Definitely Eastwood City rocked on the event held by Jim Beam Highball last November 12-16, 2019 at Eastwood Central Plaza.Braving the traffic from Makati where our shuttle picked up to Eastwood really spelled disaster, but the fun at Jim Beam Highball’s Event swept all our stress.
Literally, it was a night of overflowing drinks and food, I get to bond with old and blogger/media friends.
I was glad to be invited as one of the VIP guests for this event and heading to Eastwood from Cavite is no joke especially considering the travel time. What made me curious to attend the event is to try the taste of Jim Beam’s newest flavors plus the fun of collaborating with fellow media/blogger friends.
And of course, adding on the fun is their guest performer Clara Benin.
Clara Benin
I got to try, and made for myself my very own mix of Jim Beam Highball
Here are the flavors to try:
🍹Yuzu and Lemongrass Highball
🍹Calamansi and Pandan Highball
🍹Pineapple and Basil Highball
🍹Mango Spice Highball
🍹Classic Highball 🍹Lychee Highball
We also enjoyed the foods at the menu to go with our Jim Beam Highball mix;
I love how the idea on how they incorporate the “organic” natural fruits and herbs and diffuse it with the Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey.
My TOP THREE favorite mix;
🍹Yuzu and Lemongrass Highball
Yuzu and Lemongrass Highball
🍹Calamansi and Pandan Highball
Calamansi and Pandan Highball
🍹Mango Spice Highball
Mango Spice Highball
I also tried and had fun with the games.
JIM BEAM HIGHBALL CLAW MACHINE
I managed to claw a ball and won a price!
The Highball Pong wasn’t attended at the moment so I didn’t got the chance to try;
And of course, since I tried mixing my own Jim Beam with the help of their lovely brand ambassador, I got a lovely mug which will be my mixing mug of Jim Beam whenever I need a refreshing drink!
Jim Beam bourbon whiskey mug
Of course, parties wouldn’t be parties without meeting new friends! Who would have thought that my Shuttle seatmates (oh, we endured together the 4hr traffic along C5), would be my party mates!
Follow them at Ig @margarettegarcia and @chardeekurby
And jammed with fellow bloggers and friends!
Follow them too at @hungrymorena and Vlogger Eric Teodoro
One of the oldest beauty pageant is happening in Manila!
55 Lovely ladies will compete for Miss Asia Pacific International 2019, Grand Coronation Night will be happening on October 9, 2019 at Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World, Pasay, Manila
Last October 3, I attended the Welcome Party for the Miss Asia Pacific International 2019, held at Selah Garden Hotel, Pasay, Manila together with Zen Rooms Philippines. It was an all out party for Media guests, bloggers and Top Influencers of Zen Rooms VIP Ambassadors.
I was able to capture most of the ladies, who’s your bet?
Anahit Lazyan, 26, Yerevan, Armenia
Australia Anjelica Whitelaw, 23, Melbourne, Australia
RicaFiorella Cortez Arbenz, 25, San José, Costa RicaBodour Fowzy, 19, Hurghada, Egypt
KongHei Shun Fung, 24, Hong Kong, Hong KongNicole Severo, 18, Rome, ItalyAlick Xaysomphou,19, Phonsavan, LaosElena Remuar, 25,Riga, LatviaAmanda Kristen Lee, 25, Kuching, MalaysiaAshleigh Kleintijes, 21, Walvis Bay, NamibiaCaro Boonen, 19, Amsterdam, NetherlandsAdedoyin Queen Abiodun, 25, NigeriaCynthia Karina Lam, 19, Taboga, PanamaPratistha Saakha, 24, Kathmandu, NepalQueency Naigum, 23, Port Louis, MauritiusDaphne Fuerte, 26, Tijuana, MexicoShen Sofía Ye, 21, Taipa, MacauNa-yeong Kim, 24, Jeju, KoreaNoy Ben Artzi, 22, Tel Aviv, IsraelZully Paz, 22, San Pedro Sula, HondurasSuliana Cruz Tuchez, 24, Antigua Guatemala
Silindokuhle Mbali Dlamini, 22, Durban, South AfricaEonna Constanza, 24, Distrito Nacional, Dominican RepublicKlyza Castro, 19, Davao City, Philippines
Last year’s Miss Asia Pacific came from our country, the Philippines. Amazing, she looks like a doll. I thought she’s a foreigner, but she actually came from Sultan Kudarat, she’s a beauty.
