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This Week in Metro Manila (October 30 to November 5, 2017)

The traffic report, mall schedule, and more news for All Saints’ Day 2017

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | October 30, 2017

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The Philippines begins November by commemorating the deceased on All Saints’ Day. Many people are expected to flock major modes of transportation such as roads and airports, and the government has taken measures by lifting the number coding scheme and adding more airport personnel.

All Saints’ Day

November 1 is All Saints’ Day.

On this day, Filipino Catholics remember and honor the memories of their departed loved ones. The day is declared as a special non-working holiday by the government, which means that there would be no classes for students as well. October 31 is also declared as a special non-working holiday.

Manila North Cemetery , one of the most visited cemeteries in Manila during All Saints’ Day, gave a few reminders to those who will visit on October 29 to November 2:

• From October 29 to November 2, no car is allowed to go inside the premises from 6PM onwards.

• Weapons of any kind such as guns or sharp objects such as knives and screwdrivers are not allowed.

• Pets are not allowed inside the cemetery.

• Other things that are not allowed are: objects that can produce noise such as guitars and radios. Lighters, thinners, and any flammable materials are also strictly prohibited.

• Gambling and drinking are also forbidden.

No number coding for October 31 and November 1

EDSA traffic

During the previous years, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have lifted the number coding scheme in Metro Manila on October 31 and November 1 to give way to those who are going home to their provinces. This trend is expected to be applied this year as well.

More NAIA personnel deployed for All Saints’ Day

The Ninoy Aquino is expected to accommodate a huge influx of passengers during the holiday season. (Image: Christian John Fronda)

The Bureau of Immigration (NBI) will deploy an additional 100 personnel at the Ninoy Aqunio International Airport (NAIA) under the “Oplan Undas 2017” of the government. The operation aims to ease the anticipated traffic of passengers this coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In addition, 200 more personnel will be deployed at the immigration booths in order to prevent long lines. Cameras are also installed at immigration counters to monitor all departing and arriving passengers. These safety measures cover all local and foreign passengers and international pilots and crews.

Wild Kinjo

The pork belly churrasco and chicken thigh yakimono. (Image: Wild Kinjo’s Facebook Page)

After spending time preparing for All Saints’ Day, visitors in Manila can go to Wild Kinjo at P. Noval, Sampaloc. The Japanese-Latin restaurant is known for its affordable meals, such as the pork belly churrasco (grilled meat) and chicken thigh yakimono (grilled and fried dishes). The price of dishes starts at PhP40 up to PhP150.

Hotel booking status for All Saints’ Day

Besides going to cemeteries, some Filipinos use the holidays to unwind by travelling or staycationing. (Image: Manila Grand Opera Hotel & Casino)

Those who are planning to have a staycation over the two-day holiday or those who will visit the Manila North Cemetery on All Saints’ Day can book their stay at some of the hotels near the area. The Manila Grand Opera Hotel still has available rooms for the week, including the Premiere room (PhP2,500), the Majestic Room (PhP2,800), and the Barkada Quad. Sun Star Grand Hotel in Recto also has available rooms during the week. Windford Hotel and Casino still has the Deluxe King and Executive Suite available but the Deluxe Double beds are no longer available.

Operating hours for All Saints’ Day in major malls

Mall hours had been adjusted since October 15.

In observance of All Saints Day, SM Megamall announced that the establishment would start their operations from 12:00PM to 10:00PM only on November 1. Likewise, Ayala Malls would also open on 12:00PM.

For Robinsons Malls, the operating hours start at 12:00PM for the following branches:

• Angeles
• Antipolo
• Dasmarinas
• Forum
• Galleria
• General Trias
• Ilocos
• Imus
• Magnolia
• Malolos
• Manila
• Metro East
• Otis
• Sta. Rosa

Meanwhile, regular mall hours (11:00AM to 11:00PM) will be observed in the following:

• Cainta
• Las Pinas
• Lipa
• Los Banos
• Luisita
• Malabon
• Novaliches
• Naga
• Pangasinan
• Palawan
• Santiago
• Starmills
• Tagaytay

Kidzania Manila Halloweek

The event will last for an entire week. (Image: Kidzania’s Website)

Kidzania Manila’s Happy Halloweek will happen from October 28 to November 5. It offers kids a week-long celebration of Halloween festivities. Kids and parents are encouraged to come in their scariest costumes.

Ticket prices for Monday to Friday are PhP900 for kids ages four to 17 and PhP630 for adults ages 18 and above. For the weekend, tickets are at PhP1,100 for kids ages four to 17 and PhP770 for adults 18 and above.

Cloudy days and rainy nights

It might be a wet and rainy All Saints’ Day evening.

The skies will be partly cloudy above Manila this week with occasional thunderstorms in the day which might continue until the evening. For the evening of November 1, there would be occasional showers and possible thunderstorms. Those who are visiting their deceased loved ones in cemeteries are advised to dress for the rainy weather and to bring umbrellas, raincoats, and other rain gear.

Filipinos can now visit Taiwan visa-free

Filipinos can now fulfill another dream destination off their bucketlists

Starting November 1, Filipinos who will visit Taiwan for tourism, business, or visits to relatives can now enjoy visa-free entrance for 14 days, according to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

The initiative will undergo a nine-month trial until July 31, 2018 as part of Taiwan's “New Southbound Policy” which aims to establish an economic community between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Interested Filipino visitors must have a passport valid at least six months from date of entry—however, diplomatic and official passport holders are exempted to being visa-free. Those who want to stay more than 14 days for work, missionary work, study, and other similar purposes must acquire visas before entering.

Visitors who will obtain visa-free access must also possess a return ticket or, if going to a different country, a ticket with the visa needed for the next destination and a proof of accommodation and must have no criminal record in Taiwan.

About Denisse Shawntel Tan

Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.

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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.