The Linden Suites is dedicated to implementing eco-friendly practices to fulfill its promise of sustainable operations to all stakeholders. Spearheaded by General Manager Ma. Celeste “Tet” Butiong Romualdo, a passionate advocate for hotel sustainability, the green initiatives program aims to reduce the hotel’s environmental impact and contribute to a greener future.
“The Linden Suites switched to General Energy Option Program (GEOP) in 2022 in partnership with FirstGen who provided us with detailed information on this big transition for the hotel. Our team researched on energy efficiency and came across this government program (GEOP) and the study showed feasibility towards making the move. It makes The Linden Suites the first ever Philippine hotel to switch its power source to 100 percent renewable energy,” Romualdo said.
GEOP is an initiative of the Department of Energy (DOE) that allows consumers to choose to source renewable energy from a licensed supplier as opposed to consuming whatever is supplied by their distribution utility. It is established in Republic Act No. 9513, also known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008.
In the first year after switching, Linden successfully reduced the hotel’s carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 1,200 metric tons. Now in 2024, it holds much promise in terms of sustainability and cost savings to their business.
“By implementing energy-saving measures such as reducing tap water flow rates, decreasing operating hours of major equipment, switching to LED bulbs, adhering to proper motor and HVAC unit maintenance programs, and installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) on motors to reduce high start-up currents, all this answered the call towards sustainability and go beyond our initiatives even more this year 2024,” she added.
GM Tet Romualdo is an exceptionally innovative and youthful female general manager, began her professional journey at The Linden Suites as a Front Office Associate. She quickly progressed through various roles, including supervisor and duty manager, before eventually being promoted to Front Office Manager and Room Division Officer-in-charge over the course of 5 years.
Demonstrating continuous growth and ambition, she then took on the role of General Manager at Best Western Hotel Manila, followed by a position as Business Manager for La Corona Group, where she dedicated 8 years of her career.
In 2019, Romualdo returned to her roots at The Linden Suites, reclaiming the position of General Manager and becoming the first female to hold this role at the hotel. Her return coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting significant challenges to the hotel industry. Despite the adversity, Romualdo, drawing on her two decades of progressive experience, successfully navigated The Linden Suites through the crisis. Today, under her leadership, the hotel stands strong, thanks to the dedication of her team and her own dynamic leadership. Romualdo has not only weathered the storm but has also elevated The Linden Suites to a Filipino-owned hotel with global standards.
