The Bottomline Experience

Let me categorically state that it wasn't my first time on camera.

I've done the whole scene of performing before a live audience of more than 3,000 pax. I've shot many a TV commercial. I've posed for print a couple of times. I've lent my voice to a few radio commercials. I've also done ramp... Yeah, I guess you can say I've had more than my share of 15 minutes of fame.

But being invited to a show where I would have to be asked about my opinion on national issues and having to exchange banter with Boy Abunda was quite a challenge. I know he's pretty well known and I have seen The Bottomline at least once or twice. So I more or less knew what I was up for. I didn't know, however, that the show was also aired on the Filipino Channel and broadcast to other countries abroad. That was what gave me the jitters.

After fellow Mabuhay Guide handed the assignment to me, I thought it was just one of those things. So I called up the contact person Anne Mirabelles and made the necessary arrangements. I was at the ABS-CBN studios at least half an hour before call time. Two p.m. was the appointed schedule for the staff to meet me at the Starbucks outlet. I was ushered in a few minutes after two. While waiting during the set-up, some of the staff were making small talk with me and I felt that was a good way to start.

One by one the panelists started arriving. First was Nini Borja who is a friend of the host and who runs her own printing company. Then it was Mike Lopez, who I learned is Cebuano and related to Congress representative Cutie del Mar and who flies in every two weeks from Cebu just to tape for the show. Mon was another panelist who is still an undergrad taking up Nursing and is set to take the board exams soon so he was silently reviewing for the exams in one corner of the studio. Then Xian Chua arrived. Xian teaches History at De La Salle University and is also a blogger and an armchair photographer of sorts. then Bianca Lapus arrived and the panelists were complete.

Now if only they could start on time, then my ordeal would be over soon. I kept wondering: "who'd be interested in what I have to say?" After all, I usually keep to myself. I'm the one who usually keeps quiet until someone gets me going... either that, or I totally withdraw from all the attention (which is paradoxical, since I've been in the performing arts for years). At nearly four p.m. I was called into a small glass paneled area and asked to hit a gong twice... apparently the scene is used whenever a panelist's questions are asked. Then all of us were ushered in and made to sit around a glass topped table...

Enter Boy Abunda... I really didn't know what to expect... His reputation precedes him as far as I'm concerned. Then he looked at me noticing that I was an unfamiliar face... I guess he's used to seeing the five other panelists on taping days. With a big smile I was welcomed and put at ease. Ok. Then the cameras started grinding. I was used to TVCs so I was half expecting for some director to scream "cut!!!!" somewhere. Didn't happen! The discussion continued from the time the cameras started rolling till the first gap was called. I was in the midst of a group of lively,intelligent, opinionated (and I mean this in a good way) people all of whom were younger than me and more seasoned in terms of TV appearances.

Perfect host that he is, Boy Abunda would ask me questions periodically if only to hear my two-cents worth. He then proceeded to another set where he interviewed... no ... grilled Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno regarding the horrible hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand. Meanwhile we remained in the booth amongst ourselves with the cameras taking in reactions from whatever nuggets we gathered from the interview.

Another gap was called and then Boy Abunda came back to sit with us and discuss our reactions. Then the recap came. All in all, 38 minutes for the first discussion, another 40-45 minutes for the interviewee and then the recap took about another half an hour. Then the whole process was done with... I skipped the invitation to partake of the buffet on the set and made my polite leave fro the guests and staff then I was ushered to the exit. I was out the door sooner than expected. I learned that they tape 2 episodes every other week. So I didn't stay to watch them tape next episode with BIR chief Kim Henares.

The episode of Isko Moreno taped at midnight of Saturday... this is probably why I don't get to watch it as often. I'm usually asleep by ten p.m. I had an enjoyable time meeting the other panelists and Boy Abunda, no less. Then I saw the Facebook reactions... Apparently, I didn't do too badly...

