CqTourism.com: 2012

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Tips for Filipinos Renting Cars on an Australian Getaway

For Filipinos travelling to Australia, one of the ideal ways to get around various tourist destinations in the country is through car rental. If you’re a travelling Filipino, check out the following tips to help you rent a car in Australia in the most affordable and convenient ways.

Make Sure You’re Eligible to Rent Cars

First off, as an international visitor, you need to be sure that you’re eligible to drive in Australia. Renting and driving a car requires a valid, unrestricted license. Moreover, you should be at least 21 years old. An international license that’s written in English is allowed. Also, confirm the extent of your insurance before signing the terms and conditions.

Book Online Before the Trip

Before you head off to Australia, you may opt to book online in advance. Most Filipinos travelling to Australia usually book online because they save money. You can find discounts that are not offered when you get a rental car at the airport on your arrival. Major companies servicing all top locations and most remote destinations include Hertz, Europcar, Redspot, Budget, Thrifty and Avis. Most of these are internationally renowned car rental companies.

Do your research, and pick the ideal car rental provider of your choice. You may book online, or call over the phone, if available. As the demand for rental services boosts during peak seasons, it’s recommended that you search and reserve your preferred car online at least one week ahead of your trip if you plan to travel during hectic months. This will give you a wider selection of vehicles that suit your needs.

Also, check if you can make use of certain discounts such as corporate discounts, loyalty discounts, standing percentage discounts and coupon offers.

On-Airport Site

On-site refers to car hire suppliers that have a physical location at the airport where clients can pick up and drop off their rented vehicle. Some of the Filipinos travelling to Australia consider this to be a quick and easy option. Car rental services are easily accessible at airports, city centers, resorts and the suburbs. Typically, car rental comparison websites provide details about whether the supplier is located on-site or off-site.

Off-Airport Car Hire

Off-site suppliers are those that are situated in a close proximity to the airport. Hiring at an off-airport location has its advantages. Many off-airport car rental companies provide added perks such as a convenient free shuttle service that will pick you up. Also, rental companies based at the airport pay taxes that add on to the cost; off-site operators tend to offer lower prices.

Once you land at the airport, you can give your selected company a call and they will pick you up with their courtesy shuttle. With this service, you and your family/companions can have ample time to pack the car and settle the kids away from the hustle and bustle of the airport environment.

Driving on the Left Side

Since Filipinos are accustomed to driving on the right side of the road, you’ll have to be careful not to slip into this habit while driving in Australia. Vehicles in Australia are driven on the left side of the road, so all Filipinos travelling to Australia must abide by this driving policy.

Renting cars is certainly a great option that offers you flexibility when it comes to travelling. Just make sure that you carefully plan your trip itinerary before embarking on your journey.

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Perya - Carnival

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A Vocal Coaching Workshop for singer wanna-bees

Izek’s Quest is inviting generals who would want to make a career out of singing to join them this Saturday, November 24, 2012 for another Vocal Coaching Workshop.

The half day affair, from 1pm – 4pm promises a lot of fun activities and vocal exercises for would be participants. Registration fee is only P350. Venue is at the Bread of Life Convenarium, Queenie’s Love Village, National Highway, General Santos City.

For more info, please check out their official poster below.

Handling this Vocal Coaching Workshop is Mr. Roji “Arjay” Soriano, a professional singer, recording artist, a toast master, an event organizer and an Optometrist! He’s one of the best in the business these days and he is flying in to GenSan just for this.

So if you want to be the next Zendee Rose, join him at this very special Vocal Coaching Workshop and start learning to sing your way to stardom!

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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

SMI gets 5th Presidential Award for Industry-leading sustainable devt practices

Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is very pleased to announce that it has received its fifth
Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) for its industry-leading
sustainability practices in the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project at the 59th Annual National
Mine Safety and Environment Conference held in Baguio City from 14-16 November 2012.

