Bicol Express Train Update

PNR Bicol Express Train trip to Albay has been symbolically laid out to the railway route map with the test run conducted on December 7 from PNR Tutuban Central Station that ended in Ligao City. Unfortunately, regular trip to Ligao will not happen until next year. There are quite a lot of issues that need to be fixed. Until then, Bicol Express Train only serves train commuters from Tutuban down to Naga City.

FLASH!!!
We have update dated April 1, 2012. PNR Train Now Goes To Ligao Albay. To read the update, click here. This post contains relevant information so I still suggest reading it. The April 1 update tackles today's departure and arrival schedules as well as fare rates.

Yesterday, I went to PNR Tutuban Central Station to gather valuable information for frequently asked questions from our readers.

Here are the important things you should know in going to Bicol Region via PNR Bicol Express Train for now:

• Bicol Express Train now serves passengers to Naga City daily.
• Time of departure in Tutuban is 6:30 pm.
• Estimated time of arrival in Naga City is 4:30 am.
• Fare Rate for Sleeper Coach is Php 665.00/head flat rate. Applies to all stations in between Naga City and Tutuban. No discount is given to senior citizens.
• Fare Rate for Reclining Aircon is Php 548.00/ head with 20% discount for senior citizens. Rate varies from station to station.
• Payment Accepted is cash only.
• You can make reservation one week before your trip.
• You must confirm your reservation by calling 319 0041 local 104 and 105.
• If you're taking Bicol Express Train from other stations or stopovers, payment is made inside the train through train conductors.
• There's no canteen/cafeteria on-board. So, make sure you have enough provisions.
• Expect no pillow and blanket on your sleeper coach.

Watch for upcoming updates on Bicol Express Train opening of Ligao and Legazpi City routes from Manila by regularly visiting this blog or subscribe via email.

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Travel To Bicol From Tutuban to Naga Via Bicol Express

PNR Bicol Express, the newky rehabilitated train line of the long-stalled route to Naga City in Camarines Sur, had its soft launch on June 29, 2011 with its maiden trip left Tutuban Station at scheduled time of 6:30 pm. The maiden voyage constitutes promotional run from Tutuban in Manila to Naga City in Camarines Sur which is done to create awareness that the route is revived. Lucky passengers who took the initial trip enjoyed fare discount.

After the maiden trip, Bicol Express will take the 10-hour travel distance from Manila to Naga on every other day basis departing Tutuban Station at 6:30 pm. Click here for complete schedules, fare rates and stations between Manila and Naga.

To travel to Naga City by Bicol Express train, commuters need to get to PNR Tutuban Station where they shall take the train.

PNR Tutuban is in the vicinity where public commuting is constantly changing. Here's the newest guide on how to commute to Tutuban PNR Terminal nowadays.

BY TAXI

If the taxi you're riding takes C.M. Recto Avenue from areas of Cubao, San Juan, Santa Mesa, EDSA-Crossing, Pasig, Mandaluyong, etc., and the driver doesn't know what's the next turn to take, tell him to turn right onto Jose Abad Santos Avenue, a major intersection with pedestrian overpass. The taxi will cross two intersections along Jose Abad Santos Avenue. Then, the driver must change lane to the leftmost and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street, a one way road going to PNR Tutuban Station. Just stay on Mayhaligue until PNR Tutuban Station is visible to your right.

If the taxi takes Jose Abad Santos from anywhere in CAMANAVA, e.g. Monumento, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Letre, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, etc., tell the driver to turn right onto Mayhaligue Street. Before Mayhaligue, you will cross the PNR Rail Track itself, then two main intersections of Tayuman and Bambang, respectively. After that, just watch for the road sign that read Mayhaligue Street to your right.

If you're riding a taxi from areas of Paranaque, Pasay, Ermita, Malate, Taft, San Andres, etc., and the taxi takes Jones Bridge where jeepneys bound for Divisoria pass through, tell the driver the best way to get there is via Reina Regente. The trick is to avoid the traffic in Tutuban Mall so make sure you don't pass in that area. Once you're taking Reina Regente, the taxi should cross Recto Avenue and take Jose Abad Santos, which is the opposite street of Reina Regente to the other side of Recto. Cross two more small intersections and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street. You can easily see the road sign and there's a traffic left turn signal to Mayhaligue from Abad Santos Avenue.

