Dr. RL Fernando Garcia is a dynamic and accomplished hospitality professional, celebrated for his exceptional skills and extensive experience in orchestrating and optimizing hotel operations with a focus on human resources. Holding a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration, his journey commenced as a Butler, culminating in his remarkable ascent to Assistant Operations Manager at the prestigious Pan Pacific Manila, known as The First and Finest Butler Hotel in the Philippines. His tenure included expert management of rooms operations and the esteemed butler department, earning him accolades such as Manager of the Quarter and contributing to the hotel's recognition as The Philippines Leading Business Hotel.

Venturing beyond hotel management, Dr. RL Fernando Garcia served as the Director for Hospitality and Food Service Operations at a leading consultancy firm in the Philippines. In this pivotal role, he led consultancy services for diverse establishments, emphasizing his attention to detail during rigorous audits such as LQA and Forbes Quality Standards. His expertise was instrumental in the successful pre-opening phase of Club Med Finolhu Villas in the Maldives, where his HR policies and Butler Department setup contributed to the resort's seamless launch.

Within the culinary landscape of the Philippines, Dr. RL Fernando Garcia assumed the role of Complex Training and Development Director at a prominent food conglomerate. His transformative initiatives spanned upscale and Michelin-starred establishments, leaving an indelible mark on venues like Todd English Food Hall, Pound by Todd English, Sunnies Café, Foo’d by Davide Oldani, and Hook by Todd English.

As the former Assistant Vice President for HR and Organizational Development at SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., Dr. RL Fernando Garcia oversaw a diverse portfolio, including hotels, resorts, clubs, and convention centers. His commitment to cultivating an HR Center of Excellence resonates across established properties and pre-opening phases, showcasing his dedication to nurturing talent and driving organizational success.

Currently serving as the Corporate Director of Training and Development at Brittany Hotels and Leisure Inc., a Philippine-based hospitality group, Dr. RL Fernando Garcia continues to bring his wealth of experience and expertise, coupled with his academic achievements, to contribute to the growth and excellence of the industry.

Jeremiah is the current VP - Corporate Planning & Investor Relations for Sta. Lucia Land. He has carved his lane in Business development, Investor Relations and Strategic Planning Executive with experience in strategic/corporate planning, business development, investor relations, operations management, supply chain management, marketing and market research. He adds tremendous value and gets people connected to entrepreneurial and corporate initiatives through people, leadership and development. Jeremiah specializes in Leadership Development, Business Development, Investor Relations, Business Strategy, Corporate Planning, Market Research, Retail Operations, Inventory Supply Chain Management, Operations Planning, Business Relationship Management and Strategic Marketing. Jeremiah as a seasoned leader with a comprehensive knowledge both on compliance but as well innovation and performance management. He is a true leader in his field contentiously seeking to learn how to better serve in an organizational framework. In spite of the pressure associated with his line of work, Jeremiah wis easy and seamless because of his sunny and agreeable disposition throughout work facets.

Lynette is the current Senior Vice President and Head of Sales and Operations for Discovery Hospitality. For years, she has demonstrated a storied and a decorated run in the hospitality industry. Her qualities have made her a valuable member of notable companies in the hotel industry. She is a good leader who always exhibits superior communication skills and has been a catalyst on building solid springboards in the alley of sales, operations and marketing.

She is an outstanding creator of opportunities, helping build relationships that result in collaborations. Lynette is bent on attracting bigger markets who are continuously on the lookout for partnerships in our country. Business opportunities that can provide new experiences and outsource business solutions for stronger economic ties.

With a strong passion for Sales and Revenue Management, Chris has led both contracting and sales teams of some of the prominent international B2C and B2B online agencies in Southeast Asia, helping hotels maximize their exposure in the online world.

Backed up by 20 years of hospitality experience, he leads the team in balancing the market mix and ensuring that each property’s Total REVPAR is optimized to its fullest potential.

