Rough Groove

Chaotic domestic airport

0400H and I arrived already in the domestic airport with just less than an hour of sleep very early today, the old MIA terminal that is best described to have had seen better days. Well, I had no choice since I booked a Cebu Pacific plane ticket to avail of their special rate at P888 plus tax (total of only P3,500 two way ticket instead of the P7,000++ for the regular fare).

The airport was unusually crowded considering the time. At first, I thought that Cebu Pacific’s special permanent low value fares were a hit but then I remembered that this weekend will be the Dinagyang, Iloilo’s answer to Cebu’s Sinulog mardi gras. Clutching my email printed electronic ticket and patiently waiting in line to enter. When I did arrive at the entrance, the guard checking the ticket and identification card told me that the paper I have was just a booking reference and I need to have the e-ticket. Bewildered, I protested and told him that it is the e-ticket but he would not hear me that that early, I was already flustered! With no choice, I went to the Cebu Pacific ticket counter and was also told that really, the paper I was holding was the e-ticket transaction receipt and really don’t need to have it reprinted but they would reprint it anyway. When I went back, I told the guard but he just said that its their policy. Now, it just means that both parties are not clear and not talking with each other.

Anyway, from the check-in counter to paying the increased terminal fee of P200 (from P100), the line was just long, disorganized and people were just confused on where to line. Going into the waiting area before the last security check, was also a hassle as the queue was long and some people, obviously with contacts with security just walked in past without lining up!

This is in great contrast with the orderly, relaxing and comfortable Terminal 2 that I was used to. Anyway, I arrived a little past 0600H in Cebu.

Drowsy Monday

0230H and I was already awake. Darn, my ftp session to backup my website estanli was cut due to a file overwrite message and a timeout was also encountered. No choice but to close the session and back it up some other time. Whew! That early and I still want to sleep considering that I went to bed around 2200H after almost six hours of walking around the Sinulog route (refer to previous entry). Just no choice as my PAL (Philippine Airlines) flight was 0500H.

I did not get much sleep either at the plane that’s why when I was at the office, I was just so drowsy, my eyes are heavy and can’t concentrate much. I just make it a point to get to sleep early tonight.

When I arrived, the passengers were still few and many of them were sleeping on the benches. It was only later that the passengers started arriving around 20 minutes from boarding time. Our flight was even delayed since we still waited for a few more minutes for around 12 people to board the plane.

0500H on a work day? Not next time.

Terminal 2

The varied people coupled with great architecture in Manila’s premier airport never ceases to amaze me. While waiting for my flight, took some photos, early 0600H, Saturday, 16 October 04.

On the way back to Davao

0215H 10 October 04 and my mobile phone’s alarm went off. Time to wake up as I still have to be at the NAIA 2 airport by around 0300H as a chance passenger for my flight back to Davao at 0500H. Fortunately, it was not full and I was able to book.

At the waiting area, several people were already present. Some were catching up sleep, checking papers, playing with their children.

Cebu

I was already nursing a slight fever when I arrived at the airport in Davao loaded with two bags, a plastic full as well as two boxes of fruits that I have promised my mother to bring. Already, the exoticly sweet scent of the durian was palpable. But people here don’t mind. It is a common smell!

As predicted, I exceeded my 20 kilo baggage allowance by 12 and it was surprising to note that the cashier gave the exact change! (usually, cashiers here rounds off the few cents to the next peso). All the time at the airport, I was as if my patience was running thin: the long queue for booking the flight, paying the boarding pass, waiting, waiting, waiting…

We left 1140H and as much as I want to rest and take a nap, I just can’t. When we were over Bohol, brooding clouds were already forming, pregnant with rain that in a few minutes, water streaked across the plane’s window, while our ride became bumpy.

The familiar islets between Cebu and Bohol came into view. Every time I pass over these strips of land, I’m always thinking: can these islets be the result of Bohol breaking away from Cebu over millions of years ago? The result of the movement of the Philippine plate?

The international airport in Cebu seems to have seen better days. But what was irritating was that when I was about to claim my baggage, not a single cart was available. Where were these? I asked one guard and he said, just go outside and get those left by other passengers! Just bad service.

“Ma, you drive. I’m not really feeling well.” It was already 1330H and we proceeded to Casa Verde to have lunch. We were just 4 in the van: other than me and my mother Editha, my sister Elaine and her daughter Enicka as well as my cousin Jasper. William, Jasper’s brother will also be coming over from his medical duties at the hospital.

Casa Verde near Velez Hospital is known for its affordable, delicious and big servings of baby back ribs. It was already 1400H when we reached the place but unfortunately, we were told that they ran out of the dish during lunch that we have to settle with other orders. Well, except for the creamy leche flan, oreo and blueberry cheesecakes, the rest of the food were not so good. Either too hard or too salty.

We headed for home.