=)

Holy Angels Tour Sept 7 & 8

Date of Tour: 7/8 September 2010

Time of Tour: 1200h-1500h
Type of Tour: Metro Manila Bus Tour
Mabuhay Guide: Dennis Maristany, Chito Tayag, Candie Cobiao
Dustin Ancheta, Jeff Velasco and Yael Fernandez
Visitor’s Profile:
Main Guest: 2nd Year HRIM Students
Nationality: Filipino
Age Range: 17-19
Language: English / Tagalog

Planned Itinerary: Standard Metro Manila Bus Tour

Actual Itinerary: Planned Itinerary was followed.

Tour Details:

Tour Preparation:

1. Coordination with client conducted by MG Dennis. Assignments were given a week ahead of planned schedule.

2. Agreed time and date settled with HAU and type of tour to be conducted was agreed upon.


Actual Tour:

07 September 2010


• MGs Dennis, Chito and Candie were at Traders’ Hotel around 10:30 a.m. and we discussed the itinerary at the lobby while waiting for the tour party to check out.

• It turns out there were only two busses and one coaster. I took the coaster and designated it as the lead bus for the convoy.

• By noon, the party had boarded the busses and then we started the tour. Commentaries were started enroute to Intramuros.

• We were right on schedule and we arrived at the Club Intramuros at half past noon for the students to have lunch.

• After lunch, we gave the students a last call for a washroom break as there weren’t any lavatories along the way to MOA.

• We passed through Manila Hotel and to Quirino Grandstand. The spot had inadvertently become a tourist spot.

• Students were taking photos of the site. But I had to warn them not to post the pictures they were taking on social networking sites to prevent any issues from cropping up.

• Some of the students were asleep by the time we had reached Roxas Blvd. enroute to CCP Complex. To keep them awake and listenng to the commentaries, the organizers were giving away small items for prizes to questions asked by the MGs.

• This was a ploy to keep them interested in the commentaries.

• We passed by MOA and then towards EDSA to Market Market!! Traffic was smooth so we got to Makati in no time.

• Students were interested in the homes in McKinley parkway and they were looking through the gates from the height of the busses.

• We reached market Market at around 4:00 pm and we ended our tour on the bus and took our leave.

8 September, 2010

• MG Dustin, Jeff and Yael reported in at Traders Hotel 10:45 as agreed with the client.

• MGs waited until they were approached by HAU tour coordinator Tin.

• After confirming itinerary with Tin, MGs later settled on an itinerary and bus assignments were given.

• Tour began exactly 1203h. Rolling tour was conducted to Club Intramuros for lunch.

• Lunch at club Intramuros for clients. MGs were reserved seats and joined the faculty advisers of HAU students in their table.

• Lunch ended approximately 1315h and itinerary was continued.

• Rolling tour of CCP, MOA and Metro Manila surrounds followed.

• Rolling tour ended without event or incident at Market-Market at expected time.

• Guides were paid immediately after the tour and were relieved of service 1525h.

• HAU faculty coordinator requested signed acknowledgement receipts with Mabuhay Guides Logo. MGs on-site did not have any prepared and so HAU faculty requested it be sent via courier by Sept. 11, 2010. MGs complied, saying that MG team coordinator at that time (Dennis) will provide the request at the soonest possible time.

• Acknowledgement Receipts of all the tours undertaken with Holy Angel University; 19/20 August, 2010 and 7/8 September, 2010 were sent by LBC courier service to Ms. Chriselle Yambao, HATS Coordinator of HAU on 11 September, 2010.

Conclusion: The tour went smoothly. HAU is becoming a favorable client which may help create a continuous stream of tours. Nurturing the relationship with this client may prove to be a worthwhile long term investment.



* Nothing Follows *

Tour with Holy Angels HRM Students

• I was informed of the tour by Ms. Susan Calo-Medina of the Tour around 10:00 a.m two days prior to scheduled tour.
• She partially informed me of the tour at which I accepted and instructed me to get in touch with the contact person.

• I immediately got in touch with Ms Chay Lao to ask about the details of the tour and I sought information regarding the guests, their interests and background. I was informed my guest would be tourism and HRM students, of varying interests and was given the details as to pick-up, time, et. al.

• I agreed to meet them at Trader’s Hotel at 10:00 a.m. on the appointed day/s and said they can’t miss me as I will be wearing a barong. The assigned guides for the 19th were: myself, Yael Fernandez, Chito Tayag, Dustin Ancheta. For the 20th: myself, Chito Tayag, Dustin Ancheta, Jeff Velasco.


