“Honesty is the best policy”, an old adage would say. This might sound a cliche but this saying has not lost its essence. Let me tell you a little incident on this.
I was in Subic last Thursday, October 16 to Saturday, October 18, 2008. I attended a three-day conference organized by the speech communication organization of the Philippines. Before the conference formally started, I tried to explore the area since the hotel where I stayed was right in front of the bay. I took some pictures, and went back to the hotel a few minutes before the opening ceremony.
When I was at the hotel, I sat in one of the corner sofas, which was cozy and comfortable. Sitting there, I brought out the wallet that contains my two cell phones. I thought of texting my Admin Assistant for the things which I failed to do before I left. Because the place was near the smoking area, I immediately stood up when I smelt of cigarette smoke oblivious of my wallet, that had my other phone, placed on the sofa.
I hurriedly walked my way towards the seminar hall while texting. After using my other phone, I found out that my black wallet was missing. I ran back to the placed where I sat, but the precious black wallet was no longer there.
I immediately reported the incident to the information, who turned me over to the security officer. Immediately, the security officer ordered that all exits be closed, and that they would do the “search operation” for my lost cell phone. I was instructed to narrate the chronology of events on paper for their report. Afterwards, I was told that they could not assure me that they would be able to give me back my cell phone.
With that, I started texting friends for the hotline of the my lost phone provider so that I can have my number blocked. I was worried because it was on postpaid plan. While I was sitting on the seminar venue, my mind was busy thinking of my lost phone. I could not concentrate because I was busy texting my friends asking for the hotline number. After a while I saw the security officer again motioning for me to come to him. I did, and there I was presented the black wallet wiht my phone inside! I could not believe it! I have lost cell phones twice, but this time it’s returned to me :-) The security officer told me one of the employees turned over the wallet to him. What an honest employee they have! I wanted to meet the person who found my wallet, but I was not allowed. I wonder why. I guess it was their policy; I was given that hunch.
With this heartwarming incident, I would like to thank Legenda Hotel and its management. If you happen to visit Subic Bay Freeport Zone, check in at the Legenda Hotel, Waterfront Road. It’s seldom to find honest people like the ones in Legenda. Aside from honesty, they are also accommodating. Speak of customer service. Legenda has it! It truly lives to its name as the legendary Legenda.
The hotel front view. Subic Bay Freeport Zone. October 16, 2008.
The sofa where my phone was lost and found. Legenda Hotel, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. October 16, 2008.
