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I’m a tree person. Meaning, I feel different when I see trees around me. I feel refreshed and renewed. I just love trees! That’s why I was so happy to see trees in the middle of Manila.

These trees were at the Manila Zoo. I grew up going to Manila Zoo. So I felt sad when I saw how much the place was not fully maintained anymore. The animals look old, hungry and worn out.

But still, the kids had so much fun at the zoo.

I really hope they do someting about it. Renovate, clean it up and then take good care of it especially the animals. This would be good for the tourism of Manila and for the kids too.

Manila Zoo
Quirino Ave. at Adriatico St.,
Manila, Philippines

Oh wow, this is great news to all the travelers in Manila. If you happen to travel within the Philippines, expect not to pay terminal fees anymore. Here are more details from ABS-CBNNews.com…

MANILA, Philippines – By August 1, domestic passengers will no longer have to queue in airports to pay for the terminal fee. The terminal fee will be incorporated in the plane ticket and collected by airlines instead.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and local airlines have agreed to integrate the collection of terminal fee in the payment of plane tickets, for domestic destinations. This is aimed at minimizing the hassle for departing passengers, who have to go through several checkpoints before boarding their flights.

According to MIAA General Manager Jose Honrado, the Philippines is just one of two countries that continue to collect terminal fees in airports.

MIAA will later implement the same policy for international flights.

The terminal fee remains the same: P550 for international flights and P200 for domestic flights.

Airlines will simply remit the money to MIAA who uses the funds for airport maintenance and daily operational costs.

MIAA will eventually remove the terminal fee booths to create extra space at the airports.

Refund booths will be set up after the immigration area for passengers with exemptions or discounts. Around 20-25% of total passengers, mostly overseas Filipino workers and athletes, are exempted from paying the terminal fee.

SOURCE.

When we learned that January 23 was declared a non working holiday, we immediately planned on going to Binondo to explore the CNY there. My friends and I pushed through with the plans and we all had so much FUN!

Lunch at the President’s, watched the dragon dance, fireworks, and siomai and siopao takeout. What more could we asked for?

And here’s my souvenir from one of the stores in Ongpin. These are the 3 celestial guardians which according to Feng Shui, will protect me against mishaps and accidents.

I wanted to get more stuff like the charm bracelet charm that I really want so I could wear it wherever I go, but too bad, I didn’t bring cash! Because of my frustration, I’m planning to get a couple of charm bracelets from Bajul Imports. There are a lot of nice pieces in that website. I just hope they ship fast, really FAST!

It was indeed a fun way to celebrate Chinese New Year! Will definitely go back to Ongpin for food tip!

Yes, Simbang Gabi or mass at dawn in the Philippines started today, December 16, 2011.

Click here to more about Simbang Gabi.

Did you go!?

What I love about going to masses at dawn is that you can actually feel the Christmas breeze. This signifies the start of the Christmas season.

So yes, the Christmas holidays has officially started in Manila! (*wink*)

December is now the wedding month. In Manila, that is! My guess is that probably because most of the relatives from abroad usually come home in December.

Our wedding was in January. That is because I wanted to enjoy the holidays so we scheduled it last weekend of January. I remember those days when we were still preparing for our wedding. Of course Hubby proposed first. He checked all the gorgeous engagement rings until finally found the right one and proposed last February 14. After we’ve set the wedding date, we looked for a venue which was hard.

When I saw Fernbrook a couple of months ago, I wished they built this 7 years ago!

The place was so nice. Although there are parts of the venue which are a little hot and my relatives didn’t like it, but I think this can be arranged.

So to all couples who are getting married this month, congratulations and have fun!

After a very stormy day yesterday, I can’t help but worry on the effects of “Pedring”.

I hope everyone is safe and dry! The weather was really bad and I wasn’t feeling very well too. The positive side of this is that we were able to spend the whole day with the little girls. We slept after lunch and then watched a DVD while having snacks.

Keep safe people!

The simbang gabi or Mass at Dawn started in the Philippines today. It is a very popular tradition in the country. Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 (which is today). It usually starts as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.

I used to attend this mass and would love to do it again sometime. How about you? We’re you able to attend the simbang gabi today?

Here’s another nice gift that you can give to friends for Christmas.

Enjoy Travel Manila: Your 3-in-1 Guide to Enjoying the Best of Manila. What’s inside these guides?

- Embark on epicurean advertures, from sophisticated fine dining to must-try street food
- Discover brilliant local artisans, bargain emporiums, and the classiest souvenir sources
- Party at the hottest cubs and hippest hangouts
- Check out the historic attractions, pampering spas, and recommended day trips

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Enjoy Travel Manila Guides is available at leading bookstores and enjoy partners around Metro Manila. For bulk purchases and inquiries on distribution, email marketing@enjoythebest.com.ph.

I would love to get this as a gift! (*wink*wink*)