Shan on the wings of love

When former model Shan Dioquino-David greeted guests at Corporate International Travel & Tours Inc.’s (CITTI’s) 25th anniversary celebration at the Discovery Suites, she told them, “It is fitting that we are celebrating the anniversary of this company so close to Valentine’s Day because the story of this company is a love story of sorts.”

Because the company grew to where it is now because she loved her job, and because she loved each and every client who put his trust in the company.

Shan, president of CITTI and a mother of four, said that because she cares for her clients, she made sure they didn’t just travel: they also created new, happy memories.

“We do not just arrange travel. Our brand is one that provides memories in each and every destination that we bring our passengers to so that our clients come back renewed and rejuvenated with the experience,” said Shan, who founded the business with her uncle when she was only 27 years old.

“After giving birth to my second son at 27 years old, I wanted to continue doing what I’ve grown to enjoy, and that is sharing my love for travel and knowing I was instrumental in bringing that same joy to others.”

(From left) CITTI GM John Paul Cabalza, financial analyst Randolf Reyes, sales and marketing director Sylvia Gomez and group manager Mike Hain.

After returning from the US where she worked as a travel agent and after a stint at a local travel agency, she boldly ventured into her own.

“So, on Feb. 4, 1994, with my late uncle Honorio Bulos Jr., I established Corporate International Travel & Tours Inc. The Philippine economy was riding high at the time. I was a confident, headstrong young woman, raised in a family of business people. I was determined to make my mark.

“I opened our first office just a few blocks from here, at Tektite, home of the Philippine Stock Exchange Center. With five employees, I nurtured my startup company with painstaking attention and thoroughness, going door to door, trying to establish business contacts with my co-tenants in Tektite and the neighboring offices in Ortigas,” she recalled.

Her efforts paid off and she was able to build a good portfolio of clients whose trust she earned. “They have remained loyal patrons of the company up to this day. Of course, we’ve had our fair share of obstacles but with God’s grace, we were able to overcome any challenges thrown our way,” Shan said gratefully.

“I told you this was a love story of sorts because I love every person in this room,” Shan added, acknowledging her clients, CITTI’s employees (‘You have carried the weight of the company on your shoulders for the past 25 years’), and her family, led by her supportive husband Capt. Reg David.

(First row, from left) Elizabeth Deraya, Marilyn Ancheta, Evangelyn Dangaoen, Hazel Opanes, Ria Leal, Cristy Pineda, Divine Grace Eugenio and Angelica Ravano; (second row, from left) Maria Isabelle Rebaya, Margarita Belizario, Sylvia Gomez, Pedrito Sta. Maria, Shan David, Josephine David, Meday Sta. Maria and Ma. Josefa de Castro; (third row, from left) John Paul Cabalza, Elaiza Torno, Jozef Serrano, Mark Joseph Baylon, Lianfel Kim Go, Ramil Dayadaya, Mike Hain, Lailanie Dein, Rey Jeongco, Haji Salaguste, John Francis Magnaye, Cristina Dometita and Arnel Gamboa.

Riding on the success of doing what she loves, Shan said she has “been given the opportunity to travel the world, having been to more than 80 countries in six continents, the Wonders of the World, and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I’ve learned so much about the history and culture of the places I’ve visited, and this is what I consider to be my wealth.”

By loving what she does for a living, and loving the people she works with and offers her company’s services to, Shan has taken off on the wings of love.

And by the way, did I tell you her husband is a pilot?

Shan’s tips for flying high:

1. Plan one or two of the trips on your bucket list a year.

2. Eat local food.

3. Never leave without travel insurance.

4. Carry a copy of your passport and visas when you walk around.

Sales executive Santille Buhat, Turkish Airlines GM Erhan Balaban and Randolf Reyes.

5. Visit more UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

6. Complete the Seven Wonders of the World, seven continents in your lifetime.

(For inquiries, call Corporate International Travel & Tours at 631-6541 or e-mail at [email protected].)

 (You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)

(Seated) Paquito Ochoa Jr., Rowell Santiago and Shan David; (standing, from left) Josephine Ochoa, Almira Muhlach, Kay Hernandez and Modesto Pinpin Jr.