A Move to the Future

“We Do Care at Cebu Pacific Air”

Cebu Pacific Air does care ….

Cebu. Yesterday. All I wanted was to confirm with the Cebu Pacific Air check-in counter at the New Iloilo International Airport that a family member and her friend were definitely on their way to  beat the clock for their 2:15PM flight. They came from Kalibo City, Aklan (Philippines).  A call that would make them say ”we do care at cebu pacific air”.

They left early on and had to take a Ceres Bus (all vans-for-hire are unavailable that time … perhaps, rented for the Ati-Atihan festival). But, gauging on the speed they were cruising the road to Iloilo City, they might just be in a nick of time to the check-in cut off time … the damages on the road after the Storm-Frank (which drowned a luxury liner, the biggest of the company’s and ravaged a great part of Panay Province) are still visible and affecting the plight of the travellers in that route.

Left without a Phone Directory of Panay Province, I tried to call all the Cebu Pacific Air numbers listed in my mobile phone and personal phone directory, including Manila and Negros Province … busy, no answer, not-available, incorrect … no luck …  even friends did not keep any of the Airline’s number, so I tried the Internet.  Still, I couldn’t get through. Among the list of Ticketing Agents and Travel Agencies is the Airline’s Call Center contact number. (The hotline is unreachable). They could probably give me an updated contact number, so I thought … and time is running by ….

After a few rings, a girl-agent picked up and replied with that cold memorized lines. 

“Good Afternoon! I need a help …” (and told her, in brief, about my concern). Immediately after the last word, the girl-agent said: “Sorry sir, wala tayong magagawa dyan (we cannot do anything about it). Dapat makaabot sila sa Check in time (they only have to get there in time), Isa pa, wala kaming contact number sa Check-in counter sa New Iloilo Airport (we do not have a contact number for the check-in counter). Sorry Sir”. 

That’s it? Didn’t even say she’ll TRY … or at least ask a superior for options? They’re the call center for the Airline anyway. I mean, I expected they’re a HELP-line service for any concern a paying passenger might have. After I asked and holding the line for at least 5minutes … she gave two contact numbers (all within Cebu City NOT one for the Iloilo Airport Office. Don’t they keep at least a complete directory of  the Airline they represent?) … without much choice and time was fast running out, I dialed the numbers … both are not in service?!

(… the two  tired and stressed passengers are now a few towns to the Iloilo Bus/Van/Jeepney terminal) 

I redialed the Call Center’s number. A second lady-agent picked up. Again, I retold my plight and concern including about the NOT IN SERVICE numbers her colleague just gave me. Admitting they don’t have other contact numbers to address my concern, she referred me to the the Airline’s Operation Office in Mactan Cebu Internation Airport. 

In just three rings, one named Benjie picked up the phone. After I asked a contact number to their Iloilo Airport Office, he immediately gave me one. I dialed. 3 rings. Fax tone. What the …. I called him up again. This time, he asked of my concern. For the nth time, I retold my story. Immediately, he gave me a number … one direct to his counterpart at the Iloilo International Airport! This must be for real ….. finally, a staff that showed a legitimate concern … still, I crossed my fingers when the phone rings …. that the person at the end of the line would pick up and do something this time.

3 rings. “Hello! who’s this please?”, she answered with a welcoming tone. I scrambled to relay my piece. “What’s the name of the passengers?”, she asked. And and I could hear she immediately relayed it to the person close to her and assured me …“It’s OKAY!” …. I let out a breath of relief and said, “Thank you, gid, mam Rose! 

That was a relief! These people sealed the deal. As Cebu Pacific Air staff, they showed that this Airline cares to a stranger-client. All didn’t take more than 10mins to address my concern. They do care! As for the call-center agents? I only have doubts If they really do …. Mr. Benjie and Miss Rose, I will surely see you to personally to say I really appreciate your commendable gestures and help … toast!  You said it well … “we do care at cebu pacific air”.  

… the two running passengers still made it in time (despite coming from Kalibo-to Iloilo New International Airport in a Ceres Bus cruising slow) , but the help and concern the staff showed eased it all.

 

Vectron Kit by LEADS E.H.

This product I discovered from the shelves is really effective! (See “How to Stop a Killer” blog for more info.) Also Available at 868 Mango Park Mall, Prince Warehouse and White Club (all in Cebu City).

Titanic in the Atlantic

Late last night, pushing a button on the mighty remote control, I chanced upon the movie, “Titanic”, starring Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet.

Who would take a blink when all a sudden, a big tip of an iceberge emerged meters from the bridge and the crew is haplessly trying to maneuver the fully iron-armored luxury liner … in spite of the efforts, the ship is doomed.

The Cebu Sinulog wind is not taking a minute down … whistling and chilling my extremeties ….

As each of the 2,000+ passenger individually struggle to survive, I couldn’t help but live into the moments of all those who have been in this unfortunate sea mishap … the Sulpicio Lines’ MV Princess of the Sea for one ….

More than the how? I asked why? too many lives, innnocents, the hopefuls and dreamers, infants, young, teens, rich, poor, proud, greedy and the ambitious, bold and the old, adventure-seekers and the sneaking opportunists … all ages and characters …  swallowed by the sea into the freezing water … lives cut off in a sudden …

All alone in the Atlantic …. only the goodbyes and prayers left in their hands … and a ton of hope to be found, perhaps not so much to outlive.  

The laughters, the merrying, the smiles and the flirtings … sparkling china wares, chilled wine and overflowing luxuries … life is fun … life is challenging … life is short and uncertain ….

I travel by sea, by air, by land … what if? …who knows? …. so be it. Where am I safest but in the cradle of His arms …

With Celine Dion humming in melody, the chilling wind never budge … never cared …

San Carlos City-Toledo City Rides and Route

San Carlos City-Toledo City Ferry Route (vv): Barge (takes 2hrs to 2.5 hrs trip) and Fastcraft (1hr to 1.5 hrs trip).

San Carlos City Rides: Overview

Toledo City Rides: Overview