Singapore Airlines Promo

SINGAPORE AIRLINES PROMO

FOR AS LOW AS US $88.00 Base Fare (taxes and surcharges not included) -

Fly to Singapore, Australia, West Asia, Africa, Europe, USA, Brazil & the Indian Subcontinent.
Ticketing Period: 06 June to 12 June ONLY!! Travel Period: For Australia Routes (01 Aug to 30 Nov), for Europe Routes (01 Sept to 30 Nov), For all other Routes (06 June to 30 Nov) 

Grab this chance now!! On a First come First served basis. 

Book with us now email us at wanderline01@yahoo.com or call us at 376.57.63. ONLY UNTIL 11 JUNE. PLAN YOUR TRIPS NOW!

THE LAND DOWN UNDER TOUR

THIRD TOUR OF THE SERIES (3 out of 9)

AUSTRALIA;  2- CITIES (MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY)

Want to experience Winter in the Southern Hemisphere?  Your answer is here!!  Visit Australia in her Winter mood. 

Travel Dates:  July 25 / August 22. 

Visit 2 of her famous cities namely Sydney and Melbourne for a quick winter cold feel for 5 days 4 nights. 

Travel to the Blue Mountains in Sydney to experience the rock formation known as the Three Sisters in Katoomba.  Experience one full Ballarat Tour in Melbourne, as you visit the Sovereign Hill, Gold and Mine Tour.  Experience 99% Gold pouring by blacksmiths and also try Gold Panning along the creek.  Limited dates for this tour package. 

Get as much as 3% additional discount from Wanderline Travel & Tours Inc., part of our June Tour Series Promo. 

Book now at wanderline01@yahoo.com or call 376.57.63

 *** Please click on the picture to enlarge ***

THE JAPANESE ALPEN ROUTE TOUR

SECOND TOUR OF THE SERIES (2 out of 9)

SUGOI JAPAN:  THE ALPEN ROUTE (The Japanese Alps)

Tired of Tokyo or Osaka? Fret no more, here is another part of Japan that is only open for Summer.

It is a 4 days 3 nights tour to Nagoya, Takayama, Toyama, Tateyama & Matsumoto

Visit the Japanese Alps (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route), the Shirikawa-Go (Unesco World Heritage Site), Nagoya and Matsumoto Castles. 

Roundtrip airfare via Delta Airways to Nagoya, accommodation and meals (3B, 3L, 2D). 

Travel dates: Jul 26 / Aug 18 / Aug 24 only. Book by June 1 - 30, 2012 and get an additional 3% discount from Wanderline Travel & Tours Inc. 

Please check the tour picture for more details.

Book now!!! Email us at wanderline01@yahoo.com or call us at 376.57.63

 *** Please click on the picture to enlarge ***

CAMVIET TOUR

FIRST TOUR OF THE SERIES (1 out of 9)

HISTORICAL SIEM REAP AND SAIGON TOUR.

It is a 5 days 4 nights tour to Cambodia and Vietnam. Experience its magical and rich culture.

Accommodation at 5 star hotels.

Roundtrip airfare via Vietnam Airlines.

Get an additional 3% discount when book from June 01 to June 15. Travel dates: June 26 / July 28 / August 25. Please take note on the inclusions and exclusions of this full board tour. Airfare, Hotel & Meals. Book now and email us at wanderline01@yahoo.com or call us at 376.57.63

** Please click on the picture to view it more clearly **

TOUR PACKAGES FOR JUNE

JUNE TRAVEL PROMO BY WANDERLINE

WANDERLINE TRAVEL & TOURS INC. presents series of Tour Packages for travel in June, July and August. Book and confirm this month and get an additional 3-5 % (depends on the tour) Discount only from us! :) Be updated and visit regularly as I will upload new tours everyday. 9 tours to choose from. PROMO PERIOD: June 01 to 30, 2012. Email us at wanderline01@yahoo.com or call us at 376.57.63

1.) Vietnam / Cambodia
2.) Japan
3.) Korea
4.) Australia
5.) Turkey

Everyday we will post new tours for you.  Check out the tours and book now!!!

Wanderline Travel & Tours Inc.

Itching feet and want to wander anywhere in the Philippines or abroad?  Problems with visa application and other travel related documentations?  Worry no more!!

Wanderline Travel & Tours Inc. is here to help you.  Recently incorporated and having an office at Quezon City.  They are here to help with all your travel requirements and plans.

