Hotel 81 Orchid

Stayed for 3 nights in this hotel just last October. Here are some of my insights:

• We arrived at around 4am and one of the two rooms we booked is still not available due to air-conditioning unit problems. We still waited in the other room for roughly 20 minutes to get the other room done.
• The room provided to us has like 28 degree Celsius maximum coolness plus it's an inner unit so we got no view of the outside.
• On our first morning, we did put a sign to tidy our room but when we arrived at night no one fixed it nor replenish the free things.
• You should get your complimentary WiFi passwords at the reception. I think it is one account per person per day. Their WiFi is fast enough and reaches even on the 8th floor.
• The rooms are bit small but I think it is just enough for its cheap rates.
• It is only about 5 minutes walk to the bus station and only 2-3 bus stops to Lavender MRT Station. In going back, you may alight Aljunied MRT Station then take a bus (about 3-4 bus stops only).
• Just be wary that this place is like a red light district at night.

Snapshots of the Double Standard Room (2 persons occupancy):

the entrance door

view from the entrance

the bed with huge mirror

toilet door and LCD TV

toilet

Snapshots of the Family Room (4 persons occupancy, 2 adjoined Standard Rooms):

tiolet

two single beds and one double bed

Other pictures of the place:

hotel facade

hotel entrance

it's hallway

DOST Scholar's Final Clearance

A brief guide on getting our freedom fellow scholars!

On  getting your Final Clearance from DOST (dated May 2012)...

• Have a copy of your Certificate of Employment from your employers. Your total years of working experience should be the same as with some long you enjoyed your scholarship.
• As for my case, I went to DOST NCR Regional Office in Taguig. I entered the first gate (I think it's Gate #4) along A. Bonifacio Ave. coming from Gen. Santos Ave. Then just ask the guard at the entrance gate on how to go to the DOST-SEI office.
• At the new SEI building, ask also the guard on the entrance on what room to submit your papers.
• At the forefront of the room is the receiving section, just ask the lady that you are to claim your final clearance. Just make sure you have your Certificate of Employment photocopied and bring along any proof of identification. After filling out a form, validating your records and submitting the requirements, you will then be asked to go back after 5 working days to claim your final clearance
• Follow-up first by calling their office before going back, just to make sure they are already there.
• They will be giving you three letter, one each for the following offices - Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs and National Bureau of Investigation.

Bureau of Immigration (dated September 2012)...

• There has been a memorandum released by DOJ last June 2012 stating to lift the ban on DOST Scholars from travelling abroad leisurely. You may call BOI through their hotline to verify if your name has been lifted from the watch list, just to double check; though I talked to someone on the hotline and asked me to go to their Intramuros office to verify since their system is not working perfectly.
• (update) I called up their hotline to finally ask for what to do to assure my flawless exit at the immigration and was advised to go to their main office in Intamuros, Manila... 
  Upon entering the main entrance turn right and go to Window #11 to submit your original clearance from DOST. They will be giving you a number then be seated while waiting for your number to be called. After waiting for about 30 minutes, my number was called at Window #10 and my clearance was returned with a stamp stating I have no derogatory records. The lady told me that it’s all okay now and just present the stamped clearance at the immigration.
  
  
  
  

Department of Foreign Affairs...

• When I renewed my passport last January 2012, I swiftly passed all the steps without being blocked or asked any letter from DOST.
• I also read some blogs that there is a special step wherein you need to present your clearance, perhaps this applies to new applications or maybe my name was not listed (?) or the verifying officer made some mistakes on the process.

National Bureau of Investigation (dated September 2012)...

• Go to the NBI Head Office along Taft Ave., Manila. Enter their main gate along Taft Ave then get a visitor's pass on the reception.
• Tell them you are to submit your final clearance from DOST. They should tell you on how to go to the GSD (General Services Division). It was on the 3rd floor of the main building in the middle of the compound.
• Don't forget to bring the original copy of your clearance and it's photocopy plus an ID.
• The GSD office is to your left when you reached 3rd floor either by elevator or stairs.
• Present the mentioned requirements at the receiving table right infront the office's doorsteps.
• Rest assured it has been processed right away. I haven't acquired yet for my NBI Clearance so can't confirm on how long will it take to clear my name.

Hope this helps! Feel free to comment if there are any changes.

