The hospitality and culinary world is about to gain a new source of inspiration as Liza Hernandez-Morales, MBA, CHE, a renowned hospitality and culinary expert and the institute director of Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo, extends her wisdom to an even broader audience.
She officially joins Simpol.ph as one of its columnists, bringing her unparalleled expertise and deep love for the hospitality and culinary arts to the forefront. Her highly anticipated column, “Simple Joys,” will debut today and be published every Monday on Simpol.ph — the top integrated media community — offering readers not just expert insights, but also heartfelt stories, invaluable industry knowledge, and a glimpse into the soul of hospitality and culinary.
Hernandez-Morales has spent decades shaping the future of the hospitality industry. Le Cordon Bleu, a globally renowned institution for culinary and hospitality education, benefits from her extensive expertise — honed over 20 years as a top executive in some of the Philippines’ most luxurious resort hotels.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hernandez-Morales holds an Master in Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE). She also carries a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification, both of which are internationally recognized credentials. Yet, for all her success, her greatest joy remains the simplest: spending time with her grandchild, Eve.
Hernandez-Morales graduated from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman as an undergraduate scholar and consistent dean’s lister. She went to Ateneo de Manila University for her MBA.
Her career in hospitality took off at an early age. At just 23, she became the hotel manager of Agoo Playa Hotel. By 27, she was already part of the executive committee of Club Paradise Palawan.
She continued climbing the ranks, serving as the operations and marketing director for Puerto Azul Novotel Resort Hotel and Golf Club while it was managed by the French hospitality group Accor. Later, she became regional director of Fuego Hotels, overseeing premier properties such as Club Punta Fuego, Terrazas, Pearl Farm in Davao, and Taal Vista Hotel.
Her expertise in sales and marketing led her to another leadership role at The Manor at Camp John Hay.
Despite her corporate success, Hernandez-Morales always felt a strong pull toward education. She has been teaching for more than 20 years, starting at the age of 26 when she was invited to lecture at UP. She later became a faculty member at Enderun Colleges, the UP Asian Institute of Tourism, and the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), Manila.
For a decade, she served as a director at CCA Manila before joining Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo, where she is now in her sixth year. Even as she takes on the tall order of expanding and growing the institute, she continues to teach — seeing it not just as a profession but as a mission.
“I take teaching very seriously,” she said. “It is an advocacy, a life’s purpose. What would I do with all the knowledge I’ve gained over decades of working? The wisdom from both my failures and successes should be shared.”
Hernandez-Morales has traveled to 30 countries, driven by an insatiable curiosity and love for gastronomy and culture. Though she is not a professional chef, she considers herself a culinary manager and a dedicated school administrator.
A proud Filipina, she actively champions the country’s culinary heritage, ensuring that Filipino cuisine gets the recognition it deserves. She frequently speaks at conferences and seminars but prioritizes invitations from schools with limited resources, particularly those in provincial areas.
“I never say no to schools that need industry practitioners,” she said. “Even if it’s inconvenient, I go.”
She has given lectures in remote areas such as Kalinga-Apayao, rural Davao, and Palawan, teaching communities about tourism and hospitality. She has even conducted talks in basketball courts for hospitality and tourism students — proof of her unwavering commitment to education.
For Hernandez-Morales, success is not just about personal achievements but about the impact she makes on others. Seeing her students succeed in their careers is what brings her the most pride.
“Hopefully, my little life inspires others who are also blessed to share their knowledge,” she said. “Giving back — that’s what truly matters.”
Don’t miss “Simple Joys” every Monday on Simpol.ph.
