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Flying Away for the Revelry this January?

While December and Holy Week is considered as peak season for Philippine air travel, January is the month of the big festivities: The Black Nazarene of Manila, Ati-Atihan of Kalibo and the rest of Aklan Province, Sinulog Festival of Cebu and Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo. As expected, thousands of festival lovers, tourists, devotees and the curious take their pilgrimage in the annual revelries all throughout the archipelago. If you like to dance with the crowd and be merry this January without the pain in your wallet for the airfare, here are some alternatives that you may seek in hunting the cheapest fares for your next fiesta. I’ll be particular with the three big Visayan festivities since going here really requires some effort.

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo (13-15 January 2012)

The country’s oldest Mardi Gras is conveniently located in an island full of primary and secondary airports. Kalibo itself has international connections from Asian nations. However, most likely the fare for the dates has already skyrocketed.

• Caticlan (Boracay) Airport  – If you’d check the fares for Kalibo on the dates mentioned, it’s already way expensive for a frugal backpacker to enjoy. Anyhow, an alternative to Kalibo is the ever popular Caticlan Airport, the gateway to Boracay. It’s about an hour or two from Kalibo, Fare costs more than a hundred pesos. The con side is, it’s a popular tourist destination and fares tend to skyrocket quickly.
• Roxas Airport – If Caticlan has gone beyond your limit, fly to Capiz instead via Roxas City. There are daily flights here with Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, although only once a day. You’d be surprised how cheap the fare is, despite being near Kalibo (only an hour and a half away!).
• Iloilo Airport – If the morning flights aren’t the best option for you, take Iloilo Airport instead. It has a lot of flights coming in to and from Manila, Cebu and Davao. The downside here is that it is a 4 hour ride from the city to Kalibo and costs more or less P200+. Also, the last bus departs around 4-6PM.
• Bacolod-Silay Airport - Perhaps this is the farthest option from Aklan, if Iloilo’s fares have gone expensive. But most likely it wouldn’t.

Sinulog in Cebu (13-15 January 2012)

Sinulog Festival

Undeniably the biggest street dancing all in the name of Santo Niño de Cebú, this attracts not only tourists and paparazzi, but also devotees in their annual pilgrimage to the Basilica. Crowd can swell up at Cebu, from a city of 700,000 inhabitants into two million over the weekend.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the country’s secondary gateway to the world. There are a lot of international flights coming in and out of this airport. Also, a multitude of flights coming in and out of Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod and among others, although during Sinulog time, it fills up to the brim. It has a lot of flights, but it has a lot of people—hence, expensive.

Cebu’s con is that the nearest alternative airport is some six hours away by bus, 30 minutes by plane—either through Bacolod or Dumaguete.

Another alternative would be Tagbilaran City in Bohol, although like Caticlan for Boracay, the fares easily skyrocket. Ferry routes aren’t a problem though since Tagbilaran and Cebu route is served daily and regularly. Alternative ports from Bohol such as Tubigon and Talibon may be an option as well.

If you’re visiting Sinulog, plan ahead.

Dinagyang in Iloilo (20-22 January 2012)

Iloilo Airport

Iloilo’s biggest fiesta, the annual mardi-gras of fast-paced choreography and riotous drum beating and throbbing city center makes it a popular festival. Because of its strategic location, it is very accessible and to alternative airports in the region. You can find affordable alternatives in case flights to Iloilo have gone sky high:

Dinagyang Festival

• Bacolod-Silay Airport in nearby Bacolod City/Silay City. Bacolod is just an hour fastcraft ride to Iloilo. This is the usual alternative airport that most Ilonggos used when fares at Iloilo has gone expensive. Ferry rate for one way fare usually is pegged more or less P300+, but there are promos for round trip tickets. Flights here are plentiful as well; more alternatives depending on what time you leave or arrive. Con side, if you are sea sick and fast craft operates from 6AM to 5PM daily (don’t worry, there are three fastcraft ferry companies serving it!)
• Roxas Airport – the second nearest airport at Iloilo. Only two and a half hours by bus to and from Iloilo City. Downside is the limited flight.
• Kalibo and Caticlan (Boracay) Airports – four to five hours away from Iloilo City, it is another alternative airport. Downside—these are popular destinations, hence fares can go high all of a sudden.

