✈️ A Fright at Manila T3! And a Walk Through Makati's Night 🇵🇭 🗓️ Thursday, November 20, 2025

 

Hello, everyone!

I have safely landed in the Philippines!

The Jeju Air flight, which departed Incheon on schedule, had a little turbulence but arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 (T3) slightly ahead of time. Luckily, the Immigration counter, which is usually packed, was empty, and I got through the process in no time!

🧳 Where's My Luggage?! A Heart-Stopping Moment

I took the escalator down to the baggage claim conveyor belt, and that's where the waiting began...

My priority-tagged bags, which should have come out first, didn't appear for a long, long time.

I checked the large monitor above the conveyor belt that displays the baggage handling status. I could see that all the unloading from the aircraft (a Boeing 737) was being done manually. The bags were transported by cart to the conveyor—and the handling was quite "rough"! Seeing the staff practically throwing the bags onto the conveyor made me anxious.

Finally, my golf bag and suitcase appeared, but the Boston bag was still missing. I checked the monitor again and spotted my bag! I managed to retrieve all three pieces of luggage, loaded them onto a cart, and headed to Customs. As usual, I passed through without a check! What a relief.

📱 The Battle with the Philippine SIM and Grab

While waiting for my baggage, I tried to switch to my Philippine SIM card, but the setup just wouldn't work... I went outside and had the Globe counter top up 500 pesos onto the SIM.

However, the internet connection remained unstable, and I couldn't call a ride using the Grab app. With no other option, I went to the Grab Center at NAIA T3 to request a car. It was just as the Grab agent was assisting me that my internet finally connected! I successfully secured a ride.

🏨 Budget Hotel Review: Eurotel Makati

The hotel I chose this time is the "Eurotel Makati," located near Makati Central Square. Its appeal was that it was slightly cheaper than where I usually stay.

I checked in and was shown to my room, but my honest impression is "you get what you pay for." There is no refrigerator, and the window-type air conditioner is quite noisy... The location is good, but it seems like it will be a slightly disappointing stay.

🍜 Makati Night: Police Presence in "Little Tokyo"

Since I hadn't had dinner yet, I walked from the hotel to the McDonald's in Makati Central Square.

Along the way, I noticed a Makati Police vehicle parked in front of the Shinjuku Ramen restaurant in "Little Tokyo." Across the street, by the 7-Eleven, two police officers were standing, chatting but clearly keeping watch over the area.

This police presence is likely a result of the rising concern over safety, following a series of reported snatchings and robberies targeting Japanese travelers and residents. It's a visible effort by the police to ensure that tourists and locals can feel safe at night.