Philippine E-Journals

The Communication Dynamics Between Aeta Tour Guides and Tourists in Subic Pamulaklakin Forest Trail

Van Ezekiel Mapiscay | Van Naomi Mapiscay | Kimberly Tilar

 

Abstract:

This study described the communication dynamics between the Aeta tour guides and the tourists in Subic Pamulaklakin Forest Trail as they went on a tour that involved two to four hours of trekking in the Aeta’s forests. Specifically, the study described the exchange of verbal and non- verbal communication as the Aeta tour guides and tourists interacted with each other in giving information about herbal plants, demonstrating how to forge kitchen utensils from bamboos, how to cook rice on bamboos, and other jungle survival tips and skills. We visited Subic Pamulaklakin Forest Trail in SBMA, Zambales to conduct interview and observe how the communication process between Aeta tour guides and tourists changed and progressed, to identify what motivated and hindered the Aetas to work as tour guides, and to identify the impact of conversing with tourists from different cultural backgrounds to the livelihood of the Aeta tour guides. From the data gathered, we found that societal dynamics was the prevailing communication dynamics that existed in the communication process between the Aeta tour guides and the tourists. The communicative behaviors of individual Aeta tour guides affect the overall group of Aeta tour guides and their interaction with the tourists. Despite the autonomous status of the Aetas in Subic Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, they are still under SBMA Zambales and are considered one of the tourist attractions in the area. Being one of the tourist attractions, the Aetas should be given by the Department of Tourism monthly allowance or financial support for their livelihood in order to maintain them even in times when tourists are scarce.