Airport and Airline Hacks in the Philippines

With more than 7,000 islands, traveling around the Philippines can be difficult. But, all thanks to local airlines offering cheap fares, it has been every Juan's most convenient way to go around and explore every corner of the country.

Little did they know, most travelers here are missing a lot, especially on how the business model of the aviation industry works. Let me share some tips and hacks on air travel in the Philippines.

Travel Tips: What is Air Traffic Congestion?

Mr. Delay will see you.

John can no longer contain his excitement. It will be his first time to ride an airplane. It will also be his first time in Manila and ultimately his final destination, Baguio City together with his college friends. They had already planned this trip for a very long time. For two years, they haven’t seen that much due to their busy work schedule, even if they were all assigned in Davao.

After completing their security check-in, they made their way to the pre-departure area and waited for their flight. It was almost eleven in the morning and their flight, Philippine Airlines PR 1814 was scheduled to depart on time as their turnaround aircraft arrived 10 minutes ahead of their scheduled arrival. He had already pictured himself inside the bus en route to Baguio, enjoying the picturesque landscape of Central Luzon.

Then came their boarding announcement. Once inside the plane, John religiously followed the safety protocols of the aircraft: seatbelt is securely fastened, window shades up, and tray tables stowed. Several minutes later, the cabin crew closed the door, and they were now ready for departure, or so he thought. For the next fifteen minutes, they were still stationary. Then, the pilot gave an announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now fully ready for departure, however, due to air traffic congestion in Manila, we are given a departure clearance time of 1:40PM. This is beyond our control. We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences brought about by this delay.”

More than an hour of delay spells a total disaster on their tight itinerary. John and his friends can’t really believe that this is actually happening.

The Jumpseat Experience: Inside the Cockpit of A330-300

Cleared for take-off.

Last May, I availed a free flight to Davao from Tacloban (via Manila) through our yearly DFR (Domestic Familiarization Route) privilege. For those who didn't know, Philippine Air Traffic Controllers are entitled to have two free domestic trips plus one emergency every year. Well, at least we have this cool privilege from giving air traffic services to airlines.

As a new ATC of the country, it was a humbling experience to be there.

Radar Under Maintenance: Expect Flight Delays this Week

24/7 Public Service

If you are flying in and out of Manila this week, expect intermittent flight delays due to the unservicable radar of Manila Approach. The radar is currently under maintenance and will last for about a week. But, before you complain about this inconvenience, let me explain how the ATCs, particularly assigned at Manila Approach, handle this kind of situation.

What Made Me Decide To Become An Air Traffic Controller?

Aviation

Back in our preschool days, our teachers would always ask us to fill out this statement: When I grow up, I want to be a/an ________. Most kids would have these answers: a doctor, a police, a firefighter, a nurse, a lawyer, a pilot, an engineer, or a scientist. And I bet no kid in the world would have this answer: to be an air traffic controller.

Most people think that the job of an air traffic controller is to just wave the neon 'fan' to guide the plane to its designated parking bay. No, that's not the job of an ATC. There is more when you enter the realm of air traffic.

Of Ruined Vacations: Cancelled and Delayed Flights

The Art Of Waiting. Photo taken at Mactan-Cebu Int'l Airport

Janelle Tan (not her real name) had already planned to have a grand vacation in Boracay with her college friends. It has been years since their last adventure. She and her friends availed a promo fare to Caticlan months before their Boracay escapade. As the date of their vacation drew nearer, Janelle couldn't contain her excitement. She had already packed her things, and updated her social media accounts.

"Boracay, see you in three days! #vacation #MyLife #MainggitKa", her Twitter account said.

The day of their flight came. They were scheduled to leave Manila at three in the afternoon. At 1PM, they were already inside NAIA Terminal 3. Everything went well; they did not encounter any problems. After 20 minutes, they were already at the pre-departure area. It was rather full of people, as expected. Every summer, there is a significant increase of flights in and out of Manila, mostly coming from the domestic sector.

They were expected to board at 2:40 PM, as indicated on their boarding passes. It was already 3PM and there were no any advisories regarding their flight. Janelle was expecting this, maybe a 15 to 20 minute delay. At 3:30 PM, they were advised that their new ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) will be at 3:40 PM due to air traffic congestion over Manila.

Your Guide to Surviving Post-Holiday Air Travel

The RITA (Research and Innovative Technology Administration) Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that "during the Christmas/New Year Holiday [air travel] rises by 23 percent." As millions are stuffed into into airplanes and weather conditions change flight schedules problems for passengers escalate. Believe it or not, the right attitude and a solid plan can alleviate most travel frustrations, read these tips and become a holiday-travel expert—happy flying!

For the Love of Aviation!

I will be forever in love with aviation; it's my first (and last) love! I couldn't imagine myself if I live a few centuries back where ships and horses are the primary mode of transportation. I am truly grateful that I live in a generation where human beings and airplanes coexist with each other.

Just last week, I purchased a new toy, my new Canon 1100D. It's actually an upgrade since my new toy's capable of recording HD videos. And for my first subject, I went to the control tower yesterday to take videos and pictures of planes departing and arriving at Davao International Airport.

