Wednesday, April 30, 2008

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Enchanted Kingdom is a theme park in the Philippines. It is located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, about 26 kilometers (16.1 miles) from Manila. It has a land area of 17 hectares (41 acres). The park is managed and operated by Enchanted Kingdom Inc., formerly named Amtrust Leisure Corporation.

Enchanted Kingdom is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Park zones
  • Spaceport - Relive the glory days of the American space exploration program of the 1960s. Portabello - A replica of Portabello, a place in Panama in the Caribbean Sea where the riches of the Incas were shipped by the Spaniards.

  • Brooklyn Place - Take a sentimental journey down the streets of Brooklyn, one of New York's five boroughs, as it was in the 1940's.

  • Victoria Park - Inspired by the era of Queen Victoria's rule

  • Boulderville - Discover an era ruled by dinosaurs as you enter Boulderville, a prehistoric cartoon zone designed to capture every child's imagination.

  • Midway Boardwalk - Coney Island, known as "America's Playground" in the 1930's, comes to life at the Midway Boardwalk.

  • Jungle Outpost - The heart of the Amazon is the setting of the Jungle Outpost.
Attractions

  • Space Shuttle (Vekoma Boomerang roller coaster)

  • Rio Grande Rapids (River rafting ride)

  • Anchors Away (Pirate Ship Ride)

  • Discovery Theater (4D Theater)

  • Roller Skaters (Mini Roller Coaster)

  • Jungle Log Jam (Jungle-themed flume ride)

  • Flying Fiesta (Giant swing ride)

  • Carousel Condor (Spinning Tower Ride)

  • Swan Lake Dodgem (Bumper Cars)

  • Wheel of Fate (Ferris Wheel)

  • Up, up and Away (Balloon Ride)

  • Bumbling Boulders (Teacups-Type Ride)

  • Stone Eggs (Kiddie Ferris Wheel)

  • Exodus the Ride (ATV Adventure Trail)

  • Kart Trak (Go-Kart Race Track)

  • Boulderville Express (Train ride)

  • Xtreme Paintball Rialto (Motion Simulator Theatre)

  • 7th Portal (3D Theater)

History
The park was conceptualized by the Landmark Entertainment Group and modelled after Knott's Berry Farm. It was built at a cost of P1.2-billion. The park first opened on July 28, 1995.

Monday, April 28, 2008

KUSINA SALUD

Simulan na natin ang Trip sa Laguna. Anu-ano nga ba ang maari natin nakita sa dito. Hmmm... dapat kumain muna tayo sa unang trip natin. Kaya the best dyan ang KUSINA SALUD. Balita namin masarap daw ang breakfast dun.... Pero ano at saan nga ba matatagpuan ang KUSINA SALUD?

Kusina Salud provides an enriching cultural experience that emphasizes Filipino cuisine and artisanship in a verdant environment.
Opened in October 2004, Kusina Salud features an enchanting ambience created by Filipiniana textile artist Patis Tesoro, and a unique preparation of modern Filipino cuisine by Chef Paul Poblador and his talented team.
About 83 kilometers from Exit 50 (Lucena/Batangas) on the South Luzon Expressway, Kusina Salud is located in Brgy. Sta Cruz, Putol in San Pablo, Laguna.
Visiting Kusina Salud makes for an excellent day trip, and can be a satisfying addition to other sojourns in San Pablo. The establishment is surrounded by popular resorts, organic nurseries, artist workshops and inns.
Kusina Salud is developing into a sustainable tourism attraction in the heart of Laguna, the resort capital of the Philippines.
Filipino Food
Chef Poblador describes his culinary creations for Kusina Salud as modern renditions, interpretations and combinations of classic Filipino dishes.

When his mother-in-law, Patis Tesoro, launched Kusina Salud in October of 2004, he suddenly felt at odds with the concept, given his background of ten years in French cookery. His forte felt like an Achilles' heel waiting to be the target of nostalgic Filipino palates craving their grandmother’s special adobo, which absolutely no one can best. He decided to rely on the talents and skill palettes of his team of Filipino chefs with regard to their expertise in Filipino food.
“And why not?” he thought. “Their cooking is what Filipinos everywhere can relate to. It’s the most basic taste we know.” Nevertheless, this wasn’t enough for the discerning taste buds of our countrymen. “It seems like the food in Kusina Salud doesn’t compare to its ambience,” they lamented, “and it certainly doesn’t compare to the culinary experience we had in Salud! Bistro in Baguio,” some of them added. Aha! Thanks to their comments, we were able to identify our customers' expectations of the Kusina Salud experience!

“Cool!” Pol exclaimed, “Now I can play!” From trying hard to be a traditional Filipino restaurant, we shifted our focus towards becoming the Pinoy counterpart of a French restaurant in Provence. My husband immediately started experimenting with gusto in the kitchen. His dishes soon accommodated the nuances of fusion gastronomy while still showcasing our revered traditional flavors.

