Nino Forto
Manila, Metro Manila
Summary
Dynamic sommelier with proven expertise in menu engineering and staff training, honed across prestigious roles including Princess Cruise Lines Ltd. Excels in supplier relationship management and wine pairing, significantly enhancing dining experiences and revenue. Multilingual communicator with a knack for fostering VIP client relationships and a deep understanding of international wine laws.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Sommelier
Princess Cruise Lines Ltd.
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create harmonious pairings for special events and tasting menus.
- Organized exclusive wine tastings and events for VIP clients, fostering strong relationships and repeat business.
- Trained service staff on wines and service skills to maximize revenue and maintain stellar reputation for service.
- Implemented new promotional strategies, dramatically increasing business revenue
Sommelier
Silver Sea Ultra Luxury Yacht
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Created Master Wine List
- Hosted all wine tasting events and special dinner events
- Furnished stock report to every port of every country we docked
- Trained all newly hired crew members on wines and service skills
- Prepared excell calculation of all wine related commission and sales
- Briefed all crew members about wines every dinner service
Beverage Manager
Swissotel Clark
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Engineered Master Wine List and Beverage List of all F&B Outlets
- P&L
- SWOT Analysis
- Hired applicants for various F&B Positions
- Approved T&A
- Coordinated with beverage suppliers and bar collateral
Sommelier
Holland America Line
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed mini bar in all suite and semi suite staterooms
- Conducted wine training and service skills to all crew members
- Hosted special wine events on board
- Delivered outstanding revenue
- Monitored wine movements and availability on board
Sommelier
Holland America Line
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Managed mini bar in all suite and semi suite staterooms
- Conducted wine training and service skills to all crew members
- Hosted special wine events on board
- Delivered outstanding revenue
- Monitored wine movements and availability on board
Assistant Manager ( Pre - Opening )
Okada Manila
11.2016 - 03.2018
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Drafted internal P&P
- Approved T&A
- P&L and budget deliberation
Junior Sommelier ( Promoted )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
05.2014 - 10.2016
- Rendered monthly inventory to the Wine director
- Organized routine and special event orders to keep adequate inventory for forecasted needs.
- Leveraged personal connections within the industry to secure exclusive allocations of sought-after wines, enhancing the establishment''s reputation for its wine offerings.
- Improved overall dining experience by attentively addressing guest inquiries or concerns regarding wine selections or pairings.
- Managed Wine Cellar with 840 labels
Bar Captain
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
07.2013 - 10.2016
- Streamlined operations by developing efficient bartender schedules and task allocations.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Managed all 21 bars of the VIP Department
- Ensured smooth bar operations by managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining cleanliness standards.
Senior Supervisor ( VIP Gaming )
Solaire Resort & Casino
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Conducted thorough quality assurance checks, maintaining high standards of output across all deliverables.
- Incharged of the cigar operation of the entire hotel
- Managed financial resources prudently, ensuring optimal budget utilization while achieving desired outcomes.
- Identified underperforming areas and implemented effective process improvements.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by fostering a positive work environment and addressing staff concerns promptly.
- Manager of duty during night operation
- Approved T&A
- Conducted employees performance appraisal
Bar Captain ( Promoted )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
09.2011 - 12.2012
- Streamlined operations by developing efficient bartender schedules and task allocations.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Ensured smooth bar operations by managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining cleanliness standards.
- Implemented staff training programs to refine bartending skills and knowledge of products.
- Enhanced team performance through effective communication, coaching, and leadership.
- Maintained compliance with local alcohol laws, licensing requirements, and safety regulations to ensure a secure environment for guests.
Senior Waiter ( Pre - Opening )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
03.2011 - 08.2011
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers
- Monitored dining rooms for seating availability as well as service, safety, and well-being of guests.
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of beverage
VIP Butler
Resorts World Manila
08.2009 - 08.2010
- Organized guest folio prior to arrival
- Oriented guests about hotel amenities and state of the facilities
- Collaborated with various departments for the guest preference
- Prepared guest incidental report prior to check out
- Handled food and wine of all VIPs
Food Attendant ( Promoted )
MGM Grand Macau
05.2008 - 06.2009
- Cleaned and maintained dining area and condiment stations.
- Processed sales transactions using POS system.
- Delivered food to guest tables with timeliness and efficiency.
- Assisted customers with information regarding menu offerings and nutrition information.
