Kulinarya in Pampanga

A Pampanga culinary tour is always a daunting task. But a culinary tour in Pampanga with a group of Chinese foodies...awww... that's much more of a challenge. It's like someone threw the gauntlet at my face. Thankfully, the group i toured with had an "awww-shucks mentality" they weren't expecting to be mesmerized by anything but just a day trip where they could just be themselves and eat!

We (meaning myself, the coach captain, and Rajah representative Anine) were at the appointed area at exactly half past six in the  morning. It didn't take a long wait before part of the guests started filing into the coach one by one- bags of pan de sal with chicken salad filling, an ice chest of bottled water. I quipped with "you have sandwiches? I thought you guys were waiting to be fed..." to which they retorted we still have to pick up some passengers at Sto. Domingo then we can expect to eat more... Wasn't that funny?

Anyway, from Binondo to Sto Domingo, my commentaries were filled with historical insights of the locations we passed and the visual points along the way as well. When we picked up the rest of the party at Sto. Domingo, it was more of conversation and exchanges of views along the way. All the way to the first stop on our itinerary which was the  San Guillermo church in Bacolor. 

The massive church was all but buried by pyroclastic material emitted by Mt. Pinatubo in 1991. Two thirds of the entire building was buried in lahar. Now, in order to get into the church, one has to go through what used to be the window on the second level. Yes, the door used to be an arched window.

A stop-over in Bacolor means the next item on the itinerary can't be far behind. Since we were in the vicinity, a side-trip to the Betis Crafts Inc. was de rigeur. The owner was very accommodating, she showed the entire party the showroom of the facility, the divisions that were responsible for a particular step in the developments of their products. She basically showed us her enclave... her home! And the guests loved it! While in mid-swing, (they were sitting and enjoying the giant swing) I had to interrupt their hypnotic swaying as we had to navigate towards Aching Lillian's home. That was short and sweet.... and yes, waiting for another visit! Anyone need a gold-leafed doggie bed?

It was mid morning by the time we got to Aching Lillian's home. Ever the gracious hostess, Aching Lillian was in the thck of preparations for a brunch spread that consisted of Tidtad, Pistu, Paksing Gule, Paksing Damunyu, Galantina, Suman Bulagta, Pako, Ensaymada and Panecillos de San Nicolas. One of the guests was actually a student of Aching Lillian's daughter who happens to be a professor in one of the better schools in Manila. The treat for the uests was having the kids try their hands at making the Panecillos de San Nicolas. That never fails! Needless to say, we took home some of the goodies Aching Lillian had prepared.

It was way past lunch when we got to San Fernando. Both church and museum were closed! I had to think fast. Dessert! I brought them first to Suzie's to try the Tibok-Tibok and the Moche. It was 34 degrees in the shade so the airconditioning was a welcome respite. Corazon's had moved! We had to call them to send someone to pick us up! If anything could go wrong during a tour, this was the day... I'm glad they enjoyed the Halo-Halo as well, But there was one more stop...

We had to go to Everybody's Cafe for the party to try the exotic Pampango foods like Kamaru and Betute. It's the height of summer - scrap the betute! No frogs can be found in the paddies when they're all cracked and dry. The Kamaru was a delight for the guests... much like eating crisps. They enjoyed it. Unfortunately, Ms Pette Jorolan was at home this Sunday afternoon. So the kitchen was opened to only three of the guest for them to try their hand at cooking the crickets.  

Finally, what a way to end the day by bringing the guests for a sneak peek of the Sto. Rosario Church in San Fernando. While the guests were marvelling at the massive church, Anine was busy sneaking to buy the surprise give-aways of Tibok-tibok and Pastillas and other glorious kakanins. It had been a long day with many twists and turns but hey, that's the way the Panecillos de San Nicolas crumbles...

Being In Beguiling Baler

I got a text message from a dear friend Gemma that they were going to Baler for a few days and I thought it would be fun to see the girls after a long time. the last time we saw each other was over the Christmas season when we had a potluck at Anne's (another friend) house. Gemma made the necessary reservations for the bus tickets and all I needed to do was show up.

