AAA: How did you come about putting up your travel agency? Was it always your dream? Where did you go for college and what did you take up?
 
Cherry: I went to UST where I took up BS Medical Technology. I am a registered Medical Technologist by profession and first worked as a med rep at Zuellig Pharma. Those two years taught me a lot about sales and marketing as well as how to communicate with people.
 
From there, I decided to take a different career path and attended seminars on reservations/corporate sales/ticketing for travel agency procedures. It was in Ateneo-HV Dela Costa, Makati where the venue was held on this special training.
 
I got hired immediately in a travel agency in Makati, where my orientation was more on corporate sales. My exposure to events planning and organization helped me in my job and made me decide to eventually strike out on my own.
 
Then I put up CGC Cosmo Get-away Chain Travel and Tours Inc. CGC is an acronym for Cherry Geronimo-Caritativo that is my full name. And I have been in the travel business for 19 years now.
 
AAA: Do you like to travel? What are your favorite places?
 
Cherry: I do love to travel. I love to explore places, discover different cultures, find uniqueness in every destination, and meet people of different views and opinions. The joy of traveling puts me in touch with the world regardless of your status in life. Through my job and as a tourist, I am like an ambassador who promotes the beauty and richness of the Philippines.
 
Some of my favorite places to travel are Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hongkong. These countries are also must see places because of the richness of their culture,their scenic spots and of course shopping, shopping, and more shopping.
 
AAA: How tough is it managing a travel agency?
 
Cherry: Real tough because your travel agency should always be on top in all ads and promotions. We also need to highlight the special promo rates for all destinations and the personalized services on tailor made itinerary planning, per request of every client.
 
We are into process of promoting some heroic tour destinations that are a "must visit" for families and students especially this summer vacation along with some of our famous destinations like Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan.
 
AAA: What are the peak seasons for Filipino travelers?

Cherry: Peak season starts Mar 15 onwards until June 15 for all Summer Getaways for families and students. We really advise everyone to make early reservations to avail some special seats and special promo rates for these popular destinations.
 
AAA: Can you share a memorable moment that your travel agency experienced?
 
Cherry: I would say that my memorable moment was when CGC was recognized and awarded by the Philippine Quality for being the Most Outstanding in Tour Assistance National Division in 2005. This award inspired us to do more and find better ways to improve our services for a better business relationships.
 
AAA: Give 5 quick tips for Filipino travelers.
 
Cherry:
1. Plan your trips ahead of time so you could avail on some promotional packages.
2. When on trips, travel light so you can walk fast in finding some tours and scenic spots.
3. Check out accommodations of your destinations ahead to find out if they really suits your taste and needs.
4. Don’t forget and always check validity of your travel documents. Passports should be valid 6 months prior to departure. Visas and their validity should be checked too, if needed.
5. And pray before a flight or any boat or land transfer for a safe and secure trip.