Stranded!

While Ondoy was wrecking havoc in Metro Manila, I was at the airport in Palawan, waiting for a flight back to Manila. Before Ondoy struck, I vacationing in Palawan. On our last day, we turned the tv  on and learned about the rains and floods in Manila.

Our flight was supposed to leave at 5pm. 5pm came and went but there was no plane. No announcements either from the airline. We had to inquire personally to the airline personnel to learn any updates. From them, we learned that the plane could not leave Manila because of the rains. Some flights have already been cancelled. There were hundreds on people at the airport as students from FEU were also leaving for Manila. It was past 7 when our plane arrived. When we left, there were still students left behind as the other airline still has not arrived.

When we arrived at the NAIA terminal, this is what greeted us:

People of were sitting on the floor. Some were sleeping on top of chairs, on the luggage conveyor, and on boxes. No vehicle can enter or leave the airport area. I was resigned to spending the night sitting on the cold floor at the airport. Over the PA system, airport personnel were begging some passengers to remove their bags on the chairs dso that other passengers can sit. Pasaway talaga ang ibang tao.

At the Jollibee outlet, there were long lines waiting to be served. People were grumbling about the food that was running out. At one point, one can only order fries. Good thing the crew stayed on top of the situation.  

At about 11 pm, we learned that the floods have subsided enough to allow some buses to pass thru near the airport. We took a chance and left the airport. Thank God there was a bus waiting outside and it was headed my way. The traffic was horrendous by the domestic airport but al least we were safely in the bus. 

When I arrived at the condo, I learned we were not spared from Ondoy’s mischief. There was evidence of flooding downstairs. At least the waters have aleady subsided when we arrived and we arrived safe.