GUNAWARDENA MONTGOMERY JUAN - 8th Feb 2022
1.
Can you
share a little about yourself?
Having
left my hometown Sri Lanka in 1997 and setting foot in Singapore, I have since
settled down comfortably and eventually received my citizenship. I was blessed
to meet my lovely wife, Lanie, on an online yahoo chat platform and our
relationship blossomed. After getting to know her for the better part of 4
years, I decided to take the plunge and flew over to Philippines to propose to
her! And now we are happily married for 16 years, living in one of the safest
countries with an impressive cultural integration.
2.
Please
share with us what your job entails and your working experience at Huber’s.
I have
been in the F&B and hospitablity industry trade for the past 35 years, and
now I’m happily working with Huber’s for the last 3 years. Being the Assistant
Bistro Manager, I am tasked to co-plan, coordinate and execute plans, as well
as conduct staff trainings.
The
Huber’s management is so humble and treat everyone with respect, thus I’m very
fortunate and proud to be a part of the family. Everyone here is very
supportive and cooperative; we hardly say no and will get the missions
accomplished.
3.
What is
the best part of your work that you look forward to every morning?
The
moment I enter the bistro, I am motivated, energised and excited to engage with
my Huber’s family. At the same time, I cannot wait to share my passion with the
customers; many of whom have become my friends and we address one another by
our first names.
4.
Do you
have any special moments that you find unforgettable working at Huber’s?
Well,
there are 2 incidents that touched my heart. One customer wrote in to
compliment me for the good service rendered to the customers seated at another
table for which I tried my very best to satisfy all the requests. Then there
was this other time, I helped a lady with mobility issue, going down the steps
into the bistro. Customers from the next table commented that we should have
more friendly and helpful staff like that to make the world a better place.
5.
How do
you spend your time when you are not working?
As both
Lanie and I love exercising, especially biking, we would spend almost 2 hours
on our bikes, 2 to 3 times a week. After the work out, our whole body will feel
energised and our joints will be less tensed. Exercising with Lanie,
helps to maintain a good balance between my work, family and keeping a healthy
lifestyle.
6.
What are
your plans for the coming Valentine’s Day?
Being
married for 16 years, I never fail to send Lanie a lovely bouquet of roses on
Valentine’s Day!
Due to
the pandemic, we have been separated for 2 years and 3 months now, so I am
planning for a surprise trip to her hometown in Philippines and present the
flowers to her personally. At the same time cook her favourite dish, Sri Lankan
pepper crabs using my mother’s recipe. Of course, my wish will only be possible
if the Vaccination Travel Lane between Singapore and Philippines opens up.
Let’s pray for the best!
