17th Nov 25: Adventurers Assemble

 

Adventurers Assemble

The first wave of intrepid travellers touched down in Angeles City at 16:00. Terry and Mark emerged from their London–Manila marathon looking surprisingly composed, despite having spent a good portion of the journey wrestling with the Philippines’ mysterious online e-entry system — the one you only learn about when you’re already standing at passport control.

 
Heathrow's Finest 

Several hours later, at 03:00, BJ and David arrived from Chiang Mai after an unexpected 90-minute flight delay. Even with the e-entry form dutifully completed in advance, David was still refused immediate entry. Bureaucracy: 1, Adventurers: 0. 

Somewhat frazzled but determined not to be defeated, BJ and David stepped straight into Angeles City's late-night chaos. David grabbed a much-needed beer, while BJ, ever the sensible one, opted for a coffee to reboot his system. 

 

And so, with varying levels of caffeine, beer, and jet lag buzzing through the team, Day 1 comes to an end. Everyone is exhausted, mildly confused by the immigration process, but undeniably excited.

Exercise PESKY PHILIPPINES 25 has officially begun.

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