Hong Kong, First Day Tour

Upon arriving in Hong Kong sometime November, a climate of 19 degrees welcomed us. That's fairly cold. It's a good thing our cardigans and vests are ready. We went straight to our Hotel riding in the front seat of a "double-decker" bus. How i imagined some of those buses are available here. It could be a help for commuters but a nightmare to all traffic enforcers. haha! Anyways, since we ended up staying in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, we started checking out the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour. Alongside the coastline is the Avenue of Stars. Imagine you're in now defunct Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard without the "fish-like" smell and walking along Philippines version of Hollywoods Walk of Fame in Libis QC. That's how we described it. Stars like Jacky Chan, Bruce Lee, Chow Yun Fat and Jet Li are some of the well known celebrities who have their names engraved in the floor. Not to mention, Bruce Lees monument with his trademark fighting stance. So if you're a big fan of chinese or hong kong celebrities, you better try this place.

First day was a very busy day! we had breakfast at where else... at McDonalds! (One of the cheapest "good to go" resto in Hong Kong). We then rode the ferry going to Central Station. Our first tourist spot for the day is the well known Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan). We went there by riding the Peak Tram. Imagine a train that is pulled by a very tough metal chain atop a mountain. That's how it works. We were actually seated with an inclination of 45 degrees. Whooooo! While in The Peak, there are lots of tourist attractions like the EA Sports Facilities, where we tried some of the new games in X Box, PS 3 and even PSP for Free. Yep, you've read it right. Another place to check out is the Madame Tussauds (Wax Museum). We didn't actually go there since it's too expensive.

We're better off with the life size statue of Jacky Chan. hehe! The most awesome place of all is in the viewing deck or the Sky Terraces. Imagine seeing the whole island of Hong Kong. For those who got phobias of heights, it's now or never to you guys. We guarantee you, one of the coolest must-see spot in Hong Kong!

After checking out The Peak, we walked our way to the Ocean Park bus terminal and passed through Centrals Garden Park. We're very excited to the see the Ocean Park and we were not disappointed. Lots of rides for young and old alike. The park is really for the family. How we wished we can bring along our family to share this one of a kind park. Maybe next time...

It's getting dark and we hopped on the bus going to Central again eat at one of the best noodles in Hong Kong. yum yum!

We rushed in to Kowloons Victoria Harbour since its almost 8PM. One spectacular scene that we've witnessed in Hong Kong is the Symphony of Lights. A spectacular display of laser beams bouncing off 33 key skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor for 15minutes or so. Accompanied by synchronized music and commentary, the sound and light display depicts the growth of Hong Kong from a sleepy fishing village to the dynamic world-class city it is today. The sad part here is we didn't got the chance to capture it in video since our vidcam is out of battery. huhuh! Nevertheless, the experience of being there with your loveone is a whole new level.

After the checking out the spectacular light display, of course, getting into a night market in Hong Kont is a must. We went to Temple Street to check out some finds. Imagine a night market in Divisoria and Greenhills. That's basically it.

To be continued... watch out for the Second Day Tour in Hong Kong

Related Post:
Free Video Games in Hong Kong

Bite Club Grilled Burger, Boracay

The sights and sounds in Boracay are fascinating, not to mention the delicious food that this popular island serves. Club Tourists stayed in Boracay for almost a week. We've ate a lot of seafoods and realized we missed some urban treats like burgers, spaghetti or the like. Thank heavens there's Bite Club Grilled Burger in D*mall beside the famous Ferris wheel.

We were not actually familiar with the brand but we got the chance to check out the place. Have you tried Brothers Burger? how about Flamers? or better yet out local favorite which is the New Champ in Jollibee? Much similar to these popular fast food.

Imagine a burger with your choices of the following:

Weight of Patty
Quarter Pound (Club Burger)
Half Pound (The Bomb)
One Pound (Duplex)

Type of Patty
Chicken
Beef
Fish

Toppings
Mushroom Pepper
Creamy Cheddar
Blue Cheese Cream
Hickory-smoked BBQ Sauce
Chunky Mushroom and Cheese
Cajun-style Spicy Sauve
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Wasabi and Teriyaki Sauce
Roasted Garlic and Cheese
Caramelized Onions
Grilled or Fresh Onions

These oversized burgers cost roughly from Php 115 to Php 175 bucks. Prices provided below

Club Burgers - Php 115
Burgerella - Php 130
The Bomb! - Php 175
Bombarella - Php 190
Duplex - Php 285

Also, try Special Sandwiches like:

Breaded Fish Fillet in Wasabi and Teriyaki Sauce
Tender Grilled Chicken with Onison and BBQ Sauce
Grilled Steak Strips with Roasted Garlic and Cheese

What can you ask for? One of the best burger in town. Don't leave Boracay without trying this one!