Baler's Weaved Slippers

Looking for a pasalubong and souvenirs in Baler, Aurora is so friendly with tourists like us. Just go to their central market and look for the pasalubong center.They have all sort of things here - from shirts to delicacies to keychains to slippers to mats and so much more! If you want to go to a comfort room before your travel back, you may also do it here.

Baler, Aurora Pasalubong Center

I got here a cheap keychain which I think I got for a good price. It's a miniature weaved slipper which is one of the products of this town. This comes in various color combinations though you need to search this from various shops here. It has a "Baler, Aurora" script on its sole below.

Weaved Slipper key chain

Social Security ID Application

Last Tuesday (September 18, 2012), I applied for the first time for my Social Security ID (or SSS ID). Here are the steps I dealt with:

1. Searched the contact number of the nearest SSS branch office from my home.
2. Call them and asked the procedures on SSS ID application.
3. As advised, I went to the SSS Branch Office (Olivarez Plaza, Binan, Laguna) at around 7am to queue for the number (written on top of your Form E-6 so you need to re-write everything if you downloaded the form online). At this specific branch, they only entertain the first 100-150 applicants per day and they distribute numbers as early as 7am though the office starts at 8am. I arrived 7:10am and got #47.
4. I waited outside the office until my number to be called. They are calling numbers by tens and the frequency of calls are made after every 50 minutes. 
5. My number was called at around 10:45am then once inside we were still in a line (standing) for Step1: ID Validation. Bring at least 2 Valid IDs (you may see the list of accepted IDs from their site). As for me, I presented my passport and PRC ID.
6. I finished Step1 at around 11:30am then immediately proceeded to Step2: Data Capture. On this step, you will be taken for your headshot (no required attire whatsoever) and will be asked to present again your IDs. Luckily, they have 12nn-1pm lunch break and I was a victim of that. Knowing that I might be the next one to be called, I stayed on my seat. The step resumed at around 12:50pm and I was then called; finishing the entire process at around 1pm.
7. Wait, wait and wait for 6 months to 1 year before your ID to be delivered on your doorstep.

To processing time might be different on other branches as I have an officemate also took the same ID application at Cainta Branch - she arrived 9am (got #72) and finished by 11:45pm.

My 10K Runs

Next on my list of running milestone are my 10 kilometer runs. This is the stage where I doubled my previous 5 km runs and in preparation and sort of a test if I can endure the half-marathon.

Greentennial Run (January 2011)

Greentennial Run's start/finish line; the loot bag also shown hanging on my shoulder

Greentennial Run's Race Bib

A fun run organized by the De La Salle University Alumni. To date this was indeed a "fun" run and the happiest run I joined; not to mention lots of photographers in the race route and more than a hundred bucks cheaper than other runs.

Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 (Run for the Dolphins)

Condura Skyway Marathon 2011 Race Bib

Condura Skyway Marathon finisher's medal

Condura Skyway Marathon banner

Running on top of Skyway is truly a feat for a runner and to everyone! It was a great experience and though the registration fees are marvelously priced, I would give in as this is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. For this run, it was also my first and only run along Ayala Avenue; just try to imagine the organizers have managed to close two one of the most important streets in the metro - Skyway and Ayala Ave.

Run United 1 2011

Run United 1 2011 race bib

Run United 1 2011 start/finish line

One of RunRio's most anticipated running series; and I think this made RunRio into what it is known for now.

NatGeo's Earth Day Run 2011

NatGeo Earth Day Run 2011 race bib

NatGeo Earth Day Run 2011 start/finish line

I miss running with them! One of the controversial runs in 2011 as its organizers failed to uphold what it's advocating for - Earth. Well, I think they used plastic cups for the hydration and cups usually scattered by runners along the race route which irked some people seeing this scenario. Anyways, one of the usual runs that felt was organized by RunRio.

Kalibo's Ati-Atihan

During my latest trip to Boracay, our flight itinerary was: Manila - Caticlan, Kalibo - Manila. Flying from Caticlan to Manila would cost you double from the other way around. I wonder why? To cut the story short, here is what I got from Kalibo International Airport.

