Araneta Hotels Inc. proudly announces a new era of empowered leadership as ten out of fifteen executive committee roles across Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City are now held by women. This milestone reflects the strength of the organization’s internal talent, with these leaders rising through dedication, expertise, and consistent performance. Their
presence in key positions highlights the company’s commitment to recognizing capability and cultivating an environment where individuals advance based on merit, passion, and proven excellence. This achievement also supports the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote equitable opportunities and inclusive growth, aligning with Accor’s global mission to foster a workplace where diverse leadership can thrive.
Accor has deeply embedded DEI into its corporate culture, recognizing that diversity and inclusion are essential in creating meaningful human connections and driving innovation across its global network. The group’s commitment is centered on fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported, regardless of background, orientation, or identity. This includes ensuring equal opportunities for personal and professional development, strengthening awareness on inclusive practices, and building environments where teams thrive through shared respect and collaboration. According to Accor’s culture of inclusion framework, embracing diversity strengthens organizational performance and fuels creativity by bringing together varied perspectives and lived experiences. This approach enhances the guest experience and empowers employees to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
Unified Leadership Built on Diversity, Strength, and Heart
The leadership culture at Araneta Hotels Inc. reflects the strength that comes from men and women working together and contributing their unique perspectives. Together, they create a balanced team that blends care with strategy and consistency with creativity. This harmony allows the organization to approach challenges with a wider perspective and deliver guest experiences shaped by both compassion and excellence. It is this complementing partnership that continues to strengthen the culture of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, fostering unity, resilience, and shared purpose across both hotels.
Women Leading With Purpose
At the center of this evolution is Cluster General Manager Maria Manlulu-Garcia, who oversees both hotels with a leadership philosophy rooted in purpose, empathy, and operational discipline. She is supported by two strong female leaders who play pivotal roles in shaping each property’s direction and guest experience.
At Novotel Manila Araneta City, Hotel Manager Joy De Mesa drives commercial performance and elevates service quality through her extensive background in operations and sales. Her leadership emphasizes consistency, guest connection, and the continual strengthening of operational excellence.
At ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Resident Manager Felicia Aye Chan Mon brings global brand expertise and a creative, guest centered mindset. Her energetic approach fosters a service culture that is dynamic, expressive, and true to the ibis Styles personality, ensuring memorable and meaningful experiences for every guest.
Women Rising Through the Ranks
Araneta Hotels Inc. proudly highlights the inspiring journeys of the women who rose through the organization and now hold key executive roles. Their achievements reflect the company’s dedication to nurturing internal talent and providing equal opportunities for long term professional growth. Marife Tolentino began as Accounting Manager in 2015 and now serves as Cluster Director of Finance, where she plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of both properties. She oversees strategic financial planning, drives fiscal discipline, strengthens internal controls, and ensures that financial operations align with the organization’s growth objectives. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining operational efficiency, supporting commercial performance, and guiding both hotels through evolving market demands.
Kristine Alba, who joined Novotel Manila in February 2018 as Talent and Culture Manager, now serves as Cluster Director of People and Culture for both hotels. She leads initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, foster talent development, and build a workplace anchored in empathy, inclusivity, and meaningful connection. Her people first approach has been vital in nurturing a motivated, high performing workforce.
Therese Galindo, who started as Guest Relations Manager in 2015, now heads Guest Experience, Sustainability, and Safety for both hotels. She has played a key role in elevating service standards and championing sustainability efforts, including leading the successful achievement of Green Key certification for both Novotel and ibis Styles Manila. This accomplishment reinforces the hotels’ commitment to environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and sustainable tourism.
Emerging leaders include Janelle Crisostomo, who began her Novotel journey in 2023 as Rooms Division Manager and now serves as Director of Rooms. She attributes her growth to mastering the complexities of guest operations and leading with adaptability. Under her leadership, Novotel Manila achieved a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, with its Presidential Suite named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Suite 2025 at the World Travel Awards. This recognition reflects her dedication to elevating product standards, refining guest touchpoints, and strengthening the overall rooms experience. “The rooms division is the heart of hotel operations, and thriving here means embracing challenges as opportunities to innovate,” she says. “Leadership is about consistency, understanding your people, and elevating the guest experience through collective effort.”
May Malagamba, who joined Novotel Manila in 2018 as Director of Events Management and now leads Food & Beverage, highlights the importance of passion and persistence. Under her leadership, the F&B division has earned multiple distinctions, including Novotel Manila Araneta City being named Best F&B Performer at the Accor Asia Awards 2023 and winning Accor’s Best Breakfast Satisfaction 2024. “Food and beverage is fast paced and ever evolving. You cannot succeed here without heart,” she says. “Events taught me precision, creativity, and the value of anticipating needs. I carried these lessons with me when I transitioned to Director of F&B, and I continue to grow by adapting and learning every day.”
Kim Escaler also exemplifies dedication and upward progression. She began her career as Reservations Supervisor in 2015 and now serves as Cluster Director of Revenue Management, overseeing strategy and commercial performance for both hotels. Her analytical mindset and strong commercial insight support revenue initiatives that balance guest value with business sustainability.
At ibis Styles Manila, Izza Mojica leads as Director of Rooms after beginning her career as Duty Manager at Novotel in 2017. She credits resilience and a service driven mindset for her development. “Frontline operations shape you,” she says. “You learn to stay calm in pressure filled situations and find solutions with a smile. These challenges prepared me to lead and to understand both guest behavior and team dynamics.”
The growing prominence of women in leadership roles reflects an important shift in the hospitality industry, where emotional intelligence, resilience, adaptability, and a people focused approach have become essential qualities for long term success. Araneta Hotels Inc. believes that empowering women at all levels strengthens the organization by fostering innovation, enhancing team culture, and encouraging inclusive decision making. These leaders serve as powerful role models, demonstrating that leadership opportunities are attainable with determination, capability, and the right support system.
With these women at the forefront of hotel operations, Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City continue to set the standard for progressive hospitality in the Philippines. Their collective leadership signals a new chapter defined by purpose driven management, cultural transformation, and a commitment to uplifting both people and communities. Araneta Hotels Inc. remains dedicated to championing diversity, nurturing talent, and celebrating the profound impact women bring to the hospitality landscape.
