Written by Mary Angel Guarin and Seann Rheyver Garcia
Excellence knows no boundaries – and two students from the University of Baguio, School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (UB-SIHTM) have proven just that, raising the bar everywhere.
During their one-year J1-Cultural Exchange Internship under the BridgeUSA Program, UB-SIHTM students Allen Jhon Cruz and Mary Angel Guarin were nominated for the Five-Star Employee of the Year 2025 at Marriott Intl. premium property, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, USA. The Five Star Employee of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition that is presented to their employees, widely known as their “lady or gentleman,” who demonstrates dedication and commitment to The Gold Standards and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company through interaction with colleagues and guests, and daily “Wow Stories” shared to highlight exceptional and guest-focused service. Mr. Cruz, a Culinary intern, and Ms. Guarin, a Club Level Concierge intern, were the only J1 interns who got nominated for the second and third quarter of the Year, competing and thriving alongside resident employees and international professionals.
The Ritz-Carlton of Amelia Island is recognized as a premier Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Resort and Spa with a prestigious AAA Five-Diamond rated Salt Fine-Dining Restaurant. It was also recently named the #1 Best Hotel and Resort in Jacksonville among several top resorts throughout the entire state of Florida. In a hospitality brand known worldwide for its Gold Standards and uncompromising commitment to service, such five-star employee recognition is not easily earned. The nomination follows a set of criteria, which includes working in the property for at least six months, and a series of processes, which starts from the manager’s and colleagues’ votation and special guest mentions and feedback. Many employees from the property were voted for, but few were thoroughly selected and investigated by the executive team to be included in the final nomination. It is reserved for ladies or gentlemen who consistently go beyond expectations – those who embody the heart of hospitality. And in this global stage, UB students stood out.
For two consecutive quarters, UB-SIHTM talents shone, represented by Mr. Cruz and Ms. Guarin for the second quarter and third quarter, respectively. Mr. Cruz was highly regarded by the property’s Restaurant Manager, Chef Amanda. His skills stood out among others, contributing to the success of the main kitchen. Ms. Guarin, on the other hand, has performed and delivered exceptional qualities and above and beyond services that were commended by the Club Manager, Mrs. Kathy Jeffers. As one who’s mainly working front of the house, Ms. Guarin has also received a number of positive guest commendations through surveys and feedback, which were recognized by the leadership team. Working alongside hospitality professionals from around the world, they did not merely participate – they performed. Their skills, teamwork, initiative, and ability to handle real-world hospitality challenges with confidence and grace made them earn the respect of their managers and peers. Despite the challenges of being thousands of miles away from home, they carried with them the values instilled by UB: quality service, competence, integrity, and excellence, and managed to thrive in their respective roles in an international setting. Their nomination for the Five-Star Employee Recognition affirms that UB students are not only globally competitive – they are globally recognized.
In luxury properties known for world-class standards, where personalized service defines luxury — Filipino hospitality has always proved that excellence is not defined by geography. Known for always serving with a heart, Filipinos are widely regarded as warm, genuine, hardworking, and reliable, ultimately setting them apart from other nationalities. A proud testament to how Filipino talent continues to thrive in the global hospitality industry.
Demanding discipline, emotional intelligence, cultural adaptability, and technical competence — the one-year international internship program is designed to prepare students for the realities of the global hospitality landscape. Immersed in the dynamic operations of The Ritz-Carlton, the students were exposed to the realities of a Forbes-recognized luxury property where service excellence is not optional — it is expected at every moment. In such an environment, it is needless to say that hospitality extends far beyond technical skills. It requires composure under pressure and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Experiencing the full spectrum of hospitality operations — from handling guest interactions and resolving concerns to collaborating with multicultural teams and adapting to high-volume service demands — each shift poses challenges that unrestrictedly manifest the harsh reality of the hotel industry. The success of the two students reflects the rigorous preparation provided by UB-SIHTM, working closely with academic and linkages affairs, from hands-on laboratory training and industry immersion to national and international competitions that cultivate confidence and excellence.
From the City of Pines to the shores of Florida, UB students continue to carry the banner of excellence with pride. Their journey at The Ritz-Carlton of Amelia Island is more than an internship story — it is a story of courage, preparation, the unwavering spirit of an SIHTM Champion, and a testament to UB’s commitment to producing globally competent professionals. Indeed, excellence shines brightest when it is rooted in purpose — and UB students are proving that their light reaches far beyond borders.
