I remember it vividly—one Christmas Eve in New York City. I had just finished another long shift as the Maître d’hôtel of a Michelin-starred restaurant. As maître d’hôtel of a Michelin-starred restaurant, I am the conductor of an intricate symphony, ensuring every detail harmonizes to create an unforgettable experience. From warm welcomes to seamless service, I bridge the artistry of the kitchen with the precision of the dining room, guiding each guest’s journey to perfection. I say goodbye to the last guests with an ear-to-ear smile blowing air kisses and watching them load into a cab as I wave goodbye until the cab disappears from the corner of Madison Avenue. I looked around the empty dining room, hearing the echoes of the clinking glasses, laughter and cheers and the busy dinner service earlier, I smiled and turned off the light of the coat check room. I put on my coat and decided to go for a midnight walk in the city. The streets were almost empty, the late-night stillness broken only by the faint hum of passing cars. It started snowing, and the city looked magical. Snowflakes gently fell from the sky, landing on the glittering concrete and casting a beautiful Christmas glow everywhere. My steps slowed as I walked past Macy’s Herald Square. The windows were still brightly lit, glowing with cheerful Christmas tableaux that drew me to pause for a moment.
Top Left: Macy's at Christmas-time. Top Right: The last photo I took in NYC (Bethesda Fountain in Central Park). Bottom Left: My neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The contrast couldn’t have been more striking. Inside those windows was a world of joy and festivity, while I stood outside, feeling the ache of homesickness. I missed my family in Manila, where I imagined the loud, boisterous celebration of a Filipino Christmas in full swing—laughter, music, and endless plates of food. For almost a decade, I hadn’t been able to come home for the holidays. Christmas was one of the busiest times at the restaurant, and I was always needed there. That night, I truly understood the sacrifices we make in the hospitality industry—it is not just a job; it is a vocation that demands your time, your energy, and often, your heart.
Fast forward to today, where I have the privilege of managing Nuuk Taal Lake Hotel. This year has been a remarkable chapter in our story. As a boutique hotel, Nuuk operates differently from larger establishments. Our single team of locals and in-house staff often manages everything—from hosting late-night events and after-parties to serving breakfast the next morning. It makes a difference between calling what we do as a job, to making it a career. It is a shared commitment to creating a home-away-from-home experience for our guests. Our mission is clear: to serve, to spread happiness, and to become one of the best culinary hotel destinations, all while elevating the lives of the people who make it all possible.
This year, Nuuk Taal Lake faced its share of challenges and triumphs. We launched community initiatives that left a lasting impact, such as organizing a medical mission for the town of Laurel, supporting women’s empowerment during Women’s Month, and contributing to reforestation projects with donated seedlings. One of my favorite moments was our Nuuk Team sports fest, where we provided sports equipment to local youth. These endeavors are a testament to how hospitality can extend beyond the confines of a hotel and into the community.
Top Left: A medical mission done for the city of Laurel in partnership with Makati Medical Center and Perez Optical. Top Right: A snap taken in a Women's Month Celebration in Laurel. Bottom: A Nuuk team sportsfest with some children from our local Barangay Berinayan, Laurel, Batangas.
Yet, the year was not without its trials. Living and working near the stunning but active Taal Volcano brings its own unique challenges. From dealing with volcanic activity to navigating Typhoon Kristine’s aftermath, our resilience was tested. I’ll never forget the dedication of our team—walking miles at night to secure fuel, transporting people and supplies across the lake in fishing boats, and always showing up with unwavering determination. Their efforts define the true spirit of hospitality and the heart of Nuuk Taal Lake Hotel.
Left: With the road blockages caused by the severe landslides from Typhoon Kristine, here our staff is pictured having to make it on foot for hours to fill diesel canisters to keep our generator running for our staff and guests stranded at the property. Right: Emergency supplies and guests transported via boats.
The soul of Nuuk lies in its people. Some of our team members have been with us since the very beginning, their loyalty and dedication forming the foundation of our success. They are the heart and soul of Nuuk, and we honor them. While we’ve had to say bittersweet goodbyes to some who pursued other opportunities, we celebrate those who remain steadfast, embodying the essence of what makes Nuuk special.
As the year ends, I’m reminded of the profound joy that comes from giving happiness to others. Hospitality is not merely about service—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences that touch the heart. Service may be black and white—skills that can be taught and tasks that can be manualized. But hospitality? Hospitality is color. It’s the warmth in a smile, the vibrancy of a team coming together, and the spectrum of emotions that make every moment meaningful.
At Nuuk Taal Lake, your happiness is our success.
תגובות