Flying High... Philippine Airlines!

It was time to fly with another national 'flag carrier' airline, less than two months previous I had made 'Malaysia Airlines' a 'Flying High..' priority! February 2024 secured my chance to fly one way with 'Philippine Airlines' from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport because the only way was 'The Philippines!' Pilipinas, I was ready! 

The weather was god awful on that February 2024 early afternoon, truthfully I knew that I would be in the tropical climate of the Philippines shortly. Getting to that pre-boarding moment with Philippine Airlines almost didn't happen because those Chinese New Year period flights almost sold out during the booking process during the previous autumn season, that was some foolery! Thankfully, I was able to pull some money back from my savings to cover the cost of that flight price hike, it had to be done! It felt very correct to see that Philippine Airlines A330 parked up at one of the new satellite gates, she was located next to the same Malaysia Airlines flight I had took a matter of weeks previous. Now, that's South East Asian synergy! Of course, I had seen many cabin crew members from PAL on Instagram, their kindness inspired me to book those tickets at whatever cost! Getting up into the skies mattered to me the most because work had been hectic and then some, I needed some sunshine! Let's go, PAL! Get me to that archipelago! 

Boarding was super quick. the Airbus A330 was mostly empty, that I would find out why in good time. Greeting by a sea of friendly Philippine cabin crew felt correct because I was on my way to the world's most friendliest country! I had my own row, it was correct to have my own space with an aisle seat secured. The whole experience had not been smooth because the ground handling agents had their work cut out with those document checks, it took an age to get checked in. I understood that Manila wasn't going to play with those entry requirements because when it was my turn, I had twenty questions posed to me! Yes, my return ticket had been purchased, I had completed my QR ready for arrival into the Philippines. I was all organised, it was just a shame that many other passengers didn't have their paper secured beforehand! That was their choice, definitely not mine! Taking that negative away, it felt more than alright to see those cabin doors armed! Sure, I was already thinking of my next PAL flight from MNL to PPS! 

I wasn't going to lie to myself because those IFE screens were not present on that Manila bound flight. Before the aircraft had left the gate I had made sure that PAL's in-flight APP had been downloaded, with the quickness I did just that! I was able to see that a handsome selection of music, TV series and films were present for me to watch during that three hour hop down to the Philippines. Connecting to the aircraft's own 'Wi-Fi' had me feeling like 'finders keepers!' What was I going to watch? I fancied a series because I would be able to watch at least two episodes comfortably. With ease I started to watch 'All American - Homecoming'. I kept an open mind because I hadn't watched a series for a long time before that flight, I was in for a great watch! Following the lives of college students in an American university, this highly melanated family of friends brought the drama and then some! Following the trials and tribulations of a potential sports team transfer and some mean girls on a tennis court, I was hooked! Another one, please! 

Being honest, it did feel strange to not have my own fixed seat-back screen, I used my iPhone in place of such fixtures. Back to the series, I already knew that I wanted the dancer to smash her audition! You already know that food played a big part of this show, the cookouts were real! With piping hot tea brewing, spilled and served throughout my two episodes watched, I was impressed by this 'All-American' season. Call me naive but I had never seen such a series that focused on a all 'African American' cast and frankly I was there for it all, there's enough whiteness in the entertainment industry, it was refreshing to see something more wholesome and real! The flight was going quick, as I neared the end of my second episode of the said series, I decided to leave it there because l would need to prepare for landing. Leaving China each time when travelling overseas always requires a reset, I knew that a whole lot of 'Realness' was about to front me on arrival! Thus far, my in-flight PAL experience had been smooth. C'mon Manila! 

My meal was fine, no complaints did I have with the chicken and rice dish that was served to me. Meals and drinks were served swiftly after the cabin crew had been released from their stations, no time was wasted. I didn't eat the salad because to be honest it didn't look very appetising, no shade but I didn't fancy it. Of course, a cheeky red wine was enjoyed and you already know that I had a few refills but nothing to the amount I had onboard Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur the previous December. Dessert was served in the form of some fruit, simple yet tasty is all I have to say. Overall, my meal experience was basic, completely palatable but by no means the best economy meal served to me. It would be very interesting to see how the meals differ from Manila and on other routes, preferably long haul routes from the Philippines to the United States? Now, I would like that taste test as a potential new challenge, for now that won't be an option. How would 'Cebu Pacific Air' differ with their 'no frills' menu? P, you'll see in good time! 

During my two week holiday spent in the Philippines, I had two more meetings with Philippine Airlines. With a few days planned on the island of Palawan, I flew from Manila to Puerto Princesa with PAL. I made my way to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a considerably cheaper taxi, much like in Malaysia I made great friends with 'GRAB!' It was clear that Manila wasn't going to play, I needed to show flight confirmation in order for me to access the check-in halls. The domestic gate area served small independent looking eateries, serving a sandwich and a can of 'Red Horse' beer. The flight to and from Manila to PPS lasted for about one hour each way, no issues prevailed on both flights. The same smiles and smart presentation was noted by the cabin crew members who worked on both of those Philippine Airlines flights. I couldn't fault those flights, the small snack and drink sufficed. The flight went by quickly, there was no need for any in-flight entertainment on both sectors. I'll get back to my initial arrival in a moment! 

There was no mistaking the crew, onboard my Shanghai to Manila flight. This crew were well presented. I wondered whether my photo request would be accepted or not? I had been afforded an amazing galley pose with Malaysia Airlines, those crew were super! I approached one crew member who looked like the purser? I asked him politely if a photo would be possible, to my surprise two other crew members were ushered from their station to join me in the galley for a smiley photo! There was no hesitation, I always make sure that the crew are consenting of my photo request because as mentioned before, some passengers abuse this gesture. I was really impressed with my photo, it wasn't the 'pose for your life' situation that other crew get lost in, it was like a photo with friends. Don't get me wrong, I love a good galley pose! The male crew member spoke with me for a few minutes after the photo had been taken, he was actually from Antipolo, one of the places that I would visit! Thank you for being so friendly and approachable! 

As Manila neared, it was time for the crew to secure the cabin, then only did it feel real that my dream to visit PH was about to come true! Landing into a very busy Ninoy Aquino International Airport, we had to wait for a little bit before we could park at our gate. My PAL flight had landed a little bit early, the wait wasn't a problem, we were able to disembark soon after. Disembarking that flight felt correct, it had literally flown by with the short range it took to fly down from Mainland China. I noticed that a lot of flights had landed from the Gulf regions, including Saudia and Gulf Air. Now, there was a feeling of 'homecoming' as I passed through immigration, those reunions were between families and their OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). Yes, immigration was fine, the guy who stamped my passport was dressed rather casually for his function. I had made it, finally to hear those Tagalog conversations felt correct as I picked up my bag from the carousel. Philippine Airlines had made my arrival possible from PVG. Mabuhay! That's 'Hello!' 

M-M-Manila! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure