My Second Pregnancy Turned Into a Miscarriage

This post is to remember my second pregnancy that was lost. Miscarriage is indeed a tough one. Somehow I hope my story and realizations can encourage other mommies in voicing out their emotions and not to feel alone in facing a journey like this on motherhood.

April 15-16 – Though it’s a week prior my expected menstrual date, I did a pregnancy test twice since I’ve been feeling exhausted lately. The results I got were both a faint positive line.

Faint positive lines but it’s visible in actual.

April 22 – My period should start by this date. April 25-26 – Did twice pregnancy test and this time, I got solid positive lines on both. Somehow I had a gut feeling since then that I’m pregnant. Another unexpected blessing. Feeling joyous, we even mentioned the news to our families.

Solid positive lines already after more than a week of delayed period.

April 30 – 5th week of pregnancy. Had my first check up and ultrasound done. All normal results, gestational sac was found but no yolk sac or embryonic pole seen yet since it’s a bit early. I was advised to return on May 15 for second ultrasound, by that time I’ll be on my 7th week and they can confirm my pregnancy viability.

5 weeks & 4 days per 1st ultrasound.

May 1 – Usual weekend, cleaned our house, did some chores. May 2 – Some chores again but more time for rest. I felt some pain on my right abdomen up to lower thigh and back. Thought it’s just a usual muscle ache or cramps. May 3 – 6th week of pregnancy. Woke up with a brownish discharge. It went to a reddish brown discharge after lunch time. I informed my doctor about it. Note: Graphic content/bloody photos below and others may find it disturbing.

After lunch time discharge on May 3.

May 4 – Discharge looks like a menstrual bleeding. Even turned into a bright red blood after lunch time, more blood clots were also noticed. I finally got a response from the clinic that I can have this check-up. Found out that my gestational sac was located in the lower uterine cavity already, cervix is open and my body will expel the sac anytime soon. I searched it online, it’s more like an “Inevitable Miscarriage”. I’m undecided and in denial, so my doctor prescribed Duvadilan and Duphaston, no guarantees but still we tried if it can be saved. If a meat like material will come out, I need to go back for an emergency check up.

May 4 – Heavier bleeding with more blood clots.

May 4 – Heavier bright red bleeding after lunch time.

6 weeks & 1 day per 2nd ultrasound.

May 5 – Lighter bleeding but blood clots still present. Before lunch time, I had to take more breaks from my work at home and lie down to relax my cramping lower back and stomach. I took a bath in the afternoon and I accidentally just pulled a unique looking discharge, I think it’s already the gestational sac. On the same day, we confirmed that the second pregnancy has now lead to a miscarriage. No D&C procedure for me or known as “raspa” here in Philippines. I just need to take antibiotics to clear out minimal residues inside.

Yep, it’s the gestational sac. 6 weeks and 2 days of age.

This came out when I went home from the clinic. It’s not a blood clot.

Realizations? -Miscarriage if already in process, most of the time cannot be avoided. Most mothers/parents feel guilty but it’s no ones fault. -Miscarriage felt like you’re in a menstrual cramping. -It’s stressful in all aspects, I couldn’t sleep well, trying my best to function but it’s so bothering. -If you’re a breastfeeding mom and got pregnant, most likely you have to wean your baby/toddler. Breastfeeding releases a hormone called “oxytocin” which is a factor for preterm labor. -It makes you experience all kinds of emotions, that I even as of this writing is trying my best to just deal with it. -Helpful for mommies to read online posts about what to do after miscarriage. I also got into reading some short inspirational posts.

Sending virtual hugs to all mommies experiencing and have been on this kind of journey. It was a loss, but we have much more blessings in life to be thankful for. If God has other plans for us then just trust and wait. We are all stronger than we think and we got this. ❤ Happy Mother’s Day.. everyday.

Baby On Board

A unique journey we had, the most memorable one. It’s not a travel post but I think it’s worth sharing it on our page. Still, we’ll use our tagline, “Kaja let’s go… to my pregnancy journey & start of our parenthood!”

Yes, I am and was pregnant, Kaja Let’s Go are now both proud parents. We’ve been inactive on this page and was so busy with this different kind of trip. Our baby’s estimated due date is February 5, or till February 12. Dear and I both aimed for a normal delivery. Here it goes…

June 17, 2018 – Just a few days from my birthday staycation, we just casually tried to have a pregnancy test, no expectations. I don’t have the usual pregnancy symptoms, it’s just that I still haven’t got my monthly period and those past few weeks, I often felt lazy & sleepy. The P.T. went positive, we even tried another P.T. the next day, and it still got a positive result.

June 23, 2018 – I had my official 1st trimester ultrasound, I am pregnant for more than 6 weeks. We kept this good news to ourselves till July 1, when we officially announced it to our families and friends.

1st trimester ultrasound

My 1st to 2nd trimester of pregnancy were just fine. I had lab tests and monthly check ups.

Quick food trips and down south road trips. We have a scheduled domestic flight during our 5th month, but we canceled it for safety reasons.

Gender reveal photoshoot on our 6th month.

It’s a girl!

Filipinos often use the term “lihi” which includes weird food cravings, strong changes in the mom’s mood, fond of unusual things, etc. But I did not experienced that. I am my normal self all throughout, craved the food that I usually like and even ate healthier that I did before.

I am still going to work up to the day before I gave birth. After work, I usually go the malls and have an hour or so of walking. I had my office to home commuting by myself till I reached 7th month.

Entering the 3rd trimester, we’re now busy for the holidays. Prepared for baby’s essential stuff instead of unnecessary holiday spending.

Had to resist the holiday feasts temptations, I was on a diet c/o Dear, even stricter than our Doctor, but it’s effective and it did paid off when I gave birth.

Going into Christmas holidays

January was a busy month, both at work and at home. Had to be always ready since my maternity leave can start anytime. Pregnancy check ups increased from every 2 weeks to weekly. We also had to let go of our 2 fur babies, Percy and Sunny since it might affect baby’s health, we just retained our first cat, Xiammy (the Siamese cat).

37 weeks

Xiammy, Sunny, Percy

January 16, 2019 – A surprise baby shower at work.

This also started the days where most of the people at work often asked me, “When is your baby’s due date?.. “Aren’t you going on leave yet?” And the questions kept coming..haha

January 19, 2019 – Official 3rd trimester ultrasound and we’re so excited.

3rd trimester ultrasound

Sometimes, I experience pelvic pain..pelvic pressure, waking up in the wee hours, I’ve been walking like a penguin too. Everything gets bigger and harder for me to do. But we trust our doctor every time she says that it’s still safe for me to go to work. Dear is always reminding me to walk, do my prenatal exercises too.

January 26, 2019 – Doctor said my cervix is still thick but 1cm dilated, baby’s in posterior position.

February 2, 2019 – Cervix is still thick and doctor said baby’s hiding, baby’s still in posterior position. My next check up is February 9, I have to undergo a BPS ultrasound to check if it’s safe for me and baby to get induced.

February 4, 2019 – Starting the work week of a new month. I bought my lunch at the canteen when I had a different kind of pain in my lower abdomen, it radiates in pelvic area, right leg, sometimes even in vaginal area. I continued working and observed the pains, it’s bearable. But to be sure, I asked Dear to pick me up at work and we went to the OB GYNE health clinic for an emergency check up.

3:30pm – The pain went off when I was examined, attending midwife said that pain was due to urinary tract infection. Yes, I got a U.T.I though I am just a few days away from delivery. My cervix is dilated at 2cm and baby’s still way up. So, was it a false alarm all along?

We went home, had dinner, it was just a usual night for us. I did my exercises, took a quick shower.

8:00pm – Already resting when I felt the pain again. It started on my lower back/pelvic area but still bearable.

Logged the pain intervals (labor na pala yun)

9:00pm – There’s still pain and it’s now hard to describe, I thought it was just from U.T.I but it’s different as minutes went by. I am sweating then I will feel cold. Dear told me to observe, time the pain intervals, log it, and if I can still sleep it out, since we plan to visit the clinic tomorrow with / without pains.

