We love sharing the stories of the people who make Arigato Travel and Japan truly special, and today we’re introducing you to our incredible Finance & Payroll Manager, Erika! Hailing from Manila, Philippines, Erika holds a degree in Business Economics, but her passion extends far beyond spreadsheets. Her first visit to Japan in 2017 sparked a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse scenery, fascinating culture, and delicious local food. As a seasoned traveler and passionate cook, Erika embodies the spirit of discovery we share with our guests. Her love for Japan and commitment to the Arigato Travel team make her a warm and knowledgeable insider we’re excited to highlight.
Now, let’s meet our next guest, Erika!
Erika, thank you for joining us! Can you walk us through your professional journey in Manila and what led you to take on the specialized role of Finance & Payroll Manager for a Japanese tourism company?
My professional career in Manila started in collections, sales, and administrative work. These roles helped me develop strong organizational, analytical, and client-focused skills. Over time, I realized that many of the tasks I excelled at: tracking payments, managing records, and ensuring accuracy, naturally led me toward finance.
Taking on the role of Finance & Payroll Manager for a Japanese tourism company allows me to apply this experience in a structured, high-standard environment, supporting both the team and the business while improving financial processes.
Erika with her husband and daughter – Photo Credit: Erika
What does the average workday look like for you, and what part of your role do you find most meaningful or unique to working with a tourism company?
I usually plan my day ahead, tackling high-focus, energy-driven tasks first while I’m at my best. I also support daily finance operations and handle lighter tasks later in the day, taking short breaks to reset when needed.
What I find most meaningful is being able to resolve issues thoroughly and implement solutions that prevent them from recurring. In a tourism company, it’s especially rewarding knowing that my work helps the team run smoothly and contributes to a great experience for our clients and stakeholders.
Beyond the numbers, what aspects of Arigato Travel’s overall mission and purpose motivate you most in your day-to-day work?
What motivates me most is knowing that my work helps visitors to Japan enjoy world-class, culturally rich tours while keeping payments and processes seamless. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that ensures smooth operations and creates memorable experiences for our clients every day.
Boracay Island hopping with the Finance team – Photo Credit: Erika
On a different note, what was your initial experience with or exposure to Japanese culture, whether through movies, music, food, or something else, that sparked your desire to explore Japan and its people further?
I’ve always been a food lover, and I think the best way to experience a place is through its cuisine; it really shows the culture and daily life of the people. I’m also drawn to nature, culture, and history, which feels very natural to me as a Filipino, since our country is rich in all of these. Japan has the same treasures, and that’s what sparked my interest in exploring its people and heritage. I’d love to come back someday and see some of the off-the-beaten-path places as well.
Your visit in 2017 truly sparked a passion. If you could pinpoint one singular, defining moment or cultural discovery from that trip, what would it be and why?
When I visited Japan in 2017, our itinerary included Mt. Fuji, but due to the weather, we were only able to go up to the 5th station. Even though the trip was cut short, I still caught a glimpse of the mountain, and it left a lasting impression. Since then, it’s been a dream to return, not on a company-sponsored trip, but hopefully with my husband and daughter someday. Fingers crossed!
Erika at the Baguio Team building event 2025 – Photo Credit: Erika
We hear you love to cook! When you’re in the kitchen, what is your favorite dish to prepare, and is there a particular Japanese ingredient or cooking technique that has influenced your culinary style?
I love serving my family gyudon and katsu, it’s always a hit at home! I also make home-cooked onigiri, which is my daughter’s favorite. Simple toppings like furikake or bonito flakes add extra flavor and really make a plain bowl of rice feel special.
As someone passionate about travel and cuisine, what’s a seasonal Japanese food or ingredient you always hope to try on your next visit?
I would really love to try matcha in a traditional tea ceremony, especially paired with seasonal Japanese sweets. I think it would be a wonderful way to experience the culture, taste the seasonal flavors, and appreciate the thoughtfulness and artistry that go into Japanese traditions.
Erika standing underneath a sakura tree on her trip to Japan – Photo Credit: Erika
In your time supporting the team, is there a particular project milestone you’ve helped resolve that brought you the greatest sense of professional satisfaction?
Our finance team may be small, but I’m really proud that we’re a group of dedicated individuals working toward a common goal. We focus on streamlining processes, creating cross-team SOPs, and supporting the company’s bigger mission, to bring more visitors to Japan and help Arigato Travel become the #1 travel company in the world.
Looking ahead, what is the most exciting opportunity you see for Arigato Travel, and what part of that journey are you personally most excited about?
I believe our Custom Multi-Day services will continue to grow, not just as a business, but as a way for visitors to truly experience Japan’s food, history, culture, and people. I’m excited to be part of that growth and to contribute as I witness these experiences come to life.
It was truly a pleasure chatting with you, Erika, and hearing your story. We loved learning about your deep passion for Japanese culture and how it fuels your work even from afar. Your dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of our team is evident; it’s inspiring to see the care you put into supporting our mission behind the scenes. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Check Erika’s profile on our Team page: https://arigatotravel.com/about-us/our-team
Featured Photo Credit: Erika
