Women at the heart of every Winford Manila experience

When we give, we gain.

Such is the mantra behind the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Give to Gain. While emphasizing the power of reciprocity and support, the celebration is also deeply rooted to long and powerful history of collective actions dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide.

The 2025 Global Gender Gap Report shows that the Philippines remains as Asia’s most gender-equal nation, ranking 20th out of 148 countries. The country achieved a 78.1 percent overall gender parity score, showing a slight improvement from 2024, ranking 3rd in the East Asia and Pacific Region. Despite this ranking, the report highlights that full gender parity in the Philippines is still estimated to be over a century away, with challenges remaining in political representation and specific educational indicators. This claim coincides with the data presented by the World Economic Forum which shows that full gender parity can still take for well over a century, roughly five generations from now.

There is still, in fact, a long way to go to fully achieve the goal of creating a gender-balanced world.

This March, the Philippine Commission on Women launched the sub-theme of the National Women’s Celebration in the Philippines. Rooted in the pre-colonial legacy of balanced and inclusive leadership and a reaffirmation of women’s leadership as a fundamental part of Filipino identity, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!” is a call for all women to continue celebrating their power, rich heritage, and distinctive leadership qualities of Babaylans, the women leaders in pre-colonial Philippines.

The winning synergy

At Winford Resort & Casino Manila, women play significant roles in maintaining the progress of the integrated resort located at the heart of the capital city. These women lead large teams, shape guest experience, and drive innovation and growth in a diverse and dynamic industry of gaming and hospitality, all while harnessing their own power and potential.

Sab San Pedro, Winford Manila’s Director for Sales, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, currently leads a team composed mostly of young women. Having been in the property for three years, she learns that the success and strength of the team lies on their diversity. “Women empowerment can come in different facets, but at Winford Manila, it is not a top-down mandate, but it is a culture of trust. We care committed to breaking stereotypes by making sure that our female team members bring their own seat at the boardroom”.

Recently, San Pedro completed the Filipina CEO Circle (FCC) CEO Next Executive Program, a flagship executive development initiative designed to prepare high-performing senior Filipina leaders for CEO roles. “Through this program, I met women who challenge the status quo, women who move with conviction, and women whose influence extends beyond titles and positions. The program marked my realized purpose - reaffirming my belief that when we invest in the growth of women, we are not just improving the businesses’ operations, but we are also enriching the heart of our hospitality”.

For Justine Anne Vergara, Director for Hotel Operations, the smallest details in hospitality can make the biggest difference and she believes that many of those thoughtful touches come from the dedication of the women of their team. “The strength of our hotel operations lies in the teamwork and leadership of our people, and our female leaders and workers play essential roles in delivering that signature level of comfort and care guests can expect at Winford Manila”, she adds.

Considered as home-grown leader at Winford Manila, Justine partakes in essential and crucial business operation decisions that impact the lives of many employees. “In the fast-paced world of hotel operations, leadership is defined by the ability to remain calm and empathetic in every interaction. Women under my wing don’t just manage rooms or services, but they nurture an environment where they can master craft, lead their department, and create change for the better”.

Vergara, a panelist at the Hotel Innovation Summit Asia last March 2026, believes in the capability of women in a sea of endless digital innovation. “Over the next three to five years, hospitality will be shaped by AI-driven personalization, fully integrated digital ecosystems, and data-led revenue strategies, but one thing will be certain – the careful, personalized, and thoughtful approach of women workers and leaders in the hospitality industry will always remain relevant and powerful, amidst the takeover of any technological advances”, she added.

The frontline operations

For a high-pressure hospitality industry, one cordial greeting at the front desk could make the difference for any guest. Mika Matias was once an On-the-Job (OJT) Trainee but because of her grit, passion, and continuous learning, she was later absorbed as a Telephone Operator after her graduation, and eventually became a Front Office Associate. “Being in the front office means representing the hotel, and I take pride in providing our guests warmth and excellent service that Winford Manila is known for”. As a more junior staff in her department, she values the guidance of her colleagues in creating a warm, hospitable environment. Mika strives to also reflect the Babaylan qualities in her role, making sure that every guest they serve is genuinely cared for. “Whether assisting them with their special requests, resolving their concerns, or simply offering a welcoming smile, I always hope to make every guest feel valued and respected”, she added.