10:37pm – This is really something, I can’t log the time anymore and I don’t care if it’s another false alarm, I want to go the clinic and just be checked.

11:15pm – We arrived at the clinic, still in pain. I was further checked and Dear’s not allowed to accompany me anymore on the other room.

12:11am onwards – I was given an IV fluid and a shot of oxytocin (if I recalled correctly) to alleviate the pain. IE was done and I was just texting with Dear whenever I can, he said I was inside the Labor Room already.

Labor it is.

Labor Room? Soooo, this is the labor stage. I am in labor! Another indescribable pain and experience, if only I can personally tell it to you hehe. I prefer to stand up and sometimes sit on the bed, instead of lying down.

1:27am onwards – Another IE done, cervix dilated 5-6cm, 70% effacement, I’m still texting with Dear.

Labor pains went on but the intervals are longer. My next IE is 3:00am, the nurse and midwife were asking me to lie down on the bed, but no.. I found it more painful. Minutes were getting longer that I don’t want to look at the clock anymore. When I get tired, I sit down for a few minutes then stand up again.

Around 2:45am – I woke up the nurse and advised her that it still hurts. After another IE, they asked if I can still stand so we can now go to the Delivery Room.

Inside the Delivery Room is another story and a level up version. I can go into details but it’ll make this post longer haha. I was conscious all throughout the delivery process, I’ve been a good girl and followed my doctor, the midwife and nurses instructions.

3:43am – Inhale, exhale, take a deep inhale..hold your breath and puuuussh! Finally, baby’s out via normal delivery. Thank God and thank you Nanay.

Delivery Room

There you are…

4:55am – I was transferred to the Recovery Area and Dear can now see me, we’re now a family of three.

Visited by my family

The day after, baby had her newborn screening and we’re both discharged. Baby also had her hearing test just this afternoon.

Hearing test

Having a baby is a big surprise and gift for us. We had no expectations, we’re just enjoying our marriage for years now. We believe that she’s truly a God’s gift and blessing, I also think my Nanay (mom) sent her to us. She’s still guiding and continuously loving us from the heavens.

Kaja Let’s Go Baby

We’re in a bliss, excited and so thankful. Looking forward to next adventures and trips of Kaja Let’s Go with baby Johanna Mira!

Revisited: Sagada-Banaue

For the third time, we managed to organize a non-profit pooled tour. Mostly a group of first-timer joiners and colleagues who invited their friends. Indeed, a great experience for each participant. We targeted 20 persons but ended at 30, most of the joiners are so easy to deal with, it was all fun!

Kaja Let’s Go! Sagada-Banaue participants

This was a 2 days & 1 night Sagada-Banaue Tour, a jam-packed itinerary, tiring but all conquered it with a smile 🙂

Itinerary

November 17 (Friday)

• 10:00 pm – Departure (Manila)

November 18 (Saturday)

• 7:00 am – Arrival (Banaue)
• 9:00 am – Breakfast; Banaue Rice Terraces
• 11:00 am – Arrival (Sagada)
• 11:30 am – Echo Valley; Hanging Coffins; Sagada Pottery
• 1:00 pm – Lunch time
• 2:30 pm – Check in at transient house
• 3:30 pm – Sumaguing Cave
• 6:00 pm – Dinner time
• 8:00 pm – Back at transient house

November 19 (Sunday)

• 3:00 am – Wake up call
• 4:30 am – Kiltepan Peak
• 7:00 am – Breakfast
• 9:00 am – Aguid Rice Terraces; Bomod-Ok Falls
• 2:00 pm – Lunch; Freshen up
• 4:00 pm – Departure (Sagada)
• 8:00 pm – Pasalubong shopping at Baguio
• 2:00 am – Arrival (Manila)

