An afternoon of fun and learning for the USC Pathways Bridging the Gap Beneficiaries and volunteers at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel. (CONTRIBUTED)
To end the summer season, Cebu City Marriott Hotel (CCMH), in coordination with the University of San Carlos (USC) Pathways Organization, spent an afternoon with incoming Grade 10 and 11 students from Canduman, Talamban, Mandaue City Comprehensive and Cordova National High Schools under their Bridging the Gap Program for an overview and acquaintance tour of the service and hospitality industry.
Leading the warm welcome of almost 60 eager learners was CCMH General Manager Patrick Carroll.
A hotel tour followed wherein the students turned an eye to the hotel’s food and beverage outlets, function rooms,banquet spaces and other facilities.
After the tour, everyone gathered at the Sampaguita Grand Ballroom as they listened to Diosdado Codoy, CCMH’s Director of Human Resources, who talked about the history of Marriott International and how it has evolved to be the leading hotel chain worldwide with more than 4,000 properties across 86 countries.
The beneficiaries were also treated to actual stories of Marriott associates who have established their careers with Marriott such as former on-the-job-trainee Catherine Santiago-Adis, who is now Cebu Marriott’s Director of Revenue Management.
She encouraged everyone, while still young, to “start developing the skills that fit your chosen industry to help you stand out on top of other applicants when the time comes.”
Ruvelyn Velasco, Reservations Supervisor, shared a tip that got her through a life as a working scholar in college. She mentioned that after all your daily efforts, “always remember to pray and seek for God’s wisdom and guidance.”
More recent additions to the Marriott family who shared their words of encouragement were Michelle Montuya of the Food & Sales Department and Hotel Restaurant Management Cum Laude graduate Jona Bautista from the Front Office. Both agreed that in order to get through college, one has to carefully balance his or her time by setting goals and laying out priorities.
All beneficiaries did not only leave with words of advice but also with a cookie treat from the Marriott kitchen.