MISS ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL 2018 – Philippines Sharifa Akeel The Candidates Miss Asia Pacific International 2019
TANAY, RIZAL – A perfect tourist spot for motorcycle roadtrips, mountaineeers, adventurers, and even for those who hates trekking but still wants to enjoy mountain views and bathe in refreshing waterfalls. Tanay is located east of Metro Manila, just a few hours away if your coming for the weekend. Commuting to Tanay is also easy as public utility transport is available at Cubao and Shaw Blvd.
I am glad to be invited for a FamTour activity for Bloggers sponsored by the Municipality of Tanay under Tanay Tourism Office, headed by Mr. Jeffrey M. Pino.
Mr. Jeffrey M. Pino, Tanay Tourism Officer
Of course I was excited the moment I was chosen to join the FamTour. Packed my things for the expected itinerary (I have a very huge baggage consisting of extra clothes, Maong jacket, toiletries, etc. I never run out of clothes to wear on a travel but usually I bring light clothes to wear – no maong pants, all shorts).
So I slept at around 8pm, and woke at 2am, left Cavite at 3:30am and arrived Cubao at 4:30am. Call time is at 5am, we waited for the whole team at Jollibee P. Tuason, Cubao.
Upon the arrival of Sir Aldren, our Tour Guide for the day, he welcomed us with seashell garlands. Courtesy of Honorable Mayor Rex Tanjuatco and the Tanay Tourism Office. It was such a warm welcome to start the day.
Read on as I start our journey to the Home of Adventure and Nature Experience – TANAY!
DISCOVERING TANAY!
1st Stop – Municipality of Tanay
Our first drop is the Municipality of Tanay where we were oriented on what to expect on our Daytour plus the town’s history and culture. “Hane” the common expression of the locals means “Is it Ok?”, or to get someone’s attention. Sir Jeffrey Pino adopted it and coined HANE on Tanay’s Tourism Slogan:
(H) Home of (A)Adventure and (N) Nature (E) Experience! HANE!
Town of Tanay history – A short village on Monte Tan-ay, now Inalsan. Under the jurisdiction of Pililla from 1573. Tanay became an independent parish under San Ildefonso in 1606. In 1620 it was transferred to San Antonio (Pan-tay). When San Antonio was burned in 1639. The people moved to the present site and founded the town in 1640.
Tanay Municipal Hall
We have full load of activities on the list which made us even more excited.
2nd Stop – Tanay Church and Town Plaza
Location: M. H. Del Pilar St. , Tanay, Rizal
The ecclesiastical administration of Tanay belonged to Pilillia up to 1606 when the first Church was built. The first church was completed in 1783. Tanay Church is also commonly called Saint Ildefonsus of Toledo Parish. The Tanay Church was actually declared by the NCCA (National Commission of Culture and Arts) as a National Cultural treasure church.
In front of the Tanay Church, was a dead 100-year old Acacia Tree where it was graced into life by turning it into a huge sculpture or Our Lady of Guadalupe and San Ildefonso de Toledo.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
3rd Stop – Rambull’s Bakahan sa Tanay Fastfood Restaurant
Location: Manila East Rd., Tanay, Rizal
We picked up our packed breakfast and lunch at Rambull’s Restaurant – Bakahan sa Tanay. It was amply called “Bakahan” or cow/buffalo slaughterhouse, because it was located beside a “bakahan.”
They prepared us macaroni spaghetti with sandwich for breakfast, and Chicken Adobo with Chopsuey for lunch. Inside Rambull’s is a miniature cow bull statue where you can ride for photo ops. Rambull’s set-up is that of a common eatery, I have yet to try their Bulalo – if it’s meat is comparable to that in Tagaytay.
4th Stop – Daranak Falls
Location: Daranak Falls Rd., Tanay, Rizal
Getting to Daranak Falls is just about 20 minutes away from the town center. And kids and adults alike will enjoy the view of Daranak less the hassle of trekking. Yes, it has cemented pathways and it is just about up to 5-minute walk from the entrance.