Kash Aristotle Salvador joined Accor as Director of Development for the Philippines. In this role, Kash oversees the pipeline and development functions of Accor in the country. Before joining Accor, Kash already possessed a solid resume, working for noteworthy players in the hospitality industry. He is well-versed in the lane of investments and capital markets as far as the hospitality industry is concerned. His cup of tea is filled with ideas on exciting expansion plans and project pipelines. Furthermore, Kash’s career has been well-decorated with his knowledge and expertise on property management and his eye for growing transactional activities in the different parts of the Philippines. All in all, Kash is a multifaceted professional in the field of hospitality and aims to continue running his course for the growth and success of Accor.

Over 25 years experience in executive hotel management support services particularly resort, wellness and spa operations. Includes consultancy and owners’ representation in different countries worldwide. Various roles covered 18 pre-openings, 5 renovations and 4 takeovers, both on land and at sea. Extensive knowledge in new business generation, revenue growth, team development, legendary standards, quality branding, training, strategy, sales and marketing of luxury international hotel spas and premium image wellness facilities. Exceptional communication and presentation skills especially in customer relations and key client relationship management. Certified Trainer for Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Philippine Ambassador to "Global Wellness Day" movement.

Romolo Valentino Benedetto Nati, (born February 14, 1968) known as Romolo Nati or RVN, is a multi-awarded Italian architect and businessman with interest in sustainable development (energy and real estate). He graduated “summa cum laude” in architecture at “La Sapienza” University of Rome and he holds an Executive MBA from Asian Institute of Management (AIM), an international management school established in partnership with Harvard Business School and considered as the best in terms of executive education in the Asia-Pacific region by Asiaweek magazine (a TIME publication).

He is the current Executive Chairman and CEO of Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC), an Italian-Filipino real estate development firm which held its initial public offering (IPO) on Monday, December 7, 2015, that specializes in the design and development of sustainable buildings.

He is also the Vice Chairman of the Philippine renewable energy company Constellation Energy Corporation (CEC) that focuses on acquiring, financing and developing small to medium-scale renewable energy projects across the Philippines.

Rhea Vitto Tabora is an accomplished professional in the hospitality and software solutions industries. With 20+ years of vibrant career experience, her journey has taken her across Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

With expertise in public relations, branding, sales, and marketing, she held esteemed positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ascott Limited (a leading international serviced residence owner-operator) and Deputy General Director at Vinhomes (Vietnam's largest commercial real estate developer).

In 2015, Rhea embarked on a transformative journey, leaving the corporate world behind to follow her passion for travel and writing.

Since then, she has been living her dream—traveling the region, crafting powerful narratives, and creating impactful content that champions sustainable tourism.

With a journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, she has written hundreds of travel articles for various publications and hotel websites, and authored an inspiring biography.

In 2019, Rhea co-founded Travel Asia Now, a digital travel and lifestyle magazine that transformed into a platform focusing on sustainable and responsible travel in Asia.

In 2022, she co-founded Asia Sustainable Travel (AST), a digital media network that provides companies with insights to make informed decisions on sustainable travel in Asia. AST produces and publishes actionable advice and insightful intelligence on sustainability, regeneration, and consumer engagement in Asia.

Rennan John Reyes is a seasoned professional in the field of Hotel, Serviced Residence, and lodging Operations, with a remarkable career spanning over 22 years. His extensive experience covers various aspects of the industry, including Operations, Food & Beverage, Property Management, Financial Management, Sales & Marketing and Talent performance management.

Rennan is an expert with launching and pre-opening of properties under development, with four successful properties launch and opened with The Ascott Limited under his leadership such as Somerset Alabang Manila in 2015, Citadines Bay City Manila in 2018, The Suites Malate Manila in 2023 and opening of the first lyf property here in the Philippines, lyf Malate Manila.

Throughout his career, Rennan has worked with renowned hospitality brands, including Pan Pacific Hotel & Resorts, Marriott International and currently with The Ascott Limited, one of the leading international lodging owner and operator worldwide as the Multi Property General Manager of Ascott Bonifacio Global City and Citadines Bay City Manila.