• We were very early at the venue on both days. On the 19th however, there was a mix up as one of their coordinators got in touch with DOT. Apparently another set of guides was sent although there was no confirmation on the part of the guests to avail of their services. Ms Chay apparently thought that they were Mabuhay Guides because one of them was in a barong.

• The issue was resolved with the guests using the Mabuhay Guides while the other group was informed that there was no confirmation for using them as guides.

• I started my commentary at the bus and gave the usual commentaries. There were no microphones on the bus so the MGs stood middle of the bus at the same time directing the coach captains to stay in a convoy.

• The tour of Roxas Blvd. to Intramuros went without any hitches. We had to circle back to see Fort Santiago as the last stop before lunch. Lunch was at the Club Intramuros where the kids were treated to a sumptuous buffet and they were given the opportunity for photo ops on the tee off area to the greens.

• From lunch, we boarded at 1 p.m. and proceeded to Manila Hotel, Quirino Grandstand, Roxas Blvd., CCP complex, Buendia Ave., Ayala Ave., McKinley Parkway turning right towards the various camps to Resorts World.

• Busses weren’t allowed to park in Resorts World so all the coaches were on stand-by as the guests took a washroom break. That done, we went back towards Fort Bonifacio as the last stop for the day was the Venice Piazza.

• At McKinley Hill, we were again stopped by security as there was no written request by the party to visit the establishment. With much negotiation on our part, they were allowed to visit and do an ocular inspection of the place. We ended our tour here and bid our leave.

• The 20th was basically the same except the itinerary was altered the evening prior to the tour.

• The rolling tour would take us to Intramuros, MOA, Market! Market! From the Trader’s Hotel, the students boarded their respective busses. And we left at around half past ten in the morning.

• Apparently, the itinerary was altered as there was little to see at Venice Piazza. Ms Celle called to say that they needed to shorten the rolling tour as they needed to be on the way back to Pampanga by 4:00 p.m.

• We were early for the lunch appointment at Club Intramuros but they students welcomed the early arrival. They had more time to enjoy and appreciate the club.

• We left at one p.m. again passing through Manila Hotel, Quirino Grandstand, Army-Navy facilities, Roxas Blvd. The CCP complexwas more of an in-depth rolling tour as we passed all the important buildings in the area.

• We proceeded to Diosdado Macapagal Ave., MOA and then took EDSA to the Global City. Traffic was heavy at EDSA which took longest near the Pasay City/Makati boundary but once we reached McKinley, traffic got better.

• We reached Market! Market! By 4:00 p.m. and we waited for the other busses to arrive. We ended our tour at this point and bid our farewells to our coordinators.

Mabuhay Guide Re-born...

I am Happy!!!! Happy, Happy... Happy!!!!

After an agonizing wait of a month and a half I finally recieved my renewal for accreditation as a tourist guide from the Department of Tourism. Officially, today... I am a Mabuhay Guide again.

I was at the Tourism office this afternoon after Mr Bimbo Cruz of the accreditation department confirmed that my renewal finally went through. He sent me a text message at around 10 or 11 this morning. I went to see him after lunch...a little past two, actually. I just waited a little, was called to her desk by Ms Yoli and then she sent me off to pay the fee of Pesos, 180.00. Down I went to room 114 to pay the fee and was issued a reciept which I presented to the window at room 206. A little more waiting and voila! My accreditation and ID were handed to me. There's just one catch - the laminating machine was busted... talk about bad timing...

For a paperless transaction this one seemed to have taken forever. I hope the new secretary of Tourism resolves this problem soon enough. I guess Secretary Bertie Lim has an eye out for the many opportunities that will boost tourist arrivals in the country.

In the papers today, writer/columnist Bernardo M. Villegas points out certain facts about tourism in the country that the former administration (thanks to former Secretary Ace Durano) has set up like the nautical highway, better airports, improved roads. They had all of nine years to do as much as they could... and the results were astounding!

