MV 2GO Maligaya: 2GO Travel newest vessel

2GO Group Inc., the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics provider, upholds Filipino aspirational values by naming its newest state-of-the-art passenger vessel as MV 2GO Maligaya.

2GO recognizes the Filipinos’ ability to be joyful and uplifting toward others even in the face of hardships and challenges. MV 2GO Maligaya aspires to make sea travel fun, safe, and reliable through its new vessel.

“Maligaya is one of the defining qualities with which the Filipino is known for around the world. Masaya is a happy feeling, but Maligaya has a sense of deep joy and youthfulness. As a travel brand, we believe this is reflective of the kind of journey and service that you get from 2GO,” stated Blessie Cruz, 2GO Assistant Vice President for Marketing.

The acquisition of the MV 2GO Maligaya is part of the company’s fleet modernization efforts to provide high speed and reliability in the movement of essential goods nationwide, while at the same time upgrading sea travel onboard experience. According to 2GO Chief Operating Officer Waldo Basilla, “This is a manifestation of 2GO’s commitment in providing superior products and services to our customers. The new addition complements the broader service offerings of the other business units under the 2GO Group. As a major player in the industry, it is imperative for us to take the lead in product innovation and unparalleled service to keep in step with world-class standards”.

The MV 2GO Maligaya is the most technologically advanced roll-on, roll-off passenger (ROPAX) ship that has set sail in the Philippine waters. It features a fun and colorful livery that can energize and enhance the Pinoy travel experience.

MV 2GO Maligaya is a larger ship that can carry 40% more twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of cargo capacity compared to 2GO’s current fleet of vessels. It will link Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao via its Manila-Cebu-Cagayan de Oro route. With a top speed of 23.5 knots, it reduces steaming time from Manila to Cebu to only 17 hours making it the fastest cargo vessel in the Philippines today. With this vessel’s addition, 2GO aims to further improve sailing schedule reliability to 95% on time.

Made by Japanese shipbuilders and a German main engine, the MV 2GO Maligaya embodies the latest international shipping standards and technologies, including an integrated navigation and control system, advanced fire alarm systems, and multiple collision bulkheads as a collision mitigating support, among others.

MV 2GO Maligaya is a welcome addition to its current fleet of up to 10 ships, servicing 20 major ports of call in the Philippines. The ship is set to sail its maiden voyage this month of May, and the company has prepared special activities for the passengers of MV 2GO Maligaya for being a part of the first journey.

March 26, 2021March 26, 2021

5 reasons why you should visit Tinipak Lodge and Restaurant

Last weekend, we just had an amazing trip to Tanay, Rizal. It is a 2-hour drive from Manila. Days before the granular lockdown happened, we encountered one checkpoint along Rizal. They were checking if there were kids in the car and they were looking for a driver’s license.

After that checkpoint, it was a smooth ride until you get to Daraitan. Your trip to Tinipak Lodge and Restaurant will be going to be rough but we promise you that it will be worth it.

You will know if you’re near the area when you see a river and a bridge. Yes, you have to cross that bridge. Each car needs to pay 50 PHP upon crossing the river.

In this blog, we will share with you the reasons why you should visit this place when you’re planning to have a getaway after this pandemic.

FOOD ARE SUPERB.

After trying some of their food, we wish we’re near to them so we can visit their restaurant and try their food every day. Swear, you must try the food here! They have a restaurant along the highway (Kamalig Restaurant), if you’re around the area, please do visit and try their food.

Here are some of our top picks from their restaurant. But all of the food we had were good, anyway! Note that you can dine-in at their restaurant even if you’re not a guest.

The restaurant is open from 8:00 AM-10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM on Friday, and 6:00 AM-12:00 MN on weekends.

GREAT PLACE TO UNWIND.

We didn’t imagine that we can found a relaxing place here in Tanay, Rizal. Since we all know that Tanay is one of the go-to places if you’re looking for an adventure. But if you’re not that kind of person, then just stay at their lodge. You’ll be relaxed, for sure.

Feel the cold breeze at night while enjoying the bonfire with your smores and sausages. We want to go back and experience the place at night since we have to sleep early.

What made our stay more memorable was because the owners are so accommodating. Thank you for accommodating us, Reyes family!

CLEAN AND COZY ROOM.

We’re surprised when we saw our room since we’re not expecting too much since it’s a lodge. But look, it’s clean and cozy.

We stayed in their Dumagat Room which is good for 4 pax. It has 2 king-sized beds. It has an aircon but we didn’t use it since we just want to enjoy the fresh air. It has TV and cable but we didn’t use it also since we just want to enjoy nature.

Our room has its own rattan swing and a veranda where we mostly spent our time with. It has a private bathroom also which has body soap, shampoo, tissue, and complimentary towels.