It would've been easy except that I was assigned an afternoon tour at the last minute on the day we were supposed to leave for Baler. Needless to say, I did make it to the bus stop with plenty of time to chat with my friends while waiting for the bus. This, despite the fact that my cab driver got lost looking for the bus station. I slept my way through most of the  trip as the bus left Cubao at 12:30 a.m. The bus was equipped with a toilet and wi-fi so I had time to fiddle about with my ipad until I felt like getting some zzzzz's.

We were in Baler at 5:30 a.m. and we waited a while for our host Noli to pick us up from the station. Thank God! We were staying at his crib for the rest of the week. Ever so gracious, Noli shared his dear departed mother's home which we slept in all week. We dozed off a bit after a heavy breakfast of hot pan de sal with butterand eggs and nilupak na kamote with peanut butter. We opened a pack of cream cheese to go with it and  some chips.

On our first day in Baler, we went to the beach first to catch some waves. The local kids beat us as far as skill is concerned. They live there! They should be good at riding waves - they do that all day! The good news is, one can take up the sport of Surfing while you're on the beach... Lessons cost Php 300.00/hour. You have to rent a board if you wanna practice a little longer. If you're pretty well coordinated, an hour should be enough to learn the basics of hanging 10. naturally, you wanna practice longer if you're all stoked.

We then went around the city. First stop was the Museo de Baler where we looked at the museum collection. Then a short walk to Baler Church. Now, we were getting somewhere. The curch was the subject of an indie movie. Filipino revolutionaries were holed up in the church fending off the Spaniards during the revolution. But since the church was so isolated from the rest of the country then, neither party knew that the Philippines had been sold to the Americans already.

After that we went to Mrs. Quezon's home where we enjoyed going in and out of the rooms. Only one room had the vintage photos of Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon. the lady is an epitome of the perfect wife. She remained her husband's staunch supporter until his death. Even after his death, she made it her life's work to provide a solid education for the poor people of Aurora.

By the time we finished, It was time for lunch. We went to the Pamilihang Bayan ng Baler and went wild over the freshest ingredients of veggies and seafood ( what else?).  After lunch we went off to Gasangan where we stopped by a roadside cascade and relaxed in a natural pool where the fresh water drained out into the sea.

After that, it was a short ride to Ermita Hill where, seven families in the area climbed up to save their lives from a tsunami in 1735. We climb up the rest of the way to witness a breath-taking view of Baler's coastline.   Encanto point was where the horizon ends. We viewed the clearing whereNoli's sister, (a former governor ) built multi-purpose buildings on top of the hill.

The rest of the afternoon was used for catching up in Noli's gazebo and he had some visitors drop by to introduce to us. We talked and talked all afternoon till it was time for dinner. JunJun, Noli's man Friday was in charge of all the food... and he cooked everything so well, we can't help but have second helpings.
We also planned for day 2...

 We had to leave around mid day to get to mother falls. Mother falls is in the next town, San Luis, whose mayor is Noli's friend. We took the matinik route going there and the rough roads and rice paddies was a little tough for a tricycle ride. We had to hike for twenty minutes. When we got to the falls, we were tired... but it was worth the effort. The falls was beautiful! Water was clear and refreshingly cold. You can even catch fresh water shrimp from the deeper end where the huge rocks are. They were huge and so fresh, they were jumping off our hands to escape.

It was nearly three p.m. by the time we had lunch. And then Father Von dropped by to chat all afternoon. We laughed all afternoon until it was time to get ready for dinner. I checked my email after dinner and then I had to get some sleep I was tired.

Our third day was spent travelling to Dipaculao. The roads needed some repair and the tricycle was having difficulty getting through the rough patches. We opted to stop at a roadside home beside a brook and spent all afternoon there. We got really tanned making our serenity gardens amongst the rocks while we waited for the food. Lunch was whipped up by JunJun again and we feasted on fried fish, ramen and lots of rice and soda. By the time we got back to Noli's home, it was dark. But the day was well-spent. We had to sleep early as we were leaving at 4:30 the next day.

By the end of our short stay, I had taken 194 photos of Baler. Something tells me I'll be going back a little more often now. After all, as Noli reminded us, it's been 33 years since our last visit... =)

Via Crucis/ Visita Iglesia

Lenten Season is always tough! There's always the dilemma of getting away from it all albeit, temporarily, by heading towards the nearest resort and by sticking to age old traditions of keeping the entire week holy and spiritual. Gone are the days when my friends and I would plan for months in advance where and how we would spend Holy Week. Eventually, everyone got busy and had other plans and commitments and the yearly trek to the beach among friends have been all but ababndoned.

