.

Air Asia launches Vacation Fever. Enjoy an all-in fare for as low as P 649 from Clark to Kota Kinabalu , P 421 from Kota Kinabalu to Miri and P 1,581 from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Book from March 10 – 14, 2010 to enjoy this huge discount. Travel period will be on June 22 -  August 25, 2010.

Source: Air Asia

♥ valerie {your haven hunter | fly me to the moon }

Who’s up for a contest? I’ll be giving away free tickets for Flow – A celebration of Life and Rhythm.

Launched on March 1, 2009, the show, entitled “Flow” is PAGCOR’s second foray into world-class theatrical productions. Conceptualized by the creative minds behind Wanders, it also features the elements of theater, music and acrobatics.

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This show is equally amazing as Wanders.  Tickets are valid only on March 10, 8 PM at Pagcor Grand Theatre.

Contest Mechanics:

1. This contest is open only to Philippine bloggers.

2. Add Weekend Haven button to your sidebar :

<a href=”http://www.weekendhaven.com” target=”_blank”><img src=” http://bit.ly/9CgBj4″ alt=”Weekend Haven : Discover the Best Weekend Getaway” /></a>

3. Email me at v@weekendhaven.com with your name, blog URL and mobile number.

4. Deadline for entries will be March 10,  2 PM. I will pick 5 people to win 2 tickets each.

5. Winners will be notified via email/SMS. Tickets are available for pick-up in Pasay Area.

♥ valerie {your haven hunter | almost weekend }

Me and my two friends with a new acquaintance, Farhan braved the summer heat off to the outskirts of Dubai. We had a long holiday and what better way to spend the weekend than to plan a getaway.

At 8 AM on March 2008, we gather ourselves for a  much needed break. Our new acquaintance will drive for us.

As we passed by Sheikh Zayed Road, our eyes were caught by these beautiful creatures. Fabulous Peacocks showcasing their gorgeous feathers. Around 50 of them roaming freely around Sheikh Mohammad Palace.

Visitors are only allowed to make a U-turn at the Palace ground so I have those snapshots taken inside our car. These eye-candies are amazing, I wanted to take one home.

We were back on the road in no time, and traveled for about 2 hours going to Al Ain. There were hardly any vehicles on the highway connecting Dubai to Al Ain, that made our trip a breeze.

Al Ain is famous for its roundabouts. The roundabout intersections are distinct to almost every corner.

Our first stop was Al Ain Oasis. Located between Main souq area downtown and Al Ain Street. This is home to the thousands of date palms and known for its largest underground irrigation system. There are also old building ruins along the way which they plan to restore.

We decided to visit Al Ain Zoo. It was all our first time to be there and I did enjoy our animal encounters. Moreover, Farhan, was like a kid craving for more to see. I was in awe to see rhinoceros and storks, among others.

We left Al Ain Zoo around 11 am and seek our way to Jebel Hafeet. It is located between a desert and its magnificent sand dunes to the west and the jagged and impressive Hajar Mountains. Jebel Hafeet is the second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m).

The road going up is steep zigzag slope. We passed by Green Mubazzarah Park, which has a stretch of hilly mountains covered by grasses. The three view decks of Jebel Hafeet offers equally beautiful, spectacular views. Each has a parking area. There is an isolated hotel halfway, the Mercure Hafeet, with its panoramic view, I still find it an odd location. Who prefers to stay there?

There is a construction at the top of Jebel Hafeet. Farhan said it was a palace of the crowned prince. Hmmm, impressive but quite dangerous. Ever heard of landslides?

Basking in the sun’s glory at noon is not a good idea. The best time to go for viewing  pleasure is just before sunset or hit the road before dawn. Looking down, dark and hazy clouds were covering most of the great views of the mountains and sand dunes.

After the short visit, we headed to Al Ain Mall to for a late lunch. The newly opened Dubai Outlet Mall is on the way, so we dropped by to take a peek of what’s in store before heading home. We were done at 5 pm.

Tips: Its best to go during winter, naturally not on a summer’s scorching heat. Not much to see from up there, except for a visual treat of sand dunes and patches of greens.