What was once an ordinary pinaputok na tilapia with red egg salad suddenly became an oft-desired dish thanks to the addition of sarsang laing on the side. The conventional binagoongang baboy was embellished with eggplant tempura and a petite green mango salad; this dish has proven itself a consistent top seller since its inclusion in the menu. The kare-kareng dagat lends itself to French cookery techniques as its basic flavors are reliant on the accompanying sauces of annatto-peanut and bagoong. It is a favorite of San PableƱos right after the lumpiang ubod with Visayan sinamak.

We now define the distinct Kusina Salud Modern Filipino Cuisine as the preparation of locally sourced fresh ingredients by way of both French and Filipino cookery techniques to create complimentary combinations of tastes, providing a uniquely adventurous, unforgettable and fulfilling culinary experience. Salamant sa inyong pagdalaw. Sana magustuhan ninyo ang aming handa. Bon apetit at kain na!
Kusina Salud aspires to be a sustainable tourism attraction in the next three years. As a safety net of Filipino culture and heritage, we hold gallery shows and food festivals displaying the unique creations of prolific local artisanship movement.
KUSINA SALUD
Cell: 0921-7726985
Laguna: 049-5736155

VILLA ESCUDERO PLANTATION AND RESORT

Villa Escudero

An interesting two hour drive South from Metro Manila brings you to one of the Philippines most popular get aways, Villa Escudero, where Philippine culture and history comes to life.

History
Villa Escudero is a working coconut plantation founded in 1872. In 1980 the Escudero family opened the plantation to the general public. Since then Villa Escudero has developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting.

Day Visits
A convenient, refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, recharge your batteries, enjoy a variety of fun filled activities and lunch at the famous Waterfall Restaurant.
- Cultural Show
- AERA Museum
- Lunch at Labasin Falls
- Swimming Falls
- Rafting at Lake Labasin
- Recreation Hall
- Souvenir Shop
- Snack Bar

Overnight Stay
Enjoy an overnight stay with a choice of three styles of accommodations
- Riverside Cottages
- Long House Garden Units
- Long House Garden Suites

Dinner with nightly entertainment is served in the Coconut Pavillion from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Following a restful sleep enjoy breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Conferences and Special Events
The Villa Escudero Conference Center is the perfect place for a company conference or special event. The Center features a main hall, which can accommodate up to 200 participants or can be divided into two smaller sections. Ample breakout and food service areas are incorporated into the Center.

Weddings
Wedding service includes ceremony at the Chapel of the Ascencion, transportation of the bride and groom by horse drawn carriage, and reception at the Wedding Center dramatically set in the midst of a lush tropical garden.

Directions
How to get there from Metro Manila:Driving time is about 2 hours (90 km)

- Take the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX)
- Exit at 50 A (Lucena exit)
- Turn left at Sto. Tomas junction
- Head straight South. By pass the towns of Alaminos and San Pablo
- Slow down upon seeing the Quezon Province Boundary Arch.
- The Villa Escudero entrance is immediately to the left.
- Follow the instructions of the gate officer when turning into the Resort.

Bus Lines: Several Bus Lines serve the route and will let you disembark and pick you up directly at the entrance (e.g. Tritran, JAC Liner, Philtranco, South Star).

Contact VILLA ESCUDERO
Manila Office: 1059 Estrada Street, Malate 1004 Metro Manila
Provincial Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4 San Pablo City 4000
Telephone Numbers: 521-0830/ 523-0392/ 523-2944
Fax Number: 521-8698
E-mail us at: vespar@pldtdsl.net

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip, make sure that you find out about the wet and dry seasons, or other possible weather conditions that may affect your holiday. If you are using a travel agent then make sure that you ask about this, even though they should tell you.

General Info
Filipinos often use their eyes, lips, and hands to convey a wide range of messages. Raised eyebrows and a smile indicate a silent "hello" or a "yes" in answer to a question. Fixed eye contact between men is considered an aggressive gesture. The proper method to summon somebody is with a downward wave. Filipinos place great emphasis on polite language and gentle conversation. Voice tone is always soft and gentle, and direct questions should be avoided. Filipinos value their self-esteem, so never criticize or argue with them publicly. Most men, when so provoked, will fight for the preservation of their pride or self-esteem. Avoid topics such as politics, religion, corruption and foreign aid. Filipinos enjoy conversations about their families.

What to Wear
People in the Philippines dress for the weather (HOT!) Casual attire during the day for women is light blouses and shorts. For men collared T- shirts worn over slacks. In the evening skirts are substituted for shorts and the T-shirts are tucked in.

Mode of Transportation
There are four modes of public transport in Metro Manila and surprisingly, they are easy to use.

Buses : Both air-conditioned and regular buses travel all the major routes in Metro Manila except Roxas Boulevard. On an air-con bus a short ride costs PhP 10.00, adding PhP 2.00 for every succeeding kilometer. The regular bus' minimum fare is PhP 9.00, with an additional PhP1.00 for every succeeding kilometer. Just tell the conductor where you are going and he will tell you how much it costs. Keep your bus receipt as it is your proof of payment.

