(624) USELESS DISCOUNTED AIRFARE (TBN-May 18-24, 2009)

THE request for discounted airfare for lone participant to the Oceania Zonal Chess Championship of Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Marino had received a response that says:

     Dear Ambassador Roberto (misspelled) Marino, 
         Your email to our president, Mr. Jaime Bautista was forwarded to our office for handling.
         In this regard, we are pleased to extend discounted rate for Mr. Roberto Hernandez in his trip to Australia this coming June. Below are the details:
        A. BOOKING   1.1 HERNANDEZ/ROBERTOMR
            1 PR 211 W 18JUN  MNLSYD HK1 0900 1910
            2 PR 210 W 29JUN  SYDMNL HK1 1105 1730
            Record Locator.
            BHFHAW     Ticketing deadline: 1200MO18MAY
        B. RATE           Round trip MNLSYD on Economy
            Fare: USD 380.00 XT (Taxes and Surcharges)
        C. FARE CONDITIONS/RESTRICTIONS
            1. MNL-SYD must be on PR211 only
            2. Booking class is W
            3. Rebooking fee is $150
            4. Maximum stay is 2 months
            5. Confirmed reservations required both ways
            6. No miles
            7. Ticketing through PAL PLC Padre Faura,
                Manila or Makati Ticket Office only.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us at +632-526-2616 or email us at marissa_dimaano@pal.com.ph
   Thank you very much and more power to you and your office. 
    Respectfully yours,

ISSA DIMAANO,
Corporate Account Officer,
Passenger Sales Philippines

Mr. Gary Bekker responded with:
   Dear Roberto,
      Just so that I am clear:
      I am willing to offer a travel subsidy of $500.00 towards your airfare.
      The airfare you have been offered above is $380 + $296= $676.
       This is more than the US$590 I have been offered for the same flight.
       It is therefore better for me to book the flight here locally.
       There will be nothing left from my $500 if your flight cost around $600.
        You will therefore need to pay for own travel Koror-Manila and Sydney-Coolangatta (not Brisbane) before I book your Manila-Sydney flight.
        I have attached a copy of the itinerary below.
        Warm regards,

Gary Bekker
Tel. (03)8562-0092
Mobile: 0418-142-258
email: gbekker@capitaltransport.com.au

Mr. Jan Berglund responded with:
     Dear Roberto, 
        I just got the quotation from the travel agency. We cannot beat the prices that neither you nor Gary has gotten. Best wishes,

Jan

Source: Chessmate by Roberto Hernandez
               Tia Belau Newspaper
               Pages 13 & 15
               Volume 18
               May 18-24, 2009