... Yes. I'm sure...
... I'm dead sure I ordered the pearl-coloured linens and not these ghastly neon green ones. Look, DAVE. This is not the first time your delivery was wrong and you are not the only supplier in this state. If you don't stop insinuating that your mistake was our fault, and if the correct linens don't arrive before 2pm today, consider this our last transaction. *end call*
This stressful hell has been going on for nearly 6 months now. Dealing with suppliers, staffing, contractors, builders...
It's the kind of hectic I enjoy though. My mom and I left Philippines about a year ago to start a new life. She separated from my Dad and his toxic ways about 3 years ago after a near tragedy.
My father was always very controlling. He had an opinion on everything, from the clothes we wore, the food we ate, the company we kept, etc. Ang masama pa, he thought his opinions are the only correct ones. I guess it was the decades of all those things that brought my mom to that pivotal decision.
Tama na. Ayaw ko na. It's suffocating me. It has squeezed all the love I have... had for you Alberto. Hindi na ako makahinga. Hindi na kami makahinga ng mga anak mo. Lahat na lang gusto ikaw ang may final say. Si Paul... muntik ng mamatay si Paul dahil sa kagagawan mo!
That's what I woke up to as I lay sleeping on the couch of the hospital room where my brother was comatosed. Car accident. He veered to the opposite side of the road and onto incoming traffic as he was having a heated argument with my dad over the phone because of a failed investment deal - actually, a failed arranged marriage. It wasn't even Paul's fault. The girl, turns out, was already engaged and very much in love with someone else. She eloped with the guy and essentially turned her back from her family. Somehow, dad blamed Paul.
My brother was always the dutiful son. Always blindly following dad's instructions out of some desire to feel validated as a son. His constant search of our father's approval was his quiet cry for love.
Love... panira talaga.
And so, when Paul was discharged from the hospital, my mom made the arrangements for all of us to move here to Queensland. It took us a while since dad, of course, was sabotaging our plans. Eventually, we managed to push through and here we are now, 2 weeks away from opening up a boutique hotel by the coast. Paul decided to finish his work commitments in our dad's company and will be here with us before the year ends. I guess, kahit papaano, mahal pa rin niya talaga si dad.
I'm functioning as the General Manager for our hotel, with my mom as the COO. May kaya din naman kasi ang family ni mom na dito based sa Queensland. After they heard what had happened, they were fully supportive of our efforts to move on and that's how we ended where we are now. Opening up a resort with the financial and emotional help of mom's family.
*new email*
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Hi Ms Jade,
Here's an update for the first month's reservations:
1 September - 8 September
- 85% occupancy
9 Sept - 15 Sept
- 90% occupancy
16 Sept - 22 Sept
- 65% occupancy
23 Sept - 30 Sept
- 55% occupancy
The lower rate on the 2nd fortnight of the month might increase once we officially open. We just need to make those good impressions and get those good reviews!
Regards,
Sheena
You're very beautiful and charming Guest Experience Chief Officer
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Just 2 more weeks before we open, we have to make sure we're ready. This first month can literally make or break our business.
And I have to remember to tell Sheena, my bestfriend, to change her email signature... Baka yan din ang magamit niya even to our professional contacts! Hahaha
*new email*
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Hello Madam / Sir,
Greetings!
We here at AusTours - Queensland are very excited to hear of your application to be a part of the already great family of hotels and resorts our company recommend and represent.
Our company's goal has always been to deliver the best travel experience to each of our clients and as such, we will be organising a vetting process for your hotel.
We will be sending one of ours to experience your hospitality within the first month of operation, on the 3rd month, and finally on the 6th month. After which, if you meet our standards, you will be a part of our official recommendations and will have access to our client lists.
We prefer not to disclose the details of our visits and the identity of our "secret guest" so as to reflect the real and everyday hospitality you provide.
Please see attached document for more details. Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Batchi Luna
Area Manager
AusTours - Queensland
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Well, fuck.