♥valerie {your haven hunter | don’t like it much when it’s summer in UAE}

One of the famous feature is a naturally formed pool known as the Devil’s Swimming Pool, located near the edge of the falls. There are months in a year that swimming on this pool is allowed, usually when the river flow is at the safe level and the current is not strong enough to sweep swimmers off the cliff.

So, will you dare to dive at the devil’s pool?

♥valerie {your haven hunter | slide and dive }

Went around at the expo earlier in SMX to find out if there is anything worth raving about. True enough, I was walking in a pool of temptation. So, if you are on a hunt for a summer getaway or the best travel deal for 2010 around the Philippines, Asia, US or any International destination, you still have one day to get ready, jet-set and go!

The 17th Travel Tour Expo 2010 runs on February 19-21, 2010 at SMX Convention Center Hall, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Entrance to the event is P50 per person and a P5,000 worth of purchase entitles the holder for a raffle ticket.

Check out the following booths for some tempting deals and interesting getaway destinations:

• Sun Cruises offers 50% off to Corregidor Day Tour. Package includes round trip ferry transfers, shrine, entrance and terminal fees, guided island tour and buffet lunch. Open date tickets are available for use until Sept. 30, 2010.
• Sea Air gives an Early Bird Promo to Batanes at P2,835++ one way. Travel Period is June 16- Oct. 15, 2010.
• Continental Airlines offers a breath-taking holiday promo to Palau for as low as US $495 for 3 days. Includes roundtrip economy class airfare to Palau, two (2) nights hotel accommodation, daily hotel breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers.
• Budget travelers rush over to PAL and Cebu Pacific booths. Hands down, those two won the longest line. Visitors are going crazy with seat sales for International and local travels.
• Zest Air Promo gives 50% off to local destination.

I was surprised to see Costa Cruises have joined the bandwagon and offered an impressive line-up of Asia Cruises. I remember  how posh the interior of Costa Europa was when Lorena and Lorenzo ushered me on board for a day trip. Definitely Cruising Italian Style.

I was unsuccessful to find a booth from Indonesia though. I was hoping to find something for our itinerary to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and the rest of Java.

Anyways, still have 12 hours more to think about Batanes package and seven months to do  24 hours work shift to sustain my traveling addiction. Lol.

♥valerie {your haven hunter | bring me to Batanes, China, Japan, Korea…}

The modern airplane creates a new geographical dimension.  A navigable ocean of air blankets the whole surface of the globe.  There are no distant places any longer:  the world is small and the world is one. ~Wendell Willkie

We celebrated Valentine’s Day at Clark, Pampanga after securing tickets for the 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

A weekend without sleep was all worth it. Last Friday was a bit hectic while I juggle work, errands and preparation for our weekend getaway.

We have to leave around 3 AM on Saturday to commute from Manila to Dau and be on time to catch the morning fleet of hot air balloons. From Balintawak, Quezon City we hopped in at Five Star bus bound to Dau Bus Terminal. Traffic was light at the crack of dawn.

It was quarter to 5 when we reached Dau Bus Terminal. We then look for a jeepney bound to Clark Gate or chekpoint near SM City Clark. From there, we hailed one more jeepney going to Air Force City where the Hot Air Balloon Festival is being held since Feb. 11.

Good thing, we already have tickets or we’ll dreadfully be wasting time on the long, long line at the ticket booth.

Various photographers positioned themselves near the fence. Families, couples and friends are present during this big event. Many tourists are enjoying the day too. Army & Men in uniform were roaming to secure everyone’s safety. Ample parking space were provided at a P50 fee.

Branches of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have set up booths for the curious visitors. Firearms, Air crafts,  Army Jeeps and fighter jets are just some interesting pieces on display by Air Force, Philippine Army and Marines.

It was hard to find a perfect spot to get a good shot at the field when the balloons are being prepared. Three sky divers graced the morning sky to signal the start of event. One carries a huge Philippine flag and sway it across the sky while the national anthem plays in full volume.

A moment later, hot air balloons started lifting up. We’ve gone crazy over the jumbo turtle balloon named Mister Bup, Old Mc Donald’s Farm, Karlsberg Urpills and a Smiling Sun. It was just amazing to watch the sky filled with colors.

