HSMA Virtus Awards shines spotlight on the best in hotel sales and marketing

WHEN Ian Bencio David, assistant director of Sales at the Conrad Manila, won the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association’s (HSMA) Virtus Awards’ Associate category back in 2019, he received much more than the prestige of having the recognition—his career accelerated, his network grew, and his confidence as a sales executive skyrocketed.

But, perhaps, one of the best benefits David received was his improved ability to push his limits, because, shortly after his promotion then from sales executive to sales manager, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and, as the world saw, crippled the hospitality industry.

“Instead of leaving the industry, I took it as an opportunity to learn how to navigate through tough times and prove my grit,” says David. “Recognizing this dedication despite the challenging times, the management promoted me to Senior Sales Manager in April 2022 and then to Assistant Director of Sales after only eight months.”

The Virtus Awards opened on July 20, 2023 its ninth edition with the theme “Beyond the Bottom Line.”

“The world has seen dynamic changes in travel, recreation, and celebration trends in the past three years, which pose a long-term impact on a hotel’s/resort’s existence,” says

Marketing Manager; Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader; and the Institutional Award for Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Criteria for judging will be based on actual accomplishments, customer service orientation and business-specific knowledge, teamwork and interpersonal relationships, and commitment to continuing education. The deadline for submission of entries is on September 15, while judging is scheduled on October 7.

The prestigious Virtus Awards Night is set for November 9 at The Grand Ballroom, City of Dreams Manila.

Limited time offer: Avail of the relaunched Sun Wealth Prime 7 now

AFTER its successful run last year, the Sun Wealth Prime 7 is back to help clients grow and preserve their wealth.

Sun Wealth Prime 7 is a single-pay life insurance plan from Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. (Sun Life) designed to help policy holders secure the future of their loved ones while receiving guaranteed annual payouts for seven years.

Aside from the guaranteed life insurance benefit, clients can get annual earnings equal to 4 percent of the single premium paid, starting at the end of the first policy year until maturity. The plan also serves as a way to preserve wealth, as clients can expect a 100 percent return of their single premium payment once the policy has matured.

“Our clients need a product that provides life insurance protection while offering long- term savings and liquidity through guaranteed regular payouts. As their Partner for Life, we listened and decided to address these needs by relaunching the Sun Wealth Prime 7,” Sun Life President Alex Narciso said.

Moreover, clients can also enjoy hassle-free application and policy approval through the guaranteed insurability offer subject to the limits set by Sun Life.

“The Sun Wealth Prime 7 is a great alternative solution for clients who want to diversify their financial portfolio or simply want to strengthen it,” Narciso added.

The Sun Wealth Prime 7 will be available starting July 24 and is here for a very limited time only. Those interested may contact their Sun Life advisor or get in touch with one via www.sunlife. co/TalkToAnAdvisor. For more information, visit www.sunlife.co/sunwealthprime7.

Margarita Munsayac, HSMA chair. “‘Beyond the Bottom Line’ calls for adaptability to change, responsiveness to shifting preferences and needs, and flexibility to future scenarios.”

Member properties are invited to send in their entries through the HSMA web site https://hsma.org.ph/, under the following categories: Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate; Outstanding Sales and

“The Virtus Awards serve as a catalyst for inspiration and growth within our Sales and Marketing teams. We aim to ignite a fire within each associate, encouraging them to claim new strategies and approaches that work in these unforeseen circumstances,” adds Rose Libongco, Virtus Awards chair.

“The difficulties posed by the pandemic and the subsequent business fall-outs have tested our resilience, but it is in these moments of adversity that true leaders rise.”

The 9th Virtus Awards is co-presented by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board, with Isentia as Gold Sponsor. For more information, visit hsma.org.ph.

Hotel Sogo Officially Launches a New Branch in Quezon City

HOTEL Sogo, the largest hotel chain in the country, marked a new milestone in a grand and festive style, with the formal launching of Hotel SogoTimog 2 branch last July 21, 2023.