Dinagyang Festival

There are more reasons to celebrate this coming January. There are a lot of ways to reach your destination and enjoy the revelry and shout “Hala Bira!” and “Pit Senyor!”

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Zamboanga International Airport

Zamboanga International Airport is the third busiest in Mindanao, after Davao and Lumbia-Cagayan de Oro. It is the major gateway and hub of Zamboanga City and the Zamboanga Provinces. It is also the major gateway for flights coming in and out of the Sulu Archipelago provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Due to its strategic location, it is also used for military purposes—because of that, she is a frequent recipient of flights coming from the United States military during RP-US Balikatan Exercises.

The airport terminal's architecture makes it unique

Looking at the tarmac

The airport started out as Moret Field (hence Canelar-Moret area in the city) and was constructed and improved by the Americans during World War 2. It had also flights coming in and out of Malaysia as part of the BIMP-EAGA open skies initiative, however it was discontinued. Today, it now serves flights from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, and Cagayan de Oro (soon Dipolog and Pagadian)—hence a hub in its own right.

Touchdown Zamboanga!

Pre-departure area of Zamboanga Airport (still being renovated when I was there)

Zamboanga International Airport is just a few kilometers north of the downtown area (or locally called Pueblo). Because it is within the urban area of Zamboanga City, going to the airport or out of it is as easy as a breeze, most especially the budget-stricken travelers.

Check-in Lobby of Zamboanga Airport

Here are the options when you arrive at Zamboanga Airport:

• Jeepney. There are jeepneys that load and unload in front of the airport’s gate. These are marked as “Canelar-Airport” jeepneys. All of them go back to Pueblo (downtown) and the fare going there is just P8!
• Tricycle. These are the taxis of Zamboanga City. Unlike its contemporaries in other Mindanao cities, they are more expensive and would take the art of haggling for fare. They may be the most convenient yet they may in turn become the most expensive option. Negotiate clearly on where is your destination and how much is your fare. At most it is P20 to P50 all the way to the city center. A tip though: If you know how to speak Bisaya or Chavacano, haggle them. Locals in Zamboanga would even advise you not to take one if you don’t like your wallet to be ripped off.
• Taxi. There are taxis in Zamboanga City but not as plentiful as those in Davao or Gensan. They usually charge a fix rate of P200.

While waiting for the baggage to come

Arriving at Zamboanga Airport

If you’re leaving Zamboanga City, here are some tips:

• Jeepney. Take “Canelar-Airport” jeepneys at Climaco Avenue, if you’re coming from Pueblo. It will surely pass by the gate of the airport. Fare: P8.00 only!
• Tricycle. Again, you need to have a clear negotiating power and haggle if you may. They can get you to the airport for a price. P20 to P50 at least would be fair enough.

View Zamboanga International Airport in a larger map

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Davao International Airport, or officially known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, is the busiest airport in the entire Mindanao island. It is the gateway of Davao region and south-central Mindanao. DVO is located in Buhangin District, some 15 kilometers away from the city center—but slowly being encroached by urban space. The airport has been serving Davaoeños for half a century already, from once an unpaved parcel of land donated by the Bangoy clan, into an international airport that serves Mindanao and the rest of BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East ASEAN Growth Area).

A Landmark in Davao's Airport -- Durian and Davao by Kublai

Davao International Airport's Check-In Lobby

Since December 1, 2003, the operations of the passenger and cargo have been moved from the old terminal (designed by National Artist Lindy Locsin) in Sasa (just across the new terminal) to the new terminal in Buhangin District, which was funded by Asian Development Bank and European Investment Bank. The Moro-inspired white terminal has been both the domestic and international passenger terminal of Davao. Since then, it has been a bit challenging on how to get into Davao International Airport because of its distance. Yet unlike General Santos or Clark, Davao Airport is still very accessible to cheap public transportation. It’s just in the matter of where in Davao City would you like to be. Our point of reference would be Bajada since most Davaoeños can access any part of the city from this area.

