Leyte Trip

         Ting ting ting ting!  Ting ting ting ting!  Ting ting ting ting!

        That’s my phone alarming at 2:00 AM.  I woke up and prepared for my flight to Tacloban at 6:00 AM (an official trip).  I left home at 3:00 AM and arrived at the NAIA Centennial at 4:00 AM.  (I see to it that I’m at the airport at least two (2) hours before my scheduled flight.)

        As usual, the two (2) side entrance doors to the terminal had long queues.  I entered thru the center door - where the VIPs, the business/first class passengers and the pilots/flight attendants pass.  I checked in at the Business Class counter then proceeded to the Mabuhay Lounge to wait for the boarding announcement.

        At the lounge, I ate my breakfast, drank three (3) cups of brewed coffee and a glass of orange juice, and surf the net - all for free.

        By the way, I’m a Philippine Airlines (PAL) Mabuhay Miles Elite Member.  Thus, I enjoyed the above privileges.  If you’re an elite member, you’re a VIP even on the ground.  Here are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

Tier-based bonus accrual of Miles
        You’ll receive a 25% bonus on actual miles flown for all flights on PAL and Air Philippines (AP).

Automatic lounge access
        You may relax in comfort prior to your flight departure in Mabuhay Lounges as well as participating VIP Lounges at selected international airports when traveling on PAL, AP and PAL Code-share flights using a PAL ticket.

Exclusive member reservations numbers
        Special PAL reservation hotlines are dedicated to handle your flight reservations.

Priority reservation waitlist
        If you’re on the waitlist for a flight on PAL and AP, you’ll be accorded priority when seats become available.

Priority check-in, boarding, luggage handling
        You may check-in, board the plane, and collect luggage ahead of others on PAL and AP flights.

Priority airport standby
        If you’re on standby for a fully booked PAL or AP flight at the airport, you’ll be given a higher priority for a seat on the next available flight.

Additional luggage allowance
        You’ll receive an additional luggage allowance of ten (10) kg flying on PAL and AP operated flights (except to/from US and Canada).

SportsPlus Global and partner privileges
        You’ll be entitled to the equivalent privileges of SportsPlus Global, including additional luggage allowance for sports equipment, and exclusive discounts and perks at participating partner outlets.

Extension of award ticketing time limit
        You may hold award travel flight reservations for 4 days instead of the usual three (3) days.

        Anyone who travels on PAL or AP on a PAL ticket can be a member of Mabuhay Miles.  The membership levels are:

Base Member

        You may earn Miles and redeem them for free flights and service class upgrades. If you are not yet a member, enroll now online and print out a temporary card for your immediate use.

To qualify for the permanent membership card, accumulate 1,000 Miles on eligible published fares with PAL and AP.

To qualify for Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler levels:

Annual Qualification
(from Jan. 01 - Dec. 31 of each year)

Elite

Achieve any of the following on eligible tickets:

   • Earn 25,000 Flight Miles on PAL and AP

   • Fly 30 one way segments in any   class of service on PAL   and AP

   • Fly 15 one way segments in First or Mabuhay Class on PAL

Premier Elite

Achieve any of the following on eligible tickets:

   • Earn 45,000 Flight Miles on PAL and AP

   • Fly 50 one way segments in any   class of service on PAL   and AP

   • Fly 25 one way segments in First   or Mabuhay Class on PAL

(Click here for the benefits)

Million Miler

Accumulate 1,000,000 cumulative Flight Miles on PAL from date of enrollment.

(Click here for the benefits)

        Time to board!  Boarding sequence was according to the seat numbers.  Those who had seats at the rear of the plane went in first.  Elite, Premier Elite, Million Miler members could board anytime they wish.

        All aboard, the plane left on time.  The flight was about an hour and fifteen (15) minutes.  We served a snack pack and drink (choice of coffee, tea, or juice).

 
We arrived Tacloban on time.

After disembarking, I waited for my checked-in baggage.  As soon as I got it, I proceeded to our waiting service vehicle for a land trip to my final destination, which is 2.5 – 3 hrs. away.

I arrived at our plantsite safely and started to work.

I’d be going back to Manila tomorrow afternoon.