STUDENT DIARY: From Sari-Sari Store Dreams to Hotel Keys Part 2

Early in 2026, we decided to follow the career progress of a young Filipina whose lifelong dream has been to become a Hospitality professional.

A young woman from a modest family in Iloilo province overcame her parents’ objections, empty pockets, and years of doubt to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, proving that passion, persistence, and a little help from government support can unlock even the heaviest doors.

Follow her journey with Discovering Hospitality each and every month to see the highs and challenges that come our way in life.

The First Weeks. Bridging the Dream to Daily Reality 

Hello again from Iloilo!

Here’s a quick monthly recap of my foundational first weeks; the adjustment highs, the small hurdles, and how I started building the routines that carried me through the semester. Think of this as the “missing link” update.

Week 1: The High of “I Made It”

Moving into the boarding house near St. Paul University Iloilo felt surreal. On my first day on campus, I walked the paths in my new polo shirt, taking in the training facilities. The mock front office and kitchen smelled of possibility. I attended orientation sessions on the program’s focus, operational skills in F&B, accommodation, events and tourism, and met classmates from across the Visayas.

My excitement was electric, but so was the overwhelm. First night alone, I video-called home and cried a little from missing the sari-sari store bustle and my brothers’ noise. Financially, I stuck to a strict budget: TES stipend + small savings from my gap year covered initial uniform and supplies, but I immediately looked for the student assistant job.

Weeks 2–3: Settling In and First Practical Shocks

Classes started in earnest. Introduction to Hospitality and Principles of Tourism were inspiring, full of industry overviews and Philippine tourism stats that fired me up toward my dream of Boracay and local potentials. But the practicals hit different.

My first F&B service session had me practicing tray carrying and order-taking: I spilled water on a classmate during a simulation, turning it into a laughter-filled lesson in grace under pressure.

Financial adjustment: I started a library assistant role (a few hours a week, shelving and helping students), which helped with pocket money. I learned to cook cheap, filling meals and even sold a few snacks to dorm mates. Homesickness eased a bit as I joined a study group and explored different parts of Iloilo City a bit at weekends.

A small setback: Missing a deadline for a short reflection paper because I underestimated commuting time during rain. Mom always stressed to us the importance of honesty and integrity, so I owned up to the professor and submitted late with an apology, and got partial credit, a reminder that accountability is key in hospitality.

Week 4: Momentum Builds

By the end of the first month, routines clicked together. I was more confident now in role-plays, aced a basic guest etiquette quiz, and started noting ideas for future OJT. My weekly family calls turned from worry to encouragement as I shared positive stories. Determination grew from seeing how my gap-year experience gave me an edge in practical discussions.

I was on my way to my dream …