|
Post by chadhill on Mar 13, 2018 12:36:36 GMT 8
It's looking good, Karl. Does the AC work well? Food tasty? Most important, is the San Miguel cold?
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 13, 2018 13:57:22 GMT 8
Corregidor Inn Renovation as of 2018-02-13 Seven Corregidor Friends visited visited Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills and now the Pacific War Memorial, between the 13th and 16th of Feb 2018 to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of Liberation of this historical island. We checked out the hotel and these pictures were taken. The Inn is still not fully open but Sun Cruises is booking customers. One of our friends decided to take a room and paid an introductory price of 4000 or 4500 peso, including breakfast. He was fed topside because the dining facility is not in operation yet. We utilized the Corregidor Inn transportation about three times to get around and were quoted a price of 500 pesos for one way. In the end we were charged 800 peso because we combined our rides with our friend’s status as a hotel guest going to take his meals Topside of the island. A note of interest, the Sun Cruises Ferry did not run on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 13th and 14th of Feb. 2018 because of weather. All the rooms and bathrooms are done. Several persons asked me about wheel chair customer’s accessibility, none is provided and could be handled by carrying. I prepared 22 images to show the Corregidor Inn Renovation status and present them in two segments with 11 images each. This is the second segment. Za685. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, 2018-02-13, dining area, open. Za686. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, 2018-02-13, dining area, open Za687. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, 2018-02-13, dining area, open. Za688. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, view from the dining area. Za689. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, view from the dining area. Za690. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, view from the dining area. Za691. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, view from top of the steps. Za692. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, the front, no more flag poles. Za693. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, swimming pool. Za694. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, front view. Za695. Corregidor Inn Renovation statuses, rear view. If you like to look at ALL 33 images, they are in this Photobucket album: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Corregidor%20by%20subject/CI%20Subalbum%20No%202/Corregidor%20Inn%202018-02-13%20Renovation?sort=9&page=1The same pictures also have been uploaded to Facebook and this is the URL, but I think you got to be a member to watch: www.facebook.com/karlwilhelm.welteke/media_set?set=a.10213293861934764.1073741859.1643946293&type=3I made previous presentation (earlier status updates) in this thread: corregidor.proboards.com/thread/1384/karl-corregidor-trips?page=5Or I have established 6 albums about the Corregidor Inn Renovation in the last 2 years in this group of Photobucket albums: corregidor.proboards.com/thread/1384/karl-corregidor-trips?page=5
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2018 20:12:33 GMT 8
Great pix! And thx so much for the update. I had been wondering how the renovations were going. Any word on the pool? I don't think it's been open since my first visit to the Rock in 2002.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 15, 2018 10:29:44 GMT 8
Hello Kibosh
Re the pool. Yes it has been emptied during the renovation. It seems structural safe and I am convinced, once the Inn is formerly open, that they will fill it and operate it. All during my visits when the Inn was open the pool was used by the guests.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 26, 2018 19:34:12 GMT 8
Corregidor Inn seems to be open. Their website says so, this is the URL: www.corregidorphilippines.com/contact.htmlZa767. Sun Cruises Inc. Corregidor Visiting Rates, effective as of 1st Feb. 2018. Za767. When we were on the Corregidor Island, between Feb. 13th to 16th 2018, there were overnight guests but they were still fed in the Meal-Tent Topside. They did not address the case if someone wants to stay more than one night!
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Apr 30, 2018 15:30:25 GMT 8
MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier area Boat service to Corregidor. Besides the outrigger boats at Cabcaben which depart and arrive to and from there, another boat service picks up and drops off their passengers at the MAAP-Kamaya Pt. Pier area. I have used it several times and hereby establish this album to give a future visitor an idea where he has to go. This place is in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan. Call or text Mildred on Corregidor at this number, I used as recently as today: 0999 383 8164, the last time we used it, they charged 3500 peso for a roundtrip and the return trip was 2 days later. I established a Photobucket album about the MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier area with 21 images: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Manila%20Bay%20Forts-Other/Mariveles%20WWII/MAAP-Kamaya%20Pt%20Pier%20area?sort=9&page=1We all know how bad the Photobucket service is with advertisement, how about clicking on the slideshow button and move your curser and the image description should show. That works for me but then, maybe they recognize me as a paying member. Please someone try give me a feedback about this suggestion. In this forum presentation, 6 images are presented: Za920. The small El Corregidor II arrives at the MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier area in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, Feb-April 2018. We catch the boat from here to Corregidor. Za921. A Google Earth image showing the boat landing areas from the MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier area in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, to Corregidor Island, Cavite. Za922. The Corregidor boat embarks Corregidor Friends at the MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier area in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, Feb-April 2018. Sometime other fishing boats are in the way and the loading of the passengers is problematic!!!!!!!! Za923. The long MAAP-Kamaya Pt Pier and area in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan, Feb-April 2018. We catch the boat from here to Corregidor. I park my car at the end of the pier and local residents volunteer to watch the parked vehicles (for a tip). Za924. This is the MARITIME ACADEMY OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC –KAMAYA POINT MAAP Sea Survival Complex at the end of the pier. Za925. This plaque says this complex was provided by the Danish Ship Owner Association. This is the MARITIME ACADEMY OF ASIA AND THE PACIFIC –KAMAYA POINT MAAP Sea Survival Complex at the end of the pier.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on May 4, 2018 19:07:50 GMT 8
