Trip Reports - Trip to the Philippine Islands....C-Class on PR and Traders Manila

Background

Bear in mind, i've been to the Philippines countless times, however, i've NEVER flown PR and usually always stay at the Makati Shangri-La. So this was a trip of firsts (in many ways) for me...

HKG-MNL
PR307 / A330
Scheduled Departure: 1800
Actual Departure: 1848
Scheduled Arrival: 2000
Actual Arrival : 2035
Seat: 11K

I checked in at the airport and found that the PR counters were surprisingly empty. Normally, everytime i pass PR counters i usually see throngs of people checking in everything and the kitchen sink - so it was weird that it was completely devoid of people two hours before departure.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR001.jpg

The check-in agent was relatively friendly and assigned me seat 11K - a bulkhead window (1st row in C-class) and informed me that the flight was completely full.

For those who haven't flown from HKG in a while, there is now terminal wide free wireless broadband access - which i was looking forward to use to catch up on some emails - but not before making a stop at....

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR002.jpg

Ever since BK opened in HKG - it's been a tradition of mine to make a pit stop here...i once even managed a Whopper meal before a 7am flight to Taipei once! But i digress.....

I was looking forward to visiting the CNAC Lounge in HKG as i'd never used this lounge before although it's right opposite the Dragonair lounge which i've used countless times.

Whilst going through the duty free area i chanced upon a display for JW Blue Label - it's one of my favorite whiskeys and they were offering a 1L bottle for US$98 (is there anywhere cheaper??) vs. the normal price of around US$120 - in addition they offered free on the spot laser engraving of the bottle and a complimentary signature analysis AND a Riedel Scotch tasting glass - not a bad deal i thought! ^

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR003.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR004.jpg

The lounge is located above Gate 16 and is used by the following airlines;

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR005.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR006.jpg

The lounge is actually pretty large and was quite empty at this time. It has a large main seating area, rest areas, workstations, and even shower suites. Overall i was expecting worse, but the lounge proved quite comfortable for an hour long visit. Definitely not 'the wing' but......

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR007.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR008.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR009.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR010.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR012.jpg

The food selection was mediocre at best. Soup, Congee, sandwiches and cakes. The 'bar' area was a bit more promising with wine, spirits, softs and nibbles such as pringles, mixed nuts etc. Helped myself to two JD and cokes, and some pizza flavored pringles and setup my laptop at one of the workstations.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR011.jpg

The annoying thing about this lounge is that they make boarding announcements every two seconds within the lounge!

Anyway, at 5:15pm the A330 pulled up to the gate and i made my way down to gate 15 at 5:40pm.

Boarding still hadn't started, however a gate agent was organizing the economy class line into rows. No announcement was made, and boarding simply began. I walked up to the gate, handed in my BP and was on my way.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR013.jpg

I was the first one to board in the C-cabin and was met at the door by a stewardess who amazingly got my last name right when looking at my BP and continued to use my name whenever she addressed me. In about 10 mins of boarding, the cabin was probably only 25% full. Wondered about this as the check-in agent said that the flight was completely full!

I took my seat at 11K - the first row of the cabin.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR014.jpg

After about 15 minutes a throng of non-revving PR staff took the remaining seats - and thus we were full. How do i know it was PR staff, well, the crew knew everyone by first names, and they all wore their PR ID's.

The captain then announced a 'paperwork' delay and we would be pushing back shortly. However, immediately after this, two ground engineers came on board and went back and forth from the Y cabin for about 15-20 mins.

During this time, we were provided a welcome drink (choice of OJ or Water) and a hot towel. Our dinner orders were also taken at this point together with our drink selection.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR015.jpg

We ended up taking off about an hour late. One thing though that really surprised me before take off....now i know that most Filipinos are deeply religious people but i didn't expect a prayer and a quote from the bible to be broadcast throughout the cabin pre-departure and almost everyone i could see in the cabin pulled out their rosary beads and started praying silently - even the off duty pilot sitting next to me! The ACLU would have had a field day with this! I know that on Royal Brunei and on Saudi Arabian you are treated to a verse from the Koran - but this is the first time i've ever heard a christian prayer on board - maybe it's just a christmas thing (or should that be 'holiday' thing)?

