My Life as a Tour Guide in Cebu

Being a tour guide is akin to strolling through a flower garden – a refreshingly comforting experience. Guiding is like navigating a garden with an array of different flowers, much like the kaleidoscope of stories shared by the tourists I encounter. Their narratives, undoubtedly, are the missing ingredients for being a great tour guide.

Back in 2019…

Let me take you back to 2019, a peak season in the Philippines with numerous bookings. I found myself guiding almost every day, often spending up to 8 hours or more per day. To me, guiding transcends merely showcasing the beauty of a place and its attractions; it involves explaining the deeper meanings behind their existence.

Moreover, guiding is not just reciting history while guests follow; it ideally entails an exchange of thoughts and conversations about interpretations and shared experiences to find common ground.

For instance, there was a memorable occasion when I guided two vibrant grandmothers, likely in their late 60s, on a Cebu city tour. As we explored historical places, they expressed nostalgia, having seen similar structures in other countries during their extensive travels. They mentioned having explored almost all continents except Asia.

Quick on my feet, I thought of an alternative solution for them to enjoy the tour. I asked what else they would like to do, and they expressed a desire to try our morning snack. I took them to a local spot, and they enjoyed our Cebuano hot chocolate called “sikwati” and “puto maya,” a sweet rice cake.

Cebuano hot chocolate “sikwati” and “puto maya”

I took them to our snack area and introduced them to our hot chocolate drink called ‘sikwati,’ a Cebuano version made from dried, roasted cacao beans that are then hand-formed into tablets or powder. It pairs wonderfully with ‘puto maya,’ a sweet rice cake.

As the tour progressed, they remarked that they felt like I was their granddaughter, not just their guide. This experience made me realize that being a tour guide goes beyond sharing stories or history; it’s about making them feel like family.

Indeed, being a guide is akin to being a gardener in a flower garden. Each tourist, whether a new visitor, a seasoned traveler, or someone with wilted spirits, deserves supervision and care. They are all like flowers, each unique and worthy of respect and appreciation for their individual beauty and fragrance. This is just one of the many
stories I’ve encountered as a tour guide.