Mila C. Espina
In my diary

THIS is a more personal account to add to the article which appeared in the Travel Section of Sun.Star Cebu on Oct. 29. It was about our recent fam-tour hosted by Korean Air. The US tour held on Oct. 3-10, which brought us to New York, Niagara, Boston, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., was the best “unwinder” from work and an opportunity to rekindle friendship.

Frankly, I was apprehensive about who could blend with me (age-wise, etc.) when I saw the list of complete strangers, except for Marget and Chichi Villarica and Twinkle Chu. With Nelia and Aida not joining the group, I thought I wouldn’t have fun at all.

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But I had! As expected, Twinkle was so protective , always telling me that Mommy Aida told her to take care of me. Marget and Chichi were as usual good conversationalists, with the former revealing her mischievous side when challenged. Michael and Bindy were coosome twosome, but considerate of others.

Michael and Bryan were our knights in shining armor, attending to our luggage needs. Thanks, guys! Bryan is from Luzon and we spoke the same lingo and loved the same food. Thoughtful were sisters Teresita and Neda while Kathleen and Analita were, oh so full of energy, always hungry, loved ice-cream and chocolates. No wonder, they look so healthy. Ann was the perfect coordinator of the events’ exhibiting grace in pressure..

But the revelation to most of us was the sterling sense of humor of GM Paul Han, who never stopped entertaining the group with stories and tactful antics, all the time checking attendance (except in one occasion when he was engrossed attending to some urgent matters) and treating us to dinner and snacks. What a joyful travel companion! But there was this sensitivity in him which I observed because he never wanted to hurt people.

Marget said “here is one good Korean who understands the Filipino sensibilities.” Paul’s wife, Kyung Hyun Jung, is equally gracious. We met her at the thanksgiving dinner hosted by Chichi and Marget and she promised to invite us to her home for a taste of Korean food. Hmm, I hope Nelia and Aida could join us.

I travel to enjoy with friends and had so many experiences and fun with Agnes Magpale, Marget Villarica, Nelia Neri, Aida Uy, Jimmy Picornell, Zenaida Chua, Honey Loop, Mayen Tan and Cherrypie Callelero who are all good travel companions.

Aside from being thoughtful, Agnes has all types of medicines to suit your pains.

Always solicitous are Nelia and Aida who know all the ins and outs of shopping. Honey is a gracious roommate. Mayen and Marget give you endless travel tips. Jimmy eases travel stress with untold historical and humorous tales. Cherrypie is fun all the way, and when you get hungry, Zenaida has all the food in store for you. Our recent US tour with Korean Air brought in new travel friends.

For mild travelers like Sonny and me, the cruise is ideal in which you get a relaxing respite from work. I can choose which way to go—fine dining or an informal deck meal, fabulous shows, shopping, library, movie, games, sing-or-dance along or, just lazy-ing around in your room at your own pace. A fam-tour or cruise hosted by Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, or the Princess or Star Cruises will always be enjoyable and a learning treat. Friends make travel truly meaningful.