We proudly celebrate UP HRA (HRIM) alumna Ms. Anna Liza Vergara, General Manager of Sheraton Manila Hotel, for being recognized among the Best General Managers in the Philippines at the Travel + Leisure Asia Pacific Awards 2026! 🏆

From starting her career at the front desk to becoming the first Filipina General Manager of a five-star international hotel brand in the Philippines, Ms. Anna's journey exemplifies the excellence, resilience, and leadership of UP HRA (HRIM) graduates.

Congratulations, GM Anna Liza! Your UP HRA (HRIM) family is proud of your remarkable achievement and continued contributions to the hospitality industry

The 𝙐𝙋 𝙃𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙡, 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 HRIM (HRA) proudly congratulates 𝘼𝙨𝙚𝙘. 𝙈𝙖. 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙂. 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙤 on her appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Tourism.

A distinguished UP HRA alumna, Asec. Aquino's appointment is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service in tourism and hospitality education and industry development. Throughout her career, she has inspired countless students and professionals while making significant contributions to the advancement of Philippine tourism.

As she takes on this important national leadership role, the entire UP HRIM (HRA) family celebrates this remarkable achievement and takes great pride in seeing one of our own help shape the future of Philippine tourism.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨, 𝘼𝙨𝙚𝙘. 𝙈𝙖. 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙂. 𝘼𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙤! Your UP HRIM (HRA) family is proud of you and wishes you continued success in this new chapter of service and leadership.

DHRIM is very excited to announce that Asst. Prof. Raymund Gerard Guerrero, one of our own and a BS HRA alumnus, is now the Philippine country representative to the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA)!

Congratulations Sir G! Your DHRIM family is so proud of you. 

Carlo C. Cruz, a BS HRIM graduate class of 2004, has been appointed as the Officer-in-Charge of Discovery Suites Ortigas. With his years of experience, Carlo has excelled in sales and marketing roles, including Director of Sales and Marketing at Discovery Suites Manila, the Golden Empire Hotel, and Bagan Lodge Hotel and Spa. His expertise extends to the corporate sector, having served as an Area Sales Manager at Regus and as a Sales Manager of Corporate Events at Solaire Resort and Casino Manila. Carlo's appointment reflects the academic foundation and industry acumen nurtured by DHRIM, and we anticipate his continued success in this leadership role. Congratulations, Carlo!

Jose Arnold “Joey” Alvero, a member of UP HRA class of 1984 (cum laude), is currently the chief operating officer of Potato Corner, the latest addition to the portfolio of WoW! brands of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc. (SPAVI)

In his role, Alvero is steering Potato Corner – the undisputed leader in the kiosk-based fries chain segment in the Philippines and a global brand with over 1,400 stores spread across 14 countries – in further deepening its presence in key markets, building on its strong equity among both consumers and franchisees and delivering industry-leading margins for stakeholders.

Prior to his appointment, he was the vice president for international operations and director of franchise and business development of SPAVI.

Joey is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with transnational experience in General Management, Franchising, Business Development, Hotel & Restaurant Operations, Strategic Planning, Acquisitions, Market Entry Start-Up & Team Development.

In his close to forty years in the hospitality industry, he’s had stints with the Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula hotel chains, McDonald’s, Red Ribbon, and Ramcar Food Group.

Graduated from University of the Philippines with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Started his hotel career with InterContinental Hotel in Makati City. He rose from the ranks, started out as a Front Desk Agent, then Duty Manager, Head of Concierge, then Assistant Front Office Manager. Travelled to Thailand in 2008 and worked in various hotels, resorts and executive serviced apartments, from being a Rooms Division Manager, Resident Manager, then General Manager.

Came back to the Philippines Year 2013 where he started his career with the Seda Hotels Group. Earned his certification as a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by American Hotel and Lodging Association in October 2017.

Actively participated in the local tourism development of Davao Region, as Chairperson of the Davao MICE Executive CommiWee, a project of the Department of Tourism.

Earned his Certificate of Completion of the Ayala Leadership Acceleration program on October 2021. This is a leadership development program created in partnership with Harvard Business Publishing which allows Ayala Group to take a strategic position in its talent management process by building a world-class pipeline of top talent while strengthening the cornerstones of their business strategy.

Recently the Area General Manager of Seda Hotels in Mindanao (Seda Abreeza in Davao City and Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro). Currently the Senior General Manager of Seda Ver;s North in Quezon City.

Maria Judith "Jojo" N. Marcelo of BSHRA batch 1984 is the new General Manager of KFC Philippines.