TG flight

Last week, I posted about my experiences with CX and SQ, or Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines respectively. Now, I will share short comments on TG or Thai Airways.

Unlike my experiences with CX and SQ, flying TG was a first for me. I flew Manila to Bangkok round-trip. It was a 3-hour flight and it was okay.

TG utilizes the Boeing 777-200 plane. It appears to be an older version. Even the entertainment system was similar to the one I had aboard SQ. The TV screen was old and still uses that remote control at the side of the seat. But the food was good and crew were nice.

An interesting experience was my flight back. There were just a few passengers, maybe 50 out of the possible 200+ seats. Even if I flew economy, I felt it was business class because of the space. There was no one beside me, in front of me or behind me. The next passenger was a few seats away. The crew even served snacks and 2 rounds of drinks even before the main meal.

Generally, it was a good experience flying with Thai Airways.

Where are the other passengers? :)

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CX vs SQ

I had the opportunity to travel from Manila to Hong Kong and Singapore just days apart. I took two of the world's best airlines- Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. And of course, they did not disappoint. This post is sort of a review. Just a disclaimer: this post is just about my personal experience on those specific flights and do not reflect the entire airline. I traveled economy, by the way.

Aircraft
Both CX and SQ flew Boeing 777 on the Manila route. But CX felt newer, or at least the interiors felt upgraded and more modern. Just a day before my flight, CX made the inuagural A350 flight to Manila. That would have been cool to ride on a new plane.
Winner: CX

Food
SQ gave full meal with dessert and a choice of wine, juice, coffee, etc. CX only gave snacks. Probably because the Manila-Hong Kong flight was shorter than the Singapore flight.
Winner: SQ

Entertainment
This one CX is the clear winner because of its new TV system. It has bigger screen and it's a touchscreen. The SQ screen was small and it was a bit old, with the remote control still on the sides of the seat. Selection on the CX entertainment system was also newer and there were more content. But for earphones, I like SQ, because it's smaller.
Winner: CX

Service
Both crew were awesome and friendly. But for this round, I give my score to SQ, because they were more helpful.
Winner: SQ

Others
I can charge my phone on CX  even on economy. But SQ gave hot towel before the flight to freshen passengers up. There were also pillows and blankets already on the seats on SQ.

Both airlines are real winners.

SQ

CX

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Review: Philippine Airlines MNL-AUH

This is a short review of my flight from Manila to Abu Dhabi via Philippine Airlines. It also includes the return flight since I had very similar experience on both trips.

I went to Abu Dhabi last March 2015 to attend a conference. I returned to Manila a few days later. My overall experience with both flights was just "ok". It was not super good, but it was not super bad either. I will rate my own experience with 5 being the highest and 1 the lowest.

Just to add context, I'm in the economy section, at the back part of the aircraft.

On Time Performance: 3/5
     -We boarded the plane on time, but for different reasons the flights still got delayed. The Manila to Abu Dhabi flight was delayed for an hour because one passenger needs medical attention. The return flight was delayed by 2 hours because there was a restriction in the airspace in Oman, so we just stayed inside the plane for 2 hours.

Entertainment: 1/5
     -There was no inflight TV for a flight of about 10 hours. PAL has the InAir service which allows passengers to watch some movies on their phones or tablets. PAL also has wifi for a fee. But for the first flight, there was NO InAir. Cabin crew said it wasn't working. For the return flight, I was able to watch a few clips and listen to music, but the choices were very limited. I also tried the free 15 minutes wifi, but it was very slow. And there was no plug to charge the phone, so this service won't last the entire flight.

Food: 4/5
     -Actually the food was the saving grace of the flight. It wasn't super delicious, but I guess I wasn't just expecting anything. So lo and behold when they served a full meal on board with rice, viand, side dish, dessert and a choice of juice, wine or coke. After the meal, they offered coffee or tea. Then after that, they offered again some snacks like KitKat or crackers. Then before the flight ends, there's another round of snacks. This time, it was a hot big pandesal with filling, plus the usual drinks or coffee.

Seat/ Amenities: 3/5
    -I was in the economy seat, so it wasn't really a large space. I got lucky on the first flight since I had no seatmate. On the return flight, I was in the aisle. There was a blanket and a pillow in every seat. The crew also offered a hot small towel before landing to freshen up.

