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Post by EXO on Jan 16, 2019 10:18:59 GMT 8
As at 16 January 2019, The Corregidor Inn room rate per night is seven thousand five hundred peso. That's US$146 for a twin room. Included in it is "full board meals, the buffet lunch, a plated breakfast, a daytour kit (whatever that is, I am not sure), and "free use of south beach." I didn't know that South Beach was a chargeable feature, but what do I know, eh? This is sure to encourage more tourism. I'm from Australia, in case you didn't know, and 7,500 peso is just under AU$200. (AU$199.709 actually.) I know this because I just got an offer from The Manila Hotel with a room rate of $134, before I start looking around. This is NOT the lobby of the Corregidor Inn. In researching this, I came upon a web page by the name of CORREGIDOR -How to get there without paying for package tours - could you believe that! The page has been closed several years though, so don't expect any up to date information there.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Feb 28, 2019 13:17:39 GMT 8
Corregidor is becoming very expensive.
In the last year some aspects of visiting Corregidor have become more expensive or very expensive. I visited Corregidor 5 times within the last year and all my costs have increased or increased dramatically.
These are what I experienced, paid or observed:
Many things have become more expensive such as food and drink at the McArthur Lounge, prices went up somewhat, like 70 peso for a SM Light. 150 Peso for a Carlos Meal, rice, 2 eggs and a small can of pork and beans. A pancit dish is 200 peso; it is available at the other place for 120 or 140 peso.
Staying at the budget Rowhouse is gone; CFI eliminated this service last year. I took advantage of this service about 10 times in the last 15 years, stayed there maybe 20 to 30 days. It used to be only 500 peso, increased to 700 peso for the room/1 day, a few years ago. 2 people could share and the rooms even had separate bath (CRs). The rooms were spacey, were good and were very affordable and saved me money and encouraged me to visit Corregidor more often. The building with many rooms is still there and I miss this service!
The former rooms at the former MacArthur Lounge are now managed by CFI and cost now 1500 peso, before we frequent visitors received a discount, but that is no more.
The PSE (Prime Square Enterprise) boats with overnight stay on Corregidor rose to 6200 peso from 3500, and they are no longer stationed on Corregidor, they are now at the MAA pier on Bataan. That is a dramatic price increase, why?
The Villa Carmen and the Cabcaben BOATOP boots have increased their prices to 3000 pesos many years ago. In 2004 to 2007 I only paid 1200 peso. Because I stay several days on Corregidor at a time, the boots have to run twice to pick me up and so I have to pay 3000 twice, total 6000 peso. In Jan. 2019I paid for an air roundtrip ticket to Tacloban 4000 peso. Comparing that with the boat prices I think that is too expensive, cant the Tourist Department do something about it. A few month ago I met a Philippine–American Couple they were charged 3500 for a single ride to Corregidor by a boot from the Cabcaben BOATOP, is that gauging?
The PSE jeepney is 2000 peso now vise 800 pesos only a year ago; that is a dramatic price increase, why? I believe there is only one jeepney available. They have one more minibus which is 2500 peso.
The Sun Cruises ferry roundtrip of about 1200 peso is not available any more. The only way one get on the island from Manila via the ferry, one has to pay for the whole day tour, 3358 peso even if you don’t want the trolley tour and buffet lunch, if and because one wants to do different things. This does not make sense, Sun Cruises uses the twin hull ferry which carries over 200 passengers; why not fill empty seats? This service was available before but they wrote that I have to pay for the whole thing, even if I don’t want the buffet and the guided tour. No explanation was given, do they want to punish visitors like me? Workers on Corregidor still can use this service for a lower price, but maybe that price has increased also.
The Corregidor Inn offered a twin room with breakfast for 2000 peso with breakfast in the past but now it is 7500 including 3 meals. It is cheaper to stay in the Manila Hotel! I cannot afford that price and stay in that Inn. That is also a very dramatic price increase. Renovation is given as a reason; to me it looks like bad management.
In the last year I heard several times that the visitor count is down and new things are coming to change that. With all those price increases will that help things to change that?
