Home > July 2011

July 2011

Philippine Airlines Promo: 12 Cities. 7 Weeks. Unlimited Travel. Only with FLY ASIA PASS!

Saturday, July 30, 2011 Category : PAL, Seat Sale 0

N.B. Updated with FAQs from the PAL website.

I am quite baffled by this one, but it is a good deal if you're planning to visit all these countries listed here. You'll just have to pay USD 270 for your FLY ASIA PASS and exchange them for tickets within two weeks. The catch? It is not inclusive of taxes and surcharges and you must complete your travel within seven weeks from day of first departure. Travelling period is from 15 August to 30 December 2011 (outbound) and up to 10 December 2011 for inbound flights. So, if you're intending to fly to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan, your itinerary and fares will look like this:

Manila to Shanghai to Manila - USD 164.00 (Surcharges and Taxes)

Manila to Beijing to Manila - USD 164.00 (S/T)

Manila to Hong Kong to Manila- USD 109.40 (S/T)

Manila to Taipei to Manila - USD 100.40 (S/T)

TOTAL (S/T) - USD 537.80 (S/T)

FLY ASIA FARE - USD 270.00

S/T Plus Fly Asia Fare TOTAL- USD 807.80 (Fare/S/T)
Exclusive of Philippine Travel Tax
Php 1620 and Airport Fee
of Php 200 per route/per departure
from the Philippines

So, let's compare it with an ordinary PAL transaction for the following routes:

Manila to Shanghai to Manila - USD 314.00 (Fare/S/T)
Travel Dates: 16 Sept to 20 Sept

Manila to Beijing to Manila - USD 324.00 (Fare/S/T)

Travel Dates: 23 Sept to 27 Sept

Manila to Hong Kong to Manila- USD 191.40 (Fare/S/T)

Travel Dates: 08 Oct to 11 Oct

Manila to Taipei to Manila - USD 198.40 (Fare/S/T)

Travel Dates: 28 Oct to 31 Oct

TOTAL - USD 1,027.80 (Fare/S/T)

S/T Plus Fly Asia Fare TOTAL- USD 807.80 (Fare/S/T)

You get to save at least USD 200.00 on fares; it'll be greater if you go to more cities in the program. But I think this only works for those who can afford to travel around Asia within a seven-week period. You really save some dollars for your fares, taxes and surcharges, but what about for your accommodations, Philippine and airport travel taxes? Yup, you'll have to shell out a lot of money. And, I've tried booking for the Fly Asia promo, and the dates are almost always sold out. Oh well...

04 August 2011 Update:

Since PAL made some tweaks to their promo mechanics, I'll need to make updates, too. Before, it was pretty hazy as to how you'd avail of the promo. I mean, PAL didn't say that you can book one way tickets to a certain country and return to the Philippines from another country covered by their promo. So, if you're going to Hong Kong, you can link your stay to Macau and depart from there going back to Manila. The same goes true with Shanghai and Beijing. However, it would entail a rather long journey from Shanghai to Beijing. It is about 12 to 14 hours by sleeper train, or less than 6 hours by bullet train. The bullet train costs about RMB 555 one-way but the line has been besieged by glitches over the past few weeks.

Still, for most of their flights, you have to return to the Philippines and depart from there to your next destination.

UPDATES: FAQs

What is the advantage in buying Fly Asia Pass?
“Fly Asia Pass” promo allows travel aficionados to fly as much as they can in the key cities in Asia.

Where can I fly with Fly Asia Pass?
You may fly unlimited round-trip to Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Macau, Saigon, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei from Manila. In addition, Fly Asia Pass holders may also fly unlimited between Manila and Cebu or Davao.

Can I fly to the same city multiple times?
Yes.

Can I fly itineraries with open-jaw, circle trip, multi-trip or one-way?
Fly Asia Pass is designed for unlimited round-trip travel to cities in Asia originating Manila, plus unlimited one-way or round-trip between Manila and Cebu or Davao. Open-jaw is permitted provided the origin and arriving city is Manila, e.g. outbound flight is Manila-Hong Kong and return flight is Macau-Manila.

Can I originate from a domestic point other than Manila, Cebu or Davao?
No.

Can my itinerary originate from a city in Asia going to Manila, Cebu or Davao?
No. Regional flights must originate Manila. Domestic flights can be Manila-Cebu/Davao or vice versa.

When can I travel using my Fly Asia Pass?
Outbound travel is from August 15 to November 30. All travel must completed by December 10. The last ticket must be flown within 7 weeks from the first travel or December 10, 2011 whichever comes first. Example: If your first travel is on September 1, 2011 the last outbound travel that you can make is on or before October 17, 2011.

Where and when is Fly Asia Pass available for sale?
Fly Asia Pass is available for sale through PAL accredited travel agencies, ticket offices and contact center in the Philippines until August 7, 2011. You may also buy the Pass through www.philippineairlines.com.

Is Fly Asia Pass all I need to make my trips?
Fly Asia Pass is not valid for passage. After purchasing Fly Asia Pass, you must exchange it with flight tickets that you will use for your trip. (See 'Exchanging Fly Asia Pass for Flight Tickets' below for more details.)

How much is Fly Asia Pass?
Fiesta Class (Economy) is USD270 while Mabuhay Class (Business) is USD1,070. Each pass is good for one person.   Fares are exclusive of government taxes, fees and surcharges.
Can I transfer my Fly Asia Pass to other person?
No. Fly Asia Pass is non-transferable. Name change is not permitted.

PURCHASING FLY ASIA PASS

How do I buy my Fly Asia Pass?
You may visit any of PAL ticket offices or accredited travel agencies in the Philippines. Fly Asia Pass is also available through PAL Contact Center (02)855-8888 or online at www.philippineairlines.com.

How do I purchase Fly Asia Pass online?
Buying Fly Asia Pass online is similar to purchasing regular ticket. Book one-way Manila-Fly Asia Pass on PR360/01Sep. This special flight number holds the inventory for Fly Asia Pass and does not reflect actual travel date.

What forms of payment are accepted?
PAL ticket offices accept cash, invoice and credit card payments.
Travel agencies accept cash; credit card facility may or may not be available.
Contact center and online can only process Visa and MasterCard cards.

What is included in the Fly Asia Pass?
The $270 (Fiesta Class) and $1,070 only cover air travel. Customers will have to pay the applicable surcharges, government taxes and Philippine Travel Tax for every ticket redeemed. Visit www.philippineairlines.com/flyasiapass for the applicable surcharges and government taxes.
Note:  Airport terminal fees are PHP750 for international departures and PHP200 for local/domestic departures. These fees will be collected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Centennial Terminal 2).

