By: Cleofe Albiso, managing director ,Megaworld Hotels and Resorts
As the managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the largest homegrown hospitality chain in the Philippines with 7,700 rooms in Metro Manila alone and 11 properties in its portfolio, Cleofe Albiso lives and breathes hospitality. As the top honcho of the group of hotels that include Belmont Manila, Savoy (Manila and Boracay), Twin Lakes Tagaytay, Kingsford, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Richmonde Ortigas and Iloilo and Eastwood, Cleofe’s job is to make traveling a pleasure for guests. So how does she still find pleasure in kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying something that’s considered work?
When I get stressed from work, my favorite escape is…
I have my family and go-to best buddies that help bring me back to my core purpose. Almost a decade ago, I got so stressed out and it was taking a toll on my health. I rush processed my visa and got on a plane to Oslo, Norway to get my much-needed hugs and crying session with our youngest sister. Our eldest, who was based in Ireland, flew in for a few days to be with us too and the times we had together was just precious. The travel that was a search for respite turned out to be packed with big blessings. During that short trip, I got a call from our regional head from Marriott International saying I could take the General Manager qualifying examinations. Yes, I took a three-hour online exam in Oslo—the assessment that opened the first leadership post in hotel operations for me. Of course, the rest is history. This experience made me affirm how God knows everything that happens in our lives. He is neither early nor late. He gives us his best miracles in his most perfect time.
To find inspiration for work, I love going to….
With the growing number of hotels for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, the increasing responsibility can mean more work, but when I need to be inspired, I take time to hear the unique stories of survival and resilience of our colleagues. These stories fuel me, and make me appreciate the nobility and selflessness of the service industry. This is more than enough for me and the rest of the leadership to keep going.
My favorite weekend destination is
A weekend at home. It is like a hug after a long work week since we travel a lot in many parts of the country. Another choice when in Manila is a drive and stay at the Twinlakes Hotel Tagaytay, with a view of the Taal Volcano. The newly opened Wine Gallery with the view of the vineyard makes the drive even more worth it.
A weekend at the Boracay Newcoast never fails to make me to marvel at the sight of the keyhole and the perfect sunset. The island has gone through a lot from the rehabilitation closure, to Covid, and its current quest to recover has given a deeper meaning for me every time I visit it.
If I could live in one Megaworld destination property, it would be in
Either Savoy or Belmont Hotel Mactan Newtown. These will be perfect choices not just because they are closest to home, but also because of how incredible its beach area turned out with its upgrade and with its new amenities. My favorite is the ceremonial garden that’s giving Bali feels in its photos. Instagrammable!
My suitcase essentials
Hotels are always equipped with hair dryers, but the hair iron does the trick. I also carry along a poncho cape, its light and handy for any change of weather. Lately, the Jisulife handheld fan has been such a life saver.
The most beautiful places in the world I’ve been to are
Switzerland has a different level of charm for me. The landscape and climate is a perfect offering for tourists and residents. Tokyo’s combination of urban efficiency, fresh food, and polite people make it a top list to visit. There is so much to love about Dubai as well, impressive architecture, experiences like looking at the skylines from the Atmosphere Restaurant at the Burj Kalifa, plus the thriving fashion design industry with the level of success achieved by Filipino designers like Michael Cinco and others. Since my families are in Ireland, Norway, and the Philippines, these three countries definitely make the most beautiful and love-filled places for me.
Most memorable trip
A pilgrimage in Israel back in 2019 with my sisters and the Christian church members from Norway—a life changing experience as my elder sister and I decided to get baptized at the River Jordan. We were grieving for the loss of our dear Mama then, our faith made us go through that challenging phase in our lives.
Travel tip to make work trips as stress-free as possible:
You can’t go wrong with preparing a schedule and doing your best to stick to it, but always leave space for eventualities and for situations where there will be unexpected changes.
Favorite travel companion
My family and loved ones for personal breaks and for work, colleagues that are considered family to me. Traveling with bosses and mentors is also a gift. Traveling with them is a chance to know each other deeper.
Budget tips when traveling
Letting my eldest daughter do the planning for me. Atchi Carmel gets the best affordable deals, everything covered from A-Z, all detailed in an Excel sheet saved in a family-shared Google drive. The Millennials plan trips responsibly and they have a knack of getting the best options.
My favorite travel destination for
- Food. Cebu is home for me so food there is bar none. Iloilo City has an array of enjoyable options to offer. Bangkok, Thailand, and Seoul, Korea are also quick escapes for food trips.
- Fashion. I had delightful loot at Kildare Village in Ireland. Brown Thomas in Dublin, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong has so much to offer too—when I get suits and corporate clothes where my size is available, really delights me already. I will never go wrong with my favorites Philip Rodriguez, Jackie Peñalosa, Jeff Ticao .and Jor-el Espina.
- History and culture. Visiting the Great Wall of China in Beijing was the best experience of history and culture for me. It being the longest manmade structure in the world gave me goose bumps, reminding me of the legacy generations can offer.
- Hotel watching. I like the idea of going for reputable brands when I want to make sure I know what I will get. My most recent one was at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Praya River, although a personal trip, but was deliberate for hotel watching and best practice observation for future project engagements. But when you opt to stay in a country’s homegrown brand, you will taste the local flavor, the culture, and hospitality, much like the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) that depict our Filipino brand of service.