On October 13, The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts’ Marketing Manager Jel Lagman-Villarin continued the hotel group’s four-year winning streak as she was named the Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager of the Virtus Awards, spearheaded by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA). She was given the prestigious accolade for her proactiveness, attention to detail, ability to talk a blue streak, and ability to engage and build connections—essential skills in becoming a successful hotel sales and marketing professional.
This was followeby by Villarin’s win at the Mabuhay Awards for the Manager Category. Villarin won by unanimous decision because of her track record in creating unique promotions to significantly increase revenue, her strong advocacy in providing service with a heart, her dedication to continuous improvement not only for her professional development, but also for her team and her company, her proactive mentorship, and her will to pursue her personal and professional goals despite all the challenges.
Being the first Mabuhay Awardee for The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts in 17 years, Villarin also achieved a first-ever double victory at the Mabuhay Awards and Virtus Awards on the same year.
From a telephone operator to the youngest department head leading the marketing team of The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Villarin is living proof that dedication, hard work, and humility are the keys to success, however no true success comes easy.
The 31-year-old marketing maven started her journey to becoming a hotelier when she joined The Bellevue Manila as a telephone operator. As an information-technology graduate, she felt like she didn’t belong. But with her persistence, the guidance of her mentors and the unwavering support of The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts management, Villarin flourished into one of today’s leading marketing professionals in the industry. She truly knows what it means to “start from the bottom and work your way up.”
“It didn’t matter if I started at the very bottom. Years after and several companies in the middle, here I am, leading the marketing team of The Bellevue Group, back in my home—where it all started,” shares Villarin in her acceptance speech at the Mabuhay Awards 2019.
When asked what’s next for the multi-award-winning marketing manager, she said, “I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities I have received, and for the awards I have been given. It still feels surreal. I’m happy to have represented my Bellevue family. Now, I believe it’s time to pass the baton. There are many young and exceptional members on my team who deserve the same chance I was given, and I cannot wait to see them on that stage giving their own acceptance speeches. Until then, we will all be in the office doing what we do best—working as a team and supporting each other as one whole family.”