Last May 16, we flew from SFO International Airport thru Philippine Airlines. There were four of us who went on the same flight, hubby, myself, Vilma and her mom. Before our flight, we made arrangement that the four of us would just have to meet at the airport on a certain time since we don't live on the same area. We waited for them at the entrance but after noticing that the line was growing, hubby insisted that we should join in to get settled and decided to wait for them inside.
We sat on the bench inside after we went through the Security check but they did not show up yet. We waited for an hour and as the place got so crowded with more passengers, we decided again to proceed to the boarding area. I tried to call them but nobody answered. After few attempts, she finally answered and told me that they were still looking for her Mom's passport. She asked me what the status of our flight was. I told her that it was on time and that we were already in line trying to get our carry-on luggage measured and tagged. I began to worry but I felt a sigh of relief when an announcement was made telling all passengers that our flight was going to be delayed. It was a blessing in disguise.
However, they made it but they totally scared me. We were able to talk a little bit before the final boarding. The delay was a surprise to me but I was happy. I never believed in "PAL's Always Late" meaning of PAL. I had never had one yet especially for no reasons at all. The attendant announced that the delay was due to the Airport Opening Policy in NAIA. It does not open until 3 AM and since our flight was a direct one, PAL needed to adjust the departure time.
Our flight was really smooth except a few small air pockets when we got close to Japan. The attendants were respectful as usual. We were only given two meals on this flight compared to the last one in 2007 but the plane at that time had a technical stopover in Guam making that flight longer.
These pictures were taken after our long nap, I'd rather call it a nap than a sleep.
We landed at 3 AM at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It was still dark but we had to go through all those inspections that we thought would be at least an hour. But it was more than that. The people seemed not friendly compared to our previous trip in December of 2007. They were all nice at that time because of their Christmas secret agenda: "wala po bang pasalubong, Maam," "pamasko lang, po," "Kahit isang dolar lang po." These were the phrases I heard. But there was no way they could ask or say the same thing in the middle of May. So instead of helping us, one lady was really not happy on that early morning and she radiated it to us. Thanks God we got out of that place before my blood went all the way to my head.
It was a very long wait for us to get boarded on our connecting flight to Butuan City. There was only one flight on that day so we had no choice but to wait 6 hours. My youngest sister in Manila joined us on that trip, at least the company got bigger by one person.
When we got to Butuan, my other two sisters and two brothers were there to meet us. Then we headed back home after having our lunch. It was supposed to be only for an hour but it lasted almost two hours because of the heavy downpour.
To be continued....
PAL picture from Google
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This picture was taken at my brother's little hotel where we had the Rehearsal Dinner. We really looked haggard. It was already night time when we got there and so we did not have time to refresh ourselves before the dinner. Everybody was hungry but we're just waiting for the priest to arrive.
...with my parents, my Tiyo and one of my niece.
... with my two aunties, brothers and sisters... too lazy to enumerate.
Finally, the priest came... to give the Grace Before Meals.
...Grace Before Meals....
We came right after the priest. Hungry as we were, we right away made our plate. The food was mostly Seafood. There was caldereta made from goat meat and soup.
