The Women in Travel

Over a decade ago, a group of ladies - all friends and driven to continue promoting travel and tourism - bonded together and formally organized themselves into the newest chapter of a worldwide association called Women in Travel. The dedicated and gracious Grace Rosal was charter president.

Fast-forward nineteen years. The membership has increased significantly. More worthwhile and productive projects are being accomplished with each passing year.

Among the Women in Travel hall of fame honorees were Lourdes Quisumbing and Fe Necesario (education) Ingrid Sala Santamaria (arts and culture) Dawnie Roa and Agnes Magpale (tourism) Loring Victorino (community service) and Jo Magsaysay, Lily Ferreros, Nelia Neri and Flor Ynclino (journalism).

The organization in the past likewise honored distinguished gentlemen with the Man of the Year Award. They include the late Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan, representative Raul del Mar, PR consultant Charles Lim, US Consular Agent John Domingo and former hotelier Patrick Gregorio.

Before the end of the evening, which was capped with dinner, a new set of officers were inducted by co founder and first President of the Women in Travel-Manila, Lydia Castillo. They are Marilou Pintor of Grand Holidays as President, VP for Membership Marisol Barria of Baron Travel, VP for Trade Elizabeth Yu of Camiguin Highlands, Secretary Cherry Callelero of Continental Airlines, Treasurer Marissa Unchuan of White Sands Beach Resort, assistant treasurer Belinda Lua of Travelways and International Director Maris Araneta of Mandaue Maris Travel and Tours. The clubs advisers are two distinguished and well-respected ladies in their own field: Dawnie Roa of the Department of Tourism and Mila Espina, owner of SpeechCom.

The club also warmly welcomed its new members: Agnes Gupalor of Cebu Pacific, Alice Fernandez of Eddie's Hotel and Gines Ruiz of AAI Travel and Tours.

There you have it, these dynamic Women in Travel are definitely not Women in Trouble.