Pre-Departure Lobby

Arrival Area in Davao International Airport (Domestic)

How to Get In to Davao International Airport:

• Jeepney services. Again, despite the big move in 2003, it hasn’t that drastically affected its accessibility to the common people. You may take a jeepney with a “Panacan via Buhangin” signboard if you’ll be coming from Bajada (Abreeza, Victoria Plaza, Landco, GMall area). Fare costs around P15 only from Abreeza. However, do consider yourself providing ample leeway due to moderate to heavy traffic in Buhangin Road and Bajada Avenue itself.
• Taxi. It could have been way cheaper if the non-aircon taxis weren’t abolished in 2010. However, taxis still present as the most convenient yet most expensive option to take. Remember that Davao City has a sprawling urban area (being the largest in the entire country in terms of land area) and a trip from Matina Crossing to the airport may cost you more than P200 via Diversion Road.

To Pre-Departure Halls

How do you get Out of the Airport?

Getting out of the airport requires walking towards the Diversion Road, since jeepneys and other modes of public transportation (except taxis) don’t pass by in front of the airport itself. Just a few meters from the airport is the Diversion Road which leads to downtown Davao City, Matina or Toril if southbound; or Panacan if heading north.

• Jeepneys. Since the new terminal is located in the Diversion Road, you have either two choices depending on where in Davao City is your destination. If you are going downtown, take “Bangkerohan” or “G-Mall, Bajada, Buhangin” jeepneys or multicabs. They just pass by at the road, just cross it (there is a pedestrian underpass constructed. However, because of its ill-state, people would still prefer crossing the road at the surface). If you are heading north or somewhere in Sasa, just take any “Panacan” jeepney passing by. Fare depends on where in Davao City will you go, but the first five kilometers costs only P8 (as of the moment of writing).
• Buses and V-Hires. If you’re heading towards Tagum City, Panabo, northern Davao or even Caraga region, there are buses and shuttle vans that pass by the airport. Usually, during night time, the shuttle vans can load and unload here. However in daytime, it is highly advisable to take a van from the terminal itself. The buses aren’t likely to open up their doors as they only accept passengers coming from Ecoland Bus Terminal, nearly 20 kilometers southeast of the airport.

LED announcement

So if coming to Kadayawan on tight budget, or just don’t like to spend too much in your trip, just take a jeep and go. And remember, don’t be afraid to ask, Davaoeños are warm and accommodating. It’s time to Du-aw Davao!

To Davaoeños, I’m open for your suggestions. Thank you!

View Larger Map

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In the mid-1990s, the General Santos City experienced boom in investments, most especially in infrastructure. Foreign-aid multi-million dollar projects such as the road network, a world class container port and fish port were just some of the infrastructures that were given to the southernmost city of the Philippines. General Santos City International Airport has been one of the largest projects that were made in south-central Mindanao. It has the longest runway in entire Mindanao, third longest in the country—with a span of 3.2 kilometers. It can accommodate large aircraft such as Boeing 747 or Airbus A380.

It was opened in 1996, replacing the smaller and older Buayan Airport, located at the east of the city center–which hadonly accommodate turboprops and doesn’t have a direct link to Manila. General Santos City International Airport is located in a high altitude terrain at Barangay Fatima, some 14-15 kilometers away from downtown Dadiangas. There were allegations that the airport was built to reestablish a US military base in the Philippines, since the construction was funded by the US government.

General Santos City International Airport is the primary gateway of General Santos City, South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat province of the Soccsksargen region. It serves as a transit point for Gensan’s major export–tuna, being exported to Japan and to the rest of the world.

Big bird

Yellow Bird

Given that General Santos City Airport is far from Dadiangas proper, here are some tips on how to get out of there and get in.

How to get out?
Getting out of General Santos Airport is easy as pie. Choose from these:

Arrival Area

• Of course, taxi is the most convenient option, albeit very expensive. Usually, it reaches P300 in order for you to reach the airport. Yet it is best for people who travel in groups—got to share the pie of expense.
• Hotel shuttle service. That is if you have a hotel reservation with airport shuttle service.
• I’ve tried this one, taking airport multicab all the way to the city. For P50, you can reach downtown on door-to-door basis. Unfortunately, as of Friday (03 June 2011), the drivers are having a meeting with CAAP regarding this mode of public transportation. Added to it is the issue that they don’t have a terminal at the city’s downtown area, hence…unlikely (as of the time of writing) that the multicab service has a return route. I hope that their petition would push through, as this would be a very affordable option for those who don’t have the budget for taxi.
• [UPDATE] GOOD NEWS TO VISITORS AND DADIANGASNONS/SOCCSKSARGEN RESIDENTS: There is a van shuttle service available for those who seek affordable ways on how to get in or out of Gensan Airport. For P150 per passenger, you can get to the airport with an air-conditioned van in less than 30 minutes.

