destinations Traveling As A Passion

[Fahfrd]

I have a travel book here circa 1993 (visa requirements and other info). Brazil is one of the few countries that does not require a visa for Pinoys. But the rules may have changed.

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Hmm, thanks dude.

 

I'll give the Brazilian embassy in Manila a call. As soon as I know the number.

[sally bogna mathay]

Been wanting to go to Brazil if only to see the Carnival and the city of Bahia. Maybe next year...gotta start saving now!

[Fahfrd]

Been wanting to go to Brazil if only to see the Carnival and the city of Bahia. Maybe next year...gotta start saving now!

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Hahaha!

 

Post ko ang expenses ko when I get back, just to give you an idea of the costs involved.

[cebucitylocal]

Hmm, thanks dude.

 

I'll give the Brazilian embassy in Manila a call.  As soon as I know the number.

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Embassy of Brazil 16th floor,Liberty Center 104 H.V Dela Costa.Salcedo Village Makati T-8453651-53 or fax them at 8453675

Edited February 26, 2005 by cebucitylocal

[cebucitylocal]

Been wanting to go to Brazil if only to see the Carnival and the city of Bahia. Maybe next year...gotta start saving now!

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Worldsexguide.org has lots of info on Brazil "nightlife" :evil:

[floppydrive]

Hahaha!

 

Post ko ang expenses ko when I get back, just to give you an idea of the costs involved.

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Please tell us also how long before you get there - plane changes, etc. A few Mexican and Peruvian friends once went to Japan. It took them more than 24 hours and at least three plane changes.

[cebucitylocal]

Please tell us also how long before you get there - plane changes, etc.  A few Mexican and Peruvian friends once went to Japan.  It took them more than 24 hours and at least three plane changes.

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You can do Rio via Lufthansa with one change of plane in Frankfurt,travel time though is still about 18 hours

[sally bogna mathay]

Please tell us also how long before you get there - plane changes, etc.  A few Mexican and Peruvian friends once went to Japan.  It took them more than 24 hours and at least three plane changes.

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Varig used to have a Bangkok-Johannesburg-Sao Paolo flight. Don't know if they have resumed it though. Check also Singapore Air and Malaysian Airlines.

[Fahfrd]

Embassy of Brazil 16th floor,Liberty Center 104 H.V Dela Costa.Salcedo Village Makati T-8453651-53 or fax them at 8453675

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Thanks, dude.

 

I appreciate your help. :cool:

[sally bogna mathay]

Went to Pattaya yesterday...grabe, bars and restos have multiplied 100 fold. It's like 'Gapo in the 70s. Kulang na lang mga GIs. Walked along Beach Road, and was it packed...with the usual demimondaines trying to solicit clients and fat Germans soaking the sun! After 13 years since my last visit, it's definitely raunchier.

[scubapro]

just imagine....

 

girlie bars on both sides along Beach Road.. as far as your eyes can see....

[sally bogna mathay]

just imagine....

 

girlie bars on both sides along Beach Road.. as far as your eyes can see....

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Actually, I think Patpong now pales in comparison to what happens in Pattaya...

[Riot6]

Well, I just returned from vacationing in the Philippines.

 

Massive jet-lag...aaarrrgh!

 

Anyways, while I was in the Philippines, I got to go and visit relative in Dumaguete. Nice place, basically a college town. Everyone seems to be travelling on scooters or small motorcycles.

 

I also got to go on a day trip to Tagaytay. That's always good. Ate some really good Bulalo at some place called Viewpoint (nice view and really good Bulalo). I also got to go to a church called Calearaga (I think I spelt that right). Well, the Church was not really in Tagaytay proper but actually in Nasugbu.

 

Also went to see hmmm....something Garden...I can't remember the name...Sophie's Garden...Angie's Garden...Josephine's Garden....whatever...Anyways, it was cool though a little fu fu for me.

 

Oh also went up to "People's Park" which at this point is really run down. No maintenance budget, I guess.