I spent the season in my most solemn and austere celebration. I did my own stations of the cross, went to Mass and then did the Visita Iglesia. For the past few years, we have been doing Visita Iglesia with friends. The twist is that each church we visit is one Station. It's heartwarming to note that some families who remain in Manila during Holy Week are still carrying on the tradition and tagging their kids along to learn what the significance of the season is all about. I remember my dear departed parents who taught us the tradition by making my sister and myself lead in prayers as we went from station to station in church.

This year, I feel truly blessed that I was able to complete the 14 stations by visiting the following churches with friends:

1. La Paz

The parish of La Paz in the district of Zobel Roxas is a modest chapel that serves the community in various ways. They have a hospice (St. Camillus) which helps the under privileged with their health care needs. I also visit the chapel when I'm about to embark on a journey abroad. This, aside from the national shrine of La Paz y Buenviaje, is a favorite visita for me as it's a lot nearer than Antipolo. Not that I wouldn't jump at the opportunity to visit Antipolo in a heartbeat.

2. San Pablo

The chapel is secluded within the San Paul seminary in Makati City. The Libreria de San Pablo, the store fronting the seminary, is a favorite haunt of mine when looking for prayer books and Christian reading material. Spreading the word of God through printed material is the order's vocation. The compound is located along St. Paul Road, San Antonio Village Makati. The back entrance is in Sampaloc Street of the same village.

3. Sacred Heart Shrine

The  National Shrine of the Sacred Heart is also in Makati. Just a stone's throw away from the Libreria San Pablo and St. Paul seminary. The church is done in Spanish colonial style which iron grills and arched porticoes . The small church is delightfully air-conditioned. It is situated right across the Makati YMCA. The national shrine is also close to Cardinal Ceramics which I run to for Christmas presents and give-aways. Directional signs to the shrine can be found along Kamagong extension so it's impossible to miss it.

4. St. Andrew

St. Andrew church is situated along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. The simple structure of a church in the round with glass and steel walls has an almost sculptural roof in a stylized dome executed in concrete. St. Andrew serves the spiritual needs of adjacent posh villages of Bel-Air and San Miguel and portions of the Zapote area in Makati.

5. Saints Peter and Paul

Perhaps one of the more serene altars of repose was in Saints Peter and Paul. The church lies along P. Burgos street in Makati. The area of Guadalupe Viejo in Makati is rich in religious folk tradition. Numerous "kubols" form stations of the cross along the area as rich families deck out their personal collections which have been inherited from one generation to another. This historic church boasts of an original retablo in silver which is still intact.

6. Nstra. Sra. de Guadalupe

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located in Makati in an area called... Guadalupe, natch!!! I come to this church when I need  to find solace in troubled times. Much like how I prayed in the Cathedral dedicated to our Lady in Teppeyac Hill in Mexico City, the church in Makati never fails to soothe frazzled nerves and calm the senses. This year, the altar steps were completely lined with votive candles and the altar of repose was decked simply in small delicate floral arrangements.

7. St. Therese National Shrine

The shrine to St. Therese of Lisieux is easy to find. Just head towards NAIA3 and Resort World and you're certain to find it. The massive Church is a composite of Spanish colonial and modern. It has basement parking and another small chapel in the columbarium area. The shrine is cavernous with wide arched stained glass windows and a high ceiling.

8. Mary Help of Christians

The church serves the parish of Magallanes Village. It has a modern structure of concentric arches framing glass panes and a cross on its highest arch. The church figured prominently in the 80's when then parish priest Fr. Niko served as a very vocal critic of then First Lady Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Fr. Niko went so far as to address her as Nstra. Sra. de Metro-Manila. Then in one of his eucharistic celebrations, the first lady decided to show up. Fr. Niko acknowledged her presence and she visited him after Mass to tell him that she had heard so much about his famous sermons. She was obviously peeved but civil.

9.Our Lady of Sorrows

The historic church of Our Lady of Sorrows along F.B. Harrison and Villaruel streets in Pasay City is the church where Benigno Aquino and Corazon Cojuangco Aquino were wed. These two figure prominently in our history eventually becoming the thorn in President Ferdinand Marcos' side. The unassuming church is rather small and not prominently known but it is gaining support from the National Historical Institute.

