Hotelier Middle East Awards

3 Filipinos Recognized!

Hotelier Middle East announced their Hotelier Middle East 30 Under 30 Awards. And the list includes three Filipino’s!

The announcement was in May 2021. With everything that is happening in the Philippine Tourism Industry it is not surprising that we missed the exciting news that three Filipino’s were awarded in Hotelier Middle East’s 30 Under 30: The Most Talented Young Hoteliers In The Region Awards.

And one of the awardees used to work for MY RANGGO’s mother company Go Discover Travels Inc!

Photo of Rochelle Martinez, TIME Hotels, Rochelle is smiling and wearing a red jacket — Rochelle Martinez. Photo Courtesy of Hotelier Middle East

Rochelle “Rochie” Martinez, 30 is the Area Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager for TIME Hotels.

Rochelle Martinez has worked in the marketing industry since 2011. She started out as a Marketing Associate with Air France-KLM, in the Philippines. “Rochie”, as we know her, then went on to join Go Discover Travels’ – Hotel Link Solutions Philippines team.

Rochelle began working for UAE TIME Hotels in 2017, as a Marketing and Communications Executive. Her talents and skills were quickly recognized, and she was promoted to Area Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager, covering 17 TIME Hotels.

Rochelle has been praised for her work behind TIME Hotels In-house App, which aims to boost customer loyalty, promotes deals, and provides touchless interactions; a much-needed innovation with the global pandemic.

Photo of Anna Luisa Asisto, Jannah Hotels and Resorts. Anna is smiling, she has long hair and she is wearing a navy blazer and white shirt — Anna Luisa Asisto. Photo courtesy of Hotelier Middle East

Anna Luisa Asistio, 29, is the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications at Jannah Hotels and Resorts.

Anna studied Marketing Communications at San Beda University Philippines, and Strategic Hospitality Marketing at Cornell University. Anna has some big company names in her employment history including Rustans (covering high-end perfume and cosmetics), Magnifico Jeans, Wrangler Jeans and Bobson Jeans.

Anna joined Jannah Hotels and Resorts in 2016. It was her first marketing role in the Hospitality Industry. She was promoted to Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications in 2020. Anna develops Marketing and Communication Strategies, Company Branding, and manages the marketing team.

Despite the global Covid pandemic, Anna was involved in the successful naming, branding and launch of a new hotel; Edge Creekside Hotel. And also helped launch a new restaurant chain, HALO HALO.

Photo of Angele De Guzman standing in a hotel lobby. He is smiling and is wearing a black suit, white shirt and blue tie — Angelo De Guzman. Photo Courtesy of Hotelier Middle East

Angelo De Guzman, 29, Marketing and Communications Manager, Park Regis Kris Kin, Dubai

Angelo’s Marketing Strategy for StayWell Holdings, which owns Park Regis Kris Kin, focused on prioritizing the brands positioning, and its digital and social media visibility. This resulted in both revenue growth and a greater market share across Domestic and International Tourism. All this, despite the global pandemic.

Angelo created a Crisis Communications Protocol, in response to the pandemic, providing guidelines to protect guests and employees, as well as company assets. And he has also implemented environmental policies and practices which has seen an 80% reduction in the use of paper by the company. Saving paper, the environment and saving the company money!

But Wait! There is More!

Caterer Middle East: Filipino Nominations

Hotelier Middle East’s sister publication, Caterer Middle East, has also announced its list of shortlisted nominees Out of 500 entries a panel of eight F&B industry experts narrowed the nominees’ down to ten people, or establishments, per category.

And guess, what!

Yes, there are more Filipino’s nominated for these awards too. The winners will be announced on 14^th September 2021, at the Award Ceremony at JW Marriott Marquis.

Caterer Middle East Award Nominees:

Barista of the Year Category

Mark-Jay Bautista, Head Barista at Mondoux Dubai. Mark is from Cebu City originally, and studied at Central Colleges of The Philippines. (click on his name to see a video of Mark in action).

Jane Espante, works at Stomping Grounds, Dubai. Stomping Grounds has already won two Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards this year. Jane is from Compostela, Cebu Philippines and studied at the University of San Carlos. She has previously worked for PizzaHut, Out of Africa Steakhouse and Gelatissimo in the Philippines, before moving to Dubai.

Mark Montero, at Black Coffee by Café Younes

Chief Steward of the Year Category

Rolando (Dodo) Alcomendras is the Chief Steward at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Originally from Cebu, Dodo studied at Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST), now known as Cebu Technological University. Dodo has been at the Mandarin since October 2018.

Congratulations to All!

Thank You for “flying the flag” for the Philippines.

We’ll be looking for nominees for our 2021 Hospitality Heroes Award. Do You Know of anyone you would like to nominate? Comment below