Some of the noteworthy achievements and recognition in his career are bagging the “Asia’s Leading Serviced Residence” and “World’s Leading Serviced Residence” at the World Travel Awards in 2022. And this year they are determined to defend the crown, as they’ve been nominated once again in the “World’s Leading Serviced Residence” category. On the other hand, Citadines Bay City Manila is currently at the top spot in Tripadvisor’s Traveler Ranking in Pasay, Metro Manila and the entire Luzon.

Rennan John Reyes career has been marked by consistent excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. His journey from the early days as a Hotelier to his current role as the General Manager of Ascott Bonifacio Global City and Citadines Bay City Manila serves as an inspiring example of dedication, expertise, and passion within the Hotel and Hospitality industry in general.

Anthony is the Executive Vice President at Triumph Development Corporation, a property development and management company in the Philippines. He is also the Executive Vice President at and Triumph Spaces Incorporated, the Group’s flexible office space arm.

Prior to re-joining the Triumph Group in February of 2022, Anthony was Program Director at the Philippine Constructors Association -- where he was tasked to enable the association's agenda in transforming construction, and in developing the industry’s human capital by leveraging on technology and innovation. He was also a member of the working group who crafted the Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap 2020-2030.

With a career spanning over thirty years in various leadership and senior roles, both local and regional, Anthony has domain and business experience across different industries and sectors from agriculture, building materials, cement manufacturing, construction, engineering services, information technology-business process management, and property development and management.

The last 24 years of Alex Ablaza’s 39-year professional career have been dedicated to growing energy efficiency and other clean energy technology deployment in 17 Asian markets through the identification, due diligence and financial close of over $3 billion in direct investments, and also through catalytic market and policy interventions.

Across Asia and the Middle East, he currently provides energy efficiency expertise with the objective of scaling up energy efficiency capital flows through innovative finance, investment structures and policy reform.

He convened and chairs the Asia-Pacific ESCO Industry Alliance and the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance. He co-founded the Global ESCO Network and co-chairs a taskforce of the global coalition, Mission Efficiency.

Wearing his investment hat, he designed and heads Climargy, the world’s pioneer private Super-ESCO aggregator of ESCO project assets.

Alex is armed with 36 years of project and corporate management experience, and an educational background in civil engineering (BSCE) and business economics (MBE).

Reigine Valerie Banaag is an accomplished hospitality professional, currently leading the charge as the pre-opening CEO & General Manager for a burgeoning hotel brand, mySTAY Hotels. With extensive experience in the hospitality sector, Reigine has a proven track record of success in international and local chain hotels such as Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Traders Hotel, Hotel Jen, and Midas Hotel. Her expertise in sales and management is complemented by her role as a part-time faculty member in hospitality management with St. Scholastica’s College Manila, where she shares her knowledge and passion for continuous learning with aspiring professionals.

Reigine holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from the prestigious Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from St. Scholastica’s College Manila. Her certifications include Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) and Guest Service Professional (CGSP) both from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. She is currently completing her certification as a management consultant (CMC) with the Institute of Certified Management Consultants Philippines (ICMC).

Her dedication to education and professional development reflects her commitment to excellence and her desire to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. Reigine’s multifaceted career and leadership skills make her a standout figure in the industry, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and growth.

Christian Pirodon is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 53 years of extensive international experience. Commencing his journey in the late 1960s in France, Christian dedication to the industry led him to Asia in early 1976, where he became an integral part of prestigious hotel groups including "Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group" and "InterContinental Hotels Group."

Throughout his career, Christian has been recognized for his adeptness in nurturing talent, guiding individuals who now hold pivotal positions within the industry. A financial expert, he consistently optimized revenues

and delivered strong results. With a knack for overseeing complex projects, he brings a commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and adaptability to diverse environments. Christian career is marked by a passion for achieving goals and fostering positive relationships.

With a decade of dedicated service in the hospitality industry, Richelle Panulaya has established herself as a dynamic leader with a profound impact on E-commerce, Revenue and Online Management, and Hospitality Business Management. Her journey to becoming a General Manager is marked by significant achievements, including doubling Cocotel's online sales and overseeing operations for over 300 hotels and resorts.

