I shall return

[Doc Alan]

I last visited the Philippines while working in Malaysia in 1978 and hoped one day to return, just like General Macarthur in 1944. It's taken many years (and 6 months on the forum !) to make up my mind ... but at last I've booked my flight to Manila for May - no big deal, but exciting for me !:xxgrinning--00xx3: Thanks to my friends here for encouraging me !:)

[Arthur Little]

I last visited the Philippines while working in Malaysia in 1978 and hoped one day to return, just like General Macarthur in 1944. It's taken many years (and 6 months on the forum !) to make up my mind ... but at last I've booked my flight to Manila for May - no big deal, but exciting for me !:xxgrinning--00xx3: Thanks to my friends here for encouraging me !:)

:xxgrinning--00xx3: Great news, Alan ... :Erm: ... on the subject of "deals", did you manage to get a good one? :rolleyes:

[KeithD]

How much do you want NOT to bring dried fish back? :xxgrinning--00xx3: .... although I draw the line at a night together :cwm24:

[Doc Alan]

:xxgrinning--00xx3: Great news, Alan ... :Erm: ... on the subject of "deals", did you manage to get a good one? :rolleyes:Thanks for your (usual) prompt reply Arthur!
The flights were booked online direct with KLM, so Manchester-Amsterdam-Manila 4 May, return 25 May, £528.50. I paid with debit card, avoiding credit card surcharge. That was the cheapest on offer (for any time of year) - Crystal Travel quoted £578.10 and others were more for the same flights. Times are reasonable (9.35 am from Manchester; arrive Amsterdam midday, 2.10 pm from Amsterdam, arrive Manila 8.45 am next day. Return flights are 10.45 am from Manila, arrive Amsterdam 6.35 pm, 8.55 pm from Amsterdam, arrive Manchester 9.15 pm ... local times, hopefully without delays).
For me I need to get the train and stop overnight with breakfast (!) at Travelodge (return train fare £17.80 with senior railcard (!) and 2 nights at Travelodge £57). Total so far around £600.
Accommodation and an itinerary have still to be arranged - the main priority was to make those bookings with 6 weeks to spare.

[Doc Alan]

How much do you want NOT to bring dried fish back? :xxgrinning--00xx3: .... although I draw the line at a night together :cwm24:
Another great deception Keith is that you ever thought I wanted a night with you - this time I'm having the final word !:)

[alanmf1]

Superb news Alan..very envious. You will have a great time im sure!
Ps great flight deal!

[maria_and_matt]

yeheyyy! i hope you enjoy your trip..

[bornatbirth]

finally!

you booked your trip, you will have a great time!

why not ask your gf about local places to stay so youre not to far away from her.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[joebloggs]

finally!

you booked your trip, you will have a great time!

why not ask your gf about local places to stay so youre not to far away from her.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

:xxgrinning--00xx3: all that :76::76::76: finally paid off :rolleyes: :icon_lol:

well done to mr bornatbirth and sim :D


whats the flight number so we can :Hellooo: to you and make sure you get on :D

[joebloggs]

The flights were booked online direct with KLM, so Manchester-Amsterdam-Manila 4 May, return 25 May

i'll just miss you at manc int by 1 day Alan, my stepson arrives on the 3rd from manila, this time he's staying for good :rolleyes:

[Doc Alan]

:xxgrinning--00xx3: all that :76::76::76: finally paid off :rolleyes: :icon_lol:

well done to mr bornatbirth and sim :D


whats the flight number so we can :Hellooo: to you and make sure you get on :D
You're so right Joebloggs ! The ChatBox finally did it !
If I had taken so long to reach decisions when I was working I would have been sacked !:)

[Doc Alan]

Superb news Alan..very envious. You will have a great time im sure!
Ps great flight deal!
Thanks so much ! There are cheaper flights but I didn't fancy the long "layover" in the Middle East. (Nor indeed a "layover" with KeithBoss at any price!:omg:).

[Sim11UK]

:xxparty-smiley-050: GRRREAT!!! news Alan, you know you've made the right decision.

As I said to you the other day, I always get nervous, booking my flight...Now you have done it, the rest is easy. :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Really enjoyed the other night, when we were all on the chatbox, trying to get you to book it. :)

May is good, not long to wait now & that's a fair price too.

Good on you Alan...enjoy! :xxparty-smiley-050:

[Doc Alan]

:xxparty-smiley-050:
Really enjoyed the other night, when we were all on the chatbox, trying to get you to book it. :)

May is good, not long to wait now & that's a fair price too.

Good on you Alan...enjoy! :xxparty-smiley-050:
I would have worried more had I decided NOT to go ! I would'nt have dared contribute any more threads to the forum - no credibility ! It seems May is a good month to go, hot (34 by day, 25 by night ; 9 hours sun each day, not much rain, hopefully too early for the monsoons).

