Michi Photostory

Our family has a sweet tooth so we always have chocolates at home. There was a time that we ran out of chocolates and my son said “Mommy, dapat lagi may chocolates sa ref”. “Oh, sorry naman, I’m not aware na bawal maubusan ng chocolates.” Hehehe! 

He likes eating chocolates especially during our review time, pampatanggal stress na rin. So every grocery, I always buy chocolates, it doesn’t need to be imported, Flat tops, Curly tops or choc-nut, masaya na kami. But I’m thankful for my family, relatives and friends who give chocolates. 

Though my husband is always out of the country, I don’t obliged him to buy pasalubong every business trip at nakakasira siya ng monthly budget. I always tell him, only buy chocolates if it is not available in the Philippines. So when he went to Austin, Texas, he sent me photos of these chocolates from Target. 





He asked me if gusto ko and babalikan na lang niya. Of course, I said yes. I haven’t tried these chocolates pa and feeling ko mura siya compared sa nakikita ko na price sa airport. Now, you will understand, why my son cried when he learned that his dad’s luggage was missing. His toy and these chocolates were inside the luggage kasi so sayang talaga kung nalost siya.

Godiva



I told my husband to buy Godiva chocolates before and he said, “di ba sabon yun?”. Hahaha! Naloka ko bigla! Anyway, Godiva is one of the premium fine chocolates founded in Belgium since 1926. Godiva also offers coffee, cocoa, truffles, biscuits, sweets, dipped fruits and many more. 

My husband bought Dark Chocolate Almond and Milk Chocolate. The Godiva Milk Chocolate is good but my husband said, mas type pa niya yung IKEA chocolates. We haven’t tried the Dark Chocolate yet since we’re not fond of dark chocolate.

Ghirardelli 



We are very familiar with Ghirardelli brand because that is one of our favorite instant brownie mixes. Ghirardelli is the third oldest chocolate company in USA, it offers chocolate in bar version or in mini squares. My husband bought the mini squares, Assorted Milk Chocolate and Milk and Sea Salt Brownie flavor. 



We liked the Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Sea Salt & Almonds. I’m not fond of caramel so the Milk Chocolate Caramel is too sweet for my taste. The Milk & Sea Salt Brownies is a combination of sweet and salty, di ko lang mataste yung brownie. Hehehe! 

Lindt

Lindt is founded in 1845, it is a Swiss chocolatier and confectionary company that offers chocolate bard and chocolate truffles. We tried Lindt chocolates before so I know that their chocolates are really creamy and smooth. As of this writing, naubos na yung Lindt chocolates, I hope next time I can try the Milk and Hazel Nut variant. 



The price of these chocolates is not cheap so it is not something that we can eat anytime we want. What is your favorite chocolates?

If you are a traveler, you know for sure that you need to invest on your best travel backpack or luggage. It is something that you need to put your clothes, shoes and other stuff that you need for your trip. We need to make sure that our luggage has good quality so it will last for long. But no matter how we take care of our things, there are things that we cannot control like damaged luggage. 



January 18 

Two months ago, my husband went to Cambodia and Thailand. He took Bangkok Airways from Cambodia to Thailand. After dinner, my husband messaged me that his luggage was damaged and he sent me the photos. I asked him if he already reported it at the airport but he said no. His flight from Phnom Penh to Bangkok was delayed so he was running late for his meeting. So when he went back to the hotel, dun lang niya naobserve yung sira ng bag. I told him to report it to the airlines but he said, wag na parepair ko na lang. 



I did not accept that because the Samsonite luggage is not cheap and I’m not sure if it is still under warranty so it will be another expense. If you will check the bag, hindi siya nasira kundi sinira talaga. I don’t know what makes them decide to slash the bag but if they want to check something, they should just remove the lock instead of ripping the luggage.

My husband wanted to please me so he followed my request. He emailed Bangkok Airways regarding his damaged bag. The airlines asked for few more information like details of the damaged baggage, specific brand, copy boarding pass and copy passport. He was given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) for bag damaged. They advised my husband to send the damaged baggage to repair shop at the home country and send the bill to baggage service division via e-mail. 

My husband informed them that he will be in Bangkok for few days. He was given two options: 

1. Fix by your own and send a receipt to us via this email we will submit to claims department to pay back to your bank account. If you are short stay in BKK you may fix it by your own and send a receipt to us. 

