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JUNE 20, 2015

A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD R. KELLEY TO OUR OUTRIGGER ‘OHANA

Helping restore Waikīkī’s Hawaiian

music traditionBy Dr. Richard Kelley

Music and rhythm are essential elements of Pacific island culture, particularly in Hawai‘i. This is why I have been so pleased to watch the success of the Kani Ka Pila Grille at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort as it brings more and more authentic Hawaiian music back to Waikīkī. Although I was never a musician myself, I grew up in Hawai‘i with a lot of music around me. As teenagers, my friends and I would gather on the beach, and somebody inevitably would pull out their ‘ukulele or guitar to get things going. When Roy and Estelle Kelley opened the Edgewater Hotel in 1951, located where the parking garage of the Embassy Suites® – Waikiki Beach Walk® now stands, they hired local musicians Splash and Freckles Lyons to provide music nightly as guests enjoyed cocktails next to what was then Waikīkī’s first hotel swimming pool. The distinctive rolling sounds of the electric Hawaiian steel guitar that group played still bring back great memories and emotions to me.

Waikīkī’s Hawaiian music tradition >> 10

Host announcementsBy Darren Edmonstone

I am pleased to join Human Resources in welcoming Catherine Lim as marketing and ecommerce manager for Asia Pacific and Chettiar ‘Karounen’ Vythalingum as pastry chef at the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort. Based in the Outrigger regional office in Phuket, Catherine reports to Mark Simmons, vice president, sales and marketing, Asia Pacific, effective June 15, 2015. Catherine, who is from

Singapore, has broad experience in marketing and marketing communications, sales, sponsorships and publicity across a number of sectors in Asia. She spent three years in Cambodia as a Web & marketing communications manager for a major hotel and entertainment complex. She has also been a marketing communications manager in the fashion apparel field and worked hands-on in marketing roles for organizations as diverse as the Singapore Advanced Research & Education Network, the Basketball Association of Singapore and Q Lifestyle. With a Bachelor of Arts in communications and media management from the University of South Australia, Catherine also holds an advanced diploma in mass communications from the Management Development Institute of Singapore. An enthusiast of many things, she enjoys traveling, photography, writing, reading, cooking, natural skincare treatments, languages, music, dance, fashion, henna artwork, jewelry-making, jogging, yoga, swimming, snorkeling, rollerblading, trekking, mountain climbing, football and basketball. I am confident Catherine will help Outrigger APAC build on its digital outreach around the world to create new and return business. My thanks to Bryce Schneider for helping Catherine transition to her new role as his replacement. Bryce and

Catherine Lim

Dr. Richard Kelley

Host announcements >> 52015 Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner Kawika Kahiapo and friends

perform at Kani Ka Pila Grille

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Saturday Briefing is published by and for

hosts of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)

Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley

Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson

Senior Editor: Kathy Foley

Contributing Writers: Hosts of OEG

Visit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com

Submissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com.

© 2015 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity Employer

Happy birthday!

July 1: Jeff De Riviere, Mary Jane B. Espejo, Sek Chih Gong, Srisuda Khaengrit, Meri Kosoituku, Fulori Nasalakasei, Raymond T. Scott and

Teodolfo E. Valencia.

July 2: Constance E. Apuna-Diego, Troy M. Boyce, Debra-Ann K. Chan, Nurhan Enustun, Clara Han, Maribel Procesa T. Lagalo, Peter P. Mercado, Ledua Vakaloloma, Kalesi Viyawayawa, Emele T Waqairatu and Evia Waqanika.

July 3: Catherine H. Bray, Khajornsak Chauychatree, Vivian Z. Chen, Cari Ann Coates, Myrna I. Elamparo, Orapin Hardden, Marie Ketty Daviana Jeannette, Salome M. Manalo, Saiasi Naivaqa, Marlon Reyes, Merewalesi Thaggard, Ireneo Vargas and Lian Fang Xian.

July 4: Ratu Kinijoji Bilowalu, Christopher A. Gampon, Asheley Maria W. Kahahane, Onisivoro Vuiyasawa and Miriama Wacokecoke.

July 5: Inocencio L. Agliam, Vasantrao Bablee, Yan Ling Huang, Suzette K. Kaluna, Asena Laqere, Eric H. Liu, Ramon Cedillo Ramirez, Jaedsada Thanomsak, Paea Vakalahi and Kenny Yee.

July 6: Aurelio L. Garcia, Nelson A. Javier, Dickson Santos and Sakrapi Wandee.