The PMIEA is the highest accolade awarded to a mining company in the Philippines. It
evaluates all facets of a mining company’s sustainable development practices, including
health and safety, environmental management, community development and stakeholder
communication and engagement.

This is the fourth consecutive year SMI has been recognized by this Presidential citation,
after being awarded the PMIEA in 2009, 2010 and 2011. SMI received its first PMIEA in
2006.

SMI General Manager for External Affairs Mark Williams said the company was extremely
honored that its responsible business practices continue to be recognized by the Philippine
government.

“This award affirms our unwavering commitment to develop the Tampakan Project to
industry-leading practices and the international standards of our managing shareholder,
Xstrata Copper, which is recognized globally for its sustainability practices,” said Mr
Williams.

“Our programs and initiatives are implemented in partnership with our stakeholders, and
strive towards a sustainable future for our host communities and the preservation of the
local environment for generations to come.”

Mr Williams said SMI was also proud its Maleh Tu Kayo (‘let us plant trees’) multi-sectoral
reforestation program was again awarded second runner-up by the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources in the 2012 Best Mining Forestry Program (exploration
category).

“Our Maleh Tu Kayo reforestation program has involved more than 3,000 volunteers and
100 community groups, and is implemented in partnership with local government and
communities,” said Mr Williams.

Since the launch of the award-winning reforestation program in 2005, SMI has distributed
and planted more than 700,000 seedlings from its two established nurseries located in
Tampakan, South Cotabato and Kiblawan, Davao de Sur.

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A Three Day Escape in Alegre Beach Resort

Maayong aga, Malipayong Pag-abot! exclaims the front desk officer, as I hurriedly got my backpack from the shuttle to check in.

It is going to be an exciting 3d/2n beach escape at the Alegre Beach Resort in Sogod, Cebu.

(...)
Read the rest of A Three Day Escape in Alegre Beach Resort

WARNING: If you are reading this blogpost outside of Byahilo.com then it is highly possible that this post has been stolen! Report it to us!

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Perya - Carnival

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Best Rated Mediterranean Shore Excursions

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most popular cruising destinations around the world, and with good reason. With countries and regions so diverse in nature, travellers have the opportunity to experience the wonders and historical significance of a range of destinations. While you may never want to disembark from some luxury cruise liners, because they offer the most lavish holiday experience available, be sure to take the time to visit at least one unforgettable destination in the Mediterranean.

Santorini Greece

Tunis, Tunisia

A shore excursion in Tunis will see travellers having the opportunity to discover the ancient ruins that are scattered across the coastline of Tunisia. Like many European countries, Tunisia has a rich heritage, home to some of the most historically captivating architecture in the world. Quaint market stalls are surrounded by endless sandy dunes, with holidaymakers feeling like they’ve stepped into a whole new world. When you have been given a detailed account of your itinerary, be sure to research your tour options and plan in advance, to ensure that you get the most out of your time in this magnificent country.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most frequented cruise ports in Greece, and as you sail into the magnificent surrounds of this region, it is easy to see why. This magnificent Greek Island is located in the group of Cyclades Islands, and is home to cascading cliff sides that plummet into the sea below. Some of the best views in the world can be seen from Santorini, so take the time to simply relax, indulge your senses in a traditional Greek feast and bask in the magnificent scenic views before you. Santorini offers travellers the chance to taste some of the finest drops of wine in the world, so be sure to book-in for a wine tasting tour, if you are lucky enough to have a lengthy shore excursion in Greece.

Venice, Italy

The list of things to see and do in Venice is virtually limitless, and so they only problem you will have is deciding what to do first. Visiting the Great Canals of Venice is a must for all travellers and provides the perfect opportunity for capturing some memorable holiday photos. St Mark’s Basilica is also one of the most famed attractions in Europe, but like most ports of call in the Mediterranean, simply dining on fine food and wine is more than enough to suffice.