Services that they offer are the following:

• International Ticketing and Tours
• Group Package (For Pax 10 or more)
• Domestic Ticketing and Tours
• Group Package (For Pax 10 or more)
• Personalized / Customized Tours
• Hotel Reservations (International and Domestic)
• Travel Documentation (Passport, Visa and others)
• Travel Insurance
• Land Arrangements
• Cruises
• Events / Seminars / Conferences 

WANDERLINE TRAVEL & TOURS INC.

# 48 Santiago St. SFDM, Quezon City

Email  : wanderline01@yahoo.com

Tel No.: (632) 376-57-63

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park in Hong Kong is the first theme park that opened in the territory during 1977.  Year 2012 marks its 35th Year and I am happy that we get to experience their 35th year as I get to go back to this childhood theme park after 10 or so years.

Going back to Ocean Park Hong Kong revives old childhood memories and also brings new excitement as new rides are yet to be conquered.  I am happy I get to try The Dragon Roller Coaster in The Summit as well as the Hair Raiser in the Thrill Mountain.  These two roller coasters really made my day.  Being a fan of thrilling rides, these two made it to my favorite list of roller coasters so far.  What really made my day was their ride known as The Flash.  It sways you up and down and twirls you in a circular motion as it reaches its maximum sway, you'd notice you are already up in the air in an upside down position.  It swings you three times!  Now that is what I call a thrill! :)

Ocean Park Hong Kong stood the test of time, many thought it will die after the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005 but little did we know that Ocean Park is in fact has a higher rating than Hong Kong Disneyland up to the present.  Both theme parks have different feel and different mood.  Disneyland as well as its rides is for the kids and who will go wrong with Mickey and Friends while Ocean Park's rides basically caters to the older age bracket.  It is a marine conservation and a marine park plus an amusement and theme park in one.  It is separated by two places, the lowland and the highland wherein you can go from one part to the other in three ways; the 1.5 km long cable car, the funicular train express known as the Ocean Park Express or the shuttle bus.

The entrance to Ocean Park is cheaper compare to Hong Kong Disneyland.  Ticket price for 1 day pass for an adult is only HKD 280.00 as compared to Hong Kong Disneyland at HKD 399.00.  The bus ride to Ocean Park is HKD 10.60 while the MTR to Hong Kong Disneyland is HKD 19.00 (both one way).

How To Get There:

Ocean Park is easily accessible.  There is an on-going MTR station that will lead you straight to the entrance of Ocean Park but that is still under construction and it will still take years before it becomes operational.  For the mean time, take the Sheung Wan Line (Blue) and alight at Admiralty Station.  Exit at Exit B and there you will find the ticket offices and buses that goes directly to Ocean Park.  Bus 629 is the bus you have to take.   

Hong Kong Disneyland

The first time I went to the park was with my brother where I forced him to see Hong Kong Disneyland way back in 2009.  We stayed there only for a few hours, 2 hours max, rode a couple of rides particularly the Space Mountain in Tomorrowland (which we thought was thrilling but it fell short of our expectations.  Maybe we were just kids before when we first rode Space Mountain in Disneyland Anaheim) and the Jungle River Cruise in Adventureland.  2 hours max and you can completely circulate and explore the whole of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Last March 9, I visited the theme park again for the 2nd time as well as Aileen's.  This time, we stayed the WHOLE DAY.  Waited for the Parade of the Stars which is at 3:00pm and waited for the spectacular fireworks display around the vicinity of Sleeping Beauty's castle at 8:00pm.  So basically the whole day was devoted to Mickey and friends.  I must say the parade and the fireworks was all worth the wait.  It is really something magical, inspiring and very beautiful.

There is also a new land that opened in Hong Kong Disneyland, it is the Toy Story Land, which opened last November 11, 2011.  It has 3 main rides, the RC Racer (which is a thrilling ride!  Thank God for having 1 ride for teens and adults in the park!), the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop (blarggghhh!!!!), the Slinky Dog Spin.  The new land is only small but it is worth the visit and the experience.  There are a couple more rides or lands that Hong Kong Disneyland will open this year and next year.  So let us wait and see.

One day is enough for one to visit and experience the whole of Hong Kong Disneyland.  1-day ticket pass to the park costs HKD 399.00 ( Php 2,234.50) for adults...  YES!  that expensive! hehehe!  HKD 285.00 (for children age 3 to 11) and HKD 100 (for senior citizens).

