Baao, Camarines Sur (26 December 2010) – After months of waiting, the family have finally made it to Baao, Camarines Sur for our long-awaited family vacation. We look forward to so many activities lined up for the week. There will be two big reunions (the Gaite Clan and the Badilla Clan), the New Year’s Eve get together and the preparatory activities in-between. This note will however not be about the vacation. The vacation will be a subject for another note.
In Transit - Gabriel "Bibo" enjoying the view of the tarmac of the NAIA Terminal 3. Upon arrival in Manila (while transiting for our next flight), I overheard Bibo saying to his mom, "I love airplanes." Can this be an indication that we will be having a future pilot in the family?
We joined the millions of people around the world that traveled to their respective destinations either for vacation or going home for the holidays. Lucky for us here in the Philippines domestic flights were not cancelled or planes were not grounded due to snow. I feel for all the travelers in Europe and the United States who either got stranded or had their flights delayed due to snow. Despite the busy airport operations, we luckily did not lose our luggage too.
Feet are for Walking - Like thousands of people all over the world, we were also in transit traveling during the holiday season. The pre-departure area of the airport was bustling with activity with a lot of people waiting, eating, walking, talking, running and kids playing PSP or reading a book.
Our day began early. We arrived at the Cagayan de Oro airport at 6:30 a.m. After checking in our baggage’s we had breakfast at one of the airport canteens. As expected (because of post-Christmas and since the week is still considered part of the holiday season) the pre departure area was jam-packed with passengers.
Final Check - Prior to take-off, a flight attendant conducting a head count of passengers.
Our flight to Manila was smooth without any hitches or any air turbulence experienced. We arrived Manila at round 10 O’clock and immediately after taking our baggage’s from the conveyor proceeded to the check-in counter for our connecting flight to Naga City. Since our flight to Naga won’t be until noontime and with some time to spare, we roamed the shops of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to kill time. We ate our lunch early and waited for our time to board the plane in the designated gate for our flight.
Just Arrived - A typical scene on airports. People coming and people going. This particular photo shows a passenger who just arrived and is on his way to the arrival area. Cellphone in hand ready to inform a love one of his safe arrival.
Our travel lasted for almost a day. It started early and we were in transit practically most of the day. From early morning till the early afternoon hours we were traveling and half of the travel time was spent in an airport or on a plane. The series of photos here were taken while in transit at the NAIA terminal 3 (with some shots taken while inside the plane and while taking off) and upon arrival in Naga City.
- Runway Traffic – An Airbus A319 waiting in queue for its turn to take-off.
NAIA from the Air - A view of the NAIA airport as our plane took off.
Baggage Loading - Last batch of luggage is loaded by ground personnel prior to take-off.
Boarding Time - After a long wait, passengers line in queue to board their designated aircraft. This particular queue is a flight for Tacloban.
Final Touches - While waiting at the pre-departure area, I saw this lady busy retouching her make-up.
Anticipating Arrival - Diego looking over the airplane window and admiring the view of the rice fields of Bicol as we were on the final approach to Naga Airport.
Safety Card - Bibo seriously reading the safety card while a flight attendant was demonstrating the safety features of the aircraft. During travels, Bibo loves to read aloud most of the signboards he sees.
Just Landed - "We have just landed at the Naga national airport. Welcome to Naga." The announcement we heard over the PA system upon landing in Naga. Azon and the kids pose for a photo.
Just Landed - "We have just landed at the Naga national airport. Welcome to Naga." The announcement we heard over the PA system upon landing in Naga. Azon and the kids pose for a photo.
