gidz

He ran toward us and kept pace as we slowed down to find a place where we could park. With the sun on his face, he gave hand signals to the driver so he could squeeze the Adventure in between vehicles so many they made the area look like Japan, a day after it was hit by tsunami.

As the door swung open, he flashed a set of white, even teeth and mouthed what could be his standard greeting: Good morning, Ma’amSir, welcome to Enchanted River. Gidz Calmarez poh, Ma’amSir, at your service!

Talk about having us at hello!

Barely 12 years old, Gidz Calmares is one of the five juvenile tourist assistants that LGU-Hinatuan allows to operate within the confines of Enchanted River. That he is fast earning the reputation of a first-rate tourist assistant is impressive because he didn't have any training on tourist servicing. Let loose by LGU-Hinatuan, Gidz had to learn on the job, playing everything by ear.

But more than possessing natural skills, the kid has charm that charms tourists.

Gidz knows how to delight his customers: he carries bags; he volunteers information; he gives lavish compliments; he books you a cottage; he arranges for your food; he takes wacky shots of you if you trust him with your digicam; and he knows how to say thank-you.

Because he lives in Barangay Cambatong which is about 2 kilometers from Barangay Talisay where the Enchanted River flows, Gidz wakes up at 5 AM and sets off to his place of business on foot. Asked what he likes most about his “job”, he says money. Gidz earns between P300 and P500 daily, a good part of which is turned-over to the Enchanted River caretaker, an employee of LGU-Hinatuan. However, Gidz can get back the amount in the form of school supplies and other personal things like slippers and clothes.

That explained the UK cargo pants and fake Havaianas Gidz was wearing!



The third child in a brood of six, Gidz is proud to say that he gives his mother money from what he earns. And he doesn’t mind if she spends it on videoke and "last-two." What is important, he says, is he’s able to make her happy.

Gidz knows the importance of education. And he doesn't mind if his income will shrink when school opens because he can only work during weekends.

I asked him if he sees himself doing what he presently does 10 years from now. “No,” he said.

“And so, what?” I said.

“I’ll go abroad and when I have enough money, I’ll come back and put up a hotel.”

“ Here?”

“Yes,” he smiles impishly.

Smart kid. Here’s hoping he wasn’t making all those up.