10. San Isidro

San Isidro is situated in Taft Avenue which is very near Donada Street in Pasay City. San Isidro is a parish church that has the usual parochial school located right beside it. San Isidro is known as a prolific farmer and miracle worker. The most prominent celebrations of his feast day may be found during the Pahiyas festival in the province of Quezon.

11. Saint Joseph the Worker

A small church located in Dian street, Palanan, Makati City, St Joseph is a modern structure with a gable shaped roof and a very simple modern altar design. The church is sparse and moderately sized serving the Cash and Carry area and its environs.

12. St. Martin de Porres

This is actually a private chapel built as an offering in reward for the healing of a family member. It is dedicated to St. Martin de Porres, a simple man who tended to the poor and the sick in his time. St. Martin is located along Leon Guinto in Manila in a small esquinita called Pasaje de Galvan. The chapel is also home to a mystic who does healing sessions and receives locutions. She is there for "consultation" every Tuesdays when Masses are said in the chapel. they are also open to the public during Lent.

13. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The shrine to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is located along San Marcelino Street in Ermita, Manila. Built around the late 1500's to early 1600's, the church is within the Adamson University compound and is now known as the St. Vincent de Paul parish. On the left side of the church is a walkway that leads to Taft avenue. Not halfway along the said walkway on an external corner of the church transept is a marker to commemorate the victims of the Japanese occupation in Manila.

14. Our Lady of Remedies

Other wise known as Malate Church, the church of Our Lady of Remedies was built by the Augustinians after they had started to teach cathecism in Manila. The church was used as the barracks during the occupation on Manila by British troops during the British Interlude in 1762 when the British conquered Manila by breaching the walls of Intramuros. Then the Irish priests (Columbans) were murdered here during WWII. Subsequently the church was completely destroyed during the bombing of Manila in 1945. It was then rebuilt and restored through private donations from its parishioners and companies around the area.

I hope your Holy Week was as solemn... Enjoy your Easter celebrations, everyone!!!

Banaue Interrupted

31 March, 2012

TOUR REPORT

TOUR OPERATOR:           ANNSET HOLIDAYS, INC.

TYPE OF TOUR:                 SITE TOUR

POINT OF ORIGIN:            MAKATI SHANGRI-LA  HOTEL

DESTINATION:                  BANAUE/SAGADA

DURATION:                          29 MARCH – 01 APRIL, 2012

VISITOR’S PROFILE:      

Tour Group:              2 PAX

                                    ORLANDO SALAZAR

                                    BEATRIZ MESA

            Nationality:                ECUADORIAN but of  Chilean  origin

            Language:                  SPANISH

TOUR DETAILS:

• I was assigned the tour by Ms. Goya (Mabuhay Guides coordinator) two weeks before the tour but had to wait for further notice from the tour operator for confirmation. I was expecting a four-day tour. I went to see Ms Anna dela Cruz to iron out some details at the Annset office. I informed her that I do speak Spanish but not as fluent as I should be as there are terms that can not be fully translated into Spanish. I can conduct a conversation and will try as best to relay commentaries to our guests

DAY 1:

