Happy Tripper

Feet for Us

Posted by Carambs

I absolutely love foot spas and massages. And just recently I read up and researched on reflexology. Hey, how knows, it just might help with my gastritis and my shoulder pain. Determined to look for the place with the best foot reflexology/massage service, I tried Feet for Us along Katipunan, just days after my visit to Amezcua Wellness Center.

They only had 1 type of massage to offer, which includes the head, back, arms and feet. I skipped the head and arms, mainly because I’m not fond of head massages and I wanted the masseuse to concentrate on my feet. The rate is P350 for a 1-hour massage.

Well, you get what you pay for. I was told by the receptionist to enter, but when I got in, no one was there to greet me. There was a couple who was also “lost”. We didn’t know what to do. Do we go straight to the other door, do we wait for the masseuse, do we sit down? A masseuse came out but still, no instructions. I had to ask “upo na ba ako” (”should I sit down?”). She told me to choose any seat.

The seat was very comfortable - lazyboys with covers. The couple chose their seats too, and we all just sat there, waiting. Still, no instructions. The lady, who was near the reception area told the receptionist “Miss, can we start already?” The receptionist said the masseuse was preparing. You see, I was expecting someone to greet me, bring me to my seat, and tell me to wait as she prepares the basin for the foot soak. But there was none of that.

It was dark and cool, and after a few minutes the masseuse came out with the basin. And during the foot soak, she started with the back massage. It was nothing special, something I could do. It was just someone giving a massage without real technique. At least that’s how I felt. The massage itself did not feel like reflexology. Anyone could have done that! Very different from the foot massages of the others. It didn’t seem, well, professional.

Too bad. At P350, I could have visited them twice or at least once a week, every week. But alas, I may have to stick to the higher-priced foot massages of Footloose or Amezcua. Another perfect example of “You get what you pay for”.

CEB offers ONE PESO fare to Naga, San Jose (Mindoro) and Tuguegarao!

Posted by Carambs

3 new routes - 1 low fare! Fly for only ONE PESO to Naga, San Jose (Mindoro) or Tuguegarao!

Dive into an adventure of a lifetime with three fantastic CEB destinations! Explore and marvel at Apo Reef’s underwater world in San Jose (Occidental Mindoro). Surf the waves in Naga, Camarines Sur, home to one of best cable wake park in the country or go spelunking in the caverns of Callao, Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley.

The PISO seat sale will run from May 21 to 27, 2008 and is valid for travel until August 31, 2008.

The one-way fare is non-refundable and exclusive of government taxes and surcharges.

Hurry, book now at www.cebupacificair.com.

Amezcua Wellness Center - Foot Reflexology and Silky Foot Peel

Posted by Carambs

The first time we passed by Amezcua Wellness Center along White Plains, I wanted to try it right away. There was something about the design of the place and the name that attracted me to it. When they opened however, memberships were required. Now that the place it open to the public, I went to try out my favorite massage, the foot spa.

I expected so much during my visit, mainly because of their “packaging”. All their brochures are beautiful and classy, and well, the ambiance didn’t disappoint. A senior employee, named Jose, was very helpful and attentive. I was led to the basement, where there were 3 chairs in the middle of the room. The place looked perfect, with each chair having a water source at the side, and a sliding drawer that houses the basin for the feet.

The lady who gave me the foot spa seemed new, but she was very attentive and gentle. The lady who did the reflexology seemed new and she didn’t know some stuff, like where she could get a pillow for me. In the middle of the foot spa, I started feeling uncomfortable because of the chair. It was wood, but with cushions, which apparently were not enough. I couldn’t relax and kept shifting. So much for the great ambiance and all.

I am giving them the benefit of the doubt though - I will go back to try out the other area for foot spas, which offer lazyboys and not the wooden chairs with cushions. I am also planning to try their massages, and their medical services.

You can check them out at:

• Address: 122 Katipunan Avenue, White Plains, Quezon City
• Tel No.: (632) 9131353 or 57
• Fax No.: (632) 9118011
• Email: customercare@amezcuawellness.com
• Website: http://www.amezcuawellness.com

Roots and Routes Travel and Tours

Posted by Carambs

Last week there was a travel expo at my husband’s office.  We discovered a very interesting group called Roots and Routes, an alternative travel and tours agency that has four thrusts:

1. sustainable tourism
2. experiencial tourism
3. exchange tourism
4. conscientious tourism

The representatives were very easy to talk to, and we are planning to try out one of their tours soon.  Hopefully, they’re as well-organized and exciting.

