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.

Tips on Seat Sales:
1. Best way to know there's a seat sale is through Twitter. Follow those airline accounts to score those cheap flights! @cebupacificair @flyPAL @ZestAirZ2 @airphilexpress @AirAsia
2. Have a ready list of places you want to visit on-hand. Seats are being booked as you ponder where to go. Also, you and your companions can share scouting the dates and flights for different locations you all want to visit. Makes it easier than deciding on-hand where you want to go. Saves you time and regret (for not getting the flight). 
3. Know the taxes included. Your base fare does not translate to your total airfare. Review every detail. You might end up paying so much because of the baggage costs, travel insurance, donations, etc. In short, thread slowly but surely.
4. (as informed by my friend), Cebu Pacific tends to overbook their flights by 20%. So make sure once you've booked yourself, arrive early at the airport to check-in.
5. Sometimes, impulsiveness can take you places. So if you have the money, then book a weekend at an unfamiliar place and discover something new.


Let me know if you have your rules/tips during seat sales! :)

6. DO bring a notebook to list your expenses. This is handy especially if you're in a group and you divide everything among yourselves. In our case, we just give what we have at certain moments and compute our cost for the day. We then tally who owes what. At the end of the day, our expenses even out.


7. DO check with your travel companions which budget and itinerary works for them. You may disagree on some places and it's best to settle these issues before you're actually there. This saves you time especially if you're  on a tight schedule.

8. (In relation to no.7) DON'T block all time slots for activities. Make room for spontaneity. While planning, I made our Sunday afternoon and night free for whatever activity we wanted to do upon arriving back in CDO. We spent our Saturday and Sunday morning in Camiguin.