Passion for travel brings Sole Sisters on Southeast Asian adventure

One of the best ways to educate oneself, and one of the best investments one can make in life—this is how Lois Yasay sees travelling, one-half of the duo behind We are Sole Sisters, one of the country’s top travel blogs.  Together with her friend and fellow Sole Sister Chichi Bacolod, Lois traveled across Southeast Asia on a budget of P100,000 for six months. Leaving the comforts of home and the stability of a monthly paycheck, the two journeyed to India, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Burma to satisfy their wanderlust.

Lois had always been a fan of traveling. In 2008, she left the Philippines to live in Europe and in New York, because she believed moving to another country was the only way she could experience the world without spending too much. For her, long-term travel offered more opportunities than the usual week-long vacation,  as having more time to get to know a place and its people was a great learning experience.  “It’s more than just having your photo taken with a popular landmark or ticking an item off your bucket list,” she noted. “You get the chance to understand the local residents, and see how similar or different they are from you.” 

Setting up for six months around SEA

While in New York, Lois’ passion for adventure hit fever pitch after meeting lots of travelers from all over the world. “They would tell me about countries like Laos and Vietnam, and I would ask myself, ‘How come these people have visited these places and I haven’t? I’m the girl from Southeast Asia.’”

When she moved back to the Philippines in 2010, the desire to explore Southeast Asia only grew stronger. While working as a financial services trainer for a foreign bank, Lois met Chichi who was equally gung-ho about going on a great adventure. They christened themselves the Sole Sisters and made concrete steps toward taking the big jump.

But with the grand dream came the challenges, foremost of which was the budget. Lois said she felt daunted by the idea of traveling for six straight months and leaving a good-paying, stable job behind. Yet their determination to make their travel dreams come true persisted, and Lois and Chichi made major lifestyle changes, one of which was to be more disciplined in their spending. They each opened a passbook account to keep track of their savings. Every payday, a specific chunk of their paycheck automatically went to the travel fund. Lois also stressed that research and planning were very helpful in keeping their expenses down, especially airfare costs. “We found a travel buddy in Cebu Pacific. It has opened up a world of traveling to more Filipinos because of their low-cost flights and regular seat sales.” Lois also hoped more people would realize that traveling is not exclusive for the affluent to enjoy. “Cebu Pacific has made it possible even for regular people like us to go places and experience what the world has to offer,” she said.

Crossing borders, breaking barriers

For Lois, among the best things about traveling is that it challenges the prejudices one may have on different cultures, including one’s own. “I first thought I was just immersing myself in their way of life, very much like a citizen of the world. But at the same time, I got to take a closer look at my own life and gained a deeper appreciation of who I was,” she said.

Lois counted Cambodia as one of the most riveting countries she had visited. The Sole Sisters started the expedition in Ban Lung, a remote town in the eastern part of the country, where they went on an elephant trek, visited hill tribe villages, and took a dip at the Yaek Lom Crater Lake. They also headed to Phnom Penh to learn more about the country’s history and went to Siem Reap to marvel at the Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions. The country’s beauty captivated us, while its history enlightened and humbled us,” she said.

Stressing the significance of travel, Lois said that it does not matter how one does it, as long as he or she goes out and explore the world. “Travel for a week or less, for six months or six years. It’s up to you,” she stated. “As for me, I’m thankful to have found a travel companion in Cebu Pacific, which gives me endless opportunities to discover the world and enrich my soul.”

