I was casually browsing Facebook for some streaming updates from different pages I am subscribed when I stumble upon this very familiar Bicolano terminology – Bicol Air Express. No,  I am not talking about the favorite chili-rich dish in Bicol, it is a local airline which was launched in December.

BICOL AIR EXPRESS now can fly you from Legazpi to Virac in Cataduanes and in Masbate. South West Air Corporation makes a breakthrough in the airline industry as they finally started serving tourist who want to visit the island provinces of Bicol Region.

Launching in Virac was held in December 7, in Legazpi City on December 12 and in Masbate on December 15, 2011. The three launches highlighted SWA guarantee of safe and on-time flights for all its passengers. It also promotes the boutique airline’s promise of providing a unique flying experience punctuated with a courteous in-flight crew.

To kick things off, a tropical event was held at Twin Rock Resort in Virac, Catanduanes to celebrate the island’s feast. The resort a prime destination that BAE will promote as the company aids in enhancing the image of Catanduanes as one of the main Tropical Island destinations in the Philippines. Countless guests, including Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, turned up in their beach outfits and were treated to an array of local delicacies with non-stop entertainment throughout the evening.

The Legazpi launch, on the other hand, was a different form revelry as guests showed up in their grand cocktail dresses and suits for the party held at South Road Bar in Pepperland Hotel. Highlight of the night was the presentation of the Aircraft, along with footage of the actual successful landing at the airport. The event was well attended as no less than Albay Congressman Al Francis Bichara and Department of Tourism head Nina Revilla with former Department of Tourism Director Nonie Calleja were present. To show his support to the airline, Cong. Bichara encouraged his constituents and all Bicolanos to support the Boutique Airline.

Capping the grand launch was a simple gathering held in Masbate. Despite the BMC conditions not allowing the plane to arrive in the city, the team from BAE managed to successfully push through with the event. A short program was held, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by executives from BAE.

I had an inside info that they are also covering Naga City in March.

Images are all courtesy of Bicol Air Express, via Facebook.

Back to back post at Digitalspidey.com

Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first and only world-class theme park is celebrating its 16^th year of bringing MAGIC to families and friends. Happy 16^th Birthday EK!

Check out this month’s activities for EK’s 16^th Anniversary celebration.

Sweet 16 Birthday Celebrants Promo (Wednesdays to Fridays from October 1 to 31)
A birthday treat for you! Free RDP tickets await park guests who turn 16 in October, plus 20% off on tickets purchased by the celebrant’s companions, maximum of 10 persons.
Student Sembreak Anibersaya Promo (October 12 to November 13)
An anniversary treat for students of ALL levels! Every purchase of one EK Day Pass for Php350.00 shall entitle you to one hotdog on a stick and 12 oz. Pepsi drink.
Enchanting Sweet 16 Merchandise Promo (October 1 to 22)
Get the chance to win EK merchandise treats! Simply claim your raffle coupon at the Eldar’s Tent and drop in the designated drop box. The Enchanting Sweet 16 raffle draw will be held on October 22 during the Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition.
16th Anniversary Sale (October 1 to 31)
Eldar the Wiz treats one and all to a 16% discount on selected premium EK merchandise, including Eldar’s Hat and Crystal USB.
Take Me Home Eldar Doll (October 1 to 31)
Park guests who avail of a Regular Day Pass will be entitled to a 25% discount on any Eldar toy! Simply present your ticket or wrist tag and bring the magic home with your very own cuddly Eldar.

Enjoy PEPSI for 16! (October 1 to 31)
A special anniversary treat from Pepsi! Park guests may purchase food items from any EK cart or kiosk, and Amazon Grill and Launch Time restaurants. Upon purchase, guests may avail of the P16.00 discount on the 16oz. size Pepsi.