Richelle's career trajectory reflects her exceptional ability to navigate and excel in the competitive hospitality landscape. Her strategic insights and innovative approaches have not only enhanced revenue streams but also streamlined operations across diverse properties. Notably, she has collaborated with esteemed group chains such as Reddoorz, Shangri-la, and Frasers Hospitality, further solidifying her reputation as a trusted industry expert.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership, Richelle was honored as one of the youngest inspiring women in Asian travel in 2024. This accolade underscores her influence and dedication to shaping the future of hospitality in the region.

Driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, Richelle continues to set new benchmarks in hospitality management, leveraging her expertise to foster growth and innovation within the industry. Her journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in every endeavor she undertakes.

In 1981, after working for several years in the hotel industry Felix enrolled and graduated from the Centre International de Glion, Switzerland (Hotel and Tourism Management). Over the last 30 years since graduating he had the opportunity to participate and observe all stages in the life of businesses related to the hospitality industry. Early on he discovered a fascination and talent to create new concepts and develop them into viable ventures.

In the last years he was responsible as Project Director for a vast number of different projects in the planning and implementation stages throughout the Asian region and the Middle East. In most of these projects input started in the early planning, but many have been reorganizations and advisory services to ongoing enterprises. Felix focuses on projects in the field of food and beverage, be it food processing, commercial kitchens (airline catering and hotels) or restaurant chains.

The ability to have a good grasp of the task at hand, a deep understanding of the planning process and a pragmatic approach to problem solving are indispensable tools to achieve success. Clearly defined and realistic goals form the base to motivate project team members as well as colleagues within the organization of the clients. Deliver the desired results within mutually agreed schedules and budgetary targets are the ultimate goal.

“I’d like to lead and inspire a team of professionals and challenge them to rediscover an eye for details and above all an unsurpassed commitment to customer service.”

Specialties: Hotel & Resort conceptualization and design. F&B and Foodservice conceptualization and design. Management advisory services for the Hospitality Industry.

Claro Cordero Jr. has more than 20 years of solid experience and exposure in market research and analysis, strategic/ corporate/ financial planning, investment and capital markets advisory, risk management, project management, general business management and development work in both the private and public sectors.

Claro is a licensed Real Estate Consultant, Appraiser and Broker and has been involved in a wide range of consultancy and valuation advisory assignments in the Philippines and the neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Claro has provided valuable advisory to some major property developers, financial institutions and leading fund managers. Claro is currently the Director and Head of Research, Consulting and Advisory Services – the unit responsible for the breakthrough property market research and thought-leading publications – of Cushman & Wakefield (C&W) in the Philippines.

Prior to joining C&W, Claro held the same position in Jones Lang LaSalle Philippines and Leechiu & Associates for more than 15 years. After his stint with JLL, Claro joined Arcadis Philippines (formerly Davis Langdon & Seah) as Associate Director and managed the Project Management Office for Corporate Real Estate Services of Citibank in the APAC and EMEA regions.

Claro is also heavily involved in various real estate organizations. He is a member of the Institute of Philippine Real Estate Appraisers, Inc. (IPREA), the National Real Estate Association, Inc. (NREA) and the Philippine Economic Society (PES). He also served for more than 10 years, as one of the members of the Board of Directors of the Guild of Real Estate Entrepreneurs and Professionals (GREENPRO).

Claro holds a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific, where he also completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 2000. Claro also attended and successfully completed the Management Development Program at the Asian Institute of Management in 2011.

He is currently completing his second Masters diploma with a degree of Master of Science in Financial Engineering and concurrently served as an Associate Professor/Part-time Lecturer at the De La Salle University-Manila. Claro dedicates himself in providing top-notch property advisory work to his clients and takes pride in assisting key industry stakeholders to build a future real estate market that does not only advance commercial profit, but economic and national development, as well.

Paul Joseph Figueora Espino is a seasoned professional in the field of Human Resources, known for his expertise in talent acquisition and management. He obtained a degree in Business and Master in Business Administration.

He started his career in Human Resources when he assumed the role of Talent Acquisition Manager at SPi Global (Inspiro) in 2011. Paul transitioned to a more senior role as Senior Human Resources Manager at City of Dreams Manila. Currently, Paul serves as the Director of Human Resources at Seda Hotels, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to drive organizational success. In this capacity, he oversees all aspects of human resources management, including recruitment, employee relations, training, and development.

Throughout his career, Paul has exemplified a strong commitment to fostering a positive work culture and nurturing talent, making him a respected leader in the field of human resources.

Phan brings nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He began his career at Accor Hotel Group and has since held senior leadership roles at prominent hospitality groups in Vietnam, including Paradise Group, Sovico Group, and Novaland Group.

Currently, as the Regional Development Director for Asia at TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts, Phan oversees development in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, and South Korea. He has played a pivotal role in advancing the growth of this emerging hotel brand within the region, achieving notable successes along the way.

Phan's objective is to lead the robust expansion of the TUI BLUE brand and other hotel brands within the TUI Hotels & Resorts portfolio under the TUI Group. His goal is to establish these brands as sought-after hotel destinations in the territories under his development.

Mr. Garry Garcia is a respected figure in the international hospitality industry, with decades of global hospitality experience. He has contributed to transforming the brand image of numerous hotels and F&B operations, supported by his education at the University of Toronto, Cornell University, and the National University of Singapore.

Mr. Garcia has skillfully adapted to industry changes, integrating AI and advanced technologies to optimize operations and enhance guest experiences while maintaining warm hospitality. His interest in technology began in primary school with computer programming, followed by an internship at Pag-Ibig in high school, where he learned DBase. He continues to expand his knowledge, currently upskilling in Python and data science.

He engages with local tourism stakeholders and has served as an officer in organizations such as the Philippine Tourism Congress, Danang Tourism Commission in Vietnam, Lapu-Lapu City’s Tourism, Historical and Cultural Commission, and SKAL International. Mr. Garcia has also contributed as a writer and peer reviewer to publications like Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, Harvard Business Review, and Travel Life Magazine.

He enjoys scuba diving, participating in triathlons, and trekking in his spare time. He also serves as a Commander in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Mission driven hotelier for more than 2 decades with his expertise and dedication that has break down the barriers and acted as an agent of change of the Hospitality Industry defines the current President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Mr., Eugene T. Yap Known to be an emphatic communicator & a passionate advocate for the Industry- he has been known to deliver meaningful and relevant collaborations from different sectors with the Hospitality sector. A graduate of General Managers Program of Cornell University and also holding a Bachelor Degree in Commerce, Business Administration from UST and a Bachelor’s Degree from School of Law from Manuel L. Quezon University Mr. Yap has been the past president of ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA) for a for a 2-yr term and currently serving as the Honorary Treasurer. Mr. Yap is also the Deputy President of ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) Mr. Yap is a lifetime member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, member of the Corner Hotel Society, General Manager of Bayview Park Hotel

Venessa Koo is Vice President, Business Development, at The Ascott Limited. In her position, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Ascott’s business development strategies to expand the organisation’s portfolio and is responsible for driving market-specific growth targets across markets including Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

With over 25 years of experience in hospitality operations and consultancy, Ms Koo brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Silks Hotel Group (formerly Regent Hotels & Resorts), where she led strategic initiatives that fostered quality growth and delivered exceptional value for hotel owners, operators, and shareholders.

Prior to Silks Hotel Group, Ms Koo was responsible for AccorHotels development in 11 Asian countries and other key roles with companies including PwC, KPMG, Regent Hotel Taipei. Her diverse experience across these organisations underscores her knowledge and understanding of the global hospitality industry.

Ms Koo holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), Toronto, Canada.

England is the Director for Talent Acquisition, Culture & Engagement at Newport World Resorts (NWR) where he directs the Company’s recruitment, employer branding, and employee engagement initiatives. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in establishing NWR’s compelling online presence as an employer and driving industry-leading practices in employee engagement. Additionally, England oversees the development and implementation of NWR’s Learning & Development strategies, ensuring a workforce renowned for its skill and motivation.