If you come from area of Espana, Dapitan, Quezon Avenue, Dimasalang, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Del Monte, Roosevelt, Munoz, Congressional, etc., your taxi can take Espana or the side road parallel to it which is Dapitan Street. If the taxi takes Espana, the driver must turn right onto P. Campa Street and then tell him to take Fugoso Street all the way and cross Rizal Avenue or Avenida. Left on T. Mapua and then turn right onto Recto all the way to Jose Abad Santos Avenue, the main intersection with pedestrian overpass. Turn right onto Jose Abad Santos, cross two intersections and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street where PNR Tutuban Station is located to the other end, right side. If the driver prefers Dapitan, then tell hime to cross Quezon Boulevard and take Fugoso and follow the rest of direction from Espana.

BY TRAIN

LRT 1 South & North Bound - Option One (Recommended). Get off the train at Bambang Station. Ride a tricycle at the corner of Bambang and Rizal Avenue. Tell the driver to take you to Tutuban PNR Station. Avoid the confusion, say it loudly - "PNR Tutuban Station". If the driver doesn't hear you, he'll take you to Tutuban Mall, and it's way way too far you would be greatly delayed. These tricycles drop off their passengers right at the entrance of the station. This route is the most convenient way to get to the station especially if you're carrying heavy luggage. Option Two. Get off the train at Jose Abad Santos Avenue. At the corner of Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Rizal Avenue, you can take either jeepney or taxi. If you don't carry heavy luggage then you can take the jeep bound for Divisoria and ask the driver to drop you off at Mayhaligue Street. Again, avoid the confusion, the sign of the jeepney that you must ride is "Divisoria Abad Santos". Don't ride a jeepney with "Recto" sign as it will take you to Recto in Quiapo area. From the corner of Jose Abad Santos and Mayhaligue Street, you can walk to PNR Tutuban Station. It's near, approximately 290 meters. This route is recommended if you're in budget. But if you're carrying large luggage, then take the taxi and instruct the driver to turn right onto Mayhaligue Street. This option is not convenient for those carrying heavy luggage because first you need to walk way too far, second, it's hard to take taxi in the area.

LRT 2 - Get off the train at Recto Station and then ride jeepney or taxi. Take jeepney bound for Divisoria, alight at Jose Abad Santos Avenue, ride another jeepney along Jose Abad Santos Avenue bound for Navotas or Monumento and ask the driver to drop you off at Mayhaligue Street. Cross Jose Abad Santos and walk along Mayhaligue until you get to Tutuban Station.

MRT 3 - Get off at Taft Station and then ride another train bound for Monumento/Roosevelt. Alight at either Bambang Station or Abad Santos Station, depending on your budget and luggage. Please read LRT 1 South & North Bound Two Options above. This direction is better than Doroteo Jose if you're taking LRT 1 because it is faster and you get to avoid the traffic along Recto Avenue particularly near Jose Abad Santos Avenue intersection.

BY JEEPNEY

The jeepneys that you can take that go directly to the vicinity of PNR Tutuban Station are the following: Jeep from Cubao, Marikina, Quiapo, Morayta, Caloocan, Monumento, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. The sign of the jeepney must be "Divisoria". From Marikina, Quiapo, and Morayta, get off the jeep at the corner of Recto and Jose Abad Santo Avenue. You can either ride another jeep bound for Navotas and Caloocan along Jose Abad Santos or you can hire a pedicab or tricycle that moves around the area. From Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas or Valenzuela, just get off the jeep at the corner of Abad Santos and Mayhaligue Street.

It's not advisable to take jeepney with "Divisoria" sign from Baclaran, Pasay, Taft, Pedro Gil, Ermita, San Andres, Mabini, etc. This is because the jeepneys from these areas take Juan Luna Street. Traffic condition in area near Tutuban Mall along Recto Avenue is now at its worst and it spills over different streets that connect to Tutuban Mall from which PNR Tutuban Station is approximately 550 meters away. The best way is to take jeepney with "Monumento" sign and then get off the jeep at either Bambang where you ride tricycle to get to Tutuban Station or Abad Santos Avenue where you can ride a jeepney bound for Divisoria that passes by Mayhaligue Street from which you can walk your way to PNR Tutuban Station approximately less than 300 meters away.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bicol Express Train.

For PNR Bicol Express Fare Rates, Schedule, Stations & Stopovers, go to Bicol Express Train Fare Rate And Schedules


Route Map of PNR Tutuban Station

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Valentine's Weekend at Tomas Morato: Food Fiesta Non Stop Dance Music

These videos were taken last night during a Quezon City Valentine Celebration. Tomas Morato became a party ground on February 12, 2011. A large portion of the road got closed off as early as 1 pm in preparation for what they called "Banchetto Food Fiesta Non Stop Dance Music" scheduled from 5pm to 12 midnight. Three intersections were impassable to all vehicles - Scout Madrinan, Scout Borromeo and Scout Bayoran. As it was, it's already 1:30 am of February 13, and the crowd were still having a ball.

