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Whether you are a fan of brewed coffee, iced coffee or hot chocolate, this HUGE box will surprise you!



Apparently, Dunkin' (DD) has announced their newest deal which all coffee lovers will surely love.

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D' COFFEE BOX

Dunkin' now has a D'Coffee Box that can serve up to 4 cups of coffee. The D'Coffee Box is available for these Dunkin' drinks: Brewed Coffee, Iced Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and the Choco Java.


The box of Brewed Coffee costs P270, Iced Coffee costs P270,  Hot Chocolate costs P270, and the Choco Java costs P270.



The coffee box comes with free cups, utensils and condiments. They also bundled it with their delectable donuts and our favorite munchkins.



I checked on GrabFood delivery, you can get a D' Coffee Box for P300.

D' Coffee Box is available in most Dunkin's outlets nationwide.


READ NEXT . . .

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

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Photo courtesy of Cyndee Montojo (Facebook)

D' Coffee Box: 1 Liter of Coffee Happiness from Dunkin'


The LRT-2 (Light Rail Transit Line 2) is one of Metro Manila’s most efficient and scenic train lines, stretching from Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal. Whether you're a daily commuter, a first-time tourist, or simply exploring the city, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about LRT-2 operations, routes, fares, nearby attractions, and pro tips to make your journey smoother.



Brief History and Background

Originally called the MRT Line 2, LRT-2 is a fully elevated rail line operated by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). It began partial operations in 2003 and was completed in 2004, with an eastward extension to Antipolo City officially opened in 2021. The line is officially referred to as the Purple Line.

LRT-2 Extension in 2021

The LRT-2 line spans 13.8 kilometers and connects some of the busiest areas of Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, and Antipolo, making it a vital east-west transport corridor in the National Capital Region.

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LRT-2 Stations and Nearby Attractions

There are 13 stations on the LRT-2 line as of 2025:


1. Recto Station (Manila)

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Far Eastern University (FEU), University of the East, Quiapo, Isetann Recto, LRT-1 Doroteo Jose (via walkway)

  • 🧭 Transfer point to LRT-1

2. Legarda Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: San Sebastian Basilica, San Beda University, University of the Philippines Manila

3. Pureza Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Mendiola, Sta. Mesa

  • 🚆 Near PNR Santa Mesa Station

4. V. Mapa Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: SM City Sta. Mesa, UERM Memorial Hospital, Central Colleges of the Philippines

5. J. Ruiz Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: San Juan City Hall, Pinaglabanan Shrine

6. Gilmore Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Gilmore IT Center (computer shops), Saint Paul University Quezon City

7. Betty Go-Belmonte Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Residential areas, schools, and local churches

8. Araneta Center–Cubao Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza, Araneta Coliseum, MRT-3 Cubao Station (via walkway)

  • 🚆 Transfer point to MRT-3

9. Anonas Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP), Anonas Cinema, Project 4

10. Katipunan Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Ateneo de Manila University, Miriam College, University of the Philippines Diliman (via tricycle/jeep)

11. Santolan Station (Pasig City)

  • 🏙️ Nearby: SM Marikina, Marcos Highway

12. Marikina Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Riverbanks Center, Marikina Sports Complex, Marikina Shoe Museum

13. Antipolo Station

  • 🏙️ Nearby: Robinsons Place Antipolo, Antipolo Cathedral, Hinulugang Taktak




Operating Hours

As of June 2025, LRT-2 operates daily, including holidays:

First Trip:

  • From Recto Station: 5:00 AM

  • From Antipolo Station: 5:00 AM

Last Trip:

  • From Recto Station: 9:00 PM

  • From Antipolo Station: 9:00 PM

✅ Note: Train intervals average 7–10 minutes, with shorter intervals during peak hours.


Fare and Ticketing System

LRT-2 uses a distance-based fare system and accepts both Single Journey Tickets and Stored Value Beep™ Cards.

🎟️ Minimum fare: ₱15

🎟️ Maximum fare: ₱30

💳 Beep™ Card: Can be used on LRT-1, MRT-3, P2P buses, and select convenience stores

Cards are reloadable at stations, online, or in partner outlets.