- my husband is on a business trip so maghahanap pa ba siya ng repair shop?

2. Drop your bag at hotel now, the shop repairing baggage will collect bag to fix and return to you within tonight. 

When he received the reply, he was already out of the hotel so he informed them that he can leave his luggage tomorrow so they can fix. His flight is still late in the evening. But they no longer want to get the bag. 

 ”After rechecked with the repairing shop, I'm afraid that it is no enough time to repair within 1 day. In this case, I would suggest you bring the baggage to get the repair and send us the receipt for reimbursement later. Sorry for any inconvenience.” 

So my husband has no choice but to repair it on his own because he needs the luggage on his way back to Manila. Good thing that Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel was able to provide him sewing kit so he can fix his luggage. 

January 21 

Upon arrival, he rested a few hours and off we went to SM to look for a repair shop. We were advised to pick the luggage the following day and my husband sent the receipt to Bangkok Airways.

January 24 

My husband sent to me the reply. 

 ”We have received your baggage repairing receipt and we are pleased to reimburse you in the amount of PHP100.- or equivalent to USD3.- as a full and final settlement of your claim.  

Should you accept our proposal, please send us a signed letter of acceptance to our email. On receipt, we will transfer the money to your account.   

Your kind understanding of the aforementioned situation would be highly appreciated.”

What! They are just going to give us USD3 after all the inconvenience. It is not acceptable, first my husband check-in the bag in good condition and he received a damaged baggage. They should give him compensation for the damaged bag but they pushed my husband to repair it on his own and they will pay after. 

We rushed to repair shop just to fix the baggage because my husband needs to go to Indonesia on January 23. We only have 3 luggage at home (small, medium and large) and he always uses the medium sized bag that was damaged. We spent time, gas, toll fee just to fix the damaged baggage and they will just pay USD3. I informed my husband about the Summary of the Rights of Air Passengers and relevant convention. 

I even checked the Bangkok Airways website regarding their Damaged Baggage condition. It stated on their website,  

15.1.2(e) Except in the case of an act or omission done with intent to cause Damage or recklessly and with knowledge that Damage would probably result, our liability in the case of Damage to Checked Baggage shall be limited to US20 for international services or THB 500 for domestic services per kilogram for checked baggage and in the case of Damage to Unchecked Baggage shall be limited to US $400 per passenger where the Warsaw Convention applies to your journey, or 1,131 SDRs for Checked and Unchecked baggage where the Montreal Convention applies to your journey, provided that in either case if in accordance with applicable law different limits of liability are applicable such different limits shall apply. 

The SDR is a Special Drawing Right as defined by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The value of 1 SDR is approximately US $0.721641 but this rate of conversion may fluctuate. For the purposes of the Warsaw Convention, if the weight of the Baggage is not recorded on the Baggage Check, it is presumed that the total weight of the Checked Baggage does not exceed the applicable free baggage allowance for the class of carriage concerned. If in the case of Checked Baggage a higher value is declared in writing pursuant to an excess valuation facility, our liability shall be limited to such higher declared value. 

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage (Montreal Convention)

The air carrier is liable for destruction, loss or damage to baggage up to 1,131 SDRs (please refer to SDR interest rate from www.imf.org). In the case of checked baggage, it is liable even if not at fault, unless the baggage was defective. In the case of unchecked baggage, the carrier is liable only if at fault. 

Destruction, loss or damage to baggage (Warsaw Convention)

US $20 for international services or THB500 for domestic services per kg for loss of or damage to checked baggage, and in case of damage to unchecked baggage shall be limited to US $400 per passenger. 

So he replied to the airlines and he informed them about his passenger rights and this is the reply.

“May we take this opportunity to inform you that in accordance with the Airlines Regulations. The carrier will not be liable for total value for the loss of, damage to the passenger's checked baggage. In your case, we will consider the payment in the appropriate amount which will be the same amount of baggage repairing fee to the passenger. The zipped was broken, the repairing fee is approximately THB1,000.- or equivalent toUSD28.- as full and final settlement of your claim.  

If you accept our proposal, please send us a signed letter of acceptance to our email. On receipt, we will transfer the money to you through Western Union.  

Your kind understanding of the aforementioned situation would be highly appreciated.” 

January 26 

Actually, the $28 is still not enough to compensate the inconvenience but it is better compared to $3 so my husband, signed the letter of acceptance. He was advised that it will take two weeks to send the money. More than two weeks had passed and still no email from them so he made a follow-up every week for the update. 