Can I buy Fly Asia Pass for someone else?
Yes. Please note that flight tickets can be exchanged only under his/her name.

EXCHANGING FLY PASS PASS FOR FLIGHT TICKETS

Where can I exchange my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
You may exchange your Fly Asia Pass with flight tickets at any PAL ticket office in the Philippines or by calling (02)855-8888 in Manila.

When should I exchange my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
You must exchange it for flight tickets within two (2) weeks of Fly Asia Pass Purchase.

Can I exchange the Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets on the same day of Fly Asia Pass purchase?
Yes. If you have the final itinerary, you may exchange it on the same day of Fly Asia Pass purchase.

Can I exchange the Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets online?
Fly Pass Asia may be purchased online but Fly Asia Pass can only be exchanged for flight tickets through the PAL ticket offices or call center.


CANCELLATION OF FLY ASIA PASS AND CHANGES IN FLIGHT TICKETS

Can I refund my Fly Asia Pass?
Yes. Unused Fly Asia Pass is refundable subject to USD50 refund service fee. 'Unused' means it is not exchanged for flight tickets.

Can refund my flight tickets?
All flight tickets must be unused to qualify for refund. Refund is subject to USD150 refund service fee. All flight tickets become non-refundable after use of the first coupon.

Am I allowed to rebook my flights?
Yes, you are permitted to rebook your flights only within the same travel period subject to rebooking fees:
- International: USD50 per transaction
- Domestic: PHP600 per sector plus VAT

Can I change/reroute my flight tickets?
Yes. You may only reroute existing flight tickets subject to applicable fees but the number of tickets issue shall remain the same. Example: Exchange Manila-Hong Kong-Manila with Manila-Singapore-Manila.

Am I allowed to add or insert another destination after exchanging my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
No destination can be added after the Fly Asia Pass has been exchanged.

What should i do if I wish to cancel my flight?
You must cancel you booking by calling (02)855-8888 in Manila at least 24 hours before you departure to avoid no show fee. You may rebook your flight ticket at a later date subject to rebooking fees.

What happens if PAL cancels the flight due to weather or operational reasons?
Fly Asia Pass passengers enjoy the same benefits as the regular passengers, i.e. they will be accommodated on the next available flight.

For those interested, here are the details of the Fly Asia Pass program from the PAL website:

N.B. PAL tweaked/updated their mechanics. I've highlighted the new details:

Fly Asia Pass Enjoy seven weeks of unlimited travel to select cities in Asia from Cebu, Davao and Manila from August 15 to November 30, 2011 with Fly Asia Pass. Fly Asia Pass offers best value for multiple business and leisure travel.

3 domestic origins; 9 regional destinations

Unlimited travel for only $270 on Fiesta Class or $1,070 on Mabuhay Class

Fly to and return from different cities, e.g. fly Manila-Hong Kong and return Macau-Manila

Special add-on fares to other international points

Travel in comfort and style with Philippine Airlines

Fly Asia Pass Selling Period: 29 July - 07 August 2011

Fly Asia Pass must be redeemed and converted into flight tickets within two (2) weeks from its purchase for the same passenger only. All tickets must be redeemed in one transaction.
Travelling Period: 15 August - 30 November 2011 (outbound travel). All travel must be completed by 10 December 2011.

Book FLY ASIA PASS now!
Read Frequently Asked Questions

To book online, search for one-way Manila-Fly Asia Pass for 01September* travel and indicate the desired number of passenger using the SEARCH box located on the left of this page. (*This is not the actual travel date. You shall exchange your Fly Asia Pass with flight tickets of the chosen Asian cities.)

Notes:
Fares are exclusive of government taxes, fees and surcharges.
The All Asia pass is exclusive of hotel accommodations.
Passenger shall be responsible for arranging his/her hotel, transfers, land & sea accommodations and securing valid travel documents.

You may exchange your FLY ASIA PASS with any combination of routes specified below. Also, refer to the table for the applicable surcharges and estimated taxes EXCLUSIVE of Philippine Travel Tax and airport terminal fee for Mabuhay and Fiesta class to be paid upon the issuance of the tickets:

Regional Routes

Routes Fare Surcharges
in USD Est.
Taxes
in USD Total
in USD

Manila-Hong Kong-Manila FREE 90.00 19.40 109.40

Manila-Macau-Manila 90.00 13.70 103.70

Manila-Taipei-Manila 90.00 10.40 100.40

Manila-Singapore-Manila 150.00 23.20 173.20

Manila-Bangkok-Manila 150.00 23.60 173.60

Manila- Ho Chi Minh
(Saigon)-Manila 150.00 18.00 168.00

Manila-Jakarta-Manila 170.00 20.00 190.00

Manila-Beijing-Manila 150.00 14.00 164.00

Manila-Shanghai-Manila 150.00 14.00 164.00

Above amounts are subject to change due to conversion rates.

Domestic Routes

Routes Fare Surcharges ASF¹ TSC² VAT Total

in PHP

Manila-Cebu-Manila or Cebu-Manila-Cebu FREE 500.00 15.00 50.00 68.00 633.00

Manila-Davao-Manila or Davao-Manila-Davao 700.00 15.00 50.00 92.00 857.00

¹ Aviation Security Fee
2 Ticketing Service Charge

Book and buy through www.philippineairlines.com using MasterCard or VISA credit card. Or, purchase tickets at any PAL ticket office and travel agents or call our reservations office at tel. no. (632) 855-8888.

When redeeming your tickets for unlimited travel, enjoy Zero% installment by using your Allied Bank or PNB Credit Card to pay for the applicable surcahrges and taxes.

Travel Conditions:
Application:
Valid for sales in the Philippines and internet

Valid for travel seven weeks (7 weeks) from first travel date or until 10 December 2011 whichever comes first. Passenger can visit same city more than once

Passengers who availed of the Fly Asia pass are entitled to purchase the Special Roundtrip Add-on fares to U.S.A. & Canada, Australia, Delhi, Japan and Korea after the 1st FAP sector/ticket is flown.