Interior of a 2000 class train

🔁 Transfers and Interconnectivity

LRT-2 offers strategic transfers to other public transit lines:

🚉 To LRT-1: Transfer at Recto Station via walkway to Doroteo Jose Station

🚉 To MRT-3: Transfer at Araneta Center–Cubao Station

🚉 To PNR: Near Pureza Station (short walk to Santa Mesa station)



Bridge linking the Recto to the nearby Doroteo Jose

Tips for Commuters (Locals & Tourists Alike)


✅ For First-Time Riders:

  • Use a Beep card to avoid long lines.

  • Study the route ahead using Google Maps, Sakay.ph, or the official LRTA app.

🚫 Avoid the Rush:

  • Peak hours: 6:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM (weekdays)

  • Consider riding before or after peak times for comfort

🎒 Travel Light:

  • Bags may be inspected for security. Avoid carrying bulky or prohibited items.

📱 Stay Updated:

  • Follow the official LRT-2 Facebook or X (Twitter) accounts for real-time service updates, delays, and advisories.

🚴 Bringing Bikes?

  • Foldable bicycles are allowed during non-peak hours. Check with station staff for latest guidelines.




Where to Get More Information

For service updates, fares, or maintenance schedules, visit:

  • 🌍 www.lrta.gov.ph

  • 📱 LRT-2 Official Facebook Page

  • 🧭 Navigation apps like Google Maps or Moovit


🚆 Final Thoughts

LRT-2 is more than just a train ride—it's a lifeline that connects education hubs, business centers, and cultural landmarks across Metro Manila and Rizal. With this guide in hand, navigating LRT-2 will be easy, safe, and stress-free.

Whether you’re headed to school, work, or a weekend adventure in Antipolo, LRT-2 remains one of the fastest and most scenic ways to move around the metro.



Metro Manila Guide to LRT-2: Stations, Schedule and Fare Matrix (A Commuter's Guide)

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A place where kids and adults can enjoy farm experience near Tagaytay.


Last July, I went with my family and our barkada for a weekend Tagaytay stay and we got a chance to explore this zoo in Mendez, a few minutes drive away from the elevated city.

It was raining hard all-week prior to the day of our trip from Metro Manila (and it was a week away from declaring ECQ for NCR). We were just so fortunate that Paradizoo was open that day since it was closed because of the Habagat and now it's temporarily closed again because of the stricter community quarantine in Cavite. 


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This was my first time to visit a zoo after my last experience at Pasig Rainforest Park in Pasig City roughly 3 years ago.


PARADIZOO THEME FARM

Entering Paradizoo Farm

Paradizoo Theme Farm is a 10 hectare rolling terrain land which boast of different areas like Farm Animals, Vegetable and flower garden and a lot more.

Paradizoo is a combination of zoo and themepark making it the only themefarm concept in Metro Tagaytay. It offers a variety of educational, outdoor and group outing programs for nature, flowers and animal lovers.


RATES AND ENTRANCE FEES


          Get Your Paradizoo Ticket Here          


LIST OF ATTRACTIONS

  • Vegetable Garden
  • Flower Garden
  • Meditation Garden
  • Eclectic Garden
  • Farm Frenzy
  • Orchid Pavilion
  • Pet Cemetery
  • Honey Bee Farm
  • Butterfly Farm
  • Goat House
  • Wedding Pavillion



OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Feeding camel at Paradizoo

The week-long rain and storm was ending when we me, my family and friends went for a Tagaytay staycation. We went together with our children. One of our friends suggested us to drop by this well-known zoo for the kids to enjoy for.

So on Monday, after we checked out from Casa Cenzo (an Airbnb staycation in Tagaytay), we went to buy pasalubong and drove straight to Paradizoo. 

It was a gloomy and cloudy afternoon. There was rainfall from time to time and the sun is sneaking a few times. But mostly, the sky is just gray and covered by thick clouds. 

