Cebu-based builder spreads wings in hotel industry

THE post-pandemic tourism industry in Central Visayas is going global as Cebu-based property developer spreads its wings in one of the country’s top regional destinations with its world-class hotel brands.

AppleOne Properties Inc. recently signed a memorandum with Marriott International in Singapore to build the first five-star resort hotel in Panglao Island in Bohol. To rise in Dauis town, the property will be known as JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort and Spa, a top luxury hospitality brand under the Marriott International group which will also be the first in the Philippines.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio which has over 100 award-winning luxury hotels in more than 35 countries.

“Surviving the worst effects of the pandemic, people are now eager to make up for the lost time and travel, and we intend to bank on that. We want to entice them more by bringing the luxury experience to the regions starting with Bohol which we believe they will enjoy even more because of the experiences and tourist destinations,” said AppleOne Properties president and chief executive officer Ray Go Manigsaca.

He pointed out that the project will create jobs and economic opportunities in the local communities and further boost the province’s tourism pull, particularly among foreign guests.

The luxe low-density resort hotel will be built in Dauis, the smaller but more pristine half of Panglao island, near the Hinagdanan Cave Bath Resort.

Bohol is the second biggest tourist destination in Central Visayas which logged 503,368 foreign and domestic arrivals in 2022, with nearly 60 percent of them staying in Panglao because of its powdery sand beaches, rich marine life, and proximity to the international airport.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco called the upcoming project as a clear evidence of the confidence of investors in the growth potential of the tourism industry. “This first-ever five-star hotel that will soon rise in Panglao from a global brand evinces investor confidence in the Philippines under the Marcos administration, and we thank AppleOne Group for its continued support and investments in hotels and resorts as these are helping transform the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia,” she said.

Set to begin construction late this year, JW Marriott Panglao Island Resort and Spa will be the group’s third partnership with the prestigious international hotel chain.

In September last year, the property firm opened Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, a 10-story hotel with 261 wellappointed rooms and suites, food and beverage dining outlets, four multilayered swimming pools, five function rooms, a spa and fitness center, and an aquasports center. Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members can avail of perks and offers.

The country’s first Marriott International Resort, was named the Best Luxury Resort Development and Best Hotel Interior Design accolades in the 10th Philippines Property Awards, as well as the Best Hotel Interior Design in the Asia Property Awards for 2022.

Adding space and glamor to the luxe hotel is a twin-tower Residences condominium which is also under the Sheraton brand.

Moreover, set to open next year is Mahi Center, a mixed-use development at the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City whose anchor establishment is the 192-room Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan.

Aside from the signature brands, AppleOne have initially ventured into the development and management boutique establishments such as the 102-room three-star Diamond Suites and Residences in Cebu City; the beachfront Club Serena Resort in Moalboal, Cebu; and the three-star 39-room Apple Tree Resort & Hotel in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

The 12-year old construction conglomerate has also stakes in high-end theme restaurants in Cebu, as well as joint venture agreements with churchrun hospitals in Cebu City and Davao City for the development of medical arts centers to bring in world-class services and technologies into the countryside.

“Our vision is to build better living communities as a globally recognized children later on spewed jade and other precious stones. These eventually turned into the thousands of islands scattered in the bay, serving as protective barriers from sea invasion threats.

Ha Long Bay is one of the most exceptional karst landscapes in the world and is regarded as the most extensive and best-studied example of tropical limestone karst towers that was invaded by the sea, i.e., the Gulf of Tonkin of the South China Sea. and trusted developer that continues to inspire through innovation, best practices, and excellence, combined with our commitment for passion and compassion in everything we do,” Manigsaca concluded. photo

It can easily be visited on a return day trip from Hanoi, but it is recommended to do a multi-day cruise to fully experience and appreciate the scale of this impressive natural wonder. A day trip can be exhausting, but it is the most practical option for those who do not have much spare time. It involves a land travel of three and half hours one way, and then boarding on a wooden boat that goes around a section of the bay. On top of a nice serving of seafood lunch on board, there are two activities that are part of the tour: kayaking and trekking to an illuminated cave on one of the bigger islands. All in all, it is not a bad program.

Ha Long Bay became Vietnam’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is also currently listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.