Blogs from Manila, Philippines, Asia - page 42

“Is not the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, when thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh. Isaiah 58:6-7 Isaiah 58 in action ... read more

Well back in Manila, waiting for my flight to Thailand so am stuck in the airport for another 6 hours. The visit to my adoptive parents’ resting place in Cebu a couple of days ago was an emotionally exhausting experience, not having been able to mourn their passing a few years back. The visit made me realise that I have not had been able to deal with the loss in its full cycle. I could not hold the tears and wept for the first time (plus it doesn't help that "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" by Edith Piaf keeps playing in my head. I hope I am not the only one in the world with the soundtrack of my life on the internal turntable!). I realise the impact that they both had in my life and ... read more

Arrived at precisely 18:45, 20th September in Manila courtesy of Qantas, still I regard to be one of the better airlines. Unreal to see the same aircrew staff (two at least) from 14 years back on my way to Oz. Flight service was superb and highly efficient. Love the balmy humid Manila evenings especially when already acclimatized, but always a shock to the system when not. Nevertheless, a very pleasant trip. The way out of the arrivals area was very quick, especially with an Australian passport and going through the diplomatic queue (by accident). Waiting at the baggage conveyor belt for my backpack was a joy, becauseas far as I remember, NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) never used to be this efficient. Finally got my pack on and started towards the taxi stand and sweating like ... read more