Oyen wasn’t aware that PAL has two flights a day. When she was buying her tickets, she just asked me what day I was leaving California for Manila, she didn’t ask on what flight. I failed to inform her that there were two flights. It totally skipped my mind. She had already booked the tickets after we found out that we wouldn’t be on the same plane. A few days before our flight, we contacted PAL several times but they were charging an additional $800 for transfer fee if Oyen would join me on the same flight. Same thing if I would be the one to move to her flight which was scheduled half-hour early. In frustration, we resigned to the fact that we would fly separately on the same night. We went to the airport together and agreed she would wait for me at the NAIA because my flight would be a half-hour late, assuming there wouldn’t be any additional delays.
TRAVEL LIGHT: We each have a medium-sized luggage for checking in and a carry on.
Time and again I always advise travelers to be aware of the baggage size and weight limit to avoid unloading your belongings at the airport.
Attention mga kababayan: Timbangin ang mga maleta at balikbayan boxes para masiguro na hindi lalampas sa limit ang timbang ng bagahe ninyo. Hwag ng mag-uwi ng mga asukal, bigas, corned beef, fruit cocktail, Spam, Surf, Colgate, Pantene, Mabibigat yan. Marami na nyan sa atin.
When we were checking-in, we requested to be moved to the same flight. At first the PAL staff said no problem because there were seats available. Oyen was moving to my flight. Then, we were told Oyen couldn’t move to my flight because it was full. Then we were told I could move to Oyen’s flight, then the PAL manager said there’s no extra meals for me. I said it’s fine, I can just eat the meals in the economy, or Oyen and I could just share. Or I won’t eat at all. Then hindi rin daw pwede. They couldn’t move me daw. Ah okay.
When we reached the Mabuhay Lounge, Oyen asked the female ground crew if I could fly with her on the same flight. Without any fuzz, she said yes. She made a call maybe to the station manager. In less than 15 minutes, she handed me over my new boarding pass. Yen and I would be flying together and no mention was made regarding lack of food. I failed to remember her name. She was great.
We took off on time and oh my God, the flight was very turbulent. Within minutes after take-off the plane started shaking. It stopped for a while which allowed the flight attendants to serve our meal. Then the turbulence continued. I took Bonamine to help me manage my dizziness and to help calm me down. I was so nervous. In fact, I was terrified. Two hours into the bumpy ride, my body started to shake. I took many many deep breaths, wiggled my hands and feet, massaged my arms and pressed the tips of my fingers. I inhaled peppermint and spread it on my forehead, my chest, my nape, my wrists, pati sa talampakan, sa lahat na. The purser told me that coming from Manila was more turbulent and it was non-stop to the US. Dios mio nakaka nerbyos. May bagyo daw kasi and in fact the classes in Manila was suspended. The pilot announced that as we approach Manila, expect more turbulence. Oh my buhay! I couldn’t sleep from nervousness. The only positive thing was Oyen. She was sound asleep while the plane was rocking. Or maybe she was pretending to be asleep. I tried to watch a movie but I couldn’t focus on it. I was busy storming the heavens with my cry for help. Naiyak na talaga ako. Naisip ko na anak kong lalaki. Natawag ko na lahat ng santo. Lo and behold, contrary to what we expected that there would be more turbulence as we approached Manila, it was a smooth landing. Ay thank you Lord.
Met a nurse based in Reno, Nevada while waiting for our luggage at NAIA. Her mother in law passed away that’s why they are here. She and her husband come to visit every six months. Her daughter is getting married in Boracay December of next year. My God I forgot her name. We exchanged phone numbers but I have to surf thru hundreds of numbers to be able to recall her name. I should no longer trust my memory.
Organic bananas from our tree.
Even when my son is away, I keep the lights in his bedroom on at night. I am pleased to find the lights on when I arrived home at 4 am. Thank you tart. I appreciate it.
Lucy and Hugo get a welcome hug from the person who showers them with love and attention.
Home service manicure and padicure – one of life’s luxuries
Edmund’s cheese that I don’t particularly like because of the smell.
Maid Norma’s delicious corn bread
Husband gets ready for Saturday golfing and wears the only pasalubong I have for him- a cap from the Harvard Law coop.
