Originally this QnA was planned for all those fabulous Marcomm people that kept Bali’s hospitality brands ticking across all mediums… However, since C19 came along a few of these talented professionals have had to find other employment …

The Yak tracks them down and asks “Where are you now?” 

Name, age (if you want to tell us) and where were you born?
Hello, my name is Dewi Anggraini, I’m 46 years old and I was born in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan.

When did you come to Bali?
I’m a proud Balinese, it’s just that I was born in Palangka Raya when my father worked there.

Do you have family here? (We include your furry friends into this question).
My family is here, I have some of them located outside of Bali too.

What brands have you worked for over the years?
I always work with the hotel industry. I began my career with an independent hotel; then moved to the Sol group, Shangri La – only for a short time; a few years with IHG and now almost 8 years and more with Marriott International. I love the Westin brand, where I am now.

Nineteenth of March 2020. When you first heard of the Bali “stay at home” / #dirumahaja regulation what went through your head?
I remember that moment. I found it weird and saw how serious the situation got along the way; I think we were given a ‘pause’ moment, a moment to take everything slowly, to take a look at ourselves, spend more quality time with family, and to do the things we had never done before since we were too busy. And even up to now, we are still not up to the speed we used to be at pre-Pandemic, but everything comes with a reason. I believe there are many reasons if we see it from a positive side.

What was your company’s reaction to this regulation?
We adhere to Government’s advice. We follow guidance from Marriott International. With new normal protocols precisely in place, our health and safety continue to be our top priority.

So you still work for the company?
I love the Westin brand, it continues to bring value to my life, I even changed my lifestyle when I joined this brand; all the wellbeing pillars of Westin really changed my attitude so that I became a better version of myself. I believe I shall continue to love the brand. “Let’s rise!” that’s Westin tagline and I live well with it.

What backup measures did you start putting in place when the writing was on the wall? (Covid 19 regulations were extended).
We are in this together. We face this situation all together. Let’s continue to do the right thing, to set good examples, to inspire others and to continue sending positive messages.

What was your mental state and how did you move forward into a more positive attitude?
At first I don’t think we expected this situation to be dragging on like it is. I quickly realised that we cannot give up and not do anything, we just have to wait and see. We work as Marketing Communications / PR, we need to stay positive and keep sending positive messages to inspire others. That spirit will certainly keep us alive.

Finally, what are you doing now?
I’m thankful that I continue to keep working, stay creative and continue to deliver the best at work. I’m blessed to receive full support here and the team is awesome. In my personal life, I’m blessed with the good health, continue to do things that make us happy. This pandemic I learn linedance, love it to the most. I hope you continue to live healthy life and happy.

Definitely let us know if we can support you and we very much hope to catch up all together at some point soon. Until then, we salute your perseverance and strength!

And readers do please go and support these fabulous people in their positions and companies!