Marriott Manila Appoints New General Manager

From Marriott USA, Canada, UAE, South Korea, to the Philippines, Marriott Manila is proud to announce the appointment of a seasoned general manager to take over Manila, Mr. Scott Sibley.

With his almost six years of stay at Marriott Guam Resort and Spa , American native Scott is now ready to assume leadership to one of the most progressive Marriott properties in the world, “I am deeply honored and excited to be working with Filipinos where the best of the industry can be found. Marriott Manila has taken leadership in the market by storm and we aim to be at the same spot for the many years to come”, announces Scott.

An industry veteran, Scott takes pride that he started his career in the kitchen.  Boasting a strong background in food & beverage, Scott won an executive chef of the year award in 1990. He also published a cooking tour book with his stellar recipes, entitled “Tour Southeast Asia with Scott”.

Born and raised in the USA, Scott graduated Hotel Apprenticeship at The Culinary Garden & Inn and took up a special course in accounting in 2009 at Universal Class Accounting 101. His passion in the kitchen and unique culinary talent gave Scott a passport to Marriott and paved way in jumpstarting a dynamic hospitality career.  For fourteen years, he was the hotel operations manager and executive chef before the opportunity came in to become a general manager at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel, his first property to hold the highest position. After more than two years, he was assigned at Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Center where he received his first most coveted Mustang award. Came 2004, he was transferred to Renaissance Seoul Hotel Korea where it houses fourteen famous F&B outlets.  During his term, the hotel amazingly garnered $51 million total of sales, commended as the 4th highest rated guest satisfaction for the Renaissance brand.

A man of talent, creativity, and hospitality, Scott is most admired for his ability to develop same skills to his staffs. He is also gaining applause for his knack in executive team building, exceptional customer service, and opening hotels and restaurants. His sociable and yet strategic in thinking gave Scott  several achievements under his belt which include working for Marriott’s thirteen different properties around the world—Florida, California, Hawaii, Dubai, Canada and was also task force and opened hotels in Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, UAE, USA, including Philippines (Marriott Cebu). His strong experience in working for three of the Marriott brands from Marriott Hotels Downtown, Renaissance Hotels, and Marriott Resorts and Spa makes Scott a trained and steady general manager.

Happily married to a Filipina and has been a father to almost 96% Filipino associates (staffs) at Marriott Guam Resort and Spa, it’s no wonder why Philippines has a special spot in his heart. “I’ve found love here (Philippines)—from people, culture, to the feel of a beautiful tropical country”, he muses.

Now that he is officially manning Marriott Manila, Scott adds “I realized that great leaders are those who value teamwork and worth of his people while he takes time to hone his expertise.” I’m glad that this company instills this kind of culture so I am confident that Marriott Manila associates are not just anyone else. Staffs are service-oriented, food and beverage offerings continue to become more exciting, and guests simply realize that there’s more to experience at Marriott Manila. I am confident that our property will soar higher and better this year,” Scott concludes.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District andBonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

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Frugality, a Mom's Challenge

Managing a household is really a challenge, especially in a couple's finances. Putting a daily budget oftentimes go overboard because of some school requirements.

That's why moms, who are assigned to do the budgeting while the dads are bringing in the cash, find ways to save and cut down on unnecessary spending.

Reduce utility bills

One of the ways to manage spending is to reduce utilities bills. Electricity bill can go high if you don’t monitor use of electricity efficiently. In my household for example, we do ironing once a week---every Saturday night. Yet during evenings, weather is cooler and other appliances are turned off. With mobile phones, e-mail, Facebook, or even Twitter, telephone bills can also be kept at a minimum. You can send a message to friends and relatives through these other means. In our case, we use the telephone for long-distance calls, and only when it’s really necessary.

Check out whole-sale retail stores

Another way is to check out retail stores that carry inexpensive brands. In the US, I know that frugaldad.com Walmart offers really low prices, but with a huge selection of products. Because of the low prices and a variety of choices, a mom-shopper won't feel too guilty about shopping there. Wal-Mart is a really big help for the financially strapped. We also have Wal-mart-like stores here and we often go there for groceries and other household needs. One other thing that makes these big retailers really convenient is that it’s already a one-stop shop. There are clothing and shoes, and even restaurants inside them. You don’t need to take a break from shopping and get out to get something to eat.

