Approaching the airport terminal
Before entering the airport you come across a security area where the guards there will ask for the glove compartment to be opened. I have no idea what they're looking for
In order to enter the terminal building you need to show your passport and ticket to the security person. You MUST have a printed copy of your ticket/eticket or you won't be allowed in. I've seen people turned away because the only copy they had was on their cellphone. Incidentally even though the date is different they'll let you in, just say that you changed the date. Business class people can cut the line if you show the security person your ticket.
After the documents check is an xray and metal detector.
The airport lobby. There's a foreign exchange counter in the middle of the lobby. Carts are free to use.
After getting your boarding pass, head for the immigration area in the center of the building. A security person will check your boarding pass again before you can enter.
Inside, pay the 550PHP terminal fee and enter the immigration zone.
If you're lucky there won't be a line of people waiting for their turn. In the middle is a roped off section for APEC card holders, but there's no one guarding it so you'll have to remove the rope yourself if you have one.
* Update Jan.3, 2015: Seems there's no more need to fill up a departure form
Beyond the immigration booths is the bag x-ray, metal detector and pat-down. Normally only 2 detectors are manned, one for female passengers and another for male. You'll be asked to remove your belt and shoes. Laptops can stay inside the bags.
After the security check is the duty free area. There are handicrafts and traditional foodstuffs here for sale, but are rather limited in variety.
At the end of the duty free area is the entrance to the gates. Gates 1-8 are to the left and 9-18 are to the right. There will be another boarding pass & passport check here if you want to enter. Lounges are beyond this check so you can say that you just want to use the lounge and they'll let you through.
Before the gate area is another boarding pass and passport check. For certain flights they'll also ask to check the contents of your carry-on.
