Maria Theresa Garces
Schaumburg,IL
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Philippine Airlines, excelling in leadership and sales planning. Recognized for boosting ticket sales by 34% while enhancing customer service excellence. Adept at conflict resolution and efficient multitasking, I thrive in fast-paced environments, driving results and fostering team collaboration.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounts Receivables
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
Schaumburg, Illinois
09.2023 - 09.2025
- Managed billings for commercial, airline, and corporate accounts to ensure accuracy.
- Generated final billing statements and payment receipts efficiently for timely processing.
- Updated house account statuses to maintain accurate financial records.
- Resolved credit card disputes effectively to safeguard client relationships.
- Created invoices for clients, ensuring prompt payment collection.
- Addressed guest concerns regarding billing through effective email and telephone communication.
- Collected deposits for future events to secure essential bookings.
- Ensured complete collection of payments for all events, minimizing outstanding balances.
Rooms Coordinator
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
Schaumburg, Illinois
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Managed incoming calls to connect clients and direct suppliers effectively.
- Facilitated airline client reservations, check-ins, and check-outs.
- Coordinated wake-up calls and assisted with local restaurant reservations.
- Organized shuttle bookings for mall and supermarket trips.
- Prepared adequate weekly breakfast voucher supplies for airlines and guests.
- Assisted at front desk to maintain seamless operations.
- Delivered detailed briefings to clients upon arrival, enhancing overall experience.
Front Desk Associate
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
Schaumburg, IL
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Facilitated timely and efficient check-in and check-out of hotel guests.
- Resolved guest requests, complaints, and concerns to ensure satisfaction.
- Managed room reservations for corporate clients, airline crews, and walk-in customers.
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
Canton (Guangzhou), China
07.2018 - 07.2021
- Boosted ticket sales by thirty-four percent and revenues by six percent for FY2019 compared to 2018.
- Supervised Call Center operations for China, enhancing customer support quality.
Product Manager
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
04.2017 - 06.2018
- Managed pricing and promotion strategies for flights to Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
- Coordinated with various tourism boards to enhance fare visibility and destination appeal.
- Re-launched flights to Kuala Lumpur and introduced new service to Chitose, Japan.
- Delivered product presentations to senior management, highlighting strategic initiatives.
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
Los Angeles, California
04.2016 - 03.2017
- Surpassed sales target by 13.6% regarding passenger load for FY2016-2017.
- Directed sales, marketing, administration, and operations for passenger and cargo services.
- Collaborated with government offices and consular agencies to promote Philippine Airline flights globally.
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
Toronto, Canada
04.2013 - 03.2016
- Achieved target sales for FY2014-15, exceeding pax loads by 36.7% and revenues by 32%.
- Surpassed FY2015-16 sales targets with a 29.9% increase in heads and an 11.1% rise in revenues.
- Established market leadership within three years, outperforming Cathay Pacific and Korean Air.
District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
Bangkok, Thailand
02.2010 - 03.2013
- Achieved 8.25% growth in Thai Nationals visiting Philippines, prompting PDOT to resume promotions.
- Surpassed sales targets by 14.1% for passenger loads in FY 2012-13.
- Increased average ticket yield by 8% during FY 2011-12.
- Reduced fixed costs for BKK by 1.16% in FY 2012-13.
Manager - Sales Administration
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
09.2008 - 01.2010
- Managed Sales Administration for PSP across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao sales forces.
- Released and verified market fares to ensure competitive pricing.
- Compiled comprehensive Sales Reports for entire Philippine Region.
District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
Chongqing, China
01.2008 - 08.2008
- Directed sales, marketing, administration, and operations for passenger and cargo services.
- Collaborated with government offices, consular offices, and tourism boards to promote Philippine Airline flights.
OIC-District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
Beijing, China
01.2007 - 12.2007
- Achieved 45.9% revenue growth in PR sales from 2006 to 2007.
- Developed innovative sales strategies to boost market presence.
- Trained and mentored junior sales staff on effective selling techniques.
Product Manager
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
05.2003 - 12.2006
- Developed pricing strategies and promotional campaigns for flights to U.S., Canada, Australia, and China.
- Prepared flyers and rate sheets to support marketing efforts.
- Collaborated with U.S. and Canadian airlines to negotiate favorable rates for PAL.
- Opened sales office in Las Vegas in 2004 and supported inaugural MNL-YVR-LAS operations events.
Sr. Account Officer - Passenger Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
12.2000 - 04.2003
- Recognized as 'Account Officer of the Year 2002' for exceptional performance.
- Achieved Bronze Sales Awards for two new accounts in 2002.