Airport Multicab

Taxi Parking Area

Wellwishers and Shuttle vans

Now, how to get in here?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the multicab service hasn’t gone full yet (as of the time of writing). Getting here with a meager budget was a challenge for me, personally. It was raining hard and has tried my luck by using this:

Pre-departure area

• Take a Jeepney bound for Uhaw-Fatima area at Papaya Street corner Acharon Boulevard. From downtown to Uhaw, that would be P20. However, the jeepney cannot enter the airport area. Either you take the tricycle or habal-habal which you have to pay P100 (negotiable) just to reach the airport terminal building. In my experience, I have been to the airport through habal-habal and tricycle, and both are available in Uhaw-Fatima area.

• And of course, taxi service is the most convenient yet expensive mode.
• And hotel shuttle service is only available for those who have hotel accommodations.
• [UPDATE] GOOD NEWS TO VISITORS AND DADIANGASNONS/SOCCSKSARGEN RESIDENTS: There is a van shuttle service available for those who seek affordable ways on how to get in or out of Gensan Airport. For P150 per passenger, you can get to the airport with an air-conditioned van in less than 30 minutes. The shuttle van is located at National Highway corner Champaca Street, besides Citra Mina Seafoods Store. The van leaves either when it is full or you have requested the driver about your departure time. Ask  or tell the driver clearly regarding the departure time and how much does it cost.

Location of the Airport Shuttle van in General Santos City:

View Gensan Airport Shuttle Terminal in a larger map

Gensan Tricycle

A view of Mount Matutum from the airport

Location of General Santos City Airport:

View Gensan Airport in a larger map

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Sendai Airport CCTV capturing the tsunami engulfing its tarmac (video courtesy of Russia Today)

On March 11, 2011, the world was shocked and awed again with nature’s raw awesome power as Japan’s Tohoku region was rattled by a magnitude 8.9 earthquake, and after that–the sea gobbled up cities, towns, farms and people — seven meter tsunami has changed the Japanese psyche and landscape forever. The aftermath was devastation and death. Japan’s worst crisis since the end of World War II.

Iloilo Airport was brought by the cooperation between the Japanese and the Filipinos

What I couldn’t believe was that even Sendai Airport was like a sitting duck in nature’s fury as its runway was submerged in sea water of debris and destruction. Come to think of it, the airport is already located more than a kilometer away from the coast (the tsunami was reported to have reached as far as 10 kilometers inland!) In a way, Sendai Airport reminds me of Iloilo Airport…however its far from the coast line and was constructed with Japanese backing and aid.

Sendai Airport engulfed in muck, water and debris (Photo Courtesy of AllVoices.com and NHK)

Sendai Airport (仙台空港) was born out of war as a training airstrip during World War II. After the war, it was captured by the US and the Allies then it was surrendered to the Japanese authorities in the 1950s. It has experienced several expansions in its era and became one of the primary airports for the Tohoku region, with the airport expanded in the late 1990s.

On the other hand, Iloilo Airport sits on what was once a Japanese Imperial force air strip for its Zeros, now located somewhere between three barangays in Cabatuan town in Iloilo, some 20 kilometers north of the city. After the war, it disappeared…only to the old people who recounted the time remembers. Then in the 1990s, there was a motion to move the old airport out of the city due to safety and expansion reasons. Local politicians found their funding–and its from the Japanese…the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). From that point on, the Japanese and the Filipinos cooperated and constructed what is now one of the most beautiful airports to serve the fourth busiest in terms of passenger traffic in the Philippines.

Iloilo Airport

From what was once an instrument of war, atrocity, and hatred, both people mend and helped each other to build an airport that would serve more than a million passengers as of 2009–an instrument of peace, cooperation and development. If it wasn’t for the Japanese, the airport could still be a dream.

Sendai Airport pre-departure area (photo courtesy of Airports Worldwide.com)

Iloilo Airport's pre-departure area

As I saw Sendai’s terminal quite similar to that of the Iloilo’s in terms of execution of architecture and design, I couldn’t deny the fact that Iloilo Airport’s influence may have drawn its inspiration from the Japanese airports. And it was saddening to see  Sendai airport to be submerged and engulfed by the Pacific Ocean, leaving around 2,000 stranded, navaids unusable and now probably 10,000 people dead all over Tohoku region.