They have the following tours:

1. Art of Wellness (Camp at Isla Shakina) - Lake Caliraya, Lumot, Pagsangjan Falls in Pueblo El Salvador in Cavinti [3D2N]
2. Adventure in Mt. Banahaw [Daytour]
3. Adventure in Sierra Madre Resort and Daraknak Falls [Daytour]
4. Camiguin Lanzones Festival Tour [4D3N]
5. Banaue-Sagada Heritage and Adventure Tour [4D3N]

…and more.

Here are their contact details:

• Address: B2 L8 Topaz & Ruby Sts. San Pedro 6, Tandang Sora, Quezon City, Metro Manila, 1107, Philippines
• Tel No.: (632) 4548100
• Fax No.: (632) 2727732
• Email: rootsnroutes@yahoo.com
• Website: http://www.rootsnroutes.com

Adventure Philippines: Ecotourism

Posted by Carambs

Ecotourism is gaining popularity all over the world, as more and more people are becoming ecologically and socially conscious. According to the International Ecotourism Society website, Ecotourism is “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” (TIES, 1990)

Here are the Ecotourism packages of Adventure Philippines:

Jungle Environmental Survival Training (JEST) Camp (Subic Bay Freeport)

An educational tour to the rainforest of Subic Bay Freeport where guides provide outdoor orientation on basic mountaineering, fire-building, trap making and wildlife identification. Learn wilderness survival techniques such as drinking water from vines, roasting coffee from indigenous seeds, or pounding barks to produce anaesthetic.

Trek through the world famous Subic rainforests escorted by JEST guides who will show you how to locate and set traps using natural materials. One has the option to take easy, moderate and difficult trails.

Other attractions include the Mini Zoo, Insectarium, Butterfly Garden, Aviaries and a viewing deck offering panoramic vistas of Subic.

Inclusions: Guided tour of JEST forest trails, rolling tour of Subic Bay Freeport, duty free shopping

Booking Information: FSC Tourism Department

H8211 MCO Bldg., Burgos St. cor Causeway Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Tel. No.: (6347) 2523143/2523375

Fax: (6347) 2522319

Pamilacan Island Tour (with Dolphin Watching)

A whole day experience in the blue sea waters and white sandy shorelines of Bohol’s islets. Dolphin watching adds color to the island hopping adventure. There is the excitement and thrill in watching dolphins frolic in their natural habitat in Pamilacan Island. A lunch of fresh seafoods is part of the island tour. A village tour gives a first hand interaction with the islanders.

Inclusions: Boat and land transfers, spotter, tour guide, lunch at Pamilacan Island, fruits and mineral water

Tour Operator: Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel

M.H. del Pilar Street, Tagbilaran City

Tel Nos.: (6338) 4112645/4115717

Fax: (6338) 4112476

Email: angelswings@globelines.com.ph

Website: http://www.boholangelswings.com

Mangrove Plantation and Oyster Farm Tour (Bohol)

See Asia’s biggest mangrove plantation in Banacon Island, Gestafe town. A boat ride will bring tourists to the vast 484 hectares of multi-layered canopy of mangrove plantation. Proceed to an Oyster farm, a community-based ecotour in Cambuhat where guests will do canoe paddling along the river through oyster farms and clumps of buri trees. A trek into the village provides guests a first hand observation of food crafts and industries.

Inclusions: air-conditioned transportation , tour guide, lunch, village tour, welcome leis, water, cold towel

Tour Operator: Angel’s Wings Tours and Travel

M.H. del Pilar Street, Tagbilaran City

Tel Nos.: (6338) 4112645/4115717

Fax: (6338) 4112476

Email: angelswings@globelines.com.ph

Website: http://www.boholangelswings.com

Adventure Philippines: Caving/Spelunking

Posted by Carambs

Caving Adventure  (Pinamungahan, Cebu)

Understand the existence of caves, go underground and see the magnificent world of rocks and other architectural works of Mother Nature.

Inclusions: interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide

Tour Operator:  Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc.

Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City

Tel Nos: (6332) 232 8886 to 89

Fax No.: (6332) 232 8890

Mabinay Tours (Negros Oriental)

Enjoy the outdoors as you head northwest passing through sugar plantations and rice fields, to the mountaintop town of Mabinay - home to numerous caves ranging from the easy basic caves to advanced.  Here you get the chance to spelunk three different caves.  Experience getting your feet wet, ducking under the centuries-old stalactites amid calcite formations and underground spring water.  Take a refreshing dip at the Mabinay Springs to cap off the day.

