The Rotary Balita no. 719 (April 23, 1953)

The advantages of developing Philippine tourist industry were cited by President Antonio de las Alas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce. He said that to develop tourist trade, there are many things that must be done. Re- vision of visa requirements, customs inspections and entry facilities must be so arranged that foreigners coming to our country will have nothing but the best recollections of their sojourn in the Philippines. Nothing will deter a foreigner from returning to these islands more than a rough or dis- courteous treatment while in the customs or airport premises or while the entry requirements are being processed. Alas added that tourists must be given comfortable hotel accommodations with efficient and courteous service; comfortable travel throughout the country, must be free from unnecessary annoyance such as being bothered by beggars or making them nervous because of loud blowing of automobile horns. He recalled how in the cities he visited he found tourists flocking to the museums and art galleries in order to see relics of the past and learn much about the history of the country. Several cities have museums and art galleries which house relics and the finest collection of paintings in the world in contrast to the Philippines. Public buildings, churches, historical places, beautiful sceneries and special spectacles are the things to be developed if the Philippines is to exploit the tourist industry. In order to attract tourists, we have to prepare more interesting things for them to see and wipe out the stigma that there is not even a single decent public park in and around Manila. There is absolutely no reason why we cannot build up a zoological exhibition and why we cannot found one of the best aquariums in the world since in our waters there abound all kinds of fish, in- [illegible texts]. Alas suggested several places that will be of great interest like Corregidor and Bataan, Taal Lake, Mayon Volcano, Tagaytay, Baguio, the underground river in Palawan, Lingayen Gulf, Hundred Islands and many others. He named several buildings that must be reconstructed because of their historical significance like the Ayuntamiento and Fort Santiago. Leroy Young was the finemaster. For the award be received from President Quirino, Vince Bunuan was fined P8.00. Antonio de las Alas who was the guest speaker and vice president of Marsman & Company, cost Henk Marsman P100.00. Tamie Tamesis, proclaimed Forester of the Year, was fined P10.00. Doc Campos who was elected Knight of the Holder of the Holy Sepulchre was fined P25.00. Ben Legarda was fined P30.00. A picture taken of Rex Reyes with Miss Universe cost the former P100.00. All the Rotarians who have not been fined were asked to give P5.00 each. Rene Antonio entertained the Rotarians and guests with his songs.