Business Lounge - Seol, South Korea

Before I go to the business lounge I normally find a gate that does not have a flight for a few hours and then lay down for a really good couple of hours sleep. This is such a big terminal that you can always find somewhere to sleep.

Apart from flying from here back to Heathrow that's the end of my eighth trip to the Philippines.

I am now looking forward to my ninth trip later in the year. I love the Philippines. The weather is great, the place is so nice and the people are so friendly. I can't say that about the UK.

Asiana Air Business Lounge Manila

Just had two nights in Manila and now waiting in the Asiana Air Business Lounge. This is much better than waiting in the terminal waiting area as it is very small and not much room. This lounge is right by the gate and has hot food, sandwiches and plenty of drinks.

Dumaguete Airport

Last flight of the day is Cebu Pacific Airlines at 17.45 although they normally run late which was the case for me. My flight for Manila was delayed by an hour.

An extra hour in this small airport is not that good. I normally check in and then come back out across the road and wait in a bar/cafe.

Trikes in Dumaguete

The best way to get around in the city is by trike. Most local journeys in Dumaguete are 9 pesos per person. If you get one of these on the trike rank outside the shopping mall you will have to wait for them to fill it up with passengers before they move and if you are not first off you will be on it longer. The best thing to do is negotiate a price with no other passengers or walk further down the road and hail one down.

Hotel Nicanor - Dumaguete

Traveled by ferry over to the city of Dumaguete. Did not have a hotel booked but found this one, Hotel Nicanor which was convenient as you could walk to most places from here. But if you wanted a trike ride they always pulled up the instant you stepped out the door of the hotel.

This hotel was 1200 pesos (£18.00) per night not including breakfast. It was clean with hot and cold water and aircon.

An Evening with friends at Coco Grove Resort

A few friends came over to the Coco Grove Resort. We had another lovely evening of chat, food and drink including entertainment at or table from singers at the resort.

Last day on Siquijor

Just relaxing by the beach on the last day before leaving Siquijor tomorrow for two nights in Dumaguete.

Ice tea is a lovely refreshing drink while out in the heat of the day.

Waitress on her day off

One of the waitresses climbing a coconut tree to show some guests how it is done. This was her day off, she spent a few hours chatting at taking photos with us.

Local Disco

A great night at the local disco with a really good live band playing. This was all part of the fiesta celebrations in the local Barangay of Calaninan, Siquijor.

I paid extra to have a couple of tables and some chairs to save standing all night. Although this was outside the heat of the night was unbearable, but the dancing, band and company was excellent.

Coco Grove Resort - Siquijor

Back at Coco Grove for my third stay. Coco Grove is probably the best resort on the island of Siquijor. Breakfast on the beach every morning is so nice and is included in the price. I can't think of a better way to start your day. The staff here are so friendly and get to know you by name and always have time for a chat.

Out to Dinner

Invited to a friends house for dinner. Plenty of very nice food especially the chicken curry.

Generally people living here cook and eat outside, so this was another great experience eating with local friends in the forest.

Replica Resort - Siquijor

Stayed at Replica Resort for a few nights. Only 850 pesos per night including aircon. Not much to do at the resort but a great cheap base. No hot water in the room and showers not that good. The easiest way to wash is the traditional way with a bucket of cold water and a sort of plastic saucepan shape dipper.

This resort will allow you to take your own food in and will cook it for you if required.

Pig for Fiesta

Pig just escaped from its pen. This pig will be used next week for the fiesta, very tasty.

Calalinan Fiesta dates are 14th-15th April 2012

The fiesta is part  of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the fiesta must go on.

A night out with local friends

Arrived on Siquijor checked in and then for an evening out with local friends. A few beers and a good chat and laugh. Just cannot beat the atmosphere of sitting outside and chatting with friends.

Seaside Boulevard - Manila

A walk along Seaside Boulevard in the evening from the hotel is a pleasant way to spend the evening. Lots of locals go here to eat in the fish restaurants and watch the entertainment.

You can see right across Manila from the ferris  wheel. this is the biggest ferris wheel in the Philippines. The cost to ride is 150 pesos.

Microtel Mall of Asia Manila

Back at the Microtel Mall of Asia hotel Manila for three nights. A lovely hotel. The food is really nice here and not expensive. If you are coming here from the airport a fixed price taxi is about 700 pesos but I suggest you go and queue for a meter taxi as it will only cost you about 250 pesos including a tip.

The shopping mall is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel as is many restaurants along the Seaside Boulevard.

Seol South Korea Business Lounge

Now on South Korean time which is eight hours ahead of the UK.

In the business lounge again, more snacks and drinks. I will not want to eat for weeks after my flight.

A very nice and comfortable lounge.

Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines a really great. There is plenty of leg room and they really look after you well. Because I am a Diamond Member (frequent travel) I had two hostesses approach me individually using my name to welcome me aboard and to thank me for choosing to fly with them so many times.

This flight to South Korea was about 10.5 hours.

I am so full up with a meal in the lounge and then two full meals on the flight.

Star Alliance Business Lounge

What a great business lounge at London Heathrow terminal 1. Had a full meal and plenty to drink.

I could charge all my devices and had free internet access.

There was plenty of drink and snacks available