AS a hotelier, Michelle 'Mitch' Garcia-Arce graced the lifestyle pages, perfectly put together and attired in stunning designer outfits, while entertaining guests at Marriott Hotel Manila's events. Mitch was part of the hotel's pre-opening team in 2009, as its marketing and communications (Marcomm) manager, who rose through the ranks to become its cluster director for marketing communications (Marcomm) before she left her post in October.

Since then, glamorous get-togethers have given way to days spent at a warehouse in Quezon City. Here, as president of Salmo Trading and Distribution Corp., she rolls up her sleeves and oversees diaper deliveries. Her company is the sole distributor of Ultrafresh, a Filipino brand she launched this month at one of the function rooms of her former employer.