Get this:
- for the last nine years international tourism grew by 5.2% annually notwithstanding the downtrend in the global markets
- tourist arrivals hit the 3 million mark in 2007 expanding by 1.5% to 31 million in 2008
- tourism dropped by only 3% in 2009 during the worst economic crisis compared to other asian countries
- tourism reciepts grew by 3.9% annually from $2.2B in 2000 to $2.96B in 2007.
- tourism employed 3.3M persons in 2008, 23.7% higher than in 2000.
- the average annual tourism employment was 9.5% which means tourism generated one out of ten jobs over a period of ten years.
- the average annual tourism employment rate was 2.37% which closely approximated the national employment growth rate of 2.7%
- the passenger transport industry was the largest employer at 42.7% followed by restaurants at 23.7%, retail enterprises at 4.7%, hotels at 4%

Given these statistics* Secretary Lim is looking into integrating nature, culture and history as a means of providing a total package for tourist spots so that potential visitors get a "tight"and neat little experience that will make them want to come back.

The poor guy has been much maligned after he was misinterpreted/misconstrued/ misquoted ( you select the proper term) for his pronouncements regarding tourist arrivals. He has a quite an interesting view on attracting tourists to the country opting for quality more than quantity. I think it makes a lot of sense. We can't compete with the tourist arrivals from other countries in europe who can attract 50M tourists each season. Do we really want hordes of noisy, backpacking tourists descending on our virgin beaches and frolicking naked in the sand?

Aside from the physical and moral pollution that it entails, we've been touted for ruining our destinations because of our penchant for catering to every whim of tourists. That's Pinoy hospitality for you. In the seventies and eighties we were known for the sex tours and what a horrible reputation we had back then.

Just go to Boracay during Holy Week and you get the idea... I loved Boracay when it was virtually unknown to the outside world. Nipa huts rented for P500.00 a night and you had to take a shower with a pozo to rinse of the sea water from your body... and then you used a "buhos" toilet to do your morning ritual... That was the Boracay i knew and loved... nowadays, you can't make me go back there specially during peak season. For one, I could no longer afford it. It has become too expensive. For another reason, i dread the hordes of people who go there and party all night.

It's time to rethink what we're known for... eventually visitors will want something of a novelty. They did it in CamSur with the wakeboarding. Caramoan's jagged primeval coastline came alive with it picture-perfect beauty. Danao started to offer extreme activities aside from its historical significance owing to the Dagohoy rebellion. We want to attract tourists who will stay and spend their hard-earned money and not commit acts of loutism while they're here. Naturally, it's families who will want to come and bond with each other while enjoying the best of what our country has to offer. I think this is what Secretary Lim meant when he said it's not the number of people you want to come trampling on our shores... it's the quality of tourists...

I'm with you there... I'm a Mabuhay Guide again...



*Manila Bulletin. Business and Society. "Nature, History, Culture". Bernardo M. Villegas. Monday, 16. August. 2010

Missing Ilocos

Same time last year, the Mabuhay Guides embarked on a lengthy and in-depth research trip to Region I... the province of Ilocos!!!

Dustin Arnold Ancheta was given the task of being the team leader and there were ten of us who went to Ilocos for the research trip and we had a blast. The purpose of the trip was not only to enjoy what Ilocos has to offer but also to view the region with an open mind... discover the visual treats along the way and perhaps provide a glimpse of what the people and the province has in store for the erstwhile tourist.


We took an early morning flight to Laoag Airport and we were met by the representatives of the region's tourism office. From there we were taken by coaster to the Palazzo Hotel which is a few minutes off the center of Laoag. The owners were very cordial and it turns out that the lady of the hotel was originally a Manilena but was married to an Ilocano. It was just a few minutes at the lobby to sort out our room assignments and we were ushered to the dining room for sumptuous Ilocano Breakfast that had this soup made out of seaweed in a clear broth and the traditional Ilocano poqui-poqui, pinakbet with barbeque and fish and bagoong.

