In the dynamic world of hospitality, a genuine passion for service bridges diverse sectors, from bustling restaurants to the expansive realm of hotels and resorts. One might ponder the journey of a leader transitioning from years at the helm of a well-known restaurant chain to spearheading Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, a distinguished five-star gem in Cebu.
Are these seemingly different industries more alike than they appear?
For Brian Noel, the General Manager of Plantation Bay, this transition presents both a compelling challenge and a distinct advantage.
More than just a destination for exceptional guest experiences, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa serves as a vital avenue for the growth and development of its stakeholders.
From Tables to Tranquility: A Foundation in Service
Customer service and a spirit of hospitality have long been ingrained in Brian Noel’s professional journey. Before assuming his role at Plantation Bay, he dedicated fifteen years to managing his family’s acclaimed restaurant, “Casa Verde,” a testament to his deep understanding of guest satisfaction. His entrepreneurial drive further led him to co-found Plantation Prime, a food manufacturing company offering various ready-to-eat Filipino Favorites in a can, serving the global Filipino from the Visayan Archipelago. Brian also involved himself with Plantation Ridge, a high-end subdivision development project in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, showcasing his diverse leadership capabilities.
Despite these significant achievements, Brian chose to embark on a new trajectory, embracing the complexities and opportunities of the resort industry. “I took a different path to being in my position right now,” he acknowledges. “It’s not the usual way people become general managers. Most have probably been working in hotels and resorts for 20 years or longer.” This unconventional route offers a fresh perspective and a unique blend of experiences that now guide his leadership at Plantation Bay.
Embracing Resort Leadership through Guidance
Brian Noel acquired his position back in January 2023, marking this year as his 2nd year of his first hotel stint. He credits the guidance of the resort’s owner, Mr. Manny Gonzalez, and Plantation Bay’s strong emphasis on employee growth. This commitment to development has included opportunities such as the general manager’s program at Cornell University in New York and various leadership short courses at Harvard. These experiences have been instrumental in expanding his knowledge and refining his approach. “It really shaped how I approach hotel management,” he affirmed.
Observe, Think, Lead, and Implement
A pivotal moment in Brian Noel’s transition to resort leadership was the realization that conventional hotel industry practices shouldn’t be the sole blueprint. He embraced a philosophy of active engagement: experience, observe, learn, and then implement targeted improvements. “It’s an experience that I only learned here – that you cannot be defined by textbook rules on how a hotel or resort should be run,” Noel explains. This mindset empowered him to “think outside the box,” leading to the identification and strategic catering to underserved markets. Recognizing Plantation Bay’s unique advantages, he directed initiatives to enhance accessibility for seniors and individuals with physical disabilities through the introduction of features like lifts and PWD-friendly golf carts. This proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on niche markets has become a cornerstone of his strategy.
The Power of Collaborative Growth and Learning
Brian Noel understands that Plantation Bay’s success and growth are a shared journey, extending far beyond his own leadership. He champions continuous learning for himself and, crucially, for his team, actively encouraging them to venture beyond the confines of their specific roles to cultivate holistic improvement. “We try to learn things even if it’s not specifically within our job description but to further improve as a person, and through that, we feel that when we widen our views, we can do our jobs better.” This belief in the power of broadened perspectives empowers each individual to enhance their contributions and collectively elevate the resort’s performance.
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s Forthcoming
More than just a destination for exceptional guest experiences, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa serves as a vital avenue for the growth and development of its stakeholders. This forward-thinking and collaborative spirit fuels the resort’s strategic initiatives aimed at market leadership. Recognizing its prime location, now just a convenient 30 minutes from downtown Cebu via CCLEX, Plantation Bay actively engages in international travel expos. Crucially, it also differentiates itself through its own global sales trips, featuring the remarkable talents of its employees as theme dinner dancers – a vivid demonstration of the resort’s unique offerings and vibrant internal culture.
These strategic actions directly support General Manager Brian Noel’s initiative in realizing Plantation Bay’s goals: “To be the best resort in Asia and be the number one workplace in the country.” Grounded in his diverse background and a strong commitment to both guest satisfaction and employee empowerment, these forthcoming efforts chart a compelling course towards realizing this distinguished Cebu resort’s full potential.