Daranak Falls is one of the flagship destinations of Tanay and a popular summer get-away for locals and tourists from in and out of the country. Daranak Falls nestles at the foothills of the verdant mountains. Its main attraction is the 14-meter high waterfalls cascading into a deep catch basin that serves as its natural pool. Its stream feeding from the fascinating view and beautiful pieces of rocks. The stream flowed serenely through massive different rock formations, creating pools of jade green and blue crystal blue waters ending up in the deep catch basin of the waterfalls and rivers. – Hon. Rex Tanjuatco, Tanay, Municipal Mayor
We enjoyed the breathtaking view of the falls. Rainy season is the best season to view the beauty of Daranak, though be extra careful since the waters are raging fast. Most tourists flock here during Summer, when the waterfalls was just enough for bathing.
Take a look at the amazing Daranak Falls in this short clip;
TIPS and Budget:
No Liquor and drunk persons allowed
Operating Hours: 8am to 5pm
Adult and Children P50.00
Picnic Shed P300.00
Picnic Table P200.00
5th Stop – Calinawan Cave
Location: Barangay Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal
Situated just a few minutes away is the Calinawan Cave. It is said to be the hideout of the Japanese colonizers during World War 2. The Calinawan cave is a huge cave system which can reach up to 7 levels. But only 5 levels are available for public tours.
For beginners, only Level 1 & 2 are for viewing. Levels 3 to 5 can be accessed but not during rainy days. The water inside the cave can reached up to waist deep. To trek Level 3 to 5, one must walk on his knees, so we were contented with exploring Level 1 and 2 where challenged also surprised us ahead.
Calinawan Cave is a famous “shooting spot” for action movies both local and international films. The tour guides will take you into a historical yet fun trip while you explore the cave. They even let us experience “zero visibility” for 10 seconds. Yes, we didn’t SEE ANYTHING for 10 seconds of silence and off lights. It was a thrilling experience and I imagined how did the occupants survived their stay at the cave. Take note that Calinawan Cave once became a shelter of Japanese occupants during World War 2, it was their hospital and home. It is also said that during those times the cave leads to Montalban (now Rodriguez), Rizal and was walk-able for 9 days from end to end, they used this as a hideout and access to escape.
Level 1 of Calinawan CaveAt last, I survived going through Calinawan Cave. Remember to wear proper hiking shoes or sandals because you might end up carrying your rubber shoes to save it from the mud, like me, haha!
TIPS and Budget:
Entrance Fee P20.00/person
Guide Fee P100.00/person
Operating Hours: 8am to 5pm, sometimes they extend up to 6pm depending on the weather
Attire: Wear helmet, bring flashlight or headlight, wear proper hiking sandals or slippers, bring bottled water, tissue or wipes *it is muddy inside
It’s nice to travel solo or with group, but it’s best to have a travel buddy. Thanks to Milet Miranda of Project Gora, she’s been my constant companion, we assisted each other and took turns in taking photos.
6th Stop – Nagpatong Rock Formation
Location: Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
The highlight of our tour was the climb to Nagpatong Rock Formation.
We stopped at Brgy. Cuyambay, the jump off point, for a lunch. The locals prepared us a boodle fight of fish, ginataang puso ng saging (Banana heart in coconut milk), together with our packed lunch from Rambulls Restaurant – chicken adobo and chopsuey. We had a full lunch, just enough for the climb that we were about to take.
The tour guide had a short orientation before leaving Brgy. Cuyambay. Beginners like us might take about 2 hours to reach the Summit. Nagpatong Rock Formation is a 3.3 kilometer walk and with 560 MASL (metres above sea level).
Nagpatong Rock Formation is composed of 2 towering rocks facing each other. Ahead of Nagpatong Rock is Mt. Masungki (another 2 hours from Nagpatong base camp). Big rocks were formed on top of another, hence its name “Nagpatong.” Adjacent to the platform for tourists, the other rock, is a place for the tour guides to shot wonderful photos. They were trained to instruct tourists on how to achieve that “perfect shot.” It was wonderful to see numerous rock formation along the way. And while seeing all of these, makes me wonder “how did all these limestones get here?”, “why Tanay?.” In this inquiries of mine, our Tour guide Rhodel and Sir Aldren, however still tried to answer, they said that since a long, long time ago, the Philippines was buried in water, that only Palawan Island can be seen in the surface. That even Tanay was once buried in water. Hence, might be the explanation of the numerous rock formations as if the gods have played rocks and spread it in Tanay.
