In Beijing, the Octopus card counterpart is called the Yi Ka Tong.  This card can be bought at the nearest subway station.  Not all ticket booth in the station have this card.  They might direct you to a different ticket booth to purchase this.

Basic Information:

• Cost:  RMB 20 for the card
• Recharge:  Increment of 10, 20, 50 or 100. 
• Recharge Location: Vending machines in subway station, ticket booth in subway stations or CITIC bank.
• Charges:  RMB 2.00 for city subway;  RMB 0.40 for bus (minimum)
• Where can you use it?  Subway, Bus, Some taxi, Some supermarkets
• Maximum load:  RMB 1,000
• Valid only for use in Beijing

Benefits:

• Subway – ease of access as you don’t need to queue at the vending machine or ticket booth.  No cash needed.
• Bus – discounted rate of RMB 0.40.  Without the card, the minimum bus rate is RMB 1.0
• No cash to carry around.

I’ve been using this card for a few years now and I’m quite happy with it.  I rarely use it in the taxi or supermarket as I don’t put much money on it.  Cash is still king in China but people are being slowly weaned out by carrying a huge wad of it.  This card is especially useful before Chinese New Year when robbery is rampant.

If you plan to travel to Beijing, don’t bother buying one as there’s no discount for subways.  I doubt you’d like to take the bus especially as it’s not very friendly to tourists. 

Happy Travels!

One of our plans this year is to witness this event and to start it off, we need to apply for a visa to visit Japan. The Japanese Embassy’s visa section in Beijing is located at the 2^nd floor of Silver Tower at East Third Ring North Road. However, starting 1 March 2010, visa application can only be coursed through accredited travel agencies.

Here’s a list of the requirements needed for tourist visa application:

• Passport with a valid Chinese working visa
• One (1) 2 in x 2 in photo
• Certificate of Employment (Original with company chop)
• Bank book and International credit card (Original)
• Company license (copy)
• Filled application form
• Itinerary

Visa fee for Philippines citizen living in China are free and processing time is at least 4 working days.

Accredited travel agencies for foreigners:

• 北京市人民政府外事办公室出入境人员服务中心                                                                          Office Address: B1, Silver Tower, #2 East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing             Tel. No. 010 – 64106735                                                                                                         Service Charge: RMB 435 per application
• China International Travel Agency                                                                                           Address: Guo Lv Bldg, #1 Dong Dan North Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing                                   Tel. No. 010 – 65226855

Well.. I will let you know if there are any other surprises. Hopefully, we won’t have any problems acquiring tourist visas. Sayonara!

Photo credits: www.relaxwithin.net

WIDOW YEAR

As I was having lunch with my friend last month, I was telling her about my friend who’s getting married.  She then mentioned that this year is not a good year to get married. 

The reason?  This year is a Widow Year.

Chinese has a superstition that if the Chinese New Year falls after the start of Spring which happened in early February, the year is considered as a bad year for marriage.  You wouldn’t want to be a widow don’t you?

AIR CHINA FLIES TO MANILA

Starting on 29 March 2010, Air China will be flying direct to Manila, three times a week.  They will complement PAL’s current schedule who flies four times a week.  As an opening promo from 29 March to 29 April, Air China is selling roundtrip tickets from RMB 1430 and up exclusive of taxes.

Schedule:  

• Beijing to Manila – CA179       2000-0055+1      Mon, Wed and Sat
• Manila to Beijing – CA180       0630-1100          Tue, Thu and Sun

For those planning to go home for the Easter holidays, this is a good chance for you to spend the holidays with your family.  Easter Sunday also falls on the Qing Ming festival weekend.

VISIT BEIJING’S TOP TOURIST SPOTS FOR FREE

To boost the top tourist places in Beijing, the Beijing Tourism Bureau recently launched the so called “Visit Beijing during Spring Festival” project.  Visitors from here and abroad who are planning to visit during the holiday are encouraged to register at http://english.visitbeijing.com.cn for a chance to win tickets to Beijing’s top tourist spots.  There will be 300,000 tickets up for grabs and lucky draw winners will be sent a notification on their mobile phone. 

I’ve tried and I didn’t win.  My friend’s sister got a ticket so you know it’s the real deal.  Have fun!  Oh yeah.. don’t restrict yourself for the Spring Festival only.  Tickets are valid till March.

LANTERN FESTIVAL

This year’s Lantern Festival falls on 28 February 2010.  The Lantern festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.  It’s the 15th day of the 1st month of the lunar calendar.  This festival also marks the last day where fireworks are allowed to be lit in Beijing.

