Boracay 2013 Part 1

NAIA 3 Check-in area

Okay so now I've completed the NAIA trifecta. Feels weird but definitely worth the try. I think I'm the first passenger on my flight to check-in so i got the seat that I wanted, a window seat somewhere at the back. It's my first time to ride a Bombardier Dash Q-300. It's a small, turbo prop plane, designed specifically for airports with short runways. Only turbo prop planes can operate in Caticlan airport.

I wanted to eat breakfast in the airport but it seems that I couldn't think straight. I can't even choose what food to eat. I haven't slept yet and I don't want to sleep in the airport coz there's a HUGE possiblity that I'll oversleep and be left by my plane.

After a long battle with my unsure brain, i decided to eat pares. I kinda felt better after eating and I just walked around to make me feel better. And then I saw this:

Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 (Sharklet)

This is the 3 month old Sharklet. There are only 2 of those and I was able to catch one of them. It's pretty cool to spot a rare new plane especially if you're into planes. This particular plane was going to Bacolod.

So I was able to settle at my crowded gate, and good thing the OKC-Memphis game was showing. OKC lost that game, and eventually the series in 5 games. Boarding time is 7:15AM and I'm starting to become restless since I want to sleep but i couldn't. 

So finally boarding time came and I was the first to march to the gate. I hopped on the bus who will bring us to our plane, which was parked at the edge-most gate of the airport. It was a sun shiny day, a perfect day to fly. I wanted to go inside the plane ASAP to catch some sleep. Here's the plane that took me from Manila to Caticlan:

Bombardier Dash Q300

 Plane's Interior

Finally, it's time for push back and we're going to take off in a while at Runway 13. Everything was smooth and the plane was taxiing its way to the runway when all of a sudden the Captain announced that we are number 6 on departure and we need to sit for another 25 minutes. SMH. But the good thing was I was able to sleep during that period and we finally took off! Flight was great and it it was only a short, 45 minute hop. Just a blooper though, PAL Express' hand sanitizer inside its lavatory is the one used in ANA (All Nipon Airways) not sure if that's legal.

Before landing, we were treated to spectacular views of Boracay, a view I haven't seen even on pictures or Instagram. 

 Puka Beach on the left, Shangrila-La at the middle with their OWN beach

Wow thanks landing gear. At the right is where the main beach is

 Sunny Boracay Airport (HDR)

outside the airport

I was there from Sunday-Thursday and we are 9 on the group. I was the first on to arrive before Rap followed at 10 and the whole gang at 11. I took a nap at a carinderia just across the airport to wait for Rap and during this time, I almost wanted to tap out. The port is just 1KM from the airport so it's just a tricycle ride away.

(to be continued)