National Geographic Store, Singapore

As we strolled down the Vivo City Mall in Singapore, we passed by one store that captivates our attention. We're looking at a huge store (roughly around 1,500 square meter in space) with so much history to learn, so much stuffs to grab and so much things to try. National Geographic has planted its 2nd (second) store next to London. Nat-Geo called this "Global Experiential Space". Nice!

Since 1888, National Geographic continues to inspire the whole world to care about our planet. They have done by sending out millions and millions of information magazines worldwide. Not to mention its own National Geographic channel in cable TV.

While touring the store, we've seen a small glass room. This is Nat-Geo's Controlled Freezing Chamber. One of the "coolest" place in the store! Literally! Imagine yourself in a 15 degrees Celsius/5 degrees Fahrenheit temperature? How your body reacts in this type of condition. You can simulate this one by using your own clothes and afterwards you'll try it with the use of the jacket that Nat-Geo offers in the store.

More from the Store

How to Get to Nat-Geo Store?

By Bus Going to Vivo City Mall
Services:
10, 30, 30e, 57, 61, 65, 80, 97, 97e, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166, 855

By MRT Going to Vivo City Mall
Take the NorthEast Line, and alight at the Harbour Front Station

National Geographic Store is located in 1st (first) Floor, shop number 19-20.

How much is the Entrance Fee?

Experience Nat-Geo for FREE. Except for the merchandise of course!

What is the Operating Hours?

Nat-Geo is open the whole week from 10:00AM - 10:00PM EST

For More Information About National Geographic Store:

1st Floor, HarbourFront Walk, #01-19 VivoCity, 098585, Singapore.
Tel:+65 6376 8078
Fax:+65 6376 8048
singapore@worldwideretailstore.com
singapore.events@worldwideretailstore.com
opportunities@worldwideretailstore.com

Sinangag Express, Malate Manila

Ever tried Sinangag Express? Not your typical "tapsilogan". This firm is giving out the best beef tapa for more than 20 years now. Still, they are considered the BEST. Lots of combinations to choose from. Bagsilog, Tapang Orig, and Tapang Tapat just to name a few. Top these choices with Sukang Paumbong with Sili, Perfect! And the price? Php 50 bucks is not bad for a tight budget right? A real good deal for students as well.

Ermita Malate Branch

Here is the price list:

Dangsilog (Danggit, Sinangag at Itlog) - Php 50
Cornsilog (Corn Beef, Sinangag at Itlog) - Php 55
Super La Paz Bachoy - Php 55
Bangsilog (Bangus, Sinangag at Itlog) - Php 55
Tocino Meal (Tocino, Sinangag at Itlog) - Php 60
Hamburger Steak - Php 63
Porkchop - Php 70
Longganisa Meal - Php 70
Tapang Orig - Php 70
Boneless Bangus - Php 75
Lucban Longganisa - Php 80
Tapang Tapat - Php 95

Tapang Orig

Tocino Meal

Branches:

Makati-Pasong Tamo
Makati Cinema Square
Beside BDO
Pasong Tamo, Makati
Contact Number: 8111569, 8111365

Ermita Malate
708 Gomez Building
Near Robinsons Place Manila
Pedro Gil cor. L.M. Guerrero St.
Ermita Manila
Contact Number: 5266992, 5254089

But WAIT, there's MORE!

Sinangag Express delivers 24/7, just call the numbers above. Minimum order of Php 150.

But WAIT, theres even MORE!

Sinangag Express is now Franchising.
Contact Number: 7277939
Email: realbeeftapa@gmail.com

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Zoobic Safari, Subic Bay Zambales

A typical zoo is a place where you can see animals placed in a cage. No animal encounters at all. This notion was completely changed by Zoobic Safari in Subic Bay Freeport Zone. This 25 hectares zoo is setup in Ilanin Forest. The look and feel is absolutely different. You may either choose to ride a jeepney tram or have a little breeze walk to see several animals. Much like the Night Safari in Singapore if you'll ask, except that this is a day park.

