Manila Here We Come!

December 14, 2008: After checking in at the airport we found we had quite a bit of time before our flight was to depart. We were going to need some pesos (Filipino money) for our hotel in Manila, so we visited the money exchanger. The exchange rate we received was 43 pesos per $1.00 (that wasn't a very good exchange rate). Holding 1,000 peso bills felt like a lot of money, but 1,000 pesos is equivalent to about $20.00. We were anxious to be on our way to Manila! The 11 hour flight was long. We watched movies, read, ate, wrote, took naps, ate, stared out the window, and ate some more. We arrived in Manila after 7:00pm on Monday, December 15th (over an hour late). I think we missed a day somewhere!

Immigration and customs was quick and easy. A representative from the Manila Airport Hotel met us and helped us get a shuttle to the hotel. Amy and I were trying to figure out what a standard tip would be. I asked the hotel representative what was customary for tipping in the Philippines. We were then informed of the exchange rate and told that tipping was "whatever you feel from your heart." Well, that didn't help! Amy gave the man 20 p. On our way up to our room we determine she had just given the man a 50 cent tip. Oops! So she gave the boy that carried our bags to the room 100 p ($2.00). Within minutes of being in our hotel room Amy's father called. In order to get a better answer on tipping, Amy ask her father what was customary. He said 5 p is pretty standard. Some little bag boy just got a fortune! lol

We crashed by 8:00 pm and were up at 3:00 am. By 4:30 am (December 16th) we were at the airport ready to catch our flight to Naga.

This is about all we saw of Manila

Leaving the Manila Airport

The coastal line by Manila

The view coming into Naga (1 hour flight from Manila)

The Naga Airport

The Naga Airport was very small and the runway was very short! We hit the runway and bounced, squealed to a stop, and found ourselves in Naga! There was no baggage claim carousel. We had to wait behind a gate as they brought the luggage in and unloaded it right in front of us. We were happy to be on the ground and ready to explore the Philippines!