Local Tourism and Quality, Part I Earlier this April I had an opportunity to take a short break as part of a group of 15 that made a 2-1/2 day trip to Pangasinan. First stop was Alaminos where, after an overnight rest in one of the seaside hotels, the group boarded a motorized “bangka” for the approximately 30 minute ride to the Hundred Islands, one of the country’s major tourism spots. Crossing the narrow channel between the boat port and the islands somehow generated a feeling of peace in me; perhaps a result of the combined effects of the wide open space, the refreshing breeze, the oscillations felt as the “bangka” sliced through the waves, the rhythmic pounding of the craft’s 16 valve engine, and maybe, the sea itself. Motoring through the waterways between the islets, I noticed that a lot of them had bases eroded by the waves and which exposed the different brownish soil layers near the water line. The upper layers however didn’t look eroded and, being dark gray in color looked like solidified lava. All of them had lush vegetation but mostly of bushes and small trees, probably because of the shallow topsoil that piled up on the solidified lava. Some of the islets have been given names, among them: “Turtle Island”, the profile of which just looks like one; “The Cathedral” which has an arch like hollowed out portion about 3 or 4 storeys high deep into the islet, and with what looks like a naturally formed image of Our Lady on the surface of the internal lava wall; the “Bat Island”, surprisingly the only islet filled with hundreds of hanging large fruit bats; and my favourite, the “Lopez island”, named after the late former Vice President Fernando Lopez. There were some islets with light brown beaches, made up of what probably were material from the eroded base of the other islets and piled up by the waves and the currents. We went to one named “Children’s island” where I had an opportunity (with one of the ladies) to snorkel and observe the big white clams and some corals. Snorkelling gear, for hire at a very reasonable price, was available from the islet and life vest was available from the “bangka”. It was so nice that the tourist spot’s administration provided two wooden rafts (about 3m x 3m) which functioned also as buoys where they attached a length of (approximately 4.5 inch circumference) synthetic rope to cordon off the snorkelling area. The buoys were also used by some as a place to recline on while sun bathing and watching the swimmers or enjoying the view. The rope was a great help to snorkelers as it assisted them in gliding towards the location of the clams and corals. After about 30 minutes of snorkelling, we boarded our boat once more and proceeded to the “Governor’s island”, another one with a beach, where the group had lunch. Later in the afternoon my wife, Mel, and I – while eating pinipig crunch - tackled the 120 or so steps up to the top of what we were told is the biggest islet. The scenery at the viewing deck was fantastic as one could observe a lot of the other islets with almost a 360 degree view angle. Back at the beach later, Mel and I did some swimming with the others till departure time late afternoon. Overall, given the graciousness of our host, the quality of the company and the excitement the trip generated, it was a very enjoyable and restful day. I do however have some observations to share, and maybe even unsolicited advice to give, that may further improve both the quality of service and customer enjoyment/satisfaction, and which may lead to increased business for the tourist spot. First is the hotel. Even at the level of room rates that they have, which is not bad at all, there is much improvement that they can do in terms of cleanliness (particularly the bathroom) and the quality of the beddings without seriously eroding profit margins. Second, at the “bangka” port. Perhaps a simple wharf (or boarding ramp) can be designed and constructed to make it more convenient and safer for passengers to board or leave the “bangka”. It’s quite risky, even for the younger ones, boarding from the stones or even getting off even with the assistance of two “bangka” crew as there is still the danger of slipping and hitting oneself on the stones or falling into the water. Third, safety measures during the “Bangka” trip. Perhaps it would be better if passengers are required to wear life vests. Not everyone knows how to swim, and even those who do – in the event of an accident - may not have the stamina to keep afloat until rescue arrives. Life vests though must be those that are approved by the Coast Guard. The one that I used while snorkelling seems to be defective as it tended to push my face towards the water. I also observed that nylon strings (monofilaments) are used in keeping the “bangka’s” outriggers or “katig” in place. This could be sort of a “ticking time bomb” since the material, although very strong initially, weakens overtime because of exposure to UV rays from the sun. Given also that it is continuously subjected to reversing stresses while in the water, the material can just snap suddenly when weakened enough and especially when the “bangka” is traversing relatively big waves. It could be disastrous if this happens since the craft will become unstable and may overturn. A regular replacement of the strings, especially when they start to burr, should be practiced. Fourth, the stairway going to the view deck at the top of the Governor’s island. I consider it, to a certain extent, unsafe as there is the risk of guests, especially those that are intoxicated, careless, or with weak legs, falling over a cliff or getting hurt bumping on sharp edged solidified lava. This is so, as some steps of the earthen/rock stairs as well as the rope railings are either deteriorated or damaged. Defects like this should be immediately rectified. The steps are easy to address and I believe the resources needed to do immediate repairs on them are readily available. As to the railings, I have a strong suspicion that the reason for its being left to (what I have personally witnesses as) its deteriorated state is economics. The installation method that I have seen them adopt would cause them to replace the full length of the railing, and this, if indeed is the case, would definitely make it an expensive and uneconomical repair work. Such situation can be circumvented by improving on the installation method. But before proceeding further, I would like to mention that I totally agree with the use of Skyline rope for the railing as I believe that, although more expensive, it is the one that’s most appropriate for the application. This is due to its high resistance to degradation that can be caused by UV rays from the sun. Now, back to the rope railing installation method. Repair need not be done using a continuous length. It will be a lot economical when done in sections, with the combined use of rings (welded on the steel posts), eye splices, and thimbles (for the eye splice) which will protect the rope from premature deterioration due to abrasion. For the long damaged lengths, these parts can be cut off and replaced with the same kind of rope using a rope “short splice”. For the rope railings that are damaged because of abrasion caused by the sharp edges of the solidified lava, they can be protected by providing a cover or “jacket” that would absorb the abrasion and protect the rope at the possible points of contact with the lava. Bamboo or PVC pipes can be used for this. The rope manufacturer/supplier can also be consulted regarding splicing methods and the sourcing of thimbles. Fifth, the beach at the Governor’s island. When we went for a swim, there was discomfort from the sharp stones and rocks in the water which reduced our enjoyment. We ended up using our rubber slippers as protection while wading and swimming. This nuisance can be removed as per my experience with one beach which opened not too long ago in Bataan. Here, stones and rocks were also encountered in the water during our first visit which discouraged us from staying long in the water. However, they were gone by the next visit making wading and swimming more pleasurable. It might do well to consider adopting this example. As earlier mentioned the comments are intended as inputs for the administration of the tourist spot to consider in improving further the quality of service of their facilities and which may bring about improved customer satisfaction. And as far as the ladies (who decided to name the group the “Lunatecs” - I’ll explain later in a future article) are concerned, I believe that their joyful expectations of the hundred islands outing have been met and that they have enjoyed it thoroughly. We, i.e., Mel, Marilou, Suzzet, Dedeth, Jenny, Julibel (and daughter), Rory (and daughter, grand daughter and yaya), the two drivers and myself, thank Coratec for the enjoyment and experience and for being such a Quality host. Local Tourism and Quality, Part 2 will soon follow in another article.