As Sally and me rushed into the departure hall of the Changi Airport Budget Terminal, we were surprised to see a long queue at the check-in counter just 50mins before flight departure. To our grave horror, the Tiger Airways flight we are on was cancelled (at such a late notice!) and the ground handling team was trying to explain to everybody on the available options. Rather than to wait for another 24 hours for the next Tiger Airways flight, we took the alternative and flew to Manila directly via Cebu Pacific (Tiger Airways only flies to Clark which was 2 hours away from the capital). The downside is the flight will depart at midnight and arrive into Manila at 4am!!
Upon getting our new air tickets, we were handed 2 coupons (valued at S$8 each) at a nearby cafe for breakfast and we started our long wait for the next flight. After deliberating on how to waste the day off (we were not able to go home), we went to a cinema and watched Aftershock (a wippee about the Tangshan earthquake that happened in 1976). Wandered around and went back to airport again when it was time. For the first time in my life, I felt like a transit passenger in my own country - the feeling was really strange yet intriguing.
When our flight landed on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (journey was relatively uneventful), we had breakfast (had my first shot at Jolibee, a local fast food giant) before going to town at 7am. Was fairly surprised on how affordable taxis in Manila are as compared to other countries; it only cost P140 (S$4.52) for a ride to town (of course, we cheated by boarding the taxi straight from departure hall to avoid the airport surcharge). Headed to Ralph Anthony Suites but they only had a room left that day. After some deliberation (was getting increasingly groggy after not sleeping properly for the past 24 hours), we settled for Citystate Tower Hotel at P2,080 (S$67.10) per night. When we finally checked in at 11am, my tired body sank into the large comfy bed; right in the middle of A. Mabini Street (the touristy and red-light district of Manila).
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This message flashed blankly on the screen as we entered into the airport; our flight was cancelled!
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Pictured in the photograph was Sally whom I had asked to walk past a large standie of the movie that we had just watched.
Note: We had so much time to burn that we entertained ourselves by taking photographs in the cinema.
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Our new flight landed in Manila at 4.20am (sad to say, it was on-time) and I was damn sleepy!
- Impressions of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines
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It was only 10am and many people were waiting for Robinsons Place (the main shopping mall in Malate) to open!
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Ooo... Interesting signboard!
After all, we were in the district well-known by some tourists looking out for seedy pleasures.
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Tsinoy (or Chinese-Filipino) food for anyone?
Chowking's signature Wanton (dumpling) Noodles at only P49 or S$1.58 per bowl. We had that for almost every night while we were in Manila! :)
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The very busy evening market just right below of Carriedo LRT Station. It was a good place for some people-watching. :) |
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We were pretty fascinated and curious when devotees and passer-bys starting lighting joss sticks and praying to the Cross. It was truely a fusion between Christian and Chinese beliefs.
- Impressions of Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine, junction of Ong Pin Street and San Nicholas Street, Manila, Philippines |
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Took this photograph at Quiapo Church, right at the end of the Carriedo Street market. Although there was a slight drizzle, there was a service conducted (with a lot of people!) while we were there on a Friday evening.
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Thought this was a pretty nice photograph taken.
As the rail transport system is heavily utilized in Manila, there are designated carriages catered specially for women.
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