Ati-Atihan key chain

Inside the airport, at their boarding lounge, go to the second floor for some souvernir shops. I think I got this for Php80; yeah, quite expensive but if you're a collector, you'll bite into this especially considering that it is truly pretty! I also got similar design (but different colors) for a refrigerator magnet. Ati-atihan is the famous festival of the Kalibo, Aklan town so this would best describe the place I land my foot on.

Moalboal Tour

On this day, all of my peers are going for a one-day tour at Bohol. Since I already went there few years back, I decided to go on my own and visit one of the famous beach town of Cebu Province - Moalboal. Getting directions from strangers, I found out that I can walk from our Pension House to Cebu Provincial South Bus Terminal. It's  just around 5-10 minutes walk from the intersection of Osmena Blvd and N. Bacalso Ave. Before entering the terminal you have to pay Php5 for the terminal fee then just ask from the teller on which door is the bus going to Barili via Moalboal. I was there around 7:30 am and the soonest bus to depart is an ordinary bus or non-aircon. I took the challenge since I don't wan't to miss my schedule. It was a gruesome and hot 3 hours bus ride going to Moalboal Town Proper and the fare is Php108 (Ceres Bus Line). I appreciate the experience since I got the chance to see how the mass of Cebu Province are; but basically all are the same with Manilenyos. When I got off the bus, I hop on a motorbike or habal-habal accros the street going to Basdaku Beach or White Beach for Php50 (about 15 minutes ride). Just to be prepared to be soaked in the sun! Before reaching the beach entrance we came across two entrances with Php10 and Php5 entrance fees, respectively; I don't know what are they for but I just paid unhesitantly. By the entrance there are about two carinderias or eatery which are the only eatery I found in the place; I haven't explored the whole beach stretch but these are the ones nearest to the mainstream. I took on the one from my left which are very helpful and friendly; they offered to leave my bag to their side while I stroll the beach. I am also happy to have less than Php50 for my lunch!

my lunch at Basdaku Beach, sorry all emptied out

white sand and clear waters at Basdaku Beach; there is a sand bar out ther

though it has very narrow shoreline

clear waters!

cottages on the main shoreline of the White Beach

To  my mistake, I forgot to get the number of my former motor driver to whom I set a deal to fetch me and also arranged a price going to the next beach. Having no choice, I settled for the ones on the beach entrance for a ride going to Panagsama Beach for Php70 (more expensive by Php20 on my former motor driver; about 10-15 minutes). Now I did get the number of the driver to fetch me after few hours. By the way, Basdaku Beach is for beach bumming while the Panagsama Beach is mainly for diving since it's rocky here and there is a cliff just about few meters from the coastline. 

riding the habal-habal

Panagsama Beach right outside Cebu Dive Center

A week before the trip, I contacted Cebu Dive Center for a schedule on their PADI Discovery Scuba Diving. Geom, the owner of the diving school is really cool and very prompt in answering all my questions; plus I do think they also have one of (if not the cheapest) the cheapest rates in this diving village. For Php2450, I did enjoyed my first underwater scuba diving experience. The main lesson and preparations lasted about an hour and the actual dive is another hour; and it was a one-on-one instructor-student set-up. Great! I wish to be back here for their Open Water Dive and to conquer my water depth phobia. After the dive they even had me some refreshments and had some chitchats with the owner's wife and some people there.

the main reception area of Cebu Dive Center

just outside the dive center

entrance to the dive center

After spending some rest on the dive center, I hop on to my contact motor bike and asked to drop me off first to a nearby Pasalubong Store or Souvenir Shop. I was able to purchase a shirt for Php180 and a keychain worth Php50; the keychain is quite expensive but since I was collecting it, I gave it a go. For Php60 (haggled) and about 10 minutes ride, I am back to the town proper. Buses going to Cebu City just passes by this place so you have to wait. While waiting, I bought bananacue for only Php5 and walked the vicinity of the town proper. 

abandoned church

Rizal Statue

signage and the pile of tricycles

here's a view when you're up in the mountains in the bus

Me and my friends met at our pension house before going to our last dinner Cebu City. I opted to bring them to Larsian (Larsian sa Fuente) where the set-up is a huge ihaw-ihaw (grill) stalls gathered into one place. It was just walking distance from Fuente Osmena Circle and right beside Robinson's Cybergate Plaza. For under Php100, I am solved for the night!

signage and entrance on the left

food choices

our food now being grilled

4 Days / 3 Nights Cebu Itinerary