flying in fantasy world (or flying business class)

Hi there! I am out of Calbayog. I am posting this while I'm in Manila. Just wanna share that "experience" I had when "by accident" I had to fly to Manila via PAL business class. I call that experience "flight in fantasy world". I had to rush to Imperial Manila for an urgent business, and thanks to the Tacloban fiesta, the only flight open was that of PAL and that's in business class. My sponsor had no choice but to go for it. So, what about that flight? Considering the way I flew or traveled the past so many months, it was sheer fantasy.

What separates business class from the rest? an ordinary curtain.

hmm, the welcome drink - a choice of mango juice or lemon water (both cold) served in real glass. And yes, they served ice.

I made sure I took a picture of the meal served before I finished it. A far cry from the usual plastic of chichiria and juice. But no apologies for the plastic cutlery.

. . . but the legroom is to die for

. . . and the hot towel was something most welcome

My finished meal which was kinda nice. But for the additional you have to pay for the ticket, no will do . . .

Back to the world of reality. Time to pick up my stuff at the carousel.

So, will I fly business class again? a big NO! For so short a span of time (spent on flying) and the amenities for a few thousand bucks extra, NO. As Mr. Gokongwei had it, the money can be spent in a fancy restaurant somewhere. And I agree with him.

But one thing though, it seems that PAL stews know how to smile warmly compared to the ones we get from budget airlines.

Calbayog welcomes her new Bishop (4)

After the church ceremonies, guests were treated to a luncheon at the TTMIST Socio-Cultural Center. Here are some pictures from that Event:

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento welcoming the new bishop to the City of Calbayog

Congressman Reynaldo Uy speaking for the 1st District of Samar

Archbishop Jose Palma

CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez

Msgr. Basiling Rosales, Fr. Ric Pitogo and Mayor Mel Sarmiento

TTMIST President Dr. Socorro Bohol, Fr. Joe Calderon, Congressman Reynaldo Uy, Fr. Joaquin Colminas and Fr. Anthony Mahinay

Archbishop Jose Palma receives a gift from the Calbayog Clergy

Calbayog welcomes her new bishop (3)

The new bishop of Calbayog, Most Reverend Isabelo Abarquez was installed in Ceremonies at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral this morning. Here are two sets of pictures taken from the occassion.

Ricardo Cardinal Vidal

Archbishop Jose Palma

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez

Fr. Michael Aguilar reads the Papal Bull

Cardinal Vidal, Archbishops Lagdameo and Palma accompany the new Bishop to his cathedra

Msgr. Pedro Dean, Msgr. Jose Palma and Cardinal Vidal

Msgr. Lagdameo, Msgr. Dean and Msgr. Palma

Part of the Calbayog clergy in attendance

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Congressman Reynaldo Uy

Cardinal Vidal delivering his homily

Fr. Andy Pacoli and another priest as seen from behind a formation of choir members during the singing of the synod theme song: "Bungyod Pakiusa"

Calbayog welcomes her new Bishop (2)

The Papal Bull after being read by Fr. Mika Aguilar

Flanked Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Msgr. Leonardo Guadalquiver, Bishop Abarquez recieves the staff from Archbishop Palma while seated at the Cathedra

Cardinal Vidal and the guest Bishops

Below are pictures of the faithful, church and civil officials and the religious paying homage to the new bishop:

The Vicar General of the Diocese, Msgr. Bienvenido Chiquillo

Mayor Mel Sarmiento

Congressman Reynaldo Uy

Vice Mayor Ronaldo Aquino

Bishop Abarquez with other bishops who attended the installation

The Calbayog Clergy with the new bishop

Calbayog welcomes her new bishop (1)

one of the many streamers welcoming Bishop Abarquez and guests to the installation

A streamer welcoming Bishop Abarquez and thanking Archbishop Palma

Fr. Toto Vivas of the Parish of Our Lady's Nativity welcomes the bishop at Brgy. Carayman. With Fr. Vivas is diocese priest-in-charge Rev. Fr. Ric Pitogo

Schoolchildren welcome the bishop in Carayman

Students from La Milagrosa Academy

A beaming Bishop Abarquez during the dinner on the eve of hisi nstallation

Archbishop Palma takes time to pose for a picture with some priests after the dinner reception at the Centennial Pastoral Center

photos courtesy of Joselo Co and Tonette Ramonida of Studio-8