The long haul on Cathay Pacific

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It was back to the United States this year for my annual hiatus (aka vacation). And Cathay Pacific was the plane of choice (this time), flying from Manila to JFK with a transit in Hong Kong. I wanted to try Cathay Pacific considering that it had excellent flight schedules.

Manila to Hong Kong to JFK

The flight was on an A330 and while the herringbone configuration was nice, the plane looked like it was about to retire. The screen was barely working as there was a huge delay in trying to figure out what movies to watch. As you touched the plastic screen – yes, plastic – it was literally unresponsive. Wifi was okay after 30,000 feet and worked well till we got to Hong Kong.

The lounge in Manila and the Pier in Hong Kong, was excellent. I should say that the lounges of Cathay Pacific served very good food and had amenities that were fit for the travel class. I liked the fact that it was a dedicated airline lounge for those flying on CX and there was no sharing of the lounge, especially out of Manila. In Hong Kong, you can find various business class lounges near your departure gates.

The A350 from Hong Kong to JFK (with the Herringbone configuration) was much better. It had slightly more room and the entertainment system was also much better (no more plastic). Food was fine, but the service needs improvement. They really don’t bother you at all, even when you’re awake, to ask you if you want anything to eat or drink. The crew just passes you by, unless you get up and ask them in the galley or ring for the crew to bring you food.

Departure and arrival was on time and although there was so much turbulence during the flight, I was able to get a comfortable sleep with their Bamford beddings.

The return flight

This was a nightmare.

Our flight out of JFK was scheduled at 250PM. And while the captain announced that all passengers were accounted for at 245PM, a seat problem (which was malfunctioning) needed to get resolved before we could take off. Because it was a full flight, this issue could not be resolved just by transferring the passenger to another seat. We departed at 430PM, which meant that I would miss my connecting flight.

This 777 configuration had first, business, premium economy and economy class. Another outdated plane, which probably accounted for the seat malfunction. Cathay Pacific should really retire these planes because they’re so dated that I even wonder how they can make the very long haul flight a comfortable one. They have their new Aria Suites which they fly to Sydney, London, Beijing (why?), and Toronto. They should use these new planes for the longer hauls. It’s a pity because we pay so much for mediocre service.

The meals out of the US flight was so-so. It wasn’t fantastic but neither was it bad. The fish ball noodles were very good. Stick to that. You won’t regret it. Otherwise, the meals were uhmmm….so-so. I had better meals on a plane.

Service was mediocre and an apologetic crew that could only say, they’re sorry for the delay and that someone on the ground would assist us.

The Wifi was not working at all during the return flight (except for a few minutes). So much for free Wifi.

The Hong Kong to Manila last flight was on a 777 with a 2-3-2 configuration. While it was not lie flat, it was spacious compared to the herringbone seats. I had to hold the plug for the audio on my seat because the headset was deaf – only one ear was functioning.

Conclusion

If Cathay Pacific wants to stay in the game and regain its stand in the travel industry, it has to make sure that it outpaces the competition.

CX has old planes. Very old. The pandemic had hit them hard and while they are trying to recuperate their lost glory, they need to really step up rapidly in this business.

Next time I’m flying long haul, I’ll stick to my favorite airlines – ANA and JAL. While their connection times are a bit off, they stand out far far from what Cathay Pacific offers when it comes to service.

The culture of corruption is not okay

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Corruption has been with us since time immemorial. It’s just more scandalous now with the nepos flaunting the “wealth” of their families. Social media, which became their tool in the age of “influencers” to promote themselves and their lifestyles has literally opened Pandora’s box. Gullible followers provide them an engagement platform promoting their lifestyle.

It’s tiring to see the ordinary Filipino having to slave away to make ends meet. To beg for better healthcare. To suffer in the daily commute. To have to conquer flood waters and our lives being upended because someone was paid for ghost projects. To be slapped left and right with taxes that could have been avoided had the government been more mindful of abetting and sleeping with these corrupt vendors. Worst, we vote those who have clear conflicts of interest into office.

