12/20/2008: Saturday Briefing Archive (7.0 MB PDF)

December 20, 2008
Santa Greets Crowd
at Outrigger Waikiki
By Joanna Demeo
Santa Claus arrived via outrigger canoe at
Waikiki Beach on Saturday, December 13, to a
beach full of eager children and adults.
Despite choppy waters, the Waikiki Beach
Boys paddled jolly St. Nick ashore, where he
was greeted by hula dancers, singers, and plenty
of admirers. Santa stepped out of the canoe
and welcomed guests with jolly greetings for a
“Merry Christmas” and “Mele Kalikimaka.” He
was also sporting a new look: Santa had traded
in his warm North Pole snow boots and pants
for some more appropriate made-for-Hawaii
attire: slippers and shorts!
Joy in Our Diversity
By Barry Wallace
The spirit of the holiday season is alive throughout the Outrigger
family in ways as varied as our people. Here is a glimpse of a few of the
holiday festivities to date.
Oahu
In appreciation for everyone’s hard work in 2008, over 500 Waikiki
employees gathered for an evening of appreciation. The ‘ohana enjoyed
cultural entertainment, a sampling of international food, and fellowship
with one another. Themed “Joy to the World,” the gathering was designed
to highlight Outrigger’s diversity -- who we are, where we’re from -- as well
as where Outrigger is doing business globally.
Charismatic emcees, Pila Hanson and Jerry Dolak, kept the evening
activities flowing between the entertainment and prize drawings.
Congratulations to all the prize winners, including Leung Leong for
receiving the evening’s top prize.
Continued on page 12
Continued on page 3
Santa greets the crowd with a jolly
“Ho Ho Ho, Mele Kalikimaka!”
Yu Ming Liang, Suxian Zhou, and Barry Wallace - Oahu
Saturday Briefing
Page Happy
Birthday!
Honolulu Marathon Winners at
the Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Jan 07: Thomas Y. Seeton and Ivan Celebrado.
Jan 08: Desiree Hee, Sarah M. Bernabe,
Edgardo Desamparado, Katina K. Puas,
Wayne R. Ching, and Won Song Bae.
Jan 09: Teresa L. Morrison, Rowena A.
Colling, Kiyo Kaneshiro, Feng Mei Li,
Laurel A. Cates, Ray J. Kanemori, Norma P.
Tuvera, and Libby Ann Young.
Jan 10: Romeo B. Valdez, Roy G. Quiamno,
Antonio V. Pajarillo, Tinay J. Acidera,
Nicanor Ocumen, Siu-Lan Fong, Paul W.
Horner, Desiree C.M. Tyrrell, Annie C.
Lactaoen, and Young Sook Jeung.
Jan 11: Warren E. Blye, Chong Suk Im,
John D. Neeley, Reymando S. Cruz, Elena
V. Narvaes, Jeffrey A. Neimy, Yu Ming
Liang, and Keiko Nunogawa.
Alvetina Biktimirova, the 2007 Honolulu Marathon Women’s First Place finisher,
Maka Cacho, and Rey Soriano
Jan 12: Demmy Arciaga, Penchie S. Cabasag,
Eva B. Bumagat, Asuncion D. Domingo,
Taciana P. Gagala, Paulette Faye Spencer,
Colleen M. Tanioka, Eric W. Dillingham,
Estrellita Baratti, and Roger C. Evans.
Jan 13: Lucia M. Cabalo, Milagros C.
Javier, Jimmy Z.M. Zhang, and Xingjiao
Liang.
Saturday Briefing is published by and for the
employees of
Outrigger Enterprises Group.
2008 Honolulu Marathon Men’s Fourth Place Finisher Joseph Mutiso-Wambua and the
Men’s First Place Finisher Patrick Ivuti with Maka Cacho, Rey Soriano, and Gina Reeves
Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley
Senior Editor: Marie Casciato
Assistant Editor: Lehua Kala`i
Contributing Writers: Employees of
Outrigger Enterprises Group
Visit us online at:
www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com/
Submit suggestions, comments, and
news tidbits to Marie Casciato at
marie.casciato@outrigger.com
or via interoffice mail to
OEH/Executive Office,
or contact her at
(808) 921-6601.