• I was at the appointed hotel at 06:00 a.m. and met with the guests. I saw them at having breakfast and patiently waited for the guests at the lobby.  I was with the assigned driver Boy Barcala.
• The guest had requested that their luggage be left for safe-keeping until their return. I managed it for them and while doing so, guest complained that they had requested for a wake up call from the hotel at 05:00 a.m. and got none.
• Before we even left Ms Salazar asked if the destination was far. I said very far, taking up from eight to ten hours of driving.
• We departed at 07:10 a.m. on board the Annset van taking the  Ayala Ave. – EDSA route towards Bonifacio/NLEX.
• The drive was full of interaction between myself and guests which I initiated  as we left the hotel telling them about the origins of Makati with Ayala being formerly a runway of American airplanes. They seemed interested in the information that I was imparting. Multiple questions punctuated the commentaries. They were mystified by the traffic situation, the lifestyle of the masses, the celebration of Holy Week in the Philippines, Metro Manila’s 13 cities, etc.
• Apparently the Philippine ambassador to Ecuador is a friend of theirs ans Ms. Mesa had a list of must-see’s, must do’s and must try’s some of which were: the underground river, Greenhills, bibingka and puto bungbong, etc.
• As we reached, NLEX, we were in animated discussion of the road network, infrastructure, Gasoline prices, and urban development in the country.
• They were informed of the rural setting of Bulacan and Pampanga up until we exited at Sta. Rita.
• We then proceeded towards the Nueva Ecija road network. We eventually talked about land reform, property ownership, the friar estates and taxation as we passed by churches. I continued to answer questions on varied points of interests that they saw along the way. We made it to San Jose around one p.m. and had lunch at Marquez Restaurant where I explained the food  They tried the Lechon Kawali, Calderetta, Chop Suey and Barbecued Chicken. Would they have eaten anything if I didn’t explain what they were tasting? I made her try an item on her list - the green mango shake. She said she loved it!
• We took them on their first stop on Dalton Pass, and I explained the significance of the sight. Digging deep into my degree in History, I relayed the sacrifices made by Filipino guerillas, Americans, Chinese volunteers and even the Japanese under Gen. Yamashita who were fighting to keep control of the area. And Gen. Dalton whose sad fate earned him a place in our history.
• 
• Unfortunately, we had to contend with unforgiving roads, avoiding potholes, mud traps, road repair machinery and missing traffic watchmen. This was our nightmare! It was getting dark and we were still in Nueva Viscaya. The guests were getting uneasy.
• I even showed them a funeral procession and informed them that usually in the provinces funerals were a source of traffic because close relatives and the bereaved walked behind the hearse. Politicians even had a marching band in front and/or behind the procession of cars.
• At one point, Ms Salazar even asked if we were lost. I answered in the contrary and told them it’s a necessary evil as progress was taking place despite  the current economic and socio-political situation in the country. It didn’t help that it kept raining all the way through. We had to drive carefully in these mountain roads.
• The nearer we got to the hotel the more agitated they got. The next question they asked was if there was no airport anywhere near Banaue. I answered we had one in Baguio the Loakan airport, now no longer in use after it had been ruined in an earthquake in the 80’s and that the rugged mountains made it difficult to land on a short runway.
• Next, they were doubtful if I had even been there before. It seemed to the guests that I didn’t know where it was. I was trying merely to re-assure them that we were closer to the hotel.
• It was then they decided, they didn’t want to proceed to Sagada anymore if it meant more driving. They were obviously very tired from driving all day. I couldn’t blame them. On a good day, one can even reach the destination in seven hours. We took eleven hours of driving, through no fault of ours. We arrived at 6:15 p.m.
• Finally, I checked them in and we were informed there was a show for the guests. I informed them that they could watch some of the indigenous songs and dances at 8:30 p.m. They said they would have a light dinner and were reluctant to watch the program.
• When the show started they were right in the front. Needless to say I sat beside Ms Salazar and related the numbers as they unfolded: 1) ritual dance for birthing, christening, birthdays and just about any occasion one can imagine. 2) traditional costumes with men wearing a bahag and ladies with three types of skirts for a specific class, 3) love song – sung by a warrior to the moon to light his way while walking along the mountains to his girlfriend’s house at night, 4) flute music as a learned craft and a past-time when they have the rare chance of doing nothing. 4) ritual dance in diagnosing a sickness killing a pig to examine its liver for the result. 5) marriage ritual with an elder coming in between the couple for wishes of prosperity and happiness, 6) war dance and the causes why they go to war and the eventual outcome of losing was by decapitation.
• Ms Salazar could not access her email on the hotel computer and we tried numerous times to do so. She gave up and decided to have dinner. I managed to work my way through and informed her but she had lost interest completely.
• The guests bade goodnight after the show and before I even proceeded to my room, I made arrangements for the trip to Banga-an with the front-desk.

