Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Cebuano hotel owners hire new team to run business
A CEBUANO-owned four-star hotel is optimistic of intensifying its brand as a business hotel with the introduction of its all-Filipino management team of professionals.
Cebu Parklane International Hotel, more popularly known as “The Parklane,” has undergone major changes—from its food and a beverage (F&B) standard to the hotel management set-up—as it is no longer fully supervised by the Ting family.
“The family realized they are new to the hospitality industry so they decided to hire professionals to handle the daily operations of the business. They still come here during execom (executive committee) meetings,” said Cenelyn Manguilimotan, The Parklane new general manager.
Competitive
She agrees that with the very competitive hotel business in Cebu, the job of running the hotel should be left to skilled individuals who have worked with the industry for many years.
Among the hotel’s pool of personnel are Jaybee Aquino, marketing and communications manager; Butch dela Fuente, director of F&B and Gemma Cunanan, senior sales manager.
In line with this new development, Mangui-limotan said the hotel is geared toward redefining its niche as a Filipino business hotel “with the touch of Cebuano hospitality.”
She said significant changes can be observed in the F&B section that now puts emphasis on distinct Filipino cuisine.
Corporate
“If foreign guests dine here, they can expect rice and lechon, which are common in the Philippines,” she added.
To make the hotel a “true corporate destination,” The Parklane will introduce, in the middle of next year, 10 executive suites complete with an executive lounge catering to very important guests.
In addition, the hotel has enhanced its Wireless Fidelity (wi-fi) capability, which now reaches until the fourth floor, as well as a gym that is open to non-staying guests.
Occupancy
In an interview with reporters, Manguilimotan said the hotel’s “bold move” in re-introducing The Parklane brand to the local market this Friday shows its effort to retain its guests apart from increasing room occupancy.
At present, the hotel’s occupancy rate stands between 45 to 50 percent, which she said “is already good.”
Apart from corporate guests, the Japanese, Americans, and Koreans are among its top market.
Cebu Parklane International Hotel is owned by Cebuano company Five Power Venture Development Corp. of Manuel Ting and family.
It is located at the corner of Archbishop Reyes Ave. and Escario St., across Ayala Center Cebu.