PARK SCHEDULE:
Starting October 1, 2011 to December 16, 2011, EK is CLOSED from Monday and Tuesday.
Weekdays: Wednesday to Friday
Time: 12:00 NN to 7:00 PM

Weekend: Saturday & Sunday
Time: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

SM TICKETS Partnership
With its recent partnership with SM TICKETS, you can now purchase your Enchanted Kindgom Tickets in all SM TICKETS outlets located at all SM Cinema branches nationwide.

Call SM Customer Care at 470.2222 for inquiries and reservations.
TICKET PRICES

REGULAR DAY PASS-WEEKEND
Php 500
REGULAR DAY PASS-WEEKDAY
Php 400
SENIOR REGULAR DAY PASS-WEEKEND
Php 358
JUNIOR DAY PASS-WEEKEND
Php 320
SENIOR REGULAR DAY PASS-WEEKDAY
Php 286
JUNIOR DAY PASS-WEEKDAY
Php 250
CAROUSEL SPECIAL
Php 150
SENIOR CAROUSEL SPECIAL
Php 108

You can still purchase your tickets at EK Makati Sales Office, Monday to Fridays, 8:30am to 5:00pm at G/F The Biltmore Condo, 102 Aguirre Street Legaspi Village, Makati City (at the back of AIM Building, near Greenbelt 1)

Useful Links:

Enchanted Kingdom’s website

EK’s Facebook page

Follow EK on Twitter

SM Tickets website

SM TIckets Facebook Page

Last Friday, on a suppose to be busy day for the Metro the guys at Ford Philippines invited us for a Lunch Break to Tagaytay to get a hands-on experience on the all-new Ford Fiesta S. We all converged to Ford at Fort Bonifacio at 10:00AM, five of us bloggers were greeted by five different colors of Fiesta S. DigitalSpidey was privileged to take the wheel of the Chilli Orange. (This color is only available on the 1.6 5-door top-of-the-line model.) 

It was a convoy of five Ford Fiesta S, a real head turner in the highway! Few sub-compact cars competing with the Fiesta S tried to overtake us while on SLEX.  Let’s get it straight. Driving the sub-compact Sport Series Ford Fiesta will make you smile! It gets you to 140km/hr speed and the car yet this little baby still run stable.

Earlier this year DigitalSpidey and Calvinshub were able to test the Sedan model of Fiesta. We took it to Sta. Rosa for a day of fun at the Enchanted Kingdom on their 15th Anniversary, and I personally used it in the city in the next couple of days and one thing I noticed is the fuel efficiency. It was delivered to us full tank, stayed with us for about a week and we returned it still half the tank. The Sedan model has 1.6L and 1.4L variations.

The actual experience.
On to the Fiesta S model, this one is different sporty & techie ride which will be liked by many young professionals, students and probably Mommies on the go. There is one comment I would like to make though, the arm rest and the controls are really made for an average Asian, smaller than Pinoys. You should see for yourself and decide. But, other than that – the ride, suspension, the hands-free voice control technology via Bluetooth, the Hill Launch assist which will not require you to engage the handbreak on inclined scenario, are all superb.  Another feature I noticed is the wheel stability, the faster you drive the car the more stable the steering wheel, you will never feel that you are driving a sub-compact car. On a slower speed, you get to experience the real power steering which helps you maneuvering specially in a very challenging parking lots.

I tried the hands-free feature of the car, Anika (AVP for Corporate Comm of Ford PH) helped me paired my Blackberry to it and on the way back to Manila, I excused myself to my passenger and started making calls to my clients while driving. It was one of the cool features of the car.

According to the guys at Ford Philippines, the new Fiesta will be available in three models: Style, Trend and Sport. The three trim options are offered in the following configurations: Style is in a 1.4L 4-door manual transmission, while the Trend trim is available in both a 1.4L and a 1.6L engine in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback, and the Sport model boasts of a 1.6L 5-door hatch back body with 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.

All of these will be built in a new USD 500-million passenger car facility at AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) in Rayong, Thailand.

Pricing.
The Ford Fiesta line-up still starts at a P670,000 for the Style in 1.4L 4-door sedan with manual transmission.

The 1.4L Trend models are priced at P685,000 with a choice of either a 4-door or 5-door in manual transmission, while the 1.6L Trend models touting Ford’s 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, standard ESP and Hill Launch Assist are also available in either sedan or hatchback with a price tag of P766,000.

The Ford Fiesta Sport variant is priced at P816,000. coming equipped with a 1.6L 6-speed PowerShift automatic transmission as well as SRS airbags on both passenger and driver’s side and the In-Car Entertainment package of Voice Control with USB Connectivity and Bluetooth.

Some useful links:
Ford Fiesta FB Page
Ford Fiesta webpage
Digitalspidey’s Photo Coverage

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) slashes fares from Clark to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and Bangkok in a seat sale from now until May 9, 2011 or until seats last. This is for travel from July 1 to September 30, 2011.

Guests from North Luzon or outside Metro Manila can travel via Clark to some of CEB’s most popular international destinations at the same giving you cost and time-efficient travel options!

Buy seats for as low as P799 from Clark to Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau. Our Clark-Bangkok seats are also available for P1,999. Meanwhile, domestic seats from Manila to Catarman, Cauayan and Tacloban are yours for only P699.

For those coming from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, Clark is a golfing and gaming haven with a distinct cuisine perfect for food lovers.

Avail of CEB’s Prepaid Baggage Allowance upon booking, to save as much as 63% on domestic flights compared to buying baggage allowance at the airport. Take advantage of our web check-in services so you can avoid the long lines at the airport.

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) recently announced that it will launch its first domestic jet services from Manila to Cebu on July 1, 2011 and Manila to Davao on July 2 as part of the SEAIR-Tiger Airways Partner Airline Programme.

Special starting fare offers will be for as low as 499 PHP one-way to/from Cebu for travel on July 1 to October 29, 2011, and 999 PHP one-way to/from Davao for travel on July 2 to October 29, 2011. Passengers can now buy tickets online at FlySeair.com and tigerairways.com, or call +63 2 849 0100, the SEAIR Hotline for domestic and international flights.

SEAIR will have up to 10 daily flights to and from Cebu and up to six daily flights to and from Davao from its jet operations base at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) domestic terminal.

Cebu and Davao are the major tourist gateways in the Philippines for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively. Cebu, the “Queen City of the South”, also known locally as Sugbo, is the capital city of the island of Cebu and the oldest city in the country. Its popular tourist attractions include the Magellan’s Cross Shrine, an important historical landmark that signalled the beginning of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño), which houses the Santo Niño de Cebú (Holy Child of Cebu), the oldest Catholic relic in the Philippines.

Apart from exploring the Spanish side of Cebu, nature-loving travellers can discover rich marine life at scuba diving spots in Moalbal, Malapascua, and Pescador Island, or hop on a ferry to its island neighbors, Bohol and Negros, for dive safaris in Cabilao and Apo Island.

The largest city in the country and the premier hub of Mindanao, Davao is home to some of the country’s top beach and mountain resorts, most notably the Pearl Farm in the secluded island of Samal, just 45 minutes off the coast of the city. Adventure-seekers can sign up for a two-day climb at Mount Apo, the Philippines’ tallest mountain at 9,692 ft located just 40 km northeast of Davao, or sample durian, “the king of fruits”, which, due to its unusual flavor and odor, have aroused intense passion in some and dislike in others. The annual week-long Kadayawan Festival in August, the biggest of its kind in Mindanao, is celebrated during the peak season of durian and mangosteen (another fruit) as a thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvest of flowers and fruits that Davao is known for.

The Cebu and Davao flights are the first domestic flights under the SEAIR-Tiger Airways Partner Airline Programme, which allows SEAIR to distribute its seats through the established online booking system, www.tigerairways.com. SEAIR is the first Tiger Airways Partner Airline in the Asia Pacific region.

“SEAIR’s great value fares and this expanded network will offer travellers even more value-for-money destinations to choose from, together with worry-free bookings. The introduction of high frequency domestic jet routes will also drive the creation of new jobs as well boost tourism across the Philippines,” said SEAIR President and CEO Avelino Zapanta.

