The Philippines is cheaper than Malaysia but more expensive than Thailand and Indonesia.

The survey used the Mandarin Oriental’s rack rates costs in August for its deluxe room.

If the survey used the The Economist’s Big Mac Index, which uses the price of burgers around the world as a light-hearted measure of relative currency values, the Philippines will easily be on top 1 to be the cheapest place for both burgers and hotel rooms.  The survey conducted also noted that Philippine peso  has the advantage of getting cheaper.

Big Mac Index might be better used as a benchmark for tourists to work out how expensive an unfamiliar country is going to be.

Spontaneous road trips are one of the greatest pleasures in life.

However, if you don’t prepare for a road trip, you might end up stranded on the side of the road with no food, no music, no gas, and no hope. If you’re in a hurry to get out and hit the open road, refer to this quick list of essentials to speed up your preparation.

FOOD

Roadtrip food is not about quality. It’s about quantity. Load your car with these classic snack foods and you’ll never go hungry in between highway restaurants:

Potato Chips
This is the best fuel for roadtrippers. Potato chips don’t need to be cooked, and they don’t need to be eaten using utensils. Just open the bag (neatly) and chow down! Pack at least 1-2 large bags per person. If it’s a long trip and you need to stay awake, pack the spicy stuff — the heat in your mouth will keep you up.

Soda
It’s rare that you can justify drinking large quantities of soda; so, when you have the opportunity, seize it! Pack at least one huge bottle (or three cans) for each roadtripper. If you have a cooler, pack the soda in that with a lot of ice. Nothing spoils a road trip faster than having to drink warm soda all day. Yuck.

Donuts
If potato chips and soda don’t contain enough simple carbohydrates for your liking, take along some donuts to give you that extra sugar rush. Pack at least 2-3 donuts per person, and get lots of different kinds — powdered, cream-filled, bars, holes. If you are going on a trip with someone you are interested in, please don’t embarrass yourself by spilling jelly cream or white powder all over yourself. Pack some tissue or paper towels just to be safe.

MUSIC

When it comes to road trip music, it’s definitely all about quality. The following songs have been chosen because they can be put on repeat for hours at a time without getting annoying.

Ventura Highway by America
This song has a great groove, smooth vocals, and driving-focused lyrics. What more do you need?

Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
The ultimate sing-along song. Crank the stereo up to full blast and sing your heart out! Just make sure the driver keeps their eyes on the road.

Baba O’Reilley by The Who
Fairly eccentric song, but very catchy as well. This one will have you playing Air Keyboard for hours.

Road Trippin by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
The title of this song alone makes it worthy of inclusion on this list.

Time After Time (cover) by Quietdrive
This rock cover of the classic Cyndi Lauper hit gives the song a new edge while retaining its original beauty. Another singalong favorite.

GAS

The three absolute bare-bones necessities of a road trip are a car, friends, and gasoline. Since it’s hard to pick the first two at the last minute anyway, let’s focus on which gas you should pick to get you going on your way.

Petron E10 Premium Green Blend
If you want to protect health of both the environment and your car’s engine, Petron E10 is the gas for you. E10’s special enhanced fuel additive breaks down unwanted deposits in your engine, which means improved fuel economy and long-lasting engine parts. E10’s futuristic and environmentally friendly mix of 10% fuel-grade ethanol ensures that you can enjoy your road trip guilt-free.

So, there you go. Go to your local grocery and Petron station to pick up supplies, then get going on your trip. Have a safe, fun journey!

You way want to check:

• Auto Insurance Rates
• Car Insurance – How Can You Lower Your Premiums?
• Car Insurance Estimate
• Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance

With the theme “Ready, Jet-Set, Go!” , the Philippine Travel Expo 2010 event features two new segments – lifestyle (which will cover travel accessories, health and wellness products and services, culinary schools, car rentals and the like) and food sellers with lounge areas.

Accompanying Events:
Daily Raffle Draws, Entertainment & Games and  Exhibitors’ Presentations & more surprises

Date:
19 to 21 February 2010

Venue:
SMX Convention Center Halls 2, 3 & 4,
Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Opening Hours:
19 February – Friday
11 AM – 9 PM

20 February – Saturday
10 AM – 9 PM

21 February – Sunday
10 AM – 6 PM

Ticket booths close 30 minutes before end of show hours.

Why join TravelTour Expo 2010?

• TravelTour Expo is the biggest event for the travel and tourism industry
• TravelTour Expo offers you an expanded customer base
• TravelTour Expo is the ultimate destination for the best travel deals
• TravelTour Expo is the prime marketplace for your destinations
• TravelTour Expo is continuously doing its best to bring you a special show every year!

The observance of the Eid’l Adha  as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is not yet scheduled together with the Eid’l Fitr festival which marks the end of Ramadan.