Every guest’s touchpoint is important. From room reservation at the front desk to meal serving at a restaurant, their experience and feedback matter. For Paula De Vera, Food and Beverage Supervisor, hospitality goes beyond serving food and drinks – it is making guests feel valued and welcomed at any dining outlets. “I started my journey as a server where I learned the value of genuine service, teamwork, and creating positive dining experience for guests. This role at Winford Manila made me more adaptable to changes and more responsible and confident in managing operations among my team”. De Vera shares that being recognized as an “Employee of the Quarter” inspired her to do more and exceed the expectations of her dining guests.

Leading the game

Guests and patrons of Winford Resort & Casino Manila desire to be engaged with a high-stake gaming experience and rewards, but little did they know that the promotions and interactions behind those are crafted by women leaders.

Slots Manager Jamaica Villaescusa oversees slots operations, team management, and the vibrant gaming floor performance. “Some may find it tedious but I find beauty and pleasure in optimizing gaming floor operations, mentoring my team, and delivering excellent guest service, all while enhancing my personal skills and capability and ensuring regulatory compliance for smooth daily operations”. The tasks may seem a lot but Jamaica tries to be a hands-on leader so she can continue empowering her team and promoting balanced and fair play at the floor. “It is my desire to ensure that everyone works together in harmony and create a positive and respectful environment for both our team and the patrons. That way, everybody becomes a winner”, she added.

As a woman in leadership, Gaming Operations Manager Jocelyn Pereja demonstrates how her success is not defined by how perfect the path is, but by how strong she remains through every challenge. “I always tell my team that leadership is not only about position or authority, it is more about gaining trust, inspiring confidence, and empowering others”. Jocelyn values the feedback and support she receives from her team, and in return, she replicates it with good leadership that brings out their best strength and confidence at the gaming floor. “I believe my team is capable of becoming more than they have ever imagined for themselves. I strive to be that person who will guide them that way, so they too can uplift others and nurture their growth”, she quipped.

Keeping the interests of the patrons through decisive promotional events and campaigns is the main focus of Yanee Roxas, Assistant Manager for Gaming Promotions and Events. With the changing needs and demands of clients and patrons, it is never easy to keep their attentions locked in at a certain moment. But for Yanee, she maintains the same level of patrons’ interests by combining their insights and feedback with the current industry trends. “I listen and keep an open mind as valuable ideas can come from different people within my team and from our stakeholders. I encourage collaboration and consider diverse perspectives so we can efficiently develop effective and creative campaigns”. She makes sure that her all-female team is on-board in every decision and interaction so they can plan and execute programs that satisfy every patron and client.

As the advocacy for women empowerment and equality grows every year, Winford Manila continues to take pride in recognizing the power and influence of every woman whose dedication, commitment, leadership, and pursuit for greatness contribute to the holistic growth and vibrant atmosphere in the property.

This inclusive workforce affirms the commitment of Winford Manila to empowering Filipinas to lead, inspire, and thrive today and for generations to come.

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About Winford Resort & Casino Manila

Winford Resort & Casino Manila is a premier entertainment and leisure destination located in the business and tourism area of Santa Cruz, Manila. Known for its sophisticated accommodations, high-stakes gaming experience, and delightful dining indulgence, Winford Manila continues to create winning moments by blending rich culture with modern facilities and exceptional customer service for casino-goers and hotel guests.

Visit www.winfordmanila.com for more information, call (02) 8528-3600 for inquiries, or email info@winfordmanila.com. Follow its official Facebook and Instagram for latest news and updates on special events and promotions.

Media:

Therese Ann Edwards
Public Relations Manager
therese.dizon@winfordmanila.com
0917-5615723