When Fil Marco Balberan, Certified Tourism Professional, looks back at his journey in hospitality, one theme keeps coming up: the industry never stops changing. And for him, the only real way to survive it — and stand out in it — is to evolve just as quickly.
He started on the frontlines, where the pressure was high and the guest expectations were even higher. That experience shaped how he sees the industry today. “The most essential skills to thrive are adaptability, resilience, and a genuine commitment to service,” he says. It’s a lesson he learned from years of dealing with real people, real problems, and moments that demanded fast decisions and steady leadership.
As he grew into the role of Senior Duty Manager, he realized that hospitality was never just about keeping operations smooth — it was also about inspiring the people behind those operations. And that meant learning how to adapt not only to customers, but also to new technology, new service models, and new expectations. “We should also be equipped with the ability to absorb and adapt to new technology and trends,” he adds. The job has always been people-focused, but the tools that shape the industry now are digital, fast, and constantly shifting.
That shift pushed him to invest heavily in his own growth. Instead of staying in one lane, he chose to expand his skills every chance he got. “I never stop learning,” he says, describing how he immersed himself in training, mentoring, and even areas outside hospitality — including digital marketing and e-commerce — to stay ahead of change. His approach is simple: stay curious, stay open, and stay teachable. It’s what allows him to grow with the industry instead of being left behind by it.
He credits one piece of advice for shaping that mindset. “To achieve, you must first perceive, then conceive,” he shares. For him, success in hospitality begins with awareness: awareness of people, of situations, of opportunities that others might overlook. From there, it becomes about turning that awareness into action — whether it’s solving a problem on the floor or finding new ways to connect with guests.
That same philosophy carries over into how he views talent. In his experience, standout performers aren’t just the ones who work hard. They’re the ones who bring both passion and growth to the table. “A standout candidate is someone who delivers excellent service and inspires growth in themselves and the people around them,” he explains. Skill is important, but he believes a real asset is someone who is committed to learning and improving, no matter how experienced they become.
Today, with the industry changing faster than ever, Fil believes future-proofing a hospitality career comes down to one thing: openness. “Future-proofing means being willing to adapt, learn continuously, and embrace change rather than resist it,” he says. Trends evolve, guest expectations shift, and technology accelerates — but a mindset built on resilience and adaptability never becomes outdated.
What brought him from frontliner to leadership wasn’t luck, timing, or a perfect start. It was a long-term commitment to becoming better at the work he loves, even when the industry made it difficult. His story is a reminder that hospitality rewards those who grow with it — and those who aren’t afraid to step into the next version of themselves every time the industry demands it.
