Showing posts with label Travel Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Philippines. Show all posts

Thursday, June 2, 2011

A must read before you travel to Indonesia



I would like share a blog post by a fellow blogger. This is regarding her awful experience in Indonesia where she and her companion was harassed by airport security/police.


My Traumatic Experience as an Alleged DRUG TRAFFICKER in Bali Indonesia

By: Chyng Reyes 


For first time readers..
My name is Chyng Reyes. I graduated with a degree of Electronics and Communications Engineering in a state university in Intramuros. I work in a BPO company in MoA complex as part of Systems Development team. Im a blogger who frequently travels.
And Im an individual who has never taken prohibited drugs.

mga BINTANG-ero kayo!


My friend Dyanie and I planned an SG-Bali trip for our birthdays. We took Airphil's Manila-SG flight last May 26, 2011.

Dyanie was held in the Immigration simply because she cant present her company ID. She was suspected na mag-paiwan sa SG to work, and never return to Pinas. This experience alone was heart pounding- though it's only a matter of being approved and being declined to fly to SG. So what more if it's a matter of life and death...


Last May 28, we flew from SG to Bali via Airasia.
Airasia's airbus was full of different nationalities. But Dyanie and I were the only Filipinos on board. We landed in Denpasar airport at almost 11:40pm. We lined up in the Xray machines for our luggage to be scanned.

The moment the officer saw my passport - he carried my luggage. He asked me "is this yours?" I said yes. What could be wrong with my luggage.. The officer scanned our hands too. We don't have any idea what's that for so we asked him. He answered "secret".

After he scanned our hands with that stick, he looked at me and said "come and follow me." He looked to Dyan and said "you also."

omg. what's wrong?!

So in front of all passengers of Airasia that night (na malalaki ang katawan, at yung iba may tattoo, at sila pa yung mukhang harmful kesa samin), kami pa ni Dyan ang mukhang may drugs! We followed the officer because we dont have a choice. We obeyed him, as if we already did something wrong. All other passengers were staring at us..

syet.. anong meron sa bag ko. at anong marks ang nakita nya sa kamay namin? kinabahan ako. this isnt just the usual immigration thing. this is something serious!

We entered the holding room. There were 3 officers inside. 2 males and a lady officer. "Meet my Filipina friend. She was caught hiding packs of heroins in her luggage" said the officer. Sabay turo sa picture frames sa wall nila. It seemed like a gallery of drug traffickers from all over the world. He reminded me that DEATH is the PENALTY of those drug traffickers.

Paksyet. It's matter of life and death in the hands of these Indonesian Police Officers..

They offered something to drink but we refused.
Yoko nga, baka dahil jan sa drinks na yan magkaron pa ng drugs substance sa katawan namin..

"Do you know her?" asked the officer as he was pointing to the girl in the picture frame. - I answered no.
"Did you take drugs?" - Of course not!
"Did you have drugs hidden in your body?" - What?! Never!

nagpanting yung tenga ko. galit na galit ako. at the same time nalungkot. bakit ganun, tagged na ang pinoys as drug traffickers dahil sa kasalanan ng iilan..

"Let's check your bag".
The officer searched my things thoroughly. I was just looking at him. He checked every compartment of my luggage too.


Ang lakas ng kaba ng dibdib ko. I knew he could frame me up. At wala na kong laban if that happens. Nasa teritoryo nila kami.
Ansama sama ng loob ko. Dahil lang Pinoy kami, instant suspect na agad kami.


After he messed with all my things and found nothing, I asked the officer what could be wrong and why was he checking us. He just answered "because the 2 of you are beautiful girls."

putangina mo, nakikipag-cooperate kami sa inyo. naabala at napahiya na kami kanina pa. kaya sana sumagot ka ng maayos kung may tinatanong kami.


For the 3rd time, we went outside the holding room to scan my luggage. I was really very nervous (and irritated). I could imagine him almost saying that he found something in my bag. Remember, he was holding my bag all the time. I never had the chance to touch it again..

you dont trust us. and we dont trust you either. the feeling is mutual. ang advantage lang, nasa Indonesia tayo. at kayo ang may authority.