SEAIR is the second oldest airline in the country. It has the reputation of having pioneered commercial flights to the country’s fastest growing tourist destinations including Boracay, Batanes, and northern Palawan. Now on its 16th year of operation, it has expanded its reach regionally with jet services to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) holds a seat sale to three popular international destinations from now until May 4, 2011 or until seats last.

For travel from June 1 to September 30, 2011, you can buy P799 seats from Clark to Hong Kong and Macau. P1,499 seats are also available from Cebu to Hong Kong, and from Manila to Macau.

Those going to Bangkok can also avail of P1,999 seats from Manila and Clark. This is 44% less than the year-round Lite Fare for the Manila-Bangkok route.

Travel from July 1 to September 30, 2011 because P699 seats are up for grabs for Luzon and Visayas destinations. Fly from Manila to Bacolod, Calbayog, Catarman, Caticlan (Boracay), Cauayan, Cebu, Coron (Busuanga), Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Naga, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao and Virac for only P699. Hurry, don’t be late book your seats now!

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) offers you a special Easter Sunday seat sale on April 24, 2011 only or until seats last, for travel from January 1 to March 31, 2012.

CEB offers P1 seats to all four international destinations from Clark. CEB flies from Clark to Hong Kong and Singapore daily, to Macau four times weekly, and to Bangkok twice weekly.

P1 seats are also up for grabs to any of CEB’s 33 domestic destinations, namely: Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Busuanga (Coron), Butuan, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, Catarman, Cauayan (Isabela), Cebu, Clark, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, Dumaguete, G eneral Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Legaspi, Laoag, Manila, Naga, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, San Jose (Mindoro), Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao, Virac and Zamboanga.

We operate 51 domestic routes from our hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao, using the only 100% brand-new aircraft fleet in the country.

More than 50,000 seats are allocated for this Easter Sunday P1 seat sale, giving you a chance to avail of our trademark low fares! This promotion is only available via www.cebupacificair.com or through travel agents using the Amadeus global distribution system. Don’t forget to select your seats in advance and avail of CEB’s online check-in service for your convenience.

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), the Philippines’ premier leisure airline, announced it will fly to Macau daily from Clark starting May 27, 2011.

“The Clark-Macau route is SEAIR’s third international destination under the Tiger Airways partnership,” said SEAIR president Avelino Zapanta. “The new route offers similar ultra low fares as our Singapore and Hong Kong flights and serves as an important link between Philippines and China for tourists, business travellers, and Filipinos working abroad.”

Clark-Macau seats are on sale now at www.FlySeair.com and www.tigerairways.com at a special introductory fare of as low as 31 USD or 1,340 PHP per way for travel on May 27 to October 29, 2011.

Macau offers vacationers a unique mix of Western and Eastern influences through its baroque churches, Art Deco buildings, and Chinese temples. In 2005, the Historic Center of Macau, located in the center of the peninsula, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of historic residential, religious, and public Portuguese and Chinese architectural legacies including the A-Ma Temple, Senado Square, Dom Pedro V Theater, Na Tcha Temple, Casa Garden, the Old Protestant Cemetery and the old headquarters of the British East Indies Company.

In recent years, Macau has welcomed on its reclaimed land a number big name casinos, including the Venetian and MGM Grand from the United States, making itself known in Asia as the “Las Vegas of the East”. But amid these modern developments, Macau still maintains its Old World charm albeit with its own characteristic multicultural fusion and invites visitors to immerse in it whether through the partaking of Portuguese delicacies like caldo verde (potato and greens in soup) and bacalhau (salt cod) in Taipa village, seeing the the giant statues of Matsu, Goddess of the Sea, and Kun Iam, Goddess of Mercy, or simply admiring the view atop the Macau Tower.

