RED CARPET RECEPTION FOR MIMAROPA RAA DELEGATES

The first ship to arrive in weeks at the Philippine Ports Authority pier area was nothing but normal, a white chartered boat owned by Negros Navigation. The morning breeze at the princess of ports (Puerto Princesa got it\'s name for the spectacular beauty of the bay) was nothing new... pollution free and refreshing. It seems that this is gonna be another ordinary day. Until the boat shipsided, the big banners welcoming the athletes, officials, and guests to the city in a forest unfurled, the drum and lyre band started playing the official hymn of the sports tourism capital of the country \"Puerto Princesa Mabuhay,\" while a mobile video wall showing the amazing sights of the underground river, the crown jewel of all natural wonders and the Philippines\' official entry to the worldwide search for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and before the first official of MIMAROPARAA Meet set foot on Puerto Princesa soil (it\'s actually concrete) the porters roll out the fifty meters long red carpet usually reserved for visiting dignitaries such as Presidents, Ambassadors, Senators and cabinet secretaries, and to cap the extra-special warmth of the occasion, peacock embossed leis were distributed to the visitors, the ultimate symbol of Puerto Princesa hospitality.
But the surprise did not end there! The whole stretch of Rizal Avenue, the main thoroughfare of the city was lined with flags waving students shouting at the top of their small voices \"Mabuhay\" and \"Dayon camo,\" which is \"tuloy kayo\" in the local dialect Cuyuno. The whole thing was impressive, in fact by any standard it was very impressive.
\"First impression is the most important.\" This was what Vice Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, the chief architect of MIMAROPA RAA Organizing Committee instilled in the minds of the working committees. \"Small failures in other things can be tolerated, but failure during the welcome and receptionis not an option.\" Well said vice mayor, and to all the men and women of the committees that made the welcome and reception of our visitors a huge success WELL DONE!

By: AlROBEN J. GOH