[Doc Alan]

yeheyyy! i hope you enjoy your trip..
Thank you so much and my best wishes to your sister :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Englishman2010]

Fantastic news Alan, all the best for a great trip in May.
I agree with your decisions for using KLM, I have also decided to go with them in April after experiencing an 8 hour lay over each way in Doha on my last trip. It's definitely worth paying a few pounds more so that you can fly from a regional airport and to ultimately save you 8 hours or so on an already long journey.
I also found their website was cheaper than all of the bucket shops except American Express, who quoted me the same price.
Looking at your dates, I get back on the 3rd and you leave on the 4th.
So you've booked your international flight, have you decided where you are going and what you are going to do when you get there yet? 3 weeks will give you plenty of time to really explore.
Have a wonderful time there.

[Sophie]

I last visited the Philippines while working in Malaysia in 1978 and hoped one day to return, just like General Macarthur in 1944. It's taken many years (and 6 months on the forum !) to make up my mind ... but at last I've booked my flight to Manila for May - no big deal, but exciting for me !:xxgrinning--00xx3: Thanks to my friends here for encouraging me !:)

Good for you Alan and i'm sure your gf will be delighted, it will be worth the trip for sure :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[fred]

Try to get yourself out of Manila Alan..What are your plans??

[Doc Alan]

Fantastic news Alan, all the best for a great trip in May.

3 weeks will give you plenty of time to really explore.
Thanks so much and I hope your trip is also good !
3 weeks seemed about right, the maximum without extending the tourist visa.

[sars_notd_virus]

All the best to you and your soon- to be- comeback in the beautiful islands of the Philippines:)

[Arthur Little]

All the best to you and your soon- to be- comeback in the beautiful islands of the Philippines:)

:xxgrinning--00xx3: ... Hear, hear!!

[liane]

Great news! Finally you listened to them and decided to travel in Philippines.
Your girlfriend must be very delighted with this news. What a nice gift for her graduation :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Enjoy your stay and hoping you'll have a fantastic time watching Aegis band :D

[jam07]

Finally! :) you will be seeing your girl and your fave band - aegis! wow! you're going to have a great time for sure! :)

[Doc Alan]

Great news! Finally you listened to them and decided to travel in Philippines.

Thanks Laine and Maj ! You and others have used the word "finally" ... have I kept you all waiting for my decision ?!! :doh It only took 32 years !:omg:

[justchecking]

Enjoy yourself Alan - hope you have a fantastic time

[RickyR]

http://www.scarborough.me.us/safety/police/eepics/rrouse.jpg

I came up with Sargeant of the same name as me in Scarborough Police Force, Maine.

[belfast_dude]

Good advice Fred ! Can you believe in my last visit I was going round hospitals ! Not this time I hope ! My gf is in Marikina City , she's just passed her nursing exams and graduates next month. I love swimming so I'll be looking for a pool there. Aegis Band are doing a gig in Marikina City on 7 May and I hope to see them ! (I'm their oldest fan !!!). We plan to visit Capiz in Panay where her family live. I think the return flight there from Manila is $300 for two. Obviously I have to budget, but that's a few ideas for starters.


u got to see M.O.A.,,great sea views and plenty of shopping

[Sim11UK]

...and the relevance to my trip ?:doh

I think RickyR Googled himself, on the wrong thread :doh

Dirty boy!:signs136:

[Doc Alan]

I think RickyR Googled himself, on the wrong thread :doh


I realised that Simon ... the perils of Googling yourself :yikes:
At least it was another of my threads ! :)

[Arthur Little]

It only took 32 years !:omg:

:yikes: Just imagine ... equivalent to Maj's lifetime to date - and before Liane was even born!

[Doc Alan]

:yikes: Just imagine ... equivalent to Maj's lifetime to date - and before Liane was even born!
Yes Arthur, I never imagined it would have taken so long :omg:
I was a lecturer at the University of Glasgow and they had a link with Universiti
Malaya, so I was "lent" to that university for a year to teach medical students. During that time I visited the Philippines (twice) for professional reasons. When I returned to the UK, my career took over, I got married, had a family, divorced, and retired. But I never forgot Malaysia and the Philippines :) Both countries are beautiful with many wonderful people :xxgrinning--00xx3: Somehow it was the Philippines that I wanted most of all to visit again. This will be a dream come true ! It will be fascinating to compare what I remember from those years ago with how it is now, and visit new places. Forgive my self indulgence with this post - life is imperfect, I have a "healthy" cynicism, but now I've made my decision .... I can't wait to return ! Yes !!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dee31]

Oh it must be exciting for you! Have fun! And enjoy every minute of your time with your gf. That is just too sweet. I can imagine. Go to a beach since it's summer!

