Christopher Graham
youngest general manager in Cebu

Born in Angeles, Pampanga, Graham learned independence early. After completing high school at Brent School in Manila, he left for Sydney, Australia to get a degree in tourism and hospitality management. Arriving there in winter, he had his hands full coping with the changes he had to go through – living in the dorm, washing his own clothes, doing his own cooking, and taking public transport.

The many things he went through in the country Down Under over the years had prepared him for challenge on hand in Cebu which he sees as “saving a hotel business.” Since Graham assumed his post at the Cebu Centrepoint Hotel, the hotel’s operations have been in full swing. Graham believes that his staff is the most significant asset in the company. He learned a lot through observing closely the hospitality industry in Australia. In Australia, Graham served as guest service agent of Radisson Kestrel Hotel. This acquainted him well with the various tasks in a hotel, including cleaning the toilet bowl, mopping the greasy floor, and sending off guests to the airport or wharf.

He was also a Micros Fields System trainee at the Mandarin Hotel. Then he came to back to the Philippines and became the front office supervisor of Centrepoint Manila.

As a Filipino-Australian, he brings with him values and traditions from both races. He adds that with the skills, techniques and experience that he has gained from both countries he can take out all the positive things that are worth sharing in both countries.

As a young general manager, he has insecurities, one of which is the fact that his decisions can’t be reviewed by anyone. Toward his employees, he is easy to deal with. If theirs is something stressful, he faces the problems by himself. Christopher Graham is the type of person who shares with the employees how to get things done like mopping or cleaning the toilet bowl. And He’s sure that in every first minute, the employee would already know how to do it.

- Cora M. Almerino