          Get Your Paradizoo Ticket Here          

Upon arrival, we saw a gate which looks old and their huge signage was hiding from our direction. It was muddy the time we visited. That's because of the continuous rainfall all over Luzon island in the past days. 

The staff welcomed us at the entrance and asked us for the fees. They also informed us that they have just reopened after the Habagat days and that the whole farm was not in good condition. 

After we parked and stepped out of the vehicles, we were welcomed by a herd of geese, chickens and ducks. There was a peacock, there were roosters and even doves. All of them follow us to our entry to the farm.


Watch this video:


We were the only guests in the farm during our visit and of course we all wear our masks.

Two of their main attractions are the camel and the ostrich. We both feed them with the grass we bought upon our entrance. It came along with bird feed and sticks of sliced carrots for the rabbits. 

There were also horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, pigs and goats - all are in separate cages. Most of them we fed with the grass. 
There were installations inside the farm for photo-ops but not really inviting as of our visit. We spent almost half-hour inside the farm until we reached their toy store. The kids were awakened seeing the stuffed toys and other items at the store. 

The whole farm is not well-maintained (in my honest opinion) but at least it was not really that muddy opposite to our expectation. 
Not too far away, we also checked out their garden where you can see different plants, flowers and trees inside. However, because of tiredness, my family decided not to explore forward. 

Last but not least, there was also a butterfly house which comes with an entrance fee.


Aside from the farm, Paradizoo houses a cafeteria which was closed (I supposed) that day. However, they sold us water and let us use their restroom. 

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All in all, my zoo experience here is quite nice at reasonable price. I have just learned that there is another zoo/farm just across the street named Yoki's Farm which features zebras and other animals. 

After here, we headed to Coffee & Dreams, a new charming cafe in Olivares Plaza area for some snacks.


OTHER ZOOS AND THEME PARK TO VISIT

Here's a list of zoos, theme farms and parks you and your kids can enjoy in the Philippines:


HOW TO GET TO PARADIZOO

Ride a bus to Tagaytay City or at Olivarez terminal, then ride any jeepney or bus to Mendez and inform the driver to drop you off to Maglabe Drive, then look for the trycicle terminal and ride to Paradizoo. Fare is P30 per tricycle.

If you are coming with vehicles just like we did, you can use Waze or Google Maps for directions. There's a signage of Paradizoo just right next to the road but you might miss it because it is covered with plants and leaves. If you don’t have a private vehicle, you can rent a car or van here.

There's a plenty space for parking inside. 



Paradizoo Theme Farm

Address: Km. 63 Panungyan, Mendez, Cavite
Operating Hours: 8:00 am - 5pm, Monday-Sunday

          Get Discounted Paradizoo Ticket Here          

 




BUDGET STAY IN TAGAYTAY

Booking.com


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please message us on Facebook.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAGAYTAY:

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My Paradizoo Theme Farm Review (An Attraction to Visit Near Tagaytay)


The Light Rail Transit Line 1, commonly referred to as LRT Line 1 or LRT-1, is a rapid transit system line in Metro Manila, Philippines, operated by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and owned by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) as part of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Currently, the line consists of 20 stations and runs on 19.65 kilometers (12.21 mi) of fully elevated route.

It travels in a general north–south direction from Baclaran to Monumento, and then east–west from Monumento to Roosevelt (Fernando Poe Jr.). The line links the cities of Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque. Passengers may transfer to the LRT Line 2 at Doroteo Jose and to the MRT Line 3 at EDSA.

An LRT-1 train approaching EDSA via Taft Avenue Station

A 1977 study conducted by Freeman Fox and Associates suggested a street-level railway in Manila but the government revised this recommendation to an elevated system. On July 12, 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos created the LRTA and construction of the line began the following year. With the opening of its first segment on December 1, 1984, it became the first rapid transit service in Southeast Asia.

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Originally referred to as Metrorail and the Yellow Line, LRT Line 1 was reclassified to be the Green Line in 2012. Future plans include an eight-station southbound extension into the province of Cavite by 2027 (with partial operations in 2024) and an eventual extension to the North Triangle Common Station which will provide additional connections to MRT Line 3, MRT Line 7 and the Metro Manila Subway.