Hiking or trekking to Nagpatong is quite easy compare to that of Mt. Daraitan. For non-mountaineers like us, we took about 40 minutes to reach the 1st stop, where the sign of Nagpatong Rock direction can be seen.
Starting the trekOnce in awhile I stopped by to take photos of the rock formations along the way. There are limestones and seeing these already satisfies the nature lover in me.1st Stop – to Nagpatong, on the other side is the way going to Mt. MasungkiWelcome sign – the base of the Nagpatong RockClimbing the way to Nagpatong Rock SummitFinally! Achieved Nagpatong Rock Summit! My legs were shaking at this point (heights, Aww!) so I comfortably find a spot where I can confidently positioned myself for a “buwis buhay” shot. It was also windy here so balance is important.
At my age, 40 (going 41 in 7 days after my climb), plus living mostly sedentary lifestyle, I considered it a BIG achievement to be able to trek the 2-hour walk going to Nagpatong – without panting and fainting. Also having a weight like mine made it difficult for me to climb over the rock. This is my VERY 1ST TIME and a dream come true for me to finally take what they call “buwis buhay” shot.
Special thanks to all the tour guides who assisted me, specially to Rhodel and Sir Aldren, and Kuya who never left my side during and after my trek to Nagpatong Rock. We wouldn’t make it to the top if it weren’t for their patience in guiding us along the way. They are so adept in the route and also minute by minute asking us if we still can continue, and informing us of what to expect along the way. Plus, they are good photographers!
Kuya Rhodel and Kuya (sorry I didn’t got his name).
TIPS and Budget;
Rock/Mountain climbing is an extreme sport, never ever try if you have heart conditions, an asthma, a vertigo, or have fear of heights;
It is not for the faint of heart,
After climbing up the 2 storey wooden ladder, you will hold on to a tied rope and push yourself to climb over the big rock to go on the platform;
You may slip if you missed your step and fall;
Falling is fatal, climb at your own risk
Bring at least 1 liter of water (there’s no water to buy nor clean spring along the way);
Bring jellyace, gatorade or chocolate bars for energy and hydration
Apply Sunblock
It helped that I applied Haplos Ginhawa Moringa Oil as an anti-mosquito repellent as well as it instantly soothe my muscle
Bring a stick or be resourceful enough to get a bamboo stick along the way, it’s very helpful;
It is a nice hiking experience since most of the trail is an open area and flat,
The climb to Nagpatong base will take you 15 to 30 minutes of assault climb;
Wear comfortable clothes, travel light as much as possible
Registration Fee: P100/person
Guide Fee: P500 (maximum of 5 persons per guide)
Total climbing hours for beginners may take 5 hours (back and forth).
After our very challenging Nagpatong Rock adventure, we headed to Pico de Pino Restaurant to freshen up and for snacks. We were already so tired to take photos of the place, I was glad Sir Aldren had these photos. I enjoyed the food especially the pancit and brewed coffee. They also have a small shop – perfect if you need to buy extra clothes, slippers or some souvenirs. I bought a pair of slippers to freshen up my feet (my rubber shoes and socks were wet and muddy), for just P150.
Photo credits to Sir Aldren of Tanay Tourism OfficeWe had fresh lumpia, pancit and a refreshing juice for snacks. Plus, a complimentary brewed coffee which tasted so good!Photo credits to Sir Aldren of Tanay Tourism Office
Due to time limitation, instead of passing by at Ten Cents To Heaven, we headed straight to 3 Springs Mountain Park. But unfortunately, I together with 2 other bloggers didn’t make it to the lobby or restaurant of 3 Springs. Our van got stuck up in the mud, and folks have been trying to get it out and took about an hour before successfully pulling itself out of the mud. The three of us who were sitting at the back decided to stay inside the van for added weight (maybe it will help while they try to get the van out). But after about 15 minutes, the two of us, @peculiarlymade, decided to get down and walk towards the location of the 1st group of bloggers. Flock of students, tourist buses were already moving out, but we were moving forward to where they are coming from. Though tired from our already exhausted day of hiking, we enjoyed the view of sunset.
