Möven forward with Mövenpick

The past several months, I yearned for more structure, more responsibility, for organization. I decided I needed a full-time job.

Manila became the apparent choice (while I fly there each time we tape episodes of Bottomline, I’m based mainly in Cebu). Admittedly, the city of my birth—oneI swore off as a place to live since moving to Cebu in the early ‘90s—offers a variety of lucrative opportunities if one seeks to expand one’s career. Uncertainties in my personal life also lead me to the conclusion that it was high time to move forward (it’s now or never, I told myself), heeding advice from close friends to focus more on what I can deliver instead of being too transfixed on the uncertainties and complexities of my personal life (read: an ‘it’s complicated’ relationship). No more excuses, no dillydallying because I’ve been so blessed all my life and, as they say, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’

Amid considering working for some of the country’s top PR firms headquartered at the Capital, I had dinner with dear friend Gavin Bagares and topnotch orthodontist Dr. Troy Uy, his wife Sheila, and The FREEMAN entertainment editor Debbie Duraliza at the Casino Español, unaware that in that intimate gathering of friends, one thing would lead to another and alter the course I had initially set out for myself and my impending shift in career.

Over dinner, Dr. Troy shared how he miraculously survived being side swept while jogging at Maria Luisa, an accident that almost left his wife Sheila, pregnant at the time, suddenly widowed. We were moved by his unwavering faith in the face of death and concluded that ours is a good and loving God, a father who answers the calls of his children. His dedication to share how God never left him throughout that trying time is nothing short of inspiring.

Before we ended dinner, he extended an invitation to a thanksgiving dinner they were throwing to celebrate his second chance at life and the latest addition to their family. He also predicted that, with God’s grace, I would land a job that would make everything work for me—one that would consider my family, my interests, one where I would grow and be happy with the people I’d be working with. I have not spoken to Dr. Troy since but his fearless forecast did come to pass, and unbeknownst to him, he had something to do with it.

At the thanksgiving dinner, I sat with some distinguished members of Cebu’s media and there, Ms. Jessica Avila, wife of The FREEMAN opinion columnist Bobit Avila, asked if I was busy with other things apart from my existing involvements. She added that Mövenpick Resort and Spa was looking for someone to handle their PR, and that she believed I was fit for the job. She then gave me her email and asked me to send her my CV for her to forward to them. My mind was more or less made up on making that big move to Manila, but being open to all possibilities and eventualities, it’s always wise to leave some room for other prospects. I sent my CV, not because I wanted the job, but because I had promised I would.

 And the rest is history. Had not I not attended the dinner with Gavin Dr. Troy hosted (and to think I was going to beg off because I was so tired and had a redeye flight to Manila to catch, but still went because Gavin was persistent, and it was his birthday), I would not have been invited to Dr. Troy’s thanksgiving dinner the Sunday after. Had I not attended the thanksgiving dinner, I would not have talked to Ms. Jessica Avila and she wouldn’t have linked me up with Mövenpick. If the connection with Mövenpick was not made, I would be based in Manila now. Can you imagine how much of a difference going the extra mile does, especially if you do it for a friend? It can unwittingly change your life.

Each time I went to Mövenpick for an interview or to hear their offer or to negotiate my compensation package, I would drive home happier and more convinced that it was a better option.

Some of my reasons for picking Mövenpick: They were very professional (some of the biggest PR firms in Manila did not meet my expectations in this department); being an upscale hotel management company with Swiss roots, I’m assured of more learnings, especially because the Swiss are known for their excellence; the ongoing upgrades to the Cebu property are very exciting; the company is set to open more properties in key areas in the Philippines; and finally, the Mövenpick brand, while well known in Europe and the Middle East, is relatively unknown in the Philippines, save for some seasoned travelers or gourmands who are familiar with Mövenpick icecream and coffee, or the Marché chain of restaurants, and so the prospect (and challenge) of growing with the company is something that is extremely difficult to say no to.

 For now, I’m trying to get a feel of my new work place, going through orientations with the different departments, but I must say I feel truly blessed to be in a company whose corporate values I share. Here’s to Möven forward with Mövenpick!