Then after lunch we were ushered into the van enroute to Curimao, Batac and Paoay. Now, these sites are must sees. Curimao is where Sitio Remedios is located. A collecton of quaint centuries old houses clumped into one compound amid ngarled and ancient trees ans nestled in the rugged coastline. Batac and Paoay are the bastion of the Marcos Family. Batac is where the Marcos Mansion and Museum is located. The Marcos Museum and Mausauleoum is where the family stays when vacationing in Ilocos, whilst the Museum is the final resting place of the former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. His remains lie in state in a temperature-controlled room that is annexed to the rest of the compound.
We also had a short stop at the Fort Ilocandia for merienda and to see the amenities that are available to tourists.

Paoay is noteworthy, as it has the distinction of having one of four World Heritage sites in the Philippines. The San Agustin Church built by the Agustinians during the Spanish regime is a massive architectural wonder featuring flying buttresses in the Philippine earthquake baroque style. A few minutes from the church is the Malacanan ti Amianan (Malacanan of the North) the official residence of President Marcos overlooking the Paoay Lake. After a tour of the palace, we motored back to Laoag for dinner at the Palazzo Hotel

Our second day in Ilocos was chock-full of activities. First stop was the Juan Luna Shrine in Badoc, Ilocos Sur. The home of Juan Luna was restored and turned into a museum that features the nationalist's life and works. From there, we proceeded to Vigan, Ilocos Sur where we took the Mestizo River tour.We also visited a weaving cooperative where The famous Abel Iloco cloth is still woven. Centuries ago, the lowly abel Iloco was the subject of a ban from Spanish weavers as the clothe proved to be sturdier for use in sails of the galleons that plied the Philippine-Mexico route. We went to the Syquia Mansion and was toured around by the caretaker. Then we proceeded to the Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia that's right next to the St Paul's Cathedral to learn about the contributions of the Catholic religion to the simple Ilocano way of life. Finally we went gallivanting round the Spanish heritage town of Vigan, spared from the Japanese bombs when a Japanese colonel who fell in love with an Ilocana. This after a great lunch at Cafe Leona... known for her poetry and for her strong female presence in Vigan society.


The third day was devoted to a lecture at the Museo Iloco by Father Laeda. Father Laeda enlightened us on the shrinking bell tower of St William the Hermit Cathedral. The Museo is also fondly called "Gameng" Ilocano for jewel. as it holds a virtual treasure trove of Ilocano artifacts from farm implements, fishing equipment musical scores and even a replica of a vigan home within the Tabacalera's restored walls. We also visited the Capitol building and then were whisked off to the North Coast. Along the way we stopped at the Pasuquin Salt factories, we had lunch at Burgos municipality tendered by the Mayor and his staff. Then we went to Cape Bojeador that has witnessed the galleons' voyages throughout the centuries. After that, we went to see the Bangui windmills; a modern concession to the Ilocano culture as it supplies a moajority of the regions electrical power. Then, it was Pagudpud!!! On the way back, we stopped at the REFMAD Dragon Fruit Farm.

The Fourth Day in Ilocos was more of a review of sorts. We visited the Churches of Sta Monica in Sarat. The massive church interior was the setting for the momentous wedding of presidential daughter Irene Marcos to Greggy Araneta. WE also saw the Well that had secret tunnels that led to the river where revolutionaries took refuge during the Philippine revolution. After that we went to the Laoag Market just to find out the curios they had to sell. We also went to St William the Hermit Church in Laoag. We also went back to Batac to view the Artemio Ricarte Museum. After which we sampled local Empanada. From there and many digital photos later, it was back to Laoag for merienda at a joint that served us Ilocano fusion food and then the airport for our flight back home... It's been a year since I was there last...

How fast time flies...

The Baguio of My Childhood

I have always had fond memories of Baguio. I used to go to the summer capital quite often when I was a kid. Two of my elder cousins studied there and my dear grandmother would gather all of us cousins and head for Baguio to check on her favorite grandchildren.

Recently, my cousin Alice arrived and she had the bright idea of taking her American husband to see Baguio first-hand. Apparently, she too, had fond memories of Baguio and had told Jim (her husband) stories of how she spent vacations there. So upon her invitation, I tagged along for a weekend there. She had an invite to stay at the Baguio Country Club and she and Jim stayed there while I and the driver stayed at the El Cielito Inn a stone's throw from SM City Baguio ( yes, there's one there now too).