We also noticed that they are still under construction and currently adding more rooms to accommodate more people at their place.

NOTE: When you checked-in, you are entitled to have a complimentary breakfast.

THEY ARE ON AIRBNB.

You can use our code to get 1,600 PHP discount when you sign up using our link here. This is valid for first time users only.

After you sign up, you can now choose your room below.

Shared room – 513 PHP/night

Good for 2 pax – 2,714 PHP/night

Good for 4 pax – 3,786 PHP/night

THEY CAN ARRANGE YOUR ITINERARY.

Since we’re already in Tanay, Rizal, we maximized our weekend by doing some adventures such as trekking. Yes, they can arrange your tours if you want to go somewhere in Tanay. Just inform them beforehand or on the day of your visit.

Watch our vlog here:

We went to Tinipak River and Tinipak Rock Formations on our 1st day and went to Mt. Daraitan Summit on our 2nd day. They have a legit and super nice tour guide here at Tinipak Lodge and Restaurant.

DO THEY HAVE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS?

Yes, they are requesting their guests to submit a medical certificate a day before your check-in date. They accept medical certificates that came from your RHU, just like we did.

ARE KIDS ALLOWED?

Yes, kids are allowed but they need to have a guardian especially now that we still have a pandemic.

WHAT IS THEIR CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIME?

Check-in time is 1:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM.

DO THEY HAVE A PARKING SPACE?

Yes, they have their own parking space and it’s for FREE!

OVERALL RATING

Room – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rates – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amenities – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐

CONTACT NUMBER:

Mobile: 09178971119

ADDRESS:

210 M. Pranada St., Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

Facebook: Tinipak Lodge & Restaurant – Daraitan

Instagram: @tinipaklodge

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Summer Cruise: Experience scuba diving in Batangas

We were supposed to visit this diving resort last year but since community quarantine happened, we decided to postpone our trip to Summer Cruise.

But now that they ease the travel guidelines in Batangas, we decided to push this last weekend.

Summer Cruise Diving Resort is located in San Luis, Batangas. It is a 3-hour drive from Manila. From the name itself, it is a diving spot and a resort that was established last 2019.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

When we went there, we didn’t present any health certificate as indicated in the picture above. But just in case, much better if you bring a health certificate to be sure. Don’t forget to wear your face mask and face shield and practice social distancing as much as you can.

RATES

They have a day trip here in Summer Cruise. The fee for a day trip is 350 PHP per head. For an overnight stay, you have three options for accommodation. It’s either you get a room, do camping, or sleep on a hammock. If you will bring your own hammock, the fee is 450 PHP.

ROOM RATES:

WEEKDAYS – 700 PHP/head

WEEKENDS – 850 PHP/head

The room is clean and you have a balcony. One advantage if you booked their rooms is that you have your own private bathroom. Note that they have no aircon here but it really gets cold at night. We didn’t even use the electric fan inside the room.

TENT:

RENT – 550 PHP

PITCH A TENT – 450 PHP

We noticed that most of the guests here at Summer Cruise choose to stay in the tent. They also have 2 common bathrooms for campers here. When we went there, the resort is fully-booked and most of them are campers and freedivers.

ARE KIDS AND PETS ALLOWED?

When we went here, we saw pets and even kids inside the resort. Just take full responsibility if you will bring a pet or kids to Summer Cruise.

ACTIVITIES

There’s a lot of activities you can do here at Summer Cruise.

SNORKELING

Rate is 250 PHP for snorkel rentals such as mask & snorkel, life vest, boots, and fins. For individual rentals, mask & snorkel (150 PHP), life vest (50 PHP), boots (50 PHP), and fins (100 PHP).

FREE DIVING

Rate is 1,500 PHP with instructor and complete gears.

SCUBA DIVING

Rate is 1,800 PHP with instructor and complete gears. You can watch our vlog below to watch our scuba diving experience!

They even offer PADI courses here at Summer Cruise.

Open Water (2 days) – 14,800 PHP
Advanced (2 days) – 14,800 PHP
Rescue Diver (3 days) – 18,500 PHP
Dive Master (on request)

WHAT TO EAT?

Here in Summer Cruise, they offer several food choices from breakfast to dinner meals. But if you opted to bring food to cook, they charge 350 PHP for kitchen use and refrigerator storage.

Also, you can have unlimited coffee and overflowing water here at Summer Cruise.

Here’s what we got for dinner. They serve Japanese food here. The ramen has a big serving and flavorful!

For breakfast, we got some Pinoy food such as Tapsilog, Tocilog, and Bangus.

OVERALL RATING

Room – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rates – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amenities – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

After our 1st ever scuba diving, we are thinking to do it all over again. It was a memorable experience! Big thanks to Summer Cruise Diving Resort for taking good care of us during the dive. Kudos!!!