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Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 10, 2019 14:58:04 GMT 8
MacArthur’s Lounge, Food & Refreshments 2019. As of this year Corregidor Island has a new establishment for food and refreshments! A friend and I visited Corregidor in 2019, Jan. 25th to the 28th and took advantage of it. The rooms, previously managed by the MacArthur Café are now managed by the Corregidor Foundation Incorporated (CFI). You may contact their office in Manila at 02 8233281 or Ms. Marylou Farnacio, farnacio.marilou@gmail.com The entrepreneur is a native of Boracay and her name is Jing (I believe). She just started and I’m sure her services at this establishment will increase. She has Tel No.: 0995 467 2699. Ze071. The new food and refreshment establishment on Corregidor Island, and located in the same premises as the former MacArthur Café, has a name: MacArthur’s Lounge. Ze072. The front cover of the new food and refreshment establishment menu on Corregidor Island; it has their phone number: 0905 467 2699. Ze073. This is how the former Mac Arthur Café, now the new MacArthur’s Lounge, looks like now; this is a Jan. 2019 image. Ze074. This is Miss Jane; she helps out sometime at the new MacArthur’s Lounge. She is an employee of CFI and looks after the former MacArthur Café rooms which are now in the hands of CFI. Ms. Jing, the boss of the MacArthur’s Lounge did not have any help as of Jan. 2019. But on my Feb. 2019 visit she did have a helper, a young girl, from Bataan but who grew up in Subic Bay. Ze075. The bare beginnings of a new business by an enterprising Filipino Lady, I am sure she will expand her facilities. This building has been recently renovated by CFI. Here are some of the drinks and she runs show from here. Ze076. This is the menu of the new MacArthur’s Lounge, at this Jan. 2019 visit, the management did not have every last item on the menu yet, but that situation will improve. The Lady Boss let me run a tap again like in the past under the old management. One thing I noticed and will consider in my future purchases. Her prices are a higher than in the old establishment and also higher that the competition at the other restaurant. Ze077. That is Ms. Jing, the Lady Boss, of the new MacArthur’s Lounge. Like all Filipinos on Corregidor, she is very friendly and very good in English, so communication is not a problem.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 10, 2019 18:56:02 GMT 8
Corregidor Inn 2019 Jan. update This visit was with CDSG member Glen Williford from the 25th to the 28th Jan 2019. He stayed in the Inn; I stayed at the MacArthur Lounge. But I had to visit him and is when I took these pictures. I tried to coach the Inn to fly the Philippine Flag but have not succeeded yet. Guests were few and the food is coming from the Sun Cruises Staff house. The swimming pool is not in operation yet and in Feb. neither. The Zip Line is not in operation now, for one thing too many tree branches in the way. I uploaded 22 images into these two albums: Uploaded to Photobucket: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Corregidor%20by%20subject/CI%20Subalbum%20No%202/Corregidor%20Inn%202019%20Jan?sort=9&page=1Uploaded to Facebook: www.facebook.com/karlwilhelm.welteke/media_set?set=a.10215776657563103&type=3 Here are 6 sample images: Z352. Corregidor Inn Reception with Glen Williford and Mary. Z353. Corregidor Inn flag pole, I tried to convince them to fly the Philippine National Flag in the very historical place, did not succeed yet. I told them, this should a matter of pride of Country and History. Z354. One of 8 images of the pool area at the Corregidor Inn; it is not in operation yet. Z355. A general picture of the Corregidor Inn and Malinta Hill, in back, on Corregidor. Z356. One of 5 images of the Corregidor Inn rear; the Zip-Line is not being used. For one thing, tree branches are in the way now. I think it never was successful. Z357. One of 5 images of the Corregidor Inn rear, Sun Cruises got a solid truck to carry out their operations on the island.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Apr 9, 2019 12:06:56 GMT 8
Corregidor visit 6th to 8th April 2019 for the Tribute to all Filipino Heroes Day The Heroes Day is on the 7th of April but I arrived one day earlier. I also wanted to say hello to the Kwiecinski family who are the guides for the Valor Tour. The Tribute to all Filipino Heroes was well organized, just like last year and before. I wrote a report about the visit and described the Tribute to all Filipino Heroes activities; it is posted in this URL: corregidor.proboards.com/thread/1384/karl-corregidor-trips?page=6I also experienced some higher prices and the rental of motorbikes is now available. Here are 5 images but for most of the other pictures you may have to wait for a long time, I’m always keeping too busy: Z456. This is the front page of the program for the Tribute to all Filipino Heroes at the Filipino Heroes Memorial on Corregidor Sunday the 7th of April. 2019. Z457. This is the program for the Tribute to all Filipino Heroes at the Filipino Heroes Memorial on Corregidor Sunday the 7th of April. 2019. Notice two Cabinet Secretaries were present. Z458. At least 3 U.S. Military Officers participated plus at least two representatives of the U. S. VA. I don’t remember whether they were present last year. Z459. The island entrance price is now 300 peso; can’t argue with that, the entrance price has been 200 peso forever. It is the first item on this list; other fees may have been gone up also. The Villa Carmen gave me a shock: I drove from my home in Olongapo to Villa Carmen in two hours. The boat ride normally costs 3000 peso now. However when I told them that I was planning the return trip with another company, the company the Valor Tour was using, they wanted 3500. They said, because I was staying overnight on the island and use another boat to come back, which means the single ride costs 3500. I argued but what can a person do? Z460. This is a new sign about a new service; one can rent a motorbike now for 500 peso (3 hour duration). I believe it is run by a member of the security contractors, a name and numbers are shown.
