Beyond Hotel Sales: Recognizing Leadership That Moves Tourism Forward

The Megaworld Global Hotels and Resorts team celebrates its finalists at the 12th Virtus Awards

Promoting the Philippines as a destination worth exploring goes beyond selling hotel rooms—it takes passion, dedication, and a genuine commitment to showcasing the country's tourism offerings. For Dulce Amor Sy, Director of Sales and Marketing of Kingsford Hotel Manila, these efforts have earned her the title of Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader at the 12th Virtus Awards of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Philippines.

The recognition celebrates Sy's work in creating more opportunities for people to discover Philippine destinations and encouraging travel around the country. Her dedication also mirrors Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts' Circle of Happiness philosophy, which is anchored on love for self, work, family, country, and God. Through this culture, the group inspires its team members to find deeper meaning in their work and contribute beyond their daily hotel responsibilities.

“Our roles go beyond our teams and our organizations. We also have a responsibility to champion our destinations and the Philippine tourism industry. Beyond Filipino hospitality, we must find more ways to showcase what our destinations have to offer and create more reasons for international travelers to visit the Philippines and experience our hotels.” ~Dulce Amor Sy, Director of Sales and Marketing of Kingsford Hotel Manila

From left: Margarita “Margie” Munsayac, HSMA Chair; Ma. Celeste B. Romualdo, HSMA Director of Membership; Socrates “Sonny” Alvaro, Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hotels and Resorts; Dulce Amor Sy, Director of Sales and Marketing of Kingsford Hotel Manila; Anna Liza Vergara, Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hotels and Resorts; Blanca CalilungMercado, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Manila Times; and Loleth G. So, HSMA President - during the awarding of the Outstanding Sales & Marketing Leader category.

HSMA's recognition of Sy extends beyond business performance and commercial results. The judges highlighted her involvement in promoting the destination where Kingsford Hotel Manila operates, as well as her active participation in local tourism initiatives. Her resilience, enthusiasm, results-driven mindset, and ability to use her vision, knowledge, and influence to motivate people and move organizations forward were also among the qualities recognized.

Adding to the hotel's achievement, two members of its team were also named nominees in their respective categories. Patricia Aiel Apeña, Reservations Associate, earned a nomination for Sales Associate, while Senior Sales Manager Saymoure Pelayo was nominated for Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager.

From left: Saymoure Pelayo, Senior Sales Manager - Kingsford Hotel Manila and finalist in the Outstanding Sales & Marketing Manager category; Dulce Amor Sy, Director of Sales and Marketing Kingsford Hotel Manila and recipient of the Outstanding Sales & Marketing Leader award; and Patricia Aiel Apeña, Reservations Associate at Kingsford Hotel Manila and finalist in the Sales Associate category.

The Virtus Awards is an annual recognition program organized by HSMA Philippines in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. It honors sales and marketing professionals who demonstrate excellence and make meaningful contributions to the country's hospitality sector.

Located in Entertainment City, Parañaque, Kingsford Hotel Manila continues to serve both business and leisure travelers as part of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts. Through the dedication of its people, the hotel highlights the importance of teamwork, shared purpose, and individual talent in achieving lasting success in the hospitality industry.