© 2008 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii
Saturday Briefing
Page An Equal Opportunity Employer
Rey Soriano, Mrs. Masazumi Soejima, Renee Kiyono, and Masazumi Soejima,
who took First Place in the 2008 Honolulu Marathon Wheelchair division
Employment
Opportunities
If you are interested in the positions
listed below and meet the qualifications,
please apply online at outrigger.com.
If you have any questions, please call
Eric Ishikawa at (808) 921-6989.
Application deadline for the following
positions is December 26, 2008.
Director of Sales and Marketing
(Full Time)
At least five years or commensurate
experience in hotel sales and
marketing management required.
Knowledge of hospitality sales,
market positioning, market segments,
advertising and promotion, internal
marketing, and distribution channels is
essential. Must be able to monitor and
maintain all major booking channels,
including Global Distribution System
and related websites. Must be salesoriented and financially savvy, have
excellent presentation skills, and be
effective in communicating both
verbally and in writing.
General Manager (Full Time)
A minimum of five years hotel
management experience with at least
three years as a General Manager and
a bachelor’s degree required. Essential
qualifications include a successful
record of supervising managers,
proven skills in employee relations,
revenue management, guest satisfaction,
service standards, facility maintenance,
workplace harmony, and property safety
practices in accordance with accepted
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ standards.
Sales and Marketing Assistant
(Full Time)
Must have a minimum of four years
administrative work experience and the
ability to assist the Director of Sales
and the Sales team. Must be proficient
in Microsoft Office, navigating on the
Internet, and various other computer
applications. Must possess excellent
verbal, written, and organizational
skills, with the ability to promote
teamwork. Background in Sales and
Marketing preferred. Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 1
A huge mahalo to the Holiday Party
planning committee: Char Luning,
Cheryl Minato, Ethan Chang, Heather
Doeringer, Joey Fukuoka, Luana
Maitland, and Nurhan Enustun -- and
to all of the volunteers who assisted
in making the year-end celebration
a special event: Ka‘ipo Ho, Lauren
Reis, Eric Ishikawa, Crystal Salave’a,
Loyce Hurley, Marilyn Honda, Adelina
Balmilero, Pam Niesz, Kathy Foley,
Sandy Kaleohano, P.K. Ka‘ahanui,
Wendle Raping, Nancy Brunner, Sharon
Okada, Cari Coates, Nancy Wan,
Naomi Keamo, Kevin Wong, Dr. Chuck
Kelley, Mercedes Lanza, Matt Sproat,
Teri Orton, Ellen Isidro, Robert “Popo”
(Santa) Kanoa, and the hard-working
Mercedes Lanza and Heather Doeringer - Oahu
staff of the Ala Moana Hotel.
As we know, the hospitality industry
never sleeps, and we all appreciate the hard-working individuals on duty that night who
were not able to attend. Congratulations to the following lucky drawing winners: Yu
Ming Feng, Troy Hiura, Reynold Dacquel, William Aiwohi, Maxim Guan, Marcelino
Baguyo, Alvina Leon, Karen Fong, Andy Ishimine, Micah Ota, Pepito Quijano, Zhi
Liang Peng, and Eriko Tsuchida. Congratulations, thank you, and enjoy!
Kauai
On Saturday, December 6, the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation Resort joined
other small businesses to celebrate the Holiday Season. Each year, the Kauai Hilton
has the biggest holiday party on the island. Outrigger employees joined in the
festivities with companies that included Time Warner Cable, Maui Divers, and
Safari Helicopters. The evening included a buffet, games, plus The Electric Slide that
brought many couples to the dance floor! Mahalo to the Kauai staff for their efforts!
Continued on page 4
Carlita Herring, David Carey, Zenaida Cachola, and Nelia Navarro - Oahu
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 3
Maui
The Outrigger Maui Eldorado’s Christmas party was held on
Friday, December 12, at the property. Leamar Matias and Kanani
Domingo decorated the hallway and the breakroom in a very festive
holiday theme. The buffet table was loaded with ‘ono grinds. Mistress
of Ceremonies Ruby Balagso presided over the gift exchange and the
drawing for prizes, and Magie Gaoiran won the grand prize. Janeth
Visitacion and Mary Ann Macadangdang showed off their vocal talents,
while some of our more physically adroit individuals demonstrated their
choreographic skills. And no Outrigger Maui Eldorado party would be
complete without Heidi Nava and her karaoke machine!