Cut out those coupons

Yes there are discount coupons that you can find in newspapers, magazines, even planners. Also lately, credit card companies enclosed in the billing discount coupons for restaurants, clothing brands, salon, spa, shoes, among other things. I used to ignore these coupons, but when budget got tighter, I started making use of these coupons.

Learn to DIY

Almost on a daily basis, we need to repair something in the house such as leaking faucets or busted light bulbs. Sometimes, the curtain rod is broken or the cabinet needs hammering, the garage needs cleaning. Or you feel like repainting or changing your wallpaper. If you know how to do all these by yourself, you don’t need to call a plumber, a painter, or a carpenter. These jobs can be expensive.

As managers of the household, moms really need to be wise.

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Win a Trip to Singapore with Enfakid A+ and National Geographic Little Kids

When I opened this box yesterday, my kids were with me. When they saw what was inside, they exclaimed, "Wow!" They love all kinds of coloring materials. In fact, last week, Rago asked me to buy him  a new set of oil pastels or craypas and a sketch pad. Of my two kids, it's Rago who is more into drawing and coloring. It's one of his favorite past times.  

On my birthday last year, they made this for me:

If your kid is into art, you can help him come up with a relevant artworks and upload their drawings for a chance to win a family trip to Singapore ArtScience Museum by joining the Enfakid A+ See What They Learn activity. 

Enfakid A+ See What They Learn 

In partnership with National Geographic Little Kids, Enfakid A+ calls on moms and dads of 3- to 7-year-olds to submit their illustrations of anything that they find interesting in the January-February issue of National Geographic Little Kids (included is a Smart Parenting magazine) or from the website http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/littlekids/.   

How to join the Enfakid A+ See What They Learn

All entries must be uploaded to http://www.seewhattheylearn.com where they will be displayed for public voting until March 30, 2012. The top 10 entries from 3- to 4-year-old and from 5- to 7-year-olds participants will be shortlisted. A panel of judges will select the two (2) Grand Prize Winners form the each age category.

How to Get Votes

Parents may promote their child's See What They Learn entries through Facebook, Twitter, and email. They can encourage support from relatives and friends.

Prizes 

Each winner will get a free trip for four  (4) to the Singapore ArtScience Museum, inclusive of airfare, accommodations, museum entrance fees, and pocket money. Artworks of the winners will also be featured in a future issue of National Geographic Little Kids.

Gather your kid(s) now and have them draw anything out of their inspirations. This is an excellent form of bonding time.

For details, visit http://www.seewhattheylearn.com/index.php/mechanics.

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When My Son Turns 12

Only two things:

Greater Things for YouThere are greater things than you can imagine ahead of you - and there's a great God walking beside you.
I know His purpose is at work within you, as He's guiding your life with wisdom and love. God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!
{Ephesians 3:20 The Message}

The Plans for You"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,
and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart."
{Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV}

We love you very much son! MWAH!

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Something's Gotta Give

Cozying up ;))

For the second year in a row, Wizheart and I won't be able to prepare for Valentine's Day. 

Last year, I was away for a four days for a business planning and came back evening of Valentine's Day. This year, Wizheart had to be away for five days for official business, and won't be back till Valentine's Day afternoon. 

What's with Valentine weekend that businesses chose to do business?  (LOL)

Work travel is something that I don't look forward to. Perhaps because my kids are still young and I don't feel comfortable leaving them behind even with able nannies; or I don't want to be left behind with them alone with the nannies. 

However to be away on official business is part of our jobs, and so something's gotta give. 

How to celebrate Valentine's Day for working busy couples

If you are working couples like us, do not wait for the exact dates, like February 14 for Valentine's Day, to celebrate your love. Every day should be love day for you. :)

Still, I hope we can catch up and either spend San Valentin at Tapella Greenbelt 3 or at Marriott Cafe in Newport City.

Where are you spending your Valentine's Day? 

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A Tastier and More Packed Sunday Brunch at Marriott Hotel Manila

When Marriott Hotel Manila opened in November 2009, services, though already world-class, were not that many, only the basics.

