Hearing from my readers

I should like to take a breather here by recalling some reactions from the followers of this column through the years.  I began this when my good friend and comadre Maripal Sandiego was still the Business Editor, while I was Food and Travel Editor in the Lifestyle Section.  Allan Jayme Rabaya, or AJR, who was the Lifestyle Editor, limited my space in the days I came out, so I had a lot of backlog for my travel concerns.  Hence, I asked Maripal if I could start a column in her section, to which she readily agreed. Thus, Travel Update began. 

From fulfilling my obligations to my friends in the travel/trade industry, I slowly evolved my column to include some tips, guidelines and the travels I made in line with my job as travel and food editor.  Even after Maripal left for the U.S., the current editor Joefel Banzon has allowed me to continue my column. Hence, I have the chance to write regularly, especially after I have taken over the position of Executive Editor of the Lifestyle Section from AJR six years ago. Editing a section on a daily basis somehow puts writing on a per-need basis.

Among the most fulfilling responses I get are from long lost friends (that I would meet by chance) telling me that they have not really missed me because they get a slice of me through Travel Update.  There are also those who would contact me through text messages immediately after my column would come out, airing a similar concern or asking for details about the topic.

Funny instances were reactions from competitors on something I took up, asking for further clarifications on the situations I mentioned.  Always edifying are the appreciative and encouraging words from government officials and tourism key players who validate the efforts I am trying here to help in the tourism thrust of our economy.

Mention must be made on the problems I have ventilated mostly through first hand experiences.  For these, I got public rejoinders and requests for me to follow through to the proper authorities.  Despite my no-holds-barred treatment of problems, the companies concerned have never complained about this column. On the contrary, the corporate executives who addressed my concerns noted on the fairness of my treatment and on the fact that I had gone out of my way to hear their side.  I always believe that there are always two sides to an issue. Neither will I make a fuss when subjected to shabby customer service at the time when it happens. There is a proper time and place for everything.

“Hi, Maam Mayen!” I received this text message two weeks ago. “Your column ‘Out of Africa’ is very informative. Will surely disseminate this among delegates who will go on safari in September.”  It is reactions like this that make me go on with my small efforts to share a slice of myself, in case I may get to help someone out there.

Stay well, keep the faith and travel safely.