Cross. The Memorial Cross is huge; it has a height of 92 meters from the base. Upon looking the cross from the base, you’ll see the clouds moving you’ll get shaky as if the cross was moving. The sight was so nice and clean with an overlooking view since we are in a mountain. In the cross, you’ll need to ride an elevator which can occupy approximately five (5) persons that’s why if there are lots of tourists you’ll definitely wait for your turn because there is a limit of persons that can be accommodated at the top of the cross. In case of brown-out, there is a 14 flight zigzag foot path. Once you are in the arm of the cross which is the main deck, you’ll see a pleasant view of Mt. Samat and nearby mountains with a cold breeze too! It’s fun to take pictures and feel the altitude breeze.
Meanwhile, a visit at the museum will trigger your sense of patriotism. The rules inside the museum are very strict. No picture taking is allowed, no touching of artifacts, no food and drinks! I was quite naughty when I tried to capture the bazookas using my cellphone; later, the security guard of the museum came to me and asked to delete the pictures I captured. He looked individually at my pictures and ensured that it will all be deleted. Then the security guard gave a feedback thru the handheld radio that all the pictures were already deleted; that’s when we discovered that there are CCTV cameras all over the museum. That’s my funny experience I thought they will confiscate my cellphone. I was just amazed with the artifacts and captured them to share it with my family at home. You will see in the museum the pictures of the buildings and the events during the Japanese period. I was devastated to see those pictures and memories of the war. You will see how Filipinos were maltreated by the Japanese colony. There is one photo showing a billboard notice by the Japanese saying that they are the masters and anyone who will fight against them will be considered enemy and be punished. Another photo will show the ruined building of Manila Post Office. There are also live bazookas, machine guns, soldier uniforms and boots, and a lot more artifacts. It’s a good historical connection experience.
We stayed overnight at the Coral View Resort in Morong, Bataan approximately one and a half hour from Mt. Samat. The resort is very nice and clean; the staffs are very friendly and accommodating. The rooms are nice also; they have cottages also for day tour. Built-in obstacle course facilities are also available for teambuilding activities. The shore has grey sand; the beach in front of the resort is not that ideal for swimming. It really goes with the name of the resort – “Coral View”. The corals are located at their beach; you’ll see them at sunset when it’s low tide. There are also quite lots of sea urchins as I was a victim of those. On the other hand, you can explore the nearby beaches if you’re into swimming. There are areas which you can swim or you can also swim at the two (2) resorts’ pool.
On the way home, we bought pasalubong to our families at the Balanga Public Market where it is well-known for their fresh tinapa (smoked fish), tuyo (dried fish) and other sea foods products. Along the mountainous road from Morong, there are vendors who sell fresh and roasted Kasuy; they are so appetizing!
Lastly, another teambuilding activity was conducted on May at Morong, Bataan also. It was at the Waterfront Beach Resort. The resort facilities are the standard type; you’ll be quite disappointed to see the actual than the pictures from their website. The pleasure (for me) is with the beach because it has fine sand you can swim in it no visibility of sea urchins or corals. However, just avoid the jelly fishes ~wink, wink~! Their buffet meals are very good; you’ll be stuffed if you’re hungry.
Credit cards are not bad at all if you use them wisely.You must be responsible in managing your cards and it takes discipline also.You must pay your card as it comes due (straight payment) in order not to overspend.If there are available zero percent purchase items grab them; this is the only time that you will make your instalment payments.There are a lot of freebies offered by the credit card companies just to attract cardholders to swipe their cards.I’ll share with you the freebies we already enjoyed with our credit cards.With HSBC, you will get a free any Starbucks drinks (tall) for purchases worth Php2,000, redemption must be claimed within a month after the purchase date.Another is the HSBC Mabuhay Miles Program where you can convert your card points into miles to avail of the free air fare from the Philippine Airlines (PAL), you need 8000 miles to have a round trip domestic fare per individual. There are other HSBC reward programs like rebates at Caltex, zero percent plans and a lot more.
While in BPI Credit Cards, you’ll get free meals at Jollibee for purchases worth Php2,000, Php6,000 and Php12,000.There are also a lot of gift certificates if you claim your card points.
I had a great weekend last three weeks ago with hubby because we had our very first trip ever as a couple; a trip to the capital of the Palawan Island, Puerto Princesa.
We had our complimentary air fares from Philippine Airlines as a reward by HSBC thru its Mabuhay Miles promo. The flight to Puerto Princesa has lesser turbulence than the return to Manila. The view at the plane’s window is captivating not to mention it’s my first airplane ride!You’ll see the Taal Volcano passing through the Batangas province.It’s a nice experience at the plane.
We had our accommodation at the Microtel Resort Hotel which is 20-30 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa airport.The resort is very nice!It’s clean, the staffs are helpful and kind, the beach view is relaxing! The rooms are very comforting too.The white sand beach is quite unusual for me because there are Mangroves in it.It’s not the swimming type though if you’re courageous you can swim through it at few meters more.The resort has its own pool and restaurant.
