-
Office Suite 403, 4th floor Business Center, The Linden Suites, 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
-
E:
[email protected]
T: +632 5638 7878 local 8403
Maria Margarita “Marga” Montemayor Nograles is a seasoned entrepreneur. A graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, Marga has since been involved in fashion and retail businesses and has set up her own Social Enterprise.
A native of Davao City, Marga takes pride in what Mindanao can bring to the world. Marga carved a niche for herself as the co-founder of a locally awarded fashion brand. She opened doors to empower women by providing sustainable livelihood to indigenous communities and women’s groups in Mindanao.
Her passion for Philippine culture and her understanding of fashion as a potent medium of advocacy are helping to cement the Philippine brand of excellence in the world of fashion and lifestyle.
Determined to bring the Filipino brand to the world, as the Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.
Mr. Bengzon currently serves as Executive Director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, an advocacy group composed of hotel and resort owners, investors and developers all over the country. His main responsibility is to prepare the strategic plans and programs and manage the operations of the association. His work involves liaising with various government agencies and other private organizations on a wide range of policy issues, investment incentives, marketing activities and training programs. Mr. Bengzon also acts as the association’s spokesperson.
Prior to joining the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Mr. Bengzon served as Undersecretary at the Department of Tourism, where he handled development planning, strategy formulation, bilateral negotiations, marketing, investment promotions and product development. While at the DOT, he was also assigned as Tourism Attache in Tokyo for seven years. He also served in the boards of Tourism Promotions Board, Duty Free Philippines Corporation, Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, Civil Aeronautics Board, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority and Clark International Airport Corporation.
Mr. Bengzon is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman BS Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He also took up his Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and Masters in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines. He is currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Public Administration program in UP Diliman.
He also currently serves as Member of the Advisory Board, De la Salle Lipa – The Institute of Professional and Advanced Continuing Education (DLSL-iPACE), Member of the Advisory Board, Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management, College of Home Economics, UP Diliman, and Member, Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Peggy E. Angeles is currently SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s Executive Vice President, overseeing the strategic development and optimal growth of nine hotels and five SMX Convention Centers with two trade halls, all of which span across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Prior to joining the SM group, she held various executive positions in luxury hotel brands. Backed-up by decades of experience in the industry, she is a corporate sales and marketing authority with significant and successful hotel pre-opening projects.
She spent more than 15 years of her vibrant career working for topnotch hotel chains in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australia. Ms. Angeles is married with two daughters and enjoys the company of her five grandkids.
Philip Barnes serves as the Country General Manager of The Ascott Limited, Philippines. He is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the company’s business operations in the country. The portfolio in the country comprises of twelve (12) operating hospitality properties in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo-Iloilo, under the brands of Ascott, Somerset, Citadines & lyf. Philip has oversight in the pre-opening of new properties, ensuring strong implementation of brand standards, revenue generation and audit compliance. Currently, there are a further nineteen (19) properties under development.
With experiences in Hong-Kong, Malaysia and Australia, Philip brings a proven track record in the industry. Philip and his team(s) have received multiple prestigious recognitions, including the Ascott Global Property of the Year Award, Ascott’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award, EDGE Certification of Ascott Makati (first Global Service Residence to achieve), BCA Green Mark Certification of Somerset Central Salcedo Makati and consecutive World Travel Awards.
Philip holds an MBA in Asset and Revenue Management from Glion University, Switzerland along with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from The University of Tasmania, Australia.
James brings an impressive 29-year career in the hotel industry to his role as the leader of Chroma Hospitality in the Philippines. His primary focus is to drive the aggressive expansion of renowned homegrown brands, including Quest Hotels and Resorts, Crimson Hotels and Resorts, and the newest addition, Timberland Highlands Resort, aiming to elevate them to international prominence.
Under James’s guidance, Chroma Hospitality currently manages a diverse portfolio of 3 to 5-star properties, boasting over 3000 keys at various stages of development. His leadership underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines’ thriving business environment, as it continually adds more hotels and resorts to its impressive portfolio.
Before stepping into his role as Country Manager at Chroma Hospitality, James served as the Area General Manager, where he oversaw properties falling under the Crimson and Quest brands. As a seasoned professional in hotel operations and management, his extensive experience spans various countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Switzerland.
Chroma Hospitality, Inc., headquartered at the Filinvest Corporate City in the southern region of Metro Manila, is a forward-thinking management company renowned for crafting innovative and bold hospitality brands. Its mission extends beyond the Philippines and into the global arena as it continues to redefine hospitality. Chroma Hospitality proudly owns and operates a diverse range of properties, including:
James’s educational background includes earning a diploma in Hospitality Management from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Bluche, Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland. He further honed his management skills through advanced studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. His leadership and expertise are integral to the continued success and growth of Chroma Hospitality’s pioneering hospitality brands, both locally and on the international stage.
Bruce Winton assumed the role of Multi-Property Vice President Philippines for Marriott International in January 2021. With over 33 years of dedicated service to Marriott International, Bruce’s career has been marked by remarkable achievements and a commitment to excellence.
Currently serving as Cluster General Manager of Marriott Hotel Manila, Courtyard by Marriott in Iloilo, and the Sheraton Manila, Bruce has worked his way up through the Marriott ranks, starting as a culinary intern and subsequently spending 19 years in the USA, with roles in Boston and Washington DC. In 2008, he transitioned to Seoul, Korea, and has been contributing to the Philippine market since 2010, initially appointed as the General Manager of the former Cebu City Marriott.
Education has been a cornerstone of Bruce’s journey. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Administration, earned from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland, and The University of Southern New Hampshire in Manchester, NH. Furthering his professional development, he completed a High Performance Leadership Certificate from Cornell University and participated in Executive Education programs focused on Driving Performance at Harvard Business School.
Bruce has earned recognition within Marriott International, including being named General Manager of the Year for Marriott Asia-Pacific in 2012 and again in 2017. Under his leadership, Marriott Hotel Manila received the prestigious title of Hotel of the Year for Marriott in the Asia-Pacific Region in 2018.
Beyond his career, Bruce is passionate about fostering opportunities for the talented workforce of the Philippines and advocates actively for legislation that supports job creation. His current focus centers on promoting Sustainable Tourism and Unit Growth within the Philippine Hotel Sector. He has served on the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines for a total of 8 years, including a term as Past President.
In the community, Bruce chaired Marriott’s Philippine Business Council, bringing together General Managers and associates from multiple brands to collaborate on business challenges, sustainability projects, community engagement, and government affairs, ensuring a positive impact across the Philippines.
On a personal note, Bruce is married to Christina Diaz and is a proud father of two adult children, Alexandra and Colin, who pursue their studies in the UK. Bruce Winton’s career and contributions exemplify a dedication to excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the Philippine hospitality industry and the broader community.
Bobby Horrigan is a seasoned hotelier whose illustrious career has seen him collaborate with esteemed world dignitaries, heads of state, and renowned Hollywood luminaries. He holds a distinguished pedigree, having graduated from the prestigious Les Roches School of Hotel Management in Switzerland. His commitment to excellence led him to further refine his management acumen at the School of Hotel Administration of Cornell University, an Ivy League institution.
Bobby’s journey in the hospitality industry began at Hyatt International, where he swiftly became a pivotal member of the Dream Team responsible for the triumphant launch of the globally acclaimed Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the world’s inaugural 6-star hotel.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Bobby Horrigan received the esteemed 17th Mabuhay Gold Award, a coveted accolade bestowed by The Association of Human Resources Managers (AHRM) within the hotel and restaurant sector. This award serves as a testament to his role in elevating industry standards on a global scale.
Notably, Bobby’s extraordinary accomplishments have earned him a place among the esteemed hoteliers featured in the book “Hospitality Superstars.” Within its pages, he is celebrated as one of the Philippines’ top ten hoteliers, distinguished by his unwavering passion, commitment to excellence, and unwavering professionalism, all of which have significantly enriched the landscape of the hotel industry.
Beyond his notable achievements, Bobby Horrigan also serves as the President & CEO of Horrigan Hospitality, a consultancy and management firm that oversees a portfolio of over 20 Hotels & Resorts properties across the Philippines.
Cleofe Albiso has earned her valuable leadership experience as a top performing executive from one of the Philippines’ biggest Telecommunications and Hospitality brands in the country. She’s also recognized as the first Filipino General Manager of Marriott International in the country as the pre opening GM of Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo. She has already received numerous awards and recognitions in management and breakthrough sales and marketing campaigns through the years. She plays an active role in the MEET You in Iloilo campaign of the Iloilo MICE Alliance and currently sits as the Chairman of the Boracay MICE Alliance.
