Diamond Hotel GM named ‘Hospitality Superstar’
MANILA, Philippines - Diamond Hotel Philippines’ general manager Vanessa Ledesma-Suatengco was recently named as one of the “Hospitality Superstars” in the book by Vic Alcuaz. This accolade was also conferred on nine other hotel executives who contributed significantly to the growth of the hospitality industry.
Since 2009, Diamond Hotel has transitioned to become one of the major players in the hospitality industry and has become an innovator in various endeavors – rightfully attributed to the leadership of Suatengco, the first Filipina to hold the general manager post of a 5-star hotel. She has primed Diamond Hotel to be competitive with international luxury hotel chains by strengthening brand recall and spearheading major renovation projects.
The complete transformation, enhancement of services and persistent marketing efforts brought the hotel back into the limelight, gaining the attention of embassies, corporate clients, convention organizers and entertainment producers.
Recently, the hotel was official residence to Indonesian President and Madam Joko Widodo and their party during their state visit. Prior to having these honored guests, the hotel has been the address of international dignitaries and artists, including former US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, current US Secretary of State John Kerry, Formula One race car driver Lewis Hamilton, Sir Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton John, Nicki Minaj and others.
Events of importance were also staged in the hotel. It was the official Vatican Press Center with press conferences happening daily during Pope Francis’ visit, conferences of diplomats and foreign ministers and embassy functions.
One of Suatengco’s notable recognitions was being chosen as the 2009 Mabuhay Gold Awardee bestowed by the Association of Human Resources Managers in the Hospitality Industry for her valuable contributions to the Philippine hotel industry. She was also selected as one of the Women of Substance by PeopleAsia magazine in 2006, was included in 2007 in the coffee table book Beautiful Filipinas and in 2009, she was named one of the 20 Power Women of Metro Magazine.
At present she is also a certified auditor of Department of Tourism Accreditation Standards, trustee and treasurer (2013-2015) of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines and director for the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines.
Suatengco’s current stature is due to her unfailing passion for work, concern for people and drive to innovate in the face of a competitive and expanding industry, all of which are intended to create unforgettable stays for hotel guests. “It should not matter whether you are just talking to a guest or deciding on a major business issue, you have got to have that ‘fire’ in your belly, so to speak. This is what will drive you and keep you going, no matter what,” she said in the book.
