First Day of Work at Raffles Hotel (internship)

My day started, when I woke up at 615am. *that's the earliest time i ever woke up ever since secondary school days. YAP, that's right! SO eArly la!

I was feeling all-so-energized-anxious of the day that I haf been waiting for all these months. Carefully did my make-up, of cos to make a good 1st impression! *don wan to look hideous & scare everyone off. After which, went to meet Chen Chin and Wei Ling at Tampines Mrt Station to go work together.. Looks like for these coming months they will be my khakis to and fro work.

Reached Raffles back of the house at 750am, changed quickly and bunned up my hair, cos there is this grooming standard that for each department of whatsoever haf to adhere to. For Residence Service, is to bun up our hair and haf at least simple make-up on, cos we come into contact with the guests also known as the residence in Raffles.

We have three days of Hotel General Orientation:

Day one: Monday
We were formally welcomed into the Raffles family at the Lady Sophia Suite. Several Directors and Managers "big shots" came into the suite and gave us a quick view of what each of the department is, and what so special about it. I mentioned "quick" right? That's what they said too, in the end at least 30 mins each person.

John, the HR officer then gave us an indepth knowledge about Raffles. Such as, who owns Raffles Hotel? The different Raffles brand, difference between Raffles and Swissotel? The average check of each guest is at least $700+++ per night, and emphasizing the obligation of us to give each guest the $700+++ worth of service, experience and delightful memories!

Day two: Tuesday

We took a tour around the hotel, got to know where each of the restaurants were (eg:Doc Cheng's, Royal China and Raffles, Long Bar etc...) each of these restaurants were uniquely designed to each of its own style and elegance *splendid! Also, the bar and billiard room, Tiffin's room etc. The best part was at the lobby, the lobby was so so so different from the many hotels I’ve been too. The grand, luxurious elegance can be felt. When I peeked at the lobby from the door, it’s "WOW" Really really not kidding! We were orientated to some of the suites, Cathy Suite. 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 2 toilets, another area, donno called what.. But looks like another living room. Ha-ha =P

Something unique about Raffles Hotel that others do not have are:
1. ALL Suites (103)
2. Jubilee Hall Theatre Playhouse
3. Raffles Museum
4. 24 hr Gym and Swimming Pool
5. Raffles Culinary Academy
6. Over 50 Specialty Shops
7. 16 F&B outlets

HOW COOL???

After Lunch, Raffles famous historian Mr Leslie Danker gave us a long class on Raffles 117 yrs of History. Started from who founded Raffles Hotel -> Sarkies Bro. What happened? Was Raffles Hotel the same building as it was? Changes were made.. when and what? Interesting events that happened, why are the suites named after some personalities.. why the 7 Grand hotel suites derived their names from. Ok enuff.. guess all of u must be *blur oready, u wanna noe more? Let me noe k.. I’ll be glad to share! (",)

Only from the first two days of orientation, I can feel the rich culture of Raffles that has been growing ever since 1887 (117yrs ago). And I’m sure my internship stint at Raffles will be a life experience!

To all who have been sms-ing and calling me asking me how’s everything at Raffles:*Don worry yah? I'll survive and take everything in the positive manner! I'll will not FAIL.

I shall end off with a famous quote:
"You have to come to Raffles Hotel to experience Singapore"