Itinerary: Malaysia

Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Date of Travel: February 11-15, 2011

Day 1, February 11

Manila - Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific (arrival in KL - LCCT Airport is at 12:35 am)
Take STAR SHUTTLE bus straight to Classic Inn (RM 18)

Day 2, February 12

Hop-On Hop Off
Stops for today:
Istan Negara (National Palace)
Muzium Negara (National Museum)
KLCC (Petronas Towers)
Malaysia Tourism Center for the Cultural Show (check this website for schedule of events)
Walk to Petronas Towers (for best view, go to the traffic island in the middle of Public Bank & Petronas Towers)
Walk to KLCC Park
Walk to Bukit Nanas Station (go home to Classic Inn via Imbi Station)

Day 3, February 13

Hop-On Hop Off
Stops for today:
Little India
Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)
Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture)
Lake Titiwangsa
KL Tower
Karakeneya (Crafts Center)
Central Market

Day 4, February 14

Train to Batu Caves (via KL Central, take the red train to Batu Caves, about 1 hour ride)
Berjaya Times Square
Airport

Day 5, February 15 (early morning)

Kuala Lumpur - Manila

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Mag:net Gallery - Day to Day Prime Time Ecstasy Exhibit

WHERE: Mag:net Gallery, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

EXHIBIT DATES: September 4 to 30, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. Because it showcases the talent of upcoming young Filipino artists. :)

FEES: Free entrance but you can buy any of the works in the exhibit

NOTE: Mag:net Gallery changes their art exhibits monthly.

DESCRIPTION:

Mag:net Cafe & Gallery
Mag:net Cafe is an artist haven. It supports a lot of Philippine contemporary arts from visual arts to literature to music. It has a gallery which showcases different exhibits every month and a cafe that serves salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches, pasta, desserts, merienda and "real" meals. It also serves as a venue for film screenings, performances, literary readings, impromptus, jamming sessions and other art-related events. It is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10am-7pm.

Day to Day Prime Time Ecstacy
(mostly copied from the handout of mag:net gallery)
The television is a part of Filipinos' everyday lives. Local channels like ABS-CBN , TV5 and GMA offer cartoons, commercials, noon time shows, current news and events, showbiz buzz, talk shows, talent shows, telenovelas, koreanovelas, teleseryes and more. With everyday viewing of these shows, its influences are inevitable to Filipino culture. These shows continually establish cultural trends and are usually successful in hypnotizing its viewers to agree and operate accordingly with the culture they are secretly imposing. The influence they enforce on Filipinos is manifested through the prevailing characteristics of our society's culture such as being elitist, westernized, escapist, fetishist and having a dog-eat-dog mentality.

With all these nonsense on television and with the culture as described above that these nonsense and fetish television shows communicate to its viewers every hour of everyday, it is constantly able to show the "ecstacy" of the real. The people, rather than just watching the shows, begin to actually live the "ecstacy" which is actually very ironic and problematic since the reality on TV and the one we are actually living are quite different. Popularity has become more important than content and quality and romanticism of reality is applauded.

The television, being a tool for advertisers, for show business and their biases, for entertainers who suck blood and life from the viewers is an ideological state apparatus to may be likened to the church and the academe. Its power of communication over its viewers is one-sided most of the time.

Now for the local channels to be acknowledged, their shows need to be "sellable", and to do this, they would have to romanticize and exoticize reality. They distort the reality in order to sell. They show what they want people to see, whether or not it's reflective of real life.

This exhibit focuses on the ecstacy of the real inculcated on by television shows, to depict and question the culture these variety shows infuse on each individual who watches television and challenge the present ideology accepted and oftentimes overlooked. The subliminal messages of television shows and how it hypnotizes its viewers' minds that lead to our decadent trying-hard-to-be Hollywood celebrities/ rockstars/ artstars will be represented in different approaches according to each artist and hopefully be of contribution in displaying and documenting this kind of culture. After all, the most common of everyday life are the ones that say many things about the society's thinking.

The works range from two-dimensional paintings to three-dimensional sculptural pieces and installations. In two-dimensional works, mixed media and paintings are exhibited while in three-dimensional works, both molded sculptural pieces and asssemblages of ready-mades are exhibited.

