This is D-Day

It took us more than six weeks to finish the course. We were supposed to have our practical training in Bohol but our instructors felt that it was no longer necessary.

The day before the guiding techniques exams, we had a simple farewell dinner for Nicky and Roger. Here are some photos taken by Luisito Tayag, a fellow Mabuhay Guide.

A jeepney-full of Mabuhay Guides. Our going-away present to Nicky and Roger.

Priceless reaction. Our instructors were not afraid to show their feelings.

Having a hearty laugh after opening their gifts. All of us were delighted to see their faces.

* * *

We had our practical guiding exams the following day by a panel led by the chief examiner Elizabeth Keating of the Institute of Tourist Guiding in London. The exam covered components such as walking tour, bus tour, and site tour. I was a bit nervous at first because I wanted to pass. The following photos were taken by Sandra Balbastro, a fellow Mabuhay Guide.

My turn in Casa Manila. It was a bit difficult but I managed to pass.

Our panelists. Jojo Clemente of Rajah Tours and Elizabeth Keating of the Institute of Tour Guiding in London.

We were given a couple of days to rest and review for the written exams prepared by our lecturers. I noticed that we were a lot more tense when we had our practical exams than the written exams.

It was like going back to college. Test booklets were distributed. My penmanship isn't really legible and on the day when the results were revealed, our project director confessed that she had a hard time reading my answers :-)

Out of the 23 trainees, two did not pass and another one had to take more sessions to become a full-fledged Mabuhay Guide. The official count was 20.

* * *

We had our graduation ceremonies in Almacenes Reales inside Fort Santiago, Manila. Secretary Durano was our guest of honor and we had the privilege to have him award our badges. The following photos were taken by Dutch professional photographer Alex Van Hagen.

Almacenes Reales. This was the venue for our graduation.

My dad, me, and the wife. Cocktails before the start of the program.

The people behind the program. (L-R) Toti Villalon, Secretary Ace Durano, 

Usec. Edu Jarque, and Project Director Susan Calo-Medina.

The secretary speaks. Giving his thoughts on the importance and the need for professional tourist guides.

Having my badge. I was lost for words when the secretary made a remark about my hair.

The Mabuhay Guides. The most complete picture that we have.

Tour operators, our lecturers, and officers from the Philippine Department of Tourism were also in the event. I was also pleased to see my idol, Carlos Celdran. I was starstruck at first but Aimee, my wife, was able to egg me to have a picture with him.

A picture with Carlos Celdran. Taken by the wife.

The Mabuhay Guides had the pleasure to have wine with him. I got the chance to thank him for being an inspiration and for letting me know about the program. He has always been supportive of the Mabuhay Guides right from the start. It's through him that we got a number of referrals. Just last week, I toured a Filipino-American who said that he knew about us through Carlos.

* * *

Postscript: We just finished our one-year exclusive contract with the Philippine Department of Tourism last month. This exclusivity clause doesn't mean that we cannot accommodate other guests. It simply means that the tourism department is our top priority.

For an entire year, the Mabuhay Guides were able to tour guests from diverse fields. We have guided them from the Ilocos down to Bohol. We have received very good reviews and referrals.

Based on our past meetings, we intend to stay as a group. There are initial talks on our next move and hopefully, we will have a decision by the end of the month. Stay tuned!

Our badge of honor. The Mabuhay Guides Badge always worn on duty.

-End of Part 5-