LEADING LADIES LIVING LEGACIES: Women Driving Change in Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

Change is often met with hesitation, yet for true leaders, it is not a threat but an opportunity for growth. Three distinguished women executives in Megaworld Hotels & Resorts embraced new roles at the height of their careers, proving that success is not about staying in one place but about continuously evolving oneself.

The inspiring journeys of Geraldine Gaw, Yvonne Villacorte, and Sophia Altamirano serve as a powerful reminder that every transition is a chance to build something even greater. Instead of fearing career transitions, they saw them as opportunities to break new ground, challenge themselves, and create an even greater impact.

Geraldine Gaw – Hotel Manager, Hotel Lucky Chinatown

After over three decades in sales and marketing, Geraldine Gaw could have chosen to stay in her comfort zone. Instead, she embraced her new role as Hotel Manager at HLC overseeing hotel operations and guest experience. For Ms. Gigi, as her team fondly calls her, this shift was a long-time dream. It is a chance to apply her expertise on a broader scale while continuing to drive revenue.

Timing may play a role in career moves, but Ms. Gigi believes growth comes from seizing opportunities. Her 19-year tenure at a hotel in Pasay and experience with international brands have prepared her for this transition. To women hesitant to take risks later in their careers, her advice is clear: “It is never too late to grow, evolve, and redefine your path.” She encourages leaders to trust in their experiences, embrace change with confidence, and recognize that stepping into the unknown often leads to the most rewarding opportunities.

Yvonne Villacorte – General Manager, Belmont Hotel Mactan

After two decades away, returning to Cebu as General Manager of Belmont Hotel Mactan felt like a homecoming for a seasoned hotelier whose roots in the Queen City of the South run deep. From her early days as a sales representative to managing some of the renowned Cebu properties, her career reflects her passion for hospitality. Stepping back into Cebu’s dynamic and highly competitive hospitality scene in 2024, Yvonne embraced the challenge of leading with fresh perspectives backed by her rich experience.

Her journey to becoming a woman leader has not been without obstacles. She was one of the few women GMs among a predominantly male group. Rather than letting cultural biases deter her, she used these moments to amplify the call for gender equality in the industry. Over the years, she has witnessed a shift, with more hotel chains actively empowering women to take on top leadership roles, a movement she wholeheartedly supports.

“Believe in yourself and follow your passion and heart. Pursuing your dreams is a courageous journey, embrace it and remember that your voice and contributions matter” is Yvonne’s advice to young women aspiring to break societal norms and pursue leadership. She is living proof that with courage and determination, women can shape their own narratives.

Sophia Altamirano – Group Director of Revenue Management, Distribution & Business Development

With over 27 years in the hospitality industry, Sophia brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to her role as head of Revenue and Distribution at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. Having worked with international brands in different countries, including 17 years with AccorHotels Group, she now applies her expertise to elevate local hospitality.

For Sophia, challenge is synonymous to opportunity. From an early age, she developed an ability to see beyond what was in front of her, a skill that has shaped her leadership style. “I am always hungry to learn, constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate,” she shared. Whether in operations, commercial roles, or corporate leadership, she embraces every transition as a chance to apply new skills and create meaningful impact.

As a woman in leadership, Sophia has faced many “isms” in her career. Having experienced this, she is a strong advocate for mentorship and women empowerment, creating safe spaces for aspiring female leaders to grow and thrive. By blending global expertise with a heart for local talent, Sophia is reshaping Filipino hospitality. Her story shows that being a woman leader is not about waiting for a seat at the table, it is about claiming it with confidence.

The leadership stories of Geraldine Gaw, Yvonne Villacorte, and Sophia Altamirano show how the women executives of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts embraced pivotal moments in their careers. As they continue to break barriers and lead in their new roles, they also pave the way for more women to rise, proving that the best chapters are yet to come.