The former First Family led by Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Arroyo, former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, and Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo line up at the NAIA Terminal 2 immigration counter before boarding a flight for Hong Kong.

The former first family left for Hong Kong Thursday afternoon for a vacation.

Unlike their previous trips, however, former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and their son, Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo, did not avail of the Very Important Person (VIP) assistance accorded to previous heads of state and their families.

The Arroyos were booked at the Presidential Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 with public assistance staff waiting to assist them since 10 a.m.

The airport staff was surprised when they heard that the former first family was already at the departure area checking-in by themselves.

Trying to catch up with the Arroyos, they rushed to the check-in area but when they got there, the Arroyos politely turned down the assistance.

The former President, together with her husband Mike and son Dato, queued up at the immigration counters to have their passports processed and stamped, after which they proceeded to the final security check where they all submitted themselves to frisking.

After the security check, passengers and airport employees began approaching the former first couple to have their photos taken together. The Arroyos happily obliged to the delight of the crowd.

From the departure concourse, the Arroyos proceeded to the Mabuhay Lounge of the terminal where they stayed while waiting for their flight to depart. They are expected to be back on Sunday.