Araneta Hotels Inc., the company responsible for the first Novotel and ibis Styles in the Philippines, is excited to share its achievements at three respected events, which applaud the team’s dedication to creating a great workplace culture, fostering talent, and showcasing culinary expertise.
Philippine Culinary Cup
During the Philippine Culinary Cup 2024 held from July 31 to Aug. 3, Novotel team’s Athena Tuble was among the silver medalists in the Individual Challenge, earning two silver medals for her exceptional performance in the US Beef and US Poultry categories. Ed Jilliane Castro, Armani Labonete, and Arwin Abracia emerged victorious in the Dream Team Challenge, while Jeremy Espano and Regine Gil of ibis Styles excelled in the Filipino Team Challenge, along with Rovie Pascua and Arlene Gamueda from Novotel Manila, who also won silver medals. Jay Russel Yalong from ibis Styles won a bronze medal in the US Poultry category, while Imee Julia Rivera from Novotel Manila Araneta City received two bronze medals in Pasta and US Pork in the Individual Challenge. Ed Jilliane Castro won third place in the US Lamb division, while Honorato Steven Hirohito “Nikko” Moslares IV from team ibis Styles caught the judges’ attention in the Pasta category and took home a bronze medal. Winston Bawat and Mary Joy Cabayes secured third place in the Filipino Team Challenge, just like Ahna Victoria Mano and Hazel Joy Dequito.
Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards, Exemplary Leader Award
Araneta Hotels Inc. was also honored at the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2024, which was held in Singapore. The citation was given in Makati on July 16, 2024. Recognized by CHRO Asia, the award honors companies that successfully use marketing communications to attract, develop, and maintain talent. Araneta Hotels became a regional leader because of its unique methods of talent management and employee engagement.
Novotel at the City of Firsts proudly celebrates another milestone as their general manager, Maria Manlulu-Garcia, is honored with the Exemplary Leader Award at Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards held in Singapore, presented by the esteemed Dr. Tarita Shankar. This prestigious recognition highlights Garcia’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry, showcasing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to driving positive change. The event honors outstanding leaders within an organization dedicated to cultivating leadership—leaders of change, visionaries, and those who are iconic in their field—while aligning talent management strategies with the organization’s mission and vision. Through this award, Maria aims to inspire and empower more women to pursue their ambitions and excel in various roles within the travel industry.
