A NEW MAN AT A NEW CENTURY
IF LONGEVITY IN THE BUSINESS IS A MEASUREMENT of success, then there’s no arguing that Century Park Hotel is a force to reckon with.
A fixture in the local tourism and hospitality industry for 39 years, the Century Park Hotel, a top choice for meetings and conventions, is currently undergoing general renovation to better serve its guests.
According to Anthony Wai Kwok Tan, who was appointed the hotel’s general manager last March, they intend to finish the refurbishment by October, in time for the celebration h of the company’s ruby or 40th anniversary.
While there are no plans to construct more rooms in addition to the 478 rooms already existing, Tan, who has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, vows that an even better and bolder version of the hotel is about to be unveiled, coupled with, of course, the continued efficient service that Century Park Hotel has always been known for.
It was in September 1976 that the then Century Park Sheraton hotel, a joint venture between Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation with Sheraton Hotel and Inns Worldwide, partially opened along with 14 other new deluxe hotels in Manila in time for the International Monetary FundWorld Bank annual meeting.
With a coffee shop and approximately 300 rooms in service during the first month, the hotel gradually stepped into full operation in the following months with 450 rooms and the following food and beverage outlets: the Iberia, then a Spanish supper club; Aoi Japanese restaurant; Badjao; Kachina Lounge; Cellar Bar; Top of the Century; Palm Grove and the Pastry and Delicatessen Shop.
There were also five function rooms, a shopping arcade, medical and dental clinics, and a barber and beauty shop.
Four years later, an allsuites wing in the hotel, known as the Park Tower Suites and comprised of 60 units with individual kitchenettes, was opened.
In 1996, Century Park Sheraton Manila and ITT Sheraton arrived at a mutual decision not to renew their franchise agreement. Thus, the hotel known as Century Park Sheraton Manila established its own identity as the Century Park Hotel.
In 2009, the hotel upgraded its 14th to 17th floors with a revamp of 120 deluxe rooms, whose new design, a brainchild of Steven Leach & Associates, takes its cue from woven mats and wood paneling to produce Orient-inspired interiors with rich wood grains and subtle black accents on the furniture laminates that stand in stark contrast to the white walls and ceilings.
The refurbished rooms are stocked with amenities like electronic safes, LCD television screens and Wi-Fi Internet connection.
Tan says they are aware of the changing needs of hotel guests, particularly in terms of technology, which is why Wi-Fi connectivity is among their top priorities.
A mainstay in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) market, the hotel has 14 large function rooms and a grand ballroom, ideal for conferences, meetings and other corporate affairs, as well as parties for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.
Responsible for the hotel’s daily operations and revenue generation, Tan says they offer special packages for their target market, especially their regular returning clients.
Tan shares that the hotel’s loyal staff is also among the strengths of the company.
According to Eric Strozier Beza, public relations assistant manager who has been with Century Park Hotel for 25 years starting out as an outlet cashier, the hotel has given him a lot of opportunities for growth.
Tan says hotel people like Beza are among the reasons why their guests keep coming back, since they have earned their trust and confidence.
Tan likewise shares that the Philippine hotel industry is in for an exciting ride at this point in time, especially with the establishment of the integrated resort-casinos.
Like in Singapore where he finished his accountancy studies before taking up further studies in the field of operations and hospitality management in Australia, Tan says the Philippines is a growing market. He thus expects the competition among hotels to be stiffer, but still re- main healthy of course, which will be good for the industry as a whole.
“We’ve got a good market, everybody has a niche in this business,” he says with confidence, citing as example the hotel’s other branches in Hong Kong and China.
He adds that the seven percent growth in the country’s economy augurs well for the performance of businesses.
“With a stronger economy comes more investments. And with more investments come more jobs for the people,” he says.
Tan says they are likewise supportive of the government’s tourism projects.
“We are a member of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines,” he says. The organization has initiatives that help promote tourist arrivals, emphasizing Century Park Hotel’s perfect location in the heart of Manila’s business, cultural, shopping and entertainment district.