ADD-ON FARES available on Fiesta and Mabuhay class:

Fiesta (Economy) Class

Routes Add-on
Fares
in USD Surcharges
in USD Est.
Taxes
in USD Total
Fare
in USD

Manila-Las Vegas/
Los Angeles/
San Francisco
-Manila 570.00* 400.00
970.00*

Manila-Vancouver-Manila 400.00 45.10 1,015.10

Manila-Honolulu-Manila 370.00* 310.00 680.00*

Manila-Sydney-Manila 370.00 300.00 105.80 775.80

Manila-Melbourne-Manila 300.00 86.10 756.10

Manila-Delhi-Manila 320.00 5.70 695.70

Manila-Tokyo-Manila 270.00 150.00 32.50 452.50

Manila-Nagoya-Manila 150.00 31.90 451.90

Manila-Fukuoka-Manila 150.00 12.10 432.10

Manila-Osaka-Manila 150.00 33.80 453.80

Manila-Seoul-Manila 300.00 150.00 26.60 476.60

Cebu-Seoul-Cebu 150.00 26.60 476.60

Manila-Pusan-Manila 150.00 21.90 471.90

Mabuhay(Business) Class

Routes Add-on
Fares
in USD Surcharges
in USD Est.
Taxes
in USD Total
Fare
in USD

Manila-Los Angeles/
San Francisco
-Manila 2,670.00* 400.00
3,070.00*

Manila-Las Vegas-Manila 2,370.00* 400.00 2,770.00*

Manila-Vancouver-Manila 2,370.00 400.00 45.10 2,815.10

Manila-Honolulu-Manila 1,270.00* 310.00 1,580.00*

Manila-Sydney-Manila 1,470.00 300.00 105.80 1,875.80

Manila-Melbourne-Manila 300.00 86.10 1,856.10

Manila-Delhi-Manila 1,270.00 320.00 5.70 1,595.70

Manila-Tokyo-Manila 770.00 150.00 32.50 952.50

Manila-Nagoya-Manila 150.00 31.90 951.90

Manila-Fukuoka-Manila 150.00 12.10 932.10

Manila-Osaka-Manila 150.00 33.80 953.80

Manila-Seoul-Manila 770.00 150.00 26.60 946.60

Cebu-Seoul-Cebu 150.00 26.60 946.60

Manila-Pusan-Manila 150.00 21.90 941.90

*For travel between Manila and USA, fare do not include USD 24.50 U.S. Government Taxes and Fees including the September 11th Security Fee
Notes:
-Above ADD-on fares are inclusive of government taxes and surcharges EXCEPT Philippine Travel Tax and airport terminal fee.
-Travel period for the special add-on rates shall be the same as the FAP. Subject to seat availability.
-For passengers who purchased the fiesta Fly Asia Pass and would like to upgrade the converted tickets to Mabuhay class, an upgrade surcharge of USD300/RT for each selected sector/s shall be assessed.

Reservation, Payment and Ticketing:
Fly Asia Pass (FAP) must be converted into tickets no later than two weeks (2 weeks) after payment. This is valid for one-time ticket issuance only.

Unconverted FAP tickets are refundable subject to USD50 refund service fee.

All destination cities selected must be finalized and confirmed before ticket issuance.

Ticketing must be completed within 48 hours after confirmed reservations are made.

Individual tickets will be issued per itinerary for tickets issued in the PAL ticket offices.

Extension of validity is not permitted.

Unlimited transfers in Manila is permitted. Stop-over is permitted in Manila.

Changes/Refunds

Changes are permitted  (only within the travel period)
• International - USD50 per transaction.
• Domestic – PHP600 per sector plus VAT

No-show surcharge shall be applied based on existing policy.

Rerouting is permitted provided value is equal or higher than the original value paid. Rerouting from international to domestic or vv is not permitted.

Refunds:
Before Departure: permitted at USD150. All tickets issued must be presented for refund on or before 30 November 2011 only.
After Departure: fare and surcharges are non-refundable. All unused tickets must be presented for refund for Government taxes.
Note: Even only one sector has been utilized, fare and surcharges are non-refundable.     Government taxes are refundable subject to the current general service fee.

Other Discounts

Child/Infant discounts
Child’s fare: 100% of the adult’s fare
Infant’s fare: 50% of the adult’s fare

Others
Mileage accrual applies

Passports must be presented when purchasing the FAP as well as when tickets are issued

Thoughts: Busy, Busy, Busy!

Sunday, July 24, 2011 Category : thoughts 0

Since I returned from Singapore two weeks ago, I've been busy with work. Really, no joke. Well, I admit I was sort of lazy, too, but my continued failure to wrap-up my Taiwan travel adventures to make way for my Singapore adventures, is mainly due to my busy professional life. Yes, I have a job.

I've rechecked my list of things to write about in my mind and I have yet to finish my Travel in Taipei, Follow Me experience which includes an impromptu Taiwanese food binge and hanging out on a Sunday afternoon like a local. Also, I still have stories about my Monga (a popular Taiwanese film starring Mark Zhao and Ethan Ruan) filming location hunting and my unlikely rendezvous with Gundam! Gundam?! Yes, Gundam!

And oh yeah, I also went to Beitou to indulge in a private hot springs bath just before I headed off to the airport. See? There's still a lot to write about. So I'll try to finish my Taiwan travel stories before the end of July, hopefully.

So, please bear with me. Till my next post!

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011 - Day 3: Danshui Joyful Life Tour

Saturday, July 23, 2011 Category : Taiwan, Tours 0

This is the first tour lined up for the day. I was supposed to meet my guide, Ms. Alice, at the Danshui MRT station at 8:00 a.m. and I just made it in time though I thought I was going to be late. When I got there, Ms. Alice introduced me to another guide, Ms. Annick. I was surprised to have two guides for the day. I guess I was just lucky!

We spared no time and then we headed off to the bus station to catch bus R26 going to Fort San Domingo. I bought a Taipei one-day tourist pass, and what do you know? The bus we rode doesn't accept payment from the pass so I had to pay coins. I offered to pay the fare for my guides by they politely declined and told me they're supposed to pay for their own.

Once we got to the Fort, we learned it was still closed and will not open until mid-morning. A kind lady who works for the Fort told us so, and we asked her where to get some breakfast because we're all hungry. We were told that there are a lot of eateries at the other side of the Aletheia University and so, we went to find those eateries.

Well, we entered Aletheia University and it seems as if school's out because there were no students milling around. It was a school holiday, I think. The school grounds are well-maintained and it's quite a walk from end to end. It was tiring to walk under the sun but the tree-lined campus grounds made up for it; the school's definitely pretty.