Now they looked to Dyan. The lady officer asked her if she was hiding drugs in her belly. Of course she answered no. The other officer ordered a body check on her.


as narrated by Dyan:
Gusto ko man magsabi ng ayoko ng body check, wala akong nagawa. Bansa nila yan. So sunod lang ako sa gusto nila. Pumasok kami sa Body Check Room. Inikot ko yung mata ko to check if there are surveillance cameras. Tapos ni-lock ko yung pinto. Tinanong ko si lady officer kung bakit namin to ginagawa. May 3 pinay daw na nahulihan ng drugs sa loob ng tyan nila. Sympre di ko alam kung totoo nga yun. Pinahubad nya ko ng damit. As in HUBAD lahat. The only body part na hinawakan nya ay ang tyan ko. Pero nakaka-harassed pa din. Wala naman siyang nakitang kakaiba.



no offense pero meron ba silang extensive training na by just touching a body part malalaman na kung may drugs dun? ang hirap maniwala. they cant even speak straight english to start with. mayabang lang sila. pero wala silang masyadong alam.

Now back in the holding room, and I was with the other 2 male officers. They started bragging that they captured all of the drug traffickers in the picture frame. Im still not sure what will happen next as they never told us anything.

What now!? gusto nyo lang may mapatunayan kayo at may madagdag kayong picture jan sa wall nyo?!

Im so proud of Dyan. She went back in the room and still didnt breakdown. I knew I will start crying too if I see her terrified.
pero sa totoong buhay daw, sobrang takot na nya na masesetup kami.
Dyan said I dont look scared at all too. I just look very irritated.
pero sa totoo lang, nafi-feel kong anytime sasabihin ng officers na may nakita sila sa bag namin.. at di na kami makakauwi ng Pinas. =(



After 1.5 hours, they finally let us go. Wala silang nakita. They thanked us for being cooperative pero di ko pinansin yung hand shake offer nila. Galit na galit ako. Pero alam ko bawal ako magsalita. Hindi rin sila nagsorry sa abala na ginawa nila. Para san pa, wala na kaming gana na pumasok ng Bali. Sirang sira yung bakasyon namin dahil sa ganitong pagwelcome nila sa Pinoy.
Sabagay their sorry wont be enough. Kulang yan sa kahihiyan, sobrang takot, trauma, at paranoia na inabot namin dahil sa kanila. Ang sama sama ng loob ko. Putangina nyo!


We met the hotel driver who's been waiting for us since 11:40PM. We finally went out of the airport at 1:30AM. I thanked the driver for waiting for us. He wasn't surprised that we were the last to go out. Sabi nya, kapag Pinoy chinecheck daw muna.


Ah ganun..
Dahil lang may mga Pinoy na drug trafficker, lahat ng Pinoy drug traffickers na agad?!


So it's also fair to call all Indonesian Policemen RAPISTS?!


Indonesian Policemen RAPISTS!
http://en.rian.ru/Religion/20100114/157540293.html


Indonesian Policeman CHILD RAPIST!
http://arsipberita.com/show/indonesia-police-rapes-nine-yr-old-girl-206964.html




How about call all Policemen DRUG DEALERS because of this?

Indonesian Officers DRUG DEALERS
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/anti-narcotics-officers-busted-for-drugs/442310




Or can I tag all Indonesian ADDICTS sabagay 51 thousand locals nila ay junkies?

51 Thousand Drug Addict Indonesians
http://equal-life.blogspot.com/2009/05/thousands-of-people-die-in-indonesia.html



Fair enough?

I hope if an Indonesian visits Pinas, ma-tag din sila as RAPISTS, DRUG DEALERS, and ADDICTS instantly! Maramdaman nila sana yung treatment nila samin.. Yan ang rules nila di ba?