[Arthur Little]

Yes
Yes Arthur, I never imagined it would have taken so long :omg:
I was a lecturer at the University of Glasgow and they had a link with Universiti
Malaya, so I was "lent" to that university for a year to teach medical students. During that time I visited the Philippines (twice) for professional reasons. When I returned to the UK, my career took over, I got married, had a family, divorced, and retired. But I never forgot Malaysia and the Philippines :) Both countries are beautiful with many wonderful people :xxgrinning--00xx3: Somehow it was the Philippines that I wanted most of all to visit again. This will be a dream come true ! It will be fascinating to compare what I remember from those years ago with how it is now, and visit new places. Forgive my self indulgence with this post - life is imperfect, I have a "healthy" cynicism, but now I've made my decision .... I can't wait to return ! Yes !!!:xxgrinning--00xx3:

I can fully understand your sentiments, Alan ... being very like that myself. It's often said we should never look back - but then, WHY NOT? Between my two visits to the Phils in 2008, I had occasion to attend a Boys' Brigade Reunion in the small town of Kinross ... near to the village where I lived after moving from my home city of Glasgow. I met more than a few old pals (some of whom I hadn't clapped eyes on for almost 50 years) that particular Sunday. It was [almost] like old times ... and I wouldn't have missed it for the world! So GO FOR IT, my friend ... and enjoy every minute! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

Go to a beach since it's summer!

Go to one more or less ANYTIME in the Philippines ... it ain't the East Neuk of Fife! :NoNo: I remember going swimming in the sea at a beach resort near Marsman, Mindanao [where Myrna's relatives own land] on Christmas Day, 2008. Luverly! :)

[triple5]

Go to one at more or less ANYTIME in the Philippines ... it ain't the East Neuk of Fife! :NoNo: I remember going swimming in the sea at a beach resort near Marsman, Mindanao [where Myrna's relatives own land] on Christmas Day, 2008. Luverly! :)

That sounds great :) Have you and Myrna any plans to go back Arthur, if just for a holiday?

Good to hear your making the journey back there Alan after so many years. I'm sure you'll notice a great difference since you were last there. Have a good time :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

That sounds great :) Have you and Myrna any plans to go back Arthur, if just for a holiday?

Good to hear your making the journey back there Alan after so many years. I'm sure you'll notice a great difference since you were last there. Have a good time :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Thanks so much , and indeed it would be nice if Arthur and Myrna do get the chance to return :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

That sounds great :) Have you and Myrna any plans to go back Arthur, if just for a holiday?

:Erm: We would certainly like to return for a holiday sometime ... though it'll have to be after Myrna has her ILR.

[liane]

:yikes: Just imagine ... equivalent to Maj's lifetime to date - and before Liane was even born!
Nice one! :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[jam07]

:yikes: Just imagine ... equivalent to Maj's lifetime to date - and before Liane was even born!

:iagree: :yeahthat: :) :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[pennybarry]

I last visited the Philippines while working in Malaysia in 1978 and hoped one day to return, just like General Macarthur in 1944. It's taken many years (and 6 months on the forum !) to make up my mind ... but at last I've booked my flight to Manila for May - no big deal, but exciting for me !:xxgrinning--00xx3: Thanks to my friends here for encouraging me !:)

Hi Allan! Just drop by here to tell I'm happy for your your decisions!
Enjoy your stay and have a romantic time together. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Florge]

oh, a lot has changed since then Arthur.... thanks for visiting Pinas again... so your gf is from Marikina eh.. you can stay in any Ortigas hotel so you're a bit nearer to her.. and nearer to Greenhills as well.. take her shopping there if you could... SM Marikina has recently opened... Eastwood is also a great place to shop and dine..

And you're going to Capiz right? ah, nice beaches there as well... you will get the tan you want...

I miss being tan... i turned white since I got here... arrgghhh...

LOL.... have fun doc! cheers!

[Doc Alan]

.... thanks for visiting Pinas again... so your gf is from Marikina eh...

And you're going to Capiz right? ah, nice beaches there as well... you will get the tan you want...


Thank you for your good wishes and advice Florge :)30(+) years ago there was martial law under President Ferdinand Marcos :crazy:, Claire had a hit song called "Sayang" (Sorry... you have a boyfriend:bigcry:), and the Heart Center for South East Asia had recently opened in Manila :heartshape1:... so, yeah,I'm expecting changes ...election time as well :omg:!
I'm not so bothered about getting a tan (sun exposure ages the skin and I don't need that !:yikes:) but the swimming should be great!:xxgrinning--00xx3: