Manila, Philippines – 8-9 November 2024

Finally Friday 8 November 2024 arrives - time for my holiday!! I’m off to Boracay in the Philippines for a week of sun, sea and relaxation.

I had arranged to meet a work colleague at IFC in-town check-in at 4pm. Of course it takes far too long to get a taxi but in the end I get there at the same time she does.

At the airport, checking in and security go smoothly. Then within minutes we are in the First class lounge.

Time for my first drink in 5 weeks (no I wasn’t doing sober October, rather I had been quite sick).

 

We land into Manila a couple of minutes late at 10.38pm, surprising given we were a good 20 minutes late leaving the gate in Hong Kong.

Exactly 30 minutes after landing I walk in the very lively and very air conditioned Marriott hotel. My home for the night. Thank you APEC card, no lines for me at immigration. Carry on luggage helped as well.

They kindly upgrade my room. Really not needed when I’m here for less than 10 hours but I’m not complaining! Fingers crossed it happens next Saturday night when I’m back for much longer.

I climb into bed at 11.38pm, one hour since landing. Bliss! Now it’s time to research what time I really need to be back at the airport tomorrow.

I wake just before my alarm on Saturday 9 November. The black out curtains are amazing!!!

As I enter the footbridge to the airport I have to put my bags through a screening machine. Ok. I walk less than 200 meters across the highway, where by the way there is NO where to buy anything at all and I need to repeat the baggage screening. Ok.

Standing in the line for bag drop and I’m sweating. It’s 9.10am, this is the life in the Philippines.

While the line is moving it’s slow. Totally get why they say come 2 hours before your flight. I’m just hoping there is proper a/c once I’ve been through security!!!

I definitely arrived at the airport far too early, but it does mean I can get a coffee and watch the madness around me.

Boarding the plane is via a bus. With this heat I’ll be staying onboard to the end before having to get out to the heat and walk up the stairs to the plane.

As I get close to the door I hear Christmas music being played. A tad too early me thinks.

Amazing, doors are closed 15 minutes prior to our departure time and I have the seat next to me free.

Goodbye Manila, see you in a week.