Ground Services took me to the transfer desk and retrieved my boarding pass for me (which took around 30 mins). During that time I was able to people watch a bit which was fairly depressing (any white males looked to be there for the trade in under-age s@x workers).
White males in Manila are only interested in underage s@x?? Actually you would more likely need to go to Angeles to have a chance at actually "seeing" that, which is near Clark Int. Airport, 150km or so north of Manila. Very rarely does a forum comment annoy me, your meaning tongue in cheek or not, is a most uneducated provocative comment (see.... it provoked me). It is closed minded, I would say ill informed, and perhaps you should stick your head back in the bible, reading it sitting in your little self drawn box. Im not going to insult you further by saying "no offence"....
Back on topic, it seems some comments show an almost fear of travelling though MNL. I certainly havent travelled through MNL the number of times some have, with maybe 20 visits in the last 7 years (none were for the previous poster's suggestion...I am a white male), Ive had enough experience with all the terminals in MNL to know its just the same as the rest of the country. Its functional but sometimes run down, its encased in plenty of proceedure (ie dual xray screening, belts and shoe removal and ineffectual pat downs, terminal fee payment @ terminal and documents checked outside/checkin/before gates) and the first time can be a bit confusing. It is fairly unique to the airports Ive travelled in that only travelling passengers get inside the terminal checkin area (thats not just Manila, but even small provincial airports Ive travelled to in PI). The lounges are basic but comfortable (T1 and T2), and indeed a respite from the older (T1/Old Domestic) / basic general terminal environment (T1/T2/T3/Old Domestic). Certainly the armed security was an eye opener for me at first, but after a couple of trips they just blend in with the normality of Philippine life for metro communities (an example....shot gun wielding security officers at Goldilocks, a chain cake store, was a shock at first).
I must admit reading a few advices preiously about MNL, especially about the travel / checkin times required, I guess Ive been lucky. As whilst the traffic can be challenging around MNL generally, and checkin area looks incredibly busy, with immigration at times looking daunting, I wouldnt say you need to allocate any more than the normal 3hrs, which is still plenty IMO. From experience T1 is certainly the biggest "challenge", although the old domestic terminal was quite chaotic, T2 and T3 are quite efficient, even if still cloaked in proceedures. The biggest challenge for the first time traveller is all the procedures, busy-ness (spelling?), somewhat confusing nature and differences to many other western airports. Once this is used to the challenges disappear into normality, for MNL at least. I guess Im just used to it all now.
Transit MNL is also a bit different in that you cant simply head for the gate after arrival, as the BP (if issued) needs to be stamped to show payment for the terminal fee isnt required, so you must head to the transfer desk. As usual the normal Filipino "procedures" can slow things down a little, but not overly...and they assist you all the way to the gate if you want.
The "new" (it must actually be more than 6 / 7 years old now, but only operating for the last 2 or so years) Terminal 3 is a rather unusual beast. It is basically being used fully by Cebu Pacific (LCC of PI) now. I really cant see it being an efficient replacement for T1, if it ever happens. Even though it is and appears newer than T1, and arrival immigration for example is bigger, it actually feels more closed and negative, and my experience was it is less efficient
The most unusual events in MNL airport Ive experienced, were that of being told to checkin a handheld popup umbrella, and my dad being frisked and thanked for his tip. Actually the money was slightly protruding from his pocket, he firmly said it wasnt a tip and retireved his money. Ahh well thats Philippines! And of course no passage through MNL (among others) can be mentioned without our wonderful Federal Govt. requirement of at gate screening. Since Filipino's fit in very well with proceedures, they do suit our Govt. ridiculous red tape (virtually ineffectual IMO) on this point. Also for Qantas flyers, I think due to the use of an agent for ticketing, you cant book a one way flight from MNL with Qantas without presenting payment proof in person (in MNL) within a few days of booking.
I have a soft spot in me for The Philippines, so maybe my response info and tone here reflects this soft spot, but none the less I believe my info to be factual. The Philippines is definitely a country you need to have an open mind about when visiting. Wish I was the now
Oh, and IMO, its nowhere as bad as the media reports.....since thats the topic!