This exhibit will run until September 30, 2010.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From the University of the Philippines Diliman, take a jeep going to Katipunan (P7.00). You can also take the LRT (Light Rail Transit) and go down at the Katipunan Station. From there, take a tricycle to mag:net cafe for P25.00. It is right beside Rustan's Supermarket.

CONTACTS: +632 9293191 info@magnetgalleries.com

HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.magnetgalleries.com http://www.magnet.com.ph

LIST OF ARTISTS AND THEIR WORK/S:

Buen Abrigo
Ang Araw-araw na Aparisyon ng mga Dyos na Puta sa Bawat Kahon na May Cablewire at Antenna (dyptich)
2010
Acrylic and Collage on Canvas
108 x 48 inches
Price: P113,700.00 (48 x 72)/ P56,850.00 (36 x 48)


Dean Africa
These Selfish People
2010
Oil on Wood Panel
24 x 48 inches
Price: P10,600.00


Dean Africa
Variations on Kuya Germs
2010
Colored Pencil on Paper/ Size variable
Price: P820.00 (each)


Beatrica Alcala
Director Predator Series (multiples)
2010
Acrylic on Resin, Size variable
Price: P45,500.00 (8 pieces)/ P5,700.00 (each)


Carlo De Guzman
My Bigot Tih
2010
Oil on Canvas
36 x 36 inches
Price: P16,300.00


Mity Dela Pena
Over Lowed
2010
Collage - Acrylic, Latex and Ink on
Discarded Refrigerator Packaging
24 x 60 inches
Price: P12,200.00


Frank Magalona
Life in Technicolor (Information Overload) R,G,B series and Viewer no. 23, 639, 014
2010
Spraypaint on Multi-cast Resin, TV size variables
Price: P58,500.00 (3 pieces)/ P19,500.00 (each)


Jed Nacabuan
The Squash-Head Projectile Theory (Viewers Demise)
2010
Acrylic on Paper and Wood
36 x 36 inches
Price: P16,300.00


Jed Nacabuan
Supahstah
2010
Mixed Media, Size variable
Price: P13,000.00


Veronica Pee
Eat Me
2010
Bread, Paint, Microwave Container/ Size variable
Price: P13,000 (16 pieces)/ P820.00 (each)

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Tourism Display Center - San France, Agusan del Sur

WHERE: Tourism Display Center - San France, Agusan del Sur

DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
If you're traveling back from Surigao del Sur to Agusan del Norte, this is a perfect pasalubong center because they sell lots of Agusan-made products for very reasonable prices.

WHAT TO BUY: This center sells a lot of goods - from small souvenirs to Manobo-inspired beadwork to native pillows to lamps to local furniture! Make sure to buy a replica of the Golden Tara (aka the Golden Image of Agusan) and/ or mini Balangay boats, the most ancient sea vessels found in the Philippines.

NOTE: Although this center sells local furniture, they do not take care of the delivery.
DESCRIPTION:

The Tourism Display Center in Agusan del Sur is a shopping place for souvenirs and "pasalubong". A lot of native and locally-made handicrafts may be found here such as baskets, pillows, jars, lamps, bottles, accessories, pen holders, etc. It also displays indigenous handicrafts of the Manobos. They sell furniture as well but don't take care of the delivery. They do not sell food here, however, so if you're looking for native delicacies, this is not the place for you.

OPERATING HOURS:
Mondays to Saturdays: 9:00 am-12:00 nn and 2:00 pm-7:00 pm

HOW TO GET THERE: Once in Agusan del Sur, just ask the locals to bring you to Barangay Dos in San France. The Tourism Display Center is located right beside the gym.

* We passed by for this on our way back to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Surigao del Sur. We hired a van for P5,000 (one whole day) and our driver Kuya Juvy brought us here for shopping.

CONTACTS:

Tourism Display Center - +63920 3514552
Kuya Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - 63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854

STUFF WE BOUGHT:


Golden Tara Replica
small: P100.00
medium: P300.00 (in the picture)


Native Placemats
P50.00 each


Wooden Pen Holder
P25.00 per piece


Native Hat
Price: P150.00


Wooden Cup


Wooden Bottle


Wooden Jar


Big Baskets
P300 each

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Tipdos Island - Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tipdos Island, Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The golden sand is fine, the water is warm and the island is unexploited!

FEES:
The pumpboat from Enchanted River charges P160/ hour. You can ask them to bring you here.

