With Father's Day this weekend, we'd like to highlight some of our favorite loveable fathers who work at our oceanfront hotels. Here's Kauai Marriott Resort's Jamelyn Padre who works in the resort's Culinary department with her dad James Padre, who works in Engineering.
Jamelyn says her dad is special because he is always there for her. "You hear most stories of dads running away and leaving their kids behind, but not this dad. Not MY dad. He was the single parent for a while and had all the responsibilities. He was there from the beginning and is still standing by my side today, supporting me in whatever decisions I make - good or bad," said Jamelyn. She has many childhood memories, but one in particular stands apart. When she was four years old, her dad told her he was getting married and she would have a mom and older sister. She thought to herself, "I'm finally going to have a 'real' family!"
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At Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, son Joey Ibarra, front desk manager, is inspired by his dad Proceso Ibarra, who also works at the resort as a Steward in the Food & Beverage department. June is always a special month for the Ibarras as they plan a joint celebration for Proceso's birthday and Father's Day. This year, they will celebrate the occasions with their family in the Philippines.
Proceso has worked at the resort for more than 30 years, starting two weeks before Joey was born. According to Joey, he practically grew up in the hospitality industry and has many fond memories of attending company picnics, participating in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk, and also the Christmas parties. He says, "During my journey with Marriott, my father has always been my sounding board. He's always there with an open ear listening to my questions while providing me with sound advice."
Recently, Joey and Proceso sat to chat with Melissa Moniz of MidWeek about their father/son relationship and work at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Click here to read the full article.
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On Hawaii's Big Island, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa associate Mark Bala who works at the resort's Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge speaks highly of his father Modesto Bala, who also works at the resort as a Baker. "Being a dad like my dad is very hard because he has actually worked two jobs for 18 years. We make him feel special during every moment of life by saying 'thank you' for everything he does and that we appreciate him. I pray that God will bless him always and give him more strength throughout his life," says Mark. Mark's favorite childhood memory with his dad was riding the kalabaw (water buffalo) in the Philippines where Modesto would take their entire family to vacation each year to visit their grandparents and cousins. He says it was fun because not only did their immediate family get to ride the kalabaw, but also other families - 10 kalabaw total!
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In the Housekeeping department at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, associates Gazel Malagayo and father Eduardo Malagayo work together. Gazel reminisces about having picnics in the field and farm with dad while they lived in the Philippines. "When I was a child, he would bring us to the field where we have our own land to plant rice. We made sure to bring food, soda, and chips for the trip. We could smell the fresh air and water coming from the water pump. We talked story while watching the birds and hearing them chirp around us. I miss those days!"
According to Gazel, dad Eddie is a great guy and a friendly person - most of the people in the community know him. "He is kind, thoughtful and a loving father. I must say that my father is special because I remember a time when I was studying. He used to drop me off and pick me up every time I had my duties. Not all fathers did that because there are a lot of buses and jeepneys that I could ride on. However, my dad chose to pick me up especially if I finished at 11:00 p.m. Sometimes my dad can be a strict person, especially with boys, but I understand that he just wants to protect us. And never in my entire life has he shouted at me or gotten mad at me, which makes him even more special!"
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Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads!