That problem has been with us for decades. Yet we continue to turn a blind eye each election. The rich, obviously will support those who will sustain their business. The poor, will vote for those who will provide them with dole-outs (ayuda). The very minor middle class will migrate to find greener pastures for their families.

To those left behind, the cycle will never end. It only worsens over time.

There is a need to press that reset button hard. But the damage is far too deep to mend. Too many people we’ve voted for working to keep their political survival afloat, they will simply whitewash this new fiasco.

Month after month we see a new “scandal” covering up a previous one. Where is Alice Guo? What happened to the Pharmally case? Where is the 89B of Philhealth that got diverted to the DoF? What happened to the cases filed against Sara Duterte when she was Secretary of Education? Why has Harry Roque not been extradited? And so on and so forth. What ever happened to these cases? Has justice been served? Was there closure?

Half the problem is our judicial system where those that have money are able to sustain high profile lawyers to delay justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.

And then there is mainstream media where some envelopmental journalists have joined the bandwagon of featuring what is wrong to justify it as a right perspective for the right price.

I am sure that these thieves who have stolen billions from the coffers of the nation will just quiet down for awhile (after all, they have stolen so much that even in their grandchildren’s lifetime, they have enough). And will come back with a different name, a different government official to bribe, and a different leadership to support.

They say Filipinos are a forgiving people. I refuse to believe that. They are forgetful.

We have the right to be angry. But that is all we can be. The question is – what are we going to do about it? Every election provides us the chance to take power away from every corrupt official. But it begins with every Filipino, rich or poor. Until we make our voices heard, this will never end. Our voices will never be heard. And we will always feed these parasites, acknowledging the culture of corruption is okay.

Joy and pain

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While my almost 88 year old disabled mom can still travel, I try to make this annual getaway something our family can do together. And while it gets to be more expensive making arrangements for a trip, I’ve always believed that these moments are priceless. Someday, when we look back, we can hopefully say that it was all worth it.

Unlike the previous years where we follow the crowd during the long Holy Week break, we left earlier this year. Hoping to get a glimpse of the Sakura, we were able to catch only a few snippets as the flowers at the end of the full bloom.

Paradoxical to the Cherry Blossom is life. It begins as buds from the winter and blooms for just two weeks. After that time, all flowers wither and are replaced by leaves. In the tree above our family photo, you will see a mix of leaves and some sakura flowers remaining. Beauty and joyful occasion being replaced by reality.

The day after our visit to Ueno Park, I received news from home that my 14 year old Shitzu, Silver had passed on. It was difficult to watch his last moments on CCTV. The pain that engulfed me was overwhelming. He was a friend and companion. The thing with losing fur friends is that they have no expectations from us. When I get home, he just waits there, hoping to catch me at a good time to take him for a stroll around the block, rub his tummy or spend a few minutes in silence with him, just appreciating his presence.

The paradox of joy and pain was visibly palpable in this trip.

Silver passed on, on Palm Sunday.

It is difficult to mix Joy amidst the Pain I am feeling today. I watched him pass away without me beside him. I needed to make arrangements for his cremation without me beside him. That pain of loss will remain ingrained in my memory.

Joy and Pain. The reality – the paradox of life.

Solo and soul searching in Japan

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It was the annual trip the pediatrics group at our hospital planned for. Destination – Sapporo.

Unfortunately, because of work, I couldn’t book it early and make plans together with my pediatrics family unless my boss said yes to my leave of absence.

It’s been awhile since I joined them in social events and missed being part of everything we did together.

And so, when I did get the chance to join them, I quickly booked flights to Japan.

This was my first time traveling solo in a long time, and while I was anxious of being alone, my partner was right – it would provide me the time to reflect on the joys of solo flights and life in the single lane.

ANA

Traveling in comfort has always been my passion. Of course, the generous perks of a great airline is mandatory in the choice.

I’ve always loved ANA. While JAL comes a close second, the Star Alliance frequent traveler program takes over when it comes to accumulating mileage points. Incidentally, ANA code shares with PAL.

