What inspired you to pursue a path in travel, tourism, or hospitality?
My journey started with transition–moving from the Philippines to Canada showed me how powerful environments and people are in shaping experiences. I became fascinated with how a simple interaction or place can make someone feel seen and welcomed. That realization made me want to be part of creating those moments for others. Travel, to me, is less about destinations and more about human connection.
What excites you most about the future of this industry?
What excited me most is the shift toward experience-driven travel rather than just transactional service. The industry is moving beyond “where you go” to “how you feel when you’re there.” With technology and personalization evolving, we have the chance to design deeply meaningful journeys. It’s an exciting time to redefine what hospitality truly means.
What’s one experience (in either travel, school, or work) that has shaped who you are today?
Adapting to a completely new life in Canada pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me how to observe, listen, and connect without always feeling certain. That experience shaped my confidence and emotional intelligence. It’s the reason I can now relate to guests who are also navigating unfamiliar spaces.
How do you hope to make an impact through your career in travel, tourism, or hospitality?
I want to move beyond providing service and instead create experiences that people remember long after they leave. My goal is to make hospitality feel personal, not procedural. I hope to be someone who brings warmth, understanding, and cultural awareness into every interaction. In doing so, I aim to redefine what genuine guest experience looks like.
Why do you believe travel has the power to change lives or communities?
Travel disrupts routine and challenges perspective, which is where real growth happens. It allows people to step into someone else’s reality, even just briefly. For communities, it can be a platform to share identity, culture, and stories with the world. That exchange creates both awareness and opportunity.
What has been your most memorable travel or hospitality experience so far?
Some of my most memorable moments haven’t been grand–they’ve been small, meaningful interactions with guests. Seeing someone feel comfortable, understood, or genuinely happy because of something I did is unforgettable. Those moments remind me why hospitality matters. They’ve shaped how I approach every guest experience.
What destination is at the top of your travel bucket list right now and why?
Japan is at the top of my list because of its intentional approach to hospitality and detail. I’m drawn to how every experience, no matter how small, is thoughtfully designed. It’s a place where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly. I want to experience that balance firsthand and learn from it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about travel or your career?
“Carry your story with you, but don’t let it limit where you go.” That resonated with me as someone who moved countries and started over. It reminded me that my past is part of me, not the boundary of my future. It gave me the courage to keep exploring.
As a Baxter Student Ambassador, what are you most excited to contribute or achieve this year?
I’m excited to bring authenticity and real perspective to the ambassador role. I want to share not just the highlights, but the learning moments that come with pursuing this industry. Building meaningful connections with others who share the same passions is something I value deeply. I hope to inspire others to see travel as more than a career–it’s a way to impact people.
