July 2012 - After three months away from home, finally, the 38 Hospitality Management and Hotel and Restaurant Management students returned home from the annual Work and Travel (WAT) abroad.
WAT is the practicum program for our HM and HRM students which exposes them to socialize with different races and work in world-class establishments. Here is the list of the participants and where they took their practicum:
CIEE STUDENTS
BRETT ROBINSON GULF, Alabama
- Gisello Rico (3rd year BSHRM)
- Marjorie Lotivio (3rd year BSHRM)
- Lyka Karen Balquin (3rd year BSHRM)
- Jomarie Catiis (3rd year BSHRM)
- Mc Gringo Rosas (3rd year BSHRM)
- Regina Bantique (3rd year BSHRM)
- Andrea Ortile (3rd year BSHRM)
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HMS HOST, Kennebery Plaza
NEWPORT HOTEL, Rhode Island
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JANUS STUDENTS
GREAT WOLF LODGE
- Xavier Arasain (2nd year BSHM)
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WWCE STUDENTS
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JW MARRIOT STARR PASS RESORT
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MARRIOT GRANDE VISTA
NICKLODEON HOTEL
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PHONECIAN RESORT EAST INDIAN BEND ROAD
GRAND GENEVA RESORT, Lake Geneva City/HSS
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Note: Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS) is an agency which processes the job application of the participants.
The President, Commo Dante La Jimenez, and the Vice -President for External and Student Affairs, Mrs. Nimpa Valdez-Jimenez, also visited the students to check their status and work relationship with their affiliated company. They made the assessment of the students for about one week during the US Visit.
The practicum is a big challenge to our students. The students represented not only MPCF but also the Filipino community. Our students coped with the cultural differences of the other countries. The pressure of being independent was a challenge. Students are taught how to manage their own time and how to be responsible in paying their own bills.
As Filipinos, we have to assure that wherever we go, we bring with us the good values instilled in us by our elders. As Marinians, we shall always observe discipline, honesty, competence and social responsibility - all of which our has Alma Mater taught us.
Glenn Jayne A. Guariña, a Mariners' Collegian Staffer, conducted a one-on-one interview with three of the participants of WAT. These are their work description and insights:
Jessa Bondoc
Hotel and Restaurant Management - 3B1
JW Mariott Starr Pass Resort/HSS
What is your nature of work?
In the Housekeeping Department, weekdays at 7:30 am – 4 pm, and weekends at 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
How much is the salary rate?
7.56 USD per hour
What did you gain or learn from this experience?
I became sacrificial and constant all the time.
Any adjustments encountered?
Language barrier for most were Mexican speaking and working is tough at first.
What would you suggest to those who wants to be an WAT Participant?
"Makisama lagi, go with the flow, be friendly and tantyahin ang gastos."
Accrording to Ms. Bondoc, her co-workers and supervisors were kind. With regard the sideline job, she stated that the guys could be pool attendants, bar backs, or assistant to the bartenders during functions. The girls on the other hand could be a “turn down” between 5:30 – 9:30 in the evening. The could provide assistance to the guests such as serving drinks, turning down the beds, refreshing the room, changing the towels, etc.
Vincent Benson Vibal
Hotel and Restaurant Management - 3B1
Hilton Hotel
What is your nature of work?
I'm a houseman [runner and bedstripper]
How much is the salary rate?
9.75 USD per hour
What did you gain or learn from this experience?
I developed my skills and broadened my knowledge especially in housekeeping
Any adjustments encountered?
Working is indeed difficult at first.
What would you suggest to those who wants to be an WAT Participant?
Aside from the certificate which adds to your credentials, joining the WAT would harness your practical and professional skills. Don’t expect na mababawi lahat ng gastos, just think of learning and do budgeting. Learn to be independent, to trust other people and cope with them.
Cherry Anne Esquilla
Hotel and Restaurant Management - 3B1
Grand Geneva Resort
What is your nature of work?
I'm a houseman [runner and bedstripper]
How much is the salary rate?
7.50 USD per hour
What did you gain or learn from this experience?
I became independent and do things for myself.
Any adjustments encountered?
It is challenging especially in the beginning.
What would you suggest to those who wants to be an WAT Participant?
Just go for it. But you have to be independent and shoulder your own expenses.
Yes its true there's a lot to sacrifice. But joining the WAT is leading you one-step away to becoming profesisonals in your field. For those HRM and HM students, join the IPTP and you surely won't regret the opportunity! For those who returned home from the IPTP, KUDOS Marineros!
October 18, 2012
Credits to Glenn Jayne A. Guariña for the interview and details of the WAT and to the Collegian Staffers for the photos.