March 2 

Finally, last March 2, they already informed us that they already sent the money in Western Union and we can already claim it. It took them more than a month to resolve our Damaged Baggage Claims. 

How to Deal with Damaged Luggage?

1. If you encounter any luggage mishandled such as delay, lost, damaged or pilferage, do not hesitate to visit the Baggage Service desk before you leave the airport to file the claim. You will receive a Property Irregularity Report and keep this document until the case is settled. 

2. If you are unable to make any report before leaving the airport, you must notify the airlines as soon as you discover the damage. Inform the airlines within seven (7) Days of receipt of the Baggage. Time is essential so make sure that you report the damaged baggage as soon as possible. 

Have you ever experienced damaged luggage: What did you do? It is very important to know your rights, so make sure to read the summary of the rights of Air Passengers. 

Read: Summary of the Rights of Air Passengers

Right to Compensation for Delayed, Lost and Damaged Bag 

The passenger has the right to:  

1. Be informed of the fact of off-loading.  
2. P2000 compensation to the passenger for every 24 hours of delay.  
3. Refund of checked baggage fees if the baggage was not delivered within 24 hours from the arrival of flight. 
4. If the baggage is lost or if it suffered any damage.

For International Flights: The relevant convention shall apply.  
For Domestic Flights: The passenger has the right to a maximum equivalent to half of the amount in the relevant convention (for international flights) in its Peso equivalent. 

5. Presumption of loss. If after a period of 7 days from when the passenger or consignee should have received the baggage and it is not delivered, it is assumed lost.  

Two weeks ago, my husband experienced Lost Luggage, read the story below. 

Read: How to Deal with Lost Luggage

Filing a claim is not fun at all but sometimes we need to fight for our rights too. 

When my husband told me that he will have a training in USA, I had mixed emotion. Part of me was happy because he can travel outside Asia but part of me was sad because he won’t be home for two weeks. For the very first time, absent siya sa Valentine’s Day which is our couple anniversary.



Anyway, last month off he went to Austin, Texas and it was his first long haul flight since he always travels within Asia only. Since it is 8,401 miles away from Manila, he needs to ride two airplanes.

Manila to Los Angeles (12hrs and 20 minutes)
+ 4 hours and 35 minutes layover 
Los Angeles California to Austin Texas (3 hours and 3 minutes) 

It is more or less 20 hours flight, PAL provided travel kit which includes eye mask, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste. Good thing Philippine Airlines has wifi and seat monitor during his Manila to Los Angeles flight to entertain him. 



Upon arrival to LA, he passed the immigration. He was a bit nervous because during that time, President Trump just signed an executive order and this order banned the citizens of 7 countries and there is even a rumor that the Philippines will be included. 



When he reached Austin Bergstrom International Airport, he looked for National Car Rental counter so he can get his key for the rented car. Yes, this time he will drive from hotel to office. He applied for International Driving Permit prior to his trip. 



Read: How to Apply for International Driving Permit in the Philippines 



It was a different driving experience because the roads and highways are wider compared to the Philippines. Thank God for GPS, he was able to reach his hotel. He stayed at Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake for two weeks. 

Read: Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake



For the very first time, he experienced jet lag. It was hard for him to adjust his sleep and cold weather. It is challenging for us to communicate because of the time difference which is 14 hours. 





He spent most of his free time in visiting different outlets looking for affordable pasalubong for us. He visited Round Rock Premium Outlets, San Marcus Premium Outlet and Tanger. Yes, there are so many sales and discounts but he just bought the stuff that he can afford. For chocolates, he went to groceries because the price is much cheaper. 


 

Since I was not there, he washed and ironed his own clothes too. I even teased him to finish his laundry para wala na ko labhan pag-uwi niya. Hehehe!



After two weeks, it is time to go home. He just parked the rented car at the airport and dropped the key in the box. 

Austin Texas to Los Angeles California 3 hours and 35 minutes
+ 2 hours and 10 minutes layover
Los Angeles to Manila 15 hours and 55 minutes + 1 hour layover in Guam




He was disappointed with Philippine Airlines because there was no wifi and no seat monitor during his LAX to MNL flight. How can you entertain yourself for 16 hours, parang budget airlines na lang ang PAL.


