5 Commuting Hacks in the New Normal

With the holidays over, thousands of Filipinos are coming back from their hometowns or simply traveling to get to work.

If you are one of these commuters, please remember that the pandemic is not yet over, and strict health protocols are still in place. However, there are ways for you to be able to get to your destination safely. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, is here to give you some tips on just that.

 
Prepare for cashless payments. Many transport services have implemented cashless paying schemes as a precautionary measure against the COVID-19 virus. For example, ride-hailing apps only accept bookings if you will pay through your e-wallet or credit or debit cards. Also, trains and some buses only allow passengers to ride if they have a reloadable contactless smart card. To avoid any hassle, make sure that you have the necessary apps and cards. But if you have to pay with cash, it’s best to prepare the exact amount to lessen physical contact.

Always bring your essentials. When you take public transportation, you may be at risk and be exposed to many strangers. Remember to always protect yourself by properly wearing your face mask and face shield. It’s also best to bring a spray bottle of alcohol and a pack of sanitary wipes to not only clean your hands, but to also sanitize handrails, windows, and other surfaces in a public vehicle.

Check required travel documents. Since regions in the country are under different levels of quarantine, some places may have stricter policies and health measures than others. This means that some cities may require you to present certain documents prior to entry. These may include a travel pass issued by municipal offices or city chief of police, medical certificate, company ID, and a negative RT-PCR result. Because of this, make sure to do your research before traveling and prepare whatever is necessary.

Keep yourself entertained. If you’re going to ride the train, a bus, or a van service, expect the lines to be long. Since these modes of transportation can’t operate at full capacity, you probably have to wait in line for a long time. So, fight the boredom and frustration by keeping yourself entertained. Before you leave the house, you can download movies or a television series that you can binge-watch on your phone as you wait in line. You can also create a music playlist, listen to podcasts, install new games, or bring a pocketbook to help you pass the time.

Avoid talking and eating. When in public transportation, refrain from talking or eating as this will require you to open your mouth or take off your mask. Conversations can wait until you are indoors and no longer around strangers. Likewise, make sure that you eat before you leave the house so that you won’t get hungry while travelling.

Have an emergency contact. When you’re on the road, regardless if you are commuting or riding a private car, it’s best to have someone to reach out to in case of emergencies. To help with this, AXA Philippines has Rescue Line, a special service accessible through the Emma by AXA app that provides 24/7 free access to emergency response such as roadside assistance, police, and ambulance anytime, anywhere. With just a few taps, professional help may be requested, and your loved ones will be simultaneously notified of your emergency situation and current location. What's more, AXA has also enhanced its emergency response services with Rescue Line’s geotag feature which can help pinpoint your location faster and more accurately. You may download Emma by AXA via App Store and Google Play and register or create your account, even if you are not yet an AXA insurance policyholder.

For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line. 01/15/2021 (Bits of Rocks)

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Dream Holiday Getaway is Just a Reddoorz Away

It's the ‘Ber months and it’s time to plan that holiday getaway with friends or family. What's holding back most people from going all out to make their dreams get real is budget concerns. Now, RedDoorz with its all-out traveller perks and budget-friendly rates will make this the most memorable holiday vacay ever.

This Holiday Season, why not target these new places where RedDoorz has opened up and making a big difference in the travel scene?  

Davao

If your dream vacay is a nature trip, with some history, exotic scenery, shop-till-you-drop shopping and glorious, inexpensive food, mark Davao for your next adventure.

The Crocodile Park, the Philippine Eagle sanctuary, the Davao Butterfly House, Eden Nature Park and Resort, zipline adventures and more, are what make Davao a heaven on earth for thrill-seekers and adrenaline-junkies. Climb the summit of the “King of the Philippine Peaks,” Mt. Apo and get a 360-degree view from the country’s highest peak. Or go island-hopping and take a dip in the waters of world-class beaches.

Vacations are never complete without feasts. Enjoy native Dabawenyo dishes like sinugbang tuna (grilled tuna), inato (grilled chicken), pasayan (deep-fried shrimp), kinhason (baked scallops), and imbaw (clam soup). Sample their pomelo and durian products ranging from fresh fruit to candies to ice cream and shake. There are 22 RedDoorz hotels in the heart of this big city that will be your launch pad for your holiday adventure.

Palawan

For indelible memories, Palawan is Ground Zero for you. The natural beauty of its beaches, rivers and caves plus the tropical vibe that this island brings will mesmerize you.

Here’s where you’ll find its most popular attraction – the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the world’s longest navigable underground river – that has made it one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 

The Ihawig River is a perfect place to commune with nature and just feel good to be alive. A visit to this historic river will not be complete unless you experience its most famous tourist attraction, firefly watching.

And to complete your magical experience in Palawan, experience the sands of the popular Honda Bay. You can use the site as a jump-off place for a lot of other islands to travel to. Choose from any of 13 RedDoorz hotels in Palawan to be nearest the island attraction you want best.