Mahalo plenty to all mentioned above, as well as Stephanie
Parilla (and her mom!) for their hard work to bring this party
together. It was great to get the Outrigger Maui Eldorado ‘ohana
together to celebrate the season.
Hawaii Island
On December 12, employees of the Outrigger Fairway Villas were
treated to a potluck. Everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere, great
prizes, and camaraderie. General Manager Kris Nickelsen thanked the
staff for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the year. A big
mahalo to those who volunteered and helped with this special event!
Joyce Jon, Susan So, Dr. Chuck Kelley, and Kay Ja An - Oahu
Fiji
Fiji included their year-end awards as part of their holiday
festivities at the general staff Christmas party at the Golf Range
Lawn. General Manager Darren Shaw delivered a special holiday
message and thanked everyone for their efforts in 2008 that resulted
in achieving multiple awards, including Best Service Hotel-Australia,
New Zealand and South Pacific Hotel Club Awards; Best Fijian
Resort Finalist (HM Awards); Service to the Community Finalist
(HM Awards); Top 10 Resorts-Overseas by Holidays for Kids
Magazine; and the HM Major Award South Pacific Manager.
Awards were also presented to the following individuals for
excellence in 2008. Special congratulations to to:
Shannon Kaahanui, Blane Andrade, and Mark Chung - Oahu
Charlotte Steele
2008 Manager of the Year
Ro Ekila Rainima
2008 Employee of the Year
Isoa Vakabua
Front-of-House Employee of the Month December 2008
Noellyn Vollmer
Back-of-House Employee of the Month December 2008
Mohammed Usman (Billy)
Manager of the Month December 2008
Aloha to the entire Outrigger family and may you all have a safe
and festive Holiday Season!
More photographs on pages 5 - 11
Saturday Briefing
Page Desiree Hee, Kristy Lum, and Sherri Thomas - Oahu
Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 4
Bruce Schneider, Renee Kiyono, Libby Young, and Beverly Villanueva - Oahu
Eric Ishikawa and Lauren Reis - Oahu
Alan White, Kathy Carey, Michele Nagamine, Josephine Christian,
and David Carey - Oahu
Wai Yin Ho and Dong Ting Huang - Oahu
Standing: Fernando Siliezar and Kimo Miguel
Sitting: Angelito Naira, Jody Munetake, and Jun Hwan Lee - Oahu
Consolacion Gampong and Benedicta Pascua - Oahu
Xin Jiang Zhou, Teodolfo Valencia, Bill Comstock, Kwai Choi Mak, Allen
Chung Yeung, Al Shu Lee, and Sek Chih Gong - Oahu
Continued on page 6
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 5
Virginia Asakawa, Loretta Mendoza, and Taciana Gagala - Oahu
Pam Cabrera, Lily Tran, and Claire Morikawa - Oahu
Nina Corpuz, Lilia Arca, 1Thelma Fernandez, Myra Kuboyama,
Julita Sadang, Dena Domingsil, and Mercy Valdez - Oahu
Lorry Ijima Sato, Heather Doeringer, Bill Sthay, Ellen Isidro,
Danny Wang, and Kathy Hansberry - Oahu
Leung Kwon Leong, Xiao Tzu-Lee Yeao, and Yeu Hing Shiu - Oahu
Wendle Raping, Sandy Kaleohano, Sharon Okada,
and Patricia Kaahanui - Oahu
Continued on page 7
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 6
Esmile Espaniola Jr., Kiyo Kaneshiro, Alan White, and John Cacayurin - Oahu
Joyce Jon, Suncha Chang, Ken Choo, Antonio Reyes, and Susan So - Oahu
Standing: Pam Yagi, Robert Ishihara, and Keiichi Yotsuya
Sitting: Napua Ho and Junko Austin - Oahu
Standing: Evelyn Dellosa, Tammy Awong, Gina Furuike,
Monica Fo, and Blane Yokota
Sitting: Sandra Sakka, Colleen Tanioka, and Jane Inouye - Oahu
Standing: Gary Tachino, Beverly Villanueva, Kristyn Misajon, and Bruce Hehn
Sitting: Alicia Vidal, Marlyn Locquiao, Libby Young, and Sally Lu - Oahu
