In the world of tourism and hospitality—an industry often underestimated yet vital to economies and cultures—success rarely comes from shortcuts. For Judith Hilario Gabatin, Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP), the path has been defined by three words she lives by: passion, perseverance, and time.
From her early days in the industry, Judith understood that the work demanded more than technical skills. It required resilience and the ability to withstand misconceptions. She recalls moments when people mocked hospitality as a “lowly job,” dismissing it as nothing more than cleaning rooms or serving coffee. Instead of discouraging her, those moments fueled her determination. “We are more than the changing of sheets, cleaning bathrooms, or serving food,” she says. “We are the trend, we are the lifeline.”
Thriving in a Fast-Moving Industry
Hospitality is known for its pace, its unpredictability, and its constant reinvention. Judith has managed to stay competitive by keeping herself updated—quietly, consistently, and without fanfare. “Others might think I’m not doing anything, but I just work quietly and surprise them with the result,” she explains.
Her best career advice came from colleagues who noticed her ability to deliver without stress: work smart, not hard. For Judith, that mantra doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means finding ways to finish tasks with efficiency, protecting energy for what truly matters: people.
A career shift tested her adaptability. After years in the industry, she transitioned into academia, becoming Program Chair of her department. The move from operational routines to the constant pivoting required in teaching was not easy. “Every day demanded new strategies to contribute to students’ learning,” she recalls. But instead of resisting the challenge, she embraced it, learning to balance industry experience with academic leadership.
Leadership Lessons Learned
Leadership in hospitality, Judith believes, must be grounded in selflessness. The leaders who inspire her most are those who listen to their people and use that feedback as an advantage. “I rarely encounter leaders who truly have a heart for their people,” she says, “but when I do, I admire them deeply.”
As a manager, Judith has evolved from seeking compliance to cultivating collaboration. Early on, she felt pressured to make others follow her every decision. Over time, she realized leadership is not about control—it’s about trust. “Happy leader, happy team,” she says, reflecting on how releasing the pressure on herself allowed her colleagues to thrive as well.
She leads by example, tackling the work first and setting a standard her team can follow. By demonstrating results, she earns the authority to challenge her team to perform better. She balances organizational goals with employee well-being by making sure her team is always informed and included in institutional decisions.
The toughest decisions, she admits, involve standing firm for what she believes is right—even if it means disagreeing with her own supervisors. “It showed that I care and that I listen,” she explains. “I make decisions not for convenience, but for fairness and for the good of the department.”
Fighting for the Profession
Judith’s story is not just one of personal advancement but also of defending the dignity of her field. She remembers encounters where people belittled her profession during her student internship in Baguio. Instead of resenting their words, she used them as motivation to prove the value of hospitality work.
Her perseverance eventually extended to her role in academia, where she made an impact on her department’s accreditation journey. Through professional growth opportunities—including her recognition as a Certified Hospitality Professional under ITHP—Judith contributed to her university’s successful compliance certification after years of attempts. For her, that milestone was not just an institutional achievement but also proof that hospitality professionals can lead transformation.
Looking Ahead
Today, Judith continues to inspire students and colleagues alike. She tells them to embrace bravery, take leaps of faith, and avoid comparing their journey with others. “No easy track, do not compete, just do you,” she advises.
For her, future-proofing a career in hospitality doesn’t mean chasing titles. It means being resilient, cooperative, and resourceful—qualities often overlooked but essential for long-term growth.
Judith’s story reminds us that behind every guest experience, classroom lesson, or accreditation milestone lies the unseen labor of hospitality professionals. It’s work that demands grit, humility, and heart. And for those willing to persevere, as she has shown, the rewards are more than recognition—they are the quiet but profound impact of lifting an entire profession higher.