July 7: Laisiasa Bosoka, Miaoxia Chen, Marylou Dela-Cruz, Suparat Maihom, Ekachai Makjit, Caroleta D. Mata, Arlene Palugod and Allan Garvida Sagucio.

Employment opportunitiesIf you are interested in a position listed below and meet the qualifications, please go to Outrigger.com and click on Employment at the bottom of the page. We only accept online applications for the open positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Business Unit Representative. Application deadline for the following positions is June 26, 2015.

Director of Sales and Marketing (Full-Time)Minimum of five years recent work experience within the Travel Industry required. Previous experience located in a major market with strong corporate and leisure segments preferred. College degree in Travel Industry Management, business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable job knowledge and skills have been acquired may be considered in place of a degree. National brand experience preferred. Responsibilities to include but not limited to: marketing development, customer service and retention, market and business research and planning, strategic direction for promotion and advertising, public relations and community and industry relations. Will interact with internal and external customers to achieve brand clarity, operational consistency and product uniformity and revenue goals. Excellent interpersonal relationship and written and verbal communication skills required. Must be able to produce PowerPoint presentations and travel for business when needed. Valid driver’s license also required.

Guest Services Representative (Full-Time)A minimum of one year customer service and cash handling experience, preferably in the hospitality industry required. Must have basic computer skills and ability to type 30 wpm. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills and ability to work any day and shift to include graveyard shift and night audit when needed.

Bell/Valet (On-Call)A minimum of one year customer service experience, ability to lift and carry 75 lbs and valid driver’s license with clean abstract required. Duties include keeping driveway presentable and clear of traffic. Must be able to work any day and shift.

Bell Person (Full-Time)Must have at least one year customer service experience and ability to lift and carry 75 lbs. Must be flexible to work any shift and any day, including the graveyard shift.

KIAHUNA PLANTATION RESORT BY OUTRIGGER®Security Officer (Full-Time)

Responsible for providing security services to assure the safety of guests, hosts and property. Previous security experience preferred. Must have good communication skills and be able to read various security correspondence such as incident reports, daily logs and policy and procedure manuals.

ROYAL KAHANA RESORTGuest Service Agent (Part-Time)

A minimum of one year customer service and cash handling experience, preferably in the hospitality industry required. Must have basic computer skills and ability to type 30 wpm. Must be a team player with excellent communication skills and ability to work any day and shift.

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Eating well at the Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger® By Carol Hanna

Rodola Tangonan, Berniline Tangonan, Dominga Gaspar, Aurora Oraa, Linda Jane Kelley, Kani Copp, Ronald Galiza and Maggie Cuasito

Missing: Franklin Sabugo and Philip Milana

In our quest to promote our wellness program, the Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger® held its first “Healthy Food Cook-Off” May 29, 2015. Each department was tasked with providing a recipe as well as a serving for four people. Entries were presented to our esteemed judge, Linda Jane Kelley. Hosts were provided with the guidelines Linda Jane would be using to judge the entries. Points were tallied based on taste (20%), use of fresh ingredients (20%), presentation (20%), low sodium (10%), number of ingredients – less is more (10%),

cost of the main ingredients (10%), and the amount of time required for the preparation (10%). After great deliberation, Linda Jane awarded first place to Housekeeping Team 2 for their Sesame Crusted Avocado and Cabbage Spring Rolls. The winning dish used a lime from Kani Copp’s tree; honey from Kealakekua; avocados from Aurora Oraa’s tree; and cilantro from Elizabeth Quero’s garden. Everyone felt like a winner because of the healthy feast we enjoyed following the competition.

CALENDAR OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE

Fri., June 26 NationalSportsDay(publicholiday). Visit:http://goo.gl/tG5HkF

Thurs.,June25 KeKaniOKeKaiConcertSeries-SeanNa‘auau/Ben&Maila Theconcertseriesshowcasessomeoftheislands’mostcelebrated

entertainersfor5delightfulThursdayeveningsofHawaiianmusicunderthestars.Eachconcertispairedwithapopularlocalrestaurantthatoffersatastymenuoftake-awayplates.

Doorsopenat5:30p.m.,concertbeginsat7p.m.,WaikikiAquarium Visit:http://goo.gl/LZhYfk

FIJI

U.S.

Four Paddles ProcessPrepping for Paddle 3

Heads up Alaka‘i! It’s time to start brainstorming for Paddle 3: Caring for our guests. The objective of this paddle is to introduce and educate our hosts to Outrigger’s Hospitality Touch Points:• A heartfelt welcome• Being present• Honored to be a host• Lifelong connections The timing to hold an activity in celebration of this paddle is July 1 through September 30. Imua!

