Consider it Dan!
MANILA, Philippines - For her, the most challenging part of her job is to create an impression. To each and every person she’s dealt with over the two years that she’s worked with Dusit Thani Manila, Danelle Palang has surely made not just an impression — she has even forged friendships with them. So it’s no wonder that this charming woman has been the “go-to” girl of a lot of people when it comes to matters about the five-star hotel in Makati.
Danelle, a proud AB Communication Arts alumna of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Intramuros, Manila, joined Dusit Thani Manila in 2008 as public relations manager. On her first year, she was able to prove her worth and was eventually given the post of senior public relations and events manager.
“I was truly elated that I couldn’t ask for more!” gushes the hardworking Danelle. “I never rest on my laurels. I keep thriving to give more and achieve greater things.” She admits that public relations (which includes gaining people’s confidence) is a totally different ball game. “It takes God’s favor. Meeting total strangers and having them eventually as friends and gaining their trust in a snap is really a wonder.”
You see, that’s one of the best qualities of this young woman. You ask media practitioners about the most congenial PR managers in town and you are almost always sure to see Danelle’s name on the list. “My work can be draining. But then, I get to meet interesting personalities from all walks of life. Some acquaintances just pass you by, yet some blossom into beautiful friendships. I guess that’s the best part of the job,” she muses.
The ingenious that she is, Danelle’s secret to her success is to never tire herself of strategizing from within. Alongside her lengthy prayers when she travels from her hometown Cavite to Makati, she reveals that she still daydreams. “When I am not talking, I dream. When I am not dreaming, I work on making my dream come true.” So when she gets to the hotel, she meets up with her team and conducts a daily briefing because the lady executive believes that it is important to set goals as a team and accomplish these goals together.
Her being a hands-on manager also extends to her life outside the hotel. “At home, I feed my son, bathe him and prepare him for school. Morning is the only time my son Maru Beckham Shem and I bond on weekdays,” narrates Danelle, whose eyes light up whenever she talks about her five-year-old son. “Conversations with him never fail to relax me. His wit and clever observations make me laugh and sometimes ponder.” The proud mom goes on to relate that Maru’s knack for performing was truly commendable when he played the lead role in his recent commencement exercises. One more thing that her husband of nine years finds really amusing with the mother-son bond is their common habit of scratching their backs before hitting the sack. “Maru and I would take turns in scratching each other’s back until he falls asleep or I get tired of scratching,” she laughingly shares. This habit might just be a reflection of how both Danelle and her son Maru will always be there for each other because, literally, they got each other’s back!
Danelle’s love for children is also evident in her outreach programs. When asked for a free day for this photo shoot, she had to politely beg off because she had already committed that particular day to volunteer for Operation Smile. “I love reaching out to children on missions because they remind me of God’s faithfulness in life,” says Danelle, who was greatly inspired by her mom, a full-time pastor before she lost her battle with the Big C in 2006.
Although she believes that beauty from within has more value, Danelle also recognizes the importance of looking good, especially that she represents the hotel in more ways than one. “I believe that makeup brings wonders to a woman’s aura, inside and out. The gift of beauty should be within every Filipina’s reach. Ever Bilena’s affordability and high quality make this vision possible.” For a glam look for both day and night, eyeliner does the trick for this power woman. She also loves EB Mousse Eyeshadow and Matte Foundation, EB Signature Body Mist and EB Pro-Longwear Lipstick.
“My life will never have value unless it has touched others significantly,” she says. As a career woman, wife and mom, Danelle is not yet over in dreaming (or even daydreaming). She says she’s got the greatest of dreams for herself, her immediate family and her extended family in Dusit.
With Danelle, consider those dreams done!
Photography by Mau Aguasin • Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. • Hair and makeup by Jesus Primavera for Ever Bilena • Cosmetics by Ever Bilena • Wardrobe by Jun Escario • Accessories by AC+632 • Shot on location at Tosca, Dusit Thani Manila
