Locals welcome tourists with huge smiles as Philippines’ vacation spots reopen

If there is anyone more overjoyed with the return of tourism in the Philippines than the tourists, it would be the locals. After two years of lockdowns, they are spreading their arms wide open to welcome guests again.

Apart from seeing their hometowns come back to life, what makes them happier is the hope that they can stand back up and resume their activities.

During a recent media familiarization tour by the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board and the Philippine Airlines, we were able to meet some of these locals. With smiles on their faces, they shared their stories.

Earning a living for their family

Struggling with a limited income when the lockdowns began, 25-year-old John Amistad from Cebu was more than grateful to have his old job back at Alegre Guitar Factory in Lapu-Lapu City.

As a father of two children, the eldest being three years old, John told GMA News Online that the past two years of the pandemic had been challenging for him and his family. Today, he’s thankful that they’re slowly recovering from it.

“Mabigat po nung nagka-pandemic. Hirap na hirap po kami, walang pang-kain. Ngayon, bumabalik na ’yung turista, masaya po kami. Nakakabili na po ng pagkain ng pamilya ko,” he said.

John, who worked as a factory worker at the well-known tourist spot for music lovers, said he learned how to make guitars at 13 years old.

Though he didn’t play the instrument, he gave each guitar special treatment by ensuring every part was sleek and ready for use.

A chance to rediscover one’s passion

Because visitors had been absent in Coron, Palawan, due to the pandemic, nightlife also stopped.

Mixologists Ice Castil, 22, and Marjoram Rabino, 24, had no choice but to look for other sources of income. Ice found work with the government, while Marjoram took several odd jobs.

“Kahit construction, pinasok namin, pati ’yung mga sa laot. Natiis, kailangan namin tumulong sa pamilya namin,” breadwinner Marjoram told GMA News Online. “Wala ring trabaho sina mama at papa kaya ako na lang po.”

Marjoram, who also shouldered his siblings’ school expenses, said it was a sacrifice he was willing to take for his family. “Sacrifice na lang para sa kanila. Hangga’t kaya ko, tutulungan ko sila,” he said.

Now, thankfully, they are back to doing what they do best—mixing up delicious and refreshing drinks for their guests. In fact, it was Ice’s first day back when we dropped by Bam Bar along Real Street.

“Ito po talaga ’yung naging passion ko,” he said with a huge smile on his face. “Bisita kayo dito. Bibigyan namin kayo ng magandang service at good cocktails.”

While of course they’re still worried about the COVID-19 threat, what’s important for them is they’re earning again while doing something that they enjoy.

“Hindi ko na po iniisip ’yung takot eh,” Ice said. To which, Marjoram added: “Kailangan makatulong kesa umupo ka lang, walang gagawin. Para [mabigay] ang pangangailangan ng pamilya.”

Making up for lost time and opportunities

Lolita Demalata, 74, had been selling handicraft items in Boracay for decades, so having to close down her shop abruptly was quite a blow. Like most residents, she also found it hard to look for other means of livelihood.

“Dati talaga, halos tatlong taon wala kami kahit pang-kain. Sarado kami. Bukas man, walang tao mula nang mag-closure,” she said.

Lolita said they turned to planting fruits and vegetables and fishing whatever they could find at the sea to have something to eat. “Nagtatanim (na lang) kami ng mga saging, gulay,” she said.

“Karamihan, nangunguha ng isda sa dagat. Kung anu-anong kinukuha sa dagat ’pag low tide para lang may makain. Nanghihingi lang kami ro’n ng bigas sa Roxas,” she added.

Reopening her store near Feliz Hotel, Lolita offers a variety of handicrafts—from wooden items mostly made by the Aetas to bags and mask holders which she helps make on her own.

Despite her age, she told GMA News Online that this was a time for her to live.

“Hangga’t kaya pa kasi mahirap ’yung wala kang pinagkakakitaan araw-araw,” said Lolita.

“Kailangan mag-enjoy ka. Life is short. As long as malakas ka, mag-trabaho ka kasi ’di lahat ng panahon, malakas ka,” she said.

“You should be happy. Habang ika’y nabubuhay, kailangan masaya ka. Lumilipas ang oras,” she added. “Wala kang (dapat) palalampasin na oras. Time is gold, now is platinum.” – RC, GMA News

This story was produced through an inter-island trip sponsored by the Philippine Tourism Board and Philippine Airlines, introducing its new Hiraya Flight Pass, a smart travel tool that allows you to take multiple trips over a set period of time that best suits your needs. Read more about it here.