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Bebe Spa team says yes to global wellnessBy Donna Parkin

On June 13 the Bebe Spa team at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort invited guests to celebrate Global Wellness Day by staging complimentary activities to highlight the importance of “LivingWell.” An early morning beach yoga and Zumba class, pool aerobics and a meditation session were held by the spa team to emphasise the harmony between body and mind. Spa Manager Praveena Dewan said the aim of Global Wellness Day is to remind the world about “LivingWell” and the importance of incorporating exercise, beauty treatments and spiritual teachings and ways of thinking into our daily lives. “We also offered a 25 percent discount on our signature couples massage treatments on that day to encourage guests to visit Bebe Spa to be pampered,” she said.

Leota’s got the EDGEBy Kelly Smallwood

Congratulations to Leota Ridl for receiving an Extraordinary Denver Guest Experience (EDGE) award! We recently received feedback from a guest who was impressed by Leota and her customer service skills. Wilma and her husband will be bringing their two grandkids to Hawai‘i in July and even though she has been to Hawai‘i before, this

will be the first time with the grandkids. Leota was very pleasant and patient in answering all of Wilma’s questions. Leota went above and beyond by suggesting fun activities and tours Wilma could enjoy with her grandchildren at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and also throughout the island. Wilma said she feels very confident she will have a most memorable vacation with her family, thanks to the great customer service and reassurance from Leota. She says she plans on staying with us for all her future visits as well. Mahalo, Leota, for all you do to share “The Outrigger Way” and delivering on our promise, “local culture meets world-class hospitality.”

Praveena Dewan (center) with some of the spa team

Praveena Dewan, Akisi Adirewa, GM Peter Hopgood, Shivanjani Lata, Sepesa Leweniqila (back), Shristi Prasad,

Sharon Naidu and Apikali Matakisalia Shivanjani Lata, Shristi Prasad and Peter Hopgood on the beach

Leota Ridl

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Host announcements ... << From 1

“Mabuhay!” from the Outrigger Guam Beach ResortBy Clarissa Sacla

The Outrigger Guam Beach Resort celebrated Philippine Independence Day by serving hosts delicious Filipino dishes for lunch like “Bistek (beefsteak) Tagalog,” Pancit (noodles), Chicken Adobo and Cassava cake and Biko (sweet rice cake) for dessert.

Filipinos make up a large portion of Guam’s population. The Philippines proclaimed their independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, after 300 hundred years of Spanish rule. Mabuhay!

Pinoy Independence Mabuhay!

his wife have moved to the Philippines to accommodate a wonderful job opportunity for her. Karounen will work closely with Executive Chef Geert-Jan Vaartjes, Executive Sous Chef Sundaravelan Sadien and Asian culinary specialist, Chef Ta Van Ninh and is responsible for the wide range of bread and pastry items in all of the resort outlets that include Mercado all-day interactive dining restaurant, Plantation Club (for Creole-inspired fine dining), Edgewater (international favorites), Willy’s Crab Shack, and Bar Bleu (innovative comfort food, including gourmet hot dogs). Karounen comes from the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa where he was chef for two years. Prior, he was junior sous chef in pastry at the Sofitel So Mauritius, chef de partie at the Heritage Awali and demi chef de partie at the Sugar Beach Resort, all in Mauritius. Karounen holds a certificate in physical sciences from Keats College and when time permits, enjoys football. All the fresh products Karounen uses are from Mauritius, most notably the local fruit, spices and herbs perfect for breads, pastries and sumptuous ice cream desserts. The guests and patrons of the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort are in for a treat with Pastry Chef Karounen in the kitchen! Please join me in welcoming Catherine and Karounen to the Outrigger ‘ohana and wishing Bryce all the best in Cebu.

Chettiar ‘Karounen’ Vythalingum

Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

garners TripAdvisor and Booking.com awards

The TripAdvisor 2015 Certificate of Excellence honors select accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. Quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period are what garnered Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort (KHR) this honor. KHR also received a 2014 Award of Excellence given out by Booking.com to properties annually in honor of their achievements over the past year, as measured by their overall guest review score. KHR received a rating of 8.5 out of 10 from guests who recognized their dedication and care in meeting and exceeding their expectations. KHR is rockin’ it! Congratulations!

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Ohana House activities continue to bring hosts together at Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort

By Annabelle Lois

As shared previously, the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort Ohana House program involves a series of activities organized for hosts to create team spirit, engagement and fun. Below are some recent highlights.