Visited Sites

• Banaue Rice Terraces View Deck

• Echo Valley

• Hanging Coffins
• Sagada Pottery

• Sumaguing Cave

• Kiltepan Peak

• Aguid Rice Terraces

• Bomod-Ok Falls

Perfect time to visit is during the cold months, November up to February, temperature tends to go lower and lesser rain falls. We experienced rains during our 1st day but luckily we’re done with all the tours. Most of the participants also managed to take a bath without the use of water heater and they took it as an achievement :p

Kiltepan Peak

It’s easier to join group tours than a DIY tour, you can better maximize the itineraries and it’s convenient in a way that you’ll just have to hop-on and hop-off the van in each site. Driving to Sagada itself is no joke, you’ll have to make sure that your driver is a pro haha. There are bus lines driving to Sagada but it’s a bit hard to catch, you’ll just wish you hired your own van.

Budget / Pasalubong

Budget for this trip ranges from Php 2,000.00 to Php 3,000.00 each. Note that food / meals are a bit expensive in Sagada, but the serving is good enough for 2 persons. However, due to the activities you’ll experience, we think you won’t be sharing a meal with your friend haha. As for the pasalubong, there are plenty of shops in Banaue, Sagada, or even at Baguio on your way home. Prices are not so expensive except for the wines, coffee, Sagada rice.. since these items are their specialties up there. Our participants mostly bought shirts with Sagada print.

Things to bring

If you’re visiting during the cold months, you have to pack ala Pulag style but less the camping gears. It’s really cold in Sagada during night time, during your day-time activities, you’ll get sweaty but you can still feel the cold breeze.

• Towel
• Trek Pants / Leggings
• Dri-Fit shirts (for trekking & spelunking)
• Arm-sleeves / Long sleeves
• Sweatpants / jogging pants / socks (for night time)
• Hoodies (for long-drive & night-time)
• Sandals / Trek Shoes / Rubber Shoes with good sole grip
• Hat / Cap / Sarong (to shade you while trekking)
• Water-resistant pouch
• Trek Pole (but you can also borrow one at Aguid before trekking to Bomod-Ok falls)
• Shades / Bonnet / Scarf *suweeeg! :p
• Toiletries & Medicines
• Snacks / Candies / Drinks that can serve as energy booster during trekking & spelunking

2 days & 1 night tour at these places is a good idea if you just want to experience all the known sites and activities they offer and yes, it is possible. When we’re planning this trip we also though it’s impossible, but all of us are game and up for the challenge, we have our ointments and pain-killers for the sores haha joke.

That’s all our tips for Sagada-Banaue revisited tour, hope you’ll have a good one too!

Please rate our post 🙂

Burias Island, Masbate – Feb&Mar2017 Edition

It was still February, not yet summer, love month and one of our frequent traveler colleague insisted to join his DIY-pooled tour.  He said it’s on Burias, more of an island hopping in Masbate, we initially thought it’s a part of Visayas :p a bit far & still lazy for beach mode. But he insisted and offered as an affordable rate and so we agreed. Much to our surprise, the place gave us more than we expected. We even had our second trip there last March and managed to organize our own pooled tour. If you wanna know more, and who knows.. you wanna be a part of our next pooled tour too, “Kaja let’s go to Masbate!”.

 

The first trip we had was February, we joined a pooled tour with one of our colleagues who frequently travels, we brought one of my office mate and her mom. We all enjoyed it and my thoughts that time is that the place was good enough for a one time trip. Second trip was March, it’s nearing summer and yet you still don’t wanna go with the flock of tourists during peak summer season. What convinced us to go back is that we’re able to invite our own 10 participants, we felt pro that time haha and they all had a good feedback with our organizer duties and the whole trip itself. Plus factor is that we wanted to visit one of the islands and it’s hidden pool, of which we we’re not able to visit on our first trip.

Itinerary

The tour is always a weekender, good enough to fix your stressed weekday work. We leave at

• Friday 10pm, sleep through the 8-hour drive to San Andres, Quezon.
• Saturday 6am, have breakfast..freshen up and prepare for the island hopping.
  • 8am leave San Andres Port and spend the whole Saturday with the Day 1 island hopping. Go back to Sombrero Island for socials, dinner, rest.
• Sunday 7am leave Sombrero Island and start with Day 2 island hopping, then return to San Andres port. Freshen up, then drive back to Manila.

