Travel Tips (Part 2) - Googly Gooey Style!

And now here's Part 2 of the travel tips brought to you by MetroManilaDirections.com and illustrated by our awesome and talented friends from GooglyGooeys.com. Check out Part 1 in case you missed it or if you want a refresher:)

So again, remember:
6. Only bring what you need!
7. Budget your trip
8. Get some rest before you travel
9. If it's a foreign territory, bring a map with you
10.Enjoy! Leave your worries behind and focus on your travel

Once again, thanks so much Ponggo and Tipsy for this wonderful collab! :) Hoping for more amazing illustrations from you guys! And everyone, remember, it's more fun in the Philippines, but you make it more more fun if you follow our Travel Tips:)

Click here for Part 1

Travel Tips (Part 1) - Googly Gooey Style!

It is indeed more fun in the Philippines and there is no better way to support that than traveling around the country. Start here in Metro Manila, where there are a lot of hidden gems! But before that, here are some tips to make your traveling fun and hassle-free, illustrated by the awesome couple Ponggo and Tipsy at Googlygooeys.com!

So remember:
1. Plan out your trip, make a list of things to do.
2. Organize Carpools
3. Charge thy gadgets
4. Remember the key numbers in case of emergency
5. Make sure you're ready for the weather.

Oh by the way, speaking of hidden gems, well, our friends at Googly Gooeys recently bagged the Hidden Gem award in the recent Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards. Make sure that you check out their awesome illustrations at GooglyGooeys.com. Follow them on twitter and like their Fan page to get more updates!

Here is Part 2!

Commemorative One-Peso Coins - Have You Seen One Already?

Have you seen the new one-peso coin? According to the Bangko Central ng Pilipinas (BSP), this one-piso legal tender coin commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal. Ironically, this was launched on Rizal's death month (December last year).

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New DOT Tourism Slogan and Logo: It's More Fun in the Philippines

The Department of Tourism, spearheaded by Secretary Ramon "Mon" Jimenez, has just launched today the new campaign line to boost the tourism industry in the country. As a great start for 2012, the campaign aims to get tens of millions of tourists by 2016. Developed by BBDO Guerrero, the slogan is It's More Fun In The Philippines.

The campaign aims to answer the question "Why Philippines?" or "Bakit Pilipinas"?

Secretary Jimenez has been sending hints the past few days through his twitter account @MonJQuotes:

The new tourism line is grounded on basic, truthful communication between two persons


The new tourism line is a campaign for people who haven't seen the #Philippines.


The new tourism line allows the Filipinos to take the line and own it to themselves

The new tourism line is not a manufactured line; it's drawn from the way Filipinos have touched the lives of tourists.

And we totally agree! And yes, one of the things they want to showcase is: COMMUTING. MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES

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Ate Vangie Strikes Again: Giving Directions Pinoy Style

Yes, the Pinay version of Siri, Ate Vangie, strikes again and this time she shows us how a Pinoy virtual assistant would provide directions. All we can say is that Ate Vangie hit the right spot!
Filipinos provide directions in a "photographic" (or anything sensory) manner, meaning, we find it easier to provide directions based on what we usually see, hear, or feel. Here in Metro Manila Directions, we try our best to provide directions in a way that is methodical but sometimes it's better to just say: "turn right when you see the house with the red gate", "ride the tricycle that you see in front of the police station", or "enter the first parlor when you get off from the jeepney". Sometimes we find ourselves answering "it takes 10 minutes" rather than "it's five kilometers away" when we're asked how far a place is. This is because Filipinos are more sensitive to habits learned and would rather refer to that than give formal directions.

Bourne Legacy Shooting in Metro Manila

MMDA chairman revealed over the news that the fourth installment of the Hollywood film "Bourne Legacy" will be shot over 8 locations in Metro Manila. The film stars Jeremy Renner as the new CIA agent Aaron Cross, subbing for Matt Damon, who has starred in the first three installments. It will also star A-list celebrities Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton.

According to Chairman Francis Tolentino, the film will be shot in Intramuros, Navotas fishport, Marikina City Market, San Andres Market, R. Magsaysay Blvd, Ayala Avenue, Nagtahan and Pasay-Taft Rotonda. Among these places, Pasay-Taft Rotonda was highlighted to need the biggest facelift. Everyday commuters and motorist would attest to the fact that this area is a cause of headache during rush hour, add to that the fact that it's very crowded. Ironically, this area will be used for a car chase scene. I'm sure it's better to just leave the car and run after the criminals. :)

UPDATE: There are also reports that Bourne Legacy will shoot in Palawan. There will also be a motorcycle chase scene in Jones Bridge and a helicopter scene over Pasig River.
Some online sources cited that Rachel Weisz's husband, Daniel Craig, more known for portraying James Bond, was in town [week of 1/9]

Here are the schedules of the shoot (based on the fact that they will be closed to vehicular traffic):

1. January 11-15: San Andres St.
2. January 14: San Andres cor. Quirino and Taft Ave
3. January 15: Leveriza Street, from Balingkit to San Andres
4. January 18 and 19: J. Bocobo corner Remedios streets
5. January 25: Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia Streets in Intramuros
6. February 5: Jones Bridge
7. February 8-15: Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard
8. February 17 and 18: Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia Streets in Intramuros

What's your take on these folks? Excited?:)We have plotted in Google Maps, these 8 points. Not sure if these will be the exact spots but we'll find out soon.:)





From ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin and Philstar

10 New Year's Resolutions for Metro Manila for 2012

First of all, happy New Year!!!

2012. Another year, another chance to make things a bit better, if not perfect. So while you're listing down or already living your New Year's resolution, we also listed down our own version of New Year's resolutions, but for Metro Manila. We asked readers to tell us what they think should be included in this list as well. At some point, we realized that this isn't actually a set of resolutions, but more of wishes. Nevertheless, we feel that this list sums up our daily agonies. So if you agree, please tweet, post, and share.

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Mashup of Music in 2011

2011 is almost done and one way to recap is to check out the top 25 hits of 2011. The much awaited mashup of DJ Earworm is now out:) Just sharing with you guys!:) I surely bet this is also the music that defined our life in Metro Manila. Hoping for a brighter and more generous 2011. Great party mix to countdown to the new year 2012!



See 2009 and 2010 mash-ups after the cut

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