Waiters’ Race (below):Carrying a tray with one bottle and two glasses, 16 of our Ohana House hosts, four from each house, competed to see who could serve the fastest. It seemed easy, but the race was strictly regulated with the “Beach House” winning the competition followed by the “Cato Vert House.”

Egg Toss (above):An Egg Toss competition was organized where partners faced each other with a raw egg in the hand of one of the participants. At the whistle, one person tossed their egg to their partner, gradually moving farther and farther apart. Our congratulations to the “Ocean House.” All participants had a good time ensame (together).

Beach Soccer (right):An inter-house beach soccer league included a record number of participants from various departments. The competition was spirited with lots of laughter and fun. Congratulations to the winning House “Cato Vert,” and our thanks to all the players.

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Suite Summer Hukilau*By Garrick Otsuka

WHO MADE YOUR DAY SPECIAL? This question was presented to our hosts as we cast our nets and launched the Embassy Suites® Brand’s Catch Me at My Best initiative. This program is about celebrating our year-round commitment to Aloha! Every day, our ESteamed hosts display countless acts of aloha that positively impact guests and fellow team members alike. The front desk and bell teams were inspired by the value Caring for Each Other and came up with Suite Summer Hukilau resulting in over 175 catches from May 21 through May 31. A big shout out to Lleuellyn Calses for catching the most hosts at their best and to Annie Catingub and David Cheang for receiving the most catches from their peers! In the Manager Division, cheers to Executive Housekeeper Carol Lopes for receiving the most catches from our ESteamed hosts; I received honors for catching the most hosts at their best! Get your poi ready! Our Catch Me at My Best Hukilau continues through the summer!*Hukilau: A method of fishing in which a large number of people work together in casting a net from shore and then pulling it back. The net is lined with ti leaves that help scare the fish into the center of the net. The word comes from huki, meaning pull, and lau, meaning leaves.

Catch Me at My Best quotes:

Ray Rodney caught Glenn Galligan: Glenn is a great kitchen manager. He operationally runs a smooth kitchen. The guests are always happy and ‘Mr. Glenn’ is well respected by all hosts.

Keoni Kipapa was caught by an anonymous host: Always at his best when it comes down to guest servicing. I might also add how he handles the bell department. Just can’t put into words what a great job he is doing! He is the best!

Brandon Stalnaker caught Jinny Lee: Jinny is constantly going above and beyond her normal GSR duties. She is a huge help during the PM shift by restocking, translating memos and notes into Japanese and Korean, room blocking, etc. Thanks, Jinny!

Lleuellyn Calses caught Lyn Tran: For her kindness and working hard so our guests feel safe and happy on their vacation here in paradise.

Linda Honma-Lacaran caught My Le Phan: My Le is so friendly and exemplifies the Aloha Spirit. She anticipates guests’ needs. Towels were abundant and rooms immaculate.

Mei Juan Chen Wu caught Carol Lopes: Carol is a wonderful manager. She is kind, caring and a very supportive person.

Leonida Lumantas caught Zenaida Cachola: Caring and loved by everyone. Always willing to help and is a hardworking and dependable person.

Photos:David Cheang and Garrick Otsuka

Ray Rodney and Glenn GalliganKeoni Kipapa

Garrick Ostuka and Bob YeomanLleuellyn Calses and Lyn TranNena Tran and Medecia Jose

Purie Garcia, Ok Soon Kim and Yuet Chun LiangShao Bing Liang and Jenny Bao Hong Filomena Mercado and Ofelia Valdez

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“Flavors of the Reef” at Outrigger Reef Waikiki BeachBy Luana Maitland

This annual event, where hosts take center stage, took place on Friday, June 12. The day began with an invitation for our guests to join hosts for a cultural crafts program in the front lobby where Lei Making, Japanese Origami and Chinese Dragon Mask coloring crafts were taking place. My favorite part of the event, food sampling, is where hosts prepare their favorite cultural dish. An array of flavorful treats included Biryani rice from India; crispy pork, seafood and banana lumpia and pansit noodles from the Philippines; kimchee, noodles and mondu from Korea; edamame rice, sushi and somen noodles from Japan; mochi balls and shrimp chips from China; and chicken long rice and pineapple from Hawai‘i.

