I got here to UK via Emirates, MNL-DBX-MAN...Don't worry about getting from Manila to Dubai..it's very straightforward. After you checked in, pay your terminal fee. Just ask them where and they would point you where it is. Then you just have to go thru Immigration and your passport will be stamped..and don't forget to get an Immigration card to be filled up and given at the immigration counter. Everyone else is doing it so you won't be lost..After you passed the Immigration counter, you'll be allowed inside to scan you and your hand luggage (they would ask you to remove shoes). So don't carry any liquids in your hand luggage. After that you can go straight in, you would see duty free. NAIA Terminal 1 is so small and you won't be lost. Just take note of your departure time and Gate number so you know where & when to go. There's a free internet area in the waiting areas just in case you want to use it while waiting for boarding time. Although lots are intending to do so, so it might have a queue. I found that their free wifi is not very helpful so I just used my 3G hahaha..You would hear and see notifications/informations when it's time for you to board the plane.
Then when the plane lands on Dubai, just follow everyone else where they're going. You would pass the same section. You would see at the end of the escalator a big electronic board showing the gate numbers of each flight numbers. Just go there and you'd see waiting areas. Duty free is around too and there are food stalls/sections where you can buy food just in case. 2 hrs and 55 mins isn't that long when you get there. Plus we were checked in an hour earlier so waiting time is really not that long. I didn't find any time to wonder around. Plus food would be served in a few mins in the plane anyway. They offer free wifi in the airport too, but as so many are accessing it, it's very lucky to get connected.
So don't worry and just relax during your flight. Btw, refrain from bringing food in your checked in luggage as much as possible. Sniffing dogs in the UK airports would detect that. You are allowed to bring but I'm not really sure how much. Check the guidelines of the UK airports about it just to be sure. I never bring foods everytime I go on a flight just to not cause any troubles or extra time in the Customs area. So do some checking in case you want to bring some food.
Have a safe trip!
