This Week in Metro Manila (September 19 to 25, 2016)

Regular commuters are still advised to traverse major Metro Manila roads as early as possible before the traffic gets heavier. The rush hour usually occurs at 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Private vehicle owners should check advisories on road repairs, alternative routes, and expressways before hitting the road to avoid delays.

The first phase of Ninoy Aquino International Airport expressway (NAIAX) opens on September 22. The expressway, which connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of NAIA, will be accessible to the public for free in a span of one month. The last installment of the project, which includes a link to Terminal 3, is expected to be finished before the year ends. The development of NAIAX is aimed to decongest traffic surrounding the nation’s premier airport.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has been implementing a 5-minute rule to airlines before they can have a clearance for departure since September 1. The 5-minute rule suggests that an aircraft should be ready for takeoff the moment they ask for clearance.

The agency has also reduced the number of hours allotted for chartered and private flights. Aircrafts for these flights are not allowed to use the runways from 12 noon to 7:00 PM. Furthermore, only aircrafts that have originally placed a slot will be allowed to fly out.

This will be a typically warm but not a perfectly sunny week for Manileños and tourists visiting Manila. Warm and humid air can be expected during the day while afternoon showers may occasionally persist throughout the week. Bringing of umbrellas and jackets or light cover-ups can be considered necessary.

The biggest Hospitality Sourcing Expo in the country is happening on September 22 to 24, at SMX Convention Center in Pasay, City. The event will be a full-blown showcase of the hospitality industry covering front designs and décor, food and beverages, and furniture and equipment, among others.

The exhibit schedules are 10:30 AM until 7:00 PM on September 22 and 23 and 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM on September 24. Registration and other details are available at their official website.