Airbus A320 Simulator

What is A320 Full Flight Simulator? It is a replica of Airbus A320 cockpit. Used by Pilots for their training. Inside the simulator are actual cockpit instruments, seats (for pilot, co-pilot, trainer, and observer), instructor’s computer, extra folded seats, engineering computer terminal (for maintenance use) and circuit breakers. For the outside deck you will see four peripheral compartments (for sound and audio cards, power supplies, circuit breakers, etc). Door on the right side, access to visual area. On the left side, access to upper deck where you can find the visual projector and its power supply. 

Anything can be simulated here from take-off to landing, taxiing, engine failures, airport runways, thunder and lightning, stormy weather…to name a few. You can even position the simulated aircraft to a certain nautical miles. When the simulator is in full motion you will feel the same experience like real flying. Feel nauseated during air pocket and feel the bumps during take off. Good thing in simulator flying is you will not die W even on crash landing, only the impact of collision can be felt. 

When I was working in Clark Aviation as simulator maintenance, we have to man the sim 24/7. Training time depends on the schedule sent by Cebu Pacific; customer of Clark Aviation. Maintenance time usually done on wee hours such as cleaning the entire cockpit, checking the instruments, performing sound and audio check, visual inspection, fly the sim in full motion (at least once in my life I became a simulator pilot LOL!) and a bunch of checklist hüh. When the sim is ongoing training it is closely monitored by maintenance on duty.  Just to make sure training will not be interrupted. I guess an hour of training costs a thousand dollars which the company can not afford to lose such huge amount of money. That’s why we treat the simulator like a very precious gem J   

The company used to offer a once in a life time experience of simulator flying, of course with fee. I just don’t know if they still offer it. Before, they accepts wannabe pilot but with a surprising $80 000 tuition fee for one year. Gee! How expensive it is to become one! 

Just don’t ask me why I am not in simulator world anymore huh though it is a very promising career…hope you enjoy reading and learned a little! 

Quoted from simtech forum: 

“Take off is optional but landing is mandatory”

Collection of Sentimetal Songs

I am a sentimental person. Even my ex-boyfriend called me hopeless romantic…whenever I listen to these songs I can’t help it but get emotional…

“Music expresses feelings and thoughts, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words.” ~Robert G. Ingersoll

Pampanga's Best

I lived in Angeles City, Pampanga for almost 1 year when I was working in Clark Eco-zone. Clark, Angeles in particular is a first class municipality. My first reaction when I first landed my feet in this place was “a City that never sleeps!”

My first visit there was to attend a job interview. I knew nothing about this place. I have no friends or relatives living there. But I felt so excited that I didn’t mind if I can find a place to stay since it was already late in the afternoon when I arrived. I didn’t feel worried when I saw the City. They have it all, name it…hotels, bars, restaurants, malls, you’ll find everything that can be found in Manila and their residents need not to go far to experience the modern life.

Inside the economic zone you’ll experience fresh air and greener scenery. A lot of big old trees can be found here. Bicentennial (shown in photo) and Stotsenberg parks are also open for everyone who would like to relax, there are picnic tables (grilling areas are also provided), children’s playground, jogging areas, a wide open field where you can sit down and enjoy watching around. There are also the high end resorts Mimosa and Fontana, Duty free for your shopping needs. Another place to see inside is the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark – here you will find the replica or miniature tourist spot of the Philippines.

Outside the eco-zone is where the city life lies in the maingate area. For the night life there are a lot of bars to choose from along Fields Avenue to Friendship gate. Spa and beauty salon spreads everywhere. There are also a lot of places to stay found along these streets. Most of the time hotels are fully book on weekends so be ready to book early if you’re planning to visit Clark. As soon as Christmas is coming they put up an amusement park “Boom na Boom” near SM mall.

During my stay in Pampanga I rented an apartment near Angeles City proper. Since Clark maingate have higher cost of living I chose to live outside for a cheaper budget. For only a minimum fare I can go to anywhere within the city. Market, hospital, and schools are walking distance from where I stay.

Watch out for my next blog about Pampanga…

Traffic Jam along Daanghari road

Everyday our shuttle service passes through Daanghari road from pick-up and drop-off point. Exclusive villages were found here -Verdana, Portofino, Alabang Southvale, and a lot more. Most private cars, jeepneys, motorcycles pass along this road because this is a shortcut way from Alabang to Cavite.

The chokepoint in that area is 500m away from Shell station going to Ayala Alabang road. The 2 way heavily curve lane creates heavy traffic everyday. It is really a burden to commuters to pass along this area especially when or after the rain because it flooded and some cars can not pass easily.