 

 

While I was in the Philippines here's what I learned:

 

Dumaguete:

 

I bought tickets from a travel agent at the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati. The flight designation was for Philippine Airlines (PR). I confirmed this twice with the travel agent. I go to the airport where all Philippine Airlines, Domestic and International, are now located (Centennial Terminal). There the security guard tells me that there is no Philipine Airline flight to Dumaguete and that although the flight designation is for Philippine Airlines, the actual carrier is Air Philippines (the sister company or code share partner). Good thing I was there very early so I can turn around and catch a taxi to the proper terminal, which was the old domestic terminal.

 

Do you get that? I mean, the airport security guard knew a lot more than the "travel agent!"

 

Second thing, in small town airports like Dumaguete, they close the check in counter and flight manifest 45 minutes before the scheduled flight. This caused me to miss my flight back to Manila. Well, we didn't know about that. My relatives and I thought that since I didn't have checked baggage, I can check in about 30 minutes before flight. Oh well...now I know (get there at least an hour and a half before the scheduled flight).

 

 

Hotels:

 

I stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati the first part of my vacation. I always like this hotel because it's close to Glorietta and Greenbelt, close to the MRT station, plus my friends work in Makati so we can go out after they get off work. If you are planning to go to the Philippines and are looking to book a hotel, I recommend this one. Also book online in advance...way in advance and, if you can, book in the Club level. The Club level rooms are bigger...more like suites. Still even thier standard room are good.

 

 

The second part on my vacation, I moved over to the Westin at the Philippine Plaza in Pasay. Well, that hotel was a disappointment.

 

Okay, the hotel lobby was really nice, the pool area was really nice too. The hotel being right next to the bay and all that, had a really great view at sunset. However, the room I was in sucked. The room was in serious need of renovation. The funitures were uncomfortable and were all worn out and it shows. The bed was something you'd find in a cheap motel. I guess I really couldn't complain much since I got the room for free using my "frequent guest" points. Still, I was expecting more. maybe if I was put up in one of their Club level room it may have been better.

 

My other observation...the hotel is too out of the way. Taxis are hard to get there, unless you're willing to pay for hotel service taxis which are more expensive. Oh yeah, by the way, while I was staying there, all those diplomats for the IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) were also staying there. Of course this added to my frustration since the place got all locked down for security. Taxis were scared to go near the hotel since the Police and other security personnel had cehckpoints all set-up. Imagine coming back to the hotel near midnight and having to argue with the Taxi driver that access to the hotel is okay and they'll let us through the checkpoint.

 

Anyways, needless to say, I can't recommend the Westin at the Philippine Plaza.

[sekyut]

Well, I just returned from vacationing in the Philippines.

 

Massive jet-lag...aaarrrgh!

 

Anyways, while I was in the Philippines, I got to go and visit relative in Dumaguete. Nice place, basically a college town. Everyone seems to be travelling on scooters or small motorcycles.

 

I also got to go on a day trip to Tagaytay. That's always good. Ate some really good Bulalo at some place called Viewpoint (nice view and really good Bulalo). I also got to go to a church called Calearaga (I think I spelt that right). Well, the Church was not really in Tagaytay proper but actually in Nasugbu.

 

Also went to see hmmm....something Garden...I can't remember the name...Sophie's Garden...Angie's Garden...Josephine's Garden....whatever...Anyways, it was cool though a little fu fu for me.

 

Oh also went up to "People's Park" which at this point is really run down. No maintenance budget, I guess.

While I was in the Philippines here's what I learned:

 

 

You mean Sonya's Garden?

[Riot6]

You mean Sonya's Garden? 

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Ummm yup..that's the one.

 

The place actually seems really relaxing and is built around the concept of eclectic English gardens and spa resort. They actually have overnight cottages in the property...really nicely appointed too.

 

However...it felt really girly-girl

 

Plus, I was told by my friends, their restaurant only served vegetarian type meal...arrrgh! where's the meat...at least fried chicken (maybe this has changed already but I didn't confirm it)

 

Anyways, as my friends and I were walking through the gardens in front of the cottages I spotted what seemed to be a plant of the "hemp" variety with its infamous 5-leaf type...you know the one "pass the dutchie on the left hand side"...uh huh...

 

Well, the place really is recommendable... although it's not really my style since I'm not really into that aromatherapy massage type person...hah...still for those into it...I recommend it.