Two hotels of Robinsons Land Corporation have played a big part in shaping the Ortigas Center skyline over the years: Holiday Inn Manila Galleria (formerly known as Manila Galleria Suites) and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
Since 2005, these two world-class hotels standing on the corner of Ortigas Avenue and ADB Avenue have been expertly managed by the UK-based InterContinental Hotels Group. As a way of thanking long-time hotel staff who have served with tremendous passion, dedication, and zeal over the years, IHG held its 2021 Loyalty Awards ceremony at the Sapphire Function Hall of the Crowne Plaza. The event recognized the 33 employees who reached the 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 service year milestone with the company. As each of the awardees went up the stage, they were given a salute from the hotel’s management team, keeping to the event’s “Saludo” theme.
Awardees from the Finance Department, Roanne Kim, Tirso Berana, and Cristina Sarador, with their immediate superiors, Lourdes Sia, Credit and Collection Manager; and Marcela Reyes, Purchasing Manager.
In his opening remarks, Crowne Plaza General Manager Barun Jolly said, “Loyalty can mean many things. It can be integrity in the way you work and what you do.”
A video of the awardees at work and describing their hotel experience in one-word was one of the event’s touching highlights. Eduardo Samson from the Engineering Department recalls, “Naging maganda kasi ang samahan sa departamento naming kaya di ko napansin na 25 years na pala ako,” (The relationship within our department was good. I did not notice it has been 25 years.) When asked for his advice for the new and younger workforce, Samson quipped, “Mahalin niyo lang ang trabaho ninyo and be happy!” (Love your work and be happy.)
In a video message, Robinsons Land President and CEO Frederick Go praised the resilience and character of the hotel employees. “We are grateful for your hard work, resilience, and loyalty throughout the challenges of this pandemic. We salute you for the unwavering service and commitment. I believe that with our innovation, agility, care for guests, and passion in what we do, we will soon regain our momentum and emerge from this stronger than ever before,” said Go. He also gave a special mention to Samson, who came onboard as a pioneer employee of Manila Galleria Suites back in 1996, almost a decade before it was rebranded as Holiday Inn Galleria Manila and managed by IHG.
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts SVP and Business Unit General Manager Arthur G. Gindap also gave some words of praise and encouragement. “With your dedication, I know that we will regain our momentum and work towards recovery,” said Gindap. “Our long-term ambition for the Robinsons Hotels and Resorts has been our compass during the most challenging times: 'We are here to create enriching stay moments inspired by the warmth of Filipino Hospitality.' With guests at the center of everything we do, we will work our way to becoming Number 1.”
Awardees Joeffrey Molina, Leslie Villanueva, Tirso Berana, and Japhet Bereber with IMAGE Robinsons Hotels & Resorts
The catering and events team went the extra mile in ensuring the right protocols were in place for the successful execution of this year’s event, which was held face-to-face for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. It was hosted by Jan Jeffrey Tiongson from Sales and Marketing and Dennise Verzo of the hotel’s Rooms division.
Congratulations to all the IHG Loyalty Awardees!
25 Years of Service
Eduardo T. Samson
20 Years of Service
Edie B. Batucan
Japhet A. Bereber
Edgardo Q. Mendoza
Rouel V. Oximana
Eleoterio L. Palomar Jr.
15 Years of Service
Joel P. Abanilla
Delfin L. Banaag Jr.
Tirso M. Berana
Garry V. Cabato
Jerry A. Caube
Bernardino P. Celomine
Edmond P. De Jesus
Julie Anne G. Dela Cruz
Genes D. Donina
Catherine D. Florentino
John Carvin M. Hipolito
Edwin R. Lorenzo
Joeffrey B. Molina
Rhian S. Soledad
Dennis A. Tañada
Leslie D. Villanueva
10 Years of Service
Lilian F. Arnizo
Rey G. Batungbakal
Anecito S. Sigaya Jr.
Rogelio S. Ventura Jr.
Restituto P. Zoleta Jr.
5 Years of Service
Alexander M. Cabrera
Alexandria Gayle D. Calub
Ma. Ana Liza C. Garung
Roanne Gail C. Kim
Abdiel B. Manalo
Cristina A. Sarador
For more information on Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, click here.
For more information on Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, click here.