Jacky Lee, Ivan Paik, and Bob Owens - Oahu
Continued on page 8
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 7
Lili Hallet and Xiao Tzu-Lee Yeao - Oahu
Laurie Hirata and Donnella Frantz - Oahu
Primie Marzan and Hyang Suk Yu - Oahu
Elvis Tacazon and Arsenio Alejandro – Kauai
Nida Constantino and Sherry Oyamont – Kauai
Antonia Langundino and Agnes Ramiro – Kauai
Keith and Jasmine Hardy – Kauai
Ipo Hankinson and Kathleen Dehne – Kauai
Kirstie Bigno and Gana Maheshwaran – Kauai
Continued on page 9
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 8
Mimi and Ceto Andres – Kauai
Roger and Evelyn Corpuz and Santa – Kauai
Magdalena Gaoiran and Bill Rees – Maui
Gana Maheshwaran, Kathleen Dehne, Nova Geronimo,
Yve Aceret, and Nida Constantino - Kauai
Rob Churney, Sabrina Machado, Samantha, and Ori Garcia – Kauai
Janeth Visitacion, Mary Ann Macadangdang, Stephanie Parilla,
and Ruby Balagso – Maui
Mary Ann Macadangdang, Magdalena Gaoiran, Dylan Matias,
Janeth Visitacion, and Jovie Matias – Maui
Continued on page 10
Saturday Briefing
Page Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 9
Caroleta Mata, Pualine Ypil, and Mercy Cabutaje indulging in ono food – Kaua‘i
Istor Naich and Ariel Saladino – Hawaii Island
Char Murakane and Kris Nickelsen – Hawaii Island
Carol Aceret and Kris Nickelsen – Hawaii Island
Adam Vonthethoff accepts the Community Work
award for the Food & Beverage Division at the
Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Manager of the Year Charlotte Steele thanks
everyone at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Continued on page 11
Saturday Briefing
Page 10
Alumita Vinatu receives her prize for
“Best Dressed Lady” from Kelepi - Fiji
Joy in Our Diversity
Continued from page 10
Front: Leon Pink, Ratu Luke, Adi Valu, Uncle Jim Nagata, Lola Traill,
Ruci Bose, Jovesa Buli, and Jobe Nagata
Back: Kini Sarai, Ana Naituyaga, Peceli Kina, and Isoa Vakabua
The Activity Team was named Team of the Year 2008
at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Noellyn Vollmer was named
December’s Back of House Employee of the month
at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Rajnesh Kumar presents Isoa Vakabua with his December’s Front of House
Employee of the Month award at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Darren Shaw presents the Employee of the Year
award to Ro Ekila Rinakama
at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Joe Nailiko accepts his prize for “Best Bula Shirt” from Kelepi - Fiji
Rajnesh Kumar presents Mohammed Usman
with the December’s Manager of the Month
award at the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji
Darren Shaw presents Ratu Luke with the first prize of the night,
while Adi Valu Bulou looks on - Fiji
Saturday Briefing
Page 11
Santa Greets Crowd at Outrigger Waikiki
Continued from page 1
As Santa made his way up the
beach, guests surrounded him and
snapped photos. Both children and
adults swarmed around for a chance to
sit on his knee and ask the big guy for
a Christmas wish.
The celebration moved upstairs to
the lobby of Outrigger Waikiki where
more dancing and singing lit up the
lobby and made for a warm reception
for hotel guests. The Outrigger
Photo Shop generously provided a
photographer and free photos for guests.
Santa will make another appearance
to take photos with guests and employees
on December 23 at 9 a.m. in the lobby
of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach.
Mele Kalikimaka to all!
Ethan Chang and Gwen Boyce are on Santa’s “good” list
The Waikiki Beach Boys paddled Santa in on their outrigger canoe
Saturday Briefing
Page 12