Sa sobrang takot ni Dyanie, she cried to sleep that night. Tulala. Di nagsasalita.
Sa sobrang galit ko, di ako nakatulog. I started vomiting. Hinika din ako sa sama ng loob.
Wala pa kaming 2 oras sa Bali pero gustong gusto na namin umuwi ng Pinas. Sirang sira ang bakasyon namin.



Putangina nyo! Naging praning na kami everytime may police kaming makikita. Or everytime dadaan kaming xray, paulit ulit muna naming pinapagpag ang bawat damit namin - oras oras - just to check na walang naisingit na drugs sa gamit namin. We're so traumatized that we wont be planning to go out of the country anytime soon.

DEATH for DRUG TRAFFICKERS
and it wont matter if the DRUGS found is really yours
ako na ang praning



We swore not to go back to Indonesia again. We already suffered a lot. We regret the day we entered this country.
And if you are planning to go to Bali too, well good luck. The next suspect could be you.


Saturday, April 2, 2011

Girl Kuripot Giveaway (The Spa & Anywhere Philippines)



Get the chance to WIN a GC for The Spa worth Php 1000 AND a Travel GC for Anywhere Philippines also worth Php 1000.

All you have to do are:

I. Mechanics for the The Spa GC (Metro Manila only, must be consumed before April 15, 2011) 
1. Subscribe to Anywhere Philippines website by email. Make sure you verify the link in your email address.
2. Like the Anywhere Philippines Fan Page.
3. Comment on the contest page your email used to subscribe and your Facebook name, General Location.

Example:
iamsantelmo@yahoo.com, Santelmo, Quezon City


II. Mechanics for the P1000 AP Travel GC. (Separate entry. Nationwide - as long as you get to the meeting point, valid for 6 months)
1. Subscribe to Girl Kuripot by email. Make sure you verify the link in your email address.
2. Like the Girl Kuripot Fan Page.
3. Comment bon the contest page your full name, email address, Facebook name and the statement - "I want that Anywhere Philippines GC! I will travel to (Anywhere Philippines Destination)."


Example:
Santelmo, iamsantelmo@yahoo.com, Santelmo
I want that Anywhere Philippines GC! I will travel to Calaguas!
To know more, Pls visit the contest page:
http://girl-kuripot.blogspot.com/2011/03/girl-kuripot-giveaway-anywhere.html?showComment=1301716454317#c4508470155175018961


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

PackagesBoracay.com - WIN a Free Boracay Package

Get the chance to WIN a special vacation in Boracay for TWO, courtesy of PackagesBoracay.com and WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

All you have to do is post the following on your blog or website.

----------------------------------------------------------------


Asya Boracay Premier Suites - Win a Free Boracay Package only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.



WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is one of the most respected and trusted names in Philippines Travel, arranging short trips and family vacations to any of the 7,107 Philippines Islands. We have been specializing in all inclusive packages since 2005 to top destinations like, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Manila as-well-as other island destinations.

Enter this Contest for a chance to Win A Free Boracay Vacation Package to ASYA BORACAY PREMIER SUITES only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is the 1st travel agency in the Philippines to offer FREE VACATION PACKAGES  to BORACAY ISLAND, the number #1 Philippines Tourist Destination. Now everyone has a chance to WIN a FREE all expenses paid vacation to Boracay, and all you have to do is to enter the contest is to CREATE a BLOG and paste this info into it, that’s it, it’s just that easy.


Enter our Free Boracay Vacation Package Giveaway at –
www.packagesboracay.com





3 Days / 2 Nights - Asya Boracay Premier Suites

Enjoy this luxury resort in Boracay located in station 3, and set just above Boracay beach, where you will enjoy beautiful Boracay sunsets. Asya Boracay Premier Suites is truly a RESORT, specializing in pampering their guest with beautiful rooms, delicious food, and excellent service from their professional staff.


Flights to Boracay - Manila to Kalibo Airport via Philippine Airlines

No true vacation package is complete without having the air-fare included. WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. will be including ROUNDTRIP AIR-FARE from Manila to Kalibo and back to Manila. Once you arrive at the Kalibo airport you will be greeted by SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours, and transported to Boracay Island via a tour bus.


