Village Connect
For more than two and a half decades, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas (RHO) has been more than just a destination for guests—it has been a launchpad for careers, shaping future leaders in the hospitality industry.
Since opening in 1999, the hotel has stood as a beacon of growth, fostering a culture where talent is nurtured, potential is recognized, and leadership is cultivated from within. At RHO, leadership is not merely about experience—it’s about passion, dedication, and the willingness to learn.
This belief has led to an impressive track record, with 85% of the hotel’s current managerial team rising through the ranks. Seventeen out of twenty managers and department heads today began their journeys within Richmonde, proving that growth and success are deeply embedded in the hotel’s DNA.
One such story is that of Jun Justo, now the Cluster General Manager for NCR+ of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) and the General Manager of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. Jun’s path started at RHO as a Rooms Division Manager in 2007, evolving into greater leadership roles over the years. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “Richmonde has always believed in nurturing talent. More than experience, it’s the character and potential of individuals that truly matter. We’ve built leaders not through policy, but by trusting people to step up when opportunities arise.”
That philosophy continues today, strengthened under the management of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. With structured training programs, mentorship initiatives, and a culture that prioritizes growth, RHO offers its employees opportunities that extend beyond the hotel itself. “Now that Richmonde is under MHR, our team members have access to leadership roles across a much broader portfolio,” explains current General Manager Oliver Esguerra.
For Annie Dioso, Cluster Director of Communications for Richmonde Hotels, the journey began in 2000 as an Executive Assistant. Over the years, she has witnessed and experienced firsthand the company’s commitment to developing its people. “Richmonde has always been a place where employees are given the chance to grow,” she says. “Whenever new roles emerge, the first step is always to look within the team. It’s about trust, collaboration, and giving everyone the opportunity to build a career.”
That same environment shaped Myca Bonoan, who joined as a Sales Executive in 2020 and is now the Assistant Director of Sales. “Even during the challenges of the pandemic, Richmonde provided an environment where learning and leadership could thrive,” she shares. “The company fosters excellence and professionalism, and I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside it.”
Now, she hopes to pass on the same mentorship and support she received to future team members. Axel Zapanta, who started as an HR Assistant in 2017 and is now a PMD Manager, echoes the sentiment. “Richmonde empowers its employees to push boundaries and innovate. It’s a place where achievements are recognized, and ideas are encouraged.”
As Richmonde Hotel Ortigas celebrates 26 years of success, it is not just a milestone in business—it is a testament to the people who have made it thrive. With a strong foundation of mentorship, teamwork, and excellence, the hotel continues its legacy of shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders, ensuring that its tradition of growth and opportunity lives on for years to come.