He was excited to go home but he experienced a lot of mishaps during his Austin to Manila flight. It started with a delayed flight, he almost missed his connecting flight in LA, unexpected layover in Guam and the worst part is when he landed in Manila, his Luggage was missing. 

Read: How to Deal with Lost Luggage 
Texas Roadhouse

Whenever my husband has business trips, he always rides a taxi from the hotel to the office and vice versa except for Japan, where he rides trains because it is much cheaper. But when he went to Texas, USA, he was advised to get an International Driving Permit because he needed to drive from hotel to office. 

I know some people were able to drive in other countries without getting PDIP but just to make sure, he applied for Philippine International Driving Permit before his USA trip. International Driving Permit will give you the privilege to drive private or rental cars in more than one hundred countries around the world. 

Whenever you travel, it is not only the place that makes you curious but also the food. Each country is known for its own cuisine and I’m pretty sure that you have your own favorites. 

Living in the Philippines, we are so used to eating American foods because of the different American chains of restaurants here in the country. So when my husband went to Austin, Texas, he did not have any problem with food. The only dilemma is finishing the order, every meal has generous servings which he is not used to. Masisira talaga ang diet mo. 


His hotel gave him a list of restaurants where he can eat if he wants pizza, mixed, Mexican, Seafood, Asian, Italian, BBQ/Steak, Counter Service, or Grocery and Convenience store. For the last two weeks, he ate at Pizza Hut, Cho Sushi, Napa Flats, Subway, Target, and Texas Roadhouse. Among the restaurants, he liked Texas Roadhouse so he ate there twice. 

Read: Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake


Texas Roadhouse is an American chain of restaurants that was founded in February 1993. They are known for their slogan which is Legendary Food, Legendary Service. According to my husband, the service is good so mahihiya ka daw talaga na hindi magtip, hehehe! Ibang-iba sa service ng restaurant sa Pinas.



It is also famous for its free buckets of peanuts. As in peanuts are everywhere, you can just eat and eat while waiting for your order. You can just throw the peanut shells on the floor. 



Texas Roadhouse specializes in steaks, chicken, seafood, ribs, and side dishes made from scratch. He enjoyed the food so much that when we ate at Melo’s, “okay na lang ang steak sa kanya”. He prefers the steak of Texas Roadhouse na. And because of that, I need to eat at Texas Roadhouse, I've learned that they have branches here in the Philippines. 

Read: Texas Roadhouse Uptown Bonifacio

Steaks are cheaper in USA compared here in the Philippines. Yes, mas mura pa kinain ni hubby sa Texas Roadhouse compared sa kinain namin sa Melo’s which is promo rate pa. So whenever you are in USA, don’t forget to eat steaks. 

Read: Lunch at Melo’s 

The difficulty with traveling with kids is not just worrying about their security. It is not even about the possible tantrums or the mess they would leave. Kids do that every day, and to be honest, even strangers who are pretty impartial about kids expect them to act that way. This is especially true in places like Hong Kong, a total tourist destination. Locals know that the island is one of the most sought out places for family trips, so they definitely know how to deal with kids.


When you go to Hong Kong with the little ones, the first thing you think of is Disneyland. Why not? It has rides, food, and entertainment -- all the things that will keep your kids occupied for a whole day. Extra travel preparations like getting them travel insurance for a trip to HK from companies like Chubb Travel Insurance, for instance, is not going to be much of a problem if you know the kids will enjoy the trip. But what else can you do with them? 

Hong Kong is not just a three-day affair. If you really want them to experience traveling and everything the island can offer, you would have to be there for a week. But you only have Disneyland to pacify them for the whole trip. Well, here we have listed down some of the places or activities you can do with your kids when you find yourself in Kowloon, Hong Kong. 

Go to the Science Museum 

Kids are naturally curious, and what better way to satiate that curiosity than with a trip to the Hong Kong Science Museum. It is located Tsim Sha Tsui and has some of the most interesting exhibits even parents can enjoy. It includes World of Mirrors and an interactive gallery for children. It’s free on Wednesdays, but the fee is very minimal.

Visit the Kowloon Walled City

One of the ways your kids can appreciate the places they visit is if they get to learn its history. During Britain’s occupation in 1842, the Kowloon Walled City was a garrison kept by the Chinese; but after a year, they had to surrender the city to the British. At present, the city is a park right by a lively Thai neighborhood. This could be the perfect chance to teach your kids that there is always more to a place other than its key destinations and shopping centres. 

