REFLECTING MERCURE MACTAN CEBU’S COMMITMENT TO AUTHENTIC LOCAL EXPERIENCES, MEANINGFUL HOSPITALITY, AND CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — Mercure Mactan Cebu proudly celebrates Executive Chef Paolo “Pao” Aviso, who was honored with the Sampaguita Leadership Award during Timpla: MHR F&B Culinary Conference 2026 held at Boracay Newcoast. The annual gathering brought together culinary and food and beverage professionals from across Megaworld Hotels & Resorts to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and excellence in hospitality.
Named after the Philippines’ national flower, the Sampaguita Leadership Award is one of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ highest recognitions for individuals who lead with humility, integrity, resilience, and genuine care for others. More than celebrating culinary excellence, the award honors those who inspire their teams, cultivate growth, and embody the true spirit of Filipino hospitality.
For Chef Pao, the recognition reflects years of dedication, purpose-driven leadership, and an unwavering passion for elevating both people and the culinary experience. Since joining Mercure Mactan Cebu, he has played a vital role in shaping the hotel’s identity while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within his brigade.
A passionate advocate of food and storytelling, Chef Pao has proudly represented both Mercure Mactan Cebu and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts on some of the country’s most respected platforms. For three consecutive years, he was invited to serve as a Guest Chef at the World Food Expo (WOFEX) Philippines, where he showcased culinary artistry before hospitality professionals, and industry leaders from across the nation.
His appreciation for celebrating local flavors has likewise taken center stage at some of Cebu’s premier events. At The Mactan Newtown’s Lechon Festival Chef Wars, Chef Pao emerged as champion with his innovative Modern Lechon SuTuKil, while during the Mango Festival, he introduced his widely acclaimed Mango Seafood Curry, highlighting local produce through sustainable and creative gastronomy.
Beyond creating exceptional dishes, Chef Pao has remained committed to developing future culinary professionals. Through his mentorship, Mercure Mactan Cebu’s brigade earned nine awards across all nine competition categories during HRRACI Cebu Goes Culinary 2025, reflecting the culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and excellence he has cultivated within the team.
His philosophy continued to gain recognition on larger regional platforms. During the Cebu Food & Wine Festival, Chef Pao’s signature creations—Lamb Cansi Quesabirria and Lamb Brasato Ossobuco Paella—emerged among the festival’s standout dishes, celebrating Cebu’s vibrant heritage through innovative interpretations of local and international flavors.
Chef Pao has also proudly represented Mercure Mactan Cebu on the international stage, participating in major regional gatherings such as the ASEAN Tourism Forum and the ASEAN Summit, where he introduced distinguished local and international delegates to the rich cuisine of Cebu and the Philippines.
Among his most notable achievements, Chef Pao was recognized during the 2025 Megaworld Hotels & Resorts F&B Culinary Conference, where he received two of the organization’s highest culinary distinctions: Most Innovative & Proactive Culinary Leader of the Year and Cook-Off Champion for his award-winning Kare-Kare Laksa Fusion. His commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen, having served as Secretary of the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts F&B Culinary Council from 2023 to 2024, and now as its Vice President for the 2026–2027 term—reflecting the confidence and trust placed in his leadership by his peers across the organization.
“Our Executive Chef, Paolo Aviso, has shown us that great leadership is not only about creating exceptional food—it is about inspiring people, nurturing talent, embracing innovation, and consistently raising the standard of excellence,” said Gwen De La Cruz, General Manager of Mercure Mactan Cebu.
“Through his craft, he brings together passion and precision, creativity and discipline, tradition and innovation. He leads his team with purpose while continuously challenging them to grow, improve, and believe in what they can achieve. More importantly, he reminds us that excellence is not a destination—it is a commitment we make every day,” she added.
Together, these milestones reflect the values embodied by the Sampaguita Leadership Award—humility, integrity, and innovation. While Chef Pao’s achievements have earned recognition across the hospitality and culinary industry, his greatest impact lies in the people he has inspired, the teams he has empowered, and the culture of excellence he continues to cultivate at Mercure Mactan Cebu.
Every dish that leaves the kitchen is a reflection of a team guided by his vision, strengthened through collaboration, and united by a shared passion for genuine hospitality. It is this enduring commitment to developing people and creating meaningful guest experiences that makes Chef Paolo Aviso a truly deserving recipient of the Sampaguita Leadership Award.
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About Mercure
Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travellers, Mercure hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they are a gateway to the destination, a warm invitation to discover and explore the locale. Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, delivering high-quality standards infused with a deep sense of place. Through its “Discover Local” program, Mercure welcomes guests to Feel Local Everywhere – be it in Rio, Paris, Bangkok and many other destinations across the globe. Every detail, from the decorative arts to our passion for uncovering local food and drink delights is curated to reflect the unique essence of each destination. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 1,000 hotels in 70 countries. Mercure is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.