Cheers, crocman. I'm glad you had a memorable bday. You even had a special, right off the tree bday coconut!
How's your new job coming along? Are you & the dragonlady still planning to go to PI later this year?
Re: your daughter, I hope she has a nice time w/ her bf this Xmas season. Just a warning, though. That's peak season here, and flights might be delayed due to 'air traffic situation'. I've experienced traveling during xmas season. The airports, seaports, bus statuons are all full. Early this year, I traveled w/ a friend from.Antique to Caticlan port. Spent new year w/ her family in Antique prov. The Caticlan port was sooooo full & she waited in line the whole day, while i was in charge of watching our bags. We were 'chance passengers' - stupid of us for not pre-booking on the boats. Lol
Anyway, I'm sure your daughter's flights will be pre-booked, but as I've said, there might be delays. A friend's flight (manila-kalibo) was delayed for 4 hrs, just this year, due to air traffic. Not enough runways & tarmac here, I think. The situation might be as chaotic as Holy Week, which you've experienced.
If I'm available (i might have a trip also) & if your daughter will stay in manila for a few days, give me a holler. I might be available for a free tour guiding of Intramuros or Rizal Park! Or even just a short meet & greet.
Cheers!