Journeys
Ilonggo hospitality and Fiesta in the City
A few issues back, I shared about the journey of writing a master's thesis. My study was on the satisfaction of tourists in Iloilo City. I am keen to convey that it has seen completion (and I was able to have my MPA degree) before the end of the last semester and the results are, at the very least, encouraging.
One notable finding of the study shows that tourists were generally "satisfied" with Iloilo City as a tourist destination. What's more remarkable, however, is that among the tourism components included in the study (attractions, facilities, security and safety, hospitality, and quality of service), hospitality ranked first. The term "hospitality" was understood to include friendliness, courtesy, helpfulness and fairness in transactions. The other areas ranked successively, from second to fifth, as follows: quality of service, facilities, security and safety and attractions.
Though this particular finding is remarkable, it is not surprising. Ilonggos are generally regarded as a welcoming, charming and gentle people. Filipinos, as a whole, have always been known for their hospitality. Such an ingrained tradition is not only extended by Filipinos to their fellow Filipinos, but also to foreigners. The study, considering the remarks of the respondents, has reconfirmed that great value is still given to positive human interaction in an industry that is considered the biggest that the world has ever known.
As a pervasive component of tourism, hospitality affects all aspects of the tourists' experience in a destination. To many scholars, it could very well be the most important factor in tourism. And, since we already have it, I hope that we could build upon it.
One of the best ways to experience Ilonggo hospitality in action is during fiesta celebrations. The month of May is filled with them. However, some people might not have the time to go to the different places to attend fiestas, especially in places that are far from their respective residences. This is especially true among people who are in the City (me included).
So, if we can't go to the fiestas, the fiestas will come to us.
It will be a week long Fiesta in the City at SM City Iloilo, starting May 21 until May 27, 2007. The public is invited to join the many activities in store. Throughout the week-long celebration, we are all welcome to visit the booths of the trade fair participants: Iloilo City, Oton, Pavia, Igbaras, Janiuay, Alimodian, Sta. Barbara, Barotac Viejo, Leganes, Calinog, Cabatuan, Passi, Badiangan, Lambuano, Guimbal, Maasin, Guimaras Province, and Antique Province.
On May 21, witness the opening of Fiesta in the City at 4pm and sample the famous buko pie of Oton. May 22 will feature Lanot bag-making of Janiuay, Aklan piña fashion show and the papaya candy of Dingle. On May 23, Sta. Barbara's bobbin lace, the Tigkaralag Festival and baye-baye of Pavia will be showcased. Other activities are scheduled, as follows: May 24- nito bag-making, Binanong Festival of Lambunao and bucayo of Guimaras; May 25- hablon weaving of Miagao, Kahilwayan Festival of Sta. Barbara and puto of New Lucena; May 26- Sawali-making of Maasin, Sagala of Fiesta Queens and rice food of the gods of Pototan; and May 27- miniature sailboat-making of Guimaras, native chocolate of Janiuay and the Closing Ceremonies.
See you at the Fiesta!