The event brought together women leaders from the private sector, government, regional associations, and the academe, including delegations from the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA), Sarawak Energy in Malaysia, and PacificLight in Singapore. Discussions highlighted the transformative role of women in advancing cybersecurity, promoting ethical artificial intelligence (AI), and ensuring accountable governance in an increasingly digital world.

Organized by Meralco’s Internal Audit Office, the forum featured prominent thought leaders such as Arlene A. Romasanta, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Rhea-Luz R. Valbuena, Executive Director of Asia Pacific College; and Zaida Angelita P. Lazaro, Chief Audit Executive of Steel Asia Manufacturing Corporation. They shared insights on building an ethical digital culture and showed how inclusive leadership strengthens governance, reduces organizational risk, and supports thriving digital ecosystems.

Leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and collective progress

In her keynote, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive Melanie T. Oteyza emphasized that leadership today is defined by purpose and impact rather than title, particularly as AI, cybersecurity, and governance transform workplaces, societies, and institutions.

“Leadership is not defined by age, title, or sector, but by purpose, courage, and the impact we choose to make,” Oteyza said. “Across Asia-Pacific, women are not merely adapting to change—they are leading it.”

She also stressed the importance of shared responsibility in shaping a trustworthy digital future: “Progress is not achieved by women alone. It is accelerated when leaders of all genders—including our male allies—commit to inclusive leadership, shared accountability, and mutual respect.”

The forum continues Meralco’s broader efforts to cultivate future-ready leaders. Last year, the company launched an audit awareness program for students, bridging the gap between academe and industry. Through initiatives like She Leads 2026, Meralco advances women leadership, promotes responsible digital transformation, and strengthens its advocacy for safe, ethical, and inclusive governance across Asia-Pacific.

This leadership transition reflects the company’s strong culture of meritocracy, where women leaders have advanced through sustained performance, professional expertise, and long-term commitment to operational excellence. Their presence across critical leadership functions demonstrates Araneta Hotels Inc.’s commitment to recognizing capability while fostering an environment that values equity, growth, and opportunity.

The milestone also aligns with the global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agenda of Accor, which has embedded inclusion into its corporate culture by ensuring equal access to professional development, strengthening awareness of inclusive practices, and cultivating workplaces where individuals feel valued and empowered. Accor emphasizes that diverse leadership strengthens organizational performance by bringing together varied perspectives that drive innovation, enhance guest experience, and encourage employees to bring their authentic selves to work.

Unified Leadership Built on Diversity, Strength, and Heart

At the center of this leadership evolution is Cluster General Manager Maria Manlulu-Garcia, who oversees both properties with a leadership philosophy anchored in purpose, empathy, and operational discipline, ensuring that strategic execution remains aligned with people-centered values. Supporting her are two women leaders who shape the individual character and performance of each hotel: Joy De Mesa, Hotel Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City, who drives commercial performance and service quality through her extensive background in operations and sales; and Felicia Aye Chan Mon, Resident Manager of ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, whose global brand expertise and creative, guest-centered mindset sustain a vibrant service culture consistent with the ibis Styles brand.

Women leadership at Araneta Hotels Inc. is further reinforced by executives who rose through the ranks and now lead key strategic functions. Marife Tolentino, who began as Accounting Manager in 2015, now serves as Cluster Director of Finance, where she safeguards financial stability through disciplined planning, strong internal controls, and alignment of fiscal strategy with long-term growth objectives. Kristine Alba, who joined in 2018 as Talent and Culture Manager, now leads as Cluster Director of People and Culture, strengthening employee engagement, talent development, and inclusive workplace practices that nurture a motivated and high-performing workforce.

Service excellence and sustainability are championed by Therese Galindo, who progressed from Guest Relations Manager to head Guest Experience, Sustainability, and Safety, playing a central role in elevating service standards while leading both hotels to achieve Green Key certification—affirming their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism.

The next generation of women leaders continues to shape hotel performance across operations, commercial strategy, and guest experience. Janelle Crisostomo, now Director of Rooms at Novotel Manila, advanced from Rooms Division Manager by mastering the complexities of guest operations, leading the hotel during its 10th anniversary year as its Presidential Suite was recognized as the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Suite 2025 at the World Travel Awards. May Malagamba, who transitioned from Director of Events Management to Director of Food and Beverage, has steered the division to regional recognition, including Novotel Manila Araneta City being named Best F&B Performer at the Accor Asia Awards 2023 and earning Best Breakfast Satisfaction in 2024.

Revenue and commercial performance are led by Kim Escaler, who rose from Reservations Supervisor to Cluster Director of Revenue Management, overseeing pricing strategy and revenue optimization across both properties, while Izza Mojica, who began her career as Duty Manager in 2017, now serves as Director of Rooms at ibis Styles Manila, bringing frontline operational experience, resilience, and a service-driven mindset to her leadership role.

The growing prominence of women in senior hospitality roles reflects a broader industry shift, where emotional intelligence, adaptability, and people-focused leadership are increasingly recognized as essential drivers of long-term success. At Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, women leaders are not only shaping hotel operations but redefining leadership itself—demonstrating that when organizations invest in capability, inclusion, and opportunity, women rise and industries evolve.