Inclusions: land transfers (4×4), lunch, snacks, refreshments, guide fee, caving helmet and light equipment, kayak

Mabinay 3 Caves Tour - 8 hours with side trip to Mabinay Springs

Mabinay Caving and Canyoning Adventure - 14 hours with side trip to Mabinay Springs

Tour Operator: Orientwind Travel and Tours

201 Flores Avenue, Piapi, Dumaguete City

Tel No.: (6335) 4225298

Email: owind@mozcom.com

Tour Operator:  Southwind Travel and Tours

3rd Level, JY Square Mall, Lahug, Cebu City

Tel No.: (6332) 4172247 to 49

Bulacan Puning Cave Explore - 3D/2N

Puning Cave to the south of Dona Remedios Trinidad drains a micro-watershed in Barangay Bayabas. Traversing this sinkhole takes about an hour.

Inclusions: Spelunking inside the Puning Cave, river crossing using carabao-drawn carriage, visit to the miraculous Nuestra Senora de Lourdes, a taste of famous Kapeng Barako, with roundtrip transfers from the municipal hall

Booking Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6344) 6627635

Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

Bulacan Biak-na-Bato Cave Explore - Overnight

A whole day cave exploration of the historic chambers of Bulacan: Aguinaldo Cave, Bahay Paniki (Bat Cave), including the so-called ‘Yungib 1-3′ and ‘Tangapan’.  Swimming is offered at the Paniki Cave.  Optional trek to Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad.  Optional mountain trek to the famous Mt. Susung Dalaga.

Booking Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office

Telefax: (6344) 6627635

Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

CEB offers more than 500,000 P0 .00 fares to international and domestic destination!

Posted by Carambs

ZERO comes before JUAN!

We know you are familiar with our trademark PISO fare, and because we love giving you wonderful surprises, we’re giving you FREE FARES this time to all our domestic and international destinations!

The promotional seat sale will run from May 15 to 18, 2008 or until the allocated 500,000 seats are sold out. This is good for travel from June 9 to December 31, 2008.

Now all you have to do is pick a date, pay for the taxes, fuel & insurance surcharge and you’re off!

Hurry, book now at www.cebupacificair.com.

CEB offers P1 and P888 seats for Cebu & Davao hub flights; P1 for Manila-Legaspi service!

Posted by Carambs

Fly as many times as you want, because we are offering P1 seats for Cebu-Bacolod, Cebu-Butuan, Cebu-Cagayan, Cebu-Iloilo and Manila-Legaspi! The promotional seat sale will run from April 26, 2008 to June 30, 2008; and is good for travel for the same period. Plus more, we are also offering P888 seats for Cebu-Macau, Cebu-Taipei, Davao-Hong Kong, Davao-Singapore, Davao-Macau (via Cebu), and Davao-Taipei (via Cebu) services. The promo for Cebu and Davao international services will start on April 26 to 30, 2008 and may be availed for travel from May 1, 2008 until June 30, 2008. Don’t miss out on these amazing fares and take off for your exciting holiday now!

Fare is non-refundable and exclusive of surcharges and government taxes. Hurry, book now at www.cebupacificair.com!

Adventure Philippines: Whitewater Action 2

Posted by Carambs

Here are additional whitewater tour packages from the Adventure Philippines brochure:

White Water Rafting (Davao River)

Experience 13km of wild water fun at the Davao River. Be ready to get wet and enjoy the exhilarating water adventure using a paddle and rubber boat.

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers from the hotel to the site, packed lunch and bottled water, user of gears and equipment, services of a guide, souvenir t-shirt, photo CD (2 CD per group of 6 pax)

Tour Operator: Mt. Apo Travel and Tours

Corner Monteverde and Guererro Streets, Davao City

Tel Nos.: (6382) 2218177 / (6382) 2211729 / (6382) 2271657 / (6382) 3008891

Fax No: (6382) 2218220

Email: mtapotravel@skynet.net / mtapotravel@yahoo.com / wandateo@yahoo.com

Libacao Wild River Adventure (Libacao, Aklan)

Upstream of the Aklan River is considered the longest “wild river” in the Philippines. It is known for its clean and clear waters great for bamboo rafting, kayaking and other water sports. Wild river rafting is encouraged for adventurous tourists while bamboo rafting is best for those who watn to enjoy a leisurely pace. The trip ranges from one to six hours of rafting downstream depending on one’s preference.

Inclusions: tour guide, free overnight stay at Municipal Tourism Cottage

Booking Information: Office of the Municipal Mayor, Libacao, Aklan

Tel No.: (6336) 2732200

Fax No: (6336) 2732099

Email: info@libacao.gov.ph

Website: www.libacao.gov.ph

Rafting Package

1. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)
2. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rappelling (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)
3. Spelunking, Whitewater Kayaking and Rappelling with Camp out (Tuguegarao City, Cagayan)

Inclusions: roundtrip airfare via Air Philippines, roundtrip airport-hotel-airport transfers, 3 nights accommodation in bay area with breakfasts,, roundtrip Tuguegarao-hotel transfers, 2 nights accommodation at Casa, daily breakfasts, lunch and dinner, kayaks / raft / lifevest equipment and guide

1. Sierra Madre Whitewater Kayaking

Inclusions: roundtrip airport-hotel transfers, 3 night accommodation in bay area with breakfasts, round trip hotel-Sierra Madre transfers, caving at Sanglao, complete kayak equipment and kayaking lesson, snacks, highly trained kayaking trip guide

Tour Operator: Cosmopolitan Travel and Tours

G/F DPPI Bldg., Congressional Avenue Extension, Quezon City

Tel No.: (632)

Adventure Philippines: Whitewater Action 1

Posted by Carambs

Here are the Whitewater tour packages from the Adventure Philippines brochure:

Kalinga White Water Rafting (Tabuk, Kalinga)

The Chico River challenge features a “heart-in-the-throat” excitement of Class 3 to Class 5 rapids for the ultimate adventure and offers a white rafting experience with side trips of village trekking, mountain climbing and overnight river camping. It also offers a diversity of sceneries from the lush green foliage, manmade rice terraces to hanging gardens, waterfalls and Kalinga villages. The one (1) to three (3) days trip of pure fun is an adventure and education rolled into one that inevitably links mountain culture and nature.

Tour Operator: Chico River Quest, Inc.

Bulanao, Tabuk, Kalinga

Mobile: (63) 9178043468 / (63) 9202052680

Email: chicoriver@yahoo.com

Whitewater Rafting Wester Style (Cagayan de Oro City)

Min 4pax. Go wild over water at the raging Cagayan de Oro River! See the spectacular beauty of nature along the only whitewater destination in the Philippines located within city limits. 14 rapids await you ranging from Class 2 to 4. Be ready to get wet! Duration of tour: 4 hours (basic) - Mambuaya, 7 hours (advanced) - Uquiaban

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers, use of rafts and other safety equipment, services of a river guide

Tour Operators:

• Grandscape Travel and Tours
• Xavier Square, Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8591236
• Fax No: (6338) 8566173
• Email: grandscape_2004@yahoo.com

• House of Travel
• Anflo Motors Bldg., CM Rector Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel Nos.: (6388) 8564153 / (638822) 724 195
• Fax No.: (633822) 8566173
• Email: hticgy@skynet.net

• Tourmakers Philippines Inc
• Mezzanine, MG Insurance Bldg., 57 Abejuela St., Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8581448
• Fax No: (633822) 710 185
• Email: tourmakers@yahoo.com

• Northmin Tours and Travel
• 9th-16th Streets, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 721 329 / 721 421
• Email: northmin_tours@yahoo.com

• Sunbee Travel and Tours
• G/F RJJS Bldg., Yacapin-Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8562360
• Fax No: (633822) 727 475
• Email: sunbee_tours@yahoo.com

• Adventure One Travel and Destinations
• Tiano-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 714 166 / (6338) 2316065
• Email: adventure_travel_destination@yahoo.com

• Filipino Travel Center
• 1555 M. Adriatico St., Ermita, Manila
• Tel No.: (632) 5284507
• Fax No: (632) 5284503
• Email: info@filipinotravel.com.ph

Whitewater Rafting Pinoy Style

Min 10pax. Go whitewater rafting using inflated rubber tubes! Let our expert river guides show you a wild time on the mighty Cagayan de Oro River. Duration of tour: 4 hours.

Inclusions: roundtrip transfers, use of tubes and other safety equipment, services of a tour guide

Tour Operators:

• Grandscape Travel and Tours
• Xavier Square, Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8591236
• Fax No: (6338) 8566173
• Email: grandscape_2004@yahoo.com

• House of Travel
• Anflo Motors Bldg., CM Rector Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel Nos.: (6388) 8564153 / (638822) 724 195
• Fax No.: (633822) 8566173
• Email: hticgy@skynet.net

• Tourmakers Philippines Inc
• Mezzanine, MG Insurance Bldg., 57 Abejuela St., Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8581448
• Fax No: (633822) 710 185
• Email: tourmakers@yahoo.com

• Northmin Tours and Travel
• 9th-16th Streets, Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 721 329 / 721 421
• Email: northmin_tours@yahoo.com

• Sunbee Travel and Tours
• G/F RJJS Bldg., Yacapin-Velez Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (6388) 8562360
• Fax No: (633822) 727 475
• Email: sunbee_tours@yahoo.com

• Adventure One Travel and Destinations
• Tiano-Hayes Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
• Tel No.: (638822) 714 166 / (6338) 2316065
• Email: adventure_travel_destination@yahoo.com

Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net

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