My family and I came to America before the turn of the century! We thought we would be back decades ago. But life for my immigrant family was challenging as my parents and sisters and I adapted to the American way of living. We have been blessed with relatives who helped us get settled as we started a new life in the USA, and friends from church, school, and the Filipino community who welcomed us.
As my flight from Taipei approached Manila Bay and prepared for landing, I was shocked to see the numerous skyscrapers. I thought Manila’s skyline could rival Manhattan.
The next pleasant surprise was the record time it took for me to deplane at 11:45 a.m., then go through customs, pick up my luggage, book a ride-share, get on my ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to my first hotel, and finally settle in my hotel room at 1:15 p.m. This was the fastest I’ve ever arrived at a hotel in all of my solo travel adventures. It would’ve been less if I didn’t stop to use the toilet before going through customs.
It was wonderful to be greeted by warm Filipino smiles that welcomed and ushered me along the way from the plane to my Grab (ride-share) to hotel check-in. The airport and hotel staff efficiency was impressive. Thankfully, I was allowed to check-in to my hotel room before 2:00 p.m. Perhaps this record time and hassle-free arrival experience was because I arrived during lunchtime on a Sunday. Traffic was mild and my hotel was only 15-mins. Grab-ride away.
Travel TIP #1: Arrive lunch time on Sunday to avoid traffic and stay at a hotel around Parañaque City, Metro Manila area.
Travel TIP #2: Use Grab (like Uber) to get around Manila and save yourself the stress and hassle of dealing with Manila traffic. This was my 1st time ever to use a ride-share. I felt safe each time. The drivers all go through background check. Every one I spoke with said “don’t get on a taxi!” download the Grab app before you get on the plane.
After being forewarned of all the hassles of arriving in Manila, I am grateful to the Lord God Almighty who watched over me and made it possible for me to travel safely from St. Louis to Seattle, then to Taipei, then to Manila. My hassle-free arrival set a very nice tone to my “balikbayan” homecoming trip.
Fellowship and fun times with friends made my “balikbayan” trip special. I enjoyed catching up with wonderful family friends from my childhood and savored a few of my favorite dishes and treats at landmark hotels and restaurants. In one day, I had breakfast at The Peninsula – Manila with a handsome couple and successful entrepreneurs.
Then buffet lunch at The Manila Hotel.
After lunch, I rehearsed with the former choir accompanist of my home church for my Offertory Solo on Sunday. Then we visited the elementary and high schools I attended.
More Filipino treats and spending time with dear friends and cousins.
At the end of my visit, it was a joy to attend Sunday morning worship service and sing a solo at my childhood home church.
Travel TIP #3: Book hotels next to or walking distance to shopping malls. I was overwhelmed by the plethora of shopping and dining cuisines and restaurants to choose from as well as entertainment in these gigantic mega-malls that span two to three blocks. (I stayed at hotels that were next to or across the street from Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Greenbelt 3 in Makati).
Travel TIP #4: Weather is HOT! stay hydrated but don’t drink tap water. Always ask for or buy bottled or mineral water.
Traveling with Joy 