When we reached the other side of the university, we tried to find an open eatery, and we were lucky! My guides told me that there are always cheap but delicious food near campuses. Yup, they're right and it is true in Taiwan as it is true in the Philippines, too! But little did I know that my venture into finding something to eat will continue until dinner time. Yes, my tour became a culinary tour of Taipei. Lol!

So, for breakfast, since I could not understand the menu at all, Ms. Annick and Ms. Alice translated it for me. We were given a piece of paper and we had to tick the items we want. They ordered for me and it was egg-based, like an omelet, but more of a spring roll with egg and ham. It was sort of heavy. I saw people eating it, so I wanted to eat those, too.

After having some light snacks, we went back to the Fort and passed through the University again. Outside, we saw a red, foreign looking bus with a of caucasian models shooting a beer commercial. Lucky! We pretended that we were not interested at all with the shooting but I managed to snap a couple of shots.

Finally, we arrived at the Fort San Domingo. It's on a steep hill, mind you, but an easy climb nonetheless. It's harder to walk going towards the University because it is steeper. The Fort is one of the best places to view Danshui and the sunset. There's even a marker telling visitors where to stand for picture taking to get the best panorama. Cool, right?

When we got into the Fort, we followed a Chinese-speaking guide and my tour guides translated the history of the Fort for me. Apparently, it was called Hongmao Castle because the Dutch had red hair. We toured the Fort and went to see the prison where we saw a rather large group of caucasian tourists with an English-speaking Taiwanese guide and followed them around. The guide had an American accent and for the rest of the tour, we stuck around with their group. It appears that if you're in a large group, you can arrange for an English tour of Fort San Domingo with their administration office.

The guide from the Fort San Domingo office (in red),

has an American accent. He's explaining about the prisons at the Fort

(the red walls on the middle of the room).

This is where the prisoners used to stretch their legs.

Their own little corner of sunshine.

View of the mountain and river.

The Fort became an office for the British Consul. And from the Fort,

you can see the house of the consul.

The Consul's residence.

Canadian Exhibit at the Consul's residence.

While on the tour, we saw some stamps and stamp pads. Apparently, we can collect stamp marks from the stamp stations not only at the Fort but also from other tourist attractions. It's a great idea. I had so much fun collecting stamp marks. And they're all different! So cute!

Later on, we went to another museum, the Customs Officer's Residence, also known as Little White House, which was nearby. There wasn't much to see, at least for me, but you can collect stamps and it's great for picture taking. Besides, the garden is well maintained and the view's great. Just look at this century-old tree. What a beauty.

As we headed to the Tamsui Old Street,, we passed by a lovely church and the attendants encouraged us to take a look inside

We arrived at the Tamsui Old Street around 11 a.m. and it was teeming with people. My guides led me to some food stalls and I ate a Taiwanese sausage for lunch, which I downed with milk tea and plum juice. The plum juice was surprisingly great! Apparently, you shouldn't leave the old street without drinking one.

Since we were running late for the next tour, we rushed to the MRT station to meet another tourist for the Yangmingshan tour.

Air Philippines' Seat Sale - MLA to SG (10 July to 11 July 2011)

Saturday, July 9, 2011 Category : Air Philippines, Seat Sale 0

Air Philippines has a seat sale for their Manila to Singapore flights starting today until tomorrow! Travel period is from 20 July to 30 August 2011. I made a mock booking and it's almost Php 6,600.00 round trip per person. The base fare is really low but the fuel surcharge, taxes and fees make the amount a lot bigger. However, the flights are for July and August, and the fare is not such a bad deal. Although there is the possibility that you might get cancelled flights because its our typhoon season now.

Speaking of their seat sale for Singapore, I've ridden with Air Philippines during my 30 June to 04 July 2011 Singapore trip. I bought the tickets for Php 2,950.00, round trip. And mind you, Air Philippines' flights to Singapore and back are way better than Cebu Pacific. For one, Air Philippines lands and departs at Terminal of Changi Airport. Imagine that! Cebu Pacific, Tiger Airways and Air Asia (I think), land at the Budget Terminal. And I've taken Cebu Pacific twice to Singapore. And the Budget Terminal's really budget-looking. I remember we had to board down the plane via stairs (at least I experienced walking down the tarmac), even if it was raining. And there was no airconditioning once you get inside the platform going to the terminal premises inside. I don't know if there is one now. Also, there's nothing much to do at the Budget Terminal, unlike at the main terminals of Changi Airport. The Budget Terminal has a double meaning slogan, and I'm not sure if its the same now. It's something like, Budget Terminal, Feel the Difference. Yup, we really felt the difference.

So, thank God for Air Philippines because I wanted to feel different! Heehee. However, I wish that they's try to sell more sale tickets on sale considering that they have not even filled up both flights I was in. We were just around 50 to 80 on both flights. At least, they should make their marketing strategies stronger.

Philippine Airlines' Seat Sale - Downpour Deals (11 July to 16 July 2011)

Category : PAL, Seat Sale 0

Philippine Airlines will have a Downpour Deals seat discounts for its domestic, regional and international flights. And here's the list for the regional flights from PAL's website:

Downpour Deals for Regional FlightsRain, rain, I'm going away! PAL's Downpour deals to our passengers going to international and regional destinations! Available on Fiesta (Economy) and Mabuhay (Business) class.

Selling Period: 11-16 July 2011
Book and buy through www.philippineairlines.com using MasterCard or VISA credit card. Or, purchase tickets at PAL ticket office.