I am one with the rest of humanity praying or hoping for the fast recovery of the Japanese people from the worst crisis their nation has faced since the end of World War II. 平和を見つける死んだ人の魂があります。(may the souls of those who died find peace.) From Iloílo to Sendai with compassion. Let the Land of the Rising Sun rise and shine again!

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Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (Clark), Pampanga

It was my first time using Diosdado Macapagal International Airport or more known as Clark International Airport (IATA: CRK) on my flight back from Cebú from Sinulog Festival. The first question of a first timer commuter is: How do I get out of the airport? I have been here a few years ago, but just until the waiting area. We walked from CM Recto Highway (near UP Pampanga) and it was a bit far from the airport terminal itself. Given the time constraint (I have work at Manila by 11PM, I arrived Clark at 7PM and Manila is almost a hundred kilometers away!) I have to leave as soon as possible. Now here are some of the options on how to get out of Clark Airport and head on to Angeles or Manila:

Arriving at Clark Airport, getting me baggage

1. Taxi – It is probably the most expensive option of them all. The taxis charge for P400+ or so from the airport terminal to at least Dau Bus Terminal in Mabalacat. If you have some extra cash to shell-out, this is the most convenient.
2. Bus – There is a direct bus trip from Clark Airport to Manila (Cubao-Pasay) via EDSA non-stop. There is a counter at the arrival area, you can just buy your tickets from there. By far this is the most convenient for Manila-bound passengers since there wouldn’t be any hassle of stopping over and picking-up passengers. The fare though is double the price of an air-conditioned bus bound for Manila from Dau, around PhP300.00 (almost US$7.00). Yet I do recommend this for those who aren’t that cash-strapped and wanted to go to Manila ASAP.
3. Aircon jeepney + bus for Manila or wherever – For PhP50.00 (almost US$1.00), you can manage to get out of Clark Airport through an air-conditioned jeepneys and have you dropped either at SM City Clark, Main Gate, Balibago Angeles City or ultimately Dau Bus Terminal at Mabalacat if you are bound for Manila or northern cities such as Baguio or Vigan. This is the best option for cash strapped passengers like I was. Dau to Manila on an airconditioned bus costs around PhP150.00 (US$3.00).

And if Manila or any northern or central Luzon destination is your ultimate place to go, Dau Bus Terminal in the town of Mabalacat, Pampanga is the hub for most bus companies. You can almost virtually go anywhere through here for any Central Luzon destination, Baguio or Ilocandia.

At Clark Airport's tarmac

Given that Clark is the next big thing in aviation in the Philippines, I wish the government would now start improving the public transport system in this area. The controversial North Rail and NLEX may be a great help yet Clark is still far for most Metro Manileños. I think Clark is in a good start.

The New Clark International Airport Terminal--still not open

And as for me, looks like I’ll be using Clark in a few months time. Given that it is the hub for low-cost carriers, I’ll give it a try next time. This time, the question is: “How do I get there?”

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Sometime last Friday or Saturday, while I was surfing the net for aviation videos (I’m an avid fan of aviation, hehe!) on Youtube, I stumbled on this flight safety instruction procedure by the dancing flight attendants of Cebu Pacific Air here in my beloved Philippines. Well, instead of the usual boring and ho-hum safety instructions that has been like a ritual every flight for both passengers and FAs, it really caught my attention when I heard Lady Gaga over the PA and these FAs just started to dance!

The usual flight safety instruction procedure back then--boring no?

For most frequent fliers, although it is as important as their lives, flight safety instruction procedures or videos are the most boring part of the flight. The FAs try to give the proper instructions in case of emergency, however they may be frustrated by the inattentiveness of the passengers. Duh! Its your life on the line! But listening to the instructions seem to be really too much. Some irate passengers may say, “get on with it an fly!” Not so interesting, really–even if our lives hang on that boring SOP.

