This club makes vacations a breeze

MY ''philosophy'' in the business ventures l have initiated is to

provide products or services that cater to a niche market.

I have always dared to introduce innovative and untried

services or new products that would fill a felt need. In the

course of giving good services or quality products,

profit--hopefully--naturally comes as a reward for the hard work

of the company.

The inspiration to set up a travel club arose from a personal

need during my own trips around the country. The thought was:

''I wish there were a travel club of which I can be a member so

they can make it easier, more convenient and perhaps even more

economical for me to travel and appreciate more the beauty of

the islands.''

The idea came about five

years ago, but it was not

established for various

reasons. However, my own

personal experiences and

those of people I knew

validated the rationale of a

travel club.

Finally, we were able to

organize it primarily because the Asian economic crisis, which

began in late 1997 and 1998 presented the ''perfect opportunity.''

With the peso devaluation of P40:$1, foreign travel was no

longer affordable for most Filipinos; for the expatriates, it meant

higher disposable income. And the devaluation of other Asean

currencies gave local resorts and hotels no choice but to make

their prices competitive if they are to survive.

In the Travel Club of Manila Inc. (TCMI), we aim to help our

fellow Filipinos travel more in the Philippines than abroad. It is

also telling them that they should take breaks from work or

business more than they usually do. Too often, they neglect to

nurture and recharge themselves. They are too busy to find the

time to do themselves a favor.

The word ''recreation'' is defined as ''refreshment of body or

mind by some form of play, amusement or relaxation.''

Actually, it is more than that. It is to ''recreate'' our being--our

physical, mental and spiritual self. Recreation is, therefore,

beneficial to our health and well-being. Releasing the stress

while on holiday does wonders in terms of a clear, creative mind

and happier disposition.

Let's face it. We would be in denial if we live as though there

were another 50 years ahead of us.

Many Filipinos do not enjoy the fruits of their labor as much as

they should. They forget that ''going away'' is good for them

and their family.

This we believe in: the value of nurturing relationships through

quality leisure time, and travel as part of a continuing education.

Following is a primer on the TCMI:

Why was the TCMI organized?

The TCMI was organized to help develop domestic tourism in

the Philippines. The word used is ''develop'' instead of ''promote''

because there is really nothing yet to promote because of the

dismal lack of infrastructure and tourism organization.

It addresses the prevailing disorganized situation and the lack

of information on local travel and, thus, encourages Filipinos

who travel abroad to see more of their own country. Likewise, it

excites the expatriate community to discover the different

destinations across the archipelago.

Its social mission is to help generate employment and business

opportunities in the countryside by convincing fellow Filipinos

and foreign guests to patronize local tourist destinations.

Domestic tourism helps lessen the never-ending wave of

migration to Metro Manila and other regional centers. Provincial

folks no longer need to flock to the cities to seek employment.

Jobs are now being brought to the countryside because of

domestic tourism development.

What is the difference between the TCMI and the travel

agencies and/or tour operators?

The TCMI is sharply focused on local holiday destinations and

all its travel-related services for Filipinos and expatriates alike.

The high degree of specialization enables it to deliver more than

satisfactory services to its members and corporate accounts. As

a ''one stop'' travel center, it provides a highly professional and

personalized service to its members and corporate clients to

satisfy their travel and leisure needs.

Travel agencies sell airline tickets for overseas and/or domestic

travel. They also offer packages that include accommodations

and tours abroad. Tour operators do provide domestic travel,

but for mostly inbound (from abroad) passengers.

Very few tour operators and/or travel agencies attend to the

local market for domestic tourism because foreign guests can be

charged higher rates.

What are the TCMI's unique features?

First of all, the TCMI is the first of its kind in the Philippines, if

not in Asia. It operates on a membership basis where annual

dues are paid for services and benefits rendered.

It even acts as a travel consultant to help plan the holidays of

its members. Packages can be tailor-made to suit their travel and

leisure requirements. Holiday options given to them are chosen

based on merit. The final decision will be made by the members

after considering the choices based on their needs and

preferences.

What are the other advantages and benefits it offers?

A select network of resorts, hotels, and other

tourism-related establishments for our members to

patronize.

These establishments will be first inspected and

evaluated prior to their inclusion in our list of accredited

destinations.

The privilege of preferred services from tourist

establishments.

They carry the clout or the full weight of TCMI

membership, and not just that of an individual client. A

feedback system of complaints and suggestions will be

made available. Establishments not responsive to the

needs of members may face the prospect of being

delisted.

Comfort and convenience.

Save yourself the time and trouble of shopping around

for the best local tour packages. Access to promotional

packages in the non-peak season, special ''bargain'' rates

at selected resorts and hotels, giving the best value for

your money.