How to get to Zoobic Safari?

Photo from Zoobic Safari

Commuting Visitors:
From Manila, you may take the Victory Liner bus to Olonggapo City. Since Zoobic Safari opens at 8:00AM and closes at 4:00PM, Club Tourists suggest to take the most earliest trip. Expect a 2-3 1/2 hour ride going to Olonggapo Victory Liner Terminal. Note: The bus rate depends on what terminal you are in, the average cost would be between Php 190 - 220 bucks one way as of July 2009.

From the Victory Liner Terminal, catch a BLUE jeepney to Subic Freeports Main Gate Area. Walk across the main gate and either take the bus or hire a van or taxi going to the zoo. Note: Vans and Taxis rate here are expensive. Roughly Php 150 - 200 bucks one way as of July 2009.

Visitors with private/rented vehicles:
Club Tourists won't fool you, going to Zoobic Safari is not very commuter friendly. We suggest to bring your own wheels or just rent. You'll just shed out a little amount if you'll compute it compared to paying the bus fares.

Anyways, take the NEW Clark-Subic Highway. This will take 1 1/2 hours from Balintawak to Subic. Just that! No hassles to go to other places like the Ocean Adventure and beaches in the vicinity.

Visitors who wants to try the Ferry:
There are ferry who leaves CCP Terminal in Manila Bay to Orion. Roughly 1 1/2 hours going there. In Orion, take bus going to Olonggapo City.


What's in our Backpacks?

Face Towel
Water
Extra Shirt
Hand Sanitizer
Php 1,500


How much is the Admission Fee in Zoobic Safari?

Php 295 from Monday to Thursday
Php 395 from Friday to Sunday

Note: For Packages and product services, you may visit Wow Pinoy Blog


What to do in Zoobic Safari:

You need a whole day to experience the whole of safari. There are lots of activities to do. So, be prepared

THE PAVILION
As the Zoobic Safari says, "The Adventure Starts Here!". This is the main entrance of the park. As you enter, live tigers are already in display in their cages. There are also scheduled programs for the young and young-at-heart. Get a chance to have your picture taken just beside a tiger or a cub. A little bit of a starter for you.

TIGER SAFARI
One of the best experience in Zoobic Safari! Buy a live chicken worth Php 200 bucks and have it tied in the jeepney tram. As you passed by some tigers, don't get shocked or surprised as this carnivores jump over the top or at the side of the tramp and munch the chicken like there's no tomorrow. MUST TRY!

ZOOBIC PARK
Petting zone and animal observation area along a mini forest. Farm and exotic animals are in sight.

SAVANNAH
Rent a golf car or drive your own and get up close and personal with ostriches, wild boars, sheeps and goats

SERPENTARIUM
This is a place (from the suffix -arium) of different types of snakes and reptiles (from the prefix serpent). Enough of the English class. Have your picture taken while a big snake are lingering all over your neck. Whoooo!

CROCO LOCO
This is more like a crocodile farm for those who tried it in Davao. Chance to feed this hungry crocs by buying some meat worth Php 100 and experience the reptiles strengths as they jump over for the food and munch it all at the same time. Curious? Try it!

RODENT WORLD
Mouse, hamster, guinea pig, The Chipmunks or what have you. They are all here. (kidding on The Chipmunks, just squirrels ok?)

AETA TRAIL & SHOW
Real aeta in the house yo! Watch their old school way of dancing and playing the instruments

ANIMAL MUSEUM
Tired of the live animals? Proceed to this museum to check out some preserved one.

ZOOVENIR SHOP
You can buy animal stuff toys, tshirts and other memorabilia

What other sites say about Zoobic Safari:

Clark Subic Marketing
Philippines Travel Guide
Trip Advisor

For more Information about Zoobic Safari:

Zoobic Safari
Group I Ilanin Forest
Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines
Telefax: (+6347) 252-2272; (+63) 929-7072222

Makati Office
3/F Yupangco Building
339 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, Philippines
Tel: (+632) 895-7142; 898-3695; 899-9824; 899-9595
Mobile: (+63) 917-8351111
Fax: (+632) 899-9829

Email:
The Advertising Department
advertising@zoobic.com.ph

The Marketing Department
marketing@zoobic.com.ph