It has been a long time since I went to Manila to see my mum and friends. Last time I was there was in November 2005. It would be almost three years now! Quite a long time considering that I used to spend every Christmas there since 1996 when I first worked on an assignment here in Europe. It was no brainer before since it was paid for by my company with my entitlement to 2 trips between home and the project site. This benefit also allowed for any member of my family to visit where I was currently located in lieu of me going back home, which made it possible for my mother to visit me in Madrid a while back now.

As I have long left that company, of course, the benefit had to go as well. Nowadays if I fancy a trip to Manila, I would have to pay for it from my own pocket. Sadly, fares are not cheap. It made it even more expensive for me since there are no more direct flights between the UK and Manila. British Airways discontinued that services after 9/11.

The average fare to Manila from London is £600, off peak. During peak season, i.e. Christmas holidays, I’d be lucky to find £700! It may be possible but I would have to book way, way in advance thus making my plans inflexible.

Anyway, I have decided that I will make the effort this year. I will go to Manila. This is primarily driven by 2 things:

1. I haven’t been there for quite sometime now.
2. I will attend the Grand Alumni Homecoming for UP Baguio.

I checked the best priced flights on DialAFlight and it is at £430 + £59 tax, totalling £489. Not bad! This would mean, however, that I have to book NOW and should the dates change, I might have to pay additional fees. And most likely, it will be saddled with a lot of restrictions.

So, what do I do? Should I go for this now or wait till the final dates of the events I am planning to attend be fixed?

Hmm… maybe I should go to Canada. Flights to Canada would cost me a total of £372 (£205 + £167 tax) for the same dates in December. Junnie, will you accommodate me?

Like

Unlike