Our heart is heavy while this blog is being done. Some photos will somehow explain why but first things first.
A group of "Malaybalayans" was treated to an educational field trip: Manila-Pampanga; Manila-Tagaytay. It was a trip worth almost 20k but to this day - tourists ask - was it worth it? While it is prudent not to say something "ungrateful" about something given in the spirit of gift-giving; it is not totally outside of our realm to air feedback if only to protect "taxpayers' money".
The tourists went to Pampanga and saw for themselves the excellent campus and amenities of Angeles University Foundation. It was worth our time and truly an institution worth imitating even if it to do so - will take forever. Then the tourists visited the so-called Duty free store and so they bought toblerone and other chocolates and somehow managed to bring some for as long as after multiplying the dollar by 44.25 money was available. Then back to Manila . . . Those who are in the know about touring a place asked: Did you see the dolphins? Did you see Clark Air Base? Did you see what is supposed to be seen in Pampanga? The Malaybalayans could only roll their eyes: No, we did not see any of those you are talking about. . . .
Then the tourists went to Tagaytay and saw for themselves - after a veryyyy longgggg travel - Park in the Sky! - a public place so no entrance fee! Those who are in the know about touring Tagaytay asked: Did you go to Taal Lodge and see Taal Volcano at a strategic point? Did you see Tagaytay market? Did you go near fruit stands and touch the small pineapples - in contrast to the big pineapples from Bukidnon? Did you go somewhere other than Public Park in the sky? No!
While in Manila, did you go somewhere other than Atrium Hotel and Mall of Asia? Those in the know about seeing Manila asked: Did you see the National Museum? the Cultural Center of the Philippines? Malacanang Palace? Planetarium? Ayala Museum? this and that? No!
So, all things considered, what made it an educational trip other than the visit in Angeles University Foundation? the tour guide who memorized all her dialogues such that even the birth of Rizal, the time of his birth; the middle names of heroes and personalities were given emphasis? the bus which announced to the people looking at the bus passing by - tourists on board? just that it is an educational trip -and why should one question it anyways?
Expect some photos in the succeeding blogs to decide for yourself whether or not it was an educational field trip for when all things are said and done the tourists from Malaybalayans made it so. Perhaps so much to be desired remains for something envisioned to please but then it happened and for all its intent and purpose it was worth our time and energy. . . At least first timers boarded the plane- back and forth -; saw Manila first hand, Mall of Asia, a part of Pampanga; a part of Tagaytay; a tourist for four days all expenses paid for. . .
A group of "Malaybalayans" was treated to an educational field trip: Manila-Pampanga; Manila-Tagaytay. It was a trip worth almost 20k but to this day - tourists ask - was it worth it? While it is prudent not to say something "ungrateful" about something given in the spirit of gift-giving; it is not totally outside of our realm to air feedback if only to protect "taxpayers' money".
The tourists went to Pampanga and saw for themselves the excellent campus and amenities of Angeles University Foundation. It was worth our time and truly an institution worth imitating even if it to do so - will take forever. Then the tourists visited the so-called Duty free store and so they bought toblerone and other chocolates and somehow managed to bring some for as long as after multiplying the dollar by 44.25 money was available. Then back to Manila . . . Those who are in the know about touring a place asked: Did you see the dolphins? Did you see Clark Air Base? Did you see what is supposed to be seen in Pampanga? The Malaybalayans could only roll their eyes: No, we did not see any of those you are talking about. . . .
Then the tourists went to Tagaytay and saw for themselves - after a veryyyy longgggg travel - Park in the Sky! - a public place so no entrance fee! Those who are in the know about touring Tagaytay asked: Did you go to Taal Lodge and see Taal Volcano at a strategic point? Did you see Tagaytay market? Did you go near fruit stands and touch the small pineapples - in contrast to the big pineapples from Bukidnon? Did you go somewhere other than Public Park in the sky? No!
While in Manila, did you go somewhere other than Atrium Hotel and Mall of Asia? Those in the know about seeing Manila asked: Did you see the National Museum? the Cultural Center of the Philippines? Malacanang Palace? Planetarium? Ayala Museum? this and that? No!
So, all things considered, what made it an educational trip other than the visit in Angeles University Foundation? the tour guide who memorized all her dialogues such that even the birth of Rizal, the time of his birth; the middle names of heroes and personalities were given emphasis? the bus which announced to the people looking at the bus passing by - tourists on board? just that it is an educational trip -and why should one question it anyways?
Expect some photos in the succeeding blogs to decide for yourself whether or not it was an educational field trip for when all things are said and done the tourists from Malaybalayans made it so. Perhaps so much to be desired remains for something envisioned to please but then it happened and for all its intent and purpose it was worth our time and energy. . . At least first timers boarded the plane- back and forth -; saw Manila first hand, Mall of Asia, a part of Pampanga; a part of Tagaytay; a tourist for four days all expenses paid for. . .
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1 comments:
Events such as this must justify the expenses because what is spent are money of the poor tax payer. This is one kind of racket common among educational institutions. The tour operator makes a special arrangement with either the head of the institution or the faculty president in consideration of some amount. The tour package will depend on the amount being "shared". The lesser the take..the better is the package. If what is asked is bigger, naturally some cuts has to be effected such as not going to a tourist place that calls for entrance fee. Usually, 10% to 13% is the offer involve. Check on the MOE of the budget. This is where the funds is sourced, usually under scholarship or maintenance.
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