After the morning show, the hot air balloons returned at around 6 in the evening for the Night Glow. Meanwhile, the morning has just started as Candaba Bird’s Fly-in put on a unique show. Paragliding, sky diving and ultralight aircraft show followed. While kids and kids at heart enjoys the kite flying experience.

Yellow Cab and other food booths are conveniently located for anyone who wants a delight. Sponsors like Caltex with Techron showcase an Alien and Predator model made of gears and metals. Other booths sell souvenir items and we scored some freebies from DHL, an umbrella and a promotional stunt kite.

At around 10 in the morning, we left for breakfast and savor the best bulalo in town. Oh, we were in heaven.

We did check out Parkson Duty Free and PureGold for some sweets. Then off to Century Resort Hotel to check in. Our eyes were heavy and our restless soul were longing for rest.

We dose off for less than 2 hours and we’re in the road again to witness the hot air balloon night glow. The number of people increased compared earlier that day.

The top of the armored vehicle provided us with great vantage point. Too bad the weather wasn’t coordinating and we failed to see a single hot air balloon go up to lit the night sky.  The participants just put on a light show from the ground.

We had dinner at Rumpa before going back to our room.

Sunday – 14th -Heart’s Day

We can’t get enough of those colorful hot air balloons and decided to check out the day’s show. We didn’t stay long though and missed out the valentine’s air show and fireworks.

Heavy traffic as visitors doubled up on the last day. There were additional Hot Air balloons on the show but the turtle and the barn are still the crowd favorites.

Click thumbnails for your viewing pleasure.

’twas a fun, fun weekend. We’ll definitely going back next year with families and friends.

Special thanks to Ninong Bob for helping us.

♥ valerie {your haven hunter | birthday girl }

I’ll see you up there where everything flies.

Come visit the 15th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival on February 11 to 14, 2010 at Air Force City, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Celebrate and watch colorful hot air balloons  enliven the blue sky. For the thrill seekers, book yourself a balloon ride for USD150, or go skydiving and paragliding.

Event Schedule from Philballoonfest.net

Programmed schedule are subject to change without notice.

Tickets are available at the gate and all SM TicketNet outlet, priced at PHP150.

♥ valerie {your haven hunter | can’t wait for weekend!}

Day 2 of Bulacan Ultimate Weekend Challenge

Our morning started out late. I guess the only one who made it to the peak at the crack of dawn was Rob who missed out our socials the previous night.

I got up at 7 and noticed that the other group was already preparing breakfast while most on my troupe were still dreaming. Bong and Rob decided to go down and fetch some water.

We all crammed up for Pork Adobo, Salted Egg with chopped tomatoes and Scrambled Egg with Mushroom for breakfast. To top it all, a warm coffee to start our day.

Someone’s missing and catching up some more zzz’s. Can you guess who?

After the delightful feast, we busy ourselves with cleaning up and preparing to break camp. Our Mt. Manalmon assault isn’t complete without a hike to the peak. We got crazy over group photos and jump shots taken with the amazing bird’s eye view of Bulacan province as backdrop.

We were more thrilled when Super Bong aka Guide Extremist, did jump and climb to the other rock summit.

As much as we want to stay longer for more photo session, we were running out of time. We did a last group photo and offered a prayer for safety before vacating the campsite. Time check: 11 AM.

Descending requires less effort. We made a few stop and rest. Everyone seemed excited with the next activity. We headed down to Madlum Training Center to drop our bags.

We while away the time by resting and getting ready for another challenge. Then, we’re off to the monkey bridge. The challenge seemed easy from the looks of those little kids jumping over and over again off those cable wires down to the deep river. You can’t see fear on their faces, yet they were full of excitement and happiness. On my second try, the nerve-racking feel won’t go away. I bet the rest were haunted by fear too. Then again, peer pressure was more powerful. It’s still worth another million try though, with much zest every time.

We then proceed to trek the steep trail up to Bayukbok Caves. The sizzling weather can’t take our spirits down and we’re ready to conquer our fears. Our spelunking was a test of endurance and brave heart. Climbing up a ladder, bouldering, striding from one cliff to another, and most of the time struggling, crawling and stretching out to fit ourselves through the chambers.

