'We created flexible packages for live virtual corporate events and stayed connected with clients with virtual sales blitzes and sending email newsletters.'The 44-hectare Okada Manila, the largest resort hotel in the Philippines, was one of the establishments greatly affected by the pandemic of 2020.'We all know that the hotel and tourism industry was greatly battered by this unexpected health crisis,' says Cielo Ortega Reboredo, vice president for sales and marketing of Okada Manila. 'My team and I have sacrificed a lot, including decreasing work hours. We made adjustments working from home. We also had to switch from in-person meetings to virtual meetings.'Pivoting the pandemicWith hardly any tourists visiting Metro Manila for more than a year, the hotel suffered major revenue setbacks. 'The biggest hurdle would be the lack of income due to pandemic restrictions,' Reboredo reports. 'We had to develop new sales strategies to adapt to the new normal.'Fortunately, Okada Manila was able to pivot in this pandemic. 'We created flexible and tailor made packages like MeetSafe and Hybrid Events, Plum Dining [to-go food] and Okada Studio for live virtual corporate events,' Reboredo says. 'We also stayed connected with clients by conducting themed virtual sales blitzes and sending newsletters via email.'A seasoned hotelier with nearly three decades of progressive experience in the hospitality trade, Reboredo handles a diversified portfolio covering all non-gaming revenue-generating departments in the hotel, namely rooms, food and beverage and events. She also leads one of the biggest sales and marketing teams in the local hotel front.When Alert Level 2 was declared, the massive complex transitioned to a better, more relaxed business atmosphere, but still strictly observing protocols. Reboredo cannot be any happier that the hospitality industry is bouncing back.'The hotel continues to receive leads and confirmed bookings for the rest of 2022,' Reboredo says. 'I am proud to say that we already exceeded both rooms and events target for the month of February. We are also projecting a very good forecast for rooms, events and F&B outlets for the Q1 to Q4 (first to the fourth quarter) of this year.'Reboredo's foray into the hospitality industry began after she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, where she earned her degree in sociology.Prior to joining Okada Manila in 2016, Reboredo worked in prominent and prestigious hotels around town— Midas Hotel and Casino, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Hyatt Regency Manila and Manila Midtown Hotel — which gave her the edge in landing her eventual job and high-ranking position at Okada Manila.She initially started as director of sales, events and marketing when she joined Okada Manila in June 2016, the same time the hotel opened its casinos to the gaming public. Three years into the job, Cielo was promoted to vice president for sales and marketing in 2019 as the hotel management recognized her strong leadership and management skills, wide network and stellar accomplishments.Last year, Reboredo was showered with half a dozen awards, both for Okada Manila and personally. Through her leadership, Okada Manila won the Most Resilient Hotel Award 2021 from the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association's annual Virtus Awards. The award-giving body is a platform recognizing the most innovative hospitality program.Through its projects addressing the pandemic's new normalcy, Okada Manila launched several programs in order to pivot its business operations. The hotel has been consistently working closely with the Department of Tourism (DoT) and the local government of Parañaque ensuring to implement and follow safety protocols.Remarkable womanReboredo was also awarded the World Class Filipino Achiever by the World Class Philippines Council, Remarkable Woman of Influence and Substance by the Asean Excellence Achievers Award; Most Influential in Local and International Events and Business Marketing by the 4th Asia Pacific Luminare Awards, Most Exceptional and Empowered Me and Women by Mrs. Universe Philippines, and received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mrs. Philippines International.Reboredo's last business trip was in January 2020 during the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) in Brunei. 'I love to explore and travel to different places, both local and international,' she says. 'Even during the pandemic, my family and I were able to visit beautiful destinations in the Philippines like Cebu, Bohol, Balesin, Siargao and Davao.'Her day normally starts at 6:30 a.m. with a healthy breakfast, followed by business meetings with corporate clients and her team, as well as site inspections. 'Sometimes, I have lunch or dinner with clients, too,' Reboredo says. 'On weekends, I normally watch movies, try different cuisines and restaurants, do exercise like jogging and brisk walking. Sometimes, I also organize out-of-town trips with family and friends.'Juggling time between work and home is not difficult for Reboredo. 'It's just a matter of time management,' she stresses. 'At the end of the day, everyone must have a work-life balance.'Luckily, as we speak, I am now in one of the best cities in the world, Vancouver, with my loved ones— my mom, sister and daughter Chesca. This is indeed God's gift to me as I have been able to see my mom again after two years and four months, as she got stranded here in Canada due to the pandemic. On March 10, we will all go back to Manila as I will bring her home already.'Her octogenarian mom, Corazon Ortega, a public school teacher in Malabon for more than three decades, is Reboredo's ultimate role model. 'She is the most resilient and strongest woman I know,' her daughter declares. 'I have seen her surpass life's challenges and she has instilled in me the value of hard work and determination.'