Budget-friendly tips for the Cebu Pacific traveler

If you’re planning a vacation, preparing the itinerary and budgeting time and money wisely are of utmost importance. Exploring the country and the region becomes easier and more frequent with Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), especially if you’re a smart and budget-conscious traveler. Long trusted by Filipino and international travelers as the airline with low fares and innovative services, Cebu Pacific has these tips and services frequent fliers on a budget will appreciate: Take advantage of discounts. Travelers should always be on the lookout for bargains. From CEB’s promos and seat sales to hotel vouchers for sale online, great deals can be had just by planning and knowing what you need to book in advance. Use rewards points, and student, group or senior citizen discounts whenever possible too. Use free travel apps. Free and practical apps can help you maximize your vacation days. Google Maps saves you time and money by providing quick information on routes and landmarks. Ordering food or asking directions in foreign countries is also easier with iTranslate, which provides translations for specific words and phrases in over 50 languages. Another app, AroundMe, conveniently pinpoints your location and the nearest gas station, bar, hospital, cinema, and other establishments. Maximize Foursquare. Foursquare app users can check exclusive discounts or offers, depending on their location. It’s useful in helping you make the right decisions by providing multiple money-saving options, as it features other users’ tips on the most affordable yet worthwhile establishments. Be a CEB member. CEB members are provided a time-saving option since they can view their flight history, booking updates and seat sale alerts. You can also check in for your flights from 4 to 48 hours before your flight to cut down on your queueing time at the airport. These services are available just by registering through www.cebupacificair.com. Travel light. Keep all personal items contained in a smaller, lighter bag. Plan wisely and bring only clothes that are necessary for the trip. Not only does traveling light keep your belongings organized, going to different places becomes much cheaper and more convenient. If shopping is in the itinerary, leave room for items that you’ll purchase during the trip. Buy prepaid baggage allowance from 15 to 30 kilos for more travel savings, if that is the case. Charge it with the Cebu Pacific Citibank Card. The Cebu Pacific Citibank Card has many exclusive and unique benefits for the budget-conscious traveler. There’s the free one-way ticket to almost any destination, the seat sale alerts, and the CEB points which can be converted to CEB vouchers. These vouchers can be used to book flights without restrictions on fares and destinations, and purchase prepaid baggage allowance. CEB points are easily earned from any purchase made using the Cebu Pacific Citibank card. Pay attention to currency. Watch the exchange rate in the country you’re visiting. Some exchange centers have less favorable rates than others, so don’t be too hasty to change money. Do an Internet search or ask your friends first where the best rates are offered. It might also be cheaper to book hotels using the local currency. Watch your meals. You can still be spontaneous with the dining options offered during your vacation, but it’s good to know where the affordable restaurant options are. If you’re staying at a hostel with a kitchen, you can cook your meals yourself using ingredients bought from nearby groceries and markets. Or take note of buffet restaurants so you can eat a heavy lunch. Instead of ordering food at the hotel, go out and find a café or diner serving similar items at less expensive prices. Fly with CEB. CEB offers the lowest fares in the 34 domestic and 16 international destinations it flies to. It’s entirely possible for the budget-conscious traveler to book flights in advance, and visit as many diverse and culturally enriching places as possible. Just remember the many helpful ways to keep these travels budget-friendly.

Why this Sea Princess flies

Unknown to many, the already multi-hyphenate Tessa Prieto-Valdes also lists diving in her bag of tricks. She has been a passionate diver since the early nineties, and has committed herself to explore as many marine treasures as possible. “It’s a whole different world when you dive,” says Tessa. “It’s all of God’s creation untouched by man. You can see creatures big and small, and the vastness of the ocean that is yet to be explored. So much creative inspiration and ideas come out whenever I dive.”

She is even known as the “Sea Princess”, a nickname given to her by diving instructor Gigi Santos and buddy Eileen Grey after an unfortunate encounter with pirates. They joked that Tessa was the only royalty onboard—a Sea Princess—so the name stuck, and she lives up to it as her love for diving continues to get stronger.

“Ever since I tried diving, I was instantly hooked. We even do ‘one day wonders’ or four dives in one day,” Tessa shared. “But of all the sites I have explored, the most unforgettable would be the magical Tubbataha Reef Marine Park in Sulu Sea. It has the best marine diversity in the world. We should all try to dive it at least once and help preserve its beauty.”

The Sea Princess’ family also shares the same passion in caring for marine life. She spent her week-long honeymoon on a dive boat in Palau with husband Dennis—a professional diving instructor whom she met during her earlier diving days. Their children are supportive of programs like the Condura Run for Tubbataha Reef or Bantay Kalikasan which work to fight water pollution.

“My kids and I are like fish in the water, and we spend most of our weekends on the beach,” she said. “This is why we are very conscious about recycling and the effects of pollution in the oceans.”

The Sea Princess travels

A certified jetsetter, Tessa prefers Philippine dive spots for the genuinely warm service of the people, the incredible marine reefs, and the ideal weather. For young new divers, her top picks include the teeming corals of Anilao, and the whale shark experience in Donsol, Sorsogon. “It’ totally awesome to see the largest fish in the world, and it’s very rare to see them in the open sea,” she said. In Palawan, her favorites are El Nido for its sea cows or dugong, dolphin, and turtle sightings, and Coron in Busuanga for its shipwreck diving sites.

