Bicol Trip Weekend Getaway

 General Info:

Manila to Legazpi is roughly 10-12 hours driving time, including rest stops.  Less rest stops, the faster we get there hehe
Pabalik, Matnog to Manila is about 14-16 hours, including rest stops.

General Itinerary:
Oct 25 - Friday - Leave Manila
Oct 26 - Saturday - Arrive Legazpi - Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Bay, Embarcadero de Legazpi
Oct 27 - Sunday - Lignon Hill, Matnog Overnight
Oct 28 - Monday - 10am Leave for Manila, we can stop by Naga, Camsur, Gumaca Quezon

Target Arrival in Manila:  12am Oct 29 Tuesday

Daily Itinerary
Oct 25, Friday

8pm - Leave Manila

Oct 26, Saturday
12am - Lucena/Sariaya - Rest Stop
1am - Leave Lucena to Naga City
7am - Rest stop in Naga, Breakfast
9am - Leave for Legazpi
11am - First Stop - Cagsawa Ruins, Lunch
2pm - Check-in Hotel (TBC)
3pm - Daraga Church
4pm to 8pm- Lignon Hill, Dinner
9pm - Sleep

Oct 27, Sunday
6am - Leave for Matnog
9am - Boat for Subic Beach, Juag Lagoon, Tikling Island
Boat Man: Alex Geneblazo - 0918-3045437
Over night stay in Matnog - or pwede na din bumalik ng Legazpi and start heading back to Manila

General Expenses
Gas - 5000 (to be shared) 1000 per pax (if 5)
Meals - 300 per day x 3 days = 900 pesos
Island Hopping Boat - 2500 pesos - 500 per pax (if 5)

Tourist Spot Expenses (per pax)
Cagsawa Ruins - 10 pesos
Lignon Hill entry - 20 pesos
Zipline - 350 pesos
ATV (optional) - 1800/hr
Matnog Environmental Fee - 60 pesos

So per person: 1000+900+10+20+250+1800+60+500 = 4540 pesos excluding Hotel.

Links:
http://wowlegazpi.com/lignon-hill-nature-park/
http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/island-hopping-in-matnog/
http://www.thewanderingjuan.net/2013/06/to-end-of-luzon-matnog-sorsogon.html

What to Expect in Legazpi City:

So game na kayo? We will be riding Junior (Honda City).  Dress comfortably.  Bring water only, and biscuits (no need for tons of food)

What to pack:

Comfortable Clothes for 4 days
Socks
Rubber Shoes
Slippers
Insect Repellant
Swimsuit
Towels
Pillows
Blankets
Camera
Chargers

Embassy of the Philippines Singapore

Finding the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore is a bit tricky. It's not easily accessible by bus, but it is around Orchard area.

Article 2 – The Elusive Embassy of the Philippines

(This article is not about the Embassy, if I offend anyone, let me apologize, that’s just my nature. This is a guide on how to find the Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore).


You’re now in Singapore.. found a job or just a tourist.. then suddenly you lost your passport or its time for you to get that OWWA and OEC!

Where the heck is the Embassy?!? And how do you go to the Embassy of the Philippines here in this tiny Singapore!

Going to the Embassy of the Philippines can prove difficult (specially if your navigationally challenged), even some cabbies don’t know how to go there (or maybe that was just me 10 years ago). Situated at 20 Nassim Road, it’s a regular looking building (cough: house), on a road filled with expatriates and other cool looking condos and embassies.

According to gothere.sg it’s right here:

*Note: You can click and use this map and use it interactively


The Embassy is on that T-junction of Nassim Road.

Get on with it! How do I go there?

Ok, you can use that interactive map for driving directions, bus routes etc.

But for me, who has survived on the humble farecard.. oops meant EZ-Link card these are my ways:

1. Cheapest way, but involves a lot of walking and time too.. Not good if you’re in a hurry (or lazy!)

From Orchard MRT, exit to Orchard Road. When you go up the escalator turn left (towards Wheelock Place, Wisma Atria should be on your right, or Ion should be above you). Keep walking in that direction until you see Orchard Parade Hotel (its past the Hilton). This is about 600 meters, 8 minute walk.

When you reach Orchard Parade Hotel, you should be able to sight Nassim Road on the opposite side of the road. Cross over and start walking up Nassim Road. You will see the cool looking condos, the dilapidated Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the futuristic Japan Embassy, and finally, a lone sign that says -----> Embassy of the Philippines. This is a 1km – 10 minute walk.


View Larger Map

2. Take bus to the nearest bus stop. (This depends on where you are coming from)

The nearest nearest one is:
Opposite British Council, Napier Road.
Buses at this stop:
7, 36, 77, 105, 106, 111, 123, 132, 174

Bus stop number: 09159

From this bus stop, just walk towards Nassim Road and turn left.




You can find more information about the Embassy here:

http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg


If you really really cannot find it, then you’re probably in the twilight zone!