Q) Please share with us about how and why you joined the hospitality industry.

Many years ago, when I was deciding which course to take at university, I envisioned myself joining the hospitality industry and working in hotels. I have always admired hotel professionals—their work, the way they carry themselves with professionalism, and how they serve guests. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Q) When did you join Orchard Hotel Singapore? What has been your experience been like working at the hotel?

I joined Orchard Hotel Singapore in June 2023 as a Guest Experience Manager. The job scope was interesting and exciting to me since this was my first time focusing on guest experience, elevating and creating special memories for guests. I enjoy arranging small surprises for guests, meeting up with VIPs, high ranking officials and the like. Most of all, I love the people here. My colleagues have always made work easier for me. We treat each other like a family, respecting each other’s views and supporting one another.

Q) What does a day at work look like for you?

For me, every day is a new day. Facing each day with enthusiasm and positivity, I take each day as a learning experience. At the end of the day, I thank God that I have made it through another day!

Q) What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect? 

What I enjoy most about my work is being able to meet and engage with different types of people, be it our guests or work colleagues, learning about their cultures, exceeding their expectations and being able to delight them in any way I can.

As a Manager overseeing the front desk operations, the most challenging aspect of my job is that you do not know what may happen day to day. No matter how you plan your shift, it may not be according to how you want it to be. But then again, these challenges help me to build my character and strengthen my skills.

Q) Any memorable experiences you would like to share with us?

One of the memorable experiences in my tenure here is during the time that our Vice President from the Philippines came to stay in our hotel. I had the privilege to meet and take care of her arrival and her entire stay. One of the rare moments that I will cherish. Another unforgettable experience was during the Taylor Swift concert here in Singapore. That was the longest check-in queue we had ever seen. But it was also a significant moment when I saw how our team worked together as one. In the midst of this busy period, you could see everyone helping one other, regardless of title or position, working as a team to make things happen and to delight our guests.

Q) What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I love going out with friends for coffee or social drinking, meeting people, going out for a run, or watching movies.

Q) Please share with us a little about your family and your life in Singapore.

I come from a loving and religious family of four, with one sibling—my older brother. I am the mother of two beautiful children: a 21-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, both of whom are cared for by my mother in the Philippines.

Being away from my family, especially my children, was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. It hasn’t been easy, but despite the challenges, as a strong believer in my faith, I have always been grateful for the blessings and opportunities I’ve received throughout my years of living in Singapore.

Being able to work here and support my children while saving for their future is one of the greatest blessings I’m thankful for. Over the past thirteen years, Singapore has been very good to me in terms of work opportunities and life changes. To show my gratitude to this country that has taken care of me, I abide by its rules, respect its culture, and care for its people with love and dedication.