Meet Ms. Susana Ellorin-Tandoc: a trailblazing mother, vice president of the Association of Hospitality and Tourism Trainers, Educators, and Professionals of Pangasinan (AHTTEPP).

“Life begins at 40,” is an age-old saying that has been echoed by many, but for Ms. Susan, it’s a truth she lives by every day. She was a dedicated mother, busy with the responsibilities of daily life. But as her children grew older and began carving their own paths as professionals, she realized that it was time to invest in herself and her own dreams. “Noong alam ko na time na para pag-igihan ko naman ‘yong sarili ko, kasi mga professionals na ‘yong mga anak ko, doon ko nakita na doon na po pala ‘yong aking calling,” she reflects. At the age of 40, she took a leap of faith and launched Maxima Technical & Skills Training Institute Inc., a move that would change her life—and the lives of others—forever.

Maxima Technical & Skills Training Institute Inc. is an institution that provides world-class trainings and opportunities to the trainees of hospitality and tourism.

Many believed that a woman’s leadership abilities were inherently limited. However, Ms. Susan’s experience has proven the opposite. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the resilience and resourcefulness that women possess. “Minsan kasi, mas magagaling at madidiskarte ang mga babae, based sa aking experience,” she shares. She reinforces her belief that women can excel, lead, and succeed in any field. She takes pride in the hardworking women at her institution, seeing them as the “fighters” who go above and beyond to achieve their goals.

Her greatest pride lies in her personal success and in the achievements of those she’s helped nurture and guide along the way. She is also the proud mother of two members of Pastel Sky, a local band in Pabngasinan.

She inspires other women by telling, “Walang tanda-tanda kung madiskarte ka.” And a note for the mothers like herself, “Maging nanay po muna tayo pero after natin mapalaki ng kaunti ‘yong mga anak natin, mahalin naman natin ‘yong sarili natin.”

Ms. Susan’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and the power of believing in yourself. She has shown that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter, and that with hard work, passion, and dedication, women can not only succeed—they can lead, inspire, and redefine success on their own terms.

/MJGE