Thanks very much for all the replies. ^
BangkokTraveler, perceptive of you to pick up on the situation in spite of my attempt at being cleverly ambiguous with noun/pronoun usage, haha!
I suppose it would be just fine if I'm the one waiting for her this time. Previously, taking other airlines, one arrival was in the afternoon & we had business in Manila anyways, and another was late at night so she grabbed a room at the airport hotel for us before my arrival. Those times were very easy to have her arrive first.
Mabuk dan gila, I laughed when you mentioned the waiting.
I am indeed quite familiar with it, as I've spent several months over there in the last few years. I started calling it Filipino time, and I always ask her if a particular "appointment" is a real appointment or Filipino-time appointment, heheheh. When planning events, we try to strike a balance between "too early" and "early enough that people will arrive around the time we actually want them to"!
I have an unlocked basic Nokia phone from my last trip there, that I can use with one of those SIM cards. Great to know that I can get one onboard to be ready in advance!
Originally Posted by
BangkokTraveler
Mabuk dan gila has some great advice, especially on the SIM card. Even if they are not available on the flight for some reason, you can buy them in a shop after you get your luggage.
And I would NOT have your friend come the night before. Staying in Manilla near the airport would be a huge hassle for her logistics-wise and totally unnecessary, especially as she is scheduled to arrive after you on the morning of of your flight.
Originally Posted by
Mabuk dan gila
I'd arrange it to whoever arrived first was waiting outside in the arrival area for the other. I'm assuming the party arriving on the domestic flight are Filipino. They will understand and happily patiently wait for you if PR103 is delayed by an hour or two. If everything goes off on time, head over to domestic and wait for them. I little waiting one way or another is quite normal in the Philippines and is unlikely to phase the locals one bit. I'm sure they will just be happy to see you whether your flight arrives on time or not.
Outside of International there is an overpriced "Starbucks style" coffee kiosk with calm tables and pleasant waiters where you can relax for a while if you like. Prices are US style and therefore silly by PI standards but the coffee is good. There are more or less comfortable seats outdoors upstairs outside departure and it is not hectic there if you just want to sit for a little while. There is no option inside the terminal for what you describe.
Also.... PR sells "Globe" prepaid SIM cards onboard during the duty free sales for $2 USD including 100 Piso prepaid "load" so buy a SIM card, plug it in your phone and you can call them the second you get off the plane.