Meeting Secretary Jimenez

I already wrote a full article in this blog when Secretary Jimenez was appointed to the Department of Tourism. Since then, the man has been visible everywhere. the difference is that... when he's around, things happen!

Mabuhay Guides with Secretary Jimenez

Meeting him this afternoon was a distinct pleasure for the Mabuhay Guides. We were supposed to tour him around Intramuros. Unfortunately, the good secretary was held up in a meeting in Malacanan. And it started to rain while we were waiting at Fort Santiago. Mr. Capistrano of the Intramuros Administration was waiting with us and exchanging pleasantries at the visitor's center.

Change of plans! We had to drive back to the Department of Tourism where we were met by a welcoming staff. As we were ushered for an audience with Sec. Jimenez, I was struck by an openess and a sense of warmth. He is indeed sincere. And we lost no time in conversation with the man.

Madam Susan Calo-Medina, IA Director Capistrano, MGs Jeff Velasco and Yael Fernandez

Apparently, he's just getting into a more comfortable zone in his position as DOT secretary. But what amazed me about him is his unusual slant on our commentaries... and entirely different perspective... and his ability to get things started. Plans are afoot for some changes in Intramuros but I'm not spilling the beans for now. I'll give it some time to brew until plans are executed and things begin to materialize before my eyes.

Suffice it to say, Secretary Jimenez got us Mabuhay Guides sold in his dreams. He sees the importance of further training and upgrading the guides but he also realizes that in order for us to make great strides in our guiding, we need to be self-sufficient. Ergo, there is a need to build an institution that is self-supporting and income generating because it can not come from an additional strain in government funds.

SCM and Dir. Capistrano with me

We also talked about our experiences in the industry. He asked us about our backgrounds and our phobias as far as guiding was concerned. It was all animated discussion punctuated by peals of laughter from Madam Susan Calo-Medina. At the end of our discussion, we managed to squeeze in a few photo ops specifically for the website and ... this blog, of course!