DAY 2:

• They decided to leave at nine in the morning as agreed upon the night before. The guests were in a better mood. I made sure I was on hand to order for them in English. The waiters at Banaue Hotel were friendly but spoke no Spanish.  I was there for them to see they were being taken care of.
• They were in a better mood. Mr Salazar told me he heard the cocks crowing and woke up early, getting a glimpse of the brief sunlight before the fog started to roll in. I sat them in a good spot where they could see part of the terraces.
• Mr. Salazar and Ms Mesa were talking animatedly about their backgrounds. Mr Salazar said he knew the Annset van has seen better days as he had a lot of cars and he knew the car was having difficulty navigating the mountain roads as the driver, Boy, would turn off the air-conditioning as the van was going uphill for more kick in the motor.
• Our hired jeep arrived and our assigned local guide was Jun-Jun. Needless to say, Jun-Jun spoke in English. I stayed with the guests at the back and would translate information passed on to me by Jun-Jun. It was raining again.
• We would stop at the designated viewpoints for photo ops but before we even got a third of the way to Banga-an, A big rock fell in the middle of the road. We stopped.  Our guide would have attempted to move it out of the way. He went to see if it was safe.  He would go back and forth assessing the situation, at least ten minutes had passed. Little by little there were small rocks sliding down the road. A bigger rock fell.. more smaller rocks. Then a loud crack! Next thing I knew, the van was shaking and loud thuds. Boulders the size of the jeep covered the road. Mr. Salazar, Ms Mesa and myself were within ten meters of an actual landslide. I turned to her and said “Tenemos suerte” she smiled and said “Si, muy suerte!”.

• Our jeep had to turn around and along the way we started informing other vehicles of the landslide. Jun-Jun brought us to the Hungduan site instead so they can have an experience of the terraces. I thought that move from our local guide was brilliant and classy. So we went the opposite direction to a higher ground.
• As we climbed up the mountains, the trip proved interesting as they were regaled with magnificent vistas along the way. They were getting impressed (finally?) and were awe-struck by the sights.
• The roads were surprisingly well paved but the zig-zagging and hairpin curves proved to be a challenge for the guests. The guide was able to show the sights as well. I discussed with Mr. Salazar that 1) the terraces were more than 2,000 years old. 2) That the culture of the Ifugaos was tied to the the growing of rice. 3) That land was inherited from generation to generation. 4) That planting was seasonal. 5) That each family owned their land and worked on it. 6) That their lives were tied to their lands. 7) That each terrace was an eco-system in itself. 8) That the numerous waterfalls that they see on the mountain sides are actually watersheds that flow down to each of the separate terraces and act as irrigation. 9) And that the danger was that those who would eventually inherit it would eventually pursue other interests.

• Lunch break was at Banaue Hotel. More of their background was divulged. They own an ice-cream factory in Ecuador, and their biggest competitors were Unilever, Nestle. We discussed prices of ice-cream in the Philippines etc., etc., etc.
• Mr. Salazar was thinking there was nothing else left to do for the remainder of the day. I told them I would bring them to a nearby village where they can experience the simplicity of life of the locals. We decided to meet at three p.m. they skies had cleared somewhat. I brought them to Tam-an village which was 240 steps from Banaue Hotel.

• While there, we were invited inside a home to see the wares of a hard-earning housewife who had a livelihood project on-going to augment their meager income. I explained the architecture of an Ifugao hut: its features and its purposes. I made him experience the  traditional home’s simplicity in the architecture belying its complete form and function by making him peer into the home of a little old lady chewing momma.
• As we went back to the hotel (240 steps up), the guests were quite out of breath. Mr Salazar wanted to rest but was egged upon by Ms Mesa to experience life in the town. From the hotel, we walked to the public market chatting along the way.
• They were relating their experience of the hotel as “largo pero sin lujo” (large but not luxurious). The rooms were large but bare, the bathroom was awful, the beds were not nice. I explained to them that the Banaue Hotel was a project of then First Lady Mrs. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos in 1969. It was her effort to promote tourism in the Philippines and put the Rice Terraces as a unique destination and she was right. Unfortunately, after the Marcoses were deposed, the hotel started to be managed by the TIEZA and efforts are ongoing to bring back its old glory.
• Then we hit the town and onto the Public Market. Mr Salazar noticed some of the locals marry early on in life. I mentioned to them that it is in the Banaue culture. Marriage is an eventual outcome of adult life. In some villages, they had an “ulog” where teenagers were free to explore their sexuality until such time they decided they wanted to marry someone.
• Before dinner time, Ms Salazar said she wanted to try emailing again. I taught her the process to access her internet account which she took down in writing in 7 easy steps.
• After dinner, I encountered them in the fireplace area warming themselves and interacting with the other guests. I spent time while there translating the stories to them of a newly-wed Filipina with a French groom. Mr Salazar and Ms Mesa  were showing photos of the landslide in their digicam to the other couple while the newly-weds were relating their experience of their experience in Batad and Tapiya falls.
• I translated how the Filipina’s legs were sore from taking a 7-hour hike the previous day and the couple’s journey from Baguio to Sagada (10 hours) Sagada to Bontok (4 hours) Bontok to Banaue (2 hours). Ms Mesa said the 480 steps alone had made her breathless. Mr Salazar said that when you’re above forty years of age,  long drives don’t excite you anymore… it’s punishment for your tired body. I realized they hated long drives! Going to Sagada the next day was out of the question.
• It was here I knew that for them, their favorite get-away from the stress of work was a twenty minute plane ride and they were at the beach.
• Before we called it a day, I made arrangements for departure the next day. I had asked for food to be prepared for the advanced departure. The 01 April breakfast coupons were used for take-out sandwiches.
• Needless to say, I had been reporting all events to Ms Anna all the while I was with the guests. We were working on getting them a room at the cheapest rates at Makati Shang and I was still haggling until Mr. Salazar had said yes to the rates given them.