Sunset view at 3 Springs Mountain Resort
But we didn’t make it to the resort, the 1st batch who headed earlier were already coming back to where we came from. Said the dinner was cancelled because of the delay in our schedule. So, we also took a ride at their vehicle and head back. Once back, our van was still hopelessly trying to get up from the mud, and at last after about 5-8 minutes, our van was right on track! It was alright for me to finally be heading back home, after all, I miss my kids!
Special thanks to Tanay Tourism Office (DOT Tanay) Sir Jeffrey M. Pino, for choosing me to be one of the bloggers for this FamTour and all the staff of Tanay Tourism for the warm welcome and accommodation.
Want to experience Tanay? Feel free to contact their local tourism office:
Tanay Tourism Officer Jeffrey M. Pino 0998-988-1590/7361059
Email: tanaytourism@gmail.com
Address: Ground Floor, New Tanay Municipal Hall, M. H. del Pilar St., Tanay, Rizal 1980
Contact numbers: (02) 6551773 loc 212-213 / 09985788199
You can ride a Van or jeepney at Starmall Edsa or Cubao or choose your options in this list – Commuting to Tanay
Once in Tanay, you can ride a tricycle going to places
It is best to get to the destinations by private car (preferably SUV for areas with rough road)
We missed these destinations though in our itinerary;
A feel of 3 Springs Mountain Resort
Ten Cents to Heaven – Team Building Venue, Longest Zip Line in Luzon
Bakasyunan – Bali of Tanay
Parola/Lakeshore – Panoramic View of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, Talim Island, Tagaytay City. Perfect Sunrise/Sunset photography.
Now as of this writing, and checking on the web about those destinations that we missed, my passion for adventure was ignited, and I am longing to go back to Tanay and consider an overnight stay for more ADVENTURE! I am inspired to get fit so I can brave the other mountains of Tanay! We can do it, TANAY, HANE!
Special thanks to my Tanay Bloggers Family for making the tour a fun, and unforgettable tour to remember, follow their blogs too!
Thinking of what to do on your next Summer Escapade? Why not try a different Summer experience at “ZAMBALI SUMMER!” Add some spice on your usual beach itinerary, and HAVE FUN while enjoying local music, feel the vibe, enjoy the locals, or who knows meet your forever soulmate while your singing and dancing with the music altogether!
Zambali Summer is a celebration of love, life, and faith and the freedom to enjoy all of that. It is a music festival that would showcase mainstream bands from the Metro and up and coming local artists from Zambales, with the beautiful beach coast of Zambales as its backdrop.
Zambali Summer will be happening on April 20, Black Saturday, at Brgy. La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales. Show starts at 4:30 PM.
Zambali is derived from the word “Sambali”, which is the original name of Zambales; and also refers to the Zambales’s original natives, the Sambals.
Every summer, most residents of the Metro and Filipinos in general spend their Holy Week away from the city for a well-deserved getaway and spiritual rejuvenation – usually at the beach. For some, this has ripened as tradition. Year after year, major beaches outside of Metro Manila are packed with both locals and tourists alike. Usually, Maundy Thursdays and Good Fridays are spent reliving the true meaning of the Cross, and our salvation. Black Saturdays, on the other hand, has always been the official day when families and friends go out of town to spend time together and unofficially celebrate the resurrection – and have fun!
This year, beach-goers from the Metro can experience Holy Week the Zambali Summer way! The perfect way to experience the summer heat by listening to a wide variety of live bands while bathing in the sunshine, the funky feel of the sand and a cold drink on your hand, all that while supporting the local music scene, advocating for the environment, and supporting the campaign against dangerous drugs.
Thisbeach music festival is headlined by one of the most sought-after rock bands in the country today, Mayonnaise. Other bands who will also join the celebration are Switchblade Manila, Whiskey Version, Gin Rum and Truth, The Black Wolf Gypsies, Hey Moonshine, and many more.
The event is produced by Awesome Events & Productions (AEP) , Rough Stuff Entertainment and Sound Experience Manila (SX Manila).
To get your tickets, concert lovers, beach goers may search Zambali Summer or get your tickets (Ticket price is just P420), on this link Event Brite.
Sample tour itinerary to go perfectly with your Zambali Summer Experience:
April 20, 2019 Saturday
5:00 am – Breakfast at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)
6:00 am – Short trip at SBMA to nearby Olongapo Market
7:00 am – Proceed to Zambales
8:00 am – Arrival at San Antonio Market. Purchase food (snacks, water, packed lunch, etc.)