Tessa is also fond of Pescador Island in Cebu, which she says is spectacular because of the sardine runs; Malapascua, also in Cebu, for its unexploited wonders; and Apo Island in Negros Oriental for its more than a decade old marine sanctuary teeming with life.

Fortunately for wandering Juans who want to see the country’s uniquely colorful bed of marine biodiversity, flying to these sites is made more affordable by Cebu Pacific, the country’s largest airline. With national flag carrier’s ever-expanding list of routes, Cebu Pacific brings travelers to the most captivating and world-class dive sites in the country.


Also known for its convenient services and features, Cebu Pacific truly helps travelers make the most out of every trip.

“My husband is in charge of booking flights online, which is very convenient and easy. We book ahead so we get better rates, select front row seats, and go for the prepaid luggage allowance that’s perfect for my diving gear,” Tessa shared. “And more importantly, I just love how their flights are on time.”

With affordable rates and convenient, on-time flights, Cebu Pacific’s domestic flights will take people to thrilling underwater adventures this summer, just like the Sea Princess.

Sonny Dizon and Cebu Pacific bring tourists to Davao’s thrilling side

Known for its lush scenery, exotic fruits, captivating fauna and thrilling activities, Davao has earned top billing as a premiere destination for eco-adventure lovers. But unknown to most, Sonny Dizon, a visionary with a love for nature has been instrumental in helping drive Davao’s rising reputation.

The Davao connection

A Davaoeño through and through, Sonny started his foray into promoting eco-tourism in Davao with the Crocodile Park, a crocodile conservatorium. A long-time croc enthusiast, Sonny wanted to protect the remaining crocs in the country.

“I was inspired to get into eco-tourism because I was fascinated with crocodiles and wanted to teach people about the preservation of this species. They have great survival instincts,” he says.

What started as a fascination with these reptiles soon developed into a big venture that has helped spur Davao’s tourism. With a strong passion for the environment, he developed other enthralling attractions for adventurous travelers: ZipCity’s zipline experience with a 360-degree view of Davao City; Davao Wildwater Adventure’s adrenaline-pumping white-water rafting experience; Maxima Aquafun’s giant water slide called the Abyss; Tribu K Mindanawan’s cultural village; and, environment- friendly resorts like the Mt. Apo Highland Resort.

Aware of the immense tourism potential of Davao, Sonny has big plans for the future. He plans on transforming the picturesque Kapatagan area located at the foot of the renowned Mount Apo into a low-carbon eco-tourism haven, making it a leisure gateway to the grandfather of Philippine mountains.

Scaling the wonders of Davao

One with Sonny’s mission in promoting the eco-tourism potential of Davao is Cebu Pacific, as it brings local and foreign tourists to the wild wonders of Davao. “I fly with Cebu Pacific all the time. Like Davao, Cebu Pacific is world-class and has greatly encouraged domestic tourism. With its low fares, the airline has definitely encouraged more people to travel and experience Davao and everything it has to offer,” he says.

Tourists from all over the country and the world have been flocking to the many tourist spots Sonny has developed over the years. He lauds Cebu Pacific for making travel accessible, with the airline’s numerous flights to Davao: 39 times weekly from Manila, four times weekly from Cagayan de Oro, 21 times weekly from Davao, and 7 times weekly from Iloilo.

“Travel is very important because it gives one a competitive edge. I have traveled all over Asia, and I am amazed with other countries’ commitment to take care of their natural resources. This is why my advocacy is to continue making people aware of the wonders of nature,” says Sonny.

Together with Cebu Pacific, he continues to drive the popularity of Davao as the eco-adventure capital of the Philippines, with eager determination—a noble resolve only the wonders of Davao can inspire.

Discover 7,107 islands through fun and memorable budget trips

Filipinos love traveling, especially now that top budget airline Cebu Pacific Air has made travel destinations accessible and more practical to visit. Joining Cebu Pacific in promoting travel and tourism are innovative individuals who simply love to plan creative budget trips and create itineraries perfect for group travel.


Team Urban Break founder Ian Martinez and WOW Trippers organizer Janine Manaig are just two avid wanderers. They turned their passion for trooping to beautiful local destinations all over the country and enjoying a great time with friends into something even more worthwhile.


An industrial designer by profession, 29-year-old Ian started organizing trips for fun: “I wanted to help my stressed out friends unwind by doing something that’s affordable, exciting and uncommon even just for the weekend.”