As I observed, the lane is really so narrow in which large-bodied vehicles will have a hard time to maneuver, that causes traffic. The only way to at least lessen the traffic, I guess, is to widen the road as there’s still more space to use as lanes. Hopefully, the local government or homeowners affected will find ways to improve the area. 

My first blog

I don't have a passion for writing...i just wanna try...but instead my first blog was unsuccessful...
I maybe had the thoughts, the ideas, but don't know how to put it in writing. My first attempt was really bad...i wanted to make it good...but how?...
Does blogging really for people with talent in writing?

budget trip to Boracay

I will give you an idea how much it cost going to Boracay in a budget. Who says you can not go there without spending that much? Well, I've been there, with a friend, last week for a 3 days and 2 nights stay. First, if you really want to spend less book your flight as early as 4 months and do not go there during Peak Season. We booked our flight through online booking from www.cebupacificair.com. Our flight supposed to be from Manila to Caticlan airport but Caticlan airport was closed then so we were transferred to Kalibo airport free of charge on land travel going to Tabon port. We rode a motorized banca and takes us 15mins to Boracay island. From there going to the D' mall it cost Php100 for a rented tricycle, but since I’m talking about budget, you just have to wait other passengers though. From D’ mall we went to station 1, where our hotel located. We booked our hotel, again online, from www.myboracayguide.com, 15% down payment and pay the remaining balance upon check-in.

We stayed at La Fiesta Resort our room includes 2 double bed, 1 refrigerator, cabinet, emergency lamp, hot and cold shower, cable TV, with balcony and beachfront. For our safety, there was a security guard on night duty, so you can sleep soundly at night without worrying you might be robbed (as I have researched in some hotel, guest’s valuables were being stolen). Almost the same convenience you will get from high end hotels – comfortable, clean, and safe. And since our hotel is literally beachfront, we can see it from the beach and can go back there any time we want to or get some things in a few steps.

Here are breakdown of expenses:

			*Cost
From Manila to Caticlan
Airfare (Round trip)			- 1255/pax
Accommodation 3D/2N			- 1530/pax
Terminal fee			- 200/pax
From Tabon Port to Boracay
Sea fare (motorized banca)			- 75/pax
From Port to D’ Mall
Tricycle			- 20/pax
Expenses going back
Tricycle (to Port)			- 20/pax
Sea fare (to Tabon)			- 25/pax
Tricycle (to Caticlan airport)			- 40/pax
Terminal Fee			- 20/pax
Total			- 3185/pax
*all costs in peso

Peak Season is from month of mid October to May, the cost of hotel accommodation and airfare during this time will go as high as 50% - 70% more, beach are really crowded during this time while if you book on off peak month which is from June to mid of October they cut it down half. And also you will only find a few foreign and local tourists on off peak season, time to relax and unwind. As much as possible if you’re going to Boracay get a direct flight from Manila to Caticlan airport because it will only takes you 15 mins to the island while from Kalibo airport it takes 1hour and 30 mins, it eats your time instead. But as of today, Caticlan airport still closed due to runway issue, so if you have no choice but take the long trip I suggest take your time to view the scenery and enjoy it.

The photo taken in the farthest area of station 1, the Grotto

Normally during off peak season “hanging habagat” or southwest monsoon, is on the white beach side (side of beach where you will find most hotels) where big waves generally occur (as shown in the picture,actually that’s the calmest waves on low tide!), best time for kite surfing and other water sports that strong winds are essential, usually hot and humid weather. If you want a quite and calm water where you can show your swimming prowess book your hotel accommodation on the other side in Bulabog beach. You will also find a cheaper rate there during “habagat” season, take note I found hotel that cost only PhP900/day, at Surfer’s Home. As for the activities in Boracay for a cheaper cost, haggle! Locals usually approach and offer tourists of different activities and you can definitely haggle your price.I tried my best shot to deals with them charmingly, smile - to ease the conversation, and be friendly you will surely get the best deals!...why would you settle for PhP2000 on island hopping when you can get it for only PhP800!. For the food, of course it depends on how you spend for it. If you will travel on a group of 4 or more certainly you will spend somewhat lower. For instance, if you are 4 in a group, since the room can accommodate up to 4 person it will only costs you PhP765 for 3D/2N that’s really affordable. Restaurants, groceries, ATMs, boutiques, souvenir shops, etc can be found in D’ Mall – a place of everything, you will see the sign board as you arrived there.

All in all staying in Boracay won’t cost you that much. Spend less, enjoy more!...Most importantly, make sure to enjoy your vacation, take time to bond with your friends or love ones! No amount of money can match your quality time with them. Have a great day!