The Talent Show showcased our multi-cultural hosts and was once again an event highlight. Master of Ceremonies Bruce Tauanu‘u opened the show with Renaldo Ucol, Elizabeth Aquinaldo and Roland Andres performing a Filipino folk dance called the tinikling followed by a hula performance by Kahoaka Meheula-Solomon, a Tibetian dance by Monica Wong and songs by the Korean and Chinese choirs. Teddy Naputo from Kani Ka Pila Grille entertained with his rendition of the Gavin DeGraw song “Not over you” and Kyle G. from Freaky Tiki showed off his take on B-boy Dancing. Mahalo to all for another fabulous “Flavors of the Reef.”

Bruce Tauanu‘u performs a hula Kahoaka Meheula-Solomon, Alohalani Alapai and Chef Aurelio Garcia Kahoaka shares a hula

The Chinese choir Monica Wong performs a Tibetian dance

“Flavors of the Reef” photos >> 9

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“Flavors of the Reef” ... << From 8

Ester Angeles (Regency on Beachwalk Waikiki by Outrigger®) shares her pork and veggie lumpia

Helina Wong and Carmen Wu Teddy Naputo sings “Not over you”

Sim Pae, Shun Rye Lee, Dean Nakasone, Kay An, Chu Ja Oh, Leigh Bulseco, Monica Wong and Elizabeth Aguinaldo

Kyle G. from Freaky Tiki B-boying

Jo-Ann Yonamine, Myra Kuboyama and Mercy Valdez Tinikling, a Filipino folk dance, performed by Renaldo Ucol, Elizabeth Aguinaldo and Roland Andres

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Waikīkī’s Hawaiian music tradition ... << From 1

Then, regrettably, Hawaiian music faded from the Waikīkī entertainment scene. The focus switched to individual performers, modern rock, disco, karaoke and Hollywood-style productions. Many years ago, when the Outrigger Reef’s pool and lobby areas were undergoing a major renovation, I insisted that we include a venue where our guests could enjoy true Hawaiian music every night of the week. That led to the creation of the ponds and lush foliage near the entrance and, later, the area now called the Kani Ka Pila Grille. Today, under the inspiring leadership of Luana Maitland, visitors and local residents alike are enjoying a strong revival of true Hawaiian music seven nights a week. On Wednesday evenings, Cyril Pahinui and his group reprise many of the songs that his father, the legendary slack key guitar master Gabby Pahinui, recorded years ago. The rest of the week, other winners of Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards – Hawai‘i’s Grammys – artists like Sean Na‘auao, Weldon Kekauoha, Kawika Kahiapo, Nathan Aweau, Hōkū Zuttermeister and Kuana Torres-Kahele – play Kani Ka Pila Grille on a regular basis. Currently, the Kani Ka Pila Grille is once again sponsoring its annual Talent Search, which encourages musicians young and old to preserve, play and enjoy making true Hawaiian music. Every year, the number of Talent Search entrants grows, and it gets harder to pick finalists and winners. But that’s a good thing. We believe in giving up-and-coming groups the opportunity to play in Waikīkī. What’s surprising is that we’ve also rediscovered some old-timers. They played music when they were young and, maybe, went to college and moved away. Life got busy. Now, they’re retired and still find they have Hawaiian music in their hearts. They’re bringing back the old-time Hawaiian songs too. It’s great fun.

The Kani Ka Pila Grille is just one way that Outrigger is promoting the rebirth of Hawaiian culture and music. This summer and beyond,• Outrigger is the presenting sponsor of the Waikiki Aquarium’s Ke Kani O

Ke Kai Summer Concert Series, which runs from June to August. • In July, Outrigger will partner with Waikiki Beach Walk® and the Hawaiian Steel

Guitar Association to put on the sixth annual Waikiki Steel Guitar Festival. • Also in July, the Ala Moana Hotel, an Outrigger-affiliated property, will be the

official hotel sponsor of the 45th annual ‘Ukulele Festival.• And in August, ki ho‘alu, or slack key, will take center stage at Kani Ka Pila

Grille with the restaurant’s annual Hawaiian Slack Key Jam in advance of the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival at Kapi‘olani Park.

Bitsy Kelley was recently quoted in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser as saying, “With the launch of the program named Outrigger E Mele Ana, Outrigger Resorts is reigniting its commitment to Hawaiian music. We’ve tried to create a wide variety of programs that grow beyond what we created six years ago when we made a home for Hawaiian music with the opening of the Kani Ka Pila Grille.” My deepest thanks to all those who are working together every day to restore the love and appreciation of true Hawaiian music.

Luana Maitland leads the effort to reviving Hawaiian music at Kani Ka Pila GrilleHawaiian music inspires impromptu hula

Grammy-winning Cyril Pahinui and his group play Wednesday evenings at Kani Ka Pila Grille