Villar Comments

he joys of being a political retiree

Posted by Online on May 14th, 2014 // No Comment

(Third of a series)

by Senator Manny Villar

One thing I forgot to mention about Ilocos Norte is the amazing cleanliness of the surroundings, which adds to the attractiveness of its tourist hot spots. If you’re from Metro Manila, it would be understandable to feel some embarrassment when you see such cleanliness.

Cleanliness is sometimes taken for granted, but it is very important for tourists and ordinary neighbours alike. In the tourism industry, it says a lot about a destination, and it means a lot when gauging the attractiveness of a place.

Another observation of mine during my travels is the dirty comfort rooms in some places, including airports. It’s a very basic necessity, and very, very important for women. The most beautiful tourist destinations can easily lose their attractiveness when information circulates in the tourism market that comfort rooms are dirty in those places.

I also found overcrowding problems in some of our airport terminals. Some tourists who are really adventurous and interested in reaching famous spots may be able to bear the discomfort of sitting for hours on the floor while they wait for their flights. Unfortunately, not every visitor feels the sacrifice is worth the pleasure waiting for them in their supposed destinations.

I have renewed my admiration for Baguio City, but during my recent trips to the summer capital I had mixed feelings. Many people, including myself, who go up to the City of the Pines miss the distinctive scent of the pine trees, now gone, maybe because of the increasing congestion that required the cutting of trees, or the waste problem.

Some people say Tagaytay City now smells “more like Baguio than Baguio.”

Fortunately, Camp John Hay has been preserved – the trees, the facilities, and the traditional attractions of the former American military vacation camp.

In Bohol, I share the feeling of loss of its residents...