9:00 am – Proceed to San Narciso, Zambales
9:30 am – Freetime (swimming, explore the area, prepare food, etc.)
12:00 nn – Lunch Time
1:00 pm – Swimming Time / Surfing / Volleyball
4:30 pm – till lights out – Zambali Summer Beach Music Festival
See you there and share your awesome experience of Zambali Summer!
Just a few hours drive from Luisiana and Pagsanjan, Laguna is the quaint town of Lucban. I have known Lucban for its Pahimis Festival, but I haven’t really get down and see Lucban, not until I joined theDSWD Learning Visit.
We visited Lucban to see the Lucban Farmers and Traders SLPA, but before that, our generous DSWD ROI Sir Joseph, allowed us to visit one of the main attractions in Lucban which is the Kamay Ni Hesus.
Kamay Ni Hesus in Lucban is a pilgrimage site, I was glad to come here without the overwhelming crowd. It is considered a sacred ground for everyone who wants to repent, give thanks and pray for healing. The Kamay Ni Hesus Healing Church is a 5-hectare shrine constructed on February 2002 and located at Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon. I only happened to see the Healing Church, Noah’s Ark, Garden of Eden, Holy Family Park and the colorful stalls of souvenir items in the area.
You will be welcomed with REMINDERS before you start your climb, and an image of the Blessed Mother Mary.
Going up to the top of Kamay Ni Hesus is not easy, it will challenge you and rip you out of energy. So better check if your fit enough to climb 300+ stairs. Good thing, they have handrails and corners where you can hold and stop, breathe and collect yourself.
The journey going up also enable you to see Lucban in full view, each level will show you a different picturesque view of Lucban.
On the way up, are images of the Stations of the Cross.
Once you reach the top, seems like victory where you can pray “Thank you Lord!”. For me, I always pray and thank God for surviving to climb each level, ha! ha! ha! It wasn’t that easy going down back to the ground, and I even had my rubber shoes damaged as I slipped my foot on some rock. I just thought of it as some kind of a remembrance of my adventure.
We spent just an hour of tour here, and I admit I didn’t get the chance to see all of what Kamay Ni Hesus have to offer, an hour is too short to explore the whole area. You can view other photos in my facebook page Diaries of a Transport Queen.
When we came back to the hotel in the afternoon, had a quick rest and explored the town again. Lucban town is a picture of old provincial town, establishments were still of those Spanish era designs, no modern building around the town Plaza. As if getting me to think, am I still looking at the same place a few centuries ago? It is that feeling of simplicity and peace.
A 7-11 Store in an old Spanish Style Building
We roamed around town and at last found “pancit habhab” and tried it for just P10. At first, we do not know how to eat “habhab” style but managed to eat it anyway, without fork. To eat habhab means to eat with your mouth and eat the pancit straight from the banana leaves. OH, definitely a ZERO-WASTE lifestyle check! Why can’t all the pancit stores serve like these, hehe! I bought a kilo of fresh Lucban pancit for just P40.
We stayed at Patio Rizal Hotel — check my review in the blog _—–
HOW TO GET TO KAMAY NI HESUS LUCBAN, QUEZON
Via Private Transport
Traverse SLEX and exit to Calamba, Laguna. You will pass by the towns of Los Banos, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisiana
Via Public Transport
Check out the bus terminal at Cubao or Buendia Taft bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. At Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney ride going to Lucban. Then ride a tricycle going to Kamay Ni Hesus
I will definitely have the Pahimis Festival in my bucket list to complete my Lucban experience, I also wanted to explore more of Lucban and hoard their fried pancit snacks which Conan, my baby, instantly loved. Ooops, I also forgot to taste their best selling Lucban longganisa so I really have to come back for a day or two.
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One of the most common and in-demand form of car rental is the – Self-drive Car Rentals. Most operators mistaken the meaning as “they are the ones who will do the driving service for their car.”
SELF-DRIVE simply means the renter “self” will rent the car and drive it on his own. To simplify – Only the unit is being rented.
If you are an Operator or a Renter, continue reading to know more and save yourself time in deciding the type of rental you should engage in.
