1T1Group5MicroTourism

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟷0: 𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙳𝙾𝙾𝚁 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️
“We all have magic inside us”

The tourism industry went through a lot of obstacles and difficulties, but nothing can deter them like Enchanted kingdom, which is starting its recovery from the pandemic. Standard health protocols are currently imposed to protect park guests and their staff against COVID-19. Guests must fill out health forms before entering the park, and everyone must wear face masks and face shields. Inside the park's grounds and rides, physical barriers are put in place.

For anyone, seeing the fascinating world of the Enchanted Kingdom is a dream come true. People would undoubtedly encounter mixed emotions when they ride the exciting and alluring roller coaster rides because of the different themed areas all crammed into one place. This location is thought to be the ideal spot for their loved ones to spend time together and create new memories in a magical environment.

Even though the pandemic has been over a year, there are still people looking for entertainment and adventure, especially in the Enchanted Kingdom. Given the circumstances, the organization opted to use a virtual environment inside the amusement park to allow visitors to watch and envision themselves in the country's most enchanting destination. Furthermore, the organization showed its support for the frontline workers and society, which is extremely important in today's situation. Sometimes we just need a little magic.

Caption by: Nathan Kai Suzon
Photo credits to Photoniompong

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟿: 𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙳𝙾𝙾𝚁 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️ (Safe Travels and the Role of a Tourist in Uplifting the Industry by Ms. Kayesha Clauden Chua)

Life is an ongoing adventure.

When was the last time you felt dauntless? Free? Or when was the last time you had some fun? Without a doubt, this pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s physical and mental health as well as plans for recreation and self-improvement. Ms. Kayesha’s mini vlog conveys what it’s like to travel in the new normal. El Nido, one of the endless number of gems in the Philippines, has been featured in her video and something about it just feels so nostalgic. It is something exciting and just outright beautiful.

We all miss admiring sunsets freely. Without the facemasks and face shields — and with the people we love over a simple dinner course or just a few drinks and chats. This webinar and the trip that Ms. Kayesha conducted is a reminder that we should be thankful for the moments right in front of us; which can be referred to as present. Thus, make the best memories while we still can, because we don’t know exactly what lies tomorrow. Nonetheless, it also serves as a sign that there will always be better days to look forward to — and even though this situation seems like a dead end, the best days are yet to come that cannot be compared to the hardships we all faced in the previous year.

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟽: 𝙵𝙾𝙾𝙳 & 𝙱𝙴𝚅𝙴𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴, 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙽𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃 ✈️
(Fresh Taste, Fresh Pursuit by Mr. John Michael Hagamann)

Maybe almost everyone of you has already experienced travelling inside or outside of our beloved Philippines, and as of the moment, I am guessing that you miss doing tourism activities such as visiting different travel destinations, trying great local cuisines, checking-in to nice hotels, and more. Yet, this pandemic slightly hindered us from experiencing and appreciating the beauty and treasures of our local destinations, specifically the food and beverage, and entertainment sectors. Dining-in to our favorite restaurant or checking-in to nice hotels are one of the best feelings in this world, especially when we are about to eat our most liked dishes such as salted egg prawns, adobo, and kare-kare. Moreover, in order for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry to have a better normal in the New Normal, everyone shall observe the health and safety guidelines from the government. With that, Resorts World Manila (RWM) is ready to welcome us back in their establishment. They reassure the guests with more safety during their stay, considering the virus spreading around. The hospitality establishment sets out new measures for protection, provides sanitation aids, and aligns their safety protocols with global best practices from their international hotel partners. As well as other hotel brands of RWM such as Marriott Hotel Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, Hilton Hotel Manila, and Holiday Inn Express are ready to happily serve us again. These mentioned establishments are committed to cleanliness for the guests’ healthy and worried-free stay. Lastly, RWM has R.W.M. reminders for everyone — Remember to wear masks, Wash hands often, and Maintain physical distancing.

Written by: Elizabeth Yap
Photo courtesy: Resorts World Manila

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟼: 𝙰𝚃𝚃𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️ (A Walk-Through Within the Walls by Sheena Botiwey)

“Ibalik ang nakaraan sa modernong paraan” is a phrase that would be most be suitable when it comes to describing the virtual tour; with the word “virtual” as its keyword, the tour gave a detailed and informative overview of the famous historical attractions in Intramuros — the attractions include the Casa Manila Museum, Fort Santiago, and Baluarte de San Diego. Hence, recalling the past through modern way. These attractions brought upon massive roles during the Spanish colonization and because of the preservation of these places, they were able to unravel the culture, beliefs, and practices of our fellow ancestors. Not only that but these places also serve as primary evidence and testimonies as to why we Filipinos are who we are now — why the Philippines is how it is. Might I add, these places that are now attractions are ironically treasures but at the same time, a reminder of what we been through — may that be oppression, prejudice, and the paradigm of how the Philippines slowly gained their freedom and independence as a country.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the team that made the virtual tour possible as they were able to flawlessly offer the audience a great tour — might I add, during these times, tourists are unable to roam around destinations they opt to visit but was made possible in its own way, through the virtual tour. The tour brought joy at times like these — as if it actually brought us to the attractions and for that, not only has the tour served as an opportunity for the Philippines to promote its beautiful attractions but also it has surely advertised the places to people who are interested in history, architecture, and culture.

Caption by: Robby Valera
Photo Credits to Guide to the Philippines

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟻: 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️
(Secured Journey for Secured Health by Ms. Diana Joyce Lorenzo)

The tourism industry has all but ground to a halt because of the pandemic and there have been a lot of changes and adjustments that were made, however, the industry continues to recovers from the effects of the pandemic. As tourism students, we are welcoming and embracing new innovative and creative ideas, to create more experiences and memories for everyone.

In this time of the Pandemic, people are uncertain to travel and explore but now that the tourism industry has implemented and augmented safety measures and health protocols. I believe that a secured journey is for secured heath. We all know that everyone’s missing and wanting to travel and explore new experiences, that’s why some establishments are warmly welcoming us back to experience the new normal travel, just like the establishments in Boracay, particularly the Belmont Hotel and Savoy hotel that are scrupulous with the safety measures to protect well being of the guests. I believe the virtual tour that was shown to us is an example that our industry is improving and finding ways to be back on track, we just need to cooperate and make more creative ideas to innovate and develop the industry.

Many professionals in the industry have continuously improved ways. Therefore, I firmly believe in Ms. Diana Joyce Lorenzo’s inspiring message that this Pandemic will be over soon and the tourism and hospitality industry will bounce back, let’s just stay focus on our goal. It is evident that the industry of tourism and hospitality is a community of thriving and resilient people, providing service and exceptional experiences to the guest. The Pandemic may be a conundrum for the industry to resolve but it is a challenge and stepping stone for everyone in the industry to improve.

Caption by: Jennicka Marie Medina
Photo Credits to Tripzilla stays

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟺: 𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙾𝙼𝙼𝙾𝙳𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️
(Promoting Safe Travels: Hotel Operation with COVID-19 in Mind by Mr. John Johara B. Martinez)

The “Gear Up” virtual tour is simultaneously exciting and inspiring. It is something that potential tourism students would look forward to in the entirety of their careers. Mr. John Martinez, a fellow alumna of the prestigious University of Santo Tomas; was just a regular student who worked hard to achieve what he has now. From a locally employed hotel staff to officially a hotel manager in one of the busiest countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore. While sharing the experiences that have honed him into becoming a hotel manager, there has been a realization of how much preparation, hard work, and sacrifices he must have invested — and if he made it possible at such a young age, so will those who are equipped with passion and perseverance.

Being a hotel staff is certainly not an easy job. However, upon observing his hunger for improvement and constant work etiquette, definitely, there is nothing impossible as long as you put your heart into it. Furthermore, the knowledge and values he acquired in UST allowed him to become the representation of the excellence of Filipinos in hospitality in a global setting.

As a student, in hopes of achieving a successful career, it is our responsibility to gear up right now to secure a bright future in front of us. This tour has been an eye opener to set our goals straight and do whatever it takes, and never settle for less than what we worked hard for — because after all, our future is all up to us.

Caption by: Syrah Sagum
Photo Credits to James Clark

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟹: 𝙾𝚄𝚃𝙳𝙾𝙾𝚁 𝚁𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️
(New Norms, New Travel by Ms. Kaye Lantoria)

From the video of Ms. Kaye Lantoria presenting the New Norms Travel, witnessed there was travelling during this time of pandemic, specifically in Boracay. In already more than a year, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted numerous lives and lifestyles from this motherly nature we are living in. The burden of adjusting from what we have accustomed since we were little to what we have to deal with today in this crisis. Undeniably, we all know that this was never easy and will never be easy. Given the fact that several industries have faced its downfall due to the pandemic, and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry is one of them.

As months passed by, the Tourism and Hospitality Industry is slowly bouncing back amidst the pandemic. The fact that travel restrictions became so tight, travelers were hindered from doing tourism activities from early 2020 until the middle of that year. Fortunately, by the year 2021, restrictions were slightly eased allowing us to visit some of the tourist destinations here in the Philippines. The experience of my friends and family who were able to travel also in Boracay amidst the pandemic were truly surprising since they did not have a hard time going to and from their travel destinations even with a lot of health protocols mandated by the government. They confirmed that it was fun and convenient since visitors are limited and they can truly enjoy the beauty and peace of the destinations without overcrowding. They also considered it safer since health protocols are strictly being followed. In addition, the Philippines consists of numerous beautiful man-made and natural attractions that are worth visiting. Different recreational activities can also be done in our tourist destinations since our country is a wide and enjoyable country, wherein the Filipinos could also give you the warmest welcome you could ever receive.

The Tourism and Hospitality Industry can still function in the New Normal but with certain limitations. Soon, this industry will flourish again through the help of local and international tourists, wanting to experience the beauty of our country. Undoubtedly, the Philippines will bounce back and reach its full Tourism potential again since there are a lot of popular destinations to visit and hidden paradises waiting to be discovered.

Caption by: Elizabeth Yap
Photo credits to Discovery Hospitality

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟸: 𝙻𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚂𝙺𝙸𝙴𝚂 ✈️
(An Overview of a Day in the Life of a Flight Attendant by Mr. Ralph Luigi C. Rayos)

It is one thing to experience traveling from one place to another, but getting a glimpse of a flight attendant’s point of view could give off a whole different sensation — as if one were in another dimension. The video exhibited what it’s like to be a flight attendant during a normal day at work; out-of-the-ordinary happenings and adventures such as getting to watch the world light up at night, hovering over the clouds, and anticipating the moment of departing and landing in the airplane are just a few of the tremendous things one can never get enough of. Not only are these things soothing to the eye but also they give off a feeling of freedom and euphoria that makes the concept of traveling such a masterpiece.

The virtual tour could also serve as a guide for individuals or groups who opt to travel via Cebu Pacific as the tour displayed what the airline offers such as their food, their three-class configurations (being Economy, Premium Economy, and Business), their approachable and efficient cabin crew, and many more. With these stated, the safety and comfort of passengers are surely guaranteed as they travel towards their destination. In connection to this, on a different perspective, the video could also be a reminder especially now, during trying times that after everything, we will eventually come back to experiencing the beauty of flying again. It could be said that even amidst a pandemic, the possibility of feeling the happiness traveling bring to a person, in a way, could still be instilled through this virtual tour.

Caption by: Robby Valera
Photo credits: Cebupacific.com.vn

✈️ 𝚅𝙸𝚁𝚃𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝟷: 𝚃𝚁𝙰𝙽𝚂𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✈️
(Great things take time by Ms. Katrina Mae Cora)

We've had far too many setbacks in the travel industry recently. Several problems arose during these difficult times, putting our resiliency to the test. COVID-19 has had an impact on almost every industry and sector. The tourism industry has been hit particularly hard due to lockdowns, border closures, and the global pandemic. Health protocols are given so that workers can accommodate guests adequately with the proper guidelines and their safety.

Ms. Katrina Mae Cora described how she became a Guest Service Manager and her experiences in doing so. Being a guest manager is really hard, especially during this time because of the risk of having the virus, and it is sometimes hard to tackle guests, as said by Ms. Katrina. However, after researching the sector, I discovered that it is not as small as we think. This motivates me to work hard because I dreamed of being part of the aviation industry.

Thanks to Ms. Cora's life lessons and insights, I realized how tourism and hospitality professionals go above and beyond to provide outstanding and unforgettable service experiences to their guests that they would never forget, even during the pandemic. Aside from adhering to any government or industry-imposed regulations, hotels and the airline industry will need to consider who may be visiting them, what they're looking for, and what services they can receive. Hence as a future tourism professional, I will never give up on my dreams and never give up on any fight. This mindset is extremely important in our lives. It takes a special kind of person never to give up.

Caption by: Nathan Kai Suzon
Photo credits to skytraxratings.com

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of High 5 Airways, it is our pleasure to welcome you aboard Flight 1T1-G5 with service to Manila, Philippines. We are your crew for today, from the class of Micro Perspective Group 5.

Have you been well, dear passengers?

Today, we are heading to multiple destinations to be more knowledgeable regarding the different sectors in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry amidst this pandemic. We ask that you please fasten your seat belt and GEAR UP, for we are about to Accelerate Tourism Beyond its Limit, and Prepare to Reach the Summit. Let our journey begin!

Thank you for choosing High5 Airways. Enjoy your flight!

Video link: https://youtu.be/SjucAx7vWCY

(No Copyright infringement intended)