Mamma and Baba are getting married!
(whatever that means)
Useful Tips and directions...
Once you arrive to Manila...
A Bus will take you there... and back.
Tagaytay is a small town adjacent to the crater of the huge Taal Volcano. It's one and a half hours drive from Metromanila, and it's quite a nice ride. How to get there? For those who don't have a car don't worry: on March 3rd we will arrange few buses from Taguig/Makati to Tagaytay where you will be staying for one night. The weather here is cooler than Manila... For the ADB crowd, we'll have a bus fetch you there in Ortigas at 12 noon! Of course, we'll also bring you back :)
From Manila to Tagaytay... and back.
About Metromanila
Bear in mind that Metromanila is a big cluster of cities and Manila is just one of them. We live in Taguig (Global City), and you'll probably stay in an hotel either here or in Makati (the major financial district). Other cities are Mandaluyong, Paranaque, Pasig and many others. Manila is actually quite far from where we live, but it's probably the best place where to go if you want to sightsee and not to shop all the time... Do you want to hire an incredible guide in Old Manila? Carlos is the best!
Many options, but book as soon as possible!
The only way to go to Boracay is by plane. There are many aircarriers that cover this route; we suggest Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, Seair or Air Asia. Be careful: they don't take off from NAIA International Airport but from other terminals... so double-check your tickets. The destination can either be Caticlan, or Kalibo. In the former case, the ticket will be more expensive (120-170 USD return) but it'll take you 30-45 minutes to be on the beautiful white beach of Boracay Island; in the latter case you have to plan a stunning 2.5 hours bus ride but the ticket will be more affordable (90-100 USD return). We like long drives, so we'll go through Kalibo. In both cases there is a 15 minutes boat ride (often arranged by the hotel where you stay). Our suggestion: book as soon as possible! We will help you sorting things out on the ground...
From Manila to Boracay...
What to bring, what to wear, what to do...
So many things to do, so much fun!
Boracay is one of the most touristic and beautiful beaches in the Philippines archipelago. There is a great choice of hotels, resorts, restaurants, water activities, sports, adventures and many other things to do... including some award-winning SPAs. We suggest to bring with you very light clothes, a good pair of shades, a scarf and a sweater to cover your throat and chest when you enter malls, cafes or shops (the air condition here is crazy and we often get sick because of that). There are also many gift shops, if you wish to buy presents for friends and family back home! As far as sports are concerned, you can surf, kitesurf, sail, dive, bike, run, swim, play beachvolley, ultimate frisbee, beach soccer and much more! If you forget anything, don't worry: you can find just about everything in Manila before you take off, or almost everything in Boracay.
Recommended Hotels (More soon...)
About Taxis in Manila
At Manila Airport
Manila has the cheapest taxi fares and the highest number of vehicles in Southeast Asia. However, many taxi drivers refuse to use their meters or to give you for a ride, especially in rush hours and between cities (within Metromanila). Please don't panic and wait for the next: this is absolutely normal since traffic makes sometimes impossible for them to commit for long rides. Also, be specific with addresses (including city, name of the building and nearest landmarks)... a map of Metromanila might be helpful!
If you travel from abroad you will probably land to NAIA, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After immigration and customs you will finally have a taste of the Philippine's hot and humid weather! Time to go to the hotel, and to finally refresh and rest a bit. The best taxis are the yellow ones (newest), which are metered. A ride to Global City (Taguig) or to Makati (where most of the hotels are) costs around 350-450 PHP from NAIA airport (8-10 USD).
Hi everyone, I'm Laura Neside, the Fairy Ballerina! Over the last few years we've been traveling a lot with Mamma and Baba, and we discovered so many nice places here in the Philippines... I've seen and tasted a lot, so I thought it would be nice to share my notes and Baba's pictures with all of you!
Yes, you heard it! The biggest gift you could make to Mamma and Baba is to come to their wedding... and to stay with us. Then, if you really wish to do something more, you may contribute to the mission of the Canossian Sons of Charity of the Philippines, and help them in their numerous charity activities between Tondo, Mindanao, Tagaytay and many other places here. This can help kids less fortunate than us to have more opportunities, to pursue an education, to have a better health and eventually a better life...
TO: Fr. Giovanni Gentilini
SA011453003004 United Coconut Planters Bank - Coral Way Branch
FlyAce Corporate Center #13Coral Way Central Business Park, Pasay City
SWIFT code: UCPBPHMM
DON'T GIVE US PRESENTS,
MAKE A DONATION