She has been recognized as the 25th Mabuhay Gold Awardee by the Association of Human Resource Managers in the Hospitality Industry of the Philippines for her moving contribution in the industry even at the height of the pandemic. Most recently, she was named the Rising Star in Travel for 2023 by Travel Daily’s Inspiring Women in Travel Asia awards.
Today, she continues to inspire and create more opportunities for work and travel being the Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, recognized as the Philippines’ largest homegrown hospitality management chain in the country with an inventory of 6 brands, 12 properties and 4,500 room keys in operation. With its numerous projects in the pipeline, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts is poised to have 7,700 room keys in the next 3 to 4 years.
Wilma Moran-Estaura is a seasoned HR professional currently serving as the Group Director of HR at AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing HR operations across multiple hotels and resorts, including Seda, El Nido, Lio Resort, and Ayala’s flagship properties. Throughout her extensive career, she has held key HR positions at renowned establishments such as City of Dreams, Edsa Shangri-La, Hyatt Regency Manila, and The Peninsula Manila Hotel. She holds an advanced degree in Master of Public Administration and Program Administration.
In 2021, Wilma received the prestigious Mentor of the Year award from ACI HR Solutions in recognition of her outstanding contributions. Her efforts played a significant role in securing notable awards for Seda Hotels, including the “Employer of Choice” award and recognition for their exceptional well-being program. This year, her leadership has been instrumental in Seda Hotels achieving the highly acclaimed “2023 Innovative HR Teams Award,” which underscores her unwavering dedication and successful implementation of innovative strategies within the organization.
Jonathan Ravelas, CTA, Managing Director at eManagement for Business and Marketing Services(EMBM)is a prominent private analyst in the Philippines. Known for his extensive expertise in the country’s economic landscape, he is highly sought after as a speaker and commentator in the Philippine media. With a career spanning various roles in the financial services industry, Mr. Ravelas has established himself as a respected figure.
Concurrently serving as Reyes Tacandong & Co., Senior Advisor and Independent Directors at DITO CME, Jonas brings more than 25 years of experience in financial markets. Prior to his current positions, he held the role of FVP-Chief Market Strategist at BDO Unibank from 2002 to June 2022, where he provided valuable analysis on financial markets and macroeconomic developments both locally and internationally. He previously held the same position at Equitable PCI Bank’s Treasury Department from 1998 to 2002.
Jonas has a diverse background, having worked as a strategist, analyst, equities dealer, and portfolio manager in both money management and institutional equity brokerage, including stints at DBS Securities and ACE Securities. He is renowned for his expertise in trading strategies, corporate governance, forecasting, and investments. As a testament to his forecasting abilities, FocusEconomics ranked him as the #2 overall forecaster for the Philippines in 2021 and the #1 Forex Forecaster in 2018. In 2016, he was ranked as the #1 Current Account forecaster for the Philippines for 2015.
Mr. Ravelas regularly contributes economic commentaries to prestigious publications such as the Asian Wall Street Journal and he is a frequent commentator on economic and financial markets on ANC, Bloomberg, and CNN Philippines. He is also actively involved in academia as a lecturer in Ateneo BAP’s treasury certification program and as the executive director of the Society of Technical Analysts-Philippines.
Jonas holds a bachelor’s degree in Management of Financial Institutions from De La Salle University (1992). He furthered his education by completing the Asian Securities Executive Program at the Asian Institute of Management (Manila) in 1996.
At 51 years of age, Mr. Ravelas embodies the success mantra, “Fortune favors the brave,” which speaks to his willingness to take calculated risks and his track record of achievement.
Chris Legaspi has dedicated 28 years of his life to the tourism industry, with 19 of those years spent leading sales and online travel agency teams in the Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. His extensive understanding of these regions has allowed him to consistently achieve top-notch results for his stakeholders. It’s not just a job; it’s a passion that has defined his career.
As the Vice President of Commercial at Archipelago International, Chris leads the sales, marketing, revenue management, and distribution strategies for corporate and hotel teams. With a staff count of 650, his focus is on cultivating a culture of collaboration and accountability, enabling the team to deliver results that exceed expectations. Chris’s leadership style prioritizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and employee development, resulting in a motivated and high-performing team.
