HOST RECOGNITION + ACTIVITIES

Posted by admin

2/22/2024

Company Services

Aloha Kathy Foley | 39 Years of Service

BY MONICA SALTER — It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to our global communications specialist – Kathy Foley – as she embarks on a well-deserved retirement, following an incredible 39-year journey with OUTRIGGER.

Throughout her tenure, Kathy has dedicated her time, energy and passion to the company. Always with a smile, her unwavering commitment has contributed greatly to the company’s success. Most notably – she has been the editor of OUTRIGGER’s internal newsletter, originally a printed version called Saturday Briefing, now online called InsideOUT.

Kathy started her career with OUTRIGGER working in the executive office under Dr. Richard Kelley, son of company founders Roy and Estelle Kelley, who served as the CEO of OUTRIGGER until 1993 and chairman of the board until 2011. Since then, she has been an embodiment of dedication, resilience and excellence. Her journey has been a testament to her commitment to the OUTRIGGER family and her impact will be felt for years to come.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathy has forged lasting relationships with fellow hosts, partners and guests alike. Her warmth, empathy (and weekly workout classes) will be deeply missed.

As Kathy transitions into a well-deserved retirement, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the countless hours, dedication and passion she has poured into OUTRIGGER. While we will miss her daily presence, we celebrate the legacy she leaves behind and wish her all the joy, relaxation and adventures that retirement has to offer.

Please join us in extending our warmest wishes to Kathy as she embarks on this new chapter. If you are in the corporate office on her last day, Monday, February 26, please come by to celebrate her remarkable career and bid her a fond farewell.

I Love OUTRIGGER because…

Hawai‘i and global contact center hosts each received a heart to celebrate February — A Month of Love. Hosts could voluntarily share why they love OUTRIGGER and enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel (OBC)

BY CECI HAMAO — Alongside heart-decorated kettle popcorn personalized with each host’s name to celebrate Valentine’s Day, OBC hosts excitedly filled out their heart-shaped cards that are on display in the lunchroom. OBC also celebrated February birthdays with cake and a breakfast potluck, a tradition for housekeeping hosts.

World Nutella Day

Who doesn’t want to celebrate World Nutella Day? Not OBC! Hosts enjoyed the creamy, nutty treat on February 5.

Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by OUTRIGGER (KPR)

BY DONNA KING — The housekeeping department at KPR wished a fond Aloha to Julia Tambio who has worked for OUTRIGGER for over 28 years and at this property since 1976. Retirement plans are to relax and enjoy life! Mahalo and congratulations, Julia!

OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER (OEH)

January Host of the Month: FERDINAND OBELLIE

We are so grateful for the return of our team member, Ferdi, to the OHANA “Beast” family. Since his return to OEH in October 2023, Ferdi has been a dynamic team player and upholds The 4 Keys in everything he does and with a smile.

We started the new year at a fast pace, especially with our revitalization project in full swing. From resetting the 17th and 16th floors and stripping the 16th and 15th floors, Ferdi was there without question. Even when he was scheduled as our shampoo carpet houseman, he stepped in to help us with the laborious revitalization projects, balancing two of the most important roles of the day. In addition, Ferdi has also covered numerous bell shifts for the front office department. He never hesitates when someone needs help. Because of his proactivity, positive attitude and can-do aura daily, we nominate Ferdi and appreciate him fully.

Maraming salamat manong, Ferdi! You are a force to be reckoned with; we are grateful for your hard work and dedication.

– Nominated by Keala Raza, Housekeeping Manager

Mahalo and congratulations to our iCare Card recipients: Mybe Ho, Steve Hu, Jacob Nohara and Angie Parangan.

National Pizza Day

BY KATHERINE ALLEN — On February 9, OEH celebrated National Pizza Day with pizza from Dominos. Hosts were delighted to dig in as the smell wafted throughout the hallways.

Valentine’s Day

BY KATHERINE ALLEN — OEH hosts celebrated Valentine’s Day with a surprise and delight of cute handwritten notes with chocolates from Kiana Beimes and me to spread our love and appreciation. Additionally, Keala Raza gifted each housekeeper a rose to show her appreciation and genuine love for her team.

OUTRIGGER Kā‘anapali Beach Resort (OKB)

Mahalo to the OKB housekeeping department for the beautiful display of love and to Mike Shaff and Cesar Herrera for taking advantage of it!

Celebrating World Pizza Day

BY WENDY MUNETAKE — On February 9, OKB hosts celebrated World Pizza Day, where calories didn’t count and every bite of pizza was filled with pepperoni perfection or veggie delight; kudos to team food & beverage. With bright smiles and bellies content, hosts continued the fun with their usual Aloha Friday festivities, sharing aloha with guests through song and dance. New hires were also welcomed to the OKB ʻohana with a special lei kukui presentation. It was the perfect blend of celebration making for a truly fun and memorable day!

Snack Cart Delivers Sweet Surprise on Valentine’s Day

BY WENDY MUNETAKE — Do you remember when the distant sound of your neighborhood ice cream truck got your heart racing as you desperately searched for loose change to indulge in a delightful treat?

The Valentine’s Cart sparked a similar feeling of joy and excitement as music echoed throughout the halls and the cart made its way to every workstation, surprising hosts with a Valentine’s treat and a message of love and appreciation. A big shout out to Sally Bautista, Virgie Javalde, and Myleen Liwanag for sharing their amazing balloon-decorating skills! You gals rock!

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort (MAM)

BY AYAASHA ISHAAQ — We are delighted to announce that we held our All-Host Meeting on February 15 where we revealed our Hosts of the Month. The meeting began with a special message from General Manager John Allanson and certificates were presented by our Finance Manager Lahiru Weerasuriya. A special tea party followed celebrating January birthdays.

