Women at the Vanguard: The Forces Steering Araneta Hotels Inc. into a New Era

MANILA — At Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, leadership is entering a defining new chapter. Ten of the fifteen executive committee roles across both properties are now held by women — a milestone that signals not only progress, but purpose. More than a statistic, this shift reflects years of deliberate talent cultivation and a culture where advancement is earned through discipline, expertise, and sustained excellence. These women did not arrive at the table by chance; they rose through it shaping strategy, strengthening operations, and redefining what leadership looks like in Philippine hospitality.

The women leaders of Araneta Hotels Inc. stand united in striking power suits, each in a distinct hue a visual testament to the strength of diversity, equity, and excellence that defines Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City.

Their presence at the helm underscores Araneta Hotels Inc.’s commitment to meritocracy and inclusive growth, aligned with Accor’s global mission to build workplaces where diverse leadership thrives. For Accor, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not aspirational ideals but operational imperatives embedded into culture, performance, and the guest experience itself. By championing varied perspectives and lived experiences, the group strengthens creativity, sharpens decision-making, and nurtures environments where individuals are empowered to lead authentically.

Leadership in Balance

At Araneta Hotels Inc., leadership is not framed as a gender narrative but as a philosophy of balance — where empathy meets strategy, and operational rigor coexists with creative instinct. The synergy between men and women across the executive team has cultivated a culture defined by collaboration, resilience, and shared ambition.

This harmony is evident in how both hotels approach challenges: with discipline, but also with heart.

Women Leading with Vision

At the forefront of this transformation is Cluster General Manager Maria Manlulu-Garcia, who also holds the distinction of being the first woman and the first Filipino appointed as Area General Manager of Accor in the Philippines. In this role, she oversees a portfolio spanning premium, midscale, and economy brands a testament to both her strategic acumen and industry leadership.

Her stewardship of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is anchored in purpose-driven leadership and operational clarity. By balancing empathy with precision, she has elevated performance while cultivating a culture grounded in accountability, trust, and shared ambition.

Supporting her are two dynamic leaders shaping the distinct identities of each hotel.

At Novotel Manila Araneta City, Hotel Manager Joy De Mesa sharpens commercial performance while elevating service standards. With a strong foundation in operations and sales, she champions consistency and guest connection — ensuring that excellence is not occasional, but embedded.

At ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Resident Manager Felicia Aye Chan Mon brings global brand fluency and creative energy to the forefront. Her leadership captures the vibrant spirit of the ibis Styles brand, fostering a service culture that is expressive, agile, and unmistakably guest-centric.

Ascending Through the Ranks

What distinguishes Araneta Hotels Inc. is not only representation at the top, but the depth of women leaders who have grown within the organization.

Marife Tolentino, who began as Accounting Manager in 2015, now serves as Cluster Director of Finance, safeguarding the financial architecture of both properties. Her leadership spans strategic planning, fiscal discipline, and internal controls — ensuring that growth remains both ambitious and sustainable.

Kristine Alba, who joined in 2018 as Talent and Culture Manager, is now Cluster Director of People and Culture. She shapes the employee experience across both hotels, championing engagement, development, and inclusive workplace practices that foster long-term loyalty and high performance.

Meanwhile, Therese Galindo, formerly Guest Relations Manager, has expanded her remit as Cluster Director of Guest Experience, Sustainability and Safety. She has elevated service benchmarks while leading both hotels to Green Key certification — a testament to their commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

A new generation of leaders is also stepping confidently into influence.

Janelle Crisostomo, who joined in 2023 and now serves as Director of Rooms, has strengthened operational agility within Novotel’s rooms division. Under her leadership, the property marked its 10th anniversary with a defining accolade: its Presidential Suite was named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Suite 2025 at the World Travel Awards — a reflection of meticulous product refinement and elevated guest touchpoints.

For May Malagamba, now Director of Food & Beverage, success has been built on precision and passion. Transitioning from Director of Events Management, she has led the F&B division to regional distinction — including Best F&B Performer at the Accor Asia Awards 2023 and Accor’s Best Breakfast Satisfaction 2024 — reinforcing Novotel Manila’s reputation as a culinary destination in its own right.

Commercial strategy, too, is guided by female leadership. Kim Escaler, who began as Reservations Supervisor in 2015, is now Cluster Director of Revenue Management, overseeing performance strategy across both hotels with analytical acuity and market foresight.

At ibis Styles Manila, Izza Mojica, now Director of Rooms, exemplifies operational resilience. Having begun as Duty Manager at Novotel in 2017, she credits frontline experience for shaping her leadership style — calm under pressure, solutions-oriented, and deeply attuned to both guest expectations and team dynamics.

Redefining Hospitality Leadership

The increasing prominence of women in executive roles reflects a broader evolution within hospitality — one that recognizes emotional intelligence, adaptability, and cultural fluency as essential leadership competencies.

At Araneta Hotels Inc., empowering women is not framed as a campaign, but as a conviction: that inclusive leadership drives stronger teams, sharper innovation, and more meaningful guest experiences. These executives are not only decision-makers but role models demonstrating that advancement is attainable through capability, commitment, and institutional support.

As Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City continue to shape the future of Philippine hospitality, they do so with leadership defined by purpose, balance, and vision.

In this new era, influence is not simply held it is earned, shared, and elevated.