The best man for the job is a woman!
The hospitality industry might be dominated by men but women have made their presence felt. Megaworld Hotels and Resorts pays tribute to 3 ladies that have risen up to the challenge and are now steering some of the company’s well-known properties as leaders in their own right.
Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay has made a name for itself as one of the top destinations in the province since it first opened its doors in 2012. Today, the 122-room hilltop hotel is ably led by General Manager Rowena Samonte. Formerly the property’s director of sales and marketing, GM Owen brings with her almost 3 decades of experience in the industry.
She has worked in some of the top international brands such as Edsa Shangri-La in Manila, Mandarin Oriental, Intercontinental Hotel, and local brands such as B Hotel in Quezon City and Robinsons Hotels and Resorts.
“I would like to be defined and seen as a leader alone, and not a woman leader,” she shared. As society comes to better terms with inclusivity, she sees it as a privilege and a responsibility to part-take in the effort of eliminating prejudiced biases with gender and preference as a primary basis.
Her advice to the younger generation: “Keep going despite the times when the world fails to be kind. We must learn to stand tall and take care of ourselves.”
The powdery-white sands of Boracay serve as the backdrop of Belmont Hotel Boracay which is helmed by General Manager Maia Israel. She started her career in the hospitality industry as part of the reservations team in Shangri-la Mactan in the 90’s, had a stint in Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji, and Cambodia with brands like Marriott International and Banyan Tree. She credits her leaders who provided motivation for her to work harder.
Between the two MHR properties in Boracay Newcoast, one being Savoy Hotel Boracay, she appreciates how unique one is from the other. She said Belmont takes a straightforward and tranquil approach as opposed to the usual parties the island is generally known for. The hotel is most fitting for small to large family reunions, people vacationing with a hint of business, and senescent guests who prefer peace and quiet while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea of Boracay.
Promoted from resort manager to general manager of Belmont Hotel Boracay in just a year, Israel, has always been well loved for her nurturing approach to leadership. She believes that “mentorship is a tool I personally have benefited from the most and is my privilege and responsibility to pass it forward.”
For director of customer experience and new ventures of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Claire del Rosario Bernabe, it is all about the experience. “More than the destination, picturesque scenery, and complete facilities is really the collection of memorable moments that builds connections and spark joy”
Bernabe has served leadership roles with brands like Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Century International Hotels, Marco Polo Davao, Novotel Garden Plaza Saigon, Movenpick Saigon, Discovery Shores and so much more.
With 30 years under her belt, Bernabe admits that “a memorable authentic Filipino customer experience is constantly evolving and adequately adapts to the needs of the customer.” “We Filipinos are known to be hospitable and are a happy people. We are enablers, and we do so with warmth and a smile that doesn’t need to be taught or practiced,” she added.
Nothing is ever perfect. No brand will ever have it all but there is always opportunity to learn and discover. Her only rule of thumb: “It is important to aim to constantly improve the overall experience of each investor or customer has with the brand.”
Asked if there’s one thing all women should look forward to each day, she said “Have the chance to greet another day with a smile, be able to make a difference in the lives of others as much as you inspire them to bring the good forward.”