From Manila	Base Fare	Surcharges (YQ) + Est. taxes	Total (Fare+ YQ+ Est. Taxes) in USD	Travel Dates (Outbound)
FIESTA (ECONOMY) CLASS Minimum/Maximum Days Delhi Australia - No Minimum and 3 months maximum stay China/Japan - 2 days/14 days Other destinations - 2 days/8 days Fare Basis: WER70
Bangkok	USD 88.00	USD 173.00	USD 261.00	25Jul-15Oct11
Beijing	USD 108.00	USD 163.90	USD 271.90
Delhi	USD 308.00	USD 325.70	USD 633.70
Fukuoka	USD 308.00	USD 161.70	USD 469.70
Guam	USD 168.00	USD 90.36	USD 258.36
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)	USD 70.00	USD 168.00	USD 238.00
Hong Kong	USD 74.00¹	USD 105.40	USD 179.40
Jakarta	USD 78.00	USD 189.40	USD 267.40
Macau	USD 70.00	USD 103.70	USD 173.70
Melbourne	USD 358.00	USD 385.20	USD 743.20
Nagoya	USD 308.00	USD 180.90	USD 488.90
Osaka	USD 258.00	USD 182.80	USD 440.80
Singapore	USD 78.00	USD 172.80	USD 250.80
Shanghai	USD 88.00	USD 163.90	USD 251.90
Sydney	USD 358.00	USD 404.70	USD 762.70
Taipei	USD 88.00	USD 100.40	USD 188.40
Tokyo	USD 308.00	USD 181.50	USD 489.50
From Cebu	Base Fare	Surcharges (YQ) + Est. Taxes	Total (Fare+ YQ + Est. Taxes) in USD	Travel Period Outbound
FIESTA (ECONOMY) CLASS Fare Basis: WER70
Tokyo	USD 358.00	USD 181.50	USD 539.50	25Jul-15Oct11

From Manila	Base Fare	Surcharges (YQ) + Est. taxes	Total (Fare+ YQ + Est. Taxes) in USD	Travel Dates (Outbound)
MABUHAY (BUSINESS) CLASS Minimum/Maximum Days Delhi Australia - No Minimum and 3 months maximum stay China/Japan - 2 days/14 days Other destinations - 2 days/8 days Fare Basis: IM70
Bangkok	USD 348.00	USD 173.00	USD 521.00	25Jul-15Oct11
Beijing	USD 448.00	USD 163.90	USD 611.90
Delhi	USD 1,198.00	USD 325.70	USD 1,523.70
Fukuoka	USD 748.00	USD 161.70	USD 909.70
Guam	USD 668.00	USD 90.36	USD 758.36
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)	USD 348.00	USD 168.00	USD 516.00
Hong Kong	USD 312.00¹	USD 105.40	USD 417.40
Jakarta	USD 348.00	USD 189.40	USD 537.40
Macau	USD 308.00	USD 103.70	USD 411.70
Melbourne	USD 1,488.00	USD 385.20	USD 1,873.20
Nagoya	USD 748.00	USD 180.90	USD 928.90
Osaka	USD 748.00	USD 182.80	USD 930.80
Singapore	USD 348.00	USD 172.80	USD 520.80
Shanghai	USD 448.00	USD 163.90	USD 611.90
Sydney	USD 1,488.00	USD 404.70	USD 1,892.70
Taipei	USD 308.00	USD 100.40	USD 408.40
Tokyo	USD 748.00	USD 181.50	USD 929.50

Notes: ¹Inclusive of HKG security surcharge
-Fares are INCLUSIVE of surcharges and estimated taxes. Other airport fees and charges are not included.
-Fare amounts are subject to change due to conversion rates.
Conditions of Travel:

Valid for sales in the Philippines and the internet

Refund - Ticket is nonrefundable. Surcharges attached to these fares are likewise nonrefundable

Changes
Australia/Delhi flights - Change fee USD100
Other regional points - Change fee USD75

Children/Infant discount
WER70 - No child discount. Infant's fare charge 20% of the fare.
IM70 - No child discount. Infant's fare charge 10% of the fare.

Rerouting not permitted

UTC and service class upgrade not permitted.

Eligible to earn Mabuhay miles

Free Baggage Allowance
Economy (Fiesta) class:
Guam - 1 piece
Australia/Delhi - 23 kilos
Other regional points - 20 kilos
Business (Mabuhay) class:
Guam - 2 pieces
Other regional points - 30 kilos

Limited seats

Air Asia's Seat Sale - A Big Thank You! (12 July 2011 at 12:00 PM)

Category : Air Asia, Seat Sale 0

Air Asia is gearing up for a BIG THANK YOU this coming Tuesday, 12 July 2011 at 12 p.m. (GMT +8). I think it's really, really big. Air Asia's Facebook page lists the booking and travel period as follows:

Booking period: 12 – 17 July 2011Travel period: 6 Feb – 20 June 2012

And when the booking period is 6 months or more before the travel period, tickets tend to be really, really cheap. So, plan ahead and enjoy!

As for me, I want to go to India in February, and Cambodia, too. Plus, I want to go to Europe, but probably around May or June, I'll just wait for the seat sale for autumn or winter travel to Europe.

Happy trip planning!

Travel in Style - What Do I Wear When I Travel?

Category : Travel in Style 0

I know I am not the best person to talk about fashion because what do I know, right? But I love travelling, and honestly, picking out my wardrobe for my travel destination is way more fun than doing my travel research. Really. I think I am just vain, or perhaps, I just can't shake off my inner sheep quality of loving to dress up.

I am a plus-size, so I really need to plan carefully my wardrobe when I travel. I need to pack a few extra shirts, skirts or dresses, and of course, undergarments, just in case I soil a piece of clothing, or rip or bust a seam. I mean, it's sort of hard to find plus-size clothing in Asia. Don't get me wrong. There are stores selling plus-size clothing here, like Marks and Spencer and Dorothy Perkins and Forever21 among others. I know where to find stuff in my own turf but not in other places. If I'm in Bankok, for example, finding the right dress-size would be a pain if I don't know where to look. People in Bangkok are skinny and fit! So unlike me. But the last time I went to Bangkok, I saw a store selling plus-size clothes; just one store, though. Besides, even if I find a plus-size clothing, most often than not, those are for the older ladies, and I wouldn't want to wear some matronly clothes. If I'll end up buying clothes during my travel, I might as well buy something really nice and fashionable. As I said, I am vain.

Enough of my non-sense ramblings. So, what do I wear when I travel? Here's my nust-have list:

1. Dresses and Skirts

I grew up wearing dresses and skirts. I think I had my first jeans when I was already in Grade 5. Dresses and skirts are considerably lighter than jeans so, they won't bulk up your luggage. Instead of bringing a top and jeans per outfit, with dresses, you'd only have to slip into one and the outfit would be complete. No need for bulky bottoms.

2. Shorts

I know I don't have the right to cause people unnecessary annoyance by baring my legs but shorts are easier to pack and lighter, too. Plus, it's great when the weather's warm and when my thighs are sore from walking in a dress. However, if you're fat, like me, just be ready to be stared at, not with admiration, but with slight disgust, amusement or trepidation from passersby. Heehee.