Tagaytay 

Sometimes you don’t need to go far to escape the stress of the city. Only a few hours away from the noise of Manila, you can find solitude and a much-needed break whenever you want.

Enjoy the City’s varied attractions, from the mind challenging and jaw-dropping Puzzle Mansion where you can find the most extensive collection of Jigsaw Puzzles in the world. The lady who completed all the 2D, 3D and 4D puzzles here – some as big as murals – is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the unmatchable number and kinds of puzzles she completed.

Enjoy Tagaytay’s cool breeze and chilly evenings with a romantic dinner or even just a hot sip of healthy Tagaytay Bulalo.

Don’t miss its most famous attraction - the People’s Park in the Sky. It stands at the highest point of Tagaytay and lets you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, the best vantage point to see Taal Lake and Volcano. If you want rides and kiddie adventures, visit the Sky Ranch for rides and panoramic views. You can find the best branded items at outlet stores in Sta.Rosa where you’ll find quality, outlet-priced gifts to give for the holiday season.

RedDoorz at the Ridge, Mahogany and Sta. Rosa are all just minutes away from all the best Tagaytay landmarks.

But whatever location you choose, booking your RedDoorz hotel will be easy as pie because the RedDoorz App is your go-to companion for your discovery adventure. This user-friendly, 100% safe app allows you to compare hundreds of hotels, get real time prices, read traveller reviews so you can plan your trip in detail. Once you’re there, RedDoorz will pamper you with free Wifi, clean beds, clean sheets, free toiletries, unlimited water and a pleasant experience – all for very affordable rates. Even paying is easy! You can use credit cards, Dragonpay or pay-at-hotel without need for credit card guarantee.

Just one RedDoorz away should also mean that entire discovery, booking experience is just “one-app” away and few clicks

So for the holidays, don’t be afraid to pursue your adventure. There are RedDoorz Hotels - RedDoorz, RedDoorz Plus or RedDoorz Premium - that fits your budget. You’ll be glad to know that a RedDoorz Hotel is just “one app and a few clicks away” in whatever city you choose. 09/07/2019 (Bits of Rocks)

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The 10TH PIPC #PyroMusicalPH Experience in Clark, Pampanga

After more than one year, it's great to be back in Clark, Pampanga! This time, to experience and cover the greatest world musical fireworks competition participated by the different countries around the globe!

The event took place in SM City Clark. I've joined the Saturday,  March 2, 2019 event. But before wed discussed my last Saturday night's experience, let me tour you back in my first SM Clark experience way back in 2017. Yes, me and my #TeamRR  team been here to cover the VIOS Cup with the celebrity racers. My interviews and event coverage were on my official YouTube channel if you want to watch them all!

Now back to the present, here are my pyromusical story:

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC) is a tradition at the SM Mall of Asia that has brought endless enjoyment to millions of Filipinos each year. For the past 9 years, the pyrotechnics have always complied with the international standards for environmental safety, at par with countries like Canada, Australia, Hongkong and famous theme parks around the world.

In full support of the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program of the DENR, SM Supermalls will move the 10th PIPC from SM Mall of Asia to SM City Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga starting on February 23 to March 30, 2019.

The Wide Field New Venue in SM City Clark

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition’s annual program has 10 competing countries who take on a battle of breath taking fireworks performances amid symphony of sounds.

On March 2, Germany’s 9th PIPC champs “Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke” and Portugal’s “Pirotecnia Minhota” will treat the crowd with their tradition and mastery of skills in the sky.

On March 9, the Pampanga skyline will witness France’s “Brezac Artifices” followed by a burst of vibrant colors by Finland’s Oy Pyroman.

Italy’s very own “Viviano S.R.L.” and last year’s champion, United Kingdom’s “Pyrotex Fireworx” will battle it out on March 16.

Here are some of my photos taken during the event:

Canada’s turn to paint the night sky bursting with colors on March 23 with their very own “Fireworks Spectaculars” and China’s Polaris Fireworks will surely stun the crowds.

To cap off the competition and close a decade of giving the best pyromusical exhibition in the Philippines, March 30 promises the most spectacular display of colors and surprises with Poland’s Surex Firma Rodzinna and the Philippines’ own Platinum Fireworks Inc. in a grand finale like no other.

The annual PIPC Photo Contest will also highlight entries from amateur and professional photographers wherein winners will receive special prizes from PIPC’s partners and sponsors.

Tickets to the most-awaited 10th PIPC are available at www.pyrophilippines.com or through SM Tickets, SM Cinemas, SM Mall of Asia ticket booths starting February 13, and at SM City Clark ticket booths starting February 14, ranging from the Patron with dinner at P1,800, VIP at P600, Gold at P350 and Silver at P120. Ticket prices will be different on the closing day of 10th PIPC. Ticket coupons will be available for purchase in Metrodeal starting February 13, 2019.

