For Coron back in January, I had to find accommodation for seven people. In booking accommodations, my usual routine would be to research on the internet the top accommodations by bloggers and TripAdvisor. Then, I would check their rates if it fits our budget. If they don't have any rates on their website, I send an email or call them if email is not available.

One deal breaker is not usually the rates but how they respond to my inquiries. People from the hospitality industry should know how to treat their customers right especially during the initial contacts. I do my best to be a good customer so I definitely expect to have good service from them.

When I was booking for Coron, I decided to avail tour package together with the accommodation as my trip buddies prefer a no-hassle trip.

I went for Darayonan Lodge. I emailed other resorts that my friends preferred. One of which broke the deal by this kind of response:


I was inquiring if Tour 1B can be modified and that was what I got. Also, please know the difference between you and you're. I don't mind receiving a reply in Filipino.

I did have a similar concern with Darayonan Lodge's tour packages so I sent them an email. I got a well-written reply.




The letter showed effort and concern to their potential customer. It was not like the first one which was like we had just two options: take it or leave it. I know that packaged tours are usually strict but we would be having one boat for our whole group and won't be bothering other groups. Also, I was still on the process of asking three months away from the trip. It was not as if everything was cast in stone. I wanted to know my options to help me decide better. Those in the hospitality industry (or even those who mainly have clients in their work) should know that how you treat potential customers will have a big impact in your business. Loyal customers are what helps a business grow.


Last May, I was calling Zamboanga inns and hotels for my supposed trip this June. Here were some anecdotes over the phone:

Click photo to enlarge

I obviously booked with Hotel No.3 (and was even amused his concern on my flight).

I am not quite particular with my accommodations. As long as I have a bed and a decent bathroom, I will be quite happy. It's the experience with the people in the hotel/inn that actually makes a difference.

More on Darayonan Lodge soon.

Back in the days, I knew you were a weekly home to the society's upper and middle class. You awed them with your beauty. You were a center of attention at night. You were THE Metropolitan Theater.

You were born on the December 10, 1931. Your proud father was Juan M. Arellano. You were a majestic sight back in the days. Back in the good, old days.



Now, you are battered, ignored and slowly being forgotten. You are but a memory. But, you had always intrigued me. I wanted to know you better, to see what is inside of you and to know if there is hope for you.




Last May 20, your doors opened for me. Almost every part of you were dilapidated. I had a little pain in my heart. Broken glass and doors, trashed dressing rooms and flooded orchestra pit. Gone was the Metropolitan Theater I wanted to experience.














I went up and saw a magnificent view of the city. There was rain but I would not mind going back to catch the famous Manila sunset on your roof.










I have always been a fan of theater. I may not watch as much plays as I want but I have a certain love for theater plays. I love the elaborate process of coming up with minutes or hours of live entertainment. And sometimes, my favorite part would be the opening of the red curtains. Because that's when the magic begins.







That Sunday, there was no magic. You were like a fairy. When people stopped believing, you somehow died. But I still believe and I know other people do. We just need the right people to see the beauty that you used to be.

Back in college, I had realized how preservation costs less than restoration. I wished we had preserved you through the years. But now, I wish people will restore you to what you were originally meant to be. We could use more theater and less showbiz in this city.


Note: This Metropolitan Theater Tour is part of the Postal Heritage Walking Tour, sponsored by The Filipinas Stamp Collector's Club (FSCC).