Just to fill you in....

I think backpacks are a stretch to be defined as a personal item (particularly when compared to the size of a lady's handbag). However, the backpack can easily be put into the wheeler carry on to look like there is ONE single piece of carry on. Since there are two of us travelling, the insurance plan is to buy ONE piece of check in luggage allowance of 15kg for the two of us (HK$88 each way), and avoid the potential hassle at check in. Showing up at check in with a piece of luggage up to 15kg costs HK$138 / PHP 900. A rule is a rule - won't try to bend it. Just gambling whether it is worth saving HK$88 now, with the potential downfall of having to pay HK$138 at check in. And also wondering what the personal experience of travelers at HKG and CEB airports have been.