Prior to NWR, England has cultivated expertise in leadership development, customer service training, recruitment, and talent retention strategies at renowned 5-star establishments like The Peninsula Manila, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, and Okada Manila for over 10 years.

A fervent advocate for emotional intelligence (EQ), England believes that fostering empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication skills within leadership teams is key to organisational success. This passion extends beyond NWR, as he seeks to inspire others to embrace the power of EQ.

Consultant Jose Romarx "Jojo" C. Salas started his career in the real estate industry in 1998, right after finishing his Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines. Jojo recently finished his consulting contract as Director for Global Research and Commercial Real Estate of LeadingRE.

He used to be the Executive Director for Investment Properties and Capital Markets of CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines. He was also the Vice President and Head for Property Management and Disposal of Cameron Granville Asset Management Inc. (SPV-AMC) or CGAM. He also worked for Century Properties Group Inc. (CPG) as Vice President for Business Development. Jojo was the Director for Research and Development of China Fortune Land Development, and Director for Research and Consulting of Pinnacle Real Estate Consulting Services, Inc.

During his more than 20 years of real estate practice, he structured transactions and advisory projects worth over Php 10 billion. He likewise transacted leasing deals worth over Php 500 million. Jojo has supervised various real estate consulting projects. In terms of tourism properties, he has been engaged by the Ayala Land Group for their Intercon and Oakwood properties; by local and international developers to conduct hotel/resort feasibility studies in Boracay, Cebu-Mactan, Iloilo City, Legazpi City, Pagadian; and by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the Mt. Samat Shrine TEZ.

Jojo is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Appraiser, and Consultant, as well as an accredited PRC Lecturer. He is currently the National Executive Vice President of Philippine Association of Realy Consultants and Specialists, Inc. (PARCS) and a Past National Secretary General of Philippine Association of Real Estate Boards, Inc. (PAREB). He is an accredited PRC Lecturer/Speaker. Jojo was a pioneer faculty of the recently lauched B.S. Real Estate Management course of the Trinity University of Asia.

He is a regular resource person on real estate market and invesment. Jojo has participated in various local and international events, both as attendee and speaker. Moreover, his market reports have been quoted by various newspapers, and he has been interviewed in radio and television shows such as Bloomberg Philippines.

In his 33 years of experience as a senior human resources executive in hospitality across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Greg has established a distinguished reputation in the hospitality industry. He has contributed significantly to highly respected brands such as the Shangri-La, Hyatt, Millennium and Copthorne, IHG, Banyan Tree, Carlson Rezidor, Marco Polo, and the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts group.

Specializing in hospitality and hotel establishment pre-opening, employee engagement, senior management talent resourcing, talent development, performance & competency management, and collective bargaining, Greg brings a wealth of expertise to the table. He is passionate about fostering growth and excellence within the industry as an educator and certified trainer. Over the course of his career, Greg has earned well-deserved recognition for his outstanding achievements and unwavering dedication.

His current roles include Head of People Development at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts and Director of People Management & Development at Savoy Hotel Manila, where he continues to drive excellence and innovation.

Additionally, Greg has been elected President of the Association of Human Resources Managers in the Hospitality Industry (AHRM) for the year 2023-2024, and elected as a board director for HRAP (Hotels & Restaurants Association of the Philippines) and TIBFI (Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc.) which demonstrates his dedication to advancing the standards of the hospitality industry.

Loujaye is currently the Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Duckworld Hospitality. Duckworld Hospitality is a hotel consultancy company who has done tie-ups with property industry buffs Landco Pacific Corporation, Millennial Resorts and other hospitality firms that are on the come up. Loujaye carves the lane of hospitality and tourism programs, branding exercises, production, and other internal affairs. Loujaye will be instrumental in Duckworld Hospitality’s future projects, as they continue their partnership with Landco Pacific Corporation and Millennial Resorts Corporation.

to be updated

Mr. Andrew Langston is a British national with over 39 years of experience in hospitality management and development. After a long career as both General and Regional Manager with InterContinental Hotels, he moved to Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, where he became Vice President, responsible for all hotel operations in                   the Asia Pacific region and business development.Following this he accepted the role of Executive Vice President, Asset Management and Strategic Advisory for Jones Lang LaSalle based in Bangkok. He has now joined Centara Hotels & Resorts as Global Senior Vice President Business Development.

