Manila, Philippines – 17-18 March 2023

Finally Friday 17 March arrives! Time to get on a plane for a week’s holiday. I’m off to Coron in the Philippines to scuba dive. First though I have a night in Manila.

The Hong Kong in-town check in is still not up and running, so it’s off to the airport I go to check in.

There are definitely more people around than there was in December which is great to see. Means we are getting back to normal. Thankfully there is also a lot of people not wearing masks. The mask mandate was dropped on 1 March 2023.

My departure gate isn’t available as yet, I decide to head to the closet lounge from security. As I get close my gate reflects on the screens. Right change of direction.

Once I’m logged into work it’s time for coffee! The time passes by quickly.

Walking to the gate I notice all the gates now have electronic gates to pass through to be able to board the plane. For me, no documents needed - just for the camera to take a photo of me. I’m then told to enjoy my flight, well seat 40C is told that.

We pull back from the gate 4 minutes late. I have meetings once I land so really hope we aren’t too late!

We touch down in Manila at 4.25pm where it’s a hot 33 degrees. Heaven! But I’m sure I won’t say that when I’m outside in it.

Before clearing immigration (thank you APAC card) we have to pass a booth showing our heath QR code to enter the country.

It’s a short wait for the bags then I’m off. I have 10 minutes to get to the hotel before I have a work call.

Whoops not quite! But my call seems to go off without any hiccups.

As I get close to the hotel the first thing I notice is the security guard with a massive gun. It’s been years since I’ve stayed in Manila so I had forgotten this is standard. Before entering the hotel the van isn’t given a once over. I then have to put my bags through airport security checking.

Check-in is very easy - the receptionist upgraded me which is lovely.

On entering the room the first thing I see is the sun setting. Stunning!

 

Second work call done. Now I can really start this holiday.

The restaurant is packed when I arrive! I immediately see why - it’s a seafood buffet. I’m not quite up to that so stick with a la carte.

It takes time to order a drink as all the menus are currently in use. That’s a new one for me.

While I’m waiting I’m offered a soup which is super tasty.

I give up on the menu and ask what cocktails they have.  Cosmopolitan ordered.  Not entirely a blush colour but….hopefully it tastes good and helps me sleep.

Not bad! Dinner doesn’t disappoint either.

I have a chilled rest of the evening in my room. Really hope I wake up tomorrow with a clear ear.

Opening the curtains just after 7am on Saturday 18 March the airport is in full swing with planes departing and arriving. It’s so nice not rushing.

My first sip of coffee I immediately realize I’ll be having another one and this time asking for more coffee.

It’s nice sitting here staring outside watching the world go by. I’ll be out there soon, for now it’s calm.

My Grab arrives within minutes of ordering. I had received two conflicting times on how long it takes to the airport - 10 minutes and half an hour. I’m really hoping its 10 minutes.

At one set of traffic lights the car is surrounded by at least 4 children banging on the windows saying “poor poor”. So sad! My driver tells me this is standard and they are taught this by their parents.

On arrival at the airport there are people everywhere. I keep forgetting how many people live in Manila (at least 14.5 million) and the Philippines (at least 113.5 million). I’m asked for my ticket to enter the airport.

I had previously checked in so all that is required is bag drop. Nice and easy.

Getting money out is the complete opposite! I try 3 separate machines and all fail. Well this is going to be fun! Thankfully I have PHP 255 on me, 200 of that will be used as soon as I land in Coron for the environment fee. Hopefully I have better luck in Coron with an ATM. Time will tell.

I finally locate a seat in this packed domestic terminal. So glad I didn’t take one person’s advice and be here 2 hours before the flight. It would have been a long and uncomfortable wait! Within seconds of sitting down I hear my full name over the loudspeaker - it’s too hard to hear where I need to go so I end up going to a few places before being told its counter one and there is a concern with my luggage. That means exiting the passenger only area (although in my opinion the whole airport is passenger only given you need to show your ticket to get into the airport).

On arrival at the check-in counter, I’m informed there is a crack on my suitcase. Ok. I’m aware. A few conversations later and my suitcase and I separate.

Thankfully there is no line at security when I go back through again. Now that I know where to look for a seat it’s a smoother process.

The line to board is long - I decide to wait to a bit before joining.

It’s extremely odd to be wearing a mask again. Yes that’s right a mask - I’m informed they are still required to be worn on planes within the Philippines.

Our bus driver decides to keep us on the bus and in the a/c while the line to enter the plane decreases. Very kind of them!

 

Goodbye Manila, see you in a week!