Last year’s lantern festival was quite remarkable as the biggest firework of them all was lit.  Fireworks burned the almost completed Mandarin Oriental which is beside the CCTV building.  The building is still standing and from the rumors circulating around, they’ll be just renovating it as they can’t tear it down due to structural issues.

BACKSTREET BOYS “THIS IS US” CONCERT

Yes.. the Boys are back and they’re coming to Beijing!  I’m not sure if I should be giddy with excitement or just passed it up but in any case, the Backstreet Boys included Beijing on their “This is us” world tour.

Their Beijing pit stop will be on March 17, 2010 at the Wukesong Arena.  Concert starts at 730pm.  Ticket costs RMB 180/280/480/680/880/1080/1280.  You can head to piao.com.cn for ticket inquiries and purchase. 

Oh yeah.. if you plan to watch, don’t buy the RMB 1280.  Concerts in China are not unlike other countries.  People should sit and not stand and dance. 

That’s it for now.. Happy Spring Festival!

Harbin (哈尔滨)

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, which is the northernmost province of China.  It is dubbed as “Ice City” for its long and cold winter.  It is also famous for it’s winter ice sculptures which happens every year in January and February. 

In the 1920s, it is recognized as China’s fashion capital as the newest fashion passed by this city before heading towards Shanghai.  The city borders Russia and a lot of their architecture are influenced by their neighbor.

For students who are interested in learning Chinese, this city is the best place to learn it with their standard pronunciation and clear diction.  They don’t have the “r” accent which is typically heard in Beijing.  For women who like their men tall, the men I’ve met here in Beijing who are from this city are tall and handsome (hehehe).

Climate

Harbin enjoys four season but with relatively short autumn and spring.  Summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging 21.2 degrees celsius.  Winters are freezing and cold with temperatures averaging -16.8 degrees celsius.  July is the wettest month with an average of 15 rainy days.

Winter in Harbin – Things to Do and Places to Visit

• Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival -  When people in the north are trying to get away from the cold, people in the south flock this northern city to experience snow and the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival.  This festival begins every year on the 5th of January and is one of four of the world’s largest ice and snow festival.  There are two main exhibition areas:  Sun Island, best visited in the afternoon and Ice and Snow World which operates at night.
• Saint Sophia Cathedral – located at Daoli district.  This cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church completed in 1932.  It’s currently used as a museum and showcases multi-cultural architecture in Harbin.
• Central Street / Zhong Yang Street / Kitaiskaya Street – this 1.4 km long street is bustling with business activities and a living museum of multi-cultural architecture.  You will find Baroque and Byzantine influences mixed with Japanese, American, Russian and French.
• Siberian Tiger Park – located at the north bank of the Songhua river and is the largest natural park for the endangered wild Siberian tigers.  Admission fee is RMB 50 (adults) / RMB 25 (kids) and is open from 9am to 4pm
• Polar Bear Swimming – you’re already brave enough to stand the cold, why not go the next step and swim in the cold.  Elderly people swear by this method as it improves circulation and benefit health.  It also increases vitality and keeps skin looking younger.  Hmm.. I should check it out but I don’t think I’ll swim.

Preparation

I still haven’t bought our train tickets as it’s quite difficult to purchase prior to the Chinese New Year.  I’ll probably head to the nearest train ticket counter tomorrow if they go by the 10 days advance ticket order.  Hopefully the timing will be ok as it falls during the Chinese New Year holiday.  Once the tickets are bought, I’ll book the hotel. 

As for clothing, past travelers informed us that it’s cheaper to buy it there.  Hopefully I wouldn’t need to but if I have to due to the cold, I don’t have a choice. 

See you in Harbin!!!

Emerald City Smoothie was founded in 1996 in Seattle, Washington when a man turned his dual passions-for healthy, great-tasting smoothies, and helping others achieve their health goals-into a business. Washington state is home to 46 Emerald City Smoothie locations and the corporate office. We have over 64 stores opened nationwide including: Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Connecticut and are proud to announce our first international location serving Beijing. “We have been referred to as the Starbucks of Smoothies”, states EVP, Business Development Jim Baskett.

As best stated by our mantra, we stand for everything that is fresh, healthy, nourishing and flavorful. We are committed to enhancing the everyday lives of our customers—body, mind and spirit.  That’s why everything that can be bought in the store are healthy products such as smoothie, juice, tea, sandwiches, protein powder and vitamins.

At present, they are still in their soft opening stage.  All products are 15% off.  If you’re someone who has a sweet tooth, inform them so they can add a bit more sugar to suit your taste.  I suggest trying Island Breeze and Mini-mass if you’re into the strawberry banana flavor.  Half of their fruits are imported while the other half are locally produced.

