The last time Noel visited Manila on business was in 1989 and of course there are many changes to became obvious as soon as we arrived after a two hour flight. We basically came to Manila because of economical reasons as flight costs from Manila are half the cost from Hong Kong and what we saved enabled us to have a few days in the sun before returning to the UK and the COLD.
So we left the Hotel around11.00 and checked in, have previously made sure after repacking that out our hand luggage did not exceed 7.0 kilos only to find when we checked in they did not want to know about the weight of the hand carry, what to say, but that's airlines for you. So after trying to find the business class lounge in this huge place we gave up and went to the gate and waited there. The flight arrived a little late but they tried to leave on time and as we boarded the aircraft the cleaners were leaving at the same time and so it was little crowded in the front door for a while but we found our seats and relaxed. Noel could only eat the appetiser and not the main course which had garlic and lots of other stuff which is not conducive to his health.. Just under two hours later we landed, very badly really, at the airport and soon after immigration and customs, who did not even bother took at the form we had filled in we left for the Hotel and arrived shortly after 17.00. We chose this Hotel which is now called the Sofitel Philippine Plaza resort as Noel had stayed here several times in his business life and enjoyed it. We opted for an upgrade which included free booze in the lounge and food through out the day but decided to that for the first night it would be good to sit outsider in the warm air fort dinner not realising that there was rebuilding taking place right next to the pool which was rather noisy and it meant they could not serve the full menu as offered in the room information folder. However the persevered and was able to get food from another outlet served pool side which was quite nice except for the banging and work taking place next door.Then afterwards as we were both a little tied we opted for an early night.