Jeepneys : Called "folk arton wheels," jeepneys ply most of Manila's secondary roads and even a few major thoroughfares. They're as much fun to ride on as they are to look at and you have to try one. Although there are regular stops, you can often just flag one down and hop on. Call out "bayad" (bah-yhad) and pay the driver. If you are too far back, pass your PhP 4.00 "quatro pesos in local tounge" (minimum fare for the first 4 kilometers; 50 centavos additional for every succeeding 500 meters) down. When you are ready to get off, call out "para" (pah-rah); wait till he slows down and jump.

The LRT : It's the fastest, cheapest way to go. The PhP 10.00-worth token takes you from Monumento (the northern end of Edsa) to Baclaran, travelling first along Rizal Avenue and then Taft Avenue. Many of the tourist maps have the route of the LRT marked.

Taxis: Air-conditioned taxis cost PhP25.00 on the meter and an additional PhP 2.00 is added for every succeeding 200 meters. to the final cost. Non-airconditioned taxis do not ply anymore. Taxis are always lined up at the major hotels and tourist restaurants and can be hailed on the street. If you take a taxi, make sure the driver turns on the meter. If he gives you a story that it is broken, get out and take another taxi. Unless you are taking a long trip or the traffic is unusually horrible, most taxi rides should be well under P100. At least a 10% tip is expected.

Local Currency
The unit of currency in the Philippines is the peso (P). Notes are issued by the Central Bank in denominations of P10, P20, P50, P100, P500 and P1, 000. Coins are issued for 5c (centavos), 10c, 25c, P1 and P5. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized foreign exchange dealers. Outside of Manila, the use of the Philippine pesos for payments is preferred. Travelers checks issued by American Express, Bank of Tokyo, Bank of America, Barclays and Citibank are widely accepted. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club can be used to pay for most goods and services.

Business Hours
Most businesses are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays and 8:00 AM till noon Saturdays. Banks are open from 9:00 AM till 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. When banking in the Philippines, it is advisable to have your passport with you for identification.

Visas
If you are coming from America, Asia or Europe and hold a valid passport and either a return ticket or a ticket to another destination outside the Philippines you may enter without a formal visa and stay for 21 days. If you wish to stay longer you must obtain a Visa Extension either before your trip from a Philippine Consulate or Embassy or, once here, from Bureau of Immigration. For most foreigners staying up to 21 days, visas are not required upon entering the country, provided visitors have valid passports and tickets to leave the Philippines. Visas are required only for stateless persons and citizens of countries with which the Philippines has no diplomatic relations. For visitors who are planning to stay up to 59 days, a temporary visitors visa is required, and registration with the Commission on Immigration and Deportation is necessary. Foreigners arriving from an area infected by plague, typhus or yellow fever are required to have valid vaccination and immunization certificates. Holders of Hong Kong and Taiwan passports need special entry permits. Visas and permits may be obtained from Philippine embassies and consulates.

Weather
The Philippines is tropical with just two seasons hot and dry from November to June and rainy from July to October. Filipinos will tell you that it is cool from December through February and they themselves will wear jackets.

Customs Regulations
Visitors are advised to fill in the Baggage and Currency Declaration Form before arrival to facilitate customs examination. For those with no currency or article to declare, BC Form 117, signed by the custom officer serves as a gate pass. Foreign currency more than US$3,000 must be declared at the Central Bank of the Philippines counter situated behind the customs examination area. Departing passengers are not allowed to take out foreign currency more than the amount that was brought in and declared. Local currency not exceeding P1,000 can be taken out of the country. Imported items brought in, and not to be taken out again upon leaving, are taxable.

Source: Lakbay Pilipinas

Events: April 2008 Festivals

HINUGYAW SA HINIGARAN FESTIVAL
April 25-30 / Hinigaran, Negros Occidental (1 hour 10 minutes from Manila to Bacolod City by air; 1 hour 30 minutes from Bacolod City to Hinigaran by land)A week-long festivity which culminates with a grand parade featuring street dancing performers in their colorful costumes.

YAGYAG FESTIVAL
Last week of April / Cangmating Sibulan, Negros Oriental (1 hour 15 minutes from Manila by air)The festival is a showcase of local arts and culture, fashion and unity. It features Mardi grass type streetdancing and related events. This is also an occasion for trading and barter, and celebration.

BANGUS FESTIVAL
April 28-May 02 / Dagupan City, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)Part of Dagupan's Pista'y Dayat celebration, highlight of which is the longest bangus grill, 101 ways to cook bangus, Bangus Harvest Dance parade, sports competition/exhibition.

PISTA'Y DAYAT
April 29-May 01 / Lingayen, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land)Thanksgiving festival for the year's bountiful harvest from the sea.

GOTAD AD KIANGAN
April 30-May 03 / Kiangan, Ifugao (9 hours from Manila by land)A thanksgiving festival Ifugao-style featuring sports, arts and native rituals.

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