Before our trip to the Philippines, I booked a hotel in Makati through the Internet. It is like making a random choice from a bevy of postcards: all of the hotel photos look beautiful. I selected Dusit because of its location..it is right at the back of SM Makati, which is just a few minutes walk away from Gloririeta and also Landmark..And also the prices of their Executive suites was on discount for Balikbayans.100 US$ for one night! Who couldn't refuse?..The website do not have a direct link, so I have to dial a 800 number and talk with a receptionist. We talked in Tagalog of course. In short, she booked me for an Executive Suite, gave her my VISA number just for security After I put down the phone I felt proud of myself..that is, until we arrived at the Hotel.
After the fiasco at the Manila airport ( see part 1 ), we headed to the Dusit Hotel..On the way, the driver was asking us to what Hotel we are going ..Dusit I said..How much? he asked..This driver is starting to get into my nerves asking personal questions like that. 100 US$, I said trying to be calm. Thats too expensive, he said..With that kind of money, I know of a Hotel right beside Glorrietta which would get you a whole week end..Whats the name of the Hotel?I asked. ..Oakwood, he said..Aha I said to myself. That is the building occupied once by those Military hotheads who wanted to stage a coup against the President..They planted bombs in the lobby and for a while, they made international headlines and some spot in the 6:00 PM news..That place is not even a Hotel, its a Condominium building!..Upon reaching a fork at the EDSA he said again So you want to go to Oakwood?..I will take this way going there.. Pare, I said..Our companions in the other van are going to Dusit.At this point I dont want to be losing each other again...Could you just mind your driving and bring us to Dusit?..He made a quick left turn and said OK Boss!..Tarantado..I said silently.
We finally reached Dusit..The bell hops took our bags to the designated room. I finished the paperwork and then took the keys from the Concierge. When we got to our room, I found it to be very small, hardly the Executive ones as advertised..I stormed down the lobby again.."How come you gave me that room when I asked for an Executive room which you advertised for a discounted price??" Sorry sir, there was a slight problem..There is now a big conference at the Dusit so all the Executive Suites were taken by the Delegates..Geez, we were bumped off from the rooster..Sorry sir..Then you should give me a lower price then..No sir, 100 is the real price for a standard room, cant do otherwise..Susmaryosep I muttered..havent used that word for a long time..but being a man who do not like to argue, I just left the desk..Its just a room to sleep anyway, I said to myself..When I tried to explain it to my wife (who is not as lenient as me)..she screamed "I will be the one to go down there!". No more, no more.I said, putting my foot down.I am tired, sleepy and we still have to attend to our visitors here..I tried to divert from the problem by opening one of the luggages:"Look at the goodies we have for you..!"..and the excitement of gift giving began... "HO-HO-HO, AND TO ALL, A GOOD-NIGHT!"
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