Born in Marlow, England, Mr. Langston initially trained at Thanet Technical College in Kent before moving to London. His talents in the service industry were honed at the highest level early on in his career when he had the privilege of working for the British Royal Family base at Buckingham Palace, a role which included looking after Her Majesty Queen, Prince Charles, Diana the Princess of Wales and Prince William, among others.

His international career began when he relocated to Australia, and since then he has worked in no less than ten countries.

About Centara Hotels & Resorts:

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel group, dedicated to providing exceptional service in unique and sophisticated environments. As a Thai hospitality management and holding company it places a strong emphasis on providing Thai-influenced hospitality and its inimitably warm and gracious service style across all of its brands, whilst embracing, and maintaining a sense of place in, the local environment of each property and resort. Centara has a dynamic portfolio with a mix of resorts and city centara hotels.

Chris joined Accor in 2010 as Development Manager with Accor Ambassador Korea and then as Director of Development responsible for South Korea.In 2017, he relocated to Asia Pacific HQ Office in Singapore as Executive Director Development Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Koreaand Maldives and then as Vice President Development Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Korea and Maldives. Prior to joining Accor, Chris was with Cushman & Wakefield Hospitality London.

He graduated from École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) in Lausanne, Switzerland with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in International Hospitality Management specializing in Real Estate Finance and Investment.

Joey Roi Bondoc is the Research Head of Colliers Philippines. He covers residential, office, retail, leisure, and industrial segments and conducts macroeconomic analysis and regularly assesses the impact of economic growth to the real estate sector.

He handles client engagement through market overview presentations, such as this one, to equity analysts, property investors, and real estate firms. He has become quite a familiar face in the local and even regional real estate news circles as his reports have consistently been cited by national news programs and major broadsheets.

He also writes his own column in the Property sections of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, and BusinessWorld, sharing his insights and expertise on the most pressing issues affecting the real estate sector.

Mr. Eduardo V. Francisco heads the Investment Banking Group of BDO holding several positions as President of BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, Chairman of BDO Securities Corporation and Averon Holdings Corporation. He has been connected with BDO Capital since its inception in 1999.

He sits on several non-profit boards such as the Development Center for Finance, Capital Market Development Foundation (formerly CIBI Foundation), Shareholders Association of the Philippines (SharePhil), Finex Foundation, International School of Manila, UP College of Business Alumni Association, Makati Sports Club, Inc. and Valle Verde Country Club, Inc. He is also a member of Makati Business Club (MBC), and the POLO Triathlon Team.

Mr. Francisco was formerly the Chairman of BDO Nomura Securities Inc. and Chairman for the International Association of Financial Executives Institutes (IAFEI). He was the Co-Chairman of the Capital Market Development Council (CMDC) of the Philippines, Vice Chairman of the Integrity Initiative, and has been the President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines Institute (FINEX), Wharton-Penn Club, BDO Securities Corporation, Makati Sports Club, Inc., Federation of Valle Verde Associations and First Valle Verde Association Inc.

Mr. Francisco has worked with other financial institutions in New York and Hong Kong. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines.

He recently received a lifetime achievement award for his contribution the Local Capital Markets from the Alpha Southeast Asia. He is a recipient of Financial Management Excellence from the University of the Philippines and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the U.P. College of Business Administration. He was honored by BizNewsAsia as one of the Nation Builders and Financial Management Excellence. He was also an Asia Leaders Awards' Mentor of the Year finalist.

He lectures occasionally in the Ateneo de Manila graduate school of business and the University of the Philippines. He is a frequent speaker for local and international conferences and is a regular guest for business news of several local TV stations.