Reunited with the Racer Heartthrob James Deakin. He's One of the Judges

This magnificent family-friendly bonding experience is made possible with Platinum Fireworks Inc., the City of Angeles, Pampanga, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Reclamation Authority and our many sponsors.

For more information about PIPC show schedules, visit the SM Supermalls social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and http://bit.ly/10thPIPCFAQs or call any of the following hotline numbers:

Platinum: 0966-9682256;‬ 0947-5989523‬; (02) 3591486

SM Mall of Asia: (02) 556-0660

S Maison: (02) 946-3848

SM By The Bay: (02) 556-6244

SM City Clark : (045) 499-0198

SM Tickets: (02) 470-2222

Metro Deal: (02) 823-1955

It was such a great experience like no other! Until my next visit here! 03/05/2019 (Bits of Rocks)

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5 Must Haves for a Perfect Beach Trip

With the temperature peaking at around 35 degrees Celsius daily, the warm weather in the Philippines beckons a trip to the nearest beach. 

While packing for the roadtrip, there are some items you need to put in your weekender bag to make the most out of your short respite from the heat. 

1. Smartphone for selfies 

Never leave for a trip without your smartphone! Well, that is unless you are trying to get off the grid. Your smartphone can be your ultimate travel buddythat will document your getaways, help you stay on track with its GPS feature, and more. If you are looking for a new smartphone, consider getting a Vivo V9.The latest flagship of the global smartphone brandis a knockout for taking selfies and photos. It has a 24-megapixel AI selfie camera and a 16MP+5MP dual rear camera for capturing your best beach moments.

2. Water bottle for hydration 

Lounging under the sun may give you a great tan, but remember to keep hydrated with a bottle of water at hand’s reach. Make sure you ditch the single use of plastic bottles by bringing your own bottle. KleanKanteen has a wide array of stainless steel water bottles including insulated ones to keep your drinks cold throughout the day. 

3. Beach blanket for convenience 

Lying on the beach with a book in hand is one of the best ways to kill time—until you stand up only to spend minutes trying to brush off sand from your skin or your mat!Lagubeach blankets can help you. Theseblankets repel sandto keep them on the beach. Plus, their unique linen blend is allergen-free with quick-dry properties.   

4. Swimwear for extreme activities

Although there are now a lot of shops that offer fashionable swimwear, make sure you stick to those that are made for the rough waves—especially if you are planning to try different beach and water sports like volleyball or surfing. Speedois a trusted brand by many athletes because of its high-quality swimwear and accessories. With the proper sizing, every Speedo swimwearhas a snug fit to keep you focused on the game. 

5. Sunblock for protection 

Your time at the beach can leave a mark—literall. While you can avoid the sunburn by staying indoors, you might miss out on all the fun. Instead, you may opt to wear rash guards and other protective accessories like wide-brimmed hats. You should also make sure you applysunblockbefore going out to the beach.Lightweight and water-resistant, the VMV Hypoallergenics’ Armada Sport 70may be a sound choice. It shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun-related problems. 05/28/2018 (Bits of Rocks) 

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The Nuestra Señora De Gracia Church

It's great to be back in one of the oldest church in the Philippines, the Nuestra Señora De Gracia Church located in Guadalupe, Makati City.

Yes, this is my second time to visit this church with an ancient architecture. The first visit was last January 2014 during the wedding of my college bestfriend Marfe Antonette Burmudo-Mallari.

After three years, Janury 29, 2017, I returned to this church but this time, for the baptismal of my new goddaughter, the second child of Marfe, Olivia Green!

Check out my souvenir postcard photos on this historic church below: 

This church is really rich in scenic views. Yeah, its perfect for photos and prenup videos! We can definitely add this to our travel collection!

Thank you to my long time college  friend Mau Cabo for capturing these beautiful shots using his professional camera.  02/10/2017 (RCB)  

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Tara Travel!

It's travel time! We have started the year 2017 traveling and exploring the beautiful and the historic place of Cebu, eight of January.

Some of my travel photos and videos were already share in my other blog Runner Rocky. But yes, I will still share more here.

Starting this year, as part of the great changes here in Bits of Rocks, I will also share more of my travel escapade from different places. I will let you explore the places that we had toured by sharing my personal travel videos, photos, and experience on the said places.

Tara travel and enjoy the beauty of the world! (RCB) 

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The 7-Day Nature Photography Challenge

Challenge accepted and surpassed! For 7 consecutive days, I have posted different nature photos of the 7 places I have visited in the Philippines. My friend nominated me to do this for 7 days. And I will do the same - to nominate a Facebook friend per day which corresponds to these 7 nature photos.

And here are the 7 nature photos I have posted:

Day 1 - Benquet

Day 2 - Corregidor

Day 3 - Ambon Ambon Falls

Day 4 - Tayak Hills

Day 5 - Cagbalete Island

Day 6 - Puerto Gallera

Day 7 - Caliraya

You may check the details of the said travel photos in my Facebook and Instagram accounts. (RCB)

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