Chris’s expertise in digital marketing, e-commerce, social media, and revenue management has played a significant role in his success. He holds a Certified Digital Marketing Professional certification from the Digital Marketing Institute, a Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certificate from Google Digital Garage, and a Masters Certificate in Revenue Management from Cornell University. These qualifications, combined with his extensive experience, make him a formidable leader in the hospitality industry.
Throughout his career, Chris has been instrumental in establishing and growing powerful companies in the Philippines, such as Expedia, Hotelbeds, Traveloka, MGHoliday, and now Archipelago. He has demonstrated an ability to adapt, innovate, and lead, even under extraordinary conditions. During his tenure at Archipelago International, Chris led the creation and implementation of a new direct website booking strategy, which was awarded the Best Direct Booking Strategy of 2020, 2021, and 2022. He also restructured the company’s rate strategy, designing innovative market segmentation and pricing strategies, and rolled them out across all 250+ hotels and 3,500 vacation rental units. These initiatives have streamlined operations and bolstered Archipelago International’s market position.
Chris’s passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry. His ability to innovate, adapt, and lead in the realms of digital marketing, e-commerce, social media, and revenue management has not only contributed to the growth of Archipelago International but has also set a high standard for others in the field. As he continues to make a difference in the world of hospitality, there is no doubt that his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Tejveer Singh Bedi is driven by a profound passion for enhancing efficiency within the travel industry. He firmly believes that the cornerstone of a successful organization lies in establishing fruitful partnerships and fostering a robust data-driven decision-making culture.
As a prominent figure in the travel industry, Tejveer Singh Bedi shoulders significant corporate responsibilities and maintains an unwavering focus on delivering tangible results. His extensive expertise spans multiple dimensions of the travel industry, encompassing:
Tejveer Singh Bedi’s rich and diverse experiences across various verticals have provided him with ample opportunities to cultivate skills in partnership management, business development, analytics, and marketing. Additionally, his educational journey at the Indian School of Business has further honed his expertise in marketing, strategy, and finance.
Dr. Donald Patrick Lim is a prominent figure in media, advertising, and digital spaces. Currently holding the positions of Chief Operating Officer at DITO CME and Chief Innovation Officer at Udenna Corporation, his career is marked by excellence and innovation.
Educational Journey:
Dr. Donald began his journey as a management scholar at the Ateneo de Manila University. He continued his education by earning an MBA with distinction from Murdoch University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. He also holds a Master’s in Public Management from the Ateneo School of Government. His diverse educational background includes diplomas in Interior Decorating, Executive Management, and Hotel and Restaurant Management, along with Pelmanism training from the Pelman Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Academic Influence:
Dr. Donald shares his knowledge as a professor, teaching Advanced Marketing and Advanced Strategic Management at San Beda University’s doctoral program. He has also taught at De La Salle University and the University of Asia and the Pacific. Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor at the Asian Institute of Management and Bradford University.
Accolades and Leadership:
Dr. Donald’s contributions have earned him recognition from esteemed institutions. He received The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for Community Building in Digital Media, the Agora Award for Marketing Communications, and the Young Global Leader title from the World Economic Forum. He is the only Filipino to receive the DMN 40 under 40 award in New York. His achievements include being named Digital Marketer of the Year at the Asian Leadership Awards in Dubai and receiving the Young Market Masters Award in Online Marketing.
Industry Engagement:
Dr. Donald has played key roles in professional associations. He served as President of the Philippine Marketing Association, founded the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines, and established the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines. He has also held board positions in the Management Association of the Philippines and served as a trustee for Operation Smile and the World WildLife Fund Philippines.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
Beyond his corporate roles, Dr. Donald oversees a portfolio of twelve businesses. He is deeply involved in Web3 and blockchain initiatives, organizing the 1st Philippine Blockchain Week and serving as the founding president of the Blockchain Council of the Philippines. He partners with Vibrant DAO, one of Spain’s pioneering DAOs, and holds the role of Chief Growth Adviser for BayaniChain, a Filipino blockchain developer, and Blockchain Network Philippines, the first Web3 BPO company in the Philippines. He anchors FintechTV, a US-based digital show covering Web3 and blockchain news globally.
Dr. Donald Patrick Lim’s journey reflects his unwavering commitment to innovation, education, and community service. His impact resonates across diverse fields, making him a true trailblazer.
