PHI: Philippine Airlines PR508 (Economy)
SIN-MNL (4h)
Boeing 777-300ER
ETD: 2.15pm (GMT + 8)
ETA: 6.15pm (GMT + 8)
ETD: 2.15pm (GMT + 8)
ETA: 6.15pm (GMT + 8)
“What? You’ve never been to Australia?” was something I’d grown used to hearing up to the age of 35. Indeed, this travel series marks my very first Down Under experience. While Melbourne can be reached directly from Singapore, I set off in the opposite direction first, heading to Manila, the Philippines with the oldest commercial airline in Asia.
---
PHI: Philippine Airlines PR508 (Economy) <YOU ARE HERE!>
AUS: Qantas QF443 (Economy)
AUS: Ibis Styles Kingsgate
AUS: Queen Victoria Market
AUS: South Melbourne Market
AUS: Shrine of Remembrance
AUS: Royal Botanic Gardens
AUS: Melbourne Downtown
AUS: Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour
... (more to come!)
---
Of all the terminals at Changi Airport, Terminal 1 is my least favourite. Having said that, it felt pleasantly unhurried that afternoon.
Boarding commenced about half an hour before the scheduled departure time.
 |
| As of 28 October 2025, all Philippine Airlines flights have relocated to Terminal 2. |
Boarding commenced about half an hour before the scheduled departure time, slightly later than the 45 minutes indicated on the boarding pass.
 |
| I flew in the Business Class cabin with 2-3-2 seating configuration many years ago. |
 |
| I believe flight attendants shouldn't be obliged to lift luggage, especially heavy ones, into overhead bins. |
With the safety demonstration video wrapped up, we gently lifted off the runway.
 |
| Salamat means 'thank you' in Tagalog. |
 |
| Flying off with joy in my pocket and dreams in my carry-on! |
I made my way to the lavatory before the late lunch service.
 |
| Everyone was still required to wear a face mask at that time. |
Afterwards, I watched Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
 |
| I've just learnt that the medical term for brain freeze is cold-stimulus headache. |
For a closer look at what my travel buddy and I had, check out my food blog post.
 |
| Lunch main course #1: Sliced Beef with Fettuccine |
 |
| Lunch main course #2: Roasted Chicken with Rice |
Once the meal service wrapped up, the cabin lights were dimmed.
 |
| I also managed to catch Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank till the end. |
As we descended into Manila, the city slowly revealed itself below.
 |
| Catching that bit of golden glow before we tilted~ |
 |
| With a soft and reassuring bump, we touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. |
We arrived at Terminal 2, heading straight to the transfer desk to take a bus to Terminal 1.
We were originally supposed to fly with Philippine Airlines PR209 to Melbourne, but when that flight was cancelled and the next available rebooking was at least three days away, we decided to take a detour via Sydney instead.
Comments
Post a Comment