DAY 3:

• The usual preparations were taken care of. I made arrangements the night before.
• I ordered the food for take-away. Even before I finished breakfast, Mr. Salazar was calling me to help them access Ms Mesa’s email account again. They could not seem to get the hang of it even if they had written down the procedure.
• I went up to the room to get my personal effects.
• Mr Salazar made a call to my room to ask me to help them again. I again went down  to help them re-open the email account of Ms Mesa. Mr Salazar had asked me to stay until such time they had completed their tasks. I was seated beside Ms Mesa just in case she needed to ask for instructions.
• They turned to me to ask if Mandarin Oriental was at a good location. I said if they want to walk to the shopping areas, it was further than Shangri-la. Mandarin Oriental was offering a room rate of US$140.00/night. I said you can walk to the financial district and shopping areas and there would be interesting things to see. Mentally I was already preparing a list of areas for them to visit without repeating the City tour items.
• They decided against Mandarin when they heard they were going to walk.
• We left Banaue at 9:00 a.m.
• The trip back was a little faster. Less traffic along the way especially at Nueva Viscaya.
• We stopped for lunch again at Dalton Pass. It was noon. They were thankful for the break in the long drive as they needed to stretch their legs. They enjoyed the sandwiches I had had the foresight to order for them.
• They were conversing about private family matters so I allowed them some privacy. I wouldn’t dare intrude. They even related how Ms. Mesa’s mother once owned a store  like the one we stopped in at Dalton Pass.
• From time to time, either one would ask me some questions and I would reply as honestly and as accurately as possible. Topics on care for the elderly, healthcare and costs of living were taken up.
• We took the SCTEX route at Cabanatuan and ended up in NLEX. As we reached Quezon City, they asked if were near already. I said it would take an hour given the traffic and weather condition again.
•  I again pointed out certain sites. I gave commentaries about Quezon City, Ortigas.
• As we reached Makati, guests were relieved that I had announced we were very near. We had managed to take only 9 hours instead of eleven hours in terms of travel time
• We arrived at Shangri-la at 6:00 p.m. where I assisted them until they were shown their accommodations.

OBSERVATIONS /RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Guests should be given information on how long each trip takes to get to the destination. They just knew it was a beautiful destination but no idea of how they were getting there and for how long..
• Shorter drives for guests over fifty. Or a combination of air and surface travel.
• Find out what the guests really want to do. In this instance, I found out so much about them. The destination was not a perfect match for their idea of a vacation. A twenty minute plane ride is what they were used to for breaks.
• I found it incredulous for guests to say that I didn’t explain anything. They were probably “tuning off” or they were extremely tired. I would catch Mr. Salazar speaking to waiters in English when I wasn’t around while Ms Mesa would sometimes correct my grammatical errors from time to time. Ergo, they understood me. Besides, as a Mabuhay Guide, we are trained to give commentaries. We even update our spiels.
• The guests were amiable and were cordial. I made no pretense at my abilities. I should have hoped that if they wanted another deal, they could have used another excuse to get out of a planned itinerary. They missed out on my discourse on Ottley Bayer and William Henry Scott’s research on the Cordilleras in the process. Not that they’d be interested…

Nothing follows.

Submitted by:                                                

                                                                       

Dennis Geronimo Red Maristany

Mabuhay Guide

dgrm/31.III.’12