There were lots of food and drinks sold in makeshifts, complete with barbecue grille and different dishes. It was a Valentine's weekend mixed with Fiesta celebration with those performers throwing out popular songs from the 80's. Three bands gave their best to make this event memorable with their performances - Flintstones and The Gang, Route 70 and Rockin' Revival.

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Tunnel Discovered Along Edsa-Guadalupe

Courtesy of GMA News

A man made underground tunnel wide and big enough to accomodate dump trucks has been discovered around 5 am today along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue(EDSA)-Guadalupe area.

It was reported by Radio dzBB and radio reporter Denver Trinidad said that the crew of Manila Water found the tunnel during digging operations at the area.

Initial information showed that the tunnel was about 3.5 meters below street level and crew members of the water concessionaire immediately notified the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) about their findings.

The MMDA, in reponse, had advised Manila Water to suspend its operations for the moment, the report said.

Manila Water is rehabilitating water lines along EDSA.

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Where To Go To Watch Fireworks on New Year's Eve In Budget

Wondering where to take your family to watch fireworks display during New Year's Eve Celebration this year? Want to be somewhere safe but still in the middle of the celebration and don't want to miss the spectacles of firecrackers and pyrotechnics? To make sure you and your family won't miss the welcoming of 2011 in the tradition of festive mode and with the big bang, get down to one of these recommended places for New Year's Eve Celebration on December 31, 2010. Plan your trip so that you can set up as early as possible for the full view of the New Year's Eve Fireworks Spectacle.

1. Manila Bay at Roxas Boulevard
Manila Bay at Roxas Boulevard now confined to Malate and Ermita Districts. And if you're wondering what part of Roxas Boulevard is the best area to watch fireworks this coming New Year's Eve, no doubt it's the part from Pedro Gil up to Quirino Avenue. Yearly, the local government of the city of Manila allots big budget for pyrotechnics to make the welcoming of the coming new year more memorable, joyful and festive. So if you're thinking of where to spend your New Year to watch fireworks on the very first hour of 2011, consider this great destination. Click here for directions
2. Rajah Sulayman Park
Rajah Sulayman Park is a plaza along Roxas Boulevard in front of Malate Church. It is named in honor of the last King of Manila, Rajah Sulayman. A monument named also after him is erected at the center of the park alongside a beautiful fountain. It's one of the few destinations of Filipino families who are in budget during New Year's Eve to watch fireworks on Manila Bay. Click here for directions
3. Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP Complex
CCP Complex or Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex is 88-hectare land covered with coconut trees and iconic buildings showcasing Filipino cultures and arts. It's the home of Star City and Aliw Theater and the iconic landmarks of Cultural Center of the Philippines, PICC, Folk Arts Theater and the Manila Film Center building. But the hippies part of this complex is the Harbor Square where during New Year's Eve, families get down here to watch fireworks display and to welcome the coming New Year in a very festive mode. Click here for directions
4. Mall of Asia or MOA Esplanade
Mall of Asia's Esplanade is the largest open level park next to Manila Bay and the only one in the Philippines adjacent to a fully integrated mall. That's why it's the most popular destination for families both rich and middle class during New Year Eve to watch the most advanced fireworks display in the country. Aside from world class fireworks display, a countdown to the oncoming year is the highlight of New Year Eve Celebration here capped by an extravaganza of entertainment programs from a top television network that's also being broadcast live nationwide.Click here for directions

Hope you enjoy the arrival of the year 2011.
Happy New Year to all!!!

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Metro Manila Christmas Lanes Now Open for Holiday Rush

Metro Manila Christmas Lanes are now open to the public. Shoppers can used these alternative routes also known as Mabuhay Lanes to avoid heavy traffic during this Holiday Season.

For Private Vehicles From North going South of Metro Manila:

From McArthur Highway 

• Right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, Roxas Blvd., to destination.

From North Luzon Expressway: 

• Exit at Mindanao Avenue Access Ramp, right at Mindanao Ave., left at Congressional, right at Tandang Sora crossing Commonwealth flyover, Katipunan Avenue, C-5, to destination.
• Exit at Mindanao Ave., Access Ramp, right at Mindanao Ave., left at North Avenue, QMC, right at Kalayaan, left at Kamias rd. right at Anonas, left at Aurora Blvd., right at Katipunan Avenue, C-5, to destination.
• Straight at A. Bonifacio Ave, left at C-3 - Araneta Ave., right at Aurora Blvd, R. Magsaysay Blvd., left at Nagtahan - P. Quirino Avenue, left at South Super Highway to destination.
• From West Avenue, right at Quezon Avenue, U-turn near Magbanua, right at Roces, right at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to destination.
• From Roosevelt, right turn at Quezon Avenue, U-turn after G. Araneta, right at G. Araneta, right at Aurora Blvd., Magsaysay Blvd., left at Nagtahan, Pres. Quirino, left at SSH, to destination.
• Mo. Ignacia left at Timog Ave. right at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to destination.
• Kamias Road left at T. Morato, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Gilmore, right at N. Domingo, left at Pinaglabanan, right at P. Guevarra, right at Shaw Blvd., left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to destination.
• Shaw Blvd. left at Nueve de Pebrero, Maysilo, Francisco, Mandaluyong Makati Bridge, to destination.

