So ironic that I posted this blog months after the event. I know I have some backlog to do. This post doubles up as a celebration of a profession and my love for food. Well, better late than never.
My colleagues celebrated the Admin Professional Day, Apr 25, 2007.
We ate in one of our hotel’s signature restaurant, Spectrum on One. A multi-cuisine restaurant which offers Arabic, Chinese, Thai, European and Japanese cuisines, with 7 interactive kitchens.
I had never thought that I would have Administration as my career path. I usually imagined myself in chef’s toque, clean, white chef’s jacket and black and white checkered trousers and of course, white apron… the works. Why? I hate make-up, jewelries, and dressing up, which my job entails me to.
Filipinos back home have a very different perception of Administrative assistant, coordinator, PA or whatever you might call it. In the minds of our kabayans, this is a secretary, who sits behind a desk, putting make-up all day and just smiling and answering calls. That is why, most kabayans on a visit visa looking for a job in Dubai would say, “kahit sekretarya lang, pwede na”.
Well, in this part of world, this position holds a very high responsibility. You do not have to only look good, but you have to have a great, functional brain to go with it. Computer and phone skills are basic. Here, you need to be organized, articulate and responsible. Administration professionals here are mostly either in supervisory or management roles. Critical decision has to be made, and there is no boss who will baby you. You are expected to make fast, precise decisions. If you are faced with problems, you cannot go to your boss and cry like a baby, you have to tell the problem and suggest solutions. In that way, your boss will just tell you which of your suggested solutions are plausible.
In the hospitality industry, administration professionals need to face guest complaints. Face it and deal with it. There is such a high call for this profession. That is why Filipinos here are more challenged with English native speakers seeking the same position. Added to that is the local UAE labor market looking for the same position. It is a very competitive market.
Administration professionals here open a lot of avenues for career growth. It is just up to the person to which field he/she wants to specialize.
So as my colleagues enjoy our dinner, we truly felt that we deserve this celebration.
A long table was waiting for us. Fully set up in a non smoking area, the ambience was light (as pictured above).
We were given the drinks menu and the a la carte menu.
For my drinks, I ordered virgin strawberry daiquiri.
We ordered various appetizers in which portions are to share. Dim sums and siu mai from Chinese cuisine, sushi, maki rolls and ebi tempura from Japanese cuisine and Arabic appetizers that looks like our very own “empanadas”.
Then, we decided to order our main course. Each has to decide on its own.
I ordered Black Angus Beef Tournedos Rossini- this is with baby carrots, button mushrooms, Madeira sauce and pan seared foie gras. I clearly stated that I wanted my steak in medium doneness.
The beef was like soft butter when I cut it. The true flavor of the meat was very obvious. A few teaspoons of the sauce only enhanced its true flavor rather than masking it. The vegetables maybe few but not overcooked. Slices of thin potatoes were complementary to the texture of the meat.
I ordered another drink, as to the recommendation of my colleague, Jasmin our food and beverage coordinator. I tried her ginger mint drink. I was thankful that I ordered it because it refreshes my mouth, as if washing the intense flavor of the meat.
For my dessert, well, I was the only one who ordered dessert because my colleagues were filled up to the throat. I had Molten Chocolate cake, served with a scoop of coffee ice cream and strawberry slices with a small shot glass of what I perceived as a malt. The cake was small but rich.
It was good that my friend, Rosario, our recruitment coordinator, shared this sinful dessert with me. Otherwise, am sure my sugar level will be at high time again.
A fudgy, warm center that oozes out of the cake as you slice a bite was heavenly.
The service was prompt, friendly and smooth flow of service was evident. As if the servers were dancing in one tune.
That was a very meaningful and enjoyable dinner.
Again, my dear admins…. Happy Admin Day!!!
