Rogelio Alejandro Jr., a Certified Tourism Professional, didn’t follow a traditional path. He didn’t have a five-year plan that unfolded neatly. Instead, he built a global career by doing what most people fear: starting over—again and again.
“I began in IT,” Rogelio shares in his interview with Financial Adviser PH. After earning his degree in Computer Engineering from AMA Computer College in Makati, he pursued a career in tech. But something felt missing. “It was a stable path, but I felt there was something more for me.” In 2003, he took a leap that changed everything—he left for Saudi Arabia and entered the world of tourism and hospitality.
It was a dramatic pivot. He had no formal background in the field—only a hunger to learn and the humility to start from scratch. Over the next two decades, Rogelio would carve out a unique niche in the global travel industry, working across Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Manila, and now Los Angeles.
Each move didn’t just mean a new role—it meant reinventing himself in a new industry, a new culture, and a new market. One of the most humbling transitions came when he relocated to the U.S. and initially worked as a licensed caregiver before joining Big Bus Tours Los Angeles. “That season taught me what it means to truly serve—no matter the role. I learned how important it is to work with heart.”
Today, Rogelio balances two leadership roles across time zones. He serves as Director for Wholesale Distribution at Uni Orient Travel in the Philippines and as Sales Manager for Big Bus Tours in Los Angeles. During the day, he promotes tourism partnerships and works with hotels and local businesses in LA. At night, he manages hotel relationships and B2B distribution strategies for Uni Orient.
Through all the changes, he says three things have kept him grounded: adaptability, curiosity, and humility.
“In every country, I had to adjust—new systems, new cultures, new expectations. But each shift taught me something. No experience was ever wasted,” he says. “I became more empathetic, more aware, and more resilient. You don’t grow by staying where it’s comfortable.”
He credits his parents for the mindset that has carried him through. “They always told me: don’t stop learning. That one piece of advice became my foundation.” It’s why he pursued his MBA, completed a business consultancy certification, and joined Toastmasters in Los Angeles to sharpen his public speaking and leadership skills.
For Rogelio, being a Certified Tourism Professional isn’t just about credentials—it’s about continuous growth. “The tourism industry keeps evolving. So should we,” he says.
His story is proof that a non-linear path isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. What matters most isn’t where you start. It’s how far you’re willing to go—and who you choose to become along the way.