Why not fly PAL? It actually has the best flight schedule going into Haneda and flying back to Manila. Simple. The business class of PAL is more expensive than the Japanese airlines by more than $500 and its seats are not lie flat as it uses an Airbus 321 for its Japan destinations. The food on PAL is also of poorer quality and amenities are not worth the buck. In short, there is no bang for the buck.

You can’t beat that kind of business class service from fine food to free full flight WiFi to lie flat bed

For the domestic route, ANA offers Premium Class, which allows extra legroom, lounge access (no food here, just drinks and plenty of liquor), and a bento box for in-flight dining.

SAPPORO

On the most northern part, and the coldest part, of Japan, is Hokkaido. Touch down at the New Chitose Airport was smooth at 735pm. It’s actually a 51 km distance (approximately an hour) from the airport to Sapporo City.

And it snowed upon my arrival. I didn’t know if it was a welcome to my solo trip or that it just wanted to impress me with whatever this city would offer.

My group stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Sapporo. Unfortunately, when I tried to book already, there were limited rooms. I decided that since this would be a solitary affair, why not just do the full solace?

HOTEL SOSEI M GALLERY

This Accor owned hotel is about a 5 mins walk from the group venue. It’s a boutique hotel and while the food choices in this hotel are limited to breakfast and a bar, the Sapporo Factory Mall right in front of it makes up for the lack in room service at this hotel.

Hotel Sosei M Gallery in Sapporo City

Breakfast was excellent as you had choices of Japanese or Continental buffet. And don’t scrimp. Get the full executive floor and you have not only breakfast added but also tea time from 3-5pm and happy hour (unlimited drinks) from 5-7pm.

Sapporo City has limited shopping choices but near the JR East is the Daimaru shopping plaza as well as the Stellar Place. If you’re all bundled up, you can try to walk the streets and go into Odori where there’s more shopping to do. But the fun in Sapporo are the natural resources. From lakes to waterfalls to the zoo, to onsen baths and yes, you shouldn’t miss the temples and the Mitsui outlet.

TOKYO, Ginza

I will never be in Japan without a trip to Tokyo.

With that said, after 3 nights in Sapporo, I traveled to Tokyo taking an ANA flight from CTS into HND.

With the many prefectures around Tokyo, my favorite will always be the Ginza area. Not only for its shopping pleasure but it’s more eclectic ambience. While hotels within the area are more expensive, choosing the right hotel for a solo trip where you’re far from the madding crowd yet near to the hub of retail therapy is mandatory.

The Peninsula Tokyo

Wow!

That’s all I can say. And thank you for the upgrade to a Premier Room because the view from my floor to ceiling windows was fantastic.

The smallest room in this beautiful and ultra modern hotel is 54 sqm. That’s the size of a high end one bedroom condominium in Manila!

It has a couch area, own dressing room, bathtub and the rain shower is fantastic. Would you believe that all its amenities are so well stocked that you wouldn’t even have to bring a single toiletry (or even leave this place!).

The Peninsula Tokyo is heaven in Ginza

Check in and check out was seamless. What I love about this place is the valet service which has its own box in your room! And as I explored the hotel, there was more to love. The bakery at the basement, breakfast in bed, the turn down (yes, the room was so well maintained that when I returned to my room it was like it was so tidied up with even my books arranged and little Japanese bookmarks lying next to it), the afternoon tea at the lobby, and most of all, the hotel staff.

I had all my dinner at the Hei Fung Terrace, their Cantonese restaurant on the second floor. Not only was the food a gustatory delight but one of their staff named Yura-San who did some training in Manila Peninsula spoke some Tagalog. Each dinner Yura-San engaged me in wonderful conversations about food and culture. And that was enough to make one survive lonely dinners.

Taking this solo trip was an awakening. It’s also a good way to recharge, rewind and celebrate myself.

Sometimes you just need an adventure to cleanse the bitter taste of life from your soul.

That senseless 12% VAT on medicines

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Every citizen is entitled to better healthcare.

