Finally back with my Girl
Trip Start
Nov 11, 2010
1
11
Trip End
Nov 25, 2010
Bacoor, Calabarzon, Philippines
Monday, November 22, 2010
Actually, it was not even a problem going to the Airport. I estimated 1 hour, but just 40 minutes later, i was there. Lets see if Hertz had managed to get someone to the Airport. I was early, but i was hoping that their representative would show up on time, and for the first time i was surprised by Hertz Cebu in a positive way. Their guy was already there. WOW. Never thought that could happen, but hey, i am okay with that.
Drop-Off was quick and in i went. Now comes the tricky part. They want to see the Ticket, before they let you in the Terminal. Problem was, i did not have a Print-Out of the ticket. Just a Screen-Shot on my iPad. I showed it to the Security and they accepted it. :-) Somehow i get the feeling that, had i tried that in Manila, it would not have worked. Anyway, through the first Security, to the Check-In.
Same game again at the Check-In. Show the iPad picture. They were a bit surprised, but had no issues with it either. Thanks to the e-Tickets these days, all they need is your name and Booking Reference Number. Nothing else. After the Check-In i paid my Exit-Fee, before going through security.
While waiting for the flight, i had, surprise-surprise, another Fruit-Shake(Watermelon). Besides my Lady, i will miss this when i go home to Bahrain. I definitely need a good Blender. ;-)
The flight itself was uneventful and short. We arrived a little bit ahead of time in Manila. Yeah! Got my luggage and i already saw Joanna waiting for me. The best sight ever. We went to the Hertz Counter next door in the Transportation and Car-Rental Center. The Hertz people here at NAIA-Manila Airport are definitely nicer than the ones in Cebu.
As a note to Hertz Cebu: Please improve on your Service, especially with international travelers and bookings from/to Cebu Airport. These days it is impossible to ask a customer for a local number, so you can contact him/her. Not everyone has a Filipino Mobile. Not being able to call international, is a disgrace for ANY global company, which i thought Hertz was. Also, if i book from/to the Airport, i expect to pick up my car AT or, at least, VERY CLOSE to the Airport, not an hours drive away (and then, even worse, being asked to pay for the Taxi). If you cannot provide this Service, do not offer it. Period!
At NAIA, i got a Chevrolet Captiva Turbo-Diesel. As much as it pains me to admit, but i kinda liked that car. People who know me, know that i prefer German Cars and that i am not easily convinced by other manufacturers, especially American/Korean ones. After my first admission that the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a brilliant car, i have to say that the Chevy Captiva is a very nice car, too. It still lacks a bit the finish of its European competitors, but then, it is also a lot cheaper and slightly bigger. And i LOVE the engine. Very smooth and economical.
Okay, now quickly to my favorite Hotel in the Philippines ;-) to Hotel SOGO in Zapote. Quick Check-In and then back on the road to Dasmarinas, as we have to get to Shella's place in time. Shella is leaving for Brisbane today, to be with her hubby for the next 3 months. When we arrived, we had a quick Lunch. Tasted very good, again. I have nothing to criticize about the Filipino Cuisine and the people who were kind enough to cook for me. Thank you to everyone for the really good food.
Then it was picture time again. :-) We took pictures of everyone, but then it was time to go back to the Airport, to get Shella to her flight in time. Traffice was just okay, but we still made it in time. While Shella, her parents and Joanna got off at the Departure Area of Terminal 1, i tried to locate a parking spot. While i was trying to find my way round, i got news from Joanna that Shella had to go inside and not time to hang around. So, i just went back and picked the rest of the group up again.
We dropped Shella's parents off at a Jeepney/Bus Stop and then went to ....... just guess :-) ...... of course to MoA (Mall of Asia). Starbucks here i come. :-) They made really good money from my many trips there. The rest of the day was just talking to Joanna. Getting to know each other better. I love this girl more and more every day. ;-)
