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In his younger days, Efren P. Belarmino, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa general manager, was fascinated with athletes, especially basketball players.
He dreamt of becoming an athlete or a coach.
As he built his 30-year career as a hotelier, Belarmino applied teamwork in his work life.
?I'm so fond of sports and have always wanted to be an athlete. But I still use the concept of teamwork effectively to manage my team now,? said Belarmino, who has been Plantation Bay's general manager for 10 years now.
Belarmino started at the bottom as an airport representative of Century Park Sheraton Manila then rose to become the assistant duty manager of the hotel.
He left for China in 1990 to help Henry Sy open his hotel called Xiamen Plaza Hotel P.R.O.C. as its front office manager.
?In 1992, I came back and became the night manager of Century Park Sheraton Manila,? Belarmino said.
Other promotions followed.
In May 1996, Belarmino moved to Century Park Hotel Manila as assistant executive housekeepr cum laundry manager.
In August 1997, an opportunity came to work in Cebu with Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.
He started as executive housekeeper, then served as property operations manager, tasked to direct and maintain the Rooms Division in accordance to the resort's policies, standards and guidelines.
Belarmino was so effective in his role that the owners immediately made him an assistant general manager in December 1999.
In April 2000, Belarmino became the resort?s general manager.
Belarmino finished a management degree from the Philippines School of Business Administration in Manila.
In order to be effective in whatever role you are given, he said you need a supportive environment. Owners of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa provide that, he said.
?They were all very supportive of every project that we proposed. I think that has also helped us become more inspired and productive because we are empowered by them,? said Belarmino, who has been with the resort for 13 years now.
The support has also made it easier for him to juggle work in Cebu and visiting his family in Manila.
?My wife and three kids are in Manila because my wife also has work there,? he said.
Belarmino compared managing a resort to being a team coach.
An American basketball coach had written about using his experience with teamwork in business.
?I read that and agreed that in a team you have to have a point guard, a defense and offense guy. That?s also true in the corporate world like Plantation Bay. You must have teamwork. The same basic concept will apply to both,? Belarmino said.
Belarmino said he?s satisfied with what he has achieved so far but looking ahead, he dreams of growth.
?I would like to see Plantation Bay Resort branching out in other areas like Bohol province or anywhere that?s a lifestyle destination,? he said.
That dream has helped him focus his staff, said Belarmino, on the value of having goals and reaching them through teamwork.
