They have quarterly two half-day meetings – closed door events that are often desired and rigorously competed upon by member states through the rigors of open bidding. Realizing the great significance of this event, Tourism Secretary Richard J. Gordon presented the sincere intentions of the Philippines to host the next assembly during the Annual PATA Conference in New Delhi, India. And at the closing Plenary Session of the Congress, it was announced, "The Philippines have it!" The Philippines had won!
So very recently, they came to our shores. But first, just a brief background on the highly influential organization.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association is the leader of and authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. It combines a traditional role of product development and marketing support for destinations with strategic initiatives for the long-term vitality of the industry. Its mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of the membership of PATA.
PATA is composed of some 2,000 organizations including governments, airlines and cruise lines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, travel agencies and other tourism-related corporations and companies, educational institutions, financial and consultancy services and the tri-media.
Augmenting the efforts of PATA is a world-wide network of chapters, in close to a hundred locations worldwide, with an active sales force membership of over 20,000 travel industry professionals, developing and promoting the PATA member destinations and its products together with its services.
And the board of directors – never less than 76, but not more than 80 members – is the governing body of the association. Full stop.
Now back to our story. As I had previously said, so very recently, they came to our shores. They arrived with their spouses and some support staff, a total number swelling to over 160 visitors.
Seldom equaled but perhaps never surpassed in everything he does, the Philippine host committee, spearheaded by Secretary Gordon – who incidentally is the chairman-elect of the organization (but that in itself is another story) – rolled out the red carpet for the duration of the conference, as if our country and our people have the monopoly of genuine warm hospitality.
First on the agenda was the Filipiniana welcome dinner, with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as guest of honor, held at the Philippines’ premier address, the historic Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the national leader of the land.
Greeted with a welcoming tradition, complete with an oversized collar de sampaguita, they were ushered into the Reception Hall for cocktails. Beneath three impressive crystal chandeliers and surrounded by portraits of past leaders, from General Emilio Aguinaldo to our second Lady President (this particular work was masterfully executed by Lulu Coching Rodriguez only this year), the visitors were served chilled lemonada and appetizers, such as lumpiang chicharon at keso, kangkong fritters and native chips in salted duck egg dip.
The visitors were later escorted to the Ceremonial Hall. After the welcome remarks by Secretary Gordon and the response by the PATA chairman Bo W. Long, President Macapagal-Arroyo delivered her well-received, much-applauded keynote speech.
The President pointed out that tourism, a giant global industry, is a powerful growth engine, a huge dollar earner. "Therefore," she declares, "we must not allow terrorism to beat tourism, and the Philippines has shown it can be done as the international arrivals continue to grow."
A sit-down dinner followed, and it was truly awesome. Trust Via Mare’s Glenda Barretto, food and beverage pioneer, author of books on cuisine, organizer of countless in-store promotions and food festivals abroad and the veteran of Filipino restos in several world fairs and expositions, to pull another culinary miracle.
At round tables draped in crisp linens, highlighted by a beautiful mini garden of roses, gardenias, sampaguitas and milfloreses and using the three choice Cs – fine china, exquisite crystal and sterling cutlery – dinner was served. And the service was flawless!
Savor it with me in personalized unique individual containers of all possible imaginable make: Pinausukang sugpo sa ensaladang suha (smoked prawns in pomelo salad) sopa na kalabasa at ube (cream of pumpkin and purple yam soup) sorbetes na tubo at kalamansi (sugarcane and Philippine citron sherbet) karne at keso (beef tenderloin stuffed with Philippine cheese in coco white sauce) and hinulmang mangga (mango mousse with chocolate sauce).
Just before coffee and tea, live music from non-visible instrumentalists slowly creeps into the hall, interrupting interesting conversations, and inducing laughter.
Then the voice over:
"For the Filipino, every gesture is an offering. Every offering, an act of grace. Every act, a declamation of faith."
The spotlights hit the curtains. The curtains open. The dancers stand still, pre-set on a tableau.
The voice-over continues:
"In honor of the Pacific Asia Travel Association Board of Directors, we present Pag-alay – an offering. A collage of Filipino tribal and folk dances performed with a symbolic offering to honor our visitors. From the lowlands of Bukidnon, pag-alay ng apoy – an offering of fire, symbol of enlightenment."
A dugso is performed.
Voice-over: "From the highlands up north, home of the Banawe Rice Terraces, pag-alay ng bigas – an offering of rice, symbol of prosperity."
The Ifugaos do their part.
Voice-over: "From the southern tribe of Maguindanao, pag-alay ng kapilan – an offering of the sword, symbol of bravery."
Representatives from Maguindanao step in.
Voice-over: "From the lowland Christian tribes, pag-alay ng bulaklak – an offering of flowers, symbol of good tidings."
A jota follows.
Voice-over: "And from the south, the T’boli, pag-alay ng nga-nga – an offering of betel nut, symbol of hospitality."
The T’bolis take center stage.
Voice-over: "With our music, our dances, and with the offerings we hold dear, we wish you a memorable stay in our islands and proclaim our constant invitation to our country which you may also call your home. Mabuhay."
All the dancers exit. The curtain closes. Instant applause and more applause. Nods of approval. Smiles of appreciation. Cheers of praise.
I look around to discover everyone glued to their seats in disbelief, mesmerized enthralled and spell bound. It’s an enchanting evening, filled with magic. The Philippines does it again. And to think this is only the beginning, the start of their conference.