FLYING: More Fun in AirPhil Express!

AirPhil Express (IATA: 2P / Call sign: ORIENT PACIFIC), formerly known as Air Philippines, is the country's third largest airline in the Philippines in terms of passengers flown. From January to September 2011, it had flown at least 3 million passengers.

AirPhil Express Airbus A320 taxiing at Davao International Airport

AirPhil Express is Philippine Airlines' solution to Cebu Pacific Air's dominance on the low cost travel market in the country.

I had my first flying experience with AirPhil Express last November 14, 2010 and it was also my first time to ride a Q400 turboprop plane enroute to Cagayan de Oro City. My first experience with AirPhil Express gave me a good impression since my 20-minute flight was smooth and hassle-free. 

Since the company's rebranding last 2010, AirPhil Express had given reliable services to its passengers at a very affordable price.

Planespotting Is A Fun Activity

Yesterday, I went to the airport control tower to try my 70-200 f/4.0 and 55-250 f/4.0-5.8 telephoto lenses. Seeing those mechanical birds arriving and departing at Davao International Airport really excites me.

Davao International Airport (DVO, PH)

More so, it was my first time to try the zoom lenses given by my generous uncle.

The following photos were taken from 9:10 AM to 3:00 PM at the airport control tower.

Confessions of an Aviation Geek

I am one of those people who dreams of flying and touring around the world. Despite the exorbitant tuition fee of flying school (yes, I’m talking millions here), it didn’t make me to stop dreaming about it.

Besides, when you dream, you have to dream BIG.

I always fancy airplanes, Boeing-made airplanes to be precise. My fascination started when I was little. My grandmother gave me a souvenir from Saudia Airlines, a 1:500 model scale of Saudia’s A330-300 plane.

Since then, I’ve started to appreciate those big birds, majestically flying in the sky.

Hello, Strangers!

If you have been reading this blog since its inception, you’d probably read my entry about my 9-hour delay experience at Zamboanga International Airport last April. Good thing was, Cebu Pacific treated us well by serving us free food from Jollibee and a free one-way ticket to any domestic destination valid for six months.

Since my two friends are going to have their board exam review sessions starting July, we decided to claim our free one way flight before it expires in October. We originally planned to take Cebu but one of my friends insisted to book a flight to Manila instead. After hours of deliberation, we finally settled of booking a flight to Manila.

(Jump shots! Top: Bagets at Passig Islet, Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. Photo courtesy of Jerome Baluyut. Bottom: Couchsurfers at Kaputian Public Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. Photo courtesy of Edgar Yap.)

So, we availed a promo fare from AirPhil, called for our free one-way flight at Cebu Pacific and finalized our itinerary.

Little did I know, I was about to meet the coolest group of people who have inspired me to travel around the country.

I Found My Heart in Bacolod

We used to eat together, sleep together and be together… just the two of us. Everything seemed perfect; my world revolved around her. I just love everything about Lexie - her tantalizing eyes, her sweet smile and her soft lips. God knows how much I love her.

It was until I woke up on a cold and rainy Monday morning of October. I was all alone in my bed. I stared at the ceiling, thinking of what to do next. And then it dawned on me - it was just a dream, just a dream… or so I thought. Ever since the day she left, my life has been a routine one. I keep on doing the same things over and over again. And frankly speaking, I’ve lost my drive to do something new and exciting.

Work was suspended due to bad weather. After finishing my coffee, I went to the drawer and looked for my passbook. While rummaging my drawer, I dropped something on the hardwood floor. It was an unopened envelope from Lexie dated back three years ago.

(MassKara Festival of Bacolod City, Philippines. Photo by –hbm-)

I opened the envelope and read her letter. It brought back those bittersweet memories of us.

First time travelers: What to Expect in Dinagyang Festival 2012

I was not in mood to do something productive because (i) my earphones got busted; and (ii) there’s a possibility that I may not join the Soccsksargen Tour 3 this coming September.

Dinagyang Festival dancers, photo courtesy of woofoo via Flickr.

I originally planned to sleep at around midnight when Marx sent me a message on Facebook.

It read: Renz, piso fare ng Cebu Pacific!

Mother Packer

According to the latest statistics, almost 90% of travelers worldwide hate packing. They say it’s pretty stressful when it comes to deciding which clothes to bring or what shoes to wear. Okay, I admit it. The statistical data was all made up, but you get my point. Everyone hates packing, especially these days when budget airlines only allow hand carried bags with a maximum weight of 7 kilograms. If the passenger wants to have his baggage checked in, he shall pay an additional fee starting at Php 250. I surmise that it’s one of the budget airline’s marketing strategies to maintain its profit. But I realize that this might help travelers on packing their things properly. Today, I will share some tips on how to pack wisely.

Of Delayed Services

In traveling, not all things will run smoothly as what you have might expected prior the trip. Sometimes you will encounter things that you wish it didn’t happen like for instance, a heated argument between you and your taxi driver because he charged you more than what the fare meter displayed (unless if it’s two in the morning and the driver can’t get any passengers after you) or the failure of the airline company to reserve you a decent hotel room. But there is one thing that every travelers dreaded the most: delayed and/or cancelled flights.