January Host of the Month | Front of the House | NI NYOMAN SUKANTI

Sukanti is the most senior therapist at Navasana Spa. She has been loyal to the company, is very hard working and has helped us to achieve better business results. Her knowledge, experience and great personality are continuously helping us achieve excellence every day. Her politeness and can-do attitude are reflected in the increased quality of interactions with our guests. Her team spirit, creativity and tenacity made a real difference in the team.

– Comments by Rohit Justa, Wellness Director

January Host of the Month | Heart of the House | KONARA SARANGA DINESH

Saranga is an asset to the store’s team and plays a key role in our company’s success. Saranga shows great commitment and excellence in his work. He is always ready to take on new responsibilities and acquire new competencies. He communicates clearly and works well with his peers. He also offers creative and innovative solutions that help enhance our efficiency and quality. One specific example is that he mastered the Birch Street system in a short time and with great accuracy.

– Comments by Jaison Poulose, Director of Finance

January Host of the Month | Service Provider | JABARJANG SINGH

Jabarjang is a very experienced welder known for his exceptional work and talent in various welding techniques. He is punctual and consistently delivers high-quality work within deadline. He makes sure that every welding project he starts is completed to the highest standards. He is an exceptionally fast learner and needs only one demonstration and explanation. He has earned respect from his teammates and receives positive feedback regarding his work ethic.

– Comments by Azim Shareef | Chief Engineer

2023 Award Night Dinner Illuminates Excellence

BY AYAASHA ISHAAQ — In an evening brimming with elegance, the 2023 Award Night Dinner unfolded with unparalleled grandeur, setting a new benchmark for celebrations of achievement. The event was a confluence of the brightest stars in their respective fields, gathered to honor the year’s most remarkable successes.

The awards ceremony, interspersed between courses, was the heart of the evening. It began with a heartfelt speech by General Manager John Allanson who emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating excellence in a world that often moves too quickly. As the winners were announced, the room filled with applause and cheers, each recipient taking a moment on stage to express gratitude and share their journey. The speeches were a powerful reminder of the hard work, dedication and passion that drive success.

The event was held on February 8 and revealed Host of the Year 2023 for both Heart of the House and Front of the House, GM award recipient and Manager of the Year 2023. The event was hosted by Human Resources Director Ali Rasheed. Certificates for the winners were presented over by John Allanson.

Winners were given a trophy, certificate and monetary gift. Host of the Year 2023 both Heart of the House and Front of the House were given managerial-level accommodation for one year.

Congratulations to:

GM Award – AZIM SHAREEF, Chief Engineer
Manager of the Year – MAHESWARAN BIRATHEEBAN, IT Manager
Host of the Year 2023 Heart of the House – SHAJI KOONAMPADAM SUKUMARAN, Head Tailor
Host of the Year 2023 Front of the House – MOHAMED SHAIHAAN SHAAHEEN, Waiter

Entertainment for the evening was thoughtfully interspersed throughout dinner, featuring performances that ranged from a classical string quartet to a contemporary dance ensemble. The performances added a layer of cultural richness to the night, captivating the audience and providing moments of reflection and celebration.

The evening air, filled with the soft sounds of a live jazz band, offered moments of camaraderie and reflection on the night’s celebrations. The 2023 Award Night Dinner was not just an event, but a memorable experience, a testament to the beauty of recognizing excellence and the power of coming together to celebrate it.

OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort (ORF)

We Care – Quarter 1 Meeting

Chef Dean Kamiya and team created an amazing menu to celebrate Lunar New Year and everyone, especially our safety and security team, loved it! The engineering team took the lead for Malama Our Hosts with a sweet message that read, “It’s hosts like you that make us love what we do.” Mahalo to meeting presenters Tomo Ikichi, So’o Tana and Chris Pino and hearty congratulations to all — ORF is #6 on TripAdvisor!

OUTRIGGER WAIKIKI BEACH RESORT (OWK)

Host of the Month: MIKALA CHANG

Mikala has been with OUTRIGGER for 25 years and is the epitome of showing the true Outrigger Way. In searching for the name Mikala in Google, it says Mikala means “God like” “one who is like God” or “Who is like God?” She executes the work just like it. She makes sure guests are receiving the “best-in-class” service and experience.

Mikala sits on the far left side of the front desk welcoming every guest, whether return guests or new guests to the resort. She brings the cool and calm Aloha Spirit to the team that makes them feel comfortable and that the day will be great regardless of any issue.

She started working at this resort from the top of the building when V47 Club was located on the roof. She then moved to the front desk shortly after. She is very positive and makes everyone want to work in the morning when she is on duty. Mikala always has the best smile and positive energy. She calls out good morning and greets guests passing through the lobby. Mikala takes the initiative to help out, including being the manager on duty. She checks on the manager-on-duty log and follows up with guest issues. Mikala takes responsibility seriously and does her best to assist and communicate with maintenance and housekeeping. Most of the reviews from guests have mentioned Mikala and how she makes their stay the best experience ever. One of the recent reviews says it all: Mikala was so helpful! She is the best and makes you feel like the hotel is my Home!!!

She is a true asset to our operation and we are blessed to have her as part of the team.

Congratulations and mahalo to our Host of the Month Nominees: Gui Mei Gao and Wayne Talaro.

Congratulations to ICare Card recipients Janelle Chong, Jiro Kim and Ligaya Martin and to Mae Lampitoc for most name mentions on TripAdvisor.

Malama Our Hosts

Mahalo to Dustin Chen from engineering for making the day of love extra special for hosts with chocolates and roses in celebration of OWK’s blooming success.