The marketing communications head of a Clark-based hotel in Pampanga has shared his experience in navigating the challenges brought about by the pandemic, describing how faith has kept him going.
Alex Aquino related that he focused on what really matters. “This position came as a surprise as it was initially offered to others,” he said. But his colleagues knew only one person who is still capable of doing a pre-opening role and move forward during a pandemic, “and that’s me.”
“That’s a blessing in disguise; everything happened in a few weeks, and I had to move my life from Cebu to Pampanga in a month,” said Aquino. Being single, he accepted the offer.
“My goal was to keep myself busy and to open the hotel and the casino,” he said.
He has been in the hospitality industry for 12 years performing the same role. “What really made me stay in this industry would be the people I’m working with,” he said. “Those that I have personal connections with.”
Looking back, Aquino said he joined the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association’s Virtus Awards to seek God’s direction, if he’s still in the right industry. He finally won last year.
“When I already won, I think 2020 was a test of my faith, with what I do, and with the industry that I’m in,” he said.
“My 2022 is a year of gratitude. I always feel grateful, and I always feel that I’m still in a better disposition than most of the people I know,” he added.
Aquino assumed multiple roles during the height of the pandemic. He had been a flight attendant before he joined the hotel industry.
When he first got the role of manage at the age of 25, he was unsure of himself and sought others’ advice as well as mentorship. “I have come to realize that even if you’re not yet ready, but you’re in it and you put your heart in what you do, the next thing you’ll do is to do things right and nail it,” Aquino shared.
There are only two types of hotels that he has yet to open — a mall hotel and an airport hotel. “I always believe in destiny and right timing,” said Aquino, relating that the pandemic taught him to embrace openness, continue learning and be humble.
To start his day, Aquino prays then listens to his favorite worship song. He also practices self-care, promotes punctuality at work and finds some “me time.”
“Every day, miracles happen in your life, and that will make you feel blessed and grateful,” he said.
“I always say that we put more value to our life with the things that we do for others,” he added. “Career wise, I always think that what I do is for my family. Every time I feel I don’t like to do it anymore, I would go back and ask myself why I started this in the first place.”
Among Aquino’s mentors is his college professor. “She’s a call or text away. When I’d do career moves or big decisions, I consult with her,” he said.
Another mentor was the director of sales and marketing. “She believed in me that I can do things. Without her, I won’t be in this position at this young age. She told me I have to do it because I’m already in this position,” he said.
Last but not least, his dad, who used to tell him that he “can do it,” taught him to not be afraid of mistakes as these are a chance to learn.
Aquino related that the pandemic taught him a lot. “As a leader, you have to step up with a dream,” he said. “I also want to keep the value of being appreciative of small things.”
He said having a set of skills is imperative to become an effective leader. “You have to hone or harness that and continue learning,” he said.
“There are days that you really don’t know what to do, and all you have to do is pray,” added Aquino, who dreams of having his own resort someday.