In 2008, he started planning out-of-town trips for friends who wanted to learn how to surf. Luckily, most of them found the trips fun and relaxing, and in no time Ian organized more trips to different locations as he formed Team Urban Break (teamurbanbreak.multiply.com).

Janine, who’s into backpacking, trekking and mountaineering, started organizing trip with her adventurous barkada in 2007. WOW Trippers (wowtrippers.com), as Janine’s group is called, decided to start focusing on unknown but must-see destinations in Luzon. Eventually, their leisure trips expanded to other beautiful but remote destinations.

The initial tasks for both Ian and Janine were at first daunting, but the passionate travelers carried on.

“As travel organizers, we first do an ocular of the place we plan to visit before we invite participants to join our travel program,” explains Janine. “The challenge is that we have to travel with different types of people and make the whole experience work for everyone. There are also weather and time constraints to worry about.” As for Ian, implementing his fixed itinerary for a big group is the hardest part, but is the most rewarding, too. “Usually, I bring a staff member along with me or I assign someone from the group to be my main contact person. The best part of organizing group trips is meeting new people. Nothing beats the fun of sharing experiences,” he explains. “It’s one of the best ways to forget about work and to simply relax.”

For Janine, it was simply rewarding to help interested Pinoys travel while keeping their tight budget in check. “Most Filipinos nowadays find it hard to travel because of budget constraints. We want to tell them that traveling doesn’t need to be expensive for it to be fun. By going out in groups and planning in advance, we lessen expected travel expenses.”


Traveling on a budget has truly become a possibility for most adventurous Pinoys nowadays, be it the beaches of Cebu or the sugarland province of Negros Occidental. Making it even easier for trip organizers like Ian and Janine is CEB’s trademark low fares as low as P499 for domestic and P1,499 for international travel, available through www.cebupacificair.com.


Both Ian and Janine both agree that the local travel industry has boomed these past few years, thanks to every Juan’s insatiable curiosity for travel along withthe pioneering efforts of Cebu Pacific. Filipinos should definitely watch out for

more adventures with 7,107 islands to discover and explore which are easily made

accessible by creative trip organizers and low airfares.

Meaningful barkada travels with Cebu Pacific

Traveling together takes groups of friends out of their comfort zones. Whether it’s a beach vacation, a culinary tour, or a spur-of-the-moment trip, barkadas end up making new memories, having fun and growing even closer.


Fortunately, the enriching power of travel has become more accessible to barkadas on a budget, thanks to the country’s leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB). With its 33 domestic and 16 international destinations, CEB’s low fares give barkadas opportunities to travel more often to different locales.



Friends who love flying


26-year-old Kirsten Lopez, who is a merchandising executive, travels with the rest of her barkada to experience what they call the three Bs—breathtaking beaches, beer and beautiful memories. Her barkada is comprised of diverse individuals, but what links them is their passion for enjoyment, adventure, and living life to the fullest.

“There is only one thing we expect to happen when we travel—to be pleasantly surprised. Our trips are always filled with unexpected but amusing and good-humored events. And that’s what makes our experiences special,” says Kirsten.


The group makes it a point to travel at least once or twice a year. They have been to Davao, Boracay, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Dumaguete, Coron, and Bacolod.


“Our trip to Davao is the one that brought our travel group together. We were about 18 who flew to Davao City at that time. We arrived there as strangers, and left the place as the best of companions,” she enthused.


They wish to visit the neighboring countries of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Singapore next.




Sporty adventurers


For 27-year old customer service representative Jay Orden, traveling quenches his and his barkada’s thirst for adventure.


“We have been to Boracay, Bacolod, Dipolog, Iligan, Manila, Cebu. Since our group forms a couple of teams, we love traveling together for Ultimate Frisbee tournaments. It’s great if we’ve never been there too, and we meet local players who end up touring us to the best places in their city,” he shares.


Living in Dumaguete, Jay and his friends’ first trip to join the Manila Spirits, an international Frisbee tournament in Manila, was one of their most unforgettable travel experiences together.


“Traveling lets us discover things about each other, and we’ve had memorable trips when we really bonded as friends and as a team. Going to different parts of the Philippines also gives us pride since we represent our hometown. We also get to meet new friends so it becomes a growing family all over the country,” Jay relates.


Kirsten and Jay, with the rest of their friends, are just two examples of how friends learn about and enjoy the world through traveling. And with carriers like Cebu Pacific empowering them to fulfill their travel dreams, they can continue to discover new places and more about one another.