Getting There

The fastest land and sea route is via San Andres, Quezon. From Manila, it’s an 8 hour drive to San Andres, then from it’s port the nearest island, Snake Island, I think.. can be reached in an hour. It also depends on your boatman on what island you should go to since they know the sea conditions there. But from our opinion of having 2 trips there already, we found that it’s convenient and time-saver if you go the farthest island first, Animasola Island, since the remaining islands are just near to each other. You’ll just have to endure the 2 to 2 1/2 hour boat ride from San Andres to Animasola :p

Actually, hearing Burias at Masbate sound quite far, and you’ll think it’s in Visayas already but it’s not. Burias Island is still within Bicol Region, it’s one of the three major islands of Masbate province in the Philippines. It is separated from the Bicol Peninsula by the Burias Pass. The other two major islands are Ticao Island and Masbate Island. But really, island hopping to Burias is a bit tiring too haha and we’ll give you tips later on this post.

Accommodation and Tours

This is an island hopping / camping tour, do not expect a resort like accommodation. Sombrero Island is a good place to spend an overnight, you can pitch tents there or event rent huts, price ranges from Php 2,500.00 to Php 4,000.00..fan-room only but you have your own comfort room. As for tent pitchers, there’s always a common comfort room in the island.

We pitched tent on our Feb and March trips, we went to the common CRs, and what we can compare with these trips to our other island trips is that comfort rooms on Sombrero Island are cleaner or should we say tolerable. The food they serve on the island is delicious, specially the squid, too bad it’s not available on our March trip. The island has 2 sari-sari stores, they have complete stocks there, you can even have your “pa-load” moments there haha. There were no mosquitoes or whatever beach bugs or insects found, we always had a good night sleep.

Activities

The 2 days island hopping tour will take you to 5 islands, and each island will leave you different feeling and experience. Don’t expect Boracay like sand, Palawan like limestones, for this place will give you it’s islands own beauty and uniqueness.

Dapa Island / Snake Island

We asked one of our boatman and he said the name of this island is derived literally. The island is like lying down and flat “dapa”, and at night, there are plenty of sea snakes inhabiting the island. Well we don’t know if it’s really true, and we don’t wanna encounter them here haha. But if you’ll look at the structure of the island, it has many holes in it. This island is a good place to cliff dive during high tide, wooo I did jumped here twice on Feb and did another jump on our March trip. It was both our first time to do cliff dive and so you’ll see we’re still wearing life vests because we’re not swimmers hahaha.

Tinalisayan Island

It boasts a pretty sand bar at low tide but then it’s also pretty during high tides. This island is like a walk in the park thing, go up and see for yourself. Roam it’s sides and you’ll see pile of stones perfect for your Instagram shots. The island has powdery sands, clear, calm and cool waters good for swimming.

Sombrero Island

This is the island good for camping and chilling. Actually the Sombrero or hat structure is a bit far from here, you’ll have to cross the sea to reach it, but I guess locals still called this Sombrero since it’s the nearest :p. The island doesn’t have pure sand but it’s a nice place to rest by the shore, be careful swimming though because the sea floor here tends to slope deeper in just a few walks.

Animasola Island

For us, this island is the tour’s highlight and by far, the most uniquely beautiful of it all. This is one of the reasons why we chose to visit Burias, we personally want to wander this island and experience it’s nature-pool, go up the famous stone formation.

Animasola Island never fails to give you this creepy feeling and yet you still admire it. Despite the 2 hour butt-aching boat ride, reaching this place is like an achievement. On Feb, it was raining hard when we reached this island and so we failed to roam around. You should not miss the nature-pool on this island because it’s really one of a kind.

Alibijaban Island

This is at San Andres, Quezon part already but it’s included on the island hopping tour. On your way back to Manila, this stretch of island boasts powdery white sands, turquoise blue water, sand bar even 2 or 3 during low tide, mangroves. It’s like a sweet treat on your way home. We’re surprised because now they have resorts at the island and accepting tent accommodations. The water here however is not a good place for swimming, aside that it’s shallow, it also tends to become blurry and itchy.

