Hospitality through the years

TRULY a homegrown personality in the hotel industry in Cebu, Hembler Mendoza brings with him a ton of experience through the years.

A graduate of Marine Transportation, Mendoza’s first job was as a room attendant of Cebu Plaza Hotel. He found out he liked working in a hotel, meeting all kinds of people, and soon enough decided to stay put in the industry instead of pursuing a career in his chosen field of study. He worked in Cebu Plaza for nine years; as bellboy, as desk clerk, as front desk supervisor, as guest relations supervisor and finally, as front office assistant manager.

Then he moved to Waterfront, serving in managerial positions in its various properties; as night manager of Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino at Mactan, Cebu, then as its VIP Services manager and front office manager. He had a short stint at Waterfront Fort Ilocandia Hotel as room division manager and as officer in charge.

Back in Cebu, he was assistant front office manager then senior duty manager in
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino before he became executive assistant manager of Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao until he became its manager. Then it was back at Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino. This time as its tall, dark and handsome manager—a job that meant not only running the hotel, but also to be involved in socio-civic affairs in the community and in the tourism industry.

During his years with Waterfront, he underwent trainings and seminars here and abroad that were relevant to his job. These include a professional development program in Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, and a management development program given by Las Roches in Shanghai, China. He was also exposed to other hotels in the United States and Asia.

Then he became general manager of the wholly Cebuano-owned Harolds Hotel, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the industry to make a go of the hotel which is strategically located along Gorordo Ave., Cebu City. He describes his management style as one that relies on teamwork.

“Teamwork is the key to success. I practice democracy in my management for I believe that being flexible is essential for my team to evolve as one unit,” Mendoza said.

For a man that loves teamwork, his recent career move wouldn’t be much of a surprise.

As of present, he has temporarily shifted his focus from the hotel industry, now looking forward to joining the Lapu-Lapu City tourism committee.

“I would like to take a break and try something new this time. I’ve been involved with the committee for about five-six years now,” he said. Mendoza believes that his most recent career move shouldn’t involve a lot of adjusting on his part, since both the hotel and tourism industry are closely related.

“I like the job,” he simply stated with a laugh. By this time, Mendoza’s expertise with hospitality and the like, will not just merely get the job done, but all the more contribute to the betterment of the tourism industry in the province.