June 2013

Schedule of Activities for the 440th Araw ng Pasig

Here is the schedule of activities for the 440th Araw ng Pasig celebration. On July 2, 2013, the City of Pasig will celebrate the 440th year anniversary of its founding. It was established by the Augustinian friars on July 2, 1573, which makes Pasig one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. Today, Pasig is among the most vibrant and progressive cities in the country.

Camiguin is the second smallest province of the Philippines and is known as the island born of fire as the island was created through centuries of volcanic activity. The main language spoken on the island is Cebuano and many Camiguinons can very well converse in Tagalog and English.

Top 3 Attractions in Tacloban, Leyte

Hundreds of tourists are expected to visit Tacloban City during the weekend of June 29-30, 2013 as the highlights of Leyte's Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals and Tacloban's Sangyaw Festival are set to happen on Saturday, June 29, 2013.

For Sunday, June 30, 2013, we have prepared a list of top tourist attractions in Tacloban which visitors can use as a guide for a day tour around the city. Here are our top three picks.

1. San Juanico Bridge

The 2.16 kilometer bridge was completed in 1973 and is the Philippines' longest bridge over seawater. It connects the island of Leyte to the island of Samar boosting trade and commerce in the whole Eastern Visayas Region. It is one of the most iconic man-made structures in the Philippines and no other bridge in the country has ever matched its grandiose design. It is reachable from Tacloban City by jeepney, van or bus. Here is a useful guide shared by Akrosdayunibers.

2. Leyte Landing Memorial

It was on this spot where General Douglas MacArthur and his troops landed on October 20, 1944. "People of the Philippines, I have returned," said General MacArthur in a speech, bringing joy to Filipinos who have been suffering under Japanese occupation. The decisive victory in the Battle of Leyte Gulf over the Japanese later paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines in 1945. A memorial to this historic landing was erected at Red Beach in the town of Palo, Leyte. The Leyte Landing Memorial is accessible from Tacloban City via public transportation. Read the travel guide shared by Pinoy Adventurista.

3. Leyte Provincial Capitol Building

The building was constructed in 1907 and features a perfect example of the architecture typical of American era government buildings. Well preserved and still used up to the present time, the building is the seat of the Provincial Government of Leyte. The building was once the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth (October 1944-February 1945) where President Sergio Osmeña held his office during the last days of World War II. The capitol building is located in down-town Tacloban and can be easily reached by taking a tricycle.

Car Rental: Bigger groups may opt to hire a car or an SUV for a half-day city tour. You can contact Kuya Archie at 0919-3270896.

We hope that this list helps. Thank you very much for visiting our blog and we hope that you enjoy your weekend in Tacloban. See you and happy fiesta!

Beat the Rainy Day Blues with a Filipino Lunch at Sentro 1771

This rainy season, treat yourself and your loved ones for a scrumptious lunch of Modern Filipino Cuisine at Sentro 1771! The Best Things in Life are 3 is an ongoing promo at Sentro 1771 that will run until July 31, 2013.

Dine at Sentro 1771 between 11:00am and 2:30pm and order at least one of the six Sentro favorites. Choices include Sinigang na Corned Beef, Lamb Kaldereta, Garlicky Adobo, Rated GG, Catfish Sentro Style, and Seafood Sinigang. Read our feature article Modern Filipino Cuisine at Sentro 1771.

Sinigang na Corned Beef | Photo by Edgar Co for pinasmuna.com

On your third visit, you will earn one free Sentro favorite dish which you can redeem on your next visit. For more details, please refer to Sentro 1771's promo page or call them at 757- 3941 (Greenbelt 3) or 856- 0581 (Serendra).

152nd Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

Today, the Filipino nation celebrates the 152nd birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Born on June 19, 1861, Rizal is the most celebrated national hero in the Philippines with a province, a number of towns, schools and streets named after him. His monuments are also found virtually all over the country and even abroad.

the 22-feet statue of Rizal in his hometown of Calamba, Laguna
Photo by Edgar Co for pinasmuna.com

In line with the celebration, President Benigno S. Aquino III declared June 19, 2013, by virtue of Proclamation No. 600, as a special (non-working) holiday in the Province of Laguna to give its people the opportunity to celebrate the occasion and to participate in the ceremonies and activities in connection with the event.

Empanada Festival 2013

In celebration of its sixth City Charter Day on June 23, 2012, the City of Batac is holding the Empanada Festival 2013 showcasing its number one product, the Batac Empanada. Highlight of festivities is the Grand Parade happening in the afternoon of June 23, 2012. See photos from Empanada Festival 2012.

We are now halfway through the month June and July is fast approaching, so is the Holy Month of Ramadan which is expected to start during the first week of July 2013. Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims around the world. In a multicultural society like the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, it is also important that non-Muslims understand the basic fundamentals of Ramadan as this knowledge will serve as guidelines on how non-Muslims shall interact with their Muslim friends, relatives, classmates, colleagues and acquaintances during this holy month.

SEAir Rebranded to Tiger Airways Philippines

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAir), a Philippine-based low-cost carrier, annouced today that it has rebranded to Tiger Airways Philippines. Earlier in August 2012, Singapore-based Tiger Airways Holdings Ltd. completed the acquisition of a 40% stake in SEAir.

www.tigerairways.com

Tiger Airways Philippines, Press Release, 11 June 2013

A new Tiger has arrived - and it brings with it a promise of a great adventure, memorable experiences, and the excitement of a new journey.

Known as the leading and most trusted value-for-money carrier in Southesast Asia, Tiger Airways Philippines will make its formal debut in the skies beginning July 10.

“Tiger Airways is the leading airline and travel partner connecting people across Asia Pacific. It is a distinguished regional brand that differentiates itself in terms of safety and reliability,” says newly-appointed president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ms. Olive Ramos.

Committed to bringing its customers its brand of friendly, high-quality service, and excellent standards of security, Tiger Airways Philippines promises to make travel around Asia more enjoyable.

With the Philippines poised to become Asia’s next tiger economy, Tiger Airways anticipates more flights connecting the country to its Asian neighbors – and even beyond, in the coming years. “It’s a niche we are eager and equipped to serve,” adds Tiger Airways’ chief.

Currently, Tiger Airways flies to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong from Manila and Clark. Locally, it serves travelers going to Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo Tacloban and Puerto Princesa.

Next month, Tiger Airways will add another feather to its cap when it marks a milestone - the Kalibo and Singapore route, the first and only airline to offer such route.

“We embrace the simple belief that travel is about bringing people closer to their dreams and about enabling great experiences, and memories,” adds Ramos.

The new Tiger Airways Philippines will offer great value and seamless experience. Together with the Filipino personnel’s warm and hospitable traits, the airline will be “the one to beat” in the coming years, she adds.

The birth of Tiger Airways Philippines brings along with it the technology and business savvy of Tiger Airways as it offers travelers greater accessibility to the rest of Southeast Asia. It does not only commit to high performance standards and innovation, it also confident about keeping its venture more sustainable for stakeholders.

Tiger Air embodies a ‘can-do’ and respectful spirit, according to Ramos. “We will continuously pursue for roaring excellence. We are going to be the airline of choice!”

For more details log on to www.tigerairways.com