Ms. Sophia Hilario-Altamirano is the Market Director of Sales, Distribution and National Sales Office of Marriott Philippines, the world’s largest hospitality company with a growing portfolio of nearly 8,600 properties under 31 leading brands spanning to 139 countries and territories. Under her wing are decades of hospitality experience in senior leadership roles in both corporate and hotel levels, handling multiple brand portfolios from Select, Premium to Luxury.
A strong commercial leader with a proven track record of performance milestones, a trainer and a voice of women in leadership roles, she brings with her years of expertise in sales, brand, digital marketing, public relations, revenue management, distribution and hotel operations.
2023 has become a pivotal year for Sophia whereby she relocated back home in June to continue her professional journey and advocacies here in the Philippines. Prior to her homecoming, Sophia held various senior leadership roles in South East with most recent being the Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for Raffles Hotels Cambodia, Vice President of Sales for Onyx Hospitality Group based in Thailand, Regional Director of Sales for Upper South East Asia for Accor Hotels Group similarly based in Thailand, Regional Director of Sales for Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore for Accor Hotels Group based in Indonesia, and in Vietnam where she held various roles with Accor legacy brands for six (6) years. Her vast exposure enables her to have a global overview in leading teams and strategies that reflects the diversity of associates, consumers and audiences of today.
Sophia is a firm believer in collaborative work and passion-purpose productivity.
An advocate of developing local talent for future leadership roles, supporting potential women leaders in their career aspiration through mentorships, counselling or being a referee. She believes in having a localized, reachable platform, a role model on the ground, where women and other future leaders are in a safe space where common cultural and professional experiences are shared and resonated.
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the hospitality industry, Maricor is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in sales, marketing, and revenue management.
Maricor embarked on her journey in the world of hospitality as a Reservations Agent at Hyatt, where her passion for the industry was ignited. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence propelled her career to new heights, leading her to hold pivotal roles in various renowned international hotel chains, including Mandarin, Shangri-la Hotel, Millennium & Copthorne, and most notably, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group).
Maricor’s long-standing association with IHG has been instrumental in shaping her expertise and leadership skills. As the Area Director of Sales & Marketing for the Philippines, she successfully managed a portfolio of five properties, with a particular focus on the iconic InterContinental Manila and Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. Her influence extended beyond her immediate responsibilities as she also lent her expertise to IHG’s commercial leaders and hotels across the region, providing invaluable sales training and supporting revenue enhancement for properties in Bangkok, Singapore, and Vietnam.
In her current role as the Director for Global Sales Support Center at IHG, Maricor leads a dedicated team of professionals. Together, they drive revenue growth and deliver unparalleled service and sales support to strengthen partnerships with IHG’s global sales team and hotels.
Maricor’s remarkable journey in the hospitality industry is a testament to her unwavering dedication, profound industry knowledge, and her ability to inspire and lead teams to excellence.
JOY DE MESA is one of the industry’s best in Sales and Marketing – deservingly awarded as Sales and Marketing Leader of the Year during the 2021 Virtus Awards of the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association (HSMA) – a recognition of her strategic influence in keeping the business alive and successful during the pandemic for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR). Even despite the challenging times, she was able to successfully open major brand developments for the hotel group including its first 4-star brand, the Grand Summit Hotel, located in General Santos City, and Go Hotels Plus brands in Tuguegarao and Naga. Preparing to bring the signature Filipino brand of hospitality into the global market, she is also instrumental in developing RHR’s homegrown luxury brand Fili Hotel at Nustar Cebu.
Her golden touch has undeniably provided definite and even legendary successes as pre-opening for a dynamic roster of hotel brands including Holiday Inn Resorts Clark Field, Genesis Hotels and Resorts, The Linden Suites, Solaire Resort and Casino, and Novotel Manila Araneta City where she completed and passed Accor International’s Executive Course for Resident Manager and Hotel Manager position. She also led the Sales and Marketing teams of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila and Richmonde Hotel Ortigas. However, her journey began with Holiday Inn Manila, which was later changed to the Shangri-la group.
Along her expansive career, she has nurtured, mentored, and developed talents and hoteliers with some becoming leaders of their own right in various hotels, proudly saying that they’ve worked with THE Ms.Joy.
With a career spanning over three decades, Cathy Nepomuceno is a seasoned hotelier with extensive hospitality experience and a proven track record of achieving excellence in a range of areas, including pre-opening activities, catering, the leisure industry, corporate business development, property management systems, and revenue management.
