More Filipinos will not be able to sleep tonight. Not for thinking about their economic plight but because of thoughts that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo might have the gall to stay at the Burj Al Arab, one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai and in the world, where an overnight stay can cost from $1,770 (P70,800) for a basic suite to as much as $10,890 (P435,600) for the Royal Suite.
Hundreds (if they have not reached the thousand mark already) of Dabawenyos are working in Dubai's lavish hotels and restaurants. Majority of them get a monthly salary of P13,000 for working in restaurants with shifting schedules leaving them sleepless and suffering from ulcer. Others who are not as lucky get less.
In the Philippines, P70,800 can be used to pay for the first two years in school of a college student enrolled in a private school. In the Philippines, P435,600 can mean a low cost home for a homeless family.
The Burj Al Arab is a 1,000 foot hotel that boasts of gold-plated interiors as well as butler service and a size 42" plasma TV for every room. Before sleeping, guests will have difficulty which of the 13 options in their pillow menu they will choose.
If you doubt its grandeur, see this YouTube of Federer & Agassi on the world's highest tennis court.
If PGMA decides to sleep in Burj Al Arab, I pray she gets a good night's sleep.