After experiencing Disneyland in Anaheim California, Hong Kong Disneyland falls short in every expectation I have.  The entrance is also expensive.  At HKD 399.00 you can eat a very delicious meal in HK or even buy clothes at H&M or Uniqlo already.  It is worth the experience and the visit but once is enough.  But for some who haven't seen any Disneyland.  I think Hong Kong Disneyland will suffice their craving and thirst for the experience of what Disneyland is.  It is clean, the rides are very nice and maintained.  In totality the park is very well maintained and constructed very well also.  Who would've thought you can go to HK Disneyland from the city center in 30 mins.  by connecting its subway system to the park itself.  Brilliant HK, that is why I love HK very much (Biased!) hahahaha!

HOW TO GET THERE:

a.) From Tsim Sha Tsui - Ride the MTR, use the Tsuen Wan Line (Red) and alight at Lai King.  Transfer to the Tung Chung Line (Orange) and alight at Sunny Bay Station.  Transfer to the Disneyland Resort Line (Pink) and get off at Hong Kong Disneyland.

b.) From Causeway Bay - Ride the MTR, use the Sheung Wan Line (Blue), alight at Central.  Transfer to the Tung Ching Line (Orange) and alight at Sunny Bay Station.  Transfer to the Disneyland Resort Line (Pink) and get off at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Cu Chi Tunnels

"Going to a city that has a rich culture is like opening a very interesting book." - Jonas C. Lim  Information naturally flows into you as you learn new things and explore new feelings that you never imagined.

I visited Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam last 2010.  And one of the highlights of this trip was my visit at Cu Chi Tunnel in the Cu Chi District.

Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of interconnected tunnels that the Vietcong used during the Vietnam war.  This is the site where they lived their lives and stayed to avoid the chemicals being released in the air by their enemies, which we all know who, and the bombs that they drop in the city as well.  They have living quarters, hospitals, depot.  Life is hard inside these tunnels.  Not only because of scarcity of breathing air or supplies or the lack of size for mobility and movement also because these tunnels are infested with insects like ants, scorpions, centipedes and mosquitoes as well.

Ask why to they need to live and sacrifice in such an uncomfortable place?  For survival.  Because if you visit the place and see the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh, you will feel the harsh treatment of Uncle Sam to our fellow Asian neighbors.  You will feel an intense sadness and desperation to help our Vietnamese brothers against the inhumane acts of Uncle Sam during the Vietnam War.  For me, it is too much!

Apples & Almonds Cupcakes by Faith

Craving for something sweet, delicious and different?  Looking for something to give your loved ones that is interesting, unique and not mainstream?  Fret no more, Apples and Almonds Cupcakes by Faith is the answer to your problems.

I was given a free taste by Apples & Almonds and with just one bite, I can honestly say, it is one hell of a cupcake!  It is delicious and fresh.  You can actually smell the cupcake when you take it out of its packaging.  Believe me, I know how to tell a fresh dessert or pastry from not.

Having their motto:  "Indulge in the extraordinary!"  One will surely say.. Huh?  are cupcakes extraordinary?  Well, looking at it physically, it is like any other cupcakes but wait until you sink your teeth and taste it then you can actually say, truly they live up to their motto.  It is in fact one extraordinary cupcake.  Starting from opening the packaging, smelling its freshest ingredients to actually tasting it.  You don't even want to throw the wrapper because you are wishing you still have more in your hands.

At present, they are offering 4 mouth-watering, drooling flavours:

 

-          Choco n’Smore

o        Rich chocolate cupcakes topped with fluffy marshmallow with a choco crust to end things right.

 

-          Apple & Cinnamon

o        Luscious Apple cupcakes with a hint of cinnamon, sweet caramel filling and special cream cheese frosting.

 

-          Almond & Maple

o        Nutty Almond cupcakes, topped in a creamy maple frosting

 

-          Banoffee

o        Your dessert in a cup! Fluffy Banana Toffee cupcakes, topped with special maple cream cheese frosting. *BEST-SELLER*

Each cupcake is worth Php 60.00 (so affordable!).  But wait! There is more! hahaha!  You can get these cupcakes at a discount when purchasing it by the dozen.  A dozen cupcakes is worth Php 700.00  (beat the value of that!).  According to Apples and Almonds, the discounted price is applicable only for box of 6/12, individually packed cupcakes is not included in the discounted price even if you order 12.  No problem with that, because each individual packed cupcake has a special packaging and a unique cupcake liner.

