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.

Chef Pat brings with her an illustrious career defined by leadership, creativity, and a passion for elevating local cuisine. She has held key roles in some of the country’s most distinguished hospitality brands, mastering both the complexities of pre-opening operations and the demands of high-volume, high-quality kitchen management.

A trailblazer in the industry, Chef Pat played pivotal roles in the successful openings of four major luxury hotels—Hilton Manila, Hilton Clark, Novotel Suites Acqua, and Mercure Manila Ortigas—where she helped shape their culinary identities from the ground up. Her most recent position as Executive Sous Chef at Conrad Manila further established her as one of the country’s most dynamic and forward-thinking culinary leaders.

Her experience extends beyond hotel kitchens. As co-owner of Kulinarya Global Corp., Chef Pat leads research and development for innovative dining concepts and oversees operations for top country clubs such as Valley Golf Club and The Orchard Golf and Country Club. She has also designed bespoke culinary experiences for top corporations, including BMW, Rockwell Land, and Ayala Land Corporation.

In her new role at Dusit Thani Manila, Chef Pat will lead the hotel’s renowned culinary destinations, including Benjarong Manila and UMU—both distinguished as MICHELIN Guide Selected Restaurants for 2026—along with the vibrant all-day dining venue, The Pantry. Guided by a distinctly Filipino vision and deep appreciation for Dusit’s Thai heritage, she aims to elevate traditional flavors with fresh, progressive interpretations.

“Dusit Thani Manila holds a special place in my heart, filled with cherished memories from my years as a guest,” Chef Pat shared. “To now be entrusted with leading its kitchens is an honor. I am committed to elevating Filipino cuisine while championing sustainable practices that reflect Dusit’s Tree of Life philosophy.”

A strong advocate for women in the culinary profession, she also hopes to mentor aspiring female chefs and inspire more Filipinas to pursue leadership roles in luxury hospitality.

“With my team, we will create dining experiences that are both memorable and meaningful—upholding Dusit’s legacy of gracious hospitality,” she added.

With her visionary leadership, deep Filipino roots, and respect for Dusit’s cultural heritage, Chef Patricia Mesina is poised to redefine the culinary landscape of Dusit Thani Manila and usher in a historic new era for the iconic hotel.

Key industry leaders in attendance included Bernd Schneider, the pioneering General Manager of Novotel Manila and current Cluster General Manager of Raffles & Fairmont Makati; Xavier Cappelut, Vice President of Operations for Accor in Vietnam, Maldives, and the Philippines; Joy De Mesa, Hotel Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City; and Maria Manlulu-Garcia, Area General Manager for Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Brands in the Philippines and Cluster General Manager for Novotel & ibis Styles Manila Araneta City. Araneta Group Board Directors Rowell Recinto and John Peter Chick Castelo also attended, along with Quezon City District 3 Councilor Wency Lagumbay and Ivanovich Dmitri Tan Agote, OIC–Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Tourism – National Capital Region.

Reflecting on the hotel’s decade-long journey, Maria Manlulu-Garcia highlighted the property’s significance in shaping the Philippine hospitality landscape, “Over the past 10 years, Novotel Manila has been more than a hotel—it has been a hub for business, tourism, and memorable experiences. Our commitment to service, innovation, and community engagement continues to drive our growth and shape the midscale segment in the Philippines.”

The gala also featured remarks from Xavier Cappelut, who commended the hotel’s consistency and resilience in navigating evolving industry challenges, and from Rowell Recinto, who reflected on the hotel’s early days and strategic milestones. A 13-piece orchestra, led by Musical Director Adonis Tabanda, provided an elegant musical backdrop for the celebration.

The Grand Ballroom was transformed into a sophisticated setting for the evening, with dramatic lighting, crystal chandeliers, and tables adorned with refined centerpieces. The event symbolized not only a celebration of the past but also a commitment to future innovation and service excellence.

Since opening, Novotel Manila Araneta City has contributed significantly to local tourism and business travel, offering contemporary accommodations, conference facilities, and integrated services for both corporate and leisure guests. Its decade-long track record reflects the growing demand for midscale international hotels in the Philippines, and positions it as a benchmark for other properties entering the market.

With “Timeless at 10,” Novotel Manila reaffirms its vision to continue leading the hospitality industry in the Philippines, blending global standards with local relevance to deliver unparalleled experiences for travelers and business partners alike.

Guests gathered in high spirits to witness the lighting of the hotel’s emerald-themed Christmas tree, a dazzling centerpiece that bathed the hotel’s decor in a warm, radiant glow. General Manager Gagan Talwar shared his excitement about celebrating the holidays in the Philippines: “Experiencing the holiday season here is truly inspiring. The joy and enthusiasm with which Filipinos embrace Christmas is remarkable. We are excited to welcome our guests and friends to experience the warmth, the festive spirit, and the thoughtfully curated delights we have prepared this year at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts.”

Guided by this year’s Sinagtala theme, which translates to “radiant star”, the evening celebrated Filipino traditions and togetherness. Symbolizing the bright northern star, Sinagtala positions Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts as a home for the holidays, where guests can gather, savor festive feasts, and share in the magic of the season. Guests were serenaded by a saxophonist whose melodies echoed the sophisticated New Yorker vibe of Madison Lounge & Bar, where the cocktail reception was held. 

Following the tree lighting, guests were welcomed to Kusina Sea Kitchens for a preview of the hotel’s festive offerings. Executive Chef Lord Carlo Bayaban presented a generous spread featuring Rosemary-Roasted Prime Ribs, Honey-Cured Ham, and Roasted Tom Turkey complemented by an impressive dessert selection. The dinner that evening was a special preview run of the hotel’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet spread at PHP 3,500 nett per person, giving guests an early taste of the warmth, abundance, and celebratory spirit that await on December 24 and 25.

The evening at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts was a seamless blend of elegance and tradition, inviting guests to rediscover the magic of the season in a space that feels both refined and welcoming. With Sinagtala as its guiding theme, the hotel reaffirms its place as a home for the holidays, where gatherings are cherished and memories are made.

Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts invites guests to follow the glow of Sinagtala and enjoy a season filled with heartfelt gatherings, memorable flavors, and festive cheer. The hotel’s festive brochure may be viewed here. For inquiries or reservations, please call +63 917 851 4044 or email MNLPH_FB@hilton.com. 

Modesty aside, no place in the world can stake a claim to the hospitality industry the way we Filipinos do – with natural cheerfulness, warmth, sincerity and care in the service of guests.

So beyond the best-polished marble floors, the rose-hinted scent of wooden panels and staircases, and the air of luxury breathed between sips of champagne and nibbles of caviar, what’s been missed most in our lock-downed hotels were the smiles and ministrations that cheered the heart.

The pandemic had truly struck hard in the industry of accommodation, with grand events and year-long reservations had to be canceled for the time being until all the health and safety protocols were implemented and the adaption to the digital technology to make the customer experience safe and efficient.

With the pandemic is better understood, the hotel industry has come back to life with scientific and internationally-accepted health risk mitigation protocols in place. Given this reality on the ground, experts at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact Report presented and affirmed that the Philippine tourism industry is already on its way to recovery and the promising forecast of 6.7 percent over the next 10 years has spurred hope and inspirations to many industry stakeholders in the country.

Travel and tourism’s economic impact on the country

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council Economic Impact Report, the country’s travel and tourism have breathed life into the Philippine economy and generated USD41 billion in 2021 and contributed 10.4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Pre-pandemic, the country’s travel and tourism industry was booming. However, since April 2020 when the government needed to implement lockdown, there’s been zero revenue in the tourism industry and the dreadful forecast is that about 5-10 million jobs are to be lost at the end of 2020.  However, amid a challenging time for the industry, it was reported that the sector has recovered 1.3 million jobs in the same year, raising the country’s total tourism workers to 7.8 million.

Speaking to the media, WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said that the growth in domestic travel is a result of the government efforts to ease up restrictions in the country and slowly opening of the economy.

“The sector supported 7.8 million jobs in the Philippines, representing an impressive 20 percent rise from 2020. Our expert analysis shows that the economy here, the travel and tourism economy, has turned a corner and is firmly on the road to recovery,” Simpson noted.

She also revealed that by 2032, the global tourism body predicts that Philippine travel and tourism contribution to GDP could be worth in excess of USD155 billion, accounting for 21.4 percent of the whole economy.