Our Plane and Boat Ride experience to Boracay during Monsoon Season

Our Boracay trip has been booked last year when Cebu Pacific offered their piso-fare deal. We weren't very much aware of what our schedule will be but since the total amount that we paid for was only around Php 600 including also the surcharges, we decided to push through anyway. 

It was Sunday when Maring came and left by Tuesday but monsoon rains were still pouring come Thursday morning. Upon arriving at Terminal 3, the usual empty areas were packed with people. Some sleeping, some waiting for flights and a lot of people have been stranded the day before.

Since we had companions who had earlier flights that have been moved, we were aware that our 1205 flight to Caticlan might be moved to a later time. Because of this, we went to Mrs Fields and had a relaxing meal while we wait for further announcement on our flight's status. The boarding areas were actually packed with people who should have left earlier. 

We were surprised to hear that our flight was prompt. We actually caught up with our companions who were supposed to leave 45 minutes earlier than us. We were happy though that there wouldn't be anymore waiting time when we reach Caticlan.

Because the plane was small (propeller type), we were aware that it may be a little bumpy. Our take-off was good but when we were going through the clouds, the turbulence was much worse than expected. It was a good thing that this was a short flight and there were no meals, otherwise, I'm pretty sure that a lot of drinks would have been spilled because of the really turbulent ride. We thought that after that one set of turbulence, everything will be okay. But during landing, we didn't expect it to be just as bad! As much as I want to be as calm as I can, I could help but pray for our safe landing because for a moment, I thought we were about to crash. I couldn't define how awful it could be but my husband who was seated 2 rows behind me shared that Japanese people who were sitting next to him was showing each other their wet and sweaty hands because of the tension. After we landed, everyone just cheered and I thank God we were able to arrive safely to our destination. You might say that it's a little discriminating because the weather that day was really bad but, our companions who landed about 5-10 minutes earlier (same airline company as us) didn't experience the rough turbulent ride that we did. Maybe because their pilot was more experienced than our pilot? Not too sure as well but it would really be better if they let more experienced people handle smaller planes so that people won't be scared to death on their plane ride.

and so, I searched for scary landings on Youtube...

Ours was not as scary but I got interested and watched several more "crosswind" landing videos -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMvLuUJFHYk

Going back, our package included transfers. We easily made our way to the ferry port via a private van from the airport. After reaching the port, we waited for 15 minutes until we were requested to board the vessel that will bring us to the island. After the tough plane ride that we had, we didn't realize that being at sea will be more challenging. Other than the boat not being as clean and tidy, the waves were stronger than usual. Good thing that it didn't take more than 15 minutes for us to reach the island because we didn't have sea-sickness medicines with us!

Seeing the island though, it was very much worth all the hassle that we had to go through. It was a one-of-a-kind experience that we will never forget! We were all very happy though that we were riding PAL on our way back to Manila - their pilots are really better!

LaNnA

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Photo Blog: Metro Manila + Rain = Flood and Traffic

After a night of heavy rains and loud thunders, this is what greeted a part of Quezon City -- A floody morning.

Note: Click on the photos to enlarge.

E. Rodriguez corner Araneta Avenue QC




In another place near that area...

Quezon Avenue (U-turn slot) near D. Tuazon


and in one of the side streets around Banawe...

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Should Classes be moved to September?

I was reading an article earlier this week in Philippine Star written by Alejandro R. Roces and I think we both have the same thoughts floating inside our minds.

There are way too many factors that distract the student's momentum in learning when classes open in June. One of which is because, June, July and August is Philippines' typhoon season.

According to the said article,

Aside from Brunei, we are the only country in Asia which opens classes in June, the month of monsoon rains here, but in Brunei, June is dry season. Indonesia starts in mid-July; Malaysia and Singapore in January and China, in February or March, depending on the moving date of New Year in the Chinese calendar; South Korea opens in March and Thailand in May while Hongkong starts classes in September. As mentioned, both Japan and India open classes in April.

Some might say that it might be too hot to study in April or May. At least classes won't be suspended. I haven't heard of classes getting suspended because of hot weather here in the Philippines.

Installing air conditioners might not be the solution for everyone but, at least the kids won't get sick or stranded somewhere because of the floods. Worst case, they might even suffer injuries or death when crossing the flooded street unknowingly towards an open man-hole. (which is another problem in the Philippines. Flood and open man-holes)

I don't really know why classes in the Philippines normally start in June. Ever since I was born, it was like that already and now that I am already degree holder, I haven't thought of researching on it. I plan to, but not now.

Well, enough of the flood and typhoons. This year was the best year for them to run a trial and transfer classes from June to September! Looking back a month ago, a lot of classes were suspended because of the Ah1n1 virus (a common seasonal flu now). Although overrated, it did cause a lot of panic and alarm a month back.

Classes were suspended for around 1/3 of a month's time. Thank God that it's highly curable, but still, this was a good year to try the September classes.

Final thought from Mr. Alejandro R. Roces,

India, for example, begins the school year in April and schedules its student breaks from the middle of May to end of July for students to escape the debilitating heat of summer. Likewise in Japan, one of the reasons for the trimester season which begins in April, is to have a summer break with a varying duration in mid-July to end of August also to avoid the heat of summer. So here in our country, if the rains and floods in June bring so much interference to students and schools alike, why should we not move the opening of classes to avoid it?

There you go. I am not sure if everyone would agree but, those are just my thoughts :)

To avoid flu's, keep a bottle of alcohol with you and wash your hands from time to time using soap to prevent the virus from spreading.

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