Flight crew: 3/5
     -They were ok. But I think they were just a bit disorganized in giving out the food, especially the snacks part. I was looking at the other aisle and all of them already had snacks, but in our aisle, no one was giving snacks. Then one flight crew gave out some snacks and stop in the middle, then leave and never came back to give out the snacks. So basically, some passengers didn't get their share of Kitkat or crackers or coffee. But overall, staff were courteous and nice.

Overall: 3/5
    -I think this is already a generous score. But considering the price of the airfare, which is lower than Etihad, then I guess one gets what one pays for. However, given the chance, I'll probably not take PAL anymore for long haul flights again. Depending of course if there is no other choice or if PAL gives me a free flight. :)

Chiffon cake and hot pandesal with filling

Two-aisle A330 plane

Sleeping time

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Review: Abu Dhabi International Airport

I was in Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago via Philippine Airlines. This is a mini review from the point of view of an ordinary tourist.

PAL uses Terminal 1, the old terminal of Abu Dhabi. It's actually just small. Well, I didn't really roam around, but it's definitely not the usual massive airport like the ones in Dubai, Hong Kong or Singapore. In terms of size, it could be compared to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1.

But despite the small size, it's not crowded. There were many vacant seats when I was there and many shops and restaurants were also operational. Arriving and departing passengers share the same area, similar to the one in Singapore. And there were many Filipino staff. I bought something at Mcdonald's and the Duty Free shop and I was speaking in Filipino.

The Abu Dhabi International Airport also has money exchange booths, pharmacy and a spa. And the airport is expanding. Construction of a bigger terminal was ongoing when we landed. And if you need transportation going to the city proper, there are taxis and buses right outside the arrival hall. Like in other cities, airport taxis are more expensive. I took the A1 bus while I was there. It only costs AED4, compared to the taxi which I heard costs AED75 to our hotel.



Control tower of ADIA



Check-in lobby



Departure area/ Arrival area as well

 

Shops: both in the first and second floors

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Smaller and Smaller Circles

Because of Typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun), I was forced to again hold a book. The typhoon caused power outages in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. My laptop and phone's batteries were draining and there was really nothing much to do. I went to my mini bookshelf and picked one book, the first time I have done so in months (maybe even years).

I chose the novel 'Smaller and Smaller Circles.' It's a crime novel set in the Philippines and written by a Filipino. I bought that book about 10 years ago because I was looking for an English language Filipino novel. I read it, but forgot the story. And now with the tiny ray of light from the sun that entered my window into my dark room, I read the book again.

I'm not a fan of crime novels, but I like the book. One, it's written by a Filipino and set in Quezon City, where I live. So there's a 'homey' feeling. Second, it features Jesuits as the lead characters. I studied in a Jesuit university years ago.

It feels different if a movie or a book is set in an area you are familiar with. In a way, you feel attached somehow. And after reading so many books set in Europe or the U.S., reading a Philippine novel is very refreshing. And the book was written well, so no complaints on how the story developed and progressed. Though I just wish there were twists. You kinda know who the killer is in the middle of the story. But that's an author's prerogative.

Things I learned (or relearned) from the story: 1) The country has very poor investigation process/skills; 2) So many people have no access to proper health care; 3) Family will always be family no matter what; 4) Jesuits are really versatile; and for me as a journalist 5) There are always ways to get a story without joining the bandwagon.

As I said, I bought the book about a decade ago, not knowing who the author is or what awards the book won. Forward to 2013, the author became my office mate. Her name is F.H. Batacan or Ichi. I was shocked she suddenly joined ANC. And I'm sure she has no idea I read her book 10 years ago. Small world, or should I say, smaller and smaller circles indeed.

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Delicious Diet

I've been seeing a lot of "diet delivery" service lately. It seems it is starting or has actually become a trend. It works simple: healthy food will be delivered to you daily for a week. I know I needed such food since I'm not really a health-conscious person. So when a friend offered to give me a week's supply, I couldn't say no.

Newly-opened 'Delicious Diet' sent me breakfast-lunch-snack-dinner meals. Everyday there were different variants of food, so you won't get bored eating. Not to mention, the food are all healthy. And even if the food are healthy, taste wasn't compromised. So far, all tasted good. Sample food are: sausage and wheat roll, beef and mushroom salpicao, banana speculoos sandwich, spicy tuna pasta. Delicious Diet promises 1,200 calories per day. As their name suggests, truly it's delicious.

A lot of people have sent testimonials on such service offered by different companies, with many saying it has improved their diet and some lost weight. Of course, the diet will only help you if you also discipline yourself. I had a problem with this since I was tempted to eat other 'unhealthy' food. So be sure to practice self-control and have the full determination to walk the healthy path.