Get the Best View of Kowloon from Above 

We all love skyline views of cities, there is something so magical about looking at the metro from a different viewpoint. Pay a visit to the deck of Sky100 located at the International Commerce Centre tower, Hong Kong’s tallest building. Here, you and your family will be treated to a 360-degree view of Hong Kong. For a more dramatic and enchanting feel, try to bring your kids there at night when Hong Kong’s nightlife is pretty much alive; it will be a breathtaking view especially for the kids.

These are just some of the things you can do with your kids on your visit to Kowloon, Hong Kong. You can go ice skating at Festival Walk Glacier or shop at the countless stores and boutiques around the city. You can even plan a food trip with them. For sure your trip to Hong Kong will be the most unforgettable trip they will have.

Read: 6 Days in Hong Kong and Macau

My husband stayed at Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake during his two weeks business trip in Austin, Texas. This is just a few minutes away from his office which he liked because he doesn’t need to wake up early unlike here in the Philippines, you need 2 hours allowance papasok pa lang sa office.



He stayed in a studio room which is big enough for one person. They only change the beddings twice a week. 




The room has fully equipped kitchen, dining table, living room area and office desk. This is a nice hotel for a family too because you can prepare or cook your own food. 





Bathroom has a bathtub. 



Whenever we visit a hotel, we always check their toiletries so my husband was surprised when he got there. Marriott Residence Inn only offers complimentary soap, shampoo and conditioner. There is no complimentary toothpaste, toothbrush, laundry bag and even slippers. No complimentary bottled water too because tap water is potable daw. 

My husband stayed in other Marriott Hotel such as Cebu and Shanghai so he was expecting that the toiletries are the same. He has no choice but to go to the grocery to buy his other needs. Lesson learned, not all hotels are the same. 

Read: Cebu City Marriott Hotel
           Marriott Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel

The room package includes buffet breakfast but it is not something grand. Here in the Philippines, you always look forward to buffet breakfast but in the USA, their buffet breakfast is very simple. It looks like a pantry or kitchen, malayo sa hotels in Asia. 







Everything is self-service, there are no wait staffs that will refill your drinks or even attend to your needs. 



They have an indoor pool but my husband was not able to try, crowded din kasi pag weekends, e yun nga lang free time niya. Lol. 



The hotel does not provide shuttle service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport - AUS so you need to ride a shuttle or rent a car. My husband rented a car for two weeks at National Car Rental. Prior to the USA trip, my husband applied for International Driving Permit. 

National Rates

Standard 2/4 Door Automatic A/C

$133 per day
$181.50 per week
$726 per month

+ Taxes and other charges
+ Toll fee (if there's any) - the toll fee was not included in the receipt when my husband paid for the service. The posting was 2 weeks delayed, so we were surprised when we saw the charges on our credit card bill. 

Super Shuttle; 50 USD (one way) ; on request 

Driving directions: Get on TX-71 W from Presidential Blvd and Spirit of Texas Dr. Continue on TX-71 W. Take TX-360 Loop N to N Capital of Texas Hwy in Austin. Take the RM 2222 exit from TX-360 Loop N. Follow Ranch to Market 2222 W to your destination. Continue onto N Capital of Texas Hwy.Turn left onto Ranch to Market 2222 W. Turn left onto River Pl Blvd. Turn right. Destination will be on the right. Marriott Residence Inn Austin Lake 6608 River Place Austin Texas, 78730 USA 110 E 2nd Street Austin Texas 78701 USA

Read: Glimpse of Austin Texas

Last week my husband just came home from his two weeks USA business trip. He was excited to go home but the excitement turned into stressful moments. It started with a delayed flight, he woke as early as 2 AM, checked out and went to the airport. 

Upon check-in, he was advised that the 7:15 AM flight will be delayed because the airplane is under maintenance. After an hour, they were advised that the American Airlines plane is still under maintenance and they need to wait for the next airplane from Houston, Texas.

Travel time from Austin, Texas to Los Angeles, California is 3 hours and 35 minutes so my husband was really worried that he might miss his connecting flight. He was running late but thank God he did not miss the 11 AM flight. He was the last passenger to board, good thing Philippine Airlines waited for him. 

Then there was an unexpected stopover at Guam for fuel, which is an additional one hour from the 16hrs flight from LAX to MNL. Long haul flight is really stressful but the moment you landed, you felt relieved because you are back to your home country. 