Hotel Lobby
On our first day, we had the Underground River tour and it took us two hours or more to reach the Sabang beach.There is one stopover along the way if you need to pee or have a snack; there are also some views to see -- the traditional dwellings of their natives and the Carst Mountain. Upon arrival at the Sabang beach, we had our buffet lunch which is inclusive in the tour package.The food is good.The beach has white sand and the waves are huge.We took a lot of pictures there.After an hour of rest, we headed at the Sabang pier which just 5 mins from the lunch venue.From the pier, it took us 20-30 mins boat ride to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park which is the entrance to the Underground River. From the shoreline, it will take another 10-15mins trek to see the mouth of the river. Just be careful with the monkeys along the trek. There are lots of tourists when we arrived there; 10 boats passed by before our turn.We were geared with life vest and helmet. It’s very dark inside the Underground River; we only have the spotlight as a source of light.There are bats flying around inside the river which might cause the foul odor.The view inside the cave is amazing; it’s huge!You’ll be amazed with God’s creation! It’s definitely a new wonder of the world; so register your vote now at www.new7wonders.com or text PPUR at 2861.
above: Sabang Beach
above: mouth of the Underground River
After that long trip, we had our first dinner at the resort’s resto and we ordered Charcoal Grilled Suran and Garlic rice.I love the Suran, it’s a new fish meal discovery!
On the following day, we explored the city’s tourist spots.We went to the following: Puerto Princesa Bay, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Plaza Cuertal where the 143 American soldiers were burned by the Japanese colony, Tiangge-tiangge where you can shop for souvenir items, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center where you can see the crocodile farm and the Nature Park where you can experience the wildlife, Mitra’s Ranch where you can see the landscape of Puerto Princesa, Baker’s Hill which is known for its freshly pastries and breads, and lastly, the Binuatan Creation Showroom where you can experience handloom weaving.
Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
Plaza Cuertal
view at Mitra's Ranch
We definitely enjoyed our stay in Palawan and a chance to encounter with its priceless nature!
Well, it’s time to catch up! Let me share with you my adventures at the coastlines of Morong, Bataan and the historical landmark at the Dambana ng Kagitingan.
On April of this year, we held our teambuilding activity at the Coral View Resort, Morong, Bataan but before proceeding to the resort we had a side trip at the well-known Dambana ng Kagitingan. Travel time from the City of San Fernando (P) to Mt. Samat then to the Coral View is approximately three hours. I was quite dizzy with the roads to Morong because there are lots of sharp curves and zigzag roads. I guess it’s scary to travel at night or during heavy rains.
In the Dambana ng Kagitingan, we paid an entrance fee of P20.00 each and P30.00 for the service vehicle; this includes entrance to the museum. Another entrance fee was also collected at the Mt. Samat Memorial Cross. The Memorial Cross is huge; it has a height of 92 meters from the base. Upon looking the cross from the base, you’ll see the clouds moving you’ll get shaky as if the cross was moving. The sight was so nice and clean with an overlooking view since we are in a mountain. In the cross, you’ll need to ride an elevator which can occupy approximately five (5) persons that’s why if there are lots of tourists you’ll definitely wait for your turn because there is a limit of persons that can be accommodated at the top of the cross. In case of brown-out, there is a 14 flight zigzag foot path. Once you are in the arm of the cross which is the main deck, you’ll see a pleasant view of Mt. Samat and nearby mountains with a cold breeze too! It’s fun to take pictures and feel the altitude breeze.
Meanwhile, a visit at the museum will trigger your sense of patriotism. The rules inside the museum are very strict. No picture taking is allowed, no touching of artifacts, no food and drinks! I was quite naughty when I tried to capture the bazookas using my cellphone; later, the security guard of the museum came to me and asked to delete the pictures I captured. He looked individually at my pictures and ensured that it will all be deleted. Then the security guard gave a feedback thru the handheld radio that all the pictures were already deleted; that’s when we discovered that there are CCTV cameras all over the museum. That’s my funny experience I thought they will confiscate my cellphone. I was just amazed with the artifacts and captured them to share it with my family at home. You will see in the museum the pictures of the buildings and the events during the Japanese period. I was devastated to see those pictures and memories of the war. You will see how Filipinos were maltreated by the Japanese colony. There is one photo showing a billboard notice by the Japanese saying that they are the masters and anyone who will fight against them will be considered enemy and be punished. Another photo will show the ruined building of Manila Post Office. There are also live bazookas, machine guns, soldier uniforms and boots, and a lot more artifacts. It’s a good historical connection experience.
We stayed overnight at the Coral View Resort in Morong, Bataan approximately one and a half hour from Mt. Samat. The resort is very nice and clean; the staffs are very friendly and accommodating. The rooms are nice also; they have cottages also for day tour. Built-in obstacle course facilities are also available for teambuilding activities. The shore has grey sand; the beach in front of the resort is not that ideal for swimming. It really goes with the name of the resort – “Coral View”. The corals are located at their beach; you’ll see them at sunset when it’s low tide. There are also quite lots of sea urchins as I was a victim of those. On the other hand, you can explore the nearby beaches if you’re into swimming. There are areas which you can swim or you can also swim at the two (2) resorts’ pool.
On the way home, we bought pasalubong to our families at the Balanga Public Market where it is well-known for their fresh tinapa (smoked fish), tuyo (dried fish) and other sea foods products. Along the mountainous road from Morong, there are vendors who sell fresh and roasted Kasuy; they are so appetizing!
Lastly, another teambuilding activity was conducted on May at Morong, Bataan also. It was at the Waterfront Beach Resort. The resort facilities are the standard type; you’ll be quite disappointed to see the actual than the pictures from their website. The pleasure (for me) is with the beach because it has fine sand you can swim in it no visibility of sea urchins or corals. However, just avoid the jelly fishes ~wink, wink~! Their buffet meals are very good; you’ll be stuffed if you’re hungry.
