Philippines At Its Best
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport
Friday, 10th March, 2006
Landed at Clark Field Airport, Pampanga, Philippines via AirAsia. It took me about 3hr-55mins from KLIA. In 1991, US Air Force evacuating Clark base due to Pinatubo erupted. The former US military air base, named now Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, is approximately 80km north of Manila, near Angeles city. The connection between Clark and Manila is arranged with shuttle buses that are scheduled to coincide with AirAsia's flight arrivals and departurers. That took me another 1.5 hrs bus ride to SM MegaMall, Ortigas Center. Then I took a cab to Amorsolo Mansion in Makati. The cab driver cheated us. We ask for a metered taxi but they dont want to use and asked us to pay 500 pesos for a journey to Makati, at last we ended up paying 300 pesos for a fare that should be around less then 100 pesos if using meter. It is a mistake, we should go out to the taxi stand where metered taxis are located.
Arrived at Amorsolo Mansion almost 3pm. Got the room but we are not very satisfied with that room and ask for an upgraded room but the hotel charged us extra US Dollar, with that amount of money, I should have stayed at Nikko Hotel, with breakfast, nice hotel, nice room, nice lobby. But never mind, that's an experience. We request for an extra pillow, and they said, we have to charge you for the extra pillow... what the heck! Was too tired to argue but still got some energy to do some evening walk at the nearby shops. Bought something for dinner and had an early nap.
Amorsolo Mansion, Legazpi, MakatiSaturday, 11th March, 2006
I cook for breakfast. Coffee, Milo, Tuna Sandwiches, Biscuits.. I know, I'm a great cook.. Pls admit that!!... Walk to Ayala Centre, Greenbelt, Glorieta & Landmark.. Had lunch at Haiko Restaurant (Japanese) in Greenbelt. Walk back to 'The Mansion' and lepaking..
Me at Haiko Restaurant
Me at Greenbelt
It's Saturday night, we walk to Hard Rock Cafe, near Shangri-La Hotel. Listening to the music played by two local bands until after midnight. And we walk back to the great 'Mansion'.
Sunday, 12th March, 2006
Wakeup early in the morning (10:00am) and headed to Sunday Market. It was known as Legaspi Park Sunday Market, but now they change it to BSL (Bgy. San Lorenzo) Sunday Market. Located in the parking lot between the MACEA Park and the Corinthian Plaza. Open from 7:30am to 2:30pm. They focus more on Philippines crafts, ornamental plants, arts and crafts, fun gift items and food products. They also serves breakfast, lunch and snacks to shoppers and visitors. After a small shopping, we walk to Greenbelt for lunch.
Sunday Market
In the evening, we took a cab to BayWalk in Manila Bay.. Had a longggg walk, makan jagung and kacang rebus... Stop for a drink, Kelapa Muda, campur susu, laicy and ais.. macam ABC lah... After that.. balik tidur..
Baywalk, Manila Bay
shops by the bay
Air Kelapa Muda Special
Monday, 13th March, 2006
After breakfast, made by me, went to Rizal Park, near Manila Bay. After lunch, we headed back to Landmark in Ayala Center to buy some souvenirs and walk back to the hotel. Pampering myself is a luxury kinda thing I treat myself once in a while. You work hard, you deserve the best. All the walking, shopping tense your body. While shopping I saw this one nice spa called The Spa, it's a heaven. (http://www.thespa.com.ph/) Then decided to have 90 minutes, Sea Salt Scrub and Swedish massage. Two thumbs up! They have various treatments from head to toe. This place gives you a robe, towel, slippers, a locker and free access to sauna and shower. Great huh!! Had a good night sleep..
Me at Delifrance
Rizal Park, Manila
Me at Rizal Park
Tuesday, 14th March, 2006
Woke up as early as 7:00am. After breakfast, start packin' up and ready to go back!! Took a cab to SM MegaMall at Ortigas Centre and wait for the bus to arrive at 12:00noon. Headed back to Pampanga for a flight back home at 16:25.
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