She swiftly climbed the corporate ladder, gaining invaluable international experience as the Director of Sales and Marketing for various Shangri-La resorts. During a ten year stint abroad with the international hotel chain, Cathy led sales and marketing initiatives in diverse markets such as Malaysia, the Maldives, Indonesia, and Myanmar. This international exposure provided a robust understanding of different cultural business landscapes and refined skills in market penetration and business growth.
Returning home to the Philippines, Cathy assumed the role of Cluster Director of Sales and Marketing for the award-winning resorts of Discovery Hospitality Corporation before transitioning into the homegrown hospitality group’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Operations for nearly four years now. She has been instrumental in streamlining operations, enhancing revenue streams, and consolidating the brand’s market position. A visionary leader with a global perspective, Cathy continues to set industry standards, leveraging a rich blend of strategic planning, team leadership, and hands-on experience to drive business success.
A graduate of BS Tourism in the UP Asian Institute of Tourism in UP Diliman, Agnes Pacis has an extensive career in the hospitality industry with close to 40 years of experience and has in the last 2 years (almost) been holding the VP – Commercial position at SM Hotels & Conventions Corp (SMHCC) after her stint as VP – General Manager of the 8 SMX Convention Centers in the Philippines. Before then, from 2015 to 2020 she was its Vice President – Sales and Marketing – her first role in the new company after her return from living overseas for more than 20 years.
She has worked as Director of Sales and Marketing for top hotel chains in Indonesia (Jakarta and Surabaya), Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Fiji Islands, Myanmar, Cairns/Great Barrier Reef in Australia and closer to home, in Mactan, Cebu. Among these hotels include Shangri-La, Sheraton, Starwood, and Hyatt. She was also a member of the pioneering team of the Makati Shangri-La and has since opened/rebranded four (4) other Shangri-La Hotels in Asia-Pacific.
In her current role as VP – Commercial of SMHCC, Ms. A, as she is fondly called, is currently looking after the Commercial Areas (Room and Event Sales, Reservations, Revenue Management) of Taal Vista Hotel, Pico de Loro Beach, and Country Club/Pico Sands Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Hotels in Bacolod, Iloilo, Clark, Davao, North Edsa, Radisson Blu Cebu, Conrad Hotel Manila, the about to open Lanson Place MOA, the eight (8) SMX Convention Centers in the Philippines, and the Manila-based National Sales Office.
Carmela is a hotelier by heart, having been in the hotel industry for a good number of years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of the Philippines. From then she worked in various hotels including International hotel chains, Hyatt and the InterContinental Hotel Group. She started off from the ranks in sales and marketing, made her way up to Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, Group Director of Sales and Marketing for multi properties and now Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Chroma Hospitality – the management company of Filinvest owned hotels, CRIMSON HOTELS AND RESORTS in Mactan, Alabang, Boracay, QUEST HOTELS AND RESORTS in Cebu , Tagaytay and Clark and TIMBERLAND HIGHLANDS RESORT In Rizal.
Carmela’s hotel world is built on people relationship and development. She has mentored quite a number in the hotel industry, most of them now also successful in their own careers. Her social and business flair is one for the books. Her network of clients, colleagues and media have remained friends all through these years, wherever she goes.
Successful and busy as she is on the job, Carmela is mother to 4 gorgeous kids and husband to businessman Tito Bocanegra. Family time is important to her and therefore she makes sure that weekends are free as much as possible. Travelling is something she looks forward to and plans ahead to ensure that her schedule is all in place. When asked what she thinks are key to being a successful Woman, her reply, “Passion for work, professionalism, discipline, good health, good taste and love for family are all non-negotiables for me”
Joee Guilas is a professional broadcaster of three decades who was recently hailed by the Philippines’ Entertainment News Writers as the country’s Best Male Television News Anchor. A multi-awarded business communicator and broadcast journalist, he was likewise elevated to the lifetime achievement roster of The Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines in late August.
He sets himself apart by being the only one in his field to have concurrent careers in the mainstream media and in corporate communications, something he has built an expertise on since 1997. This multi-media multitasker has led his team into being among Asia’s top 5 in-house corporate PR teams in 2019 while beating the weekly deadlines of his regular column in one of the Philippines’ most respected broadsheets.