Shortly after take off, the crew sprung into action. I asked for a scotch to go with dinner and was told they only had J&B Rare (which is that same as what they served in Y) :td: Anyway, the steward poured me the largest scotch on the rocks ever - i hate when people do that thinking that they are being 'generous' - just pour me a regular shot and i'll ask for more when im done!

Appetizer and dessert were served on a tray. The dessert and appetizer didn't match what was on the menu. We were served a mezze of sorts for the appetizer. Roast beef, aspic jelly, goats cheese, and a grilled scallop. Everything was really dried out but was still acceptable (food was uploaded in MNL).

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR016.jpg

There were three choices for the main course (a pasta, a fish dish, and a roast chicken). I choose the roast chicken which was served with a four-cheese and herb crepe and steamed veggies (which were very overcooked). But the chicken was quite delicious...

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR017.jpg

One peeve was that they had a great bread selection - garlic bread, rosemary foccacia, soft rolls, grissini, and others - but only one pass was made around the cabin.

Anyways, we were being offered tea or coffee as we begun our descent into MNL.

One thing that caught my eye was a really obese American PR A330/A340 off duty pilot (all this info i read off his staff id whilst deboarding) who was seated in 11B. He was pretty obnoxious throughout the whole flight, and knocked back about 4 beers in the 90 minute flight. As we begun our descent, he asked one of the crew for a pack of playing cards and was given two by the stewardess...he then asked if he could have some more - the stewardess then brought round a basked to him - from which he promptly took about 10 packs!!! Thanks for offering the rest of the PAYING passengers (not that i wanted it but the courtesy would have been nice...).

After a smooth landing in Manila, we taxied to a bus gate at the domestic terminal. The crew allowed, the C class passengers to deboard first, followed by the Y class passengers.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR018.jpg

However, the point of this was soon lost as the Y passengers piled on to our bus, pushing us to the back and thus allowing them to get to the immigration counters first!

Immigration took about 20 mins and my priority tagged bag was already on the belt! Customs just looked at my duty free bag and commented 'nice whiskey' and i was on my way.

I will post the hotel stay and the return flight tomorrow!

Please feel free to leave your comments! Thanks!

Arrival

I had booked a transfer directly with Shangri-La WW Reservations and was confirmed with an email for US$10 each way. However, upon landing the Shangri-La rep was there but didn't have my name on the list of arrivals. :td:

I had to wait about 25 minutes before a car arrived to take me to the hotel.

Traders Hotel

The hotel's location is actually quite convenient - located next to a shopping mall, and only around 15 minutes from the airport. I think it previously used to be a Holiday Inn - it sure felt like a Holiday Inn.

This hotel is in serious need of refurbishment to bring it up to scratch. Whilst the staff were friendly (nothing special as they all are in the Phils.), the physical product left much to be desired.

I was booked into a Traders Club room (can be booked for US$99++ through Shangri-la.com) which entitled me to club access, breakfast, free broadband, free laundry etc etc...

The initial impression of the room was that it was large but dated. The mattress was very lumpy and i even wrote a note to the GM about this! On my first night i woke up in the middle of the night and flipped the mattress over to see if it was any better.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR020.jpg

Good thing was that they did offer a pillow menu and was able to get pillows that i like.

These rooms are marketed as 'executive rooms' however, the hardware didn't match. The chair and table was more dressing table than workstation which was in their room description. The chair was not comfortable at all for extended periods of time.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR021.jpg

The bathroom was your usual Holiday Inn feel, with grubby grouting and questionable water pressure. However, the amenities were of a high quality.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR022.jpg

Overall, the room was not a highlight of this hotel - the GM did reply stating that they were planning a major refurbishment for February. I'm sure that after, this property could become a good budget alternative for Manila.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR019.jpg

The hotel has a spa and a swimming pool area. I did venture down but wasn't tempted to try out either - even though i was looking for a good massage. A friend of mine recommended this outfit (www.asianmassageph.com) who do hotel visits of a strictly professional nature. I highly recommend them as the masseuse was extremely professional and had great technique - I did a two-hour Swedish massage and a 45 minute foot reflexology for a total of US$14! The hotel spa charged US$25 for a 1 hour swedish massage. Again, they were really great and highly recommended if you are looking for strictly massage only - they don't do 'specials'!!