Price: P1,750 per week (4 meals a day)
For more info, follow their Twitter account: @DeliciousDietPH
That's also their name on Instagram and Facebook.

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Go Hotels Puerto Princesa

I have long been intrigued with Go Hotels, a sister company of Cebu Pacific. They market themselves as a budget hotel, yet with features such as Windsor beds, use of key card, free wi-fi, LCD cable TV, etc. So when the opportunity came, I decided to check in at Go Hotels Puerto Princesa.

I had a good experience. The hotel is just small, with maybe less than 100 rooms. But the rooms are what they market them to be. My room has all the features they mentioned on their website. The bed was comfortable, there's aircon with remote, cable TV with remote, a small safe deposit box, rainfall-type hot/cold shower and full mirror. There are also towels and some toiletries.

I paid only P900 for one night. It's good for 2 people, so basically it's P450/ person. Not bad at all. The price includes all the amenities, plus the airport transfer and did I say, breakfast was free too. The price I got was not even the cheapest price, since I bought it just a few weeks before my stay. I know the price could still be much lower if you buy in advance.

The features, free breakfast I mentioned are for the Puerto Princesa branch only. I think you have to pay more for other branches.

All in all, I believe it was value for money. Plus I felt safe since there are security guards, and the hotel is very near Robinsons Place.
Here are some photos of the hotel. You can also check: http://gohotels.ph/

View of lobby from the cafe

Go Hotels at night

Some grocery items for sale inside the cafe

Robinsons Mall, view from my room

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SM, Ayala Cinemas Online Tickets

Going to the movies is now made easier with the two biggest cinema chains allowing online purchase of tickets. Imagine buying tickets to your most awaited movie without having to line up. Plus you also get to choose the best seats.

I have tried the services of both SM and Ayala. And so far, both worked well. I did manage to get the best seats without having to line up and I arrived at the mall just in time for the trailers. However, I must say that though I prefer Ayala Mall Cinemas, SM has the more convenient online experience.

Both Ayala and SM charge P20 fee per ticket, but SM doesn't ask you to print your ticket. In fact, they will text the ticket to you and you'll just need to scan your phone to the 'scanner' right outside the theater and that scanner will print out the tickets for you. Ayala, on the other hand, will ask you to print your ticket at home. If you don't have a printer, you have to go to the ticket counter and ask them to print it for you. And before they print it, the counter lady will ask you to fill up a piece of paper with all the details.

In terms of 'less hassle', SM wins. But nonetheless, buying movie tickets online for both companies is now very convenient. I now wonder why so many people are still lining up.

Ayala Malls Cinema: www.sureseats.com
SM Cinema: www.smcinema.com

Ayala Malls Cinema ticket

SM Cinema ticket (via text)

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Manila Ocean Park: More than just fish

I last visited the Manila Ocean Park more than 4 years ago. Then, there was just one attraction: the Oceanarium. I was amazed to see such place in the Philippines. But thought to myself, it's not somewhere you will regularly go too, since you have seen it all. But recently, I visited the park again with my sisters. Wow, there are now so many attractions!

I bought the Metro Deal promo 12-in-1 for only P750 (12 attractions). However I was surprised that when I got the tickets at the counter, it was the same as the 9-in-1 package. Later, I found out there are certain areas with more than one attraction (so parang 12 pa rin). In any case, the deal was worth it. There are also many other packages worth P550-900 (see photo).

Manila Ocean Park has come a long way since it started a few years ago. In fact, they don't only have marine species, but birds as well. They also have a lot of activities such as bottom glass boating, feeding of penguins and others.

It's a must to visit this world-class park in Manila. For those who don't know, it's behind the Quirino Grandstand, just walking distance from Manila Hotel, Museo Pambata and Rizal Park. You can take the LRT and go down at the UN Avenue LRT station and just walk for about 15-20 minutes. You won't get bored walking since you will pass by Rizal Park, which is in itself a tourist destination.


Here are some photos I've taken

Oceanarium.
NOTE: During weekends, this area is very crowded.

Sharks

Finding Nemo

Fish Spa

Jellyfish

                    

                                          Sea lion show

Bird Show: parrots

Birds of Prey Kingdom

Slide-O-Fun inside the Trails to Antarctica

Penguins!! (there are more of them inside)

Penguin Talkshow: the attraction I liked least

                                   

                                      Snow Village

                

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