There is a McKinsey report calling for the reengineering of Philippine tourism. It says that if the Philippines is to follow the example of Mexico and Thailand, we should develop "anchor destinations" following world-class standards and foster a "culture of tourism" nationwide.The long stretch of Manila Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard is perhaps one good example of having no culture of tourism at all.It gives you the impression that the folks at City Hall only care about money, money, money.You park your car and you have to pay a flat rate of P30, the same as in upscale ... Continue Reading...
The best country to be
The July 26 issue of Newsweek cites the World's Best Countries and as expected, the Philippines is nowhere near the list. The awards go to: the United States (Best Country to be Rich), China (Best Country to be a Technocrat), Germany (Best Country to be An Artist), Turkey (Best Country to be Young), the Netherlands (Best Country to be an Idealist) Canada (a haven for writers) etc.etc. It would have been okay except that one other Southeast Asian country made it to the list and that's Vietnam.The country was cited for being "one of the best places to be an economic ... Continue Reading...
An email from Paulo Coelho
Oh my! Who would show up on my inbox today but the great Paulo Coelho. I wrote him yesterday coz Karen said he really replies to readers' mail but I never expected it will be so soon.Mr. Coelho's full message, with my email to him, goes:Dear Annalyn,Thank you for your kind email. It's very important to know what the reader feels towards my work. I've got great respect for your opinion and I'm grateful for that.May love always be your guide in every moment of your lifePaulo CoelhoNome = Annalynemail = olivemist@yahoo.comPais = Philippinessubject = Hello and greetings ... Continue Reading...
Hoard mentality
I learned a couple of words from Encarta yesterday. Some of these are: garbology, "the study of waste materials," and defenestrate, "to throw something or somebody out of window." Usage: "I felt like a defenestrated object a few weeks ago but now am fully recycled and don't feel otiose at all." Otiose, my dear friends, means "worthless."Am reminded of garbology because our corporate office is moving its headquarters to a five-star hotel nearby and all of us are in a frenzy packing our things. The morning had accounting clerks putting inventory tags on our office ... Continue Reading...
My first Rotary meeting
I attended my first Rotary Club meeting at a five-star hotel last night, and only because my padrino has been inviting me to join for the longest time.It was not bad, I am actually looking forward to joining a prestigious organization.I believe I have reached a stage in my life where I should share my talents and serve the greater community. In the past seven months, the only thing I've done was give away my old TV set and component to my indigent neighbors in Pasay.I would definitely like to do more.Jun, the Rotary Club president, apprised me that there are three main ... Continue Reading...
Recent Comments