With such a vast variety of cruises to the Mediterranean available to travellers, it is important that you research your ports for disembarking. If you have your heart set on visiting a particular destination, talk to your travel agent to ensure that you will have ample time to make the most of an unforgettable shore excursion.

Guest Post by Tara Blair
It is almost as good as dream comes true for Tara when she got an offer as a travel writer, infusing her love for travel and her passion to share wonderful moments with her fellow travellers. Tara also loves yoga and teaches part-time in a local studio.

Photo courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ia_Santorini-2009-1.JPG

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PNB and BPI To Merge in a Huge Deal

News broke out today confirming rumors that Ayala-led Bnak of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Lucio Tan's Philippine National Bank (PNB) is in talks of merger/acquisition to become the country's largest financial entity usurping Sy-led Banco de Oro Unibank in terms of assets. The confirmation was made through independent disclosures to the Philippine Stock Exchange(PSE) early Wednesday morning. BPI disclosure says: "We confirm discussions with the Lucio Tan...

NOTE: This is just a summary! To view the entire article, click the TITLE of the article to redirect you at www.bloggedphilippines.com

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3 Easy Tips to Prevent Being Obese When Travelling in the Philippines

It is undeniable that we Filipinos adore food. In fact, we love our local food so much that we eat almost five times a day – that includes meriendas. It’s no wonder why inspite of recurring financial depression, most of us don’t forget to have fiestas. Our love for food makes us all at risk of being obese. Obesity among Filipinos has become significant nowadays.

It is not surprising for Filipinos to be heavier, compared to their neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. While most of these countries have vegetables and white meat as their main dishes, Filipinos’ main courses are mostly from red meat and starchy roots. Plus, add the fact that Filipinos have big appetite; it would definitely add up to obesity having lost our ideal weight and body mass index (BMI).

But Philippines have been a tourists’ haven for years. Travelling in the Philippines offers a lot of unforgettable experiences that nobody could forget. Its pristine beaches, exotic caves and of course – Filipino cuisines have been our country’s best tourist attraction. One could easy lower down their guards and just relax when travelling in the Philippines. Just a week or two in our country will definitely help a person relieve stress. But anyone must be aware of getting hit by obesity.

For tourists visiting the Philippines don’t fret obesity. There are still ways on how to keep your weight while travelling in the Philippines. Just make sure to make the best out of this vacation.

1. Savor the Filipino cuisines
It’s easy travelling in the Philippines with a lot of delicacies at hand – the pastillias, kakanins, and some locally made pies, are really hard to resist. One can easily devour these sweets and make a big thump on a weighing scale. It is also a big regret if one doesn’t taste these delectable pasalubongs. So, go ahead- eat them. Taste them. But don’t stuff yourself with it. To savor the food is just to eat slow and indulge with the taste. Eat with gusto, but in moderation. Enjoy how the food tastes, and not to satisfy your hunger. It is also a good way to prevent obesity.

2. Eat All Kinds of Filipino Foods
This is a trick to trick your mind not to eat too much. The secret of preventing obesity when travelling in the Philippines is to eat a little of everything. It’s tempting to eat every single menu that’s being served on the table, but take note of how it would affect your diet, or your health. So to prevent one’s self from overeating, one must sample each dish on small amounts. That way, both your visual and olfactory senses are satisfied.

3. Jog and walk along Philippine Tourist Spots
Being relaxed on a beautiful island does not mean that you have to abandon exercising as well. Jogging, brisk walking, or just playing catch with your friends, along the shoreline can really prevent obesity from reaching you. It is also a great way not just to lose a few pounds, but also experiencing everything you need to know when travelling in the Philippines.

So, being a traveler on a diet is never a hindrance in visiting the Philippines. All you have to do is follow this few tips on how to prevent obesity when traveling in the Philippines. Just be vigilant on whatever you eat and increase your movement. For sure, you’ll enjoy travelling in the Philippines without being prone to obesity.

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