SEAIR departs from Clark to Macau daily on May 27 until June 30, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. and flies from Macau to Clark daily at 4:25 p.m. From July 1 to October 29, 2011, Clark-Macau flights will be at 2:25 p.m., while Macau-Clark flights are at 4:50 p.m.

The SEAIR-Tiger Airways Partner Airline Programme allows SEAIR to distribute its seats through Tiger Airways’ established internet booking system, www.tigerairways.com. SEAIR is the first Tiger Airways Partner Airline in the Asia Pacific region.

SEAIR is the Philippines’ second oldest airline, and is the first airline based in Clark. It has the reputation of having pioneered commercial flights to the country’s fastest growing tourist destinations including Boracay, Batanes and northern Palawan. Now on its 16th year of operation, SEAIR is expanding its reach regionally with its current jet services to Singapore and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.FlySeair.com. Join SEAIR Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/flyseair for updates on promos and new routes.

Established in September 2004, Tiger Airways now operates a fleet of 25 Airbus A320-family aircraft and is committed to increasing its fleet size to 68 by December 2015. The airline operates flights to 37 destinations across 12 countries and territories in Asia-Pacific from four bases in Singapore and Australia. For more information, please visit www.tigerairways.com.

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) puts 19 Visayas routes on sale from now until March 14, 2011 or until seats last, for travel from June 1 to July 31, 2011.

It’s your chance to fly to your favorite Visayas destination! Grab your P488 ‘Go Lite’ seats from Manila to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Calbayog, Catarman, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Roxas, Tacloban or Tagbilaran.

From Cebu, you can also avail of the same P488 ‘Go Lite’ seats to Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Clark, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa or Tacloban.

Travel from June 1 to August 31, 2011 because P999 ‘Go Lite’ seats are also up for grabs from Clark to Macau!

Guests traveling from Manila to Guangzhou can avail of P1,499 ‘Go Lite’ seats, while those traveling from Manila to Beijing or Shanghai can also avail of P1,999 ‘Go Lite’ seats. This sale is for travel from May 1 to July 31, 2011

Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s first and only world-class theme park celebrated its 15^th Anniversary last year. A number of activities were held to commemorate its fifteen wonderful years of bringing fun and excitement not only to kids but also to people of all ages.

A month-long celebration was held during its anniversary month of October, including the launch of its newest ride, the 150 feet EKstreme Tower Ride and The Annual Search for EK’s Little Prince & Princess. Also on the same month, EK gathered the best of the local and international fireworks makers and competitors for the first ever Enchanted Kingdom Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition.

Last December, a gift-giving event dubbed as EK’s Make an Enchanting Wish Come True was held for the victims of Ondoy. Kids were treated to a whole day of fun – games, snacks gift-giving and storytelling session led by EK’s VP for Sales & Marketing herself, Cynthia R. Mamon.

And just when we thought the party was over, EK celebrated the arrival of the New Year by bringing the International YouTube sensation and Hollywood star CHARICE in a concert entitled “Enchanting New Year’s Cheers with Charice”.

“As Enchanted Kingdom approaches another milestone in its corporate existence – a decade and a half of magic – we are poised to continue to break records.  We shall continue to strive to exceed our guests’ expectations, not only through new, innovative and exciting rides and attractions and blockbuster entertainment, but also through superlative guest service that surely will result in positive and lifetime magical experiences,” explains Cesar Mario O. Mamon, EK’s Chairman and President.

In photos are EK’s Chairman and President, Cesar Mario O. Mamon, (Blue) and EK’s VP for Sales & Marketing, Cynthia R. Mamon (Red) with Eldar and Princess Victoria. Photo taken at EK’s gift-giving event.

Children living in resettlement areas from all over Laguna at EK’s Make an Enchanting Wish Come True.

CHARICE at “Enchanting New Year’s Cheers with Charice” click here for more photos.

Enchanted Kingdom’s website

Enchanted Kingdom’s Facebook Page

From January 8 to March 25, 2011 EK will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 12NN to 7PM and on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 11AM to 9PM.

Fireworks display is staged on weekends at 8:30PM.