Based on Proclamation No. 1841 signed by President Gloria Arroyo on July 21, 2009, below are the regular holidays and special holidays for 2010:

• January 1, Friday – New Year’s Day
• February 22, Monday nearest February 25 – EDSA Revolution Anniversary (special holiday for schools)
• April 1 – Maundy Thursday
• April 2 – Good Friday
• April 9, Friday – Araw ng Kagitingan
• May 1, Saturday – Labor Day
• June 14, Monday nearest June 12 – Independence Day
• August 23, Monday nearest August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working day)
• August 30, last Monday of August – National Heroes Day
• November 1, Monday – All Saints’ Day (special non-working day)
• November 29, Monday nearest November 30 – Bonifacio DayDecember 24, Friday (special non-working day)
• December 25, Saturday – Christmas Day
• December 27, Monday nearest December 30 – Rizal Day
• December 31, Friday – Last Day of the Year (special non-working day)

It’s now high time to schedule your calendar. Prepare as early as possible for your travel and vacation leave! Plan and schedule it now.

We already booked a room in a nice, family atmosphere hotel somewhere in Pagudpud. This is not my first time to go there so I know how far the place is – around 12 hours of driving from Manila.  Food is very cheap in that province. The only expenses I’ve been thinking around that will eat most of our budget is the gas.

Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it’s going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! Gas price went down by 50 centavos for unleaded gasoline last week but still high.

Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station.

Below are the 10 best tips I have compiled to help you get the most out of your money!

Tip 1: Shop Around
This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything not only for Gas. Always shop around specially if there are gasoline stations that are near to each other. They usually try to compete by lowering their prices. Y

Tip 2: Try another brand
You may be loyal to the brand that you are using now but probably you can get yet cheaper price for a different brand.
Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool
I actually learned about this tip from my friend. Gasoline is denser in  in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density. The gasoline easily evaporates during warmer temperatures.

Tip 4: Avoid Gas Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
I’ve experienced this in Baguio City during Typhoon Peping.  The small particles at the bottom of the tank get stirred up when the tanks are refilled, and when these particles get into your gasoline tank, they affect the fuel efficiency of your car.

Tip 5: Don’t Top Off
The gas pump needs some time to draw out the full amount of gas, so when you purchase a bit of gas the station, you get short bursts of fuel that you’ll probably pay extra for. Try to refill your tank when you have less than half a tank left or when you find a price that is so low you cannot afford to miss it.

Tip 6: Don’t Use High Octane Gas
Most cars nowadays are built to run on regular unleaded gas. Don’t let the pump or gasoline boy to outsell you. Purchasing higher octane gas is simply a waste of money.  Getting higher octane gas will not improve fuel efficiency. Check your car manual for the correct recommended gas octane.

Tip 7:  Use The Correct Tire Pressure
Having the correct tire pressure is extremely important for getting good gas mileage and the most life out of your tires.  The recommended pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door.

Tip 8: Lessen the Use of Air-Conditioning
This tip is simple enough. Air-conditioning uses electricity, and they can reduce fuel economy by up to 20%. It’s advisable to use the air ventilation system instead, if it’s possible. I’m recommending this tip if you are driving in your subdivision or in the province where the outside air is fresh.

Tip 9: Plan Your Trip
Make a plan trip. You can avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trip before hand, and of course that saves you money on gas consumption. If going to the provinces, avoid passing through town markets, use the provincial road instead.

Tip 10: Purchase Vehicles That Get Good Mileage
This is probably one of the best tips anybody can give on saving money at the gas pump. It’s always better to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. Buy the right car for you and your family!  Avoid a big car if you can if you only have a small family.

The management of the World Pyro Olympics (WPO) 2009 announced the postponement of this year’s event originally set on November 28, December 5, 12 and 19 at the Bonifacio Global City.  The event will continue as soon as the safety issues have been fully addressed.

According to the Executive Committee of the WPO 09, the postponement was due to the incessant rains and flooding during the past months have rendered the firing area almost unfit for the  pyrotechnics launching which have certain international standards to observe. The participating countries have thus agreed to postpone the event.

Tickets purchased will still be honored on the new event dates which is being scheduled to be early next year. Ticket holders are requested to contact WPO hotline at 568-6908 /384-0239 or log on to http://www.worldpyroolympics.com/ for more details and update.

The World Pyro Olympics is still set to deliver The Greatest Show On Earth. Stay posted.

To celebrate the arrival of PAL’s new Boeing  777-300 ER, Philippine Airlines brings you the lucky triple sevens! Enjoy the PHP777 and PHP1777 special domestic fares.

Fares as low as P777 ((Base Fare: PHP 693) are available for flights between Manila and :

Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Kalibo, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Dumaguete and Roxas.

The P777 low fare is also applicable for flights between Cebu and Davao.

Fares to Mindanao provinces will go as low as P1,777 ((Base Fare: PHP 1586) , such as:

Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Dipolog, General Santos, Zamboanga, Ozamiz and Butuan.

The all-in (inclusive of VAT), one-way fares are on sale from November 19 to 25, 2009. Travel period is between December 1 to 25, 2009 and February 1 to March 25, 2010.

Visit http://www.philippineairlines.com/special_offers/triple_seven/tripleseven.jsp for more details.

Philippine Airlines Promo

Roundtrip Economy class all-in fares. Prices listed below are Exclusive of government taxes. Inclusive of in-flight meals, beverages, newspapers and on-board entertainment.

[table id=3 /]

APPLICATION:

• Valid for round trip travel on economy class.

