Araneta Hotels Inc. – the company responsible for the first Novotel and ibis Styles in the Philippines – logged back-to-back wins at three respected events,a reflection of the team’s dedication to creating a great workplace culture, fostering talent, and showcasing culinary expertise.
During this year’s Philippine Culinary Cup, in collaboration with LTB Chefs Association Philippines, the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, and PEPTarsus Inc., Novotel team’s Athena Tuble was among the silver medalists in the Individual Challenge, earning two silver medals for her exceptional performance in the US Beef and US Poultry categories.
Ed Jilliane Castro, Armani Labonete, and Arwin Abracia emerged victorious in the Dream Team Challenge, while Jeremy Espano and Regine Gil of ibis Styles excelled in the Filipino Team Challenge, along with Rovie Pascua and Arlene Gamueda from Novotel Manila, who also won silver medals.
Jay Russel Yalong from ibis Styles won a bronze medal in the US Poultry category, while Imee Julia Rivera from Novotel Manila Araneta City received two bronze medals in Pasta and US Pork in the Individual Challenge. Ed Jilliane Castro won third place in the US Lamb division, while Honorato Steven Hirohito “Nikko” Moslares IV from team ibis Styles caught the judges’ attention in the Pasta category and took home a bronze medal. Winston Bawat and Mary Joy Cabayes secured third place in the Filipino Team Challenge, just like Ahna Victoria Mano and Hazel Joy Dequito.
Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto highlighted the importance of these awards in fostering the development of young culinary talent in the Philippines.
“This contest isn’t just about earning medals but also about challenging limits and uncovering the vast capabilities of our innovative chefs,” he said.
Felicia Aye Chan Mon, Resident Manager of ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, also expressed her admiration for the winners from both hotel brands: “The Philippine Culinary Cup 2024 has once more showcased its significance in promoting Filipino culinary skills, establishing higher benchmarks for quality on a domestic and global scale. It continuously sets higher standards for culinary excellence in the nation, and we are proud to see the progress and accomplishments of these talented chefs, proving that Filipino cuisine can excel internationally.”
The Philippines’ Leadership Awards 2024, on the other hand, recognized Araneta Hotels Inc. for its commitment to creating an outstanding workplace, nurturing employees’ growth, and promoting a healthy work-life equilibrium.
Araneta Hotels Inc. was also recognized as a winner at the Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2024, which took place in Singapore. The award honors companies that successfully use marketing communications to attract, develop, and maintain talent.
“This recognition is more than just a testament to our achievements; it reflects the heart, passion, and dedication of every member of the Araneta Hotels team,” said Kristine Alba, director of Talent & Culture.
“Together, we’ve turned our workplace into more than just a job – it’s a place where passion, purpose, and people thrive. These awards reflect the unwavering commitment of our Heartists who bring their best to what we do every day.”
Novotel also celebrated another milestone as its General Manager, Maria Manlulu-Garcia, was feted with the Exemplary Leader Award at Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards held in Singapore. The prestigious recognition highlighted Manlulu-Garcia’s remarkable contributions to the hospitality industry, showcasing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to driving positive change.