Boracay Island Transfers - Kalibo Airport to Boracay (roundtrip)

SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours is the OFFICIAL transport company of WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. SouthWest Travel & Tours has been in business for over 15 years, and is considered one of the safest carriers in the Philippines.


Daily Breakfast – Buffet Style

The winners to this Free Boracay Package will also have included a daily breakfast, served buffet style at the PALAY RESTAURANT, located at the beachfront of Asya Boracay Premier Suites.


Boracay Activities - Island Hopping Tour

For one full day our winners will enjoy a tour around Boracay Island that includes snorkeling, as-well as visiting surrounding beaches. (does not include entrance fee into Crystal Cove)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

After doing so, fill-up/complete the contest form and click, submit.


Only one entry per person. Multiple submissions/entries will be considered void.


View the contest page here: 


http://www.packagesboracay.com/boracay/packages/free-vacation/asya-premier-suites/

Asya Boracay Premier Suites - Win a Free Boracay Package only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

Asya Boracay Premier Suites - Win a Free Boracay Package only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.


WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is one of the most respected and trusted names in Philippines Travel, arranging short trips and family vacations to any of the 7,107 Philippines Islands. We have been specializing in all inclusive packages since 2005 to top destinations like, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Manila as-well-as other island destinations.

Enter this Contest for a chance to Win A Free Boracay Vacation Package to ASYA BORACAY PREMIER SUITES only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is the 1st travel agency in the Philippines to offer FREE VACATION PACKAGES  to BORACAY ISLAND, the number #1 Philippines Tourist Destination. Now everyone has a chance to WIN a FREE all expenses paid vacation to Boracay, and all you have to do is to enter the contest is to CREATE a BLOG and paste this info into it, that’s it, it’s just that easy.


Enter our Free Boracay Vacation Package Giveaway at – www.packagesboracay.com




3 Days / 2 Nights - Asya Boracay Premier Suites

Enjoy this luxury resort in Boracay located in station 3, and set just above Boracay beach, where you will enjoy beautiful Boracay sunsets. Asya Boracay Premier Suites is truly a RESORT, specializing in pampering their guest with beautiful rooms, delicious food, and excellent service from their professional staff.

Flights to Boracay - Manila to Kalibo Airport via Philippine Airlines

No true vacation package is complete without having the air-fare included. WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. will be including ROUNDTRIP AIR-FARE from Manila to Kalibo and back to Manila. Once you arrive at the Kalibo airport you will be greeted by SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours, and transported to Boracay Island via a tour bus.

Boracay Island Transfers - Kalibo Airport to Boracay (roundtrip)

SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours is the OFFICIAL transport company of WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. SouthWest Travel & Tours has been in business for over 15 years, and is considered one of the safest carriers in the Philippines.

Daily Breakfast – Buffet Style

The winners to this Free Boracay Package will also have included a daily breakfast, served buffet style at the PALAY RESTAURANT, located at the beachfront of Asya Boracay Premier Suites.

Boracay Activities - Island Hopping Tour

For one full day our winners will enjoy a tour around Boracay Island that includes snorkeling, as-well as visiting surrounding beaches. (does not include entrance fee into Crystal Cove)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Buyanihan - WIN 6 Summer Getaways for 2!

Win not 1, not 2, but 6 Dream Vacation Packages for 2 in BUYanihan.com’s Summer 2011 Getaway Promo! Just sign up then click the BUY button on the left (FREE!), and you are qualified to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bohol, La Carmela de Boracay, Boracay Terraces or Coron.
 To know more, pls. visit this LINK: www.buyanihan.com
 

Monday, February 14, 2011

FREE VacationTrips for Bloggers - Anywhere Philippines Contest!


Anywhere Philippines is having a contest for bloggers, especially for those who love to travel and explore Philippines.

There will be 4 lucky winners. One blogger winner for each months of February, March, April and May.


