MANILA, Philippines - Gabe Mercado wears many hats, juggling his time between being a single father, businessman, training consultant and artistic director of Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT), which he founded in 1992. His roles take him to many places in the Philippines and around Asia, which has taught him the art of making travel more affordable and comfortable.
“Plan ahead and do your research well,” says Gabe on how to snag the best travel deals. He makes sure to book tickets month in advance to get them at a much lower price. He also counts travel websites and online forums as his best resources for unbiased reviews and recommendations.
His research does not end at the planning stage. “When I get to my destination, I talk with the locals to get insider scoop on best-priced accommodations and hole-in-the-wall restaurants,” Gabe adds. “Not only do I get more value for my money, I also get a much closer look into the location’s culture and customs.”
The tech-savvy comedian also has a variety of apps in his mobile phone and gadgets to stay updated on the latest travel trends and reports. “They’re very helpful in managing my itinerary, and in keeping track of flight schedules and weather forecasts anywhere in the world in real time,” he says.
His frequent trips and on-the-go lifestyle have made Gabe more discerning about how he travels. He goes to Cebu almost every month, and has also traveled to Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Ilocos and Naga. SPIT’s next big performance will be this month, when they do an improv comedy routine at the Hong Kong Comedy Festival.
“I always fly with Cebu Pacific as it delivers on its promise of affordable airfare and user convenience,” says Gabe. “I don’t have to shell out a lot of money just to enjoy pleasant air travel and quality service.”
Cebu Pacific offers flights and routes that “allows me to fly anywhere at any time of the day,” Gabe says. “I can perform in out-of-town shows with SPIT or attend important appointments overseas, then fly home to my son right after. It’s easier to get more things done, reach more places and have more enriching experiences.”
Gabe also finds Cebu Pacific’s web-based services very handy in cutting down his queuing time in the airport. “I don’t like waiting in long lines, so these web-based services are heaven-sent for me,” says Gabe. “The web check-in, for example, allows me to go from the airport to the boarding gate in 15 minutes tops.”
“Cebu Pacific also has made a name for itself as a fun airline company,” adds Gabe. “They pioneered Fun Games on board, which shows how much they really want to make flying more fun for their passengers.”
For details, visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines at 7020-888 (Manila) or (032) 230-8888 (Cebu) to book a flight now.