Breakfast was served in either the club lounge or in the coffee shop downstairs. The range at both locations were mediocre - however, the coffee shop was usually a zoo with a long line every day whilst the lounge upstairs was a lot more peaceful.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR023.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR025.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR024.jpg

The evening cocktails was a different story. They served a good selection of spirits, wine, and the snacks were spot on.

I would recommend this hotel if one had to be near the airport but only if staying on the Traders Club floors. It is of good value, and if you forget that it's actually run by Shangri-La (i.e. lower your expectations) - you will have a pleasant stay.

MNL-HKG
PR310 / A330
Scheduled Departure: 1800
Actual Departure: 1750
Scheduled Arrival: 2000
Actual Arrival : 1930
Seat: 16K

After a pleasant weekend in Manila it was time to head back to work. I left the hotel at 1300 and made a pit stop at the Airport Casino for a spot of roulette and blackjack :D ! After winning 3000 pesos, i got to the airport just before 3pm.

Terminal 2 is definitely a lot cleaner/more sterile than NAIA 1 (which all the other airlines depart from) - however, there are a lot more shops and places to wander about in T1.

After going through the initial security, i went over to the PR check-in counter - there was absolutely no other passengers in the terminal. I came to Manila with 13kg in my check-in - I was leaving with 68kgs!!!! Shopping is cheap in Manila - try the new Mall of Asia - lots of nice stuff there! I was told that by the check-in lady that they needed to charge me excess luggage as the plane was full - she calculated only 10kgs extra and was made to pay US$19 at a different counter before returning to check-in.

Note that when flying out of MNL - absolutely no liquids are permitted in your carry on - whatever the size - there is no need for a freedom baggie here - everything goes in your check-in luggage!

Received my boarding pass and paid the departure tax of 550 pesos and went towards security. Security at MNL means taking off your shoes, belt, watch, jewelery and emptying all your pockets before even going through the metal detector.

The terminal is pretty small and i decided there was nothing better to do, went over to the smokers lounge first.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR027.jpg

Across the tarmac, I could see the new terminal that has been lying vacant for the past year due to a dispute between FraPort (who built it and were supposed to operate it) and the current government. It reminds me a bit of the old Kai Tak terminal - dont know why! But im sure it'll be a big step up compared to T1 and T2 currently. Incidently, there is no central airconditioning in T2 - note the air blower in the picture above!

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR032.jpg

The PR Lounge was located right next to the smoking room. This has to be one of the most drab and shabbiest flagship lounges i've ever been to! The PR Lounge in Cebu happens to be far far far better - what was PR thinking!?! This lounge is horrendous and if it weren't for the bar and food setup - it would be your typical greyhound waiting room! UGH!

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR028.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR029.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR030.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR031.jpg

I had three JD and cokes from the bar - again was poured a very big glass and helped myself to some samosas, and sandwiches from the spread. Thankfully i didn't have to spend too much time in this lounge and boarding was soon called for my flight.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR033.jpg

There was no priority boarding for business class, and i just walked straight on when the economy boarding began.

The crew on this flight didn't seem as friendly as the previous - and no attempt was made to find out my name. However, the Purser came over to welcome me onboard and shake my hand.

After a few minutes the captain comes on and says that we will be able to take off early and we are just waiting for the last few passengers to board! This seemed a bit odd as there was still absolutely no one else in the C cabin except for me!! Economy was 100% full though.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR038.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR034.jpg

In a first for me, the cabin was completely empty except for me. Speaking to a friend who works at the airport about it, i was told that the PR flights are completely full from MNL-HKG in the morning with off-duty PR crew and family going to shop in HK and the evening flights from HKG-MNL are full of them coming back. This would seem to make sense of what i had experienced.