I was surprised by the speed of which we got there. We cut the trip to at least half the time thanks to the modern day convenience of the NLEX and SCTEX which cuts through the face of Northern Luzon. Before it took 6-8 hours to get to the city of pines... nowadays, it takes 4-6 hours. Incidentally the SCTEX also cuts through the Hacienda Luisita ( owned by PNoy's family) and you get a sense of the wealth and power of landed families from the Spanish times to the present as they hold sway over the common Filipinos.

The purpose of the trip was R&R and to show Jim around what the Americans built to make the location a place of refuge and to remind them of home when they were getting bored and home-sick in Manila. Because truly, the city remains far removed from the heat of the rest of country. It's as if you were trasported to a different country while you're here.

When I was a child I stared in awe of the beauty that surrounded me as I craned my neck to see the deep ravines along Kennon Road. At the foot of the mountain one gets a whiff of fresh mountain air. No longer. You only get that now whe you're near the city proper. The rest of the climb all you see is the degradation of Kennon Road and the smell of smoke emissions from the busses that ply the Baguio-Manila Route.

There is so much urban development in Baguio now so much so that there are traffic jams along Session Road ( where we used to do most of the sightseeing and eating) and there are areas where traffic is re-routed one way. The side of the Baguio Cathedral along session Road has so many tall buildings now it has all but obscured the Gothic Baguio Cathedral from that side. I remember eagerly running up the steps to the cathedral and counting the hundred and plus so steps to the top. Pine trees that used to surround the historic church have been sawn off. there's a walkway and fountain that now obscures the faced of the Cathedral.

Thankfully, the sites that make Baguio unique are still there but I can't tell whether it has become a tourist trap or a sign of progress... I guess it's a matter of looking at different perspectives. The observation deck at Mine's View Park has been totally over-run by stall upon stall of curio shops and Photo-ops with dogs and horses. It takes a while before one gets to the view. Apparently there have been a lot of complaints from tourists and there is now a move to re-locate the merchants from the view deck. Igorot Kids used to hang around the cliff face to scrounge around for coins tossed by tourists. The practice has now been stopped. Rightly so, as it has cost the lives of some children falling off the cliff clambering for loose change.
The vista of Baguio remains as spectacular as ever but now, homes are precariously constructed along ridges. Old colonial homes are left derelict or up for sale. Hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, bed and breakfasts have sprung up like mushrooms due to the heavy influx of tourists during the summer. But the landmarks of Baguio remain as enduring as its glorious weather. At two in the afternoon, the clouds set in. Usually, it rains in the afternooons this time of year so don't forget your raingear. It isn't as cold as I remember it to be. But the flood of memorieshas made this trip a very sentimental one for me... and my cousin as well...

Here are some of Baguio's Must See's:
Baguio Country Club ( see the marker for its history)
Camp John Hay- built as an american military facility, the camp is now open to the public with all the great amenities and spectacular views. a certain area now has a row of dining and outlet stores.
Mine's View Park - need I say more?
Burnham Park - named after Daniel Burnham of Manila and London fame... he was responsible for the gridiron lay-out of the city of Manila. Baguio has the same lay-out.
Baguio Cathedral-(see photo)
Lourdes Grotto- we used to run up and down the stairs when I was a kid. Now it's a location for a TV commercial for body pain relief pill.
Mansion House- built as a summer residence for the presidents of the Philippines. Located across the entrance of Wright Park
Teacher's Camp- I stayed at the Teacher's Camp year ago for an Art consrvation and Preservation Seminar conducted by the National Museum. The place is famous for the Urban Legend of "white Ladies" and ghost stories.
Baguio Convention Center- Designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, the convention center is situated right across the UP Baguio Campus. I recommend you visit the Tourism office there to ask for maps of Baguio City.
Wright Park- Pony ride, anyone? I used to ride the sturdy mountain horses when I was a kid. I got a "kick" (pardon the pun) out of it everytime.
Botanical Garden- When I was a child i remember putting my nose on a rose to sniff it and my face was totally covered in pollen.
Mount Sto Tomas
Tam-awan Village- Artist Ben Cabrera is credited for re-creating an Ifugao village with his personal funds and creating a complete arts center with a gallery near Quezon Hill.
Philippine Military Academy- West Point style military Academy that trains the future military leaders of the country. I remember attending a PMA graduation when I was a kid. It was for the graduation of tito Alexander Aguirre who was top of his class. The academy has accepted women plebes a few years back.
Asin Hot springs
Loakan Airport- now closed for commercial air transport. Sea Air now has flights to La Union complete with busses that ferry passengers from La union to Baguio City
Bell Church
Heritage Hill- Site of Baguio City Hall. It houses American Colonial Buildings that are still in use.
Easter Weaving Room- site for local weaving. the most famous weaver that broke into international fame is Narda Capuyan. She popularized the Igorot weave in Europe and the americas
Wood Carver's Village
Baguio City Market- Ever popular place to look for bargains, especially fresh strawberries
Maryknoll Sanctuary