Travel Essentials

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

ROUTES

The line is predominantly aligned to the path of Taft Avenue (Radial Road 2) which was chosen largely due to its straight course. Later on, as Taft Avenue ends, it shifts to Rizal Avenue and Rizal Avenue Extension (Radial Road 9) then turning right on EDSA before ending at the corner of North and West Avenues and EDSA.

LRT-1 Route

STATIONS

The line serves 20 stations along its route. A twenty-first station is yet to be constructed. Eight stations which are part of the LRT Line 1 South extension are also set to be constructed south of Baclaran. A previously proposed station, Malvar station in Caloocan was proposed during the construction of the northern extension located between Monumento and Balintawak stations, becoming a bargaining object during the entire extension line's construction in the jurisdiction of Caloocan. However, the planned Malvar Station was completely shelved by the Aquino administration.

LRT1 Station

In September 2020, Roosevelt station was temporarily closed to give way for the construction of the North Triangle Common Station. During this closure, the tracks extending eastward from Roosevelt station would have to be realigned in order to provide the necessary connection to the Common Station.


Current Stations

  • North Triangle Common Station - Quezon City
  • Roosevelt (Existing terminus) - Quezon City
  • Balintawak - Quezon City
  • Monumento - Caloocan
  • 5th Avenue - Caloocan
  • R. Papa - Manila
  • Abad Santos - Manila
  • Blumentritt - Manila
  • Tayuman - Manila
  • Bambang - Manila
  • Doroteo Jose - Manila
  • Carriedo - Manila
  • Central Terminal - Manila
  • United Nations - Manila
  • Pedro Gil - Manila
  • Quirino - Manila
  • Vito Cruz - Manila
  • Gil Puyat - Pasay
  • Libertad - Pasay
  • EDSA via Taft Avenue - Pasay
  • Baclaran (Existing terminus) - Pasay


Future Stations

  • Redemptorist - Parañaque
  • Manila International Airport - Parañaque
  • Asia World - Parañaque
  • Ninoy Aquino - Parañaque
  • Dr. Santos - Parañaque
  • Las Piñas
  • Zapote - Bacoor
  • Niog - Bacoor


HISTORY OF LRT-1

An old photo of LRT-1 in the 90s

In 1977, the results of a fourteen-month study conducted by Freeman Fox and Associates and funded by the World Bank recommended the construction of a street-level light rail line in Manila. Following a review by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, later the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the proposal was revised to an elevated railway in order to avoid building over the city's many intersections. This raised the project's cost from ₱1.5 billion to ₱2 billion.

An alignment along Rizal and Taft avenues, which spanned from Monumento, Caloocan in the north to Baclaran, Pasay in the south, was selected because it followed a relatively straight path for most of its route.

Cheapest Flights and Airline Tickets Online Booking

On July 12, 1980, President Ferdinand Marcos created the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and assigned First Lady and Governor of Metro Manila Imelda Marcos as its chairman. While the LRTA confined its roles to policy making, fare regulation, and future planning, the line's operations were assigned to Metro, Inc., a sister company of Meralco. The line came to be referred to as Metrorail.

The Belgian Government granted a ₱300 million soft and interest-free loan for the project's construction, with a repayment period of 30 years. Additional funding was later sourced from a ₱700 million loan, provided by a Belgian consortium consisting of ACEC, La Brugeoise et Nivelles, Tractionnel Engineering International, and Transurb Consult.

The consortium also supplied the line's first light rail vehicles, power control, signalling, and telecommunications, as well as provided training and technical assistance. Designed as a public utility rather than a profit center, the line was expected to incur a deficit through 1993, but complete its repayments within a period of 20 years.



Construction and opening

The government-owned Construction Development Corporation of the Philippines was the project's sole contractor. In 1981, an economic recession and the government's inability to provide counterpart funds for civil works and right-of-way acquisition, which amounted to 60 percent of the project's total cost, led to a delay in construction. Work finally began in September of that year along Taft Avenue, between Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Libertad Street.