For Private Vehicles From South going North of Metro Manila:

From Coastal Road Expressway: 

• Straight at Roxas blvd to R10 right at C4, Samson road to destination.

From South Luzon Expressway: 

• Exit to C-5, Katipunan, Tandang Sora Ave., U-turn at Congressional, right to Mindanao Ave., to destination.
• Pres.Osmeña highway, right turn to P. Quirino, Nagtahan, right at Magsaysay Blvd. left at C3 Araneta Ave. right at A.Bonifacio to destination.
• From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero, cross Shaw Blvd. right at Wilson left at Ortigas Ave./ Granada, Hemady, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Tomas Morato, left at Timog Ave. Then right at Quezon Ave to QMC, right at Visayas Ave., left at congressional Ave., right at Mindanao Ave. to destination.
• From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero, cross Shaw Blvd. right at Wilson left at Ortigas Ave./ Granada, Hemady, right at E. Rodriguez, left at Tomas Morato, right at Kamuning / Kamias to destination.
• From Makati Area take Makati - Mandaluyong Bridge right at Fancisco, Maysilo, Nueve de Pebrero, left/right at Shaw Blvd. to destination.

DirectionsOnWeb would like to thank Ms. Sharon, staff of MMDA chief public information officer Candy de Jesus, for giving us favorable response on our request to have a copy of this information on our blog.

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Importance of Knowing U-Turn Slot Locations

Finally we got home after the heavy rains that caused too much flooding all over Metro Manila left us stuck in one  of the snarliest road traffics I've ever seen. My uncle took me to Dapitan Arcade to buy Christmas decors. We're still inside the arcade when the rains started passed 1 pm and continued heavily for 3 hours straight. The rain finally subsided long after we completed our task. Although we managed to get back to his car, we begun to worried when we saw road and traffic condition.

My uncle is a bit stubborn and don't want to listen to any advice. He was the one driving, We took Dapitan Street towards Banawe to get back home in South Triangle, Quezon City. Initially, the plan was to turn right onto Banawe and use the U-Turn slot he's only familiar with along Quezon Avenue right after Banawe. As it is, we went straight on Dapitan with a new plan to take Araneta Avenue. Bottleneck greeted us in Biak na Bato intersection, and for whatever reason he turned left on Biak na Bato. And that's when we entangled in long, terrible, ever growing snarl traffic. Flood up ahead on Biak na Bato, and we found ourselves back in Banawe along bumper to bumper area of Philippine Orthopedic Hospital. We decided to eat in a Chinese fastfood and took our chance on the road around 6:30pm.

While in Banawe  we had a chance of taking Biak na Bato towards Quezon Avenue and use the U-Turn Slot right there. Instead, we took the hard way and stayed on very slow moving traffic of Banawe. As a result, it took us one and a half hours from Philippine Orthopedic Hospital up to Quezon Avenue and another 45 minutes just to complete the U-turn onto Edsa bound lane of Quezon Avenue. Right before we passed Biak na Bato intersection, the U-turn servicing vehicles from the less congested Biak na Bato road showed up. And my uncle uttered, "Oh I thought there's no U-turn here. We could have been here much earlier had I known this."

It pays to get familiar to U-Turn slot locations.

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Design Almost Complete

Hello, blog reader! You just entered an under constuction blog site. This website will become one of the favorite sites among Filipino blogs. As you can see, the design is almost complete. We are now on the finishing touch of modifying the template.

What this blog is about, you may ask. Well, as the header implies, this blog is about directions. Directions in more detailed explanations. Each post explains how you get to a certain location in all mode of transportations and given you several route from different points.

Watch for the opening of this blog. Soon! Click here to make DirectionsOnWeb your homepage

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Directions on Web near Completion

Proud to announce that our very own Directions on Web website is now on its final stage of finishing its design.


Now shaping up, we are now beginning to see the whole picture of this blog site and what it has to offer to Filipinos both living in the country and overseas.


Once completed, posts will pour in and vital informations will become available 24/7 like a power ready to be tapped.


Watch out for the first post of this very promising Filipino blog. COMING SOON!!!

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