3. Leggings or thick, opaque tights.

Dresses and shorts work when the weather's warm but they won't keep you warm in autumn or winter. But you can always wear leggings or tights underneath. Just like what I did when I went to Beijing battling with -5C or less chilly weather. And tights do look good with dresses and skirts. Also, I've read somewhere that this is what Korean and Japanese ladies do. Like in Kdramas, even in the snow, the actress still wears just tights and skirts.

If you're still concerned about the cold, just buy a thermal stockings and camisole, or use two stockings. When I was going to Beijing, I was salivating to buy those light Uniqlo thermals for ladies. They're so light but they'll keep you warm even though you're wearing a sheer dress, at least that's what the commercial said.

4. Tank tops and Light-fabric shirts

Light shirts are always better in warm weather; in colder weather, just layer your clothes by wearing a tank top underneath a light-fabric shirt or two. Then top it off with your chosen outerwear, like a trench coat.

5. Ballerina flats, sandals or Fit Flops.

I refuse to wear rubber shoes because they won't go well with my dresses. So, I use Fit Flops instead; comfy even when walking for miles. I also bring flats, or sandals though sometimes it hurts the feet when walking a great distance. Sometimes, I wear Crocs platforms instead. In colder weather, I prefer flat-soled boots.

Sometimes, Chucks look good in skirts or dresses, too.

6. Accessories

Yup, don't forget to accessorize, be it a scarf, a hat, a cute bag, a necklace or earrings. I think some outfits look cuter with accessories. And while you're at it, never forget to bring an umbrella, okay?

Also, a pashmina, a light cardigan, a jacket, scarf or shawl is a must, even if you're going to say, Bangkok or Singapore where it's always hot. You see, it always gets too cold inside the airplane and the airport, so, protect yourself from the cold. It comes in handy, too, when it rains.

N.B. The photos are from Dorothy Perkins mostly, Promod and Accessorize. I have similar dresses, shirts and shoes as shown above.

2011 Taipei Film Festival (June 24 – July 16)

Friday, July 8, 2011 Category : Do and See, Taiwan 0

2011 Taipei Film Festival (June 24 – July 16)

N.B. This article is lifted from the Taipei Government website. If you're in Taipei during this time, do check this out.

The Taipei Film Festival is the most important summer movie fest for fans of Taiwanese cinema, and the 2011 Taipei Film Festival invites everyone to “revolve” around Taipei together!

The list of films this year is going to be excellent. Besides the emphasis on the featured “Theme City” of London, there are premieres, fame-achieving work, and up-coming works attracting interest around Britain.

Featured Events

This year, there are excellent works, well-selected works from Asia, and restored classics as well. In addition, we have added a new category – the “Midnight Heart-Beater” – which will broaden the vision of the audience tremendously. All in all, there will be 150 local and overseas classics – enough to accommodate the preference and taste of viewers from all age groups, genders, and walks of life.

“City In Focus” is one of the main features of the Taipei Film Festival, and the theme city for 2011 is London. The wedding of Prince William and the upcoming London Olympics in 2012 have brought international attention to the capital city of the UK, the home of Shakespearean plays and Rock and Roll. The city has always captivated the wonder and curiosity of people around the globe for ages. Through the Taipei Film Festival, the local audience will have the valuable opportunity to appreciate the diverse culture of London.

The International New Talent Competition has attracted inspired and talented filmmakers from the four corners of the globe. On the other hand, local directors will vie for the first place prize of NT$1 million at Taipei Awards, demonstrating the abundantly diverse creativity of locally-produced film.

In addition to weekend music concerts during the summer, there will be all kinds of peripheral activities held during the period of the film festival. The award presentation ceremony of the Taipei Film Festival will be held on 8th July; this event has received tremendous attention from and is highly regarded by both local and overseas media.

The 13th Taipei Film Festival will be held at three separate venues between June 24 and July 16: Zhongshan Hall, Xinyi Vieshow Cinemas, and Governor Cinemas. These theaters are equipped with first-class audio-visual enjoyment, extraordinarily favorable price values, and excellent gifts. This event is considered a treat of movies no film fans would want to miss.

Starting from May 14, a series of lectures will take place at the Xinyi Eslite Bookstore.

Tickets and Information

The TaipeiFF Pass and ticket packages will be available at the Eslite Bookstore Dunnan branch beginning May 21. Regular tickets are available online or at the show venues. For ticket inquiry and further information, please visit the official website of the Taipei Film Festival at http://www.taipeiff.org.tw.

2011 Taipei Film Festival
Date: June 24 – July 16
Venue: Zhongshan Hall, Xinyi Vieshow Cinemas, and Governor Cinemas
Website: www.taipeiff.org.tw

Taiwan Travel Adventures 2011: Day 3 - Travel in Taipei, Follow Me Free Tours

Category : Freebies, Taiwan, Tours 0

I stumbled upon this program a few days before my flight to Taiwan. It's a free volunteer guide services by the good people of Taipei. It was a program for the Taipei Flora Expo and the city tour services started from sometime in June and ended the same time with the Flora Expo. The program offered ten tours, in several languages including English, French, Korean, Japanese and Italian.

Getting free tours was easy. I just signed up in their website, chose my preferred tours (2 tours maximum per person) and tour guides. Immediately thereafter, I received an email from one of the program staff and he helped with my my itinerary and made some very good suggestions. When he learned that I was travelling alone, he took the liberty to change my tour guides from male to female. Well, when I chose my guides, the male guide for the Danshui tour was the only one available for my preferred time, so I just went ahead and chose him. The program staff was able to find me a female guide available and so, all's well. I mean, while the idea of having a male tour guide is acceptable, I was still alone and touring the city with a male stranger would kinda look like we're going on a date. Hahaha!

So for my Danshui tour and Yangminshan tours, I have two female guides, Ms. Annick and Ms.Alice. And I was the only one in the tour but I had two great guides! Lucky!

Unfortunately, though, we were not able to go up to Yangmingshan. My guides were supposed to take me to the Calla Lily Festival, a tour on special request, but since it was the last day of the festival and it was a weekend, too, the traffic up and down Yangmingshan was terrible, a disaster. That was what another guide told us when we were about to ride the bus to Yangminshan. So, we decided to go to National Taiwan University instead for the education tour.

And, my tour adventures will be featured in separate posts. So till then!