Cebu Pacific Air has been a pioneer of these fun flights, ever since they were still following the traditional “legacy” approach a long time ago. This makes flight a bit pleasant and not boring. In today’s age where tight-budget means every little piece of comforting smile may be removed, at least this flight safety instruction video really did caught my attention! For the first time, the passengers were either looking at the FAs dancing or listening to the safety instructions. Finally, the FAs have a chance to do their moves and smile while they have all the attention of the passengers–and now the attention of the world! There are 3 million views for this particular video as of the time of posting–and growing!

Philippines' Cebu Pacific Air -- Home of the Dancing Flight Attendants

Just a few days have passed, this video has gone viral on Youtube! Media outfits such as UK’s Telegraph and US’s Huffington Post. I guess I saw some of it being shown in some international news channels. Even the Hollywood’s celebrity blogger Perez Hilton loves the dancing flight attendants.

Hmmm, Cebú seems to have caught up with the dance craze, eh? We all know that its most famous festival, the Sinulog, is a dance-based ritual for worshiping Santo Niño de Cebú. A lot of international dance contests were held here, and even the viral CPDRC’s Dancing Inmates were also from here. Coincidentally, the name Cebu is back at the dance floor–now with flight attendants dancing in the tune of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” and Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.”

One particular thing that I am concerned though–since it may have caught the attention of the passengers, I’m wondering if they do understand the safety instructions itself. In my opinion, it seems that the “entertainment factor” has overwhelmed the supposedly “informational factor” of the said flight safety instruction procedure. The passengers seem to may have been distracted with the dancing instead of listening. The flight safety instruction procedure voice-over seems to be rushed. Masyadong mabilis! I couldn’t keep up or sometimes don’t understand what the instructions are being said. Gaga and Perry’s music seemed to be too much of the volume that the voice-over sank in the ocean of music. I suggest for Cebu Pacific that if they wanted to have this maintained, they have to make some certain adjustments that will balance the “informational factor” and “entertainment factor” at the same time. After all, this is still an instruction procedure that may save lives. We don’t like to be castigated with CAAP, FAA or NTSB in the end right? This important ritual on flights should still be given the right balance.

In anyways, overall I enjoyed seeing this. Just a bit of tweaking would do. At least it will bring smiles to the passengers and the FAs, in the era of budget-airlines–and not think gory stuff about flight safety instruction procedure. Life itself doesn’t mean to be always serious–brighten up your day and enjoy! Have a fun flight everyone! Hehe!

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I was a bit irked earlier this morning when a media person interviewed a NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) official regarding the flight diversion that happened yesterday, after strong thunderstorms lashed Manila that led to zero visibility around the airport. Of course, I know the fact that ordinary people doesn’t understand the technicalities of airport operations…and so do I. I may not be an official or an expert in aircraft navigation nor a pilot myself, but somehow, I understand the consequences that NAIA faced yesterday. What irked me though was a seemingly sarcastic tone of “mauulit nanaman yan muli?” (“Will it ever repeat again?”). Of course it will! That is about mother nature and life and death! Its the standard operating procedure whenever Mother Nature has gone nuts! Safety over convenience!

The Filipino travelers and commuters alike already knew about the problem that NAIA has encountered in the past recent days. The VOR or VHF omnidirectional radio range is a navigational aid for the pilots for them to land the aircraft safely, especially during poor weather conditions, had broken down. I don’t like to sound techie here but this is one main goal of the said instrument. Of course, it is a critical instrument since landing, in my opinion (and based on my flight simulator experiences) has been one of the most risky, tricky and even dangerous phase in a flight of an aircraft. A lot of plane crashes in the past were due to pilot error or weather disturbance, and a big percentage of it was during approach. With this instrument, at least it would provide help for a safe landing.

Of course, given the bureaucracy that we have in this country, the facility has to endure the long periods of time…napaglulumaan na kumbaga. Given also the appropriations and the conspiracy of corruption, the multi-million dollar instrument, broke down. Of course, being a critical instrument in airport operations, it has to be replaced. But lo and behold the politics. Don’t tell me, we’re gonna get some another spanking from foreign aviation organisations?

Anyway, its a good thing they made a “first-aid” treatment by transferring the unused instrument from Subic Bay to Manila…but that too needs to be changed as soon as possible. And I hope Noynoy wouldn’t dilly-dally on this issue or its another blow in our “Philippine pride.” Worse, lives are at stake!

