Search and You Shall Find in My World

13 November 2008

Traveling to Zamboanga for the cash-strapped

You might say this is crazy but I really did went to Zamboanga with only 2,000 pesos in my pocket! It was a suicidal attempt. But I survived!


Robert informed me he was bringing me to Zamboanga because his friend could not make it. I agreed without analyzing my financial capacities. I could not believe I only had that much during my travel.

The return plane tickets were given by my sis, thanks to Cebu Pacific. This practice of CebPac management to give free round trip tickets to parents and siblings of their employees is a worthy cause. It saved me. But the terminal fee at Mactan International Airport (at P200) did not.

My habit of eating once or twice a day also saved me. I mostly relied on coffee and lots of coffee. It was a blessing because Zamboanga has lots of donuts shops you can rely on. Almost every block there is a Dunkin Donuts or a Mister Donuts.

But going to where the real flavor is (and much cheaper than going to McDonald’s or KFC), we went to carenderias near malls (more safe and clean) so we could taste what the regular guys were eating (prices for a complete meal with drinks ranges from P40 to P80). We even searched for halal restos but seeing the food is not inviting for me. Tintin from UniSpa suggested we try the tiulah itum (pronounced chu’lah), a beef stew topped with burnt coconut shreds. I did not take her suggestion.

We walked around Zamboanga not due to the fact that I was really on a very very tight budget, but we loved feeling and immersing the place. When you walk, you see the real essence of the place. And it was a good exercise, too. (Tricycle fare from airport to hotel is P50 to P60. To Café Sacco at Pasonanca Park is P60 during evenings. Pasonanca Park during the day is P50. Fare to the Yakan village is P10 using the Ayala jeep route.)

A good massage at UniSpa during our last night was heaven. It took a good chunk of my budget plus tip but it was worth it. (Full body massage is P280. Tip is P100 since the masseur was good.)

Robert shouldered our accommodation at Hermosa Hotel along Jaldon Street. (Overnight stay for 2 is from P700 to P750, that’s a room with T&B, A/C and cable TV.)

The terminal fee at Zamboanga International Airport is only at P40. I could not agree more since the airport, despite the fancy name, is not really that good. Just like any government infrastructure.

I arrived in Cebu with only P200 left for the taxi. The driver was kind enough to return P10 for emergency cases.

My only regret on that trip? I haven't seen any vinta in Zamboanga as they advertised. The only semblance of a vinta I saw was strapped in the lamp posts around the city and at the trees in Pasonanca Park.

9 comments:

The Beancounter said...

sometimes pare, the best food can be found in "hole in the wall" type operations...

Unknown said...

indeed, you are so true! i can attest to that.

thanks for the visit sir.

The Beancounter said...

i'm a big marketmanila fun too... i'll miss out on the EB for the nth time... i know i'll get my chance, one day...

i'll experience the event through blogs like yours...

and thanks for dropping by my page as well...

The Bingeing Lady said...

Hi there!

I would like to ask permission if I could quote your blog and use it for one of the stories I am developing for Cebu Pacific?

I am actually a writer at Gatchie and Partners Inc., Cebu Pacific's Public Relations agency.

I hope to hear a favorable response from you soon through my email below.

Thanks!

Camille Heimbrod
camille.heimbrod@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

"We walked around Zamboanga not due to the fact that I was really on a very very tight budget, but we loved feeling and immersing the place. When you walk, you see the real essence of the place."

This is my motto when traveling. Very true!

I believe that low-budget trips can be just as exciting as expensive ones. I've been going on low-budget trips for years at super enjoy naman! :)

Have a great weekend edik!

Unknown said...

Ma. Camille-

no probs with me but mentioning my blog in your writeup would be much appreciated.

thanks very much.

Unknown said...

hehehe i am very excited in fact for tomorrow's activity kidpawan. i'm sure you will have a time when the next EB comes.

Unknown said...

hey Grace- thanks. i am happy you share the same thought as mine.

di ba sarap pag feel mo ang lugar>

happy weekend everyone.

Yoez said...

I couldn't agree more with donuts... they're practically everywhere!!!