When Your Tour Guide in the Philippines is a Korean.. | TRABAHO

Summary

Jessica Lee shares her journey of becoming a tour guide at Intramuros in Manila. Despite initial challenges with memorizing facts and dealing with rainy weather, she provides insightful historical information about key locations like San Augustine Church and Fort Santiago. Jessica emphasizes the complexities of guiding tourists, including managing large groups, ensuring safety, and telling stories in an engaging way. Through this experience, she gains a deeper understanding of Philippine history while showcasing the dedication required to be a tour guide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jessica Lee introduces herself as a tour guide in Manila, specifically for Intramuros.
• 😢 Jessica expresses sadness at the beginning and towards the end of the tour due to unforeseen circumstances.
• 🤔 She discusses her learning experience about Intramuros and how she had to memorize facts about its history.
• 👨‍🏫 The process of becoming an accredited tour guide involves intensive training and exams under the Department of Tourism.
• 🏛️ Intramuros has key historical locations, including San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago, which are highlighted in the tour.
• 🌧️ The tour encounters heavy rain, causing Jessica to adjust her presentation and concern for guests' safety.
• 📚 Jessica highlights important Filipino historical figures like Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and discusses the Muslim influence before Spanish colonization.
• 👥 Tour groups are diverse, with many international visitors, and tour guides must adjust based on guests' interests and questions.
• 📸 Part of a tour guide’s job includes engaging guests and taking photos, while balancing the historical storytelling.
• 💼 Jessica reflects on the challenges of being a tour guide, from multitasking to managing a group in unexpected conditions like rain.

Q & A

What is Jessica Lee's role in the video?

Jessica Lee is acting as a tour guide in Intramuros, Manila, giving a guided tour of the historical site.

Why is Jessica Lee feeling sad during the tour?

Jessica feels sad because it starts raining heavily during the tour, which disrupts her plans and makes it difficult to continue guiding the group effectively.

What steps did Jessica take to prepare for the tour?

Jessica took time to learn about the history of Intramuros, reviewed a detailed handout from the Department of Tourism, and practiced delivering the information to ensure accuracy.

How long is the typical training for becoming a tour guide in Intramuros?

The training to become a community tour guide can last about a week, and it involves both exams and on-site practice tours. A final test is conducted with people from the Department of Tourism and Intramuros administration.

What is the importance of San Augustine Church mentioned in the tour?

San Augustine Church is significant because it is the oldest standing church in Intramuros and the final resting place of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conqueror who founded Manila.

What challenge does Jessica face with some tourists during the tour?

Jessica sometimes struggles with tourists who are more interested in taking photos or are not fully engaged, making it hard to maintain their attention.

Why does Jessica advise against making up stories when tourists ask difficult questions?

Jessica advises against making up stories because accuracy is important for tour guides, and it's better to admit not knowing something than to provide false information.

How did Jessica handle the situation when it started raining during the tour?

When it started raining, Jessica adapted by asking the group if they were okay with continuing the tour under umbrellas, and she prioritized their safety by keeping them in sheltered areas when necessary.

What historical detail did Jessica share about the origin of Manila's name?

Jessica explained that 'Manila' comes from the word 'Maynilad,' which means 'there is nilad,' referring to a type of flowering plant that was abundant in the area before Spanish colonization.

What did Jessica learn about the Filipino brand of service during her guide training?

Jessica learned that the Filipino brand of service emphasizes hospitality, engaging storytelling, and ensuring tourists feel welcomed and informed during their visit.