HOW TO ORDER:

Since Apples & Almonds wants its cupcakes delivered to you fresh.  Please allow 2-3 days lead time in ordering these spectacular cupcakes prior to delivery.  You have 4 options to choose from in ordering these cupcakes:

1.) you can send them an email at apples_almonds@yahoo.com

2.) visit their facebook page http://www.facebook.com/apples.almonds

3.) twit them at http://www.twitter.com/@apples_almonds

4.) Call them at 0917-9826219

The Kori Kohi Coffee of UCC

What is a Kori Kohi Coffee?  Well, it is simple coffee ice cubes in a glass wherein you put warm milk on to the coffee cubes until the cubes melt and blend with the milk.  I've tried this at UCC Coffee in Temple Drive.  It is great to know that people reinvent things to make simple iced coffee into something different.  The Kori Kohi coffee is priced at Php 195.00 per glass.  Not cheap?  Certainly!  But it is worth the try.

Flashpacking vs. Backpacking

The term backpacking has been with us for quite some time now.  We are very comfortable with the word and the term.  Backpacking refers to budget travelers and I mean BUDGET travelers wherein they will stay at cheaper accommodation such as guest houses, hostels, inns and etc. and cut on their expenses on food and shopping.  They like to travel and explore and learn whether it is domestic or international.  There are a lot of definitions but for me a backpacker is simply a budget conscious traveler that doesn't mind what will they skip as long as they get to their dream destination.

My question right now is... You are a budget traveler BUT are you really a backpacker? 

There is a new term that has been circling in the travel industry and it is known as flashpacking.  This is a coined term that is gaining popularity.  Since this is a newly coined term, there are different opinions that define flashpacking. 

For me, Flashpacking simply means:  a budget travel but is willing to shell out more moohlah in their travels.  Instead of checking-in at hostels and inns, they prefer a more comfortable hotel (not the 5star ones) that is near the city center or the shopping district for convenience and accessibility.  They don't mind eating in restaurants that serves the best local cuisine even though it is a bit pricy.  They don't just simply go for the nearest street food vendor or the friendly neighborhood fast food chain to satisfy their hunger.

A flashpacker is an upgraded backpacker wherein they have more money to spend on additional comfort (ex. a 3 star hotel vs. inns), convenience (the location), luxury (food and shopping) that backpackers tend to ignore.

Scenarios to help you understand more:

Scenario 1:  Collette is a product specialist of a company and at 28 years of age.  She loves traveling and she makes sure that it is part of her annual plan, to travel 1 domestic and 1 international to least.  She waits for seat sales of her favorite low-cost airline.  She saves on her travels and wants to stay in a more comfortable accommodation and choose to stay at hotels ranging from USD 180 to 250 a night, eat the best food that the place she will visit.  Check out recommended restaurants and cuisine that the city has to offer.  She is even allocating her budget for shopping because she heard that there is a big H&M or Uniqlo store in that city. A FLASHPACKER

Scenario 2:  Johnny is an accounting clerk at 21 years of age.  He loves traveling and is passionate to learn in every travel he experience.  Keeps a travel journal and writes every detail of it.  Travels 4 times domestically in a year, 2 of which by air the other 2 by land or sea.  He doesn't want to spend too much on his accommodation and feels its a waste of money to spend on a nice hotel so he opts to sleep in a guesthouse or an inn.  Sacrifices some of the best dishes the place can offer if its quite expensive but never skips his love for traveling.  He will always go to where his heart pleases, it is not the comfort, luxury and prestige of his travel, as long as he is able to go to his destination it is fine by him. A BACKPACKER

So what kind of a traveler are you? :)

Morong, Rizal

 Morong is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Rizal and is the home of the very very beautiful St. Joseph Parish Church.  Education is a priority in Morong and thus became a center of education in the 70's to the 90's.

The facade of St. Joseph Parish Church is very beautiful.  I was captivated by its beauty and its work of art.  It is built by Chinese craftsmen in 1615. Lion sculptures are evidence of this fact but unfortunately one was stolen.  Seeing the facade in the picture is already jaw-dropping but wait until you are actually standing in front of the church and experience it live :)

There is nothing much to see or do in Morong, we just went there to see the majestic facade of St. Joseph Parish Church.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Going to Morong is easily accessible via the Manila East Road.  Head towards Ortigas Ave. Extension, you will be passing by Cainta, Taytay, Angono, Binangonan and Cardona.  Each town/city has its own pride and you can stop in each as you head towards Morong.  After Morong, if you decide to continue, you will reach Baras and Tanay which is the home of another 2 remarkable church.

Lucban Church - Quezon Province

Lucban Church in Quezon Province is another of the thousands of baroque churches in the Philippines.  This Church had undergone a test of time as it is said in it's incription : "The first church, built in 1595, was ruined in 1629. The second church was constructed between 1630 and 1640, but was seriously damaged by fire in 1733. The present church was completed in 1738 and the convent in 1743.

