Something New: The Joey Padilla Story

We all have a story to share—a story that reminds us of where we came from and points us to where we aspire to be. Meet Joey Padilla, Enderun’s current Housekeeping Supervisor who is taking up IHM-HA (Hotel Administration). In this feature story, he shares his experiences, insights, and his ongoing journey of balancing office work and college life.

Born to a family of farmers in the province of Pangasinan, as the 5th among 10 siblings, Joey Padilla aspired for a better future for his family. Motivated by a dream to work in the hospitality industry since he was young, it was natural for him to keep desiring something new, a different life from toiling 8-10 hours under the sun.

“Yung time na ‘yon, wala kaming TV, wala kaming radyo,” he further described. “Sa school mahilig akong magbasa ng mga libro, at dun ako nagsimulang matuto ng English communication skills.” (During that time, we did not have TV or radio. I loved reading books in school, and that’s how I learned English communication skills.)

Joey’s parents attained up to elementary level education and they were not able to read or write. Out of their ten children, only three, including him, have entered college. “I feel privileged,” he said. “Education is very important for every individual, it is key to success.”

Humble beginnings

However, Joey admitted that he was not able to finish his studies prior to leaving Pangasinan, and it was then that he decided to live and work in Manila sometime between 1999 and 2000. It was followed by a series of opportunities that, he believed, paved the path towards his dreams.

“I worked in different companies,” he continued to narrate,“My first job was at Starbucks as a busboy. I worked there for almost 3 years then, I moved to Divisoria as a housekeeper in 168 Mall.”

When asked how he found out about Enderun, he said that 2005 was the turning point in his life. “One time nangailangan ang Enderun ng housekeeper, through agency, then nakita nila na based sa agency namin, kailangan nila yung into English communications. Kinontact ako ng agency then pina-interview nila ako dito sa Enderun. Natanggap ako as a housekeeper.” (One time, Enderun was hiring housekeepers through the agency handling me. They were specifically looking for those who could communicate in English, and I was asked by the agency to apply. I got accepted [and started working here in 2005].)

After a few years of contractual employment, Joey became a regular employee and was given the Supervisor position in 2010, after Enderun transferred from Wynsum in Ortigas to McKinley Hill in Taguig.

Road to success

His face lit up as he told the story. Joey was glad to remember that his hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Since 2010 until today, he stands as Enderun’s Housekeeping Supervisor. Moreover, he is extremely grateful to the people who believed in him and even encouraged him to reach for his dreams.

“May boss ako before, she encouraged me to continue my college degree, kasi dream ko talaga na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral,” he said. (I had a boss before, she encouraged me to continue my college degree, because it was really my dream to finish my studies.)

Joey did what was suggested– he studied at ACLC Guadalupe for two years, followed by a year at STI College in Global City, taking up Hospitality Management at both schools.

The road leading up to his success did not stop there, however. In 2011, he met Ms. Ruth von Siebenthal Hung, former Head of Enderun’s Facilities Department, who once invited him into her house for a talk. “She asked how’s my status here at Enderun. Sinabi ko na I’m a working student. Nagulat siya. Tinanong niya, ‘How do you handle that?’” (I told her I’m a working student. She was surprised. She asked me, ‘How do you handle that?’)

Joey recalled his tight schedule while studying in STI College. He had work from 6 o-clock in the morning until 3 PM in the afternoon, after which he will rush to school to attend class at 3:30 p.m. until 9 o-clock in the evening.

Recounting Ms. Ruth’s kindness, he considers her as his channel of blessing. Not long after, she offered him a scholarship so that he may continue his education at Enderun itself, to which his response was utter surprise and thankfulness.

“Siyempre na-shock ako, na parang sino ba ako para bigyan ng ganoong opportunity. Then siya na yung nakipag-usap kay Sir Jack and inapprove nila yung scholarship ko, just to finish my studies.” (Of course I was shocked, that I was given such opportunity. Then she was the one who talked with Sir Jack, and they approved my scholarship, just to finish my studies.)

Joey is currently under a form of scholarship incentive while pursuing his IHM-HA degree in Enderun.

“When it comes to education, there is no age limit, if you really want to learn.”

‘Man of many hats’

Aside from his rich, past experiences, Joey opened up about his insights on balancing work, studying, and even family life. At 34, he is married and blessed to have a 9-month old baby.

“Actually workaholic ako,” he went on to say, laughing, “and siyempre gusto ko yung honest sa trabaho, kahit na I’m working without supervision.” (Actually I’m a workaholic, and of course I want to be honest with my work, even without supervision.) These characteristics were given importance by his supervisors, and he was glad to know that from nothing, his performance created an impact to the people around him, to the point that they were able to see his potential.

“It’s very hard,” he added, describing the experience, “but it’s up to you how to handle it. Let’s say in every problem, there’s a solution.”

Joey said that he took steps in order to maintain a balance between work and school, such as delegation and training on the part of his staff. He described himself as ‘hands-on’ in teaching his subordinates, so that they will be able to accomplish what he did as well. In everything, even at home, for him, it helps to set the right priorities and manage time wisely.

Looking ahead

As for his future goals, Joey answered with the same resounding theme of his story: He aspires for something new. With third and fourth year subjects on the way, he shares how he envisions himself in the next five to ten years.

“I will start sa mga staff ko dahil posibleng mag-improve din sila in the future. Yung hindi lang hanggang dun, kasi may iba na iniisip, ‘Housekeeping lang tayo,’ or something like that. I want to inspire them to dream as well,” he said. (I will start with my staff because they will possibly improve in the future. Some think, ‘We’re just housekeepers,’ or something like that, but I don’t want it to stay that way.)

Joey also emphasized the importance of being proud of what one is, and that being a housekeeper is an honorable job, no matter how small it may seem. He went on to say that he is hopeful of what lies ahead after he graduates.

“After ko mag-aral, I want to handle more responsibilities, in other departments maybe, para ma-maximize ko yung napag-aralan ko dito sa Enderun. Parang, I’m eager for something new.” (After I graduate, I want to handle more responsibilities, in other departments maybe, so that I will maximize what I’ve learned here at Enderun. It’s like, I’m eager for something new.)

Furthermore, he shared two traits which he believes are necessary in preparing for life-long success. The first would be “to love what you are doing. To have passion, to dream, and work hard towards it.” The second is “to be happy when other people also become successful. Sabi nga nila, share your blessings.”

Looking back, Joey Padilla summarizes his journey and realizations in this: “When it comes to education, there is no age limit, if you really want to learn. Dreams come true indeed. You don’t know when they will come to pass. I believe there’s a right time. When you give up, you’re the loser, so you always have to look forward to something new.”