Rock Garden on Corregidor 2018-04-06 This rock garden is located on the North Mine Dock at Corregidor where the Ferry Boat reception area is. It is a welcome to Corregidor icon with a little historic theme. It was created by My Edwards within the last year; I believe his title is Activity Officer for Sun Cruisers Corregidor guests. Mr. Edwards created this in his off time, like a hobby. I appreciate it, thank you Mr. Edwards. I thought it was nice to record the work of a dedicated Corregidor employee, and I established this Photobucket album with 17 images. This is the URL: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Corregidor%20by%20subject/Monuments%20Museums%20etc/Rock%20Garden%20on%20Corregidor?sort=9&page=1 For this forum presentation 6 images are uploaded: Za937. This is the Welcome Rock Garden on Corregidor. Mr. Edwards, a Sun Cruises employee, created it in his free time. It has a historic theme. It is located at the North Mine Dock (Wharf). Za938. This is the Welcome Rock Garden on Corregidor. Mr. Edwards, a Sun Cruises employee, created it in his free time. Today on the 6th of April many visitors came and the Sun Cruises trolleys are standing by. Za939. This is the Welcome Rock Garden on Corregidor. Mr. Edwards, a Sun Cruises employee, created it in his free time. This is the row of stones with the historic slogans. Za940. This is the Welcome Rock Garden on Corregidor. Mr. Edwards, a Sun Cruises employee, created it in his free time. Here is one of those stones from the row of stones with historic slogans. Za941. This is the Welcome Rock Garden on Corregidor. Mr. Edwards, a Sun Cruises employee, created it in his free time. Mr. Edwards created a message of Peace. Za942. At the left end is Mr. Edwards guiding Gerald Anderson (at right) around, who was tasked to write a story about Corregidor for the Sun Cruises Corporation. This was in Jan. 2005 and I just tagged along. Gerald Anderson was the main player who created the Hell Ships Memorial in Subic Bay. This picture was shot at Battery Grubbs while we were waiting for sunset.
|
|
|
Post by EXO on May 15, 2018 11:19:01 GMT 8
Our regular readers are already aware that the Corregidor Foundation Inc has had a change of personnel, and with it no doubt, a change of direction. What does this mean for our community college of Corregidor students and buffs? Short answer: Beats me. The announced head of CFI is former Tourism undersecretary, Ms. Cynthia Carrion-Norton. If you google her, you find an significant number of self-promotional references to her many achievements - president Advantage Sports & Leisure, Inc.; President at Golden Asian Holistic Medical Alliance, Inc.,Philippine Organization of Wellness Establishments & Resources, Inc. (POWER), Golden Asian Holistic Medical Alliance, Inc., Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, Chief Operating Officer Philippine Tourism Promotions Board 2009 – 2010 (1 year), Executive Director Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD)2003 – 2010 (7 years), Murdoch University Master of Business Administration (MBA). You also find the Inquirer, of all people, designating her as a part of the Filipino elite. Check out this 2013 Inquirer product promo article, where she sets up her own clinic to promote a less controversial adult stem cell therapy in the Philippines. (Treatments starting at $17,000.) Oops, here's a curious one. Cynthia Carrion is wang-wang personified | Pinoy Buzz
Wow, Paul Ford at Pinoy Buzz sure doesn't like her. (Whoever he is, he's clearly got an axe to grind.) He's traced her to being a classmate of former President Gloria M. Arroyo, and at some point, GMA's personal aerobics trainer. He classifies her as "the embodiment of everything P-Noy is against", which now that everyone in the Duterte Era is attacking P-Noy and everything he stood for, I guess that makes her "the embodiment of everything great." Unfortunately for us, no where have I seen any mention of an interest in history, the preservation of heritage, or the protection of the Corregidor environment. Which is what Corregidor is supposed to be about, n'cest pas? What I do know is that under the new CFI, accommodation other than in the Corregidor Inn has been closed down, the Corregidor Inn room rate is on the northside of 6,000 peso a night, and day trippers who arrive on Corregidor via banca are being told that bringing their own foodstuffs is verbotten. That's a cheap shot by me, sorry, because those are decisions from the office of Doris Teresa Magsaysay-Ho who recently spend big bucks on a charm bypass for the Corregidor Inn. Come back Art, I love you more now than I ever didn't.
|
|
|
Post by EXO on May 16, 2018 10:30:14 GMT 8
Please don't get me wrong on Doris Ho. She's caught between a rock and a hard place - no pun intended. My take is that the Corregidor Inn refurbishment cost her corporate entities dearly, it had to have had. Her management is doing whatever they can while they still hold a lease, to get a return on investment. The trouble is, that's a big ask, and the baseline for tourism to Corregidor hasn't been stellar. The new “Inn” cost, my guess, maybe a million bucks (that much, yes, because one must include in the calculation the loss of trade for the year or so it took to get done). So I ask myself, how long has she been given to get ROI? Maybe a three year lease? So that’s maybe a thousand days. By my rule of thumb, she’s got to work that hotel $1000 a day if it's a mil she's chasing.