Thoughts: Random But Important Things I Learned While Travelling in Singapore

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 Category : Hotels and Accommodations, Shopping, Singapore, thoughts 0

I just got back home from Singapore and Malaysia around 1:00 a.m., and I have one too many tidbits of information I learned while travelling in these neighboring countries. Well, you probably all know that you're not supposed to bring in gums in Singapore, and all those shenanigans, right? After all, Singapore is a "fine" country, at least that is what the souvenir t-shirts say. But I won't talk about things that will get you fined, but things that will make your life easier while in Singapore...those things that would not embarrass you. And things you can do to save money. So, this post is kinda long, but you'll get a lot of tips, for sure.

SHOPPING and FASHION

1. DON'T BUY COTTON-ON CLOTHES IN SINGAPORE AND WEAR THEM WHILE STILL THERE.

For some reason, this clothing store from Australia is a favorite not only among Filipinos who frequent the stores in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, but also to the locals in those countries as well. Yes, the clothes and the shoes tend to be really, really cheap when on sale, but if you have to buy Cotton On clothes while in Singapore, don't wear them while in there.

Trust me on this one. Don't do that. You'll find yourself dressed the same way as with the people you see on the streets. Yup. I bought two Cotton On mini skirts, called the Annie skirts, which cost 2 for SGD 19.95. Not a bad deal, eh? When my friend and I hit the malls, I changed from pants to one of the skirts since it was so humid. Well, it was a good thing that the skirts I bought were tamer than the Annie skirts in leopard and tiger prints because girls were wearing them around Singapore, too! And those Jenny dresses they have? Well, if you wear those, you'll come across at least 5 girls in Orchard Road wearing the same dress. Yup, wear those and you'd be a dime a dozen.

2. DON'T BUY MANGO ITEMS ON SALE AND WEAR THEM WHILE IN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA.

We all know that Filipinos love Mango, especially if they're on sale. I bought a cream and blue drawstring dress on sale at Glorietta for Php 970. It was light and cottony, so I brought it with me to Singapore. Perfect for hot weather. Guess what? A lot of people were wearing the same dress, in all sorts of colors! Good thing I saw it so I didn't wear it while in SG. But I wore it in Malacca. But again, guess what? I passed by two girls on separate occasions wearing the same dress while I was wearing it, too. One wore the dress exactly like mine, the other, a different color. So embarrassing.

3. IT'S CHEAPER IN MALAYSIA.

It is. If you buy bus and train tickets to Malaysia from Singapore, say, for example, bus ticket from Malaysia to Malacca, you'd probably pay around SGD 22 TO 40, depending on the coach service. I bought mine online from Luxury Travel and Tours for SG D31. But if you're buying the tickets from Malaysia going to Singapore, you'd pay around MYR 22 up. Yup, for the same price but different currencies. SGD to PHP is around 35.5 while MYR to PHP is around 15.

It's almost the same with Mc Donalds. In Malacca, a double cheeseburger meal is more or less MYR 9, and in Singapore, it's almost SGD 8. Also, I've been to Kuala Lumpur, too, 2 or 3 years back and the Evita Peroni items in Kuala Lumpur cost less there than in Singapore.

4. BEWARE OF GIRLS WEARING HEELS AT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATIONS.

My friend and I went to Orchard Road via MRT from Vivo City. It was rush hour, around 6 pm and the MRTs were packed. We changed lines at Dhouby Gout station and what should have been a safe trip (it's just 2 stops away from Orchard Road station), became a disaster, at least for me.

Singaporeans love to wear pretty shoes, in all kinds of heels. They're either wearing really high heels or with much lower heels but stiletto-style. They'll walk in those as if their feet do not hurt all around Singapore and while riding the bus and the MRT. I say, those shoes are deadly at public transportations. If the bus or the MRT lurches, chances are, your feet would get squashed, speared and wounded by those heels. Something which happened to me at the MRT.

There was this lady who was at the door and not holding on to anything for support. When the MRT moved forward, she lost her balance, I saw it so I instinctively pulled my foot away from her, but what do you know? The girl still managed to stomp on my toe with her stiletto heels. It was painful. It was like getting speared. I shouted, "Ouch!" She said that she's sorry, and I understood her but I couldn't get past the fact that it was painful. I almost blurted that if sorry could cut it, we won't need the police anymore (very Meteor Garden/Boys Over Flowers). I said back to her instead, "It hurts!" Her stiletto skinned my second digit and left a circular wound, the size of her heels. And worse, it was bleeding! I wanted to tell her that it's her responsibility to hold on to the railings for support and that she shouldn't be wearing those shoes while riding public transportation if she couldn't balance herself while wearing those. They're deadly, really. So, stay away from stiletto-wearing Singaporean ladies, okay?

5. THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE IS JUST LIKE A REGULAR END OF SEASON SALE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Well, I don't know if I went to Singapore at the wrong time, right in the middle of the Great Singapore Sale. There was not much of a sale in Singapore. The on-sale items at the stores are the same items on-sale in the Philippines. The Mango sale here is the same as the Mango sale in Singapore, and at the same prices, too. Dorothy Perkins, which has a few select items on sale here, also has a few items on sale in Singapore. The malls have their own respective sales but there aren't many. Just a few items here and there. We rounded up the malls at Orchard Road and well, what's on sale? Nothing much. It was disappointing, really. I am not sure if there was a sale at Chanel in Takashimaya, but there were a couple of people lined up at the doors. Even if Chanel was on sale, I could not afford to buy anything in there.

I bought a lot of stuff on-sale in the previous years I've been to Singapore sometime in October than during the Great Singapore Sale this year (shoes, sandals and bags). I didn't buy any on-sale this year.

6. SOUVENIRS ARE CHEAPER IN CHINATOWN.

Yup, it's cheaper in Chinatown. Those keychains are SGD 2 per packs of 6. The Singapore shirts are 3 for SGD 10, etc. Just don't complain about the quality. A similar looking keychain at Mustafa is around SGD 6.50, so it's 3x pricier, 3x heavier and thus, 3x more durable. The same is true with the Singapore t-shirts in Mustafa. While pricier, their shirts are more durable; thicker and cottony.

7. MUSTAFA IS THE PLACE TO BE.

I don't know, but Mustafa's the shopping center I really, really love in Singapore. The perfumes are way cheaper, the luggages and the shoes, too. There's not that much selection of clothes and shoes but they're cheap, and the best of it, the items are not even on sale. Chocolates are cheaper there, too. And, it's open 24 hours. Also, you don't have to haggle, so for those who are not good at haggling, like me, this is the place to go to. Did I say the products are authentic? Yup! And, the exchange rates are way better here.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND RESORTS WORLD

1. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE IS SMALL, BUT FUN.

