As the Philippines’ largest homegrown hotel management company, operating 15 properties under nine brands with nearly 9,000 room keys nationwide, MHR thrives in an industry built on human connection. That connection is strongest when the people delivering it reflect the diversity of the guests they serve — in culture, identity, ambition, and lived experience.

This International Women’s Month, MHR spotlights the women leaders shaping its next chapter. Women hold approximately 51 percent of executive leadership roles within the organization, including the top decision-making post of Managing Director. Across its regular workforce, 42 percent are women — reinforcing that representation is not symbolic, but structural. In its 2025 Great Place to Work survey, 92 percent of employees said they feel fairly treated regardless of gender.

At MHR, diversity is not a side initiative. It is operational reality.

For Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, empowerment is about building momentum.

“Empowerment isn’t about elevating one group above another. It’s about building systems where everyone moves forward. When women rise, when the LGBTQIA+ community feels seen, when persons with disabilities are supported, the entire organization becomes stronger.”

She adds:

“Our Circle of Happiness reminds us that joy fuels performance. When people feel valued, they serve with heart. And when we grow together, we build something bigger than hotels — we build a Philippines the world can trust to lead.”

It is within this forward motion that Leading Ladies, Living Legacies takes shape — celebrating women stepping into new executive roles and shaping the future of Philippine hospitality.

Global Vision, Homegrown Commitment
Patria “Pat” Puyat-Palanca
Group Director of Business Development

After decades of hospitality leadership across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Indochina — including becoming the first Asian and Filipina General Manager in Dubai — Pat Puyat-Palanca made a deliberate choice: to return home and invest her global expertise in Philippine growth.

Now leading business development for MHR’s expanding portfolio, she drives disciplined expansion, long-term asset value creation, and strategic partnerships that strengthen the country’s hospitality footprint. Her leadership reinforces a powerful message: Filipino executives are not only capable of managing global brands — they are equipped to scale them.

“The woman of today isn’t just asking for space. She’s building ecosystems. Returning to the Philippines was about proving that Filipino leadership belongs at the helm of international brands. We are not only known for caring for guests — we know how to steward global brands, run complex operations, and position businesses for sustained growth.”

For Pat, expansion is not merely about adding properties. It is about elevating the nation’s position in global hospitality.

Precision Meets Purpose
Joy Alonte
General Manager, Belmont Hotel Iloilo

With over two decades of experience across internationally branded hotels, Joy Alonte has built a leadership reputation grounded in operational clarity and people development.

She now leads Belmont Hotel Iloilo, located within Iloilo Business Park in Western Visayas. With 399 rooms, it stands as the largest hotel by inventory in Iloilo City, demanding mastery in revenue optimization, inventory strategy, and workforce leadership.

Since 2019, 74 female associates within MHR have been promoted into managerial and executive roles, representing 19 percent of its total regular female employee base — a pipeline Joy herself exemplifies.

“Leadership means creating environments where people feel safe to contribute ideas, respectfully challenge norms, and grow into roles they may not have imagined. One of my biggest responsibilities is bridging generational differences and breaking down stereotypes that divide the workforce.”

For Joy, scale is not pressure. It is possibility.

Stewardship with Strength
Emelyn “Ems” Rosales
General Manager, Savoy Hotel Boracay

With nearly three decades of leadership experience across local and international markets, Emelyn Rosales brings disciplined stewardship to one of the country’s most dynamic destinations.

She now heads Savoy Hotel Boracay, located within Boracay Newcoast — a 150-hectare master-planned township on the island’s eastern side. Balancing seasonal occupancy cycles, diverse global guest segments, and a young, creative workforce requires both agility and composure.

“We are leading one of the youngest, most dynamic generations the industry has seen. The question is not whether they are ready — it’s whether we are ready to give them space. If we want them to believe in the future of Philippine hospitality, we must invite them into decision-making and innovation.”

For Emelyn, stewardship means sustaining both place and potential.

Reinvention and Global Relevance
Gwendolyn Lanceta De La Cruz
General Manager, Mercure Mactan Cebu

With more than three decades of hospitality leadership across Asia — including the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, the Maldives, and Hong Kong — Gwendolyn Lanceta De La Cruz brings cross-cultural intelligence and strategic foresight to every assignment.

She now leads Mercure Mactan Cebu, MHR’s first property to transition into an international brand venture. Located within the 30-hectare Mactan Newtown township and directly across the Mactan Expo, the 550-room hotel plays a pivotal role in Cebu’s growing MICE and leisure markets.

“Resilience carried us through uncertainty, but reinvention keeps us relevant. The transition to Mercure proves that our craftsmanship deserves a global audience. As women leaders, we build for longevity — creating markets that are sustainable, where teams grow stronger and success is shared across the ecosystem.”

For Gwen, reinvention is not recovery. It is readiness.

Felix Jiang has led SMPI for the past three years, playing a crucial role in establishing MG as a key player in the Philippine automotive market. Under his leadership, MG Philippines not only achieved record-breaking sales in 2024 and secured segment leadership in the 1.5L sedan category, but also maintained its position as a solid mainstay, consistently ranking among the top 10 automotive brands in the country.

Additionally, the company introduced the widest product portfolio to date, encompassing petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles. His tenure has been marked by remarkable growth, innovative product launches, and a strengthened nationwide presence of the MG brand.

Wei Wei Zhang brings extensive regional experience to his new role. Previously serving as President of MG Indonesia and later as part of the ASEAN Partner Group at SAIC Motor’s Shanghai headquarters—overseeing all ASEAN markets.

Zhang has been instrumental in driving growth and strategic initiatives across multiple Southeast Asian markets. His appointment is expected to build upon MG Philippines’ strong foundation and continue the brand’s momentum in the country’s competitive automotive landscape.

“We are deeply grateful to Mr. Jiang for his visionary leadership and significant contributions to MG Philippines’ success,” said Karl Magsuci, Vice President of MG Philippines.

“At the same time, we are confident that Mr. Zhang’s experience, regional insight, and strategic vision will lead MG Philippines into its next phase of growth, further strengthening our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable mobility solutions to our customers,” he added.

This leadership transition reflects SAIC Motor’s continued commitment to excellence, growth, and innovation in the Philippine automotive market. MG Philippines remains dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of vehicles—from ICE to hybrid and electric models—catering to the evolving needs of Filipino drivers.

MG Motor Philippines is the official distributor of MG vehicles in the Philippines. Known for its rich British heritage, MG delivers world-class vehicles designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers. With a commitment to quality, affordability, and exceptional after-sales service, MG continues to redefine mobility for Filipino car enthusiasts.

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