July 18, 2009
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Malaysia in Cebu
Events
(Photo by Reynan Villena)
(NOTE: My experience during this event was shit. I confirmed the day before and I was not on the list when I arrived. I was not given a table so I had to stand for three whole hours throughout the whole program. I was not introduced to the VIPs or the executives of the company, which I was expecting because who am I supposed to interview? And there were no media people around except for me and my photographer. Sadly, they did not advertise with our paper. Another is about their promo. Members of a group of travel and tour operators in the city were complaining that it is taking their business away from them. I overheard that one travel agency had a client cancel her booking because they instead went directly to Malaysia Airlines who will give them a better price. I just hope that the staffs of Malaysia Airlines here in Cebu would start to realize who they are supposed to woo in order to get those customers.)
CEBU, Philippines - Firsts are always daunting, especially when you are by yourself. Now, imagine going to a foreign land for the first time and worst, you are by yourself. Although excited as you may be, you can’t help but wonder what to do when you arrive in your destination, where to go, how to go about with whatever will be needed by that country’s immigration.
Three years ago, I went to India for a personal retreat at the world headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (www.bkwsu.org), and despite my excitement, there was that sense of fear and doubt, not knowing what to do when the plane landed. The route that I took was Ahmadabad via Kuala Lumpur, staying overnight in KL.
Luckily, I had friends with me who ushered me when we arrived and answered my queries and helped me clear my doubts. They were the stewards of Malaysia Airlines. Aside from the flight being ultra comfortable, the staff went the extra mile to help a first time traveler like me.
When I heard that they’d be opening a new ticket office in Cebu (2/F Bigfoot Center, F. Ramos St.), I did not hesitate to cover the event, hoping to return the favor. The office will facilitate bookings and inquiries from passengers and travel agents in the region. According to Malaysia Airlines’ senior general manager, Dato’ Bernard Francis: “Travelling is not merely about the experience inside the plane. It is also about all parts of the journey – from planning to buying the ticket for the entire trip.”
To celebrate this new milestone of the airline, they are offering promotional fares to Kota Kinabalu for only US$74. The promo is until July 17. Aside from this limited offer, travelers can take advantage of budget fares for Australia (US$296), Los Angeles and New York (US$403), and Europe (starting at US$403).
Malaysia Airlines flies twice weekly from Cebu to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, with seven more flights to Kuala Lumpur via Metro Manila. Should there be inquiries, one may visit www.malaysiaairlines.com or call (032)238-1554.