It’s always women first at Araneta City
QUEZON City’s famed Araneta City takes pride in its legacy of giving first and memorable lifestyle and entertainment experiences for the past decades. The pioneer commercial district in Metro Manila has evolved and modernized through the years – it even replaced its old ‘Araneta Center’ name in 2019 to keep up with the times – yet it remains true to its branding as the “City of Firsts”.
It is a legacy that was started by the Araneta clan’s patriarch Don J. Amado, who built the Araneta Group empire from scratch. As the company prospered, he passed on the company's management to his son Jorge, who now acts as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Then, there’s also the contributions from the influential women who left an impressive mark in their respective fields and gave more prominence to the Araneta name: Judy Aranetaroxas who is known for her political and philanthropic activities; Stella Marquez-araneta who is passionate in promoting Filipina beauties around the world; and Margarita Araneta Fores whose love for food and local products has touched many lives.
Following the footprints of these iconic ladies is a new set of female leaders who are changing the landscape of business with their thorough industry experience and dedication for work. These talented professionals are ready to carry on the rich heritage of the Araneta’s prominent legacy.
In celebration of International Women’s Month, we pay tribute to the great female executives who relentlessly keep the Araneta Group homage alive.
ENTERTAINMENT: Irene Jose
AN accountant by profession, Jose first joined the Araneta Group as its VP for Finance in 2013. Just a year later, she was tapped to become the first Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Uniprom Inc., the unit that oversees Smart Araneta Coliseum, New Frontier Theater, the Gateway and Ali Mall Cineplex and their accompanying Snaxx, Ticketnet, and Binibining Pilipinas.
Her appointment as head of Araneta Group’s entertainment unit bears fruit for the company. Under her management, the Big Dome was able to reacquire the hosting rights for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the PULP Live World production after being away for 4 years. It is also during her time when Wish 107.5 made Smart Araneta Coliseum home for the annual Wish Music Awards since 2016, and famous K-pop act frequent the country with shows at the Big Dome and New Frontier Theater.
“It is fulfilling to see how our business unit plays a key role in bringing foot traffic to the Araneta Group, with the slate of shows that we are able to bring in despite stiff competition,” she said.
Jose relies on the power of prayer for constant guidance. “So, I always encourage people to pray and ask for wisdom in everything that we do,” she said.
FOOD RETAIL: Chacha Juinio
FAMOUS brands Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen made their way in the Philippines through Araneta Group's PPI Holdings, the exclusive franchisee of these world-famous companies in the country. And on top of all these is Juinio, who has been the COO of PPI Holdings since 2018.
The road to success wasn't easy for Juinio. “The most significant barrier I faced is bias. Early on in my career, the general consensus on women managers is we would give up our job as soon as we had children, or worst, we become unreliable when we have kids,” she said.
With gender equality and the rights of women now at the forefront of societal discussions, she believes that women need to have fate in their own capabilities. “Women need to believe in their innate intelligence, their skills and more importantly their voice. I also advocate mentorship, so I would like to encourage all female leaders to look for a female role model in your company, in the industry you belong to even in organizations. Do not be afraid to ask for advice or to ask to be mentored,” she said.
HOSPITALITY: Maria Manlulu-garcia
Garcia is part of the pre-opening team of Novotel Manila Araneta City in 2015 as Executive Assistant Manager. She was promoted to Resident Manager in January 2016, Hotel Manager in 2019 and as General Manager last December 2020. She has become a prominent figure in the local hospitality and will forever hold the title of being the first ever Filipina General Manager of an international Accor hotel brand in the Philippines.
“More companies and management need to have the awareness to fully understand what diversity and inclusion are all about. It is no longer about women but about embracing all genders. No one wants to have a special treatment, we all just want to have the same and equal opportunity to all,” she said.
“The next-generation female leaders need to have is to truly be at the forefront of creating women-empowered workplaces. We need to shatter the glass in our own minds and believe that we have the same capabilities as anyone else,” she added.