blackshama's commentary on Philippine issues

The Philippine Daily Inquirer in the past week has featured on its front page, articles on the problems besetting the Manila Hotel . Today it has an editorial on it. The hotel which if I am not mistaken was built in 1912. One of the first icons and architectural symbols of American sovereignty, it was meant to provide luxurious accommodation for the new colonizers. During the preceding Spanish regime, the luxurious hotels were in Binondo. Rizal's Crisostomo Ibarra in the Noli Me Tangere, describes one of them. Nonetheless before the Manila Hotel was built, travellers to the Philippines had little good to say about tourist accomodations in the city. The hotel is famous for the fact that as part of the deal between Commonwealth President Quezon and General MacArthur on training the new Philippine Army, the general had for a perk the airconditioned penthouse of the hotel. The hotel also witnessed the end of American colonialism in the Philippines. Richard Connaughton, John Pimlott ...

In my travels, I have checked in in many hotels in the Philippines and overseas. The pleasantries and conversations are routine. It usually goes like this Front desk: Good day sir. Welcome to Hotel_____. How may I help you? Me: I have a reservation. Front desk: Just a minute sir, let me check your reservation. Yes we have it, please fill in these forms. May I see your passport Me: Yes Front desk: How do you wish to settle your bills? By credit card? Me: Credit card is fine. Here it is Front desk: Here is your key to room ____. The lift is on the right. Breakfast is at 6:30 to 9:00. The pool is on the third floor. You have complimentary use of the gym. If you have other concerns, please don't hesitate to call us. Have a pleasant stay. Me: Thank you and good day. But the most memorable front desk conversation was in a business hotel in an Asian city (the reader can guess where). After the usual check in conversation this was followed by Front desk man: Sir, I 'm very sorry that y...