Yes they're still there. But you better go see Baguio before everything completely changes before your very eyes. Getting around isn't a problem as there are jeepneys that go the routes of these sites and taxis are cheaper (guess what? no aircon). there's even a fly-over now that leads from the city to the Marcos Highway that's as smooth as it can get...

An Afternoon with Secretary Lim

Yesterday was a red-letter day for the remaining Mabuhay Guides. It was the day when the remaining guides paid a courtesy call to newly-appointed Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim. I say remaining because from twenty-five the number has been drastically cut to fourteen active Mabuhay Guides. Some have opted to leave the group for better pastures while the rest who were stricken of the roster failed to make the desired rating.

Oh yes, Virginia... the Mabuhay Guides underwent an acid-test of sorts for an entire year while taking on various guiding duties. Each and every group we went with were given an evaluation sheet of how satisfied/disatisfied they were with our guiding skills.

But I digress. As a show of solidarity and support for the newly-appointed secretary, we were all instructed to be in our gala uniform and be at the Secretary's office at 1:30 p.m. Suits for the men and for the women, their black pencil skirts and their orange tops and matching blazers.

We were ushered into the recieving room and were made to wait for Sec. Lim as he was still out on a meeting with PNoy. Whilst there, we all exchanged pleasantries and tried to catch up on what each and everyone was doing outside of the Mabuhay Guides. As is usual with our meetings, there was a lot of fun and laughter which we did with a lot of resttraint so we don't make the wrong impression on the Secretary.

At half past two in the afternoon, Secretary Lim enters the door from his office and he was a bit surprised that we were dressed to the nines as if a reception was underway. Apparently the cabinet meeting would have taken till midnight if the president had not included another meeting he had to go to. My first impression of Secretary Lim was that he was a no-nonsense kinda guy. He's a pretty tall man with a serious demeanor. Eventually, he slackened when we each introduced ourselves to him. Of course, our mother-hen, The Susan Calo-Medina was there to steer the conversation to our plans.

I liked that Secreatry Lim was quite supportive of the future plans of the Mabuhay Guides. Like us, he believes in upgrading the quality of the guides in the country and that he is willing to provide us with logistical support if and when necessary. He also believes in strengthening the Mabuhay Guides brand so we can professionalize the guiding industry as an effective conduit to tourism. Like any businessman, he can be direct and exacting to the point that he gets misconstrued... misquoted... perhaps even misunderstood.

All in all, the meeting was a pleasant one and shows lots of promise for the Mabuhay Guides who choose to stick it out and spread the love for country and travel to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, as we all undergo the renewal process for our individual accreditation, we're most anxious for the guests to start pouring in. The rainy season has set in and at the moment, it's quite a long wait for each and everyone of us to get assigned to a tour.

That's tourism for you... we're dependent on the weather. We can make the worst of the rainy season look good but we have an eye out for brighter sunshine to make our guests enjoy what the country has to offer.

Oh well, since it's summer in the US, my cousins have all decided to come home for a spell. For them, this is the best time to come home to Manila. The weather isn't that bad and it's a lot cooler than it is during summer. Since I haven't taken my turn yet I may as well get some practice showing my cousins around...