They started with a Champagne Sunday Brunch at Marriott Café. It was a gustatory activity filled with delectable food, free-flowing champagne, sparkling wines, and fun-filled activities for children. The latest is that Marriott Manila is offering its guests a revamped Sunday brunch. 

With Executive Chef Meik Brammer, Marriott Café expanded its food choices and variety. It now has 14 food stations, each offering oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, carvery, foies gras, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor. 

Crispy tender lechon at the  Filipino food station

Chilled seafood

As if that is not enough, the M Café has also incorporated in its menu the specialties of Cru Steakhouse. Expect an array of Angus beef ribe eye, strip loin steak, grilled tiger prawns, grilled calamari, lapu lapu, with your choice of marination and ample supply of mashed potato, roasted pumpkin, and the most favorite grilled veggies from asparagus, corn, tomato, and leeks.

Chef busy preparing your choice of steak at Marriott Manila's Cru Steakhouse

Then there's Antonio’s which is basically a pasta bar offering world class Italian taste and quality: hand filled pumpkin tortellinis, spinach gnocchi, salmon and cream cheese ravioli, spinach gnocchi, salmon and cream cheese ravioli with truffle paste, risotto made to order with crab meat and fresh truffles.

Antonio's, Marriott Café pasta bar

An interesting bar is I'm sure will delight all those sweet-toothed out there: the chocolate bar. It's a roomful of the most luxurious chocolate spread. And don't be surprised if you will see a smiling chocolate girl in there. 

    the chocolate fondue at the chocolate bar

An array of white chocolate chip brownies, chocolate pecan tart, macaroon chocolate gianduja, chocolate nougat, chocolate heart bon bon, and chocolate truffles

Live chocolate girl, all covered in chocolate of course! :D

To wind down the day or the dining experience, diners can check out the martini bar.

Your cocktail fare of a shot of bloody mary, an intoxicating mix of vodka, tomatoes, sauces, pepper, and salt

Head on now to Marriott Manila's Marriott Café for Sunday brunch. 

Marriott Café Sunday Brunch is available every Sunday, 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999. 

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ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

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Note: Except for the first photo and the Marriott poster, all other photos were taken using the iPhone 4.

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Distracted Yet Refocusing

Thank you, 2011!

This is a much delayed year-ender-new-year post I know; but better late than never, right? (LOL)

There's only one word to describe my 2011: distracted. I wanted a lot of things to happen at the work place. That consumed me for the most part of the year.

Parenting challenges

As a result, I was a dismal failure at the home front. I had wanted for a lot of things to happen last year. At the home front, I wanted to be able to cook or whip up some dishes and even pastries. But I wasn't able to do it. I also wanted to pluck up enough courage to drive outside subdivision streets, but that didn't happen, too. I wanted to give more time to study with my children, but again wasn't able to do so.

Career challenges

At the workplace, I got so obsessed with improving the process that I failed to make the system as efficient as it should be. We made some headway though in the conflict-resolution part and was able to improve the workplace environment. But just as we were able to boost morale and improve productivity, we were threatened by the economic crisis that hit the US and Europe. Our bottomline was affected, and so we set our sights on the more urgent matters, which were to do some extreme cost-cutting. Cost cutting is not bad per se. It is recommended even during good times. But to be obsessed by it, it can also hurt the overall operations.

Forward to 2012

I hope come strategic planning this month, we will establish a new machinery to improve operations.

Meanwhile, I vow to be more a mom than a career woman this time. No matter what. This time I will enroll the kids in academic-enhancing supplementary lessons, such as Kumon as well as develop their sports and even art potential. I believed otherwise, before, thinking that I could raise my children the way Wizheart and I were raised before---that is tutor-free and independent. While this has its own merits, a sturdier regimen has to be in place to counter the threat of modern technology and its effect on the volatile concentration of active children like mine.

So if there is a word to describe my 2012, it would be: refocus. Focus again on things that really matter.

2012, here I come!

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Nurture the Potential of Your Children

Summer is coming, and you know when kids are bored, they can really be stressful. :D 

To entertain the kids while school is out, why not enroll them in summer classes? 

Check out the Bryn Lica!

BRYN - LICA 
851 Tropical Avenue, BF International
Las Pinas City, 1740 Metro Manila
Phone: +63(2)7997293

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