By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
With the community quarantine in place for almost three months, many non-essential businesses were forced to close to prevent the spread of COVID19 in the country. One of the industries affected is the hospitality industry as many hotels and restaurants have to comply with the mandate of the government.
The country’s Summer Capital, Baguio City which is accessible now because of TPLEX was also badly affected and tourism was down just like in many other parts of the country despite having a very low case of COVID19.
However, with the recent lifting of ECQ and after the government has rolled out its guidelines in opening restaurants and other retail shops paved way for the hotels in Baguio to open, and one of them is Le Monet Hotel in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.
A path walk where you can enjoy the cool breeze of Baguio inside the Le Monet Hotel Property
Speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS, Le Monet General Manager, Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman said, “The COVID19 pandemic gave a big blow to the Tourism Industry in the Philippines. It turned out that our sector is the most vulnerable.”
“Our lives suddenly halted due to the pandemic. It was swift and we were totally unprepared for that. Needless to say, even our outdoor living and socialization momentarily ceased and we did not know how long it would last,” the GM of Le Monet revealed.
Le Monet General Manager Ms. Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman
“We hoteliers were so anxious as to what would be the future of our industry, and also we have to think about the people who depend on their salary from their work. We know that the impact is big during the lockdown and sadly it has greatly triggered a severe economic downturn across the hospitality industry as the travel ban and strict community quarantine during the pandemic did not only disrupt our operations but also affected the financial aspect of the business,” Rama-De Guzman added.
“As GM for me, it was a matter of attitude. I have to be a source of inspiration to everyone and establish a positive disposition while keep praying for God’s mercy and help. There were various questions redounding on my mind such as what are we going to do now? Will we be distressed forever and do nothing? All these questions bugged me. And I said to myself, “No. I will not allow negativity to drag me down”, she explained.
The refreshing garden of Le Monet Hotel surrounded by Pine Trees
“My faith in God is stronger than COVID19. Hence, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I said to myself back then. So instead of feeling down about it, we have to do something to overcome the challenge and prepare when the time to operate begins again. So this is now what we are dealing with,” Rama-De Guzman added.
“For almost three months, Le Monet Hotel had to close its doors, change its procedures, and adjust to the new normal. Indeed it was a challenging chapter for all of us but we have to stay focus, stick to our goal-driven work ethic, and be resilient at all costs. Hence, from training and development programs we rolled out, systems and procedures fine-tuning, intensified sanitation, renovating to adjust to the new requirement of our guests, we kept ourselves busy as we look forward to for the days where we will be able to welcome our valued guests once more,” the General Manager of Le Monet explained.
In their recent reopening last June 15, Le Monet ensured that their commitment to the health and safety of their guests is reflected in their new campaign, #HappySafeStay.
The #HappySafeStay is the commitment of the hotel to their guests that their accommodation of choice is guaranteed safe, clean, and COVID19 free.
“Our commitment to creating a memorable and carefree holiday for our guests has never been stronger. Happy SafeStay by Le Monet Hotel provides confidence and comfort with stringent health and safety procedures for a holistic care approach. And all the guests who will come to us are assured that Le Monet Hotel continues to follow the prescribed standard protocols given by the government and even enhanced it by adding safety and health protocols for our guests to have a relaxing, worry-free stay with us. Apart from our guests, all Le Monet Hotel employees are strictly abiding by the new normal protocols for a safe home away from home.
For more details, you may contact Mobile No. +63917 526 7049, or telephone number, (074) 661 0202-08. Manila Sales Office at telephone number (+632) 376 5059. You may also email sales.lemonet@ahmgi.com, or rsvn.lemonet@ahmgi.com.
