Araneta City, Quezon City — In an industry where excellence is measured not only by service but by the ability to shape experiences that resonate far beyond a hotel stay, Araneta Hotels Inc., `marks a defining chapter in its journey one distinguished by regional acclaim, visionary leadership, and a commitment to hospitality that embraces every guest.
IBIS STYLES MANILA ARANETA CITY NAMED ASIA’S FINEST LIFESTYLE HOTEL
At the 2026 Asia Hospitality Awards (AHA) held at the Dragon Pearl in Vietnam, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City was recognized as Asia’s Finest Lifestyle Hotel, affirming its place among the region’s most innovative hospitality brands.
Presented by the Asia Awards Organization under this year’s theme, “Influential Asia,” the awards celebrate hotels and hospitality leaders redefining travel through creativity, authenticity, and guest-centric experiences.
For ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, the accolade recognizes a hospitality concept unlike any other in the country. Inspired by the iconic Araneta Coliseum, the hotel transforms the excitement of concerts and sporting events into an immersive, design-led experience where every space tells a story. True to the ibis Styles philosophy, the property celebrates individuality through expressive interiors, vibrant colors, curated soundscapes, and lively communal spaces that connect travelers with the local community.
Complementing its bold identity are thoughtfully designed guestrooms, diverse dining concepts, a rooftop sky bar, fitness facilities, co-working spaces, and direct access to Araneta City’s retail, entertainment, and transport hubs creating a lifestyle destination where creativity, accessibility, and affordability converge.
MARIA MANLULU-GARCIA HONORED FOR
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
The same evening saw Maria Manlulu-Garcia, Area General Manager of Accor, Philippines for Premium, Midscale, and Economy brands and Cluster General Manager of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, receive the Asia’s Special Achievement Award for General Manager, recognizing her exceptional leadership in driving operational excellence, service innovation, and a people-first culture across both properties.
Under her stewardship, the hotels have consistently achieved Reputation Performance Scores above 91, earned Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, and secured multiple LISTeN Program Champion recognitions. Her leadership has successfully blended Accor’s global standards with authentic Filipino hospitality, creating an environment built on transparency, resilience, inclusivity, and empowered teams.
The award highlights Garcia’s ability to navigate complex multi-brand operations while championing talent development, diversity, sustainability, and consistently outstanding guest experiences.
NAMED AMONG THE PHILIPPINES’ MOST EMINENT GENERAL MANAGERS
Further cementing her standing as one of the country’s foremost hospitality leaders, Garcia was also recognized by CMO Global as one of The Philippines’ Most Eminent General Managers (Hospitality) 2026 during ceremonies held at Dusit Thani Manila.
The prestigious recognition honors hospitality executives who have demonstrated visionary leadership, innovation, and operational excellence while raising service standards across the Philippine hospitality industry. Garcia’s recognition reflects her unwavering commitment to inspiring teams, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture where both people and performance thrive.
NOVOTEL MANILA ELEVATES INCLUSIVE HOSPITALITY WITH HALAL-CERTIFIED BANQUET DINING
Adding another milestone to this remarkable year, Novotel Manila Araneta City has officially received Halal Certification for its Banquet Kitchen from the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (HICCIP).
The certification reinforces the hotel’s commitment to inclusive hospitality, enabling meetings, conferences, weddings, gala dinners, and celebrations to accommodate a broader range of guests with confidence.
Combined with Novotel Manila’s versatile event venues and the city’s first-of-its-kind built-in advanced visual display system, the certification further strengthens its position as one of Metro Manila’s premier destinations for world-class meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and social events.
A DEFINING YEAR FOR ARANETA HOTELS, INC.
Together, these milestones represent far more than a collection of accolades. They reflect the continued evolution of Araneta Hotels, Inc. as a hospitality group driven by innovation, purposeful leadership, and meaningful guest experiences.
From internationally celebrated hotel concepts and award-winning leadership to inclusive dining standards that welcome every community, Araneta Hotels, Inc., continues to champion hospitality that is proudly Filipino, globally recognized, and future-focused.
As Asia’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, these achievements reaffirm one enduring truth: exceptional hospitality is built not only through recognition, but through vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.