Construction of first LRT-1

In order to make way for Carriedo station and a segment of tracks approaching the Pasig River, a department store and a classroom building owned by FEATI University were demolished. The southern section, between the Baclaran to United Nations stations, was inaugurated on September 11, 1984, and commercial operation along this section commenced on December 1. 

The line was extended from Central Terminal to Monumento on May 12, 1985, and subsequently became fully operational on May 13, 1985. During the first several years, two-car trains that could accommodate up to 748 passengers were utilized. This amounted to a capacity of 20,000 passengers per direction.


North extension

North Triangle Common Station

The line's North Extension is a 5.4-kilometer (3.4 mi) extension of LRT-1 to the North Triangle Common Station which also involves the construction of two stations: Balintawak station and Roosevelt station, as part of the MRT-LRT Closing the Loop project under the Arroyo administration. Construction of the North Extension began in 2007 and was finished in 2010. The construction was intended to integrate the LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 operations, but it never happened although there were test runs in 2010 and 2012. Balintawak station opened on March 22, 2010, while Roosevelt station opened seven months later, on October 22.

During the construction of the North Extension, Malvar station was proposed but was shelved years later.

In 2018, the project was reconfigured and now includes an extension to the under-construction North Triangle Common Station.


South extension

An extension of LRT Line 1 to the south, known as the South Extension Project or the Cavite Extension Project, is under construction and will serve the areas of Parañaque to Cavite. The extension will span from the Quirino Avenue, Harrison Avenue, and Taft Avenue Extension intersection, then would travel down from Redemptorist Road to Coastal Road, and will traverse through the Parañaque River and will enter Ninoy Aquino Avenue until reaching and traversing the C5 Extension Road; and will once again enter Coastal Road, crossing the Las Piñas-Bacoor Boundary Bridge along the Zapote River, and traverse through the Alabang–Zapote Road and Aguinaldo Highway intersection, until reaching the Niog station located along the Molino Boulevard at Bacoor, Cavite.


The extension project would add 8 stations covering 11.7 kilometers (7.3 mi) of new elevated railway sections and would be the third rail line extending outside the Metro Manila area (after the east extension of Line 2 and the construction of Line 7). The project is divided in two phases - Phase 1 covers five stations from Redemptorist to Dr. Santos, while Phase 2 covers the remaining three stations from Las Piñas to Niog.

Plans were also laid out to include 2 additional stations for the extension project:
  • Manuyo Uno station - Las Piñas
  • Talaba station - Bacoor

The project was first approved by the National Economic and Development Authority on August 25, 2000, while the Implementing Agreement for the project was approved on January 22, 2002. An unsolicited bid to conduct this work from Canada's SNC-Lavalin was rejected by the Philippine government in 2005.

In 2006, the government worked with advisers (International Finance Corporation, White & Case, Halcrow and others) to conduct an open-market invitation to tender for the extension and for a 30-year concession to run the extended line. However, Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo subsequently withdrew the project.




Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS)

An Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) using plastic magnetic tickets as fare medium is being utilized in both the LRT Line 1 and LRT Line 2 Systems. The old magnetic ticket fare collection system of LRT Lines 1 & 2 was totally replaced with the new contactless smartcard based AFCS starting 16 December 2015, through the Department of Transportations’ PPP for the Automatic Fare Collection System Project for LRT Lines 1 & 2 and MRT3.

The Common Ticketing Project for LRTA Lines 1 & 2 and MRT3 under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program is a joint venture between the government and private organization led by Ayala and Metro Pacific. This new AFCS project replaced of the old-magnetic-based ticketing system installed in early 2000 and replacing the old system with contactless-based smart card technology on LRTA Lines 1 & 2 and MRT3.


LRT-1 Fare Matrix

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Single Journey Fares

Stored Value Fares

OTHER ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

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IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

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OTHER ACTIVITIES AND TOUR IN MANILA

Philippine Light Rail Transit: Commuting Guide to LRT-1 (Stations, Schedule, Fare Matrix)

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