It still stands tall and proud in the town of Lucban til this date and is the center of the famous Pahiyas Festival that is celebrated every May 15 in honor of St. Isidore, the patron saint of all the farmers.  Pahiyas is celebrated by showcasing different agricultural products and the highlight of the festival is the so-called KIPING.  Kiping is a rice-made decoration that is shaped into leaf-like structures, it can be eaten afterwards.

Lucban is also famous for its longganisa.  Longganisa is very similar to sausages in other western countries.  The flavor of Lucan Longganisa is garlicky and a bit salty as opposed to the longganisa that is made in Cebu which are sweet.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Lucban can be accessed in two ways; the first route is via the SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and the other route is via the Manila East Road.

Via SLEX - traverse the length of the SLEX and exit at Turbina.  Take the Pan Philippine Highway (AH26).  You will be passing through the towns and cities of Sto. Tomas, San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and Lucena City.  Upon reaching Lucena, take the Tayabas-Lucena road and it is connecting to the Tayabas-Lucban Road.  It is a bit of an uphill climb.  Should there be no traffic, one can reach Lucban in a matter of 3 to 4 hours.  This route is shorter, simpler and faster since you will be traveling in the expressway.

Via Manila East Road - this is the other way opposite of SLEX.  You will be passing through the cities and towns of Rizal Province.  Passing through the towns and cities of Laguna - Mabitac, Siniloan, Pangil, Pagsanjan.  Upon reaching Pagsanjan, take the Pagsanjan-Cavinti Road.  Upon reaching a split in the road, head for Luisana's direction.  When you reach Luisina,  you have two options, take the Majayjay Route or take the Luisana route, either way it will lead you to Lucban.  Just look for the signs along the road that points you to the direction of Lucban.  Be careful when plying this route since it is longer and the roads are zig-zagged.  The good side is, you will be able to stop by the different historical and old churches in Laguna.  So if you have the luxury of time, I suggest take the road less traveled by which is this route. :)

Bamboo Organ - Las Piñas City

The famous Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is located in St. Joseph Parish Church at the city of Las Piñas. (Southern Metro Manila) The organ is declared as a National Cultural Treasure.  The address of the church where the Bamboo organ is housed is P. Diego Cera Ave., Manuyo, Poblacion, Las Piñas City.

Upon our arrival in St. Joseph Parish Church, we were hoping that the Bamboo organ is being played but we didn't expect much since it was not on a Sunday.  Luckily, there was an on-going wedding celebration inside the church and we are blessed enough that the organ is indeed playing.  Seeing the organ is one thing, hearing it play is another.  Such a wonderful creation, organ out of bamboo.  It is what I called:  Proudly Philippine Made :)

The International Bamboo Organ Festival is from February 23 to 29, 2012.  Please visit http://www.bambooorgan.org/news.html for more information.

How To Get There:

By Car -- I suggest you ply Cavitex (Manila-Cavite Expressway) instead of using SLEX (South Luzon Expressway).  Not only the location of the church is near Cavitex its also WAY CHEAPER!.  From Makati, take EDSA, take the u-turn slot before going to MOA and then pass by Roxas Blvd.  Just go straight and you will see the toll gate of Cavitex.  Exit at Zapote.

Barasoain Church - Malolos, Bulacan

The Philippines' religion is dominated by Roman Catholic and that explains the numerous remarkable, baroque and historical churches and one of which is the Barasoain Church.

This is one of the most remarkable, memorable and important churches in Philippine History because this was the site of the First Philippine Republic.  It is dubbed as the Cradle of Democracy in the East.  Built in 1630.

The term "Barasoain" was derived from a place in Spain to which the missionaries found the place in Malolos in striking similarity. When the Spanish-Filipino revolution broke-out, revolutionaries coined the term "baras ng suwail", which means "dungeon of the defiant" (By Wikipedia).

It was such a wonderful feeling standing there in front of the church as I reminisce my own history.  The democracy we are currently enjoying until the present.  Not only is this place holy but it is packed with full of memories.  It is a different sensation when we read its history in our classrooms compared to actually seeing the Church herself.

How To Get There:

By Car -->  head towards NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and exit the expressway in Tabang.  Follow the route that leads to Malolos.  From there, you will find the historical Barasoain Church.

It's Been Awhile...

Dear Fellow Readers,

I am really sorry for not being able to update this blog. Had other priorities before but right now I am thinking of reviving it again. I will focus more on travel this time but of course there will still be food articles from time to time. I miss writing and I miss sharing my thoughts to you.

I don't know when I will start writing but I want to revive this the soonest.

See you soon and really sorry for not updating this anymore!

Best Regards,

Jonas :)