As usual, he went to the baggage carousel to get his checked-in bag only to find out that his luggage is missing. He was the last person at the carousel and one staff already informed him that there is no more luggage. Boom! Lost luggage is one of the scariest things that could happen in your travel.

The staff ushered him to one counter so they could trace his luggage but they could not find it so he filed a Property Irregularity Report - PIR and was advised that they will contact him once they find the luggage. He was asked if he wants to pick-up the luggage or deliver. Of course, he chose the latter at sobrang hassle at gastos pa kung magbayad pa gas, toll at parking. 

So my husband went home without luggage, good thing he is back in Manila or else mas mahirap kung walang extra clothes or toiletries. The following day, I told my son about the missing luggage and he cried a bucket of tears because his pasalubong was in the luggage. Parang namatayan sa sobrang iyak, nakakaloka. 

It was our anniversary day but we could not celebrate because we were monitoring the luggage. We did not receive a call so my husband emailed and called PAL and he was informed that the luggage was already here in the Philippines. They are still waiting for the Customs to release the luggage so they can deliver it. 

At 4PM, my husband followed up again and he was advised that the luggage is on its way na daw. We received the luggage at 6:15PM so it is still less than 24hours. The lock was gone but thank God, no stuff was missing.

The baggage was delivered by Journey Baggage Handling and Transport Inc and I asked them if everyday ba sila nagdedeliver and they said yes. Waah! So this is really a normal case but I hope it won’t happen again. So if you travel by plane, expect unexpected events like this. Here is my advice on 

How to deal with Lost Luggage



1. Stay calm. No matter how stress you are, raising your voice or getting mad at the staff will not help you. 
2. Make sure that you can describe your luggage or it is better if you have a photo so they can immediately trace it. 
3. File a report. Keep the Property Irregularity Report Tag.
4. Get the airline contact information so you can follow-up for your missing luggage. Some airlines have a bag tracer on their website just like the American Airlines. My husband was able to trace his bag so he has an idea that his luggage reached Los Angeles, California. 
5. Follow-up. My husband was advised that they will call if they already found the luggage but we did not receive any call. We email and call them to follow-up. 
6. Be patient. You need a lot of patience on waiting.
7. Know your rights. 

When my husband’s luggage was missing, I was really worried. I read the Summary of the Rights of Air Passengers and I computed the possible cost of the luggage + 2 weeks clothes + 2 shoes + pasalubong. The cost is more than the compensation so I was praying hard that they will find the lost luggage. 

Right to Compensation for Delayed, Lost and Damaged Bag 

The passenger has the right to: 

1. Be informed of the fact of off-loading. 
2. P2000 compensation to the passenger for every 24 hours of delay. 
3. Refund of checked baggage fees if the baggage was not delivered within 24 hours from the arrival of flight. 
4. If the baggage is lost or if it suffered any damage.

For International Flights: The relevant convention shall apply. 
For Domestic Flights: The passenger has the right to a maximum equivalent to half of the amount in the relevant convention (for international flights) in its Peso equivalent.

5. Presumption of loss. If after a period of 7 days from when the passenger or consignee should have received the baggage and it is not delivered, it is assumed lost. 

Notice of Baggage Liability Limitations 

Liability for loss, delay or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid. For most international travel (including domestic portions of international journeys) the liability limit is approximately $9.07 per pound (US$20.00 per kilo) for checked baggage and US$400 per passenger for unchecked baggage. For travel wholly between U.S. points, Federal rules require any limit on an airline's baggage liability to be at least US$2,500 per passenger. Excess valuation may be declared on certain types of valuable articles. Carrier assumes no liability for fragile, valuable or perishable articles. Further information may be obtained from the carrier.  

Baggage Liability Limitations for Journeys Entirely within the Philippines 

Unless a higher valuation has been declared by the passenger at check-in time, the Carrier's liability for loss of or damage to checked baggage shall be limited to PHP40.00 per kilogram.  

In our case, the baggage was delayed. My husband was able to make it on his connecting flight but the baggage did not make it so they boarded it to the next LAX to MNL flight. I was thankful that PAL has two flights on that day. Have you experienced this, care to share your missing luggage experience.

Philippine Airlines Baggage Assistance and Tracking 

Tel: (632) 851-3011          
       832-2939 
Fax:(632) 879-6028  
E-mail: baggage_tracing@pal.com.ph

Read: How to Deal with Damaged Luggage