Day 1 - from Amsterdam to Manila
My flight takes off from A’dam with a short stop-over in Taipei and another flight to NAIA airport in Manila, Philippines. How can I avoid getting bored on a 15.5 hours flight by doing nothing adventurous??
Enjoying movie marathon, write some “To-do List”, thinking, try sleeping, EATING, watching the clock ticking!!! Finally, the airplane arrived on NAIA, Phlippines at 19:30h and it was the warm breeze that I noticed first after I step out from plane ( I was craving for it since it has been cold in Amsterdam).
The immigration process went fast and I got a welcome with a smile. I quickly changed my winter clothes to summer shorts in the CR. I had been warned many times for pickpocketing, so kept my Backpack at my front. I felt uneasy to withdraw cash due to some incident that I’ve heard about (watch your belongings guys).
Tips:
Most foreign debit cards would be accessible in ATM machines of BDO , BPI, PNB, etc. with VISA or Mastercard.
Somehow, mine didn’t work so I used my credit card at the Metrobank ATM-machine. With enough Philippines Peso I went to a stall to buy a Philippines Simcard (GLOBE Sim). The lady recommended availing 8GB’s data for 2 weeks, of course wayyy too much. Especially considered the internet speeds in Philippines :’) No offense, but pay attention here. I chose 2GB’s and she changed my phone settings in no time so I could use it right away. After a few minutes in the waiting area someone approached me for Taxi a ride. He came from the other side of the parking lot from a white van. I’ve been warned for those men, they might rip you off or worse don’t bring you were you want. I wasn’t sure I could trust them. White metered taxis are better, but best option according to locals is to use the Grab-app instead (similar to Über). Just type your destination and ask for a driver. This app uses a fixed price, which is really fair. The driver was already waiting there. From the number plate I saw it was the car I was looking for. The driver asked me if we could take the toll road to avoid traffic jams, only 35 php, which was fine to me. He brought me fast to my hotel in Cubao for just 220php (4,40 euro’s) , which I think is incredibly cheap for a 45 minute ride. Manila
It was interesting and fun to see the chaotic roads of Manila. Motorcycles, tricycles, busses and of course the famous Jeepneys conquered the roads. Speeding, overtaking left, right or even in the middle between lanes... All seemed to be accepted, as long as you use the horn. Jeepneys are the symbol of Philippines public transport and king of the roads. Jeepneys are loud, popular and cool!
When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of Jeeps were sold or given to the Filipinos. The Jeeps were stripped down and altered locally: metal roofs were added for shade; and the vehicles were decorated in vibrant colours and chromed plates were added. The back saloon was reconfigured with two long parallel benches for passengers. Those Jeepneys are all over the place nowadays and they are still made by the same design as the old war trucks, which give them such a cool appearance. Inside the Jeeps are decorated with lights, loud music comes from the boxes and religious quotes cover the metal. Drivers like to race and squeeze themselves through narrow traffic gabs. The fairs are incredibly cheap and that’s why they are often crowded. It must be such an experience to wave one down. Pay by saying ‘bayad po galing ... (your destination)’ You can ask the driver to stop by ticking a coin to the metal roof and/or shout PARA PO! Or Pull the string which they designed inside. In someprovinces it is even allowed to hang on the back or sit on the rooftop.
At the hotel I met my travel buddy Jaynee for the first time in person. A local Filipino. Self proclaimed Jaynee-in-a-bottle. Funny creative, caring and a real chatter box. Without her, my trip would not have been nearly as fun and safe. Salamat! First night we exchanged ‘Pasalubong’ (home gifts). Like Dutch stroopwafels and clothing. We watched a moviee and also we learned each other some local card games. One local game was called Tongit and it had a funny punishment for losing, called Pitik. During Pitik you are allowed to pop your finger at the knuckles of the loser’s hand. After a few lost rounds I finally won and took my revenge >:-) With enough bags of chips and music it was a fun night. Ending with a short sleep since the aircon was rather loud and I’m used to sleep in silence. After turning the aircon off it was obviously rather hot :p
How to Play Tong Its
Click Link Below:
(c) Google search: