Japan to Manila to Manila Peninsula Hotel

Airports are never meant to be hotels but this is where NW left us to spend the night. With over 400 passengers stuck in the predeparture area, each one of us managed to claim a part of the airport and try to catch a wink. With the time difference though (daytime in the US), the kids were all wired up so no one could really fall asleep with them running around trying to entertain themselves. NW provided us with a pillow and a blanket and chocolate bars and soda to eat and drink. They gave water only to those who needed it for their prescription medication. There was really no point in complaining - we were exhausted at this point. We were kept in limbo as to what time we were leaving that morning. Later we were told that they couldn't tell us this information until they woke up the crew after 6:00 am. Apparenty the crew are not to be woken up before then. Anyway, long story short, we boarded the plane bound for Manila at 7:30 am and were on our way at 8:15. We arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at a little after1 pm. When we got off the neventful and the food was decent. We were just glad to be finally on a plane plane, on our way to gather our luggages, we were met by a throng of reporters and cameramen. Wow, we didn't realize that being delayed for over 14 hours and stranded in Tokyo is now big news in Manila. It turned out that we had a real celebrity with us - an ex-Congressman who served a prison sentence in the US for graft and corruption for 5 years.

Remember we had 7 boxes, a large suitcase, 4 carry on luggages and an electric cello. Getting them out of the terminal through Customs was an art. We had to use 4 carts (thank God they were free). It also cost us $20 placed inside our passport as we went through Customs. This ensured that we didn't have to open our boxes and be inspected. Come to think of it, there was really no place where they would open the luggages because they didn't need it. As long as you have money in the passport, you're good to go. The customs people even "requests" a certain amount. Oh well, nothing will change. Even if it's against your better judgment to bribe these people, you are forced to do so just so you get through as quickly as possible.

Ralph's sisters met us at the airport and all our luggage went in one car and we went in a taxi to our hotel, the Manila Peninsula. We were caught during the rush hour by the airport (well, we thought it was rush hour, but it was really normal for any time during the day!). He decided to take a short cut through the sidestreets of Pasay. Erin's induction into Manila traffic has just begun. Two lane streets became 4-lanes, the shrill sound of car horns fills the air and the smoke was thick. Erin asked, "where are the lanes?" We told her to just close her eyes and not to worry - we'll get to the hotel just fine. The detour that we took had us going through a very filthy river (I can't even call it a river, I don't think) - it was just black and stagnant. It was full of trash along it's embankment and the houses along it's side were in bad need of repair adorned with laundry hung to dry. Only one car could go through the streets that was apparently a two-way lane (but one car goes at a time!). In not time though, we were in Makati and what a difference in ambiance. It was just like we were back in the states. Makati is the business district of the Philippines and where a lot of high rises are and is the "Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive" of the country.

We arrive at the hotel and was met by a couple of security officers manning the bottom of the landing up to the hotel. The taxi driver had to stop, open the hood and was inspected. A pole with a mirror attached to it was used to look under the taxi before we were allowed to actually park and get off. Talk about tough security. Before we could go into the hotel itself, we each have to open our bags for inspection. Manila Pen is one grand hotel. The lobby was decked with Christmas decor with a 50 ft high christmas tree in the middle of the lobby. The door was opened by a doorman, at every turn, you are greeted with a very warm smile and was asked if they could help you carry your stuff. It was weird actually, in a good way. We finally managed to get up to our room and freshen up before going to our first appointment - a trip to the University of the Philippines.

Let me add this about the hotel, everyday, they would give us a mango, a couple of bananas served on a basket lined with banana leaf and a single orchid. Megan was ecstatic - she would wake up very early and start eating the mango. She said that was the best part of the hotel stay.