What’s the most important thing you learned in school?
Through my two-year journey at Algonquin College, I’ve learned many things from my professors in the classroom and my group of friends. The most important thing I learned was that it’s okay to ask for help. There are times when I have to stop, evaluate and question whether I can do something on my own or if I should ask for help. Learning that it's okay to struggle sometimes, and it's okay to need and want help, was a hard yet satisfying lesson to learn. Sometimes it takes other people’s help to get something done. There are people who can and want to help you, like professors and friends, and it’s okay to struggle and ask for help.
Why did you choose to study travel, tourism or hospitality?
Being a Filipino Canadian first-generation immigrant, I was exposed right away to how hospitable Filipinos are. The moment I knew right away I wanted to work in and study tourism was my first trip to the Philippines. I fell in love instantly when I stepped foot onto the Philippine Airlines plane where I saw the most beautiful flight attendant who was the kindest person I’ve ever met. From there, the thought that maybe I could be exactly like her never left my mind. Throughout my school career I was lucky enough to be surrounded by teachers who encouraged me to pursue this career. Now I find myself here, studying and now graduating from college with a diploma in hospitality and tourism.
What is your greatest professional strength?
My greatest professional strength would have to be my attentiveness to detail and my ability to play a leadership role. I tend to be a listener when it comes to being in a professional setting. I always pay attention to the little things before the bigger picture, and it usually helps the smaller details or my attentiveness to detail. After feeling comfortable in a certain setting like work or school, I tend to slowly get into a leadership role as I want to help lead others and myself to success.
In your opinion, what&’s the most exciting trend in travel, tourism or hospitality right now and why?
I think the most exciting trend that I’ve been seeing is sustainable travel and slow travel. I think it’s such an encouraging way that the tourism industry is stepping foot into how they can play their part in the conservation of the world’s climate as well as supporting different communities. With the opportunity that it gives to the industry, the workers get the chance to showcase how the industry does impact climate, communities and more. Slow sustainable travel encourages guests to not only experience “touristy” things within the destination, but also the beauty of taking your time, allowing yourself to engage in a culture and learn and gain something from travels. Sustainable and slow travel gives travelers a unique experience that has to continue within the future.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
I have many goals that I hope to achieve in the following year, the first one being to throw my graduation cap into the air during my college graduation and the second one being to take my time finding my path. I think this goes for everyone who is freshly graduated. I want to take my time to figure out what is best for me and the best road to take next, all while enjoying my time being finished with school.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I think I’m a bit too ambitious and greedy with my imagination and where I see myself in the future. I hope to work in a DMO specifically in graphic marketing, showcasing what a destination has to offer. I also see myself vlogging and being able to travel with people watching me and my experiences. If all else fails however, I would love to move to Okinawa, Japan and open and host a BnB hostel by the beach and cook food for all tourists.
What are some of the top places you want to see in Canada and why?
I have two main ones. I would love to go to the Yukon because I love Indigenous culture, and I know that the Yukon has a lot to offer that people do not expect. I really want to try authentic Indigenous food like beluga, but also be able to see the northern lights. I also want to go to Prince Edward Island because I am the biggest book nerd when it comes to Anne of Green Gables. I am obsessed with the books and the show, and I really want to see the Anne of Green Gables house and the Anne and Gilbert play.
What do you do to engage in travel, tourism or hospitality mindfully/sustainably?
Something I do to engage in sustainable travel is something that I never would’ve done before: allowing myself to research into the company that I’m staying at and reviewing their sustainable travel page. I check if they’re green certified or if they showcase certain indicators like focusing on one of the 17 UN goals or if they have sustainability reports to support their contribution to sustainability.
Name your favourite travel or hospitality experience so far:
I’ve been to many places so far, but I think my forever favourite will always be going back to the Philippines. Each time I get the chance to go I experience new things as it changes each time I go. I went back recently and it was such a different experience compared to the other times because it had been seven years since. I got the chance to do a motorcycle road trip, visit landmarks about Filipino history that I had not known about and of course spend time with my family. This had to be one of my favourite travel experiences so far.
Name your greatest achievement so far:
The greatest achievement that I have ever done was graduating college and winning the Baxter Ambassadorship. This is such an amazing opportunity and I'm still in disbelief that I got the chance to be a finalist and be chosen to be an Ambassador.
What’s the best OR worst piece of travel advice you’ve received?
“You get what you pay for.” I would say this has to be the best piece of travel advice because I studied all about airlines, fares and more about air travel. If you pay for the cheapest flight, you’ll be receiving the “cheapest” services and if you pay for the most expensive, you’ll receive expensive services. This advice was given to me by one of my professors and I live and stand by this advice.
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
The next destination I would love to travel to next would be Japan. My friends and I have been looking into travelling together and we all came together and decided on Japan. Personally, I’ve always wanted to go to Japan because I love J-fashion, J-pop, anime and more. I would love to experience travelling somewhere where I’ve always wanted to go, and traveling with friends would make it even more special.
