Guido Farina, General Manager at The RuMa Hotel and Residences, shares some entertaining stories from behind the scenes.
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
Well, the dream was to become a doctor. After my diploma in dentistry and a couple of years in university studying medicine, something unexpected happened: I joined a 3-star Michelin restaurant in my home town called “Da Vittorio.” I really enjoyed the environment there. Within no time I was taken away from my studies and pursued this new challenge starting from the very bottom moving from one continent to another (5 continents in total!) and after 29 years ended up in Kuala Lumpur as a general manager
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
The best part is showing leadership in operation during the arrival of a large event or a group, and getting the juniors to follow your directions with interest and attention. I just enjoy being in front together with them.
Honestly, there is no worst part, even the hardest day in the hospitality industry is very rewarding, no complaints.
What’s your favourite meal?
I spoil myself from time to time eating at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, but I do enjoy the experience of eating street food in Penang too! There isn’t a favourite meal as such, but if I have to choose, my seafood risotto is quite remarkable.
What’s one of the craziest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
A couple asked for housekeeping service and then started making love in front of them while they were cleaning their room!
A day in the life of a GM is…
You know when it starts, but not sure what is about to happen out there, anything unexpected can await you. This makes my job very exciting, as we often deal with very colourful customers.
What do you do for fun?
Ride my Ducati on the highway to go for roti canai on Sunday mornings or play tirelessly with my 2 ½-year-old son. I just enjoy seeing him smiling all the time.
What’s a destination you enjoy travelling to in the region?
Koh Lipe or the other small islands in Thailand on the border with Malaysia. Here time seems to just stop and life just goes by.
What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?
Mee mamak goreng with carrot juice.
What’s your view on the hospitality industry in Malaysia?
I am thrilled by a large number of hotels in such a small environment with most of them sharing the same cake. However, Malaysia has great potential to become amongst the world’s more respected destinations.
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
Keep establishing The RuMa as the most luxurious hotel in the city, positioning the brand and attracting great business. After all, we are just six months old, a little baby, so we still have a long way forward.
Read more interviews like this one with Guido Farina here and check out our experience at The RuMa Hotel and Residences here.
A doctor? He sure looks like one of those actors, Leslie Nielsen?
I wonder what he would have done if he had pursued his original vocation…
I have recently read a book written by an Indian, NHS Doctor in the UK. As he started out on his career journey he encountered a personal health issue that lead him to research diet and health.
He is still an NHS doctor but in addition to that he has written cookbooks with healthy advise and recipes to boost maintain health.
Interesting change in lifestyle. Good looking gentleman I must say. Always enjoy these interviews. Cheers Diane