- Served as Officer-in-Charge in Guam sales office from July to November 2002.
- Led Guam sales team to top performance in 'Swing Around' PAL’s in-house package tours.
Account Officer - Passenger Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
01.1997 - 11.2000
- Ranked consistently among top 3 Account Officers for target achievement and market share growth.
- Conducted outreach to Travel Agents and Corporate Accounts to update on PAL products and services.
- Supported Travel Agents during group travel arrangements.
- Escorted groups on familiarization trips to enhance product knowledge.
Senior Ticket Representative - International Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
Manila , Philippines
01.1984 - 12.1996
- Assumed Supervisor responsibilities during absence to maintain operational continuity.
- Assisted in ticketing operations at Hong Kong Office during Christmas peak season in 1990.
- Reviewed Daily Sales reports and submitted Summary Reports for accurate record-keeping.
Cashier - SNL Domestic Ticket Office
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
05.1983 - 12.1983
- In charge of collecting and depositing daily cash flow.
- Submits daily sales reports.
Office Clerk - SNL Domestic Ticket Office
Philippine Airlines
Manila, Philippines
01.1983 - 04.1983
- Handled inquiries at counter and managed phone communications efficiently.
- Compiled and submitted various reports in a timely manner.
- Organized office files and records to facilitate quick retrieval.
- Coordinated appointment schedules and arranged meetings for department personnel.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
University of Santo Tomas
Skills
- Leadership and sales planning
- Conflict resolution
- Communication skills
- Efficient multitasking
- Customer service excellence
- Verbal and written communication
- Industry awareness in airline, hospitality, and tourism
- Time management and multitasking
- Team collaboration
- Interpersonal skills
References
- Ms. Lucila Santiago, Director of Finance, Davidson Hospitality, 8472174929
- Mr. Allan Coo, Country Manager, Philippine Airlines, 16048306880
- Ms. Annie Liu, Manager Front Desk, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, 13124809220
Trainings And Seminars Completed
- Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Opera-Accounts Receivables-Non shared Svcs Hotel 13, Opera Accounts receivables-Non Shared Svcs Hotel 14, Active Shooter 2.0, Harassment: Bystander Intervention for Chicago 2.0, Bystander Intervention: Chicago (Retired), Harassment Prevention for Chicago Employees, Opera-Advanced Room Management, Opera-Rooms Managements 11, Opera for Front Office/Gallery Management, Opera-Miscellaneous Function 16, Opera-End of Days Essentials, Opera-Advanced Cashiering 10, Opera-Cashiering Functions, Opera-Guest Departures, Opera-Basic Cashiering 7, Opera-Advanced Front Desk Arrivals 5-&6, Opera-Advanced Reservations, Opera-Profile Management 2, Opera for front Office Agent, Hyatt’s Human Trafficking Training, Colleague Advantage: Pre Arrival Dashboard, World of Hyatt Enrollment Best Practices, Human Trafficking Awareness
- Philippine Airlines Learning Center, AMADEUS-Altea System 2017, Security Awareness 2013, MIDAS-MIDT Briefing 2013, US-DOT ACAA Refresher Course 2013, Competition Act of Canada 2009, US DOT Disability Training 2009, Basics of US Anti-Trust Law 2008, Basic Chinese Language 2007, Management 101-Basic 2003, Effective Business Writing 2000, Time Management 2000, Stress Management 1999, Projecting the Service Personality 1998, Customer Relations 1995
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Accounts Receivables
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
09.2023 - 09.2025
Rooms Coordinator
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
09.2022 - 08.2023
Front Desk Associate
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
08.2021 - 08.2022
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
07.2018 - 07.2021
Product Manager
Philippine Airlines
04.2017 - 06.2018
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
04.2016 - 03.2017
Area Manager
Philippine Airlines
04.2013 - 03.2016
District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
02.2010 - 03.2013
Manager - Sales Administration
Philippine Airlines
09.2008 - 01.2010
District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
01.2008 - 08.2008
OIC-District Sales Manager
Philippine Airlines
01.2007 - 12.2007
Product Manager
Philippine Airlines
05.2003 - 12.2006
Sr. Account Officer - Passenger Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
12.2000 - 04.2003
Account Officer - Passenger Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
01.1997 - 11.2000
Senior Ticket Representative - International Sales Philippines
Philippine Airlines
01.1984 - 12.1996
Cashier - SNL Domestic Ticket Office
Philippine Airlines
05.1983 - 12.1983
Office Clerk - SNL Domestic Ticket Office
Philippine Airlines
01.1983 - 04.1983
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
University of Santo Tomas