To be honest, Self-drive rentals are the most sought after when it comes to company car rentals but not all are LEGIT as we know from the previous news of “Rentangay scam” or “Rent Sangla”. Most of these type of rentals are penetrated by these “rental scam syndicates”. It is very hard to distinguish legit self-drive rentals so vigilance and your very own intuition are necessary.
Terms of Contract
▶️ A car may be rented out for a monthly basis as short as 1 month to a maximum of 1year, depending on the company’s or renters need of the car.
▶️ For individual renters, most of them are foreigners or ofw’s who wished to save from hiring a driver or having to commute from day to day. The shortest term may be 2 weeks to up to 2 months.
▶️ Unit must be “returned as is” or renter must shoulder participation fees for damages. Again, it will depend on your agreement.
▶️ Change oil, wheel maintenance are usually shouldered by the Operator. Conditions varies depending again on your agreement.
RATES varies with the ff. factors
Type of vehicle
Duration of rental
Location where it will be used
Type of usage
plus
Security deposit
Background & investigation checking fees
Delivery and pick-up fees
Documents/Information Needed
▶️ Usual list of documents requested to verify a LEGIT renter are the following
Sample only (list varies depending on the car rental company)
2 Valid Government IDs
Passport (original will be surrendered during course of rental)
NBI/Police/Brgy. Clearance
Proof of billing
Background check clearance (you may issue this once you are done with background investigation)
Facebook Profile
Referrors name
Renters Application form
Some useful questions:
Purpose of rental
Location where it will be used
Duration of rental
Who will be the ultimate renter (you may use witty questions to raise this to your renter)
For company rentals, background check is still necessary. We already encountered “fake renter/potential scammer” who mentioned she is connected to a certain hotel but eventually after the CI the hotel mentioned didn’t have a need for such self-drive or any type of car rental.
If you are dealing with a company/person you’ve just met, or the company have no previous history of deploying self-drive, look out for the ff. “RED ALERT SIGNS”
Very high rate offering without deductions
Rush need usually only 2-hours allowance time for delivery
Contract terms are enticing (2 to 5 years)
No office signage or company have 2 or more different addresses in a period of one year
for your driver, it is good to orient them with the following:
Be aware when someone suddenly calls and ask the car to be delivered somewhere or to pick-up a passenger, and told you they are company dispatchers;
Never ask if the call were coming from (the name of your affiliate car rental), scammers will say YES;
You must have the name and contact number of the contact person to whom you will deliver your unit at the company or address mentioned. Deliver units only on the mentioned company or residence address unless you agreed for pick-up.
Below are the photos of the suspects of the large-scale rental scam
and this one tried to victim one of our members by pretending to be a dispatcher of ROAD RENT A CAR.
Scammers usually work during Holidays, when everyone else are busy to do background checking (Christmas, New Year, etc). Do not engage in self-drive rentals when you do not have time to do background checking.
It is safe that you purchase a GPS tracking device for your car which usually ranges from P2,500 and up. GPS will be available soon at ROADRACTSC.
Upon delivery of the unit, secure the ff. important documents:
Car checklist (must be done accurately)
Contract or Rental agreement
Check original Valid Ids, and other documents presented online
*Sometimes the draft contract is already written in the car checklist.
However guided are we, it is still best to practice caution and deal only with TRUSTED RENTERS, Agents and Companies.
ROAD RENT A CAR is one of the leading Self-drive car rental provider in Luzon, tried and confronted four times with rental scammers, been mimicked and used our name by other agents to gain operators trust to deploy units.
Self-drive deployment by ROAD RENT A CAR TSC.
15 UNITS ASEAN SUMMIT 2017
10 INNOVA UNITS FOR EUROPCAR (45 Days)
SEDAN UNITS FOR TELCO ENGINEERS
SEDAN UNITS FOR TELCO ENGINEERS
Self-drive for personal use referred by a Travel & Tours Company
AUV UNITS for TELCO ENGINEERS
SEDAN UNIT for Attorney’s use
Member referral via facebook walk-in inquiry, Self-drive Montero unit
Self-drive rental for a TNVS Company for VIP use (Montero unit)
SEDAN UNIT Self-drive by a Parish priest in Tagayta
SEDAN Wrapped-up units rented by an advertising company
Are you an Operator interested in Self-drive rentals? Have you tried it? How was your experience? Feel free to share in the Comments section!
Feeling happy and strong?