Global brands Gawad Kalinga and Cebu Pacific work for sustainable communities

By building and strengthening sustainable communities in less privileged areas, Gawad Kalinga (GK) has helped countless Filipinos enjoy a better quality of life. This is a vision shared by Cebu Pacific which supported the organization’s upcoming GK Global Summit in Singapore

As event partner, the country’s number one airline and Asia’s third-largest low-cost carrier flew the Philippines’ GK delegates to the summit recently. Apart from arranging the group’s Clark-Singapore-Clark and Manila-Singapore-Manila flights, the airline also extended to the delegation a free 200-kilo baggage allowance.

“GK succeeds in its nation-building efforts because its programs cut across economic classes to empower people—both volunteers and beneficiaries,” shares Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution. “It’s a mission that our airline supports as we endeavor to uplift Filipino lives through travel.”

GK, which began in the Philippines in 1995, now has 2,000 sites in the country and across Asia, including Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The organization continues to expand globally as volunteers from different countries bring or implement their own GK programs back home.

Initiated last year in Boston, the GK Global Summit is a convention of groups and individuals who share GK’s quest to end poverty. This year’s event takes the now-global organization one step closer to its goal of making the lives of five million families better by establishing more communities with a holistic approach. The country’s representatives to the summit are expected to share other innovative programs with the rest of the GK Philippines community as soon as they alight their Cebu Pacific flight home.

Aside from this particular initiative, Cebu Pacific’s parent company JG Summit Holdings Inc. has actively worked with GK to complete the Jack n’ Jill Village in Taguig. Together with its other business unit Universal Robina Corporation, thirty-six families in Pinagsamahan Village in Taguig are now proud to have their very own homes at the Jack n’ Jill Village. Aiming to uplift the living conditions of families in Taguig, JG Summit Holdings Inc. and GK’s forged partnership are paving the way to build more sustainable communities.

With a world-class fleet of 21 Airbus and eight ATR 72-500 aircraft, CEB is the preferred airline of many organizations and individuals. One of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, it has 16 international and 33 domestic destinations and is the only airline in the country that flies from four key hubs: Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao.

Have blog, will travel!

Free, unlimited Cebu Pacific travel passes for best travel blogs

Cebu Pacific (CEB), one of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, continues its advocacy of promoting travel as it launches the first ever Wandering Juan Blog Contest. This contest recognizes travel bloggers who share Cebu Pacific’s vision of frequent travels for every one through their informative and inspiring narratives.

The Wandering Juan Blog Contest is open to all Philippine residents who blog about traveling. Blog post nominations can be made for the following categories: Leisure and Relaxation (spa/medical tourism, shopping, entertainment, special events, among others), Culture and Heritage (food, history, landmarks, local festivals, among others), or Adventure and Sports (indoor and outdoor sports, sports events, extreme sports, camping, hiking, wildlife encounters, and more). Blog entries can be nominated just by filling out the nomination form on www.WanderingJuan.com from June 1 to July 31, 2010.


CEB, in cooperation with Mozcom, Inc. and contest partners will reward the best blog entries with unlimited travel passes to any CEB domestic destination from September to October 2010, and a Fun Tours package to Cebu’s top resorts and hotels, inclusive of 3 days, 2 nights accommodations for two. These Fun Tours Packages are for Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa (Leisure and Relaxation category), Marco Polo Plaza Cebu (Culture and Heritage category) and Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa (Adventure and Sports category).

There will also be a special Fun Prints Picturebook Travelers Edition package (where the winner can put together their own travel story book containing photos, captions, plane tickets and other travel memorabilia) for the Best Travel Blog Photography or blogs with the most enticing travel photos.
For the Best Travel with a Cause Blog or posts on traveling with advocacies, the winner will get a Fun Tours Package to Badian Island Resort and Spa, inclusive of 3 days, 2 nights accommodations for two, with meals and one-hour spa treatment.

The awardees’ upcoming adventures on their trips courtesy of Cebu Pacific (CEB) will be featured in the Wandering Juan website.

“Cebu Pacific realizes the impact that online media makes on consumers’ decisions to travel to a particular destination. Blogs are a great tool to educate and encourage people to explore new places. We share that goal so it is something we will keep promoting,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific VP for Marketing.

By leveraging on the popularity and reach of the increasingly valuable online medium, CEB hopes to inspire more and more Filipinos to experience the many benefits of travel. Log on to www.wanderingjuan.com for more information on the contest.