⁃ Turnaround and Transformation CFO

⁃ Board Advisor specializing in Revenue Growth Management (RGM)

⁃ Global Conference Speaker

⁃ Venture Investor

⁃ Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant

⁃ Executive MBA graduate from the Asian Institute of Management

Jared is a venture investor who excels at transforming stagnating or distressed enterprises into sustainable recovery and growth. He was the Chief Financial Officer of AirAsia in the Philippines, which led the world's best low-cost airline since 2009 from pandemic-caused insolvency to sustainable recovery and growth. He was also the Head of Revenue Growth Management (RGM) of Colgate-Palmolive Philippines when it posted record-high market share and profits in 2021, even surpassing the combined growth of all its European counterparts.

Presently, he is the General Manager and CFO of PHILORE Group Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based cross-border talent solutions company which is passionate about delivering meaningful education to the Filipinos and the integration of the Asians into the global workforce in the fields of healthcare, infrastructure, and hospitality. He has a social enterprise that works with universities, colleges and hospitals in Singapore and in the Philippines in providing both grassroot scholarships and employment opportunities to aspiring nurses and doctors.

He is a Certified Public Accountant and an executive MBA graduate from the Asian Institute of Management. When not speaking in global conferences, he teaches entrepreneurship and finance in Enderun Colleges.

As Director of the AppleOne Group and Assistant Vice President for Hospitality, Samantha Manigsaca plays a pivotal role in the overall business expansion of the company as she leads in the development of its hospitality arm and its growth strategy.

With an MBA with distinction in Global Hospitality Management at Les Roches Crans Montana in Switzerland, and having graduated cum laude in Hospitality Management, with a specialization in Hotel Administration at Endurun Colleges in Manila, Samantha shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with the company’s growing portfolio of hotels and resorts around the Philippines. Part of this includes her role in business development, particularly in helping identify new locations for upcoming hospitality projects and in forging strategic partnerships with international hotel operators.

With a commitment to elevating the industry, Samantha believes in supporting local tourism with better hospitality opportunities from iconic developments, global best practices, and world-class experiences. As a member of the board, she oversees the developments of AppleOne Group across the different sectors, involving herself in the operations and the company’s business dealings.

Before joining the group, Samantha worked with several notable international hotel brands, namely Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, JW Marriott Hong Kong, Marriott Hotel Manila and The Westin Manila.

Influenced from International Design and Business Language from his former affiliations; attaining a world class competitive Architectural Firm was not a huge challenge but an opportunity to introduce adaptive technological innovations in the industry practice. David have devoted his role to meet the needs of diversified end-users, clientele and their environment in the developing definitive goals or business hereafter.

IDr. Iris Ocampo is the driving force behind IEO Studio Inc, where she serves as both Founder and Principal Designer. She established a full-service Architectural -Interior Design and Construction firm with a keen eye for detail and a passion for blending modern aesthetics with classic elements, IDr. Iris has transformed countless spaces, earning her a reputation for excellence and innovation in the interior design industry.

A graduate of one of the Philippines' top design schools, Iris’s work spans within residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Her projects are known for their seamless integration of contemporary luxury and traditional design, showcasing her exceptional skills and creativity.

She is also the co-founder of Oaklane— company that carries curated furnishings such as furniture pieces, home accents, and lighting fixtures. Her design is defined by sophisticated imprint, color palettes, refined materials, and her passion to tailor these interiors to project requirements.

IDr. Iris is also a dedicated mentor, frequently lecturing at universities and participating in industry panels to share her knowledge and foster emerging design talent. At this conference, she will discuss design implementation, collaboration, and industry challenges, offering invaluable insights from her extensive experience.

30 years in the hotels industry with 20 years in Directorship position. Extensive understanding of online travel industry business having worked for Agoda, Groupon Philippines and Direct With Hotels allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how these tourism intermediaries can be used utilized to achieve bottom line objectives.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines – Diliman, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Communication, Major in Public Relations and Corporate Communication with the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication, where he is part of the pilot class.

He is very passionate about cities and is an ideator for policy and planning for creating liveable cities. He has also been nominated by the Ministry of National Development, Singapore, to be a Global Young Leader at World Cities Summit.