Saturday, October 20, 2007 PAL’s Daghang Salamat By Clint Holton P. Potestas
FOR soaring high in both the domestic and international market in 2006-2007, travel agencies in the Visayas and Mindanao were honored with an appreciation dinner hosted by Philippine Airline (PAL).
The awarding ceremony at Century Park Hotel in Manila was dubbed “Daghang Salamat/Madayaw.”
“We have this yearly activity to show appreciation to our loyal (accredited) agents,” explains Herman Garganera, senior account officer. “And also to inspire agents to generate more sales for Philippine Airlines.”
Managing director of Grand Hope, Baby Dy, agrees that the awarding ceremony has been one of her motivations. Dy, a recipient of the silver award for international passenger sales, tells more: “It inspire us to produce more, to achieve our goals for the whole year.”
Before declaring the nominees, PAL officials have set standards for each agency to submit to. Accreditation comes next when they’ve complied with the requirements.
Also a recipient, Jeanne Teh, vice-president of Global Link Travel and Tours, says that being accredited as one of PAL’s agencies is an “overwhelming factor.” “Only a few percentage of the population (of travel agents) has the opportunity to receive such prestigious award,” she adds. “For me, that is ‘something’.”
Alongside with the plaque, awardees have also received special incentives from the airline company. Awardees were given free tickets to any Philippine Airlines trans- pacific route. It was a feel-good ceremony for the attending guests. A banquet of international and local menu was catered, accompanied by a live rendition of classical song played on a violin.
Quartet, an all-male singing group, showcased their vocal prowess. The audience was caught by surprise when Broadway talent Jeanine Desiderio performed contemporary pop hits. The crowd grooved with the upbeat music, celebrating a fruitful year in business.
