[TtL NEWS] Efren Belarmino, the general manager of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

Q. What is your philosophy for running PB.

A. My philosophy in running Plantation Bay is to manage with open mind and open heart. My door is always open for everyone (at any time of the day).

My aim is to manage with a family-style of management and open all my heart and mind for the betterment of the hotel.

Q. There will be more competitors in Cebu as Dusit Thani and Sheraton. What's the strengths of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa?

A. I see international-chain hotels like Dusit Thani and Sheraton as our healthy and friendly competition.

I am happy to see international hotels opening up in Cebu because they give travelers a different view of Cebu as a travel destination.

We don't only promote Plantation Bay but Cebu-Philippines as a destination.

© CEBU Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

Q. What's the portion of Korean market and the main visitors?

A. Korean and Japanese are our top markets. Korean being number 1 with the help of Global Air Systems (c/o Mr. Alex Lee, Director of Sales) and produces 38% sales. Second on the list is the Japanese market with a slightly small difference with 36%. And the rest is scattered among different markets - Filipino, Russians, Americans, Australians, and so on.

Q. What's the plans and goals of this year?

A. Our goals for this year is to finish our renovation for all the rooms. As of today. (May 10, 2019- They already completed 70% of the room renovation)

We do it one house or building at a time. We make sure that we do not hamper our room availability and our operations.

Cebu= 김홍덕 기자 hordon@ttlnews.com