Resort Staff
Andrew Sweeney
Rresident Manager
I have held the post of Resident Manager of the Manta Ray Bay Resort since April 2008. As a graduate of Leeds University (UK) I have spent 14 years working in the leisure and hospitality industry in various locations around the world. What attracted me to coming all the way out to Micronesia was the opportunity to work in a part of the world that I had really never heard about. All of my career has been spent working with large global companies, so the chance to work for a family run business in a boutique hotel was very appealing.
I actually came to Yap as a non diver but that was soon changed by Bill Acker, who had me certified before I could unpack properly. One of the main aspects that I love about my position here is the fact that I get to meet so many amazing people from all over the world and from different walks of life. It is my pledge and that of the entire Manta Ray Team to ensure that all of our guests expectations are met and exceeded. If we can send someone home with a smile on their face then I know we have done our job as being the number one dive resort in Micronesia.
Since I have been out in Yap, I have not seen a more beautiful place to live and work. The diving is out of this world, with warm seas all year round and an amazing abundance of marine life big and small. But don’t take it from me…come see for yourself!
Motto " A future guest is a friend we haven’t met yet, an old guest is a friend we love to welcome back"
Theophilus "Theo" Gumang
Concierge
Born in Yap on the 7th of August 1969 and graduated from Pohnpei Agriculture & Trade School (PATS) and began working for Continental Micronesia as a flight attendant for a year and a half. Began working with Bill Acker at WAAB Transportation as an insurance salesman. Moved from the insurance office to the accounting office and then moved to the hotel full time in August of 1993.
Theo trained in Japan for 2 months in 1994 as a concierge and has continued to learn the hospitality industry from the ground up. Theo will be one of the first people you meet as you arrive in Yap and he will personally insure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip to the hotel.
There is no one in Yap better at conducting historical and cultural tours as is evidenced by the warmth shown Theo from our guests. Very knowledgeable, honest and articulate, he is one of the key people at the Manta Ray Bay Hotel & Yap Divers.
Outlook on his job: "Meeting people and making new friends is very important to me. Working for the best dedicated dive resort in Micronesia gives me plenty of opportunity. I honestly look forward to every new day at the resort as you never know what will happen."
Richard Falow
Concierge
Born in Yap on the 10th of October 1978 and graduated from Yap High School in 1996. Attended the Japanese Agricultural School in Palau and graduated in 1998 with an Associate Degree. After school, Richard moved to Japan to continue his Agricultural schooling at the main campus. Upon returning to Yap in 2000, Richard found a job in the hospitality industry and worked with Trader’s Ridge & O’Keefe’s Bar. In 2004, he moved up to the Manta Ray Bay and has worked as a Concierge since then. Fluent in English, Japanese and of course Yapese, Richard is an invaluable part of our team and one of the first people you will meet when you get off the plane in Yap.
Quote: "I especially like the tour guide part of my job because I enjoy meeting people and I really take pride in my island and our culture which I am very happy to share with each of my guests."
Teolu
Pedrosa
Plant and Property Maintenance Manager
Born in Iloilo, Philippines on July 20, 1952 and graduated from high school in 1970 on the Philippine island of Negros. He graduated from the Far East Asia Technical Institute (FEATI) in 1975 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. (BS-EE).His first job after college was as a maintenance supervisor at a Iloilo transportation company. He moved to Yap in 1985 after being offered a position as an electrician at United Builders in Yap. He worked at WAAB Transportation in Yap as Electrical Supervisor before moving to Manta Ray Bay Hotel in 1994 as the Plan and Property Maintenance Manager. Teolu is better than "duck tape" -if he can't fix it, it's broke.
Carmen "the Money Lady" Mangefel
Corporate Controller
Born in Yap on the 11th of October 1970. Graduated from Xavier High School and graduated from Guam Community College. Attended the University of Guam for 2 years before returning to Yap. Began working at the Manta Ray Bay Hotel & Yap Divers in April of 1996 and is known throughout the organization as one of our very best employees.
Key Words: Cool, suave and sophisticated
with a disarming smile sum up Carmen pretty well. She will
know your name once you have been here for a few hours and she will help
you with anything during your stay with us.
Patricia Acker
Owner & Masseuse
Born in Yap on the 17th of March 1963 and graduated from Yap High School. Afterwards she attended the University of Guam for a year before returning home. Patricia is married to Bill and the mother of 4 wonderful children. Now that the kids are grown, Patricia has begun working fulltime at the hotel and opened the full service Taro Leaf Spa.
Personal promise: I guarantee that an hour of my massage will relax and rejuvenate you whether you are tired from travel or too much diving. I very much enjoy helping people and like to get to know our guests better. The intimate setting of a personal massage is the perfect opportunity to do both.
The Manta Ray Bay Resort is a beautiful and fulfilling work environment. Want to join the team? Check current employment opportunities.
Currently seeking: