It’s a back-to-back win for Araneta Hotels, Inc.

Araneta Hotels, Inc., the company responsible for the first Novotel and ibis Styles in the Philippines, is excited to share its achievements at three respected events, which applaud the team’s dedication to creating a great workplace culture, fostering talent, and showcasing culinary expertise. 

TRIBUTE TO EXCELLENCE: WINNING HANDS

The Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) has reaffirmed its status as the top culinary competition in the Philippines, highlighting the expertise and abilities of Filipino chefs on a globally accepted stage. This year’s event, in collaboration with LTB Chefs Association Philippines, the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, and PEPTarsus Inc., has raised the standard for culinary competitions in the country.  The event occurred between July 31 and August 3, 2024, showcasing the skills of Filipino chefs in different challenging categories. The PCC still provides a fantastic chance for chefs to improve their skills and achieve global acclaim.

With unwavering dedication, the Novotel and ibis styles Manila Araneta City culinary team emerged triumphant,bringing home a remarkable collection of medals

During the Philippine Culinary Cup 2024, Novotel team’s Athena Tuble was among the silver medalists in the Individual Challenge, earning two silver medals for her exceptional performance in the U.S. Beef and U.S. Poultry categories. Ed Jilliane Castro, Armani Labonete, and Arwin Abracia emerged victorious in the Dream Team Challenge, while Jeremy Espano and Regine Gil of ibis Styles excelled in the Filipino Team Challenge, along with Rovie Pascua and Arlene Gamueda from Novotel Manila, who also won silver medals.  Jay Russel Yalong from ibis Styles won a bronze medal in the U.S. Poultry  category, while Imee Julia Rivera from Novotel Manila Araneta City received two bronze medals in Pasta and U.S. Pork in the Individual Challenge. Ed Jilliane Castro won third place in the U.S. Lamb division, while Honorato Steven Hirohito “Nikko” Moslares IV from team ibis Styles caught the judges’ attention in the Pasta category and took home a bronze medal. Winston Bawat and Mary Joy Cabayes secured third place in the Filipino Team Challenge, just like Ahna Victoria Mano and Hazel Joy Dequito. Discussing the acknowledgment, Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto highlighted the importance of these awards in fostering the development of young culinary talent in the Philippines, stating, “This contest isn’t just about earning medals but also about challenging limits and uncovering the vast capabilities of our innovative chefs. He adds, not silver, not gold, but my heart’s made of pure bronze. A bronze medal represents hard work, determination, and the power of never giving up.“ Each contender demonstrated enthusiasm and originality, which is what sets them apart as winners. Felicia Aye Chan Mon, Resident Manager of ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, also expressed her admiration for the winners from both hotel brands, saying, “The Philippine Culinary Cup 2024 has once more showcased its significance in promoting Filipino culinary skills, establishing higher benchmarks for quality on a domestic and global scale. It continuously sets higher standards for culinary excellence in the nation, and we are proud to see the progress and accomplishments of these talented chefs, proving that Filipino cuisine can excel internationally.”

IDEAL EMPLOYER TO WORK FOR 

The Philippines’ Leadership Awards 2024, hosted by the World HRD Congress in partnership with CMO Asia, recognize companies with exceptional employee satisfaction. Araneta Hotels, Inc. was recognized for its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace, nurturing employees’ growth, and promoting a healthy work-life equilibrium. The award was secured largely due to the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The recognition was given in Makati on the 16th of July 2024.

Araneta Hotels, Inc. was also recognized as a winner at the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2024, which took place in Singapore. In photo, is the dynamic team of Talent & Culture joined by Novotel’s Hotel Manager, Mr. Darwin Labayandoy – ibis Styles’ Resident Manager Felicia Aye Chan Mon and Maria Manlulu-Garcia, General Manager for both hotel brands

Araneta Hotels, Inc. was also recognized as a winner at the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2024, which took place in Singapore. Recognized by CHRO Asia, the award honors companies that successfully use marketing communications to attract, develop, and maintain talent. Araneta Hotels became a regional leader because of its unique methods of talent management and employee engagement. “This recognition is more than just a testament to our achievements; it reflects the heart, passion, and dedication of every member of the Araneta Hotels team,” said Kristine Alba, director of Talent & Culture. “Together, we’ve turned our workplace into more than just a job – it’s a place where passion, purpose, and people thrive. These awards reflect the unwavering commitment of our Heartists who bring their best to what we do every day.”

Araneta Hotels, Inc. was also recognized as a winner at the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2024, which took place in Singapore. In photo, is the dynamic team of Talent & Culture joined by Novotel’s Hotel Manager, Mr. Darwin Labayandoy – ibis Styles’ Resident Manager Felicia Aye Chan Mon and Maria Manlulu-Garcia, General Manager for both hotel brands

Novotel at the City of First proudly celebrates another milestone as their General Manager, Maria Manlulu-Garcia, is honored with the Exemplary Leader Award at Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards held in Singapore, presented by the esteemed Dr. Tarita Shankar. This prestigious recognition highlights Maria’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry, showcasing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to driving positive change. The event honors outstanding leaders within an organization dedicated to cultivating leadership—leaders of change, visionaries, and those who are iconic in their field—while aligning talent management strategies with the organization’s mission and vision.  Through this award, Maria aims to inspire and empower more women to pursue their ambitions and excel in various roles within the travel industry.

Novotel at the City of Firsts proudly celebrates another milestone as their General Manager, Maria Manlulu-Garcia, is honored with the Exemplary Leader Award at Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards, presented by the esteemed Dr. Tarita Shankar. This prestigious recognition highlights Maria’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry, showcasing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to driving positive change. Through this award, Maria aims to inspire and empower more women to pursue their ambitions and excel in various roles within the travel industry.

Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City continue to raise the bar in hospitality with their culinary achievements and strong leadership. Their creativity and exceptional talents captivate guests, ensuring that every visit to Araneta Hotels is an unforgettable experience, setting a new benchmark for excellence.

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This article is brought to you by Novotel.