Unfortunately, there's a business paradigm in some climes that when business is slow, you put your prices up. The slower it gets, the more the prices go up. When things get tight, you fire your sales people. When more and more people don't come back, you simply stick it to those who do, more and more. This protects profits without the effort of becoming competitive, or in building up the market. It must work that way, so many people do it! Helps even more if you've got a lock on supply.
(FYI - the basic room rate at the Manila Hotel starts at $112.) In my view, it would be best to push the island towards being declared a National Historic Park and get a nice long lease locked in as quid pro quo, like the concessionaires in the USA do. But for that certainty, a premium needs to be paid. Her ROI shouldn't be forcing Corregidor to become a preserve of the elite.
The sheer fact that no one seems to want to allow Corregidor to become a National Park or National Historic Park, seems to be a "follow the money" game. "No real interest in history and all politics and material gain..." a friend recently wrote me.
Old hands will recall not so long ago when the Cabcaben banca cartel jacked their prices for white folk up from 1000 to 3000 peso. The price rise applied to the "foreign born" even if they were permanent residents. Local prices were less than a third. Essentially it was a long nose tax. This situation today is different - with overnight twin rooms costing more than 6,000 peso, Corregidor is cutting out the middle and working classes, and becoming a destination for the elite. Poor folk need not apply.
The bottom line - Corregidor needs accommodation for all price ranges, not just elite folk. It needs to encourage people to stay and explore. Back in the 70's, Hong Kong spent big bucks to promote itself on the basis of "Hong Kong - You'll Want to Stay Longer!" Corregidor is discouraging visitors who want to stay longer. Generally, those who do want to stay longer are the "history buffs." Why, I know three people who, between them, have had 150+ nights there.
Idea: Why not write to the Inn and ask them to quote you a price for a twin room, for 7 days. Let's start comparing apples with apples. While you're at it, ask them what their wifi speed is. And are all meals included? What's the price for a cup of coffee? Is it bottomless? What's the price for a beer in the bar? Post your replies here, or if you want to preserve your anonymity, PM to EXO.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on May 17, 2018 6:14:47 GMT 8
Latest information about visiting Corregidor, as of April 8th, 2018 If you are coming via Manila and the Sun Cruises Ferry get your information from this Sun Cruises web page: www.corregidorphilippines.com/packages.htmlThe management of Corregidor Foundation Inc (CFI) has changed and this organization is in charge of this historical Island. We are trying to get official information how to visit this WWII Island Fortress and Shrine from Bataan but CFI does not seem to have an official information outlet. We have not found one yet. We understand the CFI Rowhouse is not available anymore for an overnight stay, which was a good budget accommodation! I have used many times, as recently as Feb. 2018. I always thought that was a good deal. The best accommodation was in the Freedom Café, the former MacArthur Café. Most people, like me, are not rich and they offered affordable overnight stay. We were told they are not allowed to rent out their rooms anymore! Because of the no availability of Freedom Café and the Rowhouse, a friend and I made a reservation at the Corregidor Inn for the 6th of May 2018, it was 6600 peso for the night for twin/double accommodation, including 3 meals. We were coming from Bataan with a small boat and did not want the Sun Cruises Day Tour. We wanted to visit Corregidor for the purpose to participate in the annual 6th of May 1942 anniversary commemoration when the defenders of the Philippines had to give up and surrendered Corregidor and all of the Philippines to the Japanese Imperial Aggressors and Invaders. We were told that CFI did not have any plans to commemorate that tragic day, so we cancelled our visit! Friends and I did manage to visit Corregidor between the 6th and 8th of April 2018. And I took pictures of information signs and present them here. It seems as of now there are no more affordable accommodations available. We believe one still can bring a tent or rent one from the Nhicko Jee Café on the south side, Bottomside of Corregidor. And one still can visit Corregidor from Bataan via the Cabcaben COOP boats or boats from Prime Square Enterprises on Corregidor. Za982. Corregidor Foundation Inc (CFI) information sign at the south shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island. Za983. Corregidor Foundation Inc (CFI) information sign at the south shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island. Za984. Prime Square Enterprises information sign at the north shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island for island tours. Za985. Prime Square Enterprises information sign at the north shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island for island tours. Za986. Nhicko Jee Café menu and information sign at the south shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island. One can rent a tent here. Za987. Nhicko Jee Café menu and information sign at the south shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island. One can rent a tent here. Za988. This information sign was posted at Prime Square office at the south shore, Bottomside, Corregidor Island. There is a similar one in the CFI Admin Office. If anyone found what the new policies are from the new management of the CFI, please contribute.
|
|