Bayukbok Caves showcase beautiful limestone formation dating hundred years. Awesome Stalactites and stalagmites at the Men’s Room aka Sensational Room kept Toni and the girls giddy.

Ada may have faced her greatest fear, but conquered it with much motivation from everyone. Bong did caught our attention when he jumped out of the cliff and back. It was a dangerous act that only our super guide can do.

Back at the training center, we had a super late lunch. Pork Sinigang and Fried Tilapia for Lunch ala Dinner.

We had a quick dip at the river before packing up for home.

Photo Credits;

Ferdie Teves
Jeneth Gile
Valerie Teves

Muchas Gracias to everyone!

♥ valerie {your haven hunter | Weeee Extreme Weekend!}

“We choose to go…not because it is easy, but because it is hard, because that goal will serve to measure and organize the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” -John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Instead of spending a lazy weekend at home, we challenged ourselves for some fun, extreme and action packed outdoor adventure.

The destination: Mt. Manalmon in Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan

Participants: 15 (Jen, Rob, Flor, Precy, Mac, Rod, Pat, Tevan, Kathe, Dale, Ada, Toni, Malen & Moi) with our super guide Bong Stone.

Itinerary:

Jan 23, Saturday
0600 Assembly Time at Baliuag Transit bus bound for San Miguel Bulacan
0700 ETD San Miguel, Bulacan
0900 ETA San Miguel, Bulacan ( Palengke)
*** Last buying provisions (packed lunch)
0930 ETD San Miguel Palengke to Madlum
1000 ETA Jump Off
*** Registration | Briefing | Preparation
1100 Early Lunch
*** Briefing for Rappelling
1300 Rappelling
1500 Packs on back, start of Trek
1630 ETA Camp site, Rest, Pitch tent
1700 Peak Assault | Picture Taking
1800 Prepare Dinner
1900 Dinner
2000 Socials
2200 Lights out

Jan 24, Sunday
0500 Wake up Call | Peak Assault
0600 Prepare breakfast
0700 Breakfast
0800 Break camp
0830 Descent to cave | River Crossing
0930 Spelunking
1130 Back to Training Center | Prepare for lunch
1200 Lunch
1300 River (Tubing | Monkey Bridge | Swimming | Balsa Ride| Bouldering)
1800 ETD Manila

Some of us weren’t first timers in this ground and some are newbies whose eager to take the challenge.

It would be too cool if our itinerary were followed on schedule but circumstances get in the way and we were behind our timetable…  in short, merong late.

After two weeks of  planning, change of venue, event promotion and pre-climb meeting, our group was conceived. Precy who is single and ready to mingle will be leaving again soon for overseas work and a change of career. She was with Flor, her younger sister and a grade school teacher. MALEN (yes, in all caps) who lost contact with Mouhics after College, can’t wait to RAPPEL. She was with Toni, the giddy girl in the Men’s Room. Ada, the Manalmon-Madlum Survivor (except for the Monkey Bridge), Kathe, high energy happiness and Dale, the super blessed human being. Pat, the Spam and Imported goodies Man, who is on vacation till end of this month, Rod, the quiet first-timer. Mac, who can’t get over the hearts on our super guide Bong’s eyes. Someone to watch out for is Rob, who took beautiful photos. Jen, who is better late than never. Ferdie, the mountain shet este the mountain chef and Me, whom you’ll never wish to take on a rappel challenge unless you’re willing to wait 30 minutes as I get myself ready.

All set, we took Baliuag Transit in Cubao going to Kamias, San Miguel, Bulacan at 9 AM. From there, we hopped in to our arranged jeepney to take us to the town market. We used our last minute chance to buy our packed lunch and ingredients for  dinner and breakfast.

We reached Madlum at almost 2 in the afternoon. The low water level at Madlum river let us crossed to the other side on foot.

Registered at Madlum Training Center, had a quick lunch and prepared ourselves for rappelling activity.

We watched how Bong, Mac & Pat set up the rappel venue. Ropes and System: check. The jump site is lower than what we’ve conquered on 2006. When everything was ready, Mac did the first rappel down, while Bong and Pat gave us an introduction to Rappelling.

