Playa Tropical Resort Hotel

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G.Bonilla

CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte – This province is a virtual museum with strong Spanish, Chinese and Oriental influences. It is highly recommended as a prime destination not only for those who love the outdoors but also for those who like to learn of its historical and illustrious past as shown in its unique culture. Just like Playa Tropical Resort Hotel, the beams of this beautiful haven radiates like a precious gem.

The accommodating and charismatic manager of this well-known hotel in the North in the person of Toni Carag is an epitome of a virtuous Ilocana. Toni took up BS Math at De La Salle University but after two years of studies, shifted to hotel and restaurant management at De La Salle College of St.Benilde. It is here where she learned the ins and outs of hotel business like proper management of food and beverage department, housekeeping and front office to keep the flow of visiting clients.

Carag is presently enrolled in the graduate school of Ateneo de Manila University taking up Master of Arts in Business Administration. Being the think-tank of the hotel, Toni discovered what is best for her clients, their needs, wants and how to address these.

She is a friend to everyone and this personal touch encourages tourists to jeep coming back. She was a student leader at DLSU and consistent dean’s lister at De La Salle College of St.Benilde.Her parents -- Mariolito Carag of the angguniang panglunsod and Ernelyn, an accountant have been a great influence for the young manager’s career since.

They are hard-working, honest and loving to their three siblings like Toni, the eldest and the only daughter, Christopher and Marco Jeremy. Toni was born on Feb. 23,1987 under the zodiac sign of Pisces. She has a strong vision, charitable, philanthropic, not materialistic and humble. She believes that all employees should be treated well, considered as partners. She says success will come if you take good care of them.

Toni can easily relate with different kinds of people for she considers them as blessings. She says it is not the money that matters but the best reward is when the people will come back and remember your name. She is the model of the youth. During school opening and Christmas season, she is one of those gentle hearts who share the Christian love with less fortunate members of society especially the kids.of Barangay Victoria.

Meanwhile, the talented architect behind the artistic and unique design of Playa Tropical is Joy Quintana from Manila. The first impression of people upon seeing the hotel is the ambience and the classical architectural structure in a stress-free environment. The Playa will surely help boost the tourism industry in Ilocandia.
***
I was invited by DATA Center College of the Philippines President Joseph Sicco to join with him at Playa for a cocktail party by the hotel and restaurant services students wherein they had the opportunity to experience actual and academic internalization of what they have learned in the field of hotel management.

Prof.Efren Valdez, director of student affairs, Prof.Jose Cardona and members of the faculty spearheaded the program to motivate students to become the best in their specialization. I would like to mention the name of canteen manager Brandy and Bernie who shared their companionship during the starry night near the swimming pool overlooking the view of the silent sea.
***
The people of Piddig,Ilocos Norte remember the historical Basi Revolt. According to our history, when the basi (sugarcane liquor) was placed under monopoly of the Spanish government like tobacco. The people rose in rebellion in 1806.The beating of the drums summoned the rebels to arms and the convento and the houses of the rich were burned.

The short-lived uprising was actually a precursor to the much bigger Basi Revolt that began in Piddig the following year (1807) wherein people joined the insurrection all the way to San Ildefonso near Vigan and the towns of Batac, Sarrat, Paoay and Laoag.
**
What is happening in the Senate right now has weakened the opposition with the divide-and-rule tactics of the administration. The administration candidates can still have enough time to plan their political strategy while the other side of the fence are up to destroy their foundation unmindful of the fact that by destroying friendship and alliances, other potential candidates..
***
Happy Christening to baby Princess Clydette C.Asencion,the daughter of sis.Cathy and kumpadre.I also acknowledge my fellow godparents like Major and Prof. Agosto Asuncion,Atty lawyer Marissa Asencion, Danilo Dumlao,Debbie Agtang,

Marissa Doronio, Cecile Alcantara, Jennifer C.Lazaro, Rey Taylan, Eric Salvador,.Cris Jacinto, Nelson Roman Sotelo,Ruben Asuncion,Lovely Pascual,and engineer Joel Juan.

I would like to greet Prof.Flory Asencion,Vicar General of the Diocese of Laoag, Msgr. Danny Laeda,Rev.Fr.Melchor Palomares, Principal Milagros Avelina Jose and the kind-hearted Weng Oamerga of Pias,Currimao.