NOTE:
Mayor Viola Jr. of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur lent us his speed boat and asked the tourism officer Ms. Gemma Millan to bring us here. It took us a little over an hour to get here so it might take so much longer via pump boat.

DESCRIPTION:
Tipdos Island is an uninhabited island in Hinatuan Bay. It has golden, powdery sand and as of writing, the island is still "virgin". There are no stalls or people selling drinks and food here. There have been sightings of Dugongs (sea cow) and Pawikans (sea turtles) in the area. The water is great for swimming because of its shallow depth and warm temperature. Camping is also possible in this island.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Find your way to Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur. From there, hire a habal-habal to the Enchanted River. Hire a pumpboat (P160/ hour) from Enchanted River to Tipdos Island.

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Officer) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com
Engineer Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph
Juvy (driver of our van slash tour guide) - +63927 7175267 / +63909 9899854
Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

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Tinuy-an Falls - Bislig, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tinuy-an Falls, Barangay Borboanan, Bislig, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is one of the best waterfalls we've seen in the Philippines!
2. Its width and height will surely wow you!
3. The multi-tiered, cascading falls is simply majestic!

FEES:
P10.00 entrance fee
P100.00 cottage rental
P50.00 gaket
P30.00 salbabida

NOTE:
They say the best time to go is around January-February when the water has a lot of volume and between 9:00 am-11:00 am when a sprinkle of rainbow appears.

DESCRIPTION:

Tinuy-an Falls is a multi-tiered falls found in the town of Bislig, Surigao del Sur. With a height of about 55 meters and a width of 95 meters, it is one of the widest falls in the country hence the term "Little Niagara of the Philippines". Cottages are found on the side of the falls and a bridge is built on the river to serve not only as a pathway from one end to another but as a viewdeck as well. The view from the bridge is spectacular already, but to get an even better view, you have to go up close. Rafts to the main falls are available and there are stairs that lead you to the top of the falls. Swimming is allowed due to abundant shallow areas and large rock beds.

From what we have read, this area is blessed with a sprinkle of rainbow from 9 am-11 am everyday.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly to Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. Ride a jeep/ bus or hire a van to take you to Bislig town proper. From there, you can hire a habal-habal to Tinuy-an Falls.

CONTACTS:

Our driver, Juvy, drove us from Butuan City to Surigao del Sur (Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, PICOP Reservoir, Hinatuan Ecopark, Oceanview Restaurant, International Dollhouse and Tourism Display Center) for P5,000.00. Below are his contact numbers:

+63927 7175267
+63909 9899854

Should you get him, just tell him you got his number from us (Paula Peralejo & Charlie Fernandez).

Lori Lim (Bislig Tourism Officer) - +63917 7235463/ +63918 4538358

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza - +63917 364 8504/ +63932 2662378
caragatravel@yahoo.com
OFFICE: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

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Tinago River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tinago River, Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. The serene ride all the way to the inner areas of the river will make you feel nature at its finest!

2. No pictures and words can describe how beautiful this river is. Wide opening, lush green trees, islets, houses on stilts, fishermen in their small bancas (boats) -- these are just some of the things you'll pass by on the way. And when you get inside the river itself, you'll wonder if there's a crocodile that will show up. It's just so unexploited (and somewhat looks forgotten) that you'll definitely feel your Steve Irwin shouting at you and telling you to go explore what's in front of you!

FEES: From the Enchanted River, you can hire a pump boat for 5 which charges P160/ hour.


DESCRIPTION:

Just a few minutes away from the Enchanted River is another breathtaking river called Tinago. While the water is not blue as in the Enchanted River, Tinago has its own charm. Passing from the sea to the wide mouth of the river gives you a wonderful view of nature. Small islands appear from time to time as well as houses on stilts and fishermen slowly waiting for their catch from the boat. Once inside the river, you will pass find yourself in a maze of mangroves. If you're lucky, you might just find animals roaming around the area.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Fly from Manila to Butuan City. From there, ride a jeep/ bus or hire a van (contact # below) to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan Terminal. From there, take a habal-habal (P35/ head/ one way) to Enchanted River. You can hire a pumpboat going to Tinago River from Enchanted River.

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Office) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engr. Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854

Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Now that I am working regularly, I have become a "fan" of long weekends. Back then, we had the luxury of staying in a place for a week or two to fully explore the area. Now, even though we know 3 days aren't enough, we have no choice but to make use of them.