To quote (from Anywhere Philippines):

"HOW TO JOIN:

STEP 1. Write a BLOG entry and tell us which Anywhere Philippines destination would you like to join and why.

Make it fun, informative and entertaining. Make it as awesome as it can be! But don’t forget: Blog should include 1) links to Anywhere Philippines Website site & 2) Anywhere Philippines contact info.

STEP 2. TAG Anywhere Philippines Facebook page & website in your Facebook wall with the following status:

"Join @Anywhere Philippines' Blog & Tag Blogger Promo for a chance to win a Free Trip! Visit http://anywherephils.blogspot.com for more details!" Check out my blog entry (insert blog link).”

To be able to tag, you have to click LIKE button at the Anywhere Philippines  Facebook Fan Page.

STEP 3. Email the following to anywhere.phils@yahoo.com

·                     Trip of Choice: (List of trips available in website)
·                     Full Name:
·                     Age/ Birthday:
·                     Company/School:
·                     Occupation:
·                     Mobile No:
·                     Link of Blog:
·                     Facebook Name & Facebook link of tag:


One blogger will be chosen every end of the month!

CONTEST RULES:
  
1.     Any blogger, professional or amateur, can join the Bloggers Trip. Blogger must have his or her own published website ( blogspot, wordpress, tumblr, multiply, etc )
2.     Winning blogger may choose his or her trip of choice available in Anywhere Philippines Travel Calendar provided he/she email his intentions 2 weeks prior the trip and subject to availability of slots.
3.     Selection of winning blogger is entirely based upon Anywhere Phils management’s discretion (basis: creativity, writing style, adherence to contest rules, active promotion of contest, etc.)  
4.     Multiple entries allowed. It can be several destination from one blog or different destinations from different blog sites of one blogger. Blogger is allowed to blog & tag as many times within the contest period until he/she wins. However, blogger can only win once.
5.     Winners will be notified via email. If no reply is received within 3 days, we will choose another winner. Prize can be claimed via email ( include name & trip of choice )
6.     Prize must be availed/used within the following period or prize will be forfeited:

Blogger of the Month- Travel Period
February Winner- March to May
March Winner- April- June
April Winner- May- July
May Winner- June- Aug

7.     Anywhere reserves the right to cancel trips which deemed necessary (weather issues, etc). In which case, a replacement trip will be provided.
8.     Promo period: Feb-May 2011.  Travel Period: March-Aug 2011"

Girl-Kuripot Giveaway - Free Travel!



Girl Kuripot in partners with Anywhere Philippines will be giving away Php 2000 worth of Travel GC (valid for 6 months)



To join, simply follow the mechanics: (from Girl Kuripot)

1. Subscribe to Girl Kuripot by email. Check your email and verify.
2. Download the picture above and post it on your wall along with this message:
Join @Girl Kuripot’s Giveaway now if you ♥ to win Travel GCs from @Anywhere Philippines! Click http://bit.ly/eG5qAH now!
3. Tag 5 friends in the picture.
4. Copy the link of that Facebook post and paste it on the comments section below. (Also, leave your full name, email address you used to subscribe and Facebook main URL.)
5. You earn 1 raffle entry for doing steps #1 to #4.
5. One winner will win a P2000 Travel GC from Anywhere Philippines (validity: 6 months).
6. Deadline for submission of entries is March 14, 2011 11:59 p.m.

Bonus Entries:
  1. You can repeat posting with a different set of friends (no duplicates) 3 more times (Valentine’s Treat is the 4th) until the end of the promo period (1 raffle entry per post).  Make sure you complete steps #2 to #4. Leave a comment below with the link.
  2. Blogger? Make a blog post with links to this post and Anywhere Philippines’ website and Facebook Fan Page. (3 raffle entries). Make sure to leave the link below like step #4. There's another blogging contest waiting for you in this post Travel For Free! Go Anywhere Philippines!
Valentine’s Treat! Spread the Girl Kuripot love!
Do #2 to #4 TODAY, Valentine’s Day – February 14, for an extra raffle entry!
To know more, pls. visit the contest page: http://girl-kuripot.blogspot.com/2011/02/free-travel.html

OR

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

fan-TAG-stic (Patio Pacific Boracay) Contest

WIN a 3 day/2 night Accommodation at Patio Pacific Boracay. 

