On September 13, 2024, the Enderun Colleges hosted the book launch event for
Hospitality Superstars II, authored by the esteemed Vic Alcuaz. The event was
attended by Enderun students from the hospitality and culinary programs and featured a
distinguished lineup of hospitality professionals, including Chef See Cheong Yan, Paolo
Campillo, Gel Gomez, and Hanky Lee. These industry leaders shared their valuable
insights and experiences with aspiring hoteliers, inspiring the next generation of
hospitality professionals.
Vic Alcuaz, known as the "Godfather" of hoteliers in the Philippines, has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many industry leaders. With a rich background that includes roles as Human Resources Director at Hyatt Regency Manila and the first
Shangri-La Hotel in the country, Vic has dedicated his career to developing Filipino talent in hospitality. His previous work includes founding the Mabuhay Awards, which honors outstanding individuals in the industry.
The event was introduced by Tricia Tensuan, Vice President for Marketing at Enderun
Colleges, who highlighted Vic's significant contributions to the hospitality sector and his
commitment to nurturing future leaders. Her introduction set a positive tone for an
afternoon filled with inspiration and valuable lessons.
At the event, each guest speaker offered valuable insights from their experiences. Gel Gomez, General Manager of the Hotel Division at Anchor Land, emphasized the
importance of dedication and learning. “There are no shortcuts,” she said. “Consistency, passion, and talent must come together. Never underestimate the value of education; it’s where you build your foundational skills and meet your first mentors—your professors and academic leaders.”
Hanky Lee, Founder and Owner of The Henry, celebrated the natural hospitality talent of Filipinos, stating, “The God-given beauty of this country is remarkable. It’s inspiring to see an institution like Enderun nurturing this talent.”
Paolo Campillo, former General Manager of NU Star Integrated Resort, encouraged
attendees to embrace innovation and continuous improvement. “Work faster, smarter,
and better,” he advised. “Avoid making catastrophic mistakes. Surround yourself with
people who are smarter than you and learn to love what you do.”
Chef See Cheong Yan, Academic Culinary Head at Enderun Colleges, reflected on his
journey in hospitality. “Create your own luck and don’t fear mistakes; failure makes you
come back stronger. Aspire to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
The event highlighted the achievements of industry leaders and inspired the next
generation to pursue excellence in hospitality. As the program concluded, Enderun
students lined up to have their copies of Hospitality Superstars II signed by the experts
featured in the book. Their collective wisdom served as a powerful reminder that
dedication, creativity, and collaboration are crucial for success in this dynamic field.
