Marie Jean Cordero: Riding the challenges of the hotel industry
Marie Jean Cordero is a charming and
success-driven marketing expert
The hotel industry has a new force to reckon with. She's someone who is believed to be one of the major players in securing Iloilo's reputation as a tourism destination.
She's no less than Marie Jean Cordero, a charming and success-driven marketing expert who manages Amigo Terrace Hotel. She had been in this industry since she was 18 years old. She started as a part time office clerk at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and then became a front office personnel of the same.
This service-driven lady was then promoted as sales and marketing personnel.
She also spent four years at the Olsen Resort and Hotels, a Malaysian chain located in Hanoi, Vietnam. That is why she could understand Vietnamese.
Vietnam's loss was Bayview Park's gain. Cordero spent six years in the latter as director of sales and marketing. This was managed by the Century Hotels International until 2002.
Know more about her and her dreams for tourism in this interview:
Cordero with Ruby Monzon Condo and Andy Tolento
at the Islands Restaurant
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): What made you decide to leave Vietnam and go home?
Marie Jean Cordero (MJC): It was when my son Jazz spoke to me in Vietnamese. I realized that the family should move back to the Philippines. Though I had nothing against Vietnam, I wanted my son to be raised like any normal Filipino.
KMV: What's your management style?
MJC: I'm not an armchair manager. I prefer to work “hands-on”. I am strict and fair.
KMV: What's your work routine?
MJC: My day starts at 9 am through a briefing with the department heads. Then, I deal with sales and marketing concerns, which are my forte and the lifeblood of any company. My afternoons are spent in briefings as regards cash concerns and I write reports.
KMV: Do you ever have leisure time?
MJC: Sometimes, I go out. I make it a point to live a balanced life. I love to go dancing and singing with friends. I also spend time with Jazz. I sit down with him to see how his day went. I do regular mother stuff.
Cordero with the hotel's department heads,
Jun Lee of Banquet Service, Maria Celia
Senicedes of the Front Office, Ibonita Cerinia of
Housekeeping, Ruby Monzon Condo of Food and
Beverage, Virgie Suficiencia of Accounting and
Andy Tolento, the assistant director of Sales.
KMV: What do you think of Iloilo as a tourism spot?
MJC: Iloilo has a lot to offer. It has a rich culture and heritage that a lot of cities do not have. We also have good food. Many famous food originated from Iloilo. We should promote these. The culinary, cultural and heritage aspects should be our focal point. Also, Iloilo is home to hospitable people and it is safe for tourists.
KMV: Any plans for Amigo Terrace Hotel?
MJC: I will put Amigo Terrace Hotel in the tourism map, too. The hotel is very committed to making Iloilo a destination. It is a hotel with a heart in the throb of the city. When you walk in here, you will feel that those who work here really care.
KMV: Do you enjoy what you do?
MJC: Yes. I love the challenge, the feeling of success and being creative. I thank God I found the right field.
KMV: What's the secret to your success?
MJC: Loving what I do. I have the passion to make it through.