The fearless girls followed through and all of us survived the challenged even with wobbly knees, cold feet and sweaty hands. When I thought I could push myself easily down the jump site thinking this is only half of what I conquered last time, it still took me minutes to make the first step off the wall. Feels like the first, eh?

After more than 2 hours, we’re off to the Training Center, packed and set ourselves for a night trek to Mt. Manalmon camp site.

The trek wasn’t rigid, we passed through the river and off to the wilderness.

I guess we’re all on the same stamina level, newbies and oldies alike. The lack of training and outdoor activities for so long made our ascent a little strenuous. Climbing together again after so many years brought along some good and funny memories along the way.

Ada got a sprained leg but still managed it to the camp site.

A different group ahead of us occupied half of the camp site while we settled at the lower half. Its like a war site later, everyone battling to pitch tent right away and rest.

After the sudden commotion, our chef, Ferdie, lead the cooking session for dinner. We had grilled liempo and tinola for dinner. We gathered around for the yummy feast.

At socials, everyone loosened up over the BaR vodka and Generoso brandy. Sharing something about ourselves and reminiscing old times are great starter for new friendship and bonding sessions.

We call it a night at around 2 in the morning.

Watch out for Bulacan Ultimate Weekend Challenge day 2: Spelunking at Bayukbok Caves & Crossing the Monkey Bridge.

Photo Credits:

Ferdinand Teves
Roberto Lagmay Bernardo
Valerie Teves

—————————————

Expenses (P700 each / estimated for 15 pax)

228 – per person, bus fare (Cubao – Bulacan vv)
1800 – Jeepney rental (Kamias to Madlum vv)
300 – food/guide fee/ registration/ miscellaneous

♥valerie {your haven hunter | feels so good to be back in the mountains }

Expect for a thrilling weekend and gain new friends. Some activities include Spelunking, Rappelling, Bouldering, Trekking, Camping, Crossing the Monkey Bridge, Water Rafting, Tubing and River crossing.

Click here for the event link.

Click here for Photos and previous adventure of Manalmon Weekend.

Climb Itinerary

Jan 23, 2010 | Saturday
0600 Assembly Time at Baliuag Transit bus bound for San Miguel Bulacan
0700 ETD San Miguel, Bulacan
0900 ETA San Miguel, Bulacan ( Palengke)
Last buying provisions (packed lunch)
0930 ETD San Miguel Palengke to Madlum
1000 ETA Jump Off
*Registration
*Briefing
*Preparation
1100 Early Lunch
*Rappelling 101
1300 Rappelling
1500 Packs on back, start of Trek
1630 ETA Camp site, Rest, Pitch tent
1700 Peak Assault / Picture Taking
1800 Prepare Dinner
1900 Dinner
2000 Socials
2200 Lights out

Jan 24, 2010 Sunday
0500 Wake up Call/ Peak Assault
0600 – Prepare breakfast
0700 – Breakfast
0800 – Break camp
0830 – Descent to cave / River Crossing
0930 – Spelunking
1130 – Back to Training Center / Prepare for lunch
1200 – Lunch
1300 – River (Tubing / Monkey Bridge /Swimming / Balsa Ride / Bouldering)
1800 – ETD Manila
Estimated Budget : 700
-including local fees, guide and fare.

Pre climb meeting
Jan 15, 2010 friday
630pm
Glorietta Makati Food Choices

_________________________________________________
Pre Climb Details

Fee : P 800
inclusive of local fees, guide fee, transpo (500), food (Day1-dinner), (Day 2 Lunch)

-packed lunch na tayo on day 1

Rappelling details
-bring your own gloves, you can buy this sa Ace hardware i believe its less than 50P

Must have :
- toiletries
- mosquito repellant
- flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries (for spelunking)
- no maongs please
- pack light
- waterproof your bag
- 1 pair of clothes going home
- 2 extra shirt and short, depends sa preference nyo sa damit,
- sleeping bag/blanket
- camera of course

caving /rappelling/trekking attire
- if medyo sensitive ang skin, wear tights tapos shorts, if sensitive sa araw, were long sleeves.
- swimming attire

Drop a message if you’re interested. See you up there =)

♥valerie {your haven hunter | let’s rock your weekend! }