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Post by EXO on Apr 9, 2019 15:36:19 GMT 8
I note your comments about Villa Carmen - they jack the prices up another 500 if you DONT return with them. Unfortunately they have caught C.R.D. ("Corregidor Rip-off disease") as well.
Sometimes (when you DONT intend to go there) I think you should ring them up and ask them for their latest prices, and when they quote you, you should say "Aw shucks, that's too high. I won't use you this time."
"Rates are Subject to change Without prior Notice" now means "If you are a foreigner, I am going to rip you off."
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Post by chadhill on Apr 9, 2019 15:47:34 GMT 8
It's most reassuring to note that breathable air is continuing to be furnished free of charge.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Jun 30, 2019 18:44:57 GMT 8
This is an update on the Corregidor boats I just added a lengthy update on the Corregidor boats that leave from South Bataan, from the MAAP piers, scroll down: corregidor.proboards.com/thread/2211/boats-corregidor-expensiveHere is a sample picture: U166. The telephone numbers are no longer available. Mrs. Mildred died recently in an accident. You have to call Willy, the owner; the numbers are: Smart-0998 851 9920, Globe-0996 445 5409.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Jul 3, 2019 18:28:40 GMT 8
Road Project on Corregidor 2019-06-29 The AHP group visited Corregidor on the 29th of June 2019; I joined them to get one more trip to the Rock before the family departs to Hawaii on the 1st Sep this year. I noticed that a major road project is underway. But our visit was so short that I only got glimpses of the project. But the Philippine Public Works and Highway Department has been doing work on the Corregidor roads for a few years now. I share these project observation views in this presentation and albums. Two albums were established, at different accounts, for this project with the same pictures : Uploaded to Facebook: www.facebook.com/karlwilhelm.welteke/media_set?set=a.10216545165895331&type=3Uploaded to the Photobucket: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Corregidor%20by%20subject/Corregidor%20News/Corregidor%20Road%20Job%202019?page=1For this forum presentation I only chose 10 images: U185. When we approached Corregidor North Shore I noticed a large barge was moored at the east side of the North Mine Dock, in the ex Fort Mills and I was wondering what project that might be. This was a short Corregidor Visit but I had a few minutes to slip away; we see a large barge was moored at the east side of the North Mine Dock, in the ex Fort Mills. This large barge moored at the east side of the Corregidor North Mine Dock had brought road aggregate material and it was trucked into the Engineering Ravine. U186. I was told the project is laying asphalt material over the old concrete roads but this picture tells me that apparently some concrete is being replaced. It has been dumped at these trees located between the Café and Skipper Hill. I wonder when and if the broken concrete-road-remains, dumped at Bottomside here, will be removed? U187. The asphalt is finished on the road to Topside near the Middleside Barracks. I wonder when and if the broken concrete road remains, dumped at Bottomside will be removed? U188. The asphalt work is also finished all the way to the Malinta Hill Tunnel east entrance. U189. This was a surprise; the new MacArthur Café is feeding all the Corregidor road project workers. Good for her, the manager can make some money. U190. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has had projects on Corregidor for many years. This picture shows new curve warning signs installed on the 17th of Oct. 2018. U191. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has had projects on Corregidor for many years. This picture shows a new KM Stone is being installed on the 17th of Oct. 2018. It is painted now! U192. This picture was shot on the 26th of Jan 2019 and shows a new Right of Way marker installed near the Lorcha Dock. (DPWH) has had projects on Corregidor for many years. U193. (DPWH) has had projects on Corregidor for many years. This was in 2009 and at that time DPWH was installing metal road railings along the Corregidor roads because the concrete barriers were broke or did not exist. DPWH is installing metal road railings on the South Road, along Malinta Hill on the 10th of Jan. 2009. This picture shows the world famous web master of Corregidor.org. U194. This was in 2009-02-16 and at that time DPWH was installing metal road railings along the Corregidor roads because the concrete barriers were broke or did not exist. More railings are delivered near the Eng. Dock.
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Post by EXO on Jul 4, 2019 11:37:14 GMT 8
Some information did come my way about these roadworks.
The allegation was that they were arranged independently of the role of CFI. (I cannot identify the source as the source had no authority to speak on behalf of the CFI.)
The concrete roads around Topside weren't all that bad at all. Some money must have been burning in the budgets of the road authority, just needing to be spent. Heavy rain and other extreme weather conditions damage asphalt roads, and they need to be more regularly maintained.
There are other road easements on Corregidor which would have been more beneficial to clear. However I was told that the budget was for repairs of existing roadways, not for building new ones.
Here's the technical comparison between concrete and asphalt roads:
Time, as always, will tell.
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