Meet Marriott Manila's new GM

MANILA, Philippines - The recent appointment of Scott Sibley as the new Marriott Manila general manager promises that the hotel’s best things are on their way.

Sibley is a seasoned hotelier. Prior to his Marriott Manila assignment, he was, for almost six years, with Marriott Guam Resort & Spa. Now that he is in the city, he vows to make Marriott Manila “bigger and better” and that the “hotel will become more popular.”

Marriott Manila has been rightfully earning praise from local and foreign, business and leisure travelers. From its comfortable accommodations to its consistent service, it has quickly become a staple in the hotel scene.

“The success of our hotel can be attributed to the brand, which has built a solid and very good reputation,” Sibley says. “I think one reason for our resounding success is the innate friendliness of our Filipino staff. Genuine hospitality is in their blood. Guests find the team here caring, smiling, and always happy.”

While the American general manager wants to keep it that way, he shares that Marriott Manila will see itself changing and evolving. Just recently, the buffet at the café has been totally revamped.

“If you see the line-up of dishes and how they are presented, it is now more hip, cleaner, a lot sexier. It is also more interactive, allowing chefs to communicate with the guests. Even though we are on top of the list, we are still tough on ourselves. We will continue to make ourselves better,” he declares. He likewise discloses that expansions are in the works, including an additional 195 rooms.

Sibley’s career kicked off via the food and beverage route, having been an award-winning chef and a food book author. Born and raised in the United States, he graduated at the Culinary Garden & Inn. When he joined Marriott, he ran a gamut of responsibilities for 14 years: hotel operations manager, executive chef, among others.

His first highest position came when he was assigned general manager of the Renaissance Dubai. He moved later to Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Center where he won the coveted Mustang Award. He held positions, too, in Renaissance Seoul Hotel Korea.

His history with Marriott is stellar, having worked for the hotel chain’s 13 different properties around the world, including Marriott Cebu. He found love in his Filipina wife, and has become just as Pinoy as everyone else. And now he intends to stay.

“Why is it more fun at Marriott? Because it is more fun in the Philippines,” he chuckles.