Stepping on Philippine Soil
(”My Journey Home ” chronicles this balikbayan’s return after 7 long years.)
Well, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Flying with a toddler for 26 hours, I mean. I followed wise advice and brought a a bag full of cookies, crackers, juices and various toys that kept her occupied. What made it all the more pleasant was a small turn of blessing. My husband and I were given seats (window and aisle) that didn’t have an occupant in the middle, so our daughter was able to have that extra space all to herself from Detroit to Nagoya, Japan. YEY!
The layover in Japan was something else though. We deplaned for a crew change and plane clean up. But instead of a holding area of passengers continuing to Manila, we were herded through a long line into another set of thorough security checks. Why, I have no idea, since we have been checked at the US airport we came from.
But, we were finally here at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), checking through immigrations. The first thing I noticed were people who serviced us “with a smile”. We were greeted with “Good morning, Ma’am/Sir.” There was quite a crowd at the baggage claims, as expected, but because several porters were sorting through the bags and boxes, passengers actually got to their belongings rapidly. (added - and no, we didn’t have to pay anyone to help with luuggage. I actually saw an airport personnel REFUSE money from a passenger who wanted some help with his bags. hurray for improvements!)
At the annex were families waitied, there were designated areas alphabetically arranged by first letter of the surnames. So we found the “GHI” and didn’t have to squint at the hundreds of waiting families to find our relatives.
The ride home through the coastal road was smooth and quick, as well. That road still in construction when I was here last, and now it’s fully functional and the choice for commuters trying to by pass Manila’s traffic.
My, how the Philippines has changed!
Tags: NAIA, immigrations, travel, Philippines
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POSTED IN: Personal Experiences, Travel and Tourism
1 opinion for Stepping on Philippine Soil
dess a. madsen
Jan 25, 2008 at 9:19 am
Hi Grace, it is heartening to know that you were delighted with the improvements you found in the Philippines, startiing from the Ninoy International Airport. A lot of the good news is unheralded. Much needs to be done to highlight the positives in the Filipino and the Philippines.
thanks for making us aware of the good side of the Philippines.
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