It was merely a simple tarpaulin by the lobby of the Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. It was a rather humble splash of inspirational images and attractive graphics with a brief list of collaborative sustainability efforts: Plastic-free future, food waste to fertilizer, and the over-preached, yet minimum-in-implementation the supposed-to-be usual “going green” fare, such as tree planting.

But from where I patiently stood, as time went on, the signage was totally overlooked, not even a cursory glance from most guests and visitors.

In fact, at first glance, it felt like an obligatory poster — some teasingly say “for compliance only” — which all hotels and resorts, meetings and conferences venues, and exhibition halls seem to have these days. But still, there was a nagging feeling, that I just had to immerse a little bit more. With unanswered queries in mind, curiosity got the best of me. For starters, what do they truly mean by circular sustainability? Was this just another marketing buzzword? I had more questions than answers. Without delay, I sought the counsel of the property’s officials.

What I expected to be a quick and matter-of-factly conversation, turned into a pleasant, educational sit-down conversation when the narrative began to unfold. Sherwin Lucas, the newly appointed area general manager for Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Iloilo, went step by step, one project after the other, programs ran side by side, shoulder to shoulder, complete in absolute harmony like one orchestra in united symphony.

Backed by Myka Pahilanga, cluster marketing communications manager, Lucas outlined how this upper-midscale hotel is making meaningful changes.