Lady at the helm

There may be a lot of pressure riding on the title of a hotel general manager, but Anna Liza Vergara seems to be taking it all in a stride.

Sheraton Manila’s general manager knows all too well the challenge of being at the helm of a hotel that is facing stiff competition because of the fact that many other internationally renowned brands are either making a comeback or setting up shop in the Philippines due to a booming tourism industry.

Vergara, however, has a game plan: to be consistent, compelling and intuitive.

“It’s actually very good for the country. The Philippines now has been the target for the global hospitality industry, which only means that people see the potential in the Philippines. But for us operators, this means that we have to make ourselves compelling for the market to choose us over our competition. We need to make sure we remain interesting and relevant to changing demands of the market,” Vergara said in an interview with Inquirer.

Vergara and her team are currently kept busy as they prepare for the completion of Sheraton Manila.

And this early, Sheraton Manila is already proving to be ahead of the pack given the “compelling” features that it currently offers to customers.

For instance, Vergara disclosed that Sheraton Manila will soon be offering collaborative working spaces for start-ups. It also offers seven room categories that included a loft, reportedly a first in the industry.

“The loft is not a Sheraton standard, but our current facility has the opportunity to develop that kind of room… We are very lucky that there are structures in place that will allow us to capture the market that would find Sheraton compelling,” Vergara explained.

And since it’s located within the Resorts World Complex, an integrated entertainment and leisure destination, Sheraton Manila is able to cater to a wide range of customers—from the business travelers, tourists, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) market, and even staycationers.

Vergara’s game plan is to be consistent, compelling and intuitive.

“We also provide what we call a heartfelt Filipino hospitality and not just the cookie-cutter kind of service. We want our customers to feel special. There’s no formula that one can follow when it comes to providing authentic Filipino hospitality—it will really depend on how we spot the need and how we respond to that need to the extent that guests will find it compelling,” Vergara added.

The ultimate objective is for customers to prefer going to Sheraton Manila.

“It is our commitment to convey that authentic and heartfelt Filipino hospitality to our guests through our amenities, cuisine and services,” Vergara said. “Our vision is to be the preferred place for people to gather as they indulge in experiences in the hotel. Being located in close proximity to the international airport, we will be their home, connecting travelers to the rest of Manila.”

But what further makes Vergara’s job easier, apart from the fact that Sheraton is a well-renowned international brand, is that their parent firm, Marriott International, puts a big focus on developing women leadership.

Vergara acknowledges the need to remain interesting and relevant.

Vergara joined Marriott International more than two decades ago, working her way up the ranks to become Manila Marriott Hotel’s resident manager in 2009, before taking on the position of general manager for Sheraton Manila.

“I’m blessed to be part of a company that believes in women leadership and local talent,” Vergara further said.

The mother of two may find it challenging to be married and to be raising a family while working in such a key position in the hospitality industry. But she has proven to be an outstanding example that career and family can go together.

Today, Vergara and the rest of her crew are kept busy as they prepare for the completion of the hotel. Sheraton Manila is already operational but according to Vergara, they expect to complete all facilities by the middle of the year.

The 393-room Sheraton Manila offers a wide choice of accommodations as well as dining options that include S Kitchen, the all-day dining and buffet restaurant that features global and local flavors.

Those who love Korean barbecue will love Oori with its high-end Korean cuisine and its more casual pub menu. Premium wines, local craft beers and quick bites are available at The Lounge.

Vergara has proven to be an outstanding example that career and family can go together.

The 24-hour Sheraton Fitness awaits fitness buffs, Shine Spa has six relaxing treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu, the Kids Club offers educational programs, while Sheraton Club takes comfort to the next level with its executive lounge. There’s also an expansive heated outdoor pool, as well as a children’s pool and jacuzzi for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Sheraton Manila will also have a coworking space called ColLab, a first among hotels in the country. It features six private rooms and an expansive 415-sqm common area, all designed to be a conducive venue for product launches, networking events and other creative gatherings. This is in addition to nine other meeting spaces, including a ballroom that can accommodate up to 570 people.