I arrived at the airport 4 hours from my scheduled departure in order to avoid the hassle of waiting in line for hours. Surprisingly, there were long lines at the check-in counters of Cebu Pacific but they seem to be so efficient I didn't really wait that long. Upon arrival, I immediately asked if we're okay to check-in. I was told to wait for one more hour.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 is super spacious and clean and it does look like an "international airport" unlike that filthy NAIA terminal 1. The restrooms are clean and it does remind you of the scenes in that Tom Hanks movie (the one with Catherine Zeta-Jones). I'm so impressed! The German company Fraport did a good job. Too bad they sorts got duped by the government? (Proven in court recently - sorta.)

So here's the thing: unlike the old terminal, passengers need to go through a step-by-step process without missing anything. I'm kinda surprised it's quite different here at Terminal 3. Maybe I'm wrong but how come you have the option of paying the travel tax before or after you check-in?

And oh! Speaking of travel tax - holy cow! It's pretty steep! But I cannot complain since I can see what the fees are doing for the passengers. 

My tip: Pay the travel tax first before checking-in. It saves you the trouble of having to go back and forth and fall in live twice. I heard counters can get pretty busy during early morning flights. The tips on Foursquare definitely helped. 

And no, Karin, I didn't have to pretend that I am not excited about this trip when I talked to immigration. (She told me not to appear too enthusiastic as there will be an 'interview'.) 

So far so good!