For the 2010 Eid-el-Fitr weekend, we decided to fly to Butuan and explore two provinces: Agusan del Norte (where Butuan is) and Surigao del Sur. We knew we didn't have time to make mistakes in this trip if we wanted to make the most out of it. So we hired a van (P5,000/ day) through a travel agency to take us from Agusan to Surigao and back. Knowing only of the Enchanted River and Tinuy-An Falls, we asked Ms. Vivian of CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) if there was anything else she could suggest. Apparently, "island hopping" is offered to visitors once they get to Enchanted River. For a charge of P1,000/ boat (good for 5 people), you will be taken around Hinatuan Bay for about two hours. (PS: We later on found out that they charge P160/ hour for the pumpboats so maybe you can also do this instead.)

When we got to the Enchanted River, we were approached by Engineer Josephine and introduced to Ms. Gemma Millan, the Tourism Officer of Hinatuan. After taking pictures of the beautiful river, we boarded the speed boat which Mayor Viola Jr. lent us (thank you SOOOO much).

Going out to the sea was definitely an experience. The houses on stilts looked lovely, and the surrounding environs were definitely breathtaking. Once out at sea, we made a turn to our first stop: Tinago River. Going inside the river was a treat for nature lovers like us. The serenity of the place made us feel right at home. For a while there , I was actually thinking of living in the area because it just seemed so beautiful and peaceful. The wide opening allowed us to appreciate the nature right in front of us. On the sides were countless mountains and trees, above us was the huge, blue sky and around us, birds were just flying and resting and chirping. We went past islets filled with coconut trees, children wading in the water and fishermen patiently waiting for their catch from their boats.

When we got inside the river itself, we passed a maze of mangroves. It made us feel like we were in a Disneyland Jungle Cruise, except it was a real one, so we started to wonder how many crocodiles lived in the area. According to Ms. Gemma and Engr. Josephine, no crocodiles have been spotted, but I would bet my life that if Steve Irwin (may he RIP) had visited this river, he would have found one! :D Anyway, with or without crocodiles, this river had a charm that I think would be similar to that of Amazon or the rivers we get to watch in National Geographic. It's small and almost untouched which may be why it made us feel like we were in an entirely different world, filled with nature and nothing else. Too bad for us, we didn't see animals but it did feel like they were all watching us, waiting to make our first move in "making friends" with them.

This may sound cliche but that quiet boat trip to Tinago River allowed me to be at my happiest state. While on board, I was just watching every little thing that was in front of me while feeling the wind on my face. Though the sun was out, the water and the trees did make our ride cooler. Everything in this area was simple, yet it was also grand. While staring at the scenery and listening to the birds, all I had were happy and peaceful thoughts. If people only explored Mindanao, this is what they would find: a sense of peace that you can't even get in Manila.

That trip down the river made me realize (once again) just how wonderful (and powerful) nature really is, and once you fall under its trap, you will never fall out of love.

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Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Sibadan Fish Cage - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. While we are vegetarians and we don't really like promoting "fishing" or any type of "animal killing" activities, we have to give it to the owners of this fish cage - they do catch small fish and farm it in their "huge" aquarium. When their fish give birth, their fry can actually get out of the "aquarium nets" and out to "the real world" since their holes are big. So, we give a thumbs up to this give and take process.

2. If you're wondering how it feels to live in the middle of the sea (literally), you can try spending a night or two here and then swim with the fish in the large aquarium when the weather gets too hot.

FEES:
P5.00 entrance fee
P100 1/4 kilo of danggit (small fish that is salted and dried)
P200/ kilo (when you fish yourself - no matter what kind)
P20/ kilo/ style of cooking
NOTE:There are a few rooms available if you want to stay for the night. Rooms may be rented for P250.00 for up to 4 people.

DESCRIPTION:

Sibadan means "eating place" and "fish" thus the name of this house slash huge aquarium in the middle of the sea. Just a few minutes from Enchanted River, Sibadan Fish Cage is a popular stopover for visitors in the area. Situated in the middle of the sea, pumpboats are hired to reach this place where you can catch, cook and eat fresh seafood. Several kinds of fish (all sizes) and other seafood (like crabs and lobsters) are found here. You may opt to buy fresh fish and have it cooked or you can try fishing yourself for P200/ kilo. Sibadan also offers rooms for those who would like to stay for the night. Swimming is allowed in the "aquarium" and two pawikans (sea turtles) are inside the net not for food but as "pets" (though we think they should really be out there in the wild since they're endangered species).

