By Robbie Pangilinan
Tacloban City - When super typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas, Tacloban received the hardest hit. But like its owner, a small hotel in the city survived and remains standing today.
Charmaine Pfleider was home with her family in Abucay on that fateful day, November 8, 2013.
“We stayed in the room with no windows since all the windows and things in the house were broken by the strong winds. Luckily, there was no storm surge in our area. After three days, we sent the kids to Cebu and they continued studying there until the school year ended,” recalls Charmaine.
The 49-room Hotel Rodolfo was already under construction when Yolanda hit the area. Building the structure came to a halt as the entire city picked up the pieces after the storm that left thousands dead and millions-worth of property damaged. But in June 2015, it opened its doors to the public, reflecting true Filipino hospitality, providing employment, and helping boost tourism in the city.
Charmaine, a Business Administration degree holder, was employed in the government for 15 years. While working, she got her master’s degree and management development trainings from the Asian Institute of Management.
“My years in PhilHealth molded me for who I am today as a leader – making things done,” she attests. But early this year, when Charmaine turned 40, she decided to retire early, defining it as “re-tire” or “to change gears.” She joined the beauty industry which she is passionate about, and at the same time helped her husband in his hotel industry business as Operations Manager.
“For the first time, I felt free. Free from the stigma of government bureaucracy run amok. I finally found myself. I wanted a lifestyle that is not bound to 8-5. I want to do things and make Tacloban a better place. I am passionate about making things done. To explore, dream and inspire people,” Charmaine says.
Charmaine also does outreach programs in northern barangays in Tacloban. During special occasions like birthdays of family members, they share and give food to street children. The family also provides free books and school supplies for the children of their staff.
“I feel compassion when I help others. I have sympathy for those who are less fortunate. I also feel blessed when I help others. I believe we are blessed so that we can help others,” ends Charmaine.