Last June 6th, I received a pretty unusual email. I admit, I’m quite used to receiving unusual emails. But this one was a little different. The email said that I was invited to cover a big event. How big, exactly? Let’s just say the keywords Cebu Pacific and Department of Tourism are plastered all over it. That big.
So, wait a minute. I got an email from a company that was in partnership with the Department of Tourism and Cebu Pacific. Pretty unusual, right? I mean, being invited to a local event – that I can digest. But getting invited to an event happening outside Cebu – definitely sketchy. Especially since my blog is focused mainly on the local scene. But then again, I have Hanging Rice so maybe they took that into consideration. I’m not sure.
I only realized that this was indeed a serious offer when I finally received a copy of my ticket and the itinerary. So, three days and two nights in Caraga, food and accommodations covered, a DOT-guided tour of the region’s best spots, and a guaranteed seat on Cebu Pacific’s Tandag-Cebu maiden flight. I’ve never had a positive space ticket before! Ever! This right here is a full-scale press trip, yo! I can’t handle this!
–
From one paradise to another. I’m definitely not complaining.
So the first thing that I did when I finally received my ticket was to make a quick research. I saw seven other names and so far, only one sounded familiar. With the help of some friends and good ole Google, I found out that I will be traveling with 4 writers from Cebu’s top dailies, one other Cebu blogger, and two people from the marketing and promotions industry. This isn’t the type of group that I’d normally like to travel with. And I’m definitely awkward around new acquaintances. But since I’ve already said yes, I guess I’d have to deal with it. Hehe.
I met the whole group for the first time just three hours before the flight. Apparently, they all already knew each other and I’m basically the odd one out. Great! This is going to be really awkward.
At the check-in counter, I noticed that I had the biggest and probably the heaviest bag. Most of them had backpacks and carry-ons. I had a 10Kg stroller. Okay, to tell you guys the truth, I overpacked. I brought two pairs of shoes and three pairs of pants. Yep, three. I later found out that my roommate only had one pair. And it was what he was wearing. Tsk! I wanted to announce with a loudspeaker that it was my first time and that they shouldn’t judge me. Haha. I’m kidding.
But Satchmo isn’t.
When we got rid of our bags, our trip leader – the awesome Sir Charles – announced that we were eating lunch before going to the waiting area. I looked around hoping to find a carenderia-ish type of restaurant that could offer me good food for less than a hundred. But, hey! We were headed towards this really expensive-looking Italian restaurant. You know what they say about airport restaurants… I don’t even want to talk about it.
So, yeah, I was clutching my wallet and waiting for an opportune time to present a really weird reason to excuse myself for a few moments so I could go find a cheap little restaurant outside the airport. But, you know, I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. The next thing I know I was offered a seat and a menu which made my head hurt. Immediately, the other guys scanned the menu and a few moments later, they were ready with their order. And I couldn’t even read the name of that one pasta dish. Tsk! Fortunately, Ms. Len, one of the awesome PR people I mentioned a while ago, said that we were getting pizza and pasta. Excellent! I’ll just have pizza!