I know I know.. why drink a smoothie during winter time?  Hey, it’s warm inside the building and it’s a good meal alternative.  So, what are you waiting for, head out to their flagship store in Beijing.

Address:  3/F, Gateway Plaza, 18 Xiaguangli, East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang, Beijing                      (北京市朝阳区东三环北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座3楼)

We’re almost at the end of 2009 and I hope next year proves to be a better year for everyone.  I hope the world economy makes a rebound and everyone’s life will be at least a bit easier.

Our HR already sent out a memo regarding the 2010 Chinese Holidays.  That means I can plan my vacation and make the most out of the 11 days vacation leave that I’m entitled to on top of the Chinese Holidays.  As usual, expect working on the weekend or seven days straight as China just love to messed up regular working people’s schedule.

• New Year -  Jan 1 (Fri) to Jan 3 (Sun)
• Chinese New Year – Feb 13 (Sat) to Feb 19 (Fri), must work on Feb 19 (Sat) and Feb 20 (Sun) … *aaahhh!*
• Tomb Sweeping Day – Apr 3 (Sat) to Apr 5 (Mon)
• Labor Day – May 1 (Sat) to May 3 (Mon)
• Dragon Boat Festival – Jun 14 (Mon) to Jun 16 (Wed), must work on Jun 12 (Sat) and Jun 13 (Sun)
• Mid-Autumn Festival – Sep 22 (Wed) to Sep 24 (Fri), must work on Sep 19 (Sun) and Sep 25 (Sat)
• National Day – Oct 1 (Fri) to Oct 7 (Thu), must work on Sep 26 (Sun) and Oct 9 (Sat)

There you have it!  I’m dreading the seven day work-week.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be grumpy on the seventh day!  Why can’t they just stick to a long weekend like in the Philippines.

Five more days to go and it’s Christmas!  One of the most important holidays for me but somehow I don’t feel like it’s Christmas.  When everyone is looking forward to it.  For me, it means more work.  My bosses are away on a holiday but they’ve piled a list of things for me to do.  Oh well.. 

Christmas came early for me as my brother and sister-in-law came for a visit.  We went to Datong and some of the Beijing sites.  Of course!  It’s freezing but that’s winter.  Hehehe!  I’m hoping for a white Christmas but it’s not going to happen.  My friend from the Philippine Embassy even jokingly said that maybe they should write to the Chinese government and respectfully asked for snow on Christmas eve.  Hehehe..

Our building had a Christmas tree lighting ceremony but it flopped big time as they only served mulled wine which majority of the people we gave it to didn’t like. 

Christmas lights are already out in most building but the spirit of Christmas isn’t there.  Christmas made me miss home with all the light and Christmas carols.  It made me miss my family even without a lavish feast but just being together and greeting each other “Merry Christmas”. 

It’s been quite some time since our family as a whole celebrated Christmas.  Last time it happened was in 2006, the month my brother married.  This would also be the first Christmas that Lola Meling won’t be joining us.  (Miss you lola!)

Well.. I better stop this rambling… but to everyone.  I hope you have a better Christmas than I do!

Photo ain’t mine.  got it in the web!

I thought China would be able to subsidize the fuel costs for drivers but apparently not.  With fuel prices soaring to at least $70 a barrel, the transport sector is clamoring for an increase.  Compared to the Philippines where each increase in the transport cost will result to strike, China just lay down the law and expect everyone to follow.

Last Wednesday, November 25, the long awaited increase for taxi operators was implemented.  Flag down rate remains at RMB 10 between 6am to 11pm and RMB 11 between 11pm to 6am.  However, if you go beyond the flag down rate, you’ll be charged an additional RMB 1 on top of the metered rate.  This RMB 1 will come out of your pocket and cannot be reimbursed.

I’ve taken the taxi several times since Wednesday and it’s a hit and miss.  Some taxi drivers will ask for RMB 1 more while others doesn’t seem to mind.  So, if you ride a taxi and your taxi fare is beyond RMB 10, don’t argue with the driver if they ask you to pay one kuai more.

When I think of hospitals, I envision a clean, sterile place that is airconditioned and white painted walls.  I’ve lived in China for 6 years now and my vision of a hospital changed.  I dread becoming sick as I’m not really sure if the doctors can be trusted or let alone the needles or items they will use on me are sterilize and new.