TRAVEL VALIDITY

:

• Valid from 04NOV09 to 10DEC09 and 11JAN10 to 04FEB10 for OUTBOUND TRAVEL

MINIMUM and MAXIMUM STAY:

• 2 days/8 days

SALES RESTRICTIONS

:

• Tickets must be issued on/after 25OCT09 and on/before 30OCT09
• Extension of ticket validity is not permitted

RESERVATIONS, PAYMENT AND TICKETING:

• Tickets must be issued 24 hours after confirmed reservations or on/before 30OCT09 whichever is earlier
• For reservations confirmed on 30OCT09, tickets must be issued on 30OCT09
• Changes are not permitted
  - rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement are not permitted
• Fares and surcharges are non-refundable
• No child/infant discount

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS:

• Mileage accrual and Service Class Upgrade award do not apply on this fare
• Free Baggage Allowance is 15 kilograms

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) -the single largest association of registered tour operators in the Philippines is staging the 20th Philippines Travel Mart. The country’s biggest travel and tourism trade show will be held at the MegaTrade Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City this coming September 4-6, 2009.

GRAND VACATION SALE NG BAYAN

This is one of the main highlights of the trade show wherein the exhibitors and participants of this year’s Philippine Travel Mart will give attractive discounts and special offers to visitors during the 3-day event.

No need to shell out a lot of cash during the events because reservations for travel and tour, hotel, transport (sea and air) can be purchased at lower rates and should be availed of or completed on or before November 15, 2009.

PTM will use the Department of Tourism’s Island Getaways as the official banner of Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan.

The top performing companies, provinces, or regions of Grand Vacation Sale ng Bayan will be given awards during the Closing Ceremonies of the 20th PTM.

SEAIR Special “Buy 1, Take 1″ Offer

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR),  one of the show’s exhibitors, will offer a “Buy 1, Take 1” Batanes round trip promo and almost 75% off on Boracay round trip ticket.

Visitors can purchase “Buy 1, Take 1” Batanes roundtrip tickets for only PhP 14,344, all in. Boracay roundtrip tickets will be at PhP 3,500, all in. Travel and ticket validity period for the promo is until October 15, 2009.

With “Beyond the Usual…” as conference/exhibition theme, the main highlights of the 20th PTM will include beyond the usual regional culinary fares, beyond the usual exciting destinations, beyond the usual travel and tour experiences, and beyond the usual events and festivities that are the hallmarks of our unique Philippine culture.

Tara na! Byahe Na Tayo! Kaya nating tuklasin ang mga magagandang tanawin sa ating bayan!

What a better way to visit your province or take a vacation to some Philippines’ beautiful and scenic sights.

You may buy the ticket online or you may call PAL Reservations at (632) 855-8888 or any Philippine-based sales ticket office or travel agent. Traveling dates is from 01 September to 15 December 2009 and must be completed by 15 December 2009.

Below are the PAL and PAL EXPRESS routes and one way fares in PHP (taken from Philippine Airlines website):

PAL FLIGHTS

• For as low as PHP988 Between MANILA and LAOAG, LEGASPI, BACOLOD, CEBU, DUMAGUETE, ILOILO, KALIBO, PUERTO PRINCESA, ROXAS, TACLOBAN, TAGBILARAN

• For as low as PHP1,988 Between MANILA and BUTUAN, CAGAYAN DE ORO, COTABATO, DAVAO, DIPOLOG, GENERAL SANTOS, OZAMIZ, ZAMBOANGA

PAL EXPRESS FLIGHTS

• For as low as PHP788 Between MANILA and BUSUANGA, SAN JOSE, VIRAC, TUGUEGARAO

• For as low as PHP788 Between CEBU and BACOLOD, BUTUAN, CAGAYAN DE ORO, TACLOBAN

• For as low as PHP888 Between CEBU and DIPOLOG, GENERAL SANTOS, OZAMIZ, ZAMBOANGA

• For as low as PHP888 Between DAVAO and ZAMBOANGA

• For as low as PHP988 Between MANILA and CALBAYOG, CATARMAN

• For as low as PHP988 Between CEBU and KALIBO

Prices above are inclusive of insurance and fuel surcharges and VAT. Exclusive of Airport Security Fee and other fees that will be collected at the airport. Conditions :

1. APPLICATION
   • Valid for one way and combinable for roundtrip travel on economy class.
   • Restricted for online and sales/ticketing in the Philippines.
2. RESERVATION/PAYMENT and TICKETING
   • Open-dated tickets and go-show not allowed
   • NON-REFUNDABLE but upgradeable to a higher fare type. Re-issuance fee waived.
   • Downgrade/re-routing allowed. Re-issuance fee must be collected.
   • Re-issuance is allowed at PHP600 per ticket
   • No-show surcharge is PHP600 per sector
   • Rebooking is allowed at PHP600 per sector
3. TRAVEL VALIDITY
   • Valid for travel from 01 September to 15 December 2009.
4. OTHER DISCOUNTS
   • No other discounts apply except for Senior Citizen and Infant without seat. Senior citizen discount is not available online.
5. NO MILEAGE ACCRUAL