By Barry Wallace
Thursday, January 8, was the 19th annual Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association’s Na Po‘e Pa‘ahana awards recognition luncheon, honoring hospitality industry star performers statewide for the year 2008. As is tradition, Outrigger Enterprises had several star nominees and a large contingent of `ohana in attendance to show their support.
Hundreds packed Sheraton Waikiki’s Hawaii Ballroom in anticipation of seeing their finalists win in the categories of Bell/Valet Person of the Year, Concierge of the Year, Engineer/Maintenance Person of the Year, Food & Beverage Person of the Year, Front Office Person of the Year, Housekeeper of the Year, Manager of the Year, Security Officer of the Year and Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year.
Master and Mistress of Ceremony were again Shannon Scott and Lina Girl from KCCN FM 100, whose quick wit and humorous antics kept the audience laughing and the program on track.
All nominees were called to the stage and recognized and then three finalists in each category were called on stage and a brief description of why they were chosen was read. Outrigger Enterprises was well represented in Monica Wong, who walked away with Statewide Housekeeper of the Year!
Myra Kuboyama, Monica Wong, Kimberly Agas, and Barry Wallace
Monica often helps her fellow Chinese coworkers with translations and advice when their limited English abilities create difficulty in understanding. She has spent a lot of time helping many coworkers transition and adjust to changes that come with new products and standards due to the recent renovation at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. She also took charge of implementing the new uniform program, listening to each employee’s concerns and making adjustments so everyone would feel comfortable. She modeled the outcome of her efforts on the cover of Hawaii Hospitality magazine, where she proudly showed off the new housekeeper uniform, along with her coworkers from other departments. Other examples of why Monica is a statewide standout are things she did behind the scenes to enhance our guests’ experience, like searching for the best gripping material, so she could design a doorstop that wouldn’t damage new guestroom doors; creating different patterns to make the most attractive lining for delivery baskets; suggesting and then altering new blankets, so it would be easier for Housekeepers to make beds; and designing a curtain to cover the temporary valet podium. What makes Monica so special is that she consistently takes the initiative, works proactively, and does helpful things before being asked. Though not in the public eye, Monica’s efforts are seen and appreciated by both employees and guests. She is a dedicated professional with a huge heart that is trusted and appreciated by all those who know her.
Monica Wong, Barry Wallace, and Cheryl Suda
Also singled out during the awards program was Cheryl Suda, second runner-up for Concierge of the Year. Congratulations to Cheryl and to each one of our honorees: Mandy Cruz, Vincent Xing Lin, Eric Lewis, Renee Kiyono, Robert Uchida, Joshua Revells, Lono Padilla, Cindy Castillo, Jettson Hew, Jenny Pang, Anthony Pajarillo, Carol Kahili, Reuben Nakagawa, Jonathon Gellacio, Darwin Delos Santos, Ablando Topenio, Regenia Oandasan, Sheryl McKay, Fernando Constantino, Annette Creamer, So‘o Tana, Chenli Garcia-Wong, Peter Nonales, and Nanee Oh.
For 2009, I hope to see all of our properties represented in every category. Keep this awards recognition in mind, as the year unfolds; I know there will be many worthy of this statewide honor. My sincere thanks also to those who took the time to write-up nominations for their property standouts. Because of your efforts, we are able to recognize and give thanks to those so deserving of this special recognition.
Hearty congratulations, Monica, Cheryl, and all our honorees and nominators. What a great way to kick-off a New Year.
