From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
It’s Going To Be One Bumpy Flight to Cebu!
Last post dealt with my arrival at the Iloilo airport and passing through the first wave of security on my way to the Cebu airport, the Mactan Cebu International Airport. After getting patted down and having my luggage scanned (which only consisted of a small battered, 30-year-old American Tourister briefcase that I had packed an extra t-shirt and boxers in), I headed for Gate 6 on the facility's third floor and paid the standard P200 ($4.57 US Dollars) terminal fee for domestic flights.
I couldn't recall if the third floor lounge area had any places to purchase a snack or a meal (I'm 58 years old, Ok?) Since I hadn't eaten since early in the morning, I decided to go to a Mr. Donut stand because I didn't feeling like going through the third floor security area and having to backtrack if there were no facilities once I get past the armed guards.
Had a ham/cheese/bacon sandwich wrapped in cellophane that reminded me of fare offered at service stations when I was on the road back home. The friendly clerk nuked my sandwich and the total cost, along with a can of Coke and a Chocolate Bavarian donut, was only 85 pesos. Since I was starving, the sandwich didn't taste too bad.
Bought a copy of the Manila Bulletin and headed for the security personnel. Had to put my briefcase, along with my shoes this time, on the conveyor belt to be scanned again. I set off an alarm (I always forget to take off a gold dragon's head necklace my wife gave me years ago), but the guards were not overly concerned, and let me pass after a quick pat down. I thought with my black U.S. Army t-shirt emblazoned with skulls and the words “Never Accept Defeat”, along with my menacing beard, I would get more of a security check. I was kind of disappointed.
After a couple of hours of waiting, we were able to board our flight to the Cebu airport. As we walked along the tarmac, I spied our little turbo prop plane waiting for us. A young Filipino man walking in front of me exclaimed that he never had been on such a small aircraft. I remarked to him that it was going to be a bumpier ride than what he is used to, and that my asawa (wife) absolutely dreads flying on these.
I don't think my words comforted him any, and little did I realize how prophetic my words would be. We soon leave the runway at Iloilo airport, little knowing how much unwanted excitement we would be soon having. Hope you will check out that story in my next post as I continue my adventure to Cebu.
If you are kind enough to tell us which taxi you took at the Cebu airport. I heard that you can walk across the street to get a cheaper fare than the one in front of the arrival area. I’m finally coming home for the Sinulog festival after 14 years of being away. Glad to be finally back home.
EJ
Houston, Texas
Hey Dave, You’re getting brave, traveling around the Phils. by yourself. I am still cautioned by my wife not to do it. I have this habit of getting curious about things, or getting impatient, and wandering off by myself, after which I get scolded as only a Filipina wife can do!
HI EJ! Great to hear from you! Glad you’re making it back home after such a long absence. Bet you’re excited. However, I didn’t take a taxi when I got to the Cebu airport. I had a hotel shuttle pick me up. I noticed a taxi stand right outside the airport exit that had a “metered taxi” stand, and saw a group of people right across the street in the “welcoming area.” To be honest, I did not notice any other taxis aside from brightly colored yellow ones named, appropriately “airport taxi.” I can tell you that my return trip to the airport from Cebu SM City was only 122.50 pesos on a metered cab. If some readers from Cebu can help me out on your question, I would appreciate it. Have a safe trip, EJ.
Yeah, Monty Man, my wife worried like crazy when I went to Cebu because she knows I can get impatient and apt to say something I really shouldn’t say. I wander off in SM City all the time back in Iloilo, but at least she can call me on her cell when we get separated. I can relate to the scolding, buddy. I was on my best behavior and maintained my cool. Really no problems (aside from a bumpy flight to Cebu), even rode a jeepney there.
Hi Dave,
Your “Bumpy Flight to Cebu” posting reminds me of a bumpy flight I had in the Phils several years ago. Let me know if you want to hear about it.
Regards, Tbone
Sure, Tbone, would love to hear your story!