Of cancelled flights, Airphil's Worry Free Travel Insurance, and lazy Wednesdays in Batanes
This morning, I woke up to the familiar sound of the waves hitting the shore and smiled at the thought of waking up in Batanes. I couldn't remember the last time smiling was the first thing I did after waking up. I needed this. My smile quickly faded away when I realized I donât live by the beach. Where are the sounds of waves coming from? I figured out it was the storm making its presence felt. The gusting wind was creating sounds my 6:00-am-brain thought was similar to that of the beach.
I was reluctant to pack my things and get ready for my 8:00 am flight. I was not ready to go back to Manila just yet after only three days. I was also anticipating that my flight would be canceled. While I was getting ready, Philip, a friend I met here texted me that our flight was placed on hold and we had to wait for a go signal from Manila. I said my goodbyes to Aunty Fe, Marfel lodgeâs caretaker, who had been nothing but nice and accommodating throughout my stay. Once I was all packed and ready to make my way to the airport, I got a message from another new found friend, Carlos, saying the flight has been cancelled. I wanted to scream âYes!â and do a cartwheel but I didnât want to look insensitive considering the other guests at the lodge terribly wanted to go home. I also canât do a cartwheel even if my life depends on it.
I, together with Beverly and Conrad who also stayed at Marfelâs lodge, went to the airport to have our flights rebooked for Fridayâs flight. At that point I was still trying to hide my excitement over the fact that I will still be in this paradise for two more nights. I remembered telling Carlos in jest the day that I am hoping for a cancelled flight so I may enjoy Batanes longer. I was hoping he wouldn't remember what I said. When Carlos saw me, he greeted me with âThis is your fault.â, and announced to the rest of the waiting passengers that âHe prayed for this.â That was the cue for everyone to chime in in blaming me.
My secretâs out. I smiled and confessed that I really didnât mind staying longer. When I booked the ticket in February, I still had a regular job. Back then, I thought I could only afford to miss work for three days. Now, my schedule is as empty as my pocket. Beverly said the islandâs lone ATM is offline but Western Union is open. At 25, Iâm lucky I can still call home to ask for some dough.
Philip, an affluent businessman, was nice enough to ask the Airphil ground crew to have my name listed under his party so I may be bumped off to the top of the list. The nice lady who works for Airphil refused and listed me at the bottom of the list since I was the last one to arrive. I didnât complain because it was only fair. I asked her if my travel insurance would pay for my accommodation for the next 2 days, and she said it will only cover the rebooking of my ticket.
I was not satisfied with the ground staffâs answer because I know that even without travel insurance, any airline would rebook your flight for free in cases like this. I called Chartis, Airphilâs âWorry Free Insuranceâ provider, and asked the representative, Shane, the same question I asked the lady from the airport. Shane, who was very helpful but needs a some phone handling training, assured me that if I present my receipts, claim form, and a certification from Airphil or PAL Express stating that my flight was cancelled and rescheduled, they would gladly reimburse my hotel, meals, and other necessary expenses for as much as P1,000 per hour for every six hours as long as it does not exceed 48 hours. The next flight is exactly 48 hours away. How lucky could I get?
Though it was raining lightly the rest of the day, I still had the chance to do some leisurely walking. Leisurely walking is not something I normally enjoy doing, but I wouldnât pass up the chance to walk around the most picturesque place in the Philippines. I was quite content that I didnât ask for directions to get to the nearest Western Union as I remember where it was from walking past by the place the night before. I opened the door and was greeted by a familiar face. The owner, Ate Gemma, is also the owner of the only gas station in Basco a few blocks away. Carlos and I were walking home last night from the dinner Philip hosted when Carlos thought it would be interesting to take pictures of the understandably high price of gasoline here. The owner talked to us and explained the process of shipping gas from Manila to Basco.
I had time to talk to Ate Gemma while I waited for Carlos who's staying at a lodge nearby. I asked her if she knows a place to get my nails done and she immediately called someone and setup an appointment for a nail tech to visit me in our lodge. I know getting a mani and pedi is not in anyoneâs to-do list in Batanes but hey, Iâm typing with clean and trimmed nails so I canât complain. Carlos arrived soon after and Ate Gemma suggested a place where we could have lunch.
On our way to the restaurant, we saw a pizza place and ordered takeouts. The place Ate Gemma suggested only served snacks at the time so we headed to St. Dominic Canteen. I planned on walking home but the rain grew stronger so we had to look for a tricycle while waiting at the Police Station. Iâm sure you have heard that the crime rate in Batanes is 0%. True enough, the prison cell was empty.
I arrived home and Ate Fina, with an F - not P - as she pointed out, was waiting for me. She is from the island of Sabtang and lives here in Basco to work. She did a good job in cleaning my nails and wished for clear skies tomorrow so I may go home safe on Friday.
I will be happy to go home on Friday. But who would hate spending some more time in places like these?
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