The number one domestic airline in the Philippines, CEB has flown over 40 million passengers since 1996. It operates the most extensive network of 33 domestic and 14 international destinations from Manila, Clark, Cebu and Davao, using the youngest aircraft fleet in the country.

The best of the world in blog. This contest is for bloggers who continue to inspire people to know the world through travelling.

Discovering beach getaways with Cebu Pacific

For those looking for new ways to experience the country’s best beach destinations, it’s time to hunt for unique marine treasures and watery thrills. After all, our rich islands can offer a lot of diving and adventurous spots to every Juan. The trick, as they say, is in knowing where to look.

Thankfully, those going on a refreshing, sun-drenched vacation by the sea won’t have to pay a lot to visit both picture-perfect summer hotspots and exotic seascapes at their breathtaking best.

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s leading domestic airline, offers the lowest year-round fares for its domestic destinations including the country’s most exceptional summer locations like Cagayan de Oro, Palawan, San Jose and (Boracay) Caticlan.

The last frontier


For those who can’t wait to slip into their wetsuits and pick the best place to go underwater, Puerto Princesa in Palawan offers a lot of magnificent dive sites that not too many visitors have had the chance to explore. These include the White Beach and the Red Cliff that is home to the most diverse marine life including manta rays, sharks, dugong, and the rare whaleshark.

San Jose in Mindoro Occidental is also home to Apo Reef, the world’s largest atoll reef, next to the Great Barrier Reef. Sightings of turtles, sharks and colorful fish are plenty in Apo Reef. Those who want to help preserve this marine landmark can also volunteer for the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines’ (WWF) cleanup drives. These efforts seek to minimize the outbreak of Crown of Thorns Starfish destroying the corals in the area.

Boracay revisited

Meanwhile, everyone can’t seem to get enough of Boracay’s world-famous beach with hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to the island year-in and year-out. But aside from its crystal-clear waters and the exhilarating party scene, there’s a lot more to experience in this top beach destination.

Diving enthusiasts can explore the dive spots around Boracay, like the Kamia II wreckage site that offers stunning marine encounters. Crocodile Island also has one of the best coral sites in the island. And for the most intrepid adventurer, there’s always outrigger sailing, kite surfing, and whitewater rafting on the Tibiao River, just two hours away from Boracay.

Hotsprings of Camiguin

While most prefer strolling on the white sandy beaches along the coastline of Camiguin Island near Cagayan de Oro, dipping in the waters of its hot springs is an experience in itself. Camiguin’s sulfur-rich pools and swimming holes are believed to have healing qualities, and can treat tired travelers to the most soothing and rejuvenating dip.

With even more domestic destinations to choose from, every Juan can embark on the most exciting aquatic expedition that’s affordable and worry-free, thanks to Cebu Pacific.

For more information, go to www.cebupacificair.com or call (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888.

CEB gives Holy Week travel tips to passengers

High-quality low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) offers travel tips and reminders for the peak season this April 1-4, 2010.

“We hope our guests can use our friendly reminders and travel tips for a fun and stress-free long weekend. It always helps to remember that there will be a lot of people traveling during this time,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT

Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before the flight’s estimated time of departure. Guests can no longer rebook or cancel within 24 hours of the ETD and any time thereafter.

Remember that CEB allows only one hand carry bag (maximum weight is 7 kilos) and gives passengers free 15 kilos baggage allowance (except for Clark which gives 30 kilos). Weigh the luggage in advance so there will be no surprises.
If guests have a lot of excess luggage, go to www.cebupacificair.com and purchase Prepaid Excess Baggage (20% discount on excess baggage) for a faster check-in process.

Fix loose straps and broken locks, and place easily identifiable markers on the bag to avoid luggage problems.

DURING CHECK-IN

Check in for the flight as early as possible because of expected long lines at the security scanners and check-in counters. CEB counters will close 45 minutes before the estimated time of departure.

Those with no check-in luggage for domestic flights can fall in line at the Express Counter.

Guests on international flights can arrive at the airport earlier. Aside from the usual security and check-in requirements, they will still have to pass by immigration.

BEFORE BOARDING

Be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before the flight’s published time of departure.
Guests will pass through another security check before getting to the boarding gate, so wear shoes that can be easily removed and avoid wearing belts with metal buckles.

CEB flies to 33 domestic and 14 international destinations, using the youngest aircraft fleet in the country.