11/07/2025
Long post ahead.
Been in the hospitality industry for almost 9 years, and now a year of being unemployed. After resigning because of the hotel closure, I’ve gone through countless applications and interviews—proposing my knowledge and explicit experience in an iconic establishment. Sa dami ng “Kelan ka na pwede mag-start?” madami din ang “We have decided to not move your application forward.” I’ve never not been disappointed and disheartened every time na hindi ako mapili.
After months of aggressively applying—countless times na inisip ko, “Mukhang ito na, may chance ako dito kasi okay yung interview,” only to find out na hindi pala ako matatanggap—I was left confused, wondering: may mali ba sa mga sagot ko? Mali ba ang pagkaka-represent ko sa sarili ko? What turned them off? I started doubting myself, until I eventually learned that maybe, just maybe, there’s something going on beyond me. Maybe si God na rin ang gumawa ng paraan for me to rethink this: “Hindi nakuha kasi naging part ng workers union na nanggugulo.”
I am in total disbelief. I can’t believe the reason why I wasn’t given the opportunity to share my professionalism and work discipline in another establishment—just because I was part of a workers union.
It’s just sad and dispiriting. I felt discriminated—na parang may ginawa akong karumal-dumal. That what’s supposed to be my “edge” in terms of work experience is now the very reason why I’m unemployed in the industry I want to pursue.
I’m just a father, a husband, who wants to provide for his family. Mahirap lumaban ng patas sa mga hindi patas.
There’s no choice but to keep going, stay in faith, and hope that God will see me through this tough season.
Credit: Roi Pangilinan - Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
💪🏻