Kryztoff Ray Carillo: Riding the drive for excellence
Do you ever wonder how driven one person can become?
A picture of excellence
Mouthwatering dishes, warm and welcoming ambiance so much like your own backyard, patiently accommodating personnel. These describe the haven where Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Kryztoff Ray Carillo works in, at the Promenade of Days Hotel Iloilo.
A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Cooperative Management (BSCM) at West Visayas State University, the young assistant manager is only 25 years old, with a wife and a two-year old daughter. In his college years, he was the president of the Cooperative Society. He was also sent in a student exchange program to Japan during his Junior year. He took his Masters in Business Administration at the University of San Agustin, where he finished his Secondary Education as well.
Krystoff started in a low but nevertheless honest position. He waitered for a Japanese restaurant in Manila, where he has lived since then. His first training however was in a shipping company, where he worked for a year. His family's business is in the same category as his jobs. They own a culinary school here in Iloilo, the Krys' Livelihood Training Center, Incorporated. He and his family just returned here since March. He applied and has been working in the Promenade for only about a month.
Carillo talks with the staff
Let us read some words from the man himself . . .
The News Today (TNT): What do you think is your quality or characteristic that sets you apart from others?
Kryztoff Ray Carillo (KRC): Mindset. If you are managing a restaurant, think as if you own it. In a sense that, you take care of it the way the owner would. Do not only aim to earn money. Set high personal standards, put in mind that in a restaurant business you must know the trends.
TNT: Why cooking? What interests you most in culinary arts?
KRC: In the restaurant business, it is a plus factor that one knows how to cook. Also, the art of cooking is not knowing how to cook alone but you should have the passion in what you are doing because the food will taste even better. When you cook, just follow the right process because if you do shortcuts it would never be the same. I delved into cooking because my family owns a culinary school. We all managed it and we want it to prosper.
With the Promenade's patrons
TNT: How do you define life? What keeps you going each day?
KRC: I believe that the only constant thing in the world is change, so I always aim for something higher. Right now, I enjoy my job and I want to prove more of myself. That and my family keep me going each day.
TNT: What is success to you?
KRC: Managing my own restaurant and making it prosper.
TNT: If you were a dish, what would you be?
KRC: Well, I guess I'll be a Courdon Bleau. It is cheese and ham wrapped in chicken breast, breaded and fried. Courdon Bleau may look simple but once you explore its taste you'll be surprised because you would crave for more. So, just like me. I'm just a simple person but I am dreaming big, and not just simply dreaming but doing everything to make that dream come true. When I want to accomplish something I really put my heart and focus into it. And would always surprise people that's why I look more mature than my age.
With Angela Castanares
TNT: What could irritate you?
KRC: I am irritated if I am not able to do my job well enough. I can't warrant the fact that I've been in Promenade for just a month and I need to familiarize myself with the policies and standards of the restaurant. I want to uplift the service that we can give.
TNT: What could make your heart beat so fast?
KRC: Honestly, I would always want to hit the target that I set and I know that I have the capacity to do it, so my heart would beat so fast if I am on my way of hitting such thing.
With Jacel Temblador
TNT: What was your most memorable childhood experience?
KRC: When I was 6 years old and my father brought me to watch Jackie Chan's movie in Allegro. It was my first time to watch a movie on the big screen.
TNT: How do you define happiness?
KRC: I always project myself to be happy. Though sometimes I am beset with problems, I see to it that when I go to work, I leave my problems at home. And of course my ultimate source of happiness is God and my family --- my wife and daughter.
TNT: Can you describe yourself in two words?
KRC: Change agent.