The event was well attended by guests and friends of Hotel Sogo and key officials from the Quezon City local government headed by Yolly Laxamana, Assistant to the Vice Mayor and Margarita Santos, Head of the Business Permits and Licensing Office. They were welcomed by Hotel Sogo’s executives led by Juanito B. Co, COO, Cristy Santiago, Sector Head, Sue Geminiano, Marketing Head and Caren Silva, Timog 2 Branch Manager.

It was a much-celebrated affair which commenced with tiktokerists in Japanese kimono dancing their way to welcome the guests. It was followed by a mass, a traditional “house” blessing and a grand motorcade along the major thoroughfares in Quezon City. Friends from the media, press and vlogging industry were treated to a hotel tour.

Hotel Sogo Timog 2 is one of the tallest branches of the hotel chain located at the heart of the entertainment and dining center of Quezon City. It has over 60 rooms classified into eight room categories designed to suit the guests’ preferences for comfort. The hotel is known for pioneering distinct safety innovations and sustainability initiatives providing a clean and safe stay.

It offers a complete and convenient accommodation from a fast checking-in system, spacious parking area, high-speed internet, functional amenities and 24-hour room service offering a wide array of delectable menu of food and drinks.

Hotel Sogo Timog 2 promises to be a haven for couples, families, groups, travelers, and tourists.

MAARTE Fair, the much-awaited fundraising event by non-profit Museum Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI), is set to make its biggest comeback this coming August 4, 5 and 6. 2023. Happening at The Peninsula Manila, the elegant exhibit is the most extensive in the show’s history, gathering together over 100 artists and artisans in a sophisticated display of solidarity and commitment towards helping everyone in the community by celebrating local talents and creativity.

“We are so blessed to receive such a huge support from local artists and artisans,” shares Danny Jacinto, Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.’s President. “Over the years, MaArte Fair has made a name for itself as a destination where collectors, connoisseurs, and fans of local culture can get their hands on rare and beautiful pieces of jewelry, apparel, accessories, and scents. Thankful as we are for this, we want everyone to know that MaArte Fair has so much more to offer. From exquisite delicacies to pottery, leather and—very skillfully made— furniture, this year’s three-day event will give attendees a better idea of just how big and great the local artist and artisan community is, and how their love for their craft translates to the quality of their work.”

With the theme “In Full Bloom”, MaArte Fair 2023 will occupy The Peninsula Manila’s Rigodon Ballroom, 5th and 7th floors. Yes, that’s a total of three floors dedicated to the exhibit!

Those accompanying their friends and family to the event can relax and have a drink at The Mantuary, which is located at the iconic hotel’s Balagtas Function Room. The courtyard will also serve as host to a mini exhibition of plants and flowers as well as Philippine-made motorcycles.

Those looking forward to this year’s MaArTea

Talks can head over to the famous Salon de Ning and check out MaArte Fair’s Instagram account for schedules.

“Needless to say, we went all out this year. We did our best because we believe that the Filipino artistry and craftsmanship deserve nothing less. At the end of the day, we would like to remind everyone that MaArte Fair is a fundraiser, and every purchase you make not only helps the artist you’re buying from, but the community as a whole—because a portion of the profit goes into helping us fund our initiatives that are geared towards preservation of our identity as a nation,” ends Jacinto.

Some of the exhibitors to watch out for this year include: luxury handmade accessories brand by mother-daughter trio Becky, Amina and Rosanna Aranaz, Aranáz; proudly Filipino specialty clothing company, Filip + Inna; Visayas-based fashion and home décor curator, Disenyo Del Sur, and; Shepard Life Goods, a family-run, life goods company dedicated to providing high-quality products that are both natural and sustainable.

Through funds raised from MaArte Fair, the Museum Foundation has helped provide study grants to deserving individuals, fund shows and workshops that promote the Philippines’ native art and culture, and support projects of the National Museum and museums across the country. Most notably, the organization funded the restoration of Juan Luna’s world famous painting, La Bulaqueña, as well as major renovations done at the National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Natural History. MaArte Fair at The Pen will be held from August 4 to 6, 2023. Admission is free.