Up, up and away

By MZ Coupe

Like Jonathan Livingstone Seagull, this self-help book on life, flight, and positive thinking, Edith Vital Carpenter epitomizes the seagull’s sheer tenacity of character to learn everything about flying ( her business, being a member of the NZ Institute of Travel and Tourism, and a fully qualified member of the Aviation and Travel Industry Training Board ).

The gorgeous Pampanguena and managing director of Planet Earth Travel (a division of Philippines Travel Ltd) is flying high.

Planet Earth is dedicated to help Pinoys with their travel/passport concerns, act as an information bureau and liaise with the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.

“The new format of Migrant News’ Pinoy.Net.NZ newspaper is what prompted me to support the paper and its Fiesta Pilipinas event, this 28-29 April at Alexandra Park, Auckland,” she mentioned in passing.

Academically equipped with a Bachelor of Tourism from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Edith came to NZ in 1982, further upskilling at Crown Institute, Auckland.

Together with three others, the Fiesta Tours and Travel company was formed and has been the affiliated Manila travel agency. It marks its 25 years in business in May this year.

From 1989-95, she had the opportunity to work in NZ with the leading Adventure Travel wholesaler.

It was in September 1995 that her vision to serve the travel needs of both Pinoys and the global community was realized.

Edith keeps a low profile, happy to be in her chosen field.

A typical Monday-to-Friday business person and wife to mentor/ JP/loyal husband Bob, whom she met back in the Philippines and married in NZ, 1989.

A business entrepreneur in his own right, Bob has been her rock, and a staunch supporter of the Filipino community.

Over the years, they have been donors and sponsors to various religious/social Filipino events.

Proud of her roots, Edith is mother to Peter (14) and Jacky (11), and is the oldest of eight siblings of Constancia Ramos and Carlos Vital.

“Always go with the flow, meet NZ standards and stand firm to succeed and do not compare yourself with what you have back home, as these are two totally different scenarios.

“Don’t be afraid to believe in something, do not be afraid of taking risks especially in business and focus on what you know best.”

It is obvious that her forte is in the travel business as her company has grown from strength to strength over 11 years at the Smith and Caughey Building on Queen Street, Auckland Central District.

“With technology, it is now possible to have offices anywhere. Travel business is highly competitive, keeps changing every time with airlines cutting down commissions, but that is where the challenge is,” she said.

“Put yourself in the traveller’s shoes and give it your best shot,” she beamed, looking regal in her newly renovated plush office.

She is determined to promote the Philippines as a tourist destination and continues to negotiate for lower prices and lobby for direct flights to Manila.

Planet Earth is one of the top five independent travel agencies recognized by Gulliver’s Travel.

With her focus on package tours like religious pilgrimages, and the 40-passenger COSMOS European tour, Ms Carpenter has expanded into the FIT market and corporate accounts and worldwide travel for leisure.

She organized and traveled with 30 Filipino-Kiwis to Italy and Israel, a spiritual journey in 2000 with Fr. Ruben Elago of Good Shepherd Parish, Balmoral.

She handled World Youth Day’s travel to Rome in 2000, Toronto in 2002, Cologne in 2005 and to Sydney in 2008.

Like the Seagull, Edith has indeed discovered and re-discovered the art of living, not just surviving, but being original in her endeavours, and accepting criticism to further improve her craft.

Still like the seagull, she insists on flying in what she believes is a beautiful way and perfect way, rather than flying only in order to cover a distance.

Up, up and away!