Is Hospitality Just a Warm Welcome—Or Can We Truly Be Anything?

Some time ago, I took a trip to the Clark Museum in Pampanga, primarily out of curiosity for local history and culture. Little did I realize that this visit—though not recent—would have such a lasting impact on how I view my work in hospitality management and HR leadership. The inspiration came from an exhibit dedicated to Allan Pineda Lindo Jr., better known as Apl.de.ap. of the Black Eyed Peas. His featured track, “We Can Be Anything,” struck a chord in me and continues to echo in my professional life to this day.

Encountering “We Can Be Anything”

As I wandered through the museum, I stumbled upon the section devoted to Apl.de.ap’s background. It showcased his musical journey and his philanthropic work, especially in education. But the biggest pull for me was the set of lyrics from “We Can Be Anything.” Written with a spirited mix of English and Filipino lines, these verses celebrate the power of dreams, the importance of education, and the belief that each person can transcend limitations:

“You can be a doctor You can be a governor You can be a professor You can be a leader All you got to do is dream You can be anything…”

In my mind, I started to replace “doctor,” “governor,” and “professor” with roles found in the hospitality industry—like front desk manager, executive chef, or brand ambassador. It dawned on me that the same message holds true for hoteliers: you can be anything you set your mind to. All it takes is the willingness to learn, to try, and to keep growing.

Reflections from an HR Professional

Having spent years as an HR professional and later an executive, I’ve witnessed the profound transformation that can occur when leaders empower their teams to believe in themselves. One of my favorite leadership adages is:

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.”

This directly resonates with lines from Apl.de.ap’s refrain:

“’Cause if I can do a thing, then you can do it And together we can push it up the mountain…”

Working in HR, I’ve seen front-line employees evolve into department heads, interns grow into senior managers, and shy new hires develop into confident brand ambassadors. When we create an environment that nurtures ambition and continuous learning, it’s like giving people the “keys” to explore who they truly can become.

The Hospitality Connection

The hospitality industry might seem, at first glance, like it’s primarily about welcoming guests. But beyond that warm reception, it’s actually a field of boundless possibility—for both the guests we serve and the professionals who run the show. Consider these connections:

1. Continuous Education & Training: Apl.de.ap’s call to “get your education, change your situation” applies perfectly in hospitality. Whether it’s mastering the latest booking software, attending leadership workshops, or learning new culinary techniques, education fuels growth and drives innovation.
2. Creating Leaders from Within: In the song, we hear: “You can be a leader… You can be a hero…” Encouraging internal promotion not only boosts morale but also solidifies a culture of recognition and respect. When employees see that the organization invests in their development, they’re more likely to remain loyal and deliver excellence.
3. Collaboration & Team Spirit: Apl.de.ap’s Filipino lines— “Mga kababayan ko, magsamahan tayo” —underscore the importance of unity. In hospitality, from housekeeping to F&B to front office, teamwork is crucial. By fostering a spirit of camaraderie, we ensure smooth operations and memorable guest experiences.
4. Servant Leadership Mindset: As leaders, we serve our teams so they can serve guests effectively. A popular saying in HR circles is: “Employees may join companies for the brand, but they stay for their leaders.” If we take Apl’s directive to “help each other out” to heart, we build trust and respect that resonates all the way to our guests.

Pushing “Up the Mountain”

I recall a situation years ago when our hotel underwent a major tech upgrade. Many front-liners were anxious about transitioning from manual logs to a fully digital system. Drawing upon that “We Can Be Anything” spirit, we launched skill-building sessions and open Q&A forums. Before long, the same staff who were once hesitant began training newcomers with confidence. Witnessing that shift—seeing them “push it up the mountain,” as the song says—reminded me that employees can surpass expectations when guided by strong leadership and faith in their potential.

Embracing the Bigger Vision

Ultimately, hospitality isn’t confined to rooms and restaurants. It’s an avenue for personal and collective growth. We see travelers from around the globe chasing their own dreams, and we interact with colleagues on their own journeys—some aiming to rise in rank, others seeking new challenges. The question is: “Can we truly be anything?” The answer is yes—provided we cultivate environments that enable people to learn, lead, and believe in themselves.

“If I can do a thing, then you can do it And together we can live it, ’cause there is no limit…”

When we, as hospitality leaders, embody this attitude, we not only elevate our teams but also set a standard of excellence that guests can feel the moment they walk through our doors.

Conclusion

My visit to the Clark Museum remains a cherished memory, not just for the history I uncovered, but for the renewed sense of purpose I discovered in Apl.de.ap’s work. The message of “We Can Be Anything” is as relevant to hospitality professionals as it is to aspiring students. By championing ongoing education, embracing our capacity to become leaders, and coming together in true unity, we truly can achieve remarkable heights.

And if you ever doubt the power of dreams, just remember Apl’s words: “If you believe, say ‘Yes I can.’” Because in hospitality—and in life—we really can be anything.

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