You can probably round up the entire park in 10 minutes, without stopping for pictures, of course. But most attractions are great; some are so-so, especially the kiddie rides. Let's just say that some kiddie rides look as if more fitting in Boom na Boom (the Madagascar carousel, for one) rather than at an international theme park.

There are few rides but the studios compensate it with lots of shows, like the very funny and entertaining Shrek 4D experience, the Lost World, Lights Camera Action, Monsters Rock, etc. I think we've just gone to the Madagascar water ride, the Jurassic water ride (you get wet, a lot), the Revenge of the Mummy, the Sahara dessert-like kiddie ride, and that's about it. We just couldn't get the courage to ride the Battle Star Galactica loops, as with most people. In fact, there are no lines in there, and very, very few people try the ride. It's scary, you know. And we didn't get to ride the canopy at the Jurassic Park because there was some technical problems. And that's after we waited in line for 15 minutes.

Also, there are a lot of Filipinos visiting the park. It's as if you never left home. And some performers are Filipinos, too, like the Rockefeller Streetboys who seemed to capture the hearts of the young Indonesian girls who were watching their performance when we were there.

I almost forgot to add that there are limited rides for the kids. Oh well, at least there are a lot of shows to watch.

2. USE YOUR MASTERCARD FOR BUYING TICKETS AT THE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE AND YOU'D GET 20% DISCOUNT PLUS A SGD 10 VOUCHER (Only for this year, I guess).

I was trying to buy tickets online because I thought there's a 20% discount if you use Mastercard in buying your tickets. Apparently, it was just until May, and the new promo is for August onwards or something. So, when I bought tickets at the gates last Saturday, I was surprised when the staff told me there's discount if buying with Mastercard, and we got the SGD 10 voucher since we're the first 200 to sign up for that. Cool! You can use it to buy souvenirs from the stores inside the USS.

3. WHEN GOING TO RESORTS WORLD HOTEL TO CHECK-IN OR WHEN COMING BACK TO THE HOTEL, SHOW YOUR HOTEL CARD KEY OR BOOKING CONFIRMATION TO THE TOLL GATE ASSISTANT AT SENTOSA.

Otherwise, you'll be charged SGD 3.00, if I remember correctly, for toll fee.

4. WHEN STAYING AT A RESORT WORLD HOTEL, ASK THE CONCIERGE FOR THE COMPLIMENTARY MONORAIL UNLIMITED PASS VALID FOR 3 DAYS.

Just in case the concierge or the front-desk receptionist forgets to tell you that they have complimentary monorail passes for check-in guests. Generally, a room is allowed 4 mono rail passes, but you can ask for more. I saw a family of 2 adults and 3 kids being given 5 monorail passes. Heck, the room I booked is good only for 2 adults but they gave me 4 monorail passes when I asked them. If you don't have the monorail passes, you'd be constrained to take a cab to get out of the hotel with SGD 3.00 surcharge on your fare, or take the boardwalk (a good 10 to 15 minutes on foot to Vivo City) or wait for the bus or something.

5. WHEN STAYING AT A RESORT WORLD HOTEL, DON'T BE SHY TO ASK FOR COMPLIMENTARY BOTTLES OF WATER, OR FOR MORE TEA/COFFEE/MILO, ETC., OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

For the price of your stay at the Resorts World chain of hotels, you should be able to stretch every dollar you paid for and ask for complimentary bottles of water, as well as for their teas, coffees, milo, sugar, etc. Besides, bottled water is expensive in Singapore, so don't fret! And, the hotel staff who brings the water to your room are good looking, too.

In fact, you should do this at every 4 or 5-star hotels you're staying at. They're not stingy on water and refreshments. Really. It never hurts to ask.

6. TRY TO VISIT THE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN THE MORNING, EAT LUNCH OUTSIDE FOR BETTER AND CHEAPER OR MORE EXPENSIVE CHOICES, SLEEP AT YOUR RESORTS WORLD HOTEL IN THE MEANTIME, AND RETURN WHEN IT'S NOT THAT HOT ANYMORE.

Yes. If you're staying at a Resorts World hotel, you should do this. Besides, the USS is small, and it's hot in Singapore. By lunch time, head out for the exit but don't forget to get your skin stamp for re-entry, eat where you want to, nap and freshen up in your room, and return to USS when it's not hot anymore. Don't worry, USS closes at 9pm and there's not much of a line by the time you return to USS. In our case, we returned to USS around 4:30 p.m. in time for the Lost World show, and we stayed there until closing time for the fireworks.

GETTING AROUND SINGAPORE

1. TAKE A CAB IF YOU'RE 3 OR 4 IN THE GROUP.

Yes, there is this thing called the Singapore tourist pass for bus and MRT rides. Yes, I know that public transportation is way cheaper than hailing a cab. However, if you're 3 or 4 in a group, why not take a taxi and split the cost three-way or four-way? It'll save you the hassle of transferring, of walking great distances under the heat, of getting lost, etc., etc. It's very convenient, too, and time-efficient.

If you're going to somewhere far, far away, then, that's the time for you to take public transportation, I think. But anyway, we've taken cabs from many points in Singapore and we didn't have to spend more than SGD 20.00 per trip. For shorter trips, we just spent around SGD 7.00 up, and even less for super short trips. From the airport to Mustafa Center, we paid only SGD 17.00, surcharge for late-night ride already included. And from there to Chinatown, we paid around SGD 7.00 or so.

2. KNOW AT LEAST ONE TAXI SERVICE FOR LATE FRIDAY NIGHTS OR RUSH HOUR.

Despite claims that it's easy to hail taxi cabs in Singapore, it's quite hard to find one during Friday nights and during rush hours. Most cabs by that time, even after midnight, mind you, are either HIRED, or BUSY, as their lighted signs say. When the cab says, BUSY, or something like that, it's going to pick up a passenger who called for a taxi service. And during Friday nights, it's really, really hard to hail a vacant taxi.

In our case, we got stuck for more than an hour waiting for a cab at Mustafa on a Friday night. We walked further the road, the last MRT had already departed, and still, we could not get a vacant cab. I presume most people were still partying somewhere, hence the lack of vacant taxis.

At taxi bays, there are signs telling you which numbers to call when you're in need of a cab, but there are some places with no such bays at all, so if you don't know at least one number to call for a cab, good luck to when when your luck runs out of gas. Heehee.

ASIAN TRAVELING