Simply, LIKE, Patio Pacific Boracay on Facebook, then TAG your friends on the Promo poster.


MECHANICS:

1) Register your Name, Mobile number and e-mail address at: http://goo.gl/Sr2Dm (only until January 27, 2011)

2) LIKE their Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Patio-Pacific-Boracay/58112997790

3) Upload the Promo picture, Upload it on their Fan Page WALL, then TAG 11 Friends.

4) Multiple Entries are NOT Allowed.

1 winner good for TWO, will be announced on January 28, 2011.

Friday, January 21, 2011

AirPhil Express - My Valentine Booking Promo

Get the chance to WIN 1 of 3, good for two (2) persons, FREE round trip ticket to Manila - Cagayan De Oro.

Promo runs from January 21 - 24, 2011.



MECHANICS:

- LIKE Airphil Express on Facebook
- Download one of Airphil Express' "My Valentine Booking" statement images at:http://xvr.in/Ed
- Upload the picture on the WALL of Airphil Express
- TAG 10 of your friends

WIN a Trip for 4 to Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa

Ever wanted to visit Greece? Well, now is your chance to experience it without leaving the Philippines! Deal Grocer will be giving away a FREE weekend getaway at Bellarocca Island Resort & Spa good for 4 persons. The island is located in the province of Marinduque, Philippines.


MECHANICS:

Simply, "LIKE" the Facebook Page of Deal Grocer, and if they reach 25,000 Likes by January 30, 2011. One lucky fan will get a FREE vacation at Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa good for 4 individuals!



To know more, pls. visit Deal Grocer's Facebook Page: http://xvr.in/Dd


Friday, January 14, 2011

Tag a Flight, Tag a Friend Promo by: AirPhilExpress.com

Another exciting contest for frequent fliers and travel fanatics.

Join AirPhilExpress.com's Tag a Flight, Tag a Friend Promo. From January 12 to 17, 2011 only. So Hurry!


 Simply, follow the instruction on the picture above . Good Luck! ^_^

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Travel to 3 For FREE - A Year-End Promo from philstar.com

Another hip contest for frequent travelers out there. PhilStar.com will give the winner, FREE plane tickets to Three destinations of his/her choice.

Simply follow these steps: (grabbed from PhilStar.com)


Saturday, January 8, 2011

The Last Frontier - A Destiny!


Sulit.com.ph and Trajet Tours and Travel promote tourism in the Philippines and abroad. Find great travel deals at Sulit.com.ph, the leading online classified ads website in the Philippines.



Have you ever been to Palawan, particularly in El Nido? Many would say that the place is truly beautiful, wondrous and amazing. More so, if you get the privilege to stay in one of its luxurious island resorts, such as, The Lagen Island Resort. For me, this is by far, my favorite vacation spot in the Philippines.

In the year 2005, in the middle of a financial crisis (due to a business reversal of our 15-year old business), a family acquaintance offered my dad a job, as a project coordinator in an Archeological camp somewhere in the outskirts of Palawan. My dad accepted the offer, and that became our key to the gates of the last frontier.

In a few months -- being the perfect couple that they are, my parents could not stand being apart for so long, and at a great distance, so, my mom decided to visit my dad for a few days in Puerto Princesa. And as what the folklore would say, “Anyone who visits Palawan will be cursed with the “Kambak-Kambak”.

True enough, because only after a few months from returning back home, my mom decided to go back to Palawan. She fell in love with the place. That’s when she realized the folklore did say, “Kambak-Kambak” literally was, “Come back, Come back”. Right then and there, my mother decided to stay. They both rented a small house, and little-by-little moved some thing from Manila to Palawan.