All right, to cut the story short, kahit anong moderno ng airport at kumpleto ang facilities at top of the class na mga air traffic controllers at piloto, kung Inang Kalikasan na ang nagbibigay ng kanyang banta’t galit, walang magagawa ang VOR-DME, ILS o kahit ano pa mang navigational aids sa airport! When the visibility is down to zero and the thunderstorm is great, there is a greater chance of having a fatal aircraft approach crash or crash landing. The possibility of microbursts or daluyong/squall is imminent and are avoided by aircraft worldwide. Ang daming bumagsak na eroplano nang dahil sa mabagsik na mukha ng isang thunderstorm na yan. Isa pa, kelangan din ng piloto kahit papaano ang tulong ng visual aids tulad ng ilaw…at dapat ding malinaw ito. Sa nasabi ko kanina, mahirap talaga ang landing, because it takes careful planning and estimating on how to safely land a plane safely. Its about the throttles, the flaps, the wind direction, the visual reference, the ailerons, the pilot, the flight attendants and most especially the lives of the passengers.

Yes, we all know about some dismal and anomalous things going on at the Philippines’ premiere gateway, but the situation yesterday was very different.

For those who felt inconvenience because of the diversion and was irked about it, I say…try to understand please. Buhay mo o ginhawa lamang? The pilot and the air traffic controller’s top priority has always been safety. Whatever technology that we have, we still cannot beat the fury of Mother Nature. The inconvenience of flight diversion and delay is a small price to pay for the safety of the passengers. Better live or have your lives being dramaticised on National Geographic’s “Air Crash Investigation.”

For some people who still view it as incompetence of NAIA–think again! Even the best airports in the world face shut down when the weather is awfully bad. Alam naman natin yun di ba? Its not about incompetence, politics or Category 2 rating of the Imperialist Yankees. Its about standard operating procedure for the safety of hundreds of lives flying over the air. So, even before the sarcasm, lets have a second look first. This time, please understand NAIA.

NAIA Terminal 3

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Bacolod-Silay Airport Lobby

It was 7PM of the 22^nd of January when I arrived at Bacolod’s new airport (which is in Silay City, some 20 kilometers away from Bacolod’s downtown). As usual, I opt to go the cheapest way to get out of the airport. Shuttle vans are about P100 and taxis are more expensive. I wrote not so long ago on how to get in or out of the Bacolod-Silay Airport when you’re a tightwad and budget-stricken traveler like moi. But here’s an update on that…

If you would like to catch a glimpse on how much is the taxi fare going to Bacolod City and its environs, check the photo below (click the photo to view larger image):

This is the taxi fare matrix at Bacolod-Silay Airport. Kinda steep for a budget traveler (Click the picture to view larger image)

The guards and the airport employees would always do with their recommendation of bringing the traveler comfortably and conveniently that is why when you ask them around, they’ll suggest just taking the shuttle service or getting a cab. But go further into the main gate of the airport and you’ll be at a junction of the road going towards Silay City downtown and Guimbala-on. There are tricycles waiting for potential passengers and airport employees to hitch in a ride.

Here’s the deal though. If you take the tricycle all by yourself, you’re opted to pay PhP50 (almost US$1.00). But if you wait for other passengers and fill the 6-seater commuter, you’ll get to pay only PhP10.00! The same pakyaw system in Manila and the provinces apply. Of course, if it is still daytime, you might as well wait for a tricycle or a multicab at the corner coming from Guimbala-on (but be ready for the searing heat or rain as there is no waiting shed at the corner.

Bacolod-Silay Airport Arrival Area

Yet if you find this cheap option inconvenient, then just read the rest of the article by clicking here.

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Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines

In the afternoon on September 13, 2009, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Manila and the country’s premiere gateway, reported a radar malfunction that caused delays, cancellations and diversion of flights going in and out of Manila starting around 2:30PM local time.

As according to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), by around 4PM, the radar was fixed and now ready to serve air traffic again.

NAIA Terminal 3 Tarmac

Although fixed, it did prompt some domestic and international flights to be delayed, diverted or canceled. For more information about these, here are the contact numbers to contact with:

Philippine Airlines/PAL Express -+63 (2) 855-8888

Cebu Pacific Air -+63 (2) 702-0888

Zest Air -+63 (2) 855-3333

SeaAir – +63 (2) 849-0100

Manila International Airport Authority – (632) 877-1767/+63 (2) 877-1109