- Lead the entire floor operation of waiters
Bar Apprentice ( Pre - Opening )
MGM Grand Macau
10.2007 - 04.2008
- Assisted bartender in daily operation
- Ensured all stocks are available
- Maintained a good par level of every item
- Monitored cleanliness and orderliness of the bar
- Raised daily stock requisition
Banquet Waiter
Century Park Hotel
05.2006 - 11.2006
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Ensured table set up is according to the type of service to be rendered
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
Bar Keeper
Hotaru Bar ( Japan )
07.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in mixology techniques and customer service best practices to improve team performance.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss customer feedback and collaborate on strategies for continuous service improvement.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations by meticulously checking identification for age verification purposes.
- Implemented creative garnishing techniques that added visual appeal to signature cocktails while enhancing overall presentation quality.
Marketing Officer
Wharton Powers Exhibit Expert
04.2004 - 02.2005
- Provided feedback to all departments on brand consistency in outbound communications.
- Directed product development using in-depth knowledge of vendor landscape and industry insight.
- Increased brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and strategies.
- Defined and tracked campaign effectiveness and adjusted strategies accordingly.
- Led creative brainstorming sessions that resulted in innovative ideas for promotional projects.
Operation Manager
D&G Porkskin Especialist
04.2003 - 08.2003
- Ensured that all international and local transactions are properly documented
- Coordinated with concerned government agencies for the trans shipment of all merchandise
- Approved and disbursed employees payroll
- Reviewed employees performance
Bar Keeper
Musical Bar ( Tokyo )
12.2002 - 02.2003
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in mixology techniques and customer service best practices to improve team performance.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss customer feedback and collaborate on strategies for continuous service improvement.
- Ensured compliance with local regulations by meticulously checking identification for age verification purposes.
- Implemented creative garnishing techniques that added visual appeal to signature cocktails while enhancing overall presentation quality
- Developed rapport with regular customers, fostering loyalty and repeat business through personalized service.
- Demonstrated adaptability during high volume periods, prioritizing tasks efficiently to maintain prompt service delivery.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and emerging cocktail recipes, incorporating new ideas into the menu to keep offerings fresh and enticing.
- Reduced costs by vigilantly monitoring pour sizes and accurately tracking all beverage consumption throughout each shift.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines03.2001
Skills
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Staff Training and Development
- Menu development
- Inventory Management
- Strong leadership
- Menu Engineering
- Efficient in Micros, infrasys, RedRock, T&A, MC
- Well verse in computer
- Wine pairing knowledge
- Multilingual Communication
- Wine Tasting Expertise
- Organoleptic Analysis
- Wine Aroma Recognition
- International Wine Laws
- Cellar Management
- Wine Regions Understanding
- Blind Tasting Skills
Accomplishments
- TOP 1 Holland America Beverage Training Program ( HAL University )
- Wine Spectator Awardee ( Master wine List ) Macau
- China Wine List Awardee 2014- 2016 Macau
- Certified IS Court Of Master Sommelier Europe
- WSET 2 Certified WSET London ( Award with Distinction )
- 1* Michelin Awardee
- 4* Forbes Awardee
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Japanese
Elementary (A2)
Chinese (Cantonese)
Elementary (A2)
Timeline
Sommelier
Princess Cruise Lines Ltd.
09.2023 - 02.2024
Sommelier
Silver Sea Ultra Luxury Yacht
09.2022 - 03.2023
Beverage Manager
Swissotel Clark
12.2021 - 04.2022
Sommelier
Holland America Line
09.2019 - 03.2020
Sommelier
Holland America Line
11.2018 - 08.2019
Assistant Manager ( Pre - Opening )
Okada Manila
11.2016 - 03.2018
Junior Sommelier ( Promoted )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
05.2014 - 10.2016
Bar Captain
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
07.2013 - 10.2016
Senior Supervisor ( VIP Gaming )
Solaire Resort & Casino
01.2013 - 04.2013
Bar Captain ( Promoted )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
09.2011 - 12.2012
Senior Waiter ( Pre - Opening )
Galaxy Entertainment Group ( Macau )
03.2011 - 08.2011
VIP Butler
Resorts World Manila
08.2009 - 08.2010
Food Attendant ( Promoted )
MGM Grand Macau
05.2008 - 06.2009
Bar Apprentice ( Pre - Opening )
MGM Grand Macau
10.2007 - 04.2008
Banquet Waiter
Century Park Hotel
05.2006 - 11.2006
Bar Keeper
Hotaru Bar ( Japan )
07.2005 - 01.2006
Marketing Officer
Wharton Powers Exhibit Expert
04.2004 - 02.2005
Operation Manager
D&G Porkskin Especialist
04.2003 - 08.2003
Bar Keeper
Musical Bar ( Tokyo )
12.2002 - 02.2003
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Far Eastern University
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