The legroom was a lot better compared to the bulkhead seat that i had earlier. The purser came back once boarding was completed and took my jacked and offered me a pre-takeoff drink - i choose water.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR035.jpg

We took off about 20 minutes earlier than scheduled and were soon served dinner. There was a choice of pasta with shrimps, pork and rice, or a fish dish. I choose the pasta which was actually quite delicious and filling. Dessert was the same as my previous flight - a Belgian chocolate pudding with creme anglais.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR036.jpg
http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR037.jpg

Bread was offered twice (what do you expect - i was the only one in the cabin!) and so were drinks. As my tray was being cleared, i was also offered a pack of playing cards! :)

Pretty soon we were making our descent into HKG and we touched down at gate 17 around 30 mins early.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q194/photchan/PR039.jpg

Gate 17 involves a looonnnngg walk through the jetway but it took me only 5 minutes from stepping off the plane to reaching the luggage belt. Having a HKID helps as the line for visitors was probably a hundred deep.

My flight wasn't even listed when i reached the belt. But pretty soon, i received my bags and was on my way home a mere 15 mins. after reaching the gate!

Summary

A C-Class ticket on PR cost the same as a Y ticket on CX. If you lower your expectations or are used to US domestic flights then the experience will be a good one on PR.

Personally i wouldn't fly PR again - but can't wait for the day that there is a star alliance connection between HKG and MNL. Swissair used to fly the route, as did BA. But now, your only choice is CX, PR, Cebu Pacific or Saudi Arabian - none of which i'm crazy about.

Hope this was a good read - its my first TR so comments are welcome!

Thanks.

Great report, thanks for posting!

Very nice trip report and great pictures. Thanks for sharing.^

Excellent report. Very easy to read and straight to the point. Kudos!!!!!!!!

Great report Slickalick. Thanks for sharing.

I'm transiting through HKG next month I think I'll have to get me a bottle of that JW Blue:D .

This is a very interesting trip report slickalick given that MNL is on my travel itinerary several times a year.

I have only stayed on the Pen and Shang when in Makati area, thus I appreciate your report about the Traders hotel. I was equally curious with your reports on PR. You're photos are appreciated, and it seems that presentation wise, their in-flight offering (HKG-MNL is such a short flight anyways) is okay. I am just a bit surprise about their club at NAIA 2, which was supposedly just renovated recently! In any case, I am a *A person myself and though a direct flight HKG-MNL would be nice, flying through SIN on SQ has always been more than acceptable routing for me;).

Thank you for the time writing this report. Well done!

bensyd > By far its the best deal i've ever seen for JW Blue - enjoy!

jef7> Thanks for your comments. Yes, the lounge at NAIA was a huge let down. They've recently refurbished their lounge in Cebu - and that is a true first class product. No idea if they have plans to refurbish their flagship at NAIA. As for SQ, i've always asked my agent to ticket me to MNL via BKK on TG or SIN on SQ - but she always claims that she can't price it and it would have to be two seperate tickets. Are you able to ticket this easily from HK? What sort of prices are you getting on SQ?

Thanks.

As for SQ, i've always asked my agent to ticket me to MNL via BKK on TG or SIN on SQ - but she always claims that she can't price it and it would have to be two seperate tickets. Are you able to ticket this easily from HK? What sort of prices are you getting on SQ?

Thanks.

Unfortunately, most of the time when heading to MNL via HKG, I am either on UA itinerary with SIN as main destination from the US, thus a separate SQ ticket from SIN-MNL, or an award ticket. I don't think singaporeair.com has any trouble issuing HKG-SIN-MNL in one ticket, although the price indeed is the sum of the regular costs of each segment purchased separately, which is expensive. Anyways, given PR, CX, and 5J's more convenient service between HKG and MNL, I don't think there is competetive reason at all for SQ to be less restrictive and lower the cost for this kind of routing.

What an excellent report! Well written and beautifully documented by great photos (by the way, how do you get your photos into the site?).