In the year 2007, having already earned and saved some, my parents decided to allow me and my sister for a visit (not knowing of their surprise) After a few days touring Puerto Princesa, dad and mom surprised us by telling; that we will spend Valentines Day and my sister’s birthday at Club Noah Isabelle. Thanks to my dad’s new job, my parents have managed to continue paying a club membership that offers vacation packages at a lesser value, in exchange for buying points.

My parents have prepared and planned everything for months. They wanted us to spend quality time together in a beautiful beach resort before our flight back to Manila. But destiny has its own way of playing. Because a few days before our trip, a representative from the club (not Club Noah) called; informing us that there was a problem with their booking. It turned out that Club Noah Isabelle was fully booked at our given date. They asked if we would consider booking our trip a week after. My mom declined, because my sister and I would be in Manila by then.

Running out of options, my mom asked if they can book us at El Nido Resorts (Lagen Island) instead, without hesitation, the representative said, yes!

So that’s it. Wow! We’re off to 3-days and 2-nights stay at a luxury resort!

Having a tight budget, we did not take a charted plane going to El Nido. We rented a van and opted to take the 6-hour land travel. To cut the story short, we arrived at the empty El Nido port/pier around 2:30pm and waited for almost an hour to be picked-up by the resort’s boat. But before that, a call came on my mom’s mobile; it was the representative from the vacation club, informing us that there is already a vacancy at Club Noah.


Mom: Hello? Yes…we are already here at the port/pier of El Nido. Who will take us to the resort?

Rep: Ma’am, there’s already a vacancy at Club Noah Isabelle. Would you like to go there instead?

Mom: What?!!! No! We are already here, in El Nido. It took us 6-hours of rough land travel to get here. And Club Noah Isabelle is 3-hours away, back to where we came from! And you expect us to go back?!

Rep: Ma’am I’m so sorry for the misunderstanding/miscommunication. Ma’am if you take our other offer you can even stay at Club Noah for 5-days.

Mom: NO!

Rep: Ma’am, this is the situation, there was a mistake in our assessment. Your package for Lagen Island Resort is only good for 2 persons.

Mom: Well, that’s not our problem. We talked about this for days. We even exchanged booking and confirmation forms thru facsimile. Everything was signed and approved. It was clear that the booking was for 4 adults.

**fast forward**

In the end, the club had no choice but to approve our stay. But the problem did not stop there; my mom received another call, this time it was from the manager of Lagen Island, informing us that the boat that was supposed to pick us up is currently being used on a sunset cruise. So, we will be picked-up by the resort’s speed boat. The manager apologized in advance and explained that our ride can get a little bit wet, but our luggage will be secured in large plastic bags and we will be given large beach towels to cover ourselves with.

Also, that the 2nd forest room we asked for was not available. So instead, they will give us something even better, a water cottage/villa. My parents stayed at the forest room and my sister and I got the water cottage.

It turned out; all the problems we encountered from the beginning of the trip were actually blessings in disguise. Who knew that an honest-to-goodness family like ours would get the chance to experience luxury and explore the last frontier?  One can consider this an experience of a lifetime.
       

Based on true events. This post was inspired by:


Photobucket

Photobucket

Win Trip for 2 to Hong Kong from Sulit.com.ph and 

Trajet Tours and Travel

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Booked to Bohol on Summer 2011

Thanks to Cebu Pacific's Low Air Fair Promo, our family will be touring Bohol for 5 days, next year. Yes, we booked early to avail of Cebu Pacific's promo rates.



As early as today, we will be searching for a beach resort to stay in Panglao Island. Any suggestions? ^_^

Aside from touring the city of Bohol (http://www.bohol.ph/), we might travel 5 hours by land and try the activities offered at E.A.T. Danaw. I know my sister's very excited about it. Especially, when it comes to trying out the "Plunge" .


Who knows, I might take the Plunge as well. ^_^  Maybe...hihihi! Depends.............@_@

Who want's to join us next March? ^_^