In Zhanjiang, I get to know two neurologists.  We became good friends and somehow my fears were slowly fading.  I still don’t want to have my tooth done here even in Beijing.  I guess it just my first impression left me with a bad picture.  As I was riding a taxi in the city, I can see dentists extracting tooth from the patient from their window doors.  Some of the doors are open that even pollution can enter your mouth.  That defeats the purpose of keeping the place clean.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend shared one of his horror stories with hospitals here in Beijing.  His wife was pregnant and his business was here, they decided that his wife will give birth here in China.  The pre-natal care was excellent and at par with western standards.  However, it turn for the worst during the birthing procedure.

His wife was scheduled for a caesarean section.  When the anesthesiologist was supposed to inject her, she didn’t inject her properly.  His wife advised the surgeon of the situation but the surgeon just said “That’s not possible!” and continued.  When the surgeon made the initial cut, his wife screamed and said “I can feel it”.  The surgeon adamantly said “No, it’s not possible”.  He continue cutting her and the wife was screaming.  When the surgeon noticed that she was about to pass out from the pain, he panicked and pulled the baby out in a hurry.  As he pulled the baby out, he accidentally bruised and damaged several organs.  He stitched her up and advised my friend that the procedure went well.  A few days after, his wife had internal bleeding and can’t get up because of it.  He’s scheduled to bring his wife to the US to fix the problem.

After hearing that, I’m becoming more cautious about doctors and hospitals here.  The hospital my friend went to is one of the best in the city and has a dedicated department for foreigners.  We’re having our annual executive check-up next week, hopefully I won’t be writing my own horror story here.  Wish me luck!

The 2nd Philippine Ball was held last 7 November 2009 at the Doubletree by Hilton at Xuanwu district.  The ball was dubbed as “Pista” showcasing Filipino food and comedian Nanette Inventor.  Ticket price was RMB 600 per person.

Ticket

My friend Richard from Philippine Airlines was one of the major sponsors of this event.  Luckily, the guests he invited decided not to go so Marco and I were able to attend the event for free.  Nice eh!  (Thanks Richard!)

The ticket cost is relatively cheap compared to other chamber events.  A part of the proceeds of this event will go to charity both here and in Manila.  Beneficiaries are PGH Children’s Ward, Philippine Red Cross, and orphanages in Beijing.

Location

Doubletree by Hilton is in the southwest side of Beijing.  For most attendees whom I know, the majority live in the east side of town,  Taxi alone will set you back 50 rmb one way.  For me, it was ok as Richard was able to bill his cab fare to the company.  Thank you Philippine Airlines!  

Food

The food served was mostly Filipino with a mix of Chinese.  The serving was small and will barely make you full.  It was a 7 course meal but the pace was too slow that it took them 4 hours to serve everything from beginning till the end.  The foreigners in my table take a cigarette break after every food served.  Some had to resort to eating bread just to tide their hunger. 

Marco’s cooking is way better than the food served.  My sinigang was better than their sinigang.  Two of the foreigners in my table are used to Filipino food and they even made a comment that “I bet your mom’s cooking is way better than this”.  Hahaha!  It really sucked.  The sinigang lacked the sour flavor that it’s famous for.  The kare-kare was on the dry side and bland.  They even put salt and pepper just to give the food some flavor.  The chicken pork adobo had a rich strong oyster sauce?!?!  The only noteworthy dish was the lumpiang sariwa.  Only thing lacking was the peanut sauce.

Entertainment

The act of Nanette Inventor was hilarious.  The sound system was not that great that sometimes it’s hard to understand what she’s saying.  The foreigners who watched the show were quite satisfied with her jokes, her songs and her showmanship.  Compared to Giselle Sanchez on the first ball, Nanette has taste.

Live band was also available during mealtime and in between segments.  There music was actually quite good with music from the 70s and 80s.  People were dancing and even broke the dance floor.  Hahaha!   They had to pause the dancing to fix the dance floor.

Raffle Draw and Goodie Bag

They raffled off 104 prizes with the first prize as two roundtrip tickets to Manila with a 2 night stay at Edsa Shangrila Hotel.  Additional tickets were sold at RMB 100 for 3 tickets.  I didn’t win anything but two of my tablemates did.  One won a 2 night stay at Hilton Odawara Spa and Resort.  When she asked where it was, the person who gave her the voucher doesn’t even know.

The goodie bag should be left at the party.  I mean there’s nothing inside except for a tiny bottle of mango liquor.  I haven’t tried it yet so I can’t comment on the taste.

Conclusion

If I bought a ticket, I would think it’s worthless.  The food was bad and dragging.  You’ll be hungry by the end of the night.  The only good side was the music as everyone really enjoyed it.  I’m not sure if I’ll attend the next one as I didn’t really get a good experience from this.  Maybe if my ticket is for free, I might be enticed to go.

PS.  Marco and I enjoyed watching the guy on the table beside us.  He was so hot!!!  He’s taken though..