This does not imply only having access to a healthcare facility or a doctor, but to medicines as well. After all, without the appropriate pharmacologic treatment (when needed), patients will not get better. Medicines encompass all economies of scale – from class A to E. It is why the access to cheaper and yes, effective, medicines is a RIGHT of every Filipino citizen.

It is why I have always been troubled with the fact that there is a 12% value added tax (VAT) added to the cost of medicines (and healthcare, but that’s a different story altogether). Vaccines, for example, are essential in preventive health care. All of the vaccines in the Philippines are imported. Which means, that unstable dollar to peso exchange accounts for the erratic cost in the purchase of vaccines. Because many infectious diseases are now preventable when vaccines are accessible, all vaccines should not carry 12% VAT. Doing this not only makes immunization more expensive but inaccessible to the poor, the latter of whom are most vulnerable to getting sick and cannot pay for better healthcare.

There is something wrong in our financial system. The institution of the Value Added Tax scheme for healthcare is something that was not well thought of. As a matter of fact, not only has it become a burden for the people, but a dumb idea to begin with. For example, the Department of Health has announced recently several medications which are now VAT exempt. I don’t know how the DoH is able to nitpick on which should and which should not be exempted, as diseases are specific for certain individuals. For example, if a patient with dementia will need a medicine but is not VAT exempted, the patient can either use the senior citizen (SC) or person with disability (PWD) trump card. However, if the patient is neither a SC or PWD (yet), then he/she will need to spend more for a disease that does not include them just because the drug is not VAT exempt. Only the poor suffer from the burden brought upon by VAT.

This begs the question of: how does the government choose which drugs can be VAT exempted and others cannot? How much power does the authorities have over which medicines can be granted VAT exemption? What is the science behind being VAT exempted or not, when it comes to medicines?

Let’s face it. Our healthcare system in both the public and private sector are broken. And while we are all trying to fix it so that we can provide better and affordable health to the Filipinos, the government can begin with a no brainer suggestion where removing all VAT from all medicines that require prescription and vaccines is a big step of the current administration in being serious at providing optimum healthcare to every Juan.

For the clout

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The battle and debacle on social media is on number of likes and shares. Without a doubt, influence peddlers, content providers, and other disruptors of the norms of information are on a “platform” to gain mileage, and obviously, financial compensation or remuneration for clout chasing.

While we know that these “trending” issues flood social media platforms on various issues (political, social, news, etc.), using the platforms to cross the ethical line of both data privacy and personal privacy has sparked dissatisfaction and outrage in the medical community. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/182253/medical-intern-films-cpr-intubation-procedure-a6904-20240809?s=d5jsptudch4obp8toud6almb6g

The latest in the unprofessional clout chasing was a medical intern from FEU who uploaded on TikTok sensitive issues about a patient in her string of tour of duty during a life and death situation of a patient. This comes after netizens bashed the “flatline nurse” from the University of Perpetual Help – Calamba in her TikTok video on her “day in the life of a nursing student”. https://www.pep.ph/news/local/182230/nursing-student-flatline-video-a6904-20240809-lfrm?ref=home_feed_1

There is a thin line between decency, empathy and respect among clout chasers. Using the medical field and the patients who they care for as “content” to gain “influence” is wrong in so many aspects and should not only be discouraged but sanctioned.

If this is the kind of thinking of these would-be health professionals today, imagine the kind of healthcare they would provide to patients when they are already licensed professionals.

They must not get away with their actions. Deleting the video is not enough. They should be taught a lesson that should not use their generational trend as an excuse for chasing clout.

Singapore Airlines Review (MNL – SIN – MNL)

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Singapore Airlines ranked number 2 among the World’s Best Business Class Airlines 2024 by Skytrax. It ranked number 4 in Best Business Class Airline Seats, number 2 in Best Business Class Airline Lounges, number 3 in Best Business Class Onboard Catering, number 3 in Best Business Class Airline Lounge Catering, number 5 in Best Business Class Amenities and overall number 1 Best Business Class in Asia.

My recent business trip allowed me to relook at what I felt about the Business Class route from Manila to Singapore (and back) in this review.

Lounge in Manila

I’d give it a decent rating of good. It wasn’t crowded because it was exclusive for Singapore Air passengers and the food was fairly alright for a lounge in Manila. The WiFi was horrible when the lounge was at 75% capacity.

On time?

Not a chance. Our flight from Manila to Singapore on SQ 917 was delayed due to the late arrival of the aircraft. The original 210pm flight departed past 3pm. They rushed us to the plane and in the mad rush, the service on Business Class was compromised. Not even a towel or water was offered as I tried to get settled in.

Seats, amenities and more

The seats are nice. Lie flat and just light up the panel for the controls. That winged portion the left side of the chair was useless and had a difficult time drawing down the shade.

The entertainment was good as you had solid choices. No amenity kits but you could ask for a sock or slippers (I asked for slippers) and the toilet was stocked (although not too well). There are two toilets at the mid back and one in front. But that’s not good considering business class had 42 seats with two business class sections divided by the toilets in the middle. So yes, the toilets were busy all the time.

I loved the fact that WiFi was free on BizClass at 30,000 feet! It was great for texting and doing some email work.

Food from Manila to Singapore

There wasn’t much choice as half were Filipino dishes. Seriously!

The appetizer was better than the main course. I couldn’t understand the flavor of the pork and noodles (which was way too salty).

After getting into Changi Airport, one needed to take the train from Terminal 3 to the arrival area. And wow, their hassle free immigration point was superb.

You just needed to fill out myICA form 3 days before your trip and all you needed to do was scan your passport, have a photo taken and your thumbprint at the automatic “immigration” gates! In less than 60secs, you’re out!

It’s the same process on the return trip.

Compare our immigration lines in Manila with that of Singapore in the photos below.

Manila Immigration Terminal 3
Singapore Immigration Terminal 2

Yes, I’m envious. Embrace technology and make it a tool to enable the bureaucratic process of the ailing Philippines. This process alone will improve our tourism industry.

The lounge of SQ in Singapore had food galore. It offered a good mix of choices and the food was better tasting than the bland choices in Manila.

The return flight

Never fly during a storm. So I couldn’t fault the airline for such a delayed and turbulent return flight. While we pushed back at exactly 930am, we were super delayed returning because of typhoon Carina. Circling the air for more than an hour and being number 10 on queue to land was awful. Not the airline’s fault as Mother Nature had her way.

Book the cook

Because I didn’t want to get disappointed with my food choice (again), I booked the cook. And they offer this only on flights out of Singapore or long hauls.

And yes, who says you can’t have lobster thermidor for breakfast? The food was okay, and not great but better than the food out of Manila.

The verdict

So what’s my rating on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the best)?

For a regional flight on Singapore Airline, I would give SQ a 4 for seat comfort, 5 for entertainment choice, 2 for amenities, 4 for overall service, 3 for food and 4 for lounge.

Jen OrchardGateway – the good, the bad, the ugly

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This short review is on the Jen Hotel (a Shangrila Hotel) on Orchard Gateway.

Got a club room for this two night stay for a meeting in this beautiful country Singapore. The club room provides access to the lounge and gym.

When you get to Orchard Gateway, you need to take the lift to the 10th floor to check in. Oh, the lift is horribly slow.

The mobile check is on the extreme right. Unfortunately, the girl didn’t know what to do when I showed her my mobile phone and the app that showed that I have checked in. It took quite a bit of time to get my room key because she had to ask the other attendant on what to do.

Finally, when I got my room key, I was off to my room. And the next set of lift was another wait as the lifts in this hotel are awfully slowwwww.

It’s a small room. No frills and the shower had no hot water. I didn’t bother to inform them anymore as I was tired and wouldn’t want to be changing rooms at this point.

Dinner was a quick one at the rooftop restaurant Trippi. The hamburger and mocktail was a decent one. The breeze was fine. The pool looked inviting. The view was stunning.

Breakfast starts at 7am. And the choices in the lounge area aren’t much but decent enough. It’s self service but even service wasn’t up to expectation for a Shangrila brand.

You’d expect that at the club floor or room, you’d get a bit of perks for the room. But that doesn’t apply here. All rooms have nothing in the room ref. If you wanted something to munch on or something to drink, they had a vending machine near the elevator for you. Talk about scrimping.

My final verdict? I’m wondering how it even got tagged as a 4 star hotel. Plain and simple – it’s 3 stars.

Undue influence

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The relationship between the physician and the pharmaceutical industry is once again put in the spotlight due to an alleged “pyramid scheme” from doctors who engage in getting credits in exchange for prescriptions AND enticing colleagues to prescribe the products of the pharmaceutical company in order to earn additional credits and benefits.

From slideshare.net

The Philippine Food and Drug Authority issued FDA circular 2013-0124 on September 5, 2013 which adopts The Mexico City Principles (https://www.fda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Mexico-City-Principles.pdf) for Voluntary Codes of Business Ethics in the Biopharmaceutical Sector.

The MCP was adopted in 2011 during the US APEC host year and was recognized by APEC leaders and ministers.

Six principles form the pillars of the MCP:

1. Healthcare and patient focus means everything we do is intended to benefit patients.

2. Integrity means dealing ethically, honestly and respectfully in everything we do.

3. Independence means to respect the autonomous decision-making of all parties, free from improper influence.

4. Legitimate intent means that everything we do is for the right reasons, is lawful, and aligns with the spirit and values of these principles.

5. Transparency means a general willingness to be open about our actions while respecting the legitimate commercial sensitivities and intellectual property rights.

6. Accountability means a willingness to be responsible for our actions and interactions.

During my term as director for the CDRR at the FDA, we constantly monitored and reminded the industry to manage their entanglements with physicians. While it is not wrong to promote any biopharmaceutical product, promotions should be within the scientific merits of the product, sans pomp and enticement.

Some physicians may not be able to discern entanglements with the industry as some believe that “gifts” are entitlements to them. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

The greater the value the gift, the greater the responsibility. Gifts do not need to be ostentatious to be a bribe. A bribe is a bribe, regardless of value. It is the intent that is crucial.

A lawyer commented that this practice is not illegal, but it is unethical.

Undue influence is legally defined as “influence by which a person is induced to act otherwise than by their own free will or without adequate attention to the consequences”. Undue influence clouds clinical judgement in the healthcare system.

The practice of medicine is not a business. Our relationship with patients rely on trust, compassion and respect. There should be no lines that blur the relationship between doctors and patients at all touch points.

And the guiding principles of ethics – TO FIRST DO NO HARM – is the overarching dictum that should be followed.

Spring break with Inang

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In January of 2019, my mom who was then 82 was diagnosed with colon cancer (Stage IIIA).

She underwent surgery on February of the same year, but refused to undergo chemotherapy. She said that she was old already and did not want to have to struggle with ‘quality of life’ issues. We actually had bookings for our trip to Tokyo in March of the same year. A month after her surgery, she struggled to make it with us to the trip.

It’s been five years (and more) since her surgery, and it’s been a roller coaster ride of having to deal with health issues. With the love and care of her family – my niece, nephew, sister and my partner – we were able to manage through several speed bumps on health.

I’ve always believed in the power of prayers. Sometimes, when we ask for those small miracles, someone up there listens to us. As a man of science, I believe that we are only instruments of God.

On a balmy Maundy Thursday in Tokyo, my mom wanted to visit a church. Unfortunately, we could not use the PWD lift because there was no one around but the Tsukiji Catholic Church (https://tsukijicatholic.org) was open. We spent 30 minutes there in meditation, thanking God for the extended journey in her life.

Unlike our trip last year where we stayed in the hustle and bustle of Ginza, this time around was a more reflective one. (Did I not blog about how reflections killed my Apple Watch?)

We spent more time bonding and enjoying each other’s company. At my age, I began contemplating more on what my mom’s journey was and how my journey of accepting struggles and resilience brought me to where I am today. No complaints. No regrets. Just pure acceptance.

Because love, is what pulled us through those difficult times.

Love, was the miracle.