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Manila, fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) and find your way (via jeep, bus or private van) to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. If you're taking public transportation, ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal and from there, get a habal-habal (motorcycle, P35.00/head/one way) to go to Enchanted River. From Enchanted River, ride a pumpboat (P160/ hour per boat) going to Sibadan Fish Cage. CONTACTS:
Mercy and Edel Barrios (owners) - +63926 3401695

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PICOP Reservoir - Surigao del Sur

WHERE: PICOP Reservoir - Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It's a nice stopover for picture taking.
2. From what we've read in our bird guidebook, it's a great spot for birdwatching. Click this to read more about the birds in PICOP. Too bad we weren't into birdwatching yet when we went here.
FEES: Free

NOTE: It's not worth seeing by itself unless you will birdwatch. Make sure to pass by for it when you're on the way to Tinuy-An falls though.

DESCRIPTION:

In the 1950's, the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines (PICOP) created a reservoir in Surigao del Sur. The water comes from the famous Tinuy-an Falls and are gathered together in this man-made lake. It serves as PICOP's source for water and for their products (paper, etc) as well.

HOW TO GET THERE:Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Sur). From Butuan, you can ride a jeep/ bus (BUS NAME: Bachelor) going to Bislig. Once in town, look for a habal-habal (motorcycle) that will take you to Tinuy-an Falls. Ask the driver to stop here on the way. You won't miss it.

You can also hire a van from Butuan to take you here.

CONTACTS:

Our driver, Juvy, drove us from Butuan all the way to Surigao del Sur (Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Falls, PICOP Reservoir, Hinatuan Ecopark, Oceanview Restaurant,International Dollhouse and Tourism Display Center) and back for P5,000. Below are his contact numbers:

+63927 7175267
+63909 9899854

Should you contact him, just tell him you got his number from us (Paula Peralejo and Charlie Fernandez).

Lori Lim (Bislig Tourism Officer) - +63917 723 5463/ +63918 4538358

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378
caragatravel@yahoo.com
OFFICE ADDRESS: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

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Pasalubong Area, Gaisano Supermarket, Gaisano Mall - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: Gaisano Supermarket, Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan, Agusan del Norte)
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 12, 2010

THIS PASALUBONG CENTER IS FOR:

People who are looking for Agusan delicacies as well as the delicacies of other provinces (like Davao, Camiguin, Bohol, Cebu, etc).

NOTE: The prices here are more expensive than Madyaw Kadyaw Souvenir Shop. (EX: A bag of Kamote chips is worth P24 in Madjaw Kadyaw and sold here at P38.50!) However, Madjaw Kadyaw does not carry delicacies from other places.

DESCRIPTION:
This Pasalubong Center is found right inside the Gaisano Supermarket (ground floor of Gaisano Mall). It sells only native delicacies from Visayas and Mindanao.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Once in Butuan City (Agusan del Norte), ride a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) and ask the driver to bring you to Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue).

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OTOP Pasalubong Center, Gaisano Mall - Butuan, Agusan del Norte

WHERE: G/F, Gaisano Mall (J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan, Agusan del Norte)
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 12, 2010

THIS PASALUBONG CENTER IS FOR:
People who are already in Gaisano Mall and want to buy Butuan City's native delicacies.

FEES: from P7.00 - P250.00

NOTE: 75% of OTOP (One Town One Product) Pasalubong Center's goods are from Butuan City.

DESCRIPTION:

OTOP Pasalubong Center is found on the ground floor of Gaisano Mall. It showcases the native delicacies of Butuan City and carries a few goods from other provinces. Their goods are more expensive than Madjaw Kadyaw Souvenir Shop but their food products are more complete.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Once in Butuan City, ride a tricycle (P7.00/ head/ one way) and ask the driver to drop you off at Gaisano Mall (J.C. Avenue, Butuan City)

CONTACTS:
+63 85 3458604

FOOD PRODUCTS WE BOUGHT: (a list)

Mango Chutney - P55.00
Camote Chips (small) - P12.00
Corn Coffee (small) - P12.00
Dried Mango - P50.00
Otap - P48.00

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