As mentioned earlier, this island hopping is not as easy as it looks. Better if you can always sun-proof yourself, water-proof your gadgets and bring drinks, snacks with you. It’s always like an hour boat ride away from island to island which will exhaust you. We also think it’s convenient to just join travel agencies or pooled group tour than doing a DIY trip. This will lessen up your travel expenses and save you more time.

We can always go back to Burias if another group needs our assistance, you can also be a part of it 🙂 we’re just a comment away. Kajaletsgo has love and our co-travelers on these 2 tours gave us bonding & company ❤ Please rate this post, thanks!

Vlogged! Mount Pulag

We’re still working on our Pulag blog entry, so here’s a short vlog we prepared for you guys.Watch and enjoy. 🙂

BoraVaCay

Visiting Boracay for the second time, touring first timer travellers with “Balik-bayan” relatives, it was an another set of experience with mixed emotions. Oh and are you gearing up for the coming summer, read on. “Kaja let’s go again to Boracay!”

Our travels were mostly solo, but this one’s a bigger group, we’re 12 persons and we served as their tour guides. The group had many first time Boracay goers and it was also nice to share the tropical experience with our Balik-bayan Tito and Tita with their sons who were all first timers in the Philippines. They experienced flight delays, unpredictable weather, commuting hassle, price haggling, eating Balut but they all totally loved the adventure and it was added to their unforgettable moments, like they say… Only in the Philippines. :p

Transportation – Kaliboracay Trips

Though we had our disappointing flight delay experience from and to Kalibo, it’s a good thing that our van transfer was a smooth and dependent one. The van that we rode were both in good condition, not an old unit. The assigned driver is always ahead of our agreed pick up time and easy to talk with, same goes with their owner. The van transfer cost us Php 3,000.00 all in. We recommend Kaliboracay trips, just give them a call or text and they answer promptly. 50% down payment is required for your reservation and you will just settle the balance during your arrival at Kalibo.

Accommodation – Boracay Ocean Bay Resort

As John was browsing at Agoda he saw this hotel and directly called them instead and happen to speak with the owner directly. It was a great deal since they offered us Php 3,200.00 for 6 persons in each room with free buffet breakfast for all checked-in guests. They are located at Station 1 along the road and near commercial establishments, it’s just a 5 minute walk from and to the White Beach. The hotel is not so new even the rooms, but it’s clean and well-maintained, away from the beach noise. Overall it’s a good place to stay with and if we will visit Boracay again, we consider staying here again. They require 50% down payment for your reservation.

Activities

What we noticed is that the tour operators had a price increase of all offered tour and activities, it was only 2014 since we went there but the price went all high. Here’s an update:

• Helmet Diving – Php 600.00 per head
• Banana Boat – Php 300.00 per head
• Island Hopping (includes snorkeling) – Php 3,000.00 medium boat / group of 10-12 persons
• Parasailing – Php 1,500.00 solo / Php 2,500.00 group of 2-3 persons

Just remember to haggle for the lowest price and don’t give in easily with the prices or stories that they tell you. Especially if you are in big groups, always mention it to them so they can adjust and give better discounts. They say the price increase was due to the demand of their travel group organization and that they standardized the prices of all activities, despite all their blahs..stillask for the lowest price! :p

Not much has changed on the island, even the other islands you will visit during the island hopping tour. The White Beach is still the same even at night, though there were some new establishments by the beach and inside the D’Mall. The for sale items and pasalubong prices is still the same.

If you want a much quiet Boracay experience and a not so hot/humid one..it’s better to visit during these months, December to February, but we still got sunburned though hehe. Off peak season is better because the accommodations are not yet fully booked, the island is not so crowded, the transportation is smoother. You also won’t wait too long in availing your water or land tours since there’s not so many visitors. But be warned for it was like you’re in Korea haha due to many Korean tourists that you will see on the island.

Summer is coming, plan ahead for your travels, start that Boracay getaway itinerary!

For our detailed Boracay travel, itinerary, expenses..you may visit our 2014 blog post.

Contact Info

Boracay Ocean Bay Resort

• http://www.oceanbayboracay.com
• Mobile Nos. 0920-9552258
• Landline Nos. 6333-337-1759 (Boracay) / 633-337-0634 (Iloilo)

John Paul Oliveros of Kaliboracay Trips

• Mobile No.  0998-5680149

First Time Flyers Guide (Domestic)

We admit it, at first, we’re not really fond of promo airfares, our mindset’s not prepared for flights yet hehe. Whenever our colleagues goes into rush when a piso fare is announced, yeah we just don’t mind it haha. Then last February, out of curiosity, we booked online with Cebu Pacific. And you know what this means? Yes, here’s our dummies guide to first time flyers like you, like us..yep, at the age of 24 y/o, finally we rode an airplane hahaha 🙂

Commuting to NAIA? Most of domestic flights are in NAIA Terminal 3. Taxis are the easiest way to get here but it’s pricey. We rode the taxi from Taft Avenue, Manila w/c costs us around Php 150.00. Or you can ride the airport shuttles at EDSA Taft across Metropoint, fare is Php 20.00 each. This is cheaper but going to EDSA Taft is another haggard situation you may want to consider hehe.

You’re now at NAIA? You’ll see gate entrances w/ numbers, then your baggage, hand carry will pass through a scanner and you’ll get a body inspection too. No need to remove your watch, earrings, accessories, shoes. Get your bags from the scanner and now you’re inside the airport, you’ll see this…

You have boarding pass?  Near the check in counters, there are booths where you can print your boarding pass. You can also do this online, all thanks to CebPac’s updated email notifications. If you don’t have a printer, a screen shot of your boarding pass will do too. We did this on Puerto Princesa Airport & the crew accepted our boarding pass screenshots. Boarding pass needs to be presented in check in/bag drop counters so they can issue another printed boarding pass that looks like a receipt w/ attached baggage number.

 

Have you checked in yet? Nope, this is not about checking in w/ your social accounts to update that you’re in the airport hahaha (I know you do!). See those counters w/ airline labels? This is where you need to have your baggage be checked in. CebPac also sends an email 2 days prior to your flight, asking you to check in. In our case, we checked in online then we also checked in at the airport haha to be sure. We arrived 2 hours prior our flight schedule. Below are some of photos we took for your easier guide 🙂

Boarding Pass & Check In Done? Now what’s next? You’re free to roam around & take pictures in the airport, haha.

I’m serious, this is your free time while waiting for your boarding time. Or you may just proceed to the gate number indicated in your boarding pass.

I’m at my assigned gate number.  Just sit back, a few minutes before boarding time, pay attention to the announcements. The airline crew will explain your flight’s boarding announcement. Remember that guests seated at rows 1-15 enters the front entrance of the airplane, while rows 16 up take the rear entrance. Be kind enough to give way for elderly, pregnant, disabled persons. (O diba kabisado?!hehe) 

Inside the plane. 

For 1st time flyers or not, admit it, we all took photos inside the plane haha :p Aside from this, place your hand carry bag on drawers over head or under the seat in front of you. Pay attention to what the crews are discussing, they’ll have a game later on the flight where you can win airline goodies. Also, take time to read the safety instruction card.

Take note. 

• Mobile phones / any electronic devices should be switched off while inside the plane. Haha but we now have airplane mode in our mobile phones, etc. so this solves it.
• Never travel w/ an empty stomach, neither eat in full, avoid oily foods too.
• Seats located across the airplane wing gives a more stable motion in flight. We had seats like this on our flight back to Manila, but we found it bumpy hehe.
• Terminal fee in NAIA is included on your booked airfare, no need to pay in the airport. While terminal fee in provinces are not included, so you still need to pay for it.
• If possible, be at the airport at least 2 hours prior your flight schedule. Daig ng maagap ang masipag 🙂

I guess, these are the basics that every first time flyers should know. Have a fun and safe flight!

Thanks and please rate. 🙂