A Certified Tourism Professional (CTP) and Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP), Rogelio “Hajjie” M. Alejandro, Jr. has been a proud member of the Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Professionals (ITHP) since January 2024. With a career that spans continents, industries, and disciplines, Hajjie has become a dynamic figure whose work merges creativity, strategy, and service. Based in Los Angeles, California, he serves as Sales Manager for Big Bus Tours – Los Angeles, leading hotel partnerships, business development, and hospitality engagement while raising brand presence in key markets. At the same time, he holds the role of Director of Wholesale Distribution at Uni-Orient Travel, Inc. in the Philippines, where he spearheaded B2B growth, expanded hotel contracting internationally, and achieved a record-breaking ₱650 million in sales in 2024.
Beyond business, Hajjie is a decorated writer and cultural advocate, with accolades such as the Outstanding Writer Bulosan Award 2024, the Renaissance Visionary Award 2025, and multiple international literary honors. With academic achievements in computer engineering, business consultancy, and an ongoing MBA, he embodies the rare blend of corporate strategist and creative visionary—grounded in persistence, purpose, and service.
Discovering ITHP – When asked, “How did you discover ITHP?” Hajjie shared that he first learned about it through his network in the tourism and hospitality community. While he had followed other organizations, ITHP stood out for its focus on celebrating people and creating a space where professionals at all levels can grow, connect, and be recognized.
“I first came across ITHP through my network in the tourism and hospitality community. I was already following various organizations and platforms that support professionals in our field, but something about ITHP stood out. It wasn’t just about credentials or certifications — it was about celebrating people and building a space where professionals at all levels could grow, connect, and be recognized.What drew me in even more was the way ITHP uplifts practitioners not just from major cities or global brands, but also those who’ve built their careers quietly, with passion, integrity, and hard work. That felt personal to me — because that’s my story too.
Over time, I saw ITHP as more than just a platform. It felt like a community that understands the real work behind the scenes — the kind that doesn’t always make the headlines, but makes all the difference in the lives of travelers and teams.”
He was particularly drawn to how ITHP uplifts practitioners not just from major cities or global brands, but also those who have built their careers quietly with passion, integrity, and dedication—a story that resonated deeply with his own journey.
A Community that Fuels Growth – In response to “In what ways has being a part of ITHP contributed to your career growth?” Hajjie explained that ITHP reminded him that growth is not only about climbing ladders, but about staying rooted in purpose and community.
“Being part of ITHP has reminded me that growth isn’t just about climbing ladders — it’s about staying connected to purpose, community, and the people who understand your journey.
What I appreciate most about ITHP is how it uplifts professionals not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they lead, serve, and inspire. That kind of recognition matters. In a fast-paced industry where things often move quietly behind the scenes, being seen and valued for your work brings a renewed sense of pride and motivation.
As someone also involved with International Toastmasters in Los Angeles, I see a clear parallel between ITHP and Toastmasters — both communities believe in lifelong learning, authentic leadership, and empowering professionals to become their best. It’s inspiring to be part of networks that believe in purpose-driven growth.
More than anything, it has encouraged me to keep growing — not just for myself, but for the people I lead and serve every day.”
He drew parallels between ITHP and International Toastmasters in Los Angeles—both fostering lifelong learning and authentic leadership. More than anything, ITHP encouraged him to grow not just for himself, but for the teams and people he serves daily.
Affirmation and Applied Learning – On “How has ITHP helped you in your current professional role?” he noted, “ITHP has helped me not just professionally, but personally — by reminding me why I do what I do. In my current roles, leading hotel partnerships at Uni Orient Travel and managing sales at Big Bus Tours Los Angeles, I balance strategy with service across cultures and time zones. Being part of ITHP gave me a fresh sense of affirmation. It’s one thing to work hard behind the scenes — it’s another to feel seen and appreciated by an organization that understands the depth of our industry.One thing I truly value are the webinars and learning sessions ITHP has hosted. I’ve gained practical insights and reflections from industry leaders — the kind of learning that’s relevant, timely, and applicable in real-world situations. Whether it’s about managing change, enhancing service, or building resilience in leadership, I take those lessons and apply them directly in how I lead my teams and approach partnerships. ITHP also helped strengthen my professional identity. It aligned with my personal brand — grounded in leadership with integrity, service with empathy, and a commitment to growth. Their recognition motivates me to continue setting high standards, not just for myself, but for the people and teams I lead.”
These lessons—on managing change, enhancing service, and building resilience—have been directly applied in how he leads teams and